When all eyes were glued on Roy Hodgson and Harry Redknapp as the two men contested for the position of the next England coach, there seemed to be an inside influence that determined who would take home the £2 million-a-year contract.

Harry Redknapp, who was the prime contender for the coveted post after Fabio Capello decided to step down in February, gave in to his wife Sandra’s demand to not shift to FA’s newly built football centre at the Midlands.

The 65-year-old Tottenham Hotspur chief was even willing to undertake a daily journey of 400 miles to Staffordshire but Sandra insisted that the seven-hour-journey would risk his health.

Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson, who was the next in line as Capello’s successor, had a talk with his wife Sheila before speaking to the Football Association chiefs on Monday. As the situation stands now, the West Bromwich manager is all set to be officially named the new national manager later today.

Even as Hodgson emerged as a firm favourite to boss the national football squad, he had to consult his better half before saying yes to FA’s proposal, reveals a source.

Sheila was always going to say yes, she has never stood in his way when it comes to ­footballing matters,” an insider discloses, adding: “…if he does get the England job, he will be spending a lot less time doing day-to-day football anyway.”

The FA is to hold a press meet today at 4 pm UTC to formally appoint Hodgson as the new manager of the English national football team.

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