SCOUSER GIVEN JOB

"It's been a momentous day for me personally," said Barwick. "I am looking
forward to taking up the challenge of leading the FA into their next era. I must
place on record sincere thanks to my colleagues at ITV for their support and
understanding during this period."

It is no easy task for Barwick as the Liverpool fan becomes Mark Palios's
successor after almost four months of a damaging lack of leadership. From the
decision - due to "insufficient evidence" - not to punish the England captain David Beckham despite his admission that he had deliberately sought a caution in the World Cup qualifier with Wales, through the Adrian Mutu drug case, to the failure of any senior figure to speak out against the racist chanting in Spain last week, the FA has endured a stormy few months.

There is, however, optimism in the organisation that the new rudder hand will
steer a steadier course. "We are delighted and we look forward to Brian joining
us," said the FA chairman Geoff Thompson.

"We had a very strong short list of candidates, but in Brian we have found an
exceptional individual with the qualities and experience to lead a talented team of people at the FA.

"The FA is committed to the continued development of the game at every level, the high standards of governance and the successful redevelopment of
Wembley. This is good news for the FA and for English football."

Barwick, whose interview yesterday lasted two hours 20 minutes, beat off
applications from the former head of the Strategic Rail Authority Richard Bowker and a third unnamed candidate.