Newsletter #1434

Tonight we have Don’s news, more debate on Thaksin/Sven/Manager’s position, a new book called ‘Century City’ and an update on Gam£ 39.

Heidi’s back next week from her hols, so you can keep your articles coming to the same address of <editor(at)mcivta.city-fan.org>.

NEWS SUMMARY

“Where in the World is City’s Next Manager” News

No Comment: It’s at least six weeks since the speculation began on Sven’s future, and still we’re in this strange limbo of not knowing who will be in charge of the team when season 08-09 starts. Coming back from a less than successful tour of Thailand and Hong Kong (two 3-1 defeats), it got boring hearing Sven utter “no comment” whenever he was asked by reporters to clarify his future. He did imply that if Thaksin gives him the chop, that he wouldn’t be out of the game for long. “I’ve been in management since I was 27,” he said. “Unfortunately, I had one year off after I left the England job and it was the worst year I have ever had in my life, so it will be very difficult to keep me out of football, I promise you.” Mind you, he’s ready for a summer break. “It has been a very, very long season for all of us, especially for a lot of young players and a lot of new players in the Premier League,” he added. “I think everybody looks forward to a break now.”

Where To, Sven? So where will the 60-year-old head off to, with a huge bag of Thai baht over his shoulder? One place it won’t be is Lisbon – Benfica have ended their interest in Eriksson and named Spaniard Quique Sanchez Flores as their coach for next season. Flores, 43, was sacked by Valencia in October. Flores takes over from compatriot Jose Antonio Camacho, who resigned in March following a run of poor results. The rumour linking S-GE with the Mexican coach’s job won’t go away, however. Sven’s American agent believes he’ll accept an offer from the Mexican FA to coach the national side. Juan Carlos Padilla claims that the Swede has already agreed terms on a two-year deal to lead Mexico to the 2010 World Cup. “We already know what the Mexican FA are looking for – we’ll accept their terms if they call us again,” Padilla told Mexican newspaper La Jornada. “If the Mexican FA decide to take him, he will be their coach and the Mexican national team will be his number one choice. It’s a contract up to and including the next World Cup, after that we’ll see what happens. But for the moment it’s a two-year contract.” Padilla rubbished suggestions that Eriksson would have trouble adapting to life in Central America. “Eriksson speaks five languages. He speaks Portuguese, Italian, English, Swedish and German,” he said. “So if you take Portuguese and Italian, put them together and exert a bit of effort, you can speak Spanish in two months. So there’ll be no language barrier.” Another over-excited report suggest Eriksson was open to a return to Serie A, after he allegedly said: “Italian football is still the best,” and that he’d return to Italy if asked.

Thoughts of Chairman Sun: There have been plenty of stories over the weeks of City players being deeply upset at S-GE leaving, with Richard Dunne, Micah Richards and Michael Johnson apparently threatening to leave if Thaksin carries through his threat. The only members of the squad to pass any comment this week have been less than ringing in their support of the current gaffer. Elano for instance, has heard plenty of rumours, but the midfielder would only say: “I have enjoyed working with Sven-Goran Erikson and his staff but I don’t want to get involved. There are lots of rumours and obviously the players are aware of that so we talk about it but it is the club’s decision.” My favourite ‘I Know Nothing’ comment of the week came from Sun Jihai. Asked about Sven’s future, Sun replied “I couldn’t answer that. When I’m the Chairman I’ll be able to answer that.”

Home Improvement – Grant? Now here’s a thought. City will replace a diffident and (some might say) characterless manager with a man compared unfavourably to Uncle Fester and a cadaver. Step forward Chelsea reject Avram Grant. Oh yes, Avram Grant. City are lining up the Chelsea cast-off to take the managerial reins at Eastlands next season, according to reports. Grant bade farewell to the Chelsea players and staff on Friday, before being summoned by club owner and close friend Roman Abramovich to be officially informed of his dismissal. But the Israeli could be set for a swift return to Premier League management, as City have reportedly targeted him to replace S-GE. Some newspapers gave the tale a neat symmetry by suggesting Eriksson could end up at Chelsea – as Director of Football, with his old buddy Roberto Mancini as the first team coach. A decision’s going to be made soon (yeah right), the latest reports state that Sven will be on his bike next Sunday, with a two million quid pay off and a contract with Mexico under his arm. Watch this space (if you can stay awake of course).

Transfer News and Gossip

Do You Run, Ron? Despite the continuing doubts over S-GE’s status, City’s transfer plans apparently remain on course. The Times says City have made offers for four players, for a total of £20 million, since the end of the Premier League season, with Pini Zahavi, the Israeli “super agent”, acting on their behalf. So let’s give you four apparent targets shall we? The pursuit of Ronaldinho continues. Allegedly. The Sun says Ronaldinho’s agent has met Thaksin to discuss a £10 million move. Roberto de Assis, the player’s brother and agent, spoke with Shinawatra this week in Thailand. The Brazilian star would also demand double in wages of current top earner Micah Richards who is on £45,000-a-week. Jean Makoun is targeting a move to Lyon or a team outside France after expressing his desire to leave Lille this summer. The Cameroon midfielder wants a fresh challenge after being at Les Dogues for six years. The 24-year-old has been linked with City and Arsenal as well as Juventus over the past week, while French champions Lyon are also believed to be interested. And City are hoping to capture Zenit St. Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin and CSKA Moscow star Jo in the next week. Arshavin, 27, set up both of St. Petersburg’s goals against Rangers in the UEFA cup final, and is in the Russian squad for Euro 2008. Arshavin has played in forward position for St. Petersburg this season, but can play in the midfield or on the wing. Everton are also being strongly linked with the player. Jo, meanwhile, is also being sought by the Toffees, though it seems City may now be in pole position for the Brazilian striker.

Good Buy: Here are the titbits we don’t like reading about – for instance, Harry Redknapp is keen on Richard Dunne. Tottenham are also heavily linked with City’s player of the year for the last four years. Newcastle and Sunderland are also interested. Everton and Liverpool are to battle it out for the signature of Michael Johnson according to the Daily Star Sunday. The Sunday newspaper claims that if Manchester City decide to sell the talented midfielder, the two Merseyside clubs will do battle for the midfielder.

Goodbye: Now for a quick update on the status of a trio of City strikers who, for various and diverse reasons, have never really shone at City. Genoa have set their sights on City striker Valeri Bojinov, according to reports in Italy. The Bulgarian only joined City from Fiorentina last summer but he missed virtually all of his first season in the Premier League after suffering a serious knee injury. Speculation suggests that he could now be set to return to Italy, although he may not make a decision until S-GE’s future has been resolved. Elsewhere, Georgios Samaras is keen to win a permanent move to Celtic after winning the Scottish Premier League title with them, according to his agent. Lee Anderson told the Scottish Sun: “Gordon Strachan wants to keep him and Georgios wants to stay. The player is clear in what he wants, but the problem is down to the confusion at City. The first thing I’ll do is find out from City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh what is going on.” A fee of £3 million has been mentioned. And according to the M.E.N., Lazio are stalling on paying £8.8 million for Rolando Bianchi. City want to recoup the sum they paid Reggina last summer, but the Roman club want to pay much less. The paper speculates that if City accept a lower figure, this will severely affect the cash available for City’s summer spending.

Sun to Shine in Stoke: Stoke City may offer Sun Jihai a Premier League lifeline. The China international is out of contract at the COMS at the end of next month, and he admits he is unlikely to be offered fresh terms to remain with the Blues. “If I haven’t heard official word at this stage, it means my agent has to look for my next club,” said Sun, who has made over 150 appearances for the Blues since 2002. “You know, that’s football.” Tony Pulis is looking to add some top-flight experience to his squad following promotion to the Premier League, and the Stoke boss is believed to be willing to offer 30-year-old Sun a two-year contract.

Oh, Ashley: Young Reserve team player Ashley Grimes has signed up with League One side Millwall, thus reuniting him with his former coach Kenny Jackett, and his ex-team mate Marc Laird. Laird is looking forward to linking up with Grimes again at the beginning of July. “Ashley is an intelligent player who is good at linking up play,” he said. “He can spot a pass, which is not very common for a striker. He plays the ball to feet and has good close control himself. I always found that if I looked up I would know where he would be making his run. And he scores lots of goals as well. I think he will do really well at The Den. If I had to compare him to anyone well known at the top level, it would be Dennis Bergkamp, because he can pass and score goals. I have played a lot with him in the last two years and look forward to doing so next season.”

Emile Deal: Bolton Wanderers are interested in signing striker Emile Mpenza from City after it emerged the Belgian international was on his way out of Eastlands. His agent Rachid Tajmout has admitted that he is in talks with four different clubs from three different divisions. “Because Emile wants to stay in England, I am negotiating with Bolton in the Premier League, two clubs in the Championship, Reading and Ipswich, as well as Leicester who have been relegated” he said. “Trabzonspor, who almost signed Mpenza before, are still in the running” he added. Elsewhere, Doncaster Rovers have agreed a deal to sign Matt Mills. The 21-year-old centre half has been on loan at Doncaster this season and played a starring rôle in Sunday’s League One play-off final win over Leeds United. Rovers’ chairman John Ryan said: “Mills said he would be more than delighted to sign for Doncaster Rovers. I asked Matty on the Wembley pitch if he fancied staying with us for next season. In reality we needed to be a Championship club to sign him so we are hopeful a deal can be done.”

Ex-Blues’ News

Lost in Leeds: ‘Tricky’ Trevor Sinclair is looking for a new club, after the former City winger was released by Cardiff City. Trev finished on a high with the Bluebirds though – he came on as a sub during the FA Cup Final with Pompey the other week. He could become a Leeds United player, but that was said to be provisional on Lits beating Doncaster in the play-off final – which they didn’t.

General News

Hatton Crams Them In: I’m happy to be corrected if anyone knows differently, but I reckon the COMS saw it’s biggest ever crowd for a sporting event last Saturday. Not for a football match of course, but “The Homecoming”. A stadium filled with 55,000 witnessed Ricky Hatton’s return to the ring following his defeat in Las Vegas in December to Floyd Mayweather. Hatton made a triumphant homecoming last Saturday night by outpointing American Juan Lazcano. “He was a fantastic challenger with a lot of guts,” Hatton said. “I’ve never felt so nervous before setting foot in the ring.”

Squad News

No Wonder Ched’s Been to Iceland: Wales starlet Ched Evans is looking forward to staking a claim in City’s first team next term. Evans has just signed a three-year deal, and gained invaluable experience during his loan spell in the Championship at Norwich, where he scored 10 goals in 28 games. “It means a lot to me to get a new contract with City,” he said. “I’ve grown up there and I want to play in the first team there now and be a regular. When I go back for pre-season, I’ll be firing on all cylinders and trying to impress whoever is the manager by then. I’m not worried by what’s been going on at City. There’s nothing I can do about it, apart from concentrate on my football and improving my game.” And Ched had a good midweek on the international stage. I quote from the BBC website. “Ched Evans admitted this week he ‘didn’t know where Iceland was’ but in Reykjavik, the teenage striker showed he certainly knows where the goal is. The rookie Manchester City striker’s stunning winner with his first touch in international football was enough to secure a win for Wales over Iceland. Evans’ moment of magic, a deft back heel flick on the stroke of half-time, lit up an otherwise average friendly.”

Nery a Dull Moment: Now here’s a refreshing change – two current City players who want to stay with the club. On-loan striker Nery Castillo’s agent has played down speculation linking his client with a return to Mexico. Reports in Mexico have linked the 23-year-old forward with a move to Guadalajara less than six months after he joined City on a one-year loan deal from Shakhtar Donetsk. But the player’s agent Juan Carlos Padilla insists his future remains in Europe for now. Padilla told Mediotiempo.com: “I have not talked to any Guadalajara director. I’m sure Nery will complete his spell in Europe. Nery is a very young player and we know he is going to have a superb form soon. He is an important player in an important team, so I have to say that, at least at this moment, it is a definitive ‘no’.” Padilla added: “Even though it has been a difficult year for Nery, we cannot think about going back. When players succeed in football is because they know how to step up. Next season, he will succeed. Then we’ll see if he can play in Mexico, but it will happen in five to nine years.” And Geovanni has revealed that he still wants to stay with City, but will consider all options as he ends his year long contract with the Club. “It’s been a brilliant year and the fans have really taken me to their hearts,” he said on the club’s website. “Everywhere I go in Manchester they make me feel welcome and ask for pictures and autographs – they love me and I love them too. I would love to stay at the Club, but as a professional footballer I have to consider all my options. Whether those options are in the UK, the Premier League or elsewhere we’ll have to see, but I hope to be able to sort out my future in the next couple of weeks.”

OPINION: THAKSIN (I)

(From a Blue Living in Thailand)

So many of you have followed the tabloid media line about Thaksin, it’s about time someone gave you all some balance. He has been viewed unfairly and his record in Thailand has never been accurately portrayed in the British media; neither has his continuing popularity.

I have lived in Phuket for twelve years (lucky me). I speak the language fluently and I have a family from the north of Thailand. I am also a life long Blue.

Thaksin (the elected leader) was ousted by an elite in Bangkok in nothing short of a military coup.

He introduced affordable health care for the masses for the first time in Thailand’s history and was massively popular outside of the middle classes. He still has the support of the majority of the grass roots Thai people, and by this I don’t mean the people you meet on your holidays, but most Thai people, who actually live on farms or in the villages of rural Thailand.

His handling of the tsunami brought him criticism from the bar stools of Pattaya and Phuket but was actually brilliant. He said, Thailand was not a poor country and did not need the money, they would pay for it themselves. Thus he positioned Thailand closer to Singapore and Hong Kong in the global consciousness and not to be considered similar to the perpetually needy neighbours Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Burma. Brave, clever and correct, it was a statement wrought from disaster that delivered a message that allowed the people of Thailand to endure it with pride.

(Anyone who wants to question my tsunami credentials by the way should check out the BBC documentary Real Story: The Killer Waves. I am the fat British nurse).

True there were questionable decisions and actions during his regime, he was utterly ruthless in his attempt to deal with the drug problem in Thailand, many low level dealers were shot (how many of you have secretly wished our government would do the same?).

He has also been accused of mishandling the Muslim problem in the south of Thailand and this has some validity too.

I do not need to list the bad stuff he is accused of, this has been covered already.

I am not defending this, like I said balance is my aim here.

So where does this leave City?

Well, he is certainly a man who has his own mind, he has a genius level IQ, he’s decisive, impatient for success, committed, sincere (right or wrong) and is not the sort of man to buy a football team for a laugh either, he is also a winner, in every aspect of his life so far.

He is very Thai too, not something we are all that used to in the UK, but as someone who knows and loves these people, I can say that he will do it, as Frank might say ‘Thai way’. Whether that will bring success to our beloved club, long or short term, I don’t know. But I do believe that if he saw the direction that Sven was going was not compatible with his ambitions for us, it is entirely like the man to deal with it immediately, decisively and in his own terms of reference and time frame.

Give the man a break, get behind him, show him some love and he may part with more of the (loads of) money he’s got left and in the end, that’s all that matters in the Premier League these days isn’t it?

OPINION: THAKSIN (II)

I have read two lengthy articles by Jack Buckley in MCIVTA in the last 2 issues and think that distance must increase the sense of delusion. First article he thinks supporters are joking about wanting refunds because of the atrocious chairmanship of the club that has created a vacuum at the top of the player management. Then he appears to be saying “stop criticising Thaksin”, it is the media, naysayers within the club and the large numbers of disgruntled supporters that are the problem at the club.

Sorry mate you are wrong. There is a vacuum at the top of the playing management side of this club caused by one person alone. That person is the Chairman of the club, Thaksin Shinawatra. He clearly is bent on ignoring all the voices around him, which is causing severe damage to the club. This is the second close season on the trot where the club have been unable to transact any player business due to lack of direction from the top. This is what is really holding back the progress of the club and surely one of the reasons why City did not finish as well as we had all hoped was due to the short preparation time the manager had before the start of the season.

The longer this situation continues the weaker City will be at the start of next season. I would almost put money now on City finishing no higher next season than this season.

OPINION: THAKSIN (III)

It is a pity the club remains in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Whatever Sven’s ultimate outcome, the entire scenario involving the Chairman versus the Manager position should now be brought to closure, without further delay. Hardly good for the general morale of players and fans alike.

Now, it appears a decision from Dr Thaksin shall not be forthcoming until June 15th, close to three weeks from now? Quite ridiculous and undeniably wrong. I seriously question his motives – apparently, cohesion within the club and a desire to form a strong unit with its fanbase is not a priority This is a great pity for Manchester City.

Let us merely hope for the best, whilst time runs its course.

OPINION: MANAGER’S POSITION/SVEN (I)

There seems to be growing debate at the moment as to whether Sven wants players such as Ronaldinho and whether Sven is justified in chatting to Benfica and the Mexican authorities.

On Ronaldinho, a lot has been printed in the press and as I have said previously in McV there is not much reason why any of it should suddenly be believed. For those who continue to believe the press tittle-tattle I suppose you are expecting City to have a squad of about 80 players next season! Not to mention all our best players going – oh, Richards, Elano and Petrov to name 3 have said (on SSN) that they are staying regardless of the manager.

I digress, so back to Ronaldinho. When this news first broke, Sven was interviewed on Radio Manchester and when asked about the rumour, Sven answered that “I don’t know where these rumours have come from, but if you ask me can I find a place for Ronaldinho in my team, yes of course I can, anywhere” – no mis-quotes or mis-representation on radio!

On Sven speaking to all and sundry about future employment – please don’t harp on about ‘who can blame him’ etc. – remember, Sven has previous when it comes to all this – he chatted to Man U and Chelsea whilst under the employ of the FA and didn’t he chat to the FA whilst still at Lazio?

Ah well, it all makes for healthy debate if nothing else.

Keep the faith.

OPINION: MANAGER’S POSITION/SVEN (II)

Maybe we have something to finally go on, but it was not said to an English newspaper, rather a Thai language newspaper Thansettakij.

Pairoj Piempongsant (who must be an expert on the Premier League, European, and Brazilian football), who is the official adviser to Thaksin Shinawatra, told the Thai newspaper Thansettakij, “Negotiations for Ronaldinho and the Team Manager must be completed by June 15th 2008”.

Now we are truly starting to see the light. Portugal complete their final game on the June 15th in their group of Euro Games, and will know if they advance in the competition.

Luiz Felipe Scolari will probably have been given until June 15th to give Thaksin an answer as to being the City manager.

I did read somewhere that Ronaldinho would come to City if Scolari was the manager, both being Brazilian, and of course City are chasing another Brazilian Jo the striker for £18 million.

Whilst Sven is left as a dead man walking, his only chance of being the manager next season by the look of things is if Scolari declines.

On the other hand if both Scolari and Eriksson decide to decline, then who? It will take a brave man with no morals to take the job, and maybe just for the money with greed.

I doubt that it will be because of a passion to be the next City manager. If Scolari was that way inclined he would have already said yes and jumped at the job. Does that not mean anything to Thaksin? Apparently not, his adviser has not informed him about “passion for a football club”.

No wonder Thaksin has said nothing, he has nothing else to say until Scolari answers.

I feel like a Boddingtons, but even that is not brewed in Manchester any more, darn it all.

I would like to add, that despite all the bad press about the manager’s position at MCFC, I will not turn my back on who ever that is appointed in the manager’s position at City.

I shall remain a faithful City supporter and fan, as I have been all my life, and support the manager, his coaches, and all the players from the first team to the Academy.

I will as always be an honest critic, as we should all be allowed.

But I would like an honest statement from the owner Thaksin Shinawatra as to his decision.

Come on you Blues!

GHANA APPEAL

Whilst I like reading and contributing to MCIVTA I have to say the last few editions have in the main be highly political, opinionated, point scoring off one another and quite frankly friggin’ boring.

I am an ordinary City supporter who cares passionately about other City supporters wherever they come from. This is my third appeal via MCIVTA to raise funds for the Centenary Supporters’ branch in Ghana to finance their 3 junior football teams in that torn country. To date I have not received a penny from MCIVTA readers. The £90-100 I have received so far is from people I know personally.

I’m appealing to the caring and charitable side of all City supporters to contribute financially to my fund raising efforts on behalf of these children in Ghana. Cheques should be made payable to MCCSA and forwarded to myself:

Alex Channon
‘Penalty Spot’
81 Milner Street
Swinton
Manchester M27 4AS

I respect all opinions even if I can’t agree with them but I’m asking you to put your opinions to one side, put your hands in your pockets and support my efforts for the kids in Ghana. Actions speak louder than words.

CENTURY CITY

Just when we thought we were heading for a close season of comparative calm with careful preparation for the next term we/they/whoever had to go and spoil it. I feel utterly miserable.

I am, however, constantly amazed at the tenacity of the younger generation of Blues (including my own sons) whose faith does not diminish – and they don’t even have memories of past successes to inspire their dreams for the future. Fellow Blues may, or may not, be aware that King of the Kippax publications (that’s me and Dave) recently brought out a book Century City, which could, might I humbly suggest, provide worthwhile close season reading – or a fine Father’s Day present for June 15th – and might even cheer up, inspire and encourage, or at the very least entertain despondent Blues everywhere.

The book covers the 1957/58 season when we both scored and conceded 100 goals. A ‘roller-coaster’ season that surely gave birth to that term as applied to the Blue half of Manchester. Something of huge significance was happening to our derby rivals that season too, some details of which – like the fact that things were not as idyllic at OT prior to the Munich Disaster as they would like to have us believe – are included in this book, but only insofar as they impacted on Blues.

Don’t just take my word for it that this is an enjoyable read. Ian Nannestad (Soccer History) writes: “… The contents are lively and informative, and above all manage to achieve the difficult feat of bringing the era to life… You are taken back to the 1950’s, when, as John from Denton recalls, it was possible for a young lad to knock on the door of a City star’s house (John McTavish) and ask if he would coach their team: and he accepted!… Ian from Didsbury was allowed to borrow the FA Cup City had won in 1956 and take it to the office to show his workmates. This was an era when footballers really were part of their local community, even the top clubs. All in all this is an excellent read.”

And Fred Eyre, in his Foreward writes: “… Thanks mainly to sixty one goals from the striking trio of Barlow, McAdams and Hayes, plus the considerable contribution of eleven from Ken Barnes in midfield, Manchester City plundered an amazing one hundred and four goals that season. Unfortunately, but perhaps predictably, they also leaked in exactly one hundred at the other end! This hitherto unheard of statistic has provided football followers everywhere with a conundrum that has remained unanswered to this day: How on earth did they manage to score so many of those goals past the great Bert Trautmann? Read on, you may find the answer.”

If you want to ‘read on’, the book can be found in most good independent local book shops, plus Borders in Stockport, WH Smith in the Trafford Centre (unfortunately not in the Arndale – their attitude to stocking City publications is somewhat bizarre), Waterstones, and the City Store. Or direct from 25, Holdenbrook Close, Leigh, Lancs WN7 2HL, P&P £3 UK, £5 Europe, £8 elsewhere. Century City, Manchester City Football Club 1957/58: The Record of an Historic Season ISBN 978-0-9557056-0-1, Hardback £14.95.

OPINION: GAM£ 39

According to media sources, the Premier League’s intentions of playing PL games abroad will be discussed at next week’s PL Annual General Meeting.

The Daily Mail had this quote within their article:

The 39th game will be debated at next week’s annual meeting in Leicestershire, with a final decision due early next year, and Wyness (Everton CE) added: “It is certainly not dead, it needs to be explored fully because there is some very strong potential in it.”

Manchester City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said: “Our position at the outset was that the possibility of playing and adding a Premier League game overseas was worth investigating. Our position has not changed and we are looking forward to re-opening discussions with our fellow Premier League clubs.”

Would it be cynical of me to suggest Mr Mackintosh may offer Bangkok as one such venue – with City to play there – should this ridiculous (in my opinion) proposal be accepted?

Say no to Gam£ 39.

FIVE-A-SIDE

Just a reminder that I have organised a 5-a-side football competition on behalf of the Centenary Supporters’ Association at the Platt Lane Complex on Saturday 14th June 2008. The competition starts at 10:00am. There is a buffet and presentation of trophies by City legend Neil Young in the Oasis Suite at 2:00pm following the football.

Entrance fee is £20.00 per team. To date 12 teams have confirmed their entrance by payment to myself. I can accommodate up to 24 teams. Confirmation is by payment. Cheques should be made payable to MCCSA and forwarded to myself: Closing date for entrance is Saturday 7th June 2008.

Alex Channon
‘Penalty Spot’
81 Milner Street
Swinton
Manchester M27 4AS

All enquiries regarding the 5-a-side should be directed to myself at <alexchannon81(at)googlemail.com> or telephone 0161-281-7517.

JUST FOR FUN…

Found this on http://www.1st4footballtickets.com/

Shurely shome mishtake!

World’s Top Stadiums

World’s 10 most popular football stadiums are listed below.

1. Camp Nou (FC Barcelona)
2. San Siro (AC Milan & Inter Milan)
3. City of Manchester Stadium (Manchester City)
4. Old Trafford (Manchester United)
5. Santiago Bernabeu (Real Madrid)
6. Stadio Olimpico
7. Celtic Park (Celtic)
8. Wembley Stadium (Misc.)
9. Amsterdam Arena (Ajax)
10. Highbury Arsenal Stadium (Arsenal)

UEFA CUP – 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND

Just found the details of the First Qualifying Round – Northern Section. Draw to be made on 27th June with the games played 17th and 31st July.

City have been seeded and will play one of the following:

• Vetra Vilnius – Lithuania
• Cork City – Republic of Ireland
• St Patricks Athletic – Republic of Ireland
• Akranes – Iceland
• Flora Tallinn – Estonia
• TV MK Tallinn – Estonia
• Glentoran – Northern Ireland
• Cliftonville – Northern Ireland
• Bangor City – Wales
• The New Saints – Wales
• EB/Streymur – Faroe Islands
• B36 Torshaven – Faroe Islands
• Racing FC Union – Luxembourg
• CS Grevenmacher – Luxenbourg

Could be an interesting day out to the Faroe Islands, but knowing City’s luck it will be Bangor City.

Get your maps out, dust down your passport, we could be on a true European tour. Forever optimistic…

MCIVTA FAQ [v0708.01]

[1] MCIVTA Addresses

Articles (Heidi Pickup)          : editor@mcivta.city-fan.org
News/rumour (Don Barrie)         : news@mcivta.city-fan.org
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Technical problems (Paul)        : paul@city-fan.org
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[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 Points of Blue (formerly the Fans’ Committee)?

The committee operates as an interface between supporters and the club. Points of Blue appears 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] 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/.

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.

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

Editor: