Just as last summer, this year has once again seen a number of changes at Manchester City. For the first half of last year, City were one of the surprise packages in the Premier League, but towards the latter stages looked to be struggling under Swede Sven Goran Eriksson. An 8-1 hammering to Middlesborough on the last day of the season proved too much for owner Thaksin Shinawatra and he dismissed Eriksson shortly afterwards.

Eriksson was quickly replaced by Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes and promises were made that Manchester City would be active in the transfer market. The Brazilian international Jo has been the biggest piece of business in the summer. He became the club’s record signing when he moved from Russian team CSKA Moscow for £19 Million. Hughes has also signed Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim for £5 Million. That has been the last of the activity at the time of writing and this has disappointed many City fans who for a time during the summer expected the arrival of Ronaldinho.

In contrast there have been plenty of departures from the City of Manchester Stadium. Goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson never impressed during his time in England and Hughes has quickly moved him on. He has signed for PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee. Likewise Greek striker Georgios Samaras who never settled has made his loan move to Celtic permanent. Hughes has also released Emile Mpenza, Sun Jihai who has moved to Sheffield United, Benardo Corradi who has signed for Reggina and Giovanni who has completed a free transfer to Premier League newcomers Hull City. Veteran striker Paul Dickov has also left to resign for Leicester City.

It was widely reported towards the end of the last season that Manchester City supporters did not agree with the decision to dismiss Eriksson. It therefore will be interesting to see how they take to Mark Hughes, particularly given his previous connection to rivals Manchester United. Conversely, recent reports related to Shinawatra’s financial activities and an impending trial in Thailand has led to suggestions that Hughes may not be at City for too long.

As the season begins, supporters are a little unsure what to expect, as it seems that off the field events may hamper what the team can to on the pitch. However, purely on the basis of the team’s capabilities, there is no reason why Manchester City cannot repeat their top ten finish of last year.