By J Bateman
December 19 2002

Sir Brian Mawhinney has become the new chairman of the Football League taking over from Keith Harris who resigned in August. Sir Brian Mawhinney has taken his seat as the new chairman of the Football League , the 62 year old Conservative MP for Cambridgeshire North West takes over from Keith Harris who ended his so called " a six month nightmare".

Mawhinney said "This is an important job, which needless to say, I will take seriously, but football is also fun and I intend to enjoy that aspect too."

He added "I look forward both to doing the job and getting to know the clubs, their chairmen and directors, representatives of supporters' organisations and the media, as well as establishing a strong rapport with the FA and the Premier League."

Mawhinney has had top jobs in the past such as being the former Northern Ireland Sports Minister and Conservative party chairman also he was Secretary of State for transport.