Capello confirmed as new England boss
Sunday, 16 December 2007
LONDON, Dec 15 (AFP): Fabio Capello's appointment as the new England manager was finalised Friday with the Italian taking charge on a four and a half year contract reportedly worth 6.5 million pounds a year.
The Italian, 61, succeeds Steve McClaren, who was sacked last month after a Wembley defeat by Croatia ensured that England would not qualify for the finals of Euro 2008.
Capello's appointment had been approved by the FA's board of management Thursday, subject to the successful conclusion of contract negotiations which were finally concluded Friday afternoon.
The former AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus manager will bring an all-Italian four-man support team with him: assistants Franco Baldini and Italo Galbiati, goalkeeping coach Franco Tancredi and fitness coach Massimo Neri.
An English coach is to be added to the backroom staff but the identity of that individual has not yet been decided, with under-21 coach Stuart Pearce among the possibilities.
Capello will carry out his first duties in his new job Monday when he is presented to the media in London, although he will not formally begin work until January 7.
His first match in charge will be a friendly against Switzerland in February with his first competitive fixture not coming until the autumn of next year, when England begin their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"I am delighted that Fabio Capello has agreed to become England manager," said FA chief executive Brian Barwick.
The Italian, 61, succeeds Steve McClaren, who was sacked last month after a Wembley defeat by Croatia ensured that England would not qualify for the finals of Euro 2008.
Capello's appointment had been approved by the FA's board of management Thursday, subject to the successful conclusion of contract negotiations which were finally concluded Friday afternoon.
The former AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus manager will bring an all-Italian four-man support team with him: assistants Franco Baldini and Italo Galbiati, goalkeeping coach Franco Tancredi and fitness coach Massimo Neri.
An English coach is to be added to the backroom staff but the identity of that individual has not yet been decided, with under-21 coach Stuart Pearce among the possibilities.
Capello will carry out his first duties in his new job Monday when he is presented to the media in London, although he will not formally begin work until January 7.
His first match in charge will be a friendly against Switzerland in February with his first competitive fixture not coming until the autumn of next year, when England begin their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"I am delighted that Fabio Capello has agreed to become England manager," said FA chief executive Brian Barwick.