Gartside defends ‘flawed’ Eriksson

ENGLAND coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has found an ally in Bolton chairman Phil Gartside following an attack on the Swede by Wigan owner Dave Whelan.

Whelan accused the FA of “lacking the guts” to sack Eriksson after the humiliating defeat in Northern Ireland, a result which came hot on the heels of an unconvincing win over Wales and the dismal loss to Denmark.

Many critics have called for Eriksson’s head, even though England are still in a strong position to qualify for next summer’s World Cup finals.

Instead, Soho Square chiefs have backed their £5million-a-year manager, with Eriksson claiming in an interview last weekend he was worthy of such a vast salary.

Whelan does not believe so: “Sven-Goran Eriksson would have been sacked by now if it was up to me. It’s obvious the FA don’t have the guts to get rid of the England manager, even though he has had his chance and should be replaced.

“The whole system and pattern of play under Sven is flawed. We seem to have lost the plot.”

But Gartside feels Whelan “is wrong” and said: “I’m not an advocate of sacking managers.

“History tells you the longer a manager stays in one position, the more success a club has.

“I think it’s a bit unfair on Sven. He’s had a really good run as manager and got us into a position where we can qualify for the next World Cup.

“It would be nonsense to change at this stage. You can’t expect somebody to come in and pick up the pieces and run with it.

“Sven is a good England manager. He has been for the last number of years, he’s had success and will continue to have that success.

“We’re still positioned in the best place we’ve ever been in to win the World Cup next year.”

Gartside’s defence is understandable as his manager Sam Allardyce is being tipped as a possible replacement for Eriksson.

But he added: “Sven has got the job and Sam respects that.

“Sam has been picked by the media and it is not up to the media to pick the next manager.”

Given the choice, Whelan would like to see Steve McClaren handed the job, with fledgling Man City boss Stuart Pearce as his assistant.

“I know it is easy to criticise and I accept it is a difficult job managing England, but the man in charge must be passionate and realise he owes it to the nation to win the World Cup.

“Let’s see someone in charge with feeling for the game and let’s make sure England are coached by an Englishman.”