Kidd left alone to plot City’s win after Mancini's axing

LAST MAN STANDING ... Brian Kidd faces a lonely night after the exit of Roberto Mancini and David Platt

BRIAN KIDD was left alone to plot City’s win at Reading after Roberto Mancini’s axe.

Caretaker Kidd saw Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko score the goals which clinched second spot in the Premier League.
Kidd said: “I have to be honest, what has gone on in the last 48 hours has come as a shock to all the staff.

“All credit to the players. They have had to put up with a lot of stuff since the FA Cup final at Wembley and it would have been a travesty had we not finished second.

“Let’s be honest, we have a terrific squad. We appreciate the fans, they were so disappointed on Saturday but we’ve come back for them tonight.”

Kidd insisted he had no hesitation taking over in the short-term while City’s owners search for a new boss.

He added: “I’ve just come in and been asked to take the team for these two games. I’m a Manchester lad and how could I say no?

“The backroom staff have been terrific, there has been a lot of support which has been really great for me.”

Reading boss Nigel Adkins, ruthlessly axed by Southampton in January, revealed he spoke to Kidd for a few minutes before the match.

Adkins said: “He’s a great football man, a great man for City. There are people there who have City at heart and will pick the reins up.

“We have to understand that it is football, that there are demands. It is high finance now.”

City decided to promote Kidd to the role of caretaker boss ahead of Mancini’s other assistant David Platt.
Platt has now followed the Italian out of the exit door — after turning down the chance to stay at the Etihad.

The former England international is an old team-mate of Mancini’s and has been his right-hand man since 2010.

A statement from the club read: “With regret, we announce David Platt has left his role as assistant manager at the club.

“David was offered the opportunity to continue his work with us but has declined the invitation. He has decided to leave his role with his close friend Roberto Mancini. David has made a significant contribution to the club’s success and we wish him well.”