Erikson Gone

[Prakanong]

Just heard the announcement on BBC Radio 5

[lampard10]

Just heard the announcement on BBC Radio 5

Papers reckon Sparky's got the job

[Prakanong]

Just heard the announcement on BBC Radio 5

Papers reckon Sparky's got the job

They are talking about Zico as well

While writing this BBC are saying right now Hughes has been given permission by Blackburn to speak to City and some saying he will sign this week?

[Jockstar]

City allowed to talk to Hughes as Eriksson goes

Updated: June 2, 2008, 11:43 AM UK

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Blackburn have given Manchester City permission to speak with Mark Hughes over becoming Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor as manager.

Within hours of Eriksson's departure being confirmed by an official City statement, Rovers released one of their own stating they had 'reluctantly' let Hughes speak to the Blues over their vacancy.

'Mark has made it clear to the board he would like the opportunity to talk to Manchester City,' read the statement on Rovers' website.

With Luiz Felipe Scolari and Roberto Mancini heavily linked with the Chelsea job and Jose Mourinho apparently on the verge of joining Inter Milan, City owner Thaksin Shinawatra appears to have placed Hughes at the top of a wanted list that also includes Zico and Avram Grant.

Despite his obvious links to Manchester United, Dr Thaksin feels the Welshman, who managed his country before going on to take Blackburn into Europe and bring the likes of Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz to Ewood Park, is the man who can guide City towards the top four.

'Blackburn Rovers can confirm they have received an approach from Manchester City for permission to talk to Mark Hughes with regard to him becoming manager,' continued the Rovers statement.

'In view of this, the board have decided reluctantly to give him permission, subject to terms and conditions acceptable to Blackburn being agreed with Manchester City in advance.'

Given Dr Thaksin's obvious desire to have Hughes on board, financial considerations would not appear to be a problem.

It could mean Hughes is unveiled as City's new manager, and third in 14 months following a relatively stable period under Kevin Keegan, before the end of the week.

Certainly, while club insiders are refusing to put a timescale on talks over the manager's position, they are confident of unveiling Eriksson's successor earlier in the summer than the Swede was confirmed in the job last July.

Thaksin has seen at first hand the difficulties Eriksson had moulding a team together at such short notice and the situation would be even worse this summer given the Blues will be in action on July 18 as they begin their UEFA Cup quest in the first qualifying round.

Hughes' appointment would almost certainly win favour with the bulk of City's players, making it more likely star defenders Richard Dunne and Micah Richards would remain with the club.

And while many fans may be dubious about the United link, it may also quell widespread anger at Thaksin over Eriksson's dismissal.

Many are still struggling to understand how Eriksson, having delivered a top 10 finish and European football in his first season in charge, could be viewed surplus to requirements.

Yet it seems Eriksson's fate was sealed a fortnight before the season ended in humiliation with an 8-1 defeat at Middlesbrough.

Instead, it was as Thaksin watched City slip to a home defeat against seemingly doomed Fulham despite leading by two goals with 20 minutes to go that Eriksson's job prospects slumped.

With so many of his friends and associates present, the embarrassment was too much for Thaksin and a lengthy review of the campaign only reinforced his view.

Typically, Eriksson remained until a watertight severance package could be agreed and it seems he will now take on the job of steering Mexico to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

'I have enjoyed my time at Manchester City very much indeed and in particular, I would like to thank the fans, players and staff for their amazing support over the season,' Eriksson told the club's official website.

'I wish the club - and everyone associated with it - much success in the coming years.'

City have tried to keep the relationship cordial.

'The board of directors and all at Manchester City would like to thank Sven for his efforts and contributions throughout the season,' said City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh.

'We wish him all the best for the future. Sven remains a friend of the club.'

However, with Hughes in line to join, club officials are keen to usher in a new era as quickly as possible.

[Briggsy]

Moddee: Mergee Threadee Pleasee.

Other thread

[Jockstar]

Moddee: Mergee Threadee Pleasee.

Other thread

No need in my opinion.

[mrbojangles]

We're doomed

[MSingh]

Eriksson gone & Mark Hughes in report the BBC...

[lazeeboy]

mark hughes seems a good replacment

[Sarge]

Sven Goran Eriksson: the bogeyman of international football. grossly over rated and indecently paid for results achieved.

[Sparkles]

Sven Goran Eriksson: the bogeyman of international football. grossly over rated and indecently paid for results achieved.

The new buzz words "mutual consent" seem to be employed by various clubs to offset the rather ruthless mage that they might portray. Eriksson was sacked as was Mourinho from Chelsea. Why not tell it like it was !

[chavy]

Erikksson wont be too bothered now he's got the chance to top up his sun tan on aMexican beach........I wouldn't of thought he could do that in Manchester !!!