Sven's lover in forgiving mood

Sven Goran Eriksson's long-term partner has spoken of their hurt at the Swedes's betrayal but their understanding of what made him do it in the first place.

The interview came after renewed reports in the media of Eriksson's decision to take up with lithesome hair-stylist and fashion icon David James.

Tossing back his own long mane, fiery über-babe Dave Seaman told of the realisation that Eriksson had decide to "play away" with the much younger man James and his upset at being discarded.

But Seaman insisted he firmly believed that he and Eriksson would get back together before too long: "I have so much more to offer Sven. The age gap is just too great for it to last between those two," said an emotional Seaman, clearly fighting back the tears, "and I don't think that James can give Sven the stability he needs."

His explanation came after a meal at Downing Street that the famed "Supine Ponytail" attended to celebrate 20 years of conceding long-range howlers. Guests from the world of sport, show business, and angling gathered to cheer on gaffe after gaffe shown on an enormous Sony Nicam widescreen. The evening was capped by "Safe Hands" auctioning off one of his favourite hair bands for some charity no-one's ever heard of.

Seaman went on to add later: "As far as I'm concerned I'm still Sven's number one and I want to be the first on his team sheet whatever happens."

Our Rockall Times relationships counsellor Dr Babe agrees: "I zink zis James zing vill burn itself out. Vunce Eriksson realises zat James cannot be trusted zen he vill veturn to ze arms of Dave. Have you zeen ze vay he vlaps at crosses? Horrendous."

Seaman's recent "Manchester makeover" — as it is being called — is believed by many to be a reaction to the events. "Dave's just trying to make himself more attractive to Sven," said his new friend Kevin, "and I reckon it'll pay off."

Meanwhile, Eriksson has refused to comment on new reports linking him with AS Roma netminder Nancy Dell'Olio.