David Collins took over as FAW secretary in April 1995

The Football Association of Wales has delayed naming its new chief executive until next week because of contractual reasons.

The successful candidate - a 39-year-old Englishman based in London - was one of three short-listed.

"It doesn't present a problem to him accepting the position," said the FAW's new president Phil Pritchard.

"It's something we have to respect and it's going to be another 48 hours before we can make an announcement."

The FAW panel made the appointment after several hours of discussion at their headquarters in Cardiff where the three candidates were interviewed.

Pritchard said he was unable to name the new man for contractual reasons, although he had a verbal acceptance from the man who will pick up £100,000 as the replacement for David Collins - who retires in January when he is 65.

The appointment, from 91 applicants, is a major departure for the FAW from previous football-based secretary-generals.

"We had a very difficult job to whittle the list down to three, and all were excellent candidates," added Pritchard.

The new man, London-based, is believed to be the marketing director from a major corporation, and he will move to the Cardiff area.

His remit will be to boost the FAW's sponsorship and commercial revenue.

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