Barwick: It's time for a new era at FA

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Barwick will leave the FA at the end of the year because, it is believed, he had a strong difference of opinion with Triesman over where the governing body are heading.

Triesman now favours using other executives such as chief operating officer Alex Horne to absorb the chief executive's area of responsibility.

Barwick, though, insisted the timing of his departure was right and said: "I'm very sad and disappointed to leave but it's time for a new chapter at the FA. I only wish them well. It's a terrific place, full of terrific people."

The FA were due to announce Barwick's impending departure today but the news was leaked and they were forced to issue a hurried statement following England's 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic.

In it, Barwick said the "decision follows weeks of discussions with FA chairman Lord Triesman on the role of the chief executive within the new FA structure".

Triesman, 64, and Barwick had clashed increasingly in recent months, particularly over the FA's strategic development.

However, the 54-year-old today refused to comment on reports of a breakdown in relations with the Labour peer, saying: "I'm very comfortable with the reasons for me leaving the organisation."

Barwick has no regrets about his time at the FA - which saw the opening of Wembley Stadium, the belated sanctioning of the National Football Centre and the troubled appointment of Steve McClaren as England manager in 2006, after a very public courting of Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Barwick cites the recently launched Respect campaign, aimed at improving behaviour among players and spectators, as a reason for particular pride.

"We've moved the organisation on leaps and bounds," he added.

"If I have a legacy, we were sitting in a big stadium last night - it's probably one of the finest in the world - and the Respect programme is very special to me.

"And if I, in a very small way, improved behaviour on and off the pitch, that'll do me."