Venables' talks to go ahead

TALKS on the future of England coach Terry Venables will go ahead, as planned, with FA chief executive Graham Kelly later this week.

And the fears of senior International Committeemen that they have been snubbed over the planned extension to Venables' contract are unfounded, says director of public affairs David Davies.

Oldham chairman Ian Stott, one of the 15 committee members, called yesterday for clarification on how the decision will be bade - and who will make it.

But Davies said: "Terry will resume talks with Graham over the next few days. When that is done, Graham will talk to the International Committee in the normal way."

Kelly and retiring chairman Sir Bert Millichip are both anxious to have Venables installed for the 1998 World Cup campaign ahead of next summer's European Championships, while the coach, back from holiday, naturally wants his future settled.

He has indicated privately that he is dismayed by constant sniping from some senior figures, and that he may not be prepared to carry on for another two years if he does not command the wholehearted support of the FA hierarchy.