The West Brom manager looks to have got ‘the nod’ from the FA, but is the Tottenham Hotspur boss still in their plans?
On the face of it, the FA’s decision looks like an almighty snub for Harry Redknapp, but it doesn’t look that way to me.
England were always going to have to appoint a new manager after Euro 2012, with Fabio Capello’s contract expiring, so the only thing his resignation changed was bringing the task of finding his successor forward.
Roy Hodgson is the logical choice to step into the breach, having managed two previous international teams, including taking Switzerland past the group stages at World Cup ’94.
Really though, I think England could have a trio of Pep Guardiola, Alf Ramsey, and Brian Clough in charge this summer and they still won’t get past the group stages.
Before Hodgson’s appointment I could see our tournament playing out like this; France – loss, Sweden – draw, Ukraine – loss.
Call me a pessimist, and I’ll give you a realist. Our preparations have been a mess, very few of our players are in form, and we have no long-term direction.
I rate Hodgson despite the Liverpool debacle, where he struggled, and happen to think he’ll do a decent job in the circumstances, but something seems up to me, it’s like he’s being set up to fail.
You can see it now, England come home after an unsuccessful tournament, players squabbling, Hodgson out, who do England turn to?
Saviour ‘Arry of course!
Hodgson might just prove us wrong, do well- and go onto lead England in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
As far as I can see, it’ll probably be Redknapp doing it. The talk of Spurs’ post-season collapse won’t seem so raw, and another England failure will demand a fresh face, again.
It looks like rather than have their number one long-term target (don’t forget David Bernstein turning up at Spurs games) having to live with the disappointment of Euro 2012 failure on his CV, they will set Hodgson up to take the fall, so they can eventually get their man, and save themselves the furore over ‘wrecking Spurs season.’
Hodgson will surely only be brought in on a short-term deal, and if it doesn’t work out, West Brom may even keep his post open for him, but he won’t be out of work for long.
So sorry Spurs fans, it’s not over yet. Even in July when you should be getting ready for pre-season, the Redknapp for England talk will just be starting up again.
Then it will be full steam ahead ‘Arry and the boys for World Cup 2014 in Brazil.
Do you agree, is Hodgson just the fall-guy and is Redknapp for England still on long-term?
image: © nicksarebi
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