Newsletter #1436

A fast moving week at City as Sven departs for Mexico and Mark Hughes is unveiled as the new manager, with plenty of opinion on that. We have Don’s news summary bringing us all the information on that and the transfer targets, with Garry Cook wasting no time in getting to grips with his new rôle at City.

As Euro 2008 commences, time for more potential transfer target spotting, and calls for a fans’ end of season review from Steve.

NEWS SUMMARY

From Sven to Sparky in Three Days

Adios, Sven: So, farewell then Sven. It’s been groundhog day for many weeks regarding SGE’s imminent departure, and on Monday – well, finally it happened. Sven and his Swedish assistants left City ‘by mutual consent’. “I have enjoyed my time at Manchester City very much indeed and in particular, I would like to thank the fans, players and staff for their amazing support over the season,” said Eriksson. “I wish the club, and everyone associated with it, much success in the coming years.” City Chief Executive Alistair Mackintosh added: “The board of directors and all at Manchester City would like to thank Sven for his efforts and contributions throughout the season. We wish him all the best for the future. Sven remains a friend of the club.” Most City fans have been scratching their heads over why, after guiding City to a top 10 place, with the bonus of a UEFA Cup spot, did Thaksin pull the plug on the Swede’s reign. One clue was given by that august Sunday organ, the News of the World. A demand for a European bonus from Eriksson sealed his fate, the paper revealed. It claimed that S-GE argued he was due the payment even though City qualified for the UEFA Cup through the Fair Play and not by winning the FA Cup or via a League position. His insistence on fighting for the bonus irritated Thaksin, who already had serious doubts about Eriksson. The pair continued to bicker until Shinawatra finally lost patience. He agreed to pay a percentage of the bonus as part of Eriksson’s compensation package, which was finalised last night.

Ola, Sven: I tell you what, Sven’s ‘people’ sure know how to look after their client. No sooner had City dispensed with his services, then he was appointed the new head coach of Mexico. His appointment was announced by the Mexican Football Federation president Justino Compean. Eriksson, speaking in Spanish, said at a press conference: “I want to thank the Mexican Football Federation for their confidence and support. Our goal is (to qualify for) the 2010 World Cup and try to do it better than in the past.” Not that there was universal rejoicing down Mexico way. “In Mexico it is generally assumed that the coach has to be someone from Mexico, and that the coach would have spent a year learning about the side,” said former Bolton striker Jared Borgetti. “I don’t think that Eriksson is the correct decision as many of the players don’t speak English and I doubt that he knows much about Mexican football.”

Sparky’s Cunning Plan: So which candidates were in the Thai billionaire’s sights? Sam Allardyce got an early mention, and grim reaper Avram Grant was again in the frame. Not very thrilling either of them. Then a new name popped up – Brazilian legend Zico. The Fenerbahce boss, 55, was waiting to hear from a club in one of the top European leagues after telling the Turkish giants he will not be renewing his deal with them when it runs out at the end of the month. Some clever people thought that the appointment of Brazilian coach Roberto Carlos de Carvalho as the club’s international youth development chief could be a clue because he has strong links to Zico. Oh, and City were also linked with Mark Hughes. Mark Hughes? Ex Red? Whose Blackburn team never seemed to be beaten by City? Some mistake surely… Some other clever people then claimed that Hughes was merely putting himself in the shop window for Chelsea to come-a-calling.

The Hughes Corporation Takeover: Then look what popped up on Blackburn’s website: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that they have received an approach from Manchester City for permission to talk to Mark Hughes with regard to him becoming their manager. Mark has made it clear to the Board he would like the opportunity to talk to Manchester City. In view of this the Board have decided reluctantly to give permission subject to terms and conditions acceptable to Blackburn Rovers being agreed with Manchester City in advance.” Wednesday arrived and City announced they had got their man. Mark Hughes was the new manager. New Executive Chairman Garry Cook said “I am delighted to welcome Mark on board. In our view he is the brightest young manager in the game and he was our number one target for the manager’s job. He made it clear to us from the moment we met that he shared our vision and ambition to make Manchester City one of the top sides in the country. The Club intends to invest in new players as well as securing the long term services of key members of the current first team squad. Mark has already identified some of the players and backroom staff that he wants to see here at City, and we will begin the process of recruiting them immediately.” Thaksin sounded chuffed enough, telling the Daily Mail: “He’s an outstanding manager who has achieved many things with Blackburn. Mark was always the first choice of our new chairman, Garry Cook. Together they will make a great team. They will both prove to be excellent acquisitions, I’m sure.” City’s appointment of Hughes will hopefully head off a potential player exodus with Richard Dunne now set to stay. And initial indications are that Dunnie has at least postponed his departure. “It was disappointing that Sven had to leave but in Mark Hughes we have got an exciting young manager who has done particularly well at Blackburn,” said the skipper. “Premier League experience does count for a lot and he has proved that he can mix it with the best over the last few seasons. No team ever relished going to Ewood Park when he was in charge. They established themselves as a top ten side and did well in the cups, too. I know from speaking to players who have been in his sides that he is a disciplined and highly regarded coach and that bodes well for the club. I had a season with him at Goodison when I was just breaking into the side and he was always a great professional who made time to speak to people and give them advice and he has taken to management really well. I will have to wait and see now which way the club is going to go. There is certainly the need for some stability.”

Under Pressure: And lo, on Thursday morning, Manchester City FC did unveil their new manager, Mark Hughes. He’s under no illusions over what he needs to achieve. “There is always pressure,” Hughes said in the introductory press conference. “Every manager is under pressure. It is a result driven business and results are based on decisions I make. It doesn’t faze me and you have to thrive on it. Fans of any football club will voice opinions if you are not successful and if the team is not performing you are open to criticism. But I’ll back my ability against most managers.” Hughes continued. “I had a fantastic time at Blackburn and it was a job I was pleased to do. But I knew there was a limit to how far I could take the club. I am now at a club that can match my ambitions. Once City showed an interest I was focused and looking forward. My passion and drive is there for all to see. You can see the intensity in my players and that is what I am trying to bring to City. It is a chance to build the football club not only from a playing point of view, but as a club too. That will hopefully raise the profile of the club. It is a project that will be exciting for everybody involved. The ambition of the club is to challenge at the top table, not only in this country but in Europe as well and that’s my aim,” said Hughes. “That’s the reason I came here. If we can get the right players in the right positions it’s realistic.” The former Traffordite played down suggestions that his appointment at City would reduce his chances of one day succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson. “If I can get this club successful, then it won’t be a stepping stone because I won’t need any more.”

Transfer News and Gossip

A Brazilian Double: So here’s the transfer master plan. Brazilian striker Jo is set to follow Sparky Marky to City – and Ronaldinho may not be far behind. City held off completing any new signings until Hughes’ approval was gained following the Welshman’s decision to quit Blackburn, but now Hughes has given his consent for the move for CSKA Moscow striker Jo to go ahead. “We have had a conversation with Mark Hughes about this because we wanted to see what he felt but it would be fair to say we expect to see Jo at Manchester City,” said Garry Cook. “Ronaldinho is one of the greatest players that has ever played, I would like to see him here, Mark Hughes would like to see him here and I think the fans would too.” On the subject of the Brazilian duo, Hughes said: “There’s a lot of talk about the quality of players that can come here. If they’re available at the right price I will be interested.”

When Harry Met Dunnie: Before Dunnie (sort of) announced that he wasn’t leaving, Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp had expressed an interest in signing the 28-year-old. Redknapp told BBC Radio Five Live on Saturday: “I like Dunne. He’s a top player and I think there’s a couple of clubs in for him at the moment. But I think we’ve got as good a chance as anyone now.” There were even suggestions in the press that City were lining up a replacement for their centre half – Deportivo La Coruna defender Fabricio Coloccini. The Argentinean centre-back is set to leave the Galician club this summer, and City and Newcastle were said to be in the frame. Coloccini’s agent, Marcelo Lombilla, confirmed talks with two English clubs were well advanced. He told AS: “There are two important teams willing to pay a very good amount. The two clubs are very serious in their interest. If not, I would not be going backwards and forwards to England. There are teams in Spain that are also interested, but one must be slightly patient.”

Bianchi’s Tour of Europe: Lazio are still stalling on making Rolando Bianchi’s transfer permanent, so the Italian’s agent is continuing to hawk his boy round Europe. Real Betis are sniffing around, along with Monaco and Wolfsburg, so Rolando has maybe three other countries to live in next season. Meanwhile Celtic reported earlier in the week to be eyeing up Stephen Ireland. The Mirror says Hoops boss Gordon Strachan is weighing up a £5 million bid for the midfielder. Genoa are moving for Valeri Bojinov. The Serie A club want Bojinov as a replacement for star attacker Marco Borriello, who was re-signed by AC Milan this week. And Cardiff City are chasing striker Ched Evans. Bluebirds’ boss Dave Jones wants to take the Wales international on a season-long loan for next season.

You Big Cisse: There was a sole report this week suggesting City are plotting a £6 million move for Djibril Cisse. The France international spent three hit-and-miss years contracted to Liverpool before moving to Marseille, yet reports in his homeland claim the 26-year-old could be heading to Eastlands in a £6 million transfer. “We never know what can happen; it is still too early to speak of whatsoever,” agent Ranko Stojic told La Provence. “We will see. We are not going to say anything because Djibril is still under contract with L’OM for four years. Something’s for sure: Djibril staying or not, the decision about his future will be taken before June 25.”

General News

In Deep at Deepdale: City’s UEFA Cup Odyssey for 08/09 (or “Fair Play 2: This Time We’re Even More Polite”) could begin at Preston’s ground. The Blues need an alternative venue to give their Eastlands pitch extra time to recover from summer events, including boxing and pop concerts. The tie will be staged on either July 17 or 31. It was thought Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium was the favoured destination. But City are understood to be trying to keep the tie West of the Pennines. One of those ‘City insiders’ said: “Deepdale is a superb stadium less than an hour away from Manchester and we’ve had tentative discussions with Preston about the possibility of staging the tie.” And PNE chairman Derek Shaw also confirmed that Deepdale could be a possible venue.

Having a Senior Moment: Joe Hart has become a full international. He came on at half time in England’s 3-0 victory against Trinidad and Tobago. This is good news for Joe and City of course, but it’s fantastic news for his former team Shrewsbury Town – as part of his transfer deal, the Shrews had a clause giving them a pay out if Joe played for the seniors. In his 45 minutes on the pitch, Hart had a couple of hairy moments as he rushed from his goal, but didn’t let a goal in for all that. Boss Fabio Capello said: “I think we played a good game and all the players showed a good attitude and good concentration.” He added: “I have learnt a lot. I know better the players, the players know me better. I know the characteristics of the players during the games. This is very important. I hope we will be even better and for the qualifiers we will be OK.” This comes hot on the heels of news that Teamtalk.com have made our Joseph its Rookie of the Year (thanks Tom Rhodes for that).

Alistair Darling of Liverpool? The Daily Mail have reported this week that Liverpool Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has been in touch with Alistair Mackintosh no less about a move to the Red side of Merseyside. Hicks is said to be on the lookout for a replacement for Rick Parry, who endured a rocky relationship with Hicks last season – Hicks indeed labelled his current Chief Executive a failure and called on him to resign. Hicks has been impressed by the manner in which the 37-year-old Mackintosh has raised City’s profile, and with Liverpool due to move to a new stadium in nearby Stanley Park in the coming years, Hicks also feels that Mackintosh’s experience in relocating City to the COMS would be a benefit.

OPINION: SPARKY I

I’m very sorry that Sven has been sacked. He’s done a good job at Manchester City, taking us onto the fringes of automatic European qualification and bringing style and dignity on and off the pitch to Manchester City. We also had those two wins over United and some special games against Newcastle and Boro (at home) amongst other entertaining games. Of course not every game or result was great but the overwhelming majority of City fans wish that he could have been allowed to continue the rebuilding job that he has done well thus far. I know that I am not alone in thanking him and wishing him all the very best.

So here we are with a new manager in the impressive Mark Hughes. Harking back to his playing days, I lost count of the number of times I wanted Mark Hughes to be sent off in a Manchester derby. I can remember that 3-3 draw at Maine Road in 1990 where we chucked away a two goal lead and another derby win with a few minutes of madness, and being incandescent with rage that referee Roger Milford hadn’t dismissed him. However, as much as I detest Manchester United and everything they stand for, and how much of an irritant and goal scorer Mark Hughes has been against us, am I alone in having held a grudging admiration for the Welshman, both as a player and a manager? I like the fact that this guy is a born winner who never gives up. His teams are known for possessing his own characteristic steel.

Whilst I am sorry that Sven has gone and dismayed in the way he was handled, I am delighted that Mark Hughes has been appointed Manchester City Manager. He still has a lot to prove but has done a great job at Blackburn after a great spell with Wales who punched well above their weight under him. I like the fact that his teams don’t get intimidated physically. Whilst that does not mean that Sven wouldn’t have addressed that problem this summer, Hughes is known for instilling steel in his teams and I welcome that at City. You have to earn the right to play and he has developed his Blackburn side from one that was at the bottom of the league to one that competed physically and were very hard to beat, into one that can play very good football. Given the resources at his disposal at City, who knows where he might take us? I hope that he is given sufficient time to do the job here and in welcoming him, I wish him all the very best.

OPINION: SPARKY II

Just to say the club has clearly made what I feel to be an excellent choice in Mark Hughes, as manager. A really, really positive move.

He does demonstrate drive, commitment and ambition, and I feel sure he is very much the right man to weed out the slackers in the present squad and, in fairly short-order, bring in the right quality players just where we need them. As for stability within the club we’ve now as solid a management team as we could hope to have, in my opinion, to make the club a really strong force within the league.

No doubt there will be those dissenting voices who shall, instead, choose to harp on about Mark’s prior association with Manchester United. To those, I would merely say: grow up, get a life, and move on; the future for Manchester City now looks brighter than ever, quite exciting in fact, I’m pleased to say. I’m finally looking forward to the new season!

OPINION: SPARKY III

For Blues out there who find it hard to stomach the fact that our new manager is an ex-Rag, why not just call the manager by his real name, which is Leslie, that’s what I intend to do anyway.

So good luck Leslie, and I hope you bring us long suffering Blues some well deserved success.

OPINION: SPARKY IV

Welcome to the nuthouse Sparky. Gee I’m almost excited! Think City have at last got it right, hope so.

Think it’s a great choice, let’s hope the boss lets you get on with the job. Can’t wait to see Sir Alex’s face derby day!

Look out Manchester, Dave Lamb’s coming home (again!). Oh happy days.

Staying Blue with a smile on my face!

OPINION: SPARKY V

Okay, I was wrong! By securing Mark Hughes as Sven’s replacement, `Frank’ has shown an amazing sense of good taste and soccer savvy, who knew?

How much this has to do with Garry Cook, who knows but the fact that City got Hughes under the noses of Chelsea is brilliant. At least now we have someone in charge who commands respect and knows what he is doing.

I just hope he can win over Richard Dunne, Micah et al and settle any rumblings of discontent. I also believe that Hughes will set the team up to be a lot more attack oriented, none of this 4-5-1 rubbish. And if he can get Bentley to come over, all the better.

I just hope Thaksin will let him run the team and dump any ideas of getting Ronaldinho. Don’t need him.

Blue skies over Eastlands.

OPINION: SPARKY VI

Have to say I’m happy that a quick appointment has been made and I do think he is a good choice. We need someone who understands English football and not some foreign coach who has never coached in England and is just a big name.

OPINION: SPARKY VII

So Mr Shinawatra has said Mark Hughes will be our next manager. Of course, none of us knows how Sven would have fared in a second season. There were signs that his approach had become rather predictable but maybe that was down to the limited availability of players towards the end of the season.

I will miss listening to his post-match interviews, always polite, respectful and balanced and with a rather dry sense of humour. I’ll also miss, I think, City players accepting referee’s decisions without dissent. I’ll make one prediction, if Mark Hughes is the next City manager we will not qualify for Europe via the fair play league. Not sure how our youth set up will progress either.

Didn’t like Mark Hughes as a player, particularly after he was sent off playing for Southampton against City. Ah well, as always time will tell.

OPINION: SPARKY VIII

So it might be Sparky for City? I’ve heard some say that they don’t want him because of his Rag connections but how much does that matter? If we got someone like Scolari it would be hard to see him staying for long before another international team were chasing him but an English manager who knows the Premiership and has done well with limited resources might be what we need to push on.

I’m old enough to remember the grim days of the 70’s when we went through managers the way children go through shoes and even if Frank decided that the exotic delights of Beswick were too rich for his blood it would be good to think we had a manager who might be in for the long-haul. SGE is gone for whatever the reasons (and I’m prepared to bet that there’s wrong on both sides) but this has the makings of a good team and we can’t afford to get sucked into another managerial merry-go-round because the last time that happened we finished up welcoming Lincoln City for league games.

OPINION: SPARKY IX

I am delighted with the appointment of Mark Hughes as the new Manager/Coach, we now have a young manager (44 years old) and a strong squad of young players, with more to come from our Academy, plus the new signings that Mark will make.

Sparky will ignite the CoMS with his presence. The era of SGE is over, long live Sparky.

There is no reason that Mark (Sparky) Hughes cannot be the manager for some years to come, and bring stability to our club.

Welcome to the Sparky era.

OPINION: MOVING ON

Ok, I know it’s all new with SGE leaving but we all knew it was going to happen. Everybody will have their own opinion and everyone has their own conspiracy theory. Personally, I am neither for nor against the chairman. I was a fan of Sven but at the same time never really felt he had that much passion for the club. Sure, he is a nice, polite and thoughtful man, but I think he saw City as a stepping stone. I have no real proof of this, it’s just a gut feeling. However, I do think the Chairman has a plan. Someone with his kind of money and power is not going to do something on a whim. I am sure he knew there would be repercussions in his actions with the fans/players but let’s be honest, whether you like him or not, the guy is no idiot. I do believe he has a plan and whoever he decides to bring in to replace SGE will be a very suitable replacement. He wants to win, as we all do.

Have City sold their soul? Who knows, who really cares? If next season we are playing good football and doing well, i guarantee everyone will have forgotten Sven and we will all be backslapping each other and saying how great the Dr is and how we always knew that he had a plan. Like I said earlier, the guy knows what he is doing. You don’t get to his status by being an idiot.

Mark Hughes seems to be #1 now. Good. I hated him as a Rag but he is a great manager who I don’t think would be scared off by Thaksin. Maybe Sven was just too nice.

Anyway, I will be following the Blues from Florida as I have for the last 10 years. I was a season ticket holder for almost 20 years before i moved here and I love more now than ever!

I have great fun converting these Yanks to City and teaching them how to hate the Rags! Haha! City Till I Die!

OPINION: FANS’ END OF SEASON REVIEW?

Some of us that read this excellent newsletter are season ticket holders, so please bear with me as some readers may take up the issue.

I am one who disagreed with Sven “leaving” for loads of reasons that others can discuss in detail, but it has happened so let’s move on.

My point is this: as “the Doctor” now decrees that an “end of season review” has become standard practice and he can throw his toys out accordingly as he owns the club and not the supporters!

My Proposal is this; That we the season ticket holders get “The Doctor” and his chaps/chapesses to delay season ticket applications next season, until after said review so we can make a balanced judgement on the club’s performance.

This should be mandatory and needs pursuing e.g. via Points of Blue?

I for one am reluctant to part early with my hard-earned to find that “The Doctor” has changed his/her advisors mind over staff and manager and they have already had my money months ago. I therefore have no choice; just because he has loads of money does not mean that he is right.

If anyone feels strong enough to run with the idea, please do and if you agree pass on to all friends, fanzines etc.

OPINION: FT ARTICLE

Interesting article appeared in the Financial Times this week, copied and pasted below for those who may wish to read it:

Thai bosses score without power-sharing
By William Barnes Published: June 5 2008 02:22
Last updated: June 5 2008 02:22

What can executives learn from former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s controversial ownership of Manchester City Football Club? Frequently hailed as one of the canniest entrepreneurs in Thailand, he has been lambasted in the British press for his treatment of his now ex-manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. When Mr Thaksin became owner last year, he demanded a top 10 place in the Premier League – the world’s toughest – from a club that had flirted with relegation the previous season.

Mr Eriksson revamped the team and delivered a comfortable ninth place, the club’s highest level for 15 years. Arch-rival Manchester United was also beaten in the process: at home and away. This was not good enough for Mr Thaksin who, reports say, was infuriated by the team’s worsening performance as the season progressed. We do not know what was said behind closed doors but it is probably fair to speculate that the new owner – a figure of tremendous influence in his home country – did not gel with the famously cool Scandinavian.

Mr Thaksin, of course, is playing to a bigger audience than Manchester City supporters; in soccer-mad Thailand he is positioning himself as a reborn political saviour of the disadvantaged, after being ousted by a military junta in September 2006.

There might also be a clash of cultures behind the humiliation of a successful manager who remained in limbo for weeks, unable to walk away for fear of risking his hefty remuneration, but apparently expecting to be sacked at any time. Mr Thaksin, a former policeman with a post-graduate degree from the US, is fond of promoting “modern” business techniques, yet he remains steeped in Thai culture. He tends – like most Thais – to trust family, friends and old associates, above all others. So he placed loyal executives and a son and a daughter on the Manchester City board.

A boss who commands awe and respect in Thailand will also expect to be obeyed in a fashion that Mr Eriksson may have found alien. “Over the centuries, the kings of Thailand have been feared and adored. Thais have grown to expect a leader to demonstrate a blend of authoritarianism and benevolence,” writes Henry Holmes in his book Working with the Thais.

There are arguments among academics about how deferential Thais really are these days, but no one doubts that their society is much more hierarchical than in the west.

The nuances are complex but, crudely, traditional Thai bosses delegate less and are less inclined to discuss their plans with people outside their inner circle. “Traditional Thai and western management practices are like night and day,” says Stuart Raj, an expert in cross-cultural management. The Thai boss is very likely to be a rather paternal figure, who is never “off duty”. Every meeting with subordinates is, in this sense, formal. A senior Thai is expected to consult with his juniors but to have the authority, strength and wisdom to make his own decisions. On the other hand, as a father-figure, he is expected to look after his loyal staff, family and friends. The industrial psychologist, Geert Hofstede, in his seminal study of national business cultures, found Thailand is characterised by tight social groups and a high tolerance for an unequal distribution of power within organisations. Mr Eriksson, from conspicuously egalitarian Scandinavia, may not have been comfortable as poodle, as he might have seen it. Once relations had cooled, the Swede would most likely have found himself further outside Mr Thaksin’s circle of favoured advisers and – as wins became rarer – increasingly distrusted. Any sharp comments Mr Eriksson might have made will have been taken badly. “Thais are extremely sensitive to criticism. Everything is about relationships, so criticism becomes very wounding,” says Somjai Pakapasvivat, a Thai management expert at Chulalongkorn University.

Stuart Raj suggests that anyone in an “Eriksson” situation should study the boss’s social and business network. Very powerful figures such as Mr Thaksin can break the rules of normal interaction: this partly explains his popularity with the poor and the loathing of the older elite. Nevertheless, Rowan Simons, the chairman of China Club Football, which promotes amateur leagues in China, wonders how “cultural” his behaviour at Manchester City really is. “Premier League owners are not shy people. Plenty of owners mess about with management, including Russians, Ukrainians and Americans. The fans always blame the owner, but it’s his money and if next year a new manager gets a few wins they’ll forget Eriksson.” Mr Simons notes that Mr Eriksson’s record at the club has been mixed: “Some of his new players haven’t performed well and they’ve lost games they should have won. They are ninth because a wealthy man is pouring money into the club, well knowing how hard it is to make a profit in football. When the stakes are this high, do the normal rules apply?”

OPINION: SVEN’S EUROPEAN RESULT I

In the last issue Ernie Barrow writes that Sven did not get us into Europe by winning games, it was through pure luck.

Well, not really Ernie, as there are points rewarded and a table for Fair Play as well. You will find the table here: http://www.premierleague.com/staticFiles/42/ef/0,,12306~126786,00.pdf

Of course it’s combined with luck (that the teams placed above us were already qualified for Europe through other means) but it was actually Sven-Goran’s management skills that took us there and he is entitled to the claim. I think that the extraordinary man-management skills reduced the number of yellow and red cards and it’s of course long term far more successful than the traditional English army style management.

I don’t know if Hughes belongs to that school or not, but I don’t think he has the skill to manage superstars like Ronaldhino, especially if the pay structure has gone to pieces. If one guy is earning £200,000 a week and not doing his bit of the work (which might be the case as Ronaldhino hardly has set the world on fire for the last 18 months), things will soon turn sour in the dressing room. It’s one thing to create good results from a shoestring budget and another thing to spend loads of money on stars and make them gel together as a team and start to win things.

I think Shinawatra is taking this club backwards rather than forwards and he doesn’t know a good manager from a bad as he probably knows very little about football at all. He’s here for the glory and thinks that if you only have enough cash you will start winning things. It’s not that simple in real life but I think Sven-Goran was building the foundation of a successful team, investing only in young and promising players. A pity we didn’t let him stay on and enjoyed the success…

OPINION: SVEN’S EUROPEAN RESULT

I always read with interest Ernie Barrow’s posts but on this occasion I have to take issue with his statement that “The bottom line: Sven did not get us into Europe by winning games, it was through pure luck.” For my money, whatever you think of the team’s performances, the manager tells them how to play and instils discipline in the team. The way in which City approach their games therefore is down to the manager, and if that is by playing fair, respecting opponents and referees, and positive play, then surely the manager has to take credit for us doing well in the fair play league? Having said that, bearing in mind that MUFC actually came higher than City in the fair play league, despite the antics of some of their players, particularly towards referees, it does seem something of a paradox. Then again, if referees had any bottle and actually dealt positively with MUFC players antics, they wouldn’t be as high up the fair play league.

OPINION: WELL I NEVER

So here I am eating my humble pie!

I genuinely believed that Sven would not be sacked mainly because I thought we would have treated him with a little more dignity than this. I’m gutted not only because he hasn’t been given a fair crack but because the managerial door at City continues to go round and round. However, this whole episode does need putting to bed ASAP and the owners need to follow this up with a quality replacement otherwise what the hell are they playing at? I’ve said before the whole thing has been an unmitigated PR disaster and lessons need to be learned.

Whoever we appoint (Mark Hughes is the current favourite at the time of writing) it has to be a case of “the king is dead – long live the king”. In terms of replacements I wouldn’t be disappointed with Hughes. I think he has proved himself to be a very professional and shrewd manager who gets the best out of his players when you consider his record with both Wales and Blackburn where he had very limited resources compared to many. The essential thing is we do not need to go on for the next few weeks without a manager because other clubs will steel a march on us and unsettled players (e.g. Dunne) could leave. I would be very saddened to see Dunney go as our longest serving current player and stalwart of our defence we need players like him to stay.

Other replacements I guess come from the list of usual suspects, like Scolari and any other number of coaches whose names I can’t be bothered listing! Either way, come on City sort it out then we can start to look forward to next season.

Anyone any idea on what the kit will be like next season? Please no white sleeves!

OPINION: KISS AND MAKE UP

I love MCIVTA. It cheers me up to see people so passionate about City, whether times are good or bad.

But it’s a pity when fellow Blues get catty towards each other. So can I suggest that the ladies involved in the personal catfight over the last couple of issues kiss and make up? Maybe share a reflective Flirtini and remember that we’re all in this together?

As for comments about distant Blues who can’t regularly attend being somehow lesser fans… well I live in London, but travel abroad a lot with work, and I fully accept that I am a lesser fan than friends of mine who structure their lives around home and away games. They do make a bigger commitment. I’m probably not as well informed, either. But my ilk are still entitled to an opinion. And this is the forum in which it can be aired. For those who missed the point, Man City Info Via The Alps was originally set up specifically for Blues in exile. So sl**ging people who can’t get to games may be fair, but should probably be done elsewhere, i.e. where I don’t have to ignore it.

I’m not surprised Sven’s gone. I’m a little sad about it, because I think he’s a decent man, and I like some of what he’s achieved. I can’t see that Mark Hughes is a better manager. I think he’s decent, but of more concern to me is that he’s a Rag – not because that’s any great issue in itself, but it shows again that the people running the club don’t have the fans at heart. If Hughes had the pedigree of one of the world’s top 5 managers, then sure, it would make sense for the board to ignore past history to get the best man for the job. But Hughes isn’t Mourinho, or Scolari, or Mancini, or Ancelloti, or … dare I say it? Eriksson. He’s taken former Premier League champions to the UEFA i.e. with a club of comparable (smaller, but comparable) potential to City, he’s finished a couple of places above City in the league. It may yet work out very well, and I hope it does, but I think the risk with Hughes is a little higher than with Sven. Having said all that, good on Hughes for being interested – the risk of working with Shinawatra is certainly much higher for him than it is for City, and it shows that he’s willing to risk his expectations to fulfil his ambitions. Which is definitely a very good thing.

Anyway, the rollercoaster ride continues. For those of us that look out for more than one local clubs while living away, I’m going to throw my hat in and say I was pleased to see Jim Gannon get Stockport promoted. But partly I was pleased because it reminded me of trips to Edgeley in the same division, and them looking the better side.

See? Life’s not so bad.

OPINION: SVEN’S REIGN

Pros:

• His City team got most points in a season in the Premier League.
• Brought some stability to the club, something we all had not seen in years.
• Brought some good players into the club.
• Always had a mild and a gentleman’s demeanor about him.
• Most supporters backed him, and liked him.
• Got City into Europe by Fair Play League.
• Before Christmas gave us all some pride in the club.
• Beat the Evil Empire home and away.
• Got City into the top ten, as wanted by the owner Thaksin.

Cons:

• Despite bringing in more strikers during the Christmas transfer window, hestuck with playing with only one striker. To me this was his worst thing he didat City.
• Was it because of his confrontations with the owner that he did not give 100%into winning the last games (this could be debatable)?
• His team failed to play the same football as before Christmas (in part becauseof injuries) although he had a larger squad.
• He played several players out of their positions (some due to injuries orsuspensions, but not all).
• Failed to get City into Europe on merit of winning games.
• Failed to tell the supporters what was wrong, stayed tight-lipped so as to gethis money (can’t exactly blame him).

Some of you perhaps can add to the Pro or Cons; whatever, I still feel he was a very good manager and wish him well. He deserved at least another season.

As for Thaksin

First season was to be in the top ten, accomplished.
Second season to be in top six.
Third season to be in top four.

The first phase got us into the top ten, along with some other surprises.

As I write this we do not know who will be the City manager/coach next season but whoever it is we must all give him our support if City are to advance.

Sven started it all by moving in the right direction. Now that the Sven era is over with, we all must look forward to becoming better in season 2008/09.

Whatever you do, never stop being Blue.

OPINION: PROUD OF WHAT? I

I too am a life long Blue and have endured the ups and downs since 1969 and Phil Rudd is entitled to his opinion, however misinformed.

But I have to draw the line at “proud of our team at Middlesbrough”. I can forgive my team a lot of things but in a season where we stuffed the Rags home and away, getting 8 stuck past us by Middlesboring is not one of them. Seriously Phil you were proud of them for that? I think I should swap misinformed for delusional.

OPINION: PROUD OF WHAT? II

Phil Rudd in the last issue states that he is “proud how the players played at Middlesbrough”. Sorry Phil you have lost me. That was the most humiliating defeat that I can recall as a City fan, so I am not sure where you are coming from with that.

REQUEST: BOOK SIGNING FOR FATHER’S DAY

Thinking about a present for Father’s Day? On Saturday 14th June at 2pm Gary James & Mike Summerbee will be signing copies of Gary’s latest book, “Manchester – A Football History” at the Borders Store in Stockport.

The book is ideal for anyone with an interest in any of the sides from the Manchester region, in particular City, United, Bury, Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, and Stalybridge Celtic.

“Manchester – A Football History” contains over 200,000 words on 520 pages (size 248×174 mm) with photographs throughout. It sells at £21.95. For comparison purposes the quality of paper, print, and size is similar to Gary’s “Manchester City – A Complete Record” published by Breedon in 2006. Unlike that book it also includes a colour section of 8 pages.

Also, Jean François Maille – I’ve lost your email details. If you read this get in touch.

MCIVTA FAQ [v0708.01]

[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 Points of Blue (formerly the Fans’ Committee)?

The committee operates as an interface between supporters and the club. Points of Blue appears 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] 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/.

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: