If you want to change the culture of any organisation you have to not only cull those hardcore "bad apples" but also bring in hungry, ambitious people.
Ironically the time I think City have given this their best shot was Ransons transfer policy. The likes of Fox, Dann, Westwood, etc. were all hungry and ambitious and on their way up, I'm not sure Coleman was though.
The problem with being sentimental is that those "loyal" staff are there either because they like the status quo or because they're not talented enough to have moved on.
For a club in our position a young manager on his way up an a squad of young players is the best way.
Jurys out on Carsley but other than him and Rioch I'd get rid of the lot from tea lady and groundsman up.