Dein was the front-runner for the position but the nominations committee headed by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside instead plumped for David Bernstein. A chartered accountant, Bernstein was Manchester City chairman for five years, including the time they secured the lease for their new stadium at Eastlands, and he has been Wembley chairman since 2008. He also sits on the boards of several companies including French Connection, Ted Baker and Blacks Leisure, where he has been chairman since 1996. He is also president of the National Association of Disabled Supporters. But Wenger, who was lured to Arsenal by Dein in 1996 and worked alongside him until 2007 when the Gunners vice-chairman stepped down, believes his former colleague would have been the ideal choice to take the FA forward. "I was completely surprised and disappointed (by the FA's decision)," said Wenger. "He would have offered a competent knowledge of football and international football. It is a disappointment."
