England under-21 boss Peter Taylor has ruled himself out of the race to become Southend United's next manager.

The 46-year-old, who made his name as a player with Blues during the 70s, had been hotly tipped to have a second crack at managing Southend, following his first spell as Shrimpers manager earlier this decade.

However, Taylor has put the block on an emotional return to the Roots Hall hotseat by pledging his allegiance to the under-21 squad's European Championship campaign.

"Everybody knows that Southend are very dear to me and I would love to have the chance to manage them again," he said.

"But this opportunity has come too soon as I am under contract to the Football Association until the end of the season and I intend to see the job through."

Taylor, who is the last of former England boss Glenn Hoddle's staff still employed by the FA, has led his side to within a whisker of qualification for next years under-21 European Championship finals in Holland and Belgium.

His young starlets romped to a 5-0 win over Poland at The Dell, Southampton, last Friday, which maintained their 100 per cent record and puts them eight points clear of their nearest rivals.

However, Taylor has been surprisingly told by the FA that his impressive reign as under-21 boss will come to an end this June - with the FA's technical director Howard Wilkinson expected to be named as his successor.

"I must admit that I'm a bit gutted because I've really enjoyed myself during my time with the under-21 boys," Taylor explained from his Thorpe Bay home.

"The lads have played brilliantly and to be so many points clear in any competition, let alone our European Championship group, is a major achievement.

"I've now got three games left before my contract runs out and I will be concentrating all my efforts in ensuring we keep up our good record and qualify for the finals next summer - even if I won't be there."

In the meantime, Southend chairman John Main continues his search for ex-manager Alvin Martin's replacement.

The Shrimpers supremo is understood to have met various candidates and is expected to talk to another two today - one is a former Blues player and another an ex-England international.

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