THE man instrumental in the fate of shamed England boss Sam Allardyce was welcomed to Poole to unveil a brand new pitch for footballing future generations.

Dorset FA chiefs invited the national chief executive Martin Glenn to officially open the new state-of-the-art facilities at the home of Hamworthy Utd FC at County Ground.

As widely reported last week, following an undercover investigation into corruption, England manager Allardyce left his post in disgrace after 67 days.

But that didn't dampen the spirits for the Dorset FA which hosted a special ceremony welcoming along the Mayor of Poole cllr Xena Dion, the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell and other notable guests.

The afternoon kicked off with some activities before a variety of kickabouts between local school and league teams.

Sue Hough, Dorset FA's chief executive, introduced the brief ceremony and said it was a chance to allow the whole community access to the beautiful game.

The new ground - which cost £640,000 - has undergone a huge transformation.

The entire pitch was dug out and drainage laid before a membrane was installed, followed by tarmac and astroturf , and then 112 tonnes of special 'crumbs' were applied to give it a spongy feel.

The aim is to ensure that it can be played on all year round.

Mr Glenn said he was glad to have the chance to 'get away' from Wembley after last week's events during which there were "lots of bad things about football" said, but welcomed being able to see first hand the investment the FA is making to grassroots football.

"It's our responsibility to make sure football is a game for all," he said. "That's why we are investing heavily up and down the country."

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Mr Glenn said that the success of the England Men's team is often "in the spotlight".

"But the FA is responsible for a lot more football and we're very proud of that," he said. "Football in England is in a really good state, despite the tawdry stories that have come out this week.

"More women are taking up the game. There's lots of money going into the game. Forget this week. It's always very satisfying; this is the good side of football and the good side of the FA."

Lyme Regis FC and Sturminster Newton FC rounded off the celebrations with an evening match.