Newsletter #1001

The tears of joy may have dried, but the throat is still sore from Sunday’s experience at the COMS. City must still be walking round with crazed grins on their faces, given to laughing out loud at random moments. So let’s continue to bask in the warm glow of our derby defeat of the Red Peril shall we?

Tonight we include plenty more reaction to the demolition derby, Gavin’s latest reserves report and a timely reminder that sometimes there are more important things than football.

We’re still waiting on John Wardle’s replies to your questions. He has sent his apologies for the delay, but unforeseen business matters have delayed him. The answers are expected shortly and will be posted to MCV readers as soon as we get them.

Heidi’s back at the helm for MCIVTA 1002, so keep those emails coming to <editor(at)mcivta.city-fan.org>.

NEWS SUMMARY

Part One: Victory Parade

4-1, We Beat United 4-1: The Boss Man was suitably cock-a-hoop after Sunday’s demolition of United, which had ensured City’s first back-to-back derby home wins for 23 years and capped a miserable week for United, who also crashed out of the Champions’ League on Wednesday. “I was really proud of the players”, said KK. “We played better against Chelsea last week but today we showed a side of our character you need to beat teams, and that is character and the ability to stay in the game when it wasn’t going our way. Our attitude got us back in the game because at 2-1 they started to play some wonderful football.” Keegan paid tribute to the fans. “This is their biggest game of the season and we are so pleased for them,” he added. “But it doesn’t mean more to them than it means to me and the players. We’re at the wrong end of the table and I’m sure the fans would swap the disappointing days for what they’ve just seen out there – we should be having a few of those in the season.” Keegan also had special words of praise for SWP, who rounded off another impressive display with a stunning strike deep into injury time. “Shaun is a wonderful player and I think he’s going to go a long way in the game because he’s got a lot of ability, a big heart, and courage,” he said. “Shaun just keeps getting better and better. He is one of those players who you can ask to play anywhere. He is invaluable because every team needs a player like him and does so many great jobs for us. It would be good reward for him if he is selected by England.”

28 Years, and We’re Still Here: KK hopes that this win will mark the start of a good run of home victories. “This win is more special than last year because we needed to rest the ghost of this stadium,” he said. “We have only won two games here and we have played so well at times that you start to wonder that there is something wrong with the place. If there is a curse, it has been lifted.” But Keegan refused to accept that United are a declining force in English football. “The idea of Sir Alex Ferguson going through a tough time is different to the idea of me finding it tough,” he said. “They are still an outstanding team, with some outstanding players and will have a say in anything that goes on in this country for the next five or 10 years, or as long as Sir Alex is still there. I know they had a few players missing but if you look at their side, it is still very strong. They produced some great football and in Paul Scholes had the outstanding player on the pitch.”

In 28 Years You’ll Be Arsenal Fans: Robbie Fowler’s strike in the third minute was the earliest goal scored by the Blues all season, and ensured the perfect start to the game. “When the goal went in I turned to Derek Fazackerley and said that it was the first time we had scored such an early goal,” said Kevin Keegan. “I can’t remember us getting such an early goal or having a shot or hitting the post so early on in any of the games here. I said to Faz that maybe it would change our luck and then we got another one. But that second goal seemed to galvanize them and whatever people will say about Manchester United after this the one thing I will say is that they are still a terrific side. They may have had key players missing but when you can fetch Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Diego Forlan off your bench you can’t say it is a weak squad. They came here and we stood our ground with them and we got a smashing victory for our fans. United have turned us over twice at their place and now we have done that to them at our new stadium.” But the boss laughed off suggestions that it was his tactical astuteness that led to the two half time substitutions which turned the match. “I would like to say the changes were down to tactics, but they weren’t,” he explained. “When we came in at half time we had numerous problems in the first half with players trying to do jobs that don’t come naturally to them. Antoine Sibierski is not a midfield player who can hold too well. He likes to get on and score goals, he is really a forward. Steve McManaman will go out wide but he wants to drift in and of course we were playing with three centre backs so they were getting out so we changed it during the first half. But then I had to make the changes again at the start of the second half. Steve and Claudio both came in and said that the game was over for them because of injuries. I thought Paul Bosvelt was outstanding and if you took a Man of the Match in the second half you would have to give it to him. Trevor Sinclair gave us energy and drive even though he was asked to play in a position that wouldn’t be his first choice either. A lot of players dug in and that is what you have to do in the Premiership. If you dig in and hold on you will sometimes get the rub of the green.”

Robbie Fowler is a Blue: City’s first half goalscorers were interviewed by Sky Sports after the game: “We’ve been quite unlucky of late but we had a bit today – they hit the bar twice. But I think we deserved the win. It was important we got the result – to win a derby 4-1 is just fantastic. It was a great result and a great performance,” said Robbie Fowler. “It’s nice to get off to a flyer. In the past we’ve been slow to get into games but to go 1-0 up in a derby inside three minutes is nice. We were 2-1 up at half-time and even though they had some good players out you know they are a very, very good side and they always attack teams. They were unfortunate not to get in the game but we weathered the storm and scored two good goals in the second-half.” Former United trainee Jon Macken added: “Recently we’ve been playing really well but not getting the results – so it’s nice to get a win like that in a derby. I think we deserved it – and the luck was on our side today. We’ve not won here for a long time so this means a lot. Hopefully this can kick-start things for us.”

Champions’ League? You’re Having a Laugh: Apparently Sir Alex likes to call the COMS “The Temple of Doom” in honour of City’s poor form at home. This led one of the Monday papers to wonder whether “the analogy was with another Indiana Jones film. Could we be witnessing his last crusade?” Fergie fumed quite a bit in the aftermath of his side’s defeat. “We are not even doing the simple things like clearing our lines and getting it away. We are just being far too hesitant. The most effective way to defend is to keep it simple. At the moment, we are not defending realistically. We are trying to pass the ball out of the box and we are not attacking the ball. We are being far too hesitant and not clearing our lines and dunking the ball out. It is the kind of sloppy defending that has been endemic in our play for the last two months. We have to make sure the responsibilities are with the players. We’ve got to forget what’s happening around us at the moment. We can’t do much about that unless our form improves and it’s not good enough at the moment.”

Sing in the Queen Vic, You Only Sing in the Queen Vic: Did my ears deceive me or did Fergie give City some credit? Let’s check. He continued: “In the first half we played very, very well but I was disappointed we gave two goals away from a long throw and free kick. But we hit the woodwork twice and our play was very, very good. I thought if we were patient we could get back in the game quite easily – but in the second half City were the far better side. There were a few errors in the defending and in any game at this level you can’t afford that.” Ferguson, whose team suffered their biggest defeat since the 5-0 hammering by Chelsea four years ago, said: “It’s obviously going to be very difficult catching Arsenal – there’s no question about that. But the important thing is to try and get our form back and eradicate these silly errors we’re making at the back. Confidence can play a part – no-one knows how it comes and goes. But this was a terrible result for us – you can’t mask that – and we want to do something about that. If we get our form back we’ll be in a healthier state.”

Welcome to Manchester:Trevor Sinclair’s first Premiership goal as a City player ensuredthat there would be no Red fightback on Sunday. “The main thing waswinning this game,” said Sinclair. “We have had a tough time at thisstadium and we have felt that we have not got the results that wedeserved. When better to do it than against our arch rivals and on abig derby day. It was fantastic for the fans who have stuck behindus. It was good for the squad as well as we have all felt that wehave had a performance like that in us and it happened in the derby.”The winger replaced Steve McManaman at the re-start and was givenspecific instructions from the manager. “I was told not to goforward too much and that we should keep a good shape when we do nothave the ball. The gaffer told me to work hard and bring somethingdifferent to the team and I feel that I did that. I was delighted tobe involved in this win.” Commenting on his goal, Sinclair said:“The ball was on my left side and I mis-hit it slightly, but I gotit over the ‘keeper and was delighted to get my first goal in thePremiership. As a Manc you know all about the famous victories andto be involved in a 4-1 win in the first derby at the new stadium hasmade me very happy. It was a relief to see the ball go in,” headmitted. “It has not been the best of seasons for me and I am thefirst one to hold my hands up and admit that. I feel I can andshould be playing better. I have set my standards. But for one reasonor another, I can’t put my finger on it. I feel I am a goodprofessional and I work hard. I’ve tried not to get my head down toomuch and I’ve just been waiting for my opportunity. I think youcould see that we desperately wanted it out there. We took ourchances and had a bit more hunger. It is something to build on now.We have an important game next Monday. We will analyse this win andtake the good points into the match at Leeds which will be a big gamefor us.”

[Most of the above headlines are brought to you courtesy of the massed ranks of the South Stand choir]

Part Two: The Reset of the News

General News

Who’s Sorry Now? Nicolas Anelka has done his bit and publicly apologised to France coach Jacques Santini for refusing a call-up to the national team over a year ago. In a bid to earn a late call up for Euro 2004, Anelka has released a statement on his personal website apologising to Santini for turning down the chance to play for France. “Those who know me, know that despite our differences I have always had the greatest respect for the French team,” read his statement on nicolasanelka.net. “I explained at that time the reasons for my refusal because it was necessary for me, above all, to act frankly and sincerely. This is why I feel it is necessary to make a public apology to Mr Jacques Santini and to the French team. This apology allows me to put this matter behind me and to concentrate fully on football without looking back.”

Villa Switch: Lovers of the Aston expressway will be pleased to know that the date for City’s trip to Villa Park has been confirmed. The Blues will face Aston Villa on Sunday 4th April with the game kicking off at 2.00pm. The Premiership encounter has been moved twenty-four hours as the FA Cup semi-final is being played at the Midlands venue on Saturday 3rd April.

International Blues: Arni Arason has been included in Iceland’s squad to face Albania in Tirana on March 31 in a friendly match. Elsewhere, youngsters Lee Croft and Micah Richards have been called up by England for the under-19s and under-16s respectively. Croft is in the squad for the game against Germany on March 30, while Richards has been selected for an international Under-16s tournament in France next month.

Fans Keep the Faith: City have announced that 25,200 fans have already renewed their season tickets (or seasoncards as we have to get used to calling them). This leaves 2,000 fans on the waiting list, while next season there will be a maximum of 36,000 seasoncard holders. MD Alistair Mackintosh has praised the supporters showing their faith. “It is a great testimony to the loyalty of our fans that even though we had endured a poor run of results on the field that they have backed the team through thick and thin,” he declared. “They have shown they don’t intend to let that level of support slip and it confirms their faith in the club as we attempt to keep moving forward both on and off the field.” Meanwhile, City have rejected reports suggesting the club is on the verge of a financial crisis that will force the sale of star players such as Nicolas Anelka. A club spokesman said: “There is no foundation to these reports and it looks like mischief-making at work.”

Transfer News and Gossip

Derek in Demand: Norwich have joined City, Tottenham and Southampton in their interest for Hibs’ striker Derek Riordan, according to “The People” this week. Scouts from these clubs were said to have attended the CIS Cup final between Hibs and Livingston at the weekend.

Shuk Off: Chris Shuker began the week by admitting that his proposed move to Hartlepool United was not going to happen. Shuker spent three months on loan at Victoria Park but said: “I was a bit unsure about going up originally but I enjoyed my time there. I was able to train at Carrington a couple of days a week and then go up to Hartlepool on the Thursday. I think they wanted me to sign for longer but the deal looks to be dead now. I’m really not sure what’s going to happen in the future. My contract with City is up at the end of the season and it doesn’t look as though I will be offered an extension. But I need to sort something out so I’ve got some security.” Something was sorted out very quickly indeed. He has now joined Nationwide Division Two play-off hopefuls Barnsley on a permanent basis. The 21-year-old becomes Paul Hart’s second signing since taking charge at Oakwell, with Middlesbrough full-back David Murphy having arrived on loan last week. KK said: “I am delighted for him and I think it is a great move for Chris. I gave him another year at the end of last season as I liked him around the place and the way he worked hard. He wants to be a player but he found that step up an inch too far. But he never stopped committing himself, never stopped trying. Last year when I gave him another year I told him that you never know in this game. I told him I think that Barnsley is a good opportunity for him and the chance to work with Paul Hart. The club has got a new chairman, it has plenty of ambition and it is a club that has been in the Premiership, so I think it is a great move for him.”

Thanks but No Thanks: The New York/New Jersey MetroStars sound less keen to buy Steve McManaman this week. After last week’s report that claimed that Macca was bound for an Atlantic crossing, MetroStars general manager Nick Sakiewicz revealed that MLS clubs were keen to lose the reputation that top stars only arrive to play in America for a final swansong in their careers. “While players of Macca’s quality would certainly do well in our league, I think it is important to qualify that statement by saying they would do well only if they brought their ‘A-game’ with them,” said Sakiewicz. “Professional football in the United States is no longer about older players finding one last contract or coming on a nice extended holiday while playing a little football before full retirement. There are a number of players that have come to the US with that in mind and have failed terribly,” he added. “MLS is a very competitive league and no matter who the player is – and at what level he has achieved – he must come to play competitive football.”

Ex-Blues’ News

Smart for Mart: Typical isn’t it? You wait years for a Martyn Margetson story and two come along one after the other. This week Wales manager Mark Hughes has named his squad for the friendly against Hungary in Budapest on 31 March, and Margetson is included for the first time. The 32-year-old goalkeeper is a surprise inclusion, although he won seven Under-21 caps. “I have had some good reports on Martyn this season,” Hughes said. “He has got into the Cardiff side and done very well and he is keeping an international squad ‘keeper out of the side. This gives me the chance to have a good look at him.”

Squad News

Horsing Around: Nice to see three of the City squad keeping a low profile this week, as Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Joey Barton were all shown on TV attending the Cheltenham Race meeting. As the Guardian pointed out: “Thanks to a day off granted by his fellow owner Kevin Keegan, Steve McManaman was able to attend his first Festival yesterday, where he watched Simoun, the horse he co-owns with Robbie Fowler, trail home 14th in the opening race. ‘Last year I listened to our horse run on the phone because we had a Champions’ League match, so it’s great to be here at last,’ he said.”

Mike Likes City: Michael Tarnat has now publicly stated his hopes of remaining with City, once his contract runs out this summer. “I hope to stay at City for another year or even two years as I really like it,” he revealed. “That is what I want to do but I don’t know what the club is thinking. I hope to speak to the gaffer in two weeks’ time.” And he believes his recent performances have improved thanks to the presence of Steve McManaman on the left flank. “I like playing behind Steve McManaman. He is a good player with great experience. He is always talking and wanting the ball. It means we can change positions and if I go forward he is back covering. At the moment we play well together on the left. I like that and it has helped my delivery. I am playing more forward while earlier in the season I was playing in a deeper rôle.” Fellow defender Sylvain Distin received some good news this week. The captain picked up his fifth booking of the season in the derby (for standing up while Nicky Butt twice barged into him, apparently), which had lead to fears of a suspension. He will not be banned though as the yellow card came after the Football Association’s cut off point for such suspensions.

Flood at Spotland: Youngster Willo Flood has moved to Rochdale on a month’s loan. Dale boss Steve Parkin said: “He’s a versatile young midfielder, who is very fit. We have picked up a few knocks from Saturday’s match so his addition to the squad is very welcome. I must say a massive thank you to Kevin Keegan for allowing him to come to the club as he’s not been allowing the younger players out on loan because they are on the fringes of the first team, so we are very grateful to him.” Flood played for the Dale on Tuesday at Huddersfield, and played a big part in setting up Rochdale’s goal in the 1-1 draw.

DERBY VIEW: SUNDAY GLORIOUS SUNDAY

Some football supporters-cum-golfers have really bad days, while their playing partners could not be happier. My regular golfing partner Paddy is a Red (nobody’s perfect) and last Sunday for him was just one awful disaster after another. It started off so well. He was presented with a prize for a hole-in-one he’d scored the previous day. Then he found out that if his playing partner (not me) on Saturday had not missed a 12-inch putt, they would have won the competition.

Anyway, off we go to the first tee, where our fourball enjoyed the sunshine while we were waiting for our turn. Up we go to hit off, whereupon the heavens opened. The players in front could give snails lessons in dawdling, and by the time we get to the first green we are soaked to the skin. Then the rain stopped and the sun re-appeared. On the first green Paddy three-putts from nowhere. This is followed by an expert dissertation in Shanghai whorehouse language on the failings of greenkeepers – I never realised Paddy was so multilingual. To add to our amusement, and thanks to the heat of the sun on his wet-gear, the steam begins to rise in clouds off Paddy, exactly reflecting his foul mood.

On the second hole, he chips in dead for an easy par, but in keeping with everything else so far that day, he misses the putt. There was what might loosely be described as another outburst of ungentlemanly language, followed by one of his favourite anger gestures – attempting to break the putter over his knee. Unfortunately, he mis-timed it, and actually broke the putter! Nobody said a word, but three of the fourball almost had heart attacks from keeping in the laughter.

On we go, with Paddy now using his driver as a putter (I think he saw Tiger Woods do this somewhere). The weather gets worse, and any chance we had of featuring in the competition disappeared on the sixth hole (don’t ask). We called it a day after nine, and adjourned to the nineteenth.

Having got ourselves sorted out, we settled down in the Members’ Bar (it used to be called the Men’s Bar, but nowhere is safe from political correctness nowadays). Soup, sandwiches, beer (mine) and orange juice (his) appeared in due course. The bar began to fill up. There is only one other known City supporter in the club, and he was not present. The club is afflicted with the usual majority of Rags’ supporters, and I have to admit I felt a little isolated. Paddy is discussing with his fellow Rags how the Trafford Trollops had overcome bigger deficits in the past to win the Premiership, yawn, yawn, and how City were always good for a handy six points (how quickly they forget – ask Neville Neville’s oldest and ugliest son). Brendan the barman lowered the big screen and we were ready for the match.

Two minutes and fifty-three seconds into the game, Neville Neville’s younger and dimmer son gets confused because the older and uglier brother isn’t around to tell him what to do (like breathing in and out) but he thinks that if the Ugly One is capable of creating a howler then by crikey he can do it too! Our man Fowler, sharp as a tack, gleefully accepts the gift. One-nil. The most surprising thing then was the huge cheer that went around the bar. I looked around, and the remembered that if as a nation we are diseased with too many Rags, we are also blessed with an abundance of ABUs (Anyone But Urinated), and they certainly made themselves heard. The Rags at the back, not being the quickest people in the world all seem to be asking “what happened?”. “Thank you, God”, I said, “for making two Nevilles”! Paddy is not amused. Then Jimmy, the club professional, wanders in and asks in astonishment “City are one up?” I give him a look that says “Watch your tongue, mate, or my wife will never buy anything in your shop again”! Threatened with bankruptcy, he meekly sits down with his fellow Rags. They are all of the view that the Trollops will be leading by half-time. A few minutes later Jon Macken does his turn (literally) and against the run of play, we are two up. Oh, joy! – how long has it been since we were two up against anybody, let alone the Trollops? During the next few minutes that new Portuguese Rag with the head band, and who couldn’t hit a barn door at four paces, deliberately attempts to inflict damage to our woodwork. Even so, it appears that there is more movement in our woodwork than in Van Horseface, thanks to Van Buyten. Then that little redheaded sh*te scores. I am nearly drowned in the wave of smug “I told you so” complacency emanating from the Rags behind (and from many Rags’ behinds!). This is partly because that bl**dy Portuguese is giving Dunny a hard time. Understandably, Dunny eventually hits the Portuguese Headband with a shoulder charge that almost sends the Headband into the upper deck of the stand, just to remind him that you can take the p*ss only so much. Headband goes quiet for the rest of the match. Somehow, we maintain our lead to half time. Paddy is very confident. He rightly points out that City has had the luck in the first half. “About time, too”, I retort, but inwardly, I’m more hopeful than confident.

The second half gets under way. Pressure on City is unbearable, but Distin and van Buyten are majestic in defence. Even Dunny looks OK with SWP (!) helping him out After going through about thirty minutes of cold sweat, I see Tweety Pie (or was that Sylvester?) makes a total hames of it in front of Sinclair. The tackle that followed would not have been out of place in the WWF, but Sinclair bustles through anyway. Three-one. Am I dreaming this? I look behind me. The Rags to the rear are stunned. No, I definitely am not dreaming. I watch the Rags’ Yankee import taking the ball out of the net and he looks like he is experiencing his own personal Alamo. Paddy is disgusted. The ABUs are delighted. I’m ecstatic. A Liverpool supporter assures me that City can’t lose it now, implying that the Trollops could still score twice! Talk about a Job’s comforter. We hang on for the ninety minutes. Three minutes extra time. Then a strange thing happens. The ball appears to run half the length of the pitch along the touchline, with SWP in pursuit. None of the Rag players seem to be interested. SWP wanders towards the Trollops’ penalty area, where a Rag player finally notices him. Side-stepping the Rag, and having nothing much better to do, SWP slams the ball off the underside of the crossbar and into the net (does that crossbar know whose ball is hitting it?). Now it’s game, set and match – and what a match: the sounds of Rag jaws hitting the floor and Rag dreams of the Premiership title going “pop” are deafening, but very sweet. The Rags begin to slink out the door. Paddy is beginning to think that maybe his game of golf wan’t the worst part of the day, busted putter and all. The lone City supporter and the ABUs never want this match to end. Even in North Dublin we can hear the cheers from North London. Eventually, the final whistle goes. While joy is unconfined in one City supporter, I’m beginning to think that Paddy is contemplating looking for a new playing partner, even if not a new team.

I begin to make my way home. Give the brother a ring, another long-time City supporter, who is pondering how he should do justice to the occasion. He is fond of his VSOP, but is now talking about opening a bottle of XO. Pity he lives seventy miles away or I could help him with it. I get on the phone to the War Office, and ask her to put a very nice Chablis which I have set aside for a special occasion into the fridge. Amazingly, she’s heard we’ve won (probably from the Rag family next door – I think about hanging around their front gate for a few hours, and asking each of them in turn, “Did you enjoy the match?” but I’m looking forward to my dinner, and let the idea pass). I make a detour via the off-licence, and arrive home in perfect time. The Chablis was lovely, as was the Bordeaux that followed it, and for some reason, the mother-in-law looked and sounded less like an ugly old troll than usual. Feeling generous and full of love for my fellow man, I even give the ancient crackpot a peck on her wrinkled cheek before the War Office drives her home.

Paddy phones to confirm our game next Wednesday, and asks if I have a spare putter. Delighted to oblige. Exhausted after a perfectly happy day, I fall into a deep snooze on the sofa. And people wonder why I support City! A friend of mine at work, a rugby buff, teases me about supporting a team that gets only one good result a year. City are a bit better than that but even if we did only get one match a year like last Sunday’s, it would be well worth it. Most importantly, the stadium has now been christened in Rags’ blood, and if this does not bring the venue to life, nothing will. Looking ahead, there is now some real strength in depth in the team, and, without being complacent about it, I think relegation is now out of the question. Here’s to a few more really good matches this season, and to getting back to Europe in 2004/5. And as to who will win this Premiership? Who cares?

DERBY VIEW: OH WHAT A NIGHT/MORNING

It is now 5.15 in the morning over in New Zealand, I’ve woken the household, my wife’s not happy, she has to go to work in an hour and a half(!), and I’ve lost my voice, but do I care, nah! What a marvellous result, although we have to careful now that we beat the likes of Wolves, Leeds, Everton etc. To me over here that was the most ‘team’ performance I have seen from my beloved team, from David James at the back to John Macken up front, this was always going to be ‘our day’!

I think maybe for me, the only one to disappoint was Steve McManaman; I hardly knew that he was playing. But still. I don’t know what others think, but to me the best signing was Sibierski, not really a household name. The real star though was Shaun Wright-Phillips; what a magic player, so much energy and skill, and not a bad shot either.

Well, better make a cup of tea, and try to concentrate on the day ahead. The blue shirt will certainly be worn with pride today. I’ve only been receiving this newsletter thanks to another City fan just around the corner from me, Dave Lamb, but thoroughly enjoy it, the comments, the moans, the highs and the lows!

Congratulations to all of those involved on reaching 1000, roll on the next 1000.

You just have to love City don’t you!

DERBY VIEW: THOSE MAIN POINTS AGAIN

Great to see the smug smiles wiped from their faces (we were about 10 feet away from the Rags).

Nice to hear them singing about their council tax being wasted on CoMS – ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Great City flags – MCFC OSC – Porto Branch and Welcome to Manchester!

Brilliant atmosphere.

Moonchester’s ‘Taxi for Fergie’ sign.

Laugh a minute on Radio 5 live phone in after the slaughter – “Fergie must go” from London-based Rags.

Best bit on the radio was the City fan phoning up to suggest Taggart’s replacement – Alan Ball – priceless.

Also “The Game” (sports supplement) in Monday’s Times – front page 4 Rag players after 4th goal went in looking really, really, really p*ssed off.

I was also pleased with the lack of songs from the Blues regarding the tragic plane crash – the plebs are finally being outnumbered.

DERBY VIEW: ODDS ON

Who else had Fowler to score first and City to win 3-1? £5 at 150-1. Must admit to slightly mixed feelings when Sweep scored.

DERBY VIEW: WHO WON AGAIN?

Apparently… Man United lost on Sunday.

I watched ‘The Premiership on Monday’ to try and find out who beat them, but there was no mention.

Anyone got any ideas?

Why can that programme never admit that there is life beyond Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal!

Please hurry up and come home MOTD!

DERBY VIEW: GOOOOOOOOOOOL! 4-1 BRAZIL STYLE

First of all congratulations to all at MCIVTA for reaching 1,000. As one of your tiny 2 per cent in South America (Brazil), let me give you this birthday present: it’s the Brazilian commentator describing SWP’s classic against the Rags… “GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL! Um, dois, tres, quatro para Manchester City!”

http://www.gibbyzobel.com/4-1.html

I loved it I did!

Here’s to the next 1,000!

DERBY VIEW FROM THE FAR EAST

Because of the time difference between UK and Japan, Premier fixtures usually start around midnight. Saturday’s match is still OK, since the next day is a holiday. Therefore, I usually listen to the match through Internet radio or watch the live coverage on satellite TV whenever available on Saturday. However, it is very difficult (if at all possible) either to listen or watch the match on Sunday because Monday is my regular working day. Before and during the match, I drunk quite a lot. If we win, it’s still OK. With a happy feeling, I go straight to bed. But whenever we lost, I couldn’t sleep and kept drinking for a while, and the following day is a nightmare. So, I took a day off on Monday so as to face whatever the derby result turned out to be. And my choice was right after all this time. But the next day was a nightmare because of my heavy drinking before, during and after the match. The number of occasions of live TV coverage for MCFC at this part of the world is a few and whenever it happens, it’s a great event for me and I was usually overexcited whatever the consequence was. It is my choice and I have to endure my fate.

DERBY VIEW: LOCAL LADS AND THE WIND

I obviously can’t send in match reports because I only get to see us occasionally on the telly from across the pond. Still, I really think that two of the overlooked factors in last weekend’s match were, firstly, the wind – it was clearly seen to be blowing a proverbial, if not literal gale. We went against the wind in the first-half and came out on top. Surely that in itself had a massive bearing on the performances of the second-half. Another factor has to be the attitude of both Macken and Sinclair; it would have been much easier to make the big shout for a free-kick/penalty but clearly both of them never gave a thought to the ref’s whistle and were intent on a much more direct way to goal. That is something we, not just City but all fans of football, should respect.

DERBY VIEW: NICOLAS ANELKA WRITES…

Nic seems pleased with the 4-1… (not sure about calling the Rags “Manchester” though…). A fairly free translation of Anelka’s latest message from his website http://nicolasanelka.sports.fr/fr/archives.asp?v_journal_archive=4453:

I’ll remember my 25th birthday! If you’d told me we’d stick four past United… I’ve just been up to the changing room to see everybody. You can imagine the atmosphere! To be honest, I could not believe the last goal, by Wright-Phillips. It was already 3-1 when he went and achieved a little feat by lobbing Howard. Super!

This victory too is fantastic in that it’s the first derby we’ve contested in the new stadium, and the three points has done us a lot of good in the league placings. I watched everything from the boxes, but I wasn’t really surprised by the match. The derby is very special and even if the teams are not near each other in the table, once on the pitch they’re of equal worth.

It’s what happened last year when we won 3-1. Today, as in all derbies, I was expecting a match without too many problems, but we were quickly 2-0 up. At 2-1, when Scholes had scored, I really believed Manchester would stick at it, as one knows them. Even if they’re not too good at the moment, they know how to put pressure on. In fact, at the start of the second half, after a few minutes when I’d seen there was no danger, I told myself it was going to be a good day on the pitch. That’s what happened.

In any case the day was very special for me, as it was my birthday of course, but also the last match of my suspension. At last I’m going to be able to get back into the competition next week against Leeds, the club of my pal Zoumana Camara. I know him from Clairefontaine, and he was at the stadium today, and we spent the weekend together.

That’s it for my latest news; I’ll be back with you very very soon.

Caio.

Nico.

OPINION: THE RAGS AND THINGS

It was great watching us stuff the Rags on Sky, – memories of thirty years ago when 4-1 at Maine Road and 4-0 at OT were regular scores. Obviously one result does not make a season, however:

Could all the negative, ‘half empty glass’ people now stop moaning about KK and try a bit of positive support for a change, – it can actually work! You may think that it is easier when you are 12,000 miles away but even when my season ticket let me stand on the Kippax for every game I tried to stay positive, and there were some hard times back then.

Let us celebrate Keegan for all the strengths he brings to the club and team, and there are many, rather than moaning because Wenger might be a better tactician. Keegan built a global reputation as a world class footballer through hard work, integrity and making the most of limited (compared to say Best) natural ability. He was never boring and neither are his teams, and whatever his management record to date suggests he is a winner! These qualities are what help attract players we could only dream about 3 or 4 years ago and they are what will drive us on to bigger and better things.

If all this sounds la bit evangelical it’s not meant to, it’s just a different view to the negative drivel which has seemed to monopolise these pages for the past few months. Of course a bad run puts strain on everyone but the choice of how we react is ours; let it be positive – and remember the Rags were one game away from sacking their manager fifteen years ago!

TONY DUFF

Just like to tell you of the kindness my wife and I received from Mr Keegan and the players at the training ground a few weeks ago. My brother in law has been a supporter of City 50 years; he once lived in Manchester before moving back to Ireland but even so still supported his beloved City. He could only make it to a couple of matches a season, and had never seen the new stadium. Just before Xmas he was diagnosed with cancer. He told me he had never seen the new ground, and it was his dearest wish to see it.

Well firstly I will have to tell you I have no interest in football, don’t know a thing about it. But I got in my car and drove to the ground, I told someone in the club shop the story; they were most helpful. I got a shirt for him, got his name on the back, got a book, a mug and anything else I could think of. As I was leaving I asked if I could possibly get the book signed; I was told to go to the City training ground. Anyway, I arrived there, met Mike the security guard; I told him my story. Well, he let me in, book, shirt and all. He told me to wait near the dug out till a footballer came out. The first man approached me, I asked he was he a footballer, he replied he was one of the groundsmen. Told you I did not know football. Well that’s when Mr. K. Keegan came out. I told him my story, he posed for a picture with the book, signed it – thanks mate it as meant so much to us the family and to Tony.

I got loads more of the team’s autographs, got to look inside the training facilities, but most of all Mr Keegan told me that if we got Tony over to bring him along to the training ground, and he would let him watch the lads train. Well Tony never made it, he died second of March this year, but he greatly appreciated the offer. I would also like to thank Mike the gate man, for everything, ta mate.

I hope City have a wonderful season and once again thank you all and God bless.

RESERVE MATCH REPORT

City’s Youth Upstage Magpie Stars

NUFC 1 MCFC 3

As is often the case in reserve matches, the team with the younger players are more hungry for a result than a team filled with big names. A brace of goals, one either side of the half time break by Bradley Wright Phillips and a goal by Stephen Elliott in second half injury time sealed a fine away win for City. Newcastle’s goal by substitute Kris Gate was merely a consolation as City’s back four were nearly impenetrable all match.

On a mild but windy night last night at City’s rearranged away reserve game, originally scheduled for before Christmas at Whitley Park but due to that having a very poor pitch the venue was switched to The Archibald Stadium, the home of Durham City FC, and Sunderland AFC’s regular reserve venue, City lined with only Stephen Jordan being over the age of twenty. The other interesting point of the match that probably due to a change in venue the game was refereed by non other than Mr Jeff Winter, and he received some fair good natured abuse from the home fans on occasions.

City started the better of the two sides, but both sides were giving away possession too easily. City’s first chance came after five minutes when Jamie Tandy, who had the freedom of the left wing for most of the match, very reminiscent of the space Ronaldo had in the first half of the Manchester derby on Sunday, whipped in a good cross that fell to Lee Croft. He turned well and rolled the ball into Bradley’s path but he miscued his effort wide.

Most of the half was dominated by the home team without them creating any clear chances as Stephen Jordan and Paddy McCarthy became an impassable obstacle for them. So, slightly against the run of play on thirty one minutes, the ball came up to Elliott on the right but though it went away from him the wind then blew it back to him, left the two Newcastle defenders flat footed and Stephen was able to turn and pass to Croft who rushed into the box and fired a strong shot that Adam Bartlett in goal was unable to hold it; Bradley made up for his mistake by chipping the ball cheekily into the net.

Newcastle obviously tried to come back to equalize and indeed, Nedum Onuoha had to clear a shot off the line from Shola Ameobi from a Martin Brittain corner. As the half drew to a close, Elliott had a good opportunity to put us two up when a good, long pass from Marc Laird, making his first full start in the reserve league, reached Lee Croft, who put in a good cross for Elliott to volley but his effort went just wide of the post.

The second half was all City as they pressed forward on both flanks to add to their first half advantage. Newcastle had made a half time substitution and were forced into a second one within four minutes when centre half, Peter Ramage, had to go off injured. The one time that either Paddy or Jordan let a ball get past them, Michael Chopra failed to find the target from a Michael Bridges through ball from twelve yards out as he blazed over the bar.

A minute later Bartlett got down and saved well from a powerful header from Paddy from a Tandy corner. City’s second goal was a lovely piece of football and quick thinking. Glenn Whelan took a quick free kick to Croft who held it up well, turned and laid on a well-weighted pass for Glenn to carry on his run and send in an exquisite cross that Bradley just had to touch with his head to score.

A minute later Newcastle pulled a goal back when a ball was allowed to go in front of the defence and substitute Kris Gate was left free on the right to fire into the bottom left corner from fifteen yards.

City continued to press forward but Laird, who was caught in the back, was showing his tiredness and suffering from cramp. So Danny Warrender came on to replace him, as he was the only non-attacking outfield player that we had on the bench. Paul Collins then moved into midfield as Danny slotted in at left back. Paul’s creativeness and solid play helped City keep up the momentum, and so when young Ishmeal Miller came on to replace Bradley, he was put through on goal by a good pass by Tandy but Bartlett did very well to tip Miller’s effort behind for a corner.

A minute later, as the game went into injury time, City scored their third when Paddy cleared his lines, drove forward and then passed to Whelan; he in turn slipped the ball into the area for Elliott to latch on and fire past Bartlett. Almost immediately after the restart, Whelan then saw Bartlett off his line and sent a cheeky lobbed shot from inside City’s half that Bartlett did well to save from under the bar.

City’s next reserve game is another Manchester derby next Tuesday at Hyde at 7:30pm, the reverse of the thrilling three-all draw at Altrincham two weeks ago. City though will be without reserve team captain Stephen Jordan, due to his sending off in that reverse fixture for violent conduct.

Ellegaard: Claimed balls well and kicked well, first good game in a while. 8
Onuoha: Another sterling back line display from Nedum. 8
Collins: Good all-round display, marked down for the goal, his quality will let him learn. 7
Whelan: Commanded the midfield in the second half and some great balls played. 9
McCarthy: Just shaded Jordan for MoM with an awesome display of defending. 9
Jordan (capt): Will be heavily missed from this last perfomance, rock solid. 9
Croft: These last three or four games have seen a marked improvement in his game. 8
Laird (81): Ran his socks off in midfield, will be encouraged from his performance. 8
Elliott: Held the ball up well and got on the scoresheet again with a good goal. 8
Wright-Phillips (88): Two good goals from the reserves’ leading marksman. 8
Tandy: Has shown that he is worth his year’s contract extension. 8
Warrender (81): Nothing past him when he came on, reliable. 7
Miller (88): Mr Cameo himself – such a handful and still only sixteen. 7

Not Used: Timms, Logan, Etuhu.

Newcastle: Bartlett, Brittain (Gate 46), Elliott, Ramage (Ferrell 49), Taylor, Orr (capt), Ambrose, Viana, Ameobi, Chopra, Bridges.

Not Used: Smith, Guy, O’Brien.

Att: Approx 375.

OPINION: MCIVTA 1000 – SWP INTERVIEW

Just wanted to thank all at MCIVTA on that superb feature! Can’t wait for the Wardle one! Post script question… did it deflect off Wes Brown? Did it b*****ks!

P.S. did you ever get that PC sorted for MCIVTA?

[Paul has received a number of offers of PC’s to replace the existing server, and is in the process of selecting one. Many thanks to all those MCV folk who made an offer]

OPINION: DANIEL VAN BUYTEN

It might be a difficult thing for City to do and that is sign Daniel van Buyten.

But if we are to be a big success in the future then City somehow must find what’s needed to sign him.

The defence are playing better with him as part of it; of course more games are to be played this season, but from what we have seen so far we need him.

Being that Daniel van Buyten is on loan at City I would hope that City will have first opportunity to sign him, and that Daniel himself would like to stay at City now that he has had a taste of the club.

Until then we would like to see him continue to give his best for City. We now need to climb back up the table, then Daniel will see he is already with a top club.

Come on you Blues!

OPINION: THE CITY EXPERIENCE & HALL OF FAME

MCFC, in conjunction with the M.E.N., have recently launched a series of events under the “Hall of Fame” banner. These combine an evening Q&A session with City legends, the opportunity to visit the recently opened, and much awaited, City Experience and a quiz. I’m not entirely sure how tickets are obtained, as I was fortunate to be invited by a friend who had won them via the website, but keep your eyes peeled as it’s well worth attending.

Last night’s event saw Ken and Peter Barnes as the ex-players under the spotlight, with several others in attendance (or lending moral support) and was ably compered by GMR’s Ian Cheeseman. Ken and Peter spent about 90 minutes answering questions from the cross section of Blues and former colleagues. He’s a rum devil is Ken, and it’s always a privilege to listen to the opinions and memories of some of these great ex-players. Although many in the room were fortunate to have seen him play in that fantastic 1950s team, the majority of us remembered Barnes Jr. From management and coaching styles, the state of the modern game and the English versus foreign players debate, to the current City team, the questions and views were forthcoming. Although the best quote of the evening – and remember this next time he’s knocking us on GMR – came from Fred Eyre. People were talking about the great John Charles, and Eyre recalled playing in a friendly game when Charles apparently came across and told him “you’re the worst f-ing player I’ve every played with”.

The City Museum (or City Experience as it is known) has been brought together under the careful and expert eye of Gary James and his team. There’s a good mixture of memorabilia (rattles, match tickets, programmes, and even a City gnome); awards (trophies and replicas, medals, international caps) belonging to both supporters and the club, and film footage of major games in City’s history like the ’56 cup final and the ’99 play-off final. Running alongside the exhibits are facts and figures from City’s history. There are also fun elements like interactive quizzes, team selection and ending with a Maine Road special. It’s along a similar theme, although nowhere near as big, as the excellent National Football Museum, and exhibits can and will be changed from time to time. Young and old will enjoy the museum, as there’s something for everyone and plenty to see, do and reminisce about. The club offer a stadium tour and museum deal that is available daily (except matchdays of course), so something to consider doing now we’re out of the Cups and looking towards the close season.

As for the quiz, well we didn’t do too badly, although let’s say it was geared towards the more mature fan 😉

OPINION: MCIVTA 1000 CORRECTION

Sorry for the error the stats should have stated P5 W2 not won 5, wishful thinking.

OPINION: RE: MCIVTA 1000 – SWP INTERVIEW

Conragtulations on reaching 1000 from all at the City Magazine!

[Cheers David -don’t know if con”rag”tulations was a typo or not, but it seems appropriate after Sunday!]

OPINION: SWEEPING AWAY THE OPPOSITION

Just been watching (again) the highlights from the recent 4-1. If SWeeP, and I make no apologies for using that name – I see nothing wrong in it, unlike a recent subscriber, it is a name that is meant to be endearing, based on Sean’s initials (how is it that so called PC people can find a sinister motive in the most innocuous things; now if Shaun’s nickname was Sooty, that might be more of a problem – if the person who wrote in complaining about the SWeeP nickname would care to check, the Sweep off Sooty and Sweep isn’t even black, which makes the argument even sadder; check out http://www.the-village-square.com/sooty.html), if SWeeP isn’t in the next England squad there should be questions in the House of Commons. Not only did he cover every blade of grass once again, but scored one of the goals of the season, not only for the brilliant finish but also the build-up that led to it which, of course, he was instrumental in starting.

OPINION: RESERVE RIP-OFF?

Next week, MCFC reserves play host to MUFC reserves at our home ground of Ewen Fields, Hyde. We’ve played at Ewen Fields for the past few seasons, and I along with a number of other hardcore/sad/faithful (delete as applicable) have attended regularly. Hyde were of course delighted when we moved there from Altrincham, and they do boast one of the best pitches in non-league football. It has always been a pleasure to go, but recently we get the impression that the good denizens of Hyde United FC (maybe there’s a clue in the name) are beginning to sour this relationship. A particular case in point is next Tuesday’s game, which comes quickly after the away game at Altrincham and allows us to compare and contrast the handling of the games and fans.

Altrincham (MUFC): £2 pay on the gate, no segregation, give out free team sheets, sit in the main stand if you want to at no extra cost.

Hyde (MCFC): 700 tickets available to s/t holders (which must be collected from our ticket store who quite frankly have better things to do than sort out reserve tickets); failing that it’s £5 to stand and £6 to sit down; segregation; no free team sheets because they print a programme full of adverts and nonsense and charge for the privilege.

Quite why we have to be separated from the same fans we were stood amongst two weeks ago, why we have to be ripped off to the tune of £5/6 (this is a league fixture) if we are unable to get down to CoMS to claim our tickets, and why they insist on it being ticket only is beyond me and the numerous other hardcore/sad/faithful who attend. I understand this is all down to Hyde United.

Perhaps somebody would care to ask them questions, as whenever we try the pompous ass who deals with things there just walks away.

REQUEST: BRAZILIAN BLUES

I am going to be in either Rio or Sao Paulo on Monday – City vs. Leeds.

Can anyone recommend a bar where I can watch the game?

REQUEST: NORTH WALES CSA

Hawk-eyed Wales based readers of the home match programmes (since the 18th October 2003 Bolton 6-2 massacre) will have noted that a new North Wales CSA supporters’ club has been formed to add to the existing ones in Colwyn Bay and Holyhead. Ours is based on the Lleyn peninsula but embraces a catchment area throughout Gwynedd. MCIVTA readers living in the area are cordially invited to forward their details to myself – <dafydd.roberts(at)wales.gsi.gov.uk> (tel. 07967 356 893) or to Paul Shaw: <mail(at)walesfactsbook.fsnet.co.uk> (tel. 07855 460 244). Plans are being made for our next (top-four finish) season, so – hurry, hurry! Many congratulations to MCIVTA on the publication of their 1,000th edition!

REQUEST: JAPAN DERBY VIDEO

Unfortunately, because of weird cable programming here in Japan, I wasn’t able to watch our glorious revenge over the Red twits. If anyone can supply with a tape to enjoy, I’ll happily cover postage and costs.

Also, as Mark Burgess seems to be a reader, is there any likelihood of the Chameleons coming to Japan at any point?

BLUE HUMOUR

Fantastic result, haven’t stopped celebrating yet here in sunny Kazakhstan!

Q. Why can you not get a brew at old Trafford?
A. Because all the mugs are on the playing field and the cups are at Arsenal.

BLUE HUMOUR: “The decline of the Evil Empire”

(A Book by Luvinit)

Chapter 1 Beckham leaves for sunny Spain

Chapter 2 Carlo Quieroz leaves for sunny Spain

Chapter 3 Ferdinand forgets what drug tests are for

Chapter 4 Baggies bounce Rags out of Carling Cup

Chapter 5 Keane thinks Porto ‘keeper Baia is worth a stamp

Chapter 6 Keane gets another red card for his trophy room

Chapter 7 Theatre of Dreams becomes Theatre of Horrors as Benni McCarthy and his so called girls team win. Rags out of Europe.

Chapter 8 Keane tells Rags’ youth “you must play like me”

Chapter 9 Extra boxes of chewing gum seen delivered to O.T.

Chapter 10 Chewing gum shares soar, and overtake Rags shares

Chapter 11 O’Shea says “Rags will silence City”

Chapter 12 Growler Fowler silences Rags at CoMS in 3rd minute

Chapter 14 Keegan says after 4-1 win, “We only meant to win the game today but my team just kept on scoring”

Chapter 14 Fergie says “Crisis, what Crisis?, we are still in the Premier League”

Chapter 15 More chewing gum delivered to O.T.

Chapter 16 Stuart Pearce rejects the move to replace Fergie as Rags’ manager

Footnote: We all wish Fergie the very best of health, and may he have a happy retirement with his horses.

HUMOUR: ‘NITED

Following recent results you are cordially invited to the Manchester United End of Season Dinner Dance (being held early due to unforeseen circumstances).

Menu:

Main course:
Humble pie
Lancashire hotch-potch
Tim Howard’s Porto catch of the day

Dessert:
Hard Cheese
Sour Grapes

Wine:
L’urine de Rio, Carrington 2003
(a hard-to-swallow sample vintage)

Guest speakers:
Kevin Keegan, Arsene Wenger

Please note that the club’s European Tour scheduled for April and May has been cancelled.

RESULTS

17 March 2004

Liverpool             3 - 0  Portsmouth            34,663

League table to 17 March 2004 inclusive

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F   A   GD Pts
 1 Arsenal         28 11  2  0 26  9 10  5  0 29  9 21  7  0  55  18  37  70
 2 Chelsea         28  8  2  3 22 10 11  2  2 28 11 19  4  5  50  21  29  61
 3 Manchester Utd  28  9  3  2 30 13  9  1  4 22 16 18  4  6  52  29  23  58
 4 Charlton Ath.   28  6  3  5 22 22  6  4  4 17 12 12  7  9  39  34   5  43
 5 Liverpool       28  7  2  4 21 13  4  7  4 20 18 11  9  8  41  31  10  42
 6 Newcastle Utd   28  8  3  3 23  9  2  9  3 15 20 10 12  6  38  29   9  42
 7 Birmingham City 28  7  4  4 19 16  4  5  4 11 14 11  9  8  30  30   0  42
 8 Aston Villa     28  7  4  2 19 12  4  3  8 17 20 11  7 10  36  32   4  40
 9 Fulham          28  8  3  4 24 16  3  3  7 17 22 11  6 11  41  38   3  39
10 Tottenham H.    28  8  2  5 29 23  3  2  8 11 20 11  4 13  40  43  -3  37
11 Southampton     28  7  4  4 18 11  2  5  6 11 16  9  9 10  29  27   2  36
12 Middlesbrough   28  4  4  6 12 16  5  3  6 17 19  9  7 12  29  35  -6  34
13 Bolton Wndrs    28  3  7  4 15 16  5  3  6 17 28  8 10 10  32  44 -12  34
14 Everton         28  7  4  4 22 15  1  4  8 12 24  8  8 12  34  39  -5  32
15 Manchester City 28  3  7  4 21 17  4  2  8 19 23  7  9 12  40  40   0  30
16 Blackburn R.    28  3  3  8 20 26  4  4  6 19 20  7  7 14  39  46  -7  28
17 Leicester City  28  2  7  5 14 23  3  4  7 24 28  5 11 12  38  51 -13  26
18 Portsmouth      28  6  2  5 23 15  0  4 11  6 29  6  6 16  29  44 -15  24
19 Wolves          28  5  5  4 17 26  0  4 10  7 30  5  9 14  24  56 -32  24
20 Leeds United    28  3  5  6 15 22  2  2 10 11 33  5  7 16  26  55 -29  22

MCIVTA FAQ [v0304.06]

[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/); the “Centenary Supporters’ Association” (http://www.reddishblues.com/CSAWebsite/CSA.htm) and “The International Supporters’ Club” (http://www.mcfc.co.uk/article.asp?article=111845&Title=International+Supporters+Club&lid=Membership).

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

The GMR pre and post match phone-in is available on the web at http://www.bbc.co.uk/england/gmr/sport_intro.shtml.

Live match commentaries and archives of games, reports and interviews can be found at http://www.mcfctv.com/, whilst an alternate live commentary service, hosted by Yahoo, is located at http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/foot/englandprem/cal/index.html.

[7] 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. Useful sites for North American viewers are http://canadatvsoccer.tripod.com/Fixtures.htm, http://www.foxsportsworld.com/named/FSW/Index/Soccer, and http://www.soccertv.com/.

http://www.foxsportsworld.com/content/view?contentId=1288602 also provides a guide to pubs in the USA showing football.

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

It’s actually a mix of two tracks. It starts with “O Verona” (from the motion picture “William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet”) and leads in to “Barber’s Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten remix)” by William Orbit. The first part is available on the movie soundtrack (volume 2) and the second is included on a variety of CDs such as Kiss House Nation 2000, Galaxy Hit Mix, Cream Live, Ibiza Chill and Dance Nation 4.

[9] 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

[10] 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/

[11] Can I buy shares in the club?

Yes you can: Shares in Manchester City PLC are traded on OFEX. The latest prices can be on found the OFEX web site http://www.ofex.com/ (registration required) or in the business section of the Manchester Evening News.

[12] Where can I find match statistics?

Statistics for the current season are available from the club site, but for a more in-depth analysis try http://www.mcfcstats.com/ or http://www.citystat.net/.

[13] Acknowledgements

Thanks go to Damian Quinn, Stephen Webb, Roger Haigh, Martin Price, and Adrian Howarth 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.

Don Barrie, editor@mcivta.city-fan.org

Editor: