SAM Allardyce's dream of becoming the next England manager appeared to hit the buffers on Friday.

Several national newspapers picked on a quote from a member of the influential FA team appointed to select Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor - and tipped Martin O'Neill as the new favourite writes Chris Sudlow

The DAILY MAIL reported: "Martin O'Neill emerged as the hot favourite to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach last night after a leading member of the three-man selection committee ruled out the foreign candidates.

"Dave Richards, arguably the most influential man in English football, in his dual role as chairman of the Premier League and vice-chairman of the Football Association's international committee, has given a clear indication that the governing body will appoint a British coach."

THE TIMES added: "Most of the public agree with David Beckham that it does not matter whether England's next football manager is home-grown, but that is unlikely to sway influential figures at the Football Association.

"One spoke out yesterday with a call for a British manager" to restore some passion, which was hugely encouraging for Martin O'Neill. "

THE INDEPENDENT writes: " Martin O'Neill now looks certain to be offered the England manager's job after the man leading the search for Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor said yesterday that "it's time for a British manager".

"The Premier League chairman, Dave Richards, told The Independent he was adamant the new manager should be British" rather than English in a clear indication that the Ulsterman is the Football Association's first choice."

THE GUARDIAN reported: "The next England manager will be British or Irish, one of the central figures in the selection process said yesterday.

"Dave Richards, the chairman of the Premier League and a member of the three-man committee that will devise a shortlist for the job, said discussions have focused on candidates from the home countries."

And the DAILY TELEGRAPH added: "The next England manager will be British, according to Dave Richards, one of the three FA dignitaries on the sub-group charged with finding the successor to the Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"'It's time for a British manager," Richards said yesterday.

This is the full quote from Richards: "I do believe it's time for a British manager - somebody who understands our passion, belief and commitment to the game.

"For me, there's no distinction between English and British.

"We are the biggest nation in the world that plays this game and we want someone who can really move us on.

"I think Joe Public wants an Englishman and in an ideal world we would like to see an English manager coming through.

"I don't know yet who it will be. But everyone keeps telling me there are all these coaches available. Well, now we will sit down and find out just who is up for the job.

"We have still got a bit of time. We are going to go and win the World Cup first."

Richards, Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick and international committee chairman Noel White will present a list of candidates to a full meeting of the FA board on February 27.