John Herdman’s success with Canada makes him a wanted man back home in England

Homecomings are among the strongest narratives in sports. Is John Herdman destined to leave his post as the head coach of the Canadian senior women's soccer team in order to return home?

On Tuesday, Hope Powell was relieved of her duties as the manager of England's senior women's soccer team after more than 15 years at the helm and Herdman was instantly linked to the vacancy.

The 38-year-old Newcastle, England native told Sportsnet he would be remiss not to consider an offer from the English FA but stressed repeatedly that his focus is with the Canadian team and that no contact has been made in regards to the job opening.

Herdman has waxed nostalgic about home before, specifically about getting the opportunity to coach Canada's women at St. James Park, the home of his boyhood club Newcastle United, and revealed he's the only member of his family that "flew the nest."

His two years in charge of the women's program have produced a gold medal at the 2011 Pan Am Games, a bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, and immense progress overall. He's helped create an identity for the team while allowing stars like Christine Sinclair, Melissa Tancredi, and Sophie Schmidt to flourish in his system. Sinclair, Canada's all-time leading scorer, has been especially complimentary of Herdman and the impact he has had on her career.

The heartbreaking 4-3 semifinal loss to the U.S. at the Olympics is the defining mark of his tenure and is in the conversation for the most famous women's soccer match ever not involving a black sports bra.

The forthright manner in which Herdman handled the fallout that ensued won him many admirers. In his most public moment, he came across as honest, passionate, thoughtful, and charismatic - all characteristics of a strong leader.

Herdman is under contract with the CSA until 2016 and while he's had much success, there's still plenty of room for the team and the program to grow in the run-up to being the hosts of the 2015 World Cup. England are coming off a disappointing showing at this past summer's European Championship and it's fair to say currently a step behind where Canada strives to be on the international stage.

One can understand the persisting pull of home, but it's in the best interest of women's soccer in Canada that Herdman's home is on the touchline with the Canadian women in 2015.