Big Phil is big business
- 28 Apr 06, 11:36 AM
Much of the sporting chat this week has been about Big Phil Scolari being offered the England manager's job. It's a great tale, guaranteed to generate some decent debates down the pub - but this kind of story poses lots of questions for a news operation like ours.
Since Eriksson announced he was leaving, the issue of his succession has been played out on the back pages, with all manner of front-runners being tipped to get the job.
BBC Sport's approach to a story like this is that we try to avoid speculation and stick to what we know. We have a strong national, regional and international newsgathering operation - and it's vital that we make the most of this network of journalists to tell the real story. I think Five Live's football correspondent Jonathan Legard showed this week how it should be done.
And if the colourful Scolari does indeed get the job, then one thing seems certain - the next few years will be entertaining for anyone covering the England football team. Hang onto your hats.
