Bernstein charged with task of finding replacement for outgoing Capello

The job of selecting Fabio Capello's successor – the Italian has stated he will move on after the Euro 2012 finals in 18 months – will be top of the list of Bernstein's tasks.

The 67-year-old former Manchester City chairman, currently chairman of Wembley and director of a number of large clothing retailers, was the surprise nomination by the FA board yesterday.

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein had been viewed as the front-runner but the nominations committee headed by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside chose Bernstein, with the main difference being his company boardroom experience.

Bernstein's appointment is expected to be confirmed by the FA council on January 25, after which he will turn his attention to a number of burning issues including Capello's successor.

Bernstein said: "I would prefer to see the best manager possible managing the England team.

"If he was English that would be preferable for obvious reasons and I think there is a national desire for that.

"I want to see a winning England team in due course – my job will be a lot easier if the England team is winning matches so anything that works toward that I am all in favour of."

He added: "I believe that the chairman of the FA needs to be involved in major decisions concerning the England set-up."

Harry Redknapp is the bookies' favourite to succeed Capello, while Stuart Pearce, Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce are also considered contenders.

A chartered accountant, Bernstein was Manchester City chairman for five years, including the time they secured the lease for their new stadium at Eastlands, and he has been Wembley chairman since 2008.

He also sits on the boards of several companies including French Connection, Ted Baker and Blacks Leisure, where he has been chairman since 1996. He is also president of the National Association of Disabled Supporters.

Acting FA chairman Roger Burden, who withdrew as a candidate earlier this month following England's failed bid for the 2018 World Cup on the grounds that he "could not trust FIFA", said: "The board was united in its view that David would make an excellent choice as chairman of the organisation.

"I have worked with David for some years and have always been impressed by his professionalism and integrity.

"We look forward to working with David to take the FA forward in the best interests of football at all levels across the country."

Gartside said: "David was the outstanding candidate for the role. He combines strong business and leadership skills with tremendous insight and knowledge of football."

Bernstein's other major tasks will be to drive forward work on the national football centre at Burton – now named

St George's Park, and implement a review of international player development carried out by FA general secretary Alex Horne and Sir Trevor Brooking.

Horne added: "I very much look forward to working with David and together focusing on the priorities for the development of English football.

"We have a busy year ahead with work starting on St George's Park, the launch of the Women's Super League, England men's and women's teams competing in major competitions at a variety of age groups, and a drive to implement the recommendations of our review into international player development."

The Government have been keeping a close eye on the appointment – the governance of the FA is the subject of an inquiry by a committee of MPs in the New Year.

Bernstein's appointment has received approval from sports minister Hugh Robertson, however.

Robertson said: "I welcome the nomination. He has a strong background both in the business and football worlds and I wish him every success in the role.

"The challenge for him will be to build a stronger Football Association and develop our national game at all levels."

Bernstein's top five targets

THE ENGLAND MANAGER: Fabio Capello has only 18 months at most left in the job. Bernstein will have to lead the debate over how Capello's successor is chosen, and whether he should be English.

INTERNATIONAL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: Sir Trevor Brooking and FA general secretary Alex Horne have carried out a review of youth development following England's World Cup failure in the summer, and have made a number of recommendations for change.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CENTRE, BURTON: Now renamed St George's Park, the FA have finally given the go-ahead to a 100m home for English football and a centre of coaching excellence.

FINANCES: The FA were hurt financially by the collapse of Setanta, leaving a 60m black hole, and they made a 3m loss for 2009.

GOVERNANCE: A committee of MPs is carrying out an inquiry into football governance, and the Government are keeping a close eye to ensure the FA is 'fit for purpose' and run more like a company than a gentlemen's club.