Newsletter #1098

No action for the reserve team tonight due to the weather, so the next action will be Norwich on Monday, which is on Sky.

Don brings us news tonight of the latest player contract negotiations, ex-Blues, targets and returns. We have some good opinion on the way forward and squad, an update from the CSA, polls and the requests – with what must be a first for a house swap in Australia.

Due to web server problems earlier in the week, we have also decided to extend the Bert Trautmann competition, so if you did not manage to get your answers through, there’s still time.

Finally, a reminder that the season ticket price freeze renewals run until 4th March, and as Tony tells us tonight the voucher scheme works perfectly. I’ll be trying that tomorrow before there is a rush!

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

That’s Rich: The club might be £62 million in debt, but City were pleased as punch this week to be named the 16th richest club in Europe this week, according to the Deloitte Football Money League’s top 20. This table was based on a club’s turnover, so the club press release said that City had “eclipsed 12 of their Premiership rivals, plus major European clubs such as Rangers, Schalke and Marseille” (just don’t ask where the Reds where in this table, OK?). “This is terrific news and emphasises the tremendous progress the club is making, both on and off the field,” said Chief Executive Alistair Mackintosh. “Our turnover has more than trebled from £17.5 million in 2000 and the current figures reflect the major backing we receive from all sections of our sponsors and support. Revenue streams are growing with all areas of our off-field activity being developed and we will continue to utilise our stadium for major events, including concerts by U2 and Oasis this summer as well as the first game of the 2005 Women’s European Championship.”

The Club’s Appealing: Only last week we were wondering aloud what had happened to City’s appeal against Joe Royle’s court award of over £400,000. Well, on Monday the appeal began. JR received his severance payout because of “legal technicalities”, the Appeal Court heard. The club claims that he deserved less because the club had been relegated in May 2001. Royle had said the club were not technically relegated until after he was sacked. The club said the ruling did not fit “the realities of playing football”. Royle’s contract stipulated that, in addition to his £300,000 annual salary, he would receive an extra £400,000 bonus if City were still in the Premiership when he left. His lawyer argued it was clear that documents showed the club was still in the Premiership up until June 6, and that City had “jumped the gun” in trying to dismiss him with a lower payout.

Thrills, Spills and Cup Heartache: There was late drama in City’s reserve outing at Middlesbrough last Friday evening. Trailing to a first half Boro goal, City struck a late equaliser courtesy of Bradley Wright-Phillips. But it took an injury time penalty save by Nicky Weaver to secure a point for the Blues. Claudio Reyna began his comeback with an injury-free first half appearance. City: Weaver, Warrender (Matthews 90), Collins, J D’Laryea, McCarthy (capt.), Bischoff, Flood, Reyna (C Logan 45), Wright-Phillips, Bennett, Croft. City’s campaign in the FA Youth Cup is over, after a disappointing evening at Molineux on Monday. Wolves beat City 2-0, thanks to defensive errors by the Young Blues. Wolves were gifted the lead on two minutes, when Sam Williamson headed over the advancing Kaspar Schmeichel for an own goal. And the home side clinched a quarter-final tie at Derby in the 64th minute when Schmeichel could only half-save a Chris Cornes shot. Gareth Musson followed up to double Wolves’ advantage. City: Schmeichel, Wallwork (Ward 63), Willamson, Richards, Onuoha, Williams (Logan 69), Etuhu, Johnson, Grimes, Miller, Sturridge. Subs not used: Russell, McGinley.

Snow Joke: Some late news – tonight’s reserves game against Trafford FC has been called off due to the adverse weather conditions. Apparently Altrincham’s Moss Lane pitch has lived up to Heidi’s nickname for the place, “the Mini Swamp”, and is unplayable. Claudio Reyna is one person who no doubt regrets the cancellation – he was hoping to stake a claim in the first team squad for the Norwich game.

Transfer News and Gossip

Saying “Yea” to Nay: Celtic, Bolton Wanderers and City are chasing Everton wing-back Gary Naysmith according to weekend tabloid reports. The Scotland international is out of contract in the summer and is free to speak with other clubs leading up to the close-season transfer window.

Keep Beep: Nottingham Forest failed last week in their bid to sign Bradley Wright-Phillips on loan. Forest boss Gary Megson enquired about taking the striker on a short term basis. However, City were not willing to loan him out – presumably City didn’t have enough cover to allow Wright-Phillips minor to disappear for three months. “We’ve found ourselves coming up against big problems in bringing some players in,” Megson said. “We need to be able to offer players something better than where they’re at, so it’s not got to be going too well for some of the players we’re looking at. We’re finding that, in a lot of instances, what we can offer in terms of where we are football-wise isn’t particularly attractive to a lot of players.”

Stuhr Crazy: There were rumours of this a couple of weeks ago, but the club have now confirmed that Kevin Stuhr-Ellegaard will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. Earlier this season he spent a month on loan at Blackpool, and Derek Fazackerley confirmed this week that “Kevin’s contract expires in the summer and he has already had a chat with the manager. The best thing for him at this moment is to try and play more regular football and to do that he is going to probably have to find another club. We have Geert and Nick coming back to fitness and with the other goalkeepers around it would probably be in the best interests of his own career that he moves.”

Ex-Blues’ News

Who’s a Baby Now? This was mentioned in MCIVTA 1097 on Monday, but I think it warrants a second mention. Eyal Berkovic has blasted (surprise surprise) Portsmouth boss Velimir Zajec, a fortnight after the midfielder left Fratton Park by mutual consent. “Do you want the real reason why I left? I could no longer bear the sight of Zajec,” the Israeli international said in a manner spookily reminiscent of his acrimonious bust up with KK. “To drive from London to Portsmouth each day and not play was too much.” Berkovic, 32, is now looking for a club in his homeland, but insisted: “I will only play for a club where I will feel wanted and respected” (thanks to Drew).

Squad News

A Goal’s the Goal: Bradley Wright-Phillips wants another goal for the first team before the end of the season. The nineteen year old bagged his début goal at senior level in the Blues’ defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough in early December. “I know that I have to keep trying to impress every day in training and can not afford to let up,” said the striker. “I want to show the manager what I have to offer and the only place to do that is on the training ground. I am constantly listening and know that I have a lot to learn but feel that I am progressing. Having said that, I take nothing for granted and know that I am fortunate to have Shaun to talk things over with. The two of us are always discussing football; in fact we don’t talk about anything else. I am an out and out poacher and I just love scoring goals. There are eleven games to go this season in the Premiership and I have targeted another goal at that level. It would be great to achieve that and I will be doing everything to get that goal if my chance comes along.” His manager likes what he sees. “He makes things out of nothing and scores goals when you don’t expect him to score goals from impossible positions,” said Keegan. “He has only been with us since the summer but he has impressed with his attitude. There are still things that he has got to learn but he is willing to learn and he will strengthen up. He is a real predator, a natural goalscorer and he reminds me of his dad. If Bradley needed convincing he can score at this level, he only had to take the tape home of when he scored against Middlesbrough. He is certainly a good finisher. You have only got to look at his record to see that.”

Returning Reyna: After being restricted to just 31 starts since his deadline-day arrival from Sunderland in August 2003, Claudio Reyna knows he has some work to do to establish himself with the Blues. He hopes that a busy summer may help. “Through the summer I have to work hard and make sure I do my fitness work,” he told the club’s official website. “I really can’t take time off because this has been my off time. I have internationals during the summer, so I have to stay fit and sharp, so when I come back I will be ready to go and hopefully the bad injuries will be behind me. I want to help out as much as I can in the last 11 games and try my best to help us finish no lower than where we are now.” Though any realistic hope of a UEFA Cup berth next season was ended by the derby defeat to United last weekend, Keegan’s 11th-placed side only need to clamber another two positions to equal their best-ever finish in the Premiership.

Mills Muses: He might not be able to pass regularly to a blue shirt on the pitch, but Danny Mills can be more accurate when summing up his team’s performances this season. “It would be nice if there were competition for places,” said the shiny headed former England full-back. “That would help to raise everybody’s standards. This is a small squad and we have also had to cope with some horrific injuries, which has been very unfortunate for the players involved. But we have to get on with what we have got and hopefully we can push a bit further up the table.” Mills admits that City’s notorious unpredictability has caused great aggravation. “Frustrating would be a good word to describe it,” he said. “If you look back, we have taken four points off Chelsea and one off West Brom. That is a bit difficult to take. I would be a lot happier if we could get some consistency into our play. If we had done better against the teams around us and below us, we would be much further up the League. But it is easy to look at the negatives and what we haven’t done. We are still 11th in the table and if we could spring a few results together we might climb to eighth or even higher and I think generally everyone would be happy with that.”

The Indisputable Bos Chat: KK is set to offer Dutch midfielder Paul Bosvelt an extension to his contract, or so it’s been claimed this week. The 34-year-old’s current deal expires in the summer but Keegan is keen to keep the midfielder, who has made 48 league appearances for the club since arriving from Feyenoord in June 2003. Keegan said in the Daily Star Sunday: “Paul has been a very big influence for us. When he first arrived he had to learn what the Premiership is all about. But he is now up to Premiership speed and looking to get a year’s extension on his contract. I will be talking to the chairman about that. Everyone is now starting to appreciate the things that Paul does.”

MCIVTA COMPETITION

Because of a technical incident due to swapping web-servers on Monday morning, we have decided to extend the deadline of the second part of the MCFC Supporters’ Quiz until Saturday February 26th, 18:00 GMT.

OPINION: DREAMING OF A BLUE FUTURE

In my dreams I run and own MCFC – it used to be playing. Firstly Corrigan or Barnes; then making up the gaps that began to appear in the 80s to partner Steve Kinsey or Mark Lillis; further on seriously turning out in goal as Frank Clark’s team were on a par with John Pritchard’s Ryebank of the Manchester Amateur Premier League; and then as a partner for the Goat giving my all instead of his ineffective partners. I digress, almost immediately. NB: The signs are here for those who jump a few that this is already going to be a whimsical vent.

Anyway, as Chief Exec/Chairman/Manager’s Earpiece, this is how I would play the next 18 months: KK gets the upstairs move he needs to provide continuity, stability and keep his reputation intact. Stuart Pearce takes the reigns for the last 11 games and we see how he goes before making a key decision between him and Iain Dowie at the end of the season.

We put faith in youth that they will earn the seven points, probably four, that we will need to guarantee our survival for these last eleven. Whilst each place we finish higher is worth £500,000, staying in the Premiership long-term is worth £15 million per season on its own. Also our debt is secured, as we have learned a few months ago in MCIVTA (thanks to all who helped enlighten me), by a ‘securitised’ loan of £45 million that is based on fan loyalty and ‘soft’ loans from our only benefactors to currently put their own money where their mouths are (thanks David and John). In my opinion we have just lost at least £4 million on the sale price of Nico, so the risk of another £4 million in building for our future should not be a big gamble. Let’s face it, the standard of teams from and including Everton downwards is not that threatening. The main thing is money is not everything, football is more importantly about passion, lest we forget in our sterilised stadiums.

Our current position provides us with the only chance I can remember to experiment in the top flight for our long term future. It’s well worth a go, especially given the success of our Academy. Let’s build on something the loyal fans can be proud of by bringing in an influx of our own lads. This may go some way to addressing the ability of the team to beat the likes of Norwich who are fighting for their lives. I think a team with youth players would have provided us with the passion to provide a level of performance that would have got us wins at all the lower teams that have taken points off us this season.

In come Stephen Jordan and Nedum Onouha on a permanent basis. BWP gets an eleven game run as first choice striker, Paddy McCarthy gets the second 45 minutes of each game to freshen up Sylvain and Dunney alternately, who have both had tremendous seasons and need to gear up as our backbone for the next five years.

Nicky Weaver gets a run out as ‘keeper 1 in 3 to keep Jamo fresh; and Willo Flood gives SWP’s weary legs some freshness with the same ratio. The subs will include the remaining promising academy products, whilst our older pros lap up the remainder of their gravy train.

This trial will test Stuart Pearce sufficiently to handle a change in the dressing room, groom his own image or build a Keegan dynasty (whichever fits), try out new formations and not be left with the rot that that has set in with some of our hot and cold, but mainly cold, first-teamers. We would experiment with different shapes, but mainly use Bosvelt as a defensive shield and let the others get on and play attacking footy. At the end of the season a decision will then be made as to giving Stuart a long term deal or bid for Iain Dowie, who allegedly still has a gaff round our way, not far from Oldham.

Come summer, out go Macca (if not before), Reyna, Sinclair, Thatcher (job well done, but we should cash in whilst he still craves London and bring in one of our own), Sibbo, Fowler (sorry Robbie, just not enough for the money we have shelled out and replaced a legend with not much), Macken (time’s up Jon, sorry again), Sun Jihai (we have done the right thing giving him an extension, as he is heart and soul, but just not good enough, cash in), Negouai, Sommeil (please lose these two wasters).

In come Dickson Etuhu, less his agent; Stephen Elliot and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Kiki Musampa on a three year deal with the cash and wage savings we have made and some money left in the pot. I accept this leaves our squad thin and makes us more reliant on youth. A couple of big name signings to consider once the dust settles to compete with BWP and Stephen Elliott for the striking rôles – Robbie Keane, anyone? Plus others that will complement and strengthen our set up. Matty Holland for instance, or other such good pros whom our youngsters can learn from whilst we are competitive enough to hit UEFA in our first two seasons with the blend of young and proven players. Raziak, once of Groclin on loan at Derby; Mila, once of Groclin now at Austria Vienna. There are plenty out there who would fit the bill to build up the squad and are affordable.

The systems we learn should be 4-5-1 and 4-4-2. Whilst this looks defensive on paper it brings in our attacking midfielders’ strengths: Owusu, SWP and Kiki to feed the predatory instincts of BWP; whilst letting Joey Barton play his win the ball and short passing game; with Bosvelt breaking up the attack in front of our trusty and now long-term defence. The 4-4-2 comes in with the form of players in the squad. Elliot in for Musampa, Keane for BWP and let the young lads grow as the season takes its toll. Rotate replacements as they are needed, with new permutations building on the strengths we have at the time. Dickson Etuhu should be groomed for the Bosvelt rôle now he has had chance to mature in Division One whilst Bozzy sees out his now deserved contract extension.

The issue with youth is one I would rather toil with than ageing old pros getting paid a fortune. These are predominantly lads who know and have a passion for City. They have been set high standards through the Academy and will fight for the club in every game. Complemented by first class senior pros throughout the team, we have a bubbling potential. It takes the best of what we have and builds on the excellent work the Academy have done. How many times must we regret not sticking with our ’86 youth teamers and there forebears and followers – Earl Barratt, Paul Warhurst, Garry Flitcroft, Steve Lomas (maybe) to complement David White, Andy Hinchliffe, Steve Redmond, Ian Brightwell and Paul Lake? Our loyalty seems to have offered the mainstay of a gamble on highly paid has-beens that has not come off, let’s earn enough to repay it with investment in our own.

In these changing times of derbies without passion – on or off the field – I would rather be going every week to see us build a Premier League team that competes for everything, does not concede many goals and has the flair to attack with lads who have come through our youth set up. Then I wake up and remember all I can do is hope and give whoever turns out in a Blue shirt all my support.

Come on City, think positive, we are well poised for a fantastic future.

Whatever you do, stay Blue!

OPINION: DR JEKYLL OR MR HYDE?

I read with interest other City fans’ opinions in each issue of McV and it’s a mixed bag for and against the manager Kevin Keegan. I must admit that I have always supported Kevin Keegan, but now sit more on the fence.

I think that KK was promised a certain amount of money for transfers by Dennis Tueart and the rest of the board of directors once the loan went through from the American financial institution and this is what brought KK to City. Once KK had the money at his disposal, he went out shopping for players in a hurry like a kid in a candy store, not studying some of the players he was signing, and signing some on past reputations; it has always remained a mystery why Vuoso was ever signed, what a waste.

Other signings like Sommeil, Sinclair, Bischoff, Macken, Negouai, Mettomo, and McManaman have not been a success. And now KK is upset that his squad is thin, and Danny Mills comes out and says “there is no competition for places in the team”; in his case alone I would fear Nedum Onouha. I still think that Reyna, providing he stays fit, will prove to be a very good player.

Kevin Keegan signed a five year contract, and when he first signed many City fans had their doubts that he would stay the five years, bringing KK out to say that he is no quitter, he will stay for the five years, but will leave at the end of the five years. I think that he more than ever wants to stay until the end of his contract with only one year to go.

So now we know that at the end of next season we will have no manager, a prospective manager coming to the club would have very little money to spend on players, KK has spent it all, so what can be done to attract the best manager?

KK said he had a five year plan to make City a top six club by the time he leaves, and I feel that he is determined to do it with the players he has signed or, and if, he can sign more. This is why I fear that KK has got no real youth policy, his playing of younger players has all come because he was forced into doing so from injuries, the exceptions being SWP and Barton.

This season KK has had to show his strengths as a manager and coach by playing only the players he has got. With no more money for players, under the circumstances he has done a good job so far, being mid-table, but not in a position where the money spent warrants the club to be.

When a new manager is put in KK’s place, the main attraction will be the youth from the Academy. But the youth are not going to have a rôle to play in KK’s policy for the rest of the season, for KK is defiant in wanting to play his signed players first; the youth will only feature if there are injuries and that’s because I quote “the squad is too thin” and he will not experiment with the team, meaning of course youth will not be given the chance to prove anything.

Come the end of this season, some young players might opt to leave rather than sign and stay at City because of KK’s policy on the youth; they will be offered first team football elsewhere. We all know that all the youth will not make it to the City first team, but there are some without doubt that deserve their chances and when they hear KK wanting to go out and sign more players without them having a real opportunity of first team football, can you blame them for leaving?

Will Kevin Keegan resign at the end of this season? The only thing to happen and help make him do just that is the club selling Shaun Wright-Phillips, and the Gooners could well be the club to come in with a good offer. KK has asked SWP to consider staying for eighteen months more, that will be until KK departs, meaning that he is only concerned about what happens whilst he is in charge; as far as KK is concerned the next manager will have no SWP anyway.

The club has lost potential income from no cup runs, we never had any in KK’s charge of the club, but the club are in a better position than when KK arrived, but at what cost? So the way I see it the club might as well accept an offer for SWP if it is a very good one, KK would call it a day, and be the new technical director of football (at least for one year), and a new manager having some money from the SWP sale for his new players.

Right now the only real option for a new manager is Stuart Pearce, a gamble because of his inexperience, but he knows the club and its players. If Stuart Pearce is being considered I would like to hear more on his youth policy, for there are other good managers out there still to be considered.

So until the end of this season we all have to get behind Kevin Keegan for he is the only manager that we have, and the players on the books the only ones to cheer on.

By the end of this season so much can change so hang in there and “keep the faith”.

Come on you Blues!

[Am sure Pearce knows exactly what the youth potential is, he attends the majority of their games – Ed]

OPINION: NEXT STOP?

Now there is little to play for this season (after the derby game), City are at present going to have to make a significant, positive and pragmatic commitment to the future. There is absolutely no mileage with the present philosophy of “hoping for a decent result from the limited number of players available”. The board must now move try to move onwards and quickly.

There are not sufficient funds for a new manager to come in from another club and bring in several replacement players. The answer must be to take advantage of the present managerial stability, and to make Stuart Pierce the team manager. This will also achieve some continuity, which City have not had for many years with the constant chopping and changing of management regimes.

He has established himself within the club over the last 4 years, and gained management and coaching experience and qualifications. He is a well respected figure in football, has considerable international and top class domestic experience and knowledge. Surely the last three years have been his apprenticeship for the job?

Kevin Keegan could then perhaps, undertake a “director of football/general manager” type rôle, for the duration of his contract, without losing any face. Mr Keegan has achieved it would appear all that he will be able to do in the time available before he intends to retire at the end of his contract in 2006, i.e. gain promotion and establish City in the Premier league.

There can, in my opinion, be no possible long or short term future in selecting McManaman or Fowler ever again. Both have had more than enough opportunities to shine. It is patently obvious again, from the performance against United, that Fowler, whilst there is no doubting his skills, no longer has sufficient speed and pace to play at the Premier League level. He no longer can succeed at this level. The club would better off with these players leaving, settling their contracts, even where they run over to another year; it would be cheaper in the long run than paying them for the duration of any long term contract where applicable and having to endure their poor performances. For these players in particular it surely must be hell for them too to be shadows of their former abilities.

Sadly, whilst there are always a percentage of signings that do not work out, failures in recent buys seem to be principally through present or previous injuries as much as anything else probably, e.g. Sinclair, Reyna, McManaman, Fowler, Seaman. In the meantime there have been several capable players that have been sold to others, much younger, less prone to injury, perhaps cheaper, notably Holland and Murphy spring to mind.

To be successful a team must have a good collective spirit, not just individual ability. It is obvious that with Anelka, that wherever he plays there is going to be a division, his individual ability cannot and does not overcome this. The club are now better off without him I feel.

There have been major successes in other signings though: Distin, Bosvelt, Sun, James, Thatcher and Mills of the present squad have all been effective additions by Kevin Keegan. Additionally the way in which inherited players like Wright-Phillips and Dunne have become major players is credit to the present regime.

There are of course several buys who have made no worthwhile contribution: Vuoso, Negouai, Sommeil.

For the first team, the defence has become an effective consistent unit this season, assisted by Onuoha and Jordan.

The midfield is threadbare; there is complete reliance on Wright-Phillips for creativity. From what we have seen in Reyna and Sinclair even should they ever become fully fit again, then they will not be the answer to the midfield shortages.

All the forwards, i.e. Fowler and Macken, are way too ineffective and slow.

Danny Mills says that the reason for the poor league position is due to a lack of competition for places in the team. I would agree, what he is saying is that the players in the team are not good enough and that there are no better alternatives, but additionally that the good works that several players are doing is being undone by these consistently inadequate performances by others.

Unless some positive moves forward are quickly made, then the few players who have any potential value to more competitive clubs (Wright-Phillips, Distin, Dunne) will feel it is time to further their careers elsewhere, and as soon as possible.

Then where will we be in September, with the best players gone? Surely not reliant again on Fowler, McManaman, Reyna and Sinclair, total age 127 years?

OPINION: ONE MORE TIME

Here is my opinion about the City-squad of 2005/06. Keep the solid City.

Defence – James, Mills, Dunne, Distin, Thatcher, Jordan, Onouha and Sun are all worthy of the City jersey, even though I’m concerned over Mills’ sometimes awful distribution. David Sommeil and Mikkel Bischoff will not be missed.

Midfield – let’s make a clean sweep, so to speak. Keep SWP (by all possible means), Barton, Bosvelt (an essential player) and Flood. Get rid of McManaman, Reyna (good player when fit, but he must be the most injury-prone player in the whole Premiership), Sinclair (ditto) and Sibierski (still not good enough). I won’t pass judgement on Kiko Musampa, it’s too early yet. Is he really fit? He seems to be slower than Sibierski.

Please bring in at least two midfielders with a strong passing game. One centre midfielder to play in Barton’s position (my dream-catch would be Malbranque from Fulham) and a left wing-midfielder (Luis Boa Morte anyone? Or some unknown and cheap talent from Europe?).

Finally, in my dreamworld I would keep only one forward from the team and that is the talented Bradley Wright-Phillips. Robbie Fowler has improved remarkably this season, but I can’t see that he is really worth his salary. That goes for Jonathan Macken too. I still can’t understand why on earth we did sell Stephen Elliott to Sunderland? If I was Mr Keegan, I would kick himself every night for that mistake.

So where does that leave us? I’m afraid in a bit of a mess. I can’t see any club willing to pay even a pound for any of the overpaid players that I’ve dismissed. How many managers are willing to pay £60,000 pound a week for Fowler?

We need at least two midfielders and three new strikers. The number of players we need to bring in cost money. I know, Sam Allardyce manages every year to bring in a new team to Bolton with practically no money, so I guess it’s possible to achieve this big change in the City squad. But this lack of good midfielders and strikers makes me concerned over the future of the club.

Despite all of this I’m backing Kevin Keegan as our manager. He has done a good job this season. The team has improved. And it wouldn’t be fair to his successor to give him this team and little money to bring in new players. So I say, let’s give Keegan another go.

I dream of slumbering talent in the reserve team. Please tell me that it’s true.

OPINION: SUPPORTER COMMUNICATIONS

Recently I put a posting out on MCIVTA re communications between the club and supporter branches. I added that I had written to John Wardle and was confident of a reply. Today my confidence was justified. I have had an enjoyable telephone conversation with Paul Tyrell, who gave me an interesting insight into some of the day to day workings of the club. I wonder how many senior officials from other Premier League clubs take time to contact supporters? Paul Tyrell has kindly arranged to meet me with others from the club to discuss how supporters’ branches can all maintain a good working relationship and to move things forward for the benefit of all supporters’ branches. I’m confident of a productive and realistic outcome.

If Heidi will permit me, there are a few other points I would like to bring up. Firstly because of the similarity in spelling and close geographical location, there is some confusion between the Winton branch and Swinton branch, which I chair. The Swinton branch is a very lively and active member branch of the CSA. The Winton branch is a former member branch of the CSA.

I must confess to being something of a dinosaur and technophobe. I do not have a computer (this and all emails are received and sent through cable TV) and I have never visited a website in my life. I am, however, frequently informed by friends of the kind of stuff that is communicated via websites. May I repectfully request that if MCIVTA readers see information that is allegedly sent out by the CSA via websites, ignore it unless it is from a CSA official. Similarly, may I request that any CSA members reading this refrain from contacting websites supposedly on behalf of the CSA. I have a good working relationship with the club, which I do not want to see jeopardised through some ill-informed comments.

Finally, may I add that the CSA and OSC are two separate supporters’ organisations but work together in close harmony for the benefit of all supporters. If you get the opportunity, please join and support your local branch and remember we: all wear blue shirts.

OPINION: LATEST POLL

Hi all, here is the result from this month’s poll.

There were 56 votes (thanks to all)
39 (70%) wanted KK to go at the end of this season
17 (30%) wanted KK to hang on and go at the end of next season

This month’s poll: “What is the most Pointless?”
Sir Point-a-lot, Steve McManaman
B of the Bang

Vote at http://www.tttd.net/

Again on a light note, can you do any of the tricks these lads can? (If so why are you not in our first team?) http://gprime.net/video.php/foottricks

And lastly, I dusted off the old credit card last weekend and went down to City to get the vouchers for our season tickets (boy were the staff happy counting out £700 of £20 vouchers!). Anyhow, while I was there, me and the Boss decided to see what we could get in the sale. I got some stuff as well as her, but on some of my stuff there is MCFC CX. At last I get to the point: what in God’s Blue world does the CX stand for?

[CX range is from last year, a specially commissioned range of merchandise to commemorate the club’s 110 year history since being founded (as Manchester City) in 1894. CX = 110 in Roman numerals. – Thanks to Ian Howard at MCFC]

P.S. does anyone want a Gmail account? If so email me and I’ll get you one. I’ve got 40 to give away so first come, first served.

OPINION: MANCHESTER BASED FANS

Have a look at this and tell me what you think: it’s a “Do you come from Manchester” survey: http://www.mipc.mmu.ac.uk//docs/SeasonTicketReport.pdf

It would be interesting to split out the M postcodes that are really Salford! Where I used to live in Salford 6, now M6, is just as much Manchester or not as where I now live in WA15; any thoughts?

New York Blues look out for Sean and Phung in Manhattan, who have just moved there and are season ticket holders.

REQUEST: PROGRAMME SELLERS

When we were at Maine Road I used to buy old programmes from a bloke who used to sell from the back of his car parked at the back of the Kippax near the North Stand.

Does anyone know if he is still selling at Eastlands and if so where can I find him?

REQUEST: KEEGAN’S STATISTICS

I’m sure it’s been printed before but what is Keegan’s performance in statistics, i.e. played, won, drawn, lost etc.?

Could make interesting reading.

REQUEST: 1966 AND ALL THAT, CUP MATCH

I’m trying to find out information about a cup match that City played back in 1966 on the 12th February of that year. I believe it was at home, so I’m told but I do not know who against or what was the final score! I am sure that some of the City faithful reading MCIVTA will be able to help!

Reason for asking is that I am told that this was my grandfather’s last match and if possible I would like to know if there is anyone out there, who has some information they can send me about the match, or better still a copy of the programme from the game or a place where I can purchase a copy.

I know this might be a long shot, but I’m compiling a bit of a family history with a section on our support of the Blues as well.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[A quick check on http://www.mcfcstats.com/ reveals that 12/2/66 we played Grimsby Town at home FAC4, and won 2-0 thanks to Summerbee and an o.g. – Ed]

REQUEST: FROM OZ TO MANCHESTER

I am arriving in the UK on the 15th April with my wife and 2 kids, 15 year old daughter and 10 year old son. We are going to go to the Fulham away game 16th April, Pompey at COMS on the 30th April, probably Villa away on the 7th May and then the last game of the season against Boro on the 14th May.

We are looking for a Home exchange or reasonable rent around Manchester for dates from 25th April – 15th May approx.

Is there anyone who wants to escape “down under” for a holiday; this is the best way, free accommodation!

Please check out our home at http://www.homebase-hols.com/; our reference is HE16277. We are looking for home exchange or rent for any of the period 15th April – 16th May, maybe later. Can you help with exchange or rent at a reasonable rate?

REQUEST: SONY RINGTONE

My employer bought me a new mobile phone. He got me a Sony Ericsson K500i. You might think I would be happy, but I miss my City-tune from my old Nokia (which I got from Steve Lewer, God bless). Does anybody at MCIVTA know how to program “Blue Moon” on my new mobile?

RESULTS

22 February 2005

West Bromwich Albion  0 - 0  Southampton           25,865

League table to 23 February 2005 inclusive

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F   A   GD Pts
 1 Chelsea         27 10  3  0 25  3 11  2  1 25  5 21  5  1  50   8  42  68
 2 Manchester Utd  27  9  4  0 24  6  8  4  2 21 10 17  8  2  45  16  29  59
 3 Arsenal         27  8  5  1 36 17  9  1  3 27 14 17  6  4  63  31  32  57
 4 Everton         27  9  1  4 16 13  5  5  3 15 15 14  6  7  31  28   3  48
 5 Liverpool       27  9  1  3 23 10  4  3  7 18 19 13  4 10  41  29  12  43
 6 Middlesbrough   27  7  4  2 20 12  4  4  6 21 23 11  8  8  41  35   6  41
 7 Bolton Wndrs    27  6  4  4 17 12  5  3  5 18 20 11  7  9  35  32   3  40
 8 Charlton Ath.   26  7  2  4 21 15  4  3  6  9 21 11  5 10  30  36  -6  38
 9 Tottenham H.    26  5  3  5 25 19  5  3  5  8 11 10  6 10  33  30   3  36
10 Aston Villa     27  7  3  3 20 10  2  5  7 11 24  9  8 10  31  34  -3  35
11 Manchester City 27  5  5  4 17 12  3  4  6 14 17  8  9 10  31  29   2  33
12 Birmingham City 27  5  4  5 17 12  3  4  6 14 21  8  8 11  31  33  -2  32
13 Newcastle Utd   26  5  4  4 21 20  2  6  5 16 23  7 10  9  37  43  -6  31
14 Portsmouth      27  6  2  6 19 19  2  4  7 11 21  8  6 13  30  40 -10  30
15 Fulham          26  5  2  6 16 21  3  3  7 17 23  8  5 13  33  44 -11  29
16 Blackburn R.    27  3  7  4 16 18  3  3  7  8 18  6 10 11  24  36 -12  28
17 Crystal Palace  27  4  2  7 13 13  1  5  8 17 32  5  7 15  30  45 -15  22
18 Southampton     27  3  8  2 20 18  0  3 11  8 25  3 11 13  28  43 -15  20
19 Norwich City    27  3  5  5 20 25  0  6  8  6 27  3 11 13  26  52 -26  20
20 West Brom A.    27  2  7  5 11 21  0  5  8 12 28  2 12 13  23  49 -26  18

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: