Graham Potter would be an “outstanding candidate” for the vacant England manager’s job, according to his former Albion boss.
The ex-Seagulls head coach is among the bookies’ favourites to succeed Gareth Southgate in charge of the national team.
Albion chief executive Paul Barber, who previously worked with the FA and England in a senior marketing and communications role, says the national team will cast their net worldwide as they look for the next boss.
He expects the search to encompass male and female coaches from around the world but he sees Potter as someone who could handle the many aspects of the job.
Barber told The Argus: “Graham is an outstanding coach and he is someone I am sure the FA will consider. He did an incredible job with us.
“It didn’t quite work out at Chelsea but there were some very good performances amongst the games he was responsible for.
“He conducts himself superbly. He is English through and through.
“He cares about the national team. He played for the national team at under-21 level.
“I haven’t spoken to Graham about the England job but he would be an outstanding candidate and I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t considered.”
Barber has seen first hand the demands and pressures of being England team manager.
Albion’s trip to Japan will bring back a few memories of his time working alongside Sven Goran Eriksson at the 2002 World Cup.
That was a dramatic tournament which saw England scale the heights of euphoria by beating Argentina, then go out to eventual winners Brazil as they hit what used to feel like their ceiling at a major tournament - the quarter-finals.
It all helps him appreciate the job Gareth Southgate did in his eight years before stepping down earlier this week.
And why he believes the FA are right to search worldwide for his successor – with minds open to potentially appointing a coach from outside England.
The FA have said they hope to have a new boss in place as soon as possible but also have an interim plan if required.
Barber said: “The first thing the FA will now do, if they haven’t already, is make it clear that this is an open field.
“They will have their eyes open for English and foreign coaches because the England job demands the best coaching talent in the world to be considered.
“I’m sure, like everyone, they would prefer an English coach for the England team if that is possible: “But, ultimately, they want the best person for the job.
“I’m sure they will consider men and women and that’s right.
“I’ve seen some suggestions already that Sarina (Wiegman) is being considered, although I’m sure she will be very happy in the job she is in.
“But there are some great coaching talents around the world and they want the best person for the job.”
Barber says motivation would not be an issue with a non-English boss.
And, of course, if Solihull’s own Potter were to get the job, there is a good chance he would be joined by a Scot and and a Catalan as his trusted assistants.
Barber said: “I’ve worked in the England set-up with English coaches and foreign coaches.
“All I can say is my experience, albeit 20 years ago, is that they are equally committed.
“There was never a moment when I was working with Sven that I felt the foreign coach wasn’t as committed.
“Once you are involved in that environment, you want to win.
“There was no suggestion for me that Sven and his group weren’t as committed as Kevin Keegan and his group or Glenn Hoddle and his group.
“I’m sure it will be the same now if the FA go down the route of a foreign coach because top coaches want to win matches.
“As soon as you put that England tracksuit on, it counts for a lot.
“It means a lot and people expect a lot.”
Southgate took England to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi but also did a lot more than that.
Barber hopes his work, both seen and unseen, can be appreciated.
He said: “Gareth did a fabulous job, not just on the pitch but off it in unifying players, staff, fans, the country.
“Let’s not under-estimate that.
“It’s very difficult. The expectations are very high and the demands are significant.
“You are not totally in control of everything that happens, whether it’s limitations on the squad, injuries.
“You can’t go out and buy talent.
“You are relying on age group teams to nurture talent and then you are relying on clubs to be able to use that talent.
“You’re hoping for not just fitness but form at the right time.
“You are trying to do all of that but with limited time with the players.
“It’s very easy to criticise tactics, selections, performances.
“But to get all of that to come together at the same time and at the right time is very difficult.
“Personally I think Gareth has done a fabulous job and deserves whatever accolades he is currently getting, having stepped down.
“I’m sure he will be in demand for whatever he chooses to do next.”
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