Brian Kidd leaves Manchester City after 12 years | OneFootball

Brian Kidd has left Manchester City, following 12 remarkable years at the Etihad Stadium.

A key component of the first-team backroom staff throughout that time, Kidd has seen City lift 16 domestic trophies under three different managers and remains a firm favourite with all those associated with the Club.

Initially joining as a Technical Development Manager to assist in the coaching of young academy players, Kidd was named assistant manager to Roberto Mancini within months of moving to the Blue half of Manchester.

His unrivalled coaching knowledge and experience at the elite level of the game proved invaluable as the Cityzens broke their 35-year wait for a trophy, by lifting the 2011 FA Cup, before winning their first title in 44 years the following year.

A former City striker during his playing career, Kidd remained in post as Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola each took charge of first-team affairs. This period would bring a further four Premier League titles, six League Cups and one FA Cup.

The Collyhurst-born coach has contributed to the most successful period in the Club’s history, including playing his role in City becoming the first side ever to reach 100 points in a Premier League season, and also in completing a clean sweep of domestic trophies.

Following this season’s fourth consecutive League Cup victory, manager Pep Guardiola invited Kidd into the post-match press conference at Wembley Stadium to declare him a “legend” and place on record his own thanks for the outstanding contribution Kidd has made during his time at the Club.

Brian Kidd said: “It has been a privilege to be part of such an exciting chapter in this Club’s history.

“I can only thank Pep, Roberto and Manuel 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.”

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola said: “Brian Kidd is a legend in this country. 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.”