Football Association board member Phil Gartside has claimed that Harry Redknapp would make "an outstanding England manager".
Tottenham Hotspur boss Redknapp is the favourite to land the role following the resignation of Fabio Capello in February.
Bolton Wanderers chairman Gartside, who is the first FA member to give his backing to Redknapp, said in a BBC interview to be aired this weekend that the 65-year-old would be an "outstanding England manager" while also being a "good motivator with a winning mentality".
Despite not being part of the four-man team who will choose Capello's successor, Gartside will be amongst those to rubber stamp the decision.