GLENN Hoddle has ruled himself out of the running to become the new Southampton manager.

The former England boss, who was in charge of Saints from January 2000 until March 2001, had been linked with a possible return to the club.

However, the 50-year-old last night declared he would not be putting his name forward, due to his new academy project in Spain.

"At the moment I am right in the middle of getting my academy up and running in Spain," he said.

"While I am flattered to be linked to a return to Southampton, it isn't right for me now.

"If it was not for the academy, I would definitely give it serious consideration.

"But the academy is very important to me. I have been developing it for 14 months, and am talking to potential investors."