Football Story

07 January 2009 22:47 BST

LMA "deeply concerned" by Sven sacking rumours

The League Managers Association (LMA) has said it is "deeply concerned" by reports that Sven-Goran Eriksson will be sacked by Manchester City.

In a statement condemning the rumours that club owner Thaksin Shinawtra is set to axe Eriksson after only one season in charge, the LMA have thrown their weight behind the former England boss.

Denouncing the club for its "short-termism", the LMA claimed constant rumours of managerial changes would be "destabilising to the club, its players and its fans", adding: "[It] is not the way to develop success on the field."

The LMA has represented the interests of all Premier League and Football League managers since its inauguration in 1992.

The statement on Eriksson's position is not the first time the organisation has spoken out against the growing trend of hiring and firing head coaches.

And it said the current situation "reflects a growing trend of football club owners having unrealistic expectations and not giving managers sufficient support and time in the role".

"There is no question that Sven has made an immediate and dramatic impact on Manchester City since his arrival, winning seven out of their first ten matches, completing the double over local rivals and reigning champions Manchester United and in line for their highest-ever finish in the Barclays Premier League," the LMA said.

"Sven is one of Europe's most highly-talented football managers with experience gained from working around the world.

"He is in the process of building a strong squad at Manchester City, he commands the respect of his players and has developed a strong relationship and fantastic support from the fans."

The LMA also said it would raise the issue of Eriksson's job safety with the all parliamentary football group, which is launching an inquiry into English football and its governance.

The group will focus on specific cases where off-field issues have overshadowed on-field achievements, with the LMA also citing the ongoing boardroom unrest at Liverpool as another such instance.

"The LMA is working with the game and all its stakeholders to address the issue of short-termism and encourage clubs to look to the medium and long-term with their management appointments," the statement concluded.

"We are looking at all areas of football management, the training and development of young managers, the recruitment process, standard contracts for all LMA members and ways to improve the communication process between the club, the manager and the fans, setting clear, realistic targets and managing expectations."