Dave Whelan calls on the FA to sack Eriksson

By Charlie Dickens
January 18 2006

Dave Whelan today told the Manchester Evening news that Sven-Goran Eriksson should be sacked in the wake of his remarks to an undercover News of the World reporter - and be replaced by Paul Jewell and Stuart Pearce.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "It's gross misconduct, he's got to go, if it was up to me I'd say goodbye.

"My automatic choice would be Paul and Stuart, the nation would get behind them and back them to the hilt."

"I've criticised him in the past but there should be no way back from this, this is an absolute scandal, a disgrace.

"You simply do not expect the England manager to openly discuss his future plans and to air his views about what he thinks about players in his squad.

"He has lost the confidence of the nation due to his actions. The whole thing is absolutely scandalous.

"The country and every football fan must feel sick about this whole issue. I know I certainly do, especially with the World Cup in Germany only months away.

"The FA, however, is not as strong as it should be in these kind of issues."

The League Managers Association however want to put the issue to bed, stating:

"We wish to reiterate our total support and backing for England in this year's World Cup.

"Our managers will continue to give Sven and the FA their complete support and backing."