New FA chairman to head search for Capello successor

January 27 – The Football Association’s new chairman David Bernstein will play the leading role in finding Fabio Capello’s successor after it was announced he is to take over as chairman of Club England.

Bernstein will replace Sir Dave Richards, the Premier League chairman, who has filled the role since the resignation of Lord Triesman last May and who was instrumental in Capello remaining in his post as England manager after the disappointing World Cup campaign.

Club England is the group within the FA set up to oversee all the England international teams at every age level and for men’s and women’s sides.

Capello has already confirmed he will not seek a renewal of his contract after Euro 2012 so Bernstein, who was formally appointed as FA chairman on Tuesday (January 25), will soon have to start considering candidates to take over.

Under his leadership, Club England will recommend a name or names to the FA board who will ultimately select the next England manager.

Bernstein said: “I would like to thank Sir Dave for his work for Club England.

“As chairman of Club England I want to provide clear and consistent leadership to what is undoubtedly one of the most important and most-followed activities of the FA.”

Club England was set up to deal with all operational and logistical matters affecting the 24 England teams as well as the team managers.

Bernstein will now oversee the body with the FA general secretary Alex Horne and director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking underneath him.

Adrian Bevington, Club England’s managing director, and Michelle Farrer, director of team operations, are also on the Board.

Bevington said: “I am very grateful for the support Sir Dave has given to me and to Club England since last summer.

“I look forward to working closely with David Bernstein in the coming years.”

Bernstein is due to take up the role on February 1.