Hodgson, the Chantilly chase and an enduring love
The only England manager I have ever chased is Roy Hodgson. It was after England’s disastrous performance against Iceland at Euro 2016. England were on their way home, humiliated. The fans were mutinous. The media was raging. Hodgson still had to do his farewell press conference, an often excruciating ritual that is an expected part of the manager’s FA contract. Hodgson stood down shortly after the defeat and then faced the cameras and the music at England’s emptying training base at Chantilly the following day. “I don’t know what I’m doing here,’’ he said. “I think my statement last night was sufficient. I’m no longer England manager but I was told it was important for everybody that I appeared.”
He was asked about mood amongst the players, Harry Kane taking corners, and he became increasingly weary. “I’m getting boring,” he sighed during one answer. Hodgson concluded, “I have nothing more to add, I’ll leave you to your stories and thank you for your time.” With that, Hodgson vacated the broadcast room, and hurried across the car-park. One problem. He still had the waiting writers to deal with. I chased after him; in fairness, not the fastest foot race in the history of English sport. On catching up with Hodgson, I realised he really wasn’t in the mood to talk any more. He felt he’d said all he had to say.