Manchester City see off Fulham to get UEFA Cup slot

Manchester City were today handed a place in the UEFA Cup, ending Fulham's hopes of European football next season.

City had been the long-time favourites to land England's bonus place in the competition after the Premier League topped the continent's fair play competition.

Until the last day of the season they were the highest-placed side in the English top-flight's own fair play table not to have qualified for Europe by other means.

However, City skipper Richard Dunne was then sent off in their 8-1 thrashing by Middlesbrough raising the possibility that they could be overtaken in the standings by Fulham.

City's place in the competition has now been confirmed, capping a rollercoaster season for the club, who are expected to sack boss Sven-Goran Eriksson shortly.