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Rooney backs Redknapp but gets flak

Comment: 0 February 9th, 2012 by: admin

NOW that Fabio Capello is out as England manager, Harry Redknapp loomed as his most probable successor.

Soon after the Football Association gave the walking papers on the Italian who got into trouble for breaching protocol in relation to John Terry’s sacking as England captain, Redknapp got a backing from Wayne Rooney to be the new Three Lions boss.

The Manchester United and England striker voiced his support to Redknapp on Wednesday as clamours grew for the Tottenham Hotspur manager to take over Capello’s post.

On his Twitter account, Rooney said: “Gutted Capello has quit. Good guy and top coach. Got to be English to replace him. Harry Redknapp for me.”

However, Rooney was criticised by former United captain Roy Keane, who said the former is not in a position to say who he wanted to assume the position.

“Wayne should keep his nose out of it,” said Keane.  “He didn’t do enough on the pitch when Capello was manager.”

His advice to Rooney was for him to just concentrate on being a player.

Keane added he was surprised by the sudden resignation of Capello. “I didn’t expect that to happen so quickly.”

As to the possibility that Redknapp will become the new boss of the Three Lions, Keane said: “He will be the clear favourite to get the job and I’m sure he’ll be the fans’ favourite.”

Injured Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, meanwhile, expressed disbelief over Capello’s resignation.

The 20-year-old England international, who won his first cap under Capello when he played against Hungary in August 2010, said on his Twitter account: “Shocked about news on Fabio Capello…gutted to be honest, gave me my 1^st cap and believed in me!’”

He thanked the Italian for giving him that opportunity and making a “massive impact’’ on his career.

“It’s sad to see him go,” added the playmaker, who has not played since June 2011 due to an ankle problem.

Aside from Rooney and Keane, England legend Paul Gascoigne also expressed his backing to Redknapp but he also named ex-Three Lions boss Terry Venables as another candidate if the Spurs manager does not accept the job.

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