Football Association member Phil Gartside has publicly backed Harry Radknapp to become the new England manager. The Bolton Wanderers chairman has revealed that Redknapp would be perfect for the job, with his views reflecting the opinions of numerous fans, players, former players and pundits who would love to see Redknapp in charge. Although Gartside is not involved in the actual manager selection process he is however an influential figure in the FA and is on the board who will rubber stamp the appointment.
Redknapp remains the hot favourite in the Next England Manager betting market and the FA are expected to make an approach in the upcoming weeks. In the extremely unlikely event that they do not opt for Redknapp, or Redknapp turns down the offer to manage his country, then other candidates include England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce, West Brom boss Roy Hodgson and Sunderland gaffer Martin O’Neill.
The news will disappoint many Tottenham fans who hold faint hopes of Redknapp remaining at the club despite their recent slump in form. Spurs have managed just one win from their last eight Premier League matches and are locked in a tense battle with Newcastle and Chelsea for fourth spot. They do however have the easiest run-in of the three teams, with four of their remaining five matches against clubs currently in 15th or below in the table.
The European Championships are now less than 50 days away and as part of their build-up England travel to Norway on 26th May, followed by a match against Belgium at Wembley on 2nd June, with the official squad announcement sandwiched inbetween on 29th May. The Three Lions’ campaign kicks off on 11th June when they play France, then Sweden four days later on the 15th and their last Group D fixture against co-hosts Ukraine on the 19th. Paddy Power have England priced at 9/1 to win the tournament.
Read More
