Newsletter #1073

News tonight on the reserves, potential moves in the January transfer window and comebacks for Barton and Weaver and the usual opinion and requests.

We were sorry to learn this week of the death of lifelong City fan Alan Holt. Alan was a longstanding McV subscriber and contributor back from the early days, and our condolences go to his wife Gill and family and friends.

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

More Norwegian Interest: City received another Norse code message this week, if you believe the M.E.N. The report emerged again, linking Norwegian shipping company Steensland with City and an attempt to purchase a major stake in the club. Unlike some nearby clubs we could mention, relations between the two parties are said to be cordial. There will be no hostile takeover here. Instead, the group would look to make a major investment in City, although it’s unlikely that the £62 million debts would be wiped out in any deal. Steensland director Morten Andersen was said to have been a guest of Chairman John Wardle at the recent Blackburn game. A City spokesman denied that any agreement was imminent, saying: “Mr Andersen has a tiny shareholding in Manchester City and he’s a man well known to the club. He has been a guest on a number of occasions and was present at the recent Blackburn game. However, there is no prospect of any significant investment from him or any of his associates at this time.”

Pegged Back: The reserves were denied all the points this week as Bolton scored an injury time equaliser. The game finished 2-2. Wanderers took the lead on twenty minutes, but City levelled courtesy of Christian Negouai. The Blues took the lead thanks to a BWP strike, but Te rescued a point for the home side with a late leveller.
Team: Ellegaard, Sommeil, Williamson, J D’Laryea, Collins, Warrender, Bennett (Johnson 90), Ireland, Negouai (Bermingham 66), B Wright-Phillips, Laird (Grimes 83).
Subs Not Used: Schmeichel, Lee-Matthews.

People Apology Update: Many thanks to Terry Baines, who took the trouble to email me about the Sunday People’s promised apology to the “Keegan Will Walk” story. Terry writes: “I saw the apology although it was not very large and I am not too sure it was on the same page.”

Transfer News and Gossip

New Zidane: One’s eye was naturally caught by a headline reading “Manchester City Football Club linked with new Zidane”. The boy in question is said to be Mourad Meghni, a 20-year-old French midfielder. He has impressed with his displays for Serie A side Bologna this season and has attracted the attention of Juventus. Tough call for the lad – City or Juve?

Nico to Liverpool: The Sunday journals suggested this week that Liverpool would come a-knocking at KK’s door come January, with a bid of £8 million for Nicolas Anelka. The ‘Pool have a dearth of strikers at the moment, as both Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse have serious injuries. Nico spent part of his pre-City career at Anfield, a five month loan in 2001, but the then Boss Gerard Houllier decided not to sign the mercurial Frenchman.

So Long Sommeil? Teamtalk.com stated this week that KK will listen to offers for David Sommeil in January. Sommeil, 30, has not started a game for City since January of this year and his only action this season was as a second half substitute in the 7-1 Carling Cup romp over Barnsley in September. Signed for £3.5 million (that’s one and a half times Daniel van Buyten’s summer fee, but more of that later) in January 2003 from Bordeaux, Sommeil made an impressive start to his City career but gradually fell out of favour with Keegan. A loan spell with Marseille came up last season, as part of the DvB deal that brought the defender to City, and injuries have also taken their toll on Sommeil’s City career.

Ex-Blues’ News

Van Buyten Tyne Bound? Daniel van Buyten fans should look away… now! Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness has said that he wants to bring in three new defenders in the transfer window, one of whom, it is believed, is the mighty DvB. The Belgian is captain of struggling Bundesliga team Hamburg, and a fee of £6 million was mentioned. Wasn’t there another Premiership team who could’ve landed Danny for less than half that fee last summer?

We Wuz Robbed! According to the Evening Chronicle’s website, KK is none too pleased with Stephen Elliott’s move to Sunderland, which the ashen faced City supreme reckons was a steal for the Wearside outfit. Sunderland will have to pay a maximum of £350,000 for the Irishman, and Keegan thinks the boy is worth much more. Keegan insisted: “We felt that he was pinched from us. Stephen is now starting to achieve the sort of things that we expected him to achieve but maybe they didn’t. We saw with Stephen how clubs can get interested in the young players. We told the tribunal when we questioned his transfer fee that he was a good player and that we had worked hard with him.” Elliott has already bagged 9 goals in just 13 domestic starts for the Black Cats, and has forced his way into Brian Kerr’s international squad.

Reactions and Comments

Shaun Fights Back: City’s Saturday tea-time kick-off saw the Blues notch up a 3-1 win against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. City took the lead after seven minutes though an effervescent SWP, but surrendered the lead immediately as Gary O’Neill struck the equaliser. Despite Pompey bringing on Eyal Berkovic for the injured Lua Lua, City dominated much of the rest of the game. Victory was secured with late goals from Antoine Sibierski and Paul Bosvelt. There was much media attention for Shaunie, following his traumatic appearance for England in Spain, where he and other black players had suffered racist abuse. “I didn’t take it personally and haven’t let it affect me,” he said later. “I have just got on with it, trained well and taken that to Portsmouth. If I have to play in Spain again then so be it. I will not be thinking of anything other than what is happening on the pitch and playing well. I don’t like what happened off it during the week but that is for other people to sort out. No one wants to experience that but the FA are on the case. Good things and bad things happen in football,” reasoned the England international. “And Wednesday night was a bad thing. It was great to get back playing in front of fans who appreciate me. They gave me a great reception,” he added.

Men of the Match: Our Boss Man thought SWP and Joey Barton could have made joint claims to be Man of the Match. “I think that Shaun is potentially the best player in England over the next five years,” proclaimed the City chief. “He has got everything. Pace, balance, strength and a big heart. Things don’t bother him. He is a strong character with a lot of determination and a lot of quality. Shaun has such a great way with people that everyone pulls for him. He is destined for the very, very top. You cannot give people who are slow extra pace or those who have a bad touch, a good touch, but you can make a player like Shaun a little bit better. He never misses a game and if there is a 50-50 challenge he is in there. He is the best player I have worked with if you take into account his age and everything – by a long way. Like Joey he really enjoys his football and that comes across. Joey must have been very, very close to man of the match honours. Especially when you think he has been out for five or six weeks. No disrespect to Shaun, but I think I would have given it to Joey. If Joey can play like that every week then nothing will stop him from going right to the top. He was inventive and clever with the ball and didn’t get involved in anything silly. He was physical within the rules of the game. I thought he was superb. And there were others too. Robbie Fowler did terrific when he came on and Jon Macken had a good game and don’t forget he has been out for weeks. I think our victory was deserved, we played really well,” he said. “Credit to the boys we got the ball down, passed it, opened them up and created chances. We were pretty much the dominant team throughout the match. The only problem we had was getting that second goal that really mattered at 1-1. There was always the chance that they would break away or produce something from a set piece. Teams better than us have already lost here so it was a great result but we will not be getting carried away. We will take confidence from the win and I am hoping we can now beat Villa next Saturday and win two on the trot for the first time in more than a year. Their young goalkeeper making his début was terrific. He made one save from Robbie that he will not better if he plays for another 20 years.”

Not So ‘Appy: For Harry Redknapp, Saturday’s game was an uncomfortable experience. “Once we lost Lua Lua it was always going to be a backs to the wall job,” said Redknapp on Sky Sports 2. “We came back well from the opening goal and then we lost Lua Lua and we had to shuffle round. It is a difficult system to play when you have only one up front and you have no pace in midfield. With 15 minutes to go – even at half time – I was looking at the watch and looking for a draw.” Portsmouth were a club in torment last week, as the appointment of a Director of Football at Fratton Park had led to speculation over Redknapp’s future. “The events of the last week don’t have an effect. There are no excuses there,” he added. “We keep going. It has been a great two-and-a-half years and I have loved every minute of it and no-one could have done a better job than I have. Until it’s not workable I’m here.” With 48 hours, it wasn’t workable any more, and Redknapp resigned. See the effect of a defeat to the Mighty Sky Blue Warriors?

Fit for Villa: KK is hoping that Nicolas Anelka will return to side for the home clash with Aston Villa on Saturday. The French striker left the win over Portsmouth after just twenty seven minutes of the game. He picked up a knock early on in a tackle and though he tried to continue was forced to limp out of the action. “I don’t think it is that serious,” said KK, somewhat relieved considering the Blues’ injury list. “It is just a kick. Obviously he couldn’t go on. He gave it a go but he couldn’t go on limping for ninety minutes so I decided to replace him. I had to take the view that it was better to take him off early and get him fit as soon as possible rather than risk damage for longer. We have enough players out.”

Squad News

Crafty Crofty: Lee Croft seems to have enjoyed his first week at Oldham Athletic. The 19-year-old is on loan at Boundary Park for a month, and began his spell with an appearance live on BBC TV. Oldham faced Thurrock in the FA Cup First Round, and Croft gained his side a penalty after being chopped down in the area. Former Blue Chris Killen scored the only goal of the game from the spot. Boss Brian Talbot said afterwards: “Lee gave us balance and shape as well as being a useful outlet. He got the penalty for us and it was a very good start.” And Croft was to the fore last Saturday, as Oldham turned a deficit into a 3-2 victory at home, with the young Blue providing the cross for Killen to net once again for the winner. Croft explained the reasons for his move into League One: “I am at the stage of my career where I need regular first-team football and I am sure it will make me a better player. I watch a lot of Coca-Cola league football and it is a good standard. I suspect it will be a bit more physical than what I am used to but it can only be good experience and add to my all-round game. That’s why I have gone to Oldham and I am looking forward to playing more games for them.” The Latics have tried to sign Croft on loan before but manager Kevin Keegan was always reluctant to let him go. Croft added: “This time he felt the time was right and agreed I would benefit from playing at a higher level. Other clubs were also interested but it was agreed that this would be the best move. If gets frustrating in the reserves. Now I have the chance to show Oldham fans what I can do.”

Eager Weaver: If all goes according to plan, Nicky Weaver should be playing football again before the year is out. After a miserable two-and-a-half years on the sidelines, Nicky can’t wait to start playing again, but admits it’s been hard watching his team-mates performing every week. “It’s a bit soul destroying when you are left behind like that,” Weaver told the Daily Star. “But you have to believe that one day, you will join them. You have to understand that everything you are doing, you are doing for a reason – to play football again. Thankfully, everything looks good and just to play again in the reserves next month will be fantastic.”

Showy Joey: After enjoying his comeback with the first team last week, Joey Barton has been talking of his future career aims. First, he’d like to become a more creative midfielder, and second, he wants to play for the full England team. “I am stronger now than at any time in my career,” he said. “The manager putting me straight back into the side was a major boost for my confidence. People have sad nice things about my last couple of performances but I have to do that for 30 or 40 games a season not just one or two. I feel I have improved as a player but I don’t think I am anywhere near my peak yet. When I first came into the side I was regarded as a bit of a destroyer, someone who broke play up but wasn’t necessarily a good passer or very creative. I was very young then and didn’t know how to impose myself and we also had Ali Benarbia and Eyal Berkovic doing the clever stuff. That doesn’t mean I am not capable of being more creative and inventive and I think fans will see more of that over the coming months it is something on which I have been working hard. There is a lot more to come and if I can be consistently good then people will take notice.” Joey has already won international honours at U21 level, but would love to move onto the higher level. “There is no point settling for a certain level, you have to want to be the best you can be and have something to aim at,” he said. “One of my ambitions was to play for my country at under 21 level and now I would like to win a senior cap. I know how hard I will have to work to achieve that but I intend to give it my best shot. I reckon Shaun is a certainly for the World Cup squad in 2006, I will be approaching 24-years-old then and would like nothing more than being on that plane with him. I think Stevie Gerrard and Frank Lampard are head and shoulders the best central midfield players we have but behind those two there may be a chance to grab a place. We are geared up here to be a really big club and if I can manage to be picked every week for City then it has got to be an advantage rather than sitting around on someone’s bench or playing in the reserves.”

Well Done, Dunne! It sounds like KK will be offering Richard Dunne a contract extension at the end of the season, after the manger praised the superb form showed by his defender. “Richard is out there every day now and if he misses training then you know he is injured,” said KK. “He is an international player and he has got to take more responsibility, and the pleasing thing is that he wants to do that. He has got a real chance of being a top player for a long time. He is still young. He trains properly and he does it right. He has got a lot of ability and nobody has ever questioned his talent. He played for Everton when he was 16 and he’s been around a long time. His tremendous asset is his pace. Not only is he big and strong, he’s quick. People look at him and think they can run him, but not there’s not many can get past Dunnie.”

A Rhyme for ‘McCarthy’? Erm… KK has reassured Paddy McCarthy that he will soon be rewarded for the progress he has made, and will feature in the first team. “Paddy is very much a part of it,” Keegan confirmed. “He has doing nothing wrong – in fact he’s doing everything right. But he’s got to get past Richard Dunne and Sylvain Distin and that’s not easy. When I think of all the youngsters we have got here, he is probably the most mature in terms of being ready for it. But his opportunity hasn’t come yet. He and Nedum are so different that there will be games when you will play one but not the other. Those two are vying for that next spot along with David Sommeil, when he is fit. David has had one little niggle after another and we feel that he just needs another couple of games.” The Boss also confirmed that moves are afoot to secure the long term future of a Stephen Jordan and BWP. “We are talking to Stephen and a few players at the moment and still discussing matters with them. Bradley Wright-Phillips’ contract is up at the end of the season and we are talking to him at the moment. It gets tougher and tougher holding on to young players and I want Stephen and Bradley to stay. Stephen has done very well and he has not surprised a lot of people at this football club,” added the boss. “I have always told him that he has got something and that if he stayed here that he would get a chance and that if he got a chance who knows what would happen. That is what has happened. He got his chance and he has done very well.”

MATCH REPORT: BFC RESERVES 2 MCFC RESERVES 2

A goal apiece from both of our strike pairing was not enough for City to seal victory over Bolton at Lancashire FA headquarters in Leyland. City cancelled out Bolton’s earlier goal from Danny Livesey with a well placed shot from Christian Negouai. City scored what they thought would be the winner from a Bradley Wright-Phillips goal but Bolton equalized with a goal late into injury time from their top scorer, Ricardo Vaz Te.

The game started brightly for the home side after Vaz Te was able to get around the advancing Kevin Ellegaard, but he was only able to hit the post from a tight angle. The first quarter of an hour saw City have two chances of their own. The first chance fell to Negouai after good work by Stephen Ireland who sent Negouai free with his trademark reverse pass, but Christian’s shot was foiled by Andy Oakes’ legs in goal. The next chance fell to Ian Bennett, but he failed to keep his shot down after good work from Jonathan D’Laryea down the right.

Bolton then had three chances within a space of a minute and where they eventually scored from at the third attempt. Ellegaard had saved the second attempt from a header but had only managed to palm the ball towards the corner flag and Vaz Te was able to retrieve the ball, run into the box and play a hard low cross across the face of the goal, where Livesey just stuck out a leg and diverted the ball past Ellegaard.

This livened City up and they pushed for an equalizer, and even though they pushed forward and left a few gaps, their hard work only allowed Bolton one other chance in the half and that was down to David Sommeil backing off the runner. City’s equalizer finally came on thirty five minutes when again good work from Ireland gave him the opportunity to release Negouai on the edge of the area; he shimmied with the ball and sent in a placed shot that seemed to deceive Oakes in goal as it appeared that he had it covered, but it crept into the far corner.

Right on the stroke of half time, City could have taken the lead when Marc Laird ran to the edge of the area and played a short pass to Ireland; he deceived the defender by playing a lovely flicked back heel to Sommeil who lifted the ball and hit it on the half volley, but he was not able to keep the ball down enough to dip under the bar.

The start of the second half was played at a far slower pace and it wasn’t until the sixty second minute before either side had created a chance. Ricky Shakes had disposessed Paul Collins on the right edge of the area and then ran in, but failed to shoot across the goal to the far post, instead going for a shot at the near post where Ellegaard saved well with his legs.

City and Bolton both made substitutions to try to change the pattern of the game. It was City who managed to make their change pay off as Laird made a strong run from the midfield and fed Ireland with a good pass out to the right. He then sold a drop shoulder dummy to the defender, surged past him and put in an inch perfect cross for Bradley to steal in and volley past Oakes into the far corner.

City looked increasingly more in control of the match so they made two more substitutions. One of our substitutions was a reserve début for Michael Johnson, replacing the hard working Ian Bennett. This upset City’s shape and allowed more space to Bolton, who were then able to get forward with Nigerian Blessing Kaku down the left to deliver a good cross, which Vaz Te powerfully dispatched with his head to equalize for the home side.

This slip up has allowed Aston Villa to return to the top of the league. Although Bolton fielded a very experienced side and a draw was a very fair result, it was the manner in which we conceded the win in injury time that rankles. But the reserve team’s loss of players has meant the first team have gained with Flood, Onuoha and McCarthy. City travel up to the cold North East to attempt to play at Kingston Park, the home of Johnny Wilkinson’s Newcastle Falcons, against Newcastle United reserves, where the state of their pitch is a disgrace to the league.

Ellegaard: Made some good saves, but was all over the place at times. 6
Sommeil: No challenge for either goal, doesn’t inspire anyone at the back. 5
Williamson: Steady Eddy Sam where very little got past him. 7
J D’Laryea (capt): Did a few good things, but I know he can play much better. 6
Collins: Is never really comfortable at this level playing centre half. 6
Warrender: Fell asleep for the second goal and again has had better games. 6
Bennett (90): Worked hard and put some good balls into vital areas. 7
Ireland: Was at the heart of every City attack, his stature grows every week. MoM. 9
Negouai (66): Was not really up for this game, but he’ll take his lucky goal. 6
Wright-Phillips: After the Lord Mayor’s show last week, he was disappointing. 6
Laird (83): Worked very hard and help create things, still lightweight at times though. 8
Subs:
Bermingham (60): Held the ball up well but didn’t get into those vital areas. 6
Grimes (83): Too late to mark.
Johnson (90): Too late to mark.
Not Used: Schmeichel, Lee-Matthews.

Bolton: Oakes, Barness, Cesar, Livesey (Hill 75), Platt, Campo, Kaku, O’Brien (capt), Vaz Te, Shakes, Kribib (Luisi 72).
Not Used: Whitehead, Powell, McGill.

Att: 325.

OPINION: WITH OR WITHOUT HIM? I

I hate to say this, but the whole game changed once Anelka had left the field of play.

Let’s show our festive spirit and let Liverpool have him ASAP, or anyone else for that matter.

Just to show my festive spirit I am prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt and say that KK can’t get the best out of him.

OPINION: WITH OR WITHOUT HIM? II

I know that Anelka has a following of his own, and some will probably be p**sed off at my comments.

The Good: Anelka can produce some classic moves, and is very good going forward in the inside lanes.

The Bad: Anelka does not know how to beat the offside trap, and can not head the ball.

The Ugly: Anelka never appears to get along with Fowler (whose fault I do not know).

With Anelka picking up a slight injury in the last game I would rest him, play Growler Fowler up front with Macken; some will remember how well they played together versus Spurs in the best ever comeback game in the FA Cup. It was great to see Growler back with his growl, he looks fit and sharp. And have young Bradley Wright-Phillips on the bench as a sub.

The game versus Aston Villa promises to be an exciting one; can City put two wins back to back? I think that City has the confidence and ability to beat Villa, just play with the same passion as in the 2nd half versus Portsmouth.

Come on you Blues!

OPINION: SPAIN, SWEEP AND SWAPS

I’d like to add my little bit to the debate about Spain. Steve Claridge wrote in the People this Sunday about an incident involving two black players when he played for Millwall.

The two players, one from either side, were near to the touchline challenging for the ball when some moron from the Millwall crowd shouted abuse at the away player, using the colour of his skin to abuse him.

Apparently, the Millwall black player looked up at the moron who promptly said, “Oh not you mate, you’re one of us”.

Sometimes, people are just using colour to get at players. But it doesn’t make it right. In fact it is totally insulting.

And I don’t know how anybody else felt on the night when SWP got the ball and was being abused. Abuse of black players in football hasn’t really been something that I’ve thought about much since we don’t get that sort of thing at City. It’s something that I’ve read about where players from ‘Other’ clubs have suffered at ‘Other’ grounds so it didn’t affect me. Not in my back yard sort of thing.

But when SWP was being abused last week, I actually felt sick. I felt gutted for the lad. He is ‘One of ours’ and I was actually hurt by the noises. So God knows how he must have felt.

But SWP being SWP, he rode it through. And even if he was feeling really bad, he didn’t let it affect him. Credit to you Shaun. Well done. 10/10 for the best player in English football.

One footnote that has nowt to do with this subject. Good a player as Anelka is, didn’t we play well without him? Anelka is one of the best players in the World on his day. But how often do his ‘On his days’ come along? And when they do, how often are they effective these days?

I’d swop Anelka for Defoe at Tottenham tomorrow.

OPINION: THE BLUES

Love the newsletter, it’s up and down. What a fickle lot! Last one was “replace King Kevin and half the team” (sure you’re not on the other side?) now it’s “9/10’s”, great youngsters and celebrating being 11th but at least looking forward! Even every time we get relegated it’s always “When and how” not “if or but” (getting back up).

I personally love being a City fan, awkward at times but prefer to be City and always on the edge of my seat than to buy the league or not bother in the cups (domestic).

First saw them in the League Cup loss to Wolves(’74 I believe?). Have only seen on about ten occasions, never much money. But enjoy the TV coverage if short in supply at times. Looking forward to pay per view versus Villa on Saturday. Hendrie’s on form I think and Angel; cannot think of any more Villa players, which is probably a good thing. David O’Leary knows his business though.

I’m City ’cause the blue sky was favourite colour as a 6 year old and City were winning in ’67-8… my family are Gunners, my wife and I enjoy banter too as she’s a Liverpool fan. Always a friendly state of appreciation.

OPINION: SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS

As a long time member of the “official” supporters’ club, I am not alone in becoming increasingly disillusioned with the purpose and function of supporters’ clubs. Back in the good old days, the football club would have a far more active and supportive rôle. We would get player and officials’ visits to the branches, and have social events that they would attend. It seems nowadays that despite the club asking sponsoring for the likes of reserve travel, banners and now a trophy cabinet, we are not valued enough as supporters for visits and socials – yet we are constantly dipping our hand in our pocket for raffles and money raising events! A few clubs, Premiership included, still value their supporters and by all accounts have some great events but why are we no longer allowed those memorable Player of the Year nights (the players now are molly coddled and kept separate from the fans, then clear off after a short time – the one night they are supposed to be there for us!) and as for other events, it seems we are not allowed to even ask these days. Yes, there are the fans’ forums that the club now organises, but these are rightly open to all fans. So what’s the point of belonging to a supporters’ organisation? Most of them appear to be little more than ticket exchanges these days, which a lot of us “old timers” find quite sad. Do others feel the same?

OPINION: DICKOV

After reading various comments recently, I have to agree with Phil Jones (MCIVTA 1071) and Kevin Cummins (MCIVTA 1072). Why do so many City fans still rate Paul Dickov so highly?

Some of the things I heard at Eastlands against Blackburn really started to p**s me off and I had to bite my tongue on numerous occasions. Some City fans even wish he was back in our side? He is definitely not a Premiership player, because (as Kevin points out) he got relegated with Leicester and probably will with Blackburn, but he also got relegated to the 2nd Division with our beloved City (not blaming him alone). I know he scored the goal that got us out of that terrible division and I will be forever grateful to him, but Gareth Taylor might have scored the equaliser that day for God’s sake. Would that have made him a ‘Legend for City’ (that question goes to Rich Fenton, MCIVTA 1070)? Didn’t Kevin Horlock also score in that game and probably score as many as Dickov even from midfield, yet his name is not mentioned half as much?

Dickov looks half decent to some City fans because when he plays against us, he raises his game 200 per cent. I will admit that his work rate is high, but he mainly just runs about doing nothing, apart from fouling other players (which he seems to get away with most of the time for some reason). Even though he got celebrity status for the Wembley goal, even from me at the time, I didn’t particularly rate him very highly before that and don’t see any change now.

Like Kevin and Phil, I also agree that Dickov is not a City fan. Robbie Keane was another example of ‘respect for your former fans and club’ when he scored a hat-trick for Spurs against Wolves last season. He is paid to score the goals but he never celebrated one of them, unlike Dickov who celebrated his goals (especially the one for Leicester) as though he had scored the winning goal in a World Cup final. I don’t exactly think we should boo him, but I certainly don’t see why we should respect him. Does he respect us?

Anyway, 4 games unbeaten, with a very good performance at Portsmouth and Barton back in the middle instead of Macca. Things are looking up (without Dickov)!

OPINION: CITY MASTERMIND

Mastermind this week, Monday 22 November, we had Andrew Burrows whose specialist subject was Manchester City Football Club. After the specialist subject round young Andrew was in the lead. Alas the general knowledge round proved his downfall and he finished 3rd. missing out on a place in the Final. But well done that man, impressive knowledge indeed. And Heidi thanks very much for all your hard work, it is most appreciated.

[If any of the far flung Blues want to pit their wits, I have a list of the Q&As, email me if you would like them – Ed]

OPINION: I WANT THAT HOUSE

Before you all start rushing out to your local estate agents, I see Dario Gigante gave me a mention after the email I sent him recently to put his mind at rest regarding the usual rubbish stories that Kevin Keegan doesn’t live in Manchester.

I happen to know where he lives, and of course would never divulge the information, but let’s just say yes, he does live in Manchester and that’s that.

I work for the bank that funded the development where he lives, and don’t want to get in any more bother than that, don’t want any lawyers on my doorstep!

BOOK REVIEW

FULL TIME AT MAINE ROAD: Len Grant
ISBN 1-952-67203-0
£13.00

Available from Cornerhouse http://www.cornerhouse.org/publications/

This book is a photographic record of the last months of Maine Road: the stadium, games, fans, residents, dispersal and ultimately the demolition of what was our home for 80 years. Len Grant was commissioned by Manchester City Council to record the transition of the area and his photographs are well composed and evocative, bringing back matchday memories of the old familiar haunts and characters. The foreward is by Richard Leese (City fan and leader MCCl) and there is an introduction from Mark Radcliffe (shame on the typos there for Sean Goater and Burden Park). The photos are interspersed with comments from fans and residents: “the buzz has gone”, “Saturday afternoons are dead around here”, who understandably have mixed views on the change. The auction of the various saleable items is also covered, with some of the items shown with their new owners, including one couple whose garden is now complete with turnstile. Halfway through the book, the mood changes (for City fans at least) as the mammoth task of removing the stadium from the Moss Side skyline unfolds and the old lady is demolished. Great pictures, but a number of fans will find it sad to see those stands resembling something out of Bagdhad, with scenes of mangled steel, rubble, cranes and diggers on what was once the best pitch in the country. A nice memory of Maine Road in its own right, and a book to dip into now and then when the feelings of nostalgia creep in.

REQUEST: MP3 DOWNLOAD

Has anyone got the songs from ‘Blue Moon. A tribute to Manchester City’ on MP3 version? I’d really like to download!

RESULTS

22 November 2004

Aston Villa           1 - 0  Tottenham Hotspur     35,702

21 November 2004

Blackburn Rovers      3 - 3  Birmingham City       20,290

20 November 2004

Manchester United     2 - 0  Charlton Athletic     67,704
Arsenal               1 - 1  West Bromwich Albion  38,109
Chelsea               2 - 2  Bolton Wanderers      42,203
Crystal Palace        0 - 2  Newcastle United      22,937
Everton               1 - 0  Fulham                34,763
Middlesbrough         2 - 0  Liverpool             34,751
Norwich City          2 - 1  Southampton           23,706
Portsmouth            1 - 3  Manchester City       20,101

League table to 24 November 2004 inclusive

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F   A   GD Pts
 1 Chelsea         14  5  2  0 11  3  5  1  1 12  3 10  3  1  23   6  17  33
 2 Arsenal         14  4  3  0 20  9  5  1  1 18  9  9  4  1  38  18  20  31
 3 Everton         14  4  1  2  7  7  5  1  1  9  4  9  2  3  16  11   5  29
 4 Middlesbrough   14  3  3  1 10  7  4  1  2 14  9  7  4  3  24  16   8  25
 5 Aston Villa     14  5  2  0 13  3  1  4  2  7 11  6  6  2  20  14   6  24
 6 Manchester Utd  14  4  3  0  9  3  2  3  2  7  7  6  6  2  16  10   6  24
 7 Bolton Wndrs    14  4  2  1 12  7  2  3  2 10 11  6  5  3  22  18   4  23
 8 Liverpool       13  5  0  1 13  4  1  2  4  8 11  6  2  5  21  15   6  20
 9 Newcastle Utd   14  3  1  3 14 14  2  3  2 12 12  5  4  5  26  26   0  19
10 Charlton Ath.   14  4  2  1 12  4  1  1  5  5 19  5  3  6  17  23  -6  18
11 Manchester City 14  2  3  2  8  5  2  2  3  9  9  4  5  5  17  14   3  17
12 Portsmouth      13  4  1  2 12  9  0  2  4  5 11  4  3  6  17  20  -3  15
13 Fulham          14  3  0  4  8 13  1  2  4  9 12  4  2  8  17  25  -8  14
14 Birmingham City 14  1  3  3  4  6  1  4  2  7  8  2  7  5  11  14  -3  13
15 Tottenham H.    14  1  2  4  9 12  2  2  3  3  5  3  4  7  12  17  -5  13
16 Crystal Palace  14  2  1  4  8 10  1  2  4  7 11  3  3  8  15  21  -6  12
17 Southampton     14  2  3  2  9  9  0  2  5  4 10  2  5  7  13  19  -6  11
18 Norwich City    14  1  4  2  9 12  0  4  3  4 12  1  8  5  13  24 -11  11
19 West Brom A.    14  1  4  2  7 10  0  3  4  6 15  1  7  6  13  25 -12  10
20 Blackburn R.    14  1  5  1 10 13  0  2  5  4 16  1  7  6  14  29 -15  10

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: