Thaksin taking a Thai 'time out' to tackle City

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The ousted Thai prime minister, fighting corruption charges in Bangkok, is flying back for talks with manager Eriksson after Saturday's dire 2-0 setback at Reading.

Thaksin is set to return to the UK because he hopes to change the fortunes of the Eastlands club

Defeat left City in eighth and their UEFA Cup ambitions in tatters. A run of just two wins in 12 matches has exposed shortcomings as Eriksson's bright start has lost momentum.

Concerned Thaksin, who returns to Manchester on Thursday, warned: 'They are losing too many games in the last three to four months while I am still busy. I have to go back and tighten the bolt.'

Thaksin, a former top policeman, showed a ruthless streak as Thailand's premier in a regime that angered human rights activists, particularly over a sweep of drug dealers,manyofwhomdisappeared.

With £800million of his assets unfrozen following a change of government, ambitious Thaksin has promised that there will be transfer funds available this summer, perhaps as much as £50m.

But while City deny there has been disquiet within the club at recent results, Thaksin is sending a clear message to Eriksson by asking the Thai judges to allow him to deal with business in England.

He goes before the Supreme Court today but, having returned to Bangkok last month, has been given permission for four weeks' leave providing he reports back on April 11.

Thaksin, deposed in a bloodless military coup in 2006, told the court he needed to go back to England to 'look after the team' and do some private business, said spokesman Pongthep Thepkanjana.

Thaksin, who will be 59 in July, insists he will now devote his time to family, charities and teaching, as well as City, despite speculation that he will be unable to resist a return to politics.

'I have done a lot for my country in six years as prime minister and that is enough. It's time for me to call it quits and give time to my family,' said the man who bought City last June for £81.6m while in exile.