The Caretakers – The England managers who didn’t hang around
HOWARD WILKINSON (1999 & 2000)
PEDIGREE
Wilkinson played professionally in the lower divisions. As a manager, he took Sheffield Wednesday from the second division to fifth in the first division, then Leeds United from the second division to the league title, whereupon he promptly sold Eric Cantona to arch-rivals Manchester United, whose domination of English football began immediately. He became Technical Director of the Football Association, and stepped in as caretaker manager when Glenn Hoddle was sacked. He then decided to get rid of Peter Taylor as coach of the highly successful England Under 21 team, and took the job himself. The team lost form and he resigned. Wilkinson took control of the full England side for one more game after Hoddles’ successor Kevin Keegan resigned.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURE: His chin.
“OUR BOYS” FACTOR
Nicknamed “Sgt Wilko” but no actual military experience.
RECORD
Two games. One draw, one defeat.
Highlight: Losing 2-0 to France.
Posted: 29th, February 2012 | In: Key Posts, Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
