Sven: I'm finished

Eriksson’s 45-minute meeting with City owner Thaksin Shinawatra at the weekend was described as “cordial” and seemed to allay fears. [>

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But, privately, former England coach Eriksson has painted a picture of crisis and financial chaos within the club, and has already told his trusted friends he will be sacked. [>

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One of Eriksson’s associates told me: “Sven pulled out of a big-money transfer today and has explained that everything is on hold at the club, and he meant everything. [>

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“The owner’s money is frozen, and he doesn’t know if he will be around next season.” [>

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Another close friend told me: “Sven  does not think he will stay. He’s resigned to going. The owner is unhappy with results, and Sven knows he is on his  way.” Shinawatra and a number of associates met Eriksson and chief executive Alistair Mackintosh. [>

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Eriksson spoke at length to the owner for the first time since former Thai prime minister Shinawatra went public on a business trip to Dubai about being “not happy” with the club’s position in the Premier League, confirming he would “evaluate” Eriksson’s position at the end of the season. [>

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Ever since Eriksson has been faced with questions about his future, and although publicly he has said how much he wants to stay and expects to do so, privately it is different. [>

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Any chance of Eriksson lasting a second season evaporated after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Fulham – the first match Shinawatra had attended for a month – when City let a 2-0 lead slip against the relegation battlers.  [>