Manager Roy Hodgson open to extending his England future
Thursday 19 March 2015 14:42, UK
Roy Hodgson has suggested he is open to extending his contract as England manager beyond 2016 but insists he will “not outstay any welcome”.
The 67-year-old, who succeeded Fabio Capello on a four-year deal in May 2012, admitted to enjoying his “magnificent” job and is looking forward to continuing the development of his young squad over the next year.
Hodgson’s record stands at 21 victories, 11 draws and just five defeats from 37 games as England boss, including four straight wins so far in qualifying for the 2016 European Championships.
The former Liverpool and West Brom manager believes last year’s disappointing exit from the group stage of the World Cup is firmly behind England and the outlook is good for next summer's tournament in France.
“It’s a magnificent job and I am really pleased I have the chance to do it. The fact the players and the people who employ me are as comfortable with me as I am with them is enough for me,” he said.
“I don’t need to look further at this stage of my career. We will see what transpires and when the day comes we’ll discuss it. But I don’t want to outstay any welcome, that’s for sure.
“I am happy with my life and where I find myself with the team. I am pleased that the majority of the disappointment from the World Cup has been put behind us. I hope some of the young players that were there will have learned from that bad experience.
“What I really want to do is make certain that I do the job that I am currently contracted for to the best of my ability and that there are no slip-ups along the way.
“I also hope this team and group of players continue to develop. I hope that when we go to France, because I do believe we’ll qualify, we’ll be in a good position to give a good account of ourselves.”
England’s next European Qualifier takes place at Wembley against Lithuania on March 27 before a friendly against Italy in Turin on March 31.
