Burton-on-Trent as important as Capello appointment!

[Diego_Sideburns]

The BBC reports on the 'white elephant' that is currently used as Burton Albion's training ground:

 

How will English football develop?

By Matt Slater

 

Establishing a national football centre at Burton is as important as the appointment of Fabio Capello as England coach, says Sir Trevor Brooking.

 

Brooking, the Football Association's development director, has urged his bosses to approve the much-delayed project at Thursday's board meeting.

 

"Burton is certainly up there with anything else we're going to do," said the FA's development director.

 

"If we don't get it right the England coach's job will get that much harder."

 

BBC Sport understands that supporters of the project, which is in Staffordshire, are confident it will get the go-ahead on Thursday, albeit in a scaled-down version of the original plans.

 

But there remains significant opposition on the FA board, most notably from those within the professional game. The leading Burton sceptics are believed to be Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney and Premier League chairman Sir David Richards.

 

Mawhinney's hostility to the NFC project is believed to have been stiffened by his annoyance that the FA canvassed opinion on Burton from the 72 Football League clubs without his knowledge. The governing body has been forced to apologise for this diplomatic gaffe.

 

And Richards has always been unconvinced about the scheme's purpose, value for money and venue. He, like Mawhinney, is an advocate of smaller, regional bases that would support the work already done by the clubs' academies and centres of excellence.

 

Thursday's meeting will involve FA commercial director Jonathan Hill presenting four scenarios to the 12-man board - go ahead with the NFC as planned, approve a scaled-down version, redevelop the site with a partner or scrap the scheme entirely.

 

Despite the dissenting voices, a more modest interpretation of the original blueprint is expected to get the board's approval - although there is a chance the final nod will not come until after the FA's new, independent chairman is in place next year.

 

For Brooking, the green light cannot come soon enough, as he views Burton as a key component of the "root and branch" changes he wants to make to the way we produce footballers in this country.

 

Hailed as the English equivalent of French football's Clairefontaine or Italy's Coverciano, the NFC was intended to be the training base for all England teams - from the U16s to the senior side - and act as the focal point for the FA's coaching and player development work.

 

"I think we all believe we should have a hub site, a catalyst to pull all this together," stated the 59-year-old.

 

"The debate has been going on for a while but you would like to think that it could be taken to the next stage.

 

"It's for the board to decide but it would certainly help in the overall picture of what we're trying to do. Our regional and national coaches don't have a base."

 

Brooking is not opposed to the concept of regional bases - and points out that the French Football Federation has now opened eight "mini Clairefontaines" around the country - but is adamant that Burton must come first.

 

"If you get the green light then you can look at what needs to be put in place at Burton," he said.

 

"There are lots of options. Is it just a one-off and do you link it with the academies that are already out there? Or do you need a couple of regional centres too, or more?

 

"Or you can tap into the English Institute of Sport and UK Sport outlets?"

 

Interestingly, one of the more vocal advocates of the need for an English 'Clairefontaine' has been Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

 

"It is crucial. You cannot imagine that in 2007 a federation of the size of England has no headquarters and no grounds to develop their whole football education," said the Frenchman.

 

If Burton is approved, a business plan could be agreed by February and construction of the NFC's main buildings could start, with a target completion date of 2010. The bill is believed to have risen from £30m six years ago to £80m now.

 

First mooted in former FA technical director Howard Wilkinson's 1997 Charter for Quality, the NFC started to take shape in 2001 when 350 acres of Staffordshire countryside were purchased and plans were drawn up.

 

But a series of delays, primarily caused by the governing body's Wembley-related financial problems, culminated in a decision to halt construction in 2004 - two years after the NFC was originally supposed to open - with only the basic infrastructure and pitches completed.

 

Wilkinson wanted Burton to be "an inspirational place"

 

The project has been in limbo ever since, with some FA board members calling for the governing body to cut its losses and sell Burton. This would result in a considerable loss as over £20m has been spent already and the site's re-sale value is believed to be in the region of £5m.

 

For Wilkinson, the man who started it all, the time for debate has passed.

 

"I wouldn't be personally offended if they want to change the place or the buildings," the 64-year-old former Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday manager told BBC Sport.

 

"What matters to me, and others, is that we do something. We have to stop talking about Burton and switch our minds on to the concept of education and the need for a centre that is a focal point of that education.

 

"In terms of the long-term future of football in this country, the decision on Burton is more crucial than the decision on who should manage England.

 

"We have to leave all personal and political considerations aside and get this right. It's critical that we have a National Football Centre and it's critical that the National Football Centre embodies a philosophy that can take us forward.

 

"It's a no-brainer for me. The main function of any governing body is to educate and develop. It's crucial to the lifeblood of any sport. That has to be the priority and you cannot take risks with it or it will come back to haunt you."

 

 

 

THE LONG ROAD TO BURTON

 

February 2001: The FA buys 350 acres of the Byrkley Park Estate for a reported £2m, planning permission granted in June, NFC to open in 2003.

October 2002: Chief executive Adam Crozier and technical director Howard Wilkinson leave FA, first doubts emerge.

January 2003: The FA board agrees to proceed, new completion date of May 2004.

September 2004: Distracted by Wembley and tabloid scandals at HQ, the FA halts work.

April 2005: NFC decision is postponed.

September 2006: Decision postponed again.

November 2006: Board reportedly votes to scrap NFC, reconsiders and postpones decision again.

December 2007: Final decision on NFC expected.

Early 2010: The NFC opens for business?

 

Constantly over the years - Diego Sideburns points out to the FA the folly of not building the National Football Stadium in the Midlands, with easy access to the NFC at Burton, instead of the expensive folly that is the new Wembley.

[ThaiLatic]

As someone who plied my trade on the muddy fields of Shobnall for more years than I care to remember, I've always known that Burton is the centre of, not just English but, world football. I just wish they'd get on with it and we can all reap the benefits!!

 

And, the Brewers will go up this year!! Forward with BALLS!!!!

[Diego_Sideburns]

As someone who plied my trade on the muddy fields of Shobnall for more years than I care to remember, I've always known that Burton is the centre of, not just English but, world football. I just wish they'd get on with it and we can all reap the benefits!!

 

And, the Brewers will go up this year!! Forward with BALLS!!!!

 

Capello will be relieved to know that the name of the Brewers' stadium does not need translating!

[leeslover]

I'm at a loss to know what Brooking has been doing for the past several years, other than collect a large cheque and cocking up cup draws.

[ThaiLatic]

Capello will be relieved to know that the name of the Brewers' stadium does not need translating!

 

However, he may need an interpreter should he venture over the border into Swad!!

[Diego_Sideburns]

However, he may need an interpreter should he venture over the border into Swad!!

 

 

[ThaiLatic]

I'm at a loss to know what Brooking has been doing for the past several years, other than collect a large cheque and cocking up cup draws.

 

I was listening to Saturday's 606 this morning and Alan Green said something along the lines of, "Trevor would happily kick a few "bottoms" at the FA if he had the chance."

 

Maybe he's as frustrated as we are-but better paid!!!!

[Diego_Sideburns]

I was listening to Saturday's 606 this morning and Alan Green said something along the lines of, "Trevor would happily kick a few "bottoms" at the FA if he had the chance."

 

Maybe he's as frustrated as we are-but better paid!!!!

 

The trouble is Brooking is effectivley a one-legged man at an arse-kicking party!

[ThaiLatic]

The trouble is Brooking is effectivley a one-legged man at an arse-kicking party!

 

Do those things still go on at the FA? I thought all that nonsense stopped after Sv*n and Mark Palios left!!

[beag_teeets]

Now the prats at the FA want to move it London - is it any wonder the game in this country is going down the swanny.

 

The FA really have no idea do they, still the academy in the middle of the country so that it is easy for the kids to get home if they need to see their folks or stick it next to the bright lights so it is easy for them to nip in to London and get in to trouble in a similar manner as that Utd ressie just did.

[leeslover]

Now the prats at the FA want to move it London - is it any wonder the game in this country is going down the swanny.

 

The FA really have no idea do they, still the academy in the middle of the country so that it is easy for the kids to get home if they need to see their folks or stick it next to the bright lights so it is easy for them to nip in to London and get in to trouble in a similar manner as that Utd ressie just did.

That is sooo infuriating. London isn't even accessible for Londoners. I suppose it will be somewhere in the East End by the Olympic site? A bloody nightmare to get to from where I live, never mind if you had to come down from Lancs, the NE* etc to begin with.

 

*You know, the place where most good footballers come from.

[24hoursfromtulsehill]

That is sooo infuriating. London isn't even accessible for Londoners. I suppose it will be somewhere in the East End by the Olympic site? A bloody nightmare to get to from where I live, never mind if you had to come down from Lancs, the NE* etc to begin with.

 

*You know, the place where most good footballers come from.

 

They shouldn't have built the national stadium in London, and they shouldn't build a football centre there either, but London is quite a good place to get around by tube, bus, train, taxi, car and so on. It's got one of - if not the - best transport infrastructures in the world.

Edited December 20, 2007 by 24hoursfromtulsehill

[Diego_Sideburns]

They shouldn't have built the national stadium in London, and they shouldn't build a football centre there either...

 

We should have mounted a campaign.

[oafc_ok]

Now the prats at the FA want to move it London - is it any wonder the game in this country is going down the swanny.

 

The FA really have no idea do they, still the academy in the middle of the country so that it is easy for the kids to get home if they need to see their folks or stick it next to the bright lights so it is easy for them to nip in to London and get in to trouble in a similar manner as that Utd ressie just did.

 

 

Hey, Burton-on-Trent's got it's fair share of bright lights, you know!

[Diego_Sideburns]

Statement from the F.A.:

 

Statement on NFC

Thursday, 20 December 2007.

 

 

At its meeting today, The FA Board unanimously approved the concept of a National Football Centre.

 

The Board agreed that its preferred option is to explore how best it could be built and financed at the site at Burton-on-Trent, linked to a hotel and conference facility.

 

Approval was granted subject to a detailed exploration of the business and funding plans.

 

FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick said: "I’m delighted that the Board has given the green light for a National Football Centre.

 

“This is a major step forward for the project. There was general agreement within the Board that a National Football Centre would be a major asset in the development of players, coaches and referees in this country.”

 

The Board also agreed with The FA’s plans to house the medical and exercise science, coaching, video analysis and education departments at the facility, as well using it as a training and preparation base for England teams.

 

The meeting was held at the De Vere Wokefield Park Hotel near Reading, which houses the BMW Academy, the company's specialist staff training centre. The Board visited the facility prior to its deliberations to see how the joint operation worked.

 

The Board also received presentations from FA Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking, U21 Head Coach Stuart Pearce and National Coach Steve Wigley on the football development context for the project.

 

Sir Trevor Brooking said: “Everyone involved in The FA’s coaching and player development structures believes that a National Football Centre is vital to the long-term health of English football. We were hugely encouraged by the extremely positive reception from both the professional and grassroots game.”

[Diego_Sideburns]

Hey, Burton-on-Trent's got it's fair share of bright lights, you know!

 

That's right, they go red, red and amber and green!

[Diego_Sideburns]

Capello has been to Burton today to visit the partly-completed National Football Centre. If it is completed in a couple of years, I wonder if he'll still be in the job.

[Diego_Sideburns]

Belated blowing of the trumpet for Burton, following the F.A.'s final approval for the completion of the National Football Centre project.

 

http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/NFC/Postings/20...oard_June08.htm

 

Just watch England's football Pedigree change for the better when the players start breathing in those lovely brewery and Marmite factory smells.

[Diego_Sideburns]

Despite reports saying the project could be mothballed, the F.A. has confirmed that architects are being consulted and a business model is being drawn up. So it's still full steam ahead to develop into the National Football Centre the site which is being used currently as a training ground for Burton Albion and local children's teams.