Dwight Yorke has urged the Aston Villa board to hand him the job of leading their revival.
The Midlands club are on the lookout for their THIRD manager this season after the departure of Remi Garde last week.
Garde, who only replaced Tim Sherwood in November, proved to be a disastrous appointment as he oversaw just two wins from 20 Premier League games.
With relegation to the Championship all but confirmed, it appears likely that Villa will target an experienced coach to succeed Garde and plot their route back to the top-flight.
But former Holte End favourite Yorke, who scored 97 goals in 292 appearances for Villa between 1989 and 1998, insists he could be a big success as their boss if given the chance.
“They have tried experience, they have tried unknown managers, and they haven't got it right," he told talkSPORT in an exclusive interview.
“I have the feeling they may go for experience. I do believe experience counts for a lot of things but sometimes you need someone with the know-how of a football club and someone who can bring a spark back to the club.
“And what people fail to realise is that I have won the Championship. The only time I have played outside the Premier League I won it with Sunderland so I have got a great understanding of what the Championship is as a player.
"So, not only am I familiar with the players, and the whole culture and history of Aston Villa Football Club, but I am familiar with the Championship.
"I will apply [for the job] and I am doing that as we speak. I hope they will at least give me an interview."
And Yorke claims to have the backing of legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to take on the job.
After leaving Villa for United in 1998, the Trinidadian enjoyed a hugely successful four years under Ferguson at Old Trafford.
He continued: "I have gained a wealth of experience, I have played under great managers and I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson about this job and he is endorsing me. He believes I can do it
"I believe I can do it and it is about giving me the opportunity of at least having an interview."