LONDON: Ian Watmore surprisingly resigned as chief executive of England’s Football Association (FA), just months into the job, the governing body announced on its website here on Monday. FA chairman Lord David Triesman said Watmore’s resignation had been accepted with “great regret” but refused to say why he’d quit, having only taken up the post before the start of this season after his appointment in February 2009. Watmore joined the FA from the British civil service, where he had been permanent secretary at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. Prior to 2004, he had worked in information technology for more than 20 years. Watmore, after his appointment just over a year ago, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Football Association as chief executive. It’s a great challenge and one I’m really looking forward to. With Lord Triesman and the board, Fabio Capello and the FA’s staff, I want to ensure we are achieving success on and off the pitch across all levels of the game.” England sealed qualification for this year’s World Cup in South Africa during Watmore’s brief time in charge. But his comments last month that the FA Cup could become primarily a midweek event were not well received.