Lord Triesman lands FA role

Government minister Lord Triesman has been nominated as the Football Association's first independent chairman.

Government minister Lord Triesman has been nominated as the Football Association's first independent chairman. The FA board have approved the recommendation of Triesman by a selection panel, and his name will now to go the full FA Council for approval on 16th January. Sir Roy Gardner had been tipped for the role, but Triesman has won the vote from the FA. Tottenham fan Triesman will step down as a minister to take up the post. An FA statement said: "The FA's selection panel - chaired by Lord Mawhinney and consisting of Roger Burden, Sir Dave Richards and John Ward - unanimously decided to recommend Lord (David) Triesman as the FA's first independent chairman. "This recommendation was approved unanimously by the FA board today and will be put to the FA Council on January 16 for their approval. "Subject to this official appointment, it is hoped that Lord Triesman will take up his post as early as possible after this date. He will be stepping down from his ministerial post in the Government prior to taking up the chairmanship." Triesman admitted he was honoured to land the position. "I am delighted and very honoured to have this remarkable opportunity to help lead change at the heart of English football at the Football Association. "I am confident we are capable of resuming our role as world leaders from Wembley to the sport played at every level. "That is the challenge and that is my goal. I know it is passionately shared by the FA and everyone in English football."