Palios determined to keep Sven

Football Association chief executive Mark Palios has vowed to do everything in his power to persuade Sven-Goran Eriksson to stay on as England coach.

The FA has offered Eriksson a contract extension that would tie up the Swede’s services until 2008, two years beyond his current deal.

Many saw that as a move to force Eriksson’s hand following persistent rumours linking the national coach with a switch back to club football at Chelsea next summer.

However, Palios told the News of the World: “Some people said the new contract was a stunt, which was complete rubbish.

“I genuinely want Sven to be our manager to 2006 and beyond and I would like that in place sooner rather than later.

“We know Sven taps into the psyche of English footballers and gets results from them. He comes with a greater guarantee than any other option. That is why we want him.”

The FA’s relationship with the England set-up has become strained in recent months following a series of unfortunate incidents.

There was talk of a player-strike after Rio Ferdinand was forced out of the squad to face Turkey due to his missed drugs test.

Eriksson was reportedly upset that his contract offer was made public and Leeds striker Alan Smith was sent home from the friendly against Denmark after being charged by police for throwing a plastic bottle back into the crowd during a match against Manchester United.

However, Palios hopes the appointment of Trevor Brooking as technical director will help to bridge any gaps that have formed.

“Trevor’s role is far broader than just being technical director,” said Palios. “He’s got good experience in all areas, grass roots to the elite.

“He has a big part to play in bringing all sides together as we move towards Euro 2004.”

With that in place, Palios will now turn his attention to the threat of hooliganism before and during the finals in Portugal next summer.

He said: “That is what could really mess us up at Euro 2004 and it is my top priority to deal with it.

“We have friendlies in Sweden and Portugal early on and if the fans misbehave we might not even get to the tournament.

“So we have to do all we can, then make sure the government and organisers do their bit too.”