England Football: Harry Redknapp and the Poisoned Chalice

Ever since it was announced that Fabio Capello would be standing down as England manager after Euro 2012, Harry Redknapp has been considered the strong favourite to take over from the Italian.

Given the public clamour for the next England manager to actually be English, and despite the fact that Tottenham enjoyed a mixed season (at least in the Premier League), Redknapp is everyone’s favourite for the job.

However, does he want it, and does he deserve it?

He has openly admitted that he would find the offer of the role impossible to turn down, but that rather presumptuously indicates he will be offered it. Sadly for English football, there doesn’t appear to be another candidate to even rival him.

His remark that the role is a “poisoned chalice” is in itself not too remarkable, as the evidence is there for all to see in England’s recent results and the fortunes the deposed managers have enjoyed afterwards.

Can anyone actually name a former England manager still working in the game today whose reputation has recovered since relinquishing the post? The list of formerly-reputable names that no longer command the biggest managerial jobs is not short: Graham Taylor, Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Steve McClaren.

So, despite the admission and the evidence, it seems Redknapp does want the job. Fair enough. Following Tottenham’s charge into fourth place in the Premier League in the 2009-10 season, coupled with England’s woeful performance at that summer’s World Cup in South Africa, many observers wanted Redknapp to be inserted there and then. Since then however, Tottenham’s fortunes have dipped slightly.

Managing only fifth in last season’s Premier League, and never really challenging for any other honours, it could be said that Redknapp’s stock has fallen. That may be so, but is there any realistic alternative to his appointment? Are we, as England supporters, on a road destined for the inevitable?

Do you want Harry Redknapp to be the next England manager?

If not, who are the alternatives?