Harry backed to fill void left by Fabio's shock exit
Harry Redknapp. Pic: Getty Images.
LEADING figures in football have backed Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello as England manager following the Italian's stunning resignation last night.
Capello stepped down following a meeting with English Football Association chiefs at Wembley Stadium days after he criticised their decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy.
Tottenham boss Redknapp was cleared of tax evasion charges earlier in the day and immediately attracted the backing of many in the game.
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney said on Twitter: "Gutted Capello has quit. Good guy and top coach. Got to be English to replace him. Harry Redknapp for me."
Former English FA chief executive David Davies said: "My instinct is that someone like Harry Redknapp ultimately will not want to turn down the job of England manager and my instinct is that Tottenham Hotspur will not want to stand in his way."
But Scotland boss Craig Levein cast doubt on whether the 64-year-old would be able to combine the job with his Spurs duties.
Levein said: "It might be difficult for a manager to stay at his club and devote the time that's needed to do the England manager's job."
Former England defender Danny Mills criticised their handling of the situation and claimed the Euro 2012 campaign will now be compromised.
WALKED
"The FA have handled this badly," he said. "He's (Capello) decided enough's enough and walked out. He's almost dropped England right in it."
On Capello's likely successor, he added: "If it's going to be Harry Redknapp are Spurs going to allow it?
"The FA are almost going to be held to ransom. The Euros is going to be a trial for whoever takes charge."
Former Brighton manager Alan Mullery also sympathised with Capello over the circumstances of his exit.
Mullery said: "I don't think he (Capello) had a responsibility to stay on. It's an absolute mess."
But FA chairman David Bernstein received the backing of Football League chairman Greg Clarke.
Clarke said: "What the FA has needed for a long time is strong, ethical leadership. David Bernstein is now delivering that leadership and he has my full support."
