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Pusan's Porterfield keeps Korea options open [Thu Aug 25th, 2005]
Tokyo (Reuters) - Pusan I-cons manager Ian Porterfield has refused to be drawn on speculation he is being lined up as the new coach of South Korea.
The Scotsman has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Dutchman Jo Bonfrere, who stepped down earlier this week after a string of bad results.
"I have read the speculation but I have had no official contact from the KFA (Korea Football Association)," Porterfield said by telephone.
"It would be quite exciting to go to a World Cup but this is a very important time for Pusan and I've got to get my head down and concentrate on the job here."
KFA officials are eager to appoint a new national team coach by early September, with the 2006 World Cup in Germany less than a year away.
Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy and former Senegal coach Bruno Metsu have also been mentioned as possible candidates for the South Korea job, along with former national coach Cha Bum-kun.
Former Chelsea manager Porterfield has led Pusan to the Korean Cup and the K-League first stage. Pusan are also in the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League.
Bonfrere himself was a surprise replacement for Humberto Coelho, whose tenure ended in April last year following a shock 0-0 draw with the Maldives in a World Cup qualifier.
South Korea clinched qualification for their sixth consecutive World Cup finals in June but Bonfrere's side never looked particularly convincing.
No coach has managed to win over the country's fans or media since Dutchman Guus Hiddink led South Korea to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup.
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