Sven-Goran Eriksson could be ready to save the Football Association
almost £500,000 by signing up for a new managerial job in the next
fortnight. The development coincides with a halving of the former
England manager's salary under the terms of his pay-off. Eriksson
has been earning £14,000 per week since he left the post in the
aftermath of England's disappointing World Cup quarter-final exit,
but that weekly sum is due to be slashed to £7,000 after next
month's pay packet.
Nevertheless, with interest emanating from the French league's two
traditionally biggest clubs - Marseille and Paris St-Germain - and
from the Qatari league, Eriksson looks set to ease the remaining
burden on FA budgets. No compensation is payable once he accepts a
new job.
No deals have yet been concluded but the Swede's agent Athole Still
confirmed yesterday that he expected something to be finalised
"quite soon" in a role commensurate with his "status" and what
would be "the right kind of challenge".
Eriksson is understood to be intrigued by the prospect of awakening
one of Europe's traditional sporting giants and is aware of the
funding boost a recent Canal Plus broadcast deal has given the
French league, one that is comparable with the Premiership's TV
incomes.
