We've had 16 managers over the last 21 years. Thaksin comes along with his dodgy millions and delivers us one of the world's best club managers. He performs what can only be described as miracles with a team that could barely score a goal at home last season. We have what is quite obviously our best season in years. Not just in terms of the derby results, the league position, and better performances on the pitch. But in terms of the very real excitement about a management team that actually knows what it's doing. Sven and his band of smiling Swedes have a footballing knowledge operating at the highest level. If anyone can, Sven can.

There is essentially no argument. 97% of City fans polled on the Manchester Evening News believe Eriksson should stay. The 3% can surely only be attributed to either United fans or "fat finger" error. The League Managers Association has made a statement expressing concern. This is not just a "Typical City" story. The people forming the groundswell of opinion against the new owners of Premier League clubs and their impact on the game are interested parties. That the rumblings start building after the last home game only increases the anger. In fact never mind after the last home game, what about after the season ticket deadline?

Manchester City season ticket holders have setup an S.O.S. - Save Our Sven - petition. Join the over 6,000 signatories from City and many other clubs now if you feel Sven should stay.

What is the end game? Mackintosh is alleged to be considering resigning his position. As the weight of the backlash built up today, Thaksin's son announced that Sven would lead the team to Thailand. Playing for time while they sound out possible replacements? Scolari is the favourite. Will he take Thaksin seriously given the treatment of Sven? Of other names mentioned we can only dream about the potential of Bilic, Allerdyce, Hughes and others relative to Sven.

The reaction of club staff and fans may leave Thaksin with few options. Keeping Sven after this circus of speculation will bat the ball back into Sven's court. Thaksin would save face and stick to his 3 year plan with the pressure on Sven to deliver. Surely he will only show Sven the door if he knows for sure he has a top replacement. Or will his ego get the better of him?

In other news, the latest MCIVTA newsletter reports that a City fan who plays cricket for "a" Shanghai based team (surely there isn't more than one?!) is off to North Korea to play a game and fly the flag for City there. No doubt all the talk in Pyongyang will be of Sven's fate.

City Manager Tombstones:

Sven-Goran Eriksson 2007- ?
Stuart Pearce 2005-2007
Kevin Keegan 2001-2005
Joe Royle 1998-2001
Frank Clark 1996-1998
Phil Neal 1996-1996
Steve Coppell 1996-1996
Asa Hartford 1996-1996
Alan Ball 1995-1996
Brian Horton 1993-1995
Tony Book 1993-1993
Peter Reid 1990-1993
Howard Kendall 1989-1990
Tony Book 1989-1989
Mel Machin 1987-1989
Jimmy Frizzell 1986-1987