KEEGAN WASN'T UP TO CITY JOB

By James Fletcher

RICHARD DUNNE last night aimed a bitter swipe at Kevin Keegan and insisted: "We NEVER believed he could make us a top-six team."

The defender admits that the Manchester City squad always dreamed of a European finish but didn't feel they could achieve it under the former England boss.

But all that has changed when Stuart Pearce took charge at the City of Manchester Stadium.

And Republic of Ireland star Dunne reveals how:

A high Premiership finish is now a genuine target.

Pearce got rid of the cliques that were dominating the dressing room.

And the England legend has improved training.Dunne, 26, said: "The manager told us that our aim is Europe. Based on the last five or six seasons that means picking up maybe one extra win or one extra clean sheet.
"Everyone knows the aim is top six. That says a lot about the belief we have under Stuart Pearce.
"Under Keegan the ambition was there but I don't think the belief was there, for whatever reason.
"When Stuart Pearce says it, people believe it. He is a winner."
Pearce has been a breath of fresh air at City but three defeats in a week have rocked their progress and they face a tough trip to Everton today with Dunne anxious to get the European charge back on track.
He said: "It has been a kick in the teeth for us I suppose.
"But a couple of years ago when people's heads dropped there would be little digs going in; you're not doing this, you're not doing that.
"There were different camps in the dressing room but from pre-season we have set out with one target — we have to work together. And even in training, you notice the difference.

Booze

"During pre-season, the manager told us that if we were running in groups of six or seven, there was no point six of us running off and leaving the last one. You are only as strong as your weakest link.
"Now we know if people are having a go at one another then there is a weak link somewhere. Arguing will not get us anywhere.
"If we could emulate Everton's success last season and finish fourth we would be over the moon."
Dunne was almost kicked out of City after a series of booze-related disciplinary issues but two years on he was voted Player of the Year.
He added: "The last few years have been hard but I'm more mature now and happy to be part of a team on the up."