February 23, 2001 9:33: THE likes of Beckham, Owen, and Seaman will no longer be seen at Bisham Abbey after the Football Association announced its decision to quit the training centre.

The England squad, which has prepared for nine World Cups and ten European Championships at Bisham Abbey over the last 40 years, are ready to pack their bags for a purpose-built football centre in the Midlands.

Town leaders have mourned the news describing it as the end of an era.

Maurice Oram, a Marlow Town Councillor and keen football supporter, said: "We are sad to see them go. On occasions I think they have used facilities at Marlow Football Club.

"It was an opportunity for locals and young kids to catch a glimpse of the squad."

The new centre, in Burton-on-Trent, is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2003 and all England squads will use it for training.

Richard Hunt, spokesman for Marlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "It is very very sad. Another major thing leaves the area.

"It really is the end of an era in Marlow but we should be positive and look forward to whatever comes in to replace it."

Dave Meli, a spokesman for Leisure Connection which manages Bisham Abbey, which has been a national sports centre for 50 years, said: "It is always disappointing to see things move on but the England team probably comes down for about two days, six times a year."

Mr Meli said that discussions were currently under way with the England Cricket Board and the British Judo Association, which are both keen to set up home at the site.

A multi-million pound facelift is also planned for the centre but Mr Meli was tight-lipped on exactly how much was being spent and what was going to be done.

He said: "We would hope the improvements would be in place as soon as possible.

"The idea is to cater for as many sports as is feasible."

Paul Newman, a spokesman for the Football Association, said: "Bisham Abbey has served as an excellent training and preparation ground for the England team for more than 30 years."

David Langton