FA’S ROONEY RULE BLUNDER
THE FA were last night forced to defend their appointment of John McDermott as technical director amid criticism that they failed to fulfil a commitment to apply the Rooney rule after his promotion earlier this week.
Members of the FA’s Inclusion and Advisory Board (IAB) have contacted the governing body questioning former Tottenham academy guru McDermott’s sudden elevation after fewer than six months as deputy technical director.
The lack of a transparent appointment process was subsequently criticised by QPR technical director Chris Ramsey.
The FA confirmed in a statement released to Sportsmail yesterday that no other candidates were interviewed for the technical director position which Les Reed had held for less than two years, claiming they reserve the right to make internal appointments.
The governing body introduced the Rooney rule — committing to interviewing at least one applicant from a BAME background — for all senior roles two years ago.
Les Ferdinand made the shortlist when Reed was appointed technical director and former Birmingham City defender Michael Johnson was interviewed before McDermott was made his deputy earlier this year.
An FA statement said: ‘The FA applies the Rooney rule to all advertised England coaching positions and it was used for the external appointment of John McDermott in May 2020 as assistant technical director to oversee men’s development teams.
‘John’s promotion was an internal appointment and the position was not advertised externally. Internal succession, stability and continuity within the organisation were important factors and John was the best candidate for the role. The Rooney rule will apply when we replace the assistant technical director.’
Ramsey welcomed McDermott’s promotion, but criticised the process. ‘It’s not about John as a person as his credentials are outstanding,’ he said. ‘The question is whether the FA adhere to what they say they’re going to do, or not? That’s the issue the wider world will be looking at.
‘The Rooney rule was well intentioned, but it’s not clear whether it has made much difference. Given what else is happening in the world there’s never been a better moment to implement real change.’
The controversy is embarrassing for the FA given they are pushing for all Premier League and EFL clubs to sign up to a new Football Leadership Diversity Code, a project that is being led by the chair of the IAB, Paul Elliott. Moreover, it is only three months since the FA became embroiled in a public row with the Premier League over the issue of diversity after chairman Greg Clarke accused the top-flight clubs of blocking Elliott’s promotion to the main FA Board.