No shortlist for Eriksson’s England job, says FA

THE Football Association yesterday reaffirmed their commitment to England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson in the wake of reports they want Ottmar Hitzfeld to replace the Swede if he quits after Euro 2004.

Bayern Munich boss Hitzfeld is an enormously respected figure and is tipped by some to become the next boss of his home nation Germany.

Reports yesterday also claim the FA have identified him as a potential successor to Eriksson but Soho Square insist Eriksson is the man they want in charge of the national team for the long haul.

FA spokesman Adrian Bevington said: "Sven is the number one candidate for the job. He's already in place and he's the man we want to remain in place long term." Eriksson is under contract until after the 2006 World Cup and his employers recently offered him a two-year extension to the deal.

However, the offer of remaining in his lucrative post until 2008 has met with a lukewarm response by Eriksson, who said he was "disappointed" the offer was made public.

The Swede's attitude has contributed to fresh speculation about his future he is constantly linked with a move to Chelsea and the man who may replace him.

If he does choose to depart after the summer tournament in Portugal the FA are expected to target a successful coach, either from home or abroad, as they did to recruit Eriksson as Kevin Keegan's replacement in January 2001.

FA chief executive Mark Palios has confirmed moves are underway to draw up a contingency plan should Eriksson leave.

But it is understood no shortlist has been drawn up, although, if one is, a manager of Hitzfeld's calibre is likely to be considered. However, the FA know their number one choice for the top job in English football and that man is already in place.

Meanwhile, former official David Elleray has warned football "will die" unless the issue of referee recruitment is addressed and more ex-players are persuaded to take up the whistle.

The Harrow schoolmaster, who retired at the end of last season, claimed more needed to be done to channel some of the hundreds of former professional footballers into refereeing to improve standards.

"We need to encourage former professional footballers to join the ranks of referees," said Elleray.

"I am frequently asked why Steve Baines is the only former professional player in recent times to have reached the Football League. The answer is that it would take them a season to earn what top Premiership players earn in a week.