JUBILANT Manchester City fans welcomed the takeover as the dawn of a bright new era for the Blues.

Supporters from across the region gathered at Eastlands as news that Abu Dhabi United Group Investment and Development were striking a deal with beleaguered Thaksin Shinawatra.

The firm's investment, which includes Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, known as the `Arab Donald Trump', promises to make City one the world's wealthiest sides.

Bernard Hayden, 64, of Higher Blackley, said: "I've supported the club since 1953 and believe this takeover was needed. You need dosh - unfortunately that's the way the game has gone.

"The new people are good businessmen and I'm sure things will be better this time. In Mark Hughes we have got the right manager and given the time he'll bring the right type of players in, without chucking money round for the sake of it."

Stephen Stockton, 27, of Middleton, said: "It's quality - we are the richest club in the world now. These guys have the money to buy the players, but without all the bother that Thaksin brought with him."

Neil Jenkinson, 39, of Hazel Grove, said: "I'm delighted, absolutely delighted, hopefully will get some stability in the club now. Shinawatra has done wonderful things for the club but his problems have brought uncertainty.

"I'm so excited. We have always been in the shadow of United but we won't be in their shadow anymore. My son's only eight and hopefully won't have to go through the ups and downs I've gone through. There's a real positive vibe about the place."

Aaron Ferguson, 17, of Stalybridge, said: "I have just heard about the takeover and think it should be alright. We will finish in the top four, going off the way we have started the season."

Paul Ricci, 31, of Stockport, said: "I'm well happy. It's not just the money - it's the people. They are not American, and they are not like the Liverpool lot who don't even like football."

"Thaksin has been the catalyst for this. Mark Hughes is a gentleman and he can take us to the top four. I'm just so happy for the fans - cut us and our blood runs blue", Paul Meehan, 52, of Middleton, said.

Marc Hayes, 34, of Audenshaw, added: "This club needs this. This club used to be a bit of a joke, but we are a massive club. We deserve every little bit of fortune it gets - forget about the other place, that theme park at Old Trafford.

"I've never seen City win anything, so this is one of the best days ever. We have worried so much over the years I don't worry any more. Ups and downs are par for the course with City."