Its been a couple of weeks since the FA were forced to relieve former West Ham and Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce from his duties of the England Manager Job. The 67 year old has his contract terminated after hidden camera footage exposed an interview he was trying to land an illegal £400,000 deal. Big Sam left his role as England manager (with a 100% win rate) and the FA must now look for a new man to guide the team into the World Cup 2018, which will be hosted inRussia.
Gareth Southgate
First up is current interim manager, Gareth Southgate. The former Middlesbrough Centre half has had a taste in club management and as well as international.
He was appointed ‘Boro boss in 2006 when then manager Steve McLaren left to join the England set up. Southgate guided Middlesbrough to 12th in his first season - attaining some impressive wins along the way, with the famous 8-1 victory over Manchester City to name but one. Despite relegation the following season and a positive start to life in the championship he was relieved of his duties as Middlesbrough manager. He then turned to England under 21 set up were he has been a fundamental figure in the three lions youth development set up. He went on to win the U21 Championship in 2015. Southgate has got both playing and managerial experience at club and international level – could he make the jump from Under 21 and bring glory to the first team?
Arsene Wenger
Up next is the Premier Leagues longest serving manager and one of the competitions most efficacious managers – Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. Wenger is a household name in any footballing fan around the world. He took over a mid table team and turned into three time title winning side. Unforgettably he was at the reigns of the invincible season in 2004/04.
When arsenal went a full season undefeated, a feat no other team has neared. Despite not having any international managerial experience, the Frenchman does know a thing or two about success. Another string to the Frenchman’s bow is his use of introducing young talent into his squad with the likes of; Cesc Fabregas. Hector Bellerin, Ashley Cole, and Tony Adams to name but a few of the key stars to have worked out of the arsenal youth set up and into the Premier League and international stardom.
Despite not an Englishmen that many three lions fans would hope for – but his credentials don’t lie. He could be the catalyst England need.
Eddie Howe
The youngest manager in the premier league and a popular name amongst England fans to take over Big Sam is Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe. The 38-year-old gaffer has become a revelation at the cherries guiding them from league two to the premier league in just four years. Despite a brief stint at Burnley – Howe has been ever present at Bournemouth throughout their rise in the English Football divisions. Howe was selected as the Manager of the Decade at the football league awards in 2015. One of the many traits that make Howe one of the best managers in the league is his man management skill.
A list of players who have said that the gaffer is “ a workaholic” and “The best manager I’ve worked with” is ever growing. West Brom boss Tony Pulis described Howe as a “footballing nut – a man destined for management.” Halfway through Howe’s career he had a terrible knee injury, which led him to focus on matters off the pitch rather than on it – prolonging his involvement in the game. Howe was able to secure their premier league status last season and look to strengthen their position in the league on the basis of a lot of English talent with the likes of Jack Wilshire, Charlie Daniels, Benik Afobe, Callum Wilson featuring week in week out at Dean Court. The Only problem that many fans worry about Howe is – is he to young to take the reigns of the National job. But you know what they say, if you’re good enough you’re old enough
