Exclusive interview: LFC legend David Fairclough

In the next weeks to come, 10KingsPoker.com will do 10 exclusive interviews.

Interview number 1, Liverpool FC legend David Fairclough speaking about Norway and who should be the next coach for the Norwegian national team.

How attractive is the Norway national team manager job?
In my eyes, I see it as an extremely attractive job! Norway has a good name in football, a very knowledgeable country which knows its football and a good football community with strong traditions. World Championship finals (the World Cup USA 1994) and World Cup France 1998, and you have been defeated by strong nations like Spain and Czech Rep in two playoffs. Norway can't afford to lose out on the big finals, you need to be there! Åge Hareide stepping down as coach of Norway didn’t come as a big surprise, not producing results will cost you in the end. Despite the 2008 season was a big disappointment, who failed to win a single match, the Norway job is currently seen as one of the most appealing jobs in international football.

There has been a huge debate in Norwegian media about who will become our new national team coach. Egil "Drillo" Olsen is seeing himself as the obvious choice for the vacant position as a short term solution. What do you think, David?
Drillo was successful at his time, but I would say 'those were the days'. He might belong to the past and I think the Norwegian Football Federation should broaden their search as the football has moved on.

Former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has expressed his interest in the vacant Norway coaching post.
Lawrie Sanchez? Wow. That's a surprise! I didn’t think his name would be mentioned among the candidates. Has the football association spoken to Lawrie Sanchez?!

No, I don't know. But hoping to get an interview with the Norwegian FA, he said: 'I have had a look at the job and I'm very interested'
I bet he is!

As ex Wimbledon Crazy Gang member and FA Cup hero from 1988 Lawrie Sanchez certainly doesn’t understate his case. He seems to be very keen, but is he the right man for the job?
He has his strong views on how football should be played, that’s for sure. Anyway, only Norwegian Football Association knows who the ideal candidate for the job is. My opinion is that you need to sign an international coach with a strong international standing. The coach needs to gain respect from every member of the squad and in the clubs immediately – and they have to believe in him. Respect, admiration and faith are key words. Despite previous manager jobs with Northern Ireland, Wycombe and Fulham, I don’t see Lawrie Sanchez as the right man for Norway. Bear in mind, a national team coach is a heavy job with a lot of responsibility. Finding the right guy isn’t easy!

Can you offer the Norwegian Football Association any advices?
Not really, mate. It’s a long process, but they need to get input from the top Norwegian guys. One of the first I would contact is Kjetil Siem. Have they done it? Has he been quoted in the media, Allan? I would even go as far as saying that the association has done a poor job if they haven’t spoken to Kjetil Siem. I have known Kjetil Siem for almost 10 years, and I have a lot of admiration for him. He did very well, making the transition from sports fan journalist to an international football administrator. (Kjetil Siem is currently the CEO for the Professional Soccer League in South Africa). Knowing football and business is a good mix and politics on top of that as he has a good name and credibility within UEFA. Norwegian FA got to speak to him due to his vast network of useful international contacts.

I will list a few candidates, and let’s see what you think. Ok, here we go; Roy Hodgson, Louis Van Gaal, Frank Rijkaard, Guus Hiddink and Carlos Alberto.
Roy knows Scandinavia, but I can’t see him leaving Fulham which is doing well at the moment.
The three Dutch guys will be too expensive. Great names but I can’t see any of them as a Norway coach.
Carlos Alberto has been around for years, but the Brazilian mentality and style of play won’t suit Norway. No candidate for me.

Which managers would you recommend?
You certainly don’t want a novice, and Ole Gunnar Solskjær is too young and inexperienced. Henning Berg will be an obvious choice in the future IF he brings in an experienced assistant/manager.
I would recommend someone like Roy Evans in an assistant- or manager role. He’s got a wealth of experience, also internationally with both Liverpool and Wales (assistant manager of John Toshack). Roy has a mixed bag of emotions, good with people and a leveled guy with his feet on the ground. That’s so important.
What about Karl-Heinz Riedle? Speaking about international experience, this guy has done the whole lot! Riedle was a great German international with spells at Bremen, Lazio, Dortmund and Liverpool. A nice guy, highly rated by any manager (including Roy Evans), look after himself and his nickname ‘Mr. Perfect’ says it all. A great fella. German organization, hard work ethics and lots of experience. I think he’s living in Switzerland these days.
A northern European is the obvious choice. Mark Hughes did well with Wales, grinding out results away from home. Strong leadership, a well organized back four and 11 players who wears their hearts on their sleeves! Actually, Sparky might be available very soon as the Man City saga is a complete chaos.
Speaking about future managerial talent, look out for Wrexham manager Dean Saunders. Great enthusiasm got a good football brain and get on very well with people. I think you will hear a lot more about Deano in the future!

Thanks to David Fairclough. You will meet him at the Liverpool Winter Festival in Feb.