Tony Sutton has vowed to make the RFL stronger in order to improve the sport for all. The R

Key Highlights :

1. The new chief executive, Tony Sutton, has hit back at critics of his appointment, insisting that he will be different to the rest.

2. The governing body came in for criticism after selecting from within for its top job for a third successive time. Sutton, appointed last month after being in caretaker charge since December, follows in the footsteps of both Nigel Wood and Ralph Rimmer.

3. Many people felt it was time for a fresh approach with the sport facing a critical period with its ‘reimagining’ underway with IMG and the broadcast deal with Sky due to expire again this year. But as Sutton gets to work, he maintains he is the right person for the task.

4. One of Sutton’s key aims is to drive standards but also improve awareness of the sport, increase participation and help finally sort the international calendar.

5. IMG, of course, have come in and recommended grading criteria to define how Super League, RFL Championship and League One clubs will be assessed starting from 2025, as part of the ‘reimagining’ plans.

6. England's Herbie Farnworth celebrates with Victor Radley in the World Cup semi-final (Gareth Copley/Getty Images).

     Sutton, 49, was confirmed as Ralph Rimmer's replacement last month, the third successive appointment from within at the governing body, but he insists that is not a bad thing.

     Rimmer, who is in his third term as chairman, announced in March that he would be stepping down at the end of the year.

     "I'm really happy to have been given the opportunity to take on the role of chairman," Sutton said. "I think it's a great opportunity to continue the work that Ralph has started."

     Sutton, who has been a member of the FA board for six years, has a wealth of experience in football administration. He has been a director at AFC Wimbledon and was the CEO of the Football Association of Wales for two years.

     "I'm really looking forward to working with the other board members and the FA staff to continue the good work that Ralph has started," he added.

     Sutton's appointment was welcomed by the FA's executive committee, who said he had the "necessary skills and experience to take on the role".

     "We are confident that he will be a strong leader and continue the good work that Ralph has started," the committee said.

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