Hodgson and Ferdinand on commission
FOOTBALL Association chairman Greg Dyke has confirmed England manager Roy Hodgson and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand as the latest additions to his commission tasked with devising methods to safeguard the national team’s long-term future.
Dyke panel began to take shape earlier this month with former England boss Glenn Hoddle, plus ex-international defender Danny Mills among the initial inductees.
The first female director at the FA Heather Rabbatts had been critical of Dyke, concerned his choices lacked diversity with “no representation from the black and ethnic minority communities”.
However, Dyke revealed yesterday talks with Ferdinand began before the names of those on the commission were originally revealed, but club commitments delayed the process of announcing his inclusion.
“We have been speaking to Rio and Manchester United for some time about him joining the group, before we named the other members of the Commission,” said Dyke. “However, as he is a current Manchester United player we needed to be sure that Rio had the necessary time to fully participate on the commission and not impact on his day job.”
“Rio’s vast experience as a player developed through West Ham’s successful youth system, winning Premier League and European titles with Manchester United and representing England at World Cups means he has a huge amount to offer to the debate.”