Chelsea’s search for new manager will not obstruct England moves to replace Fabio Capello, FA says
The Football Association is confident that Chelsea’s search for a new manager will not derail its process for recruiting Fabio Capello’s successor, and that the appeal of the England post will ensure a candidate of “the highest quality”.
Harry Redknapp remains the overwhelming favourite for the England post, but the sudden vacancy at Stamford Bridge following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas is a potential complicating factor.
The FA will finalise its shortlist for the England manager’s post within a month, and insists that the process is a genuine attempt to widen the field, rather than a tactic to strengthen its hand in negotiations.
David Bernstein, the FA chairman, said the position at Chelsea made the manager’s market “fluid”, but insisted the England job would appeal to candidates of the highest quality.
“This position is so unique that the right person would want to do it on a sensible basis and for the right reasons,” Bernstein said. “It is a very fluid situation so I am not sure if [other clubs searching for managers] helps or hinders. It depends how the cards fall.”
Bernstein said he has compiled a “flexible long list” of candidates and was working towards recommending a single name to the FA board by early May if possible.