Big Sam meets the boys of St George’s School

Monday 29 August 2016

When two Jersey schoolboys pointed out where England were going wrong following their calamitous defeat this summer by Iceland, neither ever thought they would be summoned to the FA to meet new Three Lions manager Sam Allardyce.

But their impromptu letter triggered started the ball rolling in what was to be a dream come true for Harlan Moss, 11, and Jonathan Trant, 10, when they meet Big Sam at Wembley Stadium recently.

The England manager sprung the surprise on five budding coaches from the Island after Harlan and Jonathan wrote to the FA saying they could do a better job than his predecessor Roy Hodgson.

The duo even had the temerity of youth to name their own backroom team, namely pals James Douglas, Felix O’Connor and Bertie Cooke, all aged 10.

The pair’s letter was one of 700 applications for the England job to reach the FA, but so impressed were they in the corridors of power that Harlan and Jonathan, plus their backroom ‘staff,’ were also invited on a special Wembley tour.

That’s when they met up with Big Sam, who narrowly pipped them to the post.

The England boss, who has just named his first squad for the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, grilled the youngsters from St George’s Preparatory School on their coaching skills and handed over official England training wear, before giving the kids the chance to pick his own managerial brain.

“I read Harlan and Jonathan’s letter and was impressed with not only their passion for the national team but their desire to get into football coaching.” said Allardyce, who was appointed England manager last month.

“They were all very knowledgeable about the game and that’s good to see. If they stay focused and keep working hard then then you never know, they could be in my position in 30 years.

“I had great fun surprising the lads and I hope it topped off a thoroughly memorable day at Wembley Stadium.”

Are you a budding young coach? Find out more about coaching courses by contacting your local County FA via TheFA.com/CountyFA or by e-mailing: education@thefa.com.