Newsletter #1637

News tonight on a new sponsorship deal, transfer rumours, International Blues and youth developments as well as a couple of North West friendlies.

We have plenty of requests as well tonight.

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

Success Next Destination for City: The club announced this week the latest of a number of exciting sponsorship deals with Abu Dhabi based companies as they teamed up with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. The deal, which will run until 2013, will see ADTA receive perimeter board advertising, sole naming rights of City’s training base at Carrington and naming rights to all future tours of Mancini’s side. Executive Chairman Garry Cook believes the deal is yet another way of placing Manchester City Football Club on the global scene: “We are proud to partner Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which is a hugely respected and influential authority within the global tourism community, having been voted the World’s Leading Tourism Board in the 2009 World Travel Awards. With a rich heritage and an exciting future, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming the destination of choice for world-class business and leisure events. ADTA joins our family of partners who are recognised as world leaders in their respective fields, from aviation, communication, construction, retail and now tourism. The addition of ADTA will once again put the City brand in the world spotlight.”

An ADTA spokesman revealed that the tourism authority simply couldn’t resist the opportunity of combining with the Manchester club and felt that the partnership represented the beginning of an exciting era for both parties: “Football is unique in its ability to transcend international borders and connect with a range of people on many levels. Manchester City’s standing as a football club that offers a premium supporter experience across all areas of its business is an ideal fit for us as we share the same goal of excellence in delivery.”

Serie-As Challenge:City’s summer tour of the USA will conclude withan exciting clash against the newly-crownedchampions of Europe. On the 31st July, City willcompete against Italian giants Inter Milan at theM&T Bank Stadium, an arena that holds a capacityof 71,000. The fixture will follow the Blues’participation in the New York Challenge and willundoubtedly test Mancini’s men against some ofthe greatest names in world football. Despitecompleting an unprecedented European and domestictreble, Inter’s summer will likely be one ofgreat transition as manager Jose Mourinho seemscertain to leave. City’s Football Administratoradmits that both he and former Inter boss RobertoMancini are looking forward to the tie: “It’s afantastic way to end the tour. Everyone is awareof the qualities of Inter Milan and it will be ahuge test for us at the end of what is a veryexciting, diverse tour for the club. It is a coupto be playing the team we hope will soon beChampions League winners and I think this is thetype of fixture everyone connected with the cluband our supporters in particular will relish. Iknow Roberto’s eyes lit up when we mentioned wewere hoping to play Inter! Hopefully, this isjust the beginning of playing this calibre of opposition on a regular basis.”

“It’s probably the most ambitious tour the club has ever embarked on and so many people have been involved in the planning and organization to make sure it is a very successful trip. We want this to be the norm for our pre-season preparations because for us as a football club to grow, you need these kinds of experiences of playing against the top sides from around the world. I think it will be good for the players, too and will forge a good team spirit.”

Mancini himself sees a good pre-season as necessary preparation for any club and has asserted that the challenges City will face this summer should set them up perfectly for a title challenge next term: “I think it is vital we have a good pre-season and I’m looking forward to it already. A lot of players will be at the World Cup and will maybe arrive back a little later, but we will have plenty of time together. Preparation is vitally important and our schedule is a good one that gives us time together as a squad and plenty of very competitive games. I enjoyed the six months I had last season but it was really hectic and meant learning a lot very quickly for me. I am glad now of the chance to take a breath and prepare for next season when we want to improve on what we achieved this season.”

Doing Their Bit: As part of these preparations, a City XI will also line up against more local opposition when they take on League Two Macclesfield Town and Sammy McIlroy’s Morecambe. The Blues will travel to Moss Rose on July 24th for a 3pm kick off against Macclesfield before visiting Morecambe’s new Globe Arena on August 3rd for a 7.45 evening kick off.

Mancini’s Name Not Inter the Mix: Whilst Jose Mourinho may be on his way out of the San Siro, Inter President Massimo Moratti has ruled out any possibility of Roberto Mancini returning to coach the Champions’ League holders. With names such as England chief Fabio Capello and Turkey boss Guus Hiddink also being linked with the post, Moratti has a number of options to choose from but has admitted that Mancini is not one he is considering: “He is the only one I didn’t think of due to the fact that we have already had him and he is part of our history. No, I don’t think that for him this is the path to follow. I believe he is happy in England, that he likes living in England and hence, to bring him back in this difficult situation would be offensive. The great thing about Mancini is that he was courageous and talented as a player and as a person.” The City chief also distanced himself from the rumours by stating he much prefers the English game to that of his native country: “I miss Italy, but in England the football is beautiful and, for me, this is a beautiful experience.”

Squad News

We’ll Be in Cruz Control Next Season: As the season ended with an overwhelming feeling of deflation amongst large sections of the City ranks, many Blues seemed to have lost sight of how far the club had gone in one season. To only miss out on the Champions’ League by three points was something that the club could never have dreamed of five years ago and the future seems bright. Roque Santa Cruz though explained this week that the squad were themselves disappointed with their efforts this campaign and hoped to make up for it by challenging Chelsea and United for the title next season: “It has been a very tough season with a lot of new players. A new team has been built up. We didn’t achieve what we expected and of course we can’t say that we are happy. I think that the pressure is going to grow for us because of the kind of money that the owner is spending on the club. We expect next year to not only do well, but also to see if we can fight for the title.”

Ready in Reserve: As Mancini plots how to spend the reported £150 million transfer kitty that he has been promised this summer, a number of City’s young reserve players have spoken of their desire to prove themselves ahead of the new campaign. Academy graduate Adam Clayton is one such player and after an excellent loan spell at Carlisle United, the 20-year-old midfielder believes that he would be ready if called upon this season. Clayton fast became an integral part of Carlisle’s first team last season and started the club’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley in front of 83,000 fans. Despite never being watched personally by Mancini, Clayton is a highly rated member of City’s reserve side and given his manager’s ‘give the youth a chance’ policy, the young Englishman is optimistic about his future at the club: “I enjoyed my time with Carlisle. We had a decent season and managed to get to Wembley so it was a great experience for me. I played a lot of games and gained valuable experience so it was definitely worth going out on loan. It’s nice to be back and I’m looking forward to next season already. I’ve been at City since I was seven so this will always feel like my club. I can’t wait to start training and show the manager what I can do because obviously he hasn’t really seen anything of me so far. Hopefully there will be opportunities during our pre-season matches to play and I’ll be doing everything I can to impress the boss. The manager has proved that he will give young players a chance if he thinks they are ready. You never know what might happen and if I do well, it could be that I get my chance next season. My aim is to play my way into the manager’s plans and see where it takes me.”

Injury Tripped Kieran Up: Like reserve team-mate Adam Clayton, Kieran Trippier is another young Blue desperate to prove his worth to Mancini. The 19-year-old defender followed Clayton’s example by making a temporary move away from the club to Barnsley. Unfortunately for Trippier, injury struck and the talented right back failed to make the impression he’d have hoped. The Bury-born Academy graduate believes that Mancini will opt for youth during various stages of the pre-season and he hopes to be at the front of the queue when the teams are selected: “I enjoyed being out on loan but Barnsley didn’t see the best of me. I pulled a hamstring and never really had time to settle in and express myself. It was a great experience and if the manager feels I’d benefit from further loan spells next season, I’d be happy to do that. We’ve got a tour to America coming up and I’ll be fit by then and would love to play a part in that. I’ve been to the States with the Academy when we had a tournament in Dallas and really enjoyed my time out there. Pre-season would be the ideal time to show the manager what I’m capable of and after that, who knows? The gaffer has already proved he is willing to give young players a chance so my aim next season is to get into the senior squad. It’s going to be an important season for the club and for me and I’m already really looking forward to coming back after the break and hopefully hit the ground running.”

Kelvin Keen on Cardiff: 21-year-old Kelvin Etuhu hopes to one day be a part of City’s first team plans but understands that for now, he is unlikely to make the break. Because of this, the Nigerian born winger, currently on loan at Cardiff, has admitted that if the opportunity arose to remain in Wales for another season, he would probably take it in order to develop further as a player. Whilst Dave Jones’ side may have lost out to Blackpool in last weekend’s £90 million match, Etuhu feels first team football at Cardiff would be beneficial to his future: “I’ve enjoyed my season at Cardiff, despite the injury troubles I’ve had. I’ve got some good friends back at the club and I’ve kept in touch with how they’re all getting on throughout the season. I’ve seen Craig Bellamy once or twice since I’ve been in South Wales. Bellers is a top man and gives me some great input. Who knows what may happen at the end of the season? There may be the option of spending further time on loan at Cardiff but we’ll have to wait and see.”

The Rumour Mill

Milner to Manchester: James Milner continues to look a certainty to make the plane to South Africa this summer and yet his club future remains in the balance. Chelsea are reported to have entered the market for the former Newcastle midfielder and it has been suggested that any offer by City could include a part exchange of either Stephen Ireland or Shaun Wright Phillips. The Blues may have had a £20 million bid for the England midfielder rebuffed last week but James Milner has admitted that his future at Villa Park is uncertain: “Do I expect to be at Villa next season? I don’t know. I’ve worked as hard as I can and concentrated on club football while the season has been on. Now it has finished, I’m focusing on England – and that’s the only thing I am focusing on. To be linked with any clubs is flattering but I’m just concentrating on England at this time. The season finished at Villa a week and a bit ago and we all said we would discuss it (my future) after the World Cup. I’ve enjoyed my time at Aston Villa, it’s a good club, we’ve had a lot of success this season, came close in two competitions, and we are moving forward.”

Van der Man: If Nigel de Jong has his way, City’s first signing of the summer will be a fellow Dutchman. Gregory van der Wiel is a mere 22 years of age but the Ajax defender was voted Holland’s Young Player of the Year and with a price tag of only £10 million, de Jong feels a move for Wiel is too good an opportunity to turn down: “I know that Greg is on our wanted list at Manchester City. I have pleaded with them to sign him, as we could use a good right-back. The tempo of English football will make him stronger still and I’ve recommended him to City’s management.”

City Covet Cavani: Uruguayan Edison Cavani is said to be Mancini’s latest target as the Blues seek to add a natural goal scorer to their ranks. The Palermo forward is rated at £22 million and is believed to be unsettled in Italy: “The possibility of Cavani staying at Palermo doesn’t go beyond 50 per cent. On Cavani, there is an interest from some clubs but there are no concrete offers. There has been no offer tabled from Napoli, However, Manchester City and a few Russian sides have come forward. In this situation, we are only viewers because his value is given by the buy-out clause in the contract – £22 million.”

Ireland and Shaun to Leave in Clean SWP? Both of City’s midfielders were reported to be part of the Milner deal this week though they’re also said to have other potential suitors. Shaun Wright Phillips continues to stall on a new contract and Newcastle United were said to be interested. Geordie manager Chris Hughton has, however, dismissed the reports as mere speculation: “As far as Shaun Wright-Phillips is concerned, he’s not one that will be coming here. Shaun is in contract negotiations at the moment, and it is normal for him to be linked with other clubs. It’s not something that bothers me because you can’t do anything about it.”

Stephen Ireland on the other hand is believed to have handed in a transfer request this week after becoming unsettled with the lack of first team opportunities at the club. Ireland was City’s 08-09 Player of the Year but struggled to match his own standards during last season’s campaign. A number of clubs have expressed an interest in the Irish midfielder but former City skipper Richard Dunne is hoping that his compatriot joins him at Villa Park: “I think Stephen would say himself that he wants to get more games and play more regularly, and if that’s not at Manchester City, he would be more than welcome at Villa. Everyone in the Premier League knows on his day how good he can be, and he would be a great addition to any side.”

Roque Santa Cruz claimed that he understood Ireland’s disappointment with the season just passed but felt that he would benefit more from remaining at the club rather than seeking a new one: “He is a very nice guy and a fantastic player also, so I think everybody at the club would be very disappointed to see him leaving. He is a great talent. This season has been hard for him, not finding a starting place in the team, but it is always going to be hard when you are at a team that is always getting new players who start all the time. It is very hard for everyone.”

Benji to Blackburn? Another player rumoured to be leaving the club is City strike Benjani. The Zimbabwean international has not been offered a new contract with the Blues and though he admitted that he is very disappointed to be leaving CoMS, Sam Allardyce’s reported interest may do much to raise his spirits: “I am not saying anything at the moment. I am on holiday and relaxing but I hope to find a new club after the expiry of my contract this month. It’s been a very disappointing season but I still believe I can still offer a lot at the top level in Europe.”

Best of the Rest

AC Milan’s Ronaldinho was once again linked with a move to Eastlands despite having turned the Blues down three seasons ago. The former World Player of the Year was supposedly target No.1 when Thaksin Shinawatra took over at Eastlands and now the 30-year-old is again said to be attracting the interest of the Blues, according to his agent: “Interest from Manchester City? These are questions for the club, but he is happy here.”

One Brazilian set to leave the club is Robinho. The on-loan Santos striker has made no secret of his desire to remain in Brazil after the World Cup and he reiterated this again this week: “I will return to Brazil after the World Cup and, God willing, I will stay to play in the Copa Libertadores (in 2011).”

Months of talk about Napoli’s Marek Hamsik joining the club were finally dismissed this week as Mancini revealed: “Hamsik is not part of Manchester City’s plans”, though deals for Juventus’ Diego or Everton’s Mikel Arteta may be completed instead. A move for Roma’s Daniele de Rossi has been ruled out as the Italian side asserted he was ‘not for sale’, though the Blues are reported to have locked horns with Chelsea over £30 million rated Sergio Aguero of Europa League winners Atletico Madrid.

A move away from the club seems inevitable for Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov, who is reported to be the priority target of Everton and West Ham United, whilst Everton may also be set to battle it out with Celtic and Wolfsburg for City’s Craig Bellamy. 36-year-old left back Sylvinho is the shock target of Liverpool’s after Rafa Benitez revealed Fabio Aurelio will be leaving in the coming weeks and Nedum Onuoha has been linked with a move to the North East with both Sunderland and Newcastle said to be interested.

Academy Blues

To Be Great: That’s the aim of City’s Academy over the coming years. With bags of money and world class talent continuing to walk through the gates of Eastlands, many had claimed that City’s youngsters would no longer get a look in. City chief Mancini though has proved the doubters wrong by offering débuts to the likes of Dedryck Boyata and Greg Cunningham. As the Blues seek the perfect balance between expensive imports and home grown talent, Mark Allen, the Head of City’s Academy Business and Operations has declared the club’s intentions to keep building on the club’s world renowned set-up: “Our vision has to be that this is the Academy of choice for players aged from six to 18, no matter what competition is out there. We want that the parents of potential Manchester City players will really want their boys to come to Manchester City’s Academy because it is renowned to be the best that there is. We’re on our way, and we’re driving everything we are doing here towards that vision. We want our functional experts in all the different fields here, such as coaching and education, to focus on what they do best and to do it to the best of their ability. The support from the owners is fundamental and has been critical to allowing me and the staff to begin developing the model of excellence and driving us to becoming the Academy of choice. We’re investing in the coaching at certain age groups to bring the best, but it goes wider than that. It’s across player care, medical, performance analysis, recruitment and other areas. If we are driving for excellence, and we have the support to bring that in, then collectively we can become the Academy of choice.”

Developing the Elite: As a part of the club’s youth policy, a number of last season’s under 18 squad have been promoted to the Elite Development Squad. These youngsters will now train at Carrington rather than Platt Lane and compete for places in the reserve side alongside the likes of David Ball and Robbie Mak. The newly inducted members of City’s Elite under 21 squad are: Ahmad Benali, Omar Elabdellaoui, John Guidetti, Jeremy Helan, Tom Smith, Sean Tse, Freddie Veseli, Reece Wabara and Loris Karius.

This elite set-up provides a foundation for the youth players to build on and 19-year-old Chris Chantler is one player currently experiencing the benefits of the squad: “The standard you need to make the grade in the Premier League is incredible, and I know that to make the grade I’ll have to up my performance. The quality of training here is very high and I have really pushed myself during the last season, and I can’t wait to do so again. When you push yourself, you become a better player.”

Young Guns Shot Down: On a more disappointing note for the Blues, City’s youngsters returned from the Under 18 Madrid tournament earlier than they had hoped, having been beaten in both their opening fixtures. The squad, which was made up of a very young set of mis-matched players, struggled against Spanish side Getafe and Argentine giants Boca Juniors and were beaten 3-1 and 2-1 respectively. Despite the initial disappointment, Academy manager Scott Sellars paid tribute to his young side and stated that this would be an experience that will benefit them all: “Before we went we had a lot of injury problems. We took a young group including five Under-15s, and it was a real challenge for the players who went. We also felt we couldn’t take any Under-16s because of GCSEs. So with so many key players missing we never expected to win the tournament as we did out in Abu Dhabi. The timing wasn’t good, but the boys who played will all benefit from the experience. The lads acquitted themselves very well against Boca, who were more experienced and stronger but we gave them a nail biter.”

International Blues

AJ for England: Adam Johnson finally made a splash on the international scene as he débuted against Mexico earlier this week. The former ‘Boro winger only had nine minutes to prove himself at Wembley but gave a good account of himself in the short time he had. The City winger seems unlikely to make the cut next week, though if given the chance to start against Japan this weekend, Johnson may just give Capello something to think about. Either way, ‘Johnno’ thoroughly enjoyed the experience: “It was brilliant and I really enjoyed it. The last six months have been unbelievable and winning my first England cap was the proudest moment of my career. I wasn’t too nervous but deep down I was desperate to get on. It’s what you dream of when you’re a little lad and to make my début in front of 88,000 people at Wembley is something I’ll never forget. Middlesbrough were great for me and for my development, but coming to City has been fantastic. If I’d stayed where I was I doubt I would have had this opportunity and now hopefully I can end the season by going to the World Cup.”

AJ does seem to have squad approval though as a number of Capello’s side praised the midfielder’s work ethic. Steven Gerrard was one such fan and the Liverpool captain seems keen for Johnson to be on the plane next month: “Adam has looked fantastic in training. He is a typical left-winger; he gets good crosses into the box, and is exciting on the ball. We will have to wait and see what players Fabio goes with in the final 23. But I am sure Adam has got a fantastic chance of going to the World Cup because he is a very talented player.”

Last Chance Saloon: Fabio Capello has revealed that he will give Gareth Barry until the very last minute to prove his fitness for the forthcoming World Cup. An announcement on Barry’s fitness had been expected to be made earlier in the week but it seems that it is going to take further time to recover from the ankle ligament damage he suffered against Spurs in the penultimate game of the season. With the final squad of 23 to be named a week on Friday, Barry will be working hard to make sure he’s ready to go. The former Villa midfielder remains optimistic though, having stated that physiotherapy was going well late last week: “The treatment on my ankle has been going well – I’ve been having regular sessions with the medical staff at Carrington, and they are pleased with how things are going. It’s too early to assess just yet as to whether I’ll make it, I’ll just have to keep having the treatment and see how things go over the next week or so. But I’m feeling positive still and the medical staff are being brilliant – they are doing everything they can to help me.”

England is Hart of the Matter: After a fantastic season for Alex McLeish’s Birmingham City, Joe Hart has expressed his delight at being included in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup. Whilst the current squad still needs to be cut down to 23, it is unlikely that any of the goalkeepers will be dropped and for Hart, the thought of going to South Africa and playing alongside some of the best players in the world is something that he has dreamed of since he was kid. The position of goalkeeper remains one that is seemingly up for grabs, though the former Shrewsbury Town ‘keeper understands that making the first XI will be a very difficult feat at this stage of the pre-tournament preparations: “It is a great prospect. However, I respect it is the England squad and that it is a very high level to get into. I am working towards it and doing everything I can to be involved but it is difficult as there are some great goalkeepers also looking for the same thing. I am just going to do everything I can to give myself the best opportunity. ‘Jamo’ (David James) is a legend and I can learn a lot from him – I wish he’d make me his ‘project’ and teach me all he knows! The spirit in training is great; we work together on a daily basis. We’re all different goalkeepers. Greeny and Jamo have vast experience and big personalities, and I’m learning from them.”

Of being named in the PFA Team of the Year, Hart exclaimed: “I have been happy with how it’s gone and I was really proud to be picked by my fellow professionals and didn’t expect it one little bit. It is a great honour and I will take every opportunity I can and keep on enjoying what I am doing.”

All French to Youri: Former France striker Youri Djorkaeff has expressed his dismay at the decision of national manager Raymond Domenech to preclude City midfielder Patrick Vieira from his provisional squad of 30. Vieira left Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan in January in order to seek first team football at City and prove himself fit for South Africa. Despite a run in City’s first XI, Domenech decided to punt for youth over experience and in turn left Vieira out. Though the French midfielder is now in talks over a new contract at Eastlands, Djorkaeff feels that the former Arsenal skipper will be disappointed to have missed out on representing his national side: “If there were 24 players in top shape, Vieira should not have taken a place in the list. However, of the 24 players, more than three quarters have been injured for long periods this season. I cannot understand how he can omit a man like Vieira, given his record, his experience and all his efforts to be in contention.”

Tev’ on Top Form: City player of the year Carlos Tevez once again pressed his claim for a spot in Argentina’s first XI with a top quality performance against Canada. Diego Maradona’s men ran out 5-0 winners, Tevez scoring one. Many fans seem confused as to why Tevez’s place in the Argentine national side is even under threat but with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain and Inter Milan’s Diego Milito all providing competition, nobody seems assured of a spot in Maradona’s side.

Ex-Blues’ News

Back on the Scene: Former City midfielder Didi Hamann signed for MK Dons this week as their new player-coach. The 36-year-old is believed to have turned down Notts County at the beginning of the season and now joins the League One side on a one-year-deal. Whether the former Liverpool player hopes to move to management after his playing career ends remains to be revealed but the German seems to making his first steps into the back room staff.

And on the World Scene: Former City striker Chris Killen has hit the big time as he was named in New Zealand’s provisional World Cup squad last week. The 28-year-old now plies his trade at Championship side Middlesbrough but has his sights firmly set on South Africa. Killen is almost certain of a spot in the final 23 and his goal in New Zealand’s 2-1 loss to Australia this week will have done nothing to hurt his cause.

MCIVTA GUEST EDITING

We are looking for a guest editor to cover 7th to 21st June inclusive (or two editors, you can share!). If you fancy having a go and keeping in touch with the 3,000+ subscribers worldwide and ensuring McV goes out in our 16th year, then please contact me at the usual address.

REQUEST: BLUES IN BALTIMORE

I have just got a couple of tickets to see City play Inter Milan in Baltimore on 31st July. I take it there will be plenty of Blues at the game but has anyone given any thought to a “local” before and after the game?

REQUEST: MEMORIAL GARDEN

The club are looking to make significant improvements to the Memorial Garden at the stadium ahead of the 2010/11 season.

With this in mind, I’m going to pull together a group of 8 supporters to talk through the proposed changes and present visuals of the new layout.

The meeting will take place on Thursday 10 June at 1pm in the stadium. Lunch will be provided.

I would be extremely grateful if you could put forward two representatives of Points of Blue to attend the meeting.

As always, thanks for your help.

REQUEST: CHARITY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

My names James Penny, and I’m currently planning a Football Tournament in aid of Cancer Research with a twist: it shall consist of teams made up of supporters’ teams! Currently, we have 11 teams participating, which include Coventry City, Burnley, Yeovil, Tottenham Hotspur, Doncaster Rovers and Gillingham. As you know yourself, you cannot run a tournament with an uneven number. This is where you can help!

This is an email to enquire about whether you could promote and get a set of fans to participate in the tournament, which is for such a good cause and to help us raise as much money as possible for charity, whilst in the process, promoting your football club. The main facts of the tournament are:

Date: Sunday 5th September 2010
Venue: Westwood Heath Sports Centre, Coventry
Time: Teams arrival 10:30am, Kick off tournament 11:30am, Tournament due to finish at 5:00pm, then a presentation evening in the facilities clubhouse, with use of showers and changing rooms throughout the day.

Other Information: This shall be an 11-a-side tournament, with the minimum number of players in a team being 11. However, the squad can have as many players as they want: for example, in the last tournament we played in, the Coventry City team had 22 players. Public Liability shall be acquired – we are in the process of acquiring St Johns Ambulance for the day. Prices: it shall be £10 per player, however, a £40 deposit is required a month before the tournament to ensure the team’s involvement within the tournament.

If your team could assist us with the advertisement upon the website and local radio that would be marvellous or even if your team has its own supporters’ team then even better. Please note, the maximum number of teams available for this tournament are 16; please feel free to contact me should your team be available and willing to enter a team, because entry for the tournament comes on a first come, first served basis, meaning the first 16 teams to pay their deposit in will be guaranteed inclusion in the tournament.

I look forward to hearing from you.

REQUEST: WINKBALL BLUES REPORTER

Winkball, a UK based video communication site, is giving football fans the chance to be a top football reporter for this year’s World Cup in South Africa.

You may have already spoken to one of Winkball’s team of fifty street reporters as a Man City fan at the many football games that they have covered. Speaking to the fans who matter at street level, Winkball gives a real insight into what real fans think. Via the medium of online video, Winkball has allowed the 1.5 million football fans it has interviewed, the chance to have their say about their football club.

With the Premier League over and the World Cup on its way, Winkball are proud to announce their ‘Star Reporter’ competition. ‘Star Reporter’ is your chance to record your very own video match report on a World Cup game. After each World Cup game, fans can go to Winkball and record their own video match report online via their web-cam. For each week of the World Cup, the winner for best match report of the week will win one thousand pounds. There is also the chance to win a year’s paid contract as a Winkball reporter for your favourite team. All match reports will be judged by BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Reporter Vassos Alexander.

So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be the next John Motson or Gary Lineker, fire up that web-cam and check out ‘Star Reporter’ on Winkball.com. For more information go to http://www.winkball.com/worldcup

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: