Greg Dyke has announced he is to step down from his position as FA Chairman in the summer.

In a statement given to the FA Board meeting today at Wembley Stadium, Dyke said he will remain as FA Chairman until the Summer FA Council meeting in July but will not remain beyond that.

He told the Council: “As you know, in early January I announced I would stand as Chairman of The FA for a further year although I wasn’t certain this was the right decision for either The FA or me.

“During January, however, as work on options for governance reform crystalised it became clear to all of us that there wouldn’t be a unanimous position on governance reform in the Board.

“What now appears to be the case is that there is a majority position on the Board for much needed significant reform. I fully support this but I recognise it is going to be a fight to get through The FA Council.

“I had already decided that if no reform was possible I was going to leave anyway this summer, a position I had shared with a number of colleagues.

“What I now see is that even if we get the reform through (which will be a difficult and divisive process although essential), I am probably not the best person to pick up the pieces following the inevitable discord.

“This is not the time for me to tell you what I think has been achieved in my time at The FA but we are in a dramatically better financial position and I believe we have a much stronger executive team, we have a bold plan to build many more all-weather pitches, we have radically changed the coaching education structure and have massively increased investment behind the England teams. 

“We have also raised the all-important question of giving more young English players a chance to play at the top level in this country. All this and we still have a strong balance sheet.

“However, whichever way the vote goes on reform, I think The FA will need more of a conciliatory figure than me to build on what has been achieved.

“So having said all that you’ve probably guessed what I intend to say.  I have changed my mind about standing for a final year in the summer but I will devote my time in the coming months to press for acceptance of the Board’s much needed, long overdue reform programme.”

The FA, under new CEO Martin Glenn announced a raft of measures in summer 2015 to streamline the organisation, making savings of £30m a year which included the loss of around 100 jobs and the investment of £260 million over the next four years in facilities and the development of a greater network of coaches.

Part of the restructure has also seen a number of appointments to strengthen key areas of The FA including the communications and finance departments.

Of those, Amanda Docherty has been appointed Communications Director and will lead the reformed communications division in operation at Wembley Stadium and the national football centre at St. George’s Park. 

As a member of The FA’s senior management team working into CEO Martin Glenn, she assumes overall communications responsibility for the organisation including its four-year strategic plan, England teams, The Emirates FA Cup, women’s football, the grassroots game and CSR.

She will be supported by Greg Demetriou, who steps up to become Head of Communications having previously led on corporate communications within The FA’s strategy team.

Martin Stewart has been appointed new Chief Financial Officer, following the departure of Andrew Crean after three years in the post. 

Speaking of the appointments, CEO Martin Glenn said of Amanda: “I am really pleased to welcome someone of Amanda’s calibre and experience to The FA. 

“We are embarking on a new strategic direction for the organisation and the importance of getting our messaging right is paramount. Highly respected across football with a great track record in communications, Amanda will be a significant asset to The FA at what is an exciting time for the organisation.”

Of Martin Stewart, he added: “I am very pleased to be welcoming Martin to The FA. He has impeccable business credentials and will bring his wide range of financial knowledge and know-how to bear at what is a very significant moment for the organisation. 

“I know he is looking forward to the challenge and the lead role he will play in helping the senior management team to realise some ambitious targets in the years to come.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Andrew’s work over the past three years. He has achieved much, not least completing the refinancing of Wembley Stadium and the delivery of notable cost savings across the business. 

“Indeed, our most recent financial statements have seen us announce record annual reinvestment back into the game of £117m. I know Andrew will approach his next challenge with the same passion and commitment.” 

Image: Reuters / Darren Staples Livepic