Insider is new FA chief

THE FA have appointed a new chief executive, opting for an internal candidate in current chief commercial and football development officer Mark Bullingham.

Sportsmail were first to reveal earlier this month that Bullingham, who joined the governing body in 2016, had made it on to the final shortlist. He then reached the final two, with Barclays retail bank director Chris Pilling understood to be the other candidate. But Bullingham (right) is highly regarded by senior figures at Wembley and his appointment was approved at yesterday’s FA board meeting. While he is expected to succeed outgoing CEO Martin Glenn as soon as possible, Glenn has agreed to stay on as part of a handover process and plans to be at both the Nations League finals and Women’s World Cup in June and July. Glenn said yesterday: ‘I know Mark and his qualities well. He is undoubtedly the best person to lead The FA as we head into an exciting new era.’ Bullingham, whose start date has yet to be confirmed, said: ‘I’m delighted to be given this opportunity. The to-do list is long but we know that as a team, we can deliver huge progress.’