IAN Lenagan is set to take over as chairman of the Football League after being unanimously recommended for the role by its board of directors.

The former Oxford United chairman, who is still a director at the club, will take over from Greg Clarke in June, providing league clubs ratify the appointment at their annual general meeting.

Lenagan joined the board in 2013 as a League Two representative.

He said: “It is a great honour to be asked to be chairman of The Football League and lead our 72 clubs in the next stage of our development under the new EFL brand.

"I look forward to continuing the board’s progressive work that is being delivered for the benefit of all our member clubs.”

Outgoing chairman Clarke said: "Since joining in 2013, Ian has made an important contribution to the board's work and also that of the FA Board, as one of our two representatives.

"I am delighted to leave The Football League in very safe and very capable hands and I will work with Ian throughout the rest of my time at the League to ensure a smooth transition to his leadership."

Richard Bowker CBE, the Football League's independent director, who chaired the nominations committee said: “While there was an extremely strong shortlist of candidates, the board felt that Ian's proven track record in business and his previous involvement in club football with Oxford United, combined with the continuity his appointment will bring, made him the outstanding candidate.”