Shenzhen show door to Eriksson

Former England boss Sven-goran Eriksson has been sacked by Chinese club Shenzhen after just six months in charge.

The 69-year-old replaced Clarence Seedorf as manager of the second-tier side in December but a poor run of form has seen the Swede axed.

Eriksson, who managed England between 2001 and 2006, failed to inspire a promotion charge and mustered only five wins from 13 league games.

The Guangdong-based side, who are fourth in League One after a winless eight-game run, confirmed Eriksson’s exit on their official website. “The negotiations between the two sides were very smooth, leaving only some details to be completed by lawyers,” read a statement.

Eriksson, who managed Shanghai SIPG and Guangzhou R&F prior to his appointment at Shenzhen, will be replaced by Wang Baoshan.

Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv have appointed former Barcelona and Manchester United midfielder Jordi Cruyff as their new manager.

The 43-year-old has worked as the club’s sports director since 2012 and will be hoping to improve on their second-placed finish in the Israeli Premier League next season.

Cruyff told Tel Aviv’s official website: “Entering my sixth year at the club I am very aware of the owners’ and fans’ expectations. I am more determined than ever to meet these expectations.”

Cruyff, the son of former Holland player and manager Johan, left Barcelona in 1996 to join Manchester United, while his playing career also took him to the likes of Alaves and Espanyol.