David Sheepshanks has stepped down from the role of acting-joint chairman of the FA which he assumed after Lord Triesman’s resignation 11 days ago. Roger Burden will continue in the position while a new independent non-executive chairman is sought.

Sheepshanks relinquished the role at an FA board meeting today for a variety of reasons: "We had a very constructive discussion at the board and concluded together that it was preferable to have one single point of accountability during this interim period as we focus on this summer's World Cup and the 2018 bid.

"I did not put myself forward for this sole role having a number of other business and football commitments not least leading the very important St George's Park [National Football Centre at Burton] project.

"I am delighted that Roger is undertaking the chairmanship in the interim and, together with my colleagues on the board, I will be offering him my full support whilst we seek a new chairman."

The FA is not ruling out a change to its constitution so that those currently involved in football may be appointed chairman, but board members such as Sheepshanks and Burden will not take the job on a permanent basis.

Alex Horne has been confirmed as FA general secretary, a role which replaces the chief executive position. Horne had been acting-chief executive since Ian Watmore resigned earlier in March.

Sheepshanks resigned as Town chairman last summer when Marcus Evans took on the title, but is still on the club board and is chairman of the Community Trust and the PLC which owns 12.5% of Town.

Photo: Action Images

WickedBlue added 18:04 - May 27 Good man Sheepshanks....a man of honour....
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FenboyBlue added 18:05 - May 27 I blame the collapse of ITV Digital.
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naaridge1coly7 added 18:39 - May 27 Top man David,we miss your presence at ITFC,like said above a highly honest & honourable decision,no one single man has had more passion in the last 20 years as DS,hopefully youll return to the helm one day here.
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I_ONCE_WAS added 18:46 - May 27 Good move Dave. Shame you didn't step down from here so quickly.
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Daleyitfc added 19:32 - May 27 And today's Evening Star (which was probably printed on Tuesday ...) has Sheepshanks down as imminently being named new full-time chairman. Tw*ts.
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jas0999 added 21:43 - May 27 Probably a good decision. Harsh criticism for some . . . David, found us Marcus Evans - we wouldprobably be in Division 1 now without investment. Okay, it hasn't bought success, but without his money, we would be bankrupt by now.
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WickedBlue added 06:03 - May 28 David deserves and readily takes the blame for our fall into administration. He admits mistakes were made. A lot of Chairmen would have jumped ship and ran...he didn't and worked damn hard to get us out of administration and find us the backing we needed. For me that says a hell of lot about the man and I can forgive him his mistakes. People who still want to take cheap shots at him are fooking morons.

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