In an amazing snub of fan favorite Harry Redknapp, the English F.A. are getting set to name West Brom boss Roy Hodgson as England’s new national team manager.
The FA revealed on Sunday evening that it had been granted permission by West Bromwich Albion to hold talks with their boss Hodgson.
It was widely believed Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp was the favourite to be named as Capello’s successor, but, it appears that the FA prefer Hodgson due to his international experience.
The current West Brom manager has managed Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Finland and could be confirmed as the new England manager as early as within the next 24 hours.
Redknapp insisted that he is not disappointed to have been overlooked, and believes Hodgson will do a fine job with the national team.
“If Roy takes the job I wish him all the best, he’s a great guy,” Redknapp told Sky Sports. “I’ve got a great job here, working with some fantastic players. Great result yesterday so I’ve got no problems whatsoever. I’m very lucky to be working at such a good club as Tottenham. Very fortunate.”
He added: “I like Roy, he’s a top man – a good guy and I’m sure he’ll be a big success. I still think England has some fantastic players, some great young players coming through and some experienced players too. I look forward to watching the European Championships.”
As usual the FA is screwing up this process. First, they let Redknapp dangle in the wind for four months, almost destroying Spurs’s season. Then they decide on a manager who might not have the respect of the players.
When Hodgson was in charge at Liverpool for a disastrous spell last season, the Liverpool players were not impressed with his old fashioned training methods. How will Steven Gerrard react now to Hodgson being his national team manager?
