City fans fume over likely Eriksson exit

MANCHESTER CITY fans have branded the latest upheaval at Eastlands as “ludicrous”.

Despite a largely excellent season, during which Manchester United were beaten twice and their team were challenging for a Champions League spot until a mid-season slump, the Blues look certain to endure another summer of transition.

Although Sven-Goran Eriksson is unlikely to comment publicly on his future until a compensation package is worked out, his long-time assistant Tord Grip has confirmed he expects them to leave following the final two games against Liverpool and Middlesbrough.

Owner Thaksin Shinawatra seems to have reached the dramatic conclusion that Eriksson is not capable of taking City where he wants, ignoring the major difficulty experienced by the former England coach in signing new players after being appointed so late in the summer.

It is thought Shinawatra told Eriksson at meetings over the weekend that he would not be retained, to the amazement of supporters, who felt the Swede was doing an excellent job.

“The whole thing is just ludicrous,” said Dave Wallace, editor of the King of the Kippax fanzine.

“For once, we thought we were in for a period of stability. It seems like it is anything but.

“There have been a few grumbles at recent results but we can all see how far the team has progressed. It just seems the owner is either being badly advised or he is just not listening.”

Grip has confirmed the belief Shinawatra thinks results should have been better, even though as recently as Saturday, the former Thai Prime Minister claimed a top 10 finish was the main aim, with a tilt at Europe not on the agenda until next season and the Champions League 12 months after that.

With Shinawatra now heading back to the Far East, club officials have been left to tidy up the mess Eriksson’s impending departure will create.

The Swede should net £5million for the remaining two years of his contract and as the FA will testify, the former England manager drives a hard bargain, and is more than happy to hold out for what he is due.

And, judging by his latest comments on the matter, Shinawatra will be waiting a long time if he hopes to find Eriksson in breach of his contract.

“I had a meeting with Dr Thaksin and his people on Sunday morning and at this moment, with two games to go in the season, I don’t want to make any comment about that,” said Eriksson.

“There are no more meetings planned until the season is over.”

However, the good news is that City should have skipper Richard Dunne back from injury for Sunday’s trip to Liverpool.

Dunne missed the weekend defeat by Fulham after failing to recover from a hamstring injury suffered against Portsmouth on April 20.