Last updated on .From the section Football

Montpellier coach Rene Girard wants to manage in England next season.

The 59-year-old, who guided the club to the French league title last season, says he has already started English lessons in preparation.

"I know it won't be easy," Girard told the BBC's World Football programme.

"There are lots of good coaches and lots of people in the market for coaching roles but hopefully I can find a club. It's always been a dream to work in English football."

Left-back Henri Bedimo has been linked with Newcastle and West Ham

Montpellier clinched their first ever title on the final day of last season, finishing above Paris Saint-Germain by three points.

The club also qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history and played Arsenal in the group stages, losing twice to the Gunners as they finished bottom of Group B.

Montpellier currently lie eighth in Ligue 1, 25 points behind leaders PSG.

"Last season was exceptional," added Girard, who was also the assistant manager of France when they won Euro 2000.

"We finished champions with 82 points, with the third best attack in the league and the best defence in the division. It was a surprise because we were a club with a small budget, with young players.

"To take the title back to a town where they had never been French champions was something very special."

Girard, whose contract with Montpellier ends at the end of the current season, says he would like to manage in either the Premier League or Championship.

"Maybe there are also some big clubs in the Championship who have ambitions to get back into the Premier League, that could be interesting for me," he said.

"I've started English lessons on the internet. Having a good grasp of the language to relate to players is indispensable."

Girard also believes two of his Montpellier players could be on their way to the Premier League next season.

Left-back Henri Bedimo has been linked with the likes of Newcastle external-link and West Ham, while Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are said to be interested in Moroccan international midfielder Younes Belhanda.

"Bedimo had some very strong offers during the last transfer window," said Girard. "He's definitely a player who could play in English football.

"Belhanda will certainly attract interest from Spain but I think the English Premier League would suit him the best."