Former Toon Star Ready To England Into Euro 2012!

24 February 2012 10:05
The man with strong Newcastle Utd connections is ready, willing and able to manage England at this summer's European Championships.

Stuart Pearce: "I'm available and I have tournament experience if they need me to step into the breach in the summer.

"They know exactly where I am, I've not fluffed around it, I've not turned round and said, 'I'm not sure what I want to do' - they know exactly what I want to do.

"If they need me to take the squad in the summer, I'll do that with pleasure.

"If they need me to coach for a manager that's coming through the door, I will do that with pleasure as well.

"I feel as though I have enough experience.

"The more experience I can gain, the more benefit it will be for me and English football.

"I have gone through the whole coaching pathway. I have also gained a lot of experience as a player, bar the boys who won the World Cup.

"I played in two semi-finals. I took the Under-21s to a major final and a semi-final. I also gained experience alongside Fabio at the 2010 World Cup. I have some experience.

"Hopefully this summer, and Wednesday as well, will improve me as a coach and a man.

"I was invited in as an Under-21 coach. The FA thought it would pay dividends, maybe on days like today, when I am asked to take over the reins.

"I don't find it daunting in any way. It is an absolute pleasure.

"Fabio has involved me in every step of the way. His staff have been fantastic.

"Fabio's success rate is comparable to any England manager we have ever had.

"But we also know there was a stain on our characters as a whole, coaches and players, in South Africa.

"I'll support whoever's the next man through the door, give him my utmost support and offer my services.

"I think that's part of leadership, basically. You've got to give yourself to the greater good and that's what I'll do.

"I don't think there's any need for a gut reaction in respect of the manager.

"The Football Association have put me in charge on a short-term basis, which has given them a bit of breathing space, which is right and proper."

Source: FOOTYMAD