Newcastle’s Alan Pardew is the latest name linked to the England post…
The England job is famously difficult, since Sir Bobby, the man who has brought us the closest to greatness is embarrassingly, Sven-Göran Eriksson, and that’s saying something. With an atrocious record, it’s surprising that all managers don’t bolt it when approached about the position, but thankfully this is not the case, and the next man in line is of course Harry Redknapp, his name being linked to the job since even before Capello took the horns.
It is pretty much the general consensus that Redknapp is the man for the job, but some could argue, and I’m sure Spurs fans would, that if he leaves for the international spot, then all he has done for Spurs will be wasted. This is of course a choice all managers must make, and this rang true in 1974 even, when Don Revie took the position ‘abandoning’ his precious Leeds United.
This being said, Redknapp would surely strike fear into the England players during the half time team talks, which is a field I think we can all agree Fabio somewhat lacks compared to the huffing and puffing Spurs manager. His presence would also provide a refreshing change to the bench, as at the moment, the only Englishman on the England coaching staff is Stuart ‘Physco’ Pearce.
Before even any of this can play out however, talks of the England coach proceeding Redknapp have already begun, and as many of you may have heard, Newcastle Boss Alan Pardew is the next manager possibly in line for the England job.. after Harry that is.
Pardew said when speaking to The Sun, ‘Right now I’m fully behind Harry. I hope he gets it because he’d understand that role. He’s experienced enough and has the motivational devices to succeed.’ He then went on to say however, ‘I’d like to expand myself and manage overseas but, ultimately, would I like to be England manager at some stage if I was lucky enough to be asked? Yes.’
He may have what it takes to sustain a 6th place Newcastle, but does the ‘ambitious’ manager have the experience or the class to bring a struggling England team to a long awaited glory.
From an ever growing list of favourites, including Martin O’Neil, and to my girlfriend’s delight, David Beckham, the England job (post Harry Redknapp) is still something that is to be discussed. If it was up to me, I’d place Southampton’s Nigel Adkins at the helm, as England don’t need a flashy high profile manager, but a determined realist who has what it takes to nurture a struggling team to greatness.
I guess we all just have to wait and see what is in store for our beloved England, and lets face it, no-one could be quite as bad McLaren surely?
