Newsletter #949

A star studded reserve side lined up on Tuesday night against Bolton as Reyna and McManaman made their débuts and both Wanchope and Fowler got some valuable match fitness under their belts. The Blues won 2-0 with goals from Croft and Wanchope. Some encouraging performances and we have a match report thanks to Gavin.

Don’s news tonight gives an international round-up of Blues in action, including Barton who made his England U21 début as Platt finally saw sense, news on ex-Blues Summerbee and Morrison and latest transfer information.

Finally, the memorial game for Marc Vivien Foe has been announced, and don’t forget to keep your eyes open for details of the online auction, with some fantastic items of memorabilia coming in from clubs and associations throughout the UK.

Villa are the visitors on Sunday as we look to secure our first home league win.

Next game: Aston Villa, home, 2pm Sunday 14 September 2003 (tv game)

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NEWS SUMMARY

General News

Foe Game Announced: A memorial game for Marc Vivien Foe has been announced by French league manager Frederic Thiriez. The game will take place in Lyon on November 11, and will feature an international select team against Cameroon. The international team is expected to feature players drawn from Foe’s clubs, namely Lyons, Lens and City, while French internationals Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Steve Marlet may also take part. Kevin Keegan has agreed to manage the side. Gate receipts and sponsorship from the match will go to Foe’s wife and three children and will also finance the creation of a foundation bearing the player’s name.

Leeds Switched: City’s home Premiership clash with Leeds has been put back to Monday 22 December from its original date of Saturday 20 December. The game at the City of Manchester Stadium will be televised live on Sky TV. The switch means a busy six-day period for the team. City travel to Birmingham on Boxing Day and then two days later entertain Liverpool on Sunday 28th December at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Stop! Hammer Time: Could the Hammers be about to nail down Psycho? West Ham United are on the look out for a new manager. Early candidates for the post are Reading’s Alan Pardew, Brighton boss Steve “Thirty Four days” Coppell and Iain Dowie of Oldham. One other name has been mentioned – one Stuart Pearce, who is now a fully qualified coach, has had some managerial experience at Nottingham Forest, and is loved by the Hammers’ fans after his spell at Upton Park as a player. KK has made it clear that he will not stand in Psycho’s way, if the Hammers come knocking. “What we have said all along is that if someone comes in for Stuart then he can go, that’s how the deal is structured,” explained Keegan. “If West Ham come and approach us for Stuart we will shake his hand and wish him the best of luck in the world, but we don’t want that to happen. But that was the deal for Stuart to stay here. He lives away from his family who are in Wiltshire. He does his job properly and never cuts corners. He has come on incredibly in the last year. He has got his full coaching badge and so has got everything he needs to be a manager. He has taken the full side a couple of times and has done really well. At the end of the day Stuart wants to go and be a manager so his time here has only ever been for a period of time whether it was for three months or two years.”

Guess Who’s Back, Back Again: There may be talk of one coach leaving, but another seems to have returned to the fold. After last week’s speculation that he had left the club, it’s been reported that Juan Carlos Osorio has returned to Carrington. The M.E.N. reckoned Osorio “missed pre-season through family commitments.” It remains to be seen if we ever find out the true story behind the mystery of the disappearing Colombian.

International Blues: Ireland took on Turkey in a midweek friendly with Turkey at Lansdowne Road, Dublin. Richard Dunne had not featured in Saturday’s Euro 2004 game with Switzerland, but made up for it on Tuesday. Dunnie came off the bench to grab a late equaliser for the Irish. Joey Barton made an action packed début for England’s under-21’s this week. He made his début on Friday, and played well in the 1-1 draw with Macedonia. Things got even better on Tuesday for Joey, as he scored but couldn’t prevent Portugal winning 2-1. “There was a bit of personal satisfaction but the goal didn’t mean that much because we were beaten,” said Barton afterwards. “I’m bitterly disappointed, as all the lads are. We set about trying to stifle them because they had some very good technical players, probably some of the best at their age in the world, but we were the better side. I think the last few days have been successful and maybe David Platt and his staff have seen that I could be the heartbeat of this side. He has given me some good pointers and little things to think about.” Barton was obviously in the thick of the action in both games – he was booked in each, so misses young England’s game in Turkey next month. Elsewhere in Europe: Paul Bosvelt came on for Marc Overmars after 20 minutes in Holland’s 3-1 defeat to the Czech Republic in Prague on Wednesday, while Eyal Berkovic has apparently kissed and made up with his national coach – he played in Israel’s 2-2 draw with Malta. That result effectively kills off Israel’s hopes of making next summer’s finals. Berko also came home nursing a groin injury. He missed many games last season because of a similar injury.

Old Masters: As Heidi and Sarah mentioned in MCIVTA 948, City gained their first silverware of the season last weekend. City’s over-35’s won the British Masters Grand Final at Newcastle. The Blues beat Sheffield United 3-2 in the quarter finals, won a penalty shoot-out with Charlton Athletic in the semis, before winning the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Glasgow Rangers. The goals in the final were from Steve Redmond, David White and Wayne Biggins. Skipper Paul Power put it down to the team’s youth policy: “I thought the winners of the Newcastle-Rangers semi-final would win the final, but that game took a lot out of Rangers. The younger legs carried us through and I thought Paul Simpson and Wayne Biggins up front did brilliant for us.”

Reserves Win At Last: City put out a strong Reserve team to face Bolton Wanderers at Hyde Road this week, and finally secured their first league win of the season. The Blues won 2-0, thanks to goals from Lee Croft and Paulo “He’s scored AGAIN, KK!” Wanchope. The game also saw Robbie Fowler in the same team as Steve McManaman for the first time in four years. City: Weaver, Flood, Jordan, Wiekens (Warrender 46), Whelan, Reyna, Croft (Elliott 82), McManaman (Tandy 65), Wanchope, Fowler, J D’Laryea. Subs: Ellegaard, Murphy.

Transfer News and Gossip

Hucks Flies to Canaries: One player did leave the Citadel this week, albeit on a temporary basis. Darren Huckerby joined First Division Norwich City on a three-month loan deal. The 27-year-old became Nigel Worthington’s second signing in five days after he snapped up Aston Villa’s Peter Crouch on a similar deal. Huckerby is already looking forward to the potential of a “Little and Large” double act with the 6ft 7ins Crouch. “If I do end up playing alongside Peter, he should be going up for the headers – and he should win a fair few,” he said.

Experienced Macca: KK took the opportunity during a quiet domestic week to introduce his two latest signings to the domestic press. On Monday he stepped out at Carrington with Steve McManaman (squad number: 20) and Claudio Reyna (number 6). Macca said that “My expectations here are to try and take Manchester City to a new level that they have not been to in a long while,” said the thirty-one-year-old after one of his first training sessions with the Blues. “Two years ago City were in the First Division and four or five years ago they played that memorable game against Gillingham. In that short space of time they have come a huge way. Hopefully we will progress further this year and be a lot better than last year. It is a whole new challenge coming to City and if anything it is more exciting than being at Real Madrid. There the only pressure was to win the League every year, which is great. But you know that you have already won the League, won trophies and have great players around you so you are expected to win it again. It is the same for the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal. But it is more exciting here at City because hopefully we are taking it from this level and creating a new one for the club. When I joined Real Madrid they were already a great club. Here I can be personally involved in hopefully taking a group of players who have done very well in the past and improve them. That will benefit everyone for the next ten years I think.” Inevitably McManaman was asked about his chances of returning to the England squad. “I’ve not really been able to work out why I was left to one side,” he said, “and no, I’ve not spoken to the manager in a long, long time. There’s no bitterness, no frustration; I’m just getting on with playing club football which, for me, is the most important thing.” His new club manager was most supportive, saying: “I had Steve playing for England on the left and that is still a problem position for them. He is an international class player and we can give him the platform to show it. I know he is good enough. But that is not the issue, it is what Sven Goran Eriksson thinks. What Steve has done at Real Madrid has been underestimated in this country but in terms of the trophies he has won, he is the most successful Englishman to play abroad. That is a fact no-one can argue with.” McManaman’s old buddy, Robbie Fowler, was pleased with the move. “I think it is a great move for the club,” reckoned Fowler. “He has had four very successful years at the club and any player of Steve’s calibre coming to Manchester City is great. It is great for me because he is a good friend of mine. I’m quite biased towards him but I think he is a great player and is a great addition to the team. We haven’t played in the same side for a long time but we had quite a good rapport at Liverpool on and off the pitch. Hopefully it will be similar to that here.”

Sleeping With The Enemy: You may remember that last week, Fulham manager Chris Coleman launched a long and detailed attack on Claudio Reyna, who, he claimed, has reneged on an agreement to join the Cottagers. Reyna gave his own account of events this week. “I had every right to weigh up all the offers,” he said. “Sunderland had told me I could speak to other clubs virtually as soon as I reported for pre-season training. The situation wasn’t easy and was changing day by day and, in the end, hour by hour. I understand why Fulham were upset because I was in deep discussions with them and I didn’t join. I got a call from Kevin Keegan and then I had a decision to make. I spoke to a lot of people and nine out of 10 told me City was the best place to go. From a footballing perspective there wasn’t much in it but I have made the right choice.” Reyna’s new manager was equally robust: “Claudio doesn’t have to say sorry to anyone,” said the former England boss. “He hadn’t signed a contract and he wasn’t registered, so he was perfectly entitled to talk with who he liked. We weren’t even in the market for him until 11am last Thursday when the chairman put the money up. I immediately spoke to his agent, who said he was reluctant to contact Claudio. I just pointed out that he should be told Manchester City were there for him. If he had signed for another club, and had been given that information afterwards, he would probably have been very annoyed – I would have been in his position. I know exactly what it feels like to lose a player in those circumstances but these things happen.” In moving to Manchester, Reyna will find himself back in the company of his international room-mate who apparently is a goalkeeper at Old Trafford. “I spoke with Tim Howard briefly on the phone and once I get the house situation sorted out I will get to see him quite often,” said Reyna. “We are really good friends and I haven’t been at all surprised at how well he has done since joining United. If anything I was more surprised it took so much time for people to notice him. I have watched his development closely over the last four or five years and he really is a great goalkeeper. Without putting too much pressure on him, I think he is going to be first choice at United for quite a while.”

Ex-Blues’ News

Young Buzzer’s A Bantam: Former City winger Nicky Summerbee has been saved from a life of waiting on tables in the family pub on match days at the COMS, as he has signed a two-year deal with Bradford City. Summerbee had been without a club since his release by Leicester City at the end of last season and trained with a number of Nationwide League clubs before agreeing terms with the Bantams. Summerbee was also offered a deal by Burnley, but rejected it on the grounds that it was not long-term enough. Summerbee said. “I was training with Burnley for a few weeks when I got a call from my agent advising me that Bradford City were interested in signing me. I’ve missed three pre-seasons out and need to get as many games as possible to get proper match fitness. I’m just happy to be playing football again and as soon as I’m fit, I know I can do something. Bradford need a few results and hopefully they will come.” Bradford manager Nicky Law said “I just felt that we need someone with that experience. He’s a good age, 32, and we need to get him a run of games. Obviously his fitness is down but he has the movement and experience.”

Man Mountain Morrison Moves On: City’s widest-ever captain (well he certainly looked it), the inspirational Andy Morrison, has been forced to retire from playing at the age of 33. Morrison was the last ever Blues’ captain to hold a trophy aloft at Wembley, and it was his powerful on-field presence that helped propel City to that Second Division promotion play-off party. Morrison gave a graphic account this week of why he has hung up his boots. “I have been fighting retirement for nearly two years. The knee and the body have been telling me for a long, long time that it has had it but the mind doesn’t want to give in,” he said. “Just to play in a reserve game for Bury I had to have injections and take pain-killers and was then on a treatment table for five days after the game. When I look back, and hindsight is always perfect vision, it was insane.” Morrison is hoping for a career in football management, and is currently studying for a UEFA coaching badge. To this end, he is helping at the Platt Lane Academy. “I am lucky that I have had a lot of experience in football but I know that will not be enough to get me a job,” he says. “Finding the right avenue to get that knowledge across in the challenge that I face. I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason,” he declared. “There is no doubt that my career could have gone a different way but it didn’t and I am just grateful that I had my time with City, it was a fantastic experience. My personality has led me to do certain things that I shouldn’t have done but I feel I am in a great position to make sure that others don’t fall for the same temptations and get themselves in the same kind of scrapes.”

Reactions and Comments

Home Improvement: Last season, City managed to lose the game before a fixture break on four occasions. Southampton, Newcastle, Blackburn and Chelsea all inflicted defeat on the Blues last season before players went off on international duty and the squad had a break. Waddya know – it’s happened again this season. “I was disappointed we didn’t get something against Arsenal,” he reflected. “When I look back at my time here it seems that every time we have had an international match we have either lost or been disappointed. It’s incredible. We have two weeks now before our next match and I just wanted two nice weeks where we could have been sat at the top of the table. It wasn’t to be but there will be another chance, maybe another opportunity.” You can’t keep a good man down for long, and our Dear Leader was soon back on form. “For the first time since I have been at the club I am really happy with the players I have got,” he said. “I love the club, I enjoy the rapport with the supporters and I think the new stadium is fantastic. But more important than any of that is the fact I can come into training every day knowing we have players with enough potential to challenge the big boys and win something.” And the boss believes that chance could come this season. “Of course all things need a little time but if any team has bought players who are streetwise it is us. If you look at all the signings which we have made, apart from Paul Bosvelt who knows the international scene and Antione Sibierski, all the others are proven at a high level. Some of them are proven at a higher level than the Premiership as they have already played Champions’ League. So I am not going to say that they need time to mould together. This is a team that has been built to do well this year.”

Squad News

New Deal for Joey: Joey Barton’s progress on the domestic and international fronts has been rewarded with an improved contract. “The contract with Joey is all agreed. It is basically a two year deal though if he plays a certain amount of games he will then get offered a new contract,” explained Kevin Keegan. The Boss Man explained why Barton’s deal was upgraded. “Joey has played in the Premiership and is keeping some very good players out at the moment. And every day in training he is showing us that not only is he a great prospect but that he wants to get better. Arthur Cox was the one who pushed him. My biggest argument with Joey and I say it to him every time before he goes out is, ‘don’t get silly bookings’. Again against Arsenal he was booked so Joey is going to miss games and when he does that he might not walk back into this team, so I am telling him for his own good. But he has got everything else. He’s got determination and a hunger that is not unusual in young players, but you do not see it as much as you used to. The more you see of Joey the more you like.” KK seems to be offering shorter deals to his players these days (ask Eyal Berkovic), and KK explained the reasons behind this latest deal. “We don’t have a specific policy of offering two year deals, in fact with Joey it will work out to be a seven month contract if he stays in the team as a regular and reaches a certain number of appearances. He then has to re-negotiate. When you look at players’ contracts in football now they have changed. It used to be policy to get a kid tied up for five or six years. I think we have Richard Dunne on the longest contract here, which is up until 2006. But with prices coming down such a strategy in the game is pointless now. It is different with a player like Nicolas Anelka. If you pay £10 million over five years then you have to give him the five years. Most of the deals at this club are one, two or three years. Joey is two and if he stays in the team all this season he deserves another contract. It won’t even be an issue. You could give him a five year contract but if you had him on a five year deal and the lads were earning a lot more than him it wouldn’t be right either, so this is the fairest way. You lose the odd player this way but we have not lost anyone we were desperate to keep. Although it was disappointing what Dickson Etuhu and Tyrone Mears did, if we had wanted keep them we could have done.” The boss is in no doubt that the England U21 star is still making progress and showing a great hunger to improve.

Doing It At The Dale: Chris Shuker sounds like he’s enjoying his loan spell at Rochdale. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club and made some good friends,” he said. “I now playing in my more natural position on the left where I’ve played most of my games for Manchester City reserves and feel comfortable with it.” The one cloud on Shuker’s time at Spotland has been his disciplinary record – he’s been booked a number of times, and has been sent off. “If I’m honest, I can have no real argument with the sending-off,” he admitted. “I’m going to have to learn to keep my head down and behave a little better.” Is Shuker worried that his time at City might be over? “Kevin Keegan will always be trying to improve the squad,” he said. “If it doesn’t work out for me at City and I have to move on, then so be it. I will hopefully prove Kevin wrong. In the meantime I’m going to be doing my best at Spotland and hopefully do my bit to make sure the club get promoted.”

Don Barrie <news(at)mcivta.city-fan.org>

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MATCH REPORT: MCFC RESERVES 2 BOLTON RESERVES 0

Hyde Hosts Débutantes’ Ball

The red carpet was rolled out last night as City fielded their most valuable reserve team that I have had ever had the privilege to watch. City gave reserve débuts to their two new signings of Steve McManaman and Claudio Reyna. But alongside these two, both Robbie Fowler and Paulo Wanchope would start, to enable them to gain some much-needed match fitness. Coincidently it was also Robbie Fowler’s reserve début for the Sky Blues, but few would argue that this was a début well overdue as his form for the Blues has been woeful since his £6 million move from over the Pennines. City’s first league win of the season came from first half goals by England U19 international, Lee Croft, and by Paulo Wanchope.

City started brightly, with some good one touch football but unfortunately that did not last long and City allowed their newly included Senior Cup rivals, Bolton, to come back into the game. However, it was City who should have taken the lead on twenty three minutes when the versatile Willo Flood sent Lee Croft free on the right to cross well, but it somehow evaded the telescopic leg of Wanchope.

City’s central defence looked out of sorts last night as Bolton’s forward line was allowed too much space. In particular it was Wiekens who seemed to be creating most of the problems. It was one such problem that Stephen Jordan had to mop up from when he made a well judged tackle in the box on Ricky Shakes, but unfortunately for Stephen the ball then fell kindly for Jermaine Johnson to rifle on target. A quick reaction save by Weaver using his legs was able to spare City’s blushes.

City finally took the lead on thirty-six minutes when McManaman was able to find a closely marked Wanchope in the box and he sent a lovely weighted flick to Lee Croft to send a fierce shot off the underside of the bar and past Frenchman Jeremy Bon in goal. For the next five minutes City played some really enjoyable one touch football that left Bolton chasing shadows; the main instigator for this was Reyna, who from many passes only gave the ball away once in the first half. Sadly his lack of match fitness did not allow him to carry this form through for the full ninety minutes.

City doubled their lead just before the break when Robbie and Macca’s telepathy was evident once again. Robbie back heeled a ball in the box onto Macca’s forward run, and he rounded two defenders; instead of shooting, played Paulo in at close range, who was clear on the left to slot the ball under the ‘keeper.

The second half saw Wiekens replaced by Academy right back star Danny Warrender. Jordan then moved to centre half, allowing the two footed Willo Flood to move to left back from his right back starting position. But unlike the previous three league games, however talented all four players were, they did not seem to combine to defend as a unit and their talents were called into action only individually from mistakes that they created themselves by not working as a unit. Had it not been for poor finishing by Bolton then City could have well ended up without a win yet again.

In readiness for Sunday’s game, Macca was replaced after sixty five minutes and was given a lusty applause as he rounded the pitch back to the dressing room tunnel. Let’s hope this first decent performance in a City shirt is part of many to come for the first team. The same cannot be said for his old Liverpool compatriot Robbie, who never really gave any impetus to City’s forward line and was wasteful with the time, space and possession that he was awarded on many occasions. Wanchope, on the other hand, who was frustrating at times, continued to work hard nonetheless and was given little protection by the referee.

City’s next two home reserve league games against Newcastle and Blackburn, prior to both UEFA cup ties on the 23rd September and 14th October have both been brought forward 24 hours to allow at least a day between the matches.

Weaver: Was rarely tested as Bolton failed to shoot on target very much. 7
Flood: This lad has talent in abundance, can’t be far off the 1st team bench. MoM. 8
Jordan (capt.): Had an indiffernt evening as he failed to organise his defence better. 7
Wiekens (46): Had a very poor match by his standards. 5
Whelan: Not as dominating as he was at Liverpool last week. 7
Reyna: Had he carried his form into the 2nd half he would have easily been MoM. 8
Croft (82): Took his goal well and looked a lot better than his earlier season form. 8
McManaman (65): Played his part in midfield and showed glimpses of why he is here. 7
Wanchope: Working hard in his rehabilitation towards returning to his best. 7
Fowler: Some nice touches, but that is not good enough at Premiership level. 6
J D’Laryea: Never really got going in this game. 6

Warrender (46): Needs to develop his ability to overlap on the flank, otherwise good. 7
Tandy (65): Not showing enough at the moment that his long term future is at City. 5
Elliott (82): No real time to impress.

Not Used: Ellegaard, Murphy.

Bolton: Bon, Errington, Smith, Comyn-Platt, Charlton (capt), Jones (Talbot 46), Niven, Hamlin, Johnson, Shakes (Thach 81), Walters (Vaz Te 59).
Not Used: Howarth, Kribib.

Att: 1,157.

Gavin Cooper <blueboy(at)mancity.net>

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OPINION: RESERVES WIN

Good news: City reserves (if that should be the correct term these days) win their first game of the season versus Bolton 2-0.

This was a game that had several players saying to KK “I’m fit”. Steve McManaman and Claudio Reyna both played. Paulo Wanchope and Robbie Fowler both played and proved to KK they are also fit.

As the season advances, the more I feel we shall all learn that this is no longer a “team” game but rather a “squad” game; as long as City chalk up the wins, we shall not care what it’s called.

Come on you Blues! Ernie Barrow <britcityblue(at)aol.com>

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OPINION: LOKEREN INFORMATION

Found this on a website, which might be of interest to some Blues travelling out to Lokeren:

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Whilst I was in Belgium and visiting Lokeren, I took the opportunity to visit my great grandfather’s memorial at Ypres (about 100 Km away). Whilst I was there, I was moved by the number of unknown graves – some had more detail than others and it didn’t take me that long to come across a number of unknown soldiers that were only identifiable by the Manchester and South Lancashire Regiment’s colours.

Half of the them would have been City fans I imagine and I was sad thinking these men would not have been able to take their sons and daughters to see their team as they grew up in our city. I appreciate that football isn’t the be all and end all but with City making the trip to Belgium at around the time of the Poppy Appeal, I think it might be a nice gesture to wear a poppy when we visit Lokeren.

Ian Barton <ian(at)blpsurveyors.com>

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OPINION: CITYCARD OR MATCHCARD?

I’m confused – can you help?

I live away from Manchester and wish to see the occasional game at COMS. I applied for a Citycard via the official website and a card finally arrived today after several weeks of waiting.

The enclosed letter thanks me for applying to become a Citycard member – but the card says “Matchticket” on it and not the expected “Citycard”. Nowhere does it have the word “Citycard” on it.

What is more, on the reverse it states “To upgrade to a Citycard or Matchcard contact the Ticket Store”.

If this is a Citycard why would I want to upgrade?

I am thoroughly confused. Have they sent me the correct Citycard that I paid for, or is this Matchticket something else? Can you explain the system as the website is next to useless.

Many thanks, Tony Edwards <goldsbroclocks(at)tiscali.co.uk>

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OPINION: PA SYSTEM

I must agree about the appalling sound system; sitting on the underground level you can’t hear a thing, except for some muffled mumbling. I did wonder whether it was the bloke on the pitch? IMHO “Y-o-u-r-M-A-N-c-h-e-s-t-e-r-C-I-T-Y” is pretty c**p.

I have, though, found the perfect place to hear the tannoy announcer and that’s in the gents’ loos. Whether the sound system was tested by a few builders having a quick ‘jimmy riddle’ (who was this jimmy riddle?) I’m not sure, but the sound is at exactly the right level and everything that is said (or sung if it’s a particular tune you’re after) is crystal clear. So get yourself down the gents’ – no idea if the sound is as good in the ladies’ and no, I’m not willing to try and find out!

Yours caught short, James Walsh <james.walsh(at)durham.gov.uk>

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OPINION: CAPACITY I

Heard an interesting little snippet at our local CSA branch meeting (came from a reputable source); it would appear that the reason behind the capacity being under 48,000, is that neither the club nor the council know the official capacity! Daft I know, but typical City – even following the move? The quote as I heard was that City and the council have employed a man to count the seats, so hopefully the capacity will be known to all very soon, without any discrepancies.

Martin Ford <martin.ford(at)umist.ac.uk>

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OPINION: CAPACITY II

On the subject of the ground’s capacity I suspect we will never actually achieve a capacity crowd of 48,000 due to crowd segregation.

Not all season ticket holders attend every game; perhaps this explains why the ground has seemed to be short of its capacity. The most notable part of the ground is the corporate or directors’ area in the West Stand, which has not been filled yet. Couple this with the club’s failure to administer the sale of tickets in an effective way and perhaps this explains the reason as well. 47-47,500 is probably more of a realistic capacity but only time will tell.

By the way, does anybody have a copy of WinZip that they can send to me!?

Graham Keller <gkmcfc(at)ntlworld.com>

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OPINION: THANKS GUYS

A brief but heartfelt thanks to the folk who contacted me about tickets. Much appreciated.

It will be great to be there among you all!

Doreen Macklin <doreen(at)macklin1884.freeserve.co.uk>

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OPINION: UEFA GAME

City are playing both legs with Lokeren on a Wednesday due to there being no Champions’ League games during those weeks.

If there are Champions’ League games the same week as the UEFA Cup then the UEFA cup gets played on a Thursday, with the Champions’ League on Tuesdays/Wednesdays for TV purposes.

Carol Darvill <carol(at)city-fan.org>

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REQUEST: WE’RE NOT REALLY HERE

I have just heard that Kevin will not now be doing a signing session and talk at Books etc. this week.

We are hastily trying to reschedule the event here at the gallery later in the month or early October. In the meantime, if anyone wants signed and if required, dedicated copies of the book, please call the gallery and I will arrange it.

All the best, Richard Goodall <info(at)richardgoodallgallery.com>http://www.richardgoodallgallery.com/

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REQUEST: BLUES’ VIEWING IN PERTH

City vs. Aston Villa 8.30pm for 9.00pm kick-off, Kangaroo Arms, Joondalup Country Club, Joondalup. Late closing and grub to be served.

Everybody welcome, come on let’s make some noise!

Steve Potter <steve.potter(at)godfreyhirst.com>
Dave Mullahey <dmull1(at)smartchat.net.au>

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REQUEST: CHORLTON BLUES

Chorlton Blues’ monthly meeting takes place on Tuesday 16th September at South West Manchester Cricket Club in Chorlton. Our guests for the evening are Fred Eyre, ex-player Johnny Williamson, Steve Knott from the Fans’ Committee and Steve Sayer from MCFC. There will also be the usual raffle and buffet. Events kick off at 8.00pm.

Larry <larry(at)chorltonblues.co.uk>

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REQUEST: LOKEREN TRAVEL

A day return flight trip out of Manchester is being operated by the company 90minutes to the away leg in Lokeren. It may well suit the fan that can’t get more than the day of work.

Departs Manchester 08-30hrs 15th Oct Arrives Ostend 11-15hrs.

Remainder of the day sightseeing around the Gothic cathedrals of Northern Belgium (as if).

No, this will be a recreational period sampling some of the finer Belgian beers. Depart Ostend for Lokeren. Watch the game.

45 minutes after the game, return to Ostend for clearance of customs and security for immediate departure back to Manchester. Expected arrival time into M/cr 01-00hrs – 01-30hrs.

The company is run and owned by City fans from the Sale and Altrincham area of Manchester; seriously this is for no big commercial gain, yep we are covering overheads, but want to get Blues to Belgium.

Anybody wanting the information can visit http://www.90-minutes.com/.

<90-minutes(at)btconnect.com>

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REQUEST: RINGTONES

I think this question’s been asked many times before, but does anyone know where I can get Blue Moon ringtone for a Nokia 8310?

James Roberts <jamesandmichelle(at)btopenworld.com>

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REQUEST: MARC VIVIEN FOE MEMORIAL APPEAL

The appeal fund established in memory of Foe is progressing well and we are now able to give an update on how people can contribute:

Financial Donations:

Any branch of HSBC

Account Name/Payable to: Marc Vivien Fo