Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson sadly passed away today the age of 76. He took England to three major tournaments during his spell in charge from 2001-2006
When he left his job as England manager in 2006 he returned quickly to management taking charge at Manchester City, he then returned to international football with a brief spell as Mexico boss.
On 22nd July 2009 in a surprise move at the time he became Notts County Director of Football, The Magpies then played in League Two then which was the same division as Hereford United.
On the 5th December 2009 his Notts County team visited Edgar Street. Matt Healey spoke to a couple of Hereford supporters who remembered Sven’s visit.
Lee Mills (Pictured with Sven below) told Your Herefordshire “He was really approachable and I had my photo taken with him, he was a quiet man but really friendly and kind. I was devastated to hear he passed away today, I remember his England team with the likes of Beckham, Rooney and Owen”
Steve Bishop (Pictured below) was a programme seller back in 2009 and he still volunteers now at Hereford FC looking after the main entrance. He has great memories of Sven and told us.
“He was an absolute gentleman. I was so shocked when he arrived as we weren’t sure if he was going to come to the game, he turned up in this huge black car with a chauffeur and as soon as he got out of the vehicle he was met by loads of Hereford supporters wanting photos and autographs”
Steve added “Sven was so kind and must of stayed speaking to people for a good hour or so, you could tell he cared and he spoke to supporters at length about who their favourite players were and he was an absolutely lovely chap. I had never seen someone connect with the fans like he did that Saturday afternoon”
At the time Hereford United chairman Graham Turner spent some time talking to Sven in the boardroom at Edgar Street about his time as both chairman and director of football of the Bulls.
“I had a conversation with Sven in the boardroom after Saturday’s game,” Turner told Bulls News
“He is very much enjoying his role as director of football. That must be evident otherwise he wouldn’t be interested in taking over in the future and he is well capable of carrying out both roles as he is steeped in football.
Notts County have a good infrastructure and team so he could well take them into the Championship at least.
They have a good support base and the ingredients are there for success. I am sure Sven can see that which is why he is interested in helping takeover the club and it would certainly be terrific for Notts County.
But being a shareholder and helping run the team is not without it’s headaches and was a nightmare in the early years at Hereford.”
The game ended with Notts County defeating Hereford United 2-0. Sven would leave Notts County two months later.
Images Lee Mills, MH Archive and a thank you to Bulls News for the Graham Turner quotes
