England soccer manager Sven Goran Eriksson's heroic efforts in turning round the fortunes of the national team have been rewarded with a prestigious title - thanks to a south Essex company.

This year's UK Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by South Woodham Ferrers management company Creating Excellence, was shared by Mr Eriksson - who guided England through to next year's World Cup finals - and Alex Stanton, coach to Olympic athlete Paula Radcliffe.

Creating Excellence, which is based in Knight Square, acts as a managing agent to sporting stars including Britain's best known paralympic athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson OBE.

Published Thursday December 27, 2001