FA would prefer Englishman
But Bernstein says next manager will 'not definitely be English'
Last Updated: February 9, 2012 1:17pm
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David Bernstein: Charged with the task of appointing a new England manager
Football Association chairman David Bernstein says there is no guarantee that the next England manager will be English, with it important for them to find the right man for the job.
He admits that the preference would be to turn to an Englishman, in the wake of Fabio Capello's resignation, but he has made it clear that all options will be considered.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is the firm favourite to take the reins, with it expected that the FA will look to appoint a home-grown coach.
Main points from press conference:
- Stuart Pearce to take charge of team for game versus Holland.
- Deal with replacement issue as quickly as possible.
- Very concerned about fall-out from Sunday's interview.
- Went into meeting with Capello with an open mind.
- Capello was not asked to resign.
- Refused to say whether Capello would have been sacked anyway.
- Important to get structure right.
- No point keeping someone who did not want to remain in the job.
- Devoting tomorrow to look at the issue of a short-list.
- Pearce accepted straightaway.
- New manager will not definitely be English but there is a preference for English or British person.
- Open-minded about prospect of a part-time role.
- Court decision to put John Terry case back to July was the catalyst.
- Current plans for Euro 2012 will remain in place.
- Expect experienced top man to pick up the reins quickly.
- New manager will make his own appointment on the captain.
- Capello expensive - but not a mistake.
- No-one would defend South Africa World Cup performance.
- Hopeful new manager will instil additional confidence at home.
- Looking for some high-class performances at Wembley.
- Code of conduct for players in place within a few months.
- Popular opinion will matter but FA will not be driven by it.
- Understand why Capello felt undermined.
Bernstein, though, claims no decision has been taken as yet regarding the next coach, with it important for the organisation to avoid rushing the selection process.
Asked if Capello's successor will definitely be English, he said: "No, he will not definitely be English. There clearly is a preference for an Englishman.
Interesting
"I have been asked this question consistently and the position hasn't changed. There is a preference for an English person, or a British person. But, at the end, we want the best person.
"We aren't prepared to rule out anything at this stage. Clearly, an English or British person would have a good start on the matter."
Pressed on whether Redknapp was among those in the running for the vacant post, Bernstein added: "I am not going to enter into discussions on individuals, but we will do it as sensibly as we can. It will be interesting to see who comes up, who comes to us and we will put a shortlist together.
"We are in very good shape in many ways, everything is in place and there is plenty of time for a new man to get in place and do what he needs to do, and I think we are in a much better place than what it might appear.
"I believe we will get the position put in place very soon."
Priority
Bernstein has also refused to rule out the prospect of the new manager being allowed to combine international commitments with club duties until the 2011/12 domestic season comes to a close.
He said: "I think we are open-minded.
"We haven't had much time to consider this. An awful lot has happened in a very short time. It was only eight days ago that the court decided to push the (John) Terry thing past the Euros, so there has been a lot happening in eight days.
"We aren't going to rush anything. There is no need to rush anything. We will give it proper consideration and it will have a high priority.
"We have cleared our diaries for tomorrow (Friday) to start working on it."
And the FA supremo also admitted that they will take into account supporter opinion as they ponder their next move.
He added: "We want to make an appointment that the public are positive about and that excites the fans, but we can't be driven by that.
"If you only have one candidate it would make it difficult and we want to do this professionally, but certainly we will included desire and wishes of fans."
