Eriksson leaves Man City, to be replaced by Hughes

[TheGift]

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (TICKER) —Sven-Goran Eriksson finally has been put out of his misery by Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

City confirmed in a statement Monday that Eriksson had left the club after weeks of speculation.

“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 said in the statement. “I wish the club - and everyone associated with it - much success in the coming years.”

Eriksson’s departure had been inevitable for a couple of months. The Swede demanded talks over his future following the season-ending 8-1 hammering at Middlesbrough.

Yet Thaksin responded only by saying he was undergoing a thorough review of the season, leaving Eriksson to take charge of a two-match tour of the Far East.

“The board of directors and all at Manchester City would like to thank Sven for his efforts and contributions throughout the season,” City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said. “We wish him all the best for the future. Sven remains a friend of the club.”

Eriksson likely will be replaced by current Blackburn boss Mark Hughes, who spoke with Manchester City about its coaching vacancy.

“Mark has made it clear to the board he would like the opportunity to talk to Manchester City,” Blackburn said in a statement. “In view of this, the board have decided reluctantly to give him permission.”

Manchester City had a rollercoaster 2007-08 season, finishing with a 15-13-10 record after fading down the stretch. City swept both matches from inter-city rival Manchester United for the first time since 1970-71.

But that apparently was not enough for Shinawatra, the deposed prime minister of Thailand, who has turned his attention to Hughes.

Speaking to the Daily Mail in an interview conducted before the link to City emerged, Hughes suggested his long-term career aspirations might not be satisfied at Ewood Park.

“It’s my ambition to go as far as my ability will allow me to, just as I did as a player,” he said. “I wasn’t the best, I had limitations. But my attitude took me to Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea - some of the top clubs in Europe.

“That approach still holds true as a manager. If my ability allows me to go on and progress and get top jobs, then all is well and good.”

Eriksson leaves Man City, to be replaced by Hughes - World Soccer - Yahoo! Sports