Harry Redknapp has for the first time been publicly endorsed by a Football Association board member to take over as England manager.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, who also sits on the 14-member FA board, has described the Tottenham boss as having the potential to be an "outstanding England manager".
In an interview to be aired on the BBC World Extra Time this weekend, Gartside also labelled Redknapp as a "good motivator with a winning mentality".
Redknapp is the overwhelming favourite to take over the role that has remained vacant since Fabio Capello handed in his resignation on February 8.
Despite Redknapp's seemingly universal approval, the FA have remained tight-lipped about who will lead England into this summer's European Championship, saying only that a decision would be made towards the end of the season.
Gartside is not, however, part of the four-man Club England board tasked with appointing the new manager, although as part of the FA board he will be asked to ratify any decision.
The four men charged with replacing Capello are director of football development Trevor Brooking, general secretary Alex Horne, Club England managing director Adrian Bevington and FA chairman David Bernstein.
Source: PA
