LMA admit City concern

Eriksson's situation troubling LMA

Last updated: 29th April 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

LMA admit City concern

Eriksson: Future in doubt

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The League Managers Association have expressed their concern over Sven Goran Eriksson's possible departure from Manchester City.

Eriksson has refused to comment on his position at the club after reports emerged that owner Thaksin Shinawatra had told the Swede he will not be retained at the end of the season.

Eriksson's agent Athole Still and his right-hand man Tord Grip have confirmed he is likely to leave the club despite an encouraging first campaign.

City are certain to finish in the top half of the Premier League after being in the hunt for European qualification for most of the season, and the LMA are unhappy with the club's 'short-termism'.

A statement released by the LMA read: "The League Managers Association is deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding the possible departure of Sven Goran Eriksson from Manchester City FC.

"There is no question that Sven has made an immediate and dramatic impact on Manchester City since his arrival, winning seven out of their first 10 matches, completing the double over local rivals and reigning champions, Manchester United, and in line for their highest-ever finish in the Barclays Premier League (they are now ninth).

Growing trend

"Sven is one of Europe's most highly talented football managers with experience gained from working around the world. He is in the process of building a strong squad at Manchester City, he commands the respect of his players and has developed a strong relationship and fantastic support from the Man City fans.

"We feel the current situation reflects a growing trend of football club owners having unrealistic expectations and not giving managers sufficient support and time in the role. Such short-termism is destabilising to the club, its players and its fans and is not the way to develop success on the field."

The LMA are also worried about the situation at Liverpool, where co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have been involved in a power struggle amid reports of a takeover by Dubai International Capital.

The All-Parliamentary Football Group plans to launch an inquiry into English football and its governance and the LMA have given the proposal their backing.

"The LMA is working with the game and all its stakeholders to address the issue of short-termism and encourage clubs to look to the medium and long-term with their management appointments," the statement continued.

"We are looking at all areas of football management, the training and development of young managers, the recruitment process, standard contracts for all LMA members and ways to improve the communication process between the club, the manager and the fans, setting clear, realistic targets and managing expectations."