Double Man City Story

Dmac

Eriksson named as Man City boss



Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has been confirmed as Manchester City manager.

The 59-year-old has signed a three-year deal worth a reported £9m - and is set to be given a £50m transfer kitty.

The appointment was triggered by former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's acquisition of more than 75% of City shares.

"I'm delighted and honoured to be City manager. It's an exciting challenge," the Swede told the club website.

He added: "I've already started making preparations for the new season. I want to deliver a team that our fantastic fans can be proud of."

It is believed Tord Grip will again be the Swede's right-hand man.

Grip was Eriksson's number two during the former Lazio, Sampdoria and Benfica's six-year tenure as England manager.

Roland Anderson, who is currently Sweden's assistant manager, is also expected to join Eriksson's backroom team.

Eriksson has succeeded Stuart Pearce, who was sacked at the end of last season.

The Swede, who met the City players and took a training session on Wednesday, has been out of football since leaving the England job after the 2006 World Cup.

The club's chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, said: "I'm delighted that Sven has agreed to join the club as we move into an exciting new era.

"His vast experience of managing top clubs to success around Europe is one of the qualities that attracted us to him.

"He also knows the Premier League inside out during his time as national team manager."

Credit - BBC Sport

Dmac

Thaksin completes Man City buyout



Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sealed his takeover of Manchester City, gaining control of 75% of its shares, the BBC has learned.

Mr Thaksin lodged an £81.6m takeover bid for City in June through his company UK Sports Investments and has steadily built up his shareholding.

He installed Sven-Goran Eriksson as the club's new manager on Friday, succeeding sacked Stuart Pearce.

Former England coach Mr Eriksson has signed a three-year contract.

'Clean money'

The Eastlands board has backed the bid but there have been concerns about the source of the money, with Mr Thaksin facing corruption charges in Thailand.

But the man who brokered the City deal has said "the money is clean".

On Sunday, Keith Harris, executive chairman of Seymour Pierce Investment Bank, said the money had been "legitimately and transparently transferred to the UK".

Mr Thaksin will have to pass the Premier League's standard "fit and proper person" test before being able to complete the proposed takeover.

Thai prosecutors recently filed corruption charges against Mr Thaksin.

They have also frozen his assets but Mr Thaksin insisted this would have no effect on his takeover of the club and that the charges were politically motivated by the military installed government that replaced him.

Leading shareholders including current board members, former chairman Francis Lee and BSkyB have all agreed to sell their shares to Mr Thaksin.

Credit - BBC Sport

Crocker

News & Rumors Moderator

Quote a couple of weeks ago about Sven

Dmac

Indeed I stand corrected, but you have to admit when he was laughing at Man City he didn't seem to keen...

Reporter: 'So are the rumours that you are going to be the new Manchester City manager true'

Sven: *Laughs like a school girl* 'No'

The Phantom

It's called negotiation. If he says no publically it just makes man city throw more money at him which means he'll be happy, and gets what he wants.

Dmac

Indeed if he just says no, however laughing at the team is another thing...

Tyler Durden

Lol, I saw that and mentioned it on another thread.

His "no" and giggling certainly sounded more like "feck off, why would I go there" (before he then realised the size of salary involved).

Dmac

Exactly Tyler, that is probably the only reason he did accept, not for the challenge, for the damn budget that he has been given.