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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Leo Benedictus

Sebastian Coe for king: what job should he do next?

Banker, wrestler, king or call-centre operative … what would suit Seb?
Banker, wrestler, king or call-centre operative – what would suit Seb? Image manipulation: David McCoy

He's had, by any measure, a good games. But all that popularity and experience, so gruellingly earned, should not be frittered away on trivial concerns like writing memoirs or another sports administration role. If the opening ceremony proved anything, it is that Britons have imagination and are willing to take risks. So here's what Seb should be next.

King

Though constitutionally awkward, this would ensure that Britain's most popular leader can be followed by its second most popular when the sad time comes. The Queen will have to formally adopt Lord Coe and then arrange for the assassination of her two oldest children. (No doubt her new friend James Bond could arrange this.) Seb I does sound like an expensive number plate, but the nation would get used to it.

Head of the European Central Bank

Stabilising bond markets and rescuing insolvent governments should be simple for someone who can make Londoners cheerful for a fortnight. Seb has also proved that he can work with corrupt governing bodies, making him the perfect man to tackle Eurozone debt. May want to play down his committed Euroscepticism.

Professional wrestler

A leftfield choice, but let's not rule it out. Seb was William Hague's judo partner after all, and his experience with the physical demands and slinky outfits of international athletics situates him perfectly for a "good guy" wrestling career. In Baron Coe of Ranmore OBE KBE he already has the silly name.

Call centre operative

Some would say that answering phones for NatWest or Virgin Media is a step down. At heart, however, the roles are similar, requiring someone who can remain equable while being moaned at for long periods of time. Hours could be difficult to combine with his duties in the House of Lords.

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