A NETTLE TO GRASP..
Just about three months ago, I recorded my reservations about the expected appointment of Harry Redknapp as the next England manager and I hoped that the Football Association would take their time, consider the alternatives and get it right rather than get it soon. Nothing to do with me, I`m sure, but now that Roy Hodgson has been appointed I cannot hide my agreement with the FA`s decision, for all kinds of reasons not least being Hodgson`s more than impressive cv and his dignified bearing which is at least preferable to the market trader image conjured up by Mr. Redknapp.
Another pleasing aspect is that Hodgson`s appointment in many way represents a triumph of modest decency over a baying, clamorous redtop press. `Arry, you see, is good press - hardly a day goes by without some tantalising snippet coming out of Redknapp land, whereas Hodgson may be too reserved, too `gentlemanly` to provide the tabloids with anything other than considered, measured responses to their incessant demands.
Already we`ve had the unseemly front page headline in yesterday`s Sun, which was more concerned with Hodgson`s ever so slight speech impediment than ever it was with his appointment. It`s almost as if they resent the fact that Redknapp has been overlooked and so they might have to work a little harder for their `stories.`
As for Roy Hodgson`s new role, his priorities are clear if a little daunting as he faces his first test, that of selecting the squad for the upcoming European Championships next month. I suggest he has a nettle to grasp if he is to bring about the cultural change in the England team that has clearly been needed for perhaps too long. He can make a statement of intent by omitting the likes of the toxic John Terry and filling his squad with players who want to be there, who are proud to wear the shirt and whose behaviour reflects well on their characters and personalities and restores some long lost respect to their profession and their country. Just like their new manager.
Already we`ve had the unseemly front page headline in yesterday`s Sun, which was more concerned with Hodgson`s ever so slight speech impediment than ever it was with his appointment. It`s almost as if they resent the fact that Redknapp has been overlooked and so they might have to work a little harder for their `stories.`
As for Roy Hodgson`s new role, his priorities are clear if a little daunting as he faces his first test, that of selecting the squad for the upcoming European Championships next month. I suggest he has a nettle to grasp if he is to bring about the cultural change in the England team that has clearly been needed for perhaps too long. He can make a statement of intent by omitting the likes of the toxic John Terry and filling his squad with players who want to be there, who are proud to wear the shirt and whose behaviour reflects well on their characters and personalities and restores some long lost respect to their profession and their country. Just like their new manager.
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