Newsletter #586

NEWS SUMMARY

Weaver Errors Cost City Dear

Manchester City missed the chance to return to second place in Division One last night, losing 3-1 at home to QPR. And it was the normally impeccable Nicky Weaver who did most to hand Rangers the points. The City goalkeeper committed two errors in the space of eight minutes to gift the away side a 2-0 half-time lead, achieved through Chris Kiwomya’s strike on 37 minutes and a Gerard Wiekens own goal just before the interval. On-loan Mikkel Beck notched a 73rd-minute penalty after a foul by Ian Bishop on Kiwomya. The Blues’ only reply was Jeff Whitley’s consolation goal on 84 minutes, the midfielder firing home a long-range shot.

Royle: Weaver Still the Best

Nicky Weaver has accepted the blame for QPR’s opening two goals on Wednesday. But Joe Royle insisted after the game that he wouldn’t swap his goalkeeper for any other in England. “That was the kid’s first bad game in about two years,” said the City boss. “My opinion of him won’t change. He’s still the best in the country and one bad game won’t change that felt that here hasn’t been any yelling and barking at him, no recriminations.” Royle felt that the fates had conspired against his side and that on another day the Blues could easily have won. “I can’t fault the team’s effort and honesty, they were going for it right to the end and our crowd understood that and appreciated their commitment,” he insisted.

Francis Backs City for Promotion

QPR may have taken all three points from Manchester City last night at Maine Road. But Rangers manager Gerry Francis is still backing the Blues to clinch a return to the Premiership this season. Francis saw his side pinned back for most of the game as the Blues piled pressure on the visitors. And the former Tottenham boss recognised that his team benefitted from good fortune to earn their win. “I accept we rode our luck a bit out there and had to defend in depth for long periods. They make so many chances but our defenders were outstanding,” he admitted. However, he continued, “I believe City will be in the Premiership next season.”

City Look Ahead to Crucial Barnsley Clash

Manchester City need to get back to winning ways quickly after a run of three points from four games has dented promotion hopes. But the fixture list has not been kind, presenting the Blues have a tough test at Barnsley on Saturday. City stayed a point behind Ipswich courtesy of Wednesday evening’s defeat against QPR, and the Tykes are only two points adrift of Joe Royle’s team – although the Blues have a game in hand on both of their rivals. The match at Oakwell will be watched by a sell-out 23,000 crowd, including 6,000 from Manchester, as Barnsley become the latest side to benefit from City’s pulling power away from home. However, contrary to some reports, this will not be a record gate for the South Yorkshire club. The figure falls well short of the 40,255 who watched an FA Cup tie against Stoke in 1936 – and of the 33,702 who saw John Bond’s City beaten in a League Cup tie in 1981-82.

No Real Transfer News

City’s tally of three points from the last four games has promoted some fans to call for Joe Royle to open his cheque book to reignite City’s promotion charge. But there’s no sign as yet of the City boss bringing in new blood. It’s claimed in some quarters that Coventry’s Noel Whelan could be bound for Maine Road. However, no substantive evidence of this has yet emerged. Meanwhile, the potential move for Alf-Inge Haaland seems to be dead and there’s been no other serious speculation linkling Royle with a defensive player. On the outgoing front, it should be known next week whether Tony Vaughan will be joining Nottingham Forest. The defender’s City Ground loan spell ends after Saturday’s trip to Portsmouth.

Forest’s Vaughan Decision Expected Soon

A decision on Tony Vaughan’s future with Nottingham Forest is imminent. Manchester City are believed to be refusing to extend the defender’s loan at the City Ground – meaning he’ll either sign permanently or return to Maine Road. The former Ipswich player has impressed Forest boss David Platt during his month at the club, and it’s thought that the clubs could be close to agreeing a fee. Vaughan has played in four games for the midlands club – in three of them, Forest have conceded a total of one goal while in the other, the player was sent off after only seven minutes with the score goalless. The dismissal was universally reckoned to be harsh and the FA subsequently agreed, declining to impose a suspension.

Cooke Makes Wigan Loan Move

Terry Cooke has completed a loan move to Wigan. And the out-of-favour City winger is set to make his début for John Benson’s team at home to Blackpool tonight. Cooke was supposedly set to go to Wigan a fortnight ago but was injured playing for the Blues’ reserve side. Joe Royle’s subsequent comments indicated that the move was dead but this has proved not to be the case. The Latics are thought to be keen to tie up a £600,000 deal for the player if his temporary stint proves a success. However, with the former Manchester United star indicating a reluctance to drop into the Second Division, a permanent switch would only appear a realistic prospect if Wigan win promotion this term.

Allsopp and Cooke are Loan Successes

Danny Allsopp scored his fourth goal in three games for Wrexham last night as the Robins won 2-0 away to Brentford. Terry Cooke, meanwhile, featured for Wigan in their 5-1 win against Blackpool. Allsopp’s goal capped a fine display from the Australian which had the Wrexham fans chanting for manager Brian Flynn to find the cash necessary to make the transfer permanent. The only blot on the 21-year-old’s evening was being substituted late on after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge. Cooke, meanwhile, reflected that he was happy to have the chance to play again – and perhaps prove some of his doubters, no doubt Joe Royle chief among them, wrong. The winger was substituted five minutes from time, before two late Wigan goals completed the Latics’ rout.

Allsopp Out for Rest of the Season

North Wales’ Daily Post newspaper is reporting that Danny Allsopp has been ruled out for the rest of the season. The Australian damaged a knee playing for Wrexham at Brentford on Tuesday in the third game of his loan spell with the Welsh club. Allsopp reported to Maine Road for treatment on Wednesday and was sent to see a specialist. And the verdict was desperately disappointing for all concerned. “Danny will be out for between eight to ten weeks, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the season,” Robins’ boss Brian Flynn told the Post. Flynn will be particularly sad at the latest turn of events, as the player notched four goals in three games during his time at the Racecourse.

Bournemouth Finally to Land Fenton?

Nick Fenton could finally join Bournemouth on loan later this month. And if he does link up with Mel Machin’s side, it will be the end of a complicated transfer saga. The player was due to go to Dean Court over a month ago but was needed as defensive cover by Joe Royle. It then seemed that the switch would be completed a fortnight ago – until the south coast club discovered thay already had the permitted maximum two loan players. The registration of Manchester United’s Stephen Rose expires on 18 March and the City youngster may make the move after that date.

Bonetti Joins Weaver’s Admirers

After City drew at Selhurst Park on Saturday, Palace boss Steve Coppell claimed that Nicky Weaver was the reason the Blues are chasing for promotion. And, ironically in view of his performance on Wednesday, the City goalkeeper then also won the praise of former England international Peter Bonetti. The ex-Chelsea man played in over 600 games in almost two decades at Stamford Bridge and seven times for his country. And he believes that Weaver is one of a number of promising young goalkeepers securing the national team’s future between the posts. “We have some very good English youngsters coming through,” he told the London Evening Standard, “such as Manchester City’s Nick Weaver, Richard Wright at Ipswich, and Paul Robinson, who is Nigel Martyn’s understudy at Leeds.”

Royle: Squad Strength Will be Crucial

Joe Royle believes that the strength in depth of his first-team squad could be a vital factor in helping the Blues to promotion. The City boss rested midfielders Kevin Horlock and Ian Bishop at Crystal Palace on Saturday and is set to continue his rotation policy. “We have a big squad and Kev and Bish have played most of the games,” Royle explained to the Manchester Evening News. “I see it as them having a rest. There will be a big push in the last quarter of the season and they will have a big part to play, that is for sure.” The two midfield men were both on the bench for Wednesday’s encounter against QPR.

Ball Visits Palace to Claim MBE

Alan Ball visited Buckingham Palace on Tuesday to receive his MBE. The ex-Manchester City manager was recognised in this year’s New Year’s Honours List along with four other members of England’s 1966 World Cup squad. Ball received the honour from the Queen together with George Cohen, Ray Wilson, Nobby Stiles and Roger Hunt. The five were the only remaining members of the side which beat Germany 4-2 at Wembley not to have received recognition. Ironically, Ball was named in the New Year list shortly after being sacked as Portsmouth manager. As City fans will testify, he never achieved the sucecss in management that he did as a player with, among others, Everton, Arsenal and England.

Ex-Hero Finding His Feet

Georgi Kinkladze’s transfer from Manchester City to Ajax proved a disaster, with the Georgian quickly consigned to the Amsterdam club’s reserves. But the man still idolised by many City fans is finally making an impact in senior football again. Kinkladze is currently on loan at Derby and could be set for a permanent £2 million switch to the Rams in the summer. The player himself is keen to make the move, saying, “I am happy here because I know everybody – the management, players and fans – want me one hundred per cent.” The Pride Park faithful certainly seem to be taking Kinkladze to their hearts in the way Blues’ supporters once did, and it’s thought the odds are on him signing for the midlands outfit on a long-term basis.

Reserves Face Meaningless Match

City reserves have already been eliminated from the Manchester Senior Cup after failing to win any of their five games so far in the group stage. So tonight’s visit to Oldham will be the Blues’ last match in the competition this term. In recent weeks, City reserve games have attracted large numbers of scouts keen to run the rule over Joe Royle’s unwanted squad members, but even this interest will be absent tonight. With Tony Vaughan, Terry Cooke, Danny Allsopp and Craig Russell already out on loan and with last month’s Wigan targets Paul Dickov and Jamie Pollock not in the line-up, it will be left to the Blues’ youngsters to attempt to salvage some pride in the tournament. Meanwhile, Gareth Taylor will be bidding to impress to earn a possible place on the bench for the first team at Barnsley on Saturday.

Changes Forced for Barnsley Trip?

After Wednesday’s defeat against QPR, Joe Royle may in any case have had team changes in mind for Saturday’s visit to Barnsley. But the City boss’s team may be decided for him by the unavailability of certain players. Robert Taylor, who has played in only nine of the Blues’ sixteen fixtures since he arrived from Gillingham, is likely to miss out again at Oakwell. Paul Dickov and Danny Tiatto are also doubtful. Meanwhile, Royle may also opt to make changes in midfield as he bids to rediscover the winning blend. Neither Ian Bishop nor Kevin Horlock has started in the last two games but both men made second half substitute appearances against Rangers.

Academy Results Vs. Newcastle

City’s Academy teams were in midweek action against Newcastle at Platt Lane. The under-17s went down to a 1-0 defeat while the under-19s managed a 1-1 draw. Terry Dunfield was missing from the under-19s line up as he was on duty for the England under-18 side against France at Wigan, a game which the French won 3-0.

MATCH REPORT

CITY vs. QPR, Wednesday 8th March 2000

Stunned, gobsmacked, dumbfounded, confused, speechless. Sums up my thoughts at 9.45pm GMT last night. This was a weird, strange game. A game that we would have won at a canter, had it not been for the completely unpredictable events of the 37th and 45th minutes.

City started with the same line-up as the Palace game, other than Goater back in for the stomach bug ridden Robert Taylor. Bishop joined Grant, Horlock, Dickov, Wright-Phillips and Wright on the bench. The game had been subject to a pitch inspection at 1pm for possible waterlogging, but there were no problems at kick off time. However, the wind was fierce, swirling in every direction.

City’s formation during the first 20 minutes was very fluid and worked a treat in pulling the confused QPR defence all over the place. Kennedy was on the right, then the left. Tiatto was in the middle, then the left. Pollock was in the middle then on the right… it was good stuff too! Kennedy had a stinging shot held by the ‘keeper, Wiekens headed against the angle of crossbar and post. And following a sweet move, Goater fed Pollock in the box, whose shot was blocked at the last second for yet another corner. From a corner a QPR defender appeared to blatantly hand ball in the area, but the ref saw nothing. No exaggeration 90% of the play was in QPR’s half.

Then Pollock fouled Mikkel Beck for once. Let me digress for one moment. Mikkel Beck, silly haircut and all, was a disgrace. If a City player got within 3 yards of him, he threw himself to the ground. The ref fell for it in the first half, but thankfully realised he’d been conned in the second and denied the Dane anything! Anyway, from the resultant free kick, Langley (I think) floated over a cross which evaded everyone. Weaver easily caught the ball, but then inexplicably dropped it. Like all good strikers should, Kiwomya gambled and pounced on Weaver’s mistake to make it 1-0 for the visitors. Maine Road was dumbstruck. Our Nicky making such a mistake, surely not? Never mind, there was plenty of time to complete the job. But on the stroke of half time, Nick got down to save a speculative shot, but instead of holding firm, he again let go. QPR forwards were homing in on the mistake, but the ball did seem to be covered by Wiekens. However, Weaver lashed out at the loose ball with his foot, kicking the ball against a player (officially Wiekens) and the ball cannoning into the empty net. This really was surreal stuff!

Rightly, Weaver and the rest of the players were cheered off the pitch. This was the best we’d played for several weeks, but we were 2 down!

Bishop replaced Granville at half time, with City opting for a 3-3-4 formation; Kennedy on the right, Tiatto on the left. We bombarded the visitors, but even at that stage our play looked a little too frantic, a little too urgent, whereas a little more thought might have gained more rewards. For me Royle made the wrong decision in bringing on Dickov for Pollock, the team lost all shape, and although we continued to press forward, we were leaving ourselves wide open at the back. And so it proved. Kiwomya raced onto a long ball, Bishop tackled in the box and a penalty was awarded. Beck scored and QPR had an unbelievable and totally undeserved 3-0 lead. Horlock replaced the injured Tiatto and City, although naturally deflated, continued to dominate possession. With 5 minutes remaining Whitley scored the best goal of his career, a screaming exocet from 25 yards. There was a renewed belief and we were desperately unlucky not to at least get a second. Goater spooned over another dropped ball by the ‘keeper, Peacock and/or Wiekens missed a chance during a scramble in the 6 yard box. But it wasn’t to be. At least Whitley’s goal maintained a 2 goal advantage over Ipswich’s goal difference.

It’s difficult and indeed unfair to be too critical after this result. It was a good performance, certainly in the first half, and I’m certain that we would have won but for Weaver’s second error. There are really just 3 points of criticism that I feel are justified. Obviously Weaver had a bad night, but he will learn from it (as he did from the Stockport game) and I’m confident he won’t do it again. He’s still earned us far more points this season than he has lost. Lee Peacock, for me was very, very disappointing. I’ve said before that his touch and all round play looks quite promising but he never looks like scoring. Tonight, he had 1, maybe 2, kicks in the direction of goal, which is not good enough. He looked less lethal than Dickov and certainly (based on his form at Wrexham), way behind Allsopp. One for the future maybe, but not for a promotion race. Finally, as mentioned above, I thought JR’s tactics in the early part of the second half were a wee bit naïve. Yes we wanted to get an early goal back, but at times it looked like we were going to start playing ‘rush goalie’! Who knows what would have happened if Dickov had replaced Peacock instead of Pollock, or Shaun Wright-Phillips went on the right, with Kennedy reverting back to the left.

Anyway, this was not a game to dwell on the negatives. We are ‘officially’ in a poor run – 1 win in 5, but based on this performance (Weaver apart, naturally!), there is good reason to suppose that we might be at the end of this run. We really mustn’t lose at Barnsley, but a win will put us back on a high! C’mon City!

KIPPAX STREET (JUST TO ROUND THINGS OFF)

I have just discovered that one of the secretaries at work is from Kippax. Actually, she’s from Hull, but her family now live in Kippax.

Naturally, I haven’t yet screwed up the courage to ask her if 1/512 or 1/1024 of her blood is Cherokee Indian, or Delaware or whatever, partly because I’m not yet barking mad like Wheelie, but mainly because I am certain that 50% of her blood is Sicilian mafia and her brother plays rugby league for Castleford.

Ah, I hear you ask, but have you mentioned City? You know it’s a very curious thing, but it’s amazing how secretive about his innermost passions and fantasies a nearly 50 year-old man with a beer-belly can get when talking to a young chit of a girl and how desperately he fears the scorn of a sweet-tempered, sparkling-eyed, twenty-something Leeds fan.

So until we get back where we belong, which shouldn’t be long now, I’ll be lying low. Mind you she knows I come from Manchester, so I suppose it’s my duty to inform her that I am not a Rag.

SIR STANLEY AND PETER HORRIDGE

Re John Lowe’s query as to whether Sir Stan played for Blackpool vs. City in the period 58 to 61, I recall being taken to Maine Road by my father towards the end of Stan’s time at Blackpool. My dad wanted me to see the great man before he was finished! My recollection is that he played for about 20 minutes, did nothing exciting and then limped off. I do not know who played for City that day. I have vague recollections of Trautmann, Paul and Johnstone who I think scored. But then it’s a long time ago and I may well be wrong!

Incidentally I have two bubble gum cards from 57-58 and 58-59 with City team pictures and neither has Peter Horridge on it. The 58-59 card does not have Roy Paul on it so if I am right about seeing him play (which is tenuous) it may be that it was earlier than ’58 in which case this e-mail is irrelevant!

MORE SIR STANLEY REMEMBERED

Sir Stan – the legend that no-one would tackle him is untrue. I once saw Roy Paul kick him up so high he came down covered in snow. Of course Roy was booked. In those days referees were keen to protect our National Treasure. Also Stanley had a reputation for not wanting to play in Manchester – he was frequently injured when called upon to play at Maine Road or The Swamp, certainly in his Blackpool days. Maybe he didn’t want a repetition from Roy. I saw him play at Maine Road once in a cup-tie played almost totally in fog. He was one of only three players I saw all game, patrolling the Kippax touchline in the first half. I remember a bloody great shout going up in the direction of the Platt Lane/Dumbo stand and I went home assuming we had won one-nil.

Re: Tony O’Leary. Too true mate – being a Blue in Dublin is a truly hard station – the place is about 80% Rag with the rest split evenly between Liverpool and Arsenal and of course everyone claims to support Celtic, so being a QOTS fan (my 2nd team) is not much better. Incidentally, I have a certain empathy with people who refuse to buy Rag sponsored gear. I certainly wouldn’t buy a Sharp stereo unless the vendor could prove he’d nicked it from Taggart’s house!

Re: Stan – Tom Finney was actually a much better player, quicker, a phenomenal work rate and a deadly shot and able to operate right, left or middle. In fact when he moved to CF late in his career he was devastating.

Re: Smiths’ song – surely it’s got to be There Is A Light That Never Goes Out?

16 TEAM LEAGUES?

This shows how FIFA’s not quite public plans to standardise leagues into 16 teams, playing each other twice, would affect England today. The readers might find it interesting… then again they might not.

Well, based on the tables following games played on Tuesday, March 7th, 2000, here’s how England’s new 6 League set up would look (teams within Leagues listed in alphabetical order).

Carling Premiership

Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Coventry City, Everton, Leeds United, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Middlesboro, Newcastle United, Southampton, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Wimbledon.

New Division 1

Barnsley, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Bradford City, Charlton Athletic, Derby County, Fulham, Grimsby Town, Huddersfield Town, Ipswich Town, Manchester City, Queen’s Park Rangers, Sheffield United, Watford, Wolverhampton Wanderers.

New Division 2

Bristol Rovers, Crewe Alexandra, Crystal Palace, Millwall, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Portsmouth, Port Vale, Preston North End, Sheffield United, Stockport County, Swindon Town, Tranmere Rovers, Walsall, West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic.

New Division 3

A.F.C. Bournemouth, Brentford Town, Bristol City, Burnley, Bury, Cambridge United, Colchester United, Gillingham, Luton Town, Notts County, Oldham Athletic, Reading, Scunthorpe United, Stoke City, Wrexham, Wycombe Wanderers.

New Division 4

Barnet, Blackpool, Cardiff City, Chesterfield United, Darlington, Hartlepool United, Lincoln City, Macclesfield Town, Northampton Town, Oxford United, Peterborough United, Plymouth Argyle, Rochdale, Rotherham United, Swansea, Torquay United.

New Division 5 Brighton & Hove Albion, Carlisle United, Cheltenham, Chester City, Dover Athletic, Exeter City, Halifax Town, Hull City, Kidderminster Harriers, Leyton Orient, Mansfield Town, Rushden & Diamonds, Shrewsbury Town, Southend United, Yeovil Town, York City.

CRUSTY THE CLOWN’S LAST STAND

(By Noel Bayley – editor of Bert Trautmann’s Helmet)

With regard to debates that have raged of late, I am well placed to agree with Kevin Cummins’ recent comments vis-a-vis Alan Brazil as I too am lucky enough(?) to be able to go to all of City’s games – home and away – and so it doesn’t bother me which brainless half-wits Sky choose to fill their panel with whenever City are featured. However, I also take Cathal Whelehan’s point and so those of you that cannot get to any or many City games because of work, illness, distance etc. have my sympathies especially if you have come to rely upon the unbalanced opinion of the man who is beginning to look alarmingly like Crusty The Clown.

Should anyone worry that I am beginning to sound uncharacteristically smug, then worry no more because I too can no longer avoid Crusty! On arrival at our regular pre-match haunt before the Walsall match, we were nonplussed to be greeted by a big screen featuring the ubiquitous Sky TV. Remember the days when you could go to the pub just to avoid the TV? No longer, for it would appear that the sole function of many pubs nowadays is to provide Sky on tap rather than a half decent pint of bitter.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Crusty has also taken over the early morning airwaves. Instead of journeying to work in the thrall of Talk Radio’s Big Boys(?) Breakfast, Crusty The Clown has joined a line-up that already boasts one wretched bore: Gary Newbon. Do Talk Radio want people to listen to their station or what? After all, they have lost this listener with Crusty’s penchant for wheeling on retired Rags such as Peter Davenport and Paul Parker as he did on Tuesday morning.

Talk Radio appear to have fallen into the great big honey trap that Sharp, Umbro and more recently Vodaphone have all fallen into: hang your company’s name and reputation not on its product, but on the global exposure that a link with Man. United, however tenuous, can provide. And if Vodaphone’s claim that there are six million (count them!) Rags in the UK is true then can they not see that much of the remaining 90% of the public are likely to be like me, you and Kevin Cummins and refuse to buy their products or services?

I had a Sharp tape recorder once – some time before the Japanese firm made their pact with the devil – and I can honestly say that it wasn’t much cop. More recently, I wouldn’t even have a box of Sugar Puffs in the house because they had a picture of Lee Sharpe on the back of the box. I mean to say, what sort of example is he to anyone, especially kids? Call me sad, blinkered, childish or whatever you want, but I couldn’t bring myself to buy anything in the knowledge that my cash could potentially be going into the Rags’ pockets… to make them stronger! I wonder how many people would disagree with that?

Finally, the new Non-Sexist (non-Sharp, non-Umbro, non-Vodaphone) issue of Bert Trautmann’s Helmet will be out at the end of the week featuring: Worthy’s Subbuteo memories, Andy Noise’s review of Chris Greenacre’s City career, ten views on the classic red and black away shirt, a look at the new stadium, opinions on Shaun Goater, Richard Edghill’s treatment from the boo boys and more besides. See: http://www.wookie.u-net.com/bthmain.htm for more details.

EDGHILL ABUSE

At the Palace game on Saturday, there was some chap a few rows back from me who was giving Richard Edghill a hard time every time he got near the ball.

I’ve read all the arguments on Edghill abuse and I take the “my pint is half full, not half empty” attitude: my opinion is that we should all get behind the team. I decide to cheer less for some players – a certain G. Taylor springs effortlessly to mind – rather than badmouth them at volume. Also, I think the players are well aware of the deep collective groans the crowd lets out when they make a bad mistake.

However, Saturday’s abuse was different. Admittedly, it was the usual “get off, you’re s**t Edghill” variety (why? has he just had an accident?) which we’ve all come to know and love or hate. What got me was that several times this gentleman shouted his abuse, it was another player that had made the stupid mistake.

I think that speaks for itself.

EDGHILL

I was at the game at Crystal Palace and can confirm that Richard Edghill had a great game. He tackled well, looked comfortable on the ball and (wait for it) very rarely gave it to anyone other that a fellow Blue shirt. In fact he looked a more competant full-back than Granville. Maybe it was a co-incidence but for most of the game Edgy had Kennedy playing in front of him who, despite having a quiet game (first 15 minutes apart), was always available for the short pass. I agree that in certain games this season Edghill has been atrocious when he’s had the ball but this has happened when he’s had a central midfield player (Whitley mainly and Pollock on a few of occasions) playing in front of him. The tendency is for Whitley (or Pollock) to drift inside to the middle and leave Edgy exposed with no short pass available out wide, hence, the hoof to an opposing player. Instead of blaming Edghill when this happens I wish the Edghill-baiting morons at Maine Road would get on to Royle to play a natural wide player in front of him. Cooke anyone?

One question to Tony Macmanus from the last MCITVA – Why has Peepo “been so loyal”? I don’t understand.

LIES, DAMN LIES AND STATISTICS

If you’re sad like me, go to the Man City website, go to the stats page and click on the Opta stats logo in the corner. There you can find lots of truly useless information such as;

Richard Edghill

Percentage of passes completed own half 75%
Percentage of passes completed opposition half 54%

Compared to say Mark Kennedy

Percentage of passes completed own half 12%
Percentage of passes completed opposition half 66%

Still, saying that, Edghill does have the lowest average score in the team.

City also have the best tackle success rate in the division, mainly thanks to Bishop.

So, Richard Edghill is only 11% less effective in attack than Mark Kennedy. Hmmmm…

Oh, and if you’ve got a mobile try,

e e e e g g g g A EE e f f f f e e g e DDDD

(even if we’re playing down at Maine Road…. or if we play a million miles away)

I don’t actually have a mobile but the little letters are short notes and the big letters are long ones. It’s near enough for jazz. Actually, does anyone have an MP3 of that? And was it really written by 10CC?

OPINION I

Re: Terry Cooke, Royle says (MCIVTA 585): “I have said many times if we’re paying players we’ll play them. There is no point paying players and not having the use of them. It doesn’t mean to say they can’t be available.”

Except of course if you have to pay the previous club more money if they play again for City, which is why Gareth Taylor has been sidelined. Hence Peacock in for Gareth Taylor last Saturday, even though the report from the reserve match in MCIVTA 584 said “Gareth Taylor and Lee Peacock featured in attack, but Peacock in particular did his cause little good, performing ineffectively before being substituted”.

OPINION II – REALITY BITES

I get the impression that Joe does not want Premiership football next season, due to certain facts. It’s hard enough to win a game of football, let alone a promotion place, without handing opponents an advantage. The facts are that Mark Kennedy is under pressure to score goals, deliver accurate balls to the only forward who’s on his game, Shaun Goater, whilst being marked by two players. Handing Richard Edghill the captain’s arm band when it’s obvious he can’t handle the resposibilities that go with the job. Allowing goalscorers out on loan, whilst playing Paul Dickov who gives 100% when he plays but I think even Paul would admit he is not a natural goalscorer. Due to the lack of creativity up front, the defenders are forced to push up further in support of the forwards. Gerard Wiekens and Richard Jobson are evidently not quick enough to support and cover their defensive duties (any quick defenders out on loan?). Joe has done an amazing job in lifting City but only he knows why he sends out a team with obvious weaknesses.

BOLTON BOUNCE

Having just watched Charlton stuff Walsall, I believe they are un-catchable (until next season). What I mean is that City do not stand out amongst current rivals but when we go up (and we will), we will overtake teams like Charlton and most importantly stay up, because of the financial pulling power of one of the major clubs in Britain. I do hope that the team is allowed to stabilize in the Premiership and that some don’t expect Champions’ League in the first season. If we avoid doing the Bolton bounce it will do me for starters. Just look at Sunderland, a reasonably big club who have bounced up and down, before becoming a moderate side now. They have gone from sitting on top of the Prem to no wins in months because of lack of quality in depth. City will do well to just stay in the Premiership, first season, as it takes time to attract the necessary players to compete properly. Notice that I don’t wish to jinx anything by saying what season this will happen, but I will support the Blues whatever and wherever.

Just an aside: Am I the only person who thinks it ironic that the home leg of Utd/Bordeaux was delayed because there was traffic problems on the motorway? You could cut every major route into Manchester and Maine Road would be full on time.

ACRONYMS

CRAPACRONYM DOT COM

Q uite
P athetic
R esult

ACRONYM OVERDOSE DOT COM

Q uery -
P romotion
R ealistic?
Q ualify for
P layoff
R epeat?
Q uality
P erformances
R equired.
Q uestionable
P remiership
R eturn?

THE BEST FOOTBALL SONGS IN THE WORLD – EVER

Compilation CD’s are all the rage at the moment and in particular “The Best… Ever” series. Here is the planned track listing for the football version, with the song, original artist(s) and football team/personality planning their new version of the song.

This is from the excellent Plymouth Argyle fanzine, Rub of the Greens; if you want to subscribe to the magazine, email the editor on <stevepafc@aol.com>.

True Colours by Cyndi Lauper: Manchester United FC
I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash: Arsene Wenger
Don’t You Want Me by Human League: Peter Fox (former Exeter City manager)
Things Can Only Get Better by D:Ream: Exeter City FC
In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins: Neil Warnock & John Beck
Mind Games by John Lennon: Alex Ferguson
Cars by Gary Numan: Beckham, Yorke & Cole
Those Were The Days by Mary Hopkin: Burnley FC
Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley: Tony Adams
Telephone Line by ELO: Dan McCauley
Hands Up by Ottowan: The Arsenal back four
The Drugs Don’t Work by The Verve: Robbie Fowler
Everything She Wants by Wham!: David Beckham
Men In Black by Will Smith: Uriah Rennie, Paul Durkin et al
All Around The World by Oasis: Manchester United plc
Going Down by Melanie C: Chester City FC
Big Mouth Strikes Again by The Smiths: David Mellor
Mambo Italiano by Rosemary Clooney: Gianluca Vialli
Gamblin’ Man by Lonnie Donegan: Bruce Grobbelaar
Somebody Help Me by Spencer Davis Group: The Clydebank Manager
Big Scary Animal by Belinda Carlisle: Cyril the Swan
Green, Green Grass of Home (Park) by Tom Jones: Plymouth Argyle FC
Release Me by Englebert Humperdinck: Jean Luc Bosman
Tears Of A Clown by Smokey Robinson: Paul Gascoigne
Granddad by Clive Dunn: Bobby Robson
Big Spender by Shirley Bassey: Ken Bates
Long Haired Lover From Liverpool by Little Jimmy Osmond: Kevin Keegan
You Won’t Find Another Fool Like Me by The New Seekers: Graham Kelly
Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas: Eric Cantona
Everything I Own by Ken Boothe: Jack Walker
True Blue by Madonna: Tony Banks
Don’t Give Up On Us by David Soul: Sheffield Wednesday FC
Another Suitcase In Another Hall by Barbara Dickson: John Hartson
We Don’t Talk Anymore by Cliff Richard: Alex Ferguson & Martin Edwards
Message In A Bottle by Police: Paul Merson
Stand By Your Man by Tammy Wynette: Doug Ellis
Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie: John Gregory
Goody Two Shoes by Adam & The Ants: Alan Shearer
Too Much Too Young by Specials: Michael Owen
Sixteen Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford: Sean McCarthy
If Only I Could Turn Back Time by Aqua: Liverpool FC
Wasteland by The Mission: Bristol Rovers FC
You Don’t Care About Us by Placebo: All Nationwide League clubs
Hello, Goodbye by The Beatles: Any Bristol City manager
We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful by Morissey: Manchester City FC
My Ding-A-Ling by Chuck Berry: Dion Dublin
End Of The Road by BoyzIIMen: Alan Ball
Karma Chameleon by Culture Club: Glen Hoddle
I Get A Kick Out Of You by Gary Shearston: David Beckham
Only The Lonely by Roy Orbison: Stan Collymore
Push It by Salt’N’Pepa: Paul Alcock
Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears: Paulo di Canio
Dirty Cash by The Adventures of Stevie V: George Graham
I Swear by All-4-One: Peter Reid
Diamonds And Pearls by Prince: Ron Atkinson
Who You Lookin’ At by The Salford Jets: Vinnie Jones
King Of My Castle by Wamdue Project: Ron Noades
Spaceman by Babylon Zoo: Ken Knighton
Save The Best ‘Till Last by Vanessa Williams: Jimmy Glass

WOULDN’T IT BE STRANGE IF…

• Burgers were cooked properly.
• That fat guy taking up a seat and a half wasn’t next to you.
• Aresnal were relegated.
• The MLS was full of fresh, young, talented players.
• Jonathan Pearce was a good commentator.
• Denis Bergkamp was a pilot.
• Wolves’ fans could be understood when talking.
• Fat, bald men didn’t stand topless on the seats in January.
• Teams didn’t have shirt sponsors.
• Wembley wasn’t a dump.

ANY OREGON BLUES?

I’m making the great leap across the pond to the States at the back end of this month and I’m wondering whether there are any Blues situated in Oregon, particularly in the Eugene area (although I’m not that choosy!).

Let me know and perhaps we can get together for the odd match, depressive experience, promotion euphoria or whatever.

SIEMENS C25E

Can anyone help me with the ring tone codes for Blue Moon for the Siemens C25e phone? If they can please can they E-mail me at the address below

EDINBURGH BLUES

I will be visiting Edinburgh for the May bank holiday weekend and would like to hear from anyone who can provide information of City supporters’ clubs or bars that will be showing the Birmingham game live. Thanks.

SPARE TICKETS FOR BARNSLEY

I have 2 spare tickets for the Barnsley game on Saturday which I have for sale. I can be contacted at the address below.

WHY BLUE?

Well I suppose it all started way before I was born. My grandfather, Bill Griffiths, got the Blue ball rolling. Born in Moss Side, a stone’s throw from Maine Road, Bill would wait outside the ground with the other local lads until about 10 minutes before the end of the game when they would be allowed in for free and would collect bottles so that they could claim the deposits back from the local shopkeepers. As he got older Bill developed a love for City that still remains to this day. He has written an excellent book about his childhood called ‘Growing up in Manchester – The First 10 Years’ – published by Didsbury Press, which if it is still available in the shops is certainly worth a read.

Inevitably this obsession for the club was passed on to my father and in turn to my brother, Paul, and me. Our first game together, grandad, dad, Paul and me was in 1975 – I was 5, Paul 7, and all I remember is a terrible fear of being left alone when Paul and I had to go through the boys’ turnstile without the adults. When we were inside though it was Ok and I started my “City” journey.

Eventually, when I was 8, I got a season ticket for Christmas and my dad, Paul and I became regulars in the North Stand, just behind Helen and her bell, whilst grandad prefered the comforts of the Main Stand. When we reached our teenage years we prefered the Kippax and me and Paul would be stood with the ‘singing’ section whilst my dad stayed near the middle with the older crowd. During the late 80’s and early 90’s we would go to all the home games and many of the aways (Paul subbed me for many a game as I was a student at the time, so finances were tight!) and by now The Parkside and Boddingtons played a big part.

Memories of this time include (in no particular order):

• Going down to Luton and David Pleat’s white shoes skipping across the hallowed turf.
• Going up against Charlton and the subsequent pitch invasion.
• The football special and being bricked by ‘Scallies’ on a Tuesday night trip to Goodison.
• Crystal Palace away on a glorious Summer’s day, when all the fans drank and sang together (theywere playing the Rags the next week in the cup final).
• A massive away support at Stoke City when all the local pubs ran out of beer (someonein our pub tried to nick the fruit machine!).
• 5-1 Maine Road Massacre of course.
• 10-1 against Huddersfield.

And many, many more.

I have now been living overseas for the last 5 years but still manage 4/5 games a season, and Paul with a boy of his own isn’t able to get to as many games as he used to. My dad and grandad still listen to GMR every week and share the ups and downs (Paul and I were at Wembley of course) and still have a love for the Blues that will never go away.

Things are looking up for us again now and by the time I get my next season ticket we will, I’m sure, be the force that we were in the 50’s/60’s. Our new stadium will be fantastic (will we really miss Dog S*** Alley, The Kippax toilets and The Gene Kelly Stand? Probably!). Whatever, City will always have great supporters and a spirit to be proud of. Thanks grandad for starting it all off and thanks Ashley and MCIVTA for allowing me to continue finding out about my club.

RESULTS

Recent results from 25 February 2000 to 8 March 2000 inclusive.

8 March 2000

Manchester City       1 - 3  Queens Park Rangers
Nottingham Forest     1 - 1  Norwich City

7 March 2000

Birmingham City       1 - 0  Portsmouth
Crewe Alexandra       2 - 1  Port Vale
Crystal Palace        0 - 0  Bolton Wanderers
Fulham                4 - 1  Stockport County
Grimsby Town          1 - 0  Wolverhampton Wndrs
Ipswich Town          0 - 0  Blackburn Rovers
Sheffield United      3 - 3  Barnsley
Swindon Town          2 - 0  Huddersfield Town
Walsall               2 - 4  Charlton Athletic
West Bromwich Albion  2 - 0  Tranmere Rovers

5 March 2000

Sheffield United      1 - 1  Queens Park Rangers

4 March 2000

Bolton Wanderers      0 - 2  Charlton Athletic
Crewe Alexandra       1 - 0  Norwich City
Crystal Palace        1 - 1  Manchester City
Fulham                3 - 1  Port Vale
Huddersfield Town     2 - 0  Wolverhampton Wndrs
Ipswich Town          0 - 1  Portsmouth
Nottingham Forest     3 - 1  Swindon Town
Tranmere Rovers       2 - 1  Blackburn Rovers
Walsall               1 - 0  Grimsby Town
West Bromwich Albion  0 - 3  Birmingham City

3 March 2000

Stockport County      1 - 3  Barnsley

1 March 2000

Portsmouth            1 - 2  Tranmere Rovers

29 February 2000

Blackburn Rovers      1 - 1  Norwich City

28 February 2000

Queens Park Rangers   0 - 0  Fulham

27 February 2000

Birmingham City       1 - 1  Ipswich Town

26 February 2000

Barnsley              1 - 1  Bolton Wanderers
Blackburn Rovers      2 - 1  West Bromwich Albion
Charlton Athletic     1 - 0  Sheffield United
Grimsby Town          1 - 0  Crystal Palace
Manchester City       1 - 1  Walsall
Norwich City          1 - 1  Huddersfield Town
Port Vale             1 - 1  Stockport County
Swindon Town          0 - 1  Crewe Alexandra
Wolverhampton Wndrs   3 - 0  Nottingham Forest

League table to 8 March 2000 inclusive.

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  GD Pts
 1 Charlton Ath.   34 13  2  2 29 11 11  3  3 36 20 24  5  5 65 31  34  77
 2 Ipswich Town    35 12  3  3 32 15  6  8  3 23 18 18 11  6 55 33  22  65
 3 Manchester City 34 12  1  4 36 15  7  6  4 18 15 19  7  8 54 30  24  64
 4 Barnsley        35 11  3  3 38 18  7  5  6 31 34 18  8  9 69 52  17  62
 5 Birmingham City 35 12  4  2 31 14  5  5  7 23 23 17  9  9 54 37  17  60
 6 Huddersfield T. 35 12  3  2 37 14  4  5  9 15 24 16  8 11 52 38  14  56
 7 Fulham          35 10  5  3 22 10  4  8  5 14 18 14 13  8 36 28   8  55
 8 Wolves          35 10  4  3 32 16  4  6  8 15 23 14 10 11 47 39   8  52
 9 Blackburn R.    35  8  7  2 24 13  4  6  8 17 25 12 13 10 41 38   3  49
10 QPR             35  6 10  1 22 15  5  5  8 23 25 11 15  9 45 40   5  48
11 Bolton Wndrs    34  8  5  4 29 20  4  6  7 15 17 12 11 11 44 37   7  47
12 Grimsby Town    35 10  5  3 25 21  3  2 12 13 32 13  7 15 38 53 -15  46
13 Norwich City    35  9  4  4 22 17  2  8  8 13 21 11 12 12 35 38  -3  45
14 Sheff. United   35  9  5  4 33 19  2  6  9 17 32 11 11 13 50 51  -1  44
15 Stockport C.    35  7  6  4 26 24  4  5  9 13 27 11 11 13 39 51 -12  44
16 Tranmere Rovers 34  8  5  3 27 18  4  2 12 17 33 12  7 15 44 51  -7  43
17 Nottm Forest    35  8  7  3 25 15  2  3 12 14 30 10 10 15 39 45  -6  40
18 Crystal Palace  35  6  9  3 27 18  3  3 11 18 36  9 12 14 45 54  -9  39
19 Crewe Alex.     35  7  5  6 20 19  3  3 11 15 26 10  8 17 35 45 -10  38
20 West Brom A.    35  4  9  5 16 19  3  6  8 13 26  7 15 13 29 45 -16  36
21 Walsall         35  5  5  8 18 24  3  5  9 19 32  8 10 17 37 56 -19  34
22 Portsmouth      35  5  5  7 23 19  3  4 11 14 33  8  9 18 37 52 -15  33
23 Port Vale       33  5  4  7 17 18  1  7  9 18 29  6 11 16 35 47 -12  29
24 Swindon Town    35  3  6  9 17 30  1  5 11  8 29  4 11 20 25 59 -34  23

WWW MANCHESTER CITY SUPPORTERS’ HOME PAGE:
http://www.uit.no/mancity/

MCIVTA ADDRESSES:
Contributions: Sean – blue@huskynet.com
News & Rumours: Peter – brophy_peter@hotmail.com
Subscriptions: Steve – sbolton@buxtonrd.u-net.com
Technical Problems: Paul – paul@city-fan.org

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.

Sean Cable, blue@huskynet.com

Editor: