A busy summer saw new ownership (Shinawatra), a new manager (Eriksson) and new players. The likes of Elano and Martin Petrov have proved very shrewd buys, some others have been less successful (the recently departed Rolando Bianchi being at the top of that list). Just three games into the season and Sven was being hailed as the new messiah on Eastlands after beating arch rivals Manchester United 1-0. The momentum didn't stop there, at the end of the calender year City were still unbeaten at home in the league and battling for a Champions League spot. Unfortunately their season started to burn-out from the start of 2008, ending in an embarrasing 8-1 defeat at Middlesbrough. Shinawatra has made no secret of his disappointment of the team's drop in form, and it seems Eriksson is going to bore the brunt for the team's failings. Understandably City fans are outraged they could be losing the best thing to happen to their club in years, and are hoping Sven can be persuaded to stay. The only thing known for sure is that Shinawatra will have the final say in the matter, and that could spell doom for Sven.
So what needs to happen to ensure an improved season for the Citizens? It's paramount Sven stays. He has a proven track record in domestic management, and achieved Shinawatra's aim of a top half finish this season. He's blended youngsters like Nedum Onouha and Stephen Ireland into the team well, mixing them with more experienced players like Elano and Petrov. Bringing in a different manager would mean a transition season, and would Shinawatra have the patience for that? In terms of the playing squad, a right-winger would be an useful addition to give the same width Petrov does on the left. And question marks remain over Benjani, and whether he is capable of getting 20 goals a season. The biggest signing for City, and their fans, would undoubtedly be the news Sven Goran Eriksson will still be in charge come August.
Player Of The Season: Richard Dunne
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