FA keeps quiet on manager shortlist

The Football Association is determined to keep the identities of the managers on the England shortlist confidential until it can announce Sven-Goran Eriksson’s successor.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick even kept the identities of those on the shortlist secret from the FA board at a meeting yesterday.

After the board meeting, the FA said in a statement: “The FA can confirm that we remain on target to make an appointment before the World Cup.

“At this time, no decision has been taken on who the next England manager will be. Due to the magnitude of the England team, this process understandably continues to attract a huge level of interest, which leads to intense media speculation.

“However, out of courtesy to all parties involved in this process, the FA has a responsibility to ensure a level of confidentiality is maintained until we are in a position to make an appointment.”

Until now, Martin O’Neill has been regarded as the front-runner to become the next England manager, but rumours swept through the north-east yesterday that Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren is now the favourite.