August 6 – The Football Association board have given formal approval for the appointment of a foreign manager to replace Gareth Southgate.
Chief executive Mark Bullingham reportedly sought the backing of his nine fellow board members to consider foreign candidates before initiating the recruitment process, according to the Guardian. The board endorsed Bullingham’s request without a formal vote, despite some dissenting opinions.
Bullingham’s decision to consult the FA board underscores a broad-minded approach in selecting Southgate’s successor as England men’s manager, emphasising the drive to secure the most suitable candidate regardless of nationality.
The verdict comes at a difficult time for the nation, who are currently witnessing ugly, race-driven riots from ‘pro-English’ groups.
The FA’s replacment will have big shoes to fill, with Southgate having reached back-to-back Euros finals during his stint as England boss before leaving his role last month.
Bullingham is appointing his first senior England men’s manager since taking the role during Southgate’s tenure.
Speaking before England’s run to the final of the European Championships last month Bullingham confirmed the FA was working to a succession plan.
“Any organisation has a succession plan in place for their top employees and we are no different to that,” Bullingham said. “
This succession plan normally includes everything from what you do for short-term cover through to a process you follow to candidates.”
During board deliberations, the triumph of Sarina Wiegman, who guided England’s women to the 2022 European Championship title, was highlighted as a compelling precedent for considering a foreign manager.
Since Southgate left, various foreign candidates have been rumoured including former FC Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel and ex-Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp, with the latter immediately turning down the role by calling it “the biggest loss of face in the history of football” if he was to accept.
Mauricio Pochettino has also been linked with the role, but, similar to Tuchel, the Argentine’s wage request could prove to be a stumbling block for the FA, which was paying Southgate about £5 million a year.
Last Friday evening was the deadline for applications for the role, which the FA opened up to the public. As things stand, Eddie Howe (despite saying he is not interested) and Graham Potter are the bookies’ favourites to replace Southgate.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734877576labto1734877576ofdlr1734877576owedi1734877576sni@g1734877576niwe.1734877576yrrah1734877576