I don't know how long you have been following City, not that it matters, but City were far from 'in a reasonable financial state' when Mansour took over. At the time of the takeover John Wardle was bankrolling Shinawatra to the tune of millions. Shinawatra couldn't pay the wages or bills, City were within days of going under if it had not been for Wardle, who maybe stuck around and bankrolled Shinawatra as he knew the sheikh would turn City around and being a true blue that was what he wanted. Why he did it I have no idea as it had already cost him a fair chunk when he was chairman.. Cooke was here when we made very significant signings but they were not the winning machine we have been since Pep arrived, which is what squads are measured by. I think the board is the least of our worries.