Pearce named as British football coach
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Shanghai Daily, October 21, 2011
Stuart Pearce said he hopes to select a squad from all four home nations when he coaches Britain's first Olympic football team in 52 years, while Scotland reiterated that its players should not take part in next year's London Games.
Britain has not fielded an Olympic football team since 1960 because Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland fear losing their independence within FIFA. The world body has assured the federations their status won't be affected by participating in the 16-nation Olympic tournament.
"I am certainly not going into this job only looking to select English players," Pearce said at Wembley Stadium, where the Olympic final will be played on August 11. "This should if possible be made up of players from all the home nations ... If I was a player I would certainly be doing everything I could to be put up for selection."
The Scottish Football Association issued a statement reiterating its opposition to taking part in a combined British team and warning players who take part of a potential backlash by fans. "We have been consistently clear in our position and, in particular, the threat it poses to our independent membership of FIFA and also our representation on the International Football Association Board (rule-making body)," the SFA said. "We have consulted with the men's and women's international squads in order that they understand our position, the reasons for that position and are aware of the feelings of the supporters."
Scotland defender Danny Wilson of Liverpool and Wales duo Gareth Bale of Tottenham and Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal could be in contention for selection to the Olympic team.
"It's (52) years since Great Britain had a team in the Olympics and I think it will be a really fantastic opportunity to bring together players from the home countries," FA Chairman David Bernstein said. "It will be interesting how the squad develops."
Pearce, who also coaches England's under-21 team and is a member of Fabio Capello's staff for the senior national side, can include three players over the age of 23 in an 18-man squad.
