Cherries legend Ted MacDougall is adamant Harry Redknapp is the prime candidate to manage England – because he knows how to handle the “millionaire egos”.

Redknapp, who played alongside iconic striker MacDougall at Dean Court during the early seventies, is the hot favourite to succeed Fabio Capello following his resignation on Wednesday.

A number of leading figures in the game have backed the Tottenham Hotspur manager to become the next permanent boss of the national team.

And former Dean Court hero MacDougall believes his friend’s ability to get the best out of modern-day players makes him the ideal choice.

Speaking to the Daily Echo from his home in America, he said: “I don’t think it is about the coaching at that level with the very top players.

“That is where I think Harry has been so good. It is about getting the best out of the individual players and dealing with the millionaire egos.

“I don’t think many people could handle it. In my day, I don’t think there would have been a lot of managers who could have handled these players now. It is very difficult to motivate a millionaire.

“There are not many people that could handle a day-to-day situation with a dressing room where there are many people with egos as big as the changing room. That takes a certain type of person and that is what is needed to be a manager today.

“I’m sure even Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been fantastic, has changed his philosophy and outlook on things and the way he has to deal with people.”

FA chiefs were yesterday set to meet to decide on a shortlist, with Stuart Pearce in caretaker charge for the upcoming friendly against Holland.

Prolific frontman MacDougall, who scored 119 league goals for Cherries in 198 appearances, added: “I think England are crying out for an English manager and Harry is by far and away the best available candidate.

“I have known Harry for many, many years. I go over with teams from the United States and we normally go to the training ground once a year – I was over twice last year.

“He always makes you feel very warm and he hasn’t changed from that perspective – he is still the same Harry and I think everybody loves him for that.”