Only Manchester City could finish their best season in many years in such disarray.

After such an excellent start to the season, City faded but the final day of the campaign was a nightmare of epic proportions. Stuffed 8-1 by a Middlesbrough side that had not scored more than three in a game all season, whilst great rivals Manchester United won the Premier League title; it was totally in keeping with City’s recent tragi-comic history.

It was all so different earlier on in the season. Little was known of Thaksin Shinawatra (brilliantly nicknamed “Frank Sinatra” by the City fans) and Sven-Goran Eriksson’s new signings brought a vibrancy to the team that had not been seen for many years. Three wins in the opening games, including a victory over Manchester United, was followed by a super home record which saw City turn Eastlands into a fortress.

'At least the City fans are prepared for a future with the former prime minister of Thailand which will most likely involve a roller-coaster ride of emotions, just like the recent history of the club'


There were some early warning signs, especially the 6-0 mauling at Stamford Bridge, but going into the New Year, United were not the only club in Manchester aiming for a Champions League position.

The wheels may have fallen off the City wagon in the second half of the season. Following the 2-1 win at Old Trafford in early February, City claimed just three victories. Nevertheless, the second win over United this campaign was probably the fans' finest hour in many years and this should be celebrated. As should the club's highest Premier League position, which suggests that whoever is in charge next season has something to build on.

When it was announced a few weeks ago that Shinawatra would be looking to get rid of Eriksson in the summer, City fans recoiled in horror. Yet in the cold light of day, the support for the former England boss is a little overboard. He has simply done an adequate job.

Some of his signings have been glorious; Martin Petrov is arguably the best left-winger in the top-flight whilst Elano illustrated what a magical player he can be in the early weeks of the season. Vedran Corluka has shown he is an accomplished defender but the strong defensive foundation in the early weeks of the season was built on Richard Dunne and Micah Richards – two players who were already at the club before Eriksson’s arrival.

Joe Hart also had a fine campaign; he could well be England’s number one in the coming years.

But for every Petrov, Elano and Corluka, there was a Rolando Bianchi and a Nery Castillo (who could still come good). The fans' backlash against Shinawatra could well work out in the same way as Spurs’ handling of Martin Jol – at first widely criticised but following Spurs’ Carling Cup win no-one questioned the wisdom of bringing in Juande Ramos. And the same could apply to Eriksson’s successor. 

At least the City fans are now prepared for a future with the former Prime Minister of Thailand which will most likely involve a roller-coaster ride of emotions, just like the recent history of the club.

Even during this campaign, there were moments which only seem to afflict Manchester City – being knocked out of the FA Cup by a balloon sums up the challenges any new manager will have to face.

If Shinawatra wasn’t happy with a season where City finished ninth, then this must bode well for the intentions he has for the club. There are better managers than Eriksson out there, even if it may be questionable if they will take up a job at Eastlands.

Likewise, after Eriksson’s season of progress was deemed a failure, whether City can progress as quickly as Shinawatra would like is a question for future seasons – but it will, as always, be great watching them give it a go.

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