Former Northern Ireland manager Bryan Hamilton yesterday threw his hat into the ring for the vacant Sheffield Wednesday manager's job following the sacking of his close friend David Pleat on Monday. Hamilton was sacked two weeks ago as international manager following Northern Ireland's failure to reach next year's World Cup finals in France The 50-year-old ex-Tranmere, Wigan and Leicester manager says he is eager to get back into top-flight football. "I've got to be interested," he said. "I'm in a position where I'm looking for work. Having lost my job with Northern Ireland, it's made me determined to work at the highest level.

"I don't know what the situation is with Wednesday, although I would hope, bearing in mind I have a lot of experience, I would be one of those under consideration."

After Bobby Robson, Barcelona's director of football, and West Bromwich manager Ray Harford ruled themselves out of the running yesterday, former Everton manager Joe Royle and English FA technical director Howard Wilkinson are among the new favourites. Barnsley manager Danny Wilson was the supporters' choice in a local newspaper poll.

Former England manager Robson ruled himself out citing bad timing.

"Although I have said I would like to come back into coaching," he said, "I have not been approached and this would not be the right timing for me."