Eriksson staying at Notts County

Soccer:Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson has quelled speculation about his future by committing himself to the League Two club.

Earlier today, manager Hans Backe tendered his resignation and left Meadow Lane in a surprise move.

That sparked speculation about the future of Eriksson, who had appointed his fellow Swede as manager in late October.

However, in a statement on the club's official website the former England boss reaffirmed his future still lies with the Magpies

"Everyone at the club is disappointed that Hans has chosen to tender his resignation," said Eriksson.

"This has come as a surprise to all of us in the context of recent results on the pitch and the completion of the management buy-out of the football club by Peter Trembling.

"I am aware that Hans' decision has led to speculation about my own position here at Notts County.

"I wish to make it clear that I believe the management buy-out is a positive first step for the club and we look forward to confirming further investments for the future.

"I continue to enjoy my work at Notts County and, together with Peter Trembling, I hope to progress to the goals that we have set."

Backe's surprise departure came after Munto Finance sold the League Two club to executive chairman Trembling, who completed a buy-out on Saturday.

Like Sol Campbell before him, one of Backe's reasons for walking out was the club's alleged failure to keep financial promises.

Trembling is in talks with potential new investors and expressed his disappointment at Backe's decision not to wait for the outcome of those discussions.

Trembling said: "Sven and I are working round the clock on that and, come the middle of January, we could be in an extremely healthy position and not only back on track but maybe further down the line from where we expected to be, so I am disappointed that Hans has not waited around for that to happen."

Asked about Eriksson's position at the club, Trembling added: "Sven is as before. I spoke to Sven before the buy-out last week and he is on board and as keen as ever."

Backe was brought in as Ian McParland's successor by Eriksson but oversaw only nine matches in all competitions following his appointment in late October.

A statement on the club's official website said: "The club can confirm that first-team manager Hans Backe has resigned his position at the club.

"The club wishes to thank Hans for his service and wishes him all the best in the future.

"Dave Kevan has been appointed caretaker manager and will take charge of the league visit to Bournemouth next Monday."

County's summer windfall saw them invest in players such as Lee Hughes, Kasper Schmeichel and Ben Davies - as well as their ill-fated move for Campbell, who left after only one match.

They were quickly installed as promotion favourites but it has not been all plain sailing on the pitch, either, with the club currently in sixth place, 10 points behind League Two leaders Rochdale.