Capello 1, Hester 0
Fabio Capello has done what Stephen Hester considered would be ‘indulgent’ – he has resigned because of interference in doing his job. Yet the England football manager may be easier to replace than the Royal Bank of Scotland CEO.
The two management jobs are not directly comparable, of course. Not only is there a long-standing rivalry between England and Scotland, the bank is in a completely different league to the football side. Capello’s losses may have been embarrassing but Hester has to cope with losses that could sink the financial system.
Both men were brought in to undo disasters, yet Capello was paid £6m for a lack-lustre performance while the country balked at paying a £1m bonus to a man for proven success. But however good or bad at achieving their goals, both bosses have suffered interference from their nominal masters – Capello from a Football Association that thinks it, rather than the manager, should chose the captain and Hester from politicians playing to the gallery on high pay.
In the end, Hester decided to stay and Capello chose to go. But ironically, the England manager will be easier to replace than the Scottish banker. Had Hester gone, finding a competent (nevermind inspirational) new boss for RBS prepared to work for just £1.2m would have been difficult; filling Capello’s boots will be much simpler.
The government should be careful in hounding Hester. There is no Harry Redknapp ready in waiting. And while the Spurs manager is not guilty of tax evasion, his financial affairs would not pass the test for running a bank anyway.
February 10th, 2012 at 8:41 am
I believe that Mr Hester might have umbrage in being called Scottish as he is in fact a died in the wool Yorkshireman.
If Capello had also been from God’s Own County then perhaps he might have won something or at least got rid of the Fancy Dan’s like Stephen is doing at RBS..