City handed Euro lifeline

Blues rewarded for fair play

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 16th May 2008

sven eriksson

Eriksson: Delighted

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Manchester City have qualified for next season's Uefa Cup via the Fair Play league.

City finished sixth in the English rankings, but with the five sides above them already guaranteed European football for next season, they will take the Premier League's extra place in the competition.

It is the second time the Eastlands-based club have qualified for the Uefa Cup in this manner, after previously gaining entry through this route in the 2002/03 season.

It remains to be seen whether Sven Goran Eriksson will still be in charge of the club when the Blues launch their campaign next year, but for now the Swede has expressed his delight at the news.

"It's like a dream come true," the former England boss told the club's official website.

"Our dream to play in Europe has been strong all season.

Fantastic

"At one point we thought we were almost sure to get there, at other points we've been almost out of it, but now this news is absolutely fantastic for the club, for the fans and for everyone.

"It's a step in the right direction because the target for this club in the future is to play in the Champions League, and the Uefa Cup is a very good school to learn European football.

"It's confirmation that we are a good team, but also a team that behave well on the pitch, we are good with referees and we try to follow the rules as much as possible. It's like a bonus for us."

Eriksson's fate currently lies in the hands of City owner Thaksin Shinawatra and the Thai businessman has also revealed his pleasure at securing European football at the City of Manchester Stadium.

"I am delighted for everybody at the club, especially our supporters," he said.