Capello Out, Redknapp In?

Capello leaving his London Flat

The 2011/12 Premier League season has brought plenty of drama to English football. Whether it be the traditional replacing of managers, a series of shocking racism allegations or stories of unfaithfulness, the season has not failed to disappoint in showcasing its dramatic capabilities. However, perhaps the most eyebrow-raising event has come this past month with the void left by Fabio Capello’s resignation as England manager.

Following the FA’s decision to remove John Terry’s captaincy ahead of the Euro 2012 tournament, Capello expressed his opposition to the decision in an interview with an Italian TV channel. Terry faces charges of racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand and his trial has been delayed until the summer before the tournament. If the Chelsea defender is found guilty, he would of course be an embarrassment to have as the English captain. I therefore think it was a good move by the FA to remove him, regardless of his hearing’s result. However, for Capello to react in the manner he did is not acceptable and undermines the integrity of his employers. His resignation was a surprise to the nation and he has now left the FA with the task of finding a viable candidate to replace Fabio in the hot seat.

Frontrunner, Harry Redknapp

The frontrunner for the job is Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp, although his current situation complicates matters. Redknapp still has 15 months left on his contract with Tottenham and is currently seeing the club through arguably its best spell in history. They are almost a certainty to qualify for the UEFA Champion’s League next season and are playing a beautiful brand of football under Redknapp. Although Tottenham Chairman, Daniel Levy has begun his search for a Redknapp’s replacement, there is still a good chance that he can persuade his manager to stay. Various English players such as Wayne Rooney have expressed their desire for Harry Redknapp to take over at the helm. It has been years since an English manager has coached the national team and it appears to be the FA’s intent to find one.

I believe Harry Redknapp would make an exceptional English manager and hope that he is able to take the job. It would welcome in a new era of English football and hopefully one that will give the country something to celebrate. My advice to the FA would be to gain Redknapp’s employment at any cost.