Online betting is now well under way for that now regular sports event - The New England Manager Stakes. The 2007 outing is unusually interesting, in terms of sports betting, because the FA has this time decided to think a bit before engaging the new incumbent.

This process will offer punters the rare chance to pit their wits against the bookies because form and suitability will, for once, be the key influences on the final decision. That the people’s choice is Jose Mourinho is a pretty strong indicator that the FA will not feel they have to engage an Englishman for the role, thus enlarging the field considerably.

The people, however, will not necessarily persuade the FA that Mourinho is the right man for the job. Although nobody is quite sure what managerial qualities are required to induce in the England team an inclination to occasionally win a match, a tempestuous personality is probably not one of them. Calmness, stature and acquired wisdom might be and Martin O’Neill has these in abundance.

Unfortunately he doesn’t want the job but perhaps the FA will recognise these qualities and make him an offer he can’t refuse - which is about as likely as the Pope inviting Richard Dawkins over to crack open a bottle of Tequila. Fabio Capello wants the job but has no International experience. Jurgen Klinsmann is also keen but our players will be hard pressed to focus on training while remembering not to mention the war.

Beyond the favourite though, it’s going to be a tough prediction and this might be the ideal time to take advantage of one of the many ‘free bets’ offers available from the huge range of online betting sites. Back down the field there is an abundance of outsiders one of whom may yet reveal a CV containing previously unknown qualities.