By Ray Stubbs BBC Sport presenter and former team-mate of Palios

Palios made more than 350 league appearances for Tranmere and Crewe

I think the FA have made an excellent choice in appointing Mark Palios.

He's a former professional footballer, well qualified in the business side of things, who grew up playing - and still plays to this day - amateur football.

So he understands the game from a professional, amateur and business perspective.

What more could you ask for?

I was at Tranmere with him for about two-and-a-half seasons. He was very much the senior pro - an integral part of the team's midfield - while I was a junior coming up through the ranks.

But he always took time out to talk and listen to us. He was a real team man and a great communicator.

I always got the impression that Mark could succeed at anything he set his mind to

He was a strong competitor, a winner, very intelligent and a real good guy.

He was tough on the field though. He gave a lot of himself and demanded a lot of you as well.

At first he was a part-time professional while he was studying for a degree. It's no mean feat to be an important part of a football league side while being essentially part-time.

Our paths have crossed every now and then at various Tranmere reunions - which he always took the time and trouble to go to - and when I've spoken to him he enjoys reminiscing about 'the good old days'.

We'll always have some good banter about the jokes and the craic that went on in those days - in that way, he's a real football man.

But he's also got strong ideas about how football can be part of the community, of how football can make a difference.

I'm sure Mark will be aware that there are big challenges that need to be faced - a lot of obstacles to overcome and a lot of difficult decisions to be taken.

And if you ever played football with Mark, you'd know that he never pulled out of any challenge.

If you add in to that the fact that he is a vibrant personality, a tough cookie and a thoroughly decent guy, the FA have made a great choice.

I always got the impression that Mark could succeed at anything he set his mind to.

I really do feel very encouraged for the future of the English game.