Friday May 16 2008 13:40
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has categorically denied reports which suggested he had placed the entire first-team squad at Eastlands up for sale.
The demanding owner, who has hinted he will replace manager Sven-Goran Eriksson this summer after just one season at the helm, was reportedly furious with the manner of last weekend's season-ending 8-1 thrashing at Middlesbrough.
But the former Thai prime minister claims that reports suggesting he was intending to wield the axe in dramatic fashion and clear the decks in the summer are completely wide of the mark.
He has also denied reported claims that former owner and current deputy chairman, John Wardle, had apologised to the squad for selling the club last summer.
"There is absolutely no truth to this story or any of the allegations," Shinawatra told the club's official website while on City's post-season tour to Thailand.
"I appreciate the progress and performance of the whole squad, managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson, this season."
City spokesman Paul Tyrrell added: "We are currently taking legal advice regarding these news reports and will pursue those who continue to run or repeat this false story and its allegations without the chairman's rebuttal."
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