Steve Holland is on the hunt for a managerial role, ready to step out of Gareth Southgate's shadow after their eight-year partnership ended post-Euro 2024. The former England assistant, who has been pivotal alongside Southgate, is now eyeing a challenging position at the helm of a Championship team or perhaps a Premier League side in need of revival.
Southgate, who is also considering his future options and is much sought-after following his international success, has always spoken highly of Holland. Despite this, Holland is determined to make his own mark in management, with sources from The Sun suggesting that even if a top club like Manchester United were interested, Holland would prefer to forge his own path.
The pair first crossed paths at Chelsea, where Holland's coaching acumen began to shine. Southgate has expressed deep respect for his former colleague, saying: "We developed an understanding and relationship that I think has been a huge friendship as well as a working relationship. He's someone I trust entirely, whose opinions and views on football are aligned with mine, whose values as a person are at a really high level and his attention to detail around doing the job are an example to any coach at any level."
Southgate hailed his right-hand man Holland as potentially the most successful English coach, given his extensive achievements at both club and international levels. "I think he would be the most successful coach in English football or English coach, I can't think of anyone else who has won the things he has won or had his experience at club and international level. He's a top operator. Without his experiences, his approach, his thoughtfulness and the quality of his work, would we have had the journey we have had in the last five years with the seniors and the U21s? " Southgate said.
Southgate's loyalty to Holland was further demonstrated when he defended his assistant amidst rumours of a rift with Arsenal's Ben White during the World Cup. White reportedly left the squad early after a disagreement with Holland.
Southgate stood firm against the gossip: "People can talk about me and I have to accept that things get said that are false, about me. For whatever reason in this role, you have to stomach that. But I'm not prepared for that to happen to a key member of my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not available for selection."
