Just a few thoughts from my blog...
The dust has barely settled on the most disappointing of Euro 2008 campaigns for all the home nations. Failure to qualify means there will be no British interest in Austria and Switzerland in the Summer which is a major bummer. After last night’s debacle at Wembley Steve McClaren finds himself out of a job today (albeit £2.5million pound better off!) and the great debate about who will be his replacement is already if full swing. Early betting favourites have emerged and there are a few dark horses.
* Martin O’Neill 7/2 (BetFred,
BlueSq,
Coral,
Stan James)
* Jose Mourinho 4/1 (Skybet)
* Fabio Capello 6/1 (BetDirect,
Coral,
Skybet,
totesport,
VCBet)
* Luis Felipe Scolari 16/1 (BlueSq,
William Hill)
* Alan Shearer 20/1 (Coral)
* Harry Redknapp 20/1 (Bet365,
BetDirect,
BetFred,
VCBet)
* Marcello Lippi 25/1 (BetFred)
* Guus Hiddink 25/1 (BetDirect,
Skybet,
William Hill)
* Stuart Pearce 25/1 (BlueSq,
Stan James,
William Hill)
* Mark Hughes 40/1 (BetDirect,
BetFred,
Paddy Power)
* Jurgen Klinsmann 40/1 (BetDirect)
* Arsene Wenger 50/1 (BlueSq,
Ladbrokes)
* Sir Alex Ferguson 66/1 (BetFred,
BlueSq,
Skybet)
* David Beckham 250/1 (Paddy Power)
Martin O’Neill
Seems to be early the early favourite, but will the FA have the balls to go back to a man they interviewed and re-offer him the position? Also, it’s my opinion that O’Neill’s stock has fallen somewhat this season as he has struggled to shake off the mediocre tag often labelled at Aston Villa. His signings have been fairly uninspiring and some have failed to settle. One thing is for sure however, is that he is a man manager and would get the most out of the currently under achieving England squad.
Verdict: Could depend on whether O’Neill would take it or not. One to watch.
Jose Mourinho
An interesting one. There is no doubting the Special One’s ability but he’s not been short of his run-ins with the FA in the past. I think his lack of humility at times makes him a hugely risky appointment for an organisation such as the FA. He would never be a ‘yes’ man either and I could only see a turbulent tenure ahead.
Verdict: Faller at the first fence. Keep your money in your pocket.
Fabio Capello
Well he’s already said he’d be interested so that makes him worth a look on the betting front. The ex Real-Madrid boss, who is 61 says “It would be a beautiful challenge. I am the right age.” To a certain extent he has a point, as younger managers tend to want the day-to-day involvement of club football. On the downside, controversy seems to follow Capello around, from bust-ups at Roma to scandal at Juventus, can the FA afford any more negative publicity?
Verdict: No doubt he’s a thoroughbred but his lack of English may be a problem. Respected.
Luis Felipe Scolari
Having previously rejected Brain Barwick’s advances surely the FA wouldn’t risk a second knock-back from big Phil. Scolari has just secured qualification and will no doubt want to see the job through again in Austria and Switzerland so England would need to wait to get their man but this time there would be no conflict of interest for the Brazilian.
Verdict: Great track record. Timing wasn’t right last time round. At 16/1 one for the shortlist.
Alan Shearer
He may be a favourite amongst the fans, but his lack of experience rules him out for me. The England job is not an apprenticeship full stop.
Verdict: Non-runner
Harry Redknapp
No doubt in my mind he’s the best Englishman for the job. He’s been making the most of limited resources for years and years so what could he do with the luxuries of Gerrard, Terry, Lampard and Owen? Much like Cloughie all those years ago though, the FA will probably take an easier option.
Verdict: Would take it if offered but probably won’t even make the interview stage. Others preferred.
Guus Hiddink
His name is never far away when the top jobs are vacant. And for good reason. For all of England’s failings lets not forget he was the man who masterminded Russia’s qualification. Add to that his success with South Korea and Australia and here we have a man who knows how to succeed in the International arena. He’s a student of the English game, has ambitions to manage in the Premier League and speaks perfect English. Despite being 25/1 at
BetDirect,
Skybet and
William Hill he’s just 7/1 at
Ladbrokes. Do they already know something?
Verdict: Consistent and effective performer. Big fancy. Take the 25s now!
Rest of the Field
Everyone from Arsene Wenger to Sir Alex is going to be linked with the job in the coming weeks and favourites will come and go. I like the look of Mark Hughes who has carved out a good reputation in his time at Blackburn, but I think he’d rather stay in club management and his next job could be at Old Trafford. Stuart Pearce would stand a chance but that means the FA appointing from within again and I can’t see them doing it twice in a row. Jurgen Klinsmann’s name has been mentioned a few times, but a German managing England? Never. And what about Mr Beckham he wouldn’t give up his L.A. lifestyle to take up the reigns. Would he?
Next Permanent England Manager?
In from 66/1 11 days ago to 14/1 now.
