Football Association's 150th birthday: raise a glass to the volunteers I will be hailing the caring influence of Michelle Farrar, who has served England managers with tact, smile and dedication as well as sending welcoming texts and advice to nervous newcomers to the England squad. I will be saluting those forbearing souls who answer the FA's hotline, calmly dealing with fans enraged at everything from ticket prices to fixture and kit changes. The FA receives regular and merited criticism for England's serial failures, for flaws in the disciplinary system and for historic calumnies like the organisation's behaviour before, during and after the Hillsborough disaster. It can be weak, still cowering in the presence of the big beast that is the Premier League, yet the FA has improved. Gone are the days when the FA was unresponsive, cut off from reality, even closing down at weekends. Many, many conscientious characters represent the FA and should be celebrated amid the 150 festivities.