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.”