Newsletter #1054

A 2-1 win at Palace with the fans getting behind the team and manager has put most in an optimistic frame of mind as we go into tomorrow night’s cup tie against Barnsley.

We have match reports tonight thanks to Paul, Michael and Dave, opinion on The Scum journalists who are doing their utmost to hound KK out of the club, and cautious notes from one or two.

Sad news today of the death of Brian Clough, one of England’s footballing greats. RIP.

MATCH REPORT “LIVE” I: CRYSTAL PALACE 1 MCFC 2

My first match report. First game of the season for me but as I live in Penge, about 20 minutes away from the ground, it would have been rude of me not to make it, despite the City ticket office’s best efforts to stop me. Still, it was easy enough to buy a ticket in the Arthur Waite stand and then get a transfer over to the Blues’ End courtesy of the friendly steward.

The first 15-20 minutes were awful, Palace were dreadful and we were as bad. After that though, we got into the game a bit and realistically could have been a couple of goals clear by half time. Decent football being played and chances being created. No one stood out for me in particular but a mention for Macken. I was really chuffed to see Macken in the team, he worked well and created but unfortunately fluffed his lines a bit when it came to finishing. Whatever the reason for him getting into the starting line up, training ground bust up or tactical change, I think KK’s got to give him a proper chance. He had two or three decent openings, probably with a bit too much time if anything and looked like he was trying too hard. He should be told “you’ve got half a dozen games” so he can relax and get on with it.

Back to the match. The second half essentially carried on the same, better football and then we got a couple. First one was a cracking finish by Anelka, beating a man then slotting home. Big credit on this one though to Joey Barton. When the ball came out to him after the corner, instead of just spanking it he looked up and found Anelka beautifully; it’s that moment’s thought that makes the difference. Second one, well the Palace fans didn’t think it was a penalty and it was a long way away but it was clear enough on the telly. And Anelka can take a penalty can’t he? OK, their ‘keeper got close-ish but there was no way he was stopping that. You can see when Anelka walks up to take a penalty what his attitude is: “easy goal”. 2-0.

For the vast majority of the second half we had the ball. I remember being a bit irritated at one point when City had to defend that I had to turn round a bit as I’d got comfy facing the Sainsbury’s end, we were that much in control. So, 10 minutes left, penalty to Palace, just to wake their fans up. This was a weird one. On the telly you could argue it both ways, but I can’t work the referee out. He was 5 yards from it, saw the challenge, and did that sweeping hands down “no” gesture. Then he looks at the linesman who’s further away and has a worse view who shows the penalty signal, and the referee gives it. I’m not really complaining about the penalty, although it was outside the box, obviously 😉 but referees dithering like that certainly doesn’t help build confidence in them. Penalty goes in, Palace fans wake up, and although you could hardly say we saw the game out calmly they were never really going to equalise.

Having not seen us previously so far this season I was fairly pleasantly surprised to be honest. OK, Palace are dreadful, they could seriously be the worst ever Premiership side, but City came out and did a job.

Marks/10

James 7 – Didn’t have much to do.
Thatcher 8 – Solid.
Distin 6 – Worries me, everything looks like a panic recovery, compared to…
Dunne 7 – Calm and controlled next to Distin.
Sibierski 8 – Good performance.
Reyna 6 – Doesn’t stand out, but competent.
Barton 7 – If he started the game calm he’d get an 8.
SWP 8 – Had Danny Granville in all kinds of bother.
Macken 7 – Worked well, see above comments.
Anelka 8 – Class.
Sun 9 – Well he was great for his 4 minutes!

Suddenly the world looks a bit better…

MATCH REPORT “LIVE” II: CRYSTAL PALACE 1 MCFC 2

“Si de nouveau nous devons remercier le nouveau roi de soleil Nicolas Anelka.” Our French fancy found goals thanks to a rough diamond who sparkled all match, and the usual, if unorthodox contribution of our other midget Gem.

Apart from the early exchanges, when both defences used it as a meteorological balloon in the increasingly inclement weather (cue thoughts of Nike Marketing executives hurling themselves from their Madison Avenue perches at the death of the beautiful game), we marvelled as the ball was played through the gaps in a defence with more holes in it than Mark Thatcher’s. Unfortunately this very British Coup was occurring at our end and our Thatcher continues to look as convincing as his namesake. James’ bravery and poor finishing meant we stayed at nil-nil when we really didn’t deserve to. Despite a bit of a late rally, that was it from them. Palace’s Honest John football was no match for our smooth one-touch passing, running off the ball, support from midfield and this would have been a massacre had we finished off any of our well-created chances. No seriously, it would!

Like GCSEs and A-levels of late, our pass rate increased with Barton in particular abandoning all notions of being Steven Gerrard in anything but barnet and hubcap count, satisfied to look for a colleague in the same post code rather than attempt to change the laws of physics when distributing the ball. He was joined in his artistry by Reyna and Mills. No, seriously, he was. Much of the forward running was judged with the precision of a Mussolini railway timetable, and our shots on target figure of 11 harked back to last season. The creativity box ticked, we went on to graduate from the Charlie Karole finishing school, reaching its comical Zenith and practical Nadir when a great Mills pass, Anelka run and cross was met by Sibierski shot only to find Macken tracking back and blocking on the Palace line. Cue thoughts of the team re-emerging for the second half wearing Adidas “Krusty the clown foam boots”, Keegan squirting water from a plastic flower at the post match interview, and the wheels falling off the team coach as they left the ground.

For once, the second half delivered the promise of the first, and I can add little you haven’t seen on MoTD or Sky. Save for one incident which saw Mills leather the ball out of play for a throw-in, into the City faithful. I have to assume it did some actual bodily harm, as Mills came back at the final whistle and gave his shirt to the now dazed, blinded and crippled individual. At least I hope that’s what he did.

The travelling hordes were in fine voice and once again outsang the home fans who had some chant about Ian Dowie being barmy or some such which, given that he’s also not exactly a looker seemed a bit cruel. The away accommodation was spacious and had been redone in a post-modern retro art deco style with what looked like genuine wooden (you have to applaud the irony of these people) seating, which appeared to be decorative but not functional as everyone had to stand. Perhaps this standing at football will catch on. You know we so often have to follow these crazes that start in London. Quaint! It gave it the odd feeling of the old Kippax on a “Changing Rooms” budget. Beer and spirits available everywhere, no stewards, people on the stairs, etc.

Best three chants of the afternoon in reverse order were three lads behind us who chanted “U-S-A!” whenever Reyna got near the ball, very topical, “the Lokeren loony tune instrumental” before during and after both goals, nice to hear something original on MoTD, and finally a folk song, about City being on the p*ss again relating to a volume spike in the sales of Bacardi in the local economy. Fascinating to those interested in micro economics and sociology.

For the Eagles, to be brutally honest the Bolshevik hordes will soon be at the gates of this Winter Palace and will not leave until, it and Dowie are, metaphorically and actually, sacked in May.

For City, Mr Keegan survives another week, which is brilliant and for those inside the ground he remains the popular choice.

Even if you don’t like him, trust him or rate him, the facts remain we can’t afford to change the team and there is nobody that we would want that would want the job.

Also, given that all almost all current Premiership footballers are merely charlatans, mercenaries and hired guns, I think our current crop of charlatans, mercenaries and hired guns in blue are more likely to play for Keegan than any incomer.

King Kev’s not dead thanks in equal part to Prince Nicolas but also to our support, the true power behind the throne!

Upside: Crowd, 3 points, passing game, team spirit & 3 points.
Downside: Comical finishing, giving possession away in midfield, not winning it back when it had gone, Distin.

MATCH REPORT “LIVE” III: CRYSTAL PALACE 1 MCFC 2

It was a satisfactory display for the Blues yesterday. Mills having his best game so far; Dunne impeccable with Distin not far behind. After a poor first half showing Reyna showed his worth with a strong display in the second. Anelka was sublime and really is in a streak of form France cannot ignore much longer. Apart from three faulty assists by Macken, SWP and Sun Jihai, he could easily have had five tap-ins yesterday. A word too for Jon Macken, getting his first decent run out. His first touch was excellent and he held up play well enough to avoid the usual midfield ping-pong battle. A more polished finish from a 4 or 5 game run will see him putting more chances away. Joey Barton was as industrious as always and ably cajoled the team from the middle, along with our captain at the back.

The main highlight of the day for me was the connection between the team and the fans. From the moment we arrived in the ground, the support was there. Keegan got the loyalty he deserves to give him time to turn things round; having finally made the decision to drop Robbie and play Jon Macken he also got the result. A tweak here and a tweak there and we should be back amongst it, ‘Arsenal You Are Next’, the crowd acclaimed. I do fancy us to make it unlucky 47(!) for them next week, but then my sunglasses always seem to come with blue lenses.

Again the City good news never reached the Murdoch press. They seem to be after any angle they can to do a job on us lately – this vendetta by the Scum’s former News of the World editor has been carried on far too long, and should cost her her job with a bit of luck. Take Match of the Day and Murdoch’s Sky coverage of whether the pressure is showing on our boss as an example: one chose to show Kev happily signing autographs before the game; the other with his hand in a camera lens moments later.

A cover story worthy of note that did not make either was the aforesaid Mills. Midway through the second half he made a full blooded clearance from a yard or two inside his own by-line – certainly nothing wrong with Danny’s commitment to the cause. The result was one of our unsuspecting faithful not having time to get out of the way of it and catching it full on in the kite. To Danny’s credit he apologised immediately before the throw was taken, asking if the fan was alright. Then after the final whistle, with the incident clearly still playing on his mind, he came directly over to the same spot and made sure the recipient of his previous surprise ‘pass’, also got a surprise shirt to take home. All credit to Danny for showing such good form. There really is a bond forming between all the players and the fans. Anelka’s initial goal was first celebrated with the players; and again (the prolonged cheering you hear in the crowd whilst the replay is going on the MoTD rerun before the Palace kick off) with the faithful.

It felt good to be Blue yesterday. I hope we can dig ourselves out of this early bad run with some stirring displays against Arsenal, Southampton, Chelsea and Newcastle. 10 points from those 12 and Murdoch’s dogs will be long gone.

Whatever you do, stay Blue!

OPINION: SCUM JOURNALISTS I

As a member of the media I have to shoulder some of the blame here, but I think it’s nothing short of despicable the treatment KK is getting at the hands of the media.

Rumours here and rumours there – selling crappy newspapers with supposed ‘exclusives’, written by crappy journalists, working to the mantra of ‘no smoke without fire’, urged on by the worst of all people, the crappy editor.

Stories of training ground bust-ups by Mills and Sinclair saying there is pressure on KK – of course there is – there’s pressure on every manager, every day and every week. Look back at the bookies’ (another irresponsible lot) odds for the 1st Premiership Manager to be fired – just stirring it up for the sake of it.

Supporters of this club, more than any other club, should know that time is of the essence, and the last thing this club needs now is another disruption and another manager to leave the club – let the man do his job, and leave him alone – what do you expect? A win every time? I’m not living in cloud cuckoo land, and I know we can play crap a lot of the time but getting rid of Keegan is not the answer and will only serve to push the club deeper into trouble.

Ignore the hackneyed hacks, do not prescribe to the papers that espouse this cheap nonsense and support KK to do a difficult job with damn all finances – it wasn’t that long ago we were down playing Macclesfield and Colchester.

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

OPINION: SCUM JOURNALISTS II

So The Scum Newspaper, Ms Wade (or is that Mrs Grant Mitchell) and Mr Custis are continuing their anti-Keegan stance and policy. Not enough that they were taken to court and roundly condemned but they now report any minor mishap, rumour or plain lie associated with KK and MCFC.

Tell us, Mr Custis, as you are the only journalist (and The Scum the only newspaper) to be barred from Carrington, just where do you get your stories from and what “facts” are these based upon?

As if this is not enough, all Blues surely remember the sick coverage given by this tabloid on the death of Marc Vivien Foe last year. The £10,000 blood money they then allegedly paid has never been acknowledged or traced. I think most right-thinking Blues know what sort of “rag” they are dealing with here and would urge people to stop buying and reading this piece of trash.

At a time when players, fans and club should unite it is, however, worrying that there are obvious dressing room leaks. These appear to be coming direct from either disgruntled players, their agents or employees. Surely the Club can discover who and put a stop to it quickly, let’s hope so.

OPINION: SCUM JOURNALISTS III

F.U.B.A.R.

It’s difficult being a City fan these days. It’s difficult reading the newspapers, watching the television, and listening to comments on the radio. It’s difficult not because City are playing badly, not because the players are doing things wrong, and not because we don’t have the money that some of the other clubs have to splash out on new players.

It’s difficult because everywhere it’s the same old story you have to read, and the same comments you have to listen to: “Keegan must go”, “Keegan’s job is on the line”, “Keegan faces the axe”, “City fans want Keegan out”. It’s so hard to understand who has started this campaign. It surely can’t be a true City faithful.

My guess is that these lame attacks on Keegan come from the other side of town. At the moment City are surpassing United in the Premiership, we have the talk of the nation in Shaun Wright-Phillips, and St. Nic is scoring goals like a hero. Someone in the Red camp must have sat down one day and realized they had to come up with something to turn things around.

United were outplayed by a second rate French team mid-week, they are dropping down the table in the Premiership, they have bought God knows who for the Devil’s money, and still they are not performing well. Now someone must have noticed that. Oh no I forgot, journalists are so doped down on Keegan propaganda that they can barely see their shoes when they stand upright.

No, which City faithful would want to sack the manager that has brought us the most enjoyable moments since 1976? Who in their right minds would want to go back to 16 years without winning against the Rags? Who would like to not challenge for a place in the European Cup? You must let me know who you are, and then I will tell you; you’re not a True Blue!

It’s sad but true. City have no money to spend on the likes of Rooney, Gerrard and Owen. Keegan has been flamboyant in the transfer market in the past. So would it be better to get a new manager at this stage? Someone that could turn things around with virtually no money to spend? Oh yeah he would just have to sell Anelka and SWeeP first. Then he could buy who instead – Steve Daley?

City have only just settled as a Premiership club. Keegan has brought us some consistency. The past two seasons have not been nail-biting to the end. Give the boys a chance and let them work together for a while. I would say 2 more years. Let the youngsters grow into an organized set-up. Let them know the formations and learn the trade from the established players. Consistency is the key now, not the havoc of turnarounds.

What I don’t need right now is a Rag taking over as manager. I read somewhere that Gordon Strachan was wanted by the fans to replace Keegan. Now that was surely written by a Rag-supporter to make life easier for Fungus. He must have been thinking back to the days (literally) when Steve Coppell was Manager at City. Please all you Red supporting journalists: Shut Up!

OPINION: FEELING BETTER NOW? I

So, there you are. City sitting in the top half of the table at twenty to five on Saturday (as the old cliché used to have it!) just above ‘the other lot’ after a sound away display at Palace, who must be wondering just what on earth they are doing here in the top flight. If Liverpool can draw at Old Trafford on Monday then will City not be above the Rags? Will we then hear the press screeching for Taggart’s head? Will certain MCIVTA contributors be of like mind?! And Nic is the league’s leading scorer!

I think KK has conducted himself very well over the past week – how these people must get sick of reading some of the rubbish written, and not just in the tabloid press! City played extremely well at Palace and had some of the chances that fell to Macken fallen to a more accomplished footballer we surely would have won by far more. A potentially tough away game, comfortably negotiated, with the usual City-fan palpitations thrown up by a ludicrous penalty award. Not only did Distin play the ball, what contact there was took place a foot or two outside the box! Still, it would not be City if these things did not crop up.

I remember as Coventry plodded on, year after year, finishing it seemed 16th in the top flight each time, how positively dull it must be to support them. Whereas we are a hugely popular team (this is of course in no small part due to the identity of our neighbours) with a manager who wears his heart on his sleeve and tells the truth. We entertain, we frustrate, we are totally unpredictable. I remember being pleased with all the nice home wins a couple of years ago, but it was almost possible to predict the formula and the pattern of each match in Division One. Now who can honestly say they thought we would win 6-2 vs. Bolton last year, or 4-0 against Charlton the other week? Equally, who honestly thought we would lose 1-0 at home to Everton?

I do hope the pressure lifts from the team and particularly KK now; we can surely expect nothing from this coming Saturday so I sincerely hope we play well! Who knows, perhaps a 2-2? I am assuming Barnsley will have been dispatched comfortably on Tuesday. We have a game at Southampton that is a very good yardstick; they, like Charlton, will be mid-table this year I imagine, these are the teams we need to match and then to pass over the next 2 to 3 seasons. We are not going to win the Premiership this year, more people need to be aware of this! I hope also for a home point against Chelsea, further League Cup progress and a solid mid-table winter.

Come on City!

Here’s a question: do English clubs not play in the InterToto Cup nowadays? Why not? Remember Bordeaux!

OPINION: FEELING BETTER NOW? II

Here we are on the brink of a truly awkward fixture in which nothing other than a win will do.

The Manager appears to have lost interest and the players seem to be starting to reflect this. I believe that our Kevin won’t last another fortnight unless we win at the weekend and start to see some inspired play. But my point is this – if he goes who replaces him?

Seriously, I openly think this needs great thought as there seems to be a very limited list of managers to go for, and most would declare themselves not available. There’s no money to spend and that’s a real no-no for a top class manager. Personally I like the look of Sam Allardyce but assuming he would turn us down as he did Newcastle I think we would be looking overseas, which would be something new for MCFC.

Come on KK and the lads, I’m travelling from Romania in 10 days’ time, let’s dream and stuff it up the Gooners! Although I think we will need to build a 225mm blockwork wall behind DJ to do it!

OPINION: FEELING BETTER NOW? III

I don’t normally reply to comments posted on McV but when Sam Duxbury finished his article with Anelka out, eight times repeated I felt I had to defend Anelka; I know he can sulk for Britain and is not the most sociable at the best of times but I have been really impressed with his performances this season when others have let us down badly, I don’t see Fowler’s name up there too often with Henry and Reyes etc. in the scoring charts.

I am sure Sam will get his wish soon enough though as Anelka will be sure to leave at Christmas to further his career and who could blame him? If you were coming to play up front for City who would you rather play alongside, an overweight self confessed has-been or a world class striker? When we are stuck with Fowler next year look back and remember Anelka!

I don’t see too many others of Anelka’s class coming to play for us now do you?

OPINION: STEADY NOW

I never saw the game. Let us keep it in perspective. Palace’s position inthe league was pre-told the day they won the play offs “last”. That resultwas the minimum. Palace will be relegated and 3 points is the very minimumrequired from these fixtures. We also require 3 points at Carrow Road, TheHawthorns, and probably Ewood Park (I have just watched Blackburn vs.Portsmouth). City failed last year against the strugglers and ended up astruggler. We did not beat Wolves, Leicester or Leeds at all last seasonand struggled. I want to see City do better this year than last, let us winthe games I mentioned above and also beat the Scum at Old Trafford and ourseason will be complete.

[Where’s your optimism Mark, come on we’re 11th – Ed]

OPINION: KEV IS FOR LIFE, NOT FOR CHRISTMAS

Why get rid of Kev, do you really need Terry Venables in the job? No thanks. He would give the team a little more of a kick but let’s face the truth, he would put us deeper in debt. Kev is doing ok, we are still in the PL so where’s the problem, think back to JR or even BH, what kind of football did we play? Rubbish, so all you only been Blues for a couple of seasons think about some of us diehards, Dennis Lilis and the missed pen in the cup at MR, and Steve Kinsey. Please don’t forget where we came from and let’s give Kev and the team all the shouts we can. Anelka is the best player we have had in a long time, could even rate him better that Rösler and the Goat.

Fingers crossed for the game at EastLands, sorry Barnsley but you are going to endure our Wrath.

OPINION: BALL SPEAKS OUT

On R5 Wednesday this week there was an interview with Alan Ball. Actually it was a joint interview with Ed Moses, they were talking about drugs in sport, the stresses of football management etc. And it was an opportunity for Ball to plug his new book. Alan Ball made a few interesting comments, he said that he felt privileged to have been a football manager in the top flight and that for some teams it worked out for him (in terms of performance and achievements), but with other teams it didn’t. No names were mentioned, although he was asked about Kevin Keegan and City’s predicament at the moment. To his credit he didn’t make any criticism of Keegan, only to say that he has a very difficult job. Ball said there was no way he would be a manager today, the pressure is too great and anyway, all the big clubs now are PLCs (his words), only interested in profits. Managers don’t get a chance these days to get the time to turn things around, and he quoted the example of Bobby Robson being sacked three ganes into the season. Ball also said he was getting over the death of his wife and was beginning to get his life back together again.

OPINION: CHEAPSKATES!

Hadn’t realised until watching Arsenal vs. Bolton on the TV that Bolton’s away kit is remarkably similar to our home kit. What is it with Reebok? Did they buy a job lot of sky blue material? Which club got first choice in what they wanted – Bolton or City? Makes it look like a couple of school teams who bought on the cheap. If Reebok can’t show any more imagination (any complaints from the clubs?), then switch to a more innovative company. To cap it all, Fulham are also playing in light blue! Nice to have a popular colour, but why do teams want to look like each other? Does the FA not have any say in what colour teams play in? Should we turn up in all black and look like the ref?

Nice to get 3 points, and great to hear the non-stop support from the fans. The TV commentators couldn’t stop going on about Dunne’s pace!

Bring on Arsenal!

REQUEST: ARSENAL TICKET (EAST STAND LOWER PREFERRED)

Does anyone have a ticket spare for the East Stand Lower Tier for the Arsenal game this Saturday? Any area of this section of the ground will do fine.

REQUEST: SOUTHAMPTON TICKETS AVAILABLE

I have 2 spare adult tickets for Southampton away on October 2nd. They are £30 each. Please contact me by email or ring me on 07944 775022.

RESULTS

19 September 2004

Southampton           1 - 2  Newcastle United      30,709
Everton               1 - 0  Middlesbrough         34,078
Chelsea               0 - 0  Tottenham Hotspur     42,246

18 September 2004

Arsenal               2 - 2  Bolton Wanderers      37,010
Birmingham City       1 - 1  Charlton Athletic     27,400
Blackburn Rovers      1 - 0  Portsmouth            20,647
Crystal Palace        1 - 2  Manchester City       25,052
Norwich City          0 - 0  Aston Villa           23,805
West Bromwich Albion  1 - 1  Fulham                24,128

League table to 19 September 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          6  2  1  0 10  5  3  0  0 11  2  5  1  0  21   7  14  16
 2 Chelsea          6  2  1  0  3  1  2  1  0  3  0  4  2  0   6   1   5  14
 3 Everton          6  2  0  1  4  5  2  1  0  4  1  4  1  1   8   6   2  13
 4 Bolton Wndrs     6  2  1  0  7  3  1  1  1  4  5  3  2  1  11   8   3  11
 5 Tottenham H.     6  1  2  0  2  1  1  2  0  2  1  2  4  0   4   2   2  10
 6 Middlesbrough    6  2  1  0  6  4  1  0  2  5  6  3  1  2  11  10   1  10
 7 Aston Villa      6  2  1  0  6  2  0  2  1  1  4  2  3  1   7   6   1   9
 8 Newcastle Utd    6  1  1  1  5  3  1  1  1  6  7  2  2  2  11  10   1   8
 9 Charlton Ath.    6  2  1  0  5  1  0  1  2  2  9  2  2  2   7  10  -3   8
10 Liverpool        4  2  0  0  5  1  0  1  1  1  2  2  1  1   6   3   3   7
11 Manchester City  6  1  1  1  5  2  1  0  2  3  4  2  1  3   8   6   2   7
12 Portsmouth       5  2  1  0  8  5  0  0  2  1  3  2  1  2   9   8   1   7
13 Manchester Utd   5  1  1  0  2  1  0  2  1  3  4  1  3  1   5   5   0   6
14 Birmingham City  6  1  1  1  2  2  0  1  2  2  4  1  2  3   4   6  -2   5
15 Fulham           6  1  0  2  2  5  0  2  1  5  6  1  2  3   7  11  -4   5
16 Blackburn R.     6  1  2  0  3  2  0  0  3  2  9  1  2  3   5  11  -6   5
17 Southampton      6  1  0  2  5  6  0  1  2  1  4  1  1  4   6  10  -4   4
18 Norwich City     6  0  2  1  2  5  0  2  1  3  4  0  4  2   5   9  -4   4
19 West Brom A.     6  0  3  0  3  3  0  1  2  2  6  0  4  2   5   9  -4   4
20 Crystal Palace   6  0  0  3  2  7  0  1  2  3  6  0  1  5   5  13  -8   1

MCIVTA FAQ [v0405.01]

[1] 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

[2] What are MCIVTA’s publishing deadlines?

Deadlines for issues are nominally 6pm, Monday and Thursday evenings bu email. Unfortunately we cannot accept email attachments.

[3] 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.

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

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

[5] 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).

[6] 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.

[7] 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/.

[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. 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/.

[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/.

[13] Where can I find a list of City-related websites?

Try Wookie’s Lair: http://www.wookieslair.com/modules.php?name=Web_Links

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: