Manchester City sign Bernstein to key role

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Chief Executive of Manchester City Council Sir Howard Bernstein announces the northwest results as the LEAVE campaign is the forecasted winner of the EU referendum at Manchester Town Hall on June 24, 2016 in Manchester, England. The results from the historic EU referendum are awaiting a final declaration and the United Kingdom is projected to have voted to LEAVE the European Union. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Chief Executive of Manchester City Council Sir Howard Bernstein announces the northwest results as the LEAVE campaign is the forecasted winner of the EU referendum at Manchester Town Hall on June 24, 2016 in Manchester, England. The results from the historic EU referendum are awaiting a final declaration and the United Kingdom is projected to have voted to LEAVE the European Union. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) /
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On the pitch the owners of Manchester City have splashed the cash. Much ihas been made of the fact that ‘City should win’ because of the money. It’s an excuse peddled by many an opposition Manager and pundits.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 24: (L-R) Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, Garry Cook, Chief Executive of Manchester City FC and James Hogan, Chief Executive of Etihad Airways attend a press conference to announce Etihad Airways as official shirt sponsor before the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 24, 2009 in Manchester, England. Etihad Airways have signed a initial three year partnership deal with Manchester City to be the official shirt sponsor. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 24: (L-R) Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, Garry Cook, Chief Executive of Manchester City FC and James Hogan, Chief Executive of Etihad Airways attend a press conference to announce Etihad Airways as official shirt sponsor before the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 24, 2009 in Manchester, England. Etihad Airways have signed a initial three year partnership deal with Manchester City to be the official shirt sponsor. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

This season, with the style of play, that has quieted a little. Although it was still a go to for Tony Pulis, whose initials tell you all you need to know. What has not been reported as much, is the investment off the field.

The redevelopment of unused space, an 80-acre Club football academy and expanded stadium were invested in. Along with those you have the community projects including education, sports and leisure. The City in the Community project was around long before the Abu Dhabi group came along, but I think it has grown a level or two since.

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Now, Sir Howard Bernstein has been secured as the City Groups Strategic development advisor. Having retired from his role on the Manchester City Council, it was an opportune time to secure his vast knowledge in that area.

Starting with the local council in 1998 as a junior clerk, he quickly became chief executive. He was a major player in securing the 2002 Commonwealth games. It was the stadium, once reconfigured to host football games, which City moved into in 2003.

As a man who has been credited with numerous extraordinary projects while in the Town Hall, he is an excellent addition. Already with a love for the club, he is an honorary President of Manchester City. A blue in his personal life, it made negotiations for the Stadium that much easier.

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His appointment shows that there is no signs that the City owners are slowing down or even close to stopping, their commitment to the regeneration of the area. A look at some other owners, English and non-English, there are few who have shown such commitment.