Barwick backs Capello
17 Dec 2007 - 14:20:39
The Football Association's chief executive Brian Barwick believes Fabio Capello is the right man to lead England into a brighter future.
Barwick was widely criticised for the way Steve McClaren was handed the England post in 2006 following Sven-Goran Eriksson's departure after the World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal.
McClaren was axed after England's failure to qualify for next summer's Euro 2008 finals but Barwick is confident he has got the right man this time.
"I am delighted to welcome Fabio Capello as the new England manager," he said. "I think we have an outstanding man with an outstanding record and I look forward to working with him from January 7 next year.
"After the Croatia game the mandate of the FA board was to identify the next England manager. Whilst at the World Cup draw in South Africa I took time out to think about the attributes needed to do the toughest jobs in football.
"It is well known I met and spoke to a number of leading figures in the game here and abroad. I wasn't just seeking a name, but also their views on the England set up.
"While the information was invaluable there was no doubt Trevor and I were always clear about the calibre of man we were looking for.
"We knew the next appointment had to be somebody of world-class status, a man with a strong personality, vast experience, a coach used to handling big players, big matches and big in-match situations, a man who is tactically astute, adaptable, of proven pedigree, mature and who can handle a big job with the pressures that go with it.
"A winner with a capital 'W'. That was the template, this is the man. Fabio Capello."
