Former England captain Terry Butcher will not be taking up the reins as Philippines head coach.

Having managed a variety of different clubs and spent a period as Scotland assistant manager to George Burley, the 59-year-old had agreed a two-year deal, starting this weekend, to coach the south east Asian nation.

However, Butcher will not be taking up his first international management post as the former England defender does not believe the system is in place for his time in charge of the Philippines to be successful.

“I’m sorry to announce that I will not be proceeding in the role as head coach of the Philippines national football team,” Butcher said in a statement to Press Association Sport.

“Across recent months I’ve been intensely engaged with many people to thoroughly understand and prepare for this exciting challenge.

“The vital issue for myself was to carefully build a robust plan to meet the football ambitions of the national team and ‘do the country proud’.

“I remain convinced that the Philippines has great potential and I’m impressed with the high-calibre people that I’ve had the pleasure to meet.

“Regretfully, I’ve not been able to make this work in the way that I intended and I’ve decided not to continue in the role.

“I wish all good things for the Azkals and in particular success in their debut in the 2019 Asia Cup. One day, I look forward to seeing a Philippines team in the World Cup.”