Crozier took over from Kelly and has implemented an impressive turn-around within the FA since taking over in January 2000.

But he resigned on Thursday with a dispute with the Premier League believed to be behind his decision.

The Premier League recently wanted the formation of a professional game board which could have reduced the power of the FA.

"If they're going to try and headhunt someone I think they're going to find it very difficult to fill his shoes," said Kelly.

"It's a tug of war between the interests of the England team and the financial interests of the clubs - and I've been very sceptical about some of the things the clubs have been saying.

"Adam Crozier extracted the FA from a very difficult situation with Wembley.

"The old one is being knocked down, but if you look at the balance sheet he would point to it being a success."

He added: "It's been a very thorny issue and there is the argument whether they should be spending �750m on a new stadium when clubs have financial problems.

"But Adam Crozier has got the show on the road so I'd side with him on this issue.

Kelly believes the FA and the Premier League need to start talks to try to improve the conflict between the two parties.

He said: "They need to get the warring factions round the table.

"It's the same sort of thing that led to the departure of the previous chairman (Keith Wiseman) and myself four years ago."