Fabio Capello's appointment as England manager

[joew2005]

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Rooney England's brainiest player
December 9, 2011

Jack Wilshere welcomed the news tat Wayne Rooney's Euro 2012 ban had been reduced, claiming the ManU striker is the smartest player in the England squad.

Rooney will be available 4 England's final Euro 2012 group stage match against Ukraine aft successfully appealing the severity of his ban aft his red card 4 kicking out @ Montenegro's Miodrag Dzudovic in October.

The news was a welcome boost 4 England, who will hv the striker available 4 what could be a decisive match in Donetsk. Although Rooney has scored just 2 goals in the last 2 months, Wilshere believes Rooney remains "miles ahead" of his team-mates.

"Tat was a massive decision becos we need Wayne there," Wilshere told TalkSPORT. "4 me, he's our best player. There is not another England player on his wavelength. His brain is miles ahead of any England player.

"He proves it every week. You only hv 2 look @ him play 4 ManU - he is the best player on the pitch most weeks. He was on fire when he 1st came in2 the England team & now he is starting 2 do it again."

Rooney has been employed as a wideman or playing in central midfield 4 United & England, but Wilshere is adamant there is only 1 role Rooney shld play: "I'd play him @ centre 4ward becos he's proved he can score goals," he said.

Wilshere also backed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger 2 succeed Fabio Capello as England manager.

"If he was 2 be made England manager, I'd be delighted," Wilshere said. "People question him every year but I cannot remember the last time we didn't qualify fr the group stages of the Champions League.

"It wouldn't be bad if he got the job. He continues 2 prove he's the best. He & Alex Ferguson r the best in the Premier League. Ppl who question them r stupid."

[joew2005]

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German FA upset with Capello
December 30, 2011

The German Football Association has been left seething @ Fabio Capello's criticism over their recruitment policy.

Speaking in Dubai on Thursday, Capello said rules shld be brought in tat prevented clubs "stealing'' youngsters fr another country, which in turn tips the balance on the international stage.

Capello used the example of Germany, who took 11 players 2 the last World Cup who had dual eligibility, including star man Mesut Ozil & defender Serdar Tasci, both of Turkish origin. They helped Germany beat England 4-1 in Bloemfontein, a scar which has not healed with Capello & continues 2 fester heading 2wards Euro 2012.

Although the DFB r not interested in making a public statement on Capello's comments, it is known they r not happy & privately hv questioned the Italian 4 getting his facts wrong.

In the case of Ozil, a 3rd generation Turk, he was born in Germany & represented the country @ all youth age groups, in much the same way as ManU's Danny Welbeck - who has opted 4 a career with England despite being eligible 4 Ghana thru his parentage.

The DFB r not alone in drawing a parallel betw the 2 cases, even though Capello has insisted there was a difference & he consulted with Welbeck's parents b4 handing the 21-year-old his competitive debut in Montenegro, which ended any chance of him representing Ghana. And Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cannot see a problem with big countries selecting the best eligible players.

"You cannot reproach a country 4 using players who r not German or English 4 generations,'' he said.

At least there is a blood link 2 Turkey for Ozil & Ghana 4 Welbeck, unlike former Chelsea midfielder Deco, who was able 2 represent Portugal purely on residency grounds, aft leaving his native Brazil as a 20-year-old in 1993.

"It wasn't in my interests 2 see Deco play 4 the national team. Now Pepe is the same,'' said Chelsea manager AVB. "There must be an historical relationship, & family relationship, rather than just a player who has played in a country 4 some time 2 get Portuguese citizenship.''

The spat has overshadowed a general point abt major European clubs trawling the globe searching 4 players of promise, most of whom do not make it. Yet, according 2 ManC manager Roberto Mancini, if anything the matter has improved since he started out on his successful playing career 3 decades ago.

"What is a young player?'' he said. "I left home when I was 13 becos I wanted 2 play football. I had 2 leave my parents & family, & I was alone. It was not easy & it is not easy now 4 people in tat situation.

"However, now u hv the possibility 2 move 2 another city, or another country, & your parents, or some1 fr your family, can come with u. Tat is very important.''



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Capello calls for end to player 'theft'
December 30, 2011

England boss Fabio Capello has called upon football's governing bodies 2 bring an end 2 the "theft of talent" tat goes on betw national teams.

Capello used an international sports conference in Dubai 2 also question Germany's use of players with Turkish origin @ last year's World Cup. England's 4-1 defeat 2 the Germans in Bloemfontein remains a major stain on his otherwise impressive managerial CV.

The 3 Lions were completely undone by a squad tat contained 11 players who had an opportunity 2 represent another country, including star man Mesut Ozil, + Miroslav Klose & Lukas Podolski, who both scored in the rout.

Turkey, though, did not qualify 4 the finals in South Africa but defender Serdar Tasci also chose 2 play 4 Germany, whilst Hakan Yakin, Gokhan Inler & Eren Derdiyok represented Switzerland.

"A line needs 2 be drawn," Capello said. "Richer clubs r talent-scouting & stealing players by bidding higher & not thinking abt the consequences 4 those countries.

"These players r acquiring new passports. Germany had 5 of Turkish origin who opted 2 represent them & we all know wat happened.

"Problems need 2 be addressed. Decisions need 2 be made. Players can be bought, esp when they come fr poorer backgrounds, where their families need the financial resources.

"I do not accept tat, having trained as a player, a different team can pop by & steal the player fr me. UEFA should pass new rules allowing people 2 reap the seed tat's been sown instead of having talents leave when they receive a major offer.

"I've spoken 2 [UEFA president] Michel Platini & he's resolute. In future, clubs will be forbidden 2 steal players fr abroad @ a very young age."

Capello denied the accusation of double standards given he has capped ManU striker Danny Welbeck, much 2 the frustration of Ghana, who were hopeful of persuading the 21-year-old Mancunian 2 represent the country of his parents' origin.

"Ghanaian journalists hv asked me why I selected Danny Welbeck 2 play 4 England becos now he cannot represent Ghana," said Capello.

"But tis isn't true. He was already @ ManU. B4 the selection I called his father & asked if I could select the boy.

"The father took time b4 agreeing 2 the selection. It was a personal decision, I spoke 2 the family & they were fine with their son playing 4 England. He was born & brought up in England.

"The rest of the German national team players were born in Germany or hv never played 4 the national team of their origin. But with those other 5 players Turkey could hv performed much better."

Ozil, however, was born in Germany &, as with Welbeck and England, represented Germany, not Turkey, @ various youth levels.

[joew2005]

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Terry stripped of England captaincy
February 3, 2012

John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy jz 11 months aft being reinstated in2 the role.

Terry was contacted by FA chief David Berstein @ 10am on Friday morning & informed of the FA board's decision. There has been no indication abt his availability 4 selection 4 England duty.

The Chelsea captain is accused of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand but will not stand trial until July, aft tis summer's European Championship.

Although he was backed by coach Fabio Capello & the FA in the initial stages of the case, the news tat a trial will not take place 4 another 5 months seems 2 hv left the FA with no other option.

An FA statement said:" Following the decision 2 adjourn the court case against John Terry 2 July, The FA confirm he will not captain the England team until the allegations against him r resolved.

"The FA Board expected the trial 2 be concluded prior 2 the European Championship. Further 2 Wednesday's confirmation tat the trial will not take place until aft the tournament, the board has discussed the matter in detail & has collectively decided it is in the interests of all parties tat John has the responsibilities of captaincy removed @ tis time.

"Tis decision has been taken due 2 the higher profile nature of the England captaincy, on & off the pitch, & the additional demands & requirements expected of the captain leading in2 & during a tournament.

"The FA Board can confirm tat he has not been excluded fr the squad & tat Fabio Capello is free 2 select him 4 the Holland fixture on 29 February & the European Championship.

"FA Chairman David Bernstein has spoken 2 both John Terry & Fabio Capello 2 explain the facts 2 them. Fabio Capello has not been involved in The FA Board discussions which reached tis conclusion, but understands tat the FA board has authority 2 make this decision. Fabio Capello will take the decision as 2 who will be made captain moving 4ward.

"Tis decision in no way infers any suggestion of guilt in relation 2 the charge made against John Terry. The FA will be not be making any further comment on tis matter."

Bernstein contacted the 13 other members of the FA board 2 seek their views on the situation, with the consensus being tat 4 sporting reasons Terry is no longer in a position 2 captain his country.

The PFA reacted 2 the decision with a statement on Friday night, accepting the ruling & urging 4 focus 2 footballing matters.

"We hv seen the decision of the FA Board tis morning 2 remove the captaincy of the England team fr John Terry until aft the resolution of the allegations against him,'' said the statement.

"We respect the reasons why the FA has taken tis decision bearing in mind all of the factors involved. It is hoped tat tis serves 2 remove the pressure fr tis situation which should assist all parties involved in tis matter & avoids the issue of the captaincy becoming an increasing distraction as we head towards such an important tournament.

"It is hoped tat now the decision has been taken, the focus of attention can return 2 those preparations & 2 the football. Finally, we note the comment by the FA tat no inference as 2 the underlying allegations should be drawn fr tis decision 2 remove the captaincy.

"It is fair 2 all concerned tat these allegations should be left 2 be deal with in the normal court process & we hope tat tis is respected by every1.''

Terry's position as Chelsea captain remains unaffected, & his club manager Andre Villas-Boas made it clear on Friday he is unhappy with the way the FA handled with the Englan captaincy situation.

"I don't agree with it. The statement fr the FA was pretty clear on wat was their decision-making," Villas-Boas said. "John will continue 2 be our captain. It [the trial] doesn't compromise on my decision-making. It obviously compromises on the FA's decision-making."

Who next 4 the armband?

Terry, originally made captain in 2006, was stripped of the captaincy 2 years ago aft allegations of an affair with team-mate Wayne Bridge's girlfriend, but was reinstated 13 months later.

Steven Gerrard, if fit, seems certain 2 take the armband, while former 3 Lions captain Rio Ferdinand quickly took 2 Twitter to rule himself out of the running.

"I don't 1 2 be england captain aft the last episode,just 1 2 concentrate on playin 4 utd & if I make the squad then as ever I'll be delighted," Ferdinand said.

[joew2005]

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Capello 'disagrees' with FA on Terry
February 5, 2012

England manager Fabio Capello has reportedly blasted the FA's decision 2 strip John Terry of the captaincy ahead of Euro 2012.
Capello told Italian television he fundamentally disagreed with the removal of Terry as skipper, as the Chelsea defender awaits trial on a charge of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand when the teams met in the Premier League @ Loftus Road in October.

The 31-year-old pleaded not guilty 2 the charges @ a hearing last week & his trial was set 4 July 9, 8 days aft the end of Euro 2012, forcing the FA 2 act. But Capello, who earns a reputed £6 million a year as England coach, is not happy @ the turn of events.

"I completely disagree with the FA abt the John Terry decision & I hv told tat 2 the chairman (David Bernstein)," he is said 2 hv told Italian television station Rai 1.

"I told him tat I don't think some1 can be punished until it becomes official. I considered & still consider Terry as the England captain. I think we 1st shld wait 4 the trial conclusion.

"The court will decide. It's going 2 be civil justice, not sports justice, 2 decide if John Terry committed tat crime. And I thought it fair tat John Terry keeps the captain's armband."

Terry is currently injured & was in the stands 2 watch Chelsea draw 3-3 ManU @ Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The home support booed Rio Ferdinand - brother of Anton - during the match.

Terry was stripped of the captaincy on Friday, the FA releasing a statement tat read: "Following the decision 2 adjourn the court case against John Terry 2 July, The FA confirm he will not captain the England team until the allegations against him r resolved.

"The FA Board expected the trial 2 be concluded prior 2 the European Championship. Further 2 Wednesday's confirmation tat the trial will not take place until aft the tournament, the board has discussed the matter in detail & has collectively decided it is in the interests of all parties tat John has the responsibilities of captaincy removed @ tis time.

"Tis decision has been taken due 2 the higher profile nature of the England captaincy, on & off the pitch, & the additional demands & requirements expected of the captain leading in2 & during a tournament."

Terry is still free 2 be selected 2 play 4 England, which has raised questions abt harmony within the squad, especially if Rio Ferdinand is also picked.

Friday's move by the FA was the 2nd time Chelsea's captain has had the England armband taken fr him. In February 2010, Capello sacked him as captain aft allegations he had an extra-marital affair with Wayne Bridge's former girlfriend.

[joew2005]

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Hart plays down captaincy chances
February 6, 2012

ManC goalkeeper Joe Hart insists he is not thinking abt replacing John Terry as England captain, & believes there r more obvious choices 4 the role.

Terry was axed as England captain on Friday with the defender due 2 stand trial 4 racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. Terry has pleaded not guilty 2 the charges.

England manager Fabio Capello spoke out against the FA board's decision 2 intervene, claiming he "strongly disagreed" with the move 2 strip Terry of the armband.

Steven Gerrard is the fav 2 succeed Terry, & although Rio Ferdinand has ruled himself out, Scott Parker & Frank Lampard r both in the running.

But while Gerrard has struggled with injury problems & the midfielders r not guaranteed 2 start, Hart's status as England's No. 1 means he is an automatic choice. However, despite being flattered 2 be linked with the vacancy, he insists he is not thinking abt captaincy.

"I m flattered 2 be linked with it but any1 who's having a consistent run in the England side is being linked with it," Hart said. "There r alot stronger candidates than me. I don't hv a view on who shld be captain. As long as I'm playing I don't care.

"I hv got a really important season with games 4 ManC & hopefully a couple 4 England coming up. Tat is all I m concentrating on @ the moment."

[joew2005]

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No FA plan to sack Fabio Capello
February 6, 2012

Fabio Capello will not be sacked 4 having the courage 2 publicly reprimand the FA 4 stripping John Terry of the captaincy, according 2 ESPNsoccernet sources.

Club England, the FA sub-section tat looks aft the national team, is meeting tis week, & the matter is set 2 be high on its agenda.

Capello will also be back fr his break in Italy & will hv an opportunity 2 explain the circumstances of the interview. But it is hardly a sacking offence, & as 1 FA insider joked: "Everybody else disagrees with the FA, so why shouldn't the England manager?"

More seriously, ESPNsoccernet was told tat the FA has not, & will not, be asking the question abt Capello's position. Capello, in fact, has publicly stated nothing more than he had already told the FA when consulted on the issue of the England captain's position in the light of the racism allegations & the trial being deferred until aft the European Championships.

Capello made it clear 2 the FA tat he believes "everybody is innocent until proven guilty", & therefore Terry should not be stripped of the captaincy.

The 1st time the Chelsea captain was sacked as England captain, it was Capello who took the decision & he took it 2 relieve the pressure on his best centre-back, rather than punish him 4 the problems his pte life would cause in the dressing room. In any case, the FA hv no ready-made replacement, & thus cannot consider Capello's position on practical grounds.

Capello expressed his support 4 Terry becos his only motive is 2 put out the best possible team in the European Championships & has no interest in the politics of English football.

"Fabio told the FA tat he did not 1 John Terry stripped of the captaincy becos he 1s the best team & believes JT is the best leader on the pitch, tat he is the best captain," said a source close 2 Capello. "However, he understands tat it is 4 the FA 2 decide, but his feeling is quite straightforward - everybody is innocent until proven guilty, & if guilty then tat is a different matter & some1 can be punished."

Capello has never believed in the importance tat is placed in the England captaincy. He has remained unbowed by press pressure throughout his reign & with a maximum of 5 months more in the job is unlikely 2 change tat now.

"Fabio's selections r always based on 1 thing, & 1 thing only, 4 the good of the team," continued the source. "He 1s 2 win in the European Championships & 2 do tat he needs his best players, his best team."

Terry was reinstated as captain in March 2011, having lost it ahead of the 2010 WC, where Steven Gerrard led the team as a stand-in, 1s Rio Ferdinand had succumbed 2 injury ahead of the tournament. Terry's presence in the England camp was said 2 be disruptive but instead of choosing 2 not pick the Chelsea captain, Capello then reinstated him 1s Ferdinand's injuries began 2 lessen his availability.

"The problem @ the World Cup wasn't the fact tat Fabio selected Steven Gerrard as the captain, it was tat JT wasn't the captain, but tat is something tat Fabio will not worry abt," added the source. "He will solve the problem of JT not being captain."

In the meantime, Capello will not be quitting ahead of his last assignment as national coach of his adopted country.

[joew2005]

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Capello's roller-coaster ride lurches into another crisis

(Reuters) - Fabio Capello's roller-coaster ride as England football coach could come 2 a screeching halt tis week 4 his role in another controversy surrounding his now deposed team captain John Terry.

England's preparations 4 the World Cup in South Africa were overshadowed by a dispute surrounding Terry 2 years ago & their build-up 4 tis year's European Championship in Poland & Ukraine could be disrupted 2 an even greater degree if Capello loses his job.

The 65-year-old Italian, who has coached England 4 the last 4 years, is due 2 meet the FA Board later tis week & his comments 2 the Italian TV channel RAI will be top of the agenda.

Capello let it be known on Sunday tat he disagreed with the decision taken by the FA's board 2 strip Terry of the England captaincy while he awaits trial 4 alleged racial abuse of QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match last October.

The FA has not said Terry cannot play in the tournament if he is picked. His trial is set for July 9, 8 days aft it ends & he is pleading not guilty.

But rather than keeping his own counsel, Capello told RAI channel in a live interview fr London on Sunday tat he "absolutely" did not agree with the decision taken by FA chairman David Bernstein & his board.

Capello said tat Terry should not hv been dealt with by the FA now, reiterating his earlier stance tat the 31-year-old Chelsea skipper was, as far as he was concerned, innocent until proven guilty of the charge.

Capello, who is leaving the job aft the Euros in any case, has always appeared 2 hv a good working relationship with Bernstein, especially aft the FA continued 2 back him despite public & media calls 4 his departure following England's poor showing in South Africa.

They barely scraped out of their group, winning only 1 of 3 games, & were eliminated in the 2nd round by Germany following a 4-1 defeat, their worst ever loss in the finals.

Their fortunes hv improved since & they qualified 4 the European finals with ease, winning 5 & drawing 3 of their 8 qualifiers.

Capello said he had discussed the Terry situation with Bernstein b4 the FA made its decision, & when asked by RAI if it was right tat Terry lost the armband he replied: "Absolutely not.

"I talked 2 the chairman. I said tat in my opinion a person cannot be sanctioned until it is official. It will be 4 the court 2 decide, the law, not the sports court but the civil law.

"They will say whether John Terry has committed the offence of which he is accused. I maintain, & I maintained, its right tat John Terry was able 2 keep the armband.

"The fact tat the board decided on tis, is something tat is within their competence when dealing with ethics."

Capello's reported remarks typically caused a media storm in England & ignited the old dispute when Terry was 1st stripped of the captaincy following an alleged relationship with the ex-girlfriend of his former Chelsea team mate Wayne Bridge.

Rio Ferdinand, Anton's older brother & Terry's long-time partner in the centre of England's defence, took over as captain, but was then replaced by Steven Gerrard aft being injured just b4 the World Cup began.

Commentators r now saying Terry shld never hv been re-instated as captain by Capello last year & whoever is now named as captain will know he is only 2nd choice.

As if tat was not enough 2 worry abt, David Davies, a former executive director of the FA, told the BBC on Monday tat Capello could hv breached his employment terms by showing disloyalty 2 the FA.

"It is being taken very seriously by the FA becos it may be tat Fabio Capello has breached his contract. You hv 2 ask wat his motive is," Davies said.

"You hv 2 suspect he 1s 2 prevent John Terry retiring as a player b4 Euro 2012, but there r wider issues. You could hv wat some of the media r calling a morality circus while England r trying 2 win the 2nd major tournament in football."

All this is strikingly familiar 2 wat occurred in 2010 when Capello decided 2 strip Terry of the captaincy becos he could not be a role model, leader & ambassador 4 England & the FA following the extra-marital allegations.

1 former England captain, Alan Shearer, said he thought the FA had actually done Capello a favour by making the decision 4 him.

"I think the FA hv been strong & decisive," Shearer told the BBC.

"They were never going 2 please everybody. I hv been lucky enough 2 be the England captain leading up 2 a major tournament & I know the demands of an England captain.

"It will be very very difficult 4 John 2 continue with his duties as captain, 2 help with the FA, on their commercial side, with the campaigns tat they hv. They hv made the right decision.

"I think it might actually help Fabio Capello becos of his relationship with John Terry. The decision has been taken away fr him. If he stays in the squad, it could hv caused a problem betw him & the manager, so I think it has helped Capello."

The FA has refused 2 comment further on the matter but every1 else will be in the days ahead.

[joew2005]

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Capello quits England
February 8, 2012

The FA has announced Fabio Capello has resigned as England manager, and it has been accepted with immediate effect.

Capello had criticised the FA on Italian television following the decision 2 strip John Terry of the captaincy ahead of a court case in July. On Wednesday, a meeting with the board was held & Capello - who oversaw 28 wins, 8 draws & 6 defeats during his time in charge - tendered his resignation.

An FA statement read: "The FA can confirm tat Fabio Capello has 2day resigned as England manager. Tis follows a meeting involving FA chairman David Bernstein, FA general secretary Alex Horne & Fabio Capello @ Wembley Stadium.

"The discussions focused on the FA board's decision 2 remove the England team captaincy fr John Terry, & Fabio Capello's response thru an Italian broadcast interview.

"In a meeting 4 over an hour, Fabio's resignation was accepted & he will leave the post of England manager with immediate effect."

Capello has come in 4 heavy criticism in the English press, with several newspapers calling 4 his resignation in light of his reaction 2 the Terry affair, but Bernstein said he was satisfied with the manager's behaviour.

"I would like 2 stress tat during 2day's meeting & throughout his time as England manager, Fabio has conducted himself in an extremely professional manner," Bernstein said. "We hv accepted Fabio's resignation, agreeing tis is the right decision. We would like 2 thank Fabio 4 his work with the England team & wish him every success in the future."

A press conference will take place on Thursday @ midday local time.

Prior 2 the announcement, ESPNsoccernet had been informed tat the FA had lined up Harry Redknapp as Capello's successor.

With Capello's contract having been due 2 expire @ the end of Euro 2012, Tottenham boss Redknapp had long been tipped 2 take on the role, but his tax evasion case had raised doubts. The FA had been closely monitoring developments in the case &, following Wednesday's not guilty verdict, the path was made clear 2 offer the 64-year-old the job.

It remains 2 be seen whether Spurs would allow Redknapp 2 take on the role part-time until the end of the season, but former national team manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes he is the perfect man for the job.

Eriksson told BBC Sport: "I think Redknapp will be a very, very good choice. He's English; he knows his football. He is doing a great job with Tottenham & has done a great job with every team he's had in the past, so I guess it will be him.

"You need 2 be an experienced manager used 2 dealing with the big names & some knowledge abt international football would help. I think Harry has all these things."

Scotland boss Craig Levein feels it may not be feasible 4 Redknapp 2 take on the national job in addition 2 his club duties.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I think it's extremely difficult. I believe England hv got a great opportunity in the summer going 2 the Euro finals.

"It might be very difficult 4 a manager 2 stay @ his club & devote the time that's needed 2 do the England manager's job. I don't know wat the FA will decide is best way forward."

Guus Hiddink is reported 2 hv expressed an interest in taking the job.

[HokkienPeng]

Now that Capello is gone I guess that England will hire a crook as its boss aka Harry ( I did not evade taxes) Rednaap.

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Capello exit makes waves in Italy
February 9, 2012

The Italian press hv been left stunned by Fabio Capello's resignation as England manager but r already focusing on his next destination.

Capello was 2 leave the England job aft 5 years in charge following tis summer's European Championship, but the recent dispute with the FA over their decision 2 strip John Terry of the captaincy led 2 the Italian's surprise exit on Wednesday night.

"Capello shock resignation," ran Gazzetta dello Sport's headline, which added: "The Italian tactician has felt betrayed by the federation. He was the coach since 2007 & leaves England 4 months b4 Euro 2012."

Gazzetta says the veteran coach will hv no problem finding a new job.

Capello, who has enjoyed successful spells @ Juventus, Roma & AC Milan, has been linked with Inter Milan since last summer. Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala r also reportedly keen 2 acquire his services.

"Beware of (Inter Milan president Massimo) Moratti & Anzhi," Gazzetta warned. "There is also the possibility of (Juve president Andrea) Agnelli (offering the manager's role)."

National newspaper Il Messaggero & Rome-based Corriere dello Sport write tat Capello's departure was due 2 the controversy abt Terry, who awaits trial 4 allegedly racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Il Messaggero's headline was: "Capello resigns fr the England federation; Dispute with the federation regarding Terry racism."

The headline in Corriere dello Sport read: "Capello resigns. The relationship is interrupted due 2 the Terry case. Rumours link him 2 Inter & Anzhi."

Tuttosport, based in Turin, suggested ManU as a possible destination 4 the 65-year-old. "Capello shock, goodbye England," ran its headline, which added "Inter & Man(U) on him."

National newspaper La Repubblica welcomed Capello's availability. Its front page read: "Capello available on the market: Goodbye England."



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No backwards glances fr Capello
February 9, 2012

As an Italian reaching 4 the rubber dinghy of escape, Fabio Capello is not quite Captain Francesco Schettino. Capello leaves a ship tat is listing but by no means sunk. With a place @ Euro 2012 secured, world champions Spain defeated & then Sweden vanquished 4 the 1st time since 1969, Capello can rightly claim a recent modicum of success. And overall, his achievements far outstrip tat of predecessor & faux-Dutchman Steve McClaren.

But Capello is unlikely 2 care. Unlike Captain Schettino, tis is no longer his problem. And he has probably been past caring 4 a while. He may miss the antique shops of London where he is said 2 hv spent plenty of time, but he will barely cast a backwards glance @ the rest. The final John Terry affair, @ least of Capello's time here, saw the FA clamber across his autocratic modus operandi & make a key decision against his wishes. They provided him with an exit clause.

Resigning on a point of principle will allow Capello, never less than self-possessed, a sense of vindication. A carrion press pack - who turned against him amid the stultifying boredom of Rustenberg as Terry, in particular, briefed against Capello - will be dismissed with the usual grunt of derision when a difficult decision was proferred.

The Sunday afternoon interview with RAI TV revealed an unfamiliar Capello 2 those who hv been in his presence during his England tenure. Animated, & offering an opinion, it was not just a language barrier tat was the difference. A glimpse of passion provided @ last, but perhaps it was only supplied when an exit was spotted.

Capello's disinterest in football journalists stretches 2 the beginning of his career in the game. Aft an initial and brief charm offensive, his only contact with press came during regulation conferences where broken English & the presence of a translator made matters disjointed @ best. Such a state of affairs suited Capello's pte nature, but it served only 2 antagonise those 4 whom quotes & reaction is bread & butter. Outside of matches, Franco Baldini, whose relocation 2 Rome last summer further isolated his close friend, was the point of contact, & supplier of stories. Nobody, but nobody, got Capello on the end of a telephone line.

Baldini, trusted implicitly since the pair began 2 work 2gether @ Roma in 1999, was the mouthpiece, able 2 speak 4 Capello & offer his opinions as Don Fabio's own. Pierfilippo Capello, the son whose wedding his father missed 2 oversee victory against Spain, acted as lawyer & agent. 2gether, the pair provided ballast against Capello having 2 get 2 close 2 any journalist.

What now? Rumours of Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League persist. There, Capello may be able 2 enjoy a similar working life 2 Samuel Eto'o, who is allowed 2 live in either Milan or Barcelona b4 training in Moscow, only ever pitching up in Dagestan 2 play. Such an existence would suit Capello, who may perhaps mistakenly hv seen the England job as a lucrative semi-retirement. Having mined the art galleries of London, Moscow can now offer similar delights.

Closer 2 his own home, Claudio Ranieri may be shifting uncomfortably as Inter Milan flounder far short of stated targets. Italian football regulation does not allow clubs 2 poach coaches fr each other but a Capello without current portfolio is a danger 2 any embattled boss. Inter would complete the set 4 Capello of major Italian clubs, & Massimo Moratti will be mindful tat the former Milan, Roma & Juventus coach has won a league title @ every club he has ever managed.

If Capello has a main regret, it is tat England delivered a blot 2 tat previously unblemished record. Throughout his career, success was often supplied without popularity, 4 which Capello has never offered apologies. England saw him caught out on tat score. He failed 2 recognise - or, more properly, even care - tat the England job is a populist, political role. The rehiring of Terry as captain was folly in light of wat had happened in South Africa, & a new collision course was set fr the moment words were exchanged with Anton Ferdinand @ Loftus Road.

FA chairman David Bernstein has shown a strong hand. Having taken on FIFA in a sacrificial stand last summer, he has impressed with the type of decisiveness tat Capello was 1s known 4. Last Friday's Terry decision was the correct 1, & the allowing of Capello 2 walk was similarly brave, when previous regimes were all 2 weak in the face of demands fr highly renumerated staff.

Tis summer, Bernstein & likely Harry Redknapp will preside over the England camp in Krakow, the historic centre of culture chosen by Capello himself as a base when despite the trip 2 Donetsk providing a similar distance 2 a flight back 2 London. Such logistical problems will be theirs now. Capello has departed as a stranger, just as he arrived.

[joew2005]

http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/news/socc...pore-fans.html

Good riddance to Capello: Singapore fans

England fans in Singapore says it’s a “farce” tat 3 Lions boss Fabio Capello has quit, but @ the same time think it’s a blessing he’s stepped down.

Capello quit as England manager on Thursday morning aft clashing with the FA over the removal of Chelsea defender John Terry as England team captain. Terry was removed as skipper 4 the 2nd time over allegations of racism against QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. 2 years ago, Terry was also stripped of the armband over allegations he had an affair with former England team-mate Wayne Bridge’s ex girlfriend.

Singaporean fan Dominic Neo, a 2nd-year English Literature & Mass Communications student @ NTU, finds the whole England situation a mess & is not putting his money on the 3 Lions in the Euro 2012 regardless who the new manager is – although Harry Redknapp is his choice.

He said: “It's quite a farce really, given the ill timing – 4 months b4 the Euros -- & tat his resignation seems 2 hv stemmed fr the FA's intervention of the England captainship issue”.

On who was the next best manager 2 take over the England hotseat, Neo said, “Redknapp is the obvious, inevitable choice 2 take over given his impressive tenure @ Spurs, the public's clear desire 4 an English manager & his willingness 2 take on the job.”

He also said the sudden change in managers just months b4 Euro 2012 is not a serious setback 4 The 3 Lions.

“I don't reckon Capello's sacking will affect England becos they never looked like getting past the quarters or semis given the presence of established, quality teams like Spain, Germany, Holland & a resurgent France,” he said.

Maxine Kwan, PR consultant, a ManU fan who supports England @ international tournaments, said it was good riddance 2 Capello.

“Capello is an idiot 2 stick up 4 Terry. I never liked him as a captain or Rio Ferdinand 4 tat matter. Steven Gerrard is better,” she said.

“The fact tat Capello has failed 2 make England a force 2 be reckoned with is a reason why he isn’t the man 4 the job.”

Dave Law, a business development manager, believes England r in need of a true motivator & Redknapp fits the bill perfectly.

“Redknapp is the man 4 the job. England don't need tactics, England don't need a schemer 2 manage. All they need is a manager 2 motivate them & give their all & play the way it should be,” he said.

“There's ability & heart aplenty in the squad. But Capello, I feel, has failed 2 mine it as the manager. Capello is a misfit. His selections & tactics r questionable even 2 the laymen & Terry Incident is just an excuse 4 a breakup. In fact, I feel England chance is better without him @ the helm. England need an Englishmen 2 lead. Not an Italian.”

While Redknapp appears 2 be the obvious choice 4 most fans, some had other suggestions.

Die-hard 3 Lions & Arsenal fan Patricia Yee, who lived in England 4 a few years, reckons Jose Mourinho is the man 2 do the Special job @ England.

She said: “It’s Mourinho 4 me. The Special 1 is definitely the 1 2 bring success 2 England & his track record is deniable.

“As 4 England’s chances in the Euro 2012, it really depends who they appoint as new manager. But England hv always underperformed in major competitions such as the World Cup & Euros so I’m keeping my expectations low.”

Jimmy Lim, account manager, is backing Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill 4 the job & believes he has wat it takes 2 turn England’s fortunes around.

He explained: “O’Neill has proven track records in Leicester City, Celtic, Aston Villa & now Sunderland. And he is responsible 4 spotting players such as Emile Heskey & Ashley Young. Moreover, he was able 2 transform Villa fr a bottom-half side 2 a top 7-8 team & is looking 2 do the same with the Black Cats now.

“Teams don’t transform in an instant without good managers who r able 2 bring out the best in the players. Another manager who can do tat is Redknapp, who has turned Tottenham in2 a title contender over just a few years. So both O’Neill & Redknapp r my preferred choice 4 the England job.”

So who would be your top choice to take over England?

[HokkienPeng]

I really don't understand the hype of a manager that won what? One cup in his entire career? Capello have won so much more in Italy and Spain. And he even made a unbeaten qualifying for euro. The Fa really screwed up this time and won't be the last.

If Harry comes in, I'm sure I bet against them in euro.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...claims?cc=4716

Bernstein talks up Redknapp
February 11, 2012

FA chairman David Bernstein has made it clear tat Harry Redknapp has caught his eye as having all the credentials 2 become the new England manager.

And Bernstein has also insisted tat the FA does not fear having 2 pay a sizeable fee, & a salary 2 go with it, 2 get the man they 1 2 replace Fabio Capello. It will not "penny pinch" 2 get its man.

Bernstein said: "We live in the real world & understand the hype. The guy (Redknapp) has done amazingly. Really we think he is a fine manager & he's English.

"I m not concerned abt the hype. Tis job is still so attractive 2 many ppl tat we will get interest fr serious parties despite tis particular hype. I'm not bothered abt it, it's a fact of life.

"I think it's a magnificent job, I really do. Clearly it's incredibly challenging. There hv been problems in the past, maybe there will be some in the future but I think it's a wonderful job.

"The fact tat we haven't had huge success as an international side in the past years is the opportunity. He hasn't got 2 win the World Cup 2 be regarded as successful, maybe getting us 2 a semi-final or something like tat.

"Everything is in place with St George's Park (the national football centre) opening later tis year maybe it's easier & there r more positives 4 some1 2 go forward than in the past.

"Age 4 the new man isn't an issue. I'm 68 so I don't think 4 the right ppl age shld be a barrier. The right ppl will hv the energy & it's the energy tat is important.

"You can hv someone who is pretty old @ 40 & some1 who is very young @ 60 odd. It's not abt 50 or 60 matches in a year so in a way u could say it's more suited 2 an older person than club management where the demands r absolutely incessant.

"Since I hv been here I hv been absolutely consistent tat yes, there may well be a preference 4 an English or British manager but we will not confine our search 2 tat. We 1 the right person but clearly there is a national preference.

"A quick decision isn't necessarily a good decision so let's use the time sensibly. We don't 1 2 leave it 2 May though, that's 4 sure.

"We won't be penny pinching on tis, whatever our views on past salaries might be. We will pay wat we need 2 pay. We will hv 2 assess the position with any candidates."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...anager?cc=4716

Redknapp: Delay naming England boss
February 18, 2012

Harry Redknapp claims the FA would be wrong 2 approach him, or any1 else in a job, 2 take over as England manager b4 the last game of the current season.

Redknapp is the clear favourite 2 replace Fabio Capello aft the Italian stepped down fr his position as England manager last week. The Spurs boss has not hidden the fact tat he would be happy 2 take on the national team role, but he is also desperate 2 see out the rest of the season @ Tottenham in the hope tat he can deliver the club their 1st league title in 51 years.

Redknapp has been peppered with questions abt the England job since Capello resigned last week, but 2day was the 1st time where he appealed 4 the FA 2 wait until May b4 making their appointment.

The Premier League season ends on May 13, & Euro 2012 starts on June 8.

"It would be easier 4 everybody (if the FA waited until the end of the season)," Redknapp said. "Whoever they go 4, they will probably be in a job anyway so it's going 2 be difficult 4 them 2 walk out of their clubs @ tis stage of the year. It wouldn't be fair, whatever happened or whoever was asked."

Redknapp has climbed 2 the top of the queue 4 the position thanks 2 his management of Tottenham. The 64-year-old took over 3 years ago when Tottenham were bottom of the Premier League, but they r now in a position 2 challenge 4 their 1st top-flight title since 1961.

Redknapp's men trail league leaders ManC by 7 points & the former Portsmouth boss would be loathe 2 leave the club now when he believes they r on the verge of something special.

"I couldn't do anything or go anywhere now," he said. "Tis is where I m. I hv 2 concentrate on Tottenham. If I didn't it wouldn't be right 4 the club.

"We hv had a great season, I wouldn't 1 the players 2 start thinking, 'Wat is he doing, is he going, is he staying?'.

"I m here & I hv 2 be until the end of the season, whatever happens. I owe it 2 Tottenham 2 keep concentrating on the end of the season, becos there is so much 2 play 4."

Redknapp has been in Dubai tis week, & while in the Emirate Redknapp gave an interview 2 Abu Dhabi Sports in which he appeared 2 admit he would be willing 2 lead England during the European Championship while remaining in charge of Spurs.

He has now backtracked on tat statement, citing SAF's bad experience of managing Scotland on a part-time basis @ the 1986 World Cup following the death of Jock Stein.

"If SA struggled, it has got 2 be tough, hasn't it?" Redknapp said. "Mind u, it was Scotland, so it is different!

"But if somebody takes it 2 the end of the Euros & it does not go well, where do u go then? Back 2 your club with your tail betw your legs, I suppose. It's a job tat somebody has got 2 go in & do full time."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...nd-job?cc=4716

FA draws up list of targets
March 6, 2012

The FA's search 4 a new England manager won't be hindered by competition fr managerless Chelsea, insists FA chairman David Bernstein who also revealed a shortlist has been drawn up.

Chelsea r in the hunt 4 a new manager following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas on Sunday, & with the likes of Harry Redknapp, Jose Mourinho & Pep Guardiola linked with both vacancies, many believe billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich could tempt potential candidates away fr the national role.

Harry Redknapp is the overwhelming favourite 4 the England job, but despite the Spurs boss linked with the Stamford Bridge hot-seat, Bernstein insists the England job is unique, & consequently will not face direct competition fr clubs - even if top Premier League sides could offer a more tempting salary.

"Tis position is so unique tat the right person would 1 2 do it on a sensible basis & 4 the right reasons," Bernstein said. "It is a very fluid situation, I m not sure if (other clubs searching 4 managers) helps or hinders. It depends on how the cards fall."

Bernstein revealed the FA had written up a shortlist of potential candidates, & while he refused 2 rush into a decision, he insisted they were keen 2 appoint a new manager as a matter of urgency.

"We r treating tis with the greatest urgency & under no circumstances should our taking time over tis be taken as anything other than dealing with it professionally & urgently," Bernstein said. "We don't believe rushing tis process is going 2 be good 4 arriving @ the right conclusion.

"We hv now arrived @ a number of target names, I would call it a flexible target list becos it's not absolutely fixed in stone & we will react 2 events depending how events unfold. We would intend 2 deal with tis @ the back end of the season but it could be earlier, if certain things fell into place & the key appointment came, it could be earlier.

"We r also doing tis treating clubs & managers with the greatest of respect, we don't 1 2 disrupt the season of the clubs. Most of the people we r looking @ r in positions & whatever we do we ought 2 try & do it in a way which enables clubs 2 finish their season with the minimum of disruption.

"Our next step is 2 narrow tat target list down 2 a very small number of key people who of course we believe actually 1 the position. There may be other people who don't actually 1 tis position."