HE was born into a rugby league heartland and is a self-confessed Saints fan. Now businessman, David Bernstein, has landed one of the top jobs in English football.

Mr Bernstein, 67, has been nominated as the new chairman of the Football Association and will take over officially next month if the FA council endorses his appointment.

The former Manchester City chairman was born in Bold Street, Greenbank, St Helens in 1943.

He was the only child of Henry Bernstein, the owner of the Anne Cooper ladies-wear store in St Helens town centre, and was brought up in St Helens before the family left for London in 1946.

In a previous interview with the Star, Bernstein revealed he still considers the town to be his "emotional home" and maintains an interest in Saints.

He is a chartered accountant and vastly experienced businessman who was the chairman of City for five years from 1998.

He has also has been the chairman of Wembley Stadium since 2008.

However he was the surprise candidate for the FA job, with former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein having been tipped for the role.

But the FA board unanimously agreed that David was ideal for the position, due to his past experience in football.

He also sits on the boards of several companies including French Connection, Ted Baker and Blacks Leisure.

He is also President of the National Association of Disabled Supporters.

In a statement Bernstein said: “I am honoured to be asked to take on the role as chairman of the FA. It is a tremendous challenge but I look forward to working with the board, the staff at the FA and everyone in football from local playing fields to Wembley and the international stage. ”

Among his first tasks as FA chairman will be considering who should replace Fabio Cabello as England manager when the Italian stands down in 2012.

He will also have to build bridges with UEFA and FIFA following England’s failed 2018 World Cup bid.