father and son, George and Michael Hart, head for Wembley this afternoon
FOOTBALL fans from Bolton were going Capello Crazy today ahead of the new England Manager's first match in charge.
The charismatic Italian will watch from the sidelines tonight as his first 11, captained by
Steven Gerrard, take to the pitch for a friendly against Switzerland.
The match has sparked fever pitch in Bolton, with many fans travelling down for the game and
bookies in the town reporting a surge in bets.
Robin Hutchison, a spokesman for Ladbrokes, which is offering a odds of 4-9 on an England victory, said: "England fans have a very short memory. Just a few months ago the team was out of Euro 2008 after losing against Croatia.
"Now Fans are rushing to get their bets placed. So far we have had around £100,000 bet on England nationally, but just £197 on Switzerland. The favoutire predictions are 4-0 and 5-0."
Coach company, National Express launched a new direct route between Bolton and Wembley to coincide with the match.
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Among the fans travelling to London were father and son, George and Michael Hart.
George, aged 51, a firefighter from Sharples, said: "The ticket was a present for Christmas. I'm looking forward to seeing the new stadium and have predicted a 2-0 win for England.
The bus which can links Bolton with Wembley
"I hope Capello does not go for the traditional Italian way of playing, which is to score a goal then sit back and defend."
Gas engineer Michael, aged 27 from Little Lever, added: "I go to all the England home games, but this is an exciting time. I feel hopeful we will do well with a new manager."
Meanwhile, Capello insists his tough new rules for England players will create a team spirit that has been missing from the squad.
In the build-up to today's game, mobile phones and flip-flops have been banished to players' rooms, while players are obliged to dress smartly, turn up together for meals, and leave the table at the same time.
Capello said: "I believe we have some obligations towards the fans and so I feel we need rules to work by, in an orderly fashion."
Post-training golf has been banned for the players, who are also referred to by coaches by their surnames only, which is the habit on the continent.
Capello added: "We have not many days together compared to when the players are with their clubs so we need some strict rules to create a group and a winning mentality that I want.
"I am not a Messiah, I'm just someone who tries to reap results through hard work."
For information on National Express routes, visit www.nationalexpress.com
Posted by: beer ok, alcatraz on 2:48pm Wed 6 Feb 08
I just can’t get exited about watching England anymore – new manager or not. Think I’d go as far to say that if they were playing in my back garden id shut the curtains.
They’re playing a friendly against a second rate team of course they’re gonna win – although remember Croatia and Macedonia recently, embarrassing to say the least!!
I just can’t get exited about watching England anymore – new manager or not. Think I’d go as far to say that if they were playing in my back garden id shut the curtains.
They’re playing a friendly against a second rate team of course they’re gonna win – although remember Croatia and Macedonia recently, embarrassing to say the least!!
I have not got a short memory.
I was working in Zagreb when Croatia beat us at Wembley.
I had to go in work the next morning and take all the stick.
They were laughing at me all week.
Its bad enough taking stick at work here being a Bolton Fan.
When they start playing with a bit of pride again, I might show start showing a bit of interest myself.
I have not got a short memory.
I was working in Zagreb when Croatia beat us at Wembley.
I had to go in work the next morning and take all the stick.
They were laughing at me all week.
Its bad enough taking stick at work here being a Bolton Fan.
When they start playing with a bit of pride again, I might show start showing a bit of interest myself.
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