Shaun Goater will be hoping there is life after Joe Royle at Manchester City after the Blues boss was sensationally fired yesterday.

Although City were relegated from the Premiership at the end of the season after just 12 months in the top flight, Royle had been told his job was safe.

However, after originally arriving at Maine Road yesterday morning to talk about next season's Division One campaign, Royle instead found himself unemployed following a brief meeting with David Bernstein, the City chairman.

Bernstein said a "fundamental difference of views regarding future direction'' was responsible for the departure of Royle, who has overseen two promotions and two relegations since taking charge in February, 1998.

"From the day of my appointment as chairman of Manchester City I have emphasised the need for stability and the avoidance of unnecessary change,'' Bernstein said in a statement.

"This has therefore been a particularly difficult decision ... However, our review of last year and recent discussions with Joe have revealed fundamental differences of views regarding future direction.

"I believe to move forward successfully we need a progressive strategy, both to regain our Premier League status and then to compete more successfully than during the season just ended.'' Royle said his partnership with the club had ended with an amicable three-minute conversation with Bernstein.

"I must admit I came into the club this morning with the idea of making plans for next season but I sensed immediately that it wasn't to be,'' he said.

Crucially, it was Royle who brought Goater to the club from Bristol City in 1998 and despite the comfort of having three years remaining on his current contract, the Bermudian may well now be sweating over his own future.

Despite an injury blighted season, Goater finished as the club's top scorer for the third time.

However, that fact will count for nothing if his face does not fit with the new boss -- whoever that might be.

Goater himself was unavailable for comment yesterday and it was unclear whether he was made aware of the dismissal of his boss.

But Chris Bailey, City reporter for the Manchester Evening News , believes it would be sheer folly for the new man to sell the striker and says there are a number of factors that would suggest he will be around for some time to come.

"Willie Donachie, the head coach, has not gone yet, whether he will do or not in the future we don't know, but he is a huge admirer of Shaun,'' Bailey said.

City axe falls on boss Royle From Page 27 "Add to that, Shaun was leading scorer this year, last year and the year before and anyone with any sense would not immediately jettison someone who has scored 60-odd goals in three seasons. There has got to be a place for Shaun I would imagine.'' Bailey, himself, is a big fan of the frontman.

"He is a great pro. I have got to say he is one of the most improved players over the last three seasons. He is a fantastic club man and a great example,'' he said.

Though Royle introduced Goater to City, Bailey believed his loyalty was to the club and not to the departed helmsman.

"I think Shaun's affinity is more to the club than to one man,'' he said.

"But obviously, although I can't speak for Shaun, I would imagine he is quite sad to see him (Royle) go because Joe was a great supporter of his, especially through a time when maybe the fans didn't quite rate him as highly as the manager.

"He stuck by him through thick and thin and Shaun came good in the end and now he is a cult hero.'' The Royal Gazette also canvassed Manchester City fans' views via BlueView -- the independent City internet website -- and to a man they expected Goater to be in the starting 11 next term.

"All City fans want him to stay,'' MikeMCFC said. "The Goat is a legend and a fit Goater would have helped us stay up -- seven goals in the last 10 or so games proves that.

"Goater will stay and he will be top scorer yet again in the First Division because he isn't much of a footballer. But he's the best goalscorer City have had for the last decade and I don't think there are too many replacements available.'' Nomad said he believed Goater had done enough to warrant being retained by whoever took over.

"It depends on the new boss but I would have thought he would want to keep a proven goalscorer,'' he said. "You can always speculate but at 31 who would want to buy out a three year contract. I think he will stay -- certainly for next season.'' Bluefoot said City fans would be up in arms if Goater was forced out of the door.

"Shaun is a legend at City and has consistently proved the doubters wrong every year,'' he said. "We would be devastated and outraged if he was sold.

"I have every confidence in him and expect him to be with us for some time to come. No doubt a new manager will be won over by him. Feed the Goat and he will score.'' Parting company: Star striker Shaun Goater and axed City boss Joe Royle.