Newsletter #909

The plea for opinion has obviously got those creative juices flowing as we have plenty tonight on injuries, summer signings, PoYs, line-ups, rôle-models and Europe. We also have the usual requests for tickets (all face value) and viewing.

We’ve three great match reports tonight from Sharon and James on Sunderland and Gavin on the reserves at Villa.

Don’s news has proven busy this week covering two games, latest moves – and St Shaun has announced it is time to look for pastures new – and Uwe.

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

League Leaders Caned: City’s reserve side got back to winning ways in some style, beating League leaders Aston Villa 4-2 at Villa Park. The Blues raced to a three-goal lead in the first quarter of an hour, with strikes from Chris Shuker and Jon Macken (twice). Villa pulled a goal back before half time thanks to Peter Crouch, but a three-goal lead was restored seven minutes into the second half when Matias Vuoso scored a fourth. Former City trialist Ulises de la Cruz hit a late consolation for the home side. Team: Ellegaard, Flood, Jordan, Wiekens, Bischoff, Horlock, Croft, Whelan, Macken, Vuoso, Shuker. Subs: Murphy, James, Elliott, Orr, Gilder.

Europe by the Back Door: City are still in prime position to gain an entry into next season’s UEFA Cup, as they sit in fifth spot in the English politeness table (or Fair Play League). The top four spots are taken by teams likely to be in Europe through the Champions’ League or by winning a domestic cup, so City should take England’s extra UEFA place. One person who is not too impressed is none other than King Kev, who thinks that it’s not the right way to gain European qualification. “I don’t like the idea at all,” he says. “It doesn’t seem right that I can send my team out and say ‘don’t pick up any bookings, don’t get any red cards and don’t get involved in any tackles’ and somehow we are rewarded for it. It’s ironic that we could get into Europe instead of a team which has finished nine or 12 points ahead of us in the table. I would much sooner UEFA gave the place to a team which has earned it. We would take the UEFA Cup place if it was offered and by doing so we could get a game that the club has been dreaming of for years but it’s not the way I want to get into Europe – I would rather have a few more bookings and finish in the top six.”

It’s Naming Time: Having consulted branches of City’s supporters’ clubs, the club have announced the shortlist for the name of the City of Manchester’s West Stand. The 15,000 capacity area will be called either: the Maine Stand, the Joe Mercer Stand, the Kippax or New Kippax Stand, the Colin Bell Stand, the Mercer-Allison Stand, or the Blue Moon Stand. Now all City fans can vote for one of the final six, either online at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/ or by writing to the Club’s postal address: Maine Road, Moss Side, M14 7WN. Interim Chairman Jon Wardle commented: “We were impressed by the creativity of our Supporters’ Clubs in selecting their proposed stand names and delighted that this initiative has prompted such a good response from our fans,” he said. “We are confident that every City fan will be hugely proud of our new stadium and we want to ensure that the name chosen for the West Stand reflects our fans’ sense of pride in our heritage. The move to the City of Manchester Stadium heralds a hugely exciting period for the club and one in which we will continue to keep the supporters fully involved. We have consulted our fans and their committees on many issues involving the new stadium but in inviting them to select the name for the West Stand, the decision will have been made entirely by the fans themselves. It is hugely important that they are given the opportunity to have their say on all the important aspects of our new home.”

Transfer News and Gossip

The Great Dane, Mk II? Bad news for Carlo Nash – KK has indicated that he will be bringing a new goalkeeper to the club in the summer. Peter Schmeichel’s retirement and Nicky Weaver’s injury problems have forced Keegan to consider importing some ‘keeper cover. “Peter’s retirement has left us with a massive void to fill. You don’t have to be a genius to work out we have got a hole to fill. We are looking at seven to eight months minimum before Nicky is back,” mused Keegan. “That takes us up until Christmas, so we will have to look for another goalkeeper.” The usual names of Nigel Martyn and David James were trotted out, but two new candidates have been mentioned. Step forward Russell Hoult, who has had an outstanding season for West Bromwich Albion, and Thomas Sorensen of Sunderland. Danish international ‘keeper Sorensen said this week: “The manager has told me that he expects I will be sold, so he wants to try some other players. I’m in the squad but I don’t expect I will get any more playing time. It is frustrating but it has got nothing to do with my displays. Fortunately, there are not many matches left to play and there is no reason for me to fear for my international place.” The Sun says that City face competition from the Reds of Trafford and Highbury. Perhaps a swap deal could be on the cards, as the tabloids reckon that Mick McCarthy wants Richard Dunne as his ‘defensive kingpin’ in Division One next season.

Stam in Groceries Jam: Jaap Stam is definitely leaving SS Lazio in the summer, after rejecting the club’s request to renegotiate his contract. Lazio seemingly asked Stam to drop from a reasonable £45,000 per week deal to a paltry £20-25,000 per week plus shares. Stam rejected the offer with typical aplomb – “In my view, this offer is laughable. I understand Lazio is in a difficult position but I cannot go to the supermarket and buy groceries for my family with shares” – and has been linked with both City and Newcastle again. Stam’s agent insists that his client has no intention of returning to England, so how likely a KK move is for the Dutch diplomat remains to be seen. Juventus and AC Milan are said to be leading the Italian interest.

Going, Going, Goat? The unofficial “Voice of the Goat”, the Royal Gazette of Bermuda, brings the news that City fans must dread – Shaun Goater has hinted that he might have to leave his beloved Blues in search of first team action. Speaking to reporter Matt Westcott, the Goat pondered his future. “I would not disregard playing in the First Division,” he said. “There are big clubs there and I would still get a lot of joy from playing there.” Goater referred to the experience of his old teammate Paul Dickov at Leicester City. “Leicester were struggling with financial problems and he has got them promoted,” he said. “I am happy for him because I know the feeling of getting promoted and the hard work it takes to get there. So I wouldn’t disregard a First Division team if they came in because I would be getting regular first team football and it’s at a good level and standard. You consider all the offers.” The Goat gave a succinct resume for any prospective employers. “I would say ‘Remember, remember the ninth of November!’ I am not an agent, I like to do my talking on the field. You wouldn’t experience what I experience in any other field, career or occupation. When you finish writing your story, no matter how well it’s written, your boss isn’t going to sing ‘There’s only one Matt Westcott’. That’s the best way I can sum it up.”

Ex-Blues’ News

Uwe’s Greatest Fight: As Christian Ruscetta informed us in MCIVTA 908, City’s former forward Uwe Rösler has been diagnosed with chest cancer. The 34-year-old has been playing for Lillestrøm in Norway, and after playing last week against Bodo/Glimt, went to hospital after suffering breathing difficulties. Rösler remains optimistic over his prospects of recovery. “When they discovered the tumour in my chest region, I was told that it was found at an early stage. Therefore, the chances of a full recovery are very good,” he said. “The news of my illness came as a big shock to me and my family but I have always been a fighter, so I am convinced that I will win this struggle – the hardest one in my life.” Rösler, who scored 65 goals in 173 appearances for City from 1994 to 1998 before brief spells with Southampton and West Brom, revealed that he wants to be left alone with his family as he battles to overcome the illness. “I hope that everyone will understand and respect that,” he added. “My family and I need all the strength we can put together in the struggle against cancer.” All City fans must hope that Uwe recovers and is soon back to full fitness.

Reactions and Comments

Dr Jekyll and Who?What a good Friday for City it was on Good Friday, as they completed a 2-0victory at Tottenham Hotspur. City began in sensational fashion and couldhave scored three times in the first two minutes. As it was, only the thirdeffort, a header from David Sommeil, found the back of the net, but JoeyBarton completed the scoring after 18 Minutes. “We started off like a teamwho wanted to shove the criticism we’ve had back at people,” the City bosssaid after the 2-0 win over Spurs. “My one criticism is that we gotourselves into some great positions, but chose the wrong options when webroke at times. We have been a bit Jekyll and Hyde this season. I don’t knowwho is the good guy, Jekyll or Hyde, but for about five weeks we have beenthe worse guy of the two. I told the lads that some of the criticism hasbeen justified, but the one thing they shouldn’t be criticised for, islooking like a team who’s season has finished, that’s a terrible thing to sayabout one of my teams. I said I can’t keep defending them, but today theycame up with the right attitude and we had the right balance in the side. Wecaught Spurs on an off day and we are only two points behind them now, andthree of our four remaining games are at home. We must finish as high aspossible because the difference between finishing just outside the relegationplaces or in the top half can be £2.5 million and you can’t underestimate theimportance of that with the state of the game at the moment.”

Happy Kev: Speaking on TV after the game, KK added, “I thought we started very brightly today and made them look a bit lethargic. You like to start brightly, but we haven’t done it much lately. I thought we set the standards and got what we deserved. Had our final pass been a little bit better we could have created and scored a lot more goals.” David Sommeil and Joey Barton were first time goalscorers in the Premiership, and KK was quick to praise their efforts. “David has been an absolute gem,” he reckoned. “He’s one of the few players who seems to enjoy defending, but you saw today he enjoys scoring as well. Ask him to do something and he’ll do it. And I’m delighted for Joey. He’s given us enthusiasm and honesty. But I thought Shaun Wright-Phillips was outstanding and Ali Benarbia turned the clock back nearly a year. There were a lot of pleasing things today.” But KK is still downplaying City’s UEFA Cup chances: “We’re not good enough and I think Glenn knows with the injuries they’ve got they aren’t either. We’re having an average season and in some ways you’ve got to be pleased with that – but you can’t help think what might have been.”

Sweeping Up: Shaun Wright-Phillips is impressing the Boss man in his new rôle as a left-sided midfielder. “I’ll always find a place for him in my side,” said KK. “I’ve played him all over the place, everywhere except centre half and goalkeeper in fact. I am not sure he’ll end up playing on the left side of midfield, I think he’ll eventually play up front off someone, but all this experience playing all over the place will do him a lot of good. Shaun is a wonderful player and when he gets another year’s experience behind him he won’t be looking to knock the ball out to Sylvain Distin when he’s got Nicolas Anelka on the other side of him. His honesty and endeavour win you over and you can only learn from the experience of being in those situations, and at least he gets in them. He has got a lot going for him but he still has a lot to learn, and the main thing is he wants to learn.”

Glum Glenn: Reading Saturday’s national press, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the result was caused by an inept Spurs performance, rather than good City play. “I’m very, very disappointed,” said Spurs’ manager Glenn Hoddle, “The way we played in first half, I’m scratching my head to see where that performance came from. We put ourselves on the back foot in the first minute and it carried on. We did not have one individual near his best. You have to expect boos when you play like that. People pay good money and we didn’t give them value. Nothing we tried came off. Of course the crowd are going to get disgruntled and today it was justified. I was disgruntled. The supporters want success and their frustration is a build-up of 20 years without any.” He conceded that a European place is now virtually impossible. “We needed maximum points from today and West Brom on Monday and if things had happened in other games, it could have been a different picture completely. Today took us back down the ladder. There were too many errors and not enough passion from us – it was a bad day.”

Joey’s Impact: Joey Barton’s performance brought pleasure to his watching manager. “Joey has been like a beacon of light these last couple of weeks,” said KK. “Arthur Cox wanted me to have a look at him but I was waiting for the perfect moment. In the end, we had to throw him in at the deep end and he has done very well. He is with us every day in training now and doesn’t look out of place. If anything he is getting better. In his three matches he’s been as good as anyone,” Keegan said of Barton. “He has a lot of hunger.” The player said afterwards: “I’ve thought for a long time I could play at this level. I got my chance to get into the team and I want to stay there – I’ve only got in the squad in the last few weeks. The goal took a deflection on the way in but I’m definitely claiming it. We knew we had to do well. We’ve been under a bit of pressure lately but David’s goal gave us a good platform to build on. I think I can still do better and I am grateful for the opportunity to show it,” he continued: “That goal was sweet. It has doubled my tally for the season, I scored my other one against Bury reserves so it is not hard to pick which one I regard as my best! My main job is to keep my feet on the ground and keep playing as well as I can. There are going to be ups and downs and I have to be ready for both but at the moment I am loving every minute of it. It was just great to get that first win, it is a fantastic feeling and a lot of it is due to the amount of work the front two got through. They tired the Spurs defence out and made it easier for everyone else.”

Magical Ali: City skipper Ali Benarbia replaced Eyal Berkovic for this game, and showed a return to form with an inspiring display. “We needed win like this to show the fans that we are not a side that gives up half way through the season,” declared the Algerian playmaker. “We felt we did well and now hopefully we will be set up for a winning finish and a place in the top half of the table. That will be a successful first season back in the Premiership. The change of system to 4-4-2 has maybe helped, I don’t know, but everyone in the team was determined to do well at Tottenham and that is how it worked out. Every single player contributed a lot to the victory. Nicolas Anelka and Robbie Fowler have been in the spotlight for not scoring but their contribution was huge and they should not bear all the criticism when the team is not playing well as a whole. I enjoyed the game. It has not been easy for me to show what I can do because I have not played regularly but I feel I can still give a lot to the team.”

Job Done: City completed another 3-0 victory over Sunderland on Monday, with a goal by Robbie Fowler and a brace from Marc Vivien Foe. City completed a similar demolition job in December, with Sun, Goater and Foe all getting on the score sheet that night. City’s unbeaten run now stretches to three games, with three clean sheets to boot. City now occupy the vertiginous heights of tenth place, or page one of the Ceefax league tables. In these games a 4-4-2 formation was employed, so KK was asked for his views on the new set up. “We probably would have switched the system earlier but we were concerned that players were away on international duty during the season so we could not work on it,” explained the boss. “Just to throw them out there in a 4-4-2 formation not having played it for two years we thought might not be fair on them. Because of a couple of inept performances we thought we could not be any worse so we changed the system. But I would like to have teams here who can play both systems and slip into those systems within ninety minutes. That is when you know you are going places. I think the players have responded really well to some criticism which we as a staff have given them. We told them that it looked as if the season was already over and that some of them were thinking of holidays and sun tans. But they have answered us out on the pitch.” Whilst pleased that Robbie Fowler had once again found the net, KK was saddened that his two-goal midfielder Foe will probably be playing elsewhere next season. “We look certain to lose him,” he admitted. “It is a big blow, especially with Peter Schmeichel leaving, because he has been terrific for us this season. I would really like him in my squad next season and we will be in there when his contract does expire. However, unless they lower the price it isn’t going to happen and that could mean he might move somewhere else.”

KK Fears for Mick’s Boys: Mick McCarthy has had a miserable start to his reign as Sunderland manager. The defeat at Maine Road was the Black Cats’ twelfth in a row, and they now face the possibility of having the lowest ever Premiership points total by the end of the season. KK warned Sunderland that life will be no easier for them next season. “It won’t be easy for Sunderland because opposition teams will relish playing at the Stadium of Light,” said Keegan. “I actually thought they did well. The players stuck at it and never let their heads drop. I wish Mick all the best next season. It’s a big task in front of him but he can do it.” The former City captain is looking no further than the next match that sees Sunderland face local rivals Newcastle United. “I am looking for some character, some moral courage and some fighting performances,” said the former Republic of Ireland manager. “We played all right for 35 minutes but I do not accept that as being good enough. If we play like that on Saturday we will get absolutely spanked. If that happens, there will be hell on – and justifiably so. Our supporters have been fantastic this season. They have had enough disappointments and don’t deserve another poor performance. It looks like there have been so many bad days this season, some of the players can’t wait for the season to end so they can start afresh. The problem is we can’t just start afresh, there needs to be changes. But with the transfer market the way it is, a lot of them might still be here next season. If that is the case, they need to be a lot better because getting out of the First Division is not going to be easy.”

Fowl Deeds at Maine Road: KK sounded pleased enough with the contributions from his main strikers on Monday. “Robbie will probably feel himself unlucky not to have had more than one against Sunderland and Nicolas too could have been on the score sheet,” Keegan said. “I am just pleased that now Robbie and Nicolas are starting to look as though they want to play together. That has not been apparent in the past because Robbie has been trying to get his fitness and Nicolas trying to get the goal he has deserved in the last few games. A real top quality team, which we are not yet, could have won the game by five, six or seven, but there was plenty to be pleased with.” Fowler stated afterwards that “It is always nice scoring goals and especially as everyone is aware of the difficult time I have had of late. To get on the score sheet will shut a few people up for a week anyway,” he declared. “It is always hard when you go to a new club. I feel I have settled down as player at Manchester City but on the pitch it has been quite difficult. I have felt that I have not gelled as I would have liked but the last few games I feel I have settled down a bit more and finally got the reward of a goal. I think Nicolas and I are looking out for each other a bit more than we have been doing. We have sat down and had a chat with the gaffer and he has told us what he wants. We are both good players and we want to perform well for Manchester City. I think the last few games we have done very well as a partnership especially last Friday when we caused Tottenham’s defence all sorts of problems and yesterday against Sunderland although Nicolas didn’t score it was there for everyone to see that he did have a good game and was a handful. The way things were, we weren’t gelling as we would like and we have had a talk and know where each other stands. I can only say to those fans that give me time and I will score goals for City,” he said “I have a proven record, I don’t need to show everyone what I can do. I have played at the top level now for ten years. I am not at the top of my game at the minute but the fans are more than aware that I will be back there and that I will score goals. They have never got on my back and I am grateful for that because it is not easy for anyone coming to a new club. It is one thing the papers having a go but it is another entirely when home fans start grumbling and they have been right behind me. All I can say is thank you to them for supporting me through what has been a hard time for me.”

Squad News

A Good Season: If it’s OK with MCIVTA readers, I’ll gloss over the story entitled “SCHMEICHEL WANTS TO MANAGE UNITED”, and move swiftly to the Dane’s views on his season with City. “I don’t think this has been a failure of a season,” he ventured. “I don’t think that any team coming up from the First Division and staying in the Premier League has failed anything. We might say there have been times when we have not been very good but there are also times when we have played very well. At the moment we are in a period where I am personally very disappointed because it feels as though the season is over and it is most certainly not. I think we will be comfortably above the relegation zone come the end of the season and that is a heck of an achievement. Look at West Brom. They have been virtually relegated five games before the end of the season and Birmingham have been struggling from the start. There was a bit of psychology about the way Kevin Keegan started the season by saying we were aiming for the top six. He hasn’t done that for the benefit of the supporters. He has done it for his players because if you aim for the top six and then finish tenth, it has been a fantastic first year back in the Premiership. City, under Kevin Keegan, is an exciting place and the club generally is going in the right direction. The training ground for instance, if they keep developing it, could be one of the best in the world and that is a big thing attracting top players.” Schmeichel’s current boss is disappointed that that the giant ‘keeper will not be with the Blues, but understands why. “It is the right decision because it is his decision,” said KK. “No-one has gone to him and said he is struggling, or he is not training every day, or he is not quite getting to the crosses the way he used to. I have seen him play and train and his performances in the matches for us have been outstanding, but his body is telling him to finish. He had a difficult time at Aston Villa, but he has come here and done something which is very difficult by gaining positive recognition at both Manchester clubs. He will always be remembered for what he achieved at United, but he will also be well thought of by the City fans because his performances for us have been so good. We knew we would only have him for the short-term and while we would have been pleased if he had wanted to stay on, we respect his decision. We are very lucky to have had him. That’s three clean sheets in three games since Peter told us he was finishing, so that’s quite a good sign,” added the City chief. “Hopefully he can finish his career on a high. It’s the least he deserves after the career he has had.”

You Gotta Get a Fitter Fowler: Although the signs of improvement are evident, Robbie Fowler will be back for pre-season training ahead of his fellow squad members. With two goals in Fowler’s ten games so far for the Blues, KK has announced his plans for getting the super Scouser super fit for the start of the 2003-2004 season. Keegan said: “We are going to look at all the players in the next couple of weeks and plan our pre-season. Some will come back earlier and Robbie is one of those who needs a week in before the others. Once he has that pre-season behind him I think you will see a big step up. Once those two start playing together, fully fit and full of confidence, I can see us scoring goals, lots of them.” It’s a view which is shared by the player himself – “I will score goals for Manchester City,” declared Fowler after the Sunderland game. “I missed all of pre season last year. I will have a good, long holiday this year but then it will be back to work and I will get myself fit and sharp again.”

Paulo’s Promise: It’s over a year since Paulo Wanchope kicked a ball in anger for City, but the Costa Rican hitman wants to be ready for the start of next season. “I will prepare well this summer and aim to give back to the club after they have stood by me,” vowed the striker. “I have been treated well during my time on the sidelines and the staff have been very professional. It is great to be at a club like this with supporters who are so passionate as well. I will be in the gym during the summer and aim to be one step ahead of everyone when we come back from pre-season. I want to get involved in the team and will work hard for that. I am different from Nicolas Anelka and Robbie Fowler but we all have to act as a team. The first goal will be very important for me. I am looking forward to it and to follow it up with many goals. I have been here three years and due to my injuries I have not been able to play many games. Now I want to return something to the people. I am feeling good about things now and am very positive, as the shoulder injury will actually give me more time to strengthen my leg. But at the time it was very difficult and left me thinking about a lot of things. But there is always a reason as to why these things happen and now I see it in a positive way. Now I will have more time to build up my strength and to give my knee more time to recover.”

MATCH REPORT I: MCFC 3 SUNDERLAND 0

Thanks to the arrival of a brand new member of the Junior Blues some seven weeks ago I haven’t been able to go to a game for quite a while – I’d hoped to get to the Middlesbrough game but was extremely glad I couldn’t after hearing how dull it was. Young Shaun Nicolas Kevin (sadly that isn’t what he’s called, his father wouldn’t let me!) was duly parked with the in-laws and off we set to Maine Road. For some reason (must be because it’s months since I’ve been) I was in fact quite excited at the prospect of this game. The only time I usually get excited at the prospect of watching City is before the first game of each season, before reality sets in and I get bored again.

Anyway, City lined up using this revolutionary new 4-4-2 formation – honestly, Kev must be a genius to think of this – with Shmikes in goal, then Jensen, Sommeil, Distin, Dunne, Foe, Barton, SWP, Ali B, Anelka and Fowler. Sunderland had the free scoring Marcus Stewart up front along with the equally prolific Kevin Phillips; with opposition of this proven quality surely this game would live up to all our expectations? Ahem. Sunderland had lost their previous 11 games and oh how you could see why. I feel for them, I really do, these last matches of the season after you’ve already been relegated are just awful to have to play in, and to watch. Credit to them that they’d brought as many fans as they had – I guess the few hundred that were there are the ones that don’t leave the Stadium of Light at half time after watching their side go behind again…

The first half hour or so was only notable for seeing how completely out of sorts Fowler and Foe looked. All Foe did was foul people, then scuff a fairly easy chance wide, and Fowler just wandered around holding his arm and looking sorry for himself while failing to get on the end of any of the crosses that Anelka or SWP in particular were producing. I was impressed by Barton, who was giving Foe a bit of a lesson in how to join in a game and how to win the ball without fouling people. The back four were looking solid, but against an attack as fluffy as Sunderland’s it’s hard to judge whether they are really any good. Liverpool away will be a sterner test – as long as Heskey isn’t playing that is hee hee (watch him score a hat trick against us now…).

City were producing some good, flowing football through midfield as the half wore on. Usually when a game is so one-sided it’s only a matter of time before the opposition score and City crumble to a 5-0 defeat but Sunderland were so bad that was never going to happen. That probably explains why the atmosphere was so flat – no one really cared as it was only a matter of time before City did score. And so we did. SWP played a ball out to Anelka who took it down the right wing, turned the defender as if he wasn’t there (I get the impression he didn’t want to be) and put across a perfect cross that not even Foe could fail to score from. There wasn’t even the sense of relief around the ground that you often get when City finally take a lead – Sunderland really were that bad.

Minutes later it was 2-0, with the second worst City player on the pitch this time supplying the goal. I think it was Ali B who played the ball forward, Robbie stopped clutching his sore arm and actually ran (he can still do it!) and chipped the ball over the onrushing Poom. “Uh uh uh uh uh uh uh yeah!” murmured the crowd as the ball just dipped under the crossbar and into the net.

The only excitement in the City defence came when Schmeichel decided to go up front. Now this is something he’s obviously not discouraged from doing when City are attacking, but I’m not sure it’s a wise thing to do when the opposition have the ball. And watching your goalie come chasing out heading for the halfway line as the ball’s trundling (slowly, this is Sunderland we’re talking about here) towards your own penalty area would normally cause even the most optimistic among us to worry that there might be a goal scoring chance for the opposition. But hey, this is Sunderland and they are rubbish so the danger lasted mere milliseconds.

The start of the second half brought Sunderland’s only real chance as Schmeichel had to make a save. I have to admit I’d forgotten this until watching the highlights but Schmikes saved from Phillips but only parried the ball to Stewart. He showed the form that convinced Ipswich to almost bite Sunderland’s hands off (“What, they’ll pay us MONEY for him?”) and completely mucked up his shot, letting Schmeichel get back to push the ball wide. That was it for Sunderland though, as we watched City stroll around for the remaining 40 minutes of the game. I would say it was like a practice match, but I believe that you do usually have an opposition in practice matches. Belmadi had come on for Dunne (who I assume had had a knock as he was playing fine) towards the end of the first half and set about trying to persuade Wor Kev that he was worth signing. Shame he didn’t have his shooting boots on then – he could have had at least three.

Anelka, while having turned somewhat shot shy recently, was setting up Fowler and Belmadi in particular with some good chances. Belmadi took a couple of free kicks as well as Sunderland coped with Anelka the only way they knew how – by legging him up as he approached the penalty area – but didn’t quite get either on target. It was from good work from him that the third goal finally did come, as he skipped down the left before putting a cross over into the area. Luckily Foe didn’t try and kick it but just let it bounce off him and into the goal. We should still have had more – Fowler took a free kick that flashed by the right hand post, and Belmadi forced Poom into making the best save of the match with a stinging shot that Poom saved only by diving full stretch to his right. It would have been nice to have scored a bucketful but hey, we aren’t going down on goal difference this year (woo hoo!) so who cares?

It wasn’t a great performance by City and they will have to play better than that against West Ham to do Bolton a favour, but it didn’t need to be. We were miles better than Sunderland without ever needing to produce a level of play much higher than you’d seen in the park on a Sunday. McCarthy’s got a heck of a job there next year to build anything out of the shambles that team has become. Having been there ourselves I do feel sorry for them – but as Dave behind us pointed out, “They deserve everything they get for having given us Craig Russell”. Wise words indeed.

MATCH REPORT II: MCFC 3 SUNDERLAND 0

Living up in the North East has its bonuses; this season Andy & I have had 3 ‘away’ games at the local Premiership clubs, and we’ve always found a couple of locals to tag along with. This time I got a lift down with a couple of Sunderland fans who I work with. The last time we did the journey was via the Spennymoor Sunderland Supporters’ Club coach which involved the driver (a.k.a. Mr Burns) getting lost in Oldham on the way back, though this was an improvement on the time Mr Burns had tried a 3 point turn in the middle of a Moss Side housing estate and got jammed across the road between a fence and someone’s front door!

Without any exciting escapades, we made it to Maine Road in good time. After meeting Andy inside the ground for a pint I bumped into Terry Charlton (someone who we work with on a regular basis) from Turf Care Specialists, Consett, who was a guest of our very own groundsman; his feelings were that the Maine Road pitch was a lot better than Highbury and St Mary’s, so fingers crossed for our groundsman.

City started with the same team that had so efficiently seen off Spurs on Good Friday, but the bench was slightly altered and comprised of Nash, Bischoff, Macken, Sun and Belmadi.

Sunderland started the game playing from North to Platt Lane and looked quite bright for a team lacking in confidence. Thornton was getting well involved in the match (possibly because he was hard not to spot with his peroxide blonde hair) and Scottish International Kevin Kyle (this probably says more about Scottish football than it does about Kevin’s ability) even managed a soft header that Schmeichel easily gobbled up.

City’s best chance fell to SWeeP after good work by Anelka, but SWeeP’s rising shot was poorly parried by Poom and Fowler couldn’t redirect the ball towards the goal. With the short corners again on show, Benarbia played one to SWeeP and in receiving the ball Benarbia crossed for Foe to have his usual right foot swing wide for a goal kick.

With City dominant in midfield and with the back 4 coping well, it came as no surprise that City took the lead. Anelka jinked down the right hand side of the Sunderland box; with the defenders following and Fowler in the middle we all screamed for a cross to the far post. At this point you forget Anelka is World Class, his brain works totally different to us mere mortals so instead of crossing the ball, Anelka dragged the ball back onto his left foot and rolled the ball back across the box to an advancing Foe who struck the ball low and hard to give City the lead.

Within minutes we were two up. A perfect drop ball over the Sunderland centre halves saw Fowler racing through to chip the ball high above the advancing Poom. After what seemed like an age the ball dropped perfectly over the line before bouncing into the back of the net. It was a quality finish by Fowler, but the ball by Benarbia was reminiscent of his many performances last season, Ali is back!

Anelka and Fowler again combined to create a good opportunity for Anelka, but his lack of confidence in front of goal meant he played it to Fowler rather than attempting a strike on target, the ball wasn’t great and it gave the Sunderland defenders the opportunity to clear the ball.

Dunne was withdrawn as the half came to a close, but surprisingly he was replaced by Belmadi, meaning SWeeP had to revert to right full back. Half time saw the return of the youngsters’ penalty shoot-out, but due to a call of nature I missed the result, although Sunderland were 2-0 up. The half time draw was carried out by Dave Watson (seems to do it every week) and Tony Book.

The second half saw Sunderland bringing on the amusingly named (in a Carry On sense) Dickman for the injured Arca. It was Sunderland who created their best chance of the game early on as Phillips’ shot was palmed away by Schmeichel, but the big Dane was alert to save well at the feet of Stewart to prevent a certain goal. If you had any doubts about Schmeichel’s wish to retire this incident summed things up, his reactions are still great, but he seemed slow and should really have held onto Phillips’ shot.

Anelka and Benarbia worked a great opening for Belmadi, but at the edge of the Belmadi could only screw his shot just wide for a goal kick. He was a lot closer from a free kick won by Anelka (surely the only reason Anelka is the most offside player in the Premiership is because Huckerby is on loan at Forest) with Belmadi just about scraping the right hand post with a curling free kick.

With time running out, City matched the scoreline at the Stadium of Light as Benarbia fed Belmadi down the left hand side of the box. Belmadi cut inside from the by-line and crossed to the far post, where Foe was free to strike the ball home of 3-0. A couple of high fives and some general back slapping, the goal had the feel of a training ground kick about.

Phillips limped off for Sunderland with the money men presumably praying it wasn’t a serious one. Belmadi was denied by Poom as his drive was well saved by Poom diving full stretch to his right to keep the ball out. 3-0 it ended with SweeP getting the MotM, although the whole team played well with Barton and Benarbia impressing. The journey back to the North East was a very quiet one, with the Sunderland fans feeling optimstic for next season (based on the fact that no-one will want their players!).

MATCH REPORT: ASTON VILLA RESERVES 2 MCFC RESERVES 4

City Soften the Villians

Both sides fielded mostly young players for this clash on a balmy late spring evening at Villa Park. Both teams needed to win to ensure that the season either ended with winning the championship or enable a top three finish. City, however, with far more balance, pace and purpose in their side should have won by double figures had it not been for great goalkeeping and perhaps better finishing. A Jon Macken brace and a goal for our soon departing youngster, Chris Shuker, and a final goal from our ever improving South American, Matias Vuoso. Villa’s goals came from a Stephen Jordan own goal and one time City trialist, Ulises de la Cruz. So there is a tenuous link to all the goals scored.

The first few minutes saw very little to speak of in the opposing halves that gave either defences anything to worry about. Then after a good move from City, they won their first corner on eight minutes. Shuker was left unmarked on the edge of the area and Kevin Horlock’s corner picked him out well. Shuker flicked the ball up and produced a searing twenty yard half volley that the ‘keeper just stood and watched without moving as it nearly broke the back of the net.

Five minutes later Macken scored the first of his five-minute brace. The goal came when Villa defender, Jonathon Bewers, miscontrolled a pass, Vuoso dispossessed him and found Shuker who curled it towards goal. The ‘keeper, Wayne Henderson, failed to deal with his effort and Jon Macken put the rebound into the net.

Two minutes later Macken was scampering onto a defence splitting ball to beat the offside trap. He then rounded Henderson, who had rushed off his line and shot to goal. Villa defender Liam Ridgewell tried in vain to keep the ball out but it had already crossed the line and he hit it into the roof of the net.

Every time City were going forward, they were exploiting the space and their speed of movement had Villa all over the place. It looked like every time City got the ball, they would score. Great chances fell to Vuoso and Macken but they could either not get on the scoresheet or complete a first half hat trick. There was a bit of sublime skill by Chris Shuker whilst surrounded by numerous Villa players; he then ran at the goal and sent in a great chipped shot that Henderson was fortunate to tip over the bar.

Ten minutes before the break, City gave false hope to the Villa faithful by scoring an own goal. De la Cruz ran into the by-line and cut the ball back to the £9.5 million Colombian, Juan Pablo Angel, whose shot was well saved by Kevin Ellegaard, but the rebound unfortunately hit Stephen Jordan and bounced into the net. Three minutes before the break, Henderson was again forced to tip over the ball, but this time from a shot from Kevin Horlock when he received the ball after Chris Shuker was able to cross to him thanks to a lovely back heel by Vuoso.

Villa started the second half brightly and should have scored when twice within a minute Angel blazoned over the bar. City restored their three goal cushion though on fifty three minutes when a Horlock corner was flicked on by Vuoso and Stephen Jordan headed to goal, but it hit a defender and Vuoso was on hand to smash a five yard volley into the back of the net.

On sixty five minutes, the sixth and final goal of the match was scored. A forward move by Villa led to the ball dropping to Jordan who although heading the ball hard it only fell to De la Cruz, who ran onto the ball drove it hard and low to be deflected past Ellegaard into the net.

In the dying minutes of the game, City were again denied by a great save by Henderson, a Macken shot hit the post and the bar, rebounded out and Shuker was on the end of a world class tackle from Danny Jackman when he ran into the area to deny them a deserving scoreline for their evening’s efforts. I hope Asa Hartford is able to keep this team together for the remainder of the season as it has a great blend of youth and experience with added pace and balance, but that is unlikely given the return to fitness of Macken and other factors.

Ellegaard: Had little to do apart from pick the ball out of the net. 7
Flood: Gave a little too much space – has had to play too many games I think. 6.5
Jordan: Got forward well and was not at fault for the o.g. 7
Wiekens: Won absolutely everything with some great tackling. MoM. 9.5
Bischoff(capt): Needs to show some form to be able to break into the first team. 6.5
Horlock: Once again great midfield play with great distribution. 9
Croft: Needs to deliver better final balls for all his good work. 7
Whelan: A much better match for the youngster in midfield. 7
Macken: Needs to work on his finishing to get a starting place in the 1st team. 8
Vuoso: Once again he caused defenders all sorts of problems. 9
Shuker: Great goal, great wing play – just a pity he’s short of height & real pace. 9

Subs Not Used:
Murphy, James, Elliott, Orr, Gilder.

Villa:
Henderson, O’Connor, Jackman, Bewers, Ridgewell (capt), Kinsella, Cooke, Angel (Hynes 86), Crouch, De la Cruz, Moore.

Unused:
Myhill, Brazil, Husbands.

Goals: Shuker (8), Macken (13,15), Jordan o.g. (35), Vuoso(53), De la Cruz (65).

Att: 657

OPINION: NEW SEASON’S MUST HAVES

I think it’s fair to say City have enjoyed a good, if unspectacular, return to the Premiership this season and so long as we never forget our plight of four years ago, there should be absolutely no cause for complaint amongst the City fans about our continual progress under the guidance of KK. He probably won’t be overwhelmed by our final league position on May 11 but he’s doing a grand job in my opinion.

However, we must realise the enormity of the task that still remains if we want to start competing for major honours and we only have to look at how much Liverpool are struggling to claim a Champions’ League spot with their squad of great depth and quality to see how far there is still to go.

Let’s not be under any illusions, we need at least another five or six big signings before we can expect to be in amongst that top six and putting in a serious challenge to compete in the elite competition on the European stage.

Firstly, I think the retirement of Peter Schmeichel is no bad thing. He has served us well over the course of this season and has done a good job in bringing short-term stability to the club but his hunger to push us further has always been under question after everything he has achieved in the game. So who do we sign as a replacement? I’m certainly not convinced David James is the man. Sure, he can be a world beater when he’s on top form – but can we really be doing with someone whose erratic form can occasionally become a liability, undoing the good work of his team-mates in one of his moments of madness?

Personally, I’d much rather settle for a more consistent and reliable cat in the mould of the Leeds duo, Nigel Martyn and Paul Robinson. Martyn would be a cheaper option who would allow us to concentrate our finances on strengthening other areas of the field but then signing him would only be delaying the problem for another year or two. If it was up to me, I’d push the boat out for Robinson because he’s clearly got the ability to achieve great things in the game and he seems like a very level-headed bloke with his feet firmly on the ground.

Secondly, we need a centre-half and a commanding one at that. Of course, one man who fits the bill immediately springs to mind and I’m sure Jaap Stam would be welcomed by City fans bearing in mind the ill-feeling surrounding his departure from Old Trafford. Failing that, I’m hearing big things about this Florent Laville who’s currently on loan at Bolton from Lyon. Since his arrival at the Reebok, Bolton’s rearguard has only been breached four times in eight games, keeping an astonishing five clean sheets – no mean feet for a team that had the third worst defence in the Premiership before he arrived.

A technically-gifted workhorse who can hold our shape together in midfield is perhaps the biggest priority, though. Of course, Joey Barton has been a revelation in his four games as a senior player but you cannot pin all your hopes on a youngster who has yet to prove he can sustain that level of performance over the course of an entire season.

Therefore, I would like to see us go in for a player like Scott Parker who is showing maturity beyond his years and is a major reason why Charlton continue to surprise in the higher reaches of the table. He won’t come cheap but if he’s well looked after we could be securing the stability and future of the team for the next decade to come. The best midfielders generally stay around with the same club for many years and that should persuade us against chasing a highly-respected journeyman.

Three such signings would solidify the spine of the team but I would also like to see us make strides towards a more flexible squad in terms of our formation, offering us the ability to switch between 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 to unsettle any opposition who find themselves getting the better of us. That would obviously mean us scouring the market for a couple of dependable full backs whose greatest strength above all else is defending but as I’m struggling to think of any that immediately spring to mind (nobody ever notices a great full back) it merely shows how difficult this building a team lark can be!

OPINION: INJURIES, BAD LUCK OR BAD JUDGEMENT?

Having just read that Nick Weaver could face another season out (if his current knee problem needs further surgery) I am wondering if we really have had more players out with injury this season (than in the past) – or than other clubs? And if so, why?

Are we just unlucky (and I think losing Wanchope for the season is certainly that!) or are ‘we’ doing something wrong (or different from other clubs)? I know that we have had several players return earlier than expected from injuries, only to then have to have more treatment or rest perhaps they are coming back too early.

I read somewhere, The Game I think, that Bolton use a variety of methods – including a number of alternative therapies such as acupuncture – and after the recent result – perhaps we ought to consider them too!

OPINION: REAL FOOTBALL

Interesting business at Old Trafford last night. It seemed to me that the main difference between the two teams was the movement off the ball. This is where City can learn from United experience. When Madrid had the ball the two or three players closest to them were always making space and pulling the United players around. When United had it they just ran forward, to some effect it must be admitted but not with any great finesse.

It’s this Spanish style of play that I think Mr Keegan is trying to develop for us. He tried playing one-up and one-off earlier in the season but it didn’t work, mainly because of the flawed 3-5-2 business, but the same idea with four square defenders might be just up our street. Have you heard John Toshack talking about this? It’s worthwhile listening when he talks, and those of us who remember the Keegan/Toshack combination at Anfield during the Seventies will understand just how closely our manager is listening.

Having said that I thought the quality of the football last night was in many respects below that of the Arsenal/United game last week. It looked more like a demonstration game to me. United gave them too much space in stark contrast to the cagey, counter-attacking style they showed at Highbury, which I think would have served them much better in both Madrid games. The reaction to the game has been predictable but a bit silly, just United-loving journalists sucking up to them again. Let’s see how Madrid do against nasty eight-man Italian defences before we give them too much credit.

I was delighted with the negative reception the Rags gave to Steve McManaman. He’s big mates with Robbie Fowler (they own racehorses together under “The Growler and Macca Partnership”) and looks like he’ll be given a free transfer next month. I thought he looked a much better player last night than when he left Liverpool and seems to have developed a defensive aspect to his game, which he was always lacking. I hope we are near the top of the list when he starts talking to new clubs and last night must have pushed him a bit closer to us.

Congratulations to the Blues for the magnificent performance at Tottenham and the competent follow-up on Monday and, by the way, did you notice we did better against United this season than Real Madrid?

OPINION: UWE RÖSLER I

I hear from the latest issue of MCIVTA and the news websites that Uwe Rösler is suffering from cancer. I am sure that this won’t be the only message of good luck to Uwe, who served City superbly well as a striker and scored many vital goals for the club in his time. His continuing dedication and respect for City was shown in recent articles that reported his desire to one day become our manager as well. I’m sure all subscribers to MCIVTA would join me in wishing Uwe the best of luck with his coming fight against this disease and hope that he will be able to beat it and get on with his life and his ambitions. Good luck Uwe!

OPINION: PLAYER OF THE YEAR I

I would have to go for Distin. Although I only see what they serve up on TV over here, Distin has been consistently good this season and gets my vote.

OPINION: PLAYER OF THE YEAR II

It was mentioned at the top of our last instalment that King Shaun of Goaterville W.I. should be nominated Player of the Year. I have to disagree with this – I’d let Anelka, Berkovic & Rudolph the Red Nosed Viking (sorry, that’s the name which stuck with me during his days with the Evil Empire) fight it out.

Nevertheless, I do hereby nominate him for “Classiest Individual” in the entire Football League, given the way he’s been treated throughout his days at City and, more importantly, the utterly exemplary way he has always responded. Think about it, without his goals specifically and his talent in general, we wouldn’t be in a position to afford anyone to replace him, and yet he continues to be nothing but an upbeat, positive influence on the team, the club and the community at large.

Shaun, you are one rôle model well worthy of such a label. There are very few of your sort in top-class modern football. Long may you play a part in the fortunes of City.

OPINION: PLAYER OF THE YEAR III

Goat for player of the year? Come off it girl! As much as I love the guy (and I do), there can be no-one else to vote for than Eyal. He has consistently been the highlight of the season for us, creating things out of nothing. If you look back at the games he played (such as the November derby), everything we did that was good went through him. In games like Chelsea and Liverpool at home, even though we lost he was still the most creative player on either side. I can understand Anelka getting a few votes (his workrate has been exemplary, and his finishing was superb for a good part of the season), but I still believe it should be a walkover this year for the mighty Israeli.

OPINION: PLAYER OF THE YEAR IV

My Player of the Season: Niclas Jensen for that goal and quiet consistency!

OPINION: NIGHTMARE ON MAINE ROAD ELEVEN

You are obviously still putting the final touches to your APOCALYPSE XI in response to mine a few weeks ago, as everything appears to have gone quiet on the typing front. Even the bloke who wrote to me directly with his additions (or my omissions, depends how you look at it) didn’t send in his full list.

How about a Nightmare XI players who I’m ashamed to say played in City Colours ’cause they were c**p, or for the politically correct flamers out there ‘the Predominately non female, skillfully challenged, squad activists’.

GK: Eike Immel (he probably wasn’t that bad, but he’s the worst I’ve seen)
FB: perm any two from three Michael “Homer” Frontzeck, Tony Vaughan, Laurent Charvet
CB: David Brightwell, Alan Kernaghan
MIDFIELD: Nigel Clough
FORWARD: Adrian Heath, Carl Griffiths, Lee Bradbury, Buster Phillips, Nicky Summerbee

There didn’t seem any point in packing out the midfield, as it’s pointless him winning anything because if he gets it forward it’s only going for a goal kick anyway, and the defence are capable of screwing up anything that comes their way without extra bodies to ricochet off and into the net.

Well? I’ve shown you mine… let’s see yours then!

Best strike partnership: Walsh & Rösler
For goals, chants and pure unadulterated pleasure, these two really enjoyed playing together and playing in Blue. Walshy always enjoyed the crack with crowds. Any crowd. I remember when he played for Liverpool with long hair streaming down his back, and the Kippax chanting “show us your t*ts” he turned, lifted his top and squeezed his nips at us! Starving… so I will delay my Uwe memories for another day.

Finally. Why is it that West Ham were relegated from the First Division but played in the First Division the very next season? The sport is definitely football and its since we won a trophy in the top flight.

OPINION: TICKET REQUEST

I too saw the laughable offer of a season ticket (North Stand, Block P) for the Southampton game for £250.00 from Simone Torley. Needless to say, I will also not be taking up that offer! I realise that some Blues will try and profit from such a game, but I know that overall, most City fans are not mercenary (unlike the fans of some clubs) so if anyone has 2 tickets available for this fixture, I would willingly pay “over the odds” for them if necessary, but sensible figures… please?

[McV has long helped fans obtain tickets and will continue to do so in good faith, but we are extremely disappointed with the underhanded approach of Simone’s offer – Ed]

OPINION: FAIR PLAY LEAGUE I

Thought I’d try to find out a bit more about this Fair Play League, seeing as we are supposedly in with a very good shout!

The official UEFA website has more details, in particular in Annexe V of the document at http://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/19070.pdf

In summary, the fair play assessment consists of six criteria for the evaluation of the fair play performance of a team. These are: red and yellow cards; positive play; respect of the opponent; respect of the referee; behaviour of team officials; and finally (and maybe of most interest) the behaviour of the crowd.

The UEFA regulations state that:

“Encouragement of teams by shouting, singing, etc. may have a positive influence on the atmosphere, in accordance with the spirit of fair play. The spectators are, however, expected to respect the opposing team and the referee. They should appreciate the performance of the opposition, even if they emerge as winners. They must in no way intimidate or frighten the opposing team, the referee or opposing supporters”

So there you have it. We fans have a part to play. So could I request all City fans not to slag off any officials for the rest of the season, no matter how outrageous the decision, make sure that you buy a drink for any opposition fans you meet in the pub, and next Sunday sing a rousing rendition of “I’m forever blowing bubbles” (with optional chant on May 11th of “Same old Beattie, always scoring” if he somehow manages to breach our now watertight defence) ;>)

OPINION: FAIR PLAY LEAGUE II

This is the answer to Chris Fegan’s request in MCIVTA 908 as to how the Fair Play League points are calculated. I got the information from MCIVTA’s very own subscriptions person, Madeleine Hawkins.

There are 6 areas that form the assessment:

1. Red and yellow cards: team starts game with 10 pts and loses 1pt for eachyellow card and 3 for a red (2 yellows = 3 pt).
2. Positive play: maximum 10 pts. This covers: attacking rather thandefensive tactics; acceleration of the game; efforts to gain time (bringingball into play quickly even when winning); continued pursuit of goals. Losepoints for play acting and time wasting.
3. Respect of opponents: maximum 5 pts. (helping an injured opponent; kickingthe ball out etc.)
4. Respect of the referee: maximum 5 pts.
5. Behaviour of team officials: maximum 5 pts (how they accept refereeingdecisions etc.)
6. Behaviour of the crowd: maximum 5 pts. “They must in no way intimidate orfrighten the opposing team, officials or opposition supporters”.

The number of points gained in a game is divided by 40 (the maximum that can be gained) and multiplied by 10 to give a score for each match. So if City scored 31 today they would get 31/40 x 10 = 7.75.

OPINION: FAIR PLAY AND GREASY SHIRTS

Two quick comments on questions raised in recent MCIVitees (is that the correct term?).

My understanding of the greasy shirts come from two areas. Number one it is Vaseline to keep the sweat out of players’ eyes, but obviously they need to reapply it during matches. Number two it is some form of gel that cuts out reflections caused by floodlights – don’t ask me how it works as I’ve never quite understood it, probably not helped by me having got a ‘N’ at A-Level for Chemistry!

As for the Fair Play League, it is a clandestine creation by the people at UEFA. I am lead to believe that bookings are only part of the scoring system and other things are taken into account like fans’ behaviour, players’ behaviour etc. Has KK’s plan to remove the booze culture from the club helped? Is Dunne rehab and inclusion in the first team seen favourably at UEFA? Would be nice to see European football next season, but I’m happy to wait a year or two.

OPINION: GREASY SHIRTS I

In reply to Mike Dole’s greasy shirt follow up. I would agree with him except for one thing. The spot seems to be right under the collar. Not exactly a key place to hold an opposing player. If one was to ‘PAM’ their jersey, most likely the sleeves or the shirt tail. As good a guess as any though.

My theory is that the players dry their faces there and therefore the sweat is concentrated and with the Nike dri-fit material, it creates the shine on TV. I’m probably way off too. My last thought is maybe the odd runny nose! Who knows.

This one comes from a Texan exiled in Nebraska. Hello to all my Blue friends.

REQUEST: WEST HAM TICKET OFFER & LIFT

I’ve got a spare ticket for the West Ham game, but I need a lift to the game!

I live in the Thames Valley area (Wokingham), and need to go to the game to maintain my 100% home attendance record!

Any takers? Either email me or ring me on 07900677378.

REQUEST: LIVERPOOL TICKETS

I always seem to fall just short of the required points for away games, so I am hoping that someone can help me out. I am looking for two tickets (preferably one of these a concession for my 75 year old dad but if not then two standard tickets will be fine) for the Liverpool game.

I will make any arrangement necessary for payment. I will not able to access my email for a few days so please call 07811 397911.

REQUEST: BOSTON (MASS) VIEWING

Does anyone know of any pubs or bars where the West Ham game will be shown in Boston (Massachussetts, not Lincolnshire)?

REQUEST: MELBOURNE VIEWING

Melbourne Blues will be meeting up at the Keeper’s Arms at 11pm on Sunday night to watch the City vs. West Ham game. As this is likely to be the last televised game on Foxtel this season, it’d be great to see as many people as possible at the pub at what is, for once, a reasonable hour in Australia.

The Keeper’s Arms is on the corner of Queensberry and Peel Streets in North Melbourne (Tel: 9329-7081).

Hope to see you all there.

REQUEST: TORONTO VIEWING

I am going on holiday to Canada on May 9 and will be in Toronto for the last game of the season against Southampton on the 11th.

Can any Canadian Blues tell me if the game will be on TV over there? And if there are any Blues in Toronto, where would be a good place to watch it?

REQUEST: CITY PICS

With time fast running out for City’s residence at Maine Road, I thought it might be the time to bring to your attention a new site that I have created, with photos that I have taken of City in action at Maine Road. The site http://www.mancitypics.com/ contains over 100 photos of recent City games, plus nostalgic photos from games both home and away, when I have remembered to take my camera over the past 14 years.

All the photos on the site are void of text and it is not my intention to operate the site commercially, but is merely a combination of having a passion for City and an interest in photography.

I hope you can find the time to view the site and I look forward to any feedback you may have.

REQUEST: US/MEXICO PUZZLER

Here’s a question for any Blues in the US or Mexico: Japan/Korea 2002, USA vs. Mexico, USA lead and bring on a certain Kobi Jones. Four Mexican players take it in turns in attempting to (and almost succeed) kick him to death in front of a sell-out crowd.

Why? There must be some “history”… a few friends and I pondered this one long and hard at the time (well, alright we scratched our heads for a while and then carried on drinking) and it came up again very recently in conversation over a few beers… any pointers?

RESULTS

22 April 2003

Leeds United          2 - 0  Fulham                37,220

League table to 23 April 2003 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  35 15  2  1 38 11  7  6  4 28 21 22  8  5  66  32  34  74
 2 Arsenal         34 14  2  1 39 16  7  6  4 32 20 21  8  5  71  36  35  71
 3 Chelsea         35 11  4  2 38 13  7  5  6 27 22 18  9  8  65  35  30  63
 4 Newcastle Utd   35 14  2  2 35 17  5  3  9 24 29 19  5 11  59  46  13  62
 5 Liverpool       35  9  8  1 29 14  8  2  7 24 23 17 10  8  53  37  16  61
 6 Everton         35 10  5  2 25 16  6  3  9 20 28 16  8 11  45  44   1  56
 7 Blackburn R.    35  9  6  3 23 14  5  5  7 21 26 14 11 10  44  40   4  53
 8 Tottenham H.    35  9  4  4 30 23  5  4  9 20 28 14  8 13  50  51  -1  50
 9 Southampton     34  9  7  2 25 16  3  5  8 15 22 12 12 10  40  38   2  48
10 Manchester City 35  9  2  6 28 24  5  4  9 17 27 14  6 15  45  51  -6  48
11 Middlesbrough   35  9  7  2 31 20  3  3 11 11 18 12 10 13  42  38   4  46
12 Charlton Ath.   35  7  3  7 24 28  6  4  8 18 22 13  7 15  42  50  -8  46
13 Birmingham City 35  7  4  6 20 21  5  4  9 16 25 12  8 15  36  46 -10  44
14 Aston Villa     35 10  2  6 24 14  1  7  9 15 28 11  9 15  39  42  -3  42
15 Leeds United    35  6  3  8 20 22  6  2 10 30 29 12  5 18  50  51  -1  41
16 Fulham          35 10  3  5 24 18  1  5 11 13 31 11  8 16  37  49 -12  41
17 Bolton Wndrs    35  6  7  4 23 21  3  5 10 14 27  9 12 14  37  48 -11  39
18 West Ham United 35  4  7  7 20 24  4  4  9 18 33  8 11 16  38  57 -19  35
19 West Brom A.    35  3  4 10 15 26  3  2 13 11 30  6  6 23  26  56 -30  24
20 Sunderland      35  3  2 12 11 26  1  5 12 10 33  4  7 24  21  59 -38  19

MCIVTA FAQ [v0203.10]

[0] MCIVTA Addresses

 Articles (Heidi Pickup)          : editor@mcivta.city-fan.org

 News/rumour (Don Barrie)         : news@mcivta.city-fan.org

 Subscriptions (Madeleine Hawkins): subscriptions@mcivta.city-fan.org

 Technical problems (Paul)        : paul@city-fan.org

 FAQ (David Warburton)            : faq@mcivta.city-fan.org

[1] What are MCIVTA’s publishing deadlines?

Deadlines for issues are nominally 6pm, Monday and Thursday evenings.

[2] MCIVTA Back Issues and Manchester City Supporters’ home page

http://www.uit.no/mancity/ is the unofficial Manchester City Supporters’ home page. Created in 1994, it is the longest running of the Manchester City related web sites. Back issues of MCIVTA are also hosted on the site.

[3] What is the club’s official web site?

The official club web site can be found at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/

[4] What supporters’ clubs are there?

Manchester City FC recognises three supporters’ clubs: The “Official Supporters Club” (http://www.mancity.net/osc/index.html); the “Centenary Supporters’ Association” (http://www.callnetuk.com/home/sef/) and “The International Supporters’ Club” (http://www.mcfc.co.uk/extra/fanzone/isc.asp)

[5] Where can I find out about the fans’ committee?

The Fans’ Committee operates as an interface between supporters and the club. It has its own website, http://www.mcfc-fans.com/ containing info about forthcoming meetings as well as minutes from previous gatherings.

[6] Where can I find information about our new stadium?

The latest information regarding the progress of our new home can be found at www.mcfc.co.uk/article.asp?article=111916&Title=Introduction&lid=New+Stadium

[7] What match day broadcasts are available on the web?

Live match commentaries and archives of games, reports and interviews can be found here: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/comment.asp. An alternate live commentary service, hosted by Yahoo, is located at: http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/foot/audio/live/schedule/index.html.

[8] Where can I find out if City are live on satellite TV?

http://www.satfootball.com/pl.html provides a listing of Premiership games being shown on UK domestic and foreign satellite channels. A good site for North American viewers is http://canadatvsoccer.tripod.com/Fixtures.htm.

[9] What’s the music the teams run out to?

The music we run out to at Maine Road is “Nightmare” by Brainbug and is available on the Positiva label.

[10] Do we have a Usenet newsgroup?

Yes we do: uk.sport.football.clubs.man-city is our home on usenet. If you are not familiar with usenet, a basic explanation is available here: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,289893,sid9_gci213262,00.html

[11] Do any squad members have their own web pages?

There are a number available and direct links can be found at http://www.uit.no/mancity/players/

[12] Acknowledgements

Thanks go to John Arnold for providing the match day music information, to Ian Bell for pointing out the alternate live match commentary service and to Damian Quinn, Stephen Webb and Roger Haigh for the Satellite TV info.

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.

Heidi Pickup, heidi@mcivta.freeserve.co.uk

Editor: