SCHOOL pupils have heard from one of football’s most influential backroom boys.

Businessman David Dein was vice-chairman of Arsenal from 1983 to 2007 and has also been vice-chairman of the Football Association.

He has also been involved at international level with UEFA and FIFA.

Arsenal won 18 trophies during his time on the board and he was instrumental in bringing Arsene Wenger to the club as manager.

During his time with the FA he was an architect of the Premier League in the early-1990s.

The 71-year-old businessman now works with Speakers for Schools, a charity that has a roster of influential figures from the business world who give talks in state schools to inspire and motivate youngsters to aim high.

He was in the North-East today (Tuesday, March 10) to talk at Hetton School, Hetton-le-Hole, near Sunderland, and at St Bede’s Roman Catholic School and Sixth Form at Lanchester, near Stanley, County Durham.

Mr Dein’s interactive talk at both schools covered his experiences in business and football that featured a question and answer session.

One of his themes was the attitude needed to be successful including persistence and pride .

He also told the youngsters that a “turtle mentality” was needed, telling them that if they did not stick their neck out they would not get anywhere.

St Bede’s headteacher Neville Harrison said: “It was an excellent experience for all involved and the staff and students at St Bede’s are extremely grateful to David Dein and Speakers for Schools for allowing this to happen.”