Newsletter #582

The only things of note in the last couple of days have been City’s international representation and new outgoing loans. One of the latter is Danny Allsopp which coupled with both Peacock’s and Super Bob’s continued injuries, means that the strikeforce for Saturday will once again see Dickov partnering The Goat, possibly with Gareth Taylor as cover.

This issue has a matchview of the England U21 game, focussing on Weaver; lots of Blue Moon ringtones; opinion; humour; and a couple of Why Blues.

NEWS SUMMARY

Pollock Set for Summer Decision

Jamie Pollock has admitted that the prospect of playing Second Division football drove him to reject a move to Wigan last week. The City midfielder appears to recognise that he has no future at the club but will wait until the summer before making a decision on his future. The former Middlesbrough player claims he still has “mental scars” from playing in English football’s third tier last season. Despite the Blues’ promotion, it was a miserable time for Pollock on a personal level, as he was plagued by fitness and disciplinary problems. So the March 1998 signing from Bolton didn’t want to gamble on the Latics being promoted, and he’ll look to his future once this season’s over. “I’d rather wait until the summer to make a clear decision,” he said.

Loan Signing Waiting Until Next Week?

There’s been speculation that Joe Royle may look to add two new faces to his squad. But if the Blues’ boss has any loan signings in mind, he may choose to wait until at least the middle of next week. For by signing a player on the maximum three-month loan on or after March 1, the Blues would ensure that the new man would be available for the whole of the play-off programme – should the club once again be involved in the nerve-jangling end-of-season lottery. It’s thought that Royle has been trying to persuade Leeds to release Alf-Inge Haaland on loan rather than on a permanent transfer, although the City manager has played down prospects of a move for the Norwegian. Haaland, incidentally, is to be punished by Leeds over derogatory remarks about Manchester United on his own personal website.

Allsopp in Wrexham Loan Move

Danny Allsopp is to join Second Division Wrexham on a month’s loan. The Australian is set to make his début for the Welsh club at Oxford on Saturday. Allsopp has been on the bench for the Blues’ last two games, and came on for Paul Dickov in the home win over Norwich. But the 21-year-old has been allowed to make the temporary switch to the Racecourse following the return from loan of Gareth Taylor and the recovery from injury of Lee Peacock. Allsopp had a month at Notts County earlier in the campaign and also rejected the chance to join Gillingham on a permanent basis in November.

Crooks’ Recovery Sees Fenton Join Cherries

Manchester City have refused to allow Nick Fenton to leave on loan for the last few weeks because defensive injuries at Maine Road have meant the 20-year-old was needed as cover. But now the defender will join Bournemouth – thanks to the recovery of Lee Crooks. After coming through the Blues’ reserve match at Tranmere on Wednesday, Crooks is set to provide defensive cover on the bench against Walsall on Saturday. The news means that Fenton, who has been eyed for the last month by Mel Machin as the short-term replacement for departed skipper Ian Cox, can finally seal his switch to the south coast. There he’ll hope to emulate the success of his three-month loan at Notts County earlier in the season, and is likely to make his début against Blackpool on Saturday.

Taylor Return to Coincide With Goater Absence?

Manchester City have already ruled Robert Taylor out of Saturday’s Maine Road clash with struggling Walsall. But the Blues are hoping that the player could return the following week when strike partner Shaun Goater misses the trip to Crystal Palace. The former Gillingham player has already missed two games since injuring his calf in training and, having not trained for ten days, has no chance of being back in action for the visit of the Saddlers. However, with top scorer Shaun Goater due to be on international duty with Bermuda when the Blues play at Selhurst Park on 4 March, Taylor could boost manager Joe Royle by returning to fitness ahead of the South London engagement.

Five More Call-Ups for Goater?

As has been expected for weeks, it’s been confirmed that Shaun Goater will definitely miss the Blues’ trip to Crystal Palace on 4 March. And City’s top scorer could be absent on five more occasions between then and 21 May – including the vital end-of-season clash with Blackburn. Goater will line up for the Bermudians against the British Virgin Islands a week on Sunday and will be required again as the Blues face Charlton a fortnight later – unless his side notches a convincing win in the first leg. Bermuda are expected to progress to the second round, on 2 and 16 April – 24 hours after City’s fixtures at Swindon and Grimsby respectively. And if his side progresses further, the ex-Bristol City man could be needed on 7 and 21 May, the first date interfering with the potentially crucial Ewood trip and the second coming between the play-off semi-finals and final.

International Round-Up

Nicky Weaver kept a clean sheet for the England under-21s against Argentina at Fulham on Tuesday. England won the game 1-0 thanks to a goal from Aston Villa’s Lee Hendrie. In a match of few chances, Weaver had little opportunity to impress, and most reports only mentioned that he failed to hold on to a long-range shot from Ricardo Veron in the first half. However, the City goalkeeper did look assured with the ball at his feet and he also produced a smart save from Diago Rivero in the second period. Meanwhile, Mark Kennedy reportedly starred in the first half of the Republic of Ireland’s 3-2 home win over the Czech Republic but was substituted at the break – hopefully not with an injury. The third Maine Road player on duty this week was Danny Tiatto, who supplied the corner from which Australia scored one of their goals in the 3-0 win in Hungary.

Wright-Phillips Stars in Reserve Win

Two late goals from Shaun Wright-Phillips gave the Blues a 2-0 win in Wednesday night’s reserve game at Tranmere. And Lee Crooks came through his return from injury unscathed. The utility man looks set to take his place on the bench for the first-team fixture against Walsall on Saturday but is unlikely to be joined by striker Lee Peacock. The former Mansfield player and fellow Scot Gary Mason were substituted with minor injuries. Peacock’s absence, coupled with the departure on loan of Danny Allsopp and the injury to Robert Taylor, leaves Gareth Taylor as Royle’s only striking cover for the visit of the Saddlers.

City Retain Season Ticket Discount Policy

Manchester City will continue with their season ticket discount scheme. The Blues have announced the prices at which season tickets will be sold before 31 March – even though if the team wins promotion, the market would support much greater levels. Traditionally, around half of the Maine Road season ticket holders take advantage of the cheap March prices. And chairman David Bernstein explained that the decision to continue the scheme this year was a mark of the club’s gratitude to its supporters. “We could have waited until May and have made a possible killing on the back of promotion,” he admitted to the Manchester Evening News, “but we felt that simply wasn’t fair. We decided it would be wrong to change our normal pattern of offering discounted tickets for the following season before the end of March.”

Losses Reduced, New Director Appointed

Manchester City have announced their interim financial results. The club’s losses are down on the comparable six-month period last year, and the Blues have appointed Bryan Bodek as a non-executive director. Mr. Bodek has for years been a partner in the Company and Commercial department of Manchester law firm Kuit, Steinart & Levy, which has been the club’s principal legal adviser since the end of the Peter Swales era. He has now left legal practice. On a turnover of more than £7.1 million in the period ended 30 November 1999, the club’s operating loss was £271,000, while the overall pre-tax loss was just under £1.5 million, less than two thirds of last year’s figure.

Bishop’s Second Career Taking Off

Ian Bishop seems to be making excellent progress in his second career as an author of football-based children’s books. The City midfielder was featured on Thursday morning in the local north west segments of BBC1’s Breakfast News programme. The programme featured Bishop reading his work to youngsters in an unnamed primary school. The 34-year-old says that some of the characters in his stories are based on footballing figures he’s encountered during his long career – although he perhaps wisely declined to elaborate. The sideline looks set to give the former West Ham midfielder something to fall back on when he ends his playing career – although it’s still uncertain whether he’ll do so at Maine Road. Bishop and reserve goalkeeper Tommy Wright still haven’t signed the new one-year contracts City have offered them.

Chance to Return to Second Place

Manchester City have the chance to return to second place in Division One on Saturday – for at least 24 hours. With Ipswich not in action until Sunday, even a draw for the Blues at home to Walsall will be enough to overhaul the East Anglians. However, with the Suffolk club having a tough engagement at Birmingham on Sunday, Joe Royle will be hoping his team can exert maximum pressure by taking all three points against Ray Graydon’s strugglers. The Midlanders denied City an automatic promotion spot last season but have failed to prosper in Division One this term and face a tough task to avoid returning whence they came last May. Following the departure of Neil Pointon to Chesterfield, the Saddlers have two Maine Road old boys on their books – striker Mark Robins moved to the Bescot Stadium after notching two substitute appearances in a loan spell with the Blues last season while, in contrast, Ian Brightwell played almost 400 first-team games for the Blues over a period of almost twelve years.

MATCHVIEW

As most of you will know, Nicky Weaver played for the England Under-21 team on Tuesday night, and had a full game. I thought I would pen a bit about his game, as I took the family to watch it at Fulham.

Nicky had a quiet game (by his standards) mainly due to a good defensive performance, more particularly from Carragher and Woodgate in front of him. Argentina were a good side and played some good football, though they did resort to some play-acting and fouling towards the end, which was a shame because they were all very good footballers.

Anyway on to Weaver, he warmed up at the “Fulham end” and it was nice to see him go over and sign some autographs. He seemed quite popular in fact. The first half saw him have very little action, other than a few back passes, despite quite a lively Argentina attack. In the second half he had a little more to do, and after about 60 minutes he had to make his one and only great save, after an Argentine midfielder was allowed to run through the defence; he shot from about 5 yards away from Nicky who was at his agile best to deny the lad. There were a couple of scares, as Lee Hendrie headed balls off the line but Nicky could have done nothing with either. There was one cross from the Argentina left wing that I thought Nicky could have done better with as it shot across the goalmouth; Nicky dived but got nowhere near it, Woodgate (I think) cleared easily. Nicky also had to make a couple of telling catches from dangerous crosses, and these he made look easy in his usual confident way. His kicking was back to its best after Huddersfield (I thought his kicking was not his best on Friday), and one cross that he caught was thrown out to England’s right wing and resulted in perhaps their best move of the night and perhaps should have brought a goal.

Throughout I thought he looked confident (without the arrogance he sometimes shows) that he could deal with any emergency, and that save just before England’s winner could perhaps have won them the game. It was nice to see him playing behind (note MoK not in front) a couple of decent centre backs in Carragher and Woodgate.

It was nice to see a City player in an England shirt though I have to say, it’s not the same as watching your “own” team.

STANLEY MATTHEWS

Anyone wishing to can pay their respects to the great man in a book of condolences on the Official Port Vale website.

All the comments will be passed on to his family who still live locally.

http://www.port-vale.co.uk/indexf.htm

Did you know that – Whilst Sir Stan is famous for his time spent at Stoke and Blackpool he was also the Manger of Port Vale in the late 60’s?

BLUE MOON RINGTONES

Following up on the large request I have been getting from people about ringtones I have put them on a web page: http://www.blue-moon.cwc.net/ has the ringtone for the Nokia 3210 and the Siemens C25/S25. If you have a ringtone for any other phone please email them to me and I will put them on the page.

WOULDN’T IT BE STRANGE IF…

• Programmes were worth buying.
• Match tickets were sensibly priced.
• Assistant referees were called “linesmen”.
• Players didn’t fake injuries.
• Players were paid sensible wages that didn’t bankrupt their clubs.
• Players stayed loyal to one team long enough to receive a well-earned testimonial year.
• Gianluca Vialli had hair.
• David Ginola was bald.
• Graham Taylor woke up to reality.
• Southampton didn’t just avoid relegation.

ANTI-RAG LIFESTYLE

In a follow up to Richard Ellor in the last edition about anti-Rag things that we do as part of our lives, as mentioned in my “Why Blue” of many moons ago (MCIVTA 377), I am the one who won a £500 TV in a raffle at a firm’s Christmas do and refused to go up and collect it because it was a Sharp.

Last weekend I took up someone’s suggestion on Blueview about Vodafone, and smashed a mobile phone into little pieces with a hammer, put them in a bag and walked into our local Vodafone shop and poured the pieces all over the counter.

Might I also suggest to Ashley that when he is short of a “Why Blue” to reprint some of the first ones used. I have been receiving McVittee for 3 years now and would like to read the stories of some of the originals.

KIPPAX RECORDS

We are a semi-pro guitar band from Manchester. We are all big Blues, so decided to form our own indie label called “Kippax Records”. Our site is at http://www.monomania.co.uk/

Would you add a link to your page, so that interested music-loving Blues can access it? We have already got guaranteed press in next month’s City Magazine.

All the best – let me know what you think of the site and tell me if you can help us.

NOKIA RINGTONES

To help with the number of requests for Nokia ringtones in the recent MCIVTAs – have a look at http://www.micromelody.com/ or http://www.ringtones.net/english/index.html and search for your tune. Sad to say it didn’t feature Blue Moon. There have been 2 versions in previous issues:

4g2 4e2 2g2 4- 4f2 32- 4g2 32- 4a2 32- 4g2 4g2 4f2 2g2 4- 4d2 32- 4e2
32- 4f2 32- 4e2 4e2 4d2 2e2 4- 4c2 32- 4d2 32- 4e2 32- 4c2 4c2 4a1 2c2

or

8g2 8e2 2g2 2- 8f2 8g2 8a2 8g2 4g2 8f2 2g2 2- 8d2 8e2 8f2 8e2 4c2 8d2 2e2
2- 8c2 8d2 8e2 8c2 4c2 8a1 2c2

However, it did have Match of the Day:

Title: Match of the day (62 notes)
Composer:
MicroMelody:

         d=4,o=5,b=100:8c,8f,8a,8c.6,16a,8a,8a,
         8a,a,8a#,8c.6,16a,8g,8a,8a#,8c,8e,8g,8a#.,16g,8g,
         8g,8g,g,8a,8a#.,16g,8f,8g,8a,8c,8f,8a,8c.6,16a,8a,
         8a,8a,a,8a#,8c.6,16a,8a#,8c6,d6,8d6,8e6,8f6,16f6,
         8e6,16e6,8d6,8f6,8c6,8c6,8d6,8c6,16a#,8a,16a,8g,f

Description:

         8c1 8f1 8a1 8.c2 16a1 8a1 8a1 8a1 4a1 8#a1 8.c2
         16a1 8g1 8a1 8#a1 8c1 8e1 8g1 8.#a1 16g1 8g1
         8g1 8g1 4g1 8a1 8.#a1 16g1 8f1 8g1 8a1 8c1 8f1 8a1
         8.c2 16a1 8a1 8a1 8a1 4a1 8#a1 8.c2 16a1 8#a1
         8c2 4d2 8d2 8e2 8f2 16f2 8e2 16e2 8d2 8f2 8c2 8c2
         8d2 8c2 16#a1 8a1 16a1 8g1 4f1

Nokia 3210:

         1 8 4 6 (hold 1) * 6 8 * * 6 9 6 6 6 9 6 8 # (hold 1)
         * 6 8 * * 5 9 6 6 # 1 3 5 (hold 6) # 5 8 5 9 5 5 5 9
         6 8 (hold 6) # 5 8 4 9 5 6 1 4 6 (hold 1) * 6 8 * * 6
         9 6 6 6 9 6 8 # (hold 1) * 6 8 * * 6 9 # 1 * 2 9 2 8 3
         4 4 8 3 9 3 8 2 9 4 1 1 2 1 6 8 * * # 6 9 6 8 5 9 4 9

NOKIA 3210

This ringtone I have attached below seems to work fine on my Nokia 3210, although the last line does sound a wee bit dodgy. Set the tempo to 100bpm. The notes on the Nokia are different in display, so here’s the full tune. This tune was posted originally for a Seimens 25/35.

8g2 8f2 2g2 8-
8f2 8g2 8a2 8g2 8g2 8f2 2g2 8-
8e2 8f2 8g2 8f2 8f2 8e2 2f2 8-
8d2 8e2 8f2 8d2 8d2 8c2 2d2 8-

The keys on the Nokia are laid out like this:

1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
* 0 #
1 = C
2 = D
3 = E
4 = F
5 = G
6 = A
7 = B
8 = Decrease Note time (1,2,4,8,16,32) (1 being a Second and 32 being 1/32 of a second)
9 = Increase Note time
* = Increase Note pitch (1 being low, 3 being high)
0 = Insert a pause (this is the 8- as above, use 8 and 9 to +/- the time of pause)
# = Sharpens the Note (C to CSharp)

Hope this helps you… If I get it sounding any better, I will post it.

ANOTHER NOKIA 3210

Tempo is 225bpm

Good luck,

4g2 4e2 2g2 4- 4f2 32- 4g2 32- 4a2 32- 4g2 4g2 4f2 2g2 4- 4d2 32- 4e2
32- 4e2 32- 4f2 32- 4e2 4e2 4d2 2e2 4- 4c2 32- 4d2 32- 4e2 32- 4c2
4c2 4a1 2c2

AS REQUESTED

As requested in today’s McVittee…

Blue Moon codes for Nokia 3210; two choices:

From my article in McVittee 576 (normal speed version)

4g2 4e2 2g2 4- 4f2 32- 4g2 32- 4a2 32- 4g2 4g2 4f2 2g2 4- 4d2 32- 4e2 32-
4f2 32- 4e2 4e2 4d2 2e2 4- 4c2 32- 4d2 32- 4e2 32- 4c2 4c2 4a1 2c2

Jim Needham’s “tweaked” (speeded up) version from McVittee 578

8g2 8e2 2g2 2- 8f2 8g2 8a2 8g2 4g2 8f2 2g2 2- 8d2 8e2 8f2 8e2 4c2
8d2 2e2 2- 8c2 8d2 8e2 8c2 4c2 8a1 2c2

WEMBLEY (AGAIN), DICKOV AND THE REST

Being in Beirut, Lebanon, I can’t put in words how much I look forward to those televised live City games (big thanks to Orbit ESPN, who probably get these games from Sky). I mean, the week they are playing, I feel on a little blue cloud until the game, the … well it depends! Last year, seeing City on the tube live was a dream beyond my imagination! I had to settle for those goals on the web (thanks to everyone involved there)! I mean not even our legendary play-off final against the Gills was televised. I had to settle for some sparse and nearly sporadic updates on the BBC World Service Sunday Sports programme (I do not have a computer at my wife’s parents’ house, where I sometimes spend my weekends). Then, I had kept track of kick-off time, and two hours afterwards, the presenter on the radio (can’t remember the name since Paddy Finney left) mentioned that they are still playing at Wembley. What does it mean? Delayed kick-off due to traffic congestion was the only possible explanation. But no, the presenter came up again and gave us some “excerpts” from the game. Stuff like, “20 minutes from regular time this happened. Gills 1-0 up” then, “10 minutes from time, this happened, Gills 2-0 up”. Needless to say that I was then about to faint. All these long hours, listening to the BBC WS awaiting a latest score from Division 2 (among the live crappy games of the Premier) gone forever! How foolish of me to have thought that we would go up. But as we know “one minute from time: 2-1” and finally during added time here is the commentator again: “Dickov has scored, City are level, what is it with the Manchester sides this week?!” (sorry for this allusion to the Rags!).

The rest, we know (please guys, spare us another play-off this year). This brings me to what seems to be a major talking point these days: Paul Dickov. I have seen Dickov against Leeds and lately against Huddersfield and I must admit (though it is very difficult) that he seems like a player who has lost all confidence in his playing ability. I know that I should not be judging from only two games but I felt as if he is trying too hard (while some others are not trying that much)! This is a bad sign. City fans that go to the game each week could tell me if I am wrong or right? Maybe he should leave and keep the Dickov name forever linked with that goal. In a way, it is a bit like Jim Morrison of the Doors or Jimi Hendrix. Had they been still alive now, the emotions they stir in people would not have been the same. I mean, who cares about what David Bowie is doing these days? It may sound selfish from my part, but I was really disappointed when I saw Dickov play this season (even when he entered as a sub against WBA on Boxing Day!). Does he need a break from the first team or simply a move. Dunno! On the other hand, could anybody please (at least) speculate about why is Tony Grant on the bench these days? Possibly, City’s best game, so far this year, was against Fulham at home and he had a great performance. A few weeks ago he was short on match fitness but now he should be playing. Bish seemed a bit tired against Huddersfield. Grant could have be introduced at half-time or something. With all due respect, Tiatto had sparked the team, last Friday, and I feel that Tony could have played a good rôle in that game. Now that Terry Cooke’s career with City seems over and Jamie Pollock is not even on the bench any more, it makes you wonder what is going through JR’s mind. JR has been, in some ways, our saviour and I believe that he is the best manager we have had since … John Bond! But does he get copies of our MCIVTA?

Note: how can we order Mark Hodkinson’s “Blue Moon” on the web?

SOCCER AM

Did anyone see the fool on Soccer AM a couple of weeks back ringing in to inform the nation that Paul Dickov and Kit Symons are not vegetarians as he delivered meat to their houses a few seasons ago? The object of the phone in was to find vegetarian footballers, not to eliminate carnivores.

P.S. Does anyone know of a vege player?

KEVIN ANSWERS BACK

In answer to Cathal Whelehan’s criticism, I feel I should point out that I live in London and no I’m not a Cockney Blue, I’m from Manchester. I regularly work abroad and come back for City games. The furthest I’ve had to travel for one match was LA to Villa Park then back to San Francisco (before anyone noticed).

My schedule this week is Friday, Huddersfield; Saturday, Milan; Monday, London; Wednesday, Paris; Saturday, Maine Road; Sunday, Turin. Arranged with great difficulty so as to avoid missing a game.

I don’t feel I have to prove anything. I go because I want to. It’s how I choose to spend my spare cash. When I was a student I still went to every game by whatever means necessary; hitching, jumping trains etc. Re: the ticket office. I know it’s been bad in the past but this season with the postal system and season ticket vouchers it seems to be running pretty well. That is, if you are a season ticket holder and a regular away traveller.

Of course all season ticket holders can’t be accomodated at away games. However, not all of them want to go. The point I was making, and yes it was tongue in cheek, was that alan brazil might constantly moan about City but even if you go to the game you’ll never avoid the moaners. Now if you want to get into a discussion about the difference between a supporter and a fan…

OPINION – MR WHELEHAN AND THE U21 GAME

Have just read Cathal’s “My Tuppence Worth for Mr. Cummins” article and would like to add my pennies worth and agree with what he was saying. I now live in London, and though not a million miles away from the Academy, find it difficult to attend more than three or four games a season due to work, financial and other commitments. I could, therefore, be labelled an “armchair fan” but I still consider myself to be a true City supporter and though I may not put much into the coffers via the turnstiles, I spend my share in the merchandise department. This of course is not the point, what matters most is the fact that I know how much I care about our club and the people around me know how much I care regardless of how many games I go to during the season.

The way I see it we can’t all go to every game, there just isn’t room. The most important thing is that week in and week out Maine Road is full to the brim with Blues lending their full support to the team.

Also the advantage of watching on Sky is the fact that I can coax a few friends down the pub with promise of beer and then educate them in the way of Manchester football. I’ve converted one so far!

On a slightly different note, I popped down to Craven Cottage to see Weaver and Co. last night. The place was packed out (one or two others in City colours) and the atmosphere was superb. Much better than the last senior international I attended at Wembley where you are too far removed from the action. Our boy did ok and looked pretty comfortable throughout the game.

The highlight for me was when some chap sat behind me commented to his kids following a slightly unorthodox clearance from our Nick saying “Yeah, that’s Nicky Weaver from Man. City… apparently he can be rather eccentric!”

Follow City – dare to be different!

OPINION – FEED THE GOAT

City have, in the past year or so, produced special T-shirts, namely ‘Walking in a Wiekens Wonderland’ and ‘Wing Commander Cooke’ (now on ‘job-lot’ sale at £6 in the club shop, for obvious reasons!). Ladies and gentlemen, surely it’s high time for a ‘Feed the Goat’ T-Shirt – maybe a picture of our lanky hero giving some hay to a goat or something. I’m sure people who are slightly more creative than me can think of a better idea. If you agree, lobby the boffins at Maine Road by EMailing mcfc@mcfc.co.uk with your support for the idea! Let’s show the Bermudian genius that he’s a pure cult hero.

OPINION – TERRY COOKE DEBATE

With regard to Ian Burgess’ comments re: the great Terry Cooke debate, I was merely attempting to point out the fact that if someone doesn’t have his heart in the club, why try and keep them? I also refer to the Pollock comments. I agree wholeheartedly with the view that Pollock shouldn’t be sold – I think he’s certainly one of our best midfielders (rightly ahead of Jim Whitley and Gary ‘The Crab’ Mason), and the point I was trying to make is that six months ago, he hardly even warranted being given a squad number, but he has sorted himself out accordingly. I also agree with Ian’s point about Vaughan. He had an awful start at Maine Road – I remember seeing him play in the relegation season and wondering if we’d bought Johnny Vaughan by accident, but he showed grit and determination and in the end was one of the main factors in our turnaround last season. He can count himself unfortunate to have been exiled to Cardiff and Forest. The overall view that I was attempting to make is that Cooke’s heart isn’t in it, let’s get rid of him for a decent price. An undoubted talent, yes. A player who think’s he’s bigger than MCFC? Thanks, but no thanks.

OPINION – BECKHAM

David Beckham. You like to take the p*** out of him? OK. That belongs to football. But. Here are my thoughts.

A class system that clamours for the character assassination of anyone who steps out of line: Here’s a boy who can play football better than any of you, who marries a beautiful girl.

What sometimes cuts me is when the Reds call us bitter.

D.B. and his wife will be hounded out of Britain. They will go to Milan and be hugely popular. He can play football. She can be a super model. And they will have a totally great time. And I hope they do it. Because the peasant working class and the peasant middle class and the peasant upper class of British society could never ever accept a talented boy who got the pretty girl and made a million bucks on the way. David. If ever you read this, I think you are a fantastic footballer and I wish you played for City.

Please don’t tell me about petulant Reds. I’ve seen enough petulant Blues to become an expert.

And as for the rest:

Moaning Blues. Shut it. We are doing great. Joe is tops.
Terry Cooke. Good luck mate. Don’t know why you’re off, but good luck. Whatever.
Jamie Pollock. Really good luck mate. I really don’t know why you’re off.
Richard Edghill. Even better luck. I really don’t know why you’re on. But sod it. There must be a reason. Come on Richard! Shake it up baby!
Nicky Weaver. I offer my wife. Please Nicky. Take her.

I love you team.
I really love all of you team.

REQUEST – NOKIA 6110

Is there anybody that can help me get Blue Moon onto my Nokia 6110? I have no way of entering the codes that were published the other week. I have scoured the Internet for a way of getting the codes onto my phone without success. The only thing I know is that it is possible to set the personal ring tone via the Nokia Data suite or SMS. If there is anybody out there who can help? Please mail me at the address below.

REQUEST – SAN FRANCISCO BLUES

I’m going to be in SF between 24th and 29th March. If any Blues are in the area, I’d love to meet up have a beer and swap stories. If you’re up for it, drop me a line at:

RED HUMOUR

Three football fans were driving along when they spied a body in the undergrowth. Stopping their car, the three guys ran over to see what they could do. Unfortunately, they found the nude body of a deceased young woman. Being gentlemen, the first guy dropped his Spurs hat over one breast. The second guy, a Liverpool fan, placed his hat over the other breast. The Manchester United fan then placed his hat over the woman’s very private part. Soon the police arrived. The coroner started checking over the body.

He picked up the Spurs hat and quickly placed it back. He then picked up the Liverpool hat and returned it. Then he picked up the Man United fan hat, put it down, then picked it up again inspecting the hat more closely, and then put it down. Then he picked it up a third time. By this time, the Man United fan was a bit irritated and he asked, “Why do you keep picking up that hat? Are you some kind of pervert or something?” The coroner responded with a wry smile, “Son, I can’t figure this one out. Usually when I come across one of these Man United hats, there’s an ar*ehole under it.”

RED HUMOUR II

Wimbledon 1 Manchester United 8

United’s march towards the Premiership title continued today after a stunning display at Selhurst Park. Super-Reds United went ahead just before the kick-off when Giggs’ through-ball sent the linesman away down the right flank. His cross was handled on the half-way line by a Wimbledon defender, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stepped up to slot the ball home for his 65th penalty of the season, after hitting one of the five United substitutes holding Sullivan down in the Wimbledon goalmouth.

It was no more than United deserved.

The 15th minute saw the Super Reds go two up after Robbie Earle was penalised for coughing just outside the area. David Beckham’s free kick hit the back of Blackwell’s boot and the ball bounced up and landed in the referee’s hands. A quick throw into the top corner of the Wimbledon net and it was 2-0.

It was no more than United deserved.

The 21st minute saw more trouble for Wimbledon when Thatcher was sent-off for enquiring about the referee’s United shirt. However, two minutes before the interval Wimbledon struck back after an amazing piece of good fortune. The linesman could only parry Hughes’ shot and Gayle thumped home the rebound. After 10 minutes trying to find a reason to disallow it, the referee grudgingly admitted it had to stand. Hard done by Man United could scarcely believe their bad luck and Alex Ferguson threw down his programme and wouldn’t talk to anyone for ten minutes. Fortunately, things settled down again once the referee agreed to award United a consolation goal.

So 3-1 at half time and no more than United deserved.

Just after the restart, unsportsmanlike Euell was dismissed for making ridiculous claims for a penalty after Roy Keane had severed Neil Ardley’s head. The referee missed the incident due to the red scarf flowing in his eyes but replays showed that Keane’s use of the chainsaw was clearly unintentional. Ten minutes later Ferguson took off David Beckham and replaced him with five other players. Wonderful, wonderful Man Utd’s fourth came shortly after.

John Hartson was caught offside in his own penalty area and Irwin’s free-kick bobbled home after hitting the underside of the floodlights. The referee claimed the final touch.

It was no more than United deserved.

Super-marvel-wonder-Reds kept the pressure on until the bitter end. In the ninety-eighth minute Alan Kimble conceded a free kick just outside his own area for blatantly glancing at the referee. Giggs stepped up and proceeded to curl the ball just wide of the post. Goal no. 5 and no more than United deserved. United slotted goal number 6 from the penalty spot after Cort went down with a broken leg. Fortunately Roy Keane was nearby when it happened and he was able to bring the incident to the referee’s attention. Unfazed by Cort’s cynical tactics, protruding bone and spraying blood, the referee sent him off for diving and awarded Yorke the penalty. Yorke smacked the ball over the crossbar but the referee decided that it should count because, based on past records, Yorke rarely missed. When the final whistle went, Wimbledon traipsed off with their heads low, having been taught a lesson in the finer arts of football by what is by far the greatest team the world has ever seen. As the losers hit the showers, a superb flowing movement by United culminated with a fine diving header by Sheringham and it was 7-1. However, the referee decided it was such a good goal, it should count double.

8-1 then – and no more than United deserved.

Note: this seems to be remarkably similar to the Manchester United 7 Chelsea 1 piece way back in MCIVTA 176, and the joke wasn’t a new one then…

QUESTION – POSTPONEMENTS

To all in Cityland:

A poser that has been bugging me and a couple of fellow fans: When was the last time City had a home game postponed due to the weather (not abandoned as we know that one – against Ipswich 3rd Jan 1994 when Vonk and Ingebrigtsen scored before the ref called it off). Away it is Spurs due to a waterlogged pitch – Sat 21st Jan 1995. Any clues? We suspect it could be late sixties or early seventies.

A question that must of been asked before: Are there any good sites that carry video clips of City goals – especially Paul Dickov’s goal at Wembley. I’ve tried without success around the net!

WHY BLUE?

This is a question I have often asked myself and, since my friend Mub (the Derby fan) started to subscribe to McVittee for me (I am, indeed, Chris the Luddite), one he has badgered me to write.

Why I picked Man City as opposed to any other club is a mystery as I have no connection with Manchester whatsoever. Most City fans I meet are either from Manchester or are following in their fathers’ footsteps.

Me? Well I was born in Watford, whilst I have spent most of my life in Oxford and Abingdon, which I guess should have meant supporting the Rags! I was too young in Watford to appreciate whether it had a football team (still a moot point) and as for Oxford, well it was hardly in the same league as, say, Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea etc. As for my dad, he was a F****t (asterisks inserted by the typist) fan but despite his best efforts it didn’t feel right – must have been the colour of the shirts! That, or his persistent chanting of “2-4-6-8, who do we appreciate?” or “Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen” which had me squirming with embarrassment, put me off.

My first contact with the only team in Manchester was through football stickers which I used to collect along with many of my schoolmates. Somehow I was inexplicably drawn to a team which sported Peter Barnes, Dennis Tueart, big Joe Corrigan, Asa Hartford and Gary Owen. I think Brian Kidd was also playing then. My memory is rather hazy of the period (too many sherbert dips) but I think City were one of the few teams I managed to complete.

Whilst at secondary school it became paramount to be seen to support a team whether it be Liverpool, Leeds, Wolves (yes, a friend of mine actually supports Wolves), Derby, Arsenal. Oddly enough I don’t recall any Rags fans. The 1981 Cup final defeat was the definitive moment when I declared my allegiance. What is it about losing that seems to appeal? Since then I have watched City through the highs and lows or should that be the lows and even lowers!

City seem to have turned a corner and this resurgence has been mirrored in my personal life. Whereas City’s struggles seemed to come as I lurched from one crisis of confidence to another, now City’s success, i.e. promotion and pushing to return to the Premiership, have seen more stability in the form of a lovely girl called Kate, who I hope to take to Maine Road soon, as it’s the only way to try to get her to understand what we go through on Saturdays!

So really I haven’t any real reason (being a local, team dad supported, etc.) but I have a sneaking suspicion that it was the colour of the kit!

WHY BLUE II

Well, my parents supported that team from near Manchester who wear light purple(!), and all my mates at school followed the Blues. So in the late 60’s, early 70’s it was off to Maine Road as often as possible and then many trips on Fingland’s coaches and that’s the way it’s stayed. My own Junior Blue came along and at first it was easy to keep him on the straight and narrow, but he was tempted by the ‘Red’ side due to the influence of his ‘mates!’ at school. However, the promise of regular visits to the Academy and new kits kept him on the Blue side. Now when we go, he’s the one who does most shouting and waving at those away supporters who visit. Just a footnote re the Huddersfield game, even though we were outplayed in the first half (I watched it on Sky), it seemed to me that we played too much one touch football where the final ball usually ended up at the feet of a Terrier. Had someone stood on the ball for even seconds I’m sure we would have slowed it down and perhaps started to dictate instead of letting them do it all. I thought Edghill was naff, and Dickov should concentrate on trying to score instead of arguing with everyone and falling over. Fancy trying to thump someone over a foot taller than him! At least we didn’t lose and we’ll be there at the end of the season.

RESULTS

Recent results to 22 February 2000 inclusive.

22 February 2000

Bolton Wanderers      3 - 0  Portsmouth

League table to 22 February 2000 inclusive.

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pts
 1 Charlton Ath.   31 12  2  2 28 11  9  3  3 30 18 21  5  5 58 29  29  68
 2 Ipswich Town    32 12  2  2 32 14  6  7  3 22 17 18  9  5 54 31  23  63
 3 Manchester City 31 12  0  3 34 11  7  5  4 17 14 19  5  7 51 25  26  62
 4 Barnsley        32 11  2  3 37 17  6  4  6 25 30 17  6  9 62 47  15  57
 5 Birmingham City 32 11  3  2 29 13  4  5  7 20 23 15  8  9 49 36  13  53
 6 Huddersfield T. 32 11  3  2 35 14  4  4  8 14 21 15  7 10 49 35  14  52
 7 Wolves          32  9  4  3 29 16  4  6  6 15 20 13 10  9 44 36   8  49
 8 Fulham          32  8  5  3 15  8  4  7  5 14 18 12 12  8 29 26   3  48
 9 Bolton Wndrs    31  8  5  3 29 18  4  4  7 14 16 12  9 10 43 34   9  45
10 Blackburn R.    31  7  6  2 21 11  4  5  7 16 23 11 11  9 37 34   3  44
11 QPR             32  6  9  1 22 15  4  4  8 19 23 10 13  9 41 38   3  43
12 Stockport C.    32  7  6  3 25 21  4  4  8 11 22 11 10 11 36 43  -7  43
13 Sheff. United   32  9  3  4 29 15  2  6  8 17 31 11  9 12 46 46   0  42
14 Norwich City    31  9  3  4 21 16  2  6  7 11 18 11  9 11 32 34  -2  42
15 Grimsby Town    32  8  5  3 23 21  3  2 11 13 31 11  7 14 36 52 -16  40
16 Tranmere Rovers 31  7  5  3 25 17  3  2 11 15 30 10  7 14 40 47  -7  37
17 Crystal Palace  32  6  7  3 26 17  3  3 10 18 35  9 10 13 44 52  -8  37
18 Nottm Forest    32  7  6  3 21 13  2  3 11 14 27  9  9 14 35 40  -5  36
19 West Brom A.    32  3  9  4 14 16  3  6  7 12 24  6 15 11 26 40 -14  33
20 Portsmouth      32  5  5  6 22 17  2  4 10 13 32  7  9 16 35 49 -14  30
21 Walsall         32  4  5  7 15 20  3  4  9 18 31  7  9 16 33 51 -18  30
22 Crewe Alex.     32  5  5  6 17 18  2  3 11 14 26  7  8 17 31 44 -13  29
23 Port Vale       30  5  3  7 16 17  1  7  7 16 24  6 10 14 32 41  -9  28
24 Swindon Town    32  2  6  8 15 29  1  5 10  7 26  3 11 18 22 55 -33  20

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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.

Ashley Birch, mcivta@tollbar.u-net.com

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