The 53-year-old business tycoon is now said to be the biggest single shareholder in the Blues with a 25 per cent stake in the club's stock.

Mr Boler, once a business partner of former City chairman Peter Swales, now owns double the shares controlled by chairman Francis Lee but has no intention of becoming chairman himself.

He has pledged 100 per cent support for Lee but says he is far too busy with business ventures around the world to consider becoming chairman.

He describes himself as just a fan who wants to use his money to help Manchester City.

Mr Boler, owner of Mere Golf and Country Club, is a generous benefactor to a number of community organisations and charities in Knutsford.

He is reported as saying that his £5 million investment in City will see a dramatic improvement in the club's fortunes

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