Gareth Southgate favourite to be first FA technical director in years

Southgate has impressed since becoming FA head of elite development in January 2011 (Getty Images)

Gareth Southgate is the leading candidate to be appointed as the Football Association's first technical director in 10 years.

The former Middlesbrough manager, who is currently the FA's head of elite development, was part of a delegation the governing body sent to Brazil last week to scout out possible training base camps for the 2014 World Cup finals.

Southgate has made a big impression at the FA since he was appointed to his current role in January 2011.

The FA advertised the technical director post, to be based at its new football centre at St George's Park, near Burton upon Trent, last week. However, Southgate, who also works as an ITV pundit, is first choice.

The former Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez believes that a top-flight club will soon appoint a woman coach. Speaking in a BBC documentary, Sexism in Football, Sanchez said: "There will be a female Premier League manager within 10 years because, whatever is said, we're in an entertainment business.

"Whether because she's the best person or because of the commercial aspect, the reason will be that it is the best situation for the club."