Fergie: Capello is still main man

SIR Alex Ferguson has warned the Football Association that Fabio Capello must remain the most important man connected to the England team.

Capello is due to meet FA chairman David Bernstein later this week to try to bring some stability to a situation that had already led to calls for the England coach to be axed following his controversial comments about the John Terry saga.

Bernstein is in a powerful position. But according to Ferguson, it is not as powerful as that of Capello, who is in the final months of a £6million–a–year contract and has been charged with the task of securing glory at Euro 2012.

"There's nothing wrong with having an opinion," said Ferguson. "I think what will happen in the next few days is there'll have to be a coming together of the FA hierarchy and Fabio Capello because he's the team manager, he has the importance of that position. Without question the most important person at a football club is the manager."

After expressing his displeasure during an interview with Italian state broadcaster Rai 1 on Sunday evening, Capello was tight–lipped last night.

The Italian also rejected an opportunity to confirm whether he would be staying in his job, even if his mere presence at Liverpool versus Tottenham’s goalless draw was seen as a positive indication.




UNITED legend Sir Bobby Charlton was today recovering from surgery after falling ill during the Laureus Sports Awards.

The 74–year–old World Cup–winner had been due to receive an award but left London after starting to feel unwell and needed a minor operation, understood to be to remove a gallstone.

Sir Alex accepted the award on his behalf.