Following the recent takeover at West Ham United, do you think The FA should protect English football against foreign ownership of clubs?

This is an emotive issue and The FA has to act according to the law, regardless of opinion. We cannot discriminate on nationality or insubstantial concerns. Football clubs are heavily regulated, not just under football rules but also company law and stock market controls.

In any case, Fit and Proper Person Tests are in place which set down certain conditions which directors and major shareholders must meet, which relate to issues such as bankruptcy, conviction for a range of offences, disqualification as a director, bans from other sports governing bodies, and involvement in previous club insolvency events.

It is designed to ensure that the people who are taking the day-to-day decisions on the running of a football club are properly qualified to do so and have the club's best interests at heart. The concept was first discussed in 2004 by The FA’s Financial Advisory Committee and was then implemented by the Premier League and Football League, and The FA for the Football Conference and below.

You were in Holland two weeks ago - are you pleased with the progress of the England senior team?

Yes I am. It was a good team performance and the spirit in the camp seems to be excellent. We now have eight qualifying matches next year in order to reach Euro 2008. Despite the disappointment of the Croatia game we made a positive start against Macedonia and Andorra.

Sammy Lee took over the Under-21s team for their last game - what’s happening with Peter Taylor as their coach?

He is currently in charge on a game-by-game basis and stepped down temporarily for the Holland friendly due to club commitments. Peter has done extremely well guiding the Under-21s to next year’s European championship and we’re all looking forward to the competition. (Click here for the full UEFA draw)

Closer to home, what’s happening with the National Football Centre?

We are looking at the most appropriate strategy to make best use of the site. At last week’s FA Council meeting there was lively debate on the matter. It is important that we consider all our options and make a decision on The NFC’s future for football reasons.

Are we producing enough good young players?

The academy system continues to produce excellent English players. However, the long-term health and success of the English game means that we have to ensure that there is proper coaching at grassroots level in order to increase the numbers of talented youngsters. Technique must be taught and honed at the 5-11 year group and that is a priority.

The Burns review went through last month, were you surprised?

Well, it’s not quite through yet! I have to say that I was delighted the proposals were passed at The FA Council meeting. They voted to implement every single reform which is very encouraging for the future of our organisation. The changes will be far-reaching, extremely significant and will modernise The FA for the good.

So it’s not a done deal yet - what happens next?

The FA’s shareholders must approve it and they are due to meet early next year.

I’m sure you’ve been asked this many times - when will Wembley be ready?

Soon I hope! We’ve settled our differences with the constructors Multiplex so The FA and WNSL are looking at a range of ramp-up events. We need to put these on in order to get the necessary health and safety certificates from the local council. But first we have to get hold of the keys from the builders – hopefully early next year.

What’s happening with England and FA Cup TV rights?

We have a deal until 2008 with The BBC and Sky Sports for England and FA Cup games. The FA’s Commercial Division have put together a great TV package for 2008 to 2012 and are in the process of talking to broadcasters.

Have you taken a particular interest in this given your background?

I’ve obviously taken a very keen interest - it was my stock in trade in a previous life! Having been on the other side of the negotiating table I know just how attractive England and FA Cup games are to broadcasters. These games generate some of the highest television audiences year in - year out.

Talking about TV, what’s happening following the Panorama programme?

We are taking the Panorama programme’s claims very seriously. The FA is investigating the claims involving clubs and managers jointly with the Premier League as they relate to FA and PL rules. We are also investigating the claims involving agents alone.

Why can’t The FA get to grips with agents?

We can and we are. The FA introduced a new set of domestic agent regulations in January which greatly improved transparency and tightening governance in this area. These are in addition and above the FIFA requirements. Last week the Council approved more regulations which go even further. We are also expanding our compliance unit and one of the Burns reforms is to ensure it becomes semi-autonomous.

Are The FA concerned about the recent spate of coin throwing from the stands, and how do you plan to tackle this?

There have unfortunately been a couple of examples of missile-throwing which have marred a number of games recently, and The FA investigates every incident. It is absolutely unacceptable for players' or match officials' safety to be threatened during a match. We are urging clubs to do everything they can in conjunction with the police to identify the culprits. We want those people banned from attending matches. It is also vital for fans to play their part in identifying these people who are committing criminal offences. We should not let a small number of idiots ruin the reputation of clubs and their true fans, and also ruin the spectacle of attending live football. Supporters who witness fans throwing missiles should alert the authorities within the stadium. This is a recent trend which has to stop now.

On the field, why not introduce (video) technology to help referees?

The FA has led the way in using video technology for disciplinary matters, both to prosecute and allow appeals. However, our scope is restricted by FIFA.

We are also looking at goal-line technology, providing it helps referees to make an instant decision. FIFA will try this out at next year’s Club World Cup Championship.

Why don’t you clamp down on players’ diving? Surely video footage would help officials.

Referees have been instructed to give diving cheats a yellow card. We cannot re-referee games after the event although we have asked FIFA to be more flexible on this. I feel it is important for the integrity of the game.

Do you think there too much pressure on officials at the moment? Much has been made about Howard Webb refereeing the Manchester United v Chelsea game this weekend.

The fans and media should not forget that without a referee there is no game. Referees and assistants deserve proper respect, regardless of what level they officiate at. They do their job objectively, fairly and very competently - getting the overwhelmingly majority of decision right. We need more referees at all tiers of the game and are doing everything we can to encourage new officials.

What did you think about the Amy Rayner controversy?

I was disappointed with the criticism of Amy. She is where she is on merit, dedication and ability and - like all referees, regardless of gender - deserves respect.

Did the debate on women in football show how far we still have to go in overcoming old-fashioned prejudices?

No I think it highlighted just how much the women’s game has progressed. The sport is no longer just a man’s world. The England women’s team has led the way in this area and recently qualified for next year’s World Cup in China under the guidance of Hope Powell – the first female manager of any English national football side. Football is the fastest growing female sport in the country with 130,000 players and 9,600 clubs.