Sven's signings down to three

When Sven-Goran Eriksson took over the reins as City manager in the summer of 2007 many spoke about his great scouting network and knowledge of the world game as he swept into the club with several arrivals and for a short time at least appeared to know what he was doing.

Those players served him well enough for half a season, before generally appearing more turkeys than inspired signings. Now, only two years later, most are gone, and the three who are still here seemingly have little chance of playing regularly in the first team. A spend of around £45m has so far returned less than half that figure, as most have had occasional impacts as members of the senior side.

Sven's initial imports did at least appear to fill gaps. Martin Petrov had a very good first season and could, should he regain fitness, challenge for a place. Vedran Corluka was imperious at right-back, only for the manager following Sven not to fancy him. The rest though, proved utter stabs in the dark.

Rolando Bianchi, who did appear to posses quite decent technique, soon became homesick and was never a £9m striker, returning to Italy for a third of the fee just a year later. Javier Garrido quite quickly showed an inability to defend, never really got over a mauling at Chelsea, and should leave the club soon. Valeri Bojinov picked up two serious injuries, Benjani frustrated absolutely everyone and from day one was a signing that reeked of desperation, Geovanni played very little, Caicedo looked completely devoid of confidence until well after Eriksson left, and the loan signing of Nery Castillo, well, less said the better.

The signing of Elano, who left the club today for Turkish side Galatasaray, probably sums up Sven's time at the club best. A player of outstanding natural ability who played when he wanted and who seemed to permanently need his ego massaging. He leaves the club with my blessing, as one of the most frustrating players i've ever seen play for the club. Potentially brilliant, often absent, and the kind of player we can well do without if we're to have any hopes of building a tight-knit, hard-working and ultimately successful squad.