Manager Roberto Mancini has been sacked by Manchester City after three and a half year at the club. The 48-year-old Italian is one of the most successful managers in the club's history, leading City to their first league title since 1968 last year, as well as winning the club's 5th FA Cup in 2011.

But after surrendering the title to local rivals Manchester United this year, exiting the Champions League group stages and suffering a shock 1-0 defeat in the weekend's FA Cup final against Wigan, the board have removed Mancini from his post with immediate effect.

In a statement the club admitted it had been a "difficult decision", but noted that "the Club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League". Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "I would like to personally and publicly thank him for his dedication to the progress that he has overseen and for his support and continued friendship."

Assistant manager Brian Kidd will now take over City's final two matches this season and the club's summer tour of the US. Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has been linked with the Etihad, though after his side's goalless draw with Sevilla at the weekend admitted, "I haven't signed any agreement with anybody".

Written and presented by Alfred Joyner