Barnsley v Leicester City: Hill can only watch from afar as Foxes spend their millions

Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson will be on the Oakwell touchline today as manager of opponents Leicester City.

The Swede spent five years in charge of the national side and led England to the quarter-finals of three major tournaments.

Hill, who had never been on an ‘international break’ prior to last weekend, feels there is no reason why the Football Association should not look abroad again when Fabio Capello steps down as England manager after Euro 2012.

“As much as it would be patriotic to suggest it should be an English manager, I think it has to be the best manager and the best manager has to be able to take on the FA,” said Hill.

“Whoever takes over, it is a poisoned chalice and the expectations of the England supporters don’t give any credit to the manager. If it’s not working, ‘the manager has to change’ and ‘he’s got it wrong’ – which is a sad indictment of our nation.”

The Tykes have spent far less than Leicester in the transfer market but are currently only two points worse off in the league.

“I can’t tell you if there is more pressure on Sven because I have never been in a position where I have had untold resources to spend to recruit the type of player who will get you promoted,” Hill said.” It would be great to have Sven’s resources and I would love to live under those pressures – spending millions and millions, earning millions and millions, and – if it doesn’t work out – going to live in the Caribbean.”

Eriksson’s assistant Derek Fazackerley was still playing for Blackburn Rovers in the late Eighties when Hill was emerging as a young defender at Ewood Park.

“He was a player who used to put his arm around my shoulder and tried to educate me as a central defender,” recalled Hill. “I am quite surprised I’ve not had a phone call yet because he normally demands a very good bottle of red wine for him to celebrate with.

“The last time he demanded one he was at Huddersfield but we won 2-0 and I think he choked on the red wine after the game.”

Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford is set to make his Leicester debut this afternoon after moving from Everton in a £3m deal on transfer deadline day.

Barnsley striker Andy Gray, who also played for Leeds, was shocked that Beckford was sold after just one season at Goodison Park.

“He scored a few goals in the Premier League and I was pretty surprised they let him go,” he said. “Maybe it was a financial decision on Everton’s part. He’s quick and his game is about goals. I am sure he will be looking to prove that on his debut.”