The news is today that England are now in the market for a new manager after Sam Allardyce (or Big Sam to the press) left his post by mutual consent. As the article expounds, and hats off to them for their journalistic intent, Big Sam knows how to bend the rules.
I clearly see how embarrassing to the FA the article was and also to the professional integrity of Big Sam, but honestly is it really that serious? As for the piece from the Telegraph's man my answer to him is that No the England manager does not have to be whiter than white.
As a lifelong England fan I can tell you I am fed up with this sanctimonious approach to National team management. With the exception of the late great Sir Bobby Robson(who took us to a World Cup semi final!) no whiter than white manager has been of any use to the national squad in a finals situation. If they even got there.
I have heard the pundits, over the years, complaining of the style of play and lack of ability demonstrated by England teams. The issue is not just that, perhaps our players ARE less skillful. It is also the fact that the F.A. NEVER have the right man in the job. The need for off the field probity hampers them to such an extent that the England manager is always a compromise choice.
The fact is if we want to do well in any given competition we need to employ the best person for the job. And by best I mean best coach. The coach that could win us trophies
When David Beckham plundered that penalty against Argentina in 2002 were any body's next words "this is a blow for financial integrity"? Thought not. But it was a moment when we were all crowded around a telly at work and cheered. How many times did a Roy Hodgson team get that reaction?
Compromise gets us managers like Steve Maclaren, Roy Hodgson and Graham Taylor.
England fans are crying out for something to get behind. Something to follow.
Please, Please F.A. make sure you pick the right person for the job and stick by them so that we can have a shot at something and just tell the press to get lost
No comments:
Post a Comment