England manager Fabio Capello resigns. Who’s next?

Fabio Capello has resigned as the England manager following discussions with the Football Association (FA) today. Friction between the two parties began following an interview Capello gave with Italian broadcaster RAI stating his discontent with their decision to remove John Terry from his role as captain of the England side.

The Italian resigns on claims that his authority as the man in charge has been undermined, but it leaves the national side without a head coach just four months before they take part in the European Championships this summer in Poland and Ukraine.

No sooner had the announcement been made, or well before if we’re honest, thoughts had moved to who will be the next boss of the England team.

On the day when Harry Redknapp was found not guilty on claims of tax evasion, the shouts for the Spurs boss to take over have got louder. He has great management experience and is doing a fantastic job at Tottenham.

The only thing which may detract him from the equation is if he is keen to stay with the day-to-day affairs of club management. With him doing so well at White Hart Lane, and looking to push for another season in the Champions League, does Harry really want to leave that and possibly leave a job unfinished?

Could he possibly do both? Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur, I’m sure, won’t want to lose their manager so could be possibly be a compromise to suit both parties? He is the overwhelming favourite to be the next permanent England manager with best odds of 1/2 (Paddy Power).

If the FA go down the route of employing an Englishman, then there are a few potential candidates. Stuart Pearce has been working with the England set-up for a number of years as well as the under-21s and could well please those who would like continuity. Pyscho is available at a best price of 9/1 (William Hill).

Other possibles are West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson, who has international experience with Switzerland, at 16/1 (888 Sport), Alan Pardew of Newcastle United, who has done remarkable things at St James’ Park, at 20/1 (Sportingbet) or Gareth Southgate, who is already involved in a role at the FA, and can be backed at 40/1 (Betfred).

Having already had two foreign managers in Capello, and previously Sven Goran-Eriksson, then the overseas candidates cannot be overlooked either.

The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho doesn’t seem too happy in Spain with Real Madrid. Would he be interested in international management? He’s available at 14/1 (SkyBet). Guus Hiddink has a vast experience of international management with a number of different countries, and he’s available having left his last role in November, and the Dutchman is the third favourite at 12/1 (Sportingbet).

And finally, after having a bit of a torrid time this season at Arsenal, Monsieur Wenger is priced at 33/1 (Sportingbet).

There will be no shortage of applicants, that is for sure. It will be interesting to see how the FA approach this situation now. Will they look for a permanent boss before the championships in the summer, or appoint an interim manager before looking for somebody on a permanent basis for the World Cup qualification campaign ahead of Brazil 2014.

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