After the disappointment of England's performance on the pitch, the Football Association is now faced with as tough a challenge as the new manager in finding someone to replace Kevin Keegan. With high-profile names ruling themselves out of the running, the 'most important job in the country' appears to have become a 'poisoned chalice' (Daily Mail 9/10)
Although fans have already decided that Terry Venables is the man for the task, the FA remain concerned with the 'baggage' of his past business dealings. Arguments for the appointment of a foreigner appear to have split the press, with the tabloids seemingly throwing support behind 'El Tel' and the broadsheets taking a pro-European view. Whoever gets the job will have a difficult task in qualifying for the World Cup in 2002.
The press view was that the team should concentrate on 2006.
Keegan's shock resignation was generally portrayed as a 'coward's way out', although some saw it as an act of honesty. Whether the next coach gains the support of the tabloids remains to be seen.
Analysis and commentary by Echo Research.
Cuttings by Durrants. More information can be found at: www.echoResearch.com.
