Royle pulls out of Foxes reckoning

Joe Royle has withdrawn his interest in taking over as manager of Coca-Cola Championship club Leicester.

Royle was thought to be one of the favourites to succeed Gary Megson - who left the Foxes on October 24 to take over at Bolton - after the former Oldham, Everton, Manchester City and Ipswich boss met City owner Milan Mandaric last week about the vacancy at the Walkers Stadium.

However, he has now changed his mind about the job citing 'personal reasons' for his decision, saying in the Leicester Mercury: "I had a chat with Milan Mandaric last week and we got on great. But I decided towards the end of last week, for personal reasons, it would be best if I withdrew my interest."

Mandaric is hopeful he will fill the post during the current international break.

Graeme Souness, Peter Reid and Jean Tigana were reportedly among the candidates interviewed along with Royle last week.

Coventry manager Iain Dowie and Plymouth's Ian Holloway have also been linked with the job.