Bodek to step down from Man City board

Long-serving director Brian Bodek will step down from the Manchester City board after a long-awaited restructuring was announced by the club.

Once the Abu Dhabi-based consortium completed their takeover, making City the richest club in the world, it was inevitable there would be changes.

Bodek’s exit marks the final severing of official ties with the men who controlled the Blues prior to Thaksin Shinawatra’s takeover last year.

Dr Thaksin’s stake has now been reduced to 10%, although he will still have two representatives on the board in Taweesuk ’Jack’ Srisumrid and Victor Restis.

Also brought in to work alongside executive chairman Garry Cook are Simon Pearce, a trusted business and communications advisor to the Abu Dhabi government and a key player in the recent buyout, and Martin Edelman, who has knowledge of takeovers after being with the Miami Dolphins NFL franchise in similar circumstances.

Edelman’s legal expertise is also in demand. However, club officials have stressed he is not providing advice on the acquisition of property in and around the Sportcity complex.

City have refused to say whether there will be further additions to the board, although it is believed that is the intention.