THE managership of Manchester City was all but confirmed as the most undesirable job in English soccer yesterday when Dave Bassett announced he was to remain with Crystal Palace.

Just eight hours after saying he was willing to take charge at Maine Road, Bassett unexpectedly changed his mind, to plunge City still further into turmoil.

City's chairman Francis Lee confirmed Bassett had verbally accepted an invitation to succeed Alan Ball late on Wednesday night. Lee went to bed believing his embarrassing search for a new manager was finally at an end only to be awoken at 7.05 a.m. by the phone call from Bassett which was to shatter his illusions.

Bassett's decision came just 36 hours after City had been humiliated in a League Cup tie by the Third Division side Lincoln City.

"It was flattering to be offered a chance like this because Manchester City is such a huge club," said Bassett. "The thing is, I have a young team at Palace which I think is really capable of going places. I have started a job at Selhurst Park and I would like to finish it," he added.

Bassett is the third high profile manager to turn down the chance to follow Ball who resigned last month just three games into the new season.

. Martin Bayly was yesterday sacked as manager of Home Farm Everton. In a statement the Dublin club said they were now "actively seeking a replacement" and that an announcement would be made in the coming week. Liam Tuohy will look after the side for tomorrow's match against Dundalk.