DEREK Fazackerley is still pinching himself that, after a two-week enforced absence from football, he has landed the role of Manchester City's assistant manager.

Blues' boss Kevin Keegan moved swiftly to appoint his trusted lieutenant, whom he has worked with before at Newcastle and England, after Willie Donachie decided to take on a fresh challenge with Sheffield Wednesday.

And the prospect of helping City win back their top-flight spurs is something that the former Blackburn Rovers stalwart is relishing.

''Excited and delighted are the only two words that spring to mind at the moment,'' Fazackerley said.

Seen varying performances

''This is a great challenge and a huge football club, and I'm hoping we can achieve the goal of getting back into the Premiership at the first attempt.''

Although he has barely had time to settle into his new surroundings and acquaint himself with the playing staff, Fazackerley revealed that he has watched developments unfold at Maine Road this season with interest.

Prior to yesterday's contest with Rotherham, 'Faz' admitted that he had seen the Blues play three times - and witnessed a trio of diverse performances.

''I was at the seven-goal thriller with Coventry, the draw at Sheffield United, and the 3-0 win over Birmingham, so you could say that I've seen the boys in three different lights!''

While Fazackerley was recognised as a mean, uncompromising defender during a career that spanned more than 20 years, he doesn't believe that his new job will be limited to working strictly with the Blues rearguard.

''Of course that will be part of my responsibility, and defending is part of my domain,'' he said. ''But I would like to think that my role will stretch a lot further than that.''

Fazackerley reckons that there are strong foundations in place at Maine Road to launch a triumphant new era.

''The squad that I have joined is, I believe, one of the most talented in the First Division,'' he said.

''Manchester City have the chance to become an outstanding team. It is now a case of putting a run of results together.''

Will Fazackerley prove a good replacement for Donachie? Let us know your views.

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