England board set to select new manager

Today, the Club England board will sit down to begin the process of selecting a new manager and plan to be thorough in their search despite the clamour for Harry Redknapp to be appointed.

Redknapp has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to succeed Fabio Capello following the Italian’s resignation on Wednesday in the wake of the John Terry captaincy saga.

A number of England players and Premier League bosses have called for the Football Association to turn to Redknapp, even though he is staying focused for the moment on Tottenham’s campaign.

Stuart Pearce will take charge of the national team for the friendly against Holland later this month but it is thought Redknapp could be prised away from White Hart Lane, if not immediately, then at the end of the season.

Even though the 64-year-old ticks all the right boxes, FA general secretary Alex Horne is keen to ensure the correct procedures are followed before Capello’s replacement is named, no matter how obvious the claims of one man.

“We understand the feeling of the nation and supporters,” said Horne.

“Fans of England are very important when it comes to choosing the right person for the job.

“But we have to sit down and look long term. We owe it to ourselves to write up the job brief and make sure we sit down calmly and ensure we have an exhaustive list.”

Horne will be joined in his quest by FA chairman David Bernstein, Club England managing director Adrian Bevington and FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking.

Bernstein stated at a press conference on Thursday that he would prefer the new man to English or British, but refused to rule out another foreigner landing the role.