FORMER Gillingham boss Peter Taylor has pulled out of the race to become the next manager of Charlton.

The Hull City and England Under-21 manager was interviewed at The Valley and was the odds-on favourite to replace Alan Curbishley, who left the Addicks after 15 years at the end of the season.

Taylor admitted to being tempted by the job, but said his heart was with the Humberside club, who he has guided from League 2 to the Championship since taking over four years ago.

Colchester manager Phil Parkinson continues to be linked with the vacancy, while newspaper reports on Friday claimed Sammy Lee had flown back to the country from England's World Cup training camp to be interviewed for the post.