Day Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Stuart Pearce and Hope Powell will take charge of Great Britain's Olympic football teams at London 2012. Pearce, the England Under-21 manager since 2007, is also a coach for the senior side, while Powell has led England's women for 13 years. "I am extremely proud to have this opportunity and I'm looking forward to getting started," said Pearce. Both coaches will have the option to select players from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, the Football Association of Wales has reiterated its opposition to a British team, re-affirming their stance that they feel it threatens their independence. It is understood the Scotland and Northern Ireland FAs also remain opposed. And former Scotland manager Craig Brown told BBC Radio 5 live: "I wish them every success but I would still be disappointed if any selected Scottish player took part. "We fear the autonomy of Scottish football would be jeapordised if we were to play and it would be selfish of the player." The 18-strong squads must contain 15 players who were born on, or after, 1 January 1989 - the other three players can be older. Former England captain David Beckham, 36, is known to be keen to represent Great Britain at the Olympics. But Pearce said he would only select players on "form and fitness" and would not be drawn on whether Beckham will be included. "I've not seen him play recently, he's a bit old for the Under-21s," Pearce joked. "I was fortunate to be part of Euro 96, so I know how special it can be to play for your country on home soil at a major tournament," he continued. "I'm sure this group of players will relish being part of not only a huge tournament in this country, but a unique one competing together and representing the UK." Earlier this year, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland reacted angrily to claims that their players could take part in a united Great Britain football team. Despite assurances to the contrary from Fifa, the nations are concerned that the selection of their players will undermine their independent status in the international game. Powell has led England to four successive major finals, including Euro 2005 on home soil. She said: "The attendances at the games during Euro 2005 were a sign of progress for women's football in this country, and it helped provide a platform for what has happened since then. "I'm delighted to be in the position to be able to take a team into such an illustrious tournament, I just wish it were starting tomorrow." The Football Association made the appointments after being instructed by the British Olympic Association to oversee Team GB. "With their excellent track record and experience I am convinced we have chosen the best coaches for these positions," stated FA chairman David Bernstein. GB will field a men's team for the first time since the Rome Games of 1960 while the women are making their debut. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/15382675.stm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ambitious Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I'm going to guess that if Fielding isn't selected for euro 2012 then he would be first choice for the GB team? seems like none of the other parts of GB want to get involved, I don't understand why but I'm sure they will be no great loss, apart from maybe Bale who would be available as the country he plays for is so frickin' terrible! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted October 20, 2011 Author Share Posted October 20, 2011 Don't think he will: "The 18-strong squads must contain 15 players who were born on, or after, 1 January 1989 - the other three players can be older." Fielding was born in April 1988, the 3 older players I guess will be Beckham, Rooney and possibly Terry or Gerrard? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boycie Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 Terry or Gerrard? You avin a laugh? He'll be wasting his time picking them. I can feel a Boo comin on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duracell Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 Don't think he will: "The 18-strong squads must contain 15 players who were born on, or after, 1 January 1989 - the other three players can be older." Fielding was born in April 1988, the 3 older players I guess will be Beckham, Rooney and possibly Terry or Gerrard? Kenny Miller? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sage Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Gareth Bale, Darren Fletcher and Chris Brunt, plus young players Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoetheRam Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Beckham, Bale, Fletcher and then a load of youngsters I reckon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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