Thaksin has Eriksson alternatives

Manchester City's prospective new owner Thaksin Shinawatra says he has other managerial candidates on his shortlist should Sven-Goran Eriksson decide not to succeed Stuart Pearce in the City of Manchester Stadium hotseat.

Eriksson is the former Thai Prime Minister's first choice to take charge should his £81.6 million takeover bid succeed - the new manager is set to be handed a transfer kitty of around £50 million.

Thaksin, who has been based in London since being ousted in a bloodless coup last September, said: "I have advisors working on the new manager and they inform me from time to time - I leave this to my professionals.

"Sven-Goran Eriksson is one of the names that my advisor told me about. He has a very good reputation and he is a very capable coach. I've met him once.

"I had my advisor talk to him and just say 'hello' and touch base. I didn't talk to him (Eriksson) that long because my advisor did that interview. Nobody's perfect but as long as he can do the job and likes the job and is fit for it, and my advisors say this is the man, then I'll support it.

"I can't say anything until next week. I hope to have a manager. After I have more than 75 per cent (of the shareholding), I can decide on many important issues."

Thaksin has already been pledged a 55.9 per cent stake in Manchester City through irrevocable undertakings - shares owned by members of the board and former chairman Francis Lee.

The former Thai premier, who has formally been charged with "official misconduct" over a property deal involving his wife, added: "I will bring some equity and capital to the club so they can invest more on players and other infrastructure if this is necessary.

"The existing players are very good but we have to bring more good players to the club. If we come across many good players, we have to invest. When you buy a boat, you have to buy the engines - but we have to wait until we get the coach.

"We have to be professional and improve the direction of the club. The potential is there.

"When you want effectiveness, you drive for the target and that is my style - strong leadership not dictatorship."

Thaksin is remaining bullish about charges brought against him by Thai prosecutors and has insisted that they will not impact on his plans for Manchester City.

Despite being ordered to return to Thailand after being charged with concealing assets, the former Thai Prime Minister has no immediate plans to return to his homeland.

He said: "I am quite confident after democracy returns to Thailand in December, I will have more justice. I can prove my innocence."

Thaksin, who wants to turn City into a force in English football, intends to attend every match should he remain in London.

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