Incoming English FA chairman Clarke ready to weather storm

LONDON: Greg Clarke, who numbers working at the Met Office amongst his former jobs, awaits his likely coronation in August as the successor to Greg Dyke as chairman of the English Football Association (FA).

Clarke, who was also chairman of Leicester before filling the same role at the Football League for six years until standing down earlier this year, was unanimously approved for the post by the FA’s board.

However, until he is formally voted in at a special meeting of the FA Council on Aug 24 the chairmanship will be assumed in a caretaker capacity by former Manchester United chief executive David Gill. Dyke retired on Thursday after three years in the job.

“It is an honour for me to be put forward as the next chairman of the FA and I am very grateful for the board’s support,” said Clarke, who would not be entering a body full of unfamiliar faces as he worked with FA chief executive Martin Glenn at Leicester.

“This is a very important moment for English football and I hope to play my part in building on the progress seen in many key areas in recent times.

“I know all about the challenges we face and I am confident we are on a sound footing. I have a strong sense of purpose about what needs to happen next.”

Roger Devlin, who sat on the nominations committee along with Gill, said Clarke’s experience in heading the Football League would stand him in good stead for the FA role.

“He has the relevant experience and strong credentials to help the organisation and can play a key role in bringing all parts of the English game closer together.

“I am sure Greg will rise to the challenge and make a positive impact at all levels of the game, including the significant investment being made in the grassroots, the work being done across the elite England teams and the day-to-day operations at our St George’s Park and Wembley homes.”