Rio latest to back Redknapp

England defender insists new boss must be homegrown

By Rachel Griffiths - Follow me on Twitter @SkySportsRachG.   Last Updated: February 9, 2012 9:28am

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Rio Ferdinand: Has joined Rooney is backing Redknapp for the England role

Sky Bet

England defender Rio Ferdinand has joined team-mate Wayne Rooney in calling for Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello as manager.

Capello resigned from the England post on Wednesday evening, having made it clear he was unhappy after the Football Association stripped John Terry of the captaincy without his consent.

Speculation is rife over who will replace the Italian, with Spurs boss Redknapp a hot favourite for the role.

The FA have previously stated they would prefer an English manager as Capello's successor; a sentiment which has been echoed by several players and pundits.

Backing

Manchester United defender Ferdinand is the latest to add his voice to the calls for a homegrown boss, and has emulated England and United team-mate Rooney in backing Redknapp for the post.

He said on Twitter on Thursday morning: "I think we need an English manager now, we don't need anything else lost in translation....Harry Redknapp would be my choice by a distance."

Redknapp is among a host of English managers being linked with the role, with Alan Pardew, Roy Hodgson and Stuart Pearce also thought to be in the frame.

Other names who have been talked about in connection with the post include Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, Rafa Benitez and Arsene Wenger.