Newsletter #1312

More positive news tonight as we reflect upon the Boro performance, international action and PMA. Corradi’s still moaning (try scoring some goals instead) and Neil (Colin) Warnock has been moaning about our Boro win.

We have opinion on the win stats, getting behind the manager and players, and just where to go now.

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

Hurray! Another Change in Kick-Off Time: City announced this week that the kick-off time for the derby game had been changed. The May 5 fixture against the Dark Side will now be a 12.45pm kick off, having previously been set for a 3pm start. All couch potatoes (like me) know that this time is much favoured for Sky TV’s pay-per-view slot, although this hasn’t been confirmed by the club or the Murdoch Empire.

International Blues – Getting the Needle, or Going to Wembley: The coming weekend is City-free zone, as international fixtures take centre stage. Time for a round-up of which City Boy is going where. Micah Richards will report for England duty despite limping off during City’s win at Middlesbrough. England face Israel and Andorra, and SP is making sure Micah turns up with a calf strain. “He can report and the doctors will have a look at him,” he said. “I as manager of this football club will give every support I possibly can to every international player we have got, no matter what their nationality is. If he is physically able to play in the games if he is selected, we are delighted with that. If he is not physically able to do so, they will send him back to us. That is the way the process works and we do not want to cut corners on that process. We know he is desperate to play for England. I hope he does – but I hope he does fully fit.” Pearce then revealed that Richards often suffers with this complaint, and then the unusual treatment he undergoes. “He has been having problems with his calves over the last few months. He often has to have acupuncture – he sometimes comes in off the warm-up and they stick needles in him. But he is a game lad and we will do everything we possibly can to get him right, not just for Manchester City, but for England with some big games coming up. It would probably be fair to suggest a player of his heart does not come off lightly, especially in the first half of matches.” But conversely Emile Mpenza has pulled out of the Belgium squad to face Portugal this weekend with a thigh injury. Belgium coach Rene Vandereycken revealed it was a major blow to his plans because Mpenza was going to start the crunch Euro 2008 Group A qualifier against Portugal. “It is disappointing. He would have started,” said Vandereycken. “He is one of our best strikers.” Elsewhere: Richard Dunne and Stephen Ireland are in the Republic of Ireland’s squad for their Euro Qualifiers against Wales and Slovakia, which take place (creating a piece of history) at Croke Park in Dublin. Georgios Samaras is in Greece’s squad to take on Turkey and Malta, while Andreas Isaksson will be in Belfast for Sweden fixture against Northern Ireland. Jihai Sun’s return to fitness has been rewarded with a recall to the China squad, with games against Australia and Uzbekistan. DaMarcus Beasley is called up to the USA squad as they have home fixtures against Ecuador and Guatelmala. And special mention to Joe Hart, who’s in the England under-21 squad for Saturday’s friendly against Italy. This fixture will take place at the new Wembley Stadium, and is the first competitive game to be staged at the redeveloped arena.

The Famous Five: Following City’s beating of the Boro on Saturday, the file marked “Psycho Out” shrank considerably at News Summary Towers. In the days prior to this lifting of the Blue gloom, not one, not two, but five candidates were suggested as Psycho’s replacement at the COMS. Derby County boss Billy Davies is set to quit Pride Park at the end of this season for City, according to the People. Davies has taken the Rams to the top of their Division, but is reaching breaking point over his difficult relationship with club managing director Mike Horton. Davies is still angered by the club’s refusal to pay £250,000 compensation to his old club Preston North End to take former assistant manager David Kelly to County. Then the Guardian claimed that Fulham’s Chris Coleman had emerged as the favourite to take over at City if SP was sacked. Last week Sam Allardyce and Paul Jewell were the bookies’ favourites – this week, neither manager was too keen to discuss the matter. “I don’t like rumours like that,” Allardyce revealed. “They are horrible, when Stuart’s scrapping and fighting away for his life, under very difficult circumstances. I don’t like the rumours that link me with the job.” Paul Jewell was similarly circumspect. “I am not saying I would never want the Manchester City job,” Jewell said. “But what I am saying it is disrespectful for my name to be linked with the job when there is a man already in charge. We get too excited when things are going well and are far too critical when things are not going well. Stuart was touted as one of the best young managers in the Barclays Premiership and all of sudden he is no good. Somewhere in between is probably the right answer.” The fifth member of the quintet of Likely Lads was a City old-boy. It was only a matter of time I guess, before Paul Simpson was mentioned in despatches. His Preston side have had a splendid season in the Championship, so there was plenty of money going on Simmo to be the next City Supremo.

Transfer News and Gossip

Weather Report: To no one’s great surprise, Bernardo Corradi’s agent has been quoted as saying his player wants a return to Italy. The frontman’s summer move to Eastlands has not worked out and in the light of recent reports of a split in the City camp between British players and those from abroad, he would appear to be an obvious candidate to leave in the summer. Agent Moreno Roggi said: “In the future, it would appeal to me to discuss a return to Rome for Corradi. Bernardi remains a favourite due to his time in the Biancocelesti colours. In Manchester the climate – and I’m not just talking about the weather – isn’t the best.”

Tiger Feat? Hull City manager Phil Brown says he is keen to bring Danny Mills to the club before Thursday’s loan deadline kicks in. Clearly Mr. Brown doesn’t read MCIVTA, because last week SP claimed that Mills wasn’t fit enough to be loaned out anywhere. Brown told the Hull Daily Mail: “I have spoken to him and he’d like to come back and we’ll explore that avenue throughout this week. Danny is an option and we may get hands on him before the deadline. I’ve spoken to him since he’s left as I felt he did a great job here and have kept in touch as a matter of course. He wants to rekindle his career and we hope we will be the club at the top of his list.”

A Couple of Old Chestnuts: The saga of Tottenham striker Mido’s potential move to City looks set to finally draw to a close at the end of the season according to reports this week. Mido was set for a last hour move to City during January’s transfer window only for Spurs’ boss Martin Jol to pull the plug on the deal at the last minute. The Daily Mail claims that City have not given up their interest in the player and will move again to seal a deal to bring Mido to Eastlands. With more time to find a suitable replacement, Spurs’ boss Martin Jol should be ready to allow a player he seems to have lost long term faith in to leave the club. And in the spirit of re-cycling old tales: apparently Everton are planning a bid for Joey Barton. For the 439th time… The People says Everton boss Dave Moyes is ready to try again for Joey, who attracted interest from Goodison Park during the January market.

Bearing the Brunt: Chris Brunt is said to be heading City-wards in the summer. The Belfast Telegraph has stated that City will capture the Northern Ireland winger from Sheffield Wednesday, with other suitors said to include West Ham United and Charlton Athletic. But with both London clubs looking relegation in the face this season, the Blues are said to be the front runners for his services – with a price tag believed to be around the £2 million mark. A source said to be close to the club told the Telegraph: “There is a lot of speculation about Brunty going here, there and everywhere but Manchester City are the strong favourites to sign him in the summer. The talk around the club at the minute is that he will move on and it will be a Premiership club. With Charlton and West Ham looking doomed, Manchester City would seem the best move for his career.” According to my sources in Sheffield, Brunt has a tendency for inconsistency – brilliant one week, dire the next. As his former boss at Wednesday, Paul Sturrock once put it: “He can play like David Beckham one week, and Victoria Beckham the next.” Sounds like our kind of player…

Jar Fancy Signing for Us? Stuart Pearce is reportedly in the hunt for Celtic midfielder Jiri Jarosik. Jarosik will be allowed to leave Parkhead in the summer after failing to become a first team fixture. The Czech Republic midfielder is expected to return to the Premiership, with Pearce leading the chase for his signature. Blackburn and Aston Villa are also in the frame but the former Chelsea man is hotly tipped to land at City.

A Nugent Nugget: Preston’s England star David Nugent will cost a Premiership club at least £6 million these days – but guess which North West club could have snagged him for next to nowt? Nugent was only a teenager when Graham Barrow, his boss at the time at League Two Bury, recommended him to the mighty City. Barrow, now assistant manager at Chester, said: “Years back I sent him to City and they were really pleased with him but decided to do nothing about it.”

Ex-Blues’ News

Brum Bound: Andy Cole’s odyssey round the clubs of England is about to start again. Portsmouth have confirmed that Cole is set to join Birmingham on loan after only eight months at Fratton Park. The 35-year-old striker, who has made only nine first-team starts for Pompey since a £500,000 move from City in August, approached boss Harry Redknapp over his frustration at not playing regularly. This, of course, after he left City, where the club wanted to play him regularly, but wouldn’t offer him a longer, more lucrative deal. And he has been given the green light to go on loan to Championship promotion-chasers Birmingham until the end of the season. Steve Bruce’s relegated club, currently second in the table with a game in hand over leaders Derby, are set to take over his lucrative contract until the end of May. But Cole has another year on his deal with Pompey and could return next season – depending on how he performs at St Andrews.

Reactions and Comments

Distin-ctly Better: Well that was a pleasant sensation last weekend, eh readers? City banished a few relegation fears and the relieved the pressure on SP with victory at Middlesbrough last Saturday. Sylvain Distin shot high past Mark Schwarzer from close range following Joey Barton’s 61st minute corner, and Emile Mpenza got off the mark for City by scoring off an upright 13 minutes later to seal their first Premiership win since New Year’s Day. City lost England youngster Micah Richards with a first-half ankle injury, but were rarely troubled. There was much press comment on the fact that Boro rested Mark Viduka and Jonathon Woodgate, which was seen as manager Gareth Southgate’s attempt at squad rotation ahead of Monday night’s FA Cup replay at OT. Southgate as good as admitted this later, when he said: “I have got to take responsibility because I made a couple of changes and if that sent the wrong message to people, then that is my responsibility. We inevitably had more than an eye on Monday and when you have got a game as big as that coming up, it is very hard for a player to put that out of his mind. We looked like a team that was trying to win it without over- extending ourselves and unfortunately, we are not good enough to do that. I think the whole atmosphere was very flat,” Southgate told Sky Sports News. “We didn’t create any spark and didn’t play with any verve. Subconsciously, the players were maybe looking towards Monday and, if I set the tone for that by making changes, I have to take responsibility.”

The Head is Level: And now a few words from the victorious manager of Manchester City, S. Pearce Esq. “After the week we have had, with the game on Sunday, playing the champions on Wednesday and then coming away on the back of two defeats like that, I have to give credit to the players. There are one or two of them who look dead on their feet. They dug deep, and I told them at half time that there was a game there to be won, that was clear because we created and missed a few chances. We had to have a few words at half time to point players in the right direction, but credit to Michael Johnson, who was outstanding, and Mpenza’s got his first goal, which is a big bonus. I could not fault anyone, right through the team, resilience and character are things I can never fault this dressing room on.” Continuing on the performance of Mpenza, SP stated, “His all-round play has boosted us,” said Pearce, “I thought he did well against Chelsea and I thought he was a bit tired today but he has good energy. He’s a good kid, very quiet but he can be proud of his two performances. So can Didi Hamann, he’s been outstanding in these two games so it’s well done to the players. Now we have got to build on it when we return to league football in two weeks. Premier League wins are hard to come by, now we have nine games to go but the picture has changed drastically. We’re above Sheffield and Wigan, level with Villa but as a manager you have to keep a level head. I’m not too excited today, but I wasn’t too downcast this morning either.”

Dist Wears White Boots: Most commentators agreed that City’s star man was Sylvain Distin. He confirmed that he turned down a switch to Teesside in the early weeks of the season and was delighted to be on the scoresheet. “They came for me, but I didn’t go,” Distin told Sky Sports News. “I’m happy to score against them, or against anyone, especially with my right foot. It was the first time I played with white boots. I have had some stick in training, so I’m proud.” The centre-half is also hoping the win will raise morale in the City squad, particularly after last week’s FA Cup exit to Blackburn Rovers. He added: “We will have to wait and see what’s going to happen. It’s good to enjoy the moment and see what will happen next. The mood could only be better than last week, so everything is fine at the moment.” At the other end of the scale in terms of experience was Michael Johnson. The 19-year-old played in only his second full game for the first team, and was relieved not to have to face a repeat of his début. “It was great, because I have only played once before at Wigan when we lost heavily, so to get my first win for the first team is a great feeling,” he said. “It felt like any other game, I didn’t have any nerves. I was confident about this game, I had a good feeling that we could do well, and that’s what we did.”

Wally Warnock: An unexpected bonus of City’s victory was a rant by Sheffield United’s manager Neil Warnock. The Blades’ boss has by his own bellicose standards been rather quiet this term, but maybe the pressure of dropping to fourth from bottom has made Warnock revert to type. Warnock accused Gareth Southgate of doing a favour for his friend SP. Speaking to Sky Sports, Warnock said: “Personally I think it is a disgrace. I know Stuart is a friend of Gareth Southgate’s and I know they’ve got Manchester United, but I’d love to see them lose the next six games… I think it’s scandalous and I don’t think a club like Middlesbrough should disrespect Sheffield United or Charlton or anyone else scrapping for their lives. I’m absolutely disgusted to say the least.” Stuart Pearce wasn’t too impressed by Warnock’s comments. “What you find is that any manager in the country has the whole of his squad at his disposal and he uses it as best he can,” he said on the club’s official website. “Middlesbrough wanted to win against us on Saturday – they didn’t lie down. Arsenal change their team on a weekly basis, Chelsea and one or two others do. I did against Wigan Athletic last year. I think from Neil’s point of view, if you look directly at them, probably two weeks ago they felt as though the points tally they had was reasonably comfortable maybe to stay out of any problems. Now, all of a sudden, they’ve lost Rob Hulse – one of their mainline strikers – and also they’re the next team that Charlton have got in their sights at this moment in time, so that’s obviously frustrated him a touch, I would suspect. It’s very difficult and very hard to look into other clubs and turn around and say what team they should or shouldn’t select. I think it’s very unfair and very, very wrong of anyone to do that.”

Squad News

Taking it Personally: Sylvain Distin has revealed the depth of discontent within the Blues’ camp over Richard Dunne’s controversial attack on his team-mates last week. He then called for unity in the City squad as they battle to avoid the drop. Current City skipper Richard Dunne has voiced his concerns that not every member of the team is giving their all for the cause, but Distin believes that that attack was unwarranted. He told Sky Sports: “The foreign players, particularly the French and Italians, have not taken it well at all. They have taken it personally. I think you should discuss things face-to-face, man-to-man and try and understand one another. That is the best way to progress. It is a difficult time, but we have to stick together. We have to communicate amongst ourselves and stop blaming one another for mistakes. Sticking together until the end is the key.” Micah Richards meanwhile, is full of praise of the gaffer. “The expectation here is high so there is going to be a lot of attention on the manager, given the position we are in,” Richards told the Independent. “When you fall to 17th and go out of the FA Cup people are going to raise eyebrows but we’ve got 10 games left and we have to keep working hard to get out of trouble. I haven’t noticed anything different about the manager lately – he’s still straight up and doing the job as best he can. He has stuck by us as players and we have stuck by him. He gave me my début at 17. He believed in me and we have to believe in him. He is a good man-manager and he is not afraid to try things, like giving Daniel Sturridge a game recently. A lot of managers wouldn’t have done that in the position we are in at the moment but it shows bottle to do that.”

OPINION: AND THE POINT IS?

What is the point of next season? We’ll stay up, but what is the point of next season?

I’ve been away from sight of a TV with English football for four years give or take the odd transmission in Brazil. I come back to the UK and I ask this question.

The answer is obvious – an expensive waste of time. More and more of my friends seem to have abandoned City for the lure of non-league and I’m inclined to join them. I love City – I always told any new girlfriend that my relationship with City has lasted a lot longer so be careful! I do care, but only out of some long-gone era of hope that my team may one day win something. They won’t. And no-one out there could disagree.

If City get a takeover and get millions and win on the back of that? Fool’s gold. It may take a decade or so for this to sort itself right out. I pray for the day when football implodes and everyone has a chance again. It’s been amazing to see the quality in the Premiership (compared to Brazilian domestic football you would not believe) but it’s not a club sport any more, it’s like watching the stock exchange. At least in Brazil anyone could win it, terraces were standing – remember all of that?

I’m a banana-era, 80s season-ticket holding fan. It’s in my blood. But for now, what’s the point?

Love to all blue-noses.

OPINION: BIG BLUES

In my capacity as a music journalist, I was interviewing The Cult’s Billy Duffy, who is a major City fan and we spent most of the time talking about City.

Now this was before the Blackburn game and we were both hoping that City could pull off the win, but Billy’s observations, considering City’s win at Boro were spot on. He though Pearce had erred in not playing Issakson more (“Weaver is okay but Issakson is world class”) and was hoping that Mpenza would be given a full game. Billy also noted Barton’s total ineffectiveness in taking corners and free kicks. Maybe Psycho is psychic but all these changes were addressed on Saturday and you get the feeling that if Pearce sticks with this lineup there’s a few more points up for grabs.

City fans might be interested to know that Billy is still a True Blue and we had a great chat about the team – and about five minutes talking about music!

OPINION: BARTON

In response to Joel Perry (MCIVTA 1311). You give your reasons for hating Joey Barton as being a “virus on the club, and a hugely egoed n’er-do-gooder”.

Well I think people like you are the ones that are the virus on the club and you need to take a reality check and see the bigger picture. Screaming that you don’t want a player to take the dead ball kicks won’t do you any good, it’ll just make you look like a prat when everyone tells you to sit down and keep quiet.

Instead try a bit of encouragement. Expecting him to mess it up will only help him do just that. Giving him a bit of a encouragement will be of a better benefit to him. If we have other players taking the free kicks, corners etc, we in theory lose a man as a target, because it is well known that Barton is one of the shortest players on the pitch, and isn’t renowned for his heading ability.

So what if some of the corners come to nothing, they haven’t come to anything in the last 10 years anyway. The only decent man we had to head the ball in the opposition area has been Niall “disco pants” Quinn, and he left many moons ago. So instead of ranting and raving and squaring off to Mr ten men, try singing some praise and getting behind the team, or don’t bother going, and sit in a pub instead screaming at the telly with all the nay sayers that come from over the road in Stretford!

OPINION: MORE WIN STATS

In answer to a question from a MCIVTA subscriber after seeing the recent win percentage stats I posted, here are the “league win percentage” stats for each season in the top division since 1990. Bring back Peter Reid, but definitely not Joe Royle and little alan ball?

1990-91 - OLD DIV 1 - Howard Kendall = 36% (11 matches)
1990-91 - OLD DIV 1 - Peter Reid     = 48% (27 matches)
1991-92 - OLD DIV 1 - Peter Reid     = 47% (Full season - 42)
1992-93 - PREMIER   - Peter Reid     = 36% (Full season - 42)
1993-94 - PREMIER   - Peter Reid     =  0% (4 matches)
1993-94 - PREMIER   - Tony Book      =  0% (1 match)
1993-94 - PREMIER   - Brian Horton   = 24% (37 matches)
1994-95 - PREMIER   - Brian Horton   = 28% (Full season - 42)
1995-96 - PREMIER   - alan ball      = 23% (Full season - 38)
2000-01 - PREMIER   - Joe Royle      = 21% (Full season - 38)
2002-03 - PREMIER   - Kevin Keegan   = 39% (Full season - 38)
2003-04 - PREMIER   - Kevin Keegan   = 23% (Full season - 38)
2004-05 - PREMIER   - Kevin Keegan   = 31% (29 matches)
2004-05 - PREMIER   - Stuart Pearce  = 44% (9 matches)
2005-06 - PREMIER   - Stuart Pearce  = 34% (Full season - 38)
2006-07*- PREMIER   - Stuart Pearce  = 31% (29 matches to date)

OPINION: WIN STATS I

Solution to our problems?

After reading MCIVTA 1311 all became clear – bring back Samuel Cowan and sign up John Breen’s son!

OPINION: WIN STATS II

In response to the superb table sent in by Steve Kay, there’s only one thing for it. Bring back Sam Cowan!

And how funny to read, Melvin Machin? I’m sure we used to sing ‘Melchin, Melchin give us a wave’ from the Kippax?

It’s interesting to note how many people called for the reinstating of Horton after his GMR commentary after Chelsea. He wasn’t that good after all, as the table reads was he? On air he called Barton, Burton and Vassell, Varius – genius.

Steve Coppell being farther up the table than Frizzell, no matter how relative the table is, just doesn’t seem possible does it? Joseph, Joseph? Glad he got his coat…

OPINION: SAVE OUR PSCYHO

I say stay with the spkiy haired aging punk. I know I’ve been critical of the boys and such but what are the alternatives?

We won’t get big Sam. I don’t think that would be right either. Sam is Bolton as far as I’m concerned. Scouse Paul? I don’t think so. As for “he’s scouse he’s got a tash, he’s had a triple heart bypass” (as my sister who is a Rovers fan used to sing) do me a favour!

It’s not been a good season and there has been an undercurrent that we’re not privy to but the performance on Saturday was what we can do as a team.

There is something up with Corradi – we know not what. I’m sticking my neck out here but I reckon the Greek will come good. He’s only 20 after all, can show the odd flash of brilliance, and I think he does like/respect Psycho. Vassell is having a ‘mare. Does anyone remember what happened to Edghill a few seasons back? His nerve went completely and he couldn’t even pass the ball. Confidence has to be a factor. I’m sure it will come back for Vassell.

Also Pearce needs someone behind him that is the opposite of his character. Him and Wriggles are like two peas. Historically the great City managers have had that balance. Look at Joe Mercer, Tony Book for prime examples. Stuart has a fair chunk of work to do, but again – what are the alternatives?

So I’m saying SOS.

OPINION: RADIO SILENCE

Over the last week there has been much speculation in the media about Stuart Pearce’s future. I must admire him as he handled it pretty well; what did disappoint was that no-one at MCFC supported him.

We have a big PR department that stayed very quiet, the Chairman and Chief Executive were noticeable by there absence. Stuart is paid to run the team; surely someone could have offered him a bit of support?

Meanwhile the knives were out for the players, with Dunne, Distin and Barton all having their penny’s worth. I am all for free speech but why did someone from our PR department not offer a bit of professional advice?

Anyone reading the papers or watching TV would have thought City were in turmoil and the players out of control, heaven forbid!

REQUEST: REDDISH BLUES

City legends Mike Summerbee and Peter Barnes will be our guests at the next meeting of the Reddish branch of the Centenary Supporters’ Association this coming Tuesday 27 March at The Ash Hotel, Manchester Road, Stockport.

The meeting starts at 8.00pm (doors 7.00pm) and admission is free on the night to branch members on production of their current membership card, and the price for non-members is £2 for adults and £1 for juniors.

RESULTS

League table to 21 March 2007 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  30 13  1  1 39  9 11  2  2 31 11 24  3  3  70  20  50  75
 2 Chelsea         30 11  4  0 33  8 10  2  3 21 11 21  6  3  54  19  35  69
 3 Arsenal         29  9  5  0 34 11  7  2  6 17 13 16  7  6  51  24  27  55
 4 Liverpool       30 11  3  1 29  4  5  3  7 15 16 16  6  8  44  20  24  54
 5 Bolton Wndrs    30  8  3  4 21 14  6  2  7 14 24 14  5 11  35  38  -3  47
 6 Everton         30  8  4  3 22 11  4  6  5 16 15 12 10  8  38  26  12  46
 7 Tottenham H.    30 10  1  4 28 18  3  5  7 15 26 13  6 11  43  44  -1  45
 8 Reading         30  9  2  4 26 16  4  3  8 17 22 13  5 12  43  38   5  44
 9 Portsmouth      30  8  4  3 22 12  3  5  7 14 19 11  9 10  36  31   5  42
10 Blackburn R.    30  7  2  6 20 18  5  2  8 16 23 12  4 14  36  41  -5  40
11 Newcastle Utd   30  7  5  3 23 17  3  2 10 11 22 10  7 13  34  39  -5  37
12 Middlesbrough   30  8  3  4 21 16  1  6  8 11 20  9  9 12  32  36  -4  36
13 Aston Villa     30  6  5  4 15 12  1  8  6 14 23  7 13 10  29  35  -6  34
14 Fulham          30  6  5  4 14 13  1  8  6 17 31  7 13 10  31  44 -13  34
15 Manchester City 29  5  4  6 10 13  4  2  8 12 21  9  6 14  22  34 -12  33
16 Wigan Athletic  30  5  3  7 14 20  4  3  8 16 24  9  6 15  30  44 -14  33
17 Sheff. United   30  5  6  4 18 17  3  1 11  7 27  8  7 15  25  44 -19  31
18 Charlton Ath.   30  6  3  6 17 17  1  3 11 11 32  7  6 17  28  49 -21  27
19 West Ham United 30  5  2  8 17 21  1  3 11  6 30  6  5 19  23  51 -28  23
20 Watford         30  2  7  6 13 20  1  4 10  6 26  3 11 16  19  46 -27  20

MCIVTA FAQ [v0607.01]

[1] MCIVTA Addresses

Articles (Heidi Pickup)          : editor@mcivta.city-fan.org
News/rumour (Don Barrie)         : news@mcivta.city-fan.org
Subscriptions (Madeleine Hawkins): subscriptions@mcivta.city-fan.org
Technical problems (Paul)        : paul@city-fan.org
FAQ (David Warburton)            : faq@mcivta.city-fan.org

[2] What are MCIVTA’s publishing deadlines?

Deadlines for issues are nominally 6pm, Monday and Thursday evenings bu email. Unfortunately we cannot accept email attachments.

[3] MCIVTA Back Issues and Manchester City Supporters’ home page

http://www.uit.no/mancity/ is the unofficial Manchester City Supporters’ home page. Created in 1994, it is the longest running of the Manchester City related web sites. Back issues of MCIVTA are also hosted on the site.

[4] What is the club’s official web site?

The official club web site can be found at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/

[5] What supporters’ clubs are there?

Manchester City FC recognises three supporters’ clubs: The “Official Supporters Club” (http://www.mcfcosc.com/); the “Centenary Supporters’ Association” (http://www.reddishblues.com/CSAWebsite/CSA.htm) and “The International Supporters’ Club”.

[6] Where can I find out about the fans’ committee?

The Fans’ Committee operates as an interface between supporters and the club. The Fans’ Committee has been relaunched as “Points of Blue”. It has appeared on the club website as a minor entry under “Fans Zone”.

[7] What match day broadcasts are available on the web?

The Radio Manchester (née GMR) pre and post match phone-in is available on the web at http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/sport/manchester_city/index.shtml.

Live match commentaries and archives of games, reports and interviews can be found at http://mcfc.videoloungetv.com/do/preLogin?clubSiteCode=MCFC&CMP=AFC-003.

[8] Where can I find out if City are live on satellite TV?

http://www.satfootball.com/pl.html provides a listing of Premiership games being shown on UK domestic and foreign satellite channels. Useful sites for North American viewers are http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer, http://www.soccertv.com/, and http://www.livesoccertv.com/.

[9] Do we have a Usenet newsgroup?

Yes we do: uk.sport.football.clubs.man-city is our home on usenet. If you are not familiar with usenet, a basic explanation is available here: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,289893,sid9_gci213262,00.html

[10] Do any squad members have their own web pages?

There are a number available and direct links can be found at http://www.uit.no/mancity/players/

[11] Can I buy shares in the club?

Yes you can: Shares in Manchester City PLC are traded on OFEX. The latest prices can be on found the Plus Markets Group web site http://www.plusmarketsgroup.com/ or in the business section of the Manchester Evening News.

[12] Where can I find match statistics?

Statistics for the current season are available from the club site, but for a more in-depth analysis try http://www.mcfcstats.com/.

[13] I hear there is a TV programme specifically about City?

InsideMCFC is broadcasted by ChannelM. It is available on the SkyDigital (ch.203) and NTL (ch.26) platforms as well as being transmittedtraditionally within the Manchester area (ch.39). In addition, theprogramme is available to watch via the web. More details and schedule:http://www.channelm.co.uk/features/city.html

DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in MCIVTA are entirely those of the subscribersand there is no intention to represent these opinions as being thoseof Manchester City Football Club, nor of any of the companies anduniversities by whom the subscribers are employed. It is not inany way whatsoever connected to the club or any other relatedorganisation and is simply a group of supporters using this mediumas a means of disseminating news and exchanging opinions.

Heidi Pickup, editor@mcivta.city-fan.org

Editor: