Short list for England job

Thursday, 09/02/2012

The FA say they won't be rushed into appointing a new England manager.

Chairman David Bernstein said today: "We will be putting a short list together. There is no need to rush anything but it will be dealt with in high priority.

"We want to produce a winning set up for England, that is what we and the fans want."

He refused to be drawn on who would be in the running to take over from Fabio Capello who quit yesterday.

Bernstein said it was not certain that an English manager would take over but added: "There is clearly a preference for a British person and an English or British person would have a good chance."

He said the FA would start working tomorrow on a replacement and did not yet know as yet if the new boss would be a stand-in for the Euros, part-time or permanent.

England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce will be in charge for the senior friendly against Holland on February 29.

Bernstein said the question of sacking Capello had never arisen during a "full and frank meeting".

It was revealed that an hour after his meeting with FA chiefs Capello tendered his resignation.

He refused to say if the FA would have to pay compensation to the outgoing boss.

Speculation about Harry Redknapp – the fans and people's favourite to take on the role – increased when he was absent from Tottenham training this morning.

Spurs players refused to talk about their boss or the new England manager as they entered training. The boss was said to be taking time out after his court case.

Redknapp still has 15 months to run on his Spurs contract and would demand compensation from the FA should their boss be offered the England post. That could be as much as £4m-£5m.

Asked about the England job, Redknapp said: "I've not even thought about it. I've got a job to do. We've got a big game Saturday with Tottenham. Tottenham is my focus."

• 

• Have your say