Sven-Goran Eriksson
Born: Sunne, Sweden 5th February 1948
6th July 2007 - 2nd June 2008
New chairman Thaksin Shinawatra appointed Sven-Goran Eriksson as City's new manager in July 2007, almost a year after the Swede had resigned as manager of England. Eriksson quickly realised that the squad was in urgent need of strengthening, and quickly made a number of significant signings. Rolando Bianchi, Gelson Fernandes, Geovanni, Martin Petrov, Valerie Bojinov, Elano, Vedran Corluka and Javier Garrido arrived in time for the beginning of the 2007-08 season.
The new signings were complemented by a number of academy graduates including Stephen Ireland, Kasper Schmeichel, Micah Richards, and Michael Johnson, and the team had a nice blend of youth and experience. City started the campaign brightly, and topped the table after winning the first three games (including a 1-0 derby victory over United at Eastlands) without conceding a goal. Eriksson deservedly won the manager of the month award for August.
City remained in the top six for much of the season, and recorded a memorable double by defeaing United 2-1 at Old Traffod on the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster. It was the first time City had managed this feat since the 1969-1970 season. However, the season ended on a sour note after it became apparent that Shinawatra intended to replace the popular Swede at the end of the season. Fans protested, and it was reported that the players had threatened to go on strike, culminating in a catastrophic 8-1 defeat away at Middlesbrough in the final game of the season.
Shortly afterwards the club confirmed that they had parted company with Eriksson by "mutual consent", despite him still having two years left on his contract.
All history and statistical material has been produced based on the research and writing of Manchester football historian Gary James (www.facebook.com/GaryJames4). It is maintained by Ric Turner & Gary James. All text remains the copyright of the original contributors.
Gary's book, Manchester - the City Years: Tracing the Story of Manchester City from the 1860s to the Modern Day, is available to order on Amazon.