Martin Glenn spoke of his joy on Monday, after welcoming new England manager Sam Allardyce for his first day at St. George’s Park.
The FA chief executive was at the national football centre along with technical director Dan Ashworth as Allardyce met the staff who he will be working alongside at the venue.
And Glenn admits the former Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers chief won over the three-man panel, also including Ashworth and vice-chairman David Gill, in their search for a new Three Lions boss.
England manager Sam Allardyce holds aloft a Three Lions scarf at St. George's Park
"We’re delighted to have Sam here," admitted Glenn.
"We looked for three things, one of which was strength of character because, as Sam says, the pressure is great.
"Second was tactical nous and then someone who can inspire.
"You need all those things together because players and teams who do well in these tournaments have got a strong team identity and high quality players.
"You need someone to bring those two together and with Sam’s track record, he certainly impressed us at the various interviews we did, that gave us great confidence of applying that to the international stage."
Allardyce didn’t take long to start settling in either, speaking to St. George’s Park staff on his arrival before being taken on a short tour of the facilities by Ashworth and Glenn.
"It’s my first day so I’m getting my feet under the table here at St. George’s and meeting everybody," he revealed.
Dan Ashworth and Martin Glenn flank new England manager Sam Allardyce on his first day
"I think it’s very important that I base myself here and I’ve already nicked Dan’s office.
"From my point of my view, what means the most is the over-whelming support received from all areas.
"Over the last few days, the goodwill messages that I’ve had from people I know in and outside the game but also from the whole of football, it gives me a warm feeling about taking up this new position today.
"I’m obviously very proud to be named the new England manager and I’m looking forward to the task in hand and to qualify firstly for the World Cup and then move on from there.
"I’m very excited, it’s been ten years since I was last interviewed and to sit here is a huge thrill for me.
"I think I fit the chair, I hope I do, and I hope I have the experience to pass on and not only challenge the England team but challenge myself."
Sam Allardyce's first press conference as England manager
