Bernstein: ‘Next England manager will not definitely be English’

Football Association chairman David Bernstein has refused to rule out appointing another foreign coach as England manager.

After Fabio Capello’s departure, there are widespread calls for a homegrown coach to be appointed, with Harry Redknapp appearing to be the public's choice for the job.

But Bernstein said: “He will not definitely be English. Clearly there's a preference for an Englishman. The position hasn't changed.

"There's a preference for an English person or a British person but in the end we want the best person. So I'm not prepared to rule out anything at this stage.”

Stuart Pearce will take temporary charge of the team for the upcoming friendly against Holland but the FA will begin drawing up plans for a permanent appointment this week.

“We will do this as quickly and sensibly as we can but don't want to rush the process,” added Bernstein, “We want to do it properly and to do it professionally.

"We will put a shortlist together of key people. We will do it as soon as we can. It will be a major priority for us."

"We want to make an appointment that the public are positive about, but we can't be driven by that," he added.

"We have to do this professionally and with an open mind, but certainly with the desire and wishes of the fans. They (the fans) are crucial to us.

"I would expect an experienced top man to pick up the reins very quickly. The new manager will make his appointment as captain."