Newsletter #1215

Putting last week’s first team result behind us, it was heaven-sent for reserve and youth watchers this week with two reserve games (win and draw) and the youth cup. We have a quick report on the Leeds reserve game tonight, and Dave’s view of the youth cup when it looked as though nerves got the better of our team. Of course there are those (less enlightened) out there who will blame this on Pearce for not playing Richards, the fact that the youth team have played their last few games without him escaping them. Report will follow on Monday, but we do have a bit of a hill to climb to overcome the 3-0 deficit from a well organised Liverpool team.

Don’s news round up brings us the latest on transfer and contract situations, there’s more on the end of season assessment and the usual requests.

Forward to West Ham, we could get something out of the game here as they will have an eye on the Cup semi: time to up the ante.

EDITORIAL NOTICE

I will be offline for a few weeks due to house move and lack of immediate Net access in the hills. Our subs coordinator Mads and our website guru, and possibly northernmost Blue, Svenn, have very kindly agreed to step in to ensure continuity.

Please keep your articles coming to the regular address of: <editor(at)mcivta.city-fan.org>

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

City Get Anfield Rap: Liverpool hold a 3-0 lead after the first leg of the FA Youth Cup final against City at Anfield tonight (Thursday). A crowd of over 12,000 saw Robbie Threlfall give the Reds the lead from close range and Ryan Flynn doubled their advantage after being set up by Paul Anderson. Two goals down at the break, City played much better in the second period, and were unlucky not to grab a goal back, first when Daniel Sturridge hit the post, then second ten minutes later, when City had three consecutive chances cleared off the Liverpool goal line. Man of the Match Anderson almost stopped City’s revival with an acrobatic volley that wobbled the bar before substitute Miki Roque headed a third after 84 minutes. The second leg takes place at the COMS on Friday April 21. Team: Matthewson; Obeng, Logan, Williamson, Breen; Williams, Marshall, Johnson(c), Moore (C.Evans 80); Etuhu, Sturridge. Unused subs: Daly, Vadon, Mouritsen, Clayton.

Play for Pride: SP has now conceded that City will not be gracing Europe with their presence next season, and that effectively this term is over. Prior to the Spurs game, he was still allowing himself some optimism, possibly in an attempt to motivate the players: “The beauty of football is if you get three points it changes your whole viewpoint of the season. As we sit here now, we have an uphill struggle to get into Europe but, if we get a win on Saturday and other results go our way, we suddenly have half a chance again. While it is there, we have to play for it because we have put in a lot of hard work this season and it would be a shame just to let it fizzle out.” Following Saturday’s reverse at White Hart Lane, SP admitted that it had fizzled out. He said: “The target now is to win next weekend and see where it takes us. European football has gone for us. This run of form has cost us dearly. If we come away from West Ham next weekend with three points, it will seem as if the weight of the world has been lifted off our shoulders. The confidence has got to come back quickly, because it will be disappointing if the season fizzles out. Up until we went out of the FA Cup, you could have viewed it as a decent season. If we had reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, I don’t think we’d have had five straight defeats. We’ve lost five games, which is unacceptable, but all we can do is work hard until Friday, prepare a side for next Saturday and hope that’s good enough to get a result next weekend.”

Sibs Strikes: At least the reserves got back to winning ways this week. Following last week’s almost unbelievable six goal spanking courtesy of some local rivals’ team (not Stockport), the second XI put that aberration behind them to beat Leeds United 1-0. And just to prove that he can put that shaven pate to good use, Antoine Sibierski nodded home the only goal of the game on 24 minutes. Team: Weaver, Sommeil (Ward 65), Collins, D’Laryea, M Mills, Laird, Croft, Sibierski (Grimes 65), Wright-Phillips, Miller, Flood (Bennett 87). Subs: Matthewson.

Transfer News and Gossip

Out for the Count: SP revealed his summer transfer policy today – no specific names were mentioned you understand, but the numbers of comings and goings were certainly talked about. “We probably need to sign three or four players,” said Pearce. “We cannot bring any in before the end of the season but I can assure you we are working our socks off to bring players in this summer. This summer, including younger players, I will lose another eight. Since I have been manager, 22 have gone and four have come in.”

Castels in the Air? You can trust MCV punters to get you the City gossip first! Thanks to Bob Price, who emailed news from Holland concerning Kiki Musampa. The Dutch press reported that both Feyenoord and PSV were vying for Kiki’s signature, once his loan spell at the COMS ends in the summer. It was also stated that SP was in Holland to discuss such a move. The UK-based media duly caught on to this report, although they did supply another theory as to why Psycho went Dutch this week. Feyenoord’s Romeo Castelen was being linked with a summer move to the Blues. The 22-year-old Surinam-born winger would in effect swap places with Kiki. The deal would of course have to be sanctioned by Atletico Madrid, who currently hold Musampa’s registration.

Bye Bye Barton: You have to wonder how Joey Barton’s contract talks are progressing, because a hoary old chestnut of a story was found in the press pages this week. Arsenal are lining up a summer bid for the midfielder. Arsene Wenger is thought to be a long-time admirer of Barton, who still apparently wants a basic wage of £30,000 a week at City.

Kere There and Everywhere: Should Sylvain Distin decide this summer to move on to bigger and better things, the first candidate to replace the skipper has been nominated. Imposing Charleroi defender Mahamadou Kere has reportedly been attracting interest from the Blues. The Burkina Faso powerhouse is a key figure for his country and Belgian sources claim City scouts were present at the match against Anderlecht, which finished in a 1-1 draw. Charleroi provided City with that beacon of success Christian Negouai back in 2001 – let’s hope that’s where the similarity between the two players ends.

Reactions and Comments

Seen Worse: Although City’s losing streak continued at Tottenham last Saturday lunchtime, at least there were signs of a distinct improvement on the inept shambles of Middlesbrough the previous week – not hard to achieve, it has to be said. Paul Stalteri and Michael Carrick struck either side of the interval to maintain Spurs’ bid to qualify for Champions’ League football next season, but at least City hit the target a few minutes later through George the Greek, and could give the home side a few nervy moments thereafter. So were we treated to another blast from Psycho, following last week’s public diatribe? ‘Fraid not. “I’m disappointed, as I’ll always be disappointed when we lose,” said SP. “I think that the one thing missing from our boys at the moment is that commodity, confidence. We put ourselves under pressure a little bit. When your confidence goes, people make elementary mistakes and I think that’s costing us a bit at the moment. We gave as good as we got, especially in the second half when the shackles were off. Results speak for themselves, not good enough for me, not good enough for the club. What we’ll try and instil Monday to Friday is confidence. There aren’t too many sides in the league that have been consistent all season. As I say I was pleased today and all of a sudden something will go our way and we’ll be away.” Whilst praising his side as a whole, Pearce reserved special plaudits for David James and Kiki Musampa. “I can’t fault their effort. Last week I was a vocal in my condemnation, this week from the players’ point of view, I was delighted with their effort,” he concluded. “Our goalkeeper was outstanding; I thought Kiki Musampa was outstanding. It was good to have Claudio Reyna back too.”

James’ Claims for England: Both managers praised the performance of DJ, who made a string of breathtaking saves. The ‘keeper blotted his copybook when trying to dribble his way past a Spurs forward, presenting Mido with a chance that he really should have buried. James was subjected to chants of “England’s number four” by Spurs fans, but he rammed the taunts back down their throats with a masterclass that led SP to claim he should be Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first-choice ‘keeper. Pearce said: “It was good to watch Paul Robinson and James as England’s number one and two. I think James should be England number one, apart from when he tries to dribble around forwards! If you were to create the perfect goalkeeper, you’d create David – he’s 6ft 4ins, there’s not an ounce of fat on him and he’s so athletic. There was one minor blip from him, but he saved us three or four goals. He thinks about his game and is a good professional. David has the ability to pull off a great save at any time because he’s got the right physique. My goalkeeping coach Tim Flowers says that because of his agility, there are saves that only he can pull off in the world.” Spurs’ boss Martin Jol also commended the Blues’ custodian. “This is a great result and we deserved the win even though we did not make things easy for ourselves. If it was not for their ‘keeper David James we could have scored five goals. The next game is against Everton and all our games are like finals but if we show the same commitment we have a good chance of getting the fourth spot.”

Wanted: Confidence: SP was certainly more positive publicly about this week’s performance. “We are in a poor run of five straight defeats. I’m disappointed with the result but they had a go for us and scrapped but we are missing the commodity of confidence. I was vocal in my condemnation of them last week but this time their effort was excellent. If we start the game at West Ham next week the way we finished this week we can go into the game with confidence. I was very disappointed against Middlesbrough but the attitude of my players was fine today and they worked hard,” said the City boss. Then we had a typical burst of candour from Psycho, which makes his utterances to the press so entertaining: “We played 42 minutes here, rode our luck, the goalkeeper kept us in the game and that’s his job to do that. But you’re thinking to yourself we’ll go in at half time at nil-nil and I said to the players ‘just relax, go out and play’. It looks as though we’re playing with a weight on our shoulders at the moment, which is purely dictated by the results. That’s the norm in football, until you get a result somewhere that you think ‘Christ we were lucky today but we won one nil’. That changes things, goals change things.”

Squad News

Bisch Not Off: Sheffield Wednesday boss Paul Sturrock has been explaining his decision to extend Mikkel Bischoff’s loan despite the defender’s injury. Bischoff first joined the Owls last month but has now seen his loan stretched until the end of the season, even though the 24-year-old is expected to spend the next two weeks on the sidelines thanks to a knee injury. Sturrock said: “We had to get a specialist to have a look at Mikkel and he’s quite confident he’ll be available for the last three games of the season. With Richard Wood and Drissa Diallo struggling we didn’t want to leave ourselves with a lack of numbers defensively.”

Learning Curve: Georgios Samaras is insisting that City remains the best place for him to learn his trade. Samaras has already drawn attention to himself on the international stage, leading to his Greek team-mate, Bolton’s Stelios Giannakopoulos, to claim that the young forward should be looking to develop his career elsewhere. However, Samaras has no regrets about joining the Blues. He told Sky Sports that “Of course I want to make a step forward in my career but this is going to come for me in the future – and only if I play consistently good football with City. I am very happy to play for Manchester City. I will keep working hard and I think that, through the success of City, I will go further.” These comments lead some journals to claim that Big George was using the Blues as a stepping stone to better things – others assumed he meant that he wanted to progress with City.

MATCH REPORT: MCFC RESERVES 1 LUFC RESERVES 0

A pleasant evening and a nominal turn-out for the first of three fixtures this week for those “saddos” who actively follow the reserves and Academy sides. The line up was pretty much make-do-and-mend given the forthcoming games, as can be seen below. We were missing the energy of players like Logan in defence. Perhaps one or two of the under-achieving first team squad could do with an airing for Wednesday night!

We started well, determined to get the upper hand in the game but the first real breakthrough fell to Leeds as Ian Moore shot wide of the goal. Within minutes, City were back and at them as BWP and Sibierski were pressing forward, BWP calling the Leeds ‘keeper into action.

Sibby was rewarded for his persistence on 25 minutes when, true to form, he leapt like a [insert fish of choice] as Willo Flood crossed the ball in and he headed home from close range. 1-0.

About 6 minutes later BWP, who seems to have reached a plateau of late, had a good chance as he shot over the bar. Sibby hadn’t given up though, and with both Croft and Miller providing some service down the flanks, he collected a cross from Croft on the right which he fired towards goal, Wilberforce blocked and Sibby couldn’t make the most of the rebound.

After the break, with City dominating, we again had a couple of chances with BWP and Sibby, but the usual poor finishing. Leeds somehow broke back and were awarded a couple of corners, with Weaver finally being called into action just over the hour mark to save from Einarson.

BWP was then knocked off his feet with a wild shot from Grimes who had just come on to replace Sibierski, and after a pause for treatment we were back at them again. The diminutive Miller ran down the left, and powered in a shot that again was saved, with Grimes then on the break as he almost made it 2-0.

The game petered out with a Leeds penalty claim, and in injury time Bakke was left looking sure to score but somehow nudged the ball wide.

A win, but a disappointing one when we could (and should) have got a few more goals. Poor finishing needs sorting out please, telling when the only player we look like scoring from is French Tony.

City: Weaver, Sommeil (Ward), M Mills, D’Laryea, Collins, Croft, Laird, Flood (Bennett), Miller, Wright-Phillips, Sibierski (Grimes)
Subs: Matthewson

Leeds United: Wilberforce, Gray, Harding, Bakke, Walton, Kilgallon (Hird), Griffiths, Einarsson, Moore, Howson (Ameobi), Pugh
Subs: Parker, McKeown, Bayly

MATCH VIEW ‘SKY’: LFC YOUTH 3 MCFC YOUTH 0

First of all, for all the c**p Sky get, it was a pleasure to be able to watch this game from my exile. I’m not going to do a match report, just some observations.

The boys in blue looked a little overawed in the first half of the first half, which was dominated by Liverpool. We let in a goal from a corner on, I think, 18 minutes. A cracking corner from a lad who was to feature more.

City came back into the game but the difference between the two sides was in the last third (jeez I sound like Andy Gray). Liverpool made great chances that the City ‘keeper Matthewson saved again and again. I missed the second goal as I had to leave the room.

We managed to see it through to half time with the scoreline 2-0. I was thinking “keep it alive boys, we still have the second leg.”

The second half opened brightly with the Liverpool goalie putting the ball out for a corner off the toes of Etuhu.

Then City took off. Whereas we had previously been losing every second ball, we were now winning it. For a period of about 15-20 minutes we battered them. Hit the post, off the line, ping pong in the goalmouth, but it would not go in.

The storm was weathered and Liverpool started to win second ball again, Cruelly against the run of play Liverpool scored another from a set play and once again it was delivered from the same player. Believe me this lad can cross as well as Beckham. I think his name is Barnett. Watch out for him. The Liverpool players were obviously well drilled on “He will put it there, attack it”, and he did time and again.

I felt sorry for the lads to have put in such a good second half performance to not only get nothing for their efforts, but to let in the third, which may have finished the tie. I always thought at two we had a real chance, but at three down, just a hope.

By the way, for those who know the players, who is the lazy b****r in midfield, I think it was No. 6, who loved going forward but loads of times let players run past him and couldn’t be bothered to chase them, expected the defence to do the job and then pick it up again?

Good luck for the second leg lads. As I already said, three may be a bit too much but I’ll be watching a week tomorrow on Sky. Well done for getting this far.

Come on you Blues.

OPINION: ASSESSMENT

I believe Stuart Pearce knows his own mind and is his own man, but he is also open to new ideas, always learning, and humble. He’s a leader of the highest calibre. He commands the greatest respect, and that is why he was captain of his country. My guess is that he understands what he wants and knows where he’s going. Perhaps, like Clough at Forest, his goal is to motivate and build a team along the same lines that ‘Big Ed’ did; where arguably he gradually created a successful winning outfit from talented individuals and ‘journeyman’ players – he didn’t simply go out and ‘buy’ it en masse. While many outside of Maine Road were surprised at Stuart getting the City job after Kevin left, I doubt that many immediately afterwards were questioning why.

Concerning individual players, maybe our manager would like to keep Barton and Distin. However, even if they are eventually sold (Arsenal/Newcastle, Marseille or whoever) because their hearts are not in it, Pearce would rather see them out (if so) and replace them with players whose hearts are really committed to our club and its future. I’m sure that there are alternatives to replace Distin (van Buyten is one example, who we are already familiar with) and we are in need of a creative attacking midfielder, although I’m aware that Joey offers us a little bit of bite in that department as well. If the money is right (and I believe our chairman is a talented businessman too) there will be opportunities to sell players at advantageous prices and bring new ones in that will improve the squad. It must be a fine line though dealing with (and motivating and keeping) players like Barton, and negotiating with your club captain in this day and age of highly paid ‘prima donna’ players and differing contractual agreements, where money can play such an important factor – unfortunately – in the game.

What we need most are players that believe in the future of our club, and wish to be a part of that, rather than the simple more extrinsic ‘bigger pay check’. SWP probably left for the promise of playing with a team that could more immediately win medals, but I wonder if he’s truly happier now considering that he is far from an automatic first choice at Chelsea and at times hasn’t even made the substitutes’ bench. What many much younger players might not realise (along with their advisors and agents) is that with a club like City they will not be marginalised, and can, under our very savvy young manager, find more real opportunities than possibly exist at any other Premiership club. I won’t name names, but my hopes are that the younger nucleus of players at our club will all sign up and commit for the longer term, and with new signings along the way Stuart will craft and hone a team that will be both entertaining to watch and competitive at the very highest levels – and why not?

Managing in such circumstances, and with limited means cannot be easy. I have absolutely no doubts though that Stuart Pearce is the right man for City, and I sincerely hope that he is managing the club for a very long time to come. I wouldn’t ever underestimate a character like Pearce. If the odds were attractive enough I’d back him to eventually become an England manager. People who are too quick to criticise and call for changes are probably unaware of how long change takes, and are not taking a realistic enough outlook of just what we do have that bodes well for the future. If any others still have their doubts about our manager, I’ll stand up right now and say that I have absolutely none.

Come on you Blues!

Ex-Maine Road exile in Atlanta; soon to be at Villa Park, Fulham, Arsenal, and Blackburn – and thanks to all who wrote to me about helping out with the away tickets!

OPINION: FIRM OR FICKLE?

How quickly opinions can change. Not more than 3 months ago we were banding Pearce around as our saviour, the best thing that’s happened to this club and now here people are criticising him for City’s recent slump. Let’s not forget that this is his first season in charge and there was no way, given the resources and depth of the squad at the moment, that our early season form was going to last until May. Yes, this season has been frustrating, but there are more positives than negatives to take from it – our first cup quarter final in over a decade, the emergence of a group of young players who seem to have the skill to keep their place in the first team, the promise of the Cole- Vassell partnership, the addition of Samaras, the removal of Fowler’s wages etc.

Any team can point to injury problems, results that nearly went their way etc, but given the relative lack of depth of our squad, and given the injuries that we have had, it has maybe hit us harder, and it’s therefore surely got to be credit to the squad that we are at 40 points and not languishing lower down the league. Let’s also not forget that the club and the squad has had to cope with the press coverage at the end of Jan/Feb regarding Barton’s transfer request and the constant speculation regarding the England job.

I’m not saying that this season has not been disappointing. It has. Clearly. However, if we can keep clubs away from our promising youngsters (Onouha, Richards, Ireland, Samaras) and some of the experienced heads (Distin, Dunne), get others focused back on the club (Barton) and if our manager isn’t nabbed by England then maybe it’s not all bad?

P.S. agree with Anthony, let’s have the black and red away kit back, squares or stripes I don’t mind but it’s better than the other things we’ve had of late.

OPINION: LIKE CLOCKWORK

The solution to City’s problems has been staring us in the face since 1967. I was watching the complete Trumpton, Chigley and Camberwick Green with my eldest daughter, Saxon, when it struck me: it is so clear now, we can do better.

Match Day Squad

Goalkeepers
Nick ‘the billposter’ Fisher: “You can’t put that here.” Nuff said or Chippy Minton: perfect hands around the woodwork.

Defenders
Windy Miller: solid and traditional so long as he lays off the cider.
Captain Flak (VC): with reason is known as ‘the fireman’; always there in an emergency.
Sgt Major Grout: you want “attack, attack, attack” bellowed up the field? Then he is your man. Mellowed as a professional from his younger days when he was known for shooting team mates who tried to retreat into the box in the face of the enemy.
Roger Varley: the best sweeper in the business, can be dirty at times.
Mr Platt: affectionately known as ‘the clockmaker.’ Perfectly timed tackles makes him a natural partner for Captain Flak.

Midfield
Mr Cresswell: ships quality all over the country.
Captain Snort (C): disciplined, ordered and with an intimidating moustache.
Mr Carraway: nothing fishy in his distribution.
Lord Belborough: fascinating and unique leg action keeps the opposition guessing. Master of the nutmeg. Often sanctioned for use of the elbows.

Forwards
Roger Dagenham: no one sells a dummy like Roger, fast and always scoring.
Farmer Bell: “efficiency, efficiency.” Link-ups with Mr Creswell are the stuff of legend.
Brackett: his long, slow, deliberate style is like a Fairy Swordfish flying too slow for the Bismarck’s AA guns, defenders just don’t know what to make of him.
Paddy Murphy: never fails to put the bun in the oven.

Manager
The Mayor of Trumpton: nice hat, wears his authority well, never fails to keep his park clean and prune the dead wood.

Coach
Dr Mopp: Appearances can be deceptive. Old school. Been known to threaten amputating limbs in the face of dire performances. Also known as ‘the enforcer.’

Regards to all. Thanks for MCIVTA! Looking to next season.

OPINION: FRENCH LESSONS

It can’t be the same one can it?

http://www.internetsportstravel.com/Antoine_Sibierski_soccer_camps.htm

OPINION: STINGY BLUES?

Message in reply to Andy Bird requesting the loan of a babies City top for photographic purposes.

Have you tried buying one, they sell them, you know!

OPINION: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Well the time has finaly arived and although i felt a bit remorseful I felt no guilt. The deed to which I am confessing to is the fact I have not renewed my season ticket. I first became a season ticket holder in 1974 but jacked in 10 years later due to work and family commitments. I have had this one for 16 years so it wasn’t an easy decision to make. In my time watching the Blues, I, like all other fans, have suffered highs and lows, very eventful times and wouldnt have missed any of it for all the tea in China. There are many reasons for my decision not to renew but the main reason is that I no longer get the buzz like I used to do; another reason is that at long last it has dawned on me that the club officalls are not at all interested in the views and opinions of the ordinary fan. Since I had money to spare for not renewing my ticket, I wrote to Alistar Mackintosh and Paul Tyrell and said if they sent me a signed Richard Dunne shirt I would send a £250 cheque to the youth Academy. Guess what: I didn’t even get a reply. Kick off times also played a part, as did the lack of athmosphere and the club’s refusal to listen and to act on fans’ suggestions. I will always support MCFC and continue to go to the games that suit me, plus I haven’t missed the pre-season tours in years; although they are usually pointless and expensive, I for some reason look forward to them and enjoy them. There are other reasons I no longer get the buzz that I used to but I won’t bore you with the details as other contributors have aired similar views in the past, but one thing I won’t do is splash out £20 for a CityCard. I still find that out of order; with the crowds continuing to dwindle and many fans not renewing, maybe just maybe the club will start listening to the fans, but don’t hold your breath.

REQUEST: WEST HAM TICKET AVAILABLE

I might have a spare ticket for the West Ham game. I’ll know by Friday afternoon if it’s spare. Please e-mail me at address below or call my mobile 07711 58 58 61.

REQUEST: GOATER’S LAST STAND

I’m a Blue who works as a journalist for the BBC Sport website, and I’m speaking to Shaun Goater in the next few days about the City fans who are coming to watch his final game before he retires next month.

I’m hoping to track down one of the 150 (there could be more!) City fans who have been given a small section of Roots Hall for Southend’s game against Bristol City.

If anyone on MCIVTA is going and willing to drop me a few lines by email to tell me why – or knows someone who is – they can do so at the address below?

I think it’s quite rare for something like this to happen – I’m sure a few Blues must have dropped in to see Kinky warming the bench in Amsterdam a few years ago but that was a bit different.

The feature will be about other players who have inspired the same sort of affection that the Goat does, and why. So if you know of any – City or further afield – please drop me a line.

REQUEST: ONTARIO BLUES

I moved out to Ontario 18 months ago and am desperately seeking fellow Blues to meet up with to watch the games on TV, and catch up with what’s going on.

Look forward to hearing from you.

REQUEST: CSA ANNUAL DINNER

The Centenary Supporters’ Association are proud to announce that Stuart Pearce will be their Guest of Honour at the CSA Gala Dinner in the Citizens Suite, City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday 6th May 2006. Proceeds raised are in aid of City in The Community (CITC).

Guest speaker will be John Gwynn, MC James H. Reeve, Comedian Wayne “Check” Allen and Former Players will also be attending.

Tickets are priced at just £30.00 and are available from branch secretaries or via Howard Burr on 0161 292 2525 or by e-mail at the address below.

RESULTS

12 April 2006

Portsmouth            1 - 1  Arsenal               20,230

League table to 12 April 2006 inclusive

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F   A   GD Pts
 1 Chelsea         33 16  1  0 41  9 10  3  3 23 11 26  4  3  64  20  44  82
 2 Manchester Utd  33 12  3  1 33  8 11  3  3 33 22 23  6  4  66  30  36  75
 3 Liverpool       34 14  3  1 29  7  7  4  5 19 15 21  7  6  48  22  26  70
 4 Tottenham H.    33 11  5  1 29 14  5  5  6 19 19 16 10  7  48  33  15  58
 5 Arsenal         33 12  2  2 40  9  4  4  9 14 17 16  6 11  54  26  28  54
 6 Blackburn R.    33 11  3  2 28 16  5  3  9 17 23 16  6 11  45  39   6  54
 7 Bolton Wndrs    32  9  4  2 23  9  4  5  8 20 27 13  9 10  43  36   7  48
 8 Wigan Athletic  33  6  3  8 20 22  8  3  5 18 18 14  6 13  38  40  -2  48
 9 West Ham United 33  7  3  6 26 22  6  4  7 21 28 13  7 13  47  50  -3  46
10 Newcastle Utd   33  8  5  3 21 14  5  1 11 15 26 13  6 14  36  40  -4  45
11 Everton         33  8  2  6 20 19  5  4  8 11 24 13  6 14  31  43 -12  45
12 Charlton Ath.   33  7  4  6 20 18  5  4  7 17 24 12  8 13  37  42  -5  44
13 Manchester City 33  9  2  6 24 15  3  2 11 16 25 12  4 17  40  40   0  40
14 Middlesbrough   32  6  5  6 26 29  5  2  8 19 25 11  7 14  45  54  -9  40
15 Fulham          34 10  2  4 27 20  1  4 13 15 34 11  6 17  42  54 -12  39
16 Aston Villa     33  4  6  6 15 17  4  6  7 19 29  8 12 13  34  46 -12  36
17 Birmingham City 33  5  4  8 17 19  2  4 10  8 26  7  8 18  25  45 -20  29
18 Portsmouth      33  3  7  6 13 20  4  1 12 17 35  7  8 18  30  55 -25  29
19 West Brom A.    33  6  1 10 21 23  1  6  9  7 26  7  7 19  28  49 -21  28
20 Sunderland      33  0  4 13  9 30  2  1 13 12 28  2  5 26  21  58 -37  11

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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: