Bookies Say FA Embrace Culture Of Secrecy

After almost becoming the victims of a betting sting when the Football Association decided to appoint the group, Embrace, to record the official World Cup song - but failed to announce the fact for three days, bookmakers William Hill are hoping that the FA do not adopt the same strategy when they decide who to appoint as international team's new manager in succession to Sven Goran Erikkson.

"The FA announced the name of the band chosen to record the World Cup song in an embargoed press release on Monday, having made their choice three days earlier. It was well known that there was a lively betting market on who it would be, but by delaying the announcement, insiders were given the opportunity to take advantage of their knowledge and help themselves to free money from bookies taking bets" said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.

"Fortunately, we were alerted to what had happened by a sudden rush of people wanting to place large bets on Embrace and were able to slash the odds and then close the book, but if the FA maintain this unnecessary culture of secrecy when it comes to the new boss, we could be very badly hit because there is likely to be a million pounds riding on the appointment."

Meanwhile, William Hill have made the Embrace track 1/9 to hit the number one spot when it is released and 5/1 not to.

William Hill currently make Martin O'Neill their 6/4 favourite to become next England manager with Alan Curbishley offered at 9/4.