Eriksson still keen on return to dug-out

The 61-year-old stunned the footballing world on Wednesday when he was officially unveiled at Meadow Lane at a press conference reminiscent of the one held to mark his arrival as England manager.

Asked whether this was the end of his managerial career, Eriksson said: "I hope not, I hope not. I want to be in football for many, many years still but you never know when it's finished. I'm still hungry, I still love it, this job - of course - is something a little bit new for me but I will try that as well."

Eriksson has managed some of the biggest teams in world football at both club and international level - Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio, England, Manchester City and Mexico among others.

But his latest role with County will keep him away from the touchline, although it will most certainly affect the club's fortunes on the pitch as he works closely with first-team manager Ian McParland.

Eriksson's focus will be on transfer negotiations and scouting, player development, establishing links within the community and with overseas clubs, the youth academy, training facilities and the health and fitness of County's players.

County finished last season sixth from bottom in England's lowest tier and have flirted with relegation and administration in recent years, but last week's takeover by Munto Finance, who are backed by a Middle Eastern consortium, has given them a new lease of life.

The club have set a target of playing Championship football within five years and then hope to be challenging for a place in the Premier League.

Eriksson, who will live in Nottingham, openly admitted the job represents "the biggest football challenge of my life" but, with the Swede on board, the club's new owners certainly have a better chance of success.

"When this news came out my phone has been hot all the time, people have called from all over the place asking how much I will pay for players," said Eriksson, who will also become a shareholder in the club. "Of course you can't pay Premier League salaries to players in League Two, so we have to be sensible."