Soccer: Joe's less than royle farewell

Manchester City and Joe Royle have departed company on mutual consent following City's relegation to the First division.

Manchester City and Joe Royle have departed company on mutual consent following City's relegation to the first devision.

City have also parted company with goalkeeping coach Alex Stepney, chief scout John Hurst and assistant physio Roy Bailey.

A club statement read: "Manchester City Football Club announces that its manager Joe Royle will be leaving the club with immediate effect.

"The club would like to thank Joe for all his efforts. In particular successive promotions from the Second Division to the Premier League.

City chairman David Bernstein said: "Since my appointment as Manchester City chairman I have emphasised the need for stability and the avoidance of necessary change.

"This has therefore been a particularly difficult decision.

"My relationship with Joe has been outstanding and I have developed a real affection for him and his family."

Royle, 52, took over in 1998 and after relegation that season to the Second Division guided the club to successive promotion campaigns and into the Premiership last year.

But this season they were relegated back to the Nationwide League after a disappointing season.