In a press conference on Thursday lunchtime, FA Chairman David Bernstein denied that Fabio Capello stormed out of a meeting at which the Italian tendered his resignation from the post of England manager. Bernstein also revealed that Stuart Pearce will take charge of England for the Holland friendly at the end of February.
Bernstein claimed that the split between Capello and the FA was handled in an amicable fashion, albeit after a "full and frank discussion" between both parties, at the end of which Capello decided that he would resign.
"I would like to publicly thank Fabio Capello for all the work he has done," Bernstein said. "I want to emphasise that all the way through he has behaved with dignity and honour. I am able to say that yesterday, not an easy day, we concluded matters with a handshake. Any reports of 'storming out' are a complete misrepresentation of the facts."
Bernstein confirmed that the handling of the John Terry case was the reason behind Capello's decision to quit.
"We all believed the John Terry case would be dealt with in March or April," he said. "When it was postponed we were taken by surprise. The board made a very quick and unanimous decision regarding the captaincy. I informed Fabio on Thursday evening as soon as the decision had been made.
"Fabio wasn't happy but he accepted the board's authority in the matter. On Sunday Fabio then conducted an interview with an Italian broadcaster. That caused conjecture and huge public debate and frankly it was an unsatisfactory situation.
"(The FA general secretary) Alex Horne and I met with Fabio yesterday and had a meeting lasting just over an hour. It was a very detailed meeting with a lot of detailed questions asked by us. We then adjourned the meeting and I then engaged myself with Fabio in his office, and it was at that time that he offered his resignation and I, on behalf of the board, agreed that this was the right decision by the FA.
"I will emphasise that the meetings were professional and amicable. All matters were concluded within four hours."
'There is a preference for an Englishman'
Asked about the issue of Capello's less-than-fluent grasp of the English language, Bernstein admitted, "There was a degree of an issue about it. Telephone conversations, for example, were not the easiest."
Bernstein did confess that Capello's time as England boss was "expensive" for the FA but not a mistake.
As to the possible identity of Capello's successor, Bernstein said that the FA would prefer an English manager: "He will not definitely be English. Clearly there is a preference for an Englishman... in the end, we want the best person."
Bernstein also revealed that England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce will take over as interim England manager for the team's next match, a friendly against Holland at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 29th February.
"With regards to the future, I am very pleased to announce Stuart Pearce will manage England for the Holland match. He has huge experience outside and inside the organisation. He has been working with the under-21 team and has been working with Fabio for some time. I have got great confidence in Stuart, we will be in good hands.
"I want to commend Stuart Pearce," Bernstein added. "His first thought was for his country... I was really impressed with his attitude."
Roy Keane and Gareth Southgate on Capello's exit
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