Newsletter #569

The Blues met a very accomplished side yesterday, and were given an object lesson illustrating the gulf between the top of Division One and the top four teams in the Premier. Leeds just oozed class, and if it weren’t for Weaver, we’d have conceded an embarrassing number of goals. Still, the main thing is that we aren’t in the same division as Leeds, and even if we do get in it, then we will only have to play Leeds (and their peers) in 8 games – the rest of the Premier would also have been outclassed yesterday, I feel. Back to the job in hand next match,

We have a match report and matchview, plenty of comment and opinion, and a Why Blue.

This one goes out to 3,020.

NEWS SUMMARY

City Outclassed by Rampant Leeds

Manchester City crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, with David O’Leary’s Premiership leaders outplaying the Blues in all departments to earn a totally deserved 5-2 win. City had an ideal start, taking the lead when Shaun Goater’s second minute header was allowed to stand even though the Bermudan was clearly offside. And after Erik Bakke had levelled for Leeds on eight minutes, Ian Bishop scored with a spectacular drive three minutes later. Goals from Alan Smith and Harry Kewell ensured the away side led at the break, and further efforts from Lee Bowyer and Kewell again completed the scoring in the second period. Man-of-the-match Kewell was denied a hat-trick by an upright in the final minute while the Blues were indebted to goalkeeper Nicky Weaver for keeping the score down with a string of fine saves on a day when, in truth, the Blues were comprehensively outclassed.

Royle – Leeds Just a Class Apart

Joe Royle watched his Manchester City side ripped apart by Leeds – and then hailed David O’Leary’s young team as potential champions. But the Blues’ boss still believes his squad has improved considerably over the last 18 months. “Don’t let David O’Leary kid you, his boys can win the championship. They were terrific, they were behind twice but we were beaten by a better side,” conceded Royle. “We have played Derby, Southampton and Wimbledon in the last couple of seasons and there hasn’t been much difference between us. But Leeds are in a different league altogether. We are improving all the time and are a lot better than we were 18 months ago. The ‘keeper Nicky Weaver, Shaun Goater and Ian Bishop at 34 were excellent, but we had a few who let us down and I have told them so. In lots of ways it was a good lesson for us.” Meanwhile, Leeds manager O’Leary tipped the Blues for promotion – and his own team for Cup glory. “I hope they [City] come up this season and we are back here next term taking points off them, and I think they will come up,” he said. “But I always felt we would score the goals to get us through. We want to win this Cup. I would like to see this young side on a big pitch like Wembley, they would look a very good side out there.” Leeds travel to Aston Villa in the fifth round.

Weaver Impresses Before England’s Current Best

Despite conceding five goals in the FA Cup tie against Leeds, Nicky Weaver produced a fine display to suggest he may one day succeed the man rated by the City goalkeeper as England’s current best – the man in the opposite goal, Nigel Martyn. Weaver produced some fine saves to spare his team further embarrassment, while the Blues scarcely managed to test Leeds number one Martyn. Before the game, Weaver had spoken of his admiration for the 34-year-old saying, “Although David Seaman is the first choice for Kevin Keegan, I believe that no-one is playing better than Nigel.” And the City goalkeeper admits he still has work to do before he can challenge for a place in Keegan’s squad. “I have to establish myself at under-21 level before I can take a shot a David and Nigel,” he admitted. One of the few bright spots for the Blues on Sunday was that the young goalkeeper looked capable of achieving his aim sooner rather than later.

Striker Makes Dutch Loan Move

City striker Gareth Taylor will move on loan to Fortuna Sittard. And the player has the chance to earn a permanent move to the Dutch Second Division outfit. Sittard representatives watched Taylor in last week’s reserve game at Huddersfield and it appears that the transfer-listed front man impressed sufficiently for their interest to be taken further. There’s no news as yet on how long Taylor will be given to make an impression in Holland.

Blades Want to Buy On-Loan Brown

Michael Brown, on loan at Sheffield United since just before Christmas, could make his move permanent. Joe Royle has confirmed that the Yorkshire club are keen to buy the transfer-listed midfielder, but it’s believed manager Neil Warnock has to sell to raise the £450,000 asking price. “Sheffield would like to buy Michael and if the two clubs can come to a deal it certainly is a possibility,” admitted Royle this morning. “Though I do believe that any deal which Sheffield do is dependent on someone going out.” The former England under-21 midfielder featured in 92 league games for the Blues, scoring twice, and was a regular in the second half of last season’s Division Two promotion campaign. However, Joe Royle selected the player for only one game this term before transfer-listing him.

City Linked with Sonner Move

City have been linked with a £500,000 move for Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Danny Sonner. The 28-year-old is out of contract in the summer and is said to be dissatisfied with the renewal terms he’s been offered at Hillsborough. Some sources claim that the Premiership’s basement club could be prepared to do business now rather than see the former Ipswich player leave for nothing at the end of the season. Derby manager Jim Smith is also being linked with Sonner, although with a surfeit of midfield players already at Maine Road it seems that, notwithstanding the recent rumours, there must be some doubt over whether Joe Royle will join the Rams’ chief in the chase for the player’s signature.

Allsopp Scores Aussie Winner

Danny Allsopp scored the winning goal in Australia’s 1-0 win over Nigeria on Sunday, in the four-nation under-23 tournament currently being played in Adelaide. The City striker also had another effort disallowed. Allsopp has had a disappointing season so far, failing to earn a single senior start for the Blues. He’ll be hoping his latest success down under will prove a springboard for a renewed attempt to convince Joe Royle he should have a future at Maine Road. The Blues boss was prepared to allow the 21-year-old to move to Gillingham six weeks ago and the acquisitions of Robert Taylor and Lee Peacock have limited the Australian’s first-team prospects.

Bernstein – We Owe Banks Nothing

City chairman David Bernstein has been talking about the club’s improved financial position. And for the first term in years, the Maine Road outfit is not in debt to its bankers. Speaking on Granada TV, Bernstein expressed his delight at the Blues’ off-field improvement, although further progress on this front will be dependent on Joe Royle managing to inspire continued progress on the pitch. And Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Leeds showed that City still have a long way to go to match the Premier League big guns.

Bolton Clash Postponed

City will have a blank Saturday on 29 January after scheduled First Division opponents Bolton Wanderers won through to the FA Cup fifth round. The Trotters, who’ve already reached the League Cup semi final, progressed in the senior knock out competition with a 2-0 win at Grimsby. Leeds, of course, ensured the Blues’ inactivity with their comprehensive 5-2 victory at Maine Road on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT – ‘LIVE’

MANCHESTER CITY vs. LEEDS UNITED, Sunday 9th January 2000

The bl**dy seagull wasn’t there! I say again; the bl**dy seagull wasn’t there! It was the first thing I looked for upon emerging into the Kippax. My heart sunk. I tried to explain to the stewards and indeed other fans that the kick-off should be delayed until the seagull was put back. No one listened. They just looked at me with a strangely mocking yet pitying look in their eyes. The result was a foregone conclusion, absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Leeds’ class, pace, skill and overall superiority! It better be back for next Sunday!

City lined up with a slightly surprising line-up and formation, obviously geared to ‘playing’ and attack-minded football. In addition to the usual back 4 + Weaver, Grant continued in midfield alongside Bishop and Horlock, with Kennedy reintroduced on the left wing, supplying Goater and Dickov. Pollock wasn’t even on the bench, an obvious starter I thought. Credit to JR for such an adventurous line-up, but had Leeds have scored another 2 or 3 goals (which they could have done, quite easily) our confidence for the rest of the season could have been dealt a shattering blow. Anyway, we got off to the best possible start, with Goater, clearly offside it must be said, looping a smart header over the stranded Martyn, from Horlock’s lofted ball in. 1-0 up in the first 2 minutes, unbelievable!

From the restart we hardly had a touch, but it was still very disappointing that Ian Harte had a free header from Kewell’s cross, which was just deflected in off Eric Bakke’s toe. Back to reality! A few minutes later, Bishop scored an absolute beauty from a knockdown by Goater, turning inside the defender and curling an unstoppable shot past Martyn. Unbelievable again! Another 8 minutes or so and again Ian Harte had a free header blocked by Bish on the line, before Alan Smith bundled in the rebound. More reality! Leeds 3rd goal, with half time fast approaching was more of the type of goal I was worried about conceding, breaking with pace on the counter with Wilcox (who was so ineffectual against us when playing for Blackburn a few weeks ago) sliding a ball into the 6-yard box for an unmarked Kewell to side foot in. Cold, unforgiving reality!

The second half was all Leeds and we should be thankful to Weaver, luck and finally the post, that they only scored another 2, both ‘typical’ counter attacking goals. Whitley replaced a disappointing Grant and Peacock replaced Granville in the latter stages. Despite the heavy scoreline, there were some positives and even more learning points to be taken from this outing. I refuse to get involved in the ‘who’s good enough for the Premiership’ debate until it looks pretty certain that we’ll get there. However, as we were playing the top team in the Premiership in this game, I feel that I can make some justifiable comparisons and judgements! Let in 5 but saved at least another 5, Weaver looked, as we already know, Premiership class. Bishop too, particularly in the first half showed that he still hasn’t lost it. Horlock looked ‘OK’, but for me the biggest ‘success’ was Shaun Goater. Yes, his goal was offside and other than that, he didn’t have a shot on target. But he rattled Lucas Radaebe big style, winning virtually everything in the air and showing a good touch and awareness for what was going on around him. Sad to say, the rest of the team looked distinctly ‘First Division’ on this showing, although it must be remembered that this was against the top team in the Premiership. Against the majority of other teams, I think more than you may think could make the step up. Anyway, that’s all I’m prepared to say on that subject for now!

As mentioned above, Leeds’ first 2 goals were disappointing from our viewpoint. As for the rest, well Wiekens, Jobson et al didn’t get anywhere near! Our concerns regarding our lack of pace were cruelly confirmed today. Yes we were outclassed, but we played some decent stuff at times and we weren’t (just!) humiliated. I hope that the lads learn from this game and put some of the lessons into practice over the rest of the season, starting on Sunday.

MATCHVIEW

This was a game, City would either win 2-1, or get stuffed. I suppose when you see the two starting line ups, you really cannot be too disappointed with the result. I was, however, a bit annoyed with some of our players’ performances, especially in the second half. When we start playing in the big league next season we will get crucified if we perform like yesterday. I got a great seat yesterday, in the Kippax, thanks to season ticket holders who didn’t take up their seats, I was a little surprised with the attendance and the availability of match tickets on the day. City got off to a brilliant start, one up after a few minutes. “Well done Shaun Goater” the only person disputing the goal apparently was Andy Gray: “give it a rest Andy you do waffle on at times”. City then conceded a soft goal, but before long were back in front, an absolute screamer from Ian Bishop and I thought we might go on and win this. Alas, Leeds took control for the rest of the game. I thought the City fans were great yesterday, we kept on supporting the team even when the match was over, that was good to see. City will probably have learned a lot from this game and Leeds are a very good side; at least now we can concentrate on the league and get back to where we belong. Regards, to the best fans in the world.

FAME AT LAST!

I’ve not bothered reading the Daily Mirror since they had a snipe at City last year, remember the photo they showed of empty stands for the Auto Windscreen against Mansfield, then showed ‘them’ across town playing to a full house? But I knew in time they would fall flat on their faces. What am I on about? Well, there I was sat at work when one of my colleagues started laughing and said I had to read this, and I quote “brilliant article”. He then showed me a copy of Friday 7/1/00 Daily Mirror, in particular the column written by Des Kelly “Sports Columnist of the Year”. All down one side was the prediction for the new year and it started, “January… Beckham denies Posh Spice is anorexic, he states she never wears anoraks.” Hang on a minute I thought, I’ve read this before. A quick check of my computer revealed the identical article in MCIVTA 565 by a G Smith. The only difference was the date: McVittee sent that issue out on the 27/12/99. So who’s copying who Mr Des Kelly? Perhaps our esteemed Mr Smith was not the originator, I don’t know, but at least he did not try to pass it off as his own work in a national newspaper! Perhaps Des Kelly, Sports Columnist of the Year, actually subscribes to this excellent net page; the truth is out there, somewhere. It just goes to show, the cockier you are the the higher your standards have to be, otherwise you end up looking stupid.

BLUES BOOST VASCO

I e-mailed Vasco at their supporters’ site http://www.spaceports.com/~mprais/vasco/index_en.html (site available in English) wishing them all the best before they beat TWGFC ™ 3-1 in Brazil. Following the match I received this e-mail from the Vasco sitemaster:

Hello Tim, Obrigado for writing before and after the game! I feel that somehow all the messages I received from you Manchester City supporters boosted Vasco’s stamina and disturbed Gary Neville – Thanks, Gary, for the first two goals, ha ha ha!

Tim, I cannot begin to tell you how glorious it felt being there at the stadium seeing Vasco humiliating Man Utd in the first half. Vasco took it easy in the second half after seeing that the opposition was not much of a challenge. Even if Vasco loses the next game and does not qualify for the final, I can die as a happy man.

Um abraco e ate a proxima, Mauro Prais

And good luck on the FA Cup tomorrow! There is obvoiusly no end to Blues’ influence…

FOUR QUICK ITEMS

1. First off best wishes to you and your family for a healthy and happy 2000.
2. Tim Causer – Tim if you contact Radio 1 they should have the tape ofthat broadcast. Under the circumstances I’m sure they would be able toprovide you with a copy. Best of luck!
3. Does anybody know of any bars in the Chicago/Milwaukee area in the USthat show any City games? All the bars in Chicago – Abbey, Hidden Shamrock & Sedgwicks only seem toshow Premier and Champions’ League games.
4. In late March I will be returning to Manchester for the first time in 7years. I plan to take my 2 kids (5 & 7) to their first City game,although technically my daughter was at Maine Road in Feb. 93 to see Citybeat Spurs 3-2 inside my heavily pregnant wife at the time. Can anyonesuggest the best way to obtain tickets for the game vs. WBA on Sat. Mar. 25?

REDDISH BRANCH (CSA) JANUARY MEETING

The next gathering of the Reddish Branch (CSA) will be on Wednesday 12th January at The Ash Hotel, Manchester Road, Stockport starting at 8.00pm when we will be having a video/quiz night followed by a hotpot supper. Everyone is welcome. For further details e-mail me at the address given below.

BECKS’ PREDILICTIONS

Let’s get the David Beckham knicker wearing thing into perspective (wasn’t it sad he was sent off tonight for kicking somebody in the b*ll*cks?).

1. Put your hand up if you think David Beckham is a poorly educated, hasn’t got a clue, wife dominated, sad individual.
2. Put your hand up if you’d like to be seen in Victoria’s knickers.

How many voted:

1. ?
2. ?
Both?

CITY-LEEDS ON TV IN US

It has amazed me but this coming Sunday 2.00 p.m. Pacific Stanford Time I will watch the City-Leeds game on Fox Sports World. It is tape delayed but still on the same day so I am not complaining. This may be the first full City game that has been on US Cable since the 1981 FA Cup Replay!

I also have a favour to ask for which I will gladly pay: if anyone made copies of the TV and radio shows about Bert I would be delighted to purchase copies, pay for mailing etc. I can get the video switched here to US system.

When all is said and done Bert really was the best goalkeeper there has been, just ahead of Banks and possible Yashin, but all that gives away my age and opinions doesn’t it?

Best wishes to all and for a good performance on Sunday.

CLUB 365 AND MANCHESTER CITY

Subscribers to Football 365’s Club 365 service may have noticed that in today’s (Friday’s) offering, the ad at the bottom mentioned a competition to watch that other lot play Bordeaux in some other trumped up cup competition (I think it’s called the “European First, Second and Third placed teams in your local league, and perhaps the Fourth team in certain circumstances sort of mixed up league and cup type competition”). Recoiling, I penned a hasty reply to F365; this and the response from F365 follows.

My letter to 365:

As a City fan, do you really think I want to win a trip to see the forces of Darkness play Bordeaux? See your mail to me copied below…

Jeremy Poynton

Reply from 365:

Jeremy,

Sorry about this. Unfortunately we don’t yet have the technology in place to be able to personalise Club365 e-mails for ads. This means that the United ad has to go to all subscribers. I like it about as much as you do – and being a City fan myself I can understand the distaste you have for the Rags! But please forgive us. Technology is a bitch – and believe me, we’re working on it!

Cheers, Football365

DANNY ALLSOPP

Report from Adelaide, South Australia re Danny Allsop:

Man. City Supporters’ Club, South Australia, all met in The Joiners Arms, outside The New Hindmarsh Stadium, 6pm Sunday, 9th January 2000, had a few drinks before the game – Australia vs. Nigeria. Made our way to the ground, 15/20 strong, swelling to 30 strong in the stadium, all wearing Man. City colours. Installed our Man. City Supporters’ banner in strong position. President – Frank Pegg – made his way to have a word with Danny before the game and wished him all the best; Danny reciprocated by coming across and giving us all a wave. Danny played with a number 9 on his back – full game as an upfront marauding striker, played the rôle well, scoring the winning goal before half-time, two minutes later having one disallowed for offside, which we all agreed looked legal.

Next game is Wednesday, 12th January 2000, Australia vs. Egypt, so we will be going along to give him support again. After the game, we all went into hotel in Adelaid to watch the live game between Man. City and Leeds at Maine Road, kick-off 12.30am (Adelaide time). Landlord of the hotel opened up especially for our Supporters’ Club, for which he was rewarded by us drinking him dry of Boddingtons before half-time. Good crowd of 25 Man. City against 3 Leeds supporters, fantastic game, credit to both teams for playing the FA Cup game as it was originally intended, thrilling, exciting and to be only one winner. Our man of the match by a landslide – Shaun Goater, there is only one Shaun Goater, he is a Champ. Wandered home 3.30am, adrenaline high, senses dulled, discussing the game.

UNISEX ACRONYM

I’m sure I don’t have to explain this one…!

T  ackled
H  igh -
O  ff !
(N aughty
G  irl )

CELEBRITY BLUES

If anyone out there is sad enough to keep track of all celebrity Blues, then here’s another one. The woman who played the mother of the bloke who got the blame for killing the woman who was killed by the bloke who used to be in Spandau Ballet. This was according to the bloke who got the blame for killing the woman who was killed by the bloke who used to be in Spandau Ballet in an interview in the Xmas NME. Naturally I’m too hip to know any of their names or who they are etc.

ARE WE ALL SCOUTS OR NOT?

I would like to put a suggestion forward. God’s own club have in excess of 30,000 fans attending every home game. There must be at least another 20,000. The adds up to a minimum of 50,000 fans, many of whom attend games at junior level. Obviously, we know how well City fans tend to be well clued up on spotting a player’s weaknesses and ability at Maine Road (by the way, all those who think a stand in the new Maine Road [City of Manchester Stadium] should be called the Kippax Stand all say “I”) and therefore could put their skills to good use. I feel that City could encourage its Blue Army of followers to inform the club of any potential talent by offering kit, tickets for a game or signed matchball etc. if a player that a Blue scout brought to light eventually made it into the first team. By the way, I know of several players at U13 level. One in particular has excellent skill and ability, but his temperament lets him down badly. Basically he hates losing. I think there are several of those type of players currently in the Premiership. His name… Kyle Sharp. Remember, you read it here first.

COMMENT – LEEDS MATCH

In all honesty, Leeds destroyed us! We were lucky to get the first goal, as it did look blatantly offside on the replays. Our second goal was quality and picked up well on a bad attempted clearance. However, it has to be said that Leeds looked a very good team and they looked much more at home on our big playing surface than we did. Before the game I had heard that Edghill and Granville were doubtful with flu, and so I worried for our defence. In the event they played and if they were carrying the effects of their illnesses then it showed. If they had fully recovered then it showed even more and the exposure that our defence was made to feel by Leeds’ fast running forwards was in many ways embarrassing. If Nicky hadn’t been in such good form it would surely have been a landslide and in my opinion he was man of the match for us despite five going into his net.

However, on the positive side, you have to say that Leeds do seem to be an exceptional team. They broke quickly; their passing was accurate and fast; their pace was good and they weren’t afraid to shoot from outside the box or alternatively run at players and into the box to try a shot. It appeared that we couldn’t keep up with them and they made our defenders make mistakes as well, often forcing them into basic errors around our own box. Our clearances looked desperate and poorly judged under pressure. It is no suprise to me that Leeds are flying high in the Premier League, and they would have caused problems for any team in the country playing as they did yesterday. If Morrison had been fit I think the organisation of the defence would have been better, but we would still have been caught for pace every time.

I think Joe has it spot on by calling this game an ‘interlude’. We have had the opportunity now to test ourselves against Premier League opposition twice this season (not counting the pre-season against Liverpool) and we have played Southampton (near the bottom) and Leeds (at the top). On the evidence of those games together I would suggest that with the current squad we are a long way from being a Leeds and not far from being equal to or better than a Southampton over a season. If we went up this season and kept the current squad I could see a few hammerings going against us, as well as victories over the likes of Leicester, Derby, Southampton et al. All in all, a mid to low table team, though probably avoiding relegation.

However, if we do make a few signings, then perhaps new players could help to lift some of the current squad to new heights. I still feel our strikeforce is too fragmented, although fair play to Goater once again to have scored against good quality opposition. Dickov also seemed to cause Leeds problems, so I wouldn’t rule out Premiership success for him.

Let’s get back to the business now of winning this 1st Division and earning the right to be in the Premier League next season. Then the time will come for debate on whether or not we can survive… if we don’t keep up our good league form then we may have to turn to discussing whether or not a second season in this league can see us go up!

All the best to Blues everywhere for the coming year!

COMMENT: PREMIERSHIP QUALITY

Good bit of debate about the level of Premier League quality in the squad. I’m going to be very harsh here and revisit my original assessments from the other week in terms of how well each player performed against Leeds. Yes, I know they are top so maybe it’s not a fair comparison in terms of the average Premier League standard. But overall the only conclusion is that we were badly outclassed. Here goes (original comments in brackets) …

Weaver: (Yes, a definite) Could maybe have dealt with some of the crosses a bit better, but no denying he kept the score down!
Edghill: (No on balance) Reasonably competent but he got badly caught out of position a few times, and his crossing is poor.
Wiekens: (Yes, not perfect but should be good enough) Nuff said.
Jobson: (No, I think he’d be badly found out by Premier League forwards) Ok it was Leeds but he was given a bit of a runaround overall.
Granville: (No, decent player but he’s not Premier League quality) He was not in the same class as most of the Leeds team.
Bishop: (Yes but only if the team is doing well) Clearly his goal was superb, but otherwise got little change out of Leeds.
Whitley: (Maybe… but he’ll never be a star) He tried hard, and played no worse than most.
Horlock: (Yes on balance, good enough for a Premier League mid-table team) I think his performance just about proved this.
Kennedy: (Yes) Got a couple of decent crosses in, but never caused Leeds too much panic.
Grant: (Yes) I didn’t really notice him contributing too much – may have to revise my assessment downwards a little.
Dickov: (No, most Premier League defences would keep him firmly in their pockets) I thought his industry gave us the best chance of snatching a goal back, particularly late on. But on the other hand, how many chances did he actually create? [Clue – less than 1]. I don’t think he managed to get out of Leeds’ pocket overall.
Goater: (It’s a no) Be honest, his goal was miles offside. Other than that he didn’t worry Leeds much really.
Peacock: (Doubt it) He did nothing.
Royle: (Yes, definitely Premier League quality) To be honest I was a bit unsure about the tactics here. It was obvious from the start that we were over-run in midfield, so I don’t know why Joe didn’t put this right at half time – or before. We badly needed another midfield body, even at the expense of Kennedy, or pulling Dickov right back. In fact in hindsight it may have been better to start with just 1 up front and play a tighter game. The suspicion nags at me – did Joe do it on purpose knowing that the last thing he wanted was a distracting cup run (No I didn’t say that – you definitely imagined it)?

It worries me now because if we do get promoted then the implications of this result will nag away at us unless we get a few points under our belt early in the season. To be honest I’d expect the team topping Division 1 to give Leeds a harsher test overall than we did, and to play less naïvely. I know there are a lot worse teams in the Premier League – e.g. Southampton, but even against them we basically huffed and puffed but still lost didn’t we? Somebody summed it up perfectly in the last MCIVTA – if we’re Premier League quality, then how come we have to scramble a draw against Crewe? Couldn’t put it better myself.

So in summary, it’s a pity that Leeds aren’t called “Hedog United” because the perfect acronym could have been:

H  ammered
E  asily
D  espite
O  utstanding
G  oal

But in reality it would have to be:

L  ost as
E  xpected.
E  very
D  efender
S  tretched.

OPINION – LEEDS GAME

A great performance in the first half from City, but the goal from Leeds just before half time came at a crucial time.

The only way one can use this game as a yardstick is how far are we from being a Premier League Championship side (not a Premier League side). This game can be a very good lesson for the club, where we have a weakness, and where we have strengths. Like Joe said before the game it’s the Fulham game next week that’s more important.

I do still think City are good enough to be a Premier League team, after all we were playing the top team Leeds. Once we get to the Premier League, the Club will then have to re-evaluate. But first things first, we are not in the Premier League yet, it’s a long road to go.

Against Leeds I felt proud of City in the first half but we just were not the same class in the second half. It would have been nice to have had a run in the F.A. Cup, but promotion is our main thing, let’s get back to our main objective. The club have brought in some new players who down the road will help the side get better; remember the old saying “Rome was not built in a day!”

OPINION – LEEDS ISSUES

First of all best wishes to all your subscribers and the thousands more non-registered readers of your bulletins. I was at the Leeds game yesterday and feel I must air some issues that are festering around the academy of footballing excellence of late.

First of all I didn’t think we played to our full potential yesterday but nevertheless gave the current best team in the country (based on league position) a fright. We didn’t get into them enough and the omission of Jamie Pollock from the starting line up mean’t we had no natural leader on the pitch. He isn’t the greatest footballer in the world as we all know but he wears his heart on his sleeve and will fight for every lost cause and so on. Instead, Joe decided to put Whitley on the bench and introduced him with 30 minutes to go; he can’t control, pass, shoot or generally play football but to his credit he is a ‘spoiler’ and managed to start getting into Leeds’ midfield more than anyone else had done all game but how he is selected instead of Pollock or Michael Brown in that position is beyond me.

Next is the constant abuse of Reg; again he isn’t the best footballer in the world but is an excellent defender who also at the minute due to the lack of form of Terry Cooke is asked to bomb forward at every opportunity down the right wing and is then unfairly slagged off when he is out of position. I cannot accept people booing or constantly slagging off players, it doesn’t do his confidence any good, it doesn’t do the team any good and if anything it gives the opposition advantage in thinking that they have ‘turned’ the crowd on the team. No one can question Joe’s job so far at the helm and therefore we must trust his judgement no matter how much it differs from our own 32,000 differing opinions and get behind all 11 players who don the blue shirt. You didn’t hear any boos for Bishop yesterday when his usual high standard of passing dropped or when Mark Kennedy didn’t get one decent ball into the opposing area; he can never do it against a decent right back e.g. when we played Wolves he was the same but the more I see him the more I see a Peter Barnes type player. If it wasn’t for Bob Taylor having injury problems and ‘flu then surely Mark Kennedy’s nickname must be sicknote!

Still, yesterday we couldn’t compete with the best in the Premiership but surely the team would have beaten the bottom nine clubs in the division above? We need a decent centre half i.e. Nick Fenton should be blooded, we also need a quality midfielder, hopefully Grant will fulfil that rôle and also a striker. Bob Taylor has been at the club 2 months and has hardly figured, Dickov is never going to do it as a striker, I much prefer him spearheading a diamond midfield and has anyone ever seen Lee Peacock enter the opposition’s penalty area? Goater gets better and better with every game, he has his critics but his link up play is currently second to none and his usual touch like a rapist has deserted him for a much better, more controlled one. He beat Radebe hands down and scored against them, he also scored two against Southampton and I think the question is not whether or not he is good enough for the Premiership but will Premiership defenders be able to cope with his unorthordox style?

Anyway, happy near year to all Blues and let’s hope this year is as good for us as the last one was and please get behind the team, this isn’t the Swamp! City till I die.

OPINION – PETER LLEWELLYN’S COMMENT’S

How refreshing to read someone writing with both passion and intelligence about City and their chances in the Premiership (If and When). Far too often people manage one but not the other. I completely agree that team spirit is the defining factor in a winning team. How many teams have we seen that get themselves into the Premiership and then pay out vast sums of money for international ‘mercenaries’ thus crippling the cashflow and destroying the team spirit (Middlesbrough spring to mind here)?

OPINION – EDGHILL AND KENNEDY

Just thought I’d react to a couple of comments in the last MCIVTA which amazed me. Firstly, Richard Edghill. OK, he should not be captain as he is an underconfident, introverted guy who does not inspire others. Nev James is right to say that his crossing is suspect and that he has scored only one goal, but he’s a right-back! These are not essential qualities in a defender. We don’t scream abuse at Kennedy for not tackling very often. Or at Morrison for not scoring enough. I accept that Edgy is guilty of losing concentration at times; hence he makes mistakes. Yet Schmeichel made loads of mistakes and was still regarded the best ‘keeper in the world. Edgy is a superb defender, his defending qualities are Premiership class. He was outstanding, possibly man of the match at Wembley. His penalty all but sealed our promotion and his kissing of the badge showed his love of the club, a fact that SuperKev recently confirmed. He was outstanding for the first few months this season but has lost a bit of form of late. He has his faults but is undoubtedly worth his place in the team. After all, who is going to argue with Joe Royle’s judgement? If he wasn’t up to it, Joe wouldn’t play him every week.

Second comment was probably noticed by many others about Kennedy. Obviously Paul Carey hasn’t watched City much this season. Certainly Kennedy before his injury was the best player in the 1st Divison and Joe was right in saying that if he was English he would make the England team. I believe our chances of promotion rest on Kennedy’s fitness and form. If he plays like he was doing we will be promoted. But why is there still no chant for him?

OPINION – THE SQUAD

Seems to me like the FA Cup fourth round is the perfect yardstick for City’s Premiership ambitions, especially when we can compare it to Leeds’ performance against the rockbottom teams (though I really liked Andy Noise’s system). So here goes, a combined matchview and opinion:

Weaver: the guy is class, and I can’t think of any Premiership team who wouldn’t love to have him in their ranks. I dread to think of what might have happened had Tommy Wright been in goal – nonetheless, a couple of mistakes (e.g. not coming out for the cross that led to the second Leeds goal) show Weaver is still not the finished product. Still, a big yes.

Centre backs – Kewell and Smith just ran through them like hot knives and Jobson really was nowhere in the game. Wiekens had a few good moments but though I really like him as a player, this match showed up his limitations. Both put in too few challenges (like Watford’s defence) and their interventions too often went straight back to a Leeds player. The defining moment for me was Kewell’s first goal, when neither got anywhere near the ball and left Weaver exposed.
Jobson: not Premiership material.
Wiekens: borderline.

Full backs – Edghill did have some difficulty with Wilcox, but he did okay in the circumstances (i.e. the team folding up all around him). Granville was not half bad – ISTR more crosses coming in from Edghill’s flank, so he must have coped alright with Harte and McPhail, and he only looked uncomfortable when Kewell drifted right.
Both: borderline.

Midfield – Right away when I saw Royle’s lineup I knew we’d lost it, for our midfield was so comprehensively going to be sliced apart; and so it proved. Leeds controlled the middle of the park, and after the surprise was lost, there was only one way down. Grant and Bishop together are simply too lightweight; the former especially looked short of match fitness, for I don’t remember him doing anything useful. Bish’s goal was absolutely dripping class but how long more can he go on? Horlock looked not half bad though.
Grant: not as yet.
Bishop: doubts.
Horlock: will probably make it.
Jeff Whitley: borderline.

Attack – Besides an offside goal, they looked really lightweight and Woodgate and Radebe had Dickov and Goater in their pockets all match. Kennedy didn’t look out of place, but he was still made to look fairly ordinary. Peacock’s shot that didn’t hit the corner flag was definitive.
Dickov: no.
Goater: doubts.
Kennedy: yes.
Peacock: no.

So it seems down to that perennial thing: we need a new spine – a centre back, a midfielder and a striker. In the meantime, some work on possession – passing crisply and accurately, as well as making defensive headers and clearances to our own players please – would not go amiss. We’d beat Bradford okay, but that’s not much to crow about is it?

OPINION – DICKOV

I am a fan of Paul Dickov. I love him for his fire, his energy and his fighting spirit but the recent debate between Pete Share and David Kilroy has given me pause for thought. Yes, Dickov’s goal was an important goal. It is the one that went in in slow motion; it is the one that makes us cry; it is the one we will always remember – but, without Horlock’s before it, it would have been worthless. Indeed, it might never have happened at all. So, perhaps, Horlock’s is the more important?

REQUEST – VICTORIA BC BLUES

I saw Dafydd Goronwy-Roberts’ mail in the last McVittee regarding the Leeds Cup tie. And here I was thinking I was the only Blue in BC. The problem is I’m in Victoria – across the water from Vancouver – and events in the big city require a ferry ride and, usually, an overnight stay.

Are there any Blues in Victoria who would be interested in similar gatherings and do they know which bars have live or tape delayed footy?

Best wishes to City fans everywhere.

REQUEST – BULGARIAN BLUE

I am writing to you from Bulgaria. My name is Jordan and I am a 25 years old City supporter. I desperately need a pen friend. My county is so far away from my favourites. If you can help me please send me note at the e-mail of one friend of mine – Nik: nmichaylov@yahoo.com

He is Leeds United supporter. Sunday we will watching together Man City – Leeds United live on TV.

My address:
Jordan Jordanov,
“Felix Canitc”
9 Varna 9002
Bulgaria

CARICATURE OFFER

Hi! I’m George Brooks; would you or any of the fans like a full colour A4 caricature of their favourite player for just £4.99 E-Mailed or posted P&P free? Check out my home page at http://georgebrooks.homepage.com/ or E-Mail me at the address below.

BLUE HUMOUR

In response to an article on David Feck-him wearing his anorexic wife’s underwear:

He got sent off because his ‘tackle’ was too high!

WHY BLUE?

I have been contemplating submitting a Why Blue for some time but never quite got round to it. However, Phil Jones’ recent posting contains so many parallels to my own story that I have been prompted to action.

I was born in 1965 and brought up in South Manchester in an ostensibly Red household by parents who had never, to my knowledge, been to a football match in their lives, and certainly not during my lifetime. As a child, when asked the question, “What team do you support?” I could never remember their name. I knew there were two local top flight teams. I knew that both their names began with “Manchester”. I knew that Georgie Best played for one of them and I knew that was the one we supported in our house. So that was my answer: “The one that Georgie Best plays for”.

I may gradually have come to know their name (although I won’t mention it here) and George’s playing days came to an end but, subject to that, the situation remained the same for a good few years. I loved football. I was nominally Red but I had never been to a football match in my life. At that time, you could still get a ticket for matches at the ground I thought I wanted to visit and I would pester dad to take me. “Football hooliganism” was the excuse given for the refusal. In fact, it may have been a valid factor in the decision but I suspect that more was due to dad’s “why on earth would I trek all the way over there and pay when I can watch them on the telly for nowt?” mentality.

Then “uncle David” came to the rescue. Some of you, particularly anyone who studied at Manchester University or lives in Fallowfield, might know him: David Taylor of Taylor’s Newsagents, opposite Owens Park. In his youth, he had been on the Red team’s books but, as a supporter, he was a Blue. More importantly, during the mid-late 70’s he was a Maine Road regular and he offered to take me. My view was “it’s a football match and it’ll be good for a laugh”. I managed to persuade dad to allow it and off we went. I too became a Maine Road regular – though still, initially I thought, a Red one.

I have surmised that I must have started to attend the Academy in the 1976-7 season, missing out on the League Cup win and joining, basically, just at the time the rot set in (yes, of course, I blame myself. I am also the blame for the abolition of the minimum student grant and the crash in the London property market).

As a (nominal) Red, initially I quite enjoyed City’s poor form. A loss brought me more pleasure than a win and I would tease uncle David and my other City mates about their team’s lowly performance. Then came the Tottenham home game. If I’d not lent my copy of Bleak and Blue (a great read) to Uncle David, I could tell you exactly when, but I think it was the 1997/8 season. For some reason I didn’t go to the game and I remember watching the results on the news. City had won 5-something (again, I need Bleak and Blue for accurate details but you get the general picture). I could not believe it and I was so delighted for the Blue boys that I have supported them ever since.

The degree of my support has waivered, generally with my geographical location rather than with the success or otherwise of the team. Whenever I have lived in and around Manchester I have been a regular home game attendee. During my time backpacking in Australia/NZ in 1990/91 there were regular drunken calls home in the early hours of Sunday morning (Australian time) to get the result – which wasn’t always remembered. I spent a lot of years in London when I would press anyone I could into coming to watch City play at the London venues. I spent 1993-95 in New York and the telephone results service was resumed. During 1996-98 I was back in Manchester, living not five minutes walk from the ground. City were cr*p but I loved them. I went and I suffered. Finally, I could stand it no more and upped sticks and moved here, to the other side of the world, and as if by magic City are back on track. So, you all have me to thank. Indeed, I shoulder the responsibility for the emotional roller coaster which was the play off final – I returned for the game. Without me, they’d have romped it. So, for the good of the Club I am now forced to stay here (oh it’s tough!).

The irony is that, as a result of McVittee and the MCFC website, I probably now know more about the goings on at the Club than I ever did when I lived right there. I am, I think, a member of the Sydney branch of the Supporters’ Club (am I, Bill?) and a more ardent fan than at any stage in my supporting life – all without the benefit – which it hasn’t always been – of seeing them play live. I am sent videos of any of Sky’s coverage which, despite the recent research, I like to think does not present an accurate picture. Whilst not wishing to jinx it from 12,000 miles away, I can say that for the first time in 23 Bleak and Blue years I think things are right and feel confident, rather than merely the usual hopeful/optimistic, that things will go well. There is a different feel about the Club and, to me, it was epitomised in the recent Wembley game, just as being a City fan was epitomised in the reaction to it. The events of that day were so different to events at the same venue in 1981 (where I was also in attendance and where I also cried – but for very different reasons). Anyway, that really is my very longwinded way of saying that, despite dodgy beginnings, I am City Till I Die!

RESULTS

Recent results to 10 January 2000 inclusive.

8 January 2000

Norwich City          2 - 2  Barnsley

League table to 9 January 2000 inclusive.

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pts
 1 Manchester City 26 10  0  3 27 10  6  4  3 13 11 16  4  6 40 21  19  52
 2 Charlton Ath.   25  9  2  2 24 11  6  3  3 21 15 15  5  5 45 26  19  50
 3 Ipswich Town    26 10  1  2 26 12  4  6  3 17 15 14  7  5 43 27  16  49
 4 Barnsley        26 10  1  2 31 13  5  3  5 21 25 15  4  7 52 38  14  49
 5 Huddersfield T. 26 10  2  1 33 12  4  3  6 11 15 14  5  7 44 27  17  47
 6 Stockport C.    26  7  5  1 23 16  4  2  7  9 19 11  7  8 32 35  -3  40
 7 QPR             26  6  7  0 20 12  4  2  7 15 18 10  9  7 35 30   5  39
 8 Fulham          26  6  5  2 12  7  3  7  3 13 13  9 12  5 25 20   5  39
 9 Norwich City    26  8  2  3 17 12  2  6  5 10 13 10  8  8 27 25   2  38
10 Blackburn R.    25  6  5  2 19 11  3  5  4 13 14  9 10  6 32 25   7  37
11 Wolves          25  6  4  2 18 10  3  5  5 11 15  9  9  7 29 25   4  36
12 Birmingham City 25  7  3  2 22 11  2  5  6 12 17  9  8  8 34 28   6  35
13 Tranmere Rovers 26  7  3  3 23 15  3  2  8 14 22 10  5 11 37 37   0  35
14 Bolton Wndrs    25  6  4  3 22 16  2  4  6 11 14  8  8  9 33 30   3  32
15 Crystal Palace  26  6  5  2 23 12  2  3  8 13 29  8  8 10 36 41  -5  32
16 Sheff. United   26  6  3  4 19 14  2  4  7 14 27  8  7 11 33 41  -8  31
17 Nottm Forest    26  6  5  2 18 10  1  2 10  8 22  7  7 12 26 32  -6  28
18 Crewe Alex.     26  5  5  3 12 10  2  2  9 13 23  7  7 12 25 33  -8  28
19 West Brom A.    26  2  7  4 12 15  3  5  5 12 17  5 12  9 24 32  -8  27
20 Grimsby Town    26  6  4  3 16 17  1  2 10 11 28  7  6 13 27 45 -18  27
21 Port Vale       25  4  2  6 12 14  1  6  6 16 22  5  8 12 28 36  -8  23
22 Portsmouth      26  4  5  4 17 13  1  3  9 11 28  5  8 13 28 41 -13  23
23 Walsall         26  3  4  6 12 16  2  3  8 14 26  5  7 14 26 42 -16  22
24 Swindon Town    26  2  6  5 12 20  1  3  9  6 22  3  9 14 18 42 -24  18

WWW MANCHESTER CITY SUPPORTERS’ HOME PAGE:
http://www.uit.no/mancity/

MCIVTA ADDRESSES:
Contributions: Ashley – mcivta@tollbar.u-net.com
News & Rumours: Peter – brophy_peter@hotmail.com
Subscriptions: Steve – sbolton@buxtonrd.u-net.com
Technical Problems: Paul – paul@city-fan.org

DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in MCIVTA are entirely those of the subscribersand there is no intention to represent these opinions as being thoseof Manchester City Football Club, nor of any of the companies anduniversities by whom the subscribers are employed. It is not inany way whatsoever connected to the club or any other relatedorganisation and is simply a group of supporters using this mediumas a means of disseminating news and exchanging opinions.

Ashley Birch, mcivta@tollbar.u-net.com

Editor: