How Sven Goran Eriksson's old pals act shot Notts County revolution in the foot - again

By James Nursey

Published 09:33 29/10/09

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Notts County seem to have shot themselves in the foot again just as they finally appeared to have achieved some credibility.

League Two County have been in the headlines all season following the club's takeover by the mysterious group of Munto Finance.

And it has been one fiasco after another with Sol Campbell walking out after just one game and the protracted debate about the identity of the club's money men.

Then boss Ian McParland was sacked when the club were fifth in League Two.

And all the while the debate over County's future rumbled on until the Magpies finally got their takeover ratified by the Football League after passing the 'fit and proper persons act'.

Now the club's high-profile director of football Sven Goran Eriksson has finally appointed a replacement for McParland.

The Swede spent a thorough two weeks weighing up his options including former Inter Milan chief Roberto Mancini.

But this week the club unveiled a certain Hans Backe as their new manager on a lucrative three-year contract.

And the only question to ask is: why did it take so long?

Sven and Backe are compatriots and former colleagues from their time together at Man City and Mexico.

And County's so-called search for a new boss, which included a five-man short-list, appears to have been a mere charade.

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