Former Panathinaikos boss Hans Backe has been given the job of Sven Goran Eriksson's number two at English Premiership side Manchester City.

The 55-year-old Swede was appointed coach of the Greek Super League side a year ago but was sacked after just four games in charge. One of these was a 2-0 defeat to Ionikos who went on to be relegated with a total of just four points after they were docked five for indiscipline.

The final straw for the Panathinaikos ownership was the 1-1 draw at home against the Ukrainian side Metalurgh Zaporizhzhya in UEFA Cup, a result that sparked some serious protests from the fans.

Backe has been working as an expert for Swedish television since being sacked by Panathinaikos.

"I've known Hans for a long time. He has a lot of experience, he knows a lot of players from around the world and he's a very good coach," said Eriksson who is in his first job since quitting England at the end of the 2006 World Cup.

Tord Grip, Eriksson's assistant when he was England manager, has been given an advisory role in the City set-up.

"Tord will link between the seniors, youth, the academy, scouting, he'll be my right-hand man - a little bit of everything," added Eriksson.

Eriksson turned to Backe after Roland Andersson decided to stay in his role as Sweden's assistant manager.

Backe led Copenhagen to three domestic titles, and also won the Swedish league with Hammarby IF.