Newsletter #641

A fairly quiet few days on the sporting front, though more than adequately compensated for by certain events elsewhere! Indeed, yesterday it was looking more than likely that Sunday’s game would become yet another casualty of the ‘fuel crisis’. However, the news is that the Middlesbrough game is definitely on after all parties (club and police) decided that they could guarantee enough officials for the match to safely go ahead.

This issue has Peter’s news; a matchview from Anfield; Stuart’s squad update; several appeals for pub venues to watch this Sunday’s game; opinion – including the first expressed on the new away kit; and a post-natal Why Blue (just).

If anyone would care to have a go at writing either a match report or a Why Blue, they’d be more than welcome.

NEWS SUMMARY

Blues Earn Westerveld’s Respect

Sander Westerveld has played in 41 Premier League games since moving to Liverpool in the summer of 1999. But the Dutch goalkeeper says that in all those matches, he’s never faced a sterner test than that provided by Manchester City on Saturday. Westerveld says that City stopped Liverpool from playing their usual passing game. And the ex-Vitesse Arnhem player was impressed that Joe Royle’s men didn’t feel the pace despite their high-tempo display. “Our match against Manchester City last Saturday was the most difficult one I have played in England,” he told Football 365. “Normally teams who play in City’s style tend to tire after around 60 minutes, but they kept going. I don’t know how long they can continue like that, but I have much respect for them.”

Fenton’s City Career Set to End?

Nick Fenton this week returned to Maine Road after his loan spell at Bournemouth. But the youngster is set to be on the move again soon – and this time it may be on a permanent basis. Fenton would have been willing to sign for the south coast club permanently but the Blues’ £200,000 asking price proved beyond the Cherries’ reach. However, it’s thought that a number of clubs are monitoring the position, including Notts County, where the player had a three-month stint last term. And with the 21-year-old seemingly having no chance of forcing himself into senior contention at City, his departure looks to be on the cards.

Defensive Speculation Hits Fever Pitch

Manchester City have conceded more goals this season than any other Premiership team. And media sources are speculating that Joe Royle will seek to remedy that state of affairs by bringing in new blood. The Blues have been linked with several full-backs since Richard Edghill was dropped following his traumatic afternoon against Coventry. Chelsea’s Albert Ferrer is the latest name mentioned but Royle has denied making a move for the Spaniard. Meanwhile, City are also said to be showing an interest in out-of-favour Liverpool star Steve Staunton – although with a right-back ostensibly the priority that move would seem unlikely. Meanwhile, with Ugo Ehiogu once more voicing his discontent over his situation at Aston Villa, there is some talk that the Blues could revive their bid for the player. However, with the current uncertainty over the status of transfer fees, it must be doubtful whether David Bernstein would sanction a renewed multi-million pound bid for the 27-year-old.

West Maine Road Bound?

Manchester City are still being linked with a host of defenders. And one man who featured in the speculation earlier in the summer is again being mentioned as a possible target. Taribo West is available from Milan after only eight months with the Serie A giants. The Nigerian moved to the Rossoneri from city rivals Inter last season but has refused to make attempts to gain citizenship of an EU member state and will therefore be released on a free transfer. It’s claimed that the nationality issue would present less of an obstacle to Joe Royle since Paulo Wanchope is currently the only member of the Maine Road squad without an EU passport, and reports insist that the City boss is weighing up a move for the flamboyant 26-year-old centre back.

Royle – No Brum Move for Edghill

Birmingham City have been linked with a £1 million move for City’s Richard Edghill. But Joe Royle says that the Midlanders have made no approach for the 25-year-old. Edghill lost both the City captaincy and his place in the senior side following his torment against Coventry two weeks ago. Some observers have been suggesting that the Oldham-born star might have to leave Maine Road to resurrect his career, but reports that St. Andrew’s boss Trevor Francis will offer him that opportunity have so far proved wide of the mark. “Birmingham have not been in touch with me about Richard,” stated Royle.

Jobson Turns Down Another Loan Offer

Richard Jobson rejected the chance to leave Maine Road last week for a temporary stint with Stockport County. And the veteran defender found a similar offer from Nottingham Forest this week no more tempting. Jobson was a virtual ever-present in Joe Royle’s promotion-winning side last term. However, the recent arrivals of Steve Howey and Paul Ritchie have left the 37-year-old down the pecking order at Maine Road and he has yet to feature this term. Joe Royle was happy enough with the player’s decision, telling the Manchester Evening News, “We have no problem with Richard’s decision. It is entirely up to him whether he wants to go out on loan. He doesn’t lack fitness so there is no pressing need for him to get games in.”

Whitley Bidding for Norwich Switch

Jim Whitley is hoping to use his spell on loan at Norwich as a stepping stone to a permanent move to Carrow Road. And the Northern Ireland international certainly did his cause no harm with his midweek display at Stockport. The Canaries notched their first win of the season at Edgeley Park, and Whitley scored one and made another of the goals in the 3-1 success. And though he admits he’d be sad to leave Maine Road, the midfielder knows his career will benefit if his performances persuade Norwich boss Bryan Hamilton to agree a £300,000 deal. “It would be a wrench to leave City,” conceded the 25-year-old, “but I need first-team football and things are certainly going well at Norwich at the moment.” Hamilton has described the Zambian-born star as a “great lad”, but is remaining tight-lipped over suggestions he wants to make the deal permanent.

Royle Pleased With Goater’s Progress

Shaun Goater is still battling to regain his fitness after sustaining a knee injury in City’s pre-season build-up. But manager Joe Royle is perfectly happy with the progress made by last season’s top scorer. Goater had a cartilage operation after injuring his knee at Linfield in July. And though the Bermudian wasn’t given a run out in this week’s reserve game, Royle believes that the ex-Bristol City star will return to match action sooner rather than later. “Shaun is fine, we are just making sure we get a good week’s training into him,” the Blues’ boss told the Manchester Evening News. “Hopefully he will get a reserve outing next week. It is just a matter of him getting some work in the bank before we let him loose.”

Bernstein Happy With Curren Form

Manchester City have had demanding fixture schedule so far this season. And David Bernstein believes that both the current points tally and performance levels bode well for a successful campaign. Bernstein says that the total of six points in five games is roughly in line with expectations – but that in the displays against Leeds and Liverpool, the team showed qualities which delighted him. And the City chairman was particularly pleased for the men who’ve featured throughout the club’s meteoric rise. “I was incredibly proud of the way the team performed in those two matches,” he explained, “particularly the players who were with us when we were in the Second Division and who have clearly shown they can adapt to life in the Premiership.”

Reserves Lose at Riverside

The coach carrying Manchester City’s reserve team to the midweek game at Middlesbrough crashed on Wednesday afternoon. And things were little better at the Riverside as the home team swept to a 4-3 win in the fixture. Fortunately, the accident caused no injuries, so the match went ahead on schedule. And though strikes from Gareth Taylor and Tony Grant gave the Blues a 2-0 lead, Boro roared back with four goals in a nine-minute spell immediately before the break. City snatched a third courtesy of an own goal in the second period but were unable to complete the fight-back. Ian Bishop made his return to competitive action for the Blues after a lengthy absence with a hamstring injury, while Richard Edghill was also in the City line-up.

Dickov Hoping to Keep His Place

Paul Dickov was given a surprise start for Manchester City at Liverpool on Saturday. And the Scot is hoping to earn selection for the weekend game against Middlesbrough. Dickov has been criticised in the past for his lack of goals. But the ex-Arsenal junior has defended his record and believes he deserves a chance against Bryan Robson’s men. “I don’t really think about that aspect of my game, other people make more of my goal scoring record than I do,” he told the official club website at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/. “It is not that bad, as I noticed not so long ago that it is one in three since I came to the club. I am quite happy about that. Now I am looking forward to starting on Sunday against Middlesbrough.”

Changes on the Cards for Boro Clash?

Manchester City’s performance at Liverpool last week was praised by opponents and pundits alike. But for Sunday’s visit of Middlesbrough, Joe Royle may nevertheless make changes from the team which played so well at Anfield. Danny Tiatto is in contention for a place after missing the narrow defeat by the Merseysiders, while George Weah’s contribution from the bench in that game eloquently pressed the Liberian’s claims for a starting berth. It’s still unclear who, if anyone, will make way for the two members of the Blues’ international contingent, although the favourites appear to be Paul Dickov, who deputised for Tiatto on Saturday, and Mark Kennedy, who has been substituted in the last two games. Boro, meanwhile, are expected to welcome back injured trio Keith O’Neill, Colin Cooper and Gary Pallister.

Weekend Game Gets the Go-Ahead

The current UK fuel crisis has caused several sporting events to be postponed or cancelled this week. But City director Chris Bird has confirmed that Sunday’s match against Middlesbrough will not suffer the same fate. Fuel supplies in the country have all but dried up after blockades of oil refineries and distribution centres by protesters angry at the levels of excise tax on petrol. And speedway meetings and race meetings fell foul of the crisis while the midweek Second Division clash between Bristol City and Brentford was called off with the home club unable to guarantee that an adequate number of stewards would manage to make their way to the ground. But after consultations with the police and safety officials, the Blues have announced the televised match against Bryan Robson’s men will go ahead as planned.

MATCHVIEW – LIVERPOOL GAME

Just wanted to add my view of the Liverpool game. This isn’t a full review as such but overall I came away from Anfield feeling very optimistic about City’s chances over this season. Having said that, I am feeling somewhat pessimistic about anyone else’s chances of taking the title off the Rags.

I would have been very happy with 2 points from the two away games at Leeds and Liverpool but to get 3 (and to be unlucky not to get a fourth) makes me proud to be a Blue.

Oh, an initial moan. Anyone catch the review of the game in the Independent on Sunday? Awful, is the only way I can put it. We don’t rate a mention until well into the second half of the match review. Then the amount of space given to our quite decent performance is almost non-existent.

Back to the team. I’m pleased with our new recruits, they seem to be getting better game by game. Not least, Alfie Haaland, who seems to be performing his new rôle with absolute relish. He obviously cares and this transmits itself to the City fans, who immediately respond. Great stuff – what a fantastic buy he was.

Also Howey and Prior are forging a decent partnership together, which will get stronger and better. Being able to hold their own and compete in a game against Liverpool and Leeds gives me good feelings about the future.

Wiekens continues to look good in midfield, and although he wasn’t quite as effective against Liverpool, Jeff Whitley has shown that he is capable of doing well at this level.

Not least, the two new boys up front, Wanchope and Weah are a delight to watch. Wanchope is showing such strength and ability to hold the ball up, while Weah made an almost immediate impact after he came on at Anfield with his awesome skill.

One thing I recognise is that the whole team will have to give their all 100% of the time, but given that they do that, I really am optimistic about City not only staying up, but attaining a respectable position in the league.

On another note, if you are prone to verbally abusing Richard Edghill, think: when you go to work, do you have to do your job while being told continually that you are rubbish? And do you have a sizable group of people waiting for you to make a mistake so they can slag you off? No? I suspect that there aren’t many people (perhaps Tiger Woods) who could still thrive under such pressure. I certainly couldn’t. I do best when I am encouraged to do better, and when I’m given an opportunity to learn from my mistakes. Reg needs that chance, and although it’s largely down to him to prove that he can come back and begin to perform up to standard, he’s going to need all the encouragement he can get.

CALLING SINGAPORE BLUES

Come to Brewerkz, Clarke Quay to see Middlesbrough game live. Meet from 9pm local time (TV starts 10.55pm local time).

HONG KONG BLUES

I’m in Hong Kong for 2.5 weeks and will miss the Boro, Spurs and Newcastle games. Do any HK Blues know of pubs that will be showing any of these games live?

Story from Anfield – wandering past the players’ entrance as Haaland, Wiekens and Prior emerge – all looking pretty miserable. Wandered up to Haaland, shook his hand and told him that after the last 2 matches we have nothing to fear in this division. All he could say was “we should have had at least a point… at least a point” and with that got on the coach. For me it again demonstrates the change in attitude that Sir Joe has brought (I was there the last time we played at Anfield) and why Haaland was such a great signing – a quality player, with total commitment who hates losing. How times have changed… are you watching Alan Ball?

SQUAD UPDATE

Changes since last squad

• Andy Morrison loaned to Blackpool
• Jim Whitley loaned to Norwich
• Nick Fenton returned from loan to Bornemouth
• Chris Killen on loan at Wrexham

Tommy Wright
Nick Weaver
Steven Hodgson
Richard McKinney
Gerard Wiekens
Spencer Prior
Richard Edghill
Rhys Day
Lee Crooks
Nick Fenton
Danny Granville
Richard Jobson
Danny Tiatto
Andy Morrison               Loaned to Blackpool
Steve Howey
Steven Jordan
Paul Ritchie
Shaun Holmes                Transfer Listed
Kevin Horlock
Mark Kennedy
Gary Mason                  Transfer Listed
Jim Whitley                 Transfer Listed; loaned to Norwich
Ian Bishop
David Laycock
Terry Dunfield
Christopher Shuker
Terry Cooke                 Transfer Listed
Jeff Whitley
Tony Grant
Alf Inge Haaland
Dixon Etuhu
Paul Dickov
Shaun Goater
Danny Allsopp
Gareth Taylor               Transfer Listed
Shaun Wright-Philips
Leon Mike
Christopher Killen          Loaned to Wrexham
George Weah
Paulo Wanchope

Last year’s U17 still at club

Gary Furnival (defender)
Barry Hogan (defender)
Steven Paisley (defender)
Tyrone Mears (defender)
Paddy McCarthy (defender)
Damian Joyce (midfield)
Andrew Tunnicliffe (forward)
Gary Browne (forward)
Lee Croft (forward)
Brian Murphy (goalkeeper)
Joe Barton
Kevin Whitehead (goalkeeper) – non contract
Andy Pavey

This years U-17’s

James Almond
Richard Crawford
Mark Egerton
Phil Gider
Adam James
Ryan McDowell
Daniel McTaggart
Adie Orr
William Flood
Glen Whelan
Stephen Elliott
David Tickle – non contract
Ciaron Kilhenny – non contract
David Hodgson (GK) – non contract
Shaun Cartwright

CITY vs. MIDDLESBROUGH – MILTON KEYNES SUPPORTERS

The Milton Keynes Supporters’ Club branch will be congregating in ‘Halleys’ pub – also known as the ‘Hungry Horse’ – in Bradville, Milton Keynes on Sunday to watch the game on Sky, kick off 4pm. If you live in the MK area please come along and join us, whether or not you are a member of the Supporters’ Club. If you’re not a member you can join!

If you would like directions or further details then please email me.

SANTA MONICA BLUES

The Cock n Bull pub on Lincoln Blvd. in Santa Monica, California is showing the City vs. Boro game. Kick off ‘live’ on Sunday morning at 8.00am. See you in there for breakfast, lots of Guinness and 3 easy points!

‘BORO GAME ‘LIVE’ IN NEW ZEALAND

Man City’s game against Middlesbrough is being shown live on New Zealand Sky TV on 18/9 on the Sky Sports 2 digital channel at 1.55am, and will then be repeated that night at 10.30pm on the other Sky Sports channel. I would assume as it is being shown in NZ, it will also be shown around the world on the Sky network.

DISCUSSION GROUP

I noticed in MCIVTA 640 that someone asked if there was an e-mail based discussion group for City. To subscribe to one then send a blank e-mail to:

mcfc-subscribe@egroups.com

STOP PRESS

Trouble at the Swamp as fans are prevented from attending for the Anderlecht game by a truck drivers’ blockade. Apparently they prevented traffic moving on the M11, M25, M1, M5 and all points xouth of Birmingham on the M6.

The Surrey captain who saw his side win the County championship at the other OT today was interviewed on Sky. He said they were all off to the Anderlecht game and were very excited because it was most of the players’ first visit to the Swamp (OK he didn’t call it that)… must be a first that people from Surrey haven’t visited the Swamp before.

COMMENT – I’M NOT AS YOUNG AS I WAS YOU KNOW?

Following my posting in the last edition, thanks to all those who wrote to me to point out that what I thought was chanted at Anfield as “Heskey for Scotland” was in fact “Ritchie for Scotland”.

Obvious really, but in my defence I’d just like to say:

1. I’m stupid
2. I’m quite old (45 last weekend)
3. I thought it was something clever and subtle about Heskey that I didn’t know!

OPINION – IT’S JUST LIKE BEING IN CHURCH

Having been to City’s 3 away games so far this season, you couldn’t help but notice the unbelievably sterile atmosphere at both Elland Road and Anfield. Anfield in particular has lost its once-intimidating feel, obviously created by the Kop of old, and seemed to be populated with the day tripper type just like another ground a bit closer to home. “It’s just like being in church” and “worst support we’ve ever seen” was not far off the mark. City’s away support was fantastic as always; pity the club can’t get an extra 2 or 3,000 tickets for games like these.

The atmosphere generated by the home fans at Charlton was a different story. Although I did have a ticket for the City end, I ended up with a ticket in the Sponsors’ Area through another City fan, where we had a meal before the game etc. and a few beers. As we made our way along the seats I found that there was only one seat where there should have been two and I asked the bloke in the next seat to move up one while we sat down. At this point, after we had sat down my mate said quietly “You do realise who you’ve just asked to shift don’t you?” I looked round and said “Alright Jim? You don’t mind us City fans sitting next you do you?” It was only Jim Davidson! Fair play to the bloke, he was genuinely a good crack – unfortunately most of it at my expense.

Back to Liverpool, City were superb on the day, fully deserving at least a point but on reflection 3 points from the 2 games was a reasonable return given the pressure we were under at Leeds for spells in the second half. I just hope that Joe gets the team as motivated for the games against Middlesbrough, Bradford and Southampton, as this has been City’s downfall all too often in the past. If the team shown the same spirit as in these two games I feel we can aim for a mid table finish.

OPINION – FOUR LITTLE WORDS

Four little words but becoming increasingly common from people. What are they? “The disappointing Mark Kennedy”. Let’s hope not eh? Come on Mark, get your act together!

OPINION – WIDE OF THE MARK

I feel I have to respond to Elaine Taylor’s comments in the last MCIVTA. I rang GMR on Saturday and expressed my concern about Mark Kennedy. The trouble is you only get a sound bite and not the opportunity to reply. It wasn’t a slagging off – I’ve never done that in 25 years of supporting City – it was a plea because we all know what he can bring to the team and at the moment for whatever reason it’s not happening. I rang due to frustration. If Kennedy can’t do it at Anfield with the atmosphere we created and having the chance to show the Scousers what he really can do, how’s he going to go on at Derby in the middle of January?

I feel that Kennedy’s left foot is better than B****am’s right. The problem is that he needs the aggression, the bite and desire that Posh Boy has. If he did then he’d be twice the player he already is. I understand that Joe has swapped him from right wing to left this season to the benefit of the team but to the detriment of Kennedy but great players can adapt.

Maybe it’s indicative of the progress the club’s made that when one player doesn’t perform he gets roasted. Two seasons ago we had a wealth of bad performances to go at, now one bad game brings its own downfalls. I don’t want us to end up like the Bolton and Stretford supporters who constantly jibe at their team, I just want Kennedy back to his Division One and pre-season form. He’s also in my fantasy team.

OPINION – NEW KIT I

Having just visited the M.C.F.C. official web site I was surprised to see an advert’ for our new away kit. It appears that the silver (grey) rumour was true! But I’m not sure, from the picture, what I think of it yet. I’ll have to see it in the flesh, which will no doubt be some time, living in London as I do. What I was wondering is why grey? Do Le Coq survey the fans first before these kits are produced? What do other fans think of it? This is my first contribution to Mcvitee, hope I don’t get too much stick as I am a rare thing so I’m told … a cockney Blue! Maybe I’ll send in a Why Blue!

OPINION – NEW KIT II

Whoever designed the new away shirt needs their eyes tested! What an awful colour scheme! It looks very grey and didn’t Taggart after the Rags losing at Southampton blame it on the grey kit? I hope we don’t wear it too often! Why couldn’t we keep the red and black stripes or go back to the white shirt with the red and black stripe, loved that one!

OPINION – READING BACKWARDS

I’ve recently come back from hols and unfortunately missed the first two games of the new campaign. Anyway, as we were only in Ireland we were able to see City vs. Coventry on Match of the Day and the goals from the Charlton and Sunderland games. However, it means that I’m even more chomping at the bit for the Boro game on Sunday.

So I’m still in the process of reading back MCIVTA issues and have the following to say (if anyone’s listening):

I think it’s all been said about John McFarlane’s comments and his subsequent defence, but if the last two 2.5 years has taught us anything it’s keep the faith and trust Joe. That also goes for the doom and gloom merchants who wrote in after the Charlton game and have had to eat their words somewhat. I can’t understand the point of writing in to make sweeping statements and prophecies based on the first game of the season.

Anyway, I for one welcome the great news that the Greenalls representative Andrew Thomas has stepped down from the MCFC board. Personally I don’t believe he should have been given a complimentary pie from catering never mind a Honorary Vice-President’s position. Greenalls are an unpleasant reminder of the dark days under Swales and if anyone can enlighten me as to what they did to benefit City whilst they were on the board I would appreciate it. However, I am not holding my breath – good riddance to a complete waste of space as far as I’m concerned. Reminds me of a wedding I attended outside Oxford a few years ago. There was a friend of the groom sitting next to me at our table – a real Home Counties horsey sloan type who made the mistake of telling me she worked for Greenalls. Having consumed a little too much champers and wine I laid into her a bit (verbally) but of course as soon as I had mentioned the word football I was instantly assumed to be a ghastly northern oik which caused me to attempt to lambast her more. I say attempt as by this point my wife entered the discussion and wasn’t too happy about it (they never are especially at weddings and the like) and kept kicking me under the table. Anyway the moral of the story is that you can’t beat a nice bit of class prejudice.

Finally, I see Ken Bates has surpassed himself in the shooting oneself in the foot stakes. On hearing the news, I like all you lot was instantly reminded of Swales sacking Peter Reid at roughly the same point in the season after we had finished 5th the previous two seasons. This of course following our recent promotion back to the 1st in 88/89. The Swales decision was a disaster for MCFC, one that we have only now fully recovered from, although the purpose of this section of my contribution is not to raise discussion on the merits of Reid’s game plan and signings as we’ve been there and got the t-shirt. Surely Manyoo and the A*se must be wetting themselves as Chelsea have probably by this action checked themselves out of the title.

OPINION – KINDRED SPIRIT!

A comment inspired by that of John McFarlane’s which I have only just read. I am delighted that at last I have found somebody with the same opinion as myself, namely that Joe Royle has never proven himself as a top class manager and that his strategies and tactics are at best naïve and at worst destructive to the future ambitions of the club that I love.

John, there may only be two of us but we know that when the bitter end comes we shall be able to hold our heads high and say in loud, clear, voices: “We told you so!”

Keep the faith John!

Yours,

Squib
The King of The Potato People

P.S. Could anybody smuggle a bread knife to me as it is proving difficult to spread jam on my toast using the spoon that the nurse has provided me with.

REQUEST – CITY IN FLORIDA

A quick plea for help. I have a friend who, despite being a loyal Blue, has decided to take his family to Disney, Florida during the season! As a result he will miss the Southampton match. As it is on Sky can any American Blues suggest where he could see the match. He is staying around the Disney area.

REQUEST – DUBLIN BLUES

Any Dublin Blues planning on meeting up somewhere to watch the ‘boro game on Sunday? If there’s gonna be a crew somewhere can you mail me with details?

WHY BLUE?

1. Because my daddy is from Manchester and he says there only one football team there.
2. Because my mummy’s from Munich (note “from” and not “is a”) and sheloathes the Rags since they beat Bayern in the ’98 Champions’ Cup Final(she also likes the Blues because she’s watched them play more than any other team).
3. Because I was born 3 hours before we did Leeds 2-1, which made daddy particularly happy.
4. Because Moonchester is really cute in a TeleTubbie kind of way.
5. Because 50% of my wardrobe is adorned with a City motif.
6. Because all the City fans in Holland are jolly decent sorts.
7. Because that awfully nice Mr. Wiekens is from Holland just like me.
8. Because Daddy says the Rags play at a place called the Swamp and he alsorefers to the contents of my Pampers as being swamp-like, so they can’t bevery nice can they?
9. Because Mr. Weah’s footie boots look nice to me (daddy says they lookdaft but I think he’s still unbalanced by the white Alan Ball boots heowned when he was younger).
10. Because I’m not really capable of rational thought. Even simpledecision making and routine logical interpretation are far beyond mycurrent horizon of ability. Now, although this would normally guarantee mea lifetime of indifferent armchair support for a team in red shirts, I havejust about enough common sense to trust the values and beliefs of myparents, thereby ensuring for me a lifetime of excitingly emotionalunpredictability.

So Why Blue? Because, when all is said and done and you’re only 6 days old, it’s instinctive.

RESULTS

Recent results to 13 September 2000 inclusive

11 September 2000

Tottenham Hotspur     1 - 0  West Ham United

League table to 13 September 2000 inclusive

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pts
 1 Manchester Utd   5  3  0  0 11  0  0  2  0  3  3  3  2  0 14  3  11  11
 2 Leicester City   5  2  1  0  3  1  1  1  0  1  0  3  2  0  4  1   3  11
 3 Newcastle Utd    5  2  1  0  5  2  1  0  1  2  2  3  1  1  7  4   3  10
 4 Liverpool        5  3  0  0  7  3  0  1  1  3  5  3  1  1 10  8   2  10
 5 Tottenham H.     5  3  0  0  7  3  0  1  1  1  3  3  1  1  8  6   2  10
 6 Arsenal          5  2  0  0  7  3  0  2  1  3  4  2  2  1 10  7   3   8
 7 Leeds United     4  1  0  1  3  2  1  1  0  2  1  2  1  1  5  3   2   7
 8 Everton          5  1  1  0  5  2  1  0  2  4  6  2  1  2  9  8   1   7
 9 Coventry City    5  0  1  2  1  5  2  0  0  4  2  2  1  2  5  7  -2   7
10 Chelsea          5  1  1  0  6  4  0  2  1  1  3  1  3  1  7  7   0   6
11 Manchester City  5  1  0  1  5  4  1  0  2  4  8  2  0  3  9 12  -3   6
12 Middlesbrough    5  0  1  2  3  5  1  1  0  6  4  1  2  2  9  9   0   5
13 Charlton Ath.    5  1  1  0  5  1  0  1  2  5 10  1  2  2 10 11  -1   5
14 Aston Villa      4  0  1  0  1  1  1  1  1  3  4  1  2  1  4  5  -1   5
15 Bradford City    5  1  2  0  3  1  0  0  2  0  7  1  2  2  3  8  -5   5
16 Derby County     5  0  3  0  7  7  0  1  1  4  5  0  4  1 11 12  -1   4
17 Ipswich Town     5  1  1  1  3  3  0  0  2  2  5  1  1  3  5  8  -3   4
18 Sunderland       5  1  1  0  2  1  0  0  3  2  8  1  1  3  4  9  -5   4
19 Southampton      5  0  1  1  4  5  0  2  1  3  4  0  3  2  7  9  -2   3
20 West Ham United  5  0  1  1  2  3  0  1  2  3  6  0  2  3  5  9  -4   2

WWW MANCHESTER CITY SUPPORTERS’ HOME PAGE:
http://www.uit.no/mancity/

MCIVTA ADDRESSES:
Contributions: Ashley – mcivta@tollbar.u-net.com
News & Rumours: Peter – brophy_peter@hotmail.com
Subscriptions: Steve – sbolton@buxtonrd.u-net.com
Technical Problems: Paul – paul@city-fan.org

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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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