Brian Kidd leaves Man City after 12 years on coaching staff

Manchester City have confirmed the departure of legendary coach Brian Kidd after 12 years at the Etihad.

The 72-year-old joined City initially as a youth coach in 2009 and served as assistant manager to Roberto Mancini when they won their first Premier League title in 2012.

He has retained a senior coaching role under Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola and has been credited with having a huge influence in their recent success.

Kidd told the City website of his departure: “I can only thank Pep, Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini for their leadership during a period of huge change and challenges for everyone involved here. I hope to have offered them enough help and support along the way to have made a difference and played a small role in the different teams’ successes.

“Having also played for Manchester City, it was very special to return and throughout the last 12 years I have felt the warmth of the leadership, the staff and of the fans throughout. I am incredibly grateful to all of them.

“I would also like to say what an honour it has been to witness the evolution of the club under the stewardship of Sheikh Mansour and leadership of Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“I am a Manchester man, and the work that has been done to improve the City of Manchester and the local community is fantastic. I wish only the best for Manchester City moving forwards.”

Guardiola added his own touching tribute to Kidd, describing him as an English football 'legend'. In addition to coaching at City, Kidd has worked for seven different clubs - including Manchester United, who he won multiple Premier League titles at alongside Sir Alex Ferguson - in his 37-year career, and was even assistant manager of England under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

“Brian Kidd is a legend in this country," Guardiola said. "Not only for what he has done here at Manchester City, but at other clubs throughout his incredible career.

“He has been so important to me during my time at the club, and I am sure to Roberto and Manuel also. He has so much respect in our dressing room, from myself, my coaches and most importantly the players.

“His experience has helped us to achieve something very special during his time here and I speak for everyone at Manchester City when I thank him for everything he has done.”