By Andrew Warshaw
December 22 – Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein (pictured) is the surprise nomination to take over at the helm of the Football Association.
Bernstein, 67, is currently chairman of Wembley Stadium and will take over as FA chairman if, as is expected, his appointment is ratified by the FA council on January 25.
Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein had been the favourite to secure the post but Bernstein emerged top of the shortlist and was recommended to the FA board by a four-man nominations committee headed by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside.
Bernstein said: “I am honoured to be asked to take on the role as chairman of The FA.
“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.”
A chartered accountant, Bernstein was Manchester City chairman for five years and he has been Wembley chairman since 2008.
He also sits on the boards of several companies and is President of the National Association of Disabled Supporters.
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”, had been a virtual shoo-in for the role but Gartside said Bernstein was the ideal candidate.
Gartside said: “He combines strong business and leadership skills with tremendous insight and knowledge of football.”
It was not immediate clear why Dein was ultimately overlooked but Bernstein’s first major tasks will be to drive forward the opening in the summer of 2012 of the long-delayed national football centre at Burton – now named St George’s Park – as well as implement a review of international player development.
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