Trevor hits back

Trevor Brooking revealed today that he had started a coaching refresher course before Sam Allardyce's outburst about his role as the Football Association's new director of football development.

Brooking moved to defuse the growing unease felt by some top Premiership coaches following his appointment. Bolton manager Allardyce criticised Brooking's role at the FA, claiming he lacks the UEFA coaching qualifications that are now a requirement for every new Premiership manager.

The League Managers' Association, where Allardyce is a committee member, have already complained to the FA about Brooking's appointment.

But the former England midfielder, awarded a full FA coaching badge during his playing days at West Ham, decided immediately he was given the job that he would complete the FA's reassessment course for coaches who already hold the old-style qualification.

Brooking said: "Any coach with the old FA badge can take the re-assessment course. You start half way up the ladder and concentrate on the elements that have been added in recent years.

"I decided to do this because I felt that in my new role I should be up to date with the education processes our coaches go through."