Newsletter #1164

Seems ages since the game against Everton, and it’s been very quiet at COMS these last couple of weeks. However, Don’s managed to dig up all the news available especially for MCIVTA readers!

Tonight we have an excellent reserves report from Gavin, more opinion on Helen Turner; smoking at COMS; a table of Top Flight Occupancy… and Renato’s getting very excited about his upcoming visit to COMS! There is also the usual requests for tickets, this time for the Arsenal game.

Keep your articles coming to the same address of <editor(at)mcivta.city-fan.org>.

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

You’re Not Psycho Any More! There was an entertaining interview with SP in Saturday’s Daily Telegraph. You get a flavour of Sue Mott’s piece in the opening paragraph: “So used have we become to football managers as cultural icons, in sweeping Armani coats and fabulous foreign accents, Stuart Pearce of Manchester City comes as a shock. Aptly, as a former electrician from the London Borough of Brent. ‘I dress at Millets,’ he said disarmingly. And Mr. Pearce maintains that his perceived footballing image is not an accurate one. ‘I’m not so psycho any more,’ he affirmed. ‘I’m not sure I ever was. It was a myth. It worked in my favour. I let it run. People said I was hot-headed but I think you’re only hot-headed if you don’t know your limit. I was sent off only five times – and my career spanned a thousand matches. Once was for swearing at a referee when I played for Forest, so I never swore at the ref again. I’d have quite a few yellow cards because aggression was part of my game, but as soon as I might threaten the team ethic or the result of the game I kept myself under close control. It’s common sense.'” The whole article can be found online at; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=D&xml=/sport/2005/10/08/sfnmot08.xml

Joey’s No Dolt; He’s Bought a Colt: My word, City even rated a mention in the Observer’s horse racing column this week, and I quote: “Among the new owners at Newmarket Sales last week was Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton, who obtained an Orpen colt for 60,000 guineas. Barton, 23, joins a long list of footballers who have entered into the ranks of racehorse ownership. His new acquisition will be trained by Michael Bell.”

Spurs Switch: Those pesky varmints at the Premier League have been fixture fiddling again, all for the benefit of satellite TV, I’ll wager. The home clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, originally scheduled for January 2, has been selected for live coverage by Sky Sports and will now take place on Wednesday January 4. Kick-off will be at 8pm at the CoMS.

Blue Fred: Celebrity fans? Who needs Eddie Large and Bernard Manning when you’ve got… Jon Christos and Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff? Opera singer Christos was interviewed by the Telegraph this week, and has revealed how he’s become mates with the Lancashire and England cricket star. Most papers and radio coverage picked up on “Freddie fancies a singing career” angle (watch out for a Christmas single, folks), but Christos mentioned a City connection as well. Speaking of how the pair met at a charity ball, he revealed that Flintoff “actually came up to me to congratulate me on my performance and we got chatting. We’re both Manchester City footy fans and we just got on.” So now we know folks, Freddie’s recent appearance at the CoMS in a home shirt wasn’t a feeble attempt to gain some reflected glory for the club – Freddie is a Blue! Perhaps the single should be a Freddie version of “Blue Moon” (thanks Thomas Rhodes).

Reserves on Fire: Strange goings on at the min-COMS on Tuesday night. With the Blues leading 2-1 against Bolton, thanks to goals from Ian Bennett and Kelvin Etuhu – the floodlights went out after 68 minutes and the match had to be abandoned. Apparently the power failed after a small fire in the generator. Team: de Vlieger; Warrender, Collins, Richards, Sommeil, J. D’Laryea, Laird, Hussein, Bennett, Miller, Etuhu. Unused subs: Johnson, Schmeichel, Sturridge, Logan, Grimes.

Transfer News and Gossip

Royle Appointment for Ishmael? Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle is on the lookout for a loan striker. There’s a whole list of experienced forwards catching JR’s eye, such as Charlton strikers Jay Bothroyd, Shaun Bartlett and Jonathan Johansson, but also mentioned in despatches is City’s prolific reserve striker Ishmael Miller. Such a deal sounds unlikely, however, as relations between Royle and City are hardly likely to be cordial after last year’s court case, and Town would probably want the “quick fix” of a proven top flight goalscorer to boost their Championship performance.

‘Pool to Purchase Pienaar, Perhaps: Liverpool are said to have entered the race to sign highly rated Ajax star Steven Pienaar. City have been linked with the midfielder during the summer, and it was thought that the Blues could make a move come Christmas – Pienaar’s contract expires at the end of the season and, if no new deal is struck, Ajax might be tempted into a cut-price sale to cash in. If this is true, let’s hope SP’s powers of persuasion can impress over the lure of the Champions’ League winners.

In for Huth, Forsooth! City are supposedly in the race to sign Chelsea’s Robert Huth in a January loan deal. The 21-year-old is anxious to cement a place in Germany’s World Cup squad, so wants to find first team football. The tabloids reckon he’s most likely to end up in the Midlands – Aston Villa are said to be favourites to land him. The reports fail to mention why City would be interested in another central defender, bearing in mind the excellent form of the back four this season.

Ex-Blues’ News

Phelan Groovy: Terry’s a Kiwi: I bring word of City’s former pit bull, one T. Phelan Esq. He has just been appointed as player-coach at Otago United in the New Zealand Football Championship. The 38-year-old former Irish international arrived in New Zealand last Friday, ahead of the league starting up on October 23/24. Looking exactly as he did in his City heyday, Phelan explained why he’d taken up his new post. “The initial contact was with a New Zealand player at Charleston Battery where I was working (in the USA). Blair Scoullar was playing for us at the time and made mention of the NZFC and whether I would be interested. I have since heard good things from others about the league and am looking forward to catching up with Blair again and working with the Otago squad.” Phelan refused to be drawn on how much time he’d spend playing at his new club. “I am extremely fit and at the same weight now as I was when I first started playing professional football 20 years ago. The amount of time I get on the park though will be dictated by the squad and the players I have available. If I have some good youngsters doing the job, I might not need to play – I might not make the team! I am, however, ready and willing to do a job for the team if that is to our best advantage” (thanks to Ralph Sheppard and Steve Swindells).

Coach Seamo? Now here’s a conundrum. On the same day that the News of the World announced that David Seaman is keen to become a goalkeeping coach with the England team, the self-same Seamo is quoted in the Sunday Telegraph saying: “I don’t miss the game at all and certainly didn’t envy the England lads sitting around in a hotel all last week. Most of the time, you’re bored out of your head. I don’t watch much football but I think what Chelsea are doing is fantastic. It’s great to have a dominant team, like we had for years at Arsenal under George Graham, because it raises the standard for everyone else.” He does admit to be taking his coaching badges, so maybe the News of the Screws is on to something. And he gives a clue as to why he joined City for that brief time before his shoulder gave out, rather than take the goalkeeper’s coaching job at Arsenal. “I didn’t find the 75 per cent pay cut that attractive,” he revealed.

Boro Bound Brannan: UniBond League Premier Division club Radcliffe Borough have announced that they have signed former Tranmere and Manchester City midfielder Ged Brannan from Accrington Stanley. Boro manager Kevin Glendon was delighted to acquire the accomplished midfield player, saying: “It is no secret I have been trying to sign Ged for a number of weeks. I believe his experience and qualities in the centre of the pitch will help the side and more importantly the young players we have at the club. Ged was very impressed with the facilities at the club and hopefully the move will work out for both the club and the player. Ged will be 100% focused on playing for us and as far as I am concerned we have the opportunity to see if he fits in with us and he has the opportunity to see if he is comfortable with our club. One thing for sure, it is difficult to attract this type of quality player to a club like ours and judging by Ged’s reaction and attitude, I am sure he saw that we do the right things here, and I am looking forward to seeing him playing for us.” Ged started 41 games for the Blues in two seasons in the late 1990’s before landing a move to Motherwell.

You’ve Got to Hand It to Nico: The soccer diary in The Observer newspaper brings news of City’s former number 39, who apparently isn’t exactly flavour of the month in his latest league. “ANELKA: MORE FRIENDS – Nicolas Anelka has hit a new personal popularity low after three of Turkey’s big-four clubs launched a co-ordinated attack on him. The protest followed last Saturday’s goal for Fenerbahce, scored with his hand. Galatasary, Besiktas and Trabzonspor – ‘incandescent’, say reports – responded by sending their players out ahead of Sunday’s games carrying protest banners reading ‘Football must be hands-free.'”

International Blues’ News

Dunne Done Qualifying: Richard Dunne won his 25th international cap in the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 win over Cyprus on Saturday. The Republic’s World Cup hopes were still alive thanks to Stephen Elliott’s goal and a penalty save from Shay Given. The penalty was given (no pun intended) after our own beloved Dunnie brought down Ioannis Okkas in the box. The victory meant a win at home to Switzerland could take the Irish to a World Cup play-off spot. Dunne picked up a knock during a training session on Tuesday – but the defender recovered in time to face Switzerland. Dunne played the whole game at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday, but it was a heartbreaking for the Irish – a 0-0 draw was not good enough to progress in the competition.

Worth the Wait: Nedum Onuoha had to be content with a place on the bench as England’s Under-21s lost 2-1 to Austria on Friday night in Leeds. Nedum finally made his Under 21 début on Tuesday, albeit as a substitute in the 85th minute, as England thrashed Poland 4-1. Lee Croft meanwhile made a substitute appearance in the U20s 2-2 draw with Holland at Turf Moor on Sunday night.

Flood of Praise: I know he’s seen more in the Sky Blue of Coventry in recent weeks, but Willo Flood is still a City Boy. He scored in Ireland’s Under-21 fixture in Cyprus the day before the senior match, heading home the equaliser with 15 minutes to go. Coach Don Givens sees him as an inspirational character, and potential leader. “The captaincy is something I have to look at, and Willo is one of those who will be under consideration because he is now very experienced at Under-21 level,” said Givens. “He’s got that attitude about him. He just keeps going on in there and he provokes something. People react off him. Just by his endeavour, work and heart on the pitch, it lifts other people. If you see a little fellow like that running all over the place, getting stuck in and tackling, it has to lift you. On Friday, he was excellent again. I remember saying to the bench that if somebody was going to get us something then it was going to be Willo, and sure enough he did.” Four days later Flood played again for the Republic’s Under-21s as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Switzerland.

Jihai Jets to Germany: Sun Jihai was in midweek international action. He played for China as they took on World Cup hosts Germany at the AOL-Arena in Hamburg. The home team won 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Torsten Frings – the Germans were far from convincing however, and the 45,000 jeered their displeasure.

Squad News

Right As Reyna: The Sunday Herald contained a long interview with and profile on Claudio Reyna recently. The piece mainly focussed on his upbringing in the States and (naturally enough for a Scottish paper) on his time at Glasgow Rangers. There was an interesting aside regarding Reyna’s fitness – having missed nearly all of the 2002/03 season with a cruciate injury and five months of last season with a thigh strain, he has remained relatively injury-free this season. He puts this down to a football-free summer break for the first time in his career, staying in his New York home and only ran and played tennis to keep in shape. “You feel better for getting away from football. You miss it a little bit but that’s how it used to be 15, 20 years ago; players got away and had time to relax and get away from the pressures,” commented the 32-year-old.

No Comment Required: The News of the World reports that Antoine Sibierski wants to sign a new deal with City.

Hard Graft Pays Off: Richard Dunne has been reflecting on the upturn in his fortunes both on and off the pitch. He puts it down to his knuckling down and working hard. “It’s been a hard three years after everything that happened to me,” he said. “It’s been hard work putting everything right that was wrong. You have to get respect and that has been a gradual thing. Getting the club’s Player of the Year award last season was the best thing for me. I find myself caring more about football now – getting more annoyed if we lose or something goes wrong. Before I would probably have thought ‘we either win or we lose, as long as I am out there playing’. Now I’m out there for a reason, I’m part of a team aiming to be successful. It’s a sign of my progression as a person that I have grown into a more mature person willing to take responsibility.”

Crock Diaries: The week of international fixtures means that it’s been an ideal opportunity for the manager formerly known as “Psycho” to take stock on the progress of some of the injured members of his playing squad. Here’s his report. “We’re hoping Joey Barton will be back from his ankle niggle on Thursday, Ben Thatcher will be touch-and-go for the weekend but he shouldn’t be far off if he takes care of his hamstring. Robbie Fowler joined us yesterday, but he still has a bit of discomfort with his back, it might be something that solves itself quickly or it might be a long-running thing, we’ve got our fingers crossed on that one. It’s more up than down; the majority of those are short-term things.” Pearce has encouraging news of two of the younger players – “Mikkel Bischoff joined us for the first time yesterday, so he will be filtered in on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with a view to coming in permanently next week. Bradley Wright-Phillips is coming along nicely, so hopefully he will join in again next week.” Bischoff hasn’t played for the first team since the TNS away game in the UEFA Cup back in 2003, and has been blighted by a series of horrendous injuries. “It’s been similar for him as for Nicky Weaver, he’s had frustrating injuries,” says Pearce. “He had a shoulder problem, then his ankle went in pre-season. It’s been frustrating for him in that he’s never had a clear run at it, not enough to say, ‘I’m putting six months together to show what I can do.’ It’s important, because he’s got a lot to prove to us at this football club.” Despite all the problems Mikkel has had, the Club have stood by him and his manager has obviously seen some of the potential that the Club did three years ago, and he salutes the player’s professionalism. “Things were going in the right direction for him in pre-season and then he gets this ankle injury, so he’s going to have to be patient. He’s a good professional and a good man to have around the place so the ball’s his court but hopefully he’ll be back sometime this week.” Speaking of Weaver, the shot stopper has been talking of his own frustrations with injury. “This season’s been a bit stop-start really,” commented Weaver. “I came back for pre-season with a broken wrist, which wasn’t particularly good news. I’d suffered the injury and the end of the last season and thought it was going to heal over the summer but didn’t – so I had to have an operation. That made me miss the whole of pre-season and I came back about two weeks after the season had started. I got back involved with the squad and then I picked up a lower back problem. It’s been very frustrating, but there’s nothing I can do about it – it’s out of my control, but I’m fighting fit now and hopefully can just stay fit for the rest of the season. The Manager has said to me every time I’ve had a setback just to keep my chin up and keep going. To be fair, when I’ve been fit he’s let me play for the reserves, which I’m obviously grateful for. But his approach is good and the results have shown that. It’s a results business and he’s getting the right results at the minute.”

MATCH REPORT – MCFC RESERVES vs. BWFC RESERVES (ABANDONED)

Reserve Game Abandoned

MCFC Reserves 2 – 1 BWFC Reserves

The electrical fire-gods and gremlins got into the plant room at the Regional Athletics Arena to extinguish any illumination onto the pitch after seventy minutes where City were leading Bolton two-one.

All three goals were scored in the first half and City looked the most likely to score another goal should there have been one.

City took the lead as early as the second minute when a lovely through ball by Yasser Hussein, who was now playing in the Stephen Ireland creative midfield rôle instead of out wide, ran to the feet of the charging Ian Bennett who duly rounded ex-England International goalkeeper, Ian Walker and slotted the ball into the net.

By the quarter hour mark, City had gone two nil up. Geert de Vlieger had a long punt downfield, Ishmael Miller headed the ball on and Kelvin Etuhu chased on, there was indecision between full back Rhys Powell and Walker, and Kelvin cleverly nicked in to score what would have been his first reserve goal through a small gap at the near post.

Bolton’s goal came from a needless free kick when Yasser barged into the back of Fabrice Fernandes and he got up to take the resulting free kick from twenty five yards out, on the right. Centre half Abdoulaye Faye rose unchallenged as David Sommeil did his usual sleepy tactics and made it very easy for Faye to head the ball past de Vlieger.

Man of the match Micah Richards made a great clearance off the line on forty five minutes when captain Danny Warrender, who had a poor game, failed to communicate with de Vlieger and James Sinclair’s shot only found Richards back to cover.

Interestingly, Warrender could have redeemed himself in the second half, but Walker was able to tip his effort over the bar. Miller should have got on the scoresheet when he forced a one on one, but Walker did well to deny him.

This is all circumstantial as the record books will be wiped clean as the game was abandoned. Hopefully Wright-Phillips will be back in time for the re-arranged fixture to add something more to our scoring abilities.

MCFC (4-5-1): de Vlieger, Warrender (capt.), Collins, J D’Laryea, Richards, Sommeil, Bennett, Laird, Miller, Etuhu, Hussein.
Subs: Schmeichel, Johnson, Sturridge, Logan, Grimes.

BWFC (4-4-2): Walker, Powell, Stott, Whitehead (capt.), Charlesworth (Ellis 67), Faye, Sinclair, Fernades (Smith 46), Borgetti, Sissons, Buval.
Subs: Howarth, Jameson, Thompson.

Att: 802.

MoM: Richards – As commanding and sprightly as ever at the back.

OPINION: PEARCE KICKS OUT HIS PSYCHO IMAGE!

For those of you who prefer SClub7 or Robbie Williams or really sad RNB boy band please – look away now.

I can’t seem to face up to the facts
I’m tense and nervous and I can’t relax
I can’t sleep ’cause my bed’s on fire
Don’t touch me I’m a real live wire (ed: electrical reference here)

Psycho Killer
Qu’est-ce que c’est
fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better

Title: Psycho Killer
Artist: Talking Heads – Circa 1978

Lyrics reproduced without permission.

Sue Mott from the extremely reputable Daily Telegraph un-earths (ed: another electrician reference here) some of the Inner Psyche of our very own erudite and urbane manager Psycho all with a very heavy unstilted North West London accent that you can almost hear when you read this article by respected journo Sue Mott.

One day he will be on Player Cam.

My prediction: “And Stuart Pearce leads the England team out onto the field for 2014 World Cup Final”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=D&xml=/sport/2005/10/08/sfnmot08.xml

OPINION: TOP FLIGHT OCCUPANCY TABLE

Further to the top flight points scorers table in MCIVTA 1163, here is another one that may be of interest. It is the top-flight occupancy table, listing clubs in order of consecutive years in the top flight.

Interesting how over the last 5 years at least one team has come up and stayed up, and with Wigan and West Ham flying high at the moment that looks like continuing.

Rank Team       Years Promoted
01 Arsenal       (87) 1919/0 -
02 Everton       (52) 1954/5 -
03 Liverpool     (44) 1962/3 -
04 Man Utd       (31) 1975/6 -
05 Tottenham     (28) 1978/9 -
06 Aston Villa   (18) 1988/9 -
07 Chelsea       (17) 1989/0 -
.......Above are Premiership ever presents.
08 Newcastle     (13) 1993/4 -
09 Middlesbrough (08) 1998/9 -
10 Charlton      (06) 2000/1 -
11 Blackburn     (05) 2001/2 -
11 Bolton        (05) 2001/2 -
11 Fulham        (05) 2001/2 -
14 Birmingham    (04) 2002/3 -
14 Man City      (04) 2002/3 -
16 Portsmouth    (03) 2003/4 -
17 West Brom     (02) 2004/5 -
.......Below are new this year.
18 Sunderland    (01) 2005/6 -
18 West Ham      (01) 2005/6 -
18 Wigan         (01) 2005/6 -

OPINION: REMEMBERING HELEN TURNER (I)

I noticed the message about Helen Turner in MCIVTA last night, and thought I’d quickly respond. I’m sure you’ll be delighted to learn that Helen’s bell has been in the museum for several months now. It was only taken out last week for the memorial events, and has since returned.

I initially spoke with Helen back in 2002 prior to our move about the museum and our plans. Then, several months ago, I spoke with Helen’s family when she was first taken into hospital and we were all keen to have the bell displayed. Our aim was to have the item on display and then bring Helen into the museum once she was feeling a little better; sadly that was never possible.

In addition to the bell we also have had a photo and panel devoted to Helen since we first opened the museum at Christmas 2003, and Helen’s family have also loaned other items to us, which we are hoping we can put on display in a special Supporters’ exhibition during 2006.

As far as the comment about the game not just being about players, we at the museum share this view entirely. We are all fans, and have made sure that the very first display within the museum is about the supporters. It talks about fanzines, bananas, Junior Blues, and of course Helen. Sadly, we haven’t yet managed to find an appropriate way to cover MCIVTA – we’ve been talking with Heidi Pickup about ideas – but we do try to make every visitor realise that this club exists because of the supporters. In addition, the entire museum is dedicated to supporters.

When we stage the Colin Bell Exhibition (28th October to 30th November) much of the existing display items will be removed for a period. However, Helen’s bell and the supporter display will not be taken out. We feel that the supporter section always has to exist. Inevitably items will change, but the supporter focus is something we care passionately about.

As always, we’re always keen to hear suggestions of how we can further develop the museum.

OPINION: REMEMBERING HELEN TURNER (II)

In response to Barry Anderton’s idea of having a new fan with a bell, I think it’s a bad idea. Helen was a one in a million, and there is no way to replace her.

Also, the bell she used to ring is now in the City Experience above the shop at the stadium. So I think it’s time to put that bell to rest after decades of ringing!

There was only one Helen, and she can’t be replaced.

OPINION: ENGLISH TOP TWENTY

The snippet about the all time English top 20 made interesting reading.

I remember reading a few years ago a similar stat, but that said at the time that City had spent about 75 seasons in the top flight!

Just goes to show that 86.67% of statistics are nonsense!

Would be interesting what the correct figure was though.

OPINION: SMOKING AT COMS

A response to Marc Starr…

Freedom Marc, freedom – the only thing the club should do with regard smoking in the stadium is allow it in the seats. Most people I know would prefer that in my locality at City – ’cause I meet ’em all at half time in that bloody awful concourse – where its unconditioned atmosphere is horrendous.

Smoking’s good, cool, expensive, bad for you, bad for those around you, but I like it. Go and sit in the hospitality if you don’t.

The stands are legally outdoor… therefore the least polluting area. So, go and bang on someone else’s drum – not mine.

Ain’t none so pious as the converted eh?

OPINION: FIRST VISIT TO COMS

Hi to everybody of MCIVTA!

My first experience at the COMS is coming at last!

I must especially thank one of you, my dear Blue friends of this fantastic newsletter: his name is Ian Dockry.

I knew him just two years ago in a San Siro wonderful game of my AC Milan. He encourages me to make this Mancunian trip despite a lot of job and familiar problems.

Also my Granata friends in Torino are happy.

They were just ten years ago at the glorious Maine Road for a lot of games supporting so much Uwe Rösler and Ali Benarbia. But I’m proud at the same looking forward this impressive Stuart Pearce’s squad.

After SWP we have now a sensational couple of young champions: Ireland and Croft, my favourite two Blue sparkling boys.

Is the Blue side of Manchester ready to run to new wonderful era of victories? I’m sure it should be so!

City Till I Die!

REQUEST: SWINTON BRANCH MEETING

The next meeting of the Swinton Branch is on Thursday 20/10/05 8-00pm. Venue: the Swinton Conservative Club, Swinton. Star guest is City legend Tommy Booth. All Blues welcome. For further please contact myself or just turn up on the night.

REQUEST: ARSENAL TICKETS

Desperately seeking 2 tickets for Arsenal. Please call 0790 873 8897 or email me at the address below.

REQUEST: ARSENAL TICKET

Desperate for an Arsenal ticket. My season ticket just missed out and I have friends coming to stay with me for the game. Please call me if you have a spare or know of one on 020 7982 3812 weekdays, or by e-mail at the address below.

RESULTS

League table to 10 October 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          8  4  0  0  9  1  4  0  0  9  1  8  0  0  18   2  16  24
 2 Charlton Ath.    7  1  0  2  3  5  4  0  0  9  2  5  0  2  12   7   5  15
 3 Tottenham H.     8  2  1  1  3  2  2  2  0  6  3  4  3  1   9   5   4  15
 4 Manchester Utd   7  1  1  1  3  3  3  1  0  7  2  4  2  1  10   5   5  14
 5 Bolton Wndrs     8  2  1  1  3  1  2  1  1  6  5  4  2  2   9   6   3  14
 6 Manchester City  8  2  1  1  4  2  2  1  1  5  4  4  2  2   9   6   3  14
 7 Arsenal          7  4  0  0  9  1  0  1  2  1  3  4  1  2  10   4   6  13
 8 Wigan Athletic   7  2  1  1  4  3  2  0  1  3  2  4  1  2   7   5   2  13
 9 West Ham United  7  2  1  1  8  3  1  2  0  3  2  3  3  1  11   5   6  12
10 Middlesbrough    8  1  1  2  2  6  2  1  1  7  5  3  2  3   9  11  -2  11
11 Blackburn R.     8  2  1  1  4  4  1  1  2  3  5  3  2  3   7   9  -2  11
12 Newcastle Utd    8  1  2  1  2  3  1  1  2  3  4  2  3  3   5   7  -2   9
13 Liverpool        6  1  1  1  2  4  0  3  0  2  2  1  4  1   4   6  -2   7
14 Portsmouth       8  0  3  1  2  4  1  0  3  3  5  1  3  4   5   9  -4   6
15 Birmingham City  8  0  1  3  3  8  1  2  1  4  4  1  3  4   7  12  -5   6
16 Aston Villa      8  1  2  1  6  6  0  1  3  2  8  1  3  4   8  14  -6   6
17 Sunderland       8  0  2  2  4  7  1  0  3  2  4  1  2  5   6  11  -5   5
18 Fulham           8  1  1  2  4  5  0  1  3  3  8  1  2  5   7  13  -6   5
19 West Brom A.     8  1  0  3  6  8  0  2  2  1  7  1  2  5   7  15  -8   5
20 Everton          7  0  0  3  0  4  1  0  3  1  5  1  0  6   1   9  -8   3

MCIVTA FAQ [v0506.02]

[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.mcfcosc.com/); the “Centenary Supporters’ Association” (http://www.reddishblues.com/CSAWebsite/CSA.htm) and “The International Supporters’ Club”.

[6] Where can I find out about the fans’ committee?

The Fans’ Committee operates as an interface between supporters and the club. The Fans’ Committee has been relaunched as “Points of Blue”. It has appeared on the club website as a minor entry under “Fans Zone”.

[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://mcfc.videoloungetv.com/do/preLogin?clubSiteCode=MCFC&CMP=AFC-003.

[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://www.foxsportsworld.com/named/FSW/Index/Soccer, http://www.soccertv.com/, and http://www.livesoccertv.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.

Madeline Hawkins, editor@mcivta.city-fan.org

Editor: