Jewell - Redknapp for England

Former Wigan boss backing Portsmouth manager

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 23rd November 2007

Harry Redknapp

Redknapp: Jewell support

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Paul Jewell believes Harry Redknapp is the ideal candidate to take over as the next England manager.

The Portsmouth boss has hinted he would be interested in replacing Steve McClaren, but Fratton Park chief executive Peter Storrie has already stated the club would reject any approach from the Football Association.

McClaren had his contract as national team boss terminated less than 12 hours after Wednesday's 3-2 home defeat by Croatia ended England's Euro 2008 hopes at the qualification stage.

And former Wigan boss Jewell, who has ruled himself out of the running for the Birmingham and Republic of Ireland jobs, believes veteran boss Redknapp is the ideal candidate.

Ticks all the boxes

Jewell told Sky Sports News: "I would give it to Harry Redknapp. I think he's got a fantastic way with players, he gets people playing for him, he knows the game, he's played the game, he's English.

"I'm not saying the next manager has to be English. But I think Harry ticks all the boxes. He'd definitely have the respect of the players, and he's managed in the Premier League.

"It's unfortunate that English coaches never seem to get a mention. Someone like Harry has been around for a long time. Then it's not so much of a gamble.

"There's a lot of great candidates out there. I think Harry is a great manager. He might not be the best coach, that might not be his forte, but he certainly knows how to get the best out of players."

Qualified

Jewell believes that FA chief executive Brian Barwick, who selected Steve McClaren and has now been charged with appointing his successor, does not have the necessary knowledge of the game to hold such responsibility.

Redknapp and Arsene Wenger have both offered their services to the FA to assist in the search for a new manager, and Jewell insists the advice of such respected figures should be accepted.

He added: "When people employ managers I think they should seek advice from people who know and who are highly-respected in the game. I think that it's quite right to take advice, then they have to collate all that advice and make up their own mind.

"The people on the FA committee, I saw them quite regularly when I was down there for disciplinary meetings. Some of the people who are going to be making decisions on the England manager, I don't think are qualified to."