For most international football managers, a 6-2 thrashing at the hands of Germany in a major final would not be considered a career-enhancing result. But for Hope Powell, the coach of the England's women side, it has led to speculation that she could be about to achieve a sporting first: becoming the first female "gaffer" in the men's game. The England manager, who unlike her male counterparts for the last 43 years was able to lead the national side to a tournament final this summer at the European Championships, was linked to a vacancy at League Two club Grimsby earlier this year after being seen leaving a restaurant with the Mariners' chairman.Powell, 43, who has been in charge of the national women's team for the last 11 years, dismissed the claims she was about to become the first woman to manage a professional men's side as "lies". But rumours persist that her impressive coaching credentials - underlined by the fact that she is the first woman to hold Uefa's highest managerial qualification - are attracting interest from the professional game.
The England manager, who unlike her male counterparts for the last 43 years was able to lead the national side to a tournament final this summer at the European Championships, was linked to a vacancy at League Two club Grimsby earlier this year after being seen leaving a restaurant with the Mariners' chairman.
Powell, 43, who has been in charge of the national women's team for the last 11 years, dismissed the claims she was about to become the first woman to manage a professional men's side as "lies". But rumours persist that her impressive coaching credentials - underlined by the fact that she is the first woman to hold Uefa's highest managerial qualification - are attracting interest from the professional game.
frnakly she'd be potty to do it. keep to the Fen Causeway
