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David Bernstein named as new FA chairman

Duncan Bech,Pa
Tuesday 25 January 2011 15:26 GMT
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David Bernstein has been appointed as the new chairman of the Football Association, it was announced today.

The former Manchester City chairman won a unanimous vote by the FA board in December to become the permanent successor to Lord Triesman.

Today the FA Council approved the vote to confirm the 67-year's appointment.

The FA council unanimously endorsed Bernstein's appointment at its meeting today.

Speaking to the council, Bernstein said: "It is a great honour to be addressing you today as the new chairman of the Football Association.

"I would like to thank the nominations committee, the board and council for placing your trust in me.

"First, I want to pay tribute to Roger Burden who has done a tremendous job over the last eight months as acting chairman.

"He has seen the organisation through some challenging times and led it with great dignity and integrity.

"I am fortunate to be able to draw upon his experience and insight as a colleague on the board.

"Over the past few weeks I have been doing a lot of listening.

"I have met many people representing all areas of football in this country to hear their thoughts and ideas on the current issues facing the game. Their input has been invaluable.

"It has confirmed my view that the Football Association is an outstanding organisation with talented, committed people doing a huge amount of great work of which we should be justifiably proud.

"Understandably, much of this work receives little publicity due to the focus on higher profile issues. That was particularly true in 2010.

"By bringing stability to the top of our organisation, I hope to create an environment within which all the positive work that we do is better understood and appreciated."

Bernstein, currently chairman of Wembley and director of a number of large clothing retailers, was the surprise nomination by the FA board last month

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein had been viewed as the front-runner but the nominations committee, headed by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, chose Bernstein, with the main difference being his company boardroom experience.

A chartered accountant, he was Manchester City chairman for five years, including the time they secured the lease for new stadium at Eastlands, and he has been Wembley chairman since 2008.

He sits on the boards of several companies including French Connection, Ted Baker and Blacks Leisure, where he has been chairman since 1996.

He is also president of the National Association of Disabled Supporters.

Selecting Fabio Capello's successor as England coach - the Italian has stated he will move on after the Euro 2012 finals in 18 months' time - heads his list of tasks.

Harry Redknapp is the bookies' favourite to succeed Capello, while Stuart Pearce, Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce are also contenders.

Other major tasks will be to drive forward work on the national football centre at Burton - now named St George's Park - and implement a review of international player development carried out by FA general secretary Alex Horne and Sir Trevor Brooking.

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