Former Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick is to become the new chairman of the Football Conference at the end of the season.

Barwick, who previously held senior sport posts with the BBC and ITV, will continue in his role as non-executive chairman of the Rugby Football League.

"I look forward to a long and positive relationship with one of football's most enduring competitions," he said.

Barwick will succeed Brian Lee, who has held the position for eight years.

He continued: "Throughout the Conference divisions, there is a vast number of committed and hard-working football people who make their clubs tick and who provide great enjoyment for their local communities.

"In due course, I intend to meet all of them and share our mutual passion for football."

Brian Barwick Barwick's spell at the FA oversaw the opening of the redeveloped Wembley, the Respect campaign and the appointment of two England managers.

He worked for both BBC and ITV across sport output, and was involved with international tournaments such as the World Cup and Olympics.

The RFL do not anticipate Barwick's involvement with the Conference to have any impact on his role with them, which he has held since January 2013.

A spokesman said: "We would like to congratulate Brian on his appointment as Conference chairman.

"Brian will continue to bring considerable experience and huge enthusiasm to his roles as RFL chairman and chairman of Super League (Europe), and is absolutely determined that this move will not disrupt the important contribution he makes to rugby league."