Hodgson for England
“West Bromwich Albion have given the Football Association permission to talk to Roy Hodgson about the vacant England manager’s position.” (more)
Bit out of the blue that one, almost as if the FA have flown in the face of the media circus surrounding Harry Redknapp. Reading between the lines, and West Brom have already given their approval, it sounds as if Hodgson is the number one and only choice.
Redknapp has never even been mentioned by the suits at the FA, let alone approached, blimey there will be some serious shaking of heads amongst the popular press. Harry’s season has gone down the crapper since he won his court case and the journos appointed him as England manager in waiting. Roy’s meanwhile has been steady moving the Baggies into 10th, 3 points behind Kenny Daglish’s Liverpool and his expensively assembled squad.
Hodgson is a decent man and a safe bet with plenty of varied experience including big tournaments (Switzerland, 1994 World Cup). He is also in my mind far more tactically aware than Harry, if not as flamboyant in his style of play, but then that takes a large transfer kitty which a national manager doesn’t have.
Question is, and one that the media will insist is answered is why not Harry? Baggage, cost, health? Only four men know and although as I am warming to Hodgson for England, I worry that we have been down this road before. I know I’d rather a Venables than a McClaren.
The next England manager will only be as good as it’s players, and Roy has a good as chance to make something of this bunch as anyone. He’s biggest hurdle though will be the lads in Wapping, who will already be sharpening their pencils and doodling on their pads various kinds of vegetables.
I agree, ‘Arry’ is best suited to the b;lood and thinder of the Laegue with wheeler dealing and loads of money. HJad npot relaised how WBA had quietly crept up the table.
I hjave always thought his credentials are good especially his international experience.
However, I have had a few doubts after reading the D Telegraph sports page today that plots his career to date. He has had far more managerial jobs than I thought many of which have been for very short periods, so I am beginning to wonder whether he is the kind to not want to stick at the job.
Time will tell but I think he is the best of the bunch and he is English (even if he did start his career with Palace). j
Hodgson is very reminiscent of Bobby Robson in personality, and in the end Bobby probably did the best of all with a World cup semi final appearance away from home, with the world against team and fans. Like Bobby (when appointed England Manager) I get the impression that Roy is very capable with a relatively smaller club, but his failure at Liverpool is not a good indicator.
I suspect you need to be more than a decent bloke and sound manager to win an international trophy – and Harry has that dangerous edge that might just do the trick, yet scares off the FA.
We enter another period of mediocrity I expect, and I can’t get excited about England any more – too many broken dreams. But Addicks in the Championship, that is a different matter!
Pembury Addick
I’ve always like Hodgson so I’m quietly pleased to hear this development. He certainly has the experience to take on this role, but the support from the fans may prove a bit more challenging, which is a shame.
Nothing against Harry, but I’d give Roy a go! Not least of all, it would at least give me two faces in the national side set-up I actually like (the other being Joe Hart).