FA happy with search for successor
The Football Association have declared themselves happy at the pace of progress in the hunt to find Sven Goran Eriksson’s successor.
Reports suggest current Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was the latest candidate to speak with FA chief executive Brian Barwick after flying into London for a separate engagement on Friday.
Scolari, who led Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 and Portugal to the European Championship final two years ago, had previously declared his interest in the England job once it became apparent Eriksson woudl relinquish the role after this summer’s finals in Germany.
The FA have refused to confirm the meeting with Scolari, although given the 57-year-old’s track record, it would hardly be a surprise if he was on the list of coaches Barwick wanted to speak to.
So far, Alan Curbishley is the only name Soho Square officials have been prepared to publicly announce as having met Barwick, and even that was after they were faced with indisputable photographic evidence.
However, it is understood Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has also met Barwick for an informal chat, with current favourite Martin O’Neill reportedly due to see him later this week.
Stuart Pearce, Steve McClaren and Guus Hiddink are all expected to talk with Barwick at some stage too before a short-list of candidates is drawn up, probably at some stage next month, ahead of a more formal interviewing procedure.
The FA have already declared their intention to confirm the new appointment ahead of the World Cup and it appears they are still on track to do so.
“The process of moving forward positively at a good pace,” said an FA spokesman.
“Many people have been spoken to and the process will continue.”
