It’s that time again. England are looking for a new manager so cue the usual hysteria about who should be leading the national team. Collectively, it seems like we want an experienced, respected, English coach who is known to motivate players and has a proven track record for success. As ever, at first glance there doesn’t appear to be anyone who meets all these criteria (the only piece of silverware that Harry Redknapp has won is one FA Cup). However, the one manager who most closely fits the bill has barely been mentioned – Hope Powell!
I’m aware that some of you won’t know who I’m talking about here. Hope Powell has been the manager of the England Women’s team since 1998 and will also be coaching Team GB’s Women’s Football Team at London 2012. You might now think that I’m just joking around when I suggest that Powell should also be considered for the vacant post. Initially this might have been the case but given her experience and track record, I’m convinced that she has an equal right to be talked about in relation to the job as managers like Redknapp, Hiddink, Pearce and Mourinho. Here are a few reasons why:
Englishness: Absurdly, the media and football following public have decided that the next England manager has to be English. Redknapp’s passion for England has won him many supporters but Hope Powell’s record is equally noteworthy. Capped 66 times by England (with 35 goals), vice-captain for country, and England manager for nearly 15 years. Surely this underlines her commitment to her country?
Reputation and respect: Again, the football world wants a figure in charge that is widely respected within the game and therefore can command the authority of players and staff. Hope Powell’s credentials speak for themselves. OBE, CBE, inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame, and the first woman to be awarded the UEFA Pro Licence (which is more than many other English managers hold). Clearly this is manager that is hugely respected within the wider footballing community.
Pre-existing FA relationship: Stuart Pearce has been linked with the job primarily as he’s already in the FA coaching set up and would therefore be a steady appointment from within. But, note that Hope Powell’s been in the FA set up for far longer…
International experience: Advocates of Guus Hiddink and Roy Hodgson point to their prior experience of managing international football. Yet Powell also has this in abundance. She’s led England to the quarter-finals of the 2005 Euros and the 2007 World Cup, and the final of the 2009 Euros.
Coaching achievements: Although Powell’s achievements above are clearly notable, some will say that she should not be considered as she’s not won any silverware. But neither has Guus Hiddink at international level. Plus Harry Redknapp’s only silverware is one FA Cup so Hope Powell’s records hardly fares too badly in comparison.
Bringing through youth: Again, Harry Redknapp’s fans will point to the number of young players that he developed at both West Ham and Spurs, a vital quality for an England manager. However, it’s also worth noting that alongside her senior level duties, Hope Powell oversees the England Women’s set up from Under 15s to Under 21s, showing that she’s equally able to bring through the next generation of England players.
Now I appreciate that there’s no chance that Hope Powell will be talked about in relation to the vacant England post. Nonetheless, this article has revealed two things. Firstly, the England job goes to whoever’s fashionable at the time, not to the person who’s necessarily most qualified. Otherwise, why isn’t Hope Powell being considered in the same way as Harry Redknapp?
Secondly, how is it that such an experienced and decorated manager has not been remotely touted with the major manager roles in English football? In 2011, Chelsea appointed an inexperienced AVB with minimal track record as manager yet Hope Powell, a very successful and widely respected manager did not even get a look in. Makes you wonder what more she will have to achieve before the big names come calling.
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