Barwick took up the role on 31 January 2005 as he was given the chance to take his passion for football in at the highest level.

Thompson believes Barwick has all the qualities to take the beautiful game forward and insists the former ITV Controller of Sport has done a great job to date.

"It’s going very well with Brian. I’m very pleased," he explained. "First and foremost, he’s a football man. Secondly, he’s got great ability in man-management. He’s very personable, very strong and he’s visible. He also has a considerable degree of diplomacy.

"He has a vision of the game, a vision for The FA and I believe he has the strength of character to deliver it."

Thompson works above Barwick and oversees all decisions with the Association. He believes a good relationship between the pair is vital, and is extremely satisfied by the work achieved so far.

"I think it’s got to be a matter of mutual trust and I think Brian and I have that," he adds. "It’s important that we discuss things on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.

"What’s on the agenda and how are going to deal with it? It’s important that we share each other's thoughts."

So how does Thomson describe his own job? As chairman of one of the most high profile Associations in the world must bring a lot of pressure, but Thompson insists the key to success at the FA is teamwork.

"The Board makes the strategic policy decisions," Thomspon points out. "The operation of those decisions is the responsibility of the Chief Executive.

"My responsibility is to ensure that the Board make the right strategic and policy decisions so I’m guiding and informing and taking responsibility for our relationships internationally.

"The key though that it’s a joint way forward."