Newsletter #301

The transfer speculation continues in Manchester, and it seems we will sign Vaughan, but probably next week. The press are also talking about Ole Martin Årst, it seems City do have an interest, or perhaps they read MCIVTA 8-)).

This issue contains news of the Vaughan move, some ‘official’ news, the second part of Martin Beckett’s article on the club and another good Why Blue. There are also details of the reserves Summer fixtures for those who haven’t quite had enough yet!

NEWS – VAUGHAN MOVED DELAYED

It seems that City’s bid to sign Ipswich defender Tony Vaughan has been delayed; he was due to discuss terms with Francis Lee today (Wednesday) but this has been put back to Friday. With Frank Clark away on unspecified business until next Tuesday, it’s possible that the signing may not happen until the end of next week. It’s also possible that City are awaiting the result of the discussions regarding the application of the Bosman ruling to domestic transfers, which could save the club around £1 million, the likely fee if City have to pay for Vaughan.

City are still thought to be interested in signing the Sunderland duo of Craig Russell and Martin Smith despite rumours that the Wearsiders had slapped a £3 million price tag on the pair. However, Russell will be out of contract at the end of the month, so the Bosman ruling may help us out again if it is adopted in England.

NEWS – CUSTOMER LIASON OFFICER

The ticket office have recently appointed a Customer Liaison Officer called Nathan Gould. I have had a few dealings with him and have found him most helpful and knowledgeable. He is nothing like the ticket office staff we are used to. My guess is that he is going to be helpful; especially for those fans who are abroad and need tickets for journeys home.

NEWS – NEW KIT

According to the new magazine (out today – 3/6/97) the new kit will be in the shops from July the 1st, but will only be in City stores for the first two days. Crafty, but at least they are thinking the right way.

Also, the Official Homepage (you know, the crap one that takes ages to change its news section) today announced that the kit deal will be announced on June 26th and they will have pictures of the new shirt from then on.

What’s this about a new badge as well? Surely not just some cynical marketing ploy to get us all replacing the old stuff? I wondered why they were flogging off the wallpaper etc. in the shop at the end of the season. Any news or idea of what it’ll be like would be very helpful.

NEWS – RESERVES FIXTURES

Here are the fixtures for City’s reserves during the summer – all away.

Thu Jul 17th - Leigh             7.30
Sat Jul 19th - Wilmslow Albion   3.00
Mon Jul 21st - Chirk             7.30
Wed Jul 23rd - Hednesford Town   7.45
Sat Jul 26th - Congleton         3.00
Tue Jul 29th - Harrogate Town    7.30
Fri Aug  1st - Altrincham        7.30
Mon Aug  4th - Radcliffe Borough      (to be confirmed)
Thu Aug  7th - Hyde United       7.30 (testimonial)
Mon Aug 11th - Ilkeston Town     7.30

Note: the new season starts on Saturday 9th August.

OFFICIAL NEWS

Weddings

Uwe R