The League Managers Association has blasted the FA over their approach to English coaching.

The Sunday Times says the LMA , which counts Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson among its most stalwart members, is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the FA, the Professional Game Board of which last week turned down a request to help fund a programme aimed at improving coaches' media skills. The board took its decision even though the FA's own technical director, Sir Trevor Brooking, supports the scheme and the sum requested was relatively minor - £50,000.

Other complaints include the FA's delay in establishing a National Training Centre, and the attitude of the FA chairman, Lord Triesman, whom the LMA perceives as aloof and dismissive of those in the game with technical expertise.

The FA vehemently rejected the LMA's criticisms.

"The FA takes the whole issue of learning and development of technical and other staff very seriously," said Ian Watmore, the FA chief executive. "We spend millions of pounds a year on this and have our own football education company, FA Learning, to deliver it."