• Geoff Hurst: 'Harry Redknapp was outstanding candidate'
• Owen Coyle: 'Roy has a proven track record'
Sir Geoff Hurst has admitted his surprise that "outstanding candidate" Harry Redknapp is unlikely to get the vacant England manager's job.
Redknapp was installed as favourite to succeed Fabio Capello when the Italian stood down from the post, but the Football Association has now made an approach to West Bromwich Albion to speak to their manager, Roy Hodgson, as it looks to appoint a successor ahead of Euro 2012. Hodgson is expected to be formally interviewed for the post on Monday.
"I thought Harry was probably the outstanding candidate at the time because he has had success with Tottenham at a higher level," said the 1966 World Cup -winner Hurst, "He's been involved in the Champions League and that's been good experience for him. Roy has managed in the Europa League and also at international level, which is also good experience, but what Harry has achieved at Spurs in the last three or four years as been quite remarkable, taking them from almost being relegated into the Champions League as the most attractive side in the country. He was the media favourite and the fans' favourite, so it was a bit of a surprise when the FA turned to Roy Hodgson.
"But Roy is a nice man, he has some good football qualifications and I wish him all the best in the job if he chooses to accept it."
Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager, has also given his views. He said: "There was the clamour for Harry, and we all understand why. But it didn't surprise me that they then tried to approach Roy. I am absolutely thrilled. If Roy decides to take the job, there is no doubt he ticks every box in terms of what England are looking for. He has a proven track record and international experience.
"Obviously people made a lot of Harry being the favourite, and I think you have two outstanding candidates there. If it is an English manager you are looking for, then those are the two you certainly would have been looking to choose between.
"Harry was always going to be a difficult one because of the compensation involved, but Roy is a terrific manager, someone I have a lot of time for and I have no doubts he can bring real success to the England national team." Read More
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