Former Man Utd director Greg Dyke appointed FA chairman

London: The Football Association (FA) Board has unanimously approved the nomination for Greg Dyke to be appointed its chairman.

The FA, English football`s governing body, said the appointment will take effect from July 13. Dyke will take over from David Bernstein, subject to approval by the FA Council. In a high profile broadcasting industry career, Dyke has worked as director general of the BBC. Besides, he also has a long background in football. He was a director of Manchester United in the late 1990s and since 2006 he has been non-executive Chairman of Brentford Football Club. "Obviously as Chairman of the FA it is imperative that I am neutral so that means giving up my current role as Chairman of Brentford which I will miss. However, I shall be staying on until the end of the season," said the 65-year-old. "Football has always been a big part of my life. I still turn out to play six-a-side some Thursday evenings although at my age I seem to spend more time injured than playing," added Dyke, who has been Chancellor of the University of York since 2004. Currently Chairman of both the British Film Institute and Europe`s largest theatre group ATG, Dyke will give up both his role at Brentford and as a non-executive director at German broadcaster Pro Sieben in the next few months. "I am very excited to take on this role with the FA," said Dyke. I do see one of the most important tasks for the FA is, over time, to make thoughtful changes which will benefit the England team. "The FA has made a great start by rebuilding Wembley and developing great facilities at St. George`s Park but, it is essential that the FA finds a way to ensure that more talented young English footballers are given their chance in the professional game at the highest level." IANS