Football
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England do not want 'short-term mercenary' - FA chief Martin Glenn

The new England manager will be handed a brief that extends well beyond the senior side, according to Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn.

He insisted that the FA is not looking to appoint a "short-term mercenary" to lead the country to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and the chosen coach must be looking at an extended period in charge of the team.

But he has refused to put any specific timetable on making an appointment, which is sure to cause for concern for clubs who are affected by the process.

Glenn is heading up a three-man selection panel, alongside FA technical director Dan Ashworth and vice-chairman David Gill, which has already spoken to "a handful" of candidates including front-runner Sam Allardyce and Steve Bruce.

Their respective clubs, Sunderland and Hull, have both called on the FA to conclude its search for Roy Hodgson's successor as soon as possible before the new season but, with Bournemouth's Eddie Howe and United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann also reported to have come under consideration, Glenn is eager to ensure the decision is not just quick but correct.

And that means the new man must be passionate about the role and be willing to help build a strong identity throughout the FA's representative sides.

"Everyone we've spoke to about the job is massively enthusiastic about the prospects for England," Glenn told Sky Sports News.

"We're not after a short-term mercenary, someone just to do the job for a couple of years. I want someone to come in to the England role to really work with not just the senior team but to make sure all the great work with the under-16s, 17s, 18s -- look at how well the under-19s are doing now -- and to knit all that together.

"We want someone to do a great job for the England national team but as well make sure all the development teams are laddering up to something more effective."

Glenn will attend an FA board meeting on Thursday and although the issue will be a major talking point it may be too early for a final recommendation.

"It's only been three weeks since the hunt started," Glenn added. "We're making good progress and we're clear about what we're looking for. We're pretty encouraged about what we've seen.

"It's the manager of the England national team, we've got to get that right and got to make sure we've covered all various alternatives as best we can.

"I can't be specific on timetable, we just want the right choice."

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