Triesman is choice as first FA independent chair

The English Football Association has landed an interesting and somewhat controversial choice as its first independent chairman in Lord Triesman.

Triesman was known in the 1960s as a radical who broke up a meeting held by a government scientist. He recently had to refute any involvement in the nation's Donorgate scandal to be considered for the chair.

The board has approved Triesman, and only the council must approve his appointment. He beat out former Manchester United chair Roy Gardner and former sports minister Richard Caborn, who created the position but never was interviewed for it.

Triesman has worn many hats aside from Aquarian radical. He was a referee and later set the foundation for Tottenham's charitable foundation. Triesman will step down as a minister in the department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Triesman knows his job is to re-establish the nation as the leading light of football.

"That is the challenge and that is my goal. I know it is passionately shared by the FA and everyone in English football," Triesman said at a conference.

Lord Mawhinney, the head of the selection committee, lauded Triesman's ability to handle the position.

"I am delighted that David Triesman has been the unanimous recommendation of our selection panel," Mawhinney said. "He combines excellent managerial and leadership skills with a lifelong passion for the game. Throughout his career, he has never shied away from taking strategically important decisions, and has delivered strong results."

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.