I’m sure very few English fans were shedding any tears when it was announced that Sven-Goran Eriksson is due to step down as manager of the national football team after this summer’s World Cup. Thereby ending a five year stint in one of the most stressful jobs in world football.
The Swede, who arrived with a big reputation and under even bigger expectations, has gradually got under the skin of many English football fans because of his constant appearances in tabloid newspapers. Stories abound regarding anything and everything in his private life and his alleged double dealing in his relationship with his employers.
Last month’s News of the World ‘‘fake sheikh’’ revelations were yet another embarrassment for the big wigs at the Football Association. It was one scandal too far for them. Underhand journalistic tactics may have delivered the scoop, but a key factor in the Swedes demise was the disloyalty shown by him to his employers and the fans. It wasn’t the first time either – remember the not so secret ‘‘secret dinner’’ with Chelsea’s Chief Executive Peter Kenyon?
Many commentators have already spoken of the need for an English born manager this time around. I agree wholeheartedly with this view – previous sides under the leadership of Terry Venables and Kevin Keegan always struck me as having a bit more fire in their bellies than the present players do under Eriksson.
Stuart Pearce is well ahead in the man-motivating stakes but in fairness a season and a half in the top flight with Manchester City hardly makes him ready to step into such a big job.
Bolton, Charlton and West Ham also have excellent English born managers who have brought their sides a long way on shoestring budgets. Out of those I feel Sam Allardyce is the best candidate, but I get the impression that he might be a little too outspoken for some of the suits at Soho Square.
From a purely patriotic point of view I sincerely hope that Martin O’Neill does not take up the job. I would prefer to see him managing an Irish international team. Indeed he is not even “English born” even if his high credentials originate in the English game and he has been resident there since his late teens.
However I think he has made it pretty clear he’s not interested in the job yet. Maybe he’s just lying in wait for the time when a certain Scot departs the touch-line at Old Trafford?
Whatever the final outcome. There are going to be an interesting few months ahead.
About the team
This story was written and edited by John Monaghan, 18. It was published by Reach for the Sky website.
