Cochrane has quality to lead U21s to success

JUSTIN COCHRANE is being championed for the England Under-21s job, with Aidy Boothroyd set to leave the position this summer.

Former Spurs youth coach Cochrane (above), currently in charge of England Under-17s, is highly rated and it would also be seen as a positive statement by the FA to appoint a black coach for such a high-profile job.

Former England international Jay Bothroyd, who played youth football with Cochrane, believes he has the credentials needed for the job.

Bothroyd, 38, a former Arsenal trainee who now plays in Japan for J1 League club Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, said: “Justin is a forwardthinking, possessionbased coach with the ability to connect with young players, and has an excellent knowledge of the game.

“He has worked with many different age groups, especially through the Tottenham academy and now through the England youth.

“Gareth Southgate recently praised him in the media and to have a black man as manager of the Under-21s would show equality and that our game is evolving and moving forward.”

Southgate referenced Cochrane last year when being quizzed about the lack of black and ethnic minority coaches and said he was potentially a “top coach”.

Boothroyd’s contract expires in the summer and will not be renewed, and Cochrane clearly has strong support, while England U19s coach Ian Foster is another name worth watching.

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are watching developments on the new-look Champions League with interest.

And one simple wish is that, despite the extra fixtures, they want to keep January clear as the one month that remains sacrosanct from European games.