Newsletter #1002

Thanks to Don for standing in last week, and to Paul and Svenn for the work in getting the 1000 edition interviews up onto the website last week.

Tonight we have a couple of views on last week’s game, a look at Leeds, the winter break possibility and the usual requests.

OPINION: DERBY VIEW

My mate and I couldn’t believe that we were 2-1 ahead at half time against United. I’d always thought Ronaldo flattered to deceive. Well, in my view, in the first half City certainly rode their luck. Ronaldo had the freedom of the left touchline – and he sure is quick and can cross the ball with a wicked swerve. The guys around us could all see it and we thought that Keegan should do something about it. What a surprise when McUseless didn’t appear (to be fair he did chase the ball down for Macken’s goal) and Reyna who appeared to be overrun in midfield was also absent. Most of us were relieved to see Bosvelt on the pitch and a little surprised to see Sinclair; our betting was on Sun.

Things got much better in the second half and I thought City were by far the better team. We were all hailing Keegan’s tactical acumen. Then it appears that the substitutions were made because of injury! Heaven knows what would have happened had Keegan not made the substitutions at half time. Personally, I’d have had Bosvelt on for the first 60 minutes to be replaced by Barton to give us bite in the midfield.

Of the City players I thought Distin had his best game for ages, he really attacked the ball. I was impressed at how Fowler and Macken played together. I’ve always been a Macken fan (reminds me of a young Mark Hughes) but had doubts about Fowler. On Sunday they both worked their socks off, and Fowler’s goal showed quick thinking and reactions. In the second half SWP played really well (note the lovely wall pass from Macken to send him on his way for his goal, one of the best I’ve seen at CoMS). I was also impressed with James apart from the shot he pushed out in the first half, that could have been a goal. My mate and I went back to Bristol feeling very happy.

But what of selection against Leeds? Does one change a winning team? I think Bosvelt must play against them. I’d drop McPointalot and have Bossie alongside Reyna. Up front I’d be very tempted to keep the partnership between Fowler and Macken with Anelka on the bench. Implication? If we keep Anelka at the end of the season and Elliot keeps on showing promise perhaps Wanchope’s days at City are numbered? I note on the Manchester-Online poll the majority want Fowler and Anelka up front. What has Macken done to warrant dropping? Anelka does have special talents but the game against Leeds is a 6-pointer; we need the tough guys on the pitch. Let Anelka come on when Leeds’ players are tired. What do the other readers think? I bet Keegan selects Anelka and McManaman.

OPINION: CALIFORNIA (DERBY) DREAMING

I arrived home yesterday from a quick four day trip to Manchester. Arrived at Ringway at 5.00a.m. Sunday morning (on the same flight as Mike Harding who looked perplexed when I told him the reason for my trip). Picked up the rental car, drove to my friend’s house, showered, had breakfast and then off to the game. I was not sure what to expect. Certainly not 4-1.

My first visit to the new stadium and I was very, very impressed. The crowd were certainly up for this game and I had barely gotten used to a stadium that seemed to be built with one design in mind when Fowler scored.

I will not repeat the comments of many others. A very worrying first half and I do wonder what would have happened if Reyna and McManaman had not gone off injured. Their replacements seemed to give some strength in midfield. But a glorious result. Fowler played very well indeed as did young Wright-Phillips (once he learns to cross a ball like old Dennie Tueart he will be some player!) and van Buyten (please find some way to keep this lad at City).

So I left the stadium happy and still a little shocked. Phoned Cindy outside the ground to let her know the score and ask her to tape the game (which was tape delayed a few hours in the US).

I am very pleased for Kevin and hope the rest of the season goes well. We still need some wins and we shouldn’t avoid the hard decisions over the summer in terms of where the team needs strengthening but this was a great result.

And thanks for 1,000 editions of this great newsletter. Given what has happened to this club of ours over the first 1,000 editions I wonder what lies in store for us for the next 1,000.

Best wishes to all. The Leeds game is on TV here so I am looking forward to another 3 points. Can we make the Inter-Toto cup place?

OPINION: ITV’S THE PREMIERSHIP

Well, for the uninformed this is a programme extolling the virtues of God’s Game, in the Premiership. Now I went to the match Sunday, you know that little game between us and some imports from Salford. So Monday night being free, I thought I’d watch City on TV.

Pardon me, but who did United play? Three minutes of match highlights, five goals, oh four of those were ours, and what did the panel talk about? Those bl**dy Red Rags and why Rock of Gibraltar was out of place as a striker. Oh how I laughed as they showed Robbie celebrating like the Porto coach, that even confused the panel!

Premiership TV? You’re having a laugh! Roll on Match of the Day. If they show such an unbiased football programme on ITV again, I will burn my TV! For those overseas, be thankful!

OPINION: WINTER BREAK

I noticed last week our manager giving his backing to a winter break, and he also noted that the fans should be consulted on this issue. I would be very interested to know if there is much support from fans for a break of some kind, and I think this would be a good forum to hear the views of fans. My own selfish view would be that there should not be a break, but if there has to be one, then one week at most maybe mid-January. I reckon professional footballers are the most privileged people in the world; basically they get very well paid to play and for the most part have fun, enjoy a lot of free time and at least two months off every summer. I appreciate that it must be difficult for some players, in particular around Christmas time, to have no break, but for me, this is a great part of the season and hope that it is left alone.

Here’s hoping for another 3 points on Monday and whoever it is who is hanging the banner from the East Stand keep doing it because it seems to be having a good effect. “We dream of playing in the shirt, today God chose you, play like we dream”.

[What do others think? Have to say I am not in favour, a one-two week break would make no difference and it’s about time players got real. We’ve had our two week break the past few seasons during the FA cup run 😉 – Ed]

OPINION: MANCHESTER UNITED RUINED MY LIFE

The big screen version of Colin Schindler’s “Manchester United Ruined My Life” begins filming soon. Alan Rickman and Derek Jacobi are lined up to star.

If they’re casting for extras I might have a trial. No motivation needed if rabid anti-Rag sentiment is a requirement:-))

OPINION: 1000-UP I

Man City Info Via The Alps – A strange title to a strange newsletter that has been dropping into my email intray for a long time. Well as it’s so much part of my life, I feel a few congratulations coming on.

Firstly to Heidi and the current team on a job well done.

But let us not forget its creator, one Ashley Birch, who, at the time of its creation, was working at the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the University of Zürich.

And of course let us not forget Paul Howarth, Svenn Hanssen and Steve Bolton who have done so much of the background work. There are others too (thanks for your work). Oh and everyone for reading it.

I must have started subscribing about issue 40-ish (not from this email address mind) after discovering its existence from either KoftheK, or was it from the (then) only City fan website run from Tromsø University, Norway (the most northerly university in the world) http://www.uit.no/mancity/ where the MCIVTA archives are held.

One last point: the following page http://www.uit.no/mancity/mcivta/Distribution.html describes where we all were in 1995. I was one of the Birmingham 9 at the time. I wonder where we all are now?

P.S. I loved the SWP article. Here’s to another 1000.

OPINION: 1000-UP II

Excellent. Some great questions, some excellent feedback.

Again well done.

REQUEST: FULHAM TICKETS AVAILABLE

Two tickets available in upper tier South Stand for the Fulham Game. Contact Chris on 07789 435999 or email:

REQUEST: FULHAM TICKET WANTED

If anyone has a spare ticket at face value for the Fulham home game on the 27th March I would be very interested. I have a season ticket but my cousin is down from Glasgow and he would love to see the new stadium. Call 07751 233723 or email.

REQUEST: MILTON KEYNES BLUES

The Milton Keynes branch will be holding their March meeting on Thursday, March 25th at 8pm. The venue will be Great Brickhill Cricket Club. If you would like directions to the venue or any information about the branch, please get in touch.

REQUEST: TURIN BLUES

We are some Italian Citizen fans living in Torino, Italy. We are so happy for this wonderful derby we saw on Sky TV that we decided to create a new Blues fans’ club.

To remember this incredible victory we want to name ourselves: The 4-1 Fans Club. Would you help us to realize our dream?

Any Italian Blues who want to get in touch, and join us, please email me.

Best wishes to and to all Blue Moon family!

BLUE HUMOUR

The Official Manchester United Maths Workbook, which covers sums for practising Key Stage Two maths for 7-11 year olds. This has been introduced as part of the Government’s maths campaign.

1. ACCELERATION. Roy is 78 yards away from the referee at Old Trafford andGary is 65 yards away. If Roy can run at 21 mph and Gary can run at 16 mph,who will be sticking their vein-bulging forehead into the haplesswhistler’s face first, assuming Roy does not stop to stamp on an opponenton his way?
2. TELLING THE TIME. If one minute of time is taken up in a game forsubstitutions and one minute for injuries, how much injury time will thereferee add on if Man Utd are losing at home?
3. PROBABILITY (1). Ryan Giggs is a Welshman. Express, as a percentage, thenumber of internationals he has missed on a Wednesday evening compared tothe miraculous recoveries he made for the following Saturday.
4. SUBTRACTION (1). Manchester United are one of the giants of world clubfootball. How many more European Cup Finals have they appeared in thanStena Bucharest? (For one extra mark; How many more than Reims?)
5. SUBTRACTION (2). How many more times have Man Utd won the European Cupthan Nottingham Forest?
6. DISTANCE. You are the referee at Old Trafford. How near to a visitingdefender does a tumbling Ruud van Nistelrooy have to be to earn a penaltyif he goes down in the box? (Note: Round your answers down to the nearest20 yards.)
7. PROBABILITY (2). Express the statistical probability of visitors to OldTrafford being awarded a penalty. Compare this with the probability ofopponents of Man Utd being awarded a penalty home or away, and then discussif a penalty awarded to Man Utd would be awarded to their opponents inidentical circumstances.
8. BASIC ACCOUNTING (1). Mark The Red lives in Guildford. How much does itcost for him and his two sons to travel to the Theatre of Silence everyother weekend, including limited edition matchday programme, a few drinksand a prawn sandwich all round? How much could he save per week if hewatched his local team instead? (Note; round your answers down to thenearest thousand pounds.)
9. BASIC ACCOUNTING (2). Alex had a hotel room booked in Cardiff for the FACup Final. How much money did he lose when cancelling his reservation?
10. WEIGHT AND PRESSURE. Ruud is 6ft tall and very strong and fast. Howmuch pressure need be applied to make him tumble over in the opponents’penalty area? (Note; Answers must be in lbs per square inch. However,answers such as ‘However much pressure is applied by Ferguson to referees’are accepted.’)
11. MONEY. Juan was a lazy boy and often went missing. Alex was very crossand wanted to sell him. If Juan cost £28 million to buy, how much do you thinkAlex sold him for? How many pennies did Alex lose?
12. POULTRY FARMING. What is the total number of chickens counted beforethey were hatched by Man Utd and their fans who thought Wolves were a pushover?

RESULTS

21 March 2004

Portsmouth            1 - 0  Southampton           20,140

20 March 2004

Arsenal               2 - 1  Bolton Wanderers      38,053
Aston Villa           0 - 2  Blackburn Rovers      37,532
Chelsea               2 - 1  Fulham                41,169
Leicester City        1 - 1  Everton               31,650
Liverpool             1 - 0  Wolverhampton Wndrs   43,795
Manchester United     3 - 0  Tottenham Hotspur     67,634
Middlesbrough         5 - 3  Birmingham City       30,244
Newcastle United      3 - 1  Charlton Athletic     51,847

League table to 21 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         29 12  2  0 28 10 10  5  0 29  9 22  7  0  57  19  38  73
 2 Chelsea         29  9  2  3 24 11 11  2  2 28 11 20  4  5  52  22  30  64
 3 Manchester Utd  29 10  3  2 33 13  9  1  4 22 16 19  4  6  55  29  26  61
 4 Liverpool       29  8  2  4 22 13  4  7  4 20 18 12  9  8  42  31  11  45
 5 Newcastle Utd   29  9  3  3 26 10  2  9  3 15 20 11 12  6  41  30  11  45
 6 Charlton Ath.   29  6  3  5 22 22  6  4  5 18 15 12  7 10  40  37   3  43
 7 Birmingham City 29  7  4  4 19 16  4  5  5 14 19 11  9  9  33  35  -2  42
 8 Aston Villa     29  7  4  3 19 14  4  3  8 17 20 11  7 11  36  34   2  40
 9 Fulham          29  8  3  4 24 16  3  3  8 18 24 11  6 12  42  40   2  39
10 Middlesbrough   29  5  4  6 17 19  5  3  6 17 19 10  7 12  34  38  -4  37
11 Tottenham H.    29  8  2  5 29 23  3  2  9 11 23 11  4 14  40  46  -6  37
12 Southampton     29  7  4  4 18 11  2  5  7 11 17  9  9 11  29  28   1  36
13 Bolton Wndrs    29  3  7  4 15 16  5  3  7 18 30  8 10 11  33  46 -13  34
14 Everton         29  7  4  4 22 15  1  5  8 13 25  8  9 12  35  40  -5  33
15 Blackburn R.    29  3  3  8 20 26  5  4  6 21 20  8  7 14  41  46  -5  31
16 Manchester City 28  3  7  4 21 17  4  2  8 19 23  7  9 12  40  40   0  30
17 Leicester City  29  2  8  5 15 24  3  4  7 24 28  5 12 12  39  52 -13  27
18 Portsmouth      29  7  2  5 24 15  0  4 11  6 29  7  6 16  30  44 -14  27
19 Wolves          29  5  5  4 17 26  0  4 11  7 31  5  9 15  24  57 -33  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.

Heidi Pickup, editor@mcivta.city-fan.org

Editor: