y va marquer wrote:

Poor guy, saw snippets of his interview on Sky Sports News - thought he handled it very calmly given some of the imbecilic questions been flung in his direction.

It does appear that the media has taken great offence that the FA dared to go over their heads and appoint Hodgson over Harry without so much as an apology or explanation.

In other words, they're pissed that something in football was actually kept a secret for once.

Don Pacifico wrote:

I don't think that's necessarily a dig to be honest James; think the hacks tend to quite like Hodgson.

As for the decision, well other than the obvious benefits this whole charade has provided, I think this has the potential to actually be quite an astute appointment. However, I do fear it could be Pool all over again: if he doesn't have the popular support as well as the dressing room support, it's going to be incredibly tough to win them over. Think people will people will be quick to criticise regardless of any context.

Really? I think they seem bitterly disappointed it's not their favourite man, 'Arry. Sly digs before the man's even in the office.

As for your second part, that's my main concern regarding the appointment. He's always done admirably when there's been little expectation, and players have been open as to how Hodgson approaches tactics, training etc. Managing this mob, however...

It is fairly impressive how well the FA kept that secret.
There was of course the insinuation that Hodgson was second choice because Harry would have been too expensive.
Roy was remarkably good natured but firm given the tone and bias of the interview, which is a good sign I guess.

Excellent appointment IMO

ZM had a typically balanced (maybe a little too balanced) take on it:

http://www.zonalmarking.net/2012/05/01/england-appoint-roy-hodgson/

In a nutshell, makes the point that with no stability, a squad of middle-tier talents, and fuck all time to prepare before the tournament, England have very little chance of progressing if they do not adopt a conservative approach and drill the basics. Hodgson will do that better than Redknapp.

In fairness you can examine all the statistics in the world but England will qualify from their group with ease and then lose in the quarters or the semis depending on who they play. And that would happen whether they had Roy, Harry or Ian Wright.

Don Pacifico wrote:

I don't think that's necessarily a dig to be honest James; think the hacks tend to quite like Hodgson.

Disagree, Mediawatch have dealt with the issue brilliantly. The hacks probably would have sided with him but since it's Redknapp who got the snub I think they're quite disgruntled.

General Mirth wrote:

Mediawatch have dealt with the issue brilliantly.

This is a genuine tip from The Sun to the new England manager: 'OK, you speak Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, French, Italian, German and Finnish. But just stick to English. No one likes a smart arse.'

Absolutely. Obviously what we like is a man who admits: "I am completely and utterly disorganised. I write like a two-year-old and I can't spell."

The hacks never take to a guy who knows their game but won't play it.
They prefer the I ain't all that clever act.

Klaus wrote:

This is a genuine tip from The Sun to the new England manager: 'OK, you speak Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, French, Italian, German and Finnish. But just stick to English. No one likes a smart arse.'

Absolutely. Obviously what we like is a man who admits: "I am completely and utterly disorganised. I write like a two-year-old and I can't spell."

Captain wrote:

It's because most of his years were spent abroad and he isn't a tub thumping twat.

Point proven.

Roy should keep it extremely simple, a la

---------------- Hart -----------------
Richards - Terry - Ferdinand - Cole
-------- Barry --- Carrick -----------
------------ Lampard (c) ------------
Walcott --- Rooney (Holt) --- Young

The popular choice up front would be Welbeck, but Holt is scoring more with inferior service.

I'm actually glad Wilshere doesn't have the pressure to lift this mob. Let him wait for his own generation to take over.

If he takes Terry to the Euros he is an utter idiot. And I like Roy! Took my hometown team Malmö to several league titles.

He's already said he's looking for reconciliation between Terry and Ferdinand.
With King injured and, he really only has Ferdinand, Terry, Lescott and Cahill to choose from. What would you do? Leave Terry and take Smalling?

It won't work, Terry's done enough damage as it is. Ferdinand and Lescott with Cahill as cover should be good enough.

And Gerrard ahead of Lampard.

why would you copyright lampard? He's not a player you'd want to clone!

--------------Hart
Richards-Ferdinand-Lescott-Cole
----------Carrick-Barry
Walcott-----Chambo-----Young
-------------Rooney

Aboundance of pace. Would be a last gasp attempt at winning it, though i doubt england will, cant be bothered to watch the likes of (so called good international players) over rated Terry Lampard and Gerrard freeze in the big stage yet again, would rather have performers. And i get the feeling chambo will come back with a massive reputation.

I feel sorry for him already, the first disappointing game and they'll be trumpeting
WOY'S WACKY WRECKS WOUTED IN WUINOUS WESULT!