Perace: Committed to England

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• Who next for Hammers?

England Under 21 boss Stuart Pearce has insisted that he will not be replacing Alan Curbishley at West Ham.

Curbishley resigned from his Upton Park post on Wednesday, citing 'a breach of trust and confidence' over the club's recent transfer dealings.

The Hammers are now understood to be considering an initial list of 30 possible candidates for the job but Pearce has stressed that he will not be standing down from his current role.

Pearce spent two seasons with West Ham as a player but he maintains that he is fully committed to the England Under 21 side.

"You can bet with me. I will take your bet any time," Pearce said as he prepared for Friday's qualifier against Portugal.

"I manage this team. I am very proud to do so and will not be stepping down from this job, because I love the job I do.

"I said to the FA bosses when I took this job that I will honour my contract.

"I have said that many times before in the past, and that applies today.

"(West Ham and England Under 21 midfielder) Mark Noble has to know that I will be his manager next summer when we go to the tournament."

Curbs praise

Despite ruling himself out of the running, Pearce does hope that an English manager succeeds Curbishley.

He said: "There are a lot fantastic English managers about. What happens nowadays is we knock what we have got under our own noses, and that can be absolutely fatal.

"Alan Curbishley is a fantastic manager with a great deal of experience who has proved himself time and again in the Premier League. That is what Alan is in my eyes, and that will never diminish."

Keegan tribute

Pearce also offered his thoughts on Kevin Keegan, whose future as Newcastle manager remains unclear.

Keegan has missed training for the last three days and reports have been circulating for days that he may be about to leave the club, but Pearce believes the domestic game would be poorer without him.

He explained: "I have worked for Kevin at club and international level as a coach and a player.

"Kevin is a fantastic and honourable man, very committed to what he does and if he is outside English football, I think it is a shame for English football.

"The feeling of emotion in the Newcastle area for Kevin Keegan with the supporters is unrivalled anywhere in the country.

"I have worked for that football club and know what the passion is like up there.

"Hopefully Kevin will come back and be involved in the game."