Sven axes Arsenal medics

Arsenal doctors John Crane and Tim Sonnex have become victims of Sven-Goran Eriksson's post-World Cup back-room shake-up.

Crane, the Arsenal club doctor, has been England first-team doctor since 1986. He, Sonnex and Arsenal physiotherapist Gary Lewin have maintained a 40-year Highbury tradition of providing medical staff to the Football Association.

But I understand Eriksson wants doctors independent of any Premier League club and has therefore appointed a Swede, Leif Sward.

Lewin retains his place with England but another long-serving physiotherapist, Alan Smith, has been released.

Crane said today: "I have come to an amicable agreement with the FA and feel it's now time to go, but I'm happy to help out in a smaller way when required."