Newsletter #1625

News tonight from Alex with a look at the recent run of games, players old and new and Mancini’s commitment.

We have opinion on the close-season tour, Bert, and a hatful of requests.

Next up of course the derby as the end-of-season approaches and those top 4 places get settled.

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

The Barça Standard:What a few weeks in a fantastic season at City. Fourteen goals in three gamesand the Blues have finally taken the initiative in the race for fourth. Thebattle with Spurs, Liverpool and Aston Villa has gone on all season with nobodywanting to make the position their own, but having followed up the 6-1 drubbingof Burnley with 5-1 thrashing of Birmingham City, Mancini’s men are nowfavourites to play Champions’ League football next season. Despite his side’sgood form, the City chief has admitted that his players will have to make thestep up to the next level if they are to compete with the likes of EuropeanChampions Barcelona: “We must improve a lot if we want to play Champions’League football and enjoy occasions where we play sides of Barça’s qualityregularly. If we want to think about playing those kind of matches, we firstneed to make sure we finish in fourth position and that is our focus. We hopeto arrive at the end of the season at least one point ahead of Tottenham – orwhoever we need to finish ahead of.”

Vincent Kompany, who played in the Champions’ League with Hamburg before his move to City, is confident that he and his team-mates have got what it takes to qualify for Europe’s elite competition this season and told reporters that they were relishing the challenge: “I’ve no doubt that we will be back in Europe soon. I’ve played Europa League and had four years in the Champions’ League, and for me it’s got to be the Champions’ League. That’s what the whole team is aiming for. It’s a very tough task, but being in the Champions’ League is something that would be a very nice present to the City fans. Whether it’s this year or next year, it will happen. We’re looking forward to enjoying the big nights, but we have to be humble about it now because we are not there yet.”

Going Nowhere: Rumours of a move away from the club for City boss Roberto Mancini resurfaced again this week as Juventus’ search for a permanent manager continued. Giovanni Trappatoni, Rafa Benitez and Fabio Capello have all been linked with taking the reigns at the Italian giants but it’s the Italian, Mancini, who continues to be favourite for the job. The 46-year-old has yet again dismissed any suggestion that he will return to Serie A and has pledged his loyalty to his current club: “I am already planning for next season. Next season will start on July 5 when the players come back after the summer. For us it’s more important that we finish well this season, and we must concentrate 100 per cent to get fourth place because we have six games that are very difficult. After that, we can think about the future – we have in our minds already some players who can be good for next season. There are three newspapers that write about football every day, and they must write something on a manager’s future or a player’s future. I did give an interview, but I never said I wanted to go to Juventus. Manchester City is my club and I have a contract here for three and a half years. I’ve said that to the papers in Italy, but I don’t know what they’ll write.”

Trautmann’s Journey: City legend Bert Trautmann was handed a rousing reception as he walked out on to the Eastlands pitch last weekend and subsequently admitted that he never fails to be overwhelmed when he returns to his former club. The ex-German paratrooper, who was later in life awarded an OBE for his contribution to Anglo-German relations, is the subject of a new biography. ‘Trautmann’s Journey’ tells the story of Bert’s amazing life and career and will no doubt be on most Blues’ shopping lists upon its release. Arguably the best goalkeeper in the club’s history, Trautmann expressed his delight at still being a cult hero at City but did reveal that he sometimes wishes people would talk about something other than that injury: “I’ve been lucky enough to play in front of the most magnificent fans in the world. I’m still flabbergasted at the reception I receive each time and I still think, even today, that I have been a very lucky man. Being the first German player to play in an FA Cup final at Wembley was something absolutely magnificent for me. We lost 3-1 to Newcastle United on the day and yes, you feel a little sorry for yourself that you lose such a huge game but it was an amazing day and I just looked around the stadium and thought ‘you lucky man!’ Then, of course, we returned a year later and won, but of course many people remember the game because of the injury I sustained during the match. I played over 500 league games for City but that moment is still the one people refer to so it can be a little frustrating at times because no matter how well I played during that time, people will still say ‘ah, you’re the fellow who broke his neck playing at Wembley’. I’ll admit it’s not something I particularly like but it’s something I’ve had to live with. I know my life story has been quite interesting and there have been books written and even a film is being made. I’ve always felt very fortunate to have played for Manchester City.”

Squad News

The Awesome Argentinian: He might have cost the club a huge £25 million but Carlos Tevez is worth every penny. Having made the move across the City last summer and causing much controversy with it, United fans dismissed the Argentinian as a ‘goalless workhorse’. Twenty-eight goals later, it turns out them from Old Trafford may have mis-judged their former striker’s abilities. Well the City faithful won’t make the same mistake and Tevez has also received recognition from the PFA this month as he was voted the Player of the Month for March. Emmanuel Adebayor may have only started alongside Tevez on five occasions this season, but the Togolese target man loves every second that he spends on the pitch with his strike partner: “He never gives up. I’ve had the chance to play with a lot of great strikers, but Carlos really is special. He’s from Argentina, and we all know how Argentinians play. They are always hungry for the ball, and Carlos is just like that. He fights for the team week-in, week-out and in training he is always doing his job. I’m very happy playing alongside Carlos and I’m really enjoying my game at the moment because of it.”

City skipper Kolo Toure has also paid tribute to his side’s top scorer: “Carlos is a top striker and he’s playing incredibly well at the moment. He’s scoring some really important goals for us, I’m just glad he’s on my side and that I don’t have to play against him! Compared to when he was at United, with all the good players they had, here at City he’s our main striker although we have some really great players to go along with him as well. He’s really improved this season, and we’re getting the benefit of that.”

Tevez has been vocal himself this week, questioning the training of methods of Mancini in this end of season run-in, but explained that he will do whatever he is told because he has no personal problems with his coach: “The players are not happy with these double training sessions. We are at the end of a long season, we have big matches, we are tired but there are still double training sessions, morning and afternoon. Then, the next day, we train for two hours. I do not understand. But, please, he is the coach and I am the player. He is in charge. I am OK with him.”

Award for ‘Magic’ Johnson: Tevez wasn’t the only recipient of an award this month as Adam Johnson was named the Etihad Player of the Month for March. The young Englishman has won his new supporters over within a matter of games and has fast become a favourite at Eastlands since his £7 million move from Middlesbrough in January. A string of energetic performances have led to calls for him to be included in Capello’s World Cup squad this summer and that stunning goal at Sunderland will live long in the memory of Blues. Johnson just pipped Carlos Tevez to the award with 34% of the overall supporter vote, with Kolo Toure coming in third.

All Things Considered: Having spent three months to seriously consider his future, Emmanuel Adebayor has decided to retire from international duty with immediate effect. The former Togo captain was involved in January’s tragic terrorist attack ahead of this year’s African Cup of Nations and claimed that he was still “haunted” by the events that saw two of his colleagues shot dead. ‘Manu’ has now decided that he cannot return to the international fold but has wished his country all the best for the future: “Following the tragic events during January’s African Cup of Nations, in which two of my fellow countrymen were killed by terrorists in Angola, I have made the very difficult decision to retire from international football. I have weighed up my feelings in the weeks and months since the attack, and I am still haunted by the events that I witnessed on that horrible afternoon on the Togo team bus. It is a moment I will never forget and one I never want to experience again. For nine years I have played for the Togo team and, despite the events in Angola, I have some very good memories of my international career. I feel very proud to have been trusted with the position of captain of the Togolese football team. Leading your country in international competition is the ultimate honour for any player. The people who were on that coach together will forever be joined by a special bond – we are all brothers. I will always have the team and the people of Togo close to my heart and wish them every success in the challenges that they will face in the future.”

Under Pressure: Harry Redknapp conceded this week that City have become favourites to finish fourth and qualify for next season’s Champions’ League, though club captain Kolo Toure has no plans to entertain the Spurs boss’ mind-games. Wary that contests against United, Arsenal and Spurs themselves all stand in the way of City’s ambitions this season, the former Arsenal centre-back has explained what City will have to do to be successful in this season’s run-in: “It is all about focus and holding your nerve from this point onwards. We have just to take each week as it comes and train specifically for that contest. We thrive on the pressure. We have been awesome going forward in recent games and at times our strikers and wide midfield players have looked unstoppable. But just as important as form at this stage is staying together as a unit, fighting as one and making sure we are concentrating at all times. We have a lot of experience in the dressing room, players who have won titles all over Europe and who have played in World Cup and Champions’ League finals, we will not fail on that score. Our future is in our hands and that is the best way to be. We are but not over confident. We know there is a lot of hard work still to do and we are ready for it.”

Vincent Spurred On by Run-In: Vincent Kompany has also dismissed the school of thought that suggest City have already finished fourth, though he does admit that he and his team-mates are chuffed with the run-in that will see them face four of the top seven in their final five games. Many City fans have been looking at the remaining fixtures with a little trepidation but Kompany believes that his side perform much better against the better sides and thinks that fixtures against United and Arsenal will only serve to get the best out of them. The Belgian international is still wary of the threat posed by Spurs, however: “Spurs have a big squad as well. I have a lot of respect for them, and I know they are strong. But it would be wrong for to say that the fact we have a bit more experience would make the difference. I think we are in a comfortable position, but looking at the games to come they could be the perfect games for us because they are all direct opponents of ours. I think that Spurs and Villa at home will be the games that decide what happens, but we don’t want Liverpool to get too close. Until we do, the end of the season seems far away.”

Hart in the Right Place? With a bottomless pit of money to spend, it’s fair to say that many new signings will be making their way to Eastlands over the coming years but Roberto Mancini may not need to spend a penny on goalkeepers. Shay Given currently holds the number one shirt and after a year of superb performances, the Irishman has re-established himself as one of the best in the league. Yet he faces competition and luckily for the Blues this competition comes from loanee ‘keeper Joe Hart. Hart has been in inspired form ever since moving to St Andrews this season, so much so that most pundits will tell you that he is England’s most sensible option for this summer’s World Cup. Although it had looked as if Hart would spend another year on loan at Brum next season, Mancini has revealed a desire to bring the England international back in order to provide some much-needed competition for Given and strengthen the depth of his squad: “We have a very good goalkeeper at the club in Shay Given. Shay and Joe Hart are two of the best in the Premier League, and it is important to have two good goalkeepers. The Premier League season is long, and if you are playing in the Champions’ League, as well as the FA Cup and the League Cup, then you need the players – you need two top goalkeepers. It is important that I speak with Joe in the weeks after the Premier League finishes, then we will see about next season. He has worked very well at Birmingham and he has developed. Joe could be at the World Cup – he is a good, young, strong goalkeeper. Capello knows him very well now, and if he decides on Joe, then that is a good choice.”

When asked about the possible return of Hart, Given asserted that he would relish the challenge of battling away for the ‘number one’ top: “I wouldn’t mind if Joe returns in the summer. I don’t mind fighting it out – that happened for years at Newcastle, and I’ve had to fight for my place with Ireland. That is part and parcel of being with a top team – I don’t have any problem with that. Joe was No.1 here when I signed and we worked really well together. The competition has been there since I joined. Just because Joe is at Birmingham doesn’t mean I don’t feel the competition from him. He is still a City player and is doing very well. Joe has done really well and deserves to be playing for England – if he keeps his form there’s no reason he shouldn’t play in the World Cup. That can only be good for City.”

Academy’s Got Talent: Yet another Academy talent has committed his long term future to the club this week. 18-year-old Abdi Ibrahim is a highly-rated young talent who made has already made his full début for the club at Scunthorpe’s Glanford Park and featured against Liverpool in the Premier League. The Somali-born Norwegian international has drawn comparisons with fellow Blue Patrick Vieira in recent weeks and is delighted to have signed a new contract that will tie him to the club until 2014. Ibrahim has explained that Roberto Mancini was a major factor in his decision: “I am really happy; I am going to enjoy the moment. It is really exciting for me. This club is so exciting and I feel like I now know it well. I am a fan as well as a player. The contract gives me time to learn my trade and push my claims. I couldn’t be at better club. The boss has been great with me and the other lads. He’s a really good coach and he believes that if you are good enough, you are old enough and that sends a very positive message to all the young players at the club, particularly the next group of Academy players coming through. He encourages us all and advises us on how we can improve our game and he is like that with every player, not just the younger ones. He believes we can all get better and progress and I think no matter who you are, you can always progress your game.”

International Relations: Brazilian defender Sylvinho has been doing his bit for the club’s links with Abu Dhabi this week as he visited the club’s international soccer schools. The former Barcelona and Arsenal left back has praised City’s approach to developing young talent abroad and explained how important it is to the youngsters of Abu Dhabi to have such a project in their country: “It was the second time I have been out to Abu Dhabi now and the second time I have had chance to take part in the soccer schools. I showed them a few tricks and gave them some advice. I told them to always enjoy football. It is a great feeling for me now to be able to pass on things that I have learned during my career in the same way people gave me advice when I was young. People here in Abu Dhabi love football, not just watching the game but playing as well. English football is very popular; you can see that wherever you go. We feel very welcome and special when we visit here. They know us like people in Manchester do. It is great that the club and Etihad can get together and organize an event like this. I think everyone benefits. The relationship between Manchester City and Abu Dhabi is very important and this is a great chance to meet the local people, the local children and understand more about them. UAE football is getting better and better all the time, we saw that in November when we played a game here. At junior levels the UAE is competitive in competitions and as those sides mature they will become a force. The best way to make sure that growth continues is to get youngsters involved as early as possible and give them the best coaching possible.”

Back on the Ball: David Ball’s steady return to reserve action continued last night as he scored against Wigan’s second string. The highly rated youngster’s career has stuttered of late due to successive foot injuries that have kept him out of action for five months but the 21-year-old is hoping to make his mark very soon. Whilst Ball admits that much has changed at the club since he last played, the management for one, he still has faith in his abilities and hopes to catch the eye of Roberto Mancini ahead of next term’s pre-season: “Because I’ve had the same kind of injury twice in a row, it’s always at the back of your mind when you start playing again that any niggle or ache could be the same problem. I’ve been out for the best part of five months so it feels like this season has been something of a write off. It’s been really frustrating but it’s been great to get be in the last couple of reserve team squads and training has been fine so that, hopefully, is the end of it now. Things had started really well for me this season but the injuries and change of managers means I’m probably six months behind the targets I’ve set myself. Roberto Mancini has probably only seen me train a couple of times because of my lay-off but now I need to impress him and show him what I’m capable of.”

If Ball hopes to get fit ahead of next season’s campaign, then there is no-one better to show him how than team-mate and friend Stephen Ireland. Following a summer of hard work and painstaking training, Ireland rose from squad member to ‘Superman’ last season and Ball hopes to follow a similar track: “Stephen’s a good mate and I’m planning to follow his lead of training during the summer. I’m going to have a couple of weeks away, but then I’m going to start training and hopefully be at peak fitness when pre-season training begins. My aim is to get into the first team because I’ve been so close already after being on the bench a couple of times during Mark Hughes’ time with the club. Earlier in the season I was told there were a couple of Championship clubs interested in taking me on loan for a while and that was the next logical step to take in my mind. My injuries changed that but I aim to put myself in the frame when we come back after the break.”

Joy for Johnno: Michael Johnson also hopes to be fit for next season after his own injury nightmares. After effectively spending two years out with various injuries, it is a ruptured cruciate ligament that is currently keeping him on the sidelines. But the surgery seems to have gone well and the midfielder, once dubbed ‘the next Colin Bell’, is hopeful of a return to the game for the 2010/11 season: “I think having recovered from a serious injury before means that this time I am a little more experienced and can deal with the frustrations much better. No player wants to have to go through such a long recovery and it has just been bad luck that I have had two in a row early in my career. Of course the injury was disappointing for everyone, for the fans as well as me. They want to see me play and all I want to do is play and prove to them again what I can do. There’s no point looking back now, what’s happened has happened and all I can do is keep working hard and stay positive and that is what I am doing. I went down to see the surgeon for my 12 week check up just a few weeks ago and he gave me the all clear. It looks as though the surgery has been very successful. It’s just a matter of time, patience hard work now. If everything goes to plan I am looking at the start of next season to be hopefully joining in with training sessions again. I’m very positive, the timing of pre season gives me a really good target and I’m very confident that I can make it. I suppose the rest of the team can’t think about the next season yet but that’s certainly what I’m thinking about.”

Post-Match Reaction

Opening the Floodgates: Switched on to Sky Sports News two weeks ago to check the team sheets for the Blues’ trip to Turf Moor, only to find out the Blues were already 3-0 up. Not bad going really given that Kolo Toure spoken of the need to be patient in these sorts of game only days before. Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy proved once again that they can compete with the very best strikers in the world as they put the Blues three up in the space of seven minutes. Patrick Vieira’s first goal for the club made it four and pressed his claims for a spot in France’s World Cup squad before ‘Manu’ scored his second on the stroke of half time to put the Blues 5-0 up. Torrential rain almost threatened to postpone the game and in typical City fashion, even when Vincent Kompany made it six, the City faithful were left wondering whether or not they’d come away with three points. Steven Fletcher did pull a goal back for the hosts but the Blues ran away with it and probably could have scored even more had the weather not inhibited their creative spark. The boss was evidently delighted with his side’s performance: “I’m very happy. We scored three quickly and after that it was finished. We had to win because it was such a good chance for us after Tottenham lost. Goal difference will be important at the end of the season. I was disappointed in the second half because we could not play football and we could not score more goals because of the conditions. It was a day to get more goals, with the way we were playing, but the weather really was not good in the second half. It was difficult to play in, but we had to continue. I’m pleased that the referee kept the game going, but if it had not rained like it did in the second half I think we would have scored some more goals.”

Adam Johnson acknowledged that the rain came to Burnley’s aid on a night where the Blues could have easily hit double figures had the pitch stayed in good condition: “We could have had a few more – the rain did them a favour, the way we were playing. If the pitch had stayed in the condition it was in the first half, it might have been even more goals. I’m not used to being three up after six minutes, but I’m enjoying it! I had a little word with the referee a couple of times to see how long he would allow before it was called off. He didn’t say anything, he was just laughing!”

Adebayor thoroughly enjoyed the six goal haul but won’t be resting on his laurels any time soon: “We knew it was going to be tough and that we had to start well – we managed that, and in the first 15 minutes or so we took our chances, we played well. We had to show them that we were here to win the game! We are all fighting to finish in the top four, and we have the spirit to achieve that. We have to keep fighting now.”

Brummy Fantastic: No City fan expected what was to come as they walked through the turnstiles on Sunday afternoon and the 45,000 strong crowd was treated to yet another goal glut against Alex McLeish’s side. Though this game took a little longer to get going to the one at Burnley the week before, when Emmanuel Adebayor was bundled to the floor by Brum defender Scott Dann, Carlos Tevez opened the scoring from the spot. The former West Ham hit-men then doubled his tally, and the lead, only three minutes later as he flicked Nedum Onuoha’s knock-on past Birmingham goalie Maik Taylor. Cameron Jerome gave City something to think about only seconds later as he pulled one back for the visitors only for Emmanuel Adebayor to restore City’s two goal lead a minute after that. With four goals in five minutes, the half time whistle came at just the right time to give the fans a quick breather. After the break, Nedum Onuoha scored a fine, if not lucky, individual goal of his own before Manu made it five, three minutes from the end.

Hopeful that his side would continue this good run of form, Mancini emphasized the need to focus on this weekend’s Manchester derby: “I’m happy for the players – we played a fantastic game, and congratulations to them. After 20 minutes we changed the tempo and scored three good goals. After three or four months together, you work very well. But I think we can improve more, and we must concentrate on the next five difficult games. We must continue to play like we have and at Burnley last week. If we do, we have a good chance. It all depends on us now. We must concentrate in the next game. We respect United as a good team, but we must think about our own position in the table. It’s important that we believe in ourselves.”

Mancini had a special word of praise for the returning Nedum Onuoha, who was linked with the Nigerian World Cup squad this week having bagged a goal against the Brum: “Nedum played a good game and scored a very good goal, so I’m very happy for him. He stayed on the bench a long time and I was sorry for him. Now he’s playing very well and it’s important he continues.”

Onuoha himself was impressed with his own goal scoring ability: “I was quite prolific as a 14-year-old, but the goals sort of dried up for the next decade! I think I scored about 42 goals in one season in my early teens, so it wasn’t even that long ago. Like most of the lads, I’m actually quite comfortable in front of goal, but obviously the main bulk of chances are going to fall to the strikers. I’d like to think if I’m presented with a chance, I’ll put it away, but I’m not expecting to trouble Carlos at the top of the board! Having said that, I enjoyed the goal – the second one and the one that is actually mine – and it was great to be in that position, but can’t remember the last time I was the furthest man forward! It was also nice that I happened to score right in front of my family, which was nice because they were all jumping around like crazy people. I think they enjoyed it as much as I did.”

OPINION: BERT TRAUTMANN

It was fantastic to see Bert Trautmann visiting MCFC. I have forever been a Bert Trautmann fan; for the last game in Maine Road a special match day programme was issued for the game.

There is a special roll call of supporters in the programme. I am very proud to have my name next to Bert Trautmann, a star, a hero, a legend, and a gentleman.

I don’t mind admitting that I had a tear in my eyes as Bert Trautmann walked off the pitch before the game, with Blue Moon playing in the background.

Garry Cooke is fast getting my support for his efforts. Well done MCFC! Bert Trautmann deserves a stand named after him.

OPINION: US TOUR

Great news that Manchester City will be making a pre-season tour of the USA (Eastern Cities). This is a good move by Garry Cooke to make this important tour that will benefit both MCFC and USA. The United States Major League is growing and certainly moving in the right direction, new stadiums are being built, and the league is to add more teams. The United States National team is also improving, with some good results in recent games.

Manchester City will be a big attraction to the many City fans in the USA, and I feel sure that if City play some attractive football, there will be many more new City fans in the USA.

Although Garry Cooke has made a couple of slip ups, he is on the right track when it comes to taking City into a global market, after a successful tour of South Africa last year, and now USA! A global market is going to be very important in the future of Premier League football to help finance clubs, and the American market is potentially very big.

Come on you Blues!

REQUEST: BLUES VIEWING IN BOSTON, USA

Will be in Boston, Mass. over the weekend. Any City friendly spots to catch the derby?

REQUEST: KING OF THE KIPPAX

The latest issue of King Of The Kippax City fanzine should be in the outlets at Urbis and Aleef (corner of Cross Street and Market Street) by tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. It should also be on sale outside COMS on Saturday before and after the game and at all the other matches to the end of the season.

It’s the ‘Go 4th and multi-buy’ issue and contains all the usual City stuff and more contributions, snippets and cartoons etc. There’s the second part of the Don Revie piece, Moyes and Everton, Trouble at the F.A., My City World, Uncle Ryan, player review, match previews and reviews, German connections, mis-spent Youth, Desert Dispatch, and much more.

It’s £2.50 and can also be obtained by post from 25, Holdenbrook Close, Leigh, Lancs, WN7 2HL. Cheques for £3.40 including P&P to King Of The Kippax.

REQUEST: VOLUNTEERS FOR SIERRA LEONE APPEAL WANTED

Tony and Liz Griffiths from the Reddish branch have organised a “Bag Pack” in aid of Sierra Leone at Morrison’s in Reddish from 11.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday 24th April. This would suit anyone aged 8 years or above, and if their parents could assist that would be great too.

If you can spare a few hours of your time to help a great cause please e-mail me at the address below.

REQUEST: CITY SHIRTS TO GOOD CAUSES

My kids and I have had a wardrobe clear out and we have a few City shirts that may be of use to someone. I seem to remember seeing a request in MCIVTA for shirts some time back and wonder if that was still happening?

REQUEST: POINTS OF BLUE

Next meeting confirmed as 27th April, 6.30 at the ground. Any items for discussion (and to let the club know what’s coming up), let me know ASAP.

RESULTS

14 April 2010

Aston Villa           2 - 2  Everton               38,729
Wigan Athletic        0 - 0  Portsmouth            14,323
Tottenham Hotspur     2 - 1  Arsenal               36,041

13 April 2010

Chelsea               1 - 0  Bolton Wanderers      40,539

League table to 14 April 2010 inclusive

                              HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F   A   GD Pts
 1 Chelsea         34 15  1  1 53 14  9  4  4 32 16 24  5  5  85  30  55  77
 2 Manchester Utd  34 14  1  2 45 11  9  3  5 32 16 23  4  7  77  27  50  73
 3 Arsenal         34 14  1  2 44 15  8  4  5 32 21 22  5  7  76  36  40  71
 4 Manchester City 33 11  4  1 38 17  6  7  4 31 24 17 11  5  69  41  28  62
 5 Tottenham H.    33 12  2  3 37 11  6  5  5 23 22 18  7  8  60  33  27  61
 6 Liverpool       34 12  3  2 40 13  4  5  8 14 20 16  8 10  54  33  21  56
 7 Aston Villa     33  7  8  2 28 15  7  5  4 18 19 14 13  6  46  34  12  55
 8 Everton         34  9  6  2 32 20  4  6  7 22 26 13 12  9  54  46   8  51
 9 Birmingham City 34  7  8  2 17 12  5  2 10 18 31 12 10 12  35  43  -8  46
10 Stoke City      33  7  5  5 23 19  3  8  5  9 16 10 13 10  32  35  -3  43
11 Blackburn R.    34  9  6  2 24 14  2  4 11 11 36 11 10 13  35  50 -15  43
12 Fulham          33 10  2  4 24 12  1  7  9 11 25 11  9 13  35  37  -2  42
13 Sunderland      34  8  7  2 30 17  1  4 12 14 35  9 11 14  44  52  -8  38
14 Wolves          34  4  5  8 10 20  4  4  9 18 31  8  9 17  28  51 -23  33
15 Bolton Wndrs    34  5  5  7 22 28  3  3 11 14 34  8  8 18  36  62 -26  32
16 Wigan Athletic  34  5  6  6 14 20  3  2 12 16 44  8  8 18  30  64 -34  32
17 West Ham United 34  6  4  7 26 26  1  6 10 15 31  7 10 17  41  57 -16  31
18 Burnley         34  6  5  6 21 24  1  1 15 15 48  7  6 21  36  72 -36  27
19 Hull City       33  6  5  5 22 26  0  4 13 10 44  6  9 18  32  70 -38  27
20 Portsmouth      34  4  3 10 20 29  2  3 12  8 31  6  6 22  28  60 -32  15

MCIVTA FAQ [v0910.01]

[1] MCIVTA Addresses

Articles (Heidi Pickup)          : editor@mcivta.city-fan.org
News/rumour (Alex Rowen)         : 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 by email. Unfortunately we cannot accept email attachments.

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

http://www.mcivta.com/ 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. You can also follow on www.twitter.com/mcivta to get the latest updates.

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

The official club web site can be found at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/ and the official club Twitter page at www.twitter.com/mcfc. The club also has a facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mcfcofficial

[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.mancitycsa.com/) 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.mcivta.com/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.

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

Editor: