Sven's plea to new FA chief

Sven-Goran Eriksson today stressed the importance of the Football Association's new chief executive Brian Barwick strengthening relations with the England squad.

Barwick was announced late last night as the successor to Mark Palios, even though four of the FA's 12-man board had favoured not appointing a new chief executive until after an internal review was completed.

The 50-year-old controller of ITV Sport was nevertheless preferred ahead of two other shortlisted candidates - including Richard Bowker, the former head of the Strategic Rail Authority.

Barwick faces numerous challenges - such as uniting the disparate elements within football, let alone the FA board, behind him.

He must also seek to build bridges with the England squad, who were alienated by Palios's strong stance on the Rio Ferdinand controversy last year.

Eriksson stressed: "I think it's important to have a good relationship between the leaders of the FA, myself and the players.

"I'm quite sure that if someone is looking for that job they are very interested in football and the England team. Everything is important at the FA, but the big face is the senior team."

The FA have been without a strong figurehead since Palios resigned in August.

That situation will continue until Barwick takes up his new post on January 31, but he is already relishing the challenge ahead of him.

He said last night: "It has been a momentous day for me. I am looking forward to the challenge of leading the FA into their next era.

"I must place on record sincere thanks to my colleagues at ITV for their support and understanding during this period."

FA chairman Geoff Thompson added: "We are delighted to have appointed a new chief executive and look forward to Brian joining us.

"In Brian we have found an exceptional individual. This is good news for the FA and for English football."