Good news has often been followed by bad at Manchester City in recent weeks, so even though supporters were finally given something to cheer yesterday when the club were granted a place in the Uefa Cup, they soon discovered that they have surrendered home advantage, reports The Times.

The Premier League has confirmed that City have been entered into the first qualifying round of the competition via the English Fair Play League. Although the club finished sixth in the Fair Play table, that was above any team who had not qualified for Europe.

Unfortunately for their fans, however, the club will not be able to play the home leg of their tie at the City of Manchester Stadium because the pitch is to be re-laid once Bon Jovi, the American rock band, have played a concert at the ground on June 22.

With Old Trafford ruled out as an alternative venue, along with several other grounds in Lancashire, the Galpharm Stadium, home to Huddersfield Town, is being considered.