THE appointment of Fabio Capello as England boss was possibly done, in some people's eyes, a little too quickly.

Having said that, the path was laid clearer for Brian Barwick when a succession of the top candidates, like Jose Mourinho and Martin O'Neil, made it clear they were not interested.

Mourinho, as I said a couple of weeks ago, gives the impression he thinks international management is for an older person. This is something I have always said.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger both said the same this week and, interestingly enough, Arsene agreed with most of the English professionals by saying that he thinks a country should always be managed by one of their own nationals.

However, there does seem now to be a lack of outstanding home candidates, which is also reflected in the fact that most of the big jobs in the Premiership have gone to foreigners over the last few years.

People like John Barnwell, the chief executive of the League Managers Association, and Howard Wilkinson are openly critical of the fact that we are not for one reason or another giving opportunities to English coaches.

Howard, in particular, wants the FA to continue the work he started at Burton with the academy.

Whether Mr Capello will be interested in the grassroots in England, I very much doubt.

But he has many attributes.

Read Lawrie McMenemy's views in today's Daily Echo.