FORMER York City number one Dean Kiely has unequivocally backed Roy Hodgson as the man to lead England to success.

As the Euro 2012 tournament kicks off today in Ukraine and Poland, Kiely declared Hodgson was the “only” choice to take charge of the Three Lions brigade.

The man who occupied the goalkeeper’s gloves when the Minstermen soared to their first promotion play-off conquest at Wembley 22 years ago worked closely in tandem with the new England national coach during Hodgson’s stint as manager of Premier League West Bromwich Albion.

Said Kiely: “Roy Hodgson is the best choice for England. My time working with him over the past 18 months was superb.

“I have always believed the man who is in charge of the England team should be the best coach, the best football man.

“I do not think he has to be the guy who handles the media and all that paraphernalia the best.

“He has to be an out and out pure football coach and, to me, Roy Hodgson is that coach by a mile.”

The former Fulham, Inter Milan and Liverpool manager was confirmed in the England post last month as successor to Fabio Capello. Hodgson was awarded a four-year contract to take him to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and beyond.

Before accepting the siren call of the England job, Hodgson occupied the hot-seat at the Hawthorns club, where the 40-year-old Kiely has been on the coaching staff for almost six years.

Kiely insisted those 18 months under the tutelage of Hodgson have been among the most instructive in his career.

“His attention to detail and his way of getting the team to play in the shape and style he wants to play is first-class,” said Kiely.

“You have to look at the success he has had.

“He took Fulham to the Europa Cup final. He led Switzerland up the FIFA rankings, was successful at Inter Milan and has just guided West Brom to establishing themselves as a settled Premier League club.

“It is all relative, but Roy has been very successful across a wide range of football.”

Hodgson’s task in reviving England, who go into Euro 2012 far from among the tournament favourites, will be further boosted because of the standard of players he is now taking command of, added the former City, Charlton, Portsmouth and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper.

Said Kiely: “He will work on getting the shape and style he wants right with the difference being that he will be working with more gifted and creative footballers. That and his coaching knowledge is quite a strong combination.”