David Sheepshanks has been confirmed as the chairman of the FA’s much-delayed new National Football Centre at Burton. Sheepshanks, still a member of the Town board despite stepping down as chairman last year, unveiled plans for the project this morning.

Sheepshanks announced the National Football Centre’s new title: "We feel it is time the NFC had a new identity and we hope this name St George's Park will reflect the sense of national pride that will accompany the centre when it is open.

“Every single leading European country has a national football centre - even Bulgaria - and we are the only leading European country that does not. Every country that has won the World Cup has one apart from us.”

The 330-acre centre, which if given the go ahead will open in 2012, will have 12 pitches, one synthetic and one indoor, in addition to facilities for sports medicine and sports science and two hotels and a conference centre.

England boss Fabio Capello welcomed the move: “The venue will be an inspirational site, a place for coaches and players to work, learn and develop.

“This is a much-needed facility and through my own experiences at Coverciano in Italy I understand the importance of the centre for England.”

Photo: Action Images

MyBlueHeaven added 15:16 - Jan 19 ooh... first to comment. right, don't panic. just relax and steadily type a considered opinion on the absove storey. stay aclm. dont riush itt. ar$e. bottled it.
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Gonefishing added 16:45 - Jan 19 A white elephant and a complete waste of money. Just the man to run it then......
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TractorRoyNo1 added 16:47 - Jan 19 congrats david, brian klug will be a great asset if you can get it built
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WREXHAM_BLUE added 20:58 - Jan 19 Congratulations David; well deserved. Gonefishing... "go fishing!"
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blueoveru added 21:04 - Jan 19 330 acres eh !,sheepy will soon have that remortgaged.
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arc added 21:43 - Jan 19 "St George's Park"? How stupid is that? Couldn't DS have pushed for The Ramsey Centre or The Robson Institute? (I am sure non-Christian English players will feel warmly embraced by this decision.)
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GeorgiDoundarov added 00:55 - Jan 20 Wow! "Every single leading European country has a national football centre - even Bulgaria"... What did he mean with this?! May be he sees Bulgaria as the last in the European chain:)))) This is not true by far:)As native Bulgarian I would strongly disagree with Mr. Sheepshanks! As of his Chairman position - I wish him every luck!
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L8on_ITFC added 09:02 - Jan 20 SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPshanks:) hes S*it sack him! got a peachy bum though;)
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