Thomas Tuchel holds talks about replacing Gareth Southgate in new role alongside England job

THOMAS TUCHEL is set to replace Gareth Southgate as president of the League Manager’s Association.

The German coach has held initial talks with the LMA about the role.

Tuchel will meet chief executive Richard Bevan to discuss the finer details when he starts work as England boss in January.

The 51-year-old’s willingness to take the LMA role has been taken as a positive indication of the strength of his commitment to English football.

Tuchel’s decision to delay starting work for almost three months after his appointment in October has been widely criticised.

SunSport also revealed last month that the FA will not pressure him to be based at St George’s Park, as Southgate was for most of the week.

Tuchel is aware of the important work carried out by the LMA in supporting managers and coaches at all levels of the game from his time at Chelsea.

While being LMA president is a largely ceremonial role, it will require a significant time commitment from Tuchel in attending conferences, dinners and fundraising events.

Tuchel’s arrival will come at a time of significant change at the LMA.

Having helped found the organisation when manager of Leeds in 1996, Howard Wilkinson announced his retirement after 31 years as chairman last year.

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Wilkinson was replaced by Martin O’Neill following a ballot of the LMA’s 800 managers.

O’Neill beat a number of big names in a vote to get the job.

Emma Hayes, Alan Pardew, Darren Moore and Hope Powell were all in the running to replace Wilkinson.

But chief executive Bevan remains in charge of day-to-day matters.