Barwick: I've got thick skin

Brian Barwick came out fighting last night and rounded on the critics who claimed he should quit in the wake of England's disastrous European Championship qualifying campaign.

The 55-year-old FA Chief Executive has been ridiculed by the critics and portrayed as a figure of fun who should have tendered his own resignation immediately after sacking coach Steve McClaren on Thursday morning.

And he insisted he was more than capable of dealing with any flak that came his way.

Barwick went on: "You have to have a thick skin in this job. It's not the first time that I have found myself on the front pages - and no, it's not pleasant.

"I am carrying the can for Steve McClaren but that is how life is in this job. But I'm a real fan and I can't change people's perceptions of me, right or wrong.

"But I have a saying - it may spoil my breakfast but I refuse to let it spoil my day.

"As a son of the media I do understand how people can lampoon and caricature you.

"Sure I can be characterised as just another suit - but I'm not an old fart.

"I have a football background. I love the game and nobody will ever take that away from me.

"I have to be professional first and foremost but I'm also a real football fan.

"I've been an England supporter all my life and come the end of the game on Wednesday night I was as gutted as much as a fan as I was as a professional.

"My two boys were at the game and they were very upset and I was very upset for them."

Indeed, Barwick was quick to stress how his career was steeped in football long before he even contemplated taking the top job at the FA.

In Durban for the World Cup draw, he said: "I'd already done significant things in football.

"I was editor of Match of The Day. I oversaw five World Cups - four on the BBC and one on ITV.

"And when this job came along I didn't have to go for it or take it.

"But I did - and one of the reasons I did it was because I couldn't think of a more personal way of paying back something I have derived so much fun out of.

"So I was comfortable coming into this job. I have been around the football scene and knew the football people

"And no matter what, it is an honour and a privilege to do this job, even now.

"It is always a privilege."