Only when they have made their choice will they go before the twelve-man committee whose role, however much they might debate, is probably not much more than to rubber-stamp the decision.

Noel White has anti-Venables image

They have been sidelined in recent years by the devolution of power to appointed executives.

Last time, it hardly mattered as Kevin Keegan was the favoured candidate of virtually everyone at the FA.

But in the past those regarded as the "old fogeys" FA have wielded absolute power - as Terry Venables will testify.

Noel White, whose main to claim to mainstream football fame was a spell as Altrincham chairman followed by a brief stint in the chair at Liverpool, was widely believed to have seen off Venables and the excess baggage the FA despised.

White, now 70, holds a powerful position on the committee, despite making his name in non-league football, and as a former business associate of the late ex-Manchester City chairman Peter Swales.

Peter Ridsdale is a respected figure

He remains on the committee, joined by even elder statesman such as 86-year-old Bert "The Inert" Millichip and the almost youthful 70-plus "Deadly" Doug Ellis of Aston Villa.

White was one of those involved in the Wembley dressing room summit that saw Kevin Keegan's resign - but it appears his influence may now be on the wane.

The committee - despite the public perception - is not completely made up of pensioners.

It also includes such respected and influential figures as Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale and Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.

But when Crozier, Davies and Thompson make their selection, it is fairly certain to stay made.

And it may just be another step towards oblivion for the much-derided FA old guard.

International committee

Geoff Thompson: FA chairman who made the ultimate decision to sack Glenn Hoddle in February last year.
Doug Ellis: Veteran Aston Villa chairman, known not always affectionately as "Deadly", certainly has plenty of experience in hiring managers, mostly after firing them.
David Dein: Arsenal's much-respected vice-chairman is tipped to be a future chairman of the FA.
Peter Ridsdale: Leeds chairman has won over his club's fans, and many others in football, with his sensible views and commitment to the game.
Noel White: Former Liverpool chairman. One-time Altrincham chairman who was regarded as the prime mover behind the departure of Terry Venables.
Dave Richards: Ex-chairman of the FA Premier League and Sheffield Wednesday. Much criticised for not sacking Danny Wilson last season.
Ian Stott: Former Oldham chairman.
Sir Bert Millichip: Was FA chairman for 15 years and president of West Brom, but is now 86.
Jack Wiseman: The one-time Birmingham chairman is 83.
Barry Taylor: Representative attached to Barnsley.
Peter Coates: Made money selling pies to football clubs. Was Stoke chairman.
Frank Pattison: FA's vice-chairman and chairman of Durham FA.