Roy Hodgson

So, Roy Hodgson has been announced as the new England football manager.

After the feverish speculation concerning Harry Redknapp's potential candidature, many observers may view this news as underwhelming, but it is difficult to fault the choice from several perspectives. Hodgson may appear to lack the dynamism and media-savvy of some of the other people mentioned in connection with the job, but he does possess some admirable qualities.

Hodgson has a long and varied coaching career behind him, in many countries and many environments, building up a massive bank of technical knowledge and expertise.  He is respected by those within the game, and from the Football Association's point of view, represents a safe pair of hands. Crucially perhaps, he has extensive experience of the international game itself, in addition to his endeavours in club football.

Some will no doubt point to his relative lack of major success in the absolute top echelons of club football, but are those credentials necessarily what is required for an international manager these days?  Rather, tactical and technical nous and diplomatic acumen are seen as pre-requisites.  In any event, Hodgson has done a solid job during his tenure with West Bromwich Albion, and elsewhere....

Of course, Euro 2012 is very much looming, but the lack of preparation time could actually work to England's advantage, engendering a greater team spirit and togetherness, as well as a determination to prove the doubters wrong.  There are historical precedents for teams thrown together in less than ideal circumstances summoning up the resolve and cohesion necessary to prevail.

It is also gratifying that the position of England boss is to be occupied by somebody who desired the job for the right reasons, and sees it as the culmination of what he has been working towards throughout his career.  This came through in this afternoon's press conference, as did the genuine affection and respect in which he his held.

I, and I expect many others, wish Roy Hodgson every success in his new role.