What is the FA up to now?

Who am I to question the workings of the Football Association? I am just a referee (and, to listen to some of the players, not even that good). However, I am involved with football and pay my subscriptions to my County Football Association, so I think I am entitled to my opinion.

I have explained in a previous article how the FA is governed by 92 members you would expect to be knowledgeable but, to judge by what comes out of Lancaster Gate, they are people who, in my humble opinion, haven’t got much of a clue between them.

No way to change the England coach

We have the ongoing fiasco over the England manager, sorry ‘coach’. (They aren't allowed to have a manager anymore, but at least that isn’t their fault).

Glenn Hoddle is sacked because the media got on to his case, as simple as that. I have actually met Glenn a few times and have always thought him a gentleman with his team’s interests at heart, whoever that team happens to be. My own thoughts are that Glenn was well up to the job, but not mentally up to the challenges of the media. Anyway, that is all done and dusted now.

So now we have the will he? won't he? debate over Kevin Keegan. I happen to like both men equally, so I’ve no personal axe to grind. I happen to believe that Kevin has a slight advantage because he radiates a natural enthusiasm and, more importantly, he has the media and the FA behind him. But how long will that last?

At least the media seem to have a finger on the pulse of popular opinion, even if it is only a little finger, The FA do not seem to have any pulse at all.

From success to sacking

Have I something against the FA? The answers is yes!

Imagine this scenario. You appoint an England manager. The team plays a number of matches and doesn't concede a goal. On top of that they are top of their group and win their latest match 5-0 against Poland. I am sure you would be happy. I am sure the press would be happy. I would like to think the FA would be happy. Apparently not.

But this is not some kind of dream. This is exactly what has happened in the England under-21 set up. How has the manager been repaid for this excellent achievement? By the sack. Peter Taylor, who has quietly performed excellently over the last 12 months or so as the team manager, has been sacked by Howard Wilkinson (presumably for being too good). Is this sour grapes because Howard couldn't get the job as first team England Manager? I am sure not. However, I did read who Peter Taylor's replacement is likely to be - someone called Howard Wilkinson ...

As Richard Littlejohn in the Sun would say: "You couldn't make it up".

John Moore

© J Moore 1999

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