Redknapp the early leader in race to be next England manager
Published:Harry Redknapp has emerged as the early favourite to succeed Fabio Capello as the next permanent England manager.
Currently in charge of Tottenham, Redknapp is 7/4 to take the helm following England’s dismal second round exit from the World Cup.
Redknapp could be seen by some as a controversial choice, considering his involvement in recent cases of financial irregularities at Portsmouth.
Officially, Capello is still the England manager, though his position of power is under serious threat after England’s poor showing in South Africa.
Bolton chairman and FA board member Phil Gartside has pledged his support to Capello this week, by urging his colleagues at the FA to stick with the Italian manager.
The dynamics of the FA will be significant to the process of naming a new manager. After Sven Goran Eriksson’s exit in 2006, his assistant Steve McLaren was appointed because he was familiar to the ruling bodies of English football and considered to be a safe choice.
Stuart Pearce could benefit from such a situation. Currently England’s first team coach and boss of the under 21 side, Pearce is 7/1 to be promoted as manager of the senior team.
Interestingly, Arsene Wenger is available at 12/1 to become the next England manager, which suggests that the Frenchman could possibly consider leaving Arsenal after 13 fruitful years.
Having missed out on the job four years ago, Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is 14/1 to realise his long-standing ambition of taking charge of the England team.
Allardyce has the required connections with the FA, and Gartside in particular, having worked alongside him during his time as Bolton manager.
Allardyce could, however, struggle to win over his potential employers with the direct brand of football that has become a hallmark of his at club level.
England have struggled against teams who keep possession effectively, and if they are to improve their ball retention ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers, they may be inclined to choose a manager whose style is more conducive to a patient, passing style.
Will England opt for another foreign coach? Guus Hiddink is 16/1 to be the next manager. See the full Next Permanent England Manager market.
