Notts County have stunned the world of football by naming Sven Goran Eriksson as their new director of football.

The former England manager, who has been out of work since being sacked by Mexico, was officially unveiled yesterday at Meadow Lane and will work alongside current coach Ian McParland.

Eriksson's arrival will herald a huge change of approach for a club who have finished in the bottom half of the basement division in each of the last five seasons.

County are expected to be busy in the transfer market ahead of their season's opener at home to Bradford on August 8 and Lawn believes that could work in the favour of Stuart McCall's men.

City's joint chairman said: "Sven will be able to attract players that otherwise would not have considered League Two. Of course, it won't be Wayne Rooney or Ronaldo but they will definitely be good quality players. In that respect, the opening day could well be a good time to face Notts County.

"There will be a lot of hype surrounding the game and that could bring added pressure to their players – especially if there is a big crowd.

"Probably the biggest plus for us, though, is that even if Sven has started to bring the players that he wants, they will, hopefully, have not had time to gel.

"There is no doubt Notts County will have an advantage over the division with their spending power but if there is a time to play them then it is probably early on."

Eriksson has signed a five-year deal at Meadow Lane and is already targeting a swift surge through the divisions.

He said: "I always said I wanted to come back to the Premier League. I chose a little bit of a difficult way to do it I think. It will take a few years, but I think we will do it.

"I think it is the biggest football challenge of my life, trying to take Notts County back to the Premier League. But that is the target.

"The challenge is perhaps the most difficult football job I have had so far. But I am looking forward to it."

Eriksson's duties will include building a scouting network and setting up overseas links, while working alongside McParland.

The Swede has admitted to not knowing too much about League Two but added: "I don't know it at all but I know players and I know agents.

"Already, they have started phoning me from 4.30am. I have had to switch my phone off.

"If we expect to reach the Premier League then we have to have an organisation that reflects a Premier League club.

Bradford joint-chairman Lawn admits it will be fascinating to see how County fare under their new management team.

He said: "I think it is amazing what Notts County have done. He is one of the best managers in the world so to bring him to League Two is a huge coup.

"It will be interesting to see how it goes. He has huge experience at the top level so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the bottom division.

"The good thing for Notts County is their manager knows a lot about this level.

"And it is he who will be in charge of the team on a day-to-day basis."

City yesterday missed out on former Huddersfield defender Andy Holdsworth after he instead opted to join Oldham Athletic along with former Town striker Keigan Parker.