PAUL Fletcher, chief executive of the Reebok Stadium, is on his way to Wembley for a top job.

The former Wanderers centre-forward is to become Director of Commercial Affairs for the new English National Stadium.

His appointment was announced yesterday - his 48th birthday and the day it was revealed that the Football Association were the new owners of the famous old stadium, which is to be redeveloped at a cost of £320 million.

The move, reported in later editions of last night's BEN, is a major honour for Fletcher, who made his name during six years at Huddersfield Town, where he oversaw the building of the award winning Alfred McAlpine Stadium.

"The opportunity to take part in the rebuilding of Wembley is very exciting," Fletcher said. "Over the past decade I have served my apprenticeship in stadia development.

"The Alfred McAlpine won the RIBA Building of the Year in 1995 and I am delighted the Reebok has just been awarded the BCI Building of the Year for 1998."

Wanderers chairman Gordon Hargreaves, disappointed to lose Fletcher after just over two and a half years in the job, said: "It is both recognition for himself and, indirectly, our Reebok Stadium which has been positively commented on throughout Europe."

Fletcher is expected to transfer to his new job in two or three months.

'My Wembley Dream" - pages 70 and 71.

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