02 July 2006
VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Brian Barwick pays tribute
FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick has paid tribute to the England fans as the Three Lions make their way home.
England fans have been given a tremendous tribute by FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick as the Three Lions head home from the World Cup.

The tournament ultimately ended in disappointment for Sven-Goran Eriksson's men and the thousands of supporters who backed their team in Germany.

But Barwick believes the image of England fans turning out in their numbers and revelling in the atmosphere of the World Cup will live far longer than the hurt we are all feeling now.

He said: "I think one of the real plus points, one of the real positives to come out of the World Cup was the fans. We had 70,000 or so people follow us to each city we played in. They were noisy, they were vibrant, they were funny, they were atmospheric, they were passionate, they were committed, they were brilliant.

"I love going out to meet the fans because I am one - and I have been for a very long time. They speak my language and I speak their language.

"And what they were telling me was that they were having a great time, that the German people were fantastically hospitable and friendly and that they were enjoying themselves.

"I just think their dedication and the numbers they turned up in was phenomenal."

Barwick believes the good behaviour and passion of England’s amazing fans will help wipe out the stereotypes of days gone by when the hooligan element ruined it for the majority.

He said: "We have all sorts of history in terms of travelling support but we’re beginning to really knock that history to pieces. We have a present, and a future I hope, of just being great supporters in fantastic numbers.

"I would like our fans to have the reputation they deserve which is that they are really committed, they are really passionate, really get behind their team and sing their hearts out.

"It was fantastic to hear the supporters get behind the team in such a way against Portugal and when we went down to ten men the crowd tried to be the 11th man, that was evident to me. It will live with me for a long time."

Barwick admits he is as disappointed as anyone to see England go out to Portugal on penalties and knows that expectation for the team is far higher. But he is also buzzing about the future for the Three Lions as a new era begins.

Sven-Goran Eriksson leaves the post tomorrow to be replaced by Steve McClaren and there is every reason for optimism in the future.

Barwick said: "I’m really looking forward to getting involved with Steve. He’ll pick up the reins from August and we haven’t really spent much time talking about what will happen then because we have been concentrating on the here and now.

"But the future now lies ahead and at some stage I’ll pick up the conversation with Steve to see how he wants to work, to talk about how we work and to make sure he has everything he needs to take England forward.

"I think Steve is going to be a really impressive England manager. He’s had the benefit of being close up and seeing it for real. He’s been one step removed in there for a number of years.

"It’s invaluable experience, actually. That and the fact he knows the players and they really, really respect him as a coach is very positive.

"He’s a deep thinking man, he reads around the sport and away from the sport and he’s an interesting man. I think the future will be very, very positive with him."