He inherited the role at a time when the once famous team of the 1960 and 70s was an ailing side plummeting into the depths of the Football League.

Bernstein brought Kevin Keegan in as manager with the task to get City into the top flight and provide the stability to remain there.

"[12] Bernstein took over from Michael Jeffries in July 2008, after the stadium was plagued by years of construction delays and financial mismanagement.

Bernstein worked with FA secretary and fellow chartered accountant, Alex Horne and refinanced the £341m loan to secure the stadium's short-term future.

[19] However some analysts see Bernstein as a "safe pair of hands",[20] and point to business revivals with ailing companies such as French Connection, Manchester City and Wembley Stadium Limited that have given weight to his appointment.

[21] Bernstein was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2014 New Year Honours for services to football.

Ultimately, the FA abstained from the 2011 FIFA presidential election between incumbent president Sepp Blatter and Mohammed Bin Hammam.

[24] Bernstein sits on the boards of a number of public companies, including fashion label Ted Baker and restaurant chain Carluccio's.