Sven-Goran Eriksson has given the thumbs-up to a campaign aimed at cleaning up the game of football, which is being spearheaded by the Grimsby Telegraph.

The Lincolnshire newspaper is aiming to help rid football of swearing, violence and threatening behaviour – which it says is on increase and causing referees and players to quit the game.

During the past two months the paper has been running a series of features on the problems local football is facing under the Save Our Soccer banner.

Now England manager Sven has added his support as he believes the campaign can help grassroots football take a major step forward.

He told the paper: “Over the last three years, the FA has placed a whole new emphasis on developing grassroots football through its National Game Division, in partnership with County FAs around the country.

“One of the FA’s core objectives at this level of the game has been to increase the levels of participation and make football accessible and available for everyone, while raising the standard of coaching, facilities, equity and behaviour.

“As England head coach, I naturally want my team to try to win every game they play, but I also want my players to not only observe and respect the rules, but also the spirit of the game.

“For that reason I am happy to support the Grimsby Telegraph campaign.”