Bookies favourite John McGreal is reported to have distanced himself from the vacant manager’s job at Carlisle United.
McGreal has been a front runner in the betting since Chris Beech left Brunton Park nearly am fortnight ago.
But Football League World is claiming an exclusive by declaring that the 49-year-old has ruled himself out of the running.
He had a short stint with Swindon Town in the summer before leaving without being in charge for a single game after issues with the owners.
He hasn’t worked since then but Carlisle will have been drawn to him because of his experience at League Two level, and relative success, during four years with Colchester United.
The FLW say they have been told that the former Tranmere player is not going to take the job.
A defender, Liverpool-born McGreal played a total of 489 league and cup games in 16 seasons as a professional with Tranmere, Ipswich and Burnley before retiring in 2009 and starting his coaching career with Colchester’s Academy.
Carlisle are currently in the relegation zone in the fourth tier after winning just two of their first 13 games of the campaign and caretaker Gavin Skelton stays in charge for tomorrow’s crunch home clash with fellow strugglers Oldham Athletic.
Other names that have gained support since suggestions of McGreal’s disinterest have been Keith Hill, Shefki Kuqi and Keith Millen.
