John Herdman open to approach from FA to replace Hope Powell

Powell had held the position from 15 years

John Herdman (GETTY IMAGES)

John Herdman would consider an approach from the Football Association to replace Hope Powell as the England women's coach, but is remaining focused on his job with Canada until he hears any different.

The 38-year-old from Newcastle's name was immediately thrown up when Powell was sacked after 15 years at the helm yesterday, with his work with his current side and formerly with New Zealand earning him credibility.

The Canadians are particularly keen for him to remain in his post as they are heading towards being the host nation at the 2015 World Cup and, after a bronze medal at last year's Olympics, expectations are high.

Herdman acknowledges that, and his happiness in the job, but says he would have to listen if his home country came calling.

He told the BBC: "Hope is a legend in the game and has done great things. As a coach it makes you feel quite vulnerable.

"I've got a World Cup coming up in 2015 and have to keep my focus on that because I don't want to end up in a similar situation (to Powell).

"I've got a job to do here and the more time I spend thinking about other jobs, the less chance I've got of being successful.

"I'm going to keep doing what I do and if the English FA ring me up, it's my homeland, and if they say 'we need your help' I'm going to consider that.

"But at the end of the day I have a big job here with some exciting players and an exciting opportunity in Canada."

A lifelong Newcastle fan, Herdman has worked overseas since 2006 when he headed to New Zealand, with the Canada job presenting itself in 2011.

Success was instant with a gold at the Pan American Games and, with Olympic success thrown in too, his current set-up could appear preferable to assuming control of a side which performed so poorly at this summer's European Championship.

Herdman stressed, though, that home pride would play a part in any decision he would have to make.

"I think you'd have to (listen)," he added.

"It's your home country that's ringing you and if they're asking for help, you'd consider that situation.

"It would be disrespectful to keep talking about Hope's job because at the end of the day, this is a lady who has done so much for the English team.

"If I wasn't in the Canada job, you'd go 'I'd love to do that', but I'm in a big position here and have a massive responsibility at the same time.

"Until a job is presented there is no point even talking. I'm just honoured that someone would even think of a little lad from Newcastle to be even considered for a position like that."

The FA has only four weeks to find a new manager as England begin their qualification programme for the 2015 World Cup with home games against Belarus and Turkey on September 21 and 26 respectively.

Powell, with CBE and OBE honours to her name, issued a statement via the League Managers' Association following her departure.

Powell said: "I leave very honoured to have contributed to all of the collective achievements of the group over the past 15 years.

"The women's game as a whole has made significant progress during this time and will continue to do so in years to come.

"I am extremely proud to have played some part in the development of women's football as a whole.

"At this stage, I would just like to thank all of the players and staff at the FA who I have worked with during my time in charge of all the England women's international teams.

"I sincerely wish the current group of players and my successor the very best for the future."

Powell's former counterpart, the England men's coach Roy Hodgson, credited the work she had done during her time in charge.

"Hope has done a good job for women's football in this country," he said.

"If you look at what's happened over 15 years it's enormous, the change. But every so often you have to make changes and that's what the FA is going through the process of."

PA