Harry, it's over to you - The Jewish Chronicle

Who in their right mind would take the England job? One has to ask. In fact, it's the question a handful of respected managers in the game will have asked themselves this morning. Indeed very few people took to Fabio Capello because he wasn't English and didn't speak the lingo. His record in qualifying campaigns spoke for itself but he failed to get the best out of the players when it really mattered, and left the nation disillusioned once more. So who next? Like many, I believe Hary Redknapp is the man for the job. Pretty much the only man for the job. It appears I'm in a dying breed of supporters that cares about the national team. There are not many strong candidates. In fact I can count the serious contenders on one hand. And how long do they get before the same people start sharpening their knives (and pencils)? So, back to Harry. The clear favourite, the obvious choice and pretty much the only choice. England must, MUST learn that short-term fixes don't work. They must plant a seed for the future to ensure continuity and long-term success. At 64, Redknapp has five maybe six more good years in him at the top level. People might say look at Fergie - still going strong in his 70's, but he's a one-off and Harry has had hearts problems so even though he says he prefers the daily involvement, the pace of international football could suit him better. Why Harry? The proof is in the pudding. It's not only Spurs fans that are waxing lyrical about the team's progress over the past couple of years, as well as their easy-on-the-eye style of play. He's taken them into the Champions League and currently has turned them into Premier League contenders in no time. He's the top man who has helped shape the careers of the likes of Lampard, (Joe) Cole and Ferdinand and he will bring back the pride in playing for the badge and getting the best out of the players. No-one knows the players better. The so-called 'golden generation' came and went empty-handed. Now isn't the time to make empty promises. It's time to knuckle down and start with a blank template. Again. In fact, many are saying this could be the best thing that happened to English football for a long, long time. Harry, it's over to you.