Eriksson given full FA backing

The Football Association's Board has insisted that Sven Goran Eriksson retains its "full support" as it dismissed the idea of his eventual successor being a part-time coach.

The FA was responding to the recent doubts cast over Eriksson's position as the England coach in the wake of Jose Antonio Camacho's resignation as Real Madrid's manager.

Eriksson spoke out himself on Tuesday, insisting he would honour his contract with the FA and maintaining he had not been contacted by the Spanish club.

However, reports were still claiming that some FA Board members privately viewed the idea of Eriksson leaving for Spain as the "ideal scenario", especially if compensation of up to £4m was received.

The frustration felt by some at England's perceived lack of progress under the Swede despite his huge salary had come out in force this summer when the controversy broke over his personal life.

The England coach nevertheless survived question marks over his future on that occasion and, once again, his critics have been told to back him publicly.

In a statement the board reiterated their support for Eriksson in what amounted to a vote of confidence.

"Contrary to unattributed and unhelpful comments in certain recent reports, the FA would like to make clear that Sven Goran Eriksson has the full support of the organisation," it said. "The team has made a strong start to its World Cup qualifying campaign and everyone at the FA is looking forward to Sven and the players building on that as we move towards the 2006 World Cup."

The FA Board also responded to reports that some members were considering the possibility of a part-time coach leading the national side after Eriksson's departure.

The statement added: "The FA would like to place on record that there are no plans to make the position of England coach a part-time role at any stage in the future."