FRANK CLARK began his first day as manager of Manchester City yesterday when the struggling First Division club paraded Clark, who resigned as manager of Premiership strugglers Nottingham Forest only 11 days ago, as their new boss at a news conference at Maine Road.

And as the 53 year old became the fifth man to take charge of the beleaguered club this season, he promised to give City's long suffering fans "something to shout and smile about in the New Year."

City have slumped to fourth from bottom in the English First Division following relegation from the Premiership last season but Clark is undeterred by the club's problems.

"I have two aims," said Clark "first, to stabilise the club and second, to get it back in the Premier League. Manchester City is a club with a great tradition and enormous potential. It needs a bit of help."

Clark certainly has the pedigree to provide it. He replaced the legendary Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest when the East Midland club were relegated in 1993, and took them straight back into the top flight.

"I had no second thoughts about joining Manchester City," added Clark.

"I was out of work and it was a very big disappointment for me to leave Forest. But when I got the call from City I knew what I was going to do."

Clark also revealed that he will be given considerable spending power at Maine Road. "There'll be money to spend and that's obviously a big help. I will be assessing the playing staff as quickly as possible."

Already, on Clark's first day at the helm, former City captain and manager Tony Book has been shown the door while former assistant manager Phil Neal resigned on Sunday night.