Axed Roberto Mancini declined to speak to the waiting media as his former Manchester City players left to prepare for tonight's trip to Reading. The Italian greeted the press hordes with a smile but refused to answer questions.

City's players also avoided the assembled media.

Assistant boss Brian Kidd will take charge at the Madejski - where a point will secure second place - and then oversee the club's final game of the season at home to Norwich on Sunday, before leading the players on next week's US tour.