Newsletter #1294

City battled through to the fourth round of the FA Cup in a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday. If one or two had finished their golden opportunities in front of goal properly (and talking of which, why does Vass get himself caught offside so much?), we could have cruised through but the important thing is that we’re there and now face Southampton on Sunday 28 January at home.

Pleasing news this week when Barton publicly declared his commitment to City (and allegedly dumped everyone’s favourite agent), followed by Richards’ declaration that he wanted to stay too. Talk is easy, let’s hope that these two really do prove their commitment.

We have news on the latest triallists and rumoured signings from Don tonight as well as all things City, opinion on the recent performances, standing and SWP.

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

Takeover Tosh: It seems that all that takeover talk has come to nought. On Tuesday, the Sun reported that City had rejected a takeover offer of only £10 million from the mystery consortium that was in talks with the club for over a month. When you hear that Leicester City are about to be sold for £25 million, you can understand why this offer’s been refused. At least it gave Mr Wardle a chance to present an interesting news item at the AGM recently…

Causing a Sturr: Let’s not get too gloomy. It was a good Wednesday night for returning crocks this week, as City’s Reserves beat Bolton 4-1 in the Manchester Senior Cup. Daniel Sturridge, who has only recently returned from injury, struck a hat-trick. He scored his first two goals of the evening within the first twelve minutes. Bolton pulled a goal back on 70 minutes when Leslie Thompson fired a cross from substitute Kevin Wolze past Andreas Isaksson in the City goal. Any faint hopes of a comeback where short-lived however, as Michael Johnson fired home a killer third. The boy Sturridge then completed his hat-trick on 78 minutes with a cracking finish. A strong looking City also started with elderly crocks Sun Jihai and Didi Hamann in the side. Sun played until half time, while Hamann showed no ill effects and managed 75 minutes. And City’s latest signing, Djamel Abdoun, played the full ninety minutes. Team: Andreas Isakson, Sun Jihai (Shaleum Logan), Sam Williamson (Ched Evans), Nathan D’Laryea, Matthew Mills, Didi Hamann (Ashley Grimes), Djamel Abdoun, Michael Johnson, Ishmael Miller, Daniel Sturridge, Marc Laird.

Young International Blues News: Michael Johnson has been called up to the England Under 19 squad for their friendly international against Poland next month. The game takes place at Bournemouth’s ground on Tuesday February 6.

Valentine’s Day Massacre? City have announced another change to the first team fixtures. We now face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday February 14, 2007, kick off 7.45pm. Be warned, this might change again, as this new date is subject to neither club being involved in an FA Cup Fourth Round replay.

Truly, Madly, Deeply, Corradi: I always knew that Bernardo Corradi must be good at something! I’m grateful to Mrs News Editor for spotting this gem in last Sunday’s Observer. “Bucking the Trend – Model Elena Santarelli says she’s ‘deeply allured’ by Man. City’s Bernardo Corradi. ‘Corradi has me,’ she tells magazine Chi. ‘I’ve never met a man quite like him. He’s sweet, well educated and knows how to treat a lady right. And heaven knows, that’s not so usual for a footballer.'” He certainly doesn’t carry this caring, alluring side of hid nature onto the pitch, as the same paper reveals elsewhere that Big Bad Bernie lies third in its “Bad Boys” table – it’s based on the number of fouls and yellow or red cards a player has accumulated this term. Corradi sits proudly in that league behind Kevin Davies and Robbie Savage, no less. And thanks also to Vanes Marzaroli for supplying the link to the Italian website that carried this story. http://www.repubblica.it/2006/08/gallerie/gente/santarelli-corradi/1.html. Please note, this is for use to brush up your Italian language skills, and not to check out the pictures of the lady in question, cappice?

Little Willie Special

Clause for Concern: In the world of City news, the most column inches this week have undoubtedly been written about the future of Joey Barton. Yet again, as the transfer window opens, Barton is linked with another club. Under an ‘Exclusive’ banner, the Daily Mirror reported that Everton boss David Moyes had bid £5.5 million for Barton. Later in the day, City stated that their Number 8 was not for sale, and Moyes backed this up on the Everton website: “I can confirm that we have made an enquiry for Joey Barton. However, Manchester City made it clear he was not for sale and we respect the wishes of the club and Stuart Pearce.” Now that figure of £5.5 million is significant, as agent Willie McKay couldn’t wait to reveal. “There is a clause in his contract that he can leave for that sum. Joey should be made aware of the offer and asked if he wants to speak to them,” McKay said. “The clause in Joey Barton’s contract is a Joey Barton clause, not a Manchester City clause. He is not desperate to leave City but there is a clause that can be activated if he so wishes.” This prompted a terse response from club spokesman Paul Tyrell: “We never talk about the private details in players’ contracts, although clearly Mr McKay does.”

‘Oo Are Yer? There was quite a reaction to McKay’s utterances both before and after the midweek FA Cup match with Sheffield Wednesday. Stuart Pearce said: “I’m not sure, if you check with the FA, whether he is Joey’s agent. All I know is that, when I was a player, I dealt with an agent and I directed him as to where I wanted to go. I would say, ‘That’s where I’m going, now go and sort it out.’ I don’t think Joey ever had an eye on doing anything else. All he has done is get frustrated by speculation about his situation.” After the match, Barton commented on Sky Sports that: “I do not want to leave this club. We play good football here. I am happy and we are going in the right direction. People are trying to unsettle me but things are moving forward at City and I have a manager who believes in me. I am very settled.” Asked if he wanted to speak to any other club, Barton added: “No. I’m happy, I’m playing good football and the team is going forward. I’ve got a manager who believes in me and a football club who I am proud to play for and I am totally settled at this football club at this present time.” SP was not surprised by Barton’s declaration of being happy to stay at the club. “I don’t think he has ever had an eye on doing anything else,” said Pearce. “His form is exceptionally good this season. I thought he was outstanding tonight.”

Willie Chopped: And today sees another twist in the tale. The tabloids are reporting that Barton severed his ties with McKay. According to the Sun, Barton had rung agent McKay to tell him to stop ’embarrassing’ him with public statements about his situation and that he was settled at City. It’s alleged that the player is considering moving agents to London-based First Artists.

Me Neither: One pleasant side effect for the club of this spat saw Micah Richards declaring that his immediate future lies with Stuart Pearce, and not with Chelsea. “I’m very happy at City,” Richards insisted. “The club gave me my chance to prove myself in the Premiership, the manager has shown great belief in me, and I am very settled here. Some people have said you need to move to a so-called big club to get into the England squad, but I’ve proved that you don’t. Why would I want to leave when my career is going so well?” Asked for his opinion on Barton’s declaration of intent, Richards said – “It was great to hear about Joey. He has also been at the club since a young age and it’s great that he has committed his future to City. He has come through the Academy and shown all the young lads here that it can be done but, to be honest, Joey’s decision to stay has nothing to do with me deciding to stay. I want to stay at Manchester City, regardless. I have been at the club since I was 14. Hopefully I will be there for years to come.”

Transfer News and Gossip

Coco No Go: On Monday the club website announced that City had taken former Italian international defender Francesco Coco on a week’s trial. Coco is currently an Inter Milan player, but he was more famous for playing for Inter’s rivals across the town. So a potential replacement for Ben Thatcher perhaps? Well no, actually. Two days after arriving, Coco was gone. Here’s the official line from the club: “He had a couple of days with us but we did not want to waste his time, because I know he was trying to get a club sorted out after being out of the picture at Inter,” said SP. “We did not feel as if it was right, but we wish him all the best and if anyone phones me I’ll give him a glowing report, but I did not feel as though he was right for the club.” I’m grateful once again to Vanes, who gives his own insightful opinion on the player. “I honestly hope Pearce isn’t going to sign Coco. He might have been a good player, but in my opinion he’s well past his best days and he would just be a waste of money (he had serious back and knee injuries, although he swears he’s fit again and he thinks Inter should have given him a chance this season). In Italy he’s more known for being a playboy rather than a footballer, he has more appearances in glossy magazines than team sheets. Maybe he and Corradi are best friends, who knows…”

Kepa Keeping On: Monday’s Evening News featured a great action photo of Psycho zooming away from Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Saturday, on the back of a motor bike. The paper said he was off to catch a flight to Europe, in search of a mystery striker. The paper thought that his prime target was Spanish striker Kepa Blanco Gonzalez from Sevilla. The striker has a good scoring record for the UEFA Cup holders but has fallen down the pecking order with Sevilla after they signed Alexander Kerzhakov from Zenit St Petersburg in a £3.5 million deal. The M.E.N. reported that the deal for Gonzalez would be similar to the one that brought Albert Riera to City from Spain last season – a loan agreement till the end of the season, with a view to a permanent deal thereafter. As the week progressed, however, competition from other clubs emerged. Charlton, desperate for goals in their attempts to avoid relegation, were said to be hopeful of securing the player’s services (again on loan), and his agent then said that West Ham and City were the favourites to land the striker. “Sevilla is evaluating two offers from West Ham and Manchester City for Kepa,” said agent Alvaro Torres. “Both offers are six-month loan deals. The club should make a decision later today.” That was two ago, dear reader, and all remains quiet on this front.

Can You See the Dosh, Fernando? If City were to miss out on Gonzalez, fret ye not. There are plenty of striking options under consideration, if the press are to be believed. For instance. City have reportedly joined the chase for Spartak Moscow striker Fernando Cavenaghi. The Argentinian hit-man has been linked with a range of clubs during the January transfer window, and now reports in Russia claim that the 23-year-old has caught SP’s eye. Cavenaghi is believed to be ready to quit Spartak after failing to acclimatise to life in Russia, with a record of just 17 goals in 63 games testament to his struggles – wow, a veritable goal machine, you might say. To be fair, he was better at former club River Plate, where he bagged 55 goals from 84 games. No one mention Mattias Vuoso, please. On the domestic front, City, along with a host of Premiership clubs, are following Burnley centre-forward Kyle Lafferty. Northern Ireland head coach Lawrie Sanchez has recently singled Lafferty out as one for the future. He said: “Kyle has got a lot going for him, he’s one of a rare breed with a physical presence. He’s a big lad and we don’t have too many of them.” Or, City are eyeing QPR striker Dexter Blackstock. It’s reported that SP had an offer for the ex-Southampton forward turned down in recent weeks.

Deal Not Weight: It sounds like SP has ruled out bringing Shaun Wright-Phillips back to the COMS. Earlier in the week, Pearce was still making optimistic noises about a deal. “I certainly would not rule that out,” he said. “You never know what might happen. Somewhere near the end of the window Chelsea might want to do a deal.” A few days later, however, Pearce said he’d virtually given up on a Sweep swoop. “We have been quoted a price that is a million miles away from our budget. That is the end of it really. They do not want to loan the likes of Shaun or, I am sure, the rest of their players. If there were any deals to be done then it comes down to straight finance, if they want to sell the boy.”

Ex-Blues’ News

A Sib-Stantial Deal: Antoine Sibierski is to be rewarded with a 12-month contract extension at Newcastle United after impressing manager Glenn Roeder. The Frenchman, a free transfer arrival from City on transfer deadline day in the Autumn, has chipped in with six goals this season (who’d have thought he was that prolific?) to help out in one of Newcastle’s most problematic areas. “In my opinion Antoine has turned out to be one of the best free transfers of the season,” Roeder told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle. “I will be speaking to the chairman about giving him another season, and we know we also have to discuss the contracts of Titus Bramble, Nobby Solano and Craig Moore.”

Reactions and Comments

A Blank Smile: It’s not often that a nought-nought brings a contented smile to the face of City fans, but after losing the four previous league games to Bolton, a point at the Reebok did very nicely, thank you. In fact City were unlucky not to take maximum points against a below-par Bolton side. The defences dominated the first half, although City enjoyed two chances to break the deadlock, both of them falling to Bernardo Corradi. The Italian missed a one-on-one with Jussi Jaaskelainen, firing the ball wide, before hammering a volley over the bar from 10 yards out after good work down the flank by Trevor Sinclair. City continued to look the more likely goalscorers after the break, and there followed a contender for “Miss of the Season”. Darius Vassell worked himself room on the wing and squared the ball for Corradi who missed the ball completely inside the area. Joey Barton followed up but managed to scuff the ball wide with the goal begging, from approx. two yards out. In the absence of jet-setting Psycho, Steve Wigley gave the press the benefit of his aftermatch insights. Of the Barton miss, he said: “Joey was unfortunate – it bobbled up for him at the last moment. We could have won in the end but before the game we would have taken a point and we are delighted. It is not often you come to Bolton and your ‘keeper has only one save to make but our back five were brilliant.” Joey was also yellow carded in the game, so misses Blackburn’s visit to the COMS next Saturday tea-time. “That’s the one disappointing thing of the game, but that happens and we’ll move on,” Wigley said.

Thoughts of a #2: Wigley is pleased at the steely resolve being shown now by his players. He said: “Five games ago people were writing us off and we knew we had to dig in. We needed a bit of confidence because we couldn’t win away from home. Then we won at Aston Villa and all of a sudden we were picking up points on the road. What was killing us was winning our home games then losing the following week. You can see on the training ground that confidence is growing by the week. We had to look to become a little bit tougher, which is exactly what we have done. Five weeks ago we lost 2-0 to Bolton and we feel we have made progress over that period. Nicky Weaver hardly had a shot to save and we felt we could go on and win the game. The back three have been outstanding for the last five or six games and they have shown a lot of flexibility. We had to make sure we got in the game early today and did not do anything silly. We changed how we played and went to a back three. We have been very resilient over the last five games and we always felt today we had the personnel to deal with what they had to offer.”

Under Par: Bolton manager Sam Allardyce said that: “It was a disappointing day but not so long ago this was a game that we would have lost. At least we came away with a clean sheet and a point. That is an indication of what we can do here. But all of the front three were kept too quiet for my liking. When they are on a roll nobody can stop us but we didn’t really get any of them going.” Allardyce added that “Joey Barton got the only real chance of the game today on the far post and we got away with it. It was a negative performance but we got a result. When all three of them are on a roll nobody can stop us but we didn’t really get any of them going today. But I think the indication of what we are going to do is coming off a below-par performance and still getting a result. It wasn’t the best of games but we had a better effort in the second half.”

Wednesday on a Tuesday: On Tuesday night at the COMS, City had to dig deep to see off a battling Sheffield Wednesday side in their FA Cup third round replay. Stephen Ireland slotted home after good work by Joey Barton to put City ahead just before half time, but soon after the break Lee Bullen levelled with a flicked header from Chris Brunt’s free-kick. Darius Vassell had three (count ’em, three) one-on-one’s with ancient goalie Mark Crossley, but couldn’t score. Instead, Vass decided to strike with his toughest chance of the night, firing home a ferocious winner. City play another Championship team, Southampton, at home in the Fourth Round. A relieved SP said, “It was a very open game. There wasn’t much between the two sides. We are delighted to be through to the next round. Darius has won the tie and deserved a goal for his hard work.” Of the three misses prior to his winner, Pearce said, “He has the power and the pace to get into those positions and he will get there in the end,” defended Pearce, “But one-on-ones are not easy.” TV gave their Man-of-the-Match award to Joey Barton – “I thought he was outstanding with his energy, his drive. He has created the first goal for us. He is playing extremely well and I mentioned England before Christmas. He is getting better and better. Joey knows full well he has the backing of a manager that holds him in high esteem,” he added.

Laws Abiding by Result: Wednesday manager Brian Laws took the defeat with good grace. He said: “It was fantastic to watch, particularly the second half, which was end to end. The excitement of the FA Cup still remains, that is clear. Of course I am disappointed we have not gone through but if I am going to lose to anyone I don’t mind losing to Stuart Pearce. The difference between the Championship and the Premiership is you have to be clinical in front of goal – and it was that way tonight. We went at them in the opening minutes of the second half, got the goal and opened the game right up. We’re disappointed, obviously, but I could not have asked for any more. I think we’ve won a few friends on this cup run. It gives the lads a taste of what’s to come if we ever get to the Premiership and this is the challenge, to try to achieve it. We’ll certainly have a real go at reaching the play-offs. I said that just then to the lads – let’s take that into our league performances.”

Fourth Time Lucky: Darius Vassell was pleased to strike the match winner. “We have been on a decent run in the last few games, everyone’s pulling their weight, not just me, but I was delighted to get the goal because it’s been a while. Mark Crossley made some great saves and people might have thought I was never going to score! I just tried to keep hitting the target, keep having a go and luckily it worked out for me. I could have had more, but the main thing is that we are through.” He added: “The Manager told us before the first game at Hillsborough that we only have to win five or six games to get to the final. It will be difficult, but it’s definitely do-able.”

Squad News

Schmeichel’s Bairns Bound: Falkirk have signed Kasper Schmeichel on loan until the end of the season. The 20-year-old, who has had loan spells at Darlington and Bury, was effectively fourth-choice ‘keeper at City and SP is keen to secure the youngster more first-team experience. He said: “Sending young players out on loan is an experience you cannot replicate on the training ground or in a reserve game. To play matches in the Scottish Premier League is a fantastic opportunity for him. I have sent a well-balanced young man out, who has shown to me on the training pitch he is improving every day. He is ready to go out on loan now when probably last season we felt League Two was his standard. He handled that comfortably and we believe this latest loan move is a step up the ladder. The way Falkirk have looked after their loan players has impressed us and I have a connection with their coach Brian Rice, dating back to our playing days.” And Smikes junior got off to the best possible start last Saturday with a clean sheet, as Falkirk beat Dunfermline Athletic 1-0.

Not Toe-ing the Line: City have been hit with the news that goal-free striker Paul Dickov will be out for at least eight weeks with a broken toe. Dickov has been troubled by the injury for some time and SP said that he feared that an operation was needed to sort out the problem. Pearce told the club’s official website: “Paul has a problem with his toe to do with what appears to be a floating bone. He is seeing a specialist next week and there is a possibility he may need an operation. The one thing we know with Paul is that if he has to be out for any length of time he will be desperate to get back, which is good for us.”

Little Ron: City new boy Djamel Abdoun is determined to earn himself a permanent deal. SP has pinpointed the 20-year-old as a player for the long term, rather than someone who will aid the club’s push for European football this season. Pearce said: “He plays wide on the right and is probably one for the future rather than the here and now” – but this doesn’t stop Djamel wanting to make a good impression. “Manchester have signed me, so it is up to me to pay them back for their confidence,” Abdoun told Football365.fr. “I have to prove my worth in order to make them sign me, I want to be a Manchester player. Since they followed me, I have been watching their performances. I have seen their good results and that they trust youngsters. A number of clubs were interested in me, but I love English football, its speed. Lazio wanted me, Nantes in France.” Abdoun was asked to describe his playing style, and rather alarmingly he said: “I am Cristiano Ronaldo’s little brother: I like to dribble, provoke, I am always on the move,” Abdoun continued (so does that make him Ronaldinho?). “Ronaldo isn’t my only example, I also copy Franck Ribery and Ronaldinho.” So does that make him Ronaldinho-inho? “When I watch those players, I progress. I have to work on the physical aspect, I come to develop my strength in order to be a complete player.”

OPINION: RECENT PERFORMANCES

Having a good week, first there was the draw at Bolton, could have won but before the game most City fans would be pleased with one point!

Then Wednesday time (please note all times are 13 hours ahead as in New Zealand) I watched the FA Cup game against Wednesday, good second half, could have been 5-3 for City, main thing – in the 4th round.

As SP says, still plenty to improve but still unbeaten – losing count here how many games, been a long time coming.

Then Thursday morning read City have signed 2 players – well as good as, good old (guess not that old) Micah Richards and Joey Barton (sorry to say I was one of those City fans who wanted him out last year) have both said they want to stay at City – well until summer.

Having been in NZ for almost 25 years now, left after the FA Cup final games against Spurs (all those years ago) – always think I will return for a Cup final (having been to 1969 FA and all the Leauge Cup finals in 70’s) but where can I get a ticket? So let me be the first fan from overseas to ask help for a final ticket – City FA Cup winners 2007! Please remember me when I ask after the semi win!

Also I can see 3 City players in the England squad by summer time: Richards, Barton, and Weaver.

Let’s see if my week will finish on a high as Sunday morning’s game against Blackburn is on Sky over here – 3-1 to City!

OPINION: WEDNESDAY

Good to progress through to the next FA Cup round, against a hard-working Sheffield Wednesday side. Vassell’s goal was a gem – but Corradi, standing 4 or 5 yards just off their ‘keeper, was in an offside position when the ball was hit.

This is and always has been, for me, simply the very best football competition around. We’re not consistent and good enough win it – but, for the FA Cup, it’s worth having a damn good try.

If luck comes SP’s way, you just never know – the question is: how much do the players want it? Not as much as the fans, that’s for sure.

We still need a striker – Stuart must do the business this month!

OPINION: SWP SWAP I

Peter Godkin was spot on in his opinion on the possible return of Shaun Wright Philips, no one should forget the way he left the club who idolised him, he was so quick to leave he could not even be bothered to give a press conference to thank all the City staff that had developed his talent.

If a player makes a choice that he feels will better his career, then the majority of people will understand, and wish him well, but to offer open arms to a player who never publicly said thank you would mean lowering ourselves, and Man City supporters are bigger than that.

He left us when everything was going well in his football life, now it isn’t is down to him and his advisors, so please for the sake of being above deceit, let us move on and leave him to regret his decision.

OPINION: SWP SWAP II

Well, it seems that the club were on the same wavelength as me, announcing today that the plan to re-sign Shaun Wright-Phillips failed as the two clubs’ valuations were a million miles apart. We now need to “invest” the amount we would have spent on SWP on another truly well known proven fit under 28-year-old player (or two), who could stay at the club for 5 to 7 years. Another suggestion that the club should give serious consideration to is to do something revolutionary with season ticket pricing for next year, and away match prices.

Instead of having 20,000 (or less?) adults paying £500 (£10 million revenue), why not try a 2 for £600, working out at around £15 a game per adult, and £100 for juniors and senior concessions (along the £5 a game theme that is working well this year?). Any shortfall will be covered by the extra £20 million revenue from Sky. It would mean less effort every home game getting people into the stadium, happier fans who think they are being appreciated by the club again, and hopefully a better atmosphere. Another idea would be then to agree with other Premiership clubs a reciprocated fair price for away fans, with a maximum £20 set for an adult, and £5 or £10 for children and senior citizens. I don’t believe the “holding prices at last season’s prices if you sign before March” one will work this year, certainly not on me.

Do something radical City, and show the City fans you care.

OPINION: SWP SWAP III

I totally agree with Peter Godkin regarding SWP (MCIVTA 1293). Shaun was on the verge of becoming my favourite City player of all time (I’ve been going since 1978). However, the manner in which he left City i.e. jumped on the 1st train to Chelsea without a backward glance, sickened me. After all it was City who picked him up from the football scrapheap when he was turfed out by Nottingham Forest and turned him into the player he is. He should have made it known that he was grateful for all the support from City and the fans who made him a terrace hero and a millionaire to boot. Maybe the reason he didn’t was because he didn’t care. Although there is no doubt that re-signing him (as unlikely as it maybe) would improve the team, but I for one wouldn’t welcome him back.

OPINION: ERNIE’S STANCE I

Ernie for the first time I have to disagree with you!

Your stance on standing? Frankly the supporters in the South Stand create what little atmosphere we have simply ’cause we stand and sing! I, for one, intend to remain opposed to enforced seating and also support an area for my like minded Luddite comrades to stand and sing. Luddites unite and fight! It was ok for “Old Kippax” for how many years? It’s ok now!

Look at the atmosphere at our away games. No one sits! That’s why! We are the South Stand!

OPINION: ERNIE’S STANCE II

In response to Ernie’s comment on MCVITA.

I don’t recall saying anything about standing being clever. It is simply about choice. You don’t want to stand up – fine, remain in your seat. Many fans do want to stand up, so why can’t we?

You don’t stand up at the cinema because the film is pre-determined. You, as a member of the audience cannot get involved with the film and hopefully influence its outcome.

As for the theatre, well actually you do stand up if you go to the Globe in London where it is standing only and have you ever watched ‘Last Night At The Proms’? And at church they say ‘stand up and sing hymn number 34’

As I said, it’s all about choice – or should be. No one will be forced to stand up if the campaign is successful, unlike at the moment where we are forced to sit down.

OPINION: ERNIE’S STANCE III

In response to Ernie Whalley, what the cinema, theatre and circus all have in common is that they are forms of entertainment where you sit back, relax and expect to be entertained. Football historically is different – you get involved in the match, support your team and can actually influence what happens on the pitch. A better comparison would be a music gig where standing is still (thankfully) commonplace, enabling people to sing, dance, move around, show their appreciation and be part of the event. I look forward to the day when people can once again enjoy themselves properly at a football match, and urge everyone to support the safe standing campaign (as I have).

P.S. Thanks Heidi & the team for all your efforts in running MCIVTA – I hope it continues to keep me in touch with the club for many years to come.

OPINION: ERNIE’S STANCE IV

Ernie Whally – What next, prawn sandwiches? How can you liken football with the cinema, circus and theatre? Football grounds are sporting arenas like rugby grounds where people can stand. People should have the choice if to stand or not.

OPINION: ALL SING TOGETHER

I was talking to a Newcastle fan the other day who expressed his surprise at the lack of singing at the COMS. This got me thinking to the great days singing in the Kippax. When they pulled down the stand, 90% of the singers moved to the North Stand (carve up number 1) then some of them moved back to the new stand but spread over 2 levels (carve ups 2 and 3).

Now we move to the COMS and spread the North stand crowd over 2 levels (carve ups 4 and 5) then spread the Kippax lot over 3 levels (carve up number 6). It would be good to have 1 end of the stadium designated to our singers and offer everyone the chance to move to the area.

RESULTS

14 January 2007

Everton               1 - 1  Reading               34,722
Tottenham Hotspur     2 - 3  Newcastle United      35,942

League table to 17 January 2007 inclusive

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F   A   GD Pts
 1 Manchester Utd  23 10  1  1 29  8  8  2  1 23  8 18  3  2  52  16  36  57
 2 Chelsea         23  8  4  0 24  8  7  2  2 17  9 15  6  2  41  17  24  51
 3 Liverpool       23  9  2  0 23  3  4  2  6 12 13 13  4  6  35  16  19  43
 4 Arsenal         23  6  5  0 28  8  6  1  5 15 11 12  6  5  43  19  24  42
 5 Bolton Wndrs    23  7  2  3 17 10  5  2  4 10 11 12  4  7  27  21   6  40
 6 Portsmouth      23  7  3  1 20  8  3  4  5 14 15 10  7  6  34  23  11  37
 7 Everton         23  6  4  2 19  9  2  4  5 10 14  8  8  7  29  23   6  32
 8 Tottenham H.    23  8  1  3 21 12  1  4  6  7 19  9  5  9  28  31  -3  32
 9 Reading         23  6  1  4 18 13  3  3  6 13 18  9  4 10  31  31   0  31
10 Manchester City 23  5  4  2 10  6  3  2  7  9 19  8  6  9  19  25  -6  30
11 Newcastle Utd   23  5  3  3 16 13  3  2  7 10 17  8  5 10  26  30  -4  29
12 Blackburn R.    22  5  2  5 14 15  3  2  5 10 16  8  4 10  24  31  -7  28
13 Fulham          23  5  3  3  9  8  1  7  4 16 27  6 10  7  25  35 -10  28
14 Middlesbrough   23  6  2  3 13 11  1  4  7 11 17  7  6 10  24  28  -4  27
15 Aston Villa     23  4  4  3 12 11  1  7  4 12 17  5 11  7  24  28  -4  26
16 Sheff. United   23  3  5  4 13 15  3  1  7  5 15  6  6 11  18  30 -12  24
17 Wigan Athletic  22  3  2  6 12 18  3  2  6 11 18  6  4 12  23  36 -13  22
18 West Ham United 23  5  2  5 13 14  0  2  9  2 22  5  4 14  15  36 -21  19
19 Charlton Ath.   23  4  3  5 11 16  0  1 10  7 27  4  4 15  18  43 -25  16
20 Watford         21  1  5  4  8 12  0  4  7  4 17  1  9 11  12  29 -17  12

MCIVTA FAQ [v0607.01]

[1] MCIVTA Addresses

Articles (Heidi Pickup)          : editor@mcivta.city-fan.org
News/rumour (Don Barrie)         : news@mcivta.city-fan.org
Subscriptions (Madeleine Hawkins): subscriptions@mcivta.city-fan.org
Technical problems (Paul)        : paul@city-fan.org
FAQ (David Warburton)            : faq@mcivta.city-fan.org

[2] What are MCIVTA’s publishing deadlines?

Deadlines for issues are nominally 6pm, Monday and Thursday evenings bu email. Unfortunately we cannot accept email attachments.

[3] MCIVTA Back Issues and Manchester City Supporters’ home page

http://www.uit.no/mancity/ is the unofficial Manchester City Supporters’ home page. Created in 1994, it is the longest running of the Manchester City related web sites. Back issues of MCIVTA are also hosted on the site.

[4] What is the club’s official web site?

The official club web site can be found at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/

[5] What supporters’ clubs are there?

Manchester City FC recognises three supporters’ clubs: The “Official Supporters Club” (http://www.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 Radio Manchester (née GMR) pre and post match phone-in is available on the web at http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/sport/manchester_city/index.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://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer, 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 Plus Markets Group web site http://www.plusmarketsgroup.com/ 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] I hear there is a TV programme specifically about City?

InsideMCFC is broadcasted by ChannelM. It is available on the SkyDigital (ch.203) and NTL (ch.26) platforms as well as being transmittedtraditionally within the Manchester area (ch.39). In addition, theprogramme is available to watch via the web. More details and schedule:http://www.channelm.co.uk/features/city.html

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: