Manchester United captain Gary Neville feels the regulations need to be tightened to stop ex-players becoming managers without the requisite qualifications. All top-flight bosses are supposed to hold the UEFA Pro Licence but Alan Shearer this week became Newcastle boss without one.

Neville, who is in the process of acquiring his UEFA 'A' badge, told The Times: "Players are getting jobs without the badges because they couldn't be bothered, or didn't have time, or played at the top level so think, 'Why do I have to do it?'

"The FA (Football Association) and Premier League have to stand up and be counted. They have to start taking a tougher stand on it."