Blue Mood – Noel Gallagher is not standing alone in slamming “tripping” Thai

Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 @ 6:21 pm | Rants, Sport

Noel Gallagher has once again proved his credentials as the voice of the people of Manchester (well the blue half) with a well placed burst of common sense aimed at deposed former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra who looks set to sack Manchester City manager Sven Goran Ericsson in spite of what has been one of the best seasons for the blues in a long while.

In an interview with Radio Five Live Noel (who shares a birthday with the writer of this blog) said:

“To get rid of Sven after the best season I can remember is ridiculous. It can’t be for any footballing reasons.

“For a club that’s been going nowhere fast for the last 25 years, with a manager who’s the best out there bar Jose Mourinho – he turned it around and gave us a bit of style and dignity and grace. He bought some great players. The fans have got pride back in the club – I just think it’s beyond a joke.

“We’ve got a manager who’s got style. If the owner thought they could come in and qualify for the Champions League straight away then he’s tripping. It’d be like sacking David Moyes at Everton or Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa because they didn’t qualify. It takes more than one season.

“Eriksson is a graceful and dignified man. This guy Shinawatra has come in and he seems like a bit of a nutcase. The only thing that will get him off the hook is if he’s got Mourinho lined up. Apart from Mourinho Eriksson’s the best thing out there.

“I’d be amazed and appalled if I met a City fan who thought getting rid of Eriksson was a good thing. They all love him up there. I’d give him a big kiss and say, ‘You know what, you take them to the cleaners.’”

I think Noel is spot on – as usual, and you can’t disagree with what Henry Winter says -

Manchester City’s overbearing overlord, Thaksin Shinawatra, cannot be deemed a fit and proper person to oversee a club as important as City when he has just shredded supporters’ dreams.

The Thai politician clearly has no understanding of what it means to be a City fan, of the pain they endured for so long in their neighbours’ shadow. Eriksson masterminded home and away victories over Manchester United, a feat that should bring a double-your-money contract, as well as fans’ eternal gratitude. Thaksin simply cannot appreciate the joys felt by fans at the sight of their beloved team being respected, even feared, under Eriksson’s thoughtful stewardship. Full of calm and perspective in adversity, gracious in victory, Eriksson brought dignity and credibility.

While Thaksin might pay the bills, he’s entitled to his say, but he’s so far wide of the mark on this one – there must be people around him (not to mention the fans who sing Sven’s name every game) who are telling him that he’s a bloody mentalist.

I’m genuinely gutted about this – just when things looked like they might be on the up for City, they take a turn for the worse again. Anyway, I should’ve got to expect it!

Join the “Save Sven” campaign at the Manchester Evening News