Sports Letter: Jack's the lad

Sir: One Englishman has achieved great things as an international player and manager - yet he's not going to be available until he's led Ireland to the World Cup.

Jack Charlton should be offered the job after the World Cup, supported by an assistant with experience of football outside England (and the character to add finesse to Jack's tactics). Hoddle, Wilkins and Keegan could all perform this role, while being groomed to take over after 1998.

You never know, by 2002 we might have some footballers who are comfortable controlling and passing the ball.

Yours faithfully,

RICHARD BAILEY

Oxford