NEXT summer the weight of English expectations will be on the shoulders of Fabio Capello as he leads England into the football World Cup in South Africa.
But while the coach has his sights on the ultimate prize in the sport, he also has one eye on the future of British football.
That was his message when he came to Harrow borough with footballing legend Sir Trevor Brooking on Tuesday to unveil football facilities described as being of Premiership quality.
The Hive, which will now be used as a training ground by League Two Barnet Football Club, was officially opened by the Italian maestro after years of hard work and cash helped bring the project together.
But it is not just Barnet's first team who will get to enjoy the £11million facilities at the Camrose Avenue base in Edgware, because the entire complex is open to the public. The site, which already has an impressive combination of grass and all-weather pitches, can be used by Harrow footballers seeking to be the next Wayne Rooney, or those who merely fancy a leisurely kick-about.
It is also the home to Barnet's youth academies, girls' sides and a 'centre of excellence'.
In 2004 it looked as though plans to host facilities on the Prince Edward Playing Fields had fallen by the wayside when Wealdstone FC's attempts to build there were halted by financial constraints.
But after Barnet saw the potential at the site, Harrow Council decided to back the project and stumped up £750,000.
Speaking at the unveiling, Mr Capello, who was this week hailed as the coach of the year at the annual BBC Sports Personality Awards, said: "It is an honour for me to be here and the facilities I have seen here are fantastic.
"I remember when I started to coach at Milan and work with the academies and I know how important they are."
Sir Trevor Brooking added: "From my point of view this is great for grass roots football in this country. It is great that Harrow has worked to develop facilities like this."
