F.A. Hope for Success

You simply have to admire the F.A. for the meticulous way in which they’ve gone about finding a successor to the charismatic and diplomatic Sven Goran Eriksson, which of course is no easy task.

In fact Eriksson’s ‘reign’ has been so successful and trouble free that the F.A. appear to have paid him the ultimate compliment – they’re looking for an Englishman to succeed him. Unless, of course, they make a last minute decision to appoint Martin O’Neill and his entourage, which is very nearly the same thing.

It’s typical of the F.A. that they’ve not only set up a carefully chosen selection panel to oversee this important appointment – they’ve actually insisted that one of the six should have played the game professionally. That’s where Sir Trevor Brooking comes in and the bonus is that he’s also played for England many times – which in one respect puts him miles ahead of most of the reported candidates for the post.

So what are the qualifications? Obviously they’re looking for outstanding motivational qualities, coupled with top quality managerial experience in the Premiership, in Europe and preferably at international level, plus an ability to deal courteously with the media and a private life which is above reproach.

And in the meantime, according to reports, they’ve interviewed Steve McClaren, Sam Allardyce, Alan Curbishley and Martin O’Neill.