I agree almost entirely, Freds. I think Redknapp would have been a great choice, and my biggest reservations about him as a manager are things that I don't think will apply at international level. Contrary to what some others have said, I think he's a good tactician, and his tendency to pay big money (either fees, wages or both) for players at or just-passed their peak will be irrelevant for England (he could just stop picking them without being left with lengthy contracts, wages etc). But Roy's CV is superior. The trouble is all the trophies and success came abroad and therefore, in the eyes of many English fans, it either doesn't count or they are completely unaware of it. I'm still not completely convinced that Roy isn't going to walk away from it, citing a lack of support from the media and the general public. I think, on balance, I hope he takes it, but if he does I'm going to be worrying about the reception he gets.
Very much in agreement FRED C L F, next season will possibly decide if Harry is a one season wonder. My personal prediction for spurs 2012/13. 7th 10th table finish. And welcome aboard.
Harry has proven himself to be a capable manager at both Spurs and Portsmouth, I really wouldn't call him a one season wonder.
I agree Captain and we have both commented in the past on how astute he is with substitutions; not one of Woy's attributes. I also take your points about Redknapp's wheeling and dealing in the transfer market not being relevant to the England job but I think the key is the term 'manager'. I believe what the FA have decided they want is a 'coach'. And one who will work on the training field with players through the whole England development programme. That's where Hodgson has the edge. I guess what I'm arguing is that Redknapp would be the choice if you want a 'one night wonder' but Hodgson if you are looking at the bigger picture. I share your concerns however that many, many fans won't see it that way at all and Roy will have a hard time convincing them.
I'll be very interested to see how this one goes. I'm rooting for Roy to do well, and I think there is a good chance that he will, but I have a feeling it's not going to work too well in the short term. If so the FA's reaction will be key. It's quite odd that this is being portrayed as a long term appointment when Roy hasn't managed a team longer than 4 years. If he is able to implement his tactics successfully and gets the team organised and solid in defence with 3 or 4 players given some freedom in attack then he can pretty much sit back and slot in personnel where needed. It could turn out to be very effective, or it might limit the team. Spain, after all, usually play the same formation. Maybe Roy will be able to re-define 4-4-2 on the international scene! I hope it all works out, if there is one uncertainty around him it is his ability to deal with pressure. At Fulham he avoided coming under serious pressure by understandably taking the chance at LFC. He looks to manage expectations; I suspect he will find the national job more intense than Liverpool. Ultimately it's going to be down to the players and how they respond to him.
When Roy went to Liverpool he was an unpopular choice as their fans wanted Dalglish. He had no chance unless instant results were to be found. As we know, the problems at Liverpool aren't just a quick fix. With the peoples choice (and that of the press) being that of Rednapp I think he is entering the job with the same issues he had at Liverpool - unless England do well at the Euros. I wish him well but I have a horrible feeling he will not be given much time.
That's my feeling too. He won't ever be given an easy time, by either the press or fans, as he wasn't their choice. Hope he's got thick skin, cause he'll need it.
I think he's definitely the right man for the job. I too am routing for him. I'm a bit young to know but I'm sure Alf Ramsay won the first sub title before being appointed England Manager. My point being he didn't have 8 league titles, 4 FA cups and league cups under his belt before getting the job. Look what he ended up doing. May the force be with Roy (adopted father)!
Not sure what you mean by 'the first sub title', but Alf Ramsey won the league title with Ipswich in 61-62, in their first season after gaining promotion. He didn't have a lot of trophies, but he had one hugely impressive entry on his CV. I'm not disagreeing with the point that CVs aren't the be all and end all, or with the argument that Roy's CV is impressive (it is), or with the general feeling that he's a good man for the job. I think we're all agreed here that: (a) we think he could be great; (b) not everyone outside of Fulham and West Brom is likely to be as positive as us; (c) that could make for difficult times for Roy. I hate it when someone here tries to speak for all of us and I've just done that myself. Nevertheless, I think I've summed up what we've all been saying. Apologies to anyone who feels I'm putting words in their mouth that they don't agree with.
Just read this on the BBC website, and picked up on a little quote from "Italian football expert Gabriele Marcotti" Um, what?
He's a bloke, Bandit. An ill-informed one in this instance, but a bloke nonetheless. He's often on 5Live arguing with Steve Claridge in a culture-clash of philosophies about the game. I'm surprised by this as he usually has intelligent things to say, but that comment of his is spectacularly wrong.
Congratulations Roy! That makes three former Fulham managers who have gone on to take the England job. How many other clubs can lay claim to that? And here's hoping Roy's reign is more Bobby Robson and less Kevin Keegan!
If ray Lewington joins Roy on England staff,and we resumed home internationals, we would have all our coaching apart from MJ on international duty so its me or the tea lady on the bench with MJ.
Congratulations Woy, you don't deserve the ungodly amount of **** that's about to be hurled at you for your entire tenure, but you do deserve the recognition for the good work done over the past 30 years.
Don't forget that Ron Greenwood played for us as well. The FA must have realised that the secret to international management is an apprenticeship is the right part of SW6!
