Struggling Manchester City have parted company with their manager Frank Clark.

The club held a news conference on Wednesday to announce that former Everton and Oldham boss Joe Royle will be his replacement.

City's season has been despair more often than glory

Royle becomes City's sixth manager in 18 months. He will take charge immediately and be in the dug-out for Wednesday's home game against Ipswich.

His immediate task is to save City from relegation to the second division - just two seasons after the club dropped out of the Premiership.

He said: "I am used to this. When I went to Everton they had just eight points and they ended up with 50.

"I am used to coming in as a firefighter to put things right. Let's face it, City now have a 15-game season to save themselves from the drop and I intend to make sure that is achieved.

"Everything else can wait until that has been achieved."

City blues

City are currently second from bottom of the Nationwide First Division and suffered their 15th defeat of the season at the weekend, losing 1-0 at home to Bury.

It is the club's worst position in its 118-year history.

Club chairman Francis Lee was intending to tell Clark of the decision at City's Platt Lane training ground ahead of the news conference.

But Clark said he had already heard the news in a radio bulletin.

He said: "I feel disappointed for myself, my staff and the supporters for the way it has happened.

"The club has done what it sees fit. Doing it on the day of a match is not my problem now."

"But I don't want to make any excuses. It has been a very difficult season."

More trouble ahead

In the boardroom one of City's major shareholders David Makin said: "Everybody is looking at Frank and to be honest so am I. I think his tactics have left a lot to be desired."

But Mr Makin also called on the chairman to step down.

He said: "I'll be doing my best in the next few weeks to remove the chairman. The buck stops with the chairman. It does in any business."

Clark was appointed manager on December 29, 1996 and led the club to 14th position in the final Division One table last season, suffering only four defeats in the league in the process.

The former Nottingham Forest boss followed three managers into the Maine Road hot seat in one season.

Alan Ball was sacked following the club's relegation from the Premiership, while Steve Coppell stayed only 33 days before leaving the club on health grounds.

Phil Neal stood in as caretaker manager, but Clark, having previously taken Forest to promotion and into the UEFA Cup, was then given a warm welcome by fans.

This season City have struggled to stay out of the bottom three.

Royle, a former City player, will sign a three year contract and wants Sheffield United's Willie Donachie as his assistant.

City have gone from title challengers, boasting a host of internationals to also-rans in the last 25 years.

Since 1972 they have only won one trophy, the League Cup in 1976. Despite the support of celebrity fans such as Liam and Noel Gallagher of rock group Oasis, they have remained in the shadow of neighbours Manchester United, the current Premiership champions.
 

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