Good guy Pearce to make an impact

SPORTS BETTING:

ENGLAND’S footballers embark on a new era tonight; one which starts with the guidance of Stuart Pearce and will probably end under the gaze of Harry Redknapp.

Caretaker boss Pearce is an admirable bloke, the sort you could have a pint with and chew the fat.

A true patriot who never gave less than 100 per cent for his country, he has a big role to play in the country’s footballing fortunes but not, in my opinion, as a long-term boss.

That’s for current Tottenham manager Redknapp, surely, and it will certainly be interesting to see how our boys react to this expert man-manager’s style.

I wish nothing but good for Pearce tonight when England play Holland in a friendly at Wembley.

Normally, I would expect the Dutch to win this game hands down, especially with the on-fire Robin van Persie leading the front line.

However, a new broom often inspires our fickle footballers and the departure of the dour Fabio Capello and introduction of the inspirational, but tactically-limited Pearce should have an affect.

RVP looks the most likely first goalscorer at 11-2, but the bet for me is an honourable draw at 9-4.

Football has its ugly side and, following the fairly recent and dubious dismissals of Steve Bruce (Sunderland) and Mick McCarthy (Wolves), the next in line seems to be Andre Villas-Boas.

This guy seems to be on some sort of suicide mission, indicating this week that his Chelsea career was

following a parallel to that of the previous incumbent of the Stamford Bridge hot seat, Carlo Ancelotti.

It is almost as though AVB (sorry about all the letters this week) seems to be making it easy for owner Roman Abramovic to sack him.

That may well happen sooner rather than later, so the 16-10 favouritism about him being the next Premier League manager to vacate his post is entirely understandable.

RECOMMENDATION: England and Holland to draw, 9-4 (Blue Square, Coral).