Newsletter #650

What did I tell you in Issue 648? I quote “My Editorial stand-ins in the past have coincided with fun and games at Maine Road”. ‘Nuff said! I had my doubts from the outset about how long George’s relationship with us would last but on balance it was the right move at the time. Hopefully hindsight will eventually show his leaving was in the interests of the greater good, but of course we may well wonder what might have been.

Ash’s recent plea for more match reports has paid off in spades – this issue has 6 of them, with the bonus of an eye witness account on Manchester’s favourite Costa Rican in action in the World Cup. Clearly a crucial result even at this early stage of the season, seeing City move up the table, set fair for the televised game against Southampton a week today.

There’s some early reaction to the Weah departure and (imminent?) Dunne arrival, and John Macfarlane finds there’s at least one person prepared to defend his right to an opinion that differs from the accepted wisdom.

And by way of food for thought … those of you who caught Match of the Day on Saturday would have seen Gary Lineker flanked by his young sons, one proudly wearing a Leicester shirt, the other wearing, you guessed it, a United one. TalkSport in the UK had a phone in on this subject on Monday and one of my Blue mates in Beverley (Mark Horner) got on the radio and had to confess he’d failed to stop his son Chris going over to the dark side of the force and embracing the Evil Empire. Anyone else out there got a similar story of divided family loyalties?

One more issue before I hand back to Ash, and as Pete Brophy observes I’ll have the additional joy of editing the news this coming issue too, so bear with me please! Thanks to Stuart Reynolds for the squad update. We’re considering ways of doing a fixture list update every month in response to ‘customer feedback’ – we aim to please!

NEWS SUMMARY

Weah Quits Maine Road

George Weah has left Manchester City. The former World Player of the Year has been frustrated at Maine Road after being omitted from the starting line-up on a number of occasions, and the Blues have agreed to terminate his contract. Weah held clear-the-air talks with Joe Royle after being substituted against Newcastle at the end of September. The Liberian reportedly spoke of a desire to quit European football, but Royle convinced the player to continue playing for City. However, the 34-year-old’s patience appears to have snapped after he was only an unused substitute in Saturday’s win over Bradford. Both parties insist the split has been amicable, with City director Chris Bird saying, “As manager of Manchester City Joe Royle has to put the interests of the club first and no player is bigger than the club.” There have been suggestions that Weah will now either return to Liberia or end his career in the USA, but a return to Italy, possibly with Bologna, is also being mentioned as a possibility.

Royle Praise for Departed Weah

George Weah has left Manchester City. But the Liberian goes with the best wishes of Joe Royle, who has nothing but praise for the former Milan legend. Royle says he sympathises with Weah’s desire at this stage of his career to be playing regular first-team football. And the Blues’ boss has no complaints over the Liberian’s conduct during his time at the club. “There has been no row with George, he has conducted himself with great dignity at all times,” explained the City manager. “All our discussions have been entirely amicable.”

City Win Six-Pointer

Manchester City earned a crucial victory at home to Bradford on Saturday. Fine strikes from Paul Dickov and Alfie Haaland gave the Blues a 2-0 win over their Yorkshire visitors. Dickov put City in front on the half hour before Haaland doubled the lead on the stroke of half time. And though Joe Royle reflected that his side had played better this season and lost, he nevertheless felt they were worthy winners on the day. However, the City boss knew that the result was paramount – since a defeat would have left his side perilously close to the foot of the table. “The result was always going to be far more important to us than the performance,” he admitted, with the three points keeping the Blues in twelfth place with eleven points from nine games. Royle also credited assistant Willie Donachie for a crucial tactical switch which helped swing the game in City’s favour. Donachie moved Mark Kennedy from the right wing, where he had started the game, to his more favoured left-wing rôle and was rewarded almost immediately as the Irishman supplied the cross from which the opener came. Although largely second best on the day, Bradford did miss a couple of presentable opportunities, leaving boss Chris Hutchings lamenting his side’s failings in front of goal.

Royle Agrees Dunne Fee

Manchester City look set to add Richard Dunne to their ever-growing complement of central defenders. The Blues have agreed a fee of £3 million with Everton for the Irishman. Dunne twice turned down the chance to move to Wimbledon this summer. And even though Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Charlton are interested in the 21-year-old, Joe Royle hopes to conclude a deal on Tuesday when the parties meet to discuss personal terms. Royle it was who handed the player his first professional contract when at Everton and no doubt the City boss will be hoping that he therefore has a strong edge over his rivals in the chase for the player’s signature. If he signs, the Republic of Ireland man will become the fourth central defender to join the club since March, although it’s thought in some quarters that he could be used as right back until the Blues land a specialist in that position, thus allowing Alfie Haaland to move into midfield.

Goater Still Short of Fitness

Shaun Goater featured on the bench for Manchester City on Saturday. But Joe Royle was pleased not to have to call on the Bermudian front man. Goater received an excellent reception from the Maine Road faithful – who left the Blues’ boss in no doubt that the introduction of the ex-Bristol City man in the second period would have been a very popular move. But Royle told the official club website at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/ that the 30-year-old would only have been given a run out in an emergency. “Shaun was there just in case [Paulo Wanchope] had to come off and we needed another forward,” explained the City boss. “But five minutes at the moment would be five minutes too long for Shaun. He needs more fitness and more games.” Goater will play for a City side which takes on Altrincham in a friendly at Moss Lane on Wednesday evening.

Taylor on Mark Again for Reserves

Shaun Goater continued his comeback from injury by playing for the Blues’ reserves last Thursday. But it was the Bermudian’s former first-team strike partner who was on target for City. Gareth Taylor scored four goals the previous week against Sheffield Wednesday. And the ex-Sheffield United man was on target again against Blackburn in the 1-1 draw at Ewen Fields. The scoring took place in the space of a minute just before the break, Taylor cancelling out the visitors’ opener scored by Craig Hignett. Meanwhile, the City under-19s couldn’t continue their recent prolific scoring form against Barnsley on Friday. The Blues managed only a 0-0 draw against their South Yorkshire visitors.

Seven on Loan – Only Three Start

Manchester City have six players currently away from Maine Road on loan. But only three of the Maine Road loan contingent started for their temporary employers at the weekend. Andy Morrison lined up for Crystal Palace while Danny Allsopp featured for Bristol Rovers against Northampton and Nick Fenton was selected for Notts County. Of the three, only Fenton managed to avoid being on the losing side as the Midlands outfit snatched a 2-2 draw against Wigan. Meanwhile, Terry Cooke was on the bench as Sheffield Wednesday lost at Portsmouth, as was Jim Whitley as Norwich beat WBA. Meanwhile Chris Killen was also a substitute as Wrexham won 4-3 at Oxford – but his Maine Road junior colleague Leon Mike wasn’t in the home team’s squad.

Grant Set to Leave?

Tony Grant arrived at Maine Road amid much praise from Joe Royle. But the player has failed to show his best form since his transfer from Everton – and if newspaper speculation is to be believed, he could soon leave the club. Grant started only a handful of games for the Blues last term. And his failure to force his way into the senior side at the start of this season has led to talk that Royle could jettison the man for whom he paid £450,000 only ten months ago. The Liverpudlian is currently out of action with a stress fracture of the foot, but it’s believed he could move on once he regains fitness next month. Huddersfield and Preston have been mentioned as potential buyers.

Dickov Relishing Senior Chance

Paul Dickov failed to hold down an automatic first-team place for Manchester City in the Nationwide League. But the 27-year-old has grabbed his opportunity with both hands this term. Dickov’s form kept George Weah on the bench and led to the Liberian eventually leaving the Blues. And now the Scot is hoping to score more goals like the spectacular volley he notched against Bradford to fight of the impending challenge from a fit-again Shaun Goater. The one-time Arsenal junior’s stunning strike against the Bantams capped a remarkable week for him, which began with his first taste of international football. And he’s hoping that more of the same will follow. “It’s been a very busy week and a very memorable week for me with playing for Scotland for the first time,” he reflected. “I was just pleased to play from the start against Bradford and I hope I’ve justified my place.”

My Absence for the Next Week

I will be on holiday for a week from tomorrow and will not have access to a computer. This means that Geoff will be stepping in to do news in my absence for the next two issues of MCIVTA – indeed on Thursday he has the Herculean task of both editing the newsletter and providing the news summary (sorry Geoff!). Any news-related correspondence between now and Monday 23 October should therefore be directed to mcivta@donkin.freeserve.co.uk. I will be resuming news duties for the issue which will appear on Thursday, 26 October.

MATCH REPORT (1)

City 2 – them Bratfud boys 0

It’s a long long time since I’ve had the opportunity to write a match report, but something about the Bradford game just inspired me to start again. It took a while before I worked out what that something was. Was it that the level of skill on display left me with a burning need to tell everyone else about it? Er no, that couldn’t be it. Suddenly I remembered. I started writing match reports in the days when things at Maine Road were bad. I mean when they were really bad. We were on our way to getting relegated from the First Division type bad. We were playing with no passion, no desire, no will to survive and – even had we had all of those – without the ability to ever threaten an opponent. People stopped bothering to defend against us as we presented no danger to anyone’s defence – in fact most of the time we presented no danger to anyone’s midfield. Our manager (good old Mad Frank) had no idea what was wrong with the team and the way they were playing, let alone how to change it. Watching the way that Bradford played on Saturday reminded me of all of those things.

City had Weaver back in goal, lining up with Tiatto, Ritchie, Prior, Howey, Haaland, Wiekens, Whitley, Kennedy, Dickov and Wanchope. On the bench were Weah, Wright, Horlock, Bishop and Goater, making an extremely welcome return to the squad. Who needs George Weah anyway when you’ve got a star like Shaun in your side?

The first half hour wasn’t exactly incident packed. Bradford did manage a bit of possession but only because Peter Beagrie is still quite good despite his advanced years. I still can’t believe we only got £50,000 for him when we sold him. He got a good reception from the crowd when he took his first corner and acknowledged it too, which was nice to see. Kennedy was wandering around all over the pitch – I assume he is told to go and play on the right hand side when he suddenly pops up over there, or does he just prefer playing in front of the Kippax rather than the Main Stand? He did look considerably more interested in the game than he has done for most of the season so far, so maybe he meant what he said about wanting to prove he wasn’t a Premiership flop this time. Time will tell. Anyway, he was linking up well with our latest international star (that’s Paul Dickov in case you missed it) and it did look as if any opening would come from one or other of those two. After about 29 minutes one of the blokes behind me (hello Ian if you read this) told us all at great length why Dickov shouldn’t be on the pitch and why he should be subbed immediately for Weah or Goater even if he wasn’t fit yet. After 30 minutes Kennedy floated a cross over from the left, where he’d popped up unexpectedly, which was deflected onwards by one of the Bradford defenders to where Small Paul was standing eagerly waiting for a chance. With the outside of his right boot the diminutive Scot (I’m starting to sound like a bad newspaper report now, must stop) cracked a superb volley into the far side of the net. I kid you not, this was a Brazilian style volley. If you’ve only seen it on TV then it looks as if he just hit it really hard. Well he did hit it really hard, but what you can’t tell unless you were behind the flight of the ball (as we were) was that it curled in mid air. Remember that Roberto Carlos free kick? No-one could have saved this. Ian hung his head in shame.

Almost immediately after that he almost surpassed his first effort. I think the ball came over from a corner, but anyway it found Dickov with his back to goal about two yards out – at an impossible angle to score from mind – and he did one of those overhead kick type things and hit the bar. I don’t know, give him two caps for Scotland and he thinks he’s good.

City scored again – deservedly – just on the stroke of half time. Wanchope had his shirt pulled just outside the area but the ref let play go on as we still had possession with Dickov. A Bradford defender then handballed it inside the area. “Penalty!” we all screamed (apart from the lad behind me who shouts for a penalty all through the game unless the ball’s in the area – very amusing, not) and the ref duly blew his whistle and pointed goalwards. Strange though, I thought they pointed to the spot when they gave a pen – ah hang on a minute he’s given a foul for the original challenge. Hmm. The crowd were still howling at the ref for not giving the penalty when the free kick was taken – it was knocked slightly to the right to Haaland, who smacked it as hard as he could into the bottom corner. OK it did take a bit of a deflection but face facts, it was going in anyway. Haaland was more than a little bit happy about this, running towards the centre circle then falling flat on his back on the floor and waving his arms in the air. Bless him.

Half time 2-0. Could City lose a 2 goal lead against a team as awful as Bradford?

Oddly enough the football in the second half was much better although we didn’t have any goals to show for it. I don’t know what gets put in the half time drinks but someone should check it out, as City were half asleep for the first five minutes. Both Ward and Carbone could have scored (had they been any better, ha ha) but hit their shots wide. It didn’t take long though before City reasserted themselves. After about ten minutes Dickov skipped over about 10 challenges from the oafish Bradford defenders and passed the ball out to Kennedy, who knocked an inch perfect cross over for Wanchope to side foot the ball in the net. Unfortunately no-one had told Wanchope that he was supposed to be playing as a striker that day so he missed the ball completely. A few minutes after that Jeff Whitley just failed to connect properly with a ball from Dickov on the right. Kennedy had a shot from the left that the ‘keeper somehow managed to save. Dean Windass got booked for being a mouthy git and Jamie Lawrence for trying to cripple Tiatto, who had beaten him comprehensively for pace and skill every time he’d tried throughout the game. City then sat back and let Bradford come at them. It was almost as if the boys knew Bradford were never going to manage to get a shot on target so didn’t mind letting them have as many chances as they wanted – especially Bishop, who came on for Howey with 25 minutes to go and then presented the ball to the Bradford “attackers” whenever they asked for it.

We did nearly manage to make it 3 right at the end when Whitley beat the offside trap to run on to a long ball from Wanchope (I think) but instead of wellying it first time he delayed on the shot and let the ‘keeper make the save.

I think Joe said after the game that we’d played better this season and lost, and that’s certainly true. This was nothing like as good as the performance against Liverpool for example, but it didn’t need to be. Bradford are frankly awful – unless something radical changes in that team there’ll only be two relegation places up for contention at the end of the season. We all know that this is the sort of game that City always used to manage to lose – like against Coventry earlier this season – but not this time. We’re up to 12th and if we carry on like this we’ll do just fine.

MATCH REPORT (2)

CITY vs. BRADFORD CITY, Saturday 14th October 2000

A grim, grey Manchester day welcomed Bradford to Maine Road for what was certainly even at this early stage, a genuine ‘6 pointer’.

City’s line-up was surprising mainly for the omission of George Weah from the starting line-up. It’s a shame that at the time of writing it seems that our last sight of Weah as a City player was huddled in a plastic chair, and not scoring a peach of a goal. I’m sure that there will be plenty of debate on this matter within this issue of MCIVTA.

So City lined up with Weaver, Haaland, Howey, Prior and Ritchie. Kennedy, Whitley, Wiekens and Tiatto. Dickov and Wanchope upfront. Tommy Wright was back on the bench together with the aforementioned Weah, Bishop, Horlock and of course Shaun Goater. For Bradford, Beagrie was back at Maine Road ready to ‘open his box of tricks’ (c) Brian Clarke @ Piccadilly radio.

From the kick off Bradford looked the brighter, knocking the ball around well and pinning us back in our half. However, they didn’t threaten our goal and even during this period we fashioned a couple of decent chances. Tiatto was firstly put through by Wanchope who shot straight at Bradford ‘keeper Matt Clarke and minutes later Kennedy (initially playing on the right) put Dickov clear who shot tamely. Although Tiatto and Kennedy operating the left and right flanks were doing ‘OK’, there was not enough being created for the forwards. Therefore on the half hour Kennedy was switched to the left, Dickov moving to the right side and Tiatto tucking in slightly in a 4-3-3 formation. Almost immediately Kennedy crossed and Dickov volleyed in a Goal of the Month contender. A minute later Dickov’s acrobatic overhead kick hit the crossbar as at last we got our act together. Bradford still played gamely but were completely toothless up front, without a single shot on target during the first half. On the stroke of half time, following a Wanchope run, McCall was adjudged to have handled the ball on the edge of the box. From the free kick, Haaland blasted a shot into the top corner, assisted by a deflection off the luckless McCall.

Most of us expected Weah to appear at or soon after half time, but he was kept on the bench and I have just heard that this was indeed his last contribution for City. Sad to see him go, but we must move on.

Bradford decided to move on at the start of the second half with Ashley Ward heading just wide. City, like the crowd, were a bit subdued – there was plenty of singing today but it lacked gusto for some reason. However, we still played some really good stuff in spells. Indeed most of the chances we created, if they had gone in, would have all been high quality goals. The best chances of the half undoubtedly fell to Wanchope, who shot just wide following another Kennedy inspired move and to Whitley who was put through on a one on one by Wanchope, but who couldn’t finish. Bradford had a further 2 good chances but their finishing was absolutely woeful.

We wanted the Goat to make his entrance but instead we were given Bishop, replacing an ill Steve Howey. Bishop for once was awful, not getting into the pace of the game and giving away the ball more times than is really acceptable for a player of his quality. Still a very welcome 2-0 win.

As I mentioned this was a mixed bag of a team performance. We were scrappy at times, yet at others we played some great sweeping moves. Special mentions should go to Dickov, Kennedy, Tiatto and Ritchie. Kennedy, when he reverted to the left wing, looked like the Kennedy of last season. Dan Petrescu just could not handle him. Dickov scored a wonder goal and looked pretty dangerous throughout, as well as displaying his usual battling qualities. Tiatto looks so comfortable on the ball, gets stuck in and displays no little quality too. Paul Ritchie was quietly magnificent firstly at left back (where he got forward a little more than of late) and at centre back following Howey’s exit. He looks better and better every game I see and at £500,000 looks a genuine bargain.

Unfortunately, this game will be remembered as George Weah’s death knell as a City player and I wish him well. However, it should be remembered as our first Saturday win since April 22nd against Tranmere. Now we’ve broken the duck, let’s carry on!

MATCH REPORT (3)

After walking up and down the Main Stand several times we eventually found our seats in the mysterious HL1 section (information not divulged on the tickets), which proved to be a few rows in the top left hand corner accessible only by a magic and unmarked entrance, the whereabouts of which are kept secret even from the stewards. One of the pillars obscured the centre circle but at least it was under cover (just).

The team news revealed that Horlock and Weah were joining the Goat on the bench, one of the three presumably delighted to be there, the other two not so (very much not so in one instance as it transpired). We seemed to be playing with 6 defenders, but it soon turned out that Tiatto was starting on the left wing with Kennedy on the right and Wiekens in midfield with Whitley. Sometimes this works for a while, with Kennedy able to cut inside on his left foot and shoot. Not today though. City started out nervily, giving away the ball and free kicks with careless abandon. Wanchope appeared to be still asleep on the plane, Dickov was over-eager and both were seemingly offside every time the ball crossed the half-way line. Bradford were playing some neat passing moves without posing any threat near goal; Beagrie proved he was still able to beat players at will but with no pace the defender always had time to come back for a second go.

Eventually City got their act together. Tiatto had an angled shot comfortably saved, then Kennedy played Dickov through on goal only for him to shoot straight at Clarke. After half an hour Kennedy switched to the left and immediately set up the first goal. Strangely it was a cross with his right foot which Weatherall got the top of his head to, sending the ball in a high loop towards the unmarked Dickov, ten yards out at the far post. The ball took so long to drop that we had time for a quick sweep on which row the eventual shot would land in; but he caught it sweetly with the outside of his right foot and it flew into the far top corner.

Bradford were pinned back for the rest of the half. A Kennedy corner caused panic and confusion, which ended with an overhead kick from Dickov, almost on the goal line six yards wide of the goal, dropping under the bar but bouncing out off the post. In the last minute of the half a one-two between Wanchope and Dickov ended with the Scottish international (yes, really) being hauled back and the ball being apparently handled by a defender. Both offences appeared to be inside the area, but the decision was a free kick just outside the box. It didn’t matter; Kennedy rolled the ball to Haaland who hit a hard, low drive – a slight deflection took it past the immobile Clarke.

Would this be the cue for a relaxed and dominating second half and a healthy improvement to our goal difference? Where would be the fun in that? We did our best to get Bradford back in the game, allowing Ward a free header in the first minute of the second half. Ritchie twice slipped and lost the ball in dangerous positions (but redeemed himself with a brilliant saving header over his own bar). Howey and Wiekens kept trying to play coolly out of trouble and putting us right back in it; and only Prior seemed to be holding the defence together, winning most things in the air and getting welcome distance on his clearances. Eventually Howey gave way to Bishop, Ritchie moving into central defence and Tiatto dropping to left back. This improved the defence, but Bish had an absolute nightmare, not a single pass finding a blue shirt.

All this may make it sound like 45 minutes of bitten fingernails, but in fact Bradford were so poor that we never really looked threatened. I don’t think Weaver had a single shot to save, though he had to make a few hurried clearances. Windass headed pitifully wide from a good position but that was as close as they came. Meanwhile City were busy wasting several opportunities to increase their lead, most of the chances being set up by Kennedy. Dickov and Wanchope both failed to convert crosses to the near post, Wanchope appeared to have a simple tap-in but overran the ball, Kennedy had a fierce shot well saved and in the final minute Whitley was put clean through but hit a tame shot straight at the ‘keeper. The crowd were baying for a few minutes of the Goat (which must have left Weah even more disgruntled) but no further substitutions were made.

So a comfortable victory without being entirely convincing. Nobody was complaining though (well, not too much – this was the Main Stand after all) – three points, a win on a Saturday, a clean sheet, no bookings (for us) and not a bad atmosphere for once (well done to the Lower Kippax by the North Stand – kept it noisy throughout). On the downside there was a thoroughly disillusioned former World Player of the Year – I don’t know what the outcome is as I’m writing this, but if George is really demanding a guarantee of first team football then it has to be a parting of the ways. No player is worth that.

MATCH REPORT (4)

Before I ramble on about the match, can I give a shout out to any City fans who live in the Darlington/Durham area who would like to meet up to watch the Southampton match on Sky, just e-mail me at the address below.

So another fine win for the Blue Army as we stroll onto 11 points and mid-table respectability. I see the powers at be in the tannoy room have adopted the call for classical music. However, the 1 minute (it didn’t seem like it was much longer) slot was particularly poor and seemed a disjointed link between Robbie Williams et al. City reverted to what surely must be close to Joe’s ideal 1st IX, though with Weah, Goater and Horlock on the bench there could be room for discussion/debate. Bradford’s line-up was hardly the sort to put fear into the opposition, whilst the substitutes’ bench only featured one notable name in Lee Sharpe (roundly booed when mentioned). After Mr Slim had finished informing us that it was ‘Right Here Right Now’ we progressed onto the kick-off. City’s formation was 4-4-2 with Kennedy operating on the right-wing, hence early on he looked crap until he switched to the left-hand side. As an aside it was nice to see Beagrie starting for Bradford and he got a nice round of applause when he took his first corner; he still has the ability to twist and turn and flick in dangerous crosses it was just a shame for him that he had Ward and Windass up front, no wonder they have only scored once away from home!

A few early skirmishes saw City go close, with Bradford causing few problems at the back (Weaver having a very quiet first half). Dickov’s goal was an absolute screamer and pictures on MoTD didn’t really do it justice. From HH stand the strike was in all the way, with Paul catching it beautifully on the volley with the outside of his right foot. City’s second came on the stroke of half-time with a free kick on the edge of the box (most thought it was a penalty that had been awarded) and a lovely lay-off from Kennedy (I think) to Alfie and a cracking strike, which got a slight deflection before burying itself into the corner of the net. The restart resulted with the half-time whistle, kick for cash and the disappointment of the Rags’ half-time scoreline.

The second-half was fairly uneventful except for a few decidedly X-rated challenges on Tia-tia-tiattio, Wanchope looked jaded, but desperate to score and missed a chance only he could miss by placing it wide when it seemed easier to score, and then proceeded to run too quickly in the box and catch a Kennedy cross with his trailing left hand. Jeff Whitley was then gifted a one-on-one with the ‘keeper (I think set up by Dickov) and proceeded to fluff his shot straight at the ‘keeper’s body – I think some chipping the goalkeeper practice is needed in training this week for Jeff. The remainder of the second-half was met with chants of ‘Feed the goat, and he will score’ and ‘We want the goat on.’ Shaun ran up and down the touchline but to no avail; personally I would have slung him or Weah on for Wanchope who really looked knackered. The final whistle was greeted with much joy though another goal would have been nice. Bradford were reminiscent of the majority of Division 1 teams we beat last season, so I think they must rank as firm favourites for the drop even so early in the season. As for City they still looked unbalanced on the right side of midfield and obviously Weah is stirring the water, though if Joe signed him merely to attract top name players (i.e. Wanchope) then his plan has worked. Personally I would try to persuade George to stay, after all we are lightweight in this department. Dickov might be in a current run of form but will this last, Wanchope is only one booking away from a suspension and the Goat still is a few games short of fitness, and whisper it quietly but he hasn’t done it at this level yet.

As per the majority of match reports here are IMHO City player ratings:

Weaver 6 – very quiet match, fumbled a few balls but his distribution was excellent.
Ritchie 6 – solid match, looked good at centre-half when Howey went off, was caught out a few times at left-back.
Prior 6 – got into the match better once Howey had gone off, very positive in the air.
Howey 8 – star performance until he left the field (injured as he kept on looking at the bench); if he can stay injury free then he will be another great signing by Joe.
Haaland 7 – some good, strong tackles and got forward well in the second half. Took his goal brilliantly, but Beagrie did have the beating of him on a few occasions.
Tiatto 9 – my personal man of the match, never stopped running, tackled hard and was always available for short kicks from Weaver.
Wiekens 6 – had a quiet match and seemed a bit lost in the air. Supported Haaland well in the second half with good breaks down the right.
Whitley 7 – deserved better out of the match, the only mistake was his finishing when one-on-one with the ‘keeper.
Kennedy 8 – some delightful touches and crosses into the box which were so dangerous. Looked particularly poor on the right-wing – Joe he is left footed!
Dickov 8 – voted man of the match. Was everywhere, and made some excellent tackles on the edge of City’s box. His goal must surely be ranked as one for goal of the month. His only failing is that he is a little too small for the high balls sometimes launched in his direction. I must admit I can’t remember him carrying out an overhead kick that hit the crossbar (see Ceefax match report).
Wanchope 6 – looked too tired but seemed to pop up at the back with many a good clearance from set pieces. His legs are like a fruit machine as I don’t think anyone knows which leg will kick the ball and which direction the ball will travel. Here’s hoping he’s saving his second hat-trick for the Rags.

Subs:
Bishop (for Howey) 5 – I spotted him outside the ground driving off about 45 minutes before kick-off; not sure where he went, but he had a few other City players in the car with him. Once he came on the field City started playing the ball around nicely, well everyone did except for Bishop who seemed behind the pace of a match that was played at a leisurely rate – possibly coming to the end of a great career?
The Goat, King George, Horlock, Tommy Wright – all unused subs.

MATCH REPORT (5) [Ed – when will they end?]

My first live game of the season at Maine Road and admittedly not the most exciting of fixtures with Bradford already looking like relegation strugglers. The Blues’ home form had however left a lot to be desired and this was a game which they needed to win.

City started brightly enough and Danny Tiatto used his speed to bring about the first chance of the afternoon with a well struck shot from the left of the box which unfortunately was straight at the ‘keeper. Midfield was a series of scrappy battles with nobody looking like imposing themselves on proceedings. Mark Kennedy was lost out on the right until he made a switch on instructions from the touchline over to the left. Immediately he started causing problems for a fairly inept looking Bradford defence and it was from his cross, with his right foot, that Dicky produced a peach of a volley which flew into the corner of the net. I don’t know whether it is winning his first international caps that turbo charged the Scotsman but when he attempted an overhead kick that came off the bar, it started to look like more goals would be on the cards. Bradford had little to show for the first half and when a free kick was awarded on the left of the area they went further behind as Alfie Haaland hammered in a fierce right footed drive which admittedly took a deflection.

Could we be in for a few more goals I wondered munching on my Balti pie? Bradford seemed to have other ideas at the start of the second half and the only reason they didn’t get back into the game was one of the most inept finishing displays I have seen for a long while. I can’t remember Nicky Weaver having to touch the ball much apart form having to place it for the goal kicks. Once City had weathered the initial ten minutes of the second half the result did not look in much doubt.

Despite the aberrations at the beginning of the second half, the defence is starting to look more effective but Alfie Haaland is wasted at right back. Paul Richie looks like a steal at £500,000 and Danny Tiatto had a great game playing on the left of midfield. Gerard Wiekens had what I thought to be a quiet game and the Bish when he came on did not look happy. Mark Kennedy was giving Petrescu a tough time and is starting to look as though he may fulfil his undoubted promise. Jeff Whitely battled as usual and had a cracking chance right at the end to rub Bradford’s noses in it but failed to keep his composure and allowed the Bradford ‘keeper to snuff out a good scoring chance. Paulo Wanchope showed some nice touches but never really got into the game – all the travelling probably had an effect. Paul Dickov showed why he kept the now departed Mr Weah out of the side and ran his socks off as usual. I hope he uses this as a springboard to bag lots more goals – it’s good to see someone rewarded for lots of hard work.

Overall the scoreline was convincing but quite frankly Bradford were very poor and deserved to go home with a much heavier defeat. Nobody really took control in the centre of midfield and the sooner Alfie is released to play there the better. We still need a creative midfielder to step into Bish’s shoes over time and the departure of George Weah will necessitate a strengthening of the squad in attack. On this showing however, I think a mid-table finish is well within our reach and with a bit of effort a few more of the larger teams, like Leeds, could prove ample food for the Goat and the ‘Chop’.

MATCH REPORT (6)

Went for usual pre-match calmer in the Beehive and Nick Leeson was outside with the Fleetwood Branch sec, Maurice, looking none the worse for his alleged encounter with a glass-throwing scouser in a Blackpool club. The game was OK. Bradford started better, I thought, without creating any chances. They just seemed to be able to pass the ball better than we did. After about 15 minutes Kennedy broke and set up Dickov around the edge of the box but his shot went straight at the ‘keeper.

Nothing much happened then until after Kennedy had been switched from right to left wing. A cross which looked to be landing short of the penalty spot headed up and back by Wetherall to Dickov, about 12 yards out but on the right side of the goal. The ball was going to land slightly behind him but, instead of trying to his it with his left foot, he volleyed it, hitting across the ball, with his right. The ball flew into the opposite corner. A great piece of skill.

A few minutes later he nearly scored his second, trying to hook the ball back over his shoulder and, I think, intending to just put the ball somewhere in the middle of the goal area. The ball sailed over the ‘keeper and hit the bar. Kennedy chipped it back into the middle, a header was blocked up and the ball tipped over by the ‘keeper. Just short of half-time McCall handled to intercept a pass just outside the area. Kennedy touched the ball sideways and Haaland, sadly not picked in my Fantasy Football Team, hit the ball into the corner via a deflection from McCall.

Bradford started the second half better but couldn’t get one of about three decent headed chances on target. Carbone, McCall and Beagrie also had shots off target, but we looked more like scoring. Kennedy hit a fierce shot the ‘keeper blocked, Tiatto shot over, Wanchope wide after a good move involving Dickov and Kennedy and then Wanchope put Whitley through on goal. He only had the ‘keeper to beat but I think no one was surprised when the ‘keeper saved a less-than confident effort. All in all, not bad. Points more important than the display, as they say. Beagrie had a couple of trademark jinks, but fortunately no somersaults. Ashley Ward missed with one header and didn’t do much else. I thought that the defence looked pretty solid, although Howey was apparently poorly and went off halfway through the second half. Bish came on and, unusually, gave the ball away most times he had it, though he did make a good tackle in his own box.

Chants for the Goat to appear were, predictably, ignored by the boss. His chance will come soon now that Weah has had his contract terminated by mutual agreement.

Went to see the Beautiful South at Blackpool in the evening (I’m not cool) and saw David White who was enjoying himself with friends. Looked, rather like myself, as if he hasn’t got the pace of old. Well, I should perhaps say that I never had pace.

Lastly for this ramble, I have 2 tickets for Soton and can’t go now. Anyone interested please shout. £22 each, lower tier.

MATCH REPORT – USA vs. COSTA RICA

I was in Columbus, Ohio last week, attending a conference, and was lucky enough to obtain a pair of tickets for the World Cup qualifying match between USA and Costa Rica. The American team were staying at the same hotel and from various chats with different players, it was clear they were aware that Paulo Wanchope “was the man.”

Being based in Toronto I had only seen Paolo Wanchope on TV and was curious to see him play live. The match was at Crew Stadium, a new soccer stadium and home of the MSL team Columbus Crew. I was impressed with the atmosphere. The US team were apparently given a “rough reception” in Costa Rica and hype had been building all week. The US fans were loud and colourful, a large contingent behind one goal were especially vociferous giving the ol’ “one two, one two three, one two three four, U.S!” There were maybe three or four thousand Costa Rican fans in the 24,000 crowd, flags and banners everywhere. The Americans use white plastic tubes which they blow up and bang together, makes quite a racket actually.

What surprised me was the fact that lads with trays of beer go up and down the aisles selling to patrons in their seat. Now that’s OK but the beer was in bottles! Several of them were thrown onto the pitch when the States had a goal disallowed and the game was stopped to clear them off! I think they will change that real soon.

The game ended 0-0 but it was entertaining to watch. Wanchope asserted his presence almost immediately and was a handful for the US defenders using his height and skills to be an ever present danger. The second half got a bit chippy and he was involved in a couple of incidents. About 10 minutes from time he was booted just outside the penalty area, which resulted in a yellow card and a free kick. At the final whistle, as many players were shaking hands and exchanging shirts, Paulo walked off in disgust. I was a bit dismayed by that gesture and the home fans were incensed. Let’s hope the knock he took wasn’t too serious.

SQUAD UPDATE

Changes since Last Squad:

• George Weah has had contract terminated and left City.
• Andy Morrison returned from Blackpool on loan but now on loan at Crystal Palace.
• Lee Crooks transfer listed.
• Danny Allsop loaned to Bristol Rovers.

Tommy Wright
Nick Weaver
Steven Hodgson
Richard McKinney
Gerard Wiekens
Spencer Prior
Richard Edghill
Rhys Day
Lee Crooks                     Transfer Listed
Nick Fenton                    Loaned to Notts County
Danny Granville
Richard Jobson
Danny Tiatto
Andy Morrison                  Loaned to Crystal Palace
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, loaned to Sheff Wed
Jeff Whitley
Tony Grant
Alf Inge Haaland
Dixon Etuhu
Paul Dickov
Shaun Goater
Danny Allsopp                  Loaned to Bristol Rovers
Gareth Taylor                  Transfer Listed
Shaun Wright-Philips
Leon Mike                      Loaned to Oxford United
Christopher Killen             Loaned to Wrexham
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)

This year’s 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      (goalkeeper, non contract)
Shaun Cartwright

OPINION – WEAH & DUNNE

I for one cannot say I am surprised to see Weah go, indeed I cannot say I’m disappointed either. If we are being honest, the only times he has played up to standard have been when he has come on as substitute or when we have played menial opposition (i.e. Gillingham). Whenever he has started a match he has been off the pace, and unlike the rest of the team, not putting in the effort chasing down the goalie or helping back in defence. Weah was something else back when he won World Player of the Year in 1995; does anyone else remember that goal he scored when he took on the entire opposition team from his own penalty area and went on to score? A fantastic goal, up there with the Kinkladze goals. However, that’s five years ago, he’s now 34, hardly past it in this day and age but definitely not with the pace of the English game. Weah came to Maine Road and got in the team through his reputation; if he had been any good surely Chelsea would have kept hold of him? I’m looking at his departure as £23,000 more in the pot each week rather than the loss of an irreplaceable talent. Rumour has it that his departure was due, amongst other things, to the fact that we were chanting Goater’s name rather than his on Saturday. If this is the case, good riddance. Goater is a Maine Road hero, 29 goals last season, two successful promotion seasons; Weah walks in on his reputation and expects the same without having proven himself?

As for this Dunne fella, £3 million seems a bit hefty, especially with this new European ruling around the corner (well, maybe), but he’s 21, Republic of Ireland international, which means that we should get a good few years service out of him. Personally I don’t know much about his track record other than that, a good signing though?

JOE ROYLE A GOOD MANAGER? – MY A*SE 🙂

To me the most annoying aspect of today’s happenings is the number of anti Joe postings on Blue View.

Buying George was in the first place an ambitious move by Joe, and one that most people could see as risky. We all know of how good the great man was a few years ago, and we could all see the talent he still possessed at Chelsea last year.

But he was not a regular even there, and the long list of clubs wanting to sign him here in England, where he wanted to play was errrr, Fulham and City.

This should have signalled to him that at his own asking price he needed to work hard to justify a manager putting faith in him. Now after a whole nine games, he has reached the conclusion that a mega rich superstar hero of a whole continent and roving ambassador can do without long wet afternoons spent on Manchester benches.

He left, nobody pushed him out. He briefed the press via his agents about his lack of starts for weeks. JR persuaded him against jacking it in only two weeks ago. Why all the bile aimed against Joe Royle?

Some say he is not able to handle talented players, only battlers. The evidence for this (before George) seems to be his reluctance to play Gio. A look at the statistics show that however much he might have been our favourite, Joe’s best chance of avoiding relegation that year would have been to play him in one less game, not one more. And no other manager seems to have been able to channel all that talent to anything other than relegation struggles.

So what about Paulo, Bish and MK, talented players or what?

Then some say he has a too macho style of management, that George was pushed out by Joe’s facing him down and onto the bench. The club is full of players whose future has been greatly enhanced by Joe even in the two and a bit years he has been here. The Goat, Jeff, MK, Mozza, Weaver, Danny T, Bish, and on and on. These players have responded to the way Joe has handled them.

So, did Joe treat him harshly by putting him on the bench? Well, there seems to be a certain degree of unanimity that in Prem games, he has been at his most effective coming on as a sub (Liverpool, Spurs), so surely that is the obvious place for him to start.

He was never going to be the one man up front for away matches, and games like Bradford are never going to be feasts of flowing football where his skills will shine. So sub he is then. Ah, but why did he not bring him on near the end, obviously a major slight to a noble icon.

Not so, we were winning 2-0, and won the game. If he had really wanted to slight the man he would have brought the Goat on for 15 minutes as the crowd were asking him to do.

Some say that George never actually used the words ‘guaranteed a place’. No, well Radio 5 live did, MUEN did, both briefed from where I wonder? And after the Bradford game Alfie said that competition in the squad was good and, you guessed it ‘… nobody is guaranteed a place’.

Accept that in his time here before this summer’s spending, Joe made a transfer profit on his activities, and dragged us up to the point where we were able to sign a former World Player of the Year. An incredible achievement, and in many ways only half the job done.

To perform the second half of the job is not a case of just playing the most gifted players and trusting that after 38 games the cream of the crop will have garnered the points to stay up as of right. That will not happen, and the best man to develop the squad to a point where it is stuffed with world class players like Nicky, MK, Paulo and the like is the one and only Joe Royle.

Why do so many people think that identifying and buying the right player is easy and can be done quickly?

Lay off the man who has given us all back our pride in the club.

OPINION – JOHN MACFARLANE’S RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH

This is an open apology to John McFarlane, re: his opinion on Joe Royle.

Sorry to lurk in the background John, whilst you take a load of flak from City fans who seem to have a zealous, almost blind faith in our current manager.

Personally, I prefer not to post opinions too often on this forum, for the same reasons you might now regret your postings, John. After all, City fans have never been that great at judging managers. Witness all the “Frank Clarke needs five years” nonsense that was continually trotted out during his lousy reign. Ditto too, the pitch invasion against Spurs in the FA Cup: who then had the guts or indeed intelligence to blame Peter Reid for that crap performance? Instead, for some reason, Swales as ever, took the blame. This is why Bernstein is so right to give JR an absolutely massive contract – I know, in similar circumstances, I would do exactly the same thing.

It gets worse, though John. The abuse you’ve had to take has been quite disgraceful: “Are you a Red, are you for real etc.” Insults, like these are always the sign of people who either know they are on dodgy ground, or who actually don’t know at all, because they’ve snapped their fanatical blinkers shut and have totally switched off. JR could even relegate City to Division Two, and do you know what, they wouldn’t even bat an eyelid.

Let’s take this latter incident in fact, as a pretty good example. One recent posting credited JR with saving us from ‘extinction’; presumably, this is after he took us there in the first place. IMHO relegation to Division Two was not an “unavoidable, miracle needed situation” as was suggested in another posting. After all, over the same time period, Alan Ball (that man again) was able to keep Pompey up, on far less resources; an unpalatable truth if ever there was one.

So you can say what you want. If for example, JR had kept us up, by not playing Kinkladze, you (and he) would have been delighted to point out what a tactical genius he was: but he didn’t, and you can’t, and so he isn’t. Do you follow me?

If he really was that good, we wouldn’t have gone down in the first place, even then, we wouldn’t have struggled to get back out, and further we wouldn’t have needed Lady Luck and five minutes of injury time to sneak out either. Follow me on this too?

But as you all know, this is really, really old stuff, that I’d rather not have to rake over. But, I take it personally on John’s behalf, whenever ‘Are You A Red’ type accusations are dished out to anyone who dares to voice a contrary opinion. You might even in fact argue just the opposite: that only those people who genuinely care about this club would even have the guts to raise ‘honest’ questions about where we might be headed. Why otherwise risk the flak and wrath of City fans, for whom JR can clearly do no wrong? Think about it.

Again, personally, I’m quite satisfied that Joe remains as our manager for the foreseeable future: for one, the majority of City fans are totally happy and fully behind him; for two, I want to see where, over the course of the next five years, Joe will in fact take us, he deserves that chance, and plus, we can all finally agree about his achievements (or lack of them) as City’s manager.

Right now, I honestly cannot imagine what will happen with Joe – because after the Gillingham and Blackburn games, it’s clear that this guy can pull some pretty big strings (anyone got a better explanation?)! So who would bet against him?

To clarify my situation with a further example though, I must admit to have not found much favour in Joe’s (alleged?) spiteful remarks at the AGM about Terry Cooke. Terry Cooke at this moment, is still a City player, and he was in fact persuaded by Joe, to sign on with City. I really think that City and JR now owe him a free for this very reason.

If Joe Royle really did say these things about Terry Cooke, then I hope then that people can at least understand why there are those who are not totally happy with his management style. The question is, at the moment, are they allowed to voice such an opinion?

Judging by the response John MacFarlane has received, I’d say not.

Pity.

Ed – I personally don’t subscribe to John’s views but Neil deserves credit for giving a detailed and probably controversial argument in his support. It’s not easy to go against the apparent flow of opinion, but it gives the silent majority food for thought.

OPINION – JOHN SPEAKS AGAIN

Once again Joe Royle has betrayed the City faithful by forcing Weah to quit, and it is more than a coincidence that it happens when Goater has come back into contention to lead the attack and the mercurial resurrection of the fortunes and form of Dickov. Was there a hidden agenda to get rid of Weah after three months? It certainly is consistent with the treatment meted out to the former World Player of the Year and the so called pleading to stay antics of Royle and Tueart. How can world class players sign for this club after the insult and humiliation meted out to Weah? Royle struggled to sign players during the summer break; probably their rebuffs showed they knew more about him than the unfortunate Weah. And true to form, just when we needed to sign a right back, in a Kendallesque tradition he pays three million for an unproven Everton centre half – Walter Smith watch your back! And on a brighter note I applaud City’s first Saturday win since April at Maine Road.

OPINION – TERRY COOKE

Can anyone please tell me have they actually seen Terry Cooke play in recent months/weeks? I must admit that my memories are similar to John McFarlane’s. This man lifted the team that extra bit along with the great Andy Morrison and pulled the club out of a rut that could have seen us still playing Second Division football now. I know that last season there must have something going on behind the scenes that kept him out of the first team, but to come off the transfer list, then dropped for the pre-season tour and then put back on the transfer list smacks of strange rumblings between player and manager. Dig out those old vids of the 1998-99 season (I hope I got that right) and watch that right foot work its magic as the season closed. Cooke has the ability and the talent to take us on that little bit further. With him in the squad then the pressure is removed off Kennedy, who is our only real supply route for Wanchope and Weah. We have plenty of good midfield players but none of them look comfortable on the right wing. Joe’s looked and learnt by trying to sort the defence, and we look stronger in that department, though this has been at the expense of attacking play. Goals win matches and at the moment we are drawing too many for my liking or playing well and losing by the odd goal – I know this is early in the season but this isn’t encouraging. I’ll put money on more “John McFarlane’s” coming out of the woodwork if we don’t beat Bradford on Saturday. This Saturday’s match could be as important as WBA at home last season; I only hope we don’t leave it as late as I don’t think my nails can take any more punishment.

TRANSFER SYSTEM – HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE EU PROPOSALS

Arlene McCarthy, one Labour Euro MP for the North West Region, is campaigning around the changes proposed to the football transfer fees system by the European Commission. She’s already visited Maine Road to talk to David Bernstein et al, and wants to hear from the fans.

Her view is that doing away with the current system means clubs like Man City will lose revenue – and will also find it more difficult to invest in young player development.

There’s also the lack of stability that will result – and God knows City can do without that!

If you’ve got anything to say, email Arlene at arlene.mccarthy@easynet.co.uk

MILLIONAIRE CLUB

The question of who was City’s first million pound player is easily answered by a trip to the record books. Steve Daley signed for MCFC in the 1979/80 season for £1.45 million. Trevor Francis signed after for £1.2 million. So the guy who reckons it was Daley scores the big prize.

I think the reason that Francis is remembered over Daley is that following his transfer he contributed so little in terms of playing time for the club. That isn’t a criticism of him as a player as he spent most of the following season out of play through one injury after another. For the fee the club paid they got precious little in return but then that was the story of City’s millionaire club around that time.

In reply to Keith’s question, City’s first million pound player was Steve Daley, in 1979. Trevor Francis didn’t sign until 1981. In between there was also Kevin Reeves, for £1.25 million.

CITY SHIRTS FOR AFRICAN KIDS

Thanks for your replies to my email about trying to get hold of some old Man City tops. I am trying to get some to send to Africa, kids sizes and adults or anything to do with City. A friend has just came back and I was horrified when she told me a little boy had a United top on, so now I am even more determined to get some City tops over there. If you could help in anyway I would be really grateful.

ANYONE GOT A SHIRT THEY WANT TO SELL?

Does anyone have, to sell, either a mint condition Kappa home shirt or the more unusual yellow & black 2nd away shirt? I do have the blue home shirt but being very drunk one night in the notorious ‘Kush’ curry house in Heaton Moor, I spotted a certain Mark Kennedy. I rushed home to fetch my shirt for him to sign. The sod bloody ruined it. To Joel… All the best, Mark Kennedy, in the biggest, most scrawling language I have ever seen. I did speak to his missus on his mobile phone though, but she just informed me that the naughty lad should be at home (it was about 3.00am after all!). Oh and yes, true to form – he was p****d. I will pay good money for one in XL. Gotta be in perfect condition though!

GIO’S BOOTLICKER BACK ON LINE

This is just a brief message from an old Blue Diehard who has been offline for the past 12 months (how did I manage to do without the Internet for so long?). I am now back on email at ctysoe@cbsbahamas.com and would be delighted to hear from any Blues who remember me from the first two Tribal Gatherings or from having spent time with me in these sunnier regions. Also I’d like to pass on my thanks to Ashley (sorry to hear about your accident! Get well soon, mate), Paul H and Steve Bolton and all the people who keep us ex-pats informed and who make MCIVTA such a success.

SOUTHAMPTON MATCH IN THAILAND OR THE COSTA BRAVA?

I was wondering if there are any Blues out there who might want to get together in Pattaya Beach, Thailand to watch City vs. Soton on the 23rd of October – well it will be the morning of the 24th in The Land of Smiles. Talk about a Blue holiday. I cannot think of a much better place to be watching City than in Thailand. The game will kick off in the early hours but who cares? If you will be in Pattaya then e mail me at MCFCFrank@aol.com.

Costa Brava (Blanes) or Barcelona: anywhere showing Southampton vs. City?

WHY BLUE?

Despite being brought up in the shadow of Old Trafford (3/4 of a mile away), I became a Blues supporter in 1965 after watching the other half of Manchester play a boring draw against a team I’d never heard of before. So I vowed from that day to be a Blue. Oh, the other team in that match were Arsenal.

RESULTS

Recent results from 02 October 2000 to 15 October 2000 inclusive

15 October 2000

Derby County          0 - 4  Liverpool

14 October 2000

Sunderland            1 - 0  Chelsea
Manchester City       2 - 0  Bradford City
Leicester City        0 - 3  Manchester United
Leeds United          3 - 1  Charlton Athletic
Ipswich Town          1 - 1  West Ham United
Everton               1 - 1  Southampton
Coventry City         2 - 1  Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal               1 - 0  Aston Villa

League table to 15 October 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   9  3  1  0 14  3  2  2  1  9  5  5  3  1 23  8  15  18
 2 Arsenal          9  5  0  0 11  4  0  3  1  4  5  5  3  1 15  9   6  18
 3 Leicester City   9  2  2  1  4  5  2  2  0  3  0  4  4  1  7  5   2  16
 4 Liverpool        9  3  1  0  8  4  1  2  2  8  9  4  3  2 16 13   3  15
 5 Leeds United     8  3  0  2 11  8  1  2  0  3  2  4  2  2 14 10   4  14
 6 Newcastle Utd    8  2  1  1  5  3  2  0  2  3  4  4  1  3  8  7   1  13
 7 Aston Villa      8  2  1  0  7  2  1  2  2  4  6  3  3  2 11  8   3  12
 8 Ipswich Town     9  1  3  1  5  5  2  0  2  7  6  3  3  3 12 11   1  12
 9 Charlton Ath.    9  2  2  0  8  3  1  1  3  7 13  3  3  3 15 16  -1  12
10 Sunderland       9  3  2  0  5  2  0  1  3  3  9  3  3  3  8 11  -3  12
11 Tottenham H.     9  3  1  0  7  3  0  1  4  5 10  3  2  4 12 13  -1  11
12 Manchester City  9  2  1  2  8  6  1  1  2  4  8  3  2  4 12 14  -2  11
13 Coventry City    9  1  1  3  3  9  2  1  1  7  6  3  2  4 10 15  -5  11
14 Middlesbrough    8  0  2  2  4  6  2  2  0 10  6  2  4  2 14 12   2  10
15 Chelsea          9  2  1  1  9  6  0  3  2  4  7  2  4  3 13 13   0  10
16 Southampton      9  1  1  2  7  8  1  3  1  5  5  2  4  3 12 13  -1  10
17 Everton          9  1  2  2  7  9  1  1  2  5  7  2  3  4 12 16  -4   9
18 West Ham United  9  0  3  1  4  5  1  2  2  7  7  1  5  3 11 12  -1   8
19 Bradford City    9  1  2  1  3  2  0  1  4  1 12  1  3  5  4 14 -10   6
20 Derby County     9  0  4  1  8 12  0  1  3  6 11  0  5  4 14 23  -9   5

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http://www.uit.no/mancity/

MCIVTA ADDRESSES:
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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.

Geoff Donkin, mcivta@donkin.freeserve.co.uk

Editor: