Sam Allardyce sprung a surprise on five budding England managers at Wembley Stadium connected by EE recently.
School friends Harlan Moss, aged 11, and Jonathan Trant, aged 10, made an audacious attempt to land the Three Lions’ top job back in July.
The duo used a well-written job application to highlight their own credentials for the role and even went as far to outline their own backroom team, namely pals James Douglas, Felix O’Connor and Bertie Cooke, all aged 10.
It was one of 700 applications for the England job to reach The FA, who were so impressed by Harlan and Jonathan’s efforts that all five were invited to Wembley for an official stadium tour.
And that was where they found the man who pipped them to the post lying in wait to grill them about their coaching potential.
After making the pupils from St George’s Preparatory School in Jersey look the part by handing over official England training wear, Big Sam then sat down to allow time for the youngsters to pick his managerial brain.
'Have you been after my job?!'
“I read Harlan and Jonathan’s letter and was impressed with not only their passion for the national team but their desire to get into football coaching.” said Allardyce, who was appointed England manager on 22 July.
“They were all very knowledgeable about the game and that’s good to see. If they stay focused and keep working hard then then you never know, they could be in my position in 30 years.
“I had great fun surprising the lads and I hope it topped off a thoroughly memorable day at Wembley Stadium.”
Are you a budding young coach? Find out more about coaching courses by contacting your local County FA via TheFA.com/CountyFA or by e-mailing: education@thefa.com.
