Source: Daily_Mail
David Bernstein new FA chairman as ex-Manchester City chief beats David Dein
The FA have sprung a surprise by naming David Bernstein as their new chairman.[LNB]Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein is understood to have been sounded out about the role after impressing in his work on England's failed 2018 World Cup bid.[LNB]But the FA have instead turned to former Manchester City chairman Bernstein after a meeting of the board at Wembley. [LNB]Bernstein replaces Lord Triesman, who quit earlier this year after the Mail on Sunday revealed that he had suggested Spain could drop its bid to host the 2018 World Cup if rival bidder Russia helped bribe referees at this summer's World Cup.[LNB] Taking the stand: Bernstein will be the new man in charge ahead of a big year for the FA[LNB]The 67-year-old's appointment still has to be ratified by the FA Council on January 25, but that is expected to be a formality after his nomination was approved unanimously.[LNB]Bernstein, who is currently the chairman of Wembley Stadium, said: 'I am honoured to be asked to take on the role.[LNB]'It is a tremendous challenge but I look forward to working with the board, the staff at the FA and everyone in football from local playing fields to Wembley and the international stage.'[LNB]A chartered accountant, Bernstein was Manchester City chairman for five years, including the time they secured the lease for new stadium and Eastlands, and he has been Wembley chairman since 2008.[LNB]He also sits on the boards of severalcompanies 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.[LNB]Bernstein, who under current rules is only be able to stay as chairman until he turns 70, fills the vacany created by Triesman's resignation in May.[LNB] Flashback: Bernstein presents Kevin Keegan (left) as Manchester City's new manager back in 2001[LNB]He told Sky Sports News: 'I've agreed, certainly with the people who interviewed me, that the chairman of the FA needs to be involved in major decisions concerning the England set-up.[LNB]'I'll be working very hard. I'll speak to a lot of people over the next four or five weeks, within football and outside football, to understand the issues and get a consensus on a list of priority issues. I intend to be very open.[LNB]'There's a lot to do. In terms of the changes that may be necessary and the general progress and taking things on, there's some similarity but no direct comparison with Manchester City.'[LNB]Acting FA chairman Roger Burden, who withdrew as a candidate earlier this month following England's failed bid for the 2018 World Cup on the grounds that he 'could not trust FIFA', said: 'The board was united in its view that David would make an excellent choice.[LNB]'I have worked with David for some years and have always been impressed by his professionalism and integrity.'[LNB]Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, who led the FA's nomination committee for the post, said: 'David was the outstanding candidate for the role. He combines strong business and leadership skills with tremendous insight and knowledge of football.'[LNB] In the running: Former Arsenal chief Dein (left) had been seen as the frontrunner to take over from Triesman[LNB]Bernstein's first 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.[LNB]Horne added: 'I very much look forward to working with David and together focusing on the priorities for the development of English football.[LNB]'We have a busy year ahead with work starting on St George's Park, the launch of the Women's Super League, England men's and women's teams competing in major competitions at a variety of age groups and a drive to implement the recommendations of our review into international player development.'[LNB]Sports minister Hugh Robertson said: 'I welcome the nomination of David Bernstein as chairman of the FA. He has a strong background both in the business and football worlds and I wish him every success in the role.[LNB]'The challenge for him will be to build a stronger Football Association and develop our national game at all levels. I look forward to meeting him in the New Year.'[LNB]VIDEO: England can win over fans again... MARTIN SAMUEL: Let's just call them...The Feeble AssociationTottenham director Sir Keith asked to take charge at the FA as Dein waits onClick here to read Charles Sale's Sports Agenda columns [LNB] Explore more:People: David Dein, Trevor Brooking, Alex Horne, Hugh Robertson Places: United Kingdom, Spain, Russia Organisations: National Football Centre, Football Association
