Cockney Philip Marlowe is back

Terry Venables, newly-appointed manager of Leeds United, is to relaunch his career as a TV writer.

The day after his career as a football manager was resurrected, it has emerged that the former England coach is to revive his detective Hazell for a new series.

Actor Ray Winstone is tipped to take the title role as the "Cockney Philip Marlowe", who was created in the Seventies while Venables was still playing for Chelsea.

The books, co-written by Gordon Williams, were turned into two television series starring Nicholas Ball and Jane Asher. They became a cult hit on cable channels.

Hazell was known for sharp oneliners such as: "I've got a wad of cash 'ere that could choke a washing machine."

Winstone said: "I like Venables's writing. These days there aren't many people who write good dialogue."

Venables, 59, is known to have a keen eye for a business opportunity. He once invented a hit board game called The Manager and even promoted the Thingummywig, a hairnet-cum-wig for women wearing curlers.