Fabio quits in a huff, England left stranded
Rob Woollard
LONDON: Fabio Capello resigned as manager of England on Wednesday following the Football Association’s decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy, the FA confirmed.
In a remarkable twist to one of the most dramatic days in English football history, Capello’s resignation was confirmed just hours after his likely successor — Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp — was cleared of tax evasion charges. Capello’s departure from the post followed talks with FA officials reported to be furious at the Italian coach’s public criticism of last week’s decision to axe Terry as captain.
Capello’s position had come under scrutiny after he told an Italian broadcaster on Sunday that he disagreed “absolutely” with the dismissal of Terry, who faces a criminal trial for allegations of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match in October 2011.
Although senior FA officials were known to be unhappy with Capello’s comments, the former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach was expected to remain for the final few months of his contract, which would expire after Euro 2012.
However in a bombshell announcement released shortly after 1920 GMT, the FA confirmed that Capello’s four-year reign was over.
“The Football Association can confirm that Fabio Capello has today resigned as England Manager,” the statement said, following discussions between Capello, FA chairman David Bernstein and FA General Secretary Alex Horne.
“The discussions focused on the FA Board’s decision to remove the England team captaincy from John Terry, and Fabio Capello’s response through an Italian broadcast interview.
“Fabio’s resignation was accepted and he will leave the post of England manager with immediate effect.”
Capello was not immediately available for comment. FA officials have scheduled a press conference at Wembley on Thursday.
The 65-year-old took over as England coach in December 2007 following the country’s failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 final, signed a lucrative £6 million-a-year contract with a brief to halt years of English footballing under-achievement on the international stage.
His hardline disciplinarian approach reaped impressive results during an initial two-year honeymoon period, when a revitalised England qualified for the 2010 World Cup with ease.
Capello won praise for his handling of the first controversy involving Terry’s captaincy, when he summarily dismissed the Chelsea defender following allegations about his private life in early 2010.
However the bubble burst after a disastrous campaign in South Africa, which saw England draw with the United States and Algeria, scrape a 1-0 win over Slovenia before suffering a humiliating 4-1 thrashing by Germany.
Capello, who had controversially been given a contract extension just prior to the World Cup finals, managed to cling on to his position but in many respects was battling the perception of being a lame duck manager.
His clumsy handling of the decision to reappoint Terry last year — replacing Rio Ferdinand without informing the respected Manchester United defender first — was sharply criticised.
With the FA letting it be known that they would prefer Capello’s successor to be English, Tottenham manager Redknapp emerged as the overwhelming favourite to take up the post.
The replacement?
Harry Redknapp
The Spurs boss is the front runner for the job after being widely tipped to replace Capello for several months. Redknapp has never hidden his desire to coach England and, while it was originally thought he would have to wait until after Euro 2012 — when the Italian was due to step down, he may get his wish earlier than expected. The Englishman’s chances were greatly boosted when he was cleared of charges of tax fraud just hours before Capello’s resignation. Odds: 8/15
Roy Hodgson
The Spurs boss is the front runner for the job after being widely tipped to replace Capello for several months. Redknapp has never hidden his desire to coach England and, while it was originally thought he would have to wait until after Euro 2012 — when the Italian was due to step down, he may get his wish earlier than expected. The Englishman’s chances were greatly boosted when he was cleared of charges of tax fraud just hours before Capello’s resignation. Odds: 8/15
Jose Mourinho
The Special One has remained a firm admirer of English football since leaving Chelsea in 2007 and sources close to the Real Madrid boss say he is keen to return to England soon. Unlike Capello, the Portuguese speaks perfect English and his strong personality would allow him to control the egos in the England dressing room. His CV — which includes Champions League triumphs with Porto and Inter Milan and league titles in England, Italy and Portugal — is beyond compare. The only question is would the FA be willing to deal with his controversial outbursts. Odds: 12/1
Alan Pardew
Just two years ago Pardew was licking his wounds after being sacked as boss of League One club Southampton. Now he finds himself in the running to manage his country. While Pardew might be an outsider in the race, the 50-year-old’s impressive work in difficult circumstances at Newcastle should have earned a few admiring glances at FA headquarters. Despite the sale of Andy Carroll, Pardew kept Newcastle in the Premier League last season and now they sit fifth in the table with a push for a Champions League place within their sights. Odds: 12/1
Guus Hiddink
Spells in charge of Holland, South Korea, Australia, Russia and Turkey give the 65-year-old Dutchman a wealth of international experience that would be attractive to any country looking for a new boss. Hiddink is said to have already expressed an interest in the England job and he knows several key players from his spell as Chelsea interim manager in 2009. Regarded as one of the most tactically astute coaches in world football, Hiddink would be a safe pair of hands, but his recent flop with Turkey could count against him. Odds: 20/1
Press bid coach arrivederci
LONDON: Britain’s media shed few tears Thursday over the sensational exit of England manager Fabio Capello, overwhelmingly backing Harry Redknapp to replace him after the Tottenham boss was cleared of tax evasion.
The Sun and Daily Mirror tabloids bade Italian coach Capello, who quit on Wednesday following the Football Association’s decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy, a cheery “Arryvederci”.
“Now give it to cleared Redknapp,” said The Sun after the Spurs manager was acquitted, just hours before Capello resigned on one of the most dramatic days in English football history. “Good riddance,” agreed the Daily Mirror, which reported that Capello would leave with a £1.5 million payoff despite abandoning the side before Euro 2012.
The Guardian too expressed little regret over the departure of the former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach, who took charge of England in December 2007.
“Fabio Capello never bothered to learn much English, or much about England,” wrote Richard Williams. Henry Winter added in the Daily Telegraph that Capello “stamped his feet like a stroppy child” over the decision to axe Terry, who faces a criminal trial over claims he racially abused QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.
The Independent agreed: “To quit over the FA taking a stand that it was inappropriate for the England team to be led by a man on a charge of racial abuse is a pathetic waste.”
“Good luck to Harry Redknapp,” concluded Matt Dickinson in The Times.”He is going to need it.”
Players in shock as coach leaves
Steve Griffiths
LONDON: Wayne Rooney admitted he was devastated to see Fabio Capello quit as England manager as the Italian’s shock departure triggered an outpouring of disbelief from English football stars on Wednesday.
Rooney also made it clear he believes the next England manager should be Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who has already been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite for the post. Rooney said on Twitter: “Gutted capello has quit. Good guy and top coach. Got to be english to replace him. Harry redknapp for me.”
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere said on Twitter: “Shocked about news on Fabio Capello…gutted to be honest, gave me my 1st cap and believed in me! Thank you Mr Capello! GreatManager.
Rio Ferdinand, who was angered last year when Capello took the England captaincy from him to reappoint Terry, added on Twitter: “So Capello resigns… what now…”
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