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The author of the piece on Sir Bert plainly writes from a background of ignorance or from a political agenda of his or her own. It is true that Sir Bert presided over the most turbulent period in football's history. The fact that it emerged from the depths to become the veritable tour de force it is today is in no small part down to his strong leadership. His contribution to the re-emergence of football as we now know it culminated in the enormously successful European Championships in 1996 when he retired on a truly high note. His legacy to the sport was subsequently desecrated by the behaviour of his successors and by several incidents of sleaze and political machinations which have discredited the organisation he served so loyally and withour reward. The perverted attempts to belittle his achievements by constant references to his so-called "gentlemens agreement" to secure European support for England's candidature for Euro 96, only serve to underline the ignorance of those who know no better but ought to.

I submit that the arguments I put forward above are supported by all other leaders of the game, past and present. Perhaps the author of the written piece would have been well served if he had carried out some proper research. Mind you - I am perhaps best placed to air these views even if if I am somewhat biased. I am his son.