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WHEN Notts County introduced Sven-Goran Eriksson as their new Director of Football in July 2009, fans were left in shock.
After years spent in administration, a mysterious consortium seemingly supported by Middle Eastern finances had taken control, promising to elevate the team all the way to the Premier League within just five years.
Sven-Goran Eriksson was introduced as Notts County’s new Director of Football in 2009Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The League Two club had recently been taken over by a mysterious consortium led by Russell KingCredit: BPM
Exciting signings were announced, but the promised funds never materializedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Top talent, including notable players, was acquired, and there was speculation about even bigger signings – even superstar players.
For a brief moment, the oldest professional football club in the world was living a dream.
However, that dream came crashing down just months later, leading to one of the most extraordinary scandals ever to affect English football.
This is a story about how one conman deceived his way into taking over the club, even taking Sven on a trip along the way.
“It seemed too good to be true. They offered me a football club – a dream,” said Sven in one of his final interviews before his passing, for the documentary *King of Lies: Football’s Greatest Con*, which airs tonight.
“I still believe the project, had it been genuine, would have been fantastic. One of the best I’d ever undertaken,” he added.
“But it turned out to be the worst I’d ever experienced.”
Despite the turmoil that left fans heartbroken, Sven nobly chose to remain with the club even after it became clear that the entire situation was a sham, guiding them through the chaos without demanding any payment.
Like many others, he had fallen victim to the schemes of convicted fraudster Russell King and his masterful deceit.
English football was undergoing a transformation in the 2000s, as clubs like others were acquired by foreign businessmen with deep pockets and grand ambitions.
Notts County, on the other hand, had spent years struggling in the lower half of League Two – yet they were also the world’s oldest professional football club.
Thus, it seemed plausible when a consortium named Munto Finance, led by Russell King, sought to acquire the club, allegedly with the support of Bahrain’s royal family.
The deal was finalized – and soon, Sven was being wined and dined at the Dorchester Hotel.
The Takeover
Initially uninterested, he became intrigued by the prospect of a Manchester City-style transformation with unlimited resources.
“They were educated individuals and excellent communicators,” Sven remarked.
“They outlined the project. They said, ‘You can do whatever you want with the club. It’s yours.’
“I pointed out that this would require significant funding. However, they assured me that money would not be an issue.
“They promised to completely revamp the club. It wasn’t about gradual improvement; it was a direct route to the Premier League in five years.”
Kasper Schmeichel was signed as goalkeeperCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The former England manager was drawn in by the possibility of leading the League Two club to the Premier League with the help of star signings, with Luis Figo even rumoredCredit: AFP
