The Soccer Blogger
Hi
As I’m sure you will have noticed, The Soccer Blog has been away for a few days. Well, just like Steve McClaren and his England players, I thought it might be nice to take a few days off over the Euro 2008 International break. Only difference is I think my break away was far more productive than McClaren’s and England’s. Albeit that McClaren walked away with anywhere between £1 - 2.5million (Pounds Sterling or approx. $2 - 5million US Dollars) depending on the reports you read. Mind you whatever it was, it was 100% too much. No wonder he didn’t resign and waited to get sacked and paid-off. Resign and you don’t get the pay-off, do you? Good work Steve!
Believe me, I could go on and on and on about McClaren, England, the FA et al, and it would be a lot of fun but so much has been said and written over the last few days I would just be repeating a lot of what is already out there. Let’s just say, the FA have to have a serious look at themselves and stop living in the past and admit they are just as much to blame in all this as anyone, if not more. yeah, right! As if that’s going to happen!
So, I think it’s probably best to put the England situation on the back burner until it looks like the new man is nearly in place. I mean, you can only laugh at it all so much, can’t you? And let’s face it, the whole situation is incredibly laughable!
And who will that new man be? Poor sod! Well, Martin O’Neill has quickly ruled himself out of the running. See, he is a clever bloke afterall! Personally I think England could be in for Sven Part II. In other words, another non-English manager. I for one have no problem with that! But then again I’m not English! But even if I were it wouldn’t matter to me. Let’s face it, the last English manager didn’t do too well did he. Not many have. At the end of the day, surely it doesn’t matter where the guy is from. If he gets results and perhaps wins something, who going to complain?
The present problems I think go all the way back to a decision the FA made in the mid 70’s when they were too scared to appoint probably the best English manager of them all. One Brian Clough. “It’s not your job young man……..!” The FA don’t like people with strong opinions and points of view. It seems to undermind them. They are very insecure if you ask me. The typical “old school tie” type. But if they are finally going to find the right man for the job and if they really do want England to finally do well on the international stage, perhaps even win a trophy, the FA have to grow up, admit to their mistakes and shortcomings, bite the bullet and do what is right.
Don’t hold you breath!
The Soccer Blogger
