Sven ready for County challenge

Sven-Goran Eriksson has set his sights on taking Notts County all the way to the Barclays Premier League after signing a five-year contract at Meadow Lane.

The former England boss was unveiled as director of football at the Coca-Cola League Two side on Wednesday but made it clear he does not want to hang around in the bottom tier for long.

Eriksson said: "I always said I wanted to come back to the Premier League. I chose a little bit of a difficult way to do it I think. It will take a few years, but I think we will do it. I think it's the biggest football challenge of my life, trying to take Notts County back to the Premier League, but that's the target. The challenge is perhaps the most difficult football job I've had so far. But I am looking forward to it."

Eriksson, who confirmed he will be moving to Nottingham, revealed he was at first unsure about joining County.

He said: "When my agent asked me if I would be interested in Notts County I said I am not sure about that, but after listening to the people and seeing the project that they had I said 'yes'."

Eriksson, whose key responsibilities include building scouting network and setting up overseas links, will work alongside current coach Ian McParland.

He told Wednesday's press conference at Meadow Lane: "We have together to try to find good players if we want to leave League Two. We have to have good football players. Without good football players you can't reach the League One or the Championship."

Despite being taken over by a Middle Eastern group, Munto Finance, Eriksson said the club would continue to be sensible with their money.

The Swede added: "When this news (of his appointment) came out my phone was hot all the time. People all over the place are asking how much we can pay for players.

"You can't pay Premier League salaries to players in League Two. We all know that we have to be sensible. Players and a training ground are the key. If we don't have players and a training ground life is very difficult for the manager, almost impossible I would say."