Yahoo Sport 
Managerial candidate effectively rules himself out of Leicester City running
Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, has hinted that his career path may veer away from football following his departure from the national team role after the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, and that means any chance at all of him being considered for the vacant Leicester City role are all but over.
Despite previously stating he wouldn't return to management this season, Southgate is now considering opportunities beyond the pitch.
In a detailed LinkedIn post, he shared insights into his current "period of exploration" The 54 year old wrote: "After eight years serving in one of the highest profile roles in world football, I’m consciously taking time to reflect on what I lived through and thinking deeply about what comes next."
READ MORE: Michael Carrick to Leicester City stance made clear amid surge in betting
READ MORE: Leicester City next manager latest amid Ruud van Nistelrooy finance factor
He added, "This higher purpose kept me on track, gave me structure, made my life more fulfilling and is going to be extremely difficult to replicate."
Emphasising his openness to new challenges, he stated, "It’s why I’m not limiting my future options to remaining as a football coach."
Southgate expressed comfort with his exploratory phase, saying, "I’m comfortable with this period of ‘exploration’ and not having all the answers."
Acknowledging he's not alone in contemplating a mid-life career shift, he remarked, "I’m not the only 50something contemplating a change of direction."
He has seen his name appear in the betting lists for the job at the King Power, albeit as an outsider in the running order of people who could take the role.
Previously linked with Manchester United due to ties with United sporting director Dan Ashworth, Southgate saw the position go to Ruben Amorim instead. Celebrated as one of England's most successful managers since Sir Alf Ramsey, Southgate led the nation to consecutive European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final.
He notes that any new role will struggle to match the "sense of purpose" he found in football.
Reflecting on his tenure, he said: "Looking back there are matches and moments I will remember for the rest of my life, coaching top players was a challenge that pushed me to operate at the very highest level. "
"The weight of the role with the unique responsibility it carried was something few ever get to experience."
"Perhaps the hardest thing of all to replicate though, is going to be the sense of purpose."
"Every morning I drove through the gates of St George’s Park, I had a responsibility to improve English football."
"Whenever the National Anthem played pre-game, I was representing 50 million people, their hopes and dreams."
"When I travelled, or spoke publicly I had a duty to be an ambassador for my country. Even in the most difficult moments, whether after heartbreaking defeats or during tense media scrutiny I was acutely aware of the need to stand with dignity and demonstrate strong leadership."
"This was not only for the players and staff beside me but also for the millions of young people watching, who might find inspiration and hope in what we do."
Here's the latest Skybet odds on the next permanent manager at the King Power Stadium…
Ruud van Nistelrooy
1/4
David Moyes
7/1
Carlos Corberan
8/1
Graham Potter
10/1
Lee Carsley
16/1
Michael Carrick
20/1
Mark Robins
25/1
Edin Terzic
33/1
Gareth Southgate
33/1
Jose Mourinho
33/1
