FOOTBALL: Divisions emerge at FA over Venables

Glenn Moore sees rival camps begin to take sides over the England coach

Behind yesterday's enticing Euro 96 draw another matter has been occupying some delegates to the weekend formalities - the future of Terry Venables.

With Football Association officials, committee men and media among those being wined and dined in Birmingham on Saturday, there was much scope for snatched conversations, whisper and rumour. It followed a week when the national coach's contract and conduct has again been under scrutiny.

On Thursday, a judge said Venables had been "wanton" (or "wanting", depending on interpretation) with his evidence in a court case. The following day Noel White, the chairman of the international committee, admitted to being concerned about the various allegations made against Venables.

"Clearly there are matters we must consider when we come to discuss the contract," he said. These comments, which referred to negotiations about Venables' next contract - the current one expires in June - were made before the judge's accusation.

The following day, Sir Bert Millichip, chairman of the FA, reiterated his desire for Venables to be given a new contract before the finals begin in June.

There is a wide range of views within the FA. Graham Kelly and David Davies, the two most powerful men in the FA (they are chief executive and director of public affairs respectively), are in the pro-Venables camp. White appears to be moving towards the other group which, if not actually anti, is unsure.

A key factor is Millichip's impending retirement in June. He wants to secure Venables' future before then; others believe that, since he is retiring, it is not up to him to determine the future direction of the England team. They are concerned about both the whiff of scandal surrounding Venables and the need to judge his team in competition before giving him a new deal.

It is noticable that the people who spend most time around Venables are also his strongest supporters. That support, however, may alienate others within an organisation which is undergoing restructuring. In particular, it is moving towards a greater concentration of power in the hands of its salaried officers.

Yesterday, Venables said he hoped the draw would encourage the country to unite behind him and his team. He may have added, under his breath: "And that includes my employers."