By Andrew Warshaw at Soccerex in Manchester
March 28 – Stuart Pearce, who is doubling up as Great Britain’s Olympic football coach as well as running the England senior team on an interim basis, says the tournament at this summer’s London Games will “galvanise the country” and showcase the sport at under-23 level.
Pearce is doing his best to stay positive despite constant opposition from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in terms of releasing players for fear of losing their international status.
He knows he is unlikely to be able to name any players who are also competing at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, and that he faces considerable opposition from top-flight managers uncomfortable about having their squads distracted in the build-up to the 2012-2013 season.
But speaking at the Soccerex conference here, Pearce refused to be drawn into all the negativity and believes the 2012 Games will be significantly enhanced by Team GB, the first time since 1972 that Britain is entering the Olympic football competition.
“I understand one or two of the federations are a little bit nervous about losing their sovereignty in terms of world football but I think FIFA has waylaid that,” said Pearce.
“The more meetings I’ve been to with the British Olympic Association, the more excited I’m getting.
“The most important thing I’ve found travelling around the country and picking out players who might be important to the team – not only English players – is the excitement about the Olympics.”
Pearce believes the Olympic tournament, allowing countries three over-aged players with the rest under-23, could be the making of the stars of tomorrow as well as presenting the game, often criticised for being full of egos and affluence, in the best possible light.
“If we have any level of success I think it could galvanise Great Britain. It really is one of the most exciting tournaments to take place at this age group,” he said.
“The feel-good factor about playing a tournament on your own soil – the only chance I had was Euro 96 – is off the Richter scale. For me, it was the best footballing experience of my career.”
“Don’t forget we are under the Olympic umbrella. We are showcasing our sport in the best possible light. Hopefully we can harness all of that.”
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