The Structure Must Change At The Top Of The Game

Big Sam has gone and that is the hard facts of the matter. Every man and his dog has had their say about it and if you agree with it or not its happened. The next big question is who succeeds him as the FA are burdened with another crisis.

The FA, as they so proudly refer to themselves, are the richest in the world. Most of the foundations of the world's greatest sport were build and perfected on these shores and the FA enjoy revealing in it. They are well perceived as being Suited up old men looking after there own interests rather than those of the games deepest roots. Many high profile Ex-players have expressed their displeasure at how the FA is run over varying issues in the past. It is also worth noting the FA seems to be in the shadow of  The Premier League, as the leagues governing body has maximised commercial interest around the globe with the help of Sky Sports. Whatever the matter the FA have continuously being engulfed in one crisis or another and paid millions to high profile managers with minimum success, if any. How the richest and most powerful governing body in football can be the laughing stock of the world is simply pathetic. Their is no clear sign of direction despite all the great players we apparently have at our disposal. The facilities they have invested in our outstanding at the top level and clearly its the way the whole system is managed that isn't working. This really is the last chance saloon for the FA to get it right as public opinion is falling and most parts of the country feel detached from the “London FC” vibe that surrounds the England team.  

With Gareth Southgate now effectively in charge until June there is a window of opportunity to really think this issue over. Many people were not Big Sam backers though there was also great support for his appointment from people high up in the game. Now the FA  can really look at what type of man they need. That man appears to be someone of Roy Hodgson like composure and maturity. Someone who is held in the highest regard world wide while being whiter than white and well known already to the media. A impressive record of genuine success and silverware over a long period is simply a must now. This man is Arsene Wenger. Long linked with the job for years his name was again mentioned before Alladyce’s appointment. Wenger was not available yet in the summer and is a honourable man loyal to Arsenal. Its possible this could be his last season and The FA must try and convince him to join them. With his advancing years Wenger could well suit the transition into international management. But he can also offer more than just management to the role. His record of producing and training young talent both local and from all over the globe is impressive. His ethics and style of play have brought joy to many and have always impressed neutrals. This wasn't done overnight though and it was a transitional phase from when he first took charge to the exiting quick moving style we’ve become familiar with. He has had his critics and people have suggested maybe its time for him to step aside. If Wenger were appointed as the Technical Director for the England football team much more could be achieved. At first he would be in charge of picking the squads and on the touchline as any manager would expect. But the role also could give Wenger freedom to build a revolution with The FA and change the whole way we've been doing things at the top of the game. He would be able to appoint young talented potential future managers to his staff in roles he defines and possibly bring former players like Alan Shearer or Sol Campbell into the fold. Shearer has made no secret of his desire for the job in the past and Campbell and Wenger go back a long way. All these are mere possibilities and unless this opportunity is at least explored things may well be back to square one in two years time, would anybody be surprised? Should he decide not to take the job then another option will have to be considered but they must put all their efforts into getting Wenger onboard. His reputation, character and record of stability and success is a perfect fit. His experience of working in England is obvious and his book of contacts within the game is probably larger than the Yellow Pages. It could be a offer he simply cannot refuse, a chance to really shape the structure of the football mad nation that has accepted him as one of their own already.