Unknown and unhated, bald and twinkly Lee Carsley looks a smart fit for England | Barney Ronay
Introducing the world of Carsley. Reflect on recent events where the Football Association chose to appoint a temporary replacement for the men's senior manager, causing a delay in making a permanent decision. This move aimed to reinforce the current pathway structure but was perceived as boring and potentially sleep-inducing. Just thinking about it might give you nightmares or insomnia.
Fast forward to this weekend and that test appointment has already added an element of excitement and mystery to an otherwise boring back-to-school September international break.
It's surprising how quickly opinions can form about Lee Carsley and his desire to become the permanent England manager, even before the game starts. Despite being personable, efficient, and popular, Carsley also has a certain presence and charm that sets him apart.
Becoming the manager of the England football team is all about convincing people. You have to craft a story of taking over and fulfilling a predetermined destiny, while also winning over the public, media, and players. Gareth Southgate successfully did this by presenting himself as someone who didn't shy away from tough conversations and delivering difficult truths, often sitting solemnly behind a desk.
Carsley is not as popular as some might think. Unlike recent managers, the temporary manager of England does not appear to have a clear philosophy or vision. He doesn't have a dramatic personal transformation story. It's unlikely that anyone will write a hit play about Lee Carsley's unique interpretation of English identity. His fashion choices, such as wearing a tracksuit, do not generate much interest (Lee Carsley wears tracksuit: 10 times the internet was excited).
Yes, England with Carsley in charge may not amount to much in the long run. This is just a temporary opportunity for Carsley, a chance to showcase his skills and see if he fits the role. So far, he's doing well. His mannerisms, appearance, and communication style all seem to align perfectly. Carsley appears to be intelligent and approachable. With all this in mind, I'm leaning towards supporting him. It already seems like a wise decision to officially hire him as the leader.
A lot of people may not agree with this idea, and they might want to see immediate success and top-level coaching experience. These are valid concerns. However, it's important to remember the unique aspects of international football and the reasons why Carsley could be a good fit, both emotionally and structurally.
First, let's talk about the emotional aspect, which is crucial because international football is all about emotions. Carsley's biggest asset is his likability. He comes across as a genuinely good person with a charming smile. The bald look with twinkling eyes really suits him. He resembles a more wholesome version of a hungover Alan Shearer. He seems like someone you would enjoy going on a fishing trip with or like a friendly baker in a commercial for eccles cakes.
Carsley is quite popular, which is great. However, there's another aspect of him that is quite unique in today's football world. Surprisingly, not much is known about him. Despite being 50 years old, Carsley has somehow avoided leaving a digital footprint, making enemies online, or constantly discussing his weaknesses and shortcomings.
Honestly, everyone only has positive things to say about him. No one has much to say about him at all. In a recent interview, TalkSport asked Kevin Phillips to describe Carsley in just one word. After a long pause, Phillips finally responded with "tough." While it would have been interesting to hear more unique descriptions like "perspicacious" or "sensual," the overall feeling is that Carsley is seen as a down-to-earth individual.
He is the most obscure individual to have ever come so near to assuming the highest position in English football. It is surprising that in a time where everyone is well-known, this achievement seems nearly impossible. It is almost like an ordinary person who has put in the effort is now being recognized for their merit and placed at the forefront of the industry.
This is why Carsley deserves the job. International football is meant to measure the strength of your systems, the overall health of your sporting culture, the coaching expertise, and the development of players. It shows us how well you have been nurturing this aspect. Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente at the Euros, who is essentially a Spanish version of Carsley, a pathway builder, felt like a successful system-wide victory.
Carsley, much like Southgate in the past, represents what English football can create. Let's think about the other options available. There was a moment when some thought Jürgen Klopp might agree to a salary reduction as a gesture of goodwill. Otherwise, spending £10m a year on a high-profile manager from a top club would be a waste of resources and ultimately pointless. It's not surprising to see that Pep Guardiola, as we suspected, is an excellent football manager from Catalonia.
If not, you might end up following the well-known path of former players who become famous only because of their celebrity status, like the Gerrard-Lampard duo. Eddie Howe would be a better choice. He has proven to be the only English club manager at an elite level who has achieved success. Additionally, Howe has worked his way up through the football leagues, making him a more genuine representation of talent and experience.
And here are Carsley's qualifications as well. He is the coach we have. He is a coach who has spent his career within the development pathways, focusing on how English players should be trained, holding positions such as Professional Development Phase lead.
Carsley is not expected to be a larger-than-life figure or a captivating leader. He is simply a product of our own creation. Even if Carsley were to fail, frantically pacing on the sidelines and shouting complex strategies at his upset former under-21 players, it would be intriguing and relatable. This failure would stem from a lack of effective methods rather than the chaotic dysfunction of the past.
This is why international soccer is becoming more unique and attractive as time passes. Many people may complain about the break in the club season, but it could be argued that the club games themselves are not very exciting. Working with limited resources to build a team is more interesting than big leagues, focusing on celebrities, and debates about spending. Lee Carsley managing England is more intriguing than whatever Chelsea would be doing at the moment. We will soon see what a team led by Carsley looks like. He is known for his coaching style when the team does not have the ball. There is hope for a team that has "freedom within a structure." Carsley is also the only England manager to win a major trophy in the past 40 years. If the FA truly believes in their methods, the best decision would be to give him the job and see what happens.