Newsletter #1174

New tonight of international action, fixture changes, triallists and transfer targets. The reserves were in action on Tuesday night in a 2-2 draw at Everton, we have the usual requests and a review of Colin Bell’s autobiography.

Blackburn visit on Saturday as City are struggling with a number of players out due to injury or suspension.

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

Kick-Off Alterations: They’ve been tampering with our fixture list again, as a couple of City games in 2006 have been rescheduled for live TV. The visit of Charlton Athletic, originally scheduled for Saturday 11th February will now kick off at 4.00pm on the 12th. Two weeks later City visit Anfield to play Liverpool – this game will now take place on Sunday 26th February, starting at 12.15pm.

Give Us a Break! So what do Premiership footballers do when there’s no football to be played? Why, they go team bonding, of course. Let the gaffer explain. “We have had a couple of days away in the Peak District, which has been good. There was a bit of orienteering, a bit of abseiling, a bit of climbing with planks, ropes and God knows what else! I think days away for the squad from the footballing environment are integral to what I want to do over a season. We’ll look to do one every three months or so, and in between have a day out here and a day out there.” Pearce added: “It breaks the monotony of every day and the pressures of footballing life, it takes people out of their normal environment, you ask them to do something that is not the norm, and you get to know more about one or two people.”

Not So Fancy in Nancy: Nedum Onouha made his full England under-21 début this week, playing at left back against France in the UEFA Under-21 Championships play-offs. The sides were locked at 1-1 after the first leg last week, and after 55 minutes Darren Bent gave England hope by opening the scoring at the Stade Marcel-Picot in Nancy. France’s response was to immediately replace Etienne Didot with Diarra and England’s joy lasted only four minutes before a superb goal from Ribery brought France back on level terms. The game became quite unruly, and with five minutes left Kieran Richardson was adjudged to have brought down Diarra in the penalty area (you silly Red, you) while attempting to hack the ball clear, and Briand scored from the spot although Carson got a hand to the ball. It was worrying when Nedum limped off with 11 minutes to go, but SP thinks that the situation is not as serious as first feared. “He came off with cramp, and it’s been a bit of an ongoing problem with him, so we have looked into his diet and had his blood checked, but it was no more serious than that,” said Pearce. “Nedum has missed the last few matches after picking up a hamstring strain, so the Manager was pleased not just with his player’s performance but with his stamina before having to come off. I watched the game yesterday, and I thought he did reasonably well. I had a little chat with him, pointed out what he did well and what he could have done better. For us, it was pleasing that he got another 80 minutes under his belt because he’s not played for four or five weeks.” David James was on senior duty at the weekend, sitting on the bench during England’s victory over Argentina in the friendly played in Geneva on Saturday, while at the other end of the age scale, Micah Richards played for the England Under 19 side on Wednesday night, against Switzerland at Wycombe’s Causeway Stadium.

Toffees Make it Sticky: Rather irritatingly, City’s reserves drew 2-2 with Everton on Tuesday – the Blues throwing away a two goal lead caused the irksome part. A goal on his full reserves début by Danny Sturridge (more about him later) and a BWP strike on the hour put City well in command, but the home team levelled with two goals in the last 13 minutes. Darn them. City: de Vlieger; Logan, Thatcher, Ward, Collins; Etuhu (Grimes 85), Laird, Bermingham, Miller; Sturridge (Johnson 74), Wright-Phillips. Unused subs: Schmeichel, Williamson, Marshall.

Transfer News and Gossip

Lowe Blow to Fowl Talk: Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has denied reports that the club are lining up a move for recently published author, Mr. Robert Fowler. Robbie has figured just once this season, coming on as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United in September. And with Andy Cole and Darius Vassell striking up an impressive partnership, Fowler has dropped down the pecking order fuelling speculation that SP might let him move out on loan. But Lowe states that he has had no contact with Pearce, saying: “There is absolutely no truth in it at all. There has been no contact and I have no idea where this has come from.”

Well Set for Walcott: In another City/Saints tale, the Blues have been linked with an unlikely move for Southampton’s teenage sensation Theo Walcott, although Saints insist they are not going to sell. Chelsea and Arsenal have already been linked with the 16-year-old who has scored three goals in his last four games and is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in the game. City’s reserve-team boss Steve Wigley used to head the Southampton Academy that Walcott has graduated from and some reports have suggested that could give City an advantage in any auction. However Southampton say they have received no bid for the player – a Southampton spokesman said: “There has been nothing concrete for Theo, although we had a few inquiries over the summer. I think Steve does still talk to people down here, but we have made it clear that we are not in the market for selling him.”

I’ll Stay at Fulham In Steed: It isn’t sounding too hopeful for SP in his pursuit of Fulham’s Steed Malbranque. As the Sun told us this week – “Steed Malbranque is ready to boost Fulham by signing a new deal and snubbing Manchester City. The French midfielder is expected to bury the hatchet with boss Chris Coleman and agree a three-year contract.” Which, judging by his performance against City the other week, is a bit of a shame.

Happy Haapala: SP is to run the rule over Finnish midfielder Tuomas Haapala after the player joined on a trial basis. The 26-year-old has been handed a one-week trial, after he failed to secure a deal whilst on trial with Dutch club Willem II. Haapala, who is contracted to MyPa in his home country, won his first cap in Finland’s recent clash with Estonia and is most at home in midfield but can also apply his trade in a more advanced rôle. Should he impress Pearce sufficiently, a permanent deal could follow.

Third Time Lucky? Is there a discount sale on in Amsterdam? I ask because Ajax’s Tomas Galasek is said to be a target for City – this is the third Ajax player linked with the Blues in as many weeks. The Daily Mirror says that the 32-year-old Czech international has expressed an interest in a move to the Premiership and will be allowed to leave if Ajax do not make the knockout stages of the Champions’ League. Pearce may make a move in the January window.

Sturridge: Young Daniel Sturridge must be a good player, because rumours of Arsenal and Chelsea sniffing round for the 16-year-old have resurfaced. Dan can’t sign a professional contract until next September but, despite apparent interest from elsewhere, reserve team boss Steve Wigley has urged him to stay at Eastlands. “I have got no doubts that if I was any ambitious young player this is the club I would come to,” Wigley says. “The manager has proved he will put the youngsters into the team and when they have done well they have stayed in the side. The way the transfer market has gone it is important that you have a manager who is willing to give people an opportunity. Any teenagers who want to go to a club like Chelsea at the minute could be putting their careers at risk. Top-class players who have gone there for millions are finding themselves playing a couple of games here and there.”

Ex-Blues’ News

Buzz Off: Veteran (as we must now call him, I guess) winger Nicky Summerbee has left Tranmere Rovers after cancelling his contract by mutual consent. “Son of the Great Mike” hadn’t made the first team squad since the defeat at Bristol City last month. Summerbee joined Rovers in August signing a deal that was due to last until January. Despite starting several games near the start of his time with the club, he soon fell out of favour as Tranmere’s form dropped and became the subject of much criticism from fans. Manager Brian Little commented that: “Unfortunately it has not worked out for Nicky in our first team, as I have decided to give some of the younger players a chance. I have agreed to mutually cancel his contract to allow him to move onto other opportunities and we wish him well.”

Grant Reprieve Granted: Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi has confirmed that he will sign City’s former midfielder Tony Grant when the transfer window reopens in January. The 30-year-old was on the verge of signing a permanent deal with Alex earlier this year before breaking an ankle in a reserve team clash at Coventry City. “It didn’t look as though we’d be able to sign Tony until the transfer window reopened anyway, so his injury has made that decision easier,” Gradi told the club’s official website. “It just means we will stop pestering the PFA to see if there is anything they could have done to resolve the situation! Tony got injured playing for our reserves so of course we take responsibly for that. We have a duty to the player and I’ve already told him that we’ll sign him in January. We think Tony is happy here and money is not the issue for him. He just wants to play and he has already told us what a unique club it is, that everyone gets on so well and the youngsters are keen to learn. Tony will add that extra bit of experience and finesse to our midfield.”

Hendry: Colin Hendry’s managerial tenure at Blackpool looks to be over after the Seasiders handed first-team responsibilities to midfielder Simon Grayson. The club announced: “Following further discussions with Colin Hendry on Thursday, Simon Grayson has taken temporary charge of first-team matters. Messrs Colin Hendry and assistant Ian Miller, in line with their request, are scheduled to attend a further meeting at the end of next week to discuss the club’s position.” As usual, a change of manager produced a dramatic turn around for the Seasiders, who won their first game with Grayson in charge 5-2, against Scunthorpe. Hendry and Miller have not been officially sacked, as a meeting between the pair and Chairman Karl Oyston due for Wednesday was postponed, pending Hendry arranging representation through the Managers’ union, the LMA.

Weah: What’s the answer to the question “Name the only ex-City player to be President of his country?” Sadly for George Weah, the answer looks like being “no one”, although that answer might yet change. Weah stood for election in Liberia, but his opponent was declared the winner. Weah has alleged widespread electoral fraud, and hearings into the allegations began in Monrovia this week. Thanks to Hsien Min for spotting this more detailed account of the Liberian elections. “Liberian elections in 2005 took place in two rounds, 11 October and 8 November 2005. In the presidential race, 22 people contested the first round. Former Man City striker George Weah and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, former World Bank employee and finance minister, finished first and second respectively, and advanced to the second round run-off. With 99% of the vote counted in the run-off, Johnson-Sirleaf holds an unassailable 60%-40% lead, and has been declared President-elect by the National Electoral Commission. Weah has filed a formal fraud complaint.”

Preston’s Adieu to Etuhu: Dickson Etuhu has joined Norwich City on loan ahead of a permanent switch to Carrow Road in January. The 23-year-old former Manchester City midfielder has failed to hold down a regular place at Deepdale this season, and Etuhu has agreed a two-month deal at Carrow Road – but will not be returning to Deepdale when the loan runs out at the end of the year. Canaries’ manager Nigel Worthington said: “It’s a loan at the moment, which takes us through to the transfer window but come January Dickson will be a Norwich City player. There’s a deal in place between the two clubs and a fee has already been agreed.” One Norwich player who has prior knowledge of Dickson is his former City team-mate, the jet-heeled headless chicken known as Darren Huckerby. “We played a little bit together at Manchester City,” Hucks mused this week. “He played a few games there in midfield when he was a young lad and I was very impressed with him. Unfortunately we were only together for half a season. Then Dickson had a little bit of a dispute with Kevin Keegan and he moved on. But I saw enough of him to know that he is a very good player. He is big and strong and has got a great engine on him. He also chips in with the odd goal now and then. I’ve kept an eye on his progress since then and he has done very well. A lot of big clubs have looked at him and it’s good news that we have managed to get him. He’ll be a great asset for us with his work-rate and his strength in the centre of midfield.”

Paulo W: Paulo Wanchope’s return to the Premiership has come a step closer, if the player is to be believed. The Costa Rican striker claims that a return to England in the January transfer window is “more than just a possibility”. He is currently playing in Qatar for Al Gharafa after leaving Spanish side Malaga in August, but said on his personal website this week that “I’m very happy with the possibility I have, because my goal is to return to Europe, especially to England. If there is an interest for me to return, it’s because I left a mark there. That makes me feel glad. Last week I talked to Al Gharafa’s board and explained the possibilities of returning to England,” he added. “Fortunately, they accepted it in good terms and have allowed me to go on with negotiations.”

Squad News

Not Killing Time: SP has explained his policy in loaning out players. In marked contrast to his predecessor, SP believes that a spell of first team football can only benefit a player – Willo Flood’s stay with Coventry City recently finished, while Nicky Weaver has just started a spell with Sheffield Wednesday, also Jon D’Laryea and Danny Warrender have just had their stays with Mansfield and Blackpool respectively extended. “They are going out there for a purpose, not just to kill time and kill a month. They are going out there to get experience so they can come back to Manchester City as better players. That’s what it’s all about”, said Pearce. “Loans are also a good way that younger members of the squad, having come through the Academy system, can gain a slightly different perspective and then use it to their advantage. Lee Croft, having spent some time at Oldham last season, is an example of not only this, but how well the Club’s youth policy is working.”

Ireland for Ireland:Reports recently suggested that Stephen Ireland’s international careerwouldn’t take off, as long as Brian Kerr was coach of the Irish nationalside. Well whaddya know – Kerr’s out of a job, so Stephen may yet get hischance at full international level. “Like every other young player I want torepresent my country and I hope I get that chance sooner rather than later,”he told Setanta. “I’ve been happy with my form for Man City for this season.But I realise I have to go on delivering at club level if I am to convincethe next Ireland manager I deserve to be in his team.”

Reyna: Claudio Reyna is set to mark his return from injury in the weekend’s visit of Blackburn, in place of the banned Joey Barton. The US international has been laid low with a knee injury sustained in the Blues’ 1-0 defeat at Arsenal, but is closing in on a return to fitness in time for Saturday’s Eastlands encounter. With boss Stuart Pearce having Barton unavailable due to suspension, courtesy of receiving his fifth yellow card of the season against Fulham last time out, Reyna’s return is a timely boost. The former Sunderland schemer is expected to partner highly-rated youngster Stephen Ireland in the City engine room, in what promises to be a full-blooded affair with Mark Hughes’ men – what a pity we’ll miss out on the heart warming sight of Joey Barton renewing his acquaintance with Robbie Savage…

MATCH REPORT: EFC RESERVES 2 MCFC RESERVES 2

Back along the M58 to Southport as City’s reserves were away to Everton on Tuesday night. We arrived as a downpour hit the coast and spent the next 10 minutes hammering on the door at Haig Avenue to be let in! Line-ups below, City fielding a youthful side with all but two of the players from our fruitful Academy set-up. Unusually we had 4 “forwards” in our line-up, thanks to a combination of injuries and international duties, so Miller and Bermingham were once again moved to midfield. As at Liverpool, Thatcher again constantly kept the inexperienced players up to speed on the game with his advice, which is great to see. Wright was in goal for Everton, and the player to watch for them was Kissock who caused a few problems for the City defence but constantly tripped over the hem of his shorts. My Everton colleagues tell me they have high hopes for this 16 year old.

This was to be a game not of two halves but of 60 and 30 minutes, as City dominated the first hour and inexplicably collapsed to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory.

As the game began, Everton managed two good attacks, which tested De Vlieger and the new defence line-up of Logan, Thatcher, Ward and Collins as Seargeant sent a soft header straight to De Vlieger, only for him to then return and fortunately miss a cross. This woke City up and we fought back quickly with Miller using his speed down the left flank. In a neat passing move saw the ball move from the right back Shaleum Logan (younger brother of former academy player Carlos Logan) to Bermingham to the advancing Miller, who unfortunately saw his attempt from the left of the area cleared for a corner. We made nothing of the resulting set piece, something which of late definitely needs work in training.

Back down to the other end as Everton launched a counter-attack and Logan challenged the Everton striker Anichebe, who went down like a sack of sprouts. Despite his protests for a penalty, the referee saw sense. A De Vlieger goal kick then created City’s opening as the ball was picked out by Miller, who crossed from the left of the area into the path of young Sturridge who simply could not miss from his unmarked position a few feet in front of goal. 0-1 to City. Into the break and time to catch up with a number of the City fans including the Southport Blues.

Into the second half and on 55 minutes Etuhu found Bradley about 15 yards to the left of the goal; he wasted no time in firing the ball diagonally across the area and into the right of the net. Wright had no chance and a fantastic goal for BWP. 0-2 to City and cruising. We had another couple of attacks, but Sturridge frustrated with his unwillingness to jump for headers or move – whilst a talented young player, this is an area of his game that those youth watchers will know too well. If the ball isn’t delivered to his feet, he rarely does anything with it – depends if you want goals or a grafter!

Sturridge was replaced by Johnson and our defence was beginning to tire a little as the Everton forwards went on the attack. We lost formation somehow and in a real poor show of defending on 75m, De Vlieger came off his line and committed himself much too early as Anichebe was left unmarked and shot home from the left. 1-2. Five minutes later we again lost control as, despite having a number of City players back in our area, we allowed Everton to somehow fumble the ball into the net from Vidarsson. A pathetic goal but it brought Everton onto level pegging at 2-2.

City then had a deserved penalty claim turned down by the referee, which resulted in Wigley being reprimanded by the linesman. In an attempt to fight back both Bradley and Bermingham had attempts that kept Richard Wright busy, but it was a game that will be remembered as a frustrating one for the Blues.

MotM: young Shaleum Logan.

Everton: Wright R, Wynne, Boyle, Wright S, Hughes, Harris, Seargeant, Vidarsson, Anichebe, Kissock (Molyneaux), Wilson.
Unused subs: Morrison, Jones, Harper, Holt.

City: De Vlieger, Logan, Collins, Laird, Ward, Thatcher, Etuhu (Grimes), Sturridge (Johnson), Wright-Phillips, Bermingham, Miller.
Unused subs: Schmeichel, Williamson, Marshall.

OPINION: RIVALRY

“I’m not trying to create some sort of brotherhood between ourselves and them, that should never happen, we hate them, they hate us, that should be the normal order of things.”

This is the way one writer to MCIVTA describes the “normal” state of affairs between us and them. I don’t feel that way at all. Why would someone want to bring up their children to hate so cheaply? I don’t hate Man United, I like them. I enjoy watching them play even though my love for City goes back to 1948 when I first saw them play at Maine Road. I live in Los Angeles, California now but keep up with City avidly on Fox Sports Channel. I wear one version of the 5 home kits I own every time they play on TV. There is no sports team in Los Angeles I follow with more feeling because City reminds me of my dad and my upbringing in Manchester.

From those early days I have been a True Blue fan through thick and lots of thin. I remember Bert Trautmann, who used to joke with the fans behind the goal, pretending that he didn’t know the score, Don Revie, Paul and Westwood and my favourite, Jack Rigby, whom I always thought of as the epitome of the unselfish player (is he still alive – I would love to send him a letter telling him how much I enjoyed watching him play). I also remember that Frank Swift had some friends in the Heaton Park prefabs where my family spent the last few years before emigrating and occasionally he would drive in to see them. My friends and I would wait outside at his car for hours just so we could have a word with him when he left and he always graciously obliged.

I have one issue that I feel that I must get off my chest. There’s an attitude that one can only passionately love City if we, at the same time, passionately hate United. This leads, in the extreme, to fans who do crashing airplane manoeuvres and sing German songs when United play. People who do that are truly seriously disturbed just as racists are who insult players of colour. The horrible disaster of Munich and United’s incredible comeback the next season transcend football. It is a great human story. Do we want to teach our children that there is no great inspirational message for them to learn from that tragedy because a football rivalry prohibits us from paying respect to it? Because if that is the case, we teach our children no important values. I love Manchester City, but I admire and respect Manchester United. They are a great team. A plane crash could not beat them, only a better team can. One day, hopefully, that better team will be our team!

OPINION: SONGS

I too have tried to get the ‘I Predict Darius’ chant started in the pub – think the la-la-lah’s at the start could make it a winner! I’ll be at Charlton in a few weeks and I’ll coerce my mates into joining in, if you can get it started. Everyone else who reads MCIVTA sing up too!

Oh, now the obligatory Munich comment. It takes some guts to stand up to 6 or 7 beered-up City “fans” singing these songs – if you hear a Blue trying to reason with these idiots – back him/her up and we may be able to stamp this out sooner rather than later. Here’s hoping.

OPINION: MATCH CARDS I

Regarding Andrew Frodsham’s issue in getting tickets for his partner for the Birmingham home game: the Match Card is effectively a ticket (it’s used for access to the stadium) and so it stands to reason that only one ticket per game can be purchased on it.

The solution to the problem is to get your partner a Match Card too. This doesn’t have to be done in person; just get someone you know in Manchester to visit the stadium, fill in the form and collect the card on your partner’s behalf.

This will result in your partner being allocated a customer number, and hence they will be able to accrue loyalty points too. Moreover, their customer number can be “linked” to yours on the online booking system, so you’d be able to order tickets for you and your partner together over the Internet.

I have done this myself and it works.

OPINION: MATCH CARDS II

I promise this is definitely my last say on the matter of City cards, match day cards, access card, or by whatever name they are now called, but many people have contacted me over the last couple of weeks and of course there has been a response on MCIVTA. Not one person can or will justify the £20 charge. Most people’s opinion was that MCFC thought that there would be full houses most weeks and it was a way of cashing in. Indeed, fans that have not forked out the £20 this season have had letters asking them to renew stating that it was highly unlikely that if they didn’t, they wouldn’t get tickets for games such as Chelsea and Un**ed etc. I know people at City read these articles and would appeal to them to (1) scrap the £20 fee, (2) please justify it, (3) explain the logic behind it bearing in mind the amount of empty seats each game, (4) convince a low income family that it is sensible to shell out £55 for 2 adults and 2 children for a fancy card, when you can get them for nothing, that is if you no you can. I have stated many times that MCFC do some great things for supporters the local community, charities etc. but this charge is diabolical and must be scrapped. By the way whoever thought of the This is my City campaign ought to be knighted; it was brilliant.

BOOK REVIEW

Title: Colin Bell – Reluctant Hero
Author: Colin Bell with Ian Cheeseman
Publisher: Mainstream
ISBN: 1-84018-771-9
RRP: £15.99

Legend is an over used word in sporting fields, but if ever it applied to a City player then Colin deserves it. Unlike a number of biogs that have been rushed out over the years, this long-waited autobiography does not disappoint.

Colin spent his childhood as a miner’s son in County Durham, being brought up by his aunt, having never known his mother who died when he was a baby. Like thousands of kids, Colin found escapism in playing football, often using a tennis ball. The difference being that Colin had a natural talent and aptitude for the game and was quickly signed up for the county schoolboy side. Although he was also a talented cricketer and could have made a career there, fortunately he stuck with football. Turning professional at 17 and leaving home for Bury, Colin’s career was on the up. He made an instant impact at Bury and it wasn’t long before Colin made the move to Manchester City.

Settling quickly into the team under Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison, Colin quickly found lifetime friends amongst his team-mates and fans who were bowled over by his ability. A naturally shy and retiring type, Colin didn’t seek the spotlight but his footballing skills and athleticism made him a firm favourite. Winning medals and trophies for City during those glory years of the FA Cup, League Cup, European Cup-Winners’ Cup and League Championship. Colin talks about the team in those days, the training methods, which seem archaic now but were avant-garde at the time, and the camaraderie amongst the team is evident throughout.

As we know, his career was cut short because of a horrendous tackle in the Manchester derby in 1975. Although he returned for a few years afterwards, he struggled and eventually hung up his boots in 1979. Colin remained close to MCFC and after a spell as youth team coach, he is now regularly in demand on match days in and around the stadium. He was awarded the MBE earlier this year and – if you’re quick – you can see a selection of his medals in the City museum. Little wonder, when reading and hearing of his life and career, that Bell is still the best player for thousands of City fans.

Colin’s favourite film is Billy Elliott, the story of the young North East lad who breaks out of the mould and finds success as a dancer. You can’t help thinking that Reluctant Hero would make a damn good film too.

REQUEST: CITY WALLPAPERS

Three updated fixture list wallpapers for any Blues who are interested:

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=2125125117

Password: mcvittee

878 hits for last versions. Enjoy.

Whatever you do, stay Blue!

REQUEST: LIVERPOOL TICKET

I’m looking for a spare ticket for the Liverpool game, preferably on the lower level 1. I’d be grateful if anyone has one to e-mail me at the address below.

RESULTS

League table to 16 November 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         12  6  0  0 18  4  4  1  1 10  3 10  1  1  28   7  21  31
 2 Wigan Athletic  11  4  1  1  6  3  4  0  1  7  2  8  1  2  13   5   8  25
 3 Bolton Wndrs    12  4  1  1  6  1  3  1  2  8 10  7  2  3  14  11   3  23
 4 Manchester Utd  11  2  2  1  5  4  4  1  1 11  7  6  3  2  16  11   5  21
 5 Arsenal         11  6  0  0 13  2  0  2  3  3  6  6  2  3  16   8   8  20
 6 Tottenham H.    12  3  2  1  6  3  2  3  1  7  5  5  5  2  13   8   5  20
 7 Manchester City 12  4  1  1  9  4  2  1  3  6  7  6  2  4  15  11   4  20
 8 Charlton Ath.   11  1  1  3  4  7  5  0  1 12  7  6  1  4  16  14   2  19
 9 West Ham United 11  4  1  1 11  4  1  2  2  4  6  5  3  3  15  10   5  18
10 Newcastle Utd   12  3  2  1  6  5  2  1  3  6  5  5  3  4  12  10   2  18
11 Blackburn R.    12  4  1  1 10  5  1  1  4  5 10  5  2  5  15  15   0  17
12 Liverpool       10  3  1  1  5  4  1  3  1  4  4  4  4  2   9   8   1  16
13 Middlesbrough   12  2  2  2  7  8  2  1  3  8  8  4  3  5  15  16  -1  15
14 Fulham          12  3  1  2  8  6  0  2  4  4 10  3  3  6  12  16  -4  12
15 Portsmouth      12  0  3  3  3  8  2  1  3  8  7  2  4  6  11  15  -4  10
16 Everton         11  1  1  3  2  5  2  0  4  2  7  3  1  7   4  12  -8  10
17 Aston Villa     12  1  2  3  6 10  1  1  4  4 11  2  3  7  10  21 -11   9
18 West Brom A.    12  2  0  4  8 12  0  2  4  1 10  2  2  8   9  22 -13   8
19 Birmingham City 12  0  1  5  3 10  1  2  3  4  7  1  3  8   7  17 -10   6
20 Sunderland      12  0  2  4  6 14  1  0  5  5 10  1  2  9  11  24 -13   5

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.

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

Editor: