Just months prior poor old Gareth Southgate went public on his reluctance to take over ‘the greatest job in football’ following a wretched Euro 2016 campaign.
Slowly over time the former Middlesbrough and England man has had his resolved weakened by being named temporary boss after the Allardyce debacle.
Now, after the FA have officially run out of ideas, the former Middlesbrough man is heavily tipped to take over the post on a full time basis according to much of the tabloid press.
Now, admittedly we’ve taken a dim view of proceedings with Southgate doing a competent job overseeing a win against Malta and an away draw over Slovenia, however the fact that the former England international had next to no viable competition on the FA’s shortlist is a tad worrying for English football.
Whilst Arsene Wenger hasn’t as yet rebuffed the role officially after making subtle kissy faces in the way of the FA, it’s believed the powers that be have been very impressed with Southgate’s dealings, particularly with dropping Wayne Rooney.
Hardly pulling any trees, admittedly.
Despite our misgivings. We wish Southgate all the luck in the world in a job that turns the most respectable and erudite men into raving lunatics.