Despite a decidedly frosty reception in the press this morning, Roy Hodgson will be interviewed by the FA for the vacant England role and could be appointed within days.
Though he was considered the prime candidate for the position after Fabio Capello quit his post in February, a combination of poor league form and a £10 million figure to buy out his Spurs contract appeared to have scuppered the hopes of previous favourite Harry Redknapp.
“I can’t see it [the England job] coming up for me now,” said Redknapp, referring to what is perceived as the imminent appointment of Hodgson. This UK edition of this morning’s edition of The Sun led with the headline “Why Didn’t Harry Get It?”, claiming that 8/10 England fans believe Hodgson is the wrong choice.
Hodgson is to be interviewed today for the job after FA chairman David Bernstein approached his West Bromwich Albion side and was granted permission to discuss the role with the 64-year-old. With Hodgson’s contract expiring at the end of the season, he is free to move into the position imminently.
“Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set out soon after Fabio Capello’s departure,” Bernstein said of the former Fulham, Liverpool, Switzerland and Finland manager.
“Further conversations will now take place with Roy and my Club England colleagues before any further announcements can be made.”
