Newsletter #669

So the quest for a trophy has to start all over again in January, ironically against the very team we would have faced had we got past Ipswich. Listening on Radio 5 (no time lag on the commentary for a change!) we clearly had them rattled in the first half but they came back strongly in the second and we simply didn’t get the breaks, hitting the post twice, having a debatable disallowed goal and a last gasp clearance off the line.

I’ll be part of a very large crowd on Saturday albeit at the wrong end of the Stadium of Light from the majority of City fans – a reunion with some fellow fortysomething Mackem school friends for the first time in 12 years – but I’m clear on where my allegiances lie (contrary to some almost slanderous remarks from a couple of lawyer ‘friends’… you know who you are) and I’ll be as happy as the next Blue if we can get all three points… my old man will have a different view of course!

This issue has a brief matchview from the quarter final, another input on the Villa game and a variety of comment to keep you thinking in the run up to Christmas. On the subject of which, I must stress that the e-postcard I sent to subscribers was meant to be the Moonchester option, but I must have got distracted by the alternatives (can’t think why). Feedback suggests it was a popular mistake!

You’ll have to do without McVittee for a week as the Editorial Team are having a Christmas Day with the families, but it will be back in your inbox on Thursday 28th December. In the meantime, Ashley will be back in the editorial chair for the coming weeks, so please send all inputs to him at the usual address.

Merry Christmas to one and all.

P.S. CHARLTON MATCH TICKETS

There seems to be some confusion about whether or not the Charlton match is sold out, so if it is and anyone has a ticket going spare, Mike Baxter would appreciate a call on 01482 642262

NEWS SUMMARY

Part I – City vs. Ipswich Result and Reaction

City Suffer Quarter-Final Heartache: Manchester City saw their hopes of reaching the Worthington Cup semi-final dashed on Tuesday evening. Ipswich grabbed an extra-time winner to clinch a 2-1 victory at Maine Road. The evening had begun well for City, with Shaun Goater’s tenth-minute strike giving Joe Royle’s side an early advantage. But after the Bermudian had seen another effort strike an upright, Matt Holland’s equaliser on the hour took the tie into extra time. Paulo Wanchope then also hit the woodwork but it was Town who snatched the win when defender Mark Venus advanced upfield to score. The Blues continued to press, but a last-gasp Wanchope header cleared off the line by Titus Bramble was the closest they came to forcing a penalty shoot-out.

Royle – Defeat Won’t Break Our Spirit: Joe Royle was desperately disappointed to see his Manchester City side go down to Ipswich on Tuesday. But the Blues’ boss insists his team will bounce back from the setback. Royle felt that City could easily have won through against the East Anglians in the Worthington Cup quarter final. But he says that the painful extra-time defeat is already forgotten and that the Blues are focusing on the challenges ahead. “We’ll regroup and watch us go on Saturday,” he vowed. “Heads don’t drop too readily here. It’s disappointment because we could smell the final but it wasn’t to be.”

Boss in Blast at Referee Poll: Joe Royle felt that Manchester City deserved better from their Worthington Cup quarter-final tie against Ipswich on Tuesday. But the Blues’ boss insisted that it wasn’t just bad luck which conspired against his team. Royle emphasised that he has a high regard for the refereeing abilities of Graham Poll, the official who took charge of the game. But the City manager insisted that Poll had an off-night – and that it was the Blues who suffered. “A lot of big decisions went against us and we had no luck but that’s cup football. Graham Poll is a top official but anyone can have an off day,” said Royle after seeing City denied an apparently obvious penalty when Herman Hreidarsson fouled Kevin Horlock, then watching as what would have been a Paulo Wanchope equaliser near the end of extra time was ruled out through a contentious handball decision.

One Bright Spot from Ipswich Clash: Manchester City may have suffered a disappointing defeat in Tuesday’s Worthington Cup game against Ipswich. But the clash did provide one crumb of comfort for Joe Royle. With the Blues without four defenders in the shape of cup-tied Laurent Charvet and Richard Dunne and injured Paul Ritchie and Steve Howey, Royle called on Andy Morrison to play in the back four. And the ex-City skipper, playing his first senior game at Maine Road in fourteen months, came through the test well until he went off after eighty minutes with cramp in his calf. Morrison has sampled first-team action this term in loan spells at Blackpool and Crystal Palace, but was delighted finally to step out again at Maine Road. “On a personal point of view it was fantastic to come in because I couldn’t see myself playing again with the players who are here,” he commented after the game. “I can’t describe what it’s like to be back.”

Weaver Takes the Blame Again: Many experts held Nicky Weaver responsible for Aston Villa’s equaliser against Manchester City on Saturday. And the City goalkeeper was again blamed by Joe Royle for the goal which brought Ipswich back into Tuesday’s Worthington Cup tie. With City four minutes from victory at Villa Park, Weaver was beaten by a David Ginola volley which swerved and then dipped went under the England under-21 man’s dive. Meanwhile, against the East Anglians, he failed to hold a David Johnson header, allowing Matt Holland to bundle home an equaliser on the hour mark. And Joe Royle was in do doubt that the 21-year old was at fault. “In the end it’s a mistake by the goalkeeper that’s got them back in the game,” lamented the City manager. “Our quietest player on the pitch was Nicky Weaver and he’s let one in which is uncustomary for him.” However, the Blues’ boss is backing the player to come through his current sticky patch – as long as he works hard in training.

Part II – Transfer News and Rumour

Royle Refuses to Let Bishop Move: Ian Bishop was linked with a possible move to Burnley last weekend. But the midfielder will be staying at Maine Road. Bishop was a target for Gillingham earlier in the campaign, and was thought to be interesting the Clarets after failing to win a regular starting place in the City starting line-up. However, Joe Royle has made clear that he sees the 35-year-old as a valuable part of the Blues’ squad.

Keane Leeds Deal Sparks Huckerby Link: Leeds are signing Robbie Keane on loan for the rest of the season. And the Irish striker’s arrival from Inter Milan has sparked renewed speculation over the Elland Road future of Darren Huckerby. City were linked with Huckerby in the summer, and the story was again aired in the press recently, with the player said to be desperate to leave the Yorkshire club in search of first-team football. The ex-Coventry man already faced competition from Kewell, Viduka and Smith at Leeds, and with Keane’s arrival he’ll effectively be sixth-choice striker when Michael Bridges recovers from injury. And with Joe Royle still looking for a striker, sources are again wondering whether Maine Road could be his next port of call. The player has also been mentioned as a target for Celtic and Charlton.

Part III – Miscellaneous News and Views

Villa Praise for City Fans: Manchester City took a large travelling contingent to Villa Park for last Saturday’s game against Aston Villa. And the City supporters’ behaviour was warmly praised by the home club. The Blues fans were in fine voice as they saw their side narrowly fail to snatch a win against the Midlanders. But Villa stewards were also impressed by the friendliness and good nature of the away fans. Joe Royle revealed after the match that several of the home club’s officials had spoken of the City support in the warmest terms.

Cooke Still Wants to Earn City Future: Terry Cooke is on loan again at Sheffield Wednesday. But the out-of-favour Manchester City winger has once again said he’d like to stay at Maine Road. Cooke helped to inspire the Blues out of the Second Division in 1999 but has been out of favour for over a year. And while the transfer-listed 24-year-old knows he may well have to move on to earn regular first-team football, it’s a course of action about which he has mixed feelings. “Ideally I’d stay at Maine Road,” he insisted. “I think I should be playing for City and a lot of fans have told me the same thing. I don’t know what I’ve done wrong, Joe hasn’t told me.”

Grant Impresses Again for Albion: Tony Grant impressed on his first appearance for West Bromwich Albion when coming on as a substitute against Fulham last week. And the on-loan Manchester City star again had an impact from the bench at Watford on Saturday. The Hornets had established a two-goal advantage before Grant was introduced at the break. But the Baggies had soon hit back to lead 3-2, and though the game was eventually drawn, boss Gary Megson felt the ex-Everton man played a key rôle in the transformation. Megson says he’ll make a decision on whether to pursue a permanent deal only when the midfielder’s loan spell reaches an end – but Joe Royle has already indicated he’d like the player to return revitalised to Maine Road to challenge for a place in the City side.

Jobson – It Will Be A Wrench to Leave: Richard Jobson admits he’ll find it a wrench to leave Manchester City. But the experienced defender says he doesn’t want to end his career playing reserve-team football. Joe Royle has brought in several new defenders since the Blues won promotion in May. And for that reason, Jobson has seen his senior opportunities limited this term. But the ex-Oldham player says he could do a job at First Division level for the next 18 months, and would relish the chance to sample more senior action. “I’ve been here for nearly three years and have a lot of affection for the club,” he reflected, “but with my age my career is going to end sooner rather than later and I want to go out with a bit of a bang playing first team football.”

Part IV – Reserve and Youth News

Youth Side Through to Face Luton: Manchester City expected a tough test in their FA Youth Cup third round replay at Fulham on Tuesday. But the Blues progressed to the fourth round with an easy win. City won 5-1 in a game played at the Cottagers’ New Malden training ground, with the Blues’ goals coming from Paddy McCarthy, Lee Croft, Jamie Tandy and two Tyrone Mears efforts. The Blues now face a trip to Luton at the next stage, with the game having to be played before January 20th.

Reserves Rourt Hyde in Friendly: Manchester City sent an inexperienced reserve team to Hyde for Monday’s friendly. But the young City side were still far too good for the Unibond League outfit. In Richard Jobson and Lee Crooks, the Blues had only two players in their line-up who had featured at senior level. But City nevertheless romped to an 8-0 win at Ewen Fields. Chris Killen and Dixon Etuhu both scored twice for the Blues, while Chris Shuker, Shaun Holmes, Richard Jobson and Leon Mike were also on the mark.

Part V – Sunderland Away / Derby at Home: News and Preview

Paulo the Major Doubt for Wearside Trip: Paulo Wanchope is Manchester City’s major doubt for Saturday’s visit to Sunderland. The Costa Rican has a knee injury and hasn’t trained since the midweek Worthington Cup defeat by Ipswich. The Blues ended the gruelling two hours of action against the East Anglians with a number of players having sustained knocks. In addition to Wanchope, Kevin Horlock, Gerard Wiekens and Jeff Whitley were all suffering after the game but none of the midfield trio is expected to miss the visit to the Stadium of Light. Meanwhile, Laurent Charvet and Richard Dunne, cup-tied against Ipswich, are available again and with Steve Howey also set to play after missing the cup match with a slight hamstring strain, the Blues are set to make several changes in defence. Meanwhile, Paul Dickov is standing by to play if top scorer Wanchope does miss out.

Visit to SUnderland a Tough Test: Manchester City bid to put Tuesday’s Worthington Cup disappointment behind them at Sunderland on Saturday. But the Blues will have to overcome one of the Premiership’s most formidable home records to snatch a win at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have been vulnerable on their travels this term – as witnessed at Maine Road in August, when Paulo Wanchope scored a hat-trick against the Wearsiders. And Peter Reid’s side proved the point again this week, losing 2-1 at Crystal Palace to join the Blues in being dumped out of the Worthington Cup. But the Black Cats are nevertheless sixth in the table, thanks almost entirely to an excellent home record – they’re unbeaten on their own patch. So City will have to be at their very best to take anything from their trip to the north east.

Boxing Day Six Pointer for City: Win, lose or draw in Saturday’s clash with Sunderland, Manchester City face a crucial Boxing Day match. Derby County, currently just one place and two points adrift of the Blues in the Premiership table, visit Maine Road. Derby endured a miserable start to the campaign. But recent victories at Ipswich and against Coventry have seen the Rams climb out of the drop zone. Despite a City haul of four points from the last two league fixtures against Everton and Aston Villa, Joe Royle will know that a reversion to previous poor form would soon see the Blues facing relegation trouble. So the City boss will be looking at a home game against a likely relegation contender as a perfect opportunity to pick up three vital points.

SUNDERLAND TICKET FOR SALE

Spare going for Sunderland. My son’s working on Saturday.

MATCHVIEW – IPSWICH

Too depressed to write a match report on Tuesday’s game, except to say that for those who weren’t there, Joe’s defensive combinations were worth an article on their own.

We began with 4-4-2, Haaland, Morrison, Prior and Tiatto and dominated the game. Inexplicably, we changed to 3-5-2 at half time with Whitley and Tiatto as wing backs. This was when we lost control and were overrun in central midfield. Kennedy came on for Morrison and we went to a flat back four with Haaland in the centre and Whitley at right back. Then Haaland and Wiekens changed places as Joe wanted Alfie to push up. Granville came on for Horlock. So Whitley went back to central midfield and Granville went to right back! Then Bishop came on for Tiatto, so Granville switched to left back and Whitley again dropped to right back.

By the end Prior was at centre forward as he was too knackered to get back, Weaver was the sweeper and we were on our way home. Great to see Big Andy back. It was like he’d never been away. He just ran out of steam. We need to give Wanchope more support. He ran himself into the ground for the cause. Often he had few or no options available. So a few iffy decisions, no luck and we’re out. Still, we gave it some and York away seems like yesterday… (two years exactly).

MATCHVIEW – VILLA

After last Tuesday’s drenching I attended a “Works Bash” in the International Suite, West Stand, The Swamp. Something of a bizarre week and yes, prawns were on the menu which obviously created great mirth from the Blues amongst the seven or so companies present as did the “Who let the Dog Out” song which was vociferously and alcoholically rendered with the obvious change of animal in the title.

After my silent “prayer” at the mausoleum and Sunday’s result perhaps I have achieved a curse on the Swamp. Well no goals at home, a ManUre player sent off and losing…

So to City matters. On Saturday, arrived at Aston at just 12 noon and parked outside the Ruskin Hall Social Club. Home fans in the lounge (probably heated) and away fans in the 1960s concert room (definitely not heated). So after they put de-icer in the beer and lager pumps and microwaved the Smirnoff Ice, things started to improve.

In the first half both teams just cancelled each other out, begging the question how come Villa are where they are and we are “hovering”? The second half was much more entertaining with once again Shaun Wright Phillips creating a lot. As soon as he gets the ball you sense things can happen. Paulo was his usual frustrating self, at times baffling, at times looking well worth the transfer fee. When we are in winning situations the team must learn to hold the ball and I agree with JR, there seems to be a lack of self belief. We are as good as most teams in this league so let’s play as if we know it! However, on Saturday in was generally a competent performance with special mention for Charvet, SWP and Whitley.

It’s a pity we left feeling we had dropped two points.

As the halfway stage is almost upon us, our away form is not too bad, it’s the home form that has let us down, mainly giving away silly goals. Maintain the away form, improve the home form starting where we left off from Everton in our 2 home Xmas games and hopefully all we will have to worry about in Jan, Feb and March will be the bl**dy rain.

Seasonal best wishes to all Blues everywhere and lastly a special mention for Mr Di Canio – what a gesture in an increasingly cynical sport.

OPINION – BEST SUPPORTERS?

We City fans have always been proud to label ourselves the most loyal, humorous etc. fans in the country, which the vast majority of us are. I sometimes have to question this theory though when morons in the North Stand encouraged Weaver after Ipswich’s first goal with cries of “F**k off Weaver”, “You’re s**t Weaver” etc. How on earth is that a way of supporting or encouraging your team? If someone makes a mistake they need our support even more, not abuse; that will only make them nervous, increasing the chance of another accidental mistake. How would you pillocks like it if you made a mistake at work and everyone around you started swearing and abusing you? I hope I’ve made a point, support your team or sod off somewhere else.

OPINION – MID-TERM REPORT

It was a tough loss to Ipswich, but credit to the side for a strong effort. I felt sure we would get to the final if we could get past Ipswich, but it might be a blessing in disguise; right now we should be thinking only of the Premier League, that’s our most important thing, survival.

How about making Paulo Wanchope the captain for the day against his old club Derby County? That will be a 6 pointer game now that Derby Co. have improved. All the bottom clubs have made changes to improve, we cannot relax, the cost is far too great. The team are playing well to survive, we hear that from managers that have beaten us, we are too good to get relegated. I do think that is true but we are in no position to take anything for granted.

From now on let’s get every bloody goal, every point, and keep on going.

Think of the bright side, we couldn’t have gone to Wembley this year anyway.

MANCITY.NET

We expect we will be providing a reduced service on mancity.net over the next fortnight for a variety of reasons. Christmas and New Year being two of them. Another reason is that we are going to be charged £750 a month for the email service we provide in the New Year and I’m not sure how I’m going to get around that.

The advertising on mancity.net has always been to break even. We have probably just about done that this year due to our commission from Blackstar videos. I never expected to have to pay for the email service but I’m afraid times change and Coconut feel their considerably enhanced version of Webmail in the New Year should be paid for. If any of you know of a business/company that would consider sponsoring our email I’d be interested to hear from you.

SAFE – MORE TV COVERAGE

Good news indeed! Friday 22nd December at 7pm BBC1. This edition of Watchdog features an update on the previous show from a few weeks ago. there is a short film from Hamburg’s stadium and… well, just watch it and see! Please pass this on to other lists / contacts and make sure if you are going out that you set your video recorders!

I stand every week in the North Stand and I just wish the seats weren’t in the way. Also those around wish the people standing weren’t in the way. That’s why I want to stand up as do many in the North Stand.

STRETFORD & URMSTON CSA – MEETING

Apologies to all members following the cancellation of the last branch meeting (12 December) due to the now infamous (abortive) Worthington Cup game against Ipswich the same night. We hope all our members were not too inconvenienced (by our change of plans).

The next Stretford & Urmston branch meeting will now be on Tuesday January 9th 2001 and the guest will be ex-City player and current Oldham youth academy coach David Cross. All members, City fans young and old are welcome. £1 admission only! Doors open 7.00pm; meeting starts 7.30pm.

Paul Lake has also confirmed he will now be visiting the branch on February 13th.

Our branch meetings continue to be held at the Metro’s Sports and Social Club, Moss Road in Stretford. For more details contact the branch on 0161 746 7638 (answer machine etc. and leave a message).

Thanks, and all the best to you and all for Christmas and New Year!

WHAT’S YOUR NAME THEN?

My dad swears that if I’d been a boy he was going to call me Michael Colin Francis (after Summerbee Bell Lee) and my initials would have been MCFC…

However, I was saved by the Bell (and Lee and etc.) because I’m a girl…

Thanks for the belated happy birthday Mr. Editor.

You’ll be happy to know I received an old authentic 70’s strip for my 19th birthday, and you’ll be even happier to know that I quite cunningly wore this under my jumper in the heart of Manchester’s club scene on Saturday. Midnight struck and the jumper was removed. I enjoyed a full hour of dancing with the City badge riding high (yes it was me everybody who was there) under the new age of 19, until that is the huge bouncer politely asked me to “put your jumper back on son”… gutted!

You can’t win them all but I must say thank you to my dad for this name it’s the best thing he’s ever given to me.

Thanks dad.

In reply to Anthony Elliott:

My cousin Peter’s firstborn is Michael Colin Francis. As his surname is “Cavanagh”, the lad’s initials spell… Look good on a briefcase. Haven’t seen him for a few years but I wouldn’t imagine he’s a Rag! Festive greetings to Ash and Blues everywhere.

SWEARING AT THE REF

Re the report on Hendrie being sent off at Villa: “What on earth do you have to say to get sent off?”

Answer: “offensive, insulting or abusive language”. MotD (as always) said “foul and abusive language” but the law was changed three years ago (and even before that it was foul or abusive language).

It was said Colin Bell rarely got booked because though he often showed dissent, he never swore.

So, basically, tell a ref to p**s off, you risk a yellow (or a red from a stickler); tell him he’s an effing cheating b*****d and you’ll walk. As for Gregory saying the yellow for Ginola taking his shirt off was “pathetic”, pathetic is surely a player taking his shirt off knowing it’s a cautionable offence, and a manager complaining about it?

Anyway, what’s people’s impression: has the rule about advancing free-kicks for dissent actually cut dissent by players at the awarding of free-kicks? Hard for us to judge, perhaps, as refs’ dissent tolerance levels may have been different in the Nationwide anyway.

OPINION – DARREN HUCKERBY

If Huckerby is available… sign him now. He’s proven Premiership quality with speed to burn, perfect foil for Wanchope/Goater.

AWAY KIT – MARKETING FAUX PAS OR A SARTORIAL STATEMENT?

Picture the scene. You are a director of MCFC. After far, far too long, your beloved club has won promotion back to the top flight after a last gasp match of unbelievable drama (well, it is City). You are at a pre-Premiership meeting with the board. You are puffing on a fat havana, exchanging warm, prrreeetttyyy smug grins with Dave B and Big Joe around the table when the meeting is called to order. “Next on the agenda, commercial sales.” The boardroom door opens. Enter archetypal ad-man (lary suit, red glasses, pony-tail etc.). “OK yah guys, you’re back with the big boys! And, like, it’s time to make a STATEMENT! That’s right, and so, yah, like, for the new millennium, check out, for the MCFC of 2001, the new AWAY KIT!” Scccrrreeeeechhh!

Now, is it just me, or can there have only been two reactions? First, stunned silence with the occasional curse as the odd cigar drops into unsuspecting laps? Or second, spontaneous applause and trebles all round as the board take in the sight of some muppet dressed in shiny sackcloth with painted yellow legs? Excuse me all over the place, but the person who got this off the ground is a sales genius! Put them in charge of the Dome and we’d cancel the national debt in two months! (Punter: “Bl**dy ‘ell. Now THAT’S what I call an away strip! Nowt for it petal. Kids’ll have to starve. That there kit’s got to be ‘ad, an’ b****cks to it”). I want to know, no, I’ve got to know who is responsible for first, the design of our away kits, and second, the marketing god who decides we’ll only sell a limited number of the hugely popular red and black kits from last year. God forbid that we should ever go down the line of Rag plc, but you cannot possibly ignore the fact that kit sales are big business for any Premiership club. Now, I know we take pride in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory etc., but this is going too far. What is the club’s strategy? Find any design/ad team and force-feed ’em LSD for a week until they reach the desired high? I know Lambchop’s legs are ‘a bit gangly’ to say the least, but I don’t want ’em to be the only thing I can see on the pitch! Will somebody please, please tell me how the decisions about our kit is made? I refuse to pay £20 to my Hammers mate who gleefully insists that we decide only after each design from every junior school in Manchester has been received. Please help, before some t**t remembers Orville the b****y duck in time for 2002.

Not getting obsessive or becoming mentally ill about this in any way whatsoever.

Merry Xmas, blah, blah, blah.

BLUE HUMOUR – THINK ABOUT IT

David Beckham goes to the shop and buys a carton of orange juice. He gets it home and puts it on the table. He stares at it for 2 hours… on the carton it says concentrate.

RESULTS

Recent results from to 20 December 2000.

18 December 2000

Tottenham Hotspur     1 - 1  Arsenal               36,062

17 December 2000

Manchester United     0 - 1  Liverpool             67,533

16 December 2000

Aston Villa           2 - 2  Manchester City       29,281
Derby County          1 - 0  Coventry City         27,869
Everton               1 - 1  West Ham United       31,260
Ipswich Town          3 - 1  Southampton           22,228
Leeds United          2 - 0  Sunderland            40,053
Leicester City        3 - 1  Charlton Athletic     19,371
Middlesbrough         1 - 0  Chelsea               29,422
Newcastle United      2 - 1  Bradford City         50,470

League table to 20 December 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 Utd  18  7  1  1 26  5  5  3  1 18  9 12  4  2 44 14  30  40
 2 Arsenal         18  8  1  0 22  4  2  4  3  8 10 10  5  3 30 14  16  35
 3 Ipswich Town    18  4  3  2 12  8  6  0  3 15 10 10  3  5 27 18   9  33
 4 Leicester City  18  5  3  1 13  9  4  2  3  7  5  9  5  4 20 14   6  32
 5 Liverpool       18  7  1  1 19  7  2  2  5 14 17  9  3  6 33 24   9  30
 6 Sunderland      18  6  3  0 11  4  2  2  5  7 14  8  5  5 18 18   0  29
 7 Newcastle Utd   18  5  1  3 12  9  3  2  4  8 13  8  3  7 20 22  -2  27
 8 West Ham United 18  3  4  2 12  9  3  4  2 12 10  6  8  4 24 19   5  26
 9 Aston Villa     17  4  4  0 14  6  2  4  3  7 10  6  8  3 21 16   5  26
10 Leeds United    17  6  0  3 18 12  1  4  3  6 11  7  4  6 24 23   1  25
11 Tottenham H.    18  7  2  0 18  7  0  2  7  8 20  7  4  7 26 27  -1  25
12 Chelsea         18  6  2  1 25 10  0  3  6  7 15  6  5  7 32 25   7  23
13 Charlton Ath.   18  5  3  1 16  7  1  1  7  9 23  6  4  8 25 30  -5  22
14 Everton         18  3  3  3 12 12  3  1  5  8 17  6  4  8 20 29  -9  22
15 Southampton     18  4  1  4 15 15  1  4  4  8 16  5  5  8 23 31  -8  20
16 Manchester City 18  3  1  5 15 11  2  2  5 10 21  5  3 10 25 32  -7  18
17 Derby County    18  2  5  2 11 15  1  2  6 10 20  3  7  8 21 35 -14  16
18 Coventry City   18  2  2  5  6 13  2  1  6 10 20  4  3 11 16 33 -17  15
19 Middlesbrough   18  1  3  5  8 15  2  2  5 12 13  3  5 10 20 28  -8  14
20 Bradford City   18  2  4  3  9 10  0  2  7  4 20  2  6 10 13 30 -17  12

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.

Geoff Donkin, mcivta@donkin.freeserve.co.uk

Editor: