IPSWICH Town legend Mick Mills has urged England’s stars to unite behind Roy Hodgson, despite having his own reservations about the new hot favourite for the national job.

The West Brom manager is expected to succeed Fabio Capello as England manager and his first major job will be to lead the squad at this summer’s European Championships.

Mills, who captained his country, previously backed Spurs manager Harry Redknapp for the hot-seat and the former Portsmouth boss had been tipped by many to take the role.

However, the FA have now turned to Hodgson who has rebuilt his reputation after a tough spell at Liverpool.

Mills believes Hodgson’s time at Anfield has raised question marks over his ability to manage at the highest level but believes the former Switzerland and Finland coach must be given a chance.

“I would have preferred Harry Redknapp but Roy (Hodgson) is a good man, very experienced and I don’t think he will do a bad job,” said Mills.

“He has had his successes and failures and it does worry me a bit that he was disappointing at Liverpool. Maybe that tells you that he is not so good with the top players.

“Who knows if that is the case, I just hope that people give him a chance and the players back him.

“It concerns me a little that the players might not like the appointment and that could make life difficult like it has at club teams such as Aston Villa with Alex McLeish.

“It is a tough old job and he does not need anyone to make it any tougher for him.”

Hodgson was being interviewed by the FA yesterday and, being out of contract, would not command a compensation fee, unlike Redknapp.

“I think money has come into it,” said Mills.

“The FA have spent money unnecessarily in the past and have had their fingers burnt.”