does curbs want leeds job? I was only thinking this morning, like the bookmakers were, that the West Brom job was probably right up Curbs' street. He could commute from Essex, would have the chance to work with a young up and coming chairman, inherit a half decent squad that includes players such as Curtis Davies, Nigel Quashie, Chris Perry and John Hartson and a club that play in a nice stadium with passionate but reasonably patient following.

But despite the other day stating that he would consider a Championship job, he has turned his nose up at what would be quite a good one.

If Curbishley does decide to play a waiting game then according the perennial Premiership sack race St James' Park or the Riverside look like having the earliest vacancy.

Down a division, I can see the Norwich, Millwall and QPR jobs all becoming available soon enough but probably not before the Elland Road hot-seat.

But would Curbs, whose book hardly makes us alter the opinion that he probably wears two seat belts when he drives, really choose to take on Ken Bates, a shed load of historical debt and a fan base that feel they have the given right to be "champions of Europe?"

Potential? Yes. Challenge? Definitely yes. Curbs? It's hard to believe.  ¶ 17:56