CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe distanced himself from the England hot seat in the short term and insisted: "I couldn't turn my back on this club."

Howe is among the leading contenders with the bookmakers to succeed sacked Sam Allardyce.

But the 38-year-old, also linked with the top job before Allardyce was appointed, this morning rubbished talk of taking the role.

Howe said: "They (the Football Association) haven't come to me and my message would be very similar to any job I've been linked with.

"I'm absolutely committed here. I love the job. I've got a lot more work to do here first.

"I've said in many interviews that I think the England job is the ultimate but I've signed players here very recently and pledged a future to them over how the season is going to unfold and – it's all hypothetical of course – I couldn't turn my back on this club and the people that employ me.

"The loyalty they have shown me, I need to show in return.

"I'm not interested in the job now. Who knows what will happen in the future? You can never predict football."

Put to him that certain ex-pros such as Owen Hargreaves had thrown their support behind him, Howe added: "It's very nice of them to say so but it has no bearing on my thoughts and what my aims are.

"My aims are to lead this club forward in the Premier League and to try and improve on last season. That's my only thought."

Allardyce was sacked as England boss after the Daily Telegraph filmed the ex-Newcastle and Bolton manager allegedly offering advice on how to sidestep FA transfer regulations.

Asked for his views on the manner in which Allardyce had exited, Howe added: "It was very disappointing and very sad. When someone loses their job for non-footballing reasons, I think it's a real shame.

"It's been a difficult week for English football. I think the team needed consistency and the FA had chosen Sam as the man to lead the team forward and I think it was the right appointment.

"I'm really saddened for English football because the team will suffer from this point."

Allardyce stated after his departure that "entrapment had won" and Howe was asked if he had any sympathy for this viewpoint.

The Cherries boss said: "I think that's very difficult for me to comment on. I don't know the full story, I don't think anyone does. I'm not going to comment on that."

Howe added: "Corruption has no place in football. That's certainly my stance and I'm sure everyone would agree with me."