Newsletter #665

The Editor | December 7, 2000 | Newsletter | No Comments

Striker speculation continues apace, though it remains unclear just exactly who – from the many – the club have a genuine interest in. Take your pick from two Ipswich forwards, an Icelander in London, a Dane and latest on the list, a Frenchman. The only solid news with respect to transfers is that Richard Jobson will be allowed to leave on a ‘free’.

This issue has a match report from our first reserve team victory over the Rags for quite some time; there’s a belated match report from the Chelsea game; Carol has reviewed the latest City magazine; and there’s news of what Andy Gray thinks of our own SWP. We also have three replies to the recent query on the missing names in the 1950’s song “Bless ’em all”. However, the person in the third line is different in each version! Anyone care to tell us which they think is correct? Perhaps a vote is needed 🙂

Next game: Everton at home, Saturday 9th December 2000

NEWS SUMMARY

No Bid for Eidur – But Search Goes On

Manchester City have been linked with several strikers this week as speculation has intensified over the possible signing of a new front man. But Joe Royle says that, contrary to some reports, the Blues did not bid for Eidur Gudjohnsen. City had been interested in Gudjohnsen last summer and the rumour revived in recent weeks. But Royle flatly denied that City had made the offer Chelsea this week claimed to have received for the Icelander. And the Blues’ boss says he’s pursuing “one or two” players “in a sensible, structured way” – though he’s refusing to name names. “I don’t expect other clubs to comment on our players,” he told the official club website at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/, “and quite honestly we have not made a bid for any of the players mentioned that has been refused.”

City to Watch Laslandes in UEFA Tie

It seems that Manchester City’s search for a new striker may now be focused abroad. But neither of the foreign front men mentioned earlier in the week is the name being touted on Thursday as a possible £2 million signing. City have this week taken Rennes forward Cedric Bardon on trial. And Dane Peter Madsen of Brondby has also been linked with the Blues, along with Ipswich pair James Scowcroft and David Johnson. But the official City website at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/ reports that the club will be represented at Thursday evening’s UEFA Cup clash between Bordeaux and Werder Bremen. And the man under the microscope will be the French outfit’s striker Lilian Laslandes, who has won five caps for France.

Unconfirmed Reports of Scowcroft Bid

Manchester City have been linked with David Johnson this week. But then local radio reports claimed that the Blues had made a £2 million bid for the Ipswich front man’s colleague James Scowcroft. Manchester station Piccadilly 1152 stated that the bid had been rejected by the Suffolk outfit but that talks were ongoing. However, the Blues’ hopes of reaching a deal could depend on whether the East Anglians complete the signing of Middlesbrough’s Alun Armstrong this week. The two clubs have agreed a fee for the ex-Stockport striker but the Geordie has yet to commit to the move amid speculation he is reluctant to relocate so far from his native north east. Meanwhile, City and Celtic are both said to be weighing up a move for Wimbledon’s John Hartson, though the player himself has so far only spoken of interest from the Glasgow outfit.

Dane to Arrive on Trial for Talks?

Manchester City already have one foreign striker at Maine Road on trial. And the Blues could soon be putting a second European front man through his paces if rumours are to be believed. Cedric Bardon of Rennes arrived at the start of the week in a bid to earn a permanent Maine Road contract. And after weekend newspaper reports in Denmark of City interest in Brondby’s Peter Madsen, it was claimed the 22-year-old may fly to Manchester later in the week. Some sources stated that this would be for a trial while others alleged that the purpose would be to hold transfer talks – but as there has been no further word on the matter as yet, it seems doubtful that either alternative is actually correct.

Mason on Trial at Dunfermline

Gary Mason’s Manchester City career looks to be over. But the Scottish midfielder may soon earn a move north of the border – if he first impresses in a short trial. Mason is training with Scottish Premier League outfit Dunfermline. And the 21-year-old can earn himself a loan deal if he catches the eye. The midfielder made an instant impact when handed his debut during City’s season in Division Two, but faded from contention and hasn’t featured in the Blues’ senior side since February 1999.

Jobbo Can Leave on a Free

Richard Jobson has returned to Manchester City after a loan spell at Watford. But the 37-year-old will be allowed to leave Maine Road for good on a free transfer if he can find himself a new club. After playing a pivotal rôle in last season’s promotion side, the former England squad man has fallen down the pecking order since Joe Royle signed several new defenders. And Royle hopes the former Oldham man could be a valuable asset to the right club. “It will help him get regular football,” said the City boss. “He’s 37 but there’s a couple of years left in Jobbo yet.”

Boss Wants Grant to Go and Get Fit

Tony Grant has left Manchester City for a loan stint at West Bromwich Albion. But talk that the midfielder’s days at Maine Road could be numbered appears to be wide of the mark, with Joe Royle saying he wants the ex-Everton man to come back and compete for a senior place. Royle was unhappy with Grant’s fitness last term, and ordered the midfielder to report back early for pre-season training. But the player was unable to command a place in the City team at the start of the campaign, and then suffered injury problems. However, the Blues’ boss is not giving up on the 26-year-old and hopes he’ll return revitalised from his spell with the First Division promotion contenders. “I have said to Tony that it is about time that marvellous talent of his transmitted itself to the Premier League on a full time basis,” the City manager told the club’s official website. “He has to go and get fit.”

Royle Still Optimistic Over Current Prospects

Joe Royle is disappointed that his Manchester City side have slipped towards the bottom of the Premier League. But the Blues’ boss remains optimistic over his side’s prospects for the campaign. Royle says that his team could well have emerged from Sunday’s trip to Chelsea with at least a point if lady luck had been smiling on City. And he believes that a change in fortune will be just around the corner. “Heads have not dropped,” he told the club’s official website at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/. “We took the game to Chelsea but we did not have a break or decision in ninety minutes which went our way, so we just need a break.”

Weaver – Spirit Will See Us Through

Manchester City may have lost six successive league games in a disastrous current run. But Nick Weaver says the spirit in the Maine Road camp is as good as ever. City have brought in several new faces to help the club adjust to the demands of the Premier League. And that has led some outside observers to question whether the Blues still have the same fighting qualities that were such an integral part of the revival of the previous two seasons. But Weaver is unequivocal. “Anyone who questions the spirit here does not know us well enough,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “We have never had a problem with being a unit and the new players who have come in are all great lads.”

Royle – Fans Appreciate Players’ Efforts

Manchester City fans might be expected to be unhappy with their side’s current efforts, with the Blues having suffered six successive league defeats. But Joe Royle is delighted with the supporters’ backing – and feels the players’ hard work is appreciated by the Maine Road faithful. Royle was delighted by the vocal encouragement the Blues received in Sunday’s match at Chelsea, when the travelling City army vociferously encouraged the team even at two goals down. And he says the players’ work-rate is the key. “The fans were terrific at Stamford Bridge,” reflected the City manager. “They got behind us and could see that we were having a go. If they’ve got 11 lads out there giving their all they will back them.”

Veteran Tips Wright-Phillips for the Top

Richard Jobson played with Shaun Wright-Phillips in Manchester City’s reserve side earlier this season. And the veteran defender saw enough signs of the youngster’s ability not to be surprised at his impact after earning his Premiership chance. Wright-Phillips was introduced to the City line-up at West Ham last month. And though the Blues lost that game and each of their three league encounters since, the 19-year-old has made a big impression on fans and neutral observers alike. After studying from close quarters, Jobson feels the emerging star has both the talent and attitude to go right to the top. “There is a real buzz goes about the stadium when he gets the ball,” said the ex-Oldham defender. “It is obvious that he not only has great talent but is also a level headed young man.”

Joe Escapes FA Rap

Joe Royle had a half-time confrontation with the referee as City lost at Chelsea last Sunday. But the Blues’ boss will not be facing any FA charges arising from the incident. Royle was angered by a first-half free-kick count of ten awards against his team compared to only three against the home side. And the City manager left Dermot Gallagher in no doubt as to his view of the official’s performance. However, Gallagher has not mentioned the flashpoint in his match report, meaning no action will be taken.

Stolen Tickets Warning for Villa Clash

Manchester City visit Aston Villa later this month. And Blues’ fans have been warned not to buy stolen tickets for the Villa Park clash. A consignment of around 3,000 tickets was stolen from a distribution depot in Manchester in November, and are now reportedly being sold through the black market. The tickets in question are green and bear the letter ‘R’, and supporters attempting to gain admission with such tickets will be refused entry to the stadium. Fans are advised to purchase tickets for the game from official outlets only.

Youth Side Faces Replay

Manchester City’s youngsters face an FA Youth Cup replay. The Blues drew 1-1 with Fulham at Maine Road in Monday’s third-round tie. Gary Browne equalised for City after the Londoners had taken the lead, but the Blues will now face a difficult task to progress to the next stage. The replay will take place on Tuesday, 12 December and the eventual winners will earn a trip to Luton in the fourth round.

City Reserves Win Mini-Derby

Manchester City beat Manchester United 2-1 in last night’s FA Premier League reserve match at Hyde. It was a second successive win for the Blues’ second string, and a first home success of the campaign. It was youngster Chris Shuker who was the hero as City followed up the win at Aston Villa with a welcome success over the Reds. The winger scored twice in the opening six minutes to give his side a flying start. And though United halved the arrears on the stroke of half time through Bojan Djordic, the home side were good value for their win in a game played in torrential rain. Transfer-listed pair Gareth Taylor and Terry Cooke missed the game through minor injuries, but Andy Morrison, Richard Dunne, Ian Bishop and Danny Granville all featured for the Blues. City’s next reserve game will take place on Monday, 11 December away to Bradford.

Goater-Wanchope Pairing Given Another Run-Out

Shaun Goater and Paulo Wanchope were given their first league start together as City visited Chelsea last week. And even though Joe Royle substituted Wanchope at half-time for tactical reasons, the pairing will be given another chance against Everton on Saturday. Royle welcomes his former employers to Maine Road knowing that a win is crucial to his current club. But despite suffering a sixth successive league defeat at Stamford Bridge, it’s thought that the Blues boss will select a substantially similar line-up to the one which almost snatched a draw against the Londoners – including the strike duo which started the game. However, one or two media sources reckon Richard Dunne may be handed a recall against the team he left just two months ago; if this is correct, Laurent Charvet and Spencer Prior would appear to be the men whose places are most at risk.

Sulky Horlock Keeps His Place

Kevin Horlock had his first league start for over two months when he was restored to the Manchester City line-up against Chelsea last weekend. And the midfielder will keep his place when Everton visit Maine Road on Saturday. Horlock was dropped after the Blues’ home defeat against Newcastle at the end of September. And the former Swindon man was unhappy at his repeated omission, twice asking for clear-the-air talks with Joe Royle, who said the player ‘sulked’ while he was out of contention. But the City manager always wanted to retain the 28-year-old’s services, and was delighted with Northern Ireland international’s response when given a chance at Stamford Bridge – a display which will earn him a starting place against Everton. “I thought Kevin had his best game since he has been here on Sunday in terms of his quality with the ball,” explained the Blues’ boss. “Kevin is a smashing lad and very popular in the dressing room. I never wanted him to go and I don’t want him to go now.”

eBLUEPRINT

The original City fanzine is now online at http://www.e-blueprint.co.uk/ with a top City news service, fans’ forum, online poll and new features set to be added over the coming weeks. Anyone wishing to contribute, advertise supporters’ meetings or make general comments should contact Frank Newton by e-mail at Frank@bluecoll.demon.co.uk.

Late News: Despite completing the signing of Middlesbrough’s Alun Armstrong on Thursday, Ipswich manager George Burley has said that neither David Johnson or James Scowcroft is for sale. Meanwhile Thursday’s Manchester Evening News has produced a list of the strikers the paper thinks may be on Joe Royle’s shopping list. In addition to the Ipswich pair, the articles mentions Eidur Gudjohnsen, Chris Armstrong of Spurs and latest rumoured target Lilian Laslandes.

Peter Brophy (peterbrophy@mancity.net)

MATCH VIEW – RESERVES GAME MAN CITY vs. MAN UTD

You know City reserves are playing at Hyde when, after a fine day, it suddenly starts lashing down at about 5pm. True to form I arrived rather wet at Ewen Fields to be greeted by a rainsoaked pitch and some 2,000 other drenched souls. The Rags should have felt at home with the obvious swamp-like conditions. I hoped that this was not to prove the usual second string “derby” where the visitors from across town have beaten us 5-1 or so on the last 3 occasions I have had the misfortune to witness. Coupled with the fact that we have failed to win a single home reserve game so far this season, things (floodlights excepted) were not looking bright.

City lined up with the usual mix of academy boys, first team fringe and first teamers. It was good to see Morrison back in action, but a surprising inclusion for me was Dunne. Can’t tell you who was playing for our neighbours apart from David May and the boy Luke they keep raving about, rest of their team seemed to be a bunch none of their fans had ever heard of either.

The game started with City having all the possession. We were just settling in and wondering how many of the opposition fans would be sat snugly at home with their cocoa watching the game on MUTV when scramble in the box and Chris Shuker scores on 4 minutes. No sooner had we had chance to finish congratulating ourselves than “City’s second goal on 5 minutes scored by Chris Shuker”. Can’t tell you how fantastic that sounded.

The Reds then started their repertoire of songs and chants consisting mainly of the tasteful Russian submarine variety and variations of the 24 years theme together with the Busby Boys and 12 days of Eric Cantona (can they come up with nothing new?). After 10 minutes, silence; somebody obviously rewound the tape so they could play it again (this continued all match). We let them carry on – after all they aren’t allowed to sing down at The Swamp. What was noticable however were that, despite their usual claims, there were no Munich chants from the Blues. So not only were we 2-0 up and still with all the possession, but obviously superior in the moral stakes too.

Plenty more chances came and it was quite honestly a better game than the Wimbledon performance last week. Morrison conceded a free kick towards the end of the first half and they scored (the local lad Djordic). In the second half Dunfield came on for Bishop and we had about three more good scoring chances, with Shuker being willed on to get his hattrick and certainly trying hard to do so, both Etuhu and Mike had good chances which hit the woodwork. It wasn’t to be but fair to say that we were all over them. Wright made a couple of fine saves to preserve the scoreline.

Solid performances (if you’ll excuse the pun) by Morrison and Dunne, but the bright sparks were obviously Shuker and I was pleased to see young Dixon Etuhu getting a good game, he has struggled previously but hopefully here’s another prospect to watch out for.

Excuses after the game included “well most of the lads are in Austria”, “it’s only a reserves game” and the like but City outplayed them easily given they had the likes of May, Wilson, Chadwick playing. My favourite off-pitch moments the night were “Chadwick: you make Phil Neville look like Brad Pitt” and Morrison taking the p!ss out of the Reds when they were giving him the pie songs. You could tell they’d never do it to his face though!

Heidi Pickup (heidi@mancity.net)

BELATED MATCHVIEW

Lack of a cutting edge – not just up front!

Watching from home, I noticed that in the first half Chelsea played three at the back to stifle the Goat and One Chop. Why did Joe not change to Leicester tactics any sooner? We must realise that there is a lack of quality in our finishing and as we can see, it only takes one to win a game. We must find more composure with the final ball. We can have all the possession in the world but if you cannot take the chances then you are finished. If I had played against City, I would currently give them the ball and let them play because at Premiership level they cannot finish! As I write it is when Chelsea put the ball in the net, but Hasselbaink was offside. Individual moments – City having all the possession in the second half.

Ratings:

Nicky – What does he have to do really except pick the ball out of the net? Missed the cross for the Desailly header that Danny cleared.
Charvet – Useless – single moments can cost 3 points, what is it with the right back position? He seems to be our Jonah! Throw in off Prior for the goal, and the attack in the first half when he was rubbish – Alfie to right back whether he likes it or not!
Prior – Wrong position for the goal, but apart from that not bad.
Howey – Reasonably comfortable.
Danny – Super Danny was our best player in the first half, shame he came off.
SWP – could be the bug but not the speed that I saw from the derby match. I think got fed up with the lack of service from Charvet. Got no down the line service.

As I write we score!

Horlock – Shot helps Dicky score. Crossing a little poor in the first half. Better work rate in the second.
Whitley – Too quiet – against a young opposing midfield he was not competitive enough! He let Melchiot run for Hasselbaink’s goal.
Alfie – For the team’s sake he must play right back at the moment or he must play with someone else who therefore allows him to go forward. Now he is caught in two minds! With Wiekens sitting he was better and could go forward.
One Chop – One or two moments in the first half but the right man to go off.
Goater – Played well, second half target for the diddy duo, good second half (SWP just shoots to the side in extra time – see what I mean about finishing!).

Subs:
Dicky – Better when he came on, tempo increased – determination.
Wiekens – Why was he not on from the beginning?

Finishing is the key word if we are to stay up. Quote Andy Gray – If City had a finisher like Hasselbaink we would be going away with a point! Quote George Burley – We need better finishing!

Comments appreciated from a frustrated fan!

CTID! Graham Lord (gooch@spidernet.com.cy)

REDDISH CSA

The next meeting of the Reddish branch of the Centenary Supporters’ Association will be on Thursday 14th December at The Ash Hotel, Manchester Road, Stockport starting at 8.00pm. Our guests for the evening will be Peter Barnes and Joe Corrigan along with Ian Cheeseman from BBC GMR. Admission is a £1 for members and £2 for non-members and for this you get a free raffle and hotpot supper. As usual all Blues are welcome.

Howard Burr, Secretary (T: 0161 292 2525 E: reddishblues@btinternet.com)

CITY MAGAZINE REVIEW – NOVEMBER 2000 – FRONT COVER: RICHARD DUNNE

The Dunne Thing – Mike Barnett’s article on Richard Dunne

This boy is seriously solid. “A puddin’!” remarked ‘im indoors. Some people are never pleased! I thought Andy Morrison was someone you wouldn’t want to meet on a dark night, but Master Dunne (and M. Charvet for that matter) could also come under the same “heading”! Richard is another one of Joe’s “old boys” but also a product of the now famous Home Farm club, getting his Everton début at the relatively tender age of 17 in the FA Cup at Swindon. His career faltered somewhat until Walter Smith came along and he then went on to play over 70 first team matches. Richard, at the time of the article, has 6 full Republic caps and, since the article was written, has won the FAI Young Player of the Year award. However, Richard felt he was being played out of position, feeling more comfy at centre-back instead of full-back (no change there then!) so he was fifth choice centre-back but first choice right back! As we all now Richard is currently filling in at right back (when picked) but has been promised a chance at centre-back when the opportunity arises.

Laurent Charvet Poster

As mentioned above, would you want to meet him on a dark night? Nah, thought not!

I am the Resurrection – Interview with Dicky

Mr McAngry or McDicky as he’s known in our household – what a little star! The last few weeks have been great for him and I, for one, am dead chuffed for him. He may not be a leading goalscorer but boy can he pop up when you need him! Dicky says that he enjoyed working with George Weah, feeling that he was frustrated at not being able to hold down a regular spot. He admits he couldn’t get to his first Scotland training session fast enough and that everyone was very pleased for him. Fortunately he and Danny Tiatto didn’t quite get to meet up at the Scotland vs. Australia game, which Australia won 2-0; if they had, I wonder what the outcome would have been! And I bet it would have hurt!

Weahtogo

I must admit that I was dead chuffed and almost incredulous when it was reported early one morning on Key 103 that we were about to sign George Weah – Weah? Nah, can’t be right! Oh well it must be! I was also excited at the prospect of seeing him make his début in the now infamous pre-season testimonial at Stockport. I also thought he played OK when he did make the team in the Premiership. However, it was evident IMHO that Joe wasn’t going to make the same mistake, if that’s the right word, with George as he felt was made when Gio was in the team. Also, he wasn’t about to let a player tell him he was to be in every starting line up as it was rumoured Jimmy Floyd did to Luca Vialli! You could sense George’s frustration at not being in every starting line up although as per Mike’s article Joe did intimate that football is now more a squad game than just the same 11 every week. I agree with Mike’s comment that the final straw may have been in the win against Bradford when he didn’t make the starting line up and the reaction from the crowd with the Goat did a quick warm up to keep us all quiet after calling for him to come on! I must admit I didn’t realise that George was due to appear on Soccer Sunday on Granada (I always tend to miss it ’cause I’m watching the Sky coverage!) and that was when it emerged he was on his bike! What I did find disappointing though were the comments George made as he left – it wasn’t necessary. Let’s hope he finds life a bit better at Marseille.

Once a Blue, Always a Blue

This article has been covered elsewhere and also in MCIVTA if my memory is correct! But it was great to see that Uwe still thinks a lot of us. I wonder where Maurizio Gaudino is now…?

Memories are Made of This…

This was a very interesting article on the recent 3 day memorabilia exhibition – it was a shame I couldn’t get along myself!

AGM

Well documented elsewhere so I’ll quickly pass on to…

The Bell Tolled for Bell

No, not Colin but Michael Bell, the top racehorse trainer, although CB was responsible for MB turning Blue! Michael has saddled runners for Quinny and Franny Lee and he cites his first match against Coventry when he was about eight. Michael admits to giving Joe Royle some decent tips but it appears the tips have other ideas! Like most of us his most recent great memories are the play-off final which he attended and last season’s promotion at Blackburn which he couldn’t attend. Michael also feels we’ll do OK this season – Amen to that!

Awayday Blues

This time covered the Reddish Blues’ trip to the Arsenal game (didn’t make that one myself, think I may have been a good judge!) but the lads certainly enjoyed themselves apart from the result!

Here’s hoping I can get December’s done before Christmas!

Carol Darvill (carold@city-fan.org)

THERE’S NO POINT

You get no points for being in the Premier League 2 years after having to play away at Chesterfield.

You get no points for mounting a barnstorming 2nd half display after going 2 down.

You get no points for being ‘too good to be relegated’.

You get no points for thinking there are 3 worse teams in the Premier League.

You get no points for shooting your mouth off in the pre-match propaganda war (Alfie learn a lesson son, that’s twice now).

You get no points for being ‘back where you belong’.

You get no points for ‘almost’ dribbling right though the middle of a 6 man packed defence.

You get no points for wasting rare golden chances.

No.

You only get points for one thing, and we all know what that is. And God knows I want it to happen so much it almost hurts.

Steve Maclean (Stm1@stm1.freeserve.co.uk)

BLESS ‘EM ALL

David Lewis had a request for the rest of the “Bless’ em all” song. I think this is the other part you wanted.

Bless ’em all, Bless ’em all,
The long and the short and the tall.
Bless Roy Clarke who runs down the wing,
Bless Jack Dyson the penalty king,
With Leivers and Spurdle so tall,
And Roy Paul the king of ’em all.
So cheer up you light blues, you’re always the right blues,
And come on my lads Bless ’em all.

I hope I am right; I became a City fan mainly because of Roy Clarke and Roy Paul, two of City’s heroes of the past. Of course Jack Dyson and the rest of that team were all heroes as well (Trautmann in paticular with his broken neck!).

Ernie Barrow (BarrowLoyalBlue@aol.com)

BLUE TUNE

To David Lewis, the version of the song I remember, though I guess there were a few, was:

Bless ’em all, Bless ’em all
The long and the short and the tall
Bless Roy Little who blocks out the wing
Bless Jack Dyson the penalty king
And with Leivers and Spurdle so tall
And Johnstone the prince of them all
So cheer up you light blues etc.

If the Scum think Danny Tiatto can put it around a bit they should have seen Bill Leivers – definitely more stretchers on the pitch than coins if Leivers was around on a derby day!

Richard Cooper via Andy Noise (andrew.noise@cel-international.com)

SWP

I thought you’d be interested in the response I got back from Andy Gray in the ‘Ask Andy’ spot of sky.co.uk.

My question was…

Have you seen Manchester City’s Shaun Wright-Phillips play yet? Do you think the ‘pocket rocket’ is a potential England player of the future?

Andy Gray’s response…

From what I’ve seen of this lad in recent weeks, he appears to have everything. He’s fast, skilful, has a great shot and gets stuck in too. To be honest just how far he goes is down to him. He clearly has the ability and if he can keep progressing in the way he is right now then there is nothing to stop him from becoming an England international.

But, I reiterate the point, it’s up to him. He needs to mature, keep working hard and improving. If he can continue to do so then he has the world at his feet.

James Barber (james_barber@hp.com)

BALLY

Bally squeaks for England (oh, and by the way, he won the World Cup).

http://www.soccernet.com/england/news/2000/0501/20001207engballeriksson.html

Jeremy Poynton (j.poynton@cableinet.co.uk)

ESSEX AND SUFFOLK CSA NEWS

Essex & Suffolk branch of the CSA will be holding their Christmas drink up at Seabright’s Barn, Galleywood in Essex on Friday December 15th from 8:30 pm. The evening will comprise a Football trivia quiz with some Man City rounds and copious amounts of alchohol plus the usual raffle for City merchandise. All are welcome to join in.

For more information contact Paul Gallagher at address below.

As at 5th December 2000 the Essex & Suffolk predictions table looks like this:

PLAYER            SCORE
Duncan Madden-Ross  44
Ken Sinclair        40
Derrick Saddler     37
Dove Juniors        37
Will Pritchard      36
Wayne Prior         34
Mark Evans          32
Christopher Patrick 31
Gary Osman          30
Colin Little        29
Marie Saffill       28
Micheal Hornibrook  26
Paul Gallagher      26
Neil Paterson       25
Cliff Shelley       24
Neil Sinclair       22
Desmond Moran       22
Tony Dove           20
Steve Marriott      20
Angie Masters       19
Dave Ellison        18
Jackie Nugent       18
Dominic Flint       17
Tom Robertson       17
Perry Walsh         16
Sean Curley         16
Julie Myers         15
Bev & Dist CSA      14
Lee Dixie           14
Graham Locker       11
Ian Reeves           6

Paul Gallagher, Chairman, Essex & Suffolk CSA (paulg@mancity.net)

OPINION – JACK DYSON

I followed City home and away when Jack Dyson was a regular for us at number 10 i.e. around 1956 and 57. He was a very good player on the ball. Excellent dribbler. Could go past 3 or 4 men in a confined space in or around the penalty area. In fact, many of his goals would be as the result of a mazy run into the box. A bit like Shaun Wright-Phillips has been doing lately, but with a finish as well. I remember a typical Dyson goal at the Hawthorns, although I think we lost heavily that day!

The missing names in the song “Bless ’em all”, referred to in your last issue, were Paddy Fagan and Bobby Johnstone, I believe. Full words:

Bless ’em all, bless ’em all
The long and the short and the tall
Bless Paddy Fagan who runs up the wing,
Bless Jack Dyson the penalty king
And with Leivers and Spurdle so tall
And Johnstone the prince of them all
So cheer on the light blues
They’re always the right blues
Come on the lads, bless ’em all.

John Ogden (jdogden@breathemail.net)

OPINIONS

Mark Kennedy debate? What has happened to him? Last year he turned gamesfor us; why is Joe not picking him? For my part I have seen him play in afew games this year and his lack of commitment, confidence andresponsibility/taking charge of situations was of great concern. PerhapsLiverpool and Wimbledon were right!
Weaver – Now I know I am going to enter very shaky ground, however myobservations give me the feeling he is very unsure and going from last yearof being one of the team’s most consistent performers he has really notshined – yet! He has of course as a ‘keeper got time on his side but in ourfirst year back in the Prem we need consistent performers; is he up to it?
Signings – Why is all the news strikers? Apart from Haaland, Joe has notbought any midfielders. When we play it’s because of Bish or at Chelsea weplayed on the ground (2nd half), to feet and above all retained possession.So why are we not trying to buy accomplished/up and coming midfielders andtwo of them at least? Come on you City talent scouts, I am sure they are there,two of the Romanians that took Englandapart in Euro 2000 might be a good start!
Haaland/Captain – Mr. Likeable – Mr. Wilson. Well not in my opinionunlikable but not necessarily the inspirational leader a promoted teamneeds. He lacks a presence; that does not mean he does not work hard or infact give blood to the cause, however he lacks composure and as aconsequence is not able to gain the respect from his peers. Unlike Howeywho is inspirational, calm, collected and looks the part. Perhaps Joe wastoo early in officially giving Alf the arm band?
Nit-picking – Joe please instruct Spencer and Alfie to stop wiping the ballwith our beloved shirts and hurling the pill onto every opposing teams’heads; the tactic went out with the Crazy Gang and England Euro Keegantactics. Also tell Howey and Prior to tuck their shirts in; when they bothrun the wind resistance must be slowing them down, besides they look veryuntidily dressed.
Depressed – Look, I have been supporting City for 38 years. But I am sickand tired of losing by one goal, not that I wish they lose by more. Itis depressing when everybody, including now the non English speakingChelsea boss saying we deserved better. We all know the Prem divisiondoes not suffer fools. Joe, you have to instill concentration and dedicationto the cause, ’cause the other sides will not help us. With a little moreskill we will get out of this potential hole. Please let’s bang in a bagful againstEverton.

Peter McD – for those who disagree vehemently with my opinions I am CTID (peter@thomaswerrett.co.au)

REQUEST – PHONE TONES

There has been some talk of mobile phone melodies, can anybody give me the details to get Blue Moon for an Ericsson. Also info on City logos if anyone has them.

Carl Braybrook (Carl.Braybrook@molsci.csiro.au)

REQUEST – MAN CITY AWAY SHIRT

I would very much like to buy the Le Coq Sportif Man City red with black stripes away shirt which was used during last season (1999/2000) when City were playing in the 1st Division. I am looking for a size 42/44″ and it can either be new or second-hand. If there is anyone out there who can sell this shirt at a reasonable price to me I would be extremely grateful.

All the Best, George Koumendakos, CTID ( ho.zeitz@worldonline.nl)

RESULTS

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The Editorial team of mcivta.com consist of several people. Typically news and information that is provided by a third part will be distributed by the "Editor". Phil Alcock is the current Editor in Chief of the MCIVTA newsletter.

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