Brooking promises a new era of hope

As the FA Director of Development, Brooking played a major role in the pursuit of Capello. But his pleasure in securing a coach whose record comes studded with glittering prizes is matched by his anticipation of radical reassessment in the dysfunctional world of the English game.

"The big thing is, are we going to really transform the way we develop coaches and players?" said Brooking.

"Outside this country,we are perceived as technically limited, long-ball people. That's what we're producing. That's a fact. Therefore, how can we change the situation?"

This is where he sees Capello making his most important impact.

"Fabio understands the need for proper development," he said. 'He knows every country's development structure inside out.

"This is an enormous plus for us, because he recognises what is needed."

The chance for change has emerged from the new television contract which comes into force next summer, providing funds for the FA to invest in intelligently sustained development, including the proposed and delayed national coaching centre at Burton.

Brooking defended the decision to appoint a foreign coach to the England national job on the grounds that too few quality domestic candidates were available.

"In Europe they are asking who is producing these players who aren't technically as good, and it's English coaches," he said. "So when the boards of the very top clubs want to appoint a coach, they look at all the foreign players in their squad and feel they need foreign coaches to bring the best out of them."

There is a feeling that Capello may be shocked to discover the way English football is run, and the unqualified people whose opinions carry such weight.

He may not be overwhelmed by the administrative pretensions of Sir Dave Richards, nor the technical sophistication of Lord Mahwinney.

Neither will he allow himself to be patronised by Richard Scudamore from the Premier League.

Brooking added: "I said to Fabio there is no rush in bringing English coaches on to his staff. We have to make sure that when it does happen, it becomes a key part of the role and not windowdressing.

"I would love to think the next England coach will be English but I can't say he will. That's the challenge. We need to make it happen or we're going to be left behind."

As ever, the greatest threat to English development lies in the self-interest of the club owners. But the perception is that Capello will be a strong man who will not easily be brushed aside.

And certain administrators who found Steve McClaren a soft touch may be surprised by the steel of the new man.

"The priority was to get someone in there who could get the best out of this group of players," said Brooking.

We are in a situation where we have an opportunity to use Fabio's massive knowledge and if we can't suck that out of him we want to be pilloried.

"If the senior side are doing well, everything is lifted. But the game itself must be transformed."