BREAKING: England manager Capello quits

Capello resigned following a meeting with FA chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne at Wembley Stadium.

An FA statement read: “The Football Association can confirm that Fabio Capello has today resigned as England manager.”

The news was greeted by former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock, who said: “I’m quite delighted if I’m honest. I only saw them failing at the Euros with him in charge. There’s nobody else other than Harry Redknapp [to replace him].

“It’s a long time since England have had a main man that everybody agrees with and who can get the best out of the team. He brings humour to the dressing room and that has been missing in Fabio’s time and in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s time too.

“I still think it’s possible for Harry to do it part time until then but that depends on Tottenham. I think the European Championship with Harry in charge will be something to look forward to.”

“I think it’s a blessing in disguise for Fabio. He’s been able to walk away and put the blame on FA chairman David Bernstein for challenging his authority.”

The shock resignation brings an end to Capello’s four years in charge of England - he had been due to step down after the European Championship and leaves the FA needing to appoint a replacement as soon as possible.

The next international is later this month, a friendly against Holland on February 29 at Wembley.

The timing of the meeting coincided almost exactly with Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, the outstanding candidate to replace Capello, being cleared of tax evasion charges.

The FA’s decision to go over Capello’s head and strip Terry of the captaincy until after his July court case where he will deny racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand led to the Italian quitting his £6m-a-year post.

Capello told Italian TV that he “absolutely” disagreed with the action against Terry and that set him on a collision course with the FA.

The FA will hold a news conference on Thursday lunchtime.

For full story and reaction, read Thursday’s Yorkshire Post newspaper.