Thailand target Englishman Robson as national coach

Bryan Robson gestures ahead of their FA Cup 4th round soccer match against Manchester City at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England, January 27, 2008.

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand are in talks with former England captain Bryan Robson with a view to hiring him as their new national team coach, the country's soccer chief said on Thursday.

"We're still in negotiation, but he is interested and we are interested," Thai Football Association president Worawi Makudi told Reuters.

"It's still at the first stage, but we are keen to bring Robson to Thailand," he added.

If the deal goes ahead, Robson, 52, will replace fellow former England midfielder Peter Reid, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent earlier this week.

Thailand rejected Reid's proposal to remain national team coach while serving as assistant manager at Premier League Stoke City, with whom he has been training with over the past few weeks.

Robson would be expected to continue Reid's work in revamping the Thai game to steer the soccer-obsessed country to the 2014 World Cup finals.

During 13 years at Manchester United, Robson won two league titles, four FA Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup. He was capped 90 times by England and played in three World Cups.

He has managed Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Bromwich Albion and most recently, Sheffield United, whom he quit in February 2008.

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