FA pledge to press on with national centre

The Football Association has given the go-ahead for the development of an £80m National Football Centre, to be built in Burton-on-Trent.

The FA's support for the project had been under review for financial reasons. However, after the FA's main board met yesterday for the first time this year, it issued a statement saying: "It was unanimously agreed to proceed with the development of the National Football Centre as soon as possible.

"This will mean completing the initial landscaping works for pitches, utilities, drainage, infrastructure and ongoing estate management according to the current plan for practical completion at the end of May 2004. The FA will consider a revised schedule for the completion of building works as soon as possible."

The FA also said a list of potential candidates had been drawn up for the post of chief executive vacated by Adam Crozier at the end of October. Initial interviews will start soon.