Eriksson issues 'come and get me' plea

The following story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club:

SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON has sent a clear 'come and get me' message to Anfield headhunters Kenny Dalglish and Christian Purslow, by admitting it would be a "dream" to manage Liverpool.

The former England coach is currently leading Ivory Coast's World Cup challenge - but is a free agent as soon as the tournament ends.

And he said this weekend: "I have been a Liverpool fan all of my life. I never mentioned it when I was in charge of England because I didn't think it was fair.

 "I was shocked when I discovered Rafa Benitez had left. Would I want to be the manager of Liverpool? It is every manager's dream to manage Liverpool.

"My father was also a Liverpool supporter and every Saturday we would watch an English match on television. It was the highlight of the week.

"Liverpool matches were televised quite regularly and we would cheer them on. They have always been my team and nothing has changed. When I was starting out in coaching I was invited to Liverpool to see how they did things. Joe Fagan was the manager at the time.

"I remember him showing me around Anfield and taking me into their legendary boot room.

"It was such a privilege and an honour for me to be invited in there. I will never forget that moment. Liverpool will always hold a special place in my heart."

Eriksson added: "My situation is easy. I have a contract with the Ivory Coast until the end of the World Cup and then I am free. Hopefully I will sit on some bench somewhere in the world, I don't know where.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world so everybody wants to be a manager in the Premier League."

Despite Eriksson's appeal, Fulham boss Roy Hodgson remains higher on Liverpool's list to replace Benitez.

And former Reds boss Gerard Houllier admits he would be "delighted" if the Anfield hierarchy turned to the widely respected Fulham manager.

Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish and managing director Christian Purslow are heading the hunt for Benitez's replacement, and they have not been deterred by noises from Craven Cottage warning them off the man who took Fulham to last season's Europa League final.

And former Reds boss Houllier declared: "Roy has done very well with an average team at Fulham.

"I would be delighted if he could coach Liverpool in his career as he deserves it. He's used to coaching stars. Don't forget he was at Inter Milan as well.

"It's a big club and a big club will remain a big club. The quality of the players are still very good."

Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer admitted he wouldn't blame Hodgson if he decided to quit Fulham and take charge of Liverpool.

Schwarzer wants Hodgson to stay at Craven Cottage after the "remarkable" job he has done in reviving Fulham's fortunes.

But he conceded: "The gaffer is at that stage of this career where he is thinking 'will this sort of opportunity come around again?'

"I suppose in a lot of ways you can't blame the guy if an opportunity like this came along. We hope he doesn't go, we hope he stays at Fulham, but we will have to wait and see what happens. But I wouldn't blame him at all (if he decides to move), not at all."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.