Top managers banned from backing Redknapp

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Barclays Premier League managers have been gagged from endorsing Harry Redknapp’s England credentials.Tottenham boss Redknapp has received widespread support from his Premier League colleagues to succeed Fabio Capello.But Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, angered by an apparent contravention of rules forbidding contracted managers being touted for other jobs, contacted the Premier League and requested that letters be sent to all top-flight bosses, reminding them of their responsibilities.‘I have had a letter from the Premier League telling me not to discuss the England job,’ said Ferguson.‘Can you believe that? I suppose it means that’s me out of the running.’England, meanwhile, are facing up to the prospect of launching their Euro 2012 campaign against France on June 11 in a near-empty stadium.England have not sold their allocation for any of their three group games, with UEFA officials blaming extortionate hotel prices, logistical difficulties and the recession.‘France against England in Euro 2004 was the hottest ticket of the tournament,’ said David Taylor, chief executive of UEFA events. ‘Now we have them playing in Donetsk and neither France nor England have taken their ticket allocation.’