Singletary in the spotlight as NFL returns to Wembley

LONDON — American Football legend Mike Singletary will put his job on the line when his San Francisco 49ers face the Denver Broncos in the latest NFL International Series clash at London's Wembley Stadium on Sunday.49ers head coach Singletary earned a place in the NFL's Hall of Fame after an illustrious career as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears, which included a Superbowl triumph in 1985.The 52-year-old has had less success as a coach and is facing a fight to avoid the sack after San Francisco's woeful season reached a new low last weekend with defeat at the previously win-less Carolina Panthers.After being widely tipped as play-off contenders, Singletary's team, featuring top players like running-back Frank Gore and tight end Vernon Davis, have won just one of their first seven matches.Singletary has taken the brunt of the criticism for San Francisco's struggles and his problems only got worse when quarterback Alex Smith was ruled out for three weeks with a shoulder injury suffered in Carolina.With Smith sidelined, it was expected Singletary would turn to back-up David Carr -- a former number one pick in the college draft -- but instead the coach has taken the biggest gamble of his career by installing untried third choice Troy Smith as his starting quarterback.Another defeat to the equally out-of-form Broncos -- who were thrashed 59-14 by the Oakland Raiders last weekend -- could persuade 49ers owners the York family to dispense with Singletary's services.Yet Singletary, a renowned motivational speaker, has complete faith in his decision and Smith's ability to make it work."The bottom line is, I think for who we are, I think Troy Smith gives us a good opportunity to win the game," Singletary said at the 49ers' training base outside London this week."He's been studying since he's been here and getting with the coaches as much as he possibly can. He has enough of the offense to play."Smith once won the Heisman Trophy awarded to college football's outstanding player, but he will be making his first NFL

Add comment

Nick
Content

Submit