DID you know that the England football manager is from Northwich?

No, not Sven Goran Eriksson, Graham Keeley. He's the head coach of the England partially sighted squad and he is currently preparing to take them all the way to the World Championships final.

Keeley, who is also The FA's regional development manager for the north west, took charge of the partially sighted side 18 months ago and has been working towards the world championships which kick off in Manchester on Saturday, December 11.

And this week Keeley spoke about his hopes for the tournament and the squad he has turned around.

He said: "I was working previously with Tony Larkin and the blind squad, but Tony was looking after the partially sighted team as well which was an impossible task as he was trying to be in two places at once.

"I was asked to take on the running of the partially sighted team to try to improve the overall situation for visually impaired football at national level.

"The next task was to transform a squad which was competing adequately into one capable of competing at the highest level.

"That team two years ago had just been to the world championships in Italy and come seventh, so I suppose there was a feeling we needed to move them up the rankings and identify some new players."

He added: "I would be disappointed if we didn't make at least the semis - anything after that would be a bonus.

"I think we could win it - with that little bit of luck that you need."

And should Keeley's charges manage the ultimate aim they would be the first England team since the famous World Cup squad of 1966 to win a world title on home soil.

The partially sighted national squad compete in a five-a-side style of football called Futsal, which is played using standard 11-a-side rules but on a much smaller pitch.

Assistant coach John Ackerley added: "It encourages very, very quick counter-attacking play and very skilful play.

"It's end to end stuff and there's always going to be goals.

"The quality of the play will be superb. Our squad is excellent and all of them are technically very good.

"We don't really focus on their disability. We focus on what they can do rather than what they can't do, and the players think in that way."

England kick off their campaign in the group stages with matches against Cyprus on December 11 and Ukraine on December 14.

But if they are to progress further they must compete against the top nations who, on a par to the full national game, include Spain and France.

And to help them on their way Keeley's side has been given the full backing of The FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking.

He said: "I know that people who come to watch this event will be impressed by the standard of football on show."

He added: "These players are role models and serve as an inspiration to others.

"They are helping us to put over a very important message, which is that everyone should have the opportunity to play this wonderful game."

Tickets for the tournament, held at Manchester Velodrome, are free, but should be booked in advance by ringing 0161 881 0299.

Information is also available at www.manchesterfa.co.uk.