Wilkins keen on management

Ray Wilkins: Hoping to get back into football having not been involved since leaving Chelsea

Ray Wilkins has revealed he was interviewed for the recent vacancies at both West Brom and Wolves, and hopes to return to management.

Wilkins has been focusing on media work since leaving his role as assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea and has not been in sole charge since a spell as Fulham boss ended in 1998.

But the 55-year-old former England international believes the time is right to try his hand at management again and confirmed he has been applying for jobs.

West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace appointed Steve Clarke earlier this month, while Wolves owner Steve Morgan eventually went with Stale Solbakken as Mick McCarthy's permanent replacement.

But Wilkins was on the shortlist for both jobs and was asked to attend an interview - something which the former Manchester United and AC Milan midfielder appreciated.

"Jeremy Peace very kindly asked me to go along and have an interview and I went along to see Steve Morgan at Wolves as well on his request," he told Sky Sports.

"So I had a couple of interviews but obviously they have decided to select other guys.

Applications

"But it was very nice to be able to have a chat because I have applied on numerous occasions for other jobs and unfortunately have never got a reply.

"It didn't materialise and I don't know what the future holds to be perfectly honest. I'm very happy doing my television work.

"If the football side was to materialise then I'd certainly have a look at it because it's something I miss immensely."

After a decade in which he has mainly worked in assistant roles, Wilkins is in danger of becoming pigeon-holed as a deputy.

But that is something he is reluctant to return to having left roles in the past for reasons beyond his control - most recently at Chelsea in November 2010.

"I've done the coaching bit now," Wilkins added. "I've been in situations where I've been relieved of my post without really having to make the main decisions, which I don't like.

"If I was to go back in it would probably be in a managerial position where I can make the decisions and if I lose my job it is down to me."