Stuart Pearce named Team GB football manager

Stuart Pearce has been named as the manager of the men's Great Britain football team, with Hope Powell taking on the women's team for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

England Under-21s boss Pearce was widely tipped to take on the role, with Newcastle defender Steven Taylor backing the former Manchester City boss to succeed.

The 49-year-old will have to assemble an 18-man squad which allows a maximum of three players over the age of 23.

Powell was expected to be announced as the women's manager after already claiming a place at the World Cup quarter-finals earlier this year.

While the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football associations are understood to be opposed to a British team, both managers will have the freedom to choose players from all nations if they become available.