I hope big Butch finds what he’s looking for in the Philippines
You can’t get much further away from Suffolk than South East Asia.
But I’m delighted my pal Terry Butcher is off to manage the Philippines national team – because getting away will do him the world of good.
Without getting too heavily into detail, Butch has been heartbroken since the death of his son last year.
As you’d expect, it hit him and his family hard.
Now my former Ipswich Town team-mate has got the chance to escape for a while and dive back into football – and I’m delighted for him.
I have to be honest, I’m not too sure how good the Philippines are as a team.
But one thing I do know is that the public over there are football-daft.
English football, in particular, is absolutely huge.
Just like Thailand, Hong Ko n g and China, the Philippines is full of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal supporters.
So when Butch arrives – a former England captain, remember – he will be given a hero’s welcome.
And, let’s be honest, the weather means it’s going to be a lovely place to work.
I hope it goes brilliantly for Terry over there.
If it does, I’d love to see him back over here in 18 months’ time, ready to take on another challenge.