THE England manager's job seems to be a poisoned chalice that many top bosses have turned their backs on, but one York-based football critic is more than willing to take up the post.

And his credentials are pretty impressive. He has not suffered a single defeat in a management career, his coaching experience extends to North America, and the list of international stars who have played under his stewardship is fairly long.

His name? Well, it's Stanford, Dave Stanford, the Evening Press's chief football writer.

Stanford, 28, whose regular and intelligent columns on York City have proved beyond doubt his vast knowledge of the game, also has recent playing experience - not just turning out for, but also captaining, Middleton Celtic in division four of the John Smith's York Sunday Morning League.

Stanford's coaching career spans to York City's and Scarborough's football in the community schemes as well as spells with North American Soccer Camps, and he can indeed boast an undefeated record in management - played none, lost none.

Furthermore, the players under his leadership at present include England internationals Kevin Phillips, Michael Gray and Sol Campbell, as well as seasoned professionals like Gary Speed and Matt Elliott and flamboyant foreigner Mustafa Hadji.

One drawback, of course, is the fact that this team he manages isn't doing too well at the moment - currently languishing in the bottom half of the Evening Press office fantasy football league.

However, the Press's very own teacup-thrower claimed he was still the best man for the England job, and, with City mascot Yorkie as his right hand man, would put the smile back on the nation's football face.

"I wouldn't like to comment further, other than to say I've sent a formal application to the FA and it's now up to them," he said.