Eriksson pledges to stay as England boss
Friday, 1 November 2002 14:19Sven-Goran Eriksson has vowed to stay on as England manager following yesterday's resignation of Football Association chief executive Adam Crozier. The Scot was responsible for hiring Eriksson after Kevin Keegan's resignation.
However, Eriksson says he is not going to follow Crozier out and told www.thefa.com: "I am shocked and saddened by the news - like everybody else at the FA. But I am determined to carry on in my job."
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has stepped down from his post as England coach. McClaren had been assisting Sven-Goran Eriksson with the national squad since summer 2001 when he took over at Middlesbrough. He said that he has decided to step down to concentrate fully on his Middlesbrough role.
McClaren says his decision is not connected with yesterday's resignation of FA chief executive Adam Crozier. "I actually told Adam of my intention to step down earlier this week - Sven has known for some time too, as I spoke to him after England's game with Macedonia," said the 40-year-old.
"This is purely my own decision. Indeed, it is a decision I have been considering for some time as my role with Middlesbrough - which must, of course, be my first priority - has taken up more time. I leave the post on the best of terms with everyone involved in the England set-up. It was a privilege to occupy the role.
"I gained greatly from the experience and I hope England benefited from my contribution. I thank Sven, the players and everyone at the FA for the support I have enjoyed. I'm also grateful to Steve Gibson and Middlesbrough for allowing me the opportunity to work with England," he added.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
