DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE manager John Still conceded football has gone crazy after former England head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was appointed director of football at Notts County this week. The 61-year-old, who was unveiled at Meadow Lane on Wednesday, has

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE manager John Still conceded football has 'gone crazy' after former England head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was appointed director of football at Notts County this week, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

The 61-year-old, who was unveiled at Meadow Lane on Wednesday, has laid out his plans to get the Magpies into the Premier League, after they were recently taken over by a Middle-East consortium.

Daggers travel to County on August 22, and Still admitted that this move had even shocked him.

"The game has gone crazy, I've always said that nothing in football surprises me, but this has!" he laughed.

"Its a tall order to get them promoted up to the Premier League, but they are obviously going to throw money at it, so we will see what happens.

"Is it good for the game? Probably yes. So we will see what happens with that one."

Meanwhile, Daggers' players continued their pre-season training this week, with Still introducing ballwork into their schedule.

"Everything is ticking along how I want it too, and we've got the ball back into training again," he said.

"We've got a good combination of games coming up, and I'm looking forward to getting started against Southend on Saturday."

After the Shrimpers trip to Victoria Road at the weekend, Daggers then host Premier League newboys Birmingham City on Wednesday night.

The Blues have promised to send down a full first-team squad, although Ecuador striker Christian Benitez, who cost a club record �9.2million, is still injured and won't be involved.

Despite his absence, Blues can still pick from a squad containing Scottish international Barry Ferguson, former West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer, experienced striker Kevin Phillips and England goalkeeper Joe Hart, on loan from Manchester City.

"I'm looking forward to the Birmingham game, as that should be a good one for supporters," admitted Still.

"They have promised to send a full-strength squad for the match, and it is going to be a good test."

What do you make of Sven's appointment? Email: sport@ilfordrecorder.co.uk

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