City fans blanch at Eriksson link

Manchester City fans have given a lukewarm reception to reports that the club could be ready to hand former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson a return to management.

Reports on Wednesday morning claim the 59-year-old Swede has been invited to relaunch his career with City after face-to-face talks with representatives of the club's prospective new owner, Thaksin Shinawatra.

"The supporters are 70-30 against Eriksson," said Heidi Pickup, of the Manchester City Supporters' Trust. "He has a good record at club level but you cannot ignore all his mistakes with England."

He added: "You would also have to ask whether he still has what it takes at club level because it's been several years since he last worked as a club manager.

"Personally I would be disappointed. The whole situation smacks of desperation."