Despite a largely excellent season, during which Manchester United were beaten twice and their team were challenging for a Champions League spot until a mid-season slump, the Blue Mooners look certain to endure another summer of transition.

Although Sven-Goran Eriksson is unlikely to comment publicly on his future until a compensation package is worked out, his long-time assistant Tord Grip has confirmed he expects them to leave following the final two games against Liverpool and Middlesbrough.

Owner Thaksin Shinawatra seems to have reached the dramatic conclusion that Eriksson is not capable of taking City where he wants, ignoring the major difficulty experienced by the former England coach in signing new players after being appointed so late in the summer.

It is thought Thaksin told Eriksson at meetings over the weekend that he would not be retained, to the amazement of supporters, who felt the Swede was doing an excellent job.

"The whole thing is just ludicrous," said Dave Wallace, editor of the King of the Kippax fanzine.

"For once, we thought we were in for a period of stability. It seems like it is anything but.

"There have been a few grumbles at recent results but we can all see how far the team has progressed. It just seems the owner is either being badly advised or he is just not listening."

Grip has confirmed the belief Thaksin thinks results should have been better, even though as recently as Saturday, the former Thai Prime Minister claimed a top 10 finish was the main aim, with a tilt at Europe not on the agenda until next season and the Champions League 12 months after that.

"We believe we have done well," said Grip told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

"Things always go up and down and the Premier League is like a marathon. It takes time to build a team.

"But they (the owners) probably think we have not done a good enough job.

"We will be here for the last two matches and I am sure Sven will receive new offers after that."

With Thaksin now heading back to the Far East, club officials have been left to tidy up the mess Eriksson's impending departure will create.

The Swede should net £5million for the remaining two years of his contract and as the Football Association will testify, Eriksson drives a hard bargain, more than happy to hold out for what he is due.

And, judging by his latest comments on the matter, Thaksin will be waiting a long time if he hopes to find Eriksson in breach of his contract.

"I had a meeting with Dr Thaksin and his people on Sunday morning and at this moment, with two games to go in the season, I don't want to make any comment about that," said Eriksson.

"There are no more meetings planned until the season is over."

The club released a statement today stressing it was business as usual at Eastlands.

"Dr Thaksin Shinawatra recently stated that there would be a full review of the club at the end of the season," said spokesman Paul Tyrrell.

"The situation remains the same. Sven-Goran Eriksson, the players, board and staff of the football club are fully focused on the two remaining games of the current campaign."

While Luiz Felipe Scolari has been talked about as a possible successor, it is far from certain a club that seems certain to finish outside the European placings will prove an attractive proposition to the former World Cup winner, who will lead Portugal into this summer's European Championships.

And on-going rumours of cash flow issues are unlikely to help pacify City fans, who took Thaksin to their hearts, despite major political problems in his homeland, but are now wondering what they have let themselves in for.

"Fans are naturally going to worry about precisely who we are going to get," said Wallace.

"How much money will be available for a start? That is a key question.

"It is fair to say people had reservations about the new owner to start with but these will only be heightened now."