Former FA chairman David Bernstein has rejected criticism from QPR boss Harry Redknapp over England managerial appointments.
In his new autobiography, being serialised in the Daily Mail, Redknapp takes a swipe at the FA's senior officials, saying he would not trust their judgement of a manager "if their lives depended on it", arguing: "What clubs have they ever run? Who do they speak to who really knows the game?"
Redknapp added: "This isn't about them giving the England job to me or Roy Hodgson, but English football being run by people who really haven't got a clue. And they get to pick the England manager!"
But Bernstein hit back, saying on BBC Radio Five Live: "There were four people who made this decision: one of them was myself, and I've been involved with running Manchester City for 10 years, and chairman of that club for five years, and have since been involved with the FA and Wembley Stadium; Sir Trevor Brooking, who has a lifetime in football and also managed, and done a great deal in football; Adrian Bevington, who has huge football knowledge, amazing football knowledge - he may not have managed but he has; and Alex Horne, the general secretary.
"We spoke to up to 20 people within the game, from right across the game: other managers, players, all sorts of people with great, great knowledge. I believe we did a very thorough job and I was very proud of the way we did it. It was done discreetly and professionally and I believe we ended up with the right choice."
Asked if Redknapp was ever a contender, Bernstein said: "I won't answer that question."
