Backe quits County

Notts County have confirmed that manager Hans Backe has resigned just seven weeks after signing a three-year contract at Meadow Lane.

The Swedish coach was brought in as Ian McParland's successor by director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson but has overseen just nine matches in all competitions since his appointment in late October.

A statement on the club's official website, said: "The club can confirm that first-team manager Hans Backe has resigned his position at the club. The club wishes to thank Hans for his service and wishes him all the best in the future."

The statement added: "Dave Kevan has been appointed caretaker manager and will take charge of the league visit to Bournemouth next Monday."

Backe's surprise departure comes after Munto Finance sold the Coca-Cola League Two club to executive chairman Peter Trembling, who completed a buy-out on Saturday. It was Trembling's wish for Eriksson and his staff to remain at Meadow Lane but the club now faces the prospect of looking for its third manager of the season. Speculation over Eriksson's future is also now likely to intensify.