Image:Martin O'Neill: Backing Harry Redknapp to be the next England manager
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has added his voice to calls for Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello as England boss.
He's earned the right, says Sunderland boss
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has added his voice to calls for Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello as England boss.
Capello stepped down on Wednesday evening following discussions with the Football Association and Spurs boss Redknapp is a hot favourite to succed him.
The Italian was thought to be unhappy with his treatment by the FA, who did not consult him when they took the England captaincy away from John Terry.
O'Neill said he was "terribly disappointed" by the manner of Capello's departure but told ITV: "If there is anybody to succeed Fabio Capello it is Harry Redknapp.
"(Redknapp) has earned the right to do so and I think Harry Redknapp will be the next England manager and he deserves to be so."
But O'Neill, whose side beat Middlesbrough in an FA Cup fourth-round replay on Wednesday, also expressed disappointment that Capello felt unable to take England to Euro 2012 after securing qualification.
O'Neill added: "I just heard (about Capello's departure) before we took to the field and I'm terribly disappointed because he's earned the opportunity to go the whole distance.
"It's really disappointing it has come to that. All I am saying is that Fabio Capello is not only a fantastic manager but has earned the opportunity. If it's over the incident with John Terry it's very, very sad indeed."
