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[Ged]

I'm incensed it's all been manipulated in the press by a slimy little shit with his own agenda.

As Mick says, the "slimy little shit" should be shown the door asap. However I get the feeling that the "slimy little shit" is well aware that the fans will usually back the manager ahead of the owner unless the team are struggling.

However, I've also heard McTosh and Tyrrell are part of a three-way power struggle with Sven an Thaksin. Much as I don't like club-owning dictators with bugger all knowledge of how English football operates, and the negative shite we've been served recently, I'd get rid of McTosh and Tyrrell first just to be safe.

[Paul]

I still think people are reading too much into Thaksin's few comments, none of which directly mentioned Sven, Sven seems pretty relaxed about it all too.

Assuming you're talking about the person I think you are (and I'm not inclined to mention his name on here directly), I think he will be the main casualty, and after dealings with him this time last year, I'll be inclined to crack open a bottle of something when he finally f**cks off from our club, and I hope he takes the other useless one with him, who I suspect is the actual source that The Daily Mail are dealing with.

One thing I'd like to know is how much involvement our ex chairman still has ? Is he one of the "senior figures" mentioned ? I never really understood why any of the previous regime were left involved, it was always likely they'd stir it.

The sooner he completes the takeover the better, because the deadwood will continue to hold us back.

[jds]

I'd suspect they convinced Dr T they were the right people to ensure a smooth transition. They could point to any number of clubs (including ours) that have been relegated with turmoil off the pitch.
We're quick to make excuses for Sven about his lack of Prem experience and the short time he had to assemble our squad, but the good Doctor had precious little time himself and also had all the other uncertainties hanging over him. Presumably he's waiting until the end of the season before shaking things up - I read into his comments that it's not only the football he refers to when he says he's unhappy with the performance in the second half of the season. He doesn't strike me as the type to suffer fools gladly or to hire and fire in a sentimental fashion.

[Paul]

One thing I do know is that Thaksin is doing something "special" for the match programme next week.

No idea what, but as a chairman of a supporters club, I had an email yesterday saying that if we wanted anything included in the programme it had to be in by today, because the club chairman was planning a special edition which needs special binding.

It'll be interesting to see what he's doing, perhaps he's leaving ? 

[BlueAnorak]

Interestingly the Thaksin comments from Dubai implied it was a root and branch review - not just Svenis.

It wouldn't suprise me if a good few people depart.
- Probablly Tosh (as his position has been undermind by the new bloke).
- Hopefully Tyrell (as I have never understood why a Liverpool fan had the job in the first place - and indeed - Put supporting Liverpool before City).
- Maybe Faz and possibly a few other members of the backroom staff.

[Ged]

- Hopefully Tyrell (as I have never understood why a Liverpool fan had the job in the first place - and indeed - Put supporting Liverpool before City).

Tyrell has long denied putting Liverpool ahead of City (I suppose he woul, wouldn't he?),  I can confirm he was supporting City from the press box at Anfield a couple of seasons ago. Source: a female member of the press corp, known to several TC members.

[petrusha]

My rage is as it is because the "slimy little shit" is playing fast and loose with the future of MCFC for his own ends.  And I'm pretty much certain that he is.

If the reports of a rift hadn't become public, I'm sure that Thaksin and Sven would have sorted out whatever differences they may have between themselves privately.  As it is, I think that the recent publicity increases substantially the prospect of Sven thinking that, rather than staying with us, managing Benfica, or whatever other singnificant European club might fancy employing him (and there'll be a few), is a better option.  I'm surprised that there aren't more who've posted on this thread so far who seem to feel the same way, but there you go.

As for what may happen subsequently, I'm fairly sure that it's only a matter of time before Comical Ali is given his cards, and long overdue that will be.  Tyrell will go too - nothing to do with him being a Liverpool fan (which has NO bearing on his ability in his job) and everything to do with the fact that he isn't very good and we need a more heavyweight figure managing the media relations side if we're to stand even a vague chance of becoming the global brand that Thaksin wants.

Any changes to the backroom staff will be determined by Sven (or if he isn't here, then by his successor).  Changes to the playing staff will be determined by the manager in conjunction with the board within the confines of the budget set by the owner.

[Paul]

Tyrell will go too - nothing to do with him being a Liverpool fan (which has NO bearing on his ability in his job) and everything to do with the fact that he isn't very good and we need a more heavyweight figure managing the media relations side if we're to stand even a vague chance of becoming the global brand that Thaksin wants.

I don't even know what PT does anymore, he's surely there to promote the club, and I can't remember the last time he did. Since Thaksin took over, only Thaksin, and Sven, have really been quoted directly in anything positive (oh and Jim Cassell on academy matters), otherwise its usually a comment on something negative, and then its a "spokesman" or "source" which I usually attribute to PT. To me (Liverpool fan or otherwise) he's useless, and therefore should have been looking for a new job long ago. On the one occasion I saw him perform in public, when Pearce was manager, he was just an interfering so and so, who told both SP and a player (I forget who it was), what they could or couldn't say. It was supposed to be a Q and A session, but after almost every question they had to ask him what answer they could give, he would have been perfect working for new labour under blair.

As for the slimy one, my judgement was clouded heavily by a personal contact with him last year, one that left a very bitter taste in my mouth after certain promises weren't kept, and he then had the cheek to send some lackey to patronise me. It angered me enough to make me (and a mate) consider not going again,

[Ged]

There has long been talk of a "Fifth Column" undermining the club from within. The trouble is, that talk has been going on for thirty odd years and usually involve friends of former directors.
As for the current mob, Sven success depends on the success of the team. Frank's success is also linked to on-pitch activities as being the owner of a poorly performing team isn't going to make him look good. That may encourage him to go for quick-fix solutions, but if we're succesful nobody will care for a while.
If a certain twosome are responsible for the leaks they won't really care about the future of the club.

[BlueTherapy]

I should think TS has now had enough time to assess the running of the club and the slimy sh!sters involved in it and, together with his advisors, made his decisions.  Give them a year, then get shot.  I think that's probably what his changes mooted last week are about.  It's clear that "City spokesman" is invariably PT and he's fighting for his job.
What does rankle is that the pair of them will get nice payoffs when they are finally booted out of the door.

[Rocket]

I'm surprised that there aren't more who've posted on this thread so far who seem to feel the same way, but there you go

I don't know about anyone else, but I've not posted because at the end of the day, no-one really knows bugger all about what is going on and it is all purely speculation and newspaper reports

when it happens I'll believe it, until then I'll just read most of the crap that is being written and laugh at peoples reactions to it all

[Paul]

It's clear that "City spokesman" is invariably PT and he's fighting for his job.

I'm sure he's also the "City source" too (on behalf of a beleaguered colleague), but I'm not convinced he's fighting for his job, just shit stirring.

Sven and his team produced the perfect answer today, with a much reduced squad.

[Paul]

I can't believe nobody has posted the latest rumours, but from what I've read in various places they are still just that, but it would seem that sources from within the playing staff, and according to SSN close to Sven, indicate his time is close to the end. If it turns out to be true, then it makes the shambolic final 20 minutes at CoMS on Saturday look like normality, but then this kind of farce is normality at City.

I was convinced that it was all being blown out of proportion up until tonight, but it now has a feeling of inevitibility about it, and I for one will be gutted. Our recent form hasn't been great, you can't deny it, its something like 6 wins in 22, thats not far from relegation form, and Saturday's debacle may well prove to be the final straw, though I'm not sure how anyone can blame Sven solely for that, after all he wasn't on the pitch, though it could be said his substitutions were the catalyst, though I was under the impression that Ireland went off injured.

Maybe Thaksin took further offence with Sven, because of the few who stayed for his elongated prize giving ceremony, I could certainly see why he might, it was embarrasing. There was much talk on the various city sites about giving Sven a good backing last Saturday, and by and large we did, but the exit of 30,000+ when Fulham scored their winner may well have made the decision for him. It was unfortunate, completely backfired on Thaksin's appearance on the pitch, something I doubt he appreciated it very much, there was even some booing during the prize giving (understandable if all you wanted to do was appluad the players like I did - no I didn't boo).

We'll never progress though, if this is to be the way he's going to run things, and I think we'll struggle to get anyone half as good as Sven in as a replacement, talk elsewhere of Mourinho is pure fantasy, and Scolari won't come either, he could probably have any job in europe, and we'll be far from the biggest, or best paid available.

[Tragic]

I really wish "typical City" would just fuck off...

ctid

[wasp]

Welcome to the big boys playground.

[Tragic]

Welcome to the big boys playground.

Strange it doesn't look, sound or feel much different from nursery school playground we've usually inhabited

ctid

[epun]

it's his ball and he's going home

[doughboy]

it's his ball and he's going home

More like it's his ball and he'll decide who plays.

[BlueAnorak]

I really wish "typical City" would just fuck off...

Amen to that.

[Tragic]

Official statement...from the official site.

ctid

City focused on last two games
         
Manchester City have this afternoon released the following statement in response to press speculation surrounding the Club.

Manchester City spokesman Paul Tyrrell said: "Dr Thaksin Shinawatra recently stated that there would be a full review of the club at the end of the season. The situation remains the same. Sven-Goran Eriksson, the players, board and staff of the football club are fully focused on the two remaining games of the current campaign."

Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed in his regular weekly media briefing, "The Chairman and I spoke at the weekend, but I do not wish to comment any further. The game with Liverpool on Sunday is most important and we are working very hard to prepare properly for the trip to Anfield and our final game of the season at Middlesbrough."

Sven also confirmed that skipper Richard Dunne will be available for Sunday's game after recovering from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the defeat to Fulham.

[Mick]

Official statement...from the official site.

ctid

City focused on last two games
         
Manchester City have this afternoon released the following statement in response to press speculation surrounding the Club.

Manchester City spokesman Paul Tyrrell said: "Dr Thaksin Shinawatra recently stated that there would be a full review of the club at the end of the season. The situation remains the same. Sven-Goran Eriksson, the players, board and staff of the football club are fully focused on the two remaining games of the current campaign."

Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed in his regular weekly media briefing, "The Chairman and I spoke at the weekend, but I do not wish to comment any further. The game with Liverpool on Sunday is most important and we are working very hard to prepare properly for the trip to Anfield and our final game of the season at Middlesbrough."

Sven also confirmed that skipper Richard Dunne will be available for Sunday's game after recovering from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the defeat to Fulham.

Ah well, everything is ok then, obviously, and we're all getting excited about nothing.  Do they think our heads have buttons up the fecking back?

Don't answer that, that clearly is what they think. As Paul (I think) said, Anfield isn't going to be pretty.

[Skint]

As Paul (I think) said, Anfield isn't going to be pretty.

Well let's see....
We can't go with "Fuck off back to Thailand" -cos he already has
"Sack the board"-bit difficult when he's the only shareholder!
Think we'll have to go with "Shinawatra is a wanker,is a wanker, Shinawatra is a wanker..."
Hope those "clubthaksin" types, that were at Brum, dont show up-they might get more than they bargained for! Poor sods

[Mick]

We can't go with "Fuck off back to Thailand" -cos he already has

Oi! You nicked that off my text! 

Hope those "clubthaksin" types, that were at Brum, dont show up-they might get more than they bargained for! Poor sods

That's part of the problem, I think. It seems in the Far East they don't support teams, they follow personalities, and don't much care what shirt the name is on, provided it's the right name - hence Thaksin's apparent obsession with big name players. We already have Sun Jihai fans (how bloody deluded is that?) Now we have Thaksin fans like those herberts at Brum. If you recall, they came equipped with a bloody great SLR camera and a laptop, I don't think they had the remotest notion what football is about. Bit like Thaksin.

[Ged]

We need 90 minutes of chanting Sven's name and TS will look a right c*nt in his homeland as the Prem is widely covered over there.

As for what's caused it:

Caicedo - hasn't even looked like scoring
Nerys - Hardly played even when fit
Vaz - I think you know my opinions there
Bianchi - Looked OK but never chosen
Spineless defeats at Sheff U, Brum, Everton where our first shot on target was in injury time, against 10 men in the League Cup against Spuds and that pathetic surrender to a relegation threatened side on Saturday.
Draws at Derby and Bolton, and while Bolton may have managed some decent performances of late they were shite against us.
Playing Sun rather than Williamson on Saturday.

In Sven's defence:

We beat the slime twice
He achieved his stated target
We've seen some great football this season.

The arguments against him are most compelling if you take them in isolation and ignore the good stuff.
If TS isn't happy with Sven achieving his agreed target, he should have revised the target in view of our start to the season. That he didn't suggests he knows little about the game.
During the past 10 months I may have drifted from my usual position of supporting the team rather than the club. I think I'll revert.