Everton renew search after Robson decision

Everton will this week renew their efforts to find a new manager, following Bobby Robson's decision to stay at Barcelona. The Merseyside club made the former England manager their prime target following the departure of Joe Royle.

"I love every minute of my job as coach at the biggest and best football club in the world," Robson told a Sunday newspaper. "Of course I was flattered by the invitation from Everton but I would not dream of leaving Barcelona unless I was forced to do so.

"Everton asked me if I would consider returning home as their manager. There have been no talks about contracts, personal terms or how much money would be available to rebuild their team."

Other mangers linked with the Everton vacancy have been Middlesbrough's Bryan Robson, Wimbledon's Joe Kinnear and, most improbably of all, Jurgen Klinssmann as player-manager. Robson's decision may also disappoint Celtic, who were reportedly interested in his services as general-manger.

The Ajax coach, Louis van Gaal, is set to join Barcelona next season but Robson, who has a year to run on his contract, has been told the Dutchman will be below him in the Nou Camp hierarchy.

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