Thomas Krucken takes charge of Manchester City's academy this week.

The German is taking up his new role as City academy director, replacing Simon Wilcox after his end of season departure for Southampton.

Krucken has served his period of gardening leave with VfB Stuttgart and is now free to take up his post.

He arrives with City's academy system thriving and enjoying unprecedented success.

The Under-21s and Under-18s have won their leagues for the last three years in a row