The unusual suspects: From Guus Hiddink to Jose Mourinho, the alternative choices for the next England manager
Following Capello's resignation on Wednesday, Goal.com suggests a list of other coaches who could be surprise appointments should the obvious - Harry Redknapp - rule himself out
9 Feb 2012 12:00:00
Fabio Capello's shock departure brings to the fore a discussion that most England fans and certainly the FA, were hoping would not rear it's head until the summer's campaign in Poland and Ukraine had been concluded. For a team who qualified so strongly for a major tournament to find itself without the man who masterminded getting them there means the search for a manager is made even more critical.
Harry Redknapp has already been widely touted as the man to take over at the helm of the national team, but with his Tottenham in such a strong position in the Premier League, would he be willing to turn his back on the club he has spent the last four years building to such great effect? And, if Redknapp isn't the next man for the job, who is? Here is a look at some of the more unusual candidates that could be in the frame, with odds coming from William Hill.
Jose Mourinho - 10/1
Speculation has been rife about the current Real Madrid boss taking a job in England after he leaves the club, but could he take charge of the national team? In the short term he appears to have the same issue as Redknapp. Despite their recent two-legged defeat to Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey, Madrid are in pole position to claim their first league title since 2008, breaking the Catalan giant's three-year stranglehold on the trophy. Although he may relish the opportunity to lead England at some point in his glittering managerial career, the immediate nature of a replacment being needed could see the opportunity pass him by this time.
Guus Hiddink - 11/1
The former Chelsea boss enjoyed his time in London, winning the FA Cup with the Blues in 2009, but it is his international management pedigree which could make him a viable candidate for this role. The 65-year-old Dutchman has managed several international sides at major tournaments, including South Korea in 2002 before a spell in charge of Australia and, most recently, his roles with Russia and Turkey. Hiddink resigned as Turkey manager after the side failed to make it through a Euro 2012 play-off against Croatia, but at 11/1 and currently without a team it seems he is a legitimate contender should Redknapp pass up the opportunity.
Alan Pardew - 14/1
Pardew, unlike Hiddink, is not unattached at present. In a situation which mirrors that of favourite Harry Redknapp, he has overseen a meteoric rise at the helm of Newcastle after taking over from Chris Hughton in December 2010. With the Magpies looking on course to finish in a European place in just their second season back in the top flight, Pardew may want to continue with his progress at The Sports Direct Arena. That said, he would suit the FA as an English manager who is highly regarded at present, although his chequered history when under the media spotlight could be a concern given the scrutiny that previous England managers have been subjected to.
Rafa Benitez - 16/1
Although Benitez's last spell in management did not end well at Inter, the Spaniard enjoyed success in England guiding Liverpool to European glory for the fifth time in 2005. His impressive record at Valencia earlier in his career, including lifting two La Liga titles, could act in his favour as the FA search for a manager who will enhance England's chances at thier first European Championships in eight years this summer. The 51-year-old is yet to take on another role after leaving Inter in late 2010 and is available at 16/1.
Gareth Southgate - 20/1
When Steve McLaren left for an ill-fated spell in charge of the England national team, Gareth Southgate was given his one, and to this date, only, managerial role. Despite some initial success at Middlesbrough, the 41-year-old was given his marching orders after failing to keep his side in the Premier League and then not making enough of a successful start to life in England's second tier. Although Southgate was involved in the national squad as a player for many years, his relative
inexperience in top roles make him an unlikely outsider at this point.
David Beckham - 50/1
With the London Olympics on the horizon, David Beckham could once again grace these shores representing his country, or at least Great Britain. His prospects of leading his country at this juncture though, seem bleak. As well as signing a new contract with LA Galaxy, Beckham has publicly dismissed a move into management when he calls time on his playing career. Although he may reverse his decision once he is no longer competing, the 50/1 on offer reflects the likelihood of him taking on a task which many more experienced individuals have failed to succeed in.
Back Mourinho for the England job at 10/1 with William Hill
Or go for the big outside bet with David Beckham at 50/1
Jim Knight is Betting Editor at Goal.com and has been tipping football games since he was old enough to place a bet. He is a Leicester City fan, writer and member of the We Are Going Up Podcast
Follow Jim Knight on
Harry Redknapp has already been widely touted as the man to take over at the helm of the national team, but with his Tottenham in such a strong position in the Premier League, would he be willing to turn his back on the club he has spent the last four years building to such great effect? And, if Redknapp isn't the next man for the job, who is? Here is a look at some of the more unusual candidates that could be in the frame, with odds coming from William Hill.
Jose Mourinho - 10/1
Speculation has been rife about the current Real Madrid boss taking a job in England after he leaves the club, but could he take charge of the national team? In the short term he appears to have the same issue as Redknapp. Despite their recent two-legged defeat to Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey, Madrid are in pole position to claim their first league title since 2008, breaking the Catalan giant's three-year stranglehold on the trophy. Although he may relish the opportunity to lead England at some point in his glittering managerial career, the immediate nature of a replacment being needed could see the opportunity pass him by this time.
Guus Hiddink - 11/1
The former Chelsea boss enjoyed his time in London, winning the FA Cup with the Blues in 2009, but it is his international management pedigree which could make him a viable candidate for this role. The 65-year-old Dutchman has managed several international sides at major tournaments, including South Korea in 2002 before a spell in charge of Australia and, most recently, his roles with Russia and Turkey. Hiddink resigned as Turkey manager after the side failed to make it through a Euro 2012 play-off against Croatia, but at 11/1 and currently without a team it seems he is a legitimate contender should Redknapp pass up the opportunity.
Alan Pardew - 14/1
Pardew, unlike Hiddink, is not unattached at present. In a situation which mirrors that of favourite Harry Redknapp, he has overseen a meteoric rise at the helm of Newcastle after taking over from Chris Hughton in December 2010. With the Magpies looking on course to finish in a European place in just their second season back in the top flight, Pardew may want to continue with his progress at The Sports Direct Arena. That said, he would suit the FA as an English manager who is highly regarded at present, although his chequered history when under the media spotlight could be a concern given the scrutiny that previous England managers have been subjected to.
Rafa Benitez - 16/1
Although Benitez's last spell in management did not end well at Inter, the Spaniard enjoyed success in England guiding Liverpool to European glory for the fifth time in 2005. His impressive record at Valencia earlier in his career, including lifting two La Liga titles, could act in his favour as the FA search for a manager who will enhance England's chances at thier first European Championships in eight years this summer. The 51-year-old is yet to take on another role after leaving Inter in late 2010 and is available at 16/1.
Gareth Southgate - 20/1
When Steve McLaren left for an ill-fated spell in charge of the England national team, Gareth Southgate was given his one, and to this date, only, managerial role. Despite some initial success at Middlesbrough, the 41-year-old was given his marching orders after failing to keep his side in the Premier League and then not making enough of a successful start to life in England's second tier. Although Southgate was involved in the national squad as a player for many years, his relative
inexperience in top roles make him an unlikely outsider at this point.David Beckham - 50/1
With the London Olympics on the horizon, David Beckham could once again grace these shores representing his country, or at least Great Britain. His prospects of leading his country at this juncture though, seem bleak. As well as signing a new contract with LA Galaxy, Beckham has publicly dismissed a move into management when he calls time on his playing career. Although he may reverse his decision once he is no longer competing, the 50/1 on offer reflects the likelihood of him taking on a task which many more experienced individuals have failed to succeed in.
Back Mourinho for the England job at 10/1 with William Hill
Or go for the big outside bet with David Beckham at 50/1
Jim Knight is Betting Editor at Goal.com and has been tipping football games since he was old enough to place a bet. He is a Leicester City fan, writer and member of the We Are Going Up Podcast
Follow Jim Knight on
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