Former Manchester City shareholder John Ryan believes Sven Goran Eriksson can lift the club inside the top ten next season.
The Doncaster chairman saw his team lose 3-1 to City in a friendly on Saturday, Eriksson's first match in charge.
Ryan said: "I feel under Sven they are in for a great season.
"I think they will finish comfortably in the top half of the Premier League.
"That will pave the way for a major challenge the season after for honours and Europe.
"The city of Manchester needs two top clubs."