Which Manager? (Of the Team)
With only weeks to go before commence of play in the Euro Cup '16 Competition, pressure is growing on the Government to announce just who is going to be Team Manager of England. With rumours flying and the Cabinet due to meet any day, its time to break things down and look at the contenders likely to get the nod from David Cameron this summer.
David Platt's early career at Aston Villa FC will put him as a firm favourite to lead the England side, if only because of his experience of sport. However industry insiders point out that he has kept a low profile within the game since his retirement last year and many will be wondering if this will count against him when it comes to making the final selection. An easy way for Platt to remedy this would be to be seen more at different stadiums around England, particularly those hosting football matches for TV. That way both players and fans would be reminded of him. Having a strong presence within the world of football is not something that will be a problem for Martin Keown, a man who played for England in Euro 96 (which was televised around the world). With his white t-shirt and dark blue shorts, he is instantly recognisable to fans the world over. No, for Keown it will be about money. It's a dirty word in this game but like anyone else, Managers have families to feed and Keown is no exception. If the Government can get the Football Association (FA) to promise that they will pay Keown in return for his services, then I'm sure he would be interested in accepting the post.
Glen Hoddle's infamous stint as Manager of England is clearly a black mark in terms of him being Manager of England again. This is because he was not very good at doing it in the past and so the Government will have remembered this and factor it in when considering whether he will be good at doing it in the future. A weak contender and rank outsider, it would be a brave man who would place money on Hoddle leading England to victory. Peter Shilton, on the other hand, is probably the strongest contestant in the field. For many, his lack of goal scoring skills mean that he is immediately discounted as a possiblity, however, those of us old enough to remember Italia '90 will be very aware that in fact Peter Shilton was a goalie.
Full disclosure - this is all "informed speculation". No-one can say with any certainty who it will be running out of the tunnel at England's first match, flying the flag and pointing from the white lines at the edge of pitch. But let's just say this, if it isn't one of the young men mentioned above, I'll eat my football.
