SVEN-GORAN Eriksson delivered a simple but devastating riposte to Joey Barton's claims to be one of Manchester City's three saviours last season.

The Newcastle midfielder infuriated City fans earlier this week by claiming that had it not been for himself, Richard Dunne and Micah Richards, the Blues would not be revelling in the revival effected by the Thaksin Shinawatra takeover and subsequent investment.

Eriksson, asked about Barton's comments said, deadpan: "I really don't have any feelings about last season because I did not follow City then. But if that is the case, I would like to say `Thank you.'"

With the Blues enjoying their best start to a season for 37 years, Eriksson's low-key approach is paying dividends in comparison to the blood and thunder philosophy of Stuart Pearce.

And Eriksson, who has a three-year deal with the club, feels that City may be reaping the full benefit of his 30 years of management.

The Swede is the only manager to have won a league and cup double in three different countries, after pulling off that feat with Gothenburg in Sweden, Benfica in Portugal and Lazio in Italy.

But, asked if City may be getting the best of him, after widening his experience with England, Eriksson said: "I hope so. I am very happy here and of course I have seen a lot of football in my life, which makes you more experienced.

"I see a lot of players and I have a lot of friends in the world of football - managers, agents and so on. If I want to check on a player I just have to pick up the phone and call someone in the country in which he plays."

What do you think of Joey Barton's announcement? Have your say.