October 27 - Bolton chairman Phil Gartside (pictured) has been given the job of leading the team to find a replacement for Lord Triesman as the next chairman of the Football Association.
The appointment, coupled with a rule change at today’s extraordinary general meeting, widens the scope of candidates for the role.
Ex-Football League chairman David Sheepshanks, former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein and Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton are all possibilities, although Broughton has insisted he is not interested in the position.
The EGM removed the requirement that the next chairman cannot have been tied to a club, county FA or league for a year – whoever takes over needs only resign their current position.
The appointment of Gartside is also likely to strengthen ties between the FA and the Premier League as he is a friend of its chairman Sir Dave Richards.
Gartside replaces acting FA chairman Roger Burden who stood down from the nominations committee, which now includes Tony Kleanthous, John Ward and Michael Game.
The committee’s recommendation will presented to the FA board in December with the appointment ratified by the FA Council in January.