https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Solberg

Unsure if there is any real substance to this?

Looking at his Wiki page, doesn't look like he has a lot of experience at head coach level. In fact looks like in 2024 he was demoted from head coach at Degerfors IF and given the youth coach role.

Oh deary me.

If someone has to edit a picture to make a rumour seem more believable, I am more likely to think I will be the first Notts fan on Mars. I wouldn't worry, just wait for the official news.

He seems to have very little experience 🫤

The Reedtz have always valued managers with some level of experience or a strong reputation. This doesn't seem like the kind of candidate they would choose.

Ian Burchnall, Luke Williams, and Stuart Maynard all had some background in management. Tobias Solberg appears to be just beginning his career, so he surely isn't a realistic option.

Surely the criteria for a work permit would rule him out?

How does the work permit aspect work with managers? The EFL and FA don't seem to be very clear about the rules appointing coaches/managers outside of the United Kingdom.

If football manager is anything to go by - you can appoint as many foreign staff and the visas always get accepted. Have to wait a couple of weeks though.

It is FM though.

I’ve been thinking about how League Two clubs bring in foreign coaches, and honestly, it’s a bit complicated! Here’s my take on it, in simpler terms:

First off, these coaches need something called a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from The FA, which is pretty much the biggest challenge. The FA wants to see that the coach has tons of experience (like managing in a decent league for several years) and has the top coaching qualification, which is the UEFA Pro Licence. If they don’t meet those requirements, there’s a panel that can review it, but honestly, I think it’s tough for League Two clubs to get any exceptions.

Then, the League Two club itself needs to get a special Sponsor Licence from the UK government before they can hire someone from outside the UK. Once they have that and the coach gets the GBE, the club issues them a "Certificate of Sponsorship," which is basically just a reference number.

After that, the coach has to go for an International Sportsperson visa. This means filling out an online application, gathering a bunch of documents (like their passport, the GBE, the CoS, proof of English skills), and paying some pretty steep fees. They also have to provide fingerprints and a photo. Usually, if they’re applying from outside the UK, it takes about three weeks to get a decision.

So, how likely is it for these coaches? If the manager ticks all the boxes for The FA’s strict GBE rules, then I’d say they have a good shot. But if they’re banking on that “exceptions panel,” it’s a much tougher road. Basically, it's all about showing they’re “elite” and can genuinely help improve English football, which might be a bit of a stretch for League Two sometimes.

I don't think the club would bring in a coach who is difficult to hire unless their experience or talent is widely recognised.

It doesn't seem very likely that Tobias Solberg is the candidate the Reedtz are most focused on. I could be wrong.

Getting a team that hasn’t been in the Swedish top division since 1997 and then keeping them there for a few seasons is quite impressive to be fair. Degerfors aren’t exactly a club with a big budget (from what I can find) and average less than 4,000 fans per match. The big clubs in Sweden get around 20,000…

Again, no idea how credible or how likely this all is. He has managed in the Swedish top division and if he has a pro-license it would, given the info from @JustLikeJuve, seem like getting a permit might be possible.

I have no doubt that he is a decent coach who has a lot of knowledge of players & the Swedish League system.

My question would be, will he be able to improve on the previous Head Coach. Would the fact that he hadn't managed a team in the English football pyramid be a handicap for him?

My choice would be a person who has managerial experience of a Club in the EFL. I think that is important to take Notts to the next level.

That is the £1 million question @Robbie , I guess there is only one way of finding out!

I get your point though, if you have someone who knows the league you would assume that gives them an advantage. But at the same time experience is no guarantee of success either, Paul Simpson, Mark Bonner, Nigel Adkins, Scott Lindsey and John Coleman all have promotions in the EFL and all of them got sacked last season...

Let’s put it this way, I’m glad I don’t have to choose the next head coach!