In a somewhat tongue-in-cheek post, Project Manager and football fanatic Adam Ward talks about his vision for a transparent selection process for the next England manager.
Last Monday night, draped in my England shirt I let out a long sigh as the final whistle blew in Nice. Watching yet another international football tournament pass me by with defeat, albeit this time more humiliating than I had felt before. As the night wore on and further developments came to the fold another England manager fell on his sword so to begin the circle of (football) life again.
The following day, St George’s flags are removed from car roofs and a national enquiry into what (and who) next gets underway; headed up by football executives empowered to the height of our national game. As a passionate fan of all football, it pained me to see the state of the national side and the lack of strategic development for future generations when compared with other successful nations. When the decisions are taken by suits who are “no football experts” it adds further frustration to who are making the choices for improving the state of the national side… Then like a Harry Kane free-kick it hit me… Webcast it!
Why not? The FA are making a decision which will shape the England football team for the coming years and has a strong national interest. After another humiliation the confidence of the fans is at a new low, fans which spend thousands of pounds following the team home and abroad (ducking thrown plastic chairs all the while) not to mention promoting 90,000 seats that need filling up at Wembley. With the image of the side on the downturn, webcasting a decision like this would help to make the fans feel a little involved in the country again in a productive manner and may improve the public perception.
Webcasting gives our local authorities the opportunity to bridge the gap between Councillors and the public they serve. I would be equally as interested to see the decisions based around the politics of football, and it may just help us to all sing from the same song-sheet going forwards (although not ‘The Great Escape’ tune again, please). In a world where Social-media allows anyone to be a pundit, the opportunity for transparency at this time could help the FA change its image towards one of a forward-thinking authority. One which I am sure would gain vast national interest from the media outlets and the fans with such big decisions at stake; no hiding in the corners of St. George’s Park, out in the open for us all to see and believe in.
Perhaps something to think about Messrs Glenn, Ashworth and Gill, after all; “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I’m very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.” (- Bill Shankly). If you like the sound of it, give Public-i a call and I am sure we can help find the best solution for you.
