Sven-Goran Eriksson's agent Athole Still has admitted the Swede is unlikely to be manager of Manchester City next season, while his client has rather ominously thanked the fans for their support.

Owner Thaksin Shinawatra met Eriksson at the weekend and is believed to have informed him he will be dismissed at the end of the season. Eriksson's future has appeared uncertain since Shinawatra publicly expressed his dissatisfaction at how City's season has fallen away. They have won just twice in their last 12 games.

Still told Sky Sports News this morning that he believes it is unlikely Eriksson will stay, although he was adamant the former England boss will not "walk away" from the post.

"That's the way that it's looking - believe me I don't know, I am just giving an answer and a reasonably-formed opinion - it's looking odds against," said Still. "It's just developments over the last couple of days. If Dr Shinawatra was going to give his ringing support we would have heard it over the last couple of days."

Still, though, insisted the Swede would not be resigning, saying: "The only thing I can say with assurance is that Sven-Goran Eriksson will not be walking.

"You walk if you feel you have done a bad job and are not worthy of the position and in Sven's case that is very, very far from the truth."

Eriksson has admitted this afternoon that he met with Thaksin. "There are no more meetings planned until the season is over," he said. "I appreciate the backing of the fans which I have felt since the day I arrived. I thank them very much.

"But now we are just focusing on trying to beat Liverpool on Sunday."

Eriksson has had little contact either in person or by telephone with the former Thai prime minister over the last few weeks. During that time, Thaksin criticised the club's recent poor run and Still admitted his client had been unhappy by its public nature.

"At the time the story broke in the media 10 days ago when Thaksin made some comments about being dissatisfied with the team and indirectly with Mr Eriksson and Sven was very unhappy about that in the sense that if there is dissatisfaction it should be discussed internally first and not in the media."

Should Eriksson find himself out of a job, Still insists it would not mean he would leave England but would instead look for a challenge anywhere in Europe.

"He is not that kind of man, people talk of him not having passion - absolute rubbish," insisted Still. "Passion does not need to be displayed in a histrionic manner, he is extremely passionate about the game, extremely proud.

"Categorically, if the right job was available, the right challenge - he likes challenges which is why he went to Manchester City.

"If the right job comes along in England, Spain, France, Italy if its a really good club with a chance of doing something he will be there."