Whilst the rest of the world shrugged at the news that an experienced international manager was named England boss, the very press who will make or break Hodgson’s England career poured scorn on his appointment with a mixture of half truths, exaggerations, lies and childish insults. Pravda would be embarrassed.

Why should the chief sports writers have the power to choose as the England manager? What qualifications do these journalists have when it comes to appointing an England manager?

Historical records of the two managers:

Redknapp – Won: 518, Drawn: 317, lost: 437, Win percentage: 40.76. League titles: 0, FA Cup Wins: 1, CL Quarter Finals: 1, Premier League Manager of the Year 2009/10

Hodgson – Won: 408, Drawn: 283, lost: 257, Win percentage: 43.04. League titles: 5, Europa League Finals: 1, UEFA Cup Finals: 1, LMA Manager of the Year 2010

Is Harry the fans’ favourite?

Hodgson received 63% of Guardian voters, 61% on Football365’s poll and 51% in the Daily Telegraph. Whilst it may be true that the easily swayed have seen the bilge spewed from the pens of Martin Samuel and his ilk, those able to form their own opinions are happy enough with the FA’s choice.

Assorted headlines from the tabloids:

Oh why, oh why, oh Woy? – Daily Mirror

FOOTIE FANS FURY OVER ROY – Daily Star

Echoes of Clough as kingmakers ignore the voice of the nation – Daily Mail

(Clough: 2 League titles, 2 European Cups. Redknapp: 1 FA Cup)

Woy gets England job – Bwing on the Euwos! – The Sun

The Woy done good – The Mirror

Hodgson is the man for the job, of that there is little doubt, he has international management experience, he has a history of making mediocre teams perform above their station, is organised, will work with the next generation of coaches, has worked with technical development at UEFA and FIFA and is perfectly suited to the new England manager’s role. A role that is not just choosing the best 11 players but a role that is the figurehead of English football and a role that carries far greater responsibility than the tabloids would have you believe.

That the Press can so easily deride a man for a simple speech impediment and a fantastic career and yet suckle at the very teet of a man who typifies the old England, the let’s have a go England should be no surprise. The small band of narrow minded yet highly influential writers that dictate the narrative of our tabloid sports news need to take a long hard look at exactly what it is they are saying.

Just to end we have a response to Hodgson’s appointment from the Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti:

“It is with great honesty and happiness that President Moratti and all the Nerazzurri family celebrate the nomination of Roy Hodgson as manager of England. The Football Association’s choice is the most prestigious prize for an English manager, but in this case rewards a person who has always shown honesty and generosity towards Inter, qualities that formed a rapport of true friendship.”

Whilst the fantastic pundit Gary Neville sums the entire situation up rather succinctly in a tweet this morning:

“Disgustung headlines,good journo’s under pressure writing pieces for their mates and a certain paper needs putting out of circulation.”

https://twitter.com/#!/GNev2/status/197623791470395393