Capello becomes LMA president

England boss Fabio Capello has been named president of the League Managers' Association.

The union have announced that the Italian, who took over from Steve McClaren as England coach earlier this month, has accepted the position, as is customary for England managers.

The LMA had called for an English manager to be appointed national team boss - as they did before Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson got the job in 2001.

Vice-chairman Frank Clark described Capello's appointment before Christmas as a "big disappointment".

Clark was frustrated by the fact the Football Association felt the need to turn to another foreign coach in favour of an Englishman.

LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson said: "Since the LMA's inception in 1992, the role of LMA president has always been held by the current England manager.

"Fabio takes over from Steve McClaren and we at the LMA would like to thank Steve for his efforts, energy and support of the LMA in all that we do.

"We are delighted that Fabio has agreed to maintain the tradition of the England manager taking the role as LMA president and we look forward to working with him and helping him to develop a strong relationship with the game and the other managers in England."