I found your article particularly poignant especially the last sentence.With that in mind, I would like to make you aware of our project FA Select (reg.)which I first introduced to the FA at their headquarters in Soho Square in 2005.

The elimination of England in UEFA Euro 2008 has had a massive impact domestically & had reverberations worldwide. The whole structure of English International football has been shaken & that’s why, more than ever in the history of the game, it’s essential to get it right now. The appointment of a new manager, however talented, no matter what his experience is not enough to address the problems that exist. In their analysis the FA should really question the wisdom of pursuing the same course of waving a magic wand & simply appointing a new man for the job. It’s a proven policy that is perpetually hazardous not only damaging to the game but altogether alienating the fans.

The FA has to step up in such a way to create a bright new way forward. For that they have to have the vision, set the course, be innovative, bold & brave, impervious to perceived reaction or their future & the future of the game is in the balance. Right now, there is a colossal gulf of confidence, trust & respect existing between the FA & the English football fan, their paying public. I believe that FA Select, properly presented, can bridge that gulf.

FA Select (reg.) is a bold innovative idea that would catapult the image of The FA & potentially put back English football at the forefront of world soccer. To summarise, the project works around the idea that the selection of the National team (starting 11& subs) is decided by the FANS. All other areas of responsibility remain as they are in the FA, with specialists in each role sharing responsibility, rather than trying to find the perfect man for all. There are formidable coaches who could quite easily adapt to a fresh new format that is “rolled out” to them. It’s engaging the fans with the team & the country at a whole new emotional level & has the potential capability & enormous critical mass appeal to restore the great name & integrity of English football.

Not only would this project be giving something back to the fans, implementing such a system would generate massive financial rewards for the Football Association as you can see from the website.

On the face of it, it would be easy to discard or discredit this as another wild & wacky idea with no substance.There has been a lot of work & thought involved in this.Without stating that the system is flawless it is workable & potentially exciting. What is needed are decision makers brave enough to assimilate it & take it forward.

Please visit www.faselect.co.uk to access the website, an example of how the concept could function.

I’d be very interested to hear your thoughts & comments considering you as a true fan of english football.

Best regards,

David Woodland.