Mixed reaction to new FA chair

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There has been a  mixed reaction to the appointment of David Bernstein as new FA chairman, ahead of the apparent favourite David Dein (who seems to have trod on a few toes).  The most forthright reaction came in a tweet from Alan Sugar: ‘Perfect for the F.A. he never offends anyone and allegedly never makes a decision.’

There has been a  mixed reaction to the appointment of David Bernstein as new FA chairman, ahead of the apparent favourite David Dein (who seems to have trod on a few toes).  The most forthright reaction came in a tweet from Alan Sugar: ‘Perfect for the F.A. he never offends anyone and allegedly never makes a decision.’


Bernstein took over as chairman of Manchester City when they were about to be relegated to the third tier and helped to steer them back to the top level.  He has extensive business experience and is currently chairman of Wembley Stadium.   Its £30m debts are an albatross around the FA’s neck and it may be his first priority.    There are those who think that the FA has started to behave like a property management company.  However he has many other tasks to tackle:



  • Restoring relations with government which holds the view that governance at the FA has been dysfunctional.  His appointment was welcomed by the sports minister but Bernstein will face a Commons select committee enquiry into the game in 2011.

  • Rebuilding relations with Fifa with England now almost regarded as a pariah in the international game.

  • Maintaining a stable relationship with the Premier League, whilst not neglecting the grass roots game.

  • Revitalising the England team (a really tough task).

Many fans regard the FA as a remote organisation with little interest in their concerns.  David Dein was interested in what fans thought and was often spotted listening at meetings.


Bernstein is 67 and some see it as another interim appointment.  He wants the FA rules changed so that he can stay on after he is 70.   He has an affable, down-to-earth manner, but is also regarded as reslient and tough.   Whatever his personal qualities, he will have to cope with the structure of the FA and the various factions within it.