IT seems very rare that those at the top of sporting institutions say things that make much sense, let alone make decisions which endear them to the very people they should be acting on behalf of.

For instance, every time FIFA president Sepp Blatter opens his mouth, alarm bells in my head start ringing and steam soon flows freely from my ears.

A man capable of evoking similar reaction within me is Francis Baron, the Rugby Football Union chief executive, though more through his actions (notably not appointing Shaun Edwards) than words.

So it was with little surprise and no small amount of disappointment that I read comments made by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham and Football Association chairman Lord Triesman this week.

Both have waded into the debate about foreign ownership of football clubs following the recent Manchester City takeover and, in doing so, they have sparked debate and prompted reaction.

For that they should be praised and they make some valid points, but as well all know actions speak far louder than words and whether anything is actually done to follow-up their calls remains to be seen.

But what disappointed me most, and no doubt a fair few supporters of AFC Bournemouth and other lower-league clubs in this country feel exactly the same, is the blatant disregard for football beyond the top two flights.

I'd have far more respect for Burnham and Triesman if they had been equally as vocal when Cherries, Luton Town, Rotherham Town and the like were teetering on the brink of oblivion just months ago.

Because the real problems in English football lie way below the cash-rich millionaire's playground of the Premier League and elite few in the Championship.

Bubbling deep beneath the surface are grim tales of administration, swingeing points deductions and misery for clubs and their loyal, hard-done-by supporters.

Rather than seeking the headlines and getting their faces on Sky Sports News every hour, people in powerful positions like Burnham and Triesman would be far better off focusing their time and energy on the likes of Luton than Liverpool.

It might not be the most fashionable of studies - investigating the problems afflicting the lower reaches of the national game and how to solve them - but it would go a long way to winning back fans who are growing increasingly disillusioned with football in this country.

Life does exist below the Premier League and such high profile figures would do well to remember that fact.

To adapt a well-known phrase, if you look after the penniless, no doubt the billionaires are more than capable of looking after themselves.

The truth is that the Premier League, with its soaring ticket prices, handsomely paid players and hugely rich owners, is fast losing touch with the man on the street.

And only a fairer distribution of wealth and assistance to struggling clubs in League One and League Two can save what threatens to become a dire situation.