Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher has defended former England boss Sven-Goran Erickson - who looks set to be sacked as the manager of Manchester City.

Speaking to the BBC, Gallagher said that it would be “ridiculous” of the club’s owner Thaksin Shinawatra to sack Erickson after just a year in charge.

"For a club that's been going nowhere fast for the last twenty-five years, with a manager who's the best out there bar Jose Mourinh - he turned it around and gave us a bit of style and dignity and grace,” Gallagher said.

“He bought some great players. The fans have got pride back in the club… I just think it's beyond a joke.”

Despite a massively successful season, Shinawatra is understood to be considering Erickson’s future at the club.

The guitarist, who is a lifelong fan of Manchester City, said that Shinawatra must be “tripping” to think that the football club could “qualify for the Champions League straight away”.

Galalgher said that the only acceptable replacement for Erickson would be ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

(by Jason Gregory)