Harry Redknapp Flattered by England Conjecture as Ferguson Elects Tottenham Boss

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits he is "flattered" by the clamour to appoint him as the next manager of England following Fabio Capello's resignation, on a day Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson described Redknapp as "the best man" for the job.

While acknowledging the pride in being associated with the job, Redknapp admits it would be

"It is nice that people put me in a position where they think I've got a chance of the job", The Tottenham manager told the BBC.

"Yes, it's flattering. Other managers have come out and said nice things and I appreciate everybody's support in everything that has happened in my life in the last little spell.

"I've had great support from everybody and that is important when you go through a situation I've been through you find out who your friends are for sure."

Since Capello's departure it has been suggested Redknapp could possibly combine his current job at Tottenham with temporary charge of England, until becoming the permanent manager of the national side at the end of the season, yet 64-year-old concedes all focus must be "on one job".

"It is hard enough managing a league club, let alone your country." The Tottenham manager continued. "It is too very difficult jobs and you have to focus on one job."

Although evidently enamoured with the idea of being linked with England, Redknapp suggested it is a hugely complicated role given the unique pressures that comes with it.

"You have to look at the whole thing and realise just what a tough job it is," he said. "No-one has a magic wand. They've all found it very difficult. Whoever takes that job has a real job on his hands.

"It shows what a difficult job it is to manage England when you go and get Fabio Capello - there wouldn't be too many in the world better than him - and he found it difficult.

"There's been a lot of great managers since Alf Ramsey [England's World Cup-winning manager in 1966].

"Even the great Bobby Robson, who were all admire so much - even he found it difficult. He got slaughtered at times. He wasn't always well treated.

"Apart from Terry Venables in Euro 96, who came out with loads of credit, we haven't really had too much success, which shows what a difficult job it must be.

"At my age I have to do what's right for me. Whatever decision, my family will come first now. If the opportunity comes I will look at it in then."

Having initially suggested he had not "thought about" England, the recent speculation and the public response had inevitably led to Redknapp thinking about his future.

"Driving in this morning, three hours in the car, and you start to think about things," Redknapp continued. "But it is a difficult job and things couldn't have gone better for me here [at Spurs].

"I can't take my eye off the ball at Tottenham. We are trying to get Champions League football and owe it to them to keep completely focused.

"The club have been great to me. [Chairman] Daniel [Levy] brought me here and it couldn't have gone better for me in the three years I've had here, and I love every minute of coming here.

"I've great players, an excellent team and I couldn't be happier than what I am here at the moment.

"Until the question gets asked - no-one has approached Daniel - there is nothing for me to consider.

"They may have someone else in mind. We are all guessing. Whoever they pick, I hope they make the right decision. All we can do is see what happens."

Meanwhile Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is the latest high-profile character in football to endorse Redknapp as the perfect candidate to succeed Fabio Capello, suggesting he is the correct age with a brilliant understanding of English football.

"There is no doubt Harry Redknapp is the best man," The Manchester United boss told the Daily Mail. "The press have decided. Harry is the best man."

"He has the experience and personality and the knowledge of the game. He has changed the fortunes of every club he has been at. He is the right choice.

''You should try to get the best man with the best qualities.

"A young manager has no chance. I tried it myself with Scotland in Mexico (in the 1986 World Cup while Aberdeen manager and following the death of Jock Stein). I found it very difficult."