Brian Kidd is to leave Manchester City after 12 years' service as assistant to three different managers.
And that will bring to an end the 71-year-old’s long association with the Blues, as he scored 44 goals in 98 games for them as a player in the Seventies.
It is believed that Kidd is not set to retire, but will step down as one of Pep Guardiola ’s lieutenants after serving Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini in the same capacity.
Kidd returned to City as youth team coach in 2009 after establishing a brilliant reputation as a finder of talent - he played a big part in Manchester United ’s successful youth recruitment policy in the late 80s and early 90s.
But when Mancini was appointed manager, Kidd was moved up to assistant manager to give the Italian someone with vast experience of English football - and he kept that position under the last two, despite both Pellegrini and Guardiola otherwise bringing their own staff with them.
Kidd has acted as confidant and wise old head in the last 12 years, as well as helping with the everyday functioning of the squad.
Only last season, young striker Liam Delap credited the veteran with making little improvements to his game - and as a striker who scored 152 league goals for United, Arsenal, City, Everton and Bolton, as well as winning a couple of England caps, Kidd was well worth listening to.
It is understood that Kidd is not retiring, despite turning 72 on the day of the Champions League final - exactly 53 years after he scored in the European Cup final for Manchester United on his 19th.
He said: “It has been a privilege to be part of such an exciting chapter in this club’s history.
“I can only thank Pep, Roberto and Manuel for their leadership during a period of huge change and challenges for everyone involved here. I hope to have offered them enough help and support along the way to have made a difference and played a small role in the different teams’ successes.
“Having also played for Manchester City, it was very special to return and throughout the last 12 years I have felt the warmth of the leadership, the staff and of the fans throughout. I am incredibly grateful to all of them.
“I would also like to say what an honour it has been to witness the evolution of the club under the stewardship of Sheikh Mansour and leadership of Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
“I am a Manchester man, and the work that has been done to improve the City of Manchester and the local community is fantastic. I wish only the best for Manchester City moving forwards.”
There was a hint that Kidd might be about to leave when Guardiola unusually invited Kidd to share the post-match press conference with him following the Blues’ Carabao Cup win at Wembley.
Guardiola said: “Brian Kidd is a legend in this country. Not only for what he has done here at Manchester City, but at other clubs throughout his incredible career.
“He has been so important to me during my time at the club, and I am sure to Roberto and Manuel also. He has so much respect in our dressing room, from myself, my coaches and most importantly the players.
“His experience has helped us to achieve something very special during his time here and I speak for everyone at Manchester City when I thank him for everything he has done.”
