Newsletter #593

A further 3 points from last Saturday’s game against Swindon sees the Blues enter Wednesday’s crucial game against a good, but potentially tired Bolton team in the right frame of mind. Who knows what Bolton’s frame of mind will be after a second successive semi-final defeat; what is clear however, is that they still have a good chance of making the play-offs, so there’s every likelihood of a very competitive match.

Unfortunately, there’s no match report for the Swindon game – could someone out there cobble one together for Thursday’s issue? For some odd reason, match reports seem to be dwindling, so if you’ve ever considered doing one, please have a go – it helps to share the burden and keep those far-away Blues in the picture.

Lastly, if you’re out there Peter Talbot, could you drop me an email?

This issue goes out to 3,141 addresses.

NEWS SUMMARY

City Third After Win at Swindon

Manchester City won 2-0 at Swindon to stay in the hunt for the second Division One automatic promotion place. The Blues moved ahead of Ipswich, who didn’t play, but wins for Barnsley and Birmingham kept the race tight. Shaun Goater’s 27th goal of the season put City ahead just before the break and Mark Kennedy extended the lead just before the hour mark. The Blues are two points behind second-placed Barnsley, who beat struggling Walsall 4-1. Ipswich are a further point behind Joe Royle’s men. Birmingham kept up the pressure by winning their West Midlands derby against Wolves 1-0, and Trevor Francis’s side are three points behind the Blues. After the midweek action, when Ipswich travel to West Brom and City have a vital derby against Bolton, all four teams will have played the same number of games.

Royle Happy With Vital Victory

Manchester City earned a much-needed three points away to Swindon on Saturday afternoon. And though Joe Royle was unhappy with his side’s first-half display, he was delighted with the three-point haul. Royle felt that the half-time arrival of Ian Bishop in place of Tony Grant sparked an improved City performance, and the City boss claimed his team’s victory was never in doubt in the second period. “I am delighted with the victory and I thought we fully deserved the points. It wasn’t the best game in the first half,” he reflected. “But Shaun Goater did well for the first goal, and we always looked comfortable after the half-time interval and more dangerous after we changed things around.” Robins’ manager Jimmy Quinn conceded his side were second-best, admitting, “Even when we had the ball we never really looked like scoring.”

Pay-Day Robins’ Only Consolation

Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat of Swindon on Saturday left the Wiltshire club rooted to the bottom of Division One. And with relegation now looking a formality, the only bright spot for the Robins came at the turnstiles. More than half the 12,379 who turned up at the County Ground were followers of the visitors, and the big away contingent paid £17 per head for a ticket. So the extra gate money was worth in excess of £100,000 to the cash-strapped club, which went into administration earlier in the season. To maximise the number of Blues’ fans in the ground, Swindon allowed City supporters to occupy both ends of the stadium, leaving manager Jimmy Quinn to reflect, “It’s not ideal but the club has to make money somehow.”

Loan Men Hit the Target

Gareth Taylor and Craig Russell are both on the transfer list at Maine Road and apparently without a future with the Blues. But both men may have gone some way to impressing their current loan employers at the weekend. Taylor was on target for QPR in the all-London Division One clash at Charlton on Friday, although his strike didn’t prevent Rangers from losing 2-1. And Russell put St. Johnstone in front in the Scottish Premier League game at Motherwell, although the hosts recovered to snatch a late winner. Russell is available on a free transfer, although his wage demands have so far scared off interested parties. Meanwhile, the asking price for Taylor is thought to be around £400,000 – although, as in previous cases, the Blues may be forced to lower their valuation to stimulate interest.

Grant Fails to Take His Chance

Tony Grant was handed a first Manchester City start in over two months in Saturday’s win at Swindon. But the ex-Everton midfielder failed to press home his claims for more regular inclusion. Grant was substituted early in the second half, paying the price for a fairly uninspired collective opening period from the Blues. And manager Joe Royle was happier with the side’s display after Ian Bishop had entered proceedings. The 25-year-old Liverpudlian will be particularly disappointed with events given that before today he’d made only a single substitute appearance since he started the 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United on 22 January.

Ball in Goater’s Court

Manchester City are powerless to stop Shaun Goater playing in Bermuda’s World Cup qualifying matches – and thus missing key promotion fixtures. But Joe Royle is looking for the striker himself to resolve the issue to the club’s satisfaction. Bermuda’s second phase games against Antigua and Barbuda have been rearranged. And a call-up for Goater would mean that instead of being absent for the trips to Swindon and Grimsby, he’d miss the latter fixture and the two Easter fixtures against Tranmere and Portsmouth. Under FIFA rules, the player’s international commitments would take precedence in the case of a conflict, and Joe Royle has issued a clear hint that he’d like his top scorer to emulate Dwight Yorke. The Manchester United striker secured himself dispensation to miss Trinidad and Tobago games by intimating he’d retire from international football if the FIFA rule was invoked.

Bishop Finally Set to Sign?

Ian Bishop’s failure to sign a new contract with Manchester City had led some fans to wonder if the midfielder would be leaving Maine Road in the summer. But a Sunday newspaper report is claiming that the ex-West Ham man could finally be set to put pen to paper. Joe Royle offered new terms to Bishop, together with fellow veterans Tommy Wright and Richard Josbon earlier in the season. However, only Jobson has so far signed, and there were rumours that Bishop would reject the one-year deal on offer to him because he was looking for a two-year contract. However, a Sunday tabloid has reported that the 34-year-old has now reached agreement on a two-year contract worth a total of £500,000 and will therefore commit to spending the rest of his career at Maine Road.

Newcastle ‘Keeper Links Take Spotlight Off Weaver

The news that Nicky Weaver could be a close season target for Newcastle caused consternation among Manchester City fans. But it appears that the England under-21 player is only one of a number of goalkeepers in Bobby Robson’s sights. Before news of the potential Weaver interest, the Geordies had already been linked with Portuguese international Vittor Baia. And a report has claimed on Friday that Toni Prats of Real Betis is also coming under the microscope while Magnus Hedman of Coventry is also being mentioned. So it appears that Weaver is merely one of several goalkeepers being watched by Newcastle, and this – coupled with the Blues’ undoubted reluctance to sell and the player’s stated willingness to stay at Maine Road – means a close-season transfer looks unlikely.

City Target Linked With Second Division Pair

Mark McGregor linked up with Manchester City last week for a second trial spell at Maine Road. But the striker’s stay with the Blues was cut short by injury and there’s now speculation he’s being eyed by other clubs. One-time Oxford United junior McGregor has been a regular scorer for Conference outift Forest Green Rovers despite the Gloucestershire club’s lowly league position. But the 21-year-old was forced out of the action at half-time when he figured for the Blues’ reserve side against Port Vale last week. So far there’s been no word of whether he’ll be invited back – but reports have surfaced linking him with Cardiff and Bristol Rovers.

Trialist Gets Another Chance

Manchester City last week gave a trial to Kevin Ellison of Altrincham. And the free-scoring winger will get another chance to impress the Blues’ coaching staff later this week. A City eleven will take on the Conference outfit on Thursday in a game presumably arranged because the Maine Road club don’t have a reserve fixture this week. And Ellison, who figured for the Blues in last Tuesday’s reserve game against Port Vale, will be hoping to prove to the City staff that he’s worth the Robins’ £300,000 asking price. Altrincham boss Bernard Taylor says of his star man, “He’s a level-headed lad who has a massive future in the game.”

Under-19’s Draw a Blank

Manchester City under-19s drew 0-0 against Bolton on Saturday. The fixture was arranged after the Blues’ Academy season ended early with a defeat in the Academy play-offs. The elder age group of Maine Road juniors were knocked out of the play-off competition in a narrow 1-0 at Crewe the previous week, leaving the club’s under-17 side to carry the City banner. They beat Bristol City on penalties to earn a trip to Nottingham Forest – themselves winners of a shoot-out in their tie against Chelsea. The game will be played on Friday, 7 April at Forest’s training ground.

Kennedy Upbeat About Promotion Prospects

Mark Kennedy has hit scoring form at just the right time for Manchester City. And the Republic of Ireland winger is hopeful that his goals will help the Blues into the Premiership. Having bagged four goals in his first six matches for the club, the wing man went almost six months without scoring. A brace against Norwich in February seemed to hint at better to come from the Dubliner, and he’s now notched a vital strike in each of the last two games to revive the Blues’ faltering challenge for a top-two spot. And though the 23-year-old knows that Barnsley and Ipswich will offer tough competition in the race for an automatic promotion place, he’s confident City will go on to claim the prize. “I am just looking at us. If we continue to do everything right we have a great chance,” he told the Manchester Evening News.

Dickov Hopes to Keep Place

Lee Mills is expected to be fit to challenge for a place up front in City’s crunch game against Bolton on Wednesday. But Paul Dickov is hoping to keep his place after an impressive display at Swindon. Mills wasn’t risked for the trip to the County Ground on Saturday, and Dickov took advantage by setting up Shaun Goater’s opener and playing a part in Mark Kenendy’s second. The Scot was denied a second league goal of the season by a fine save by Frank Talia but nonetheless did his cause a power of good with his valuable overall contribution. “I felt good against West Brom and I have managed to take that on,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “Now I just want to stay in the side.”

Clean Bill of Health for Blues

Manchester City picked up no new injury worries in Saturday’s trip to Swindon. And that means Joe Royle will once again be selecting from a strong squad when Bolton visit Maine Road on Wednesday. Andy Morrison, of course, is still unavailable after missing the last five months with a knee injury. And Robert Taylor also appears set for a lenthy spell on the sidelines after what was thought to be a nagging calf strain was diagnosed as a nerve problem. But the Blues’ strength in depth was witnessed by Danny Granville’s inability even to win a place on the bench at the County Ground, and Lee Mills’ return to fitness after a rib injury boosts Royle’s hand even further.

Win Sets up Vital Derby

For weeks, Manchester City’s game in hand has ensured that the Blues have been the side with control of their own destiny in the race for the automatic promotion place. But this week comes the time for Joe Royle’s side to turn the fixture into points. The Blues take on Bolton at Maine Road knowing that only a win will take the team back ahead of Barnsley and into second place. And Ipswich could also have overhauled City by then if they’ve taken all the points at West Brom on Tuesday. Bolton promise to be tough opponents – they’ll need a win to keep alive their hopes of sneaking into the play-offs and the element of local rivalry will ensure a keenly fought game.

Bolton Pair Doubtful for Maine Road Clash

Bolton Wanderers suffered Wembley heartbreak on Sunday, losing their FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on penalties. And the Trotters also have two new injury worries as a legacy from the match ahead of their visit to Maine Road on Wednesday. Full-back Gudni Bergsson and midfielder Claus Jensen should both be fit for the midweek derby after knocks forced their substitution in the Villa clash. But defenders Robbie Elliott and Paul Ritchie could both miss out. However, the Wanderers have men with Premier League pedigree standing by as potential replacements, with John O’Kane and Paul Warhurst set to step in. Meanwhile, on-loan winger Allan Johnston, who missed from the spot in the shoot-out, has vowed that Bolton will take their disappointment out on the Blues. “We have to bounce back from this defeat as quickly as possible and there would be no better time than against Manchester City,” the Rangers-bound star told PA Sport.

Will Trotters’ Exertions Help Blues?

Manchester City take on Bolton on Wednesday knowing that a win would be a massive boost to hopes of promotion. And the Blues will be hoping that the Trotters are suffering from an FA Cup hangover. The Blues will have been happy to see Bolton’s semi-final against Aston Villa on Sunday go into a gruelling extra thirty minutes. And with Sam Allardyce’s men then suffering the bitter disappointment of losing on penalties, they may find it hard to lift themselves for subsequent games. However, the Blues would be ill-advised to count on facing disinterested opponents. With Bolton eight points behind the play-offs, defeat at Maine Road would all but kill their season, and this fact coupled with the element of local rivalry will surely see the Trotters giving their all against City.

New E-Mail Address

Could anyone wishing to contact me in respect of Manchester City-related news and rumour please note the new e-mail address below.

A DAY IN THE COUNTRY

Renewing our annual day at the County Ground this season – either with City, or our local team Bristol City (where the Goat was a Kid) was not so easy this year. Despite Swindon being in administration (and in shock, judging by their performance on Saturday), they declined my offer of money over the phone. Despite many kind offers from McVittee subscribers, I was unable to come up with 3 seats together, so drove up the M4 from North Bristol – a trip of only 45 minutes – to buy them in person.

I’m not going to attempt a match report, as Swindon did their best to drag us down to their level – and, indeed, succeeded for much of the match. It was however clear from the start that we would win – it was more a case of by how much we could raise our game to increase our goal tally. In the event, it was really just a case of waiting for the opportunity to score and scoring.

More amusement for us, in with the locals (and with a number of City fans in there with us as well) came from the bizarre comments such as … “Get back to your slums”; “It’s not *our* fault we’ve got no money” (sorry love – your board in fact admitted that it was a while back!), and the old codgers behind us who were clear that it was not a foul if a player made a bad tackle but had been going for the ball.

How pleasing to see (as I and a handful of City fans – notably Andy Noise) had said when Goater joined City, that he may seem clumsy and clueless, but that if you get the ball to him in the box, it will end up more often than not, in the net. Well – we were proved right, and so I shall sign off self-righteously by saying: “Told you so” ;->>

(Oh and Hi to Noel Bayley who I met briefly outside the ground on the way out)

SQUAD

Latest Changes:

• Tony Vaughan joined Nottm Forest for £350,000
• Spencer Prior joined from Derby for £500,000
• Gareth Taylor loaned to QPR
• Terry Cooke loaned to Wigan
• Craig Russell loaned to St Johnstone
• Lee Mills on loan from Bradford City
• Nick Fenton loaned to Bournemouth
• Kakhaber Tzkhadadze contract paid up

Tommy Wright
Nick Weaver
Steven Hodgson
Richard McKinney
Gerard Wiekens
Spencer Prior
Richard Edghill
Lee Crooks
Nick Fenton                 Loaned to Bournemouth
Danny Granville
Richard Jobson
Danny Tiatto
Andy Morrison
Shaun Holmes                Transfer Listed
Murtaz Shelia               Transfer Listed
Kevin Horlock
Jamie Pollock
Mark Kennedy
Gary Mason
Jim Whitley
Ian Bishop
David Laycock
Terry Dunfield
Christopher Shuker
Terry Cooke                 Loaned to Wigan
Jeff Whitley
Tony Grant
Paul Dickov
Shaun Goater
Danny Allsopp
Gareth Taylor               Loaned to QPR
Shaun Wright-Philips
Leon Mike
Christopher Killen
Bob Taylor
Lee Peacock
Craig Russell               Loaned to St Johnstone
Lee Mills                   On loan from Bradford

Second year trainees:

Greg Duff (defender)
Darren Garfield (striker)
Jason Kneen (striker)

First year trainees:

Stephen Jordan (defender)
Andrew Pavey (midfield)
Stephen Parkhouse (striker)
Rhys Day (defender)

WATCH OUT MARK KENNEDY

I’ve just come back over the road from Bower Fold where a City XI beat Stalybridge Celtic 5-0 and I must apologise to anybody who missed this game because in the last issue I gave the date as May 30th! City fielded a side predominantly made up of Academy youngsters, with Jim Whitley as captain but 49-year old Asa Hartford also played for the first half in the No.10 shirt. Man of the match by some distance was diminutive left winger Chris Shuker, who scored three excellent goals, the second a spectacular volley from outside the penalty area. The other two goals were scored by Steve Jordan and former Stalybridge hero, Frankie Bunn, who I presume was guesting for City for the night. To put this result into perspective, the Rags came here two weeks ago with ostensibly a much stronger side and only won by 5-2. The future belongs to us!

STUDENT DISCOUNT

In response to Emily Hrycan’s posting regarding City’s student supporters, I would like to point out that students in Manchester can obtain heavily discounted tickets for all City’s home games from the ticket office in the University of Manchester’s Student Union on production of a recognised university ID card (not ISIC). This successful venture has been running for the last three seasons and is well subscribed by both Manchester-based students and those from out of town. Maybe Emily could contact the ticket office at the university direct and see if they can mail her tickets?

GOAT SUCCESSFULLY FED …

S  uccessive
W  ins
I  nspire
N  ew
D  reams -
O  usting
N  ervousness
T  entative
O  ptimism
W  arranted
N  ow ?

HAD TO LAUGH…

Announced on our local NZ breakfast news show that “Staffordshire University” were offering a “degree” in “David Beckham”, where you could study the true meaning of his new hairstyle and why he wears his wife’s underwear, his marriage to Posh Spice and the ramifications of his sending off vs. Argentina. The announcer was wetting himself, rolling his eyes back and laughingly said “Can you imagine the sad sacks who would take that course? Imagine them celebrating… I gotta C in David Beckham!”

Imagine then going to the job centre: “and what qualifications do you have sir?”; “I got a C in David Beckham!”; “You sad bast*rd: we do have just the job for you setting out road cones for the road painters and holding the stop/go sign for traffic though.”

UEFA U-21

For those who don’t know. England qualified for the UEFA under-21 championships last Wednesday. As an England fan this is good news, but as a City fan it is bad news.

Why? Well, should we have to enter the play-off lottery, then we will probably lose the services of one Nick Weaver esquire as these championships clash with the end of the play-offs.

Of course Ipswich are in the same boat as their goalkeeper also plays for England U21; however, I feel the club should contact England and sort out this problem now – well beforehand!

WOOO SPOOKY

Have you ever read Jung’s theory on synchronicity?

I read in MCIVTA 591 Lance Thompson’s “spooky feeling” on seing Bert Sproston’s likeness to Paul Dickov. Mark Stangroom then comments on one of the producers of American Beauty being called Alan Ball, and wondering whether he had taken a career change.

I live in the Portsmouth area and just after his sacking I saw Alan Ball and his wife in Currys buying… wait for it… a camcorder. Honest it’s true.

DOO DOO DOO DOO… DOO DOO DOO DOO…

CLUB INVITATIONS?

Have others had difficulty recently in getting a positive result from their invitations to the Club? I have been told by the Club that no-one is available on Friday nights or Sunday afternoons. Our Branch meets on Sundays once per month in Carlisle, plus an annual disco event held on a Friday evening. The members come from a widely dispersed area of north and west Cumbria and the Scottish Borders, and a mid-week evening meeting is very inconvenient for a large percentage of the branch membership who have to travel up to 100 miles round trip to and from the meetings. They have work commitments next day.

Twice in the last three months the Club has turned us down flat for player/official visits. I understand the need for players to be resting on Friday nights and that they are unavailable for Sundays but surely there are those who are injured or not involved in weekend games?

If any Supporters’ Club Branch Secretary or other members have any hints, tips or advice on how to overcome the apparent resistance among Club folk to travelling to a place that is a mere 120 miles north of Manchester, please let me know.

Incidentally, Richard Jobson came to our disco in January 1999, when he was still injured, and see how he benefited!

BLUE MOON RINGTONE AND DICKOV!

I am presently teaching a Physics Lab. to some 50 students, who all know, by the way, that I support Man. City (some call it the other side of Manchester, because here in Lebanon, we are submerged by the Rags supporting media, so that we have so many of these glory-hunters who “support” the Rags, but are unable to name their Coach FF!). Anyway, all mobile phones should be switched off during the lab. hours, but eventually, I still have some students who “forget”, so I get to hear from time to time, some nonsense mobile ringtone. Instead of kicking the guilty student out of the lab., I struck a deal with them: if the ring tone of their mobile is “Blue Moon”, the student will not be kicked out (he will still get a less severe punishment!). I remember somebody mentioned in a recent MCIVTA a web-site where the “Blue Moon” ring tone code is given for any mobile existing at the surface of this earth! Could anyone who knows the site, e-mail that address for me to my hotmail?

As for the recent return to winning ways, well I guess, Dickov has played a good part in it! It makes me want to eat my words about selling him. One of the key to success is having depth, that is, quality people not only on the turf, but also on the bench. I guess that is the difference between let’s say, the Gooners or Liverpool and Leeds. If Dickov’s return to form coincides with the injuries to Taylor and Mills, well, we still have a good chance for that sacred 2nd place.

Pray for another of Kennedy’s specials on Wednesday night.

NEWCASTLE TRIP

Reading Nigel Pickles’ letter reminded me of one of the best days of my life. It was 1968 and we rode to Newcastle in my brother-in-law’s mini. If we won we were the champions. What followed was the most exciting game I have ever witnessed. We all ran on the field and took home a piece of turf in a Newcy Brown bottle. That night we showed up at my brother-in-law’s friend’s house in Stockton after closing time, somewhat the worse for wear, with fish and chips for us and for his wife, who did not know we were coming. She buttered bread for us, made tea and made us breakfast in the morning before we drove home through Leeds, flags waving. They were the nicest people and they enjoyed Sunderland’s win as much as we did, even though they were Middlesbrough fans. Thanks for the memories but we need some more Lads!

REQUEST – B’HAM GAME IN PERTH, WA

I will be in Perth (upside down) for the climax of the season. I am sure I have read the Birmingham game is to be televised; anyone know where I can watch the game?

REQUEST – SACRED SOCCER – BBC

I wondered if you could help? I’m currently researching an eight-part series for the BBC called Sacred Spaces. The idea behind this is that we talk to someone about a ‘space’ or a place that is important to them and why. As been as football is more than a religious experience to many people, I’m keen to include a football story in this series. What I’m basically looking for is a couple of interesting/unusual stories about people’s devotion to Manchester City. They would need to be available to film at the ground, and talk to our presenter, Toyah Wilcox, about why Maine Road is so sacred to them.

REQUEST – SMALL SHAREHOLDERS’ ASSOCIATION

Can anyone give me the contact details for the City Small Shareholders’ Association. Any help would be greatly appreciated and you will make an offshore Blue very happy.

REQUEST – NORFOLK BLUES

Within the next month I shall be moving to Caister on Sea in Norfolk. Relucantly, I will have to give up my season ticket in the Lower Kippax as travelling to every home match will be impractical, particularly with the number of night matches likely to be involved. I would like to know if there are any Blues in the Great Yarmouth area. As far as I know the fan club based in Kings Lynn is the nearest one.

BLUE HUMOUR – KEEGAN STYLE

Old badger-head at his best. I really do think that that baseball bat did some permanent damage…

“They’re the second best team in the world, and there’s no higher praise than that,” said Kevin Keegan when asked to comment on Argentina’s qualities last week.

And here are 15 other fantastic Keegan quotes:

1. “England have the best fans in the world and Scotland’s fans are second-to-none.”
2. “It’s like a toaster, the ref’s shirt pocket – every time there’s a tackle, up pops a yellow card.”
3. “I don’t think there’s anyone bigger or smaller than Maradona.”
4. “England can end the millennium as it started – as the greatest football nation in the world.”
5. “You can’t do better than go away from home and get a draw.”
6. “He’s using his strength and that is his strength, his strength.”
7. “Gary always weighed up his options, especially when he had no choice.”
8. “The tide is very much in our court now.”
9. Chile have three options – they could win or they could lose.”
10. “I came to Nantes two years ago and it’s much the same today, except that it’s totally different.”
11. “I know what is around the corner – I just don’t know where the corner is. But the onus is on us to perform and we must control the bandwagon.”
12. “In some ways, cramp is worse than having a broken leg.”
13. “The 33 or 34-year-olds will be 36 or 37 by the time the next World Cup comes around, if they’re not careful.”
14. “It’s understandable that people are keeping one eye on the pot and another up the chimney.”
15. “I’d love to be a mole on the wall in the Liverpool dressing room at half-time.”

WHY BLUE?

The road that leads to Maine Road has been a strange one for me. I am a 27-year-old American southern girl. The obvious choices for a sports preference in the “baseball capital of the world” weren’t all that appealing. I live in Atlanta, GA and have been subjected to an array of sports by my brother and father. But my last boyfriend had the real impact. He is from Scotland and a Man United fan. Of course, I had to find out about his favorite sport – and of course I had to pick the rival team. It didn’t hurt that I’m a huge Oasis fan, either. Anyhow. Over our several-year relationship I became more and more of a supporter. I try to watch as many games as I can and I can’t wait on Tuesdays and Thursdays to read the McVitee. My son has even caught the “Blue fever” from me. He painted his room Man City blue – and of course his Oasis posters are all over the place. He’s a pretty special five year old. It’s neat to hear him talk about baseball with his dad and ‘football’ with me. Indeed our blood runs red, white, and Man City Blue. Thanks Ashley for making sure I get my “Blue fix” for the week, and thank you Paul Gallagher for suggesting I write this.

RESULTS

Recent results to 2 April inclusive.

1 April 2000

Birmingham City       1 - 0  Wolverhampton Wndrs
Blackburn Rovers      5 - 0  Sheffield United
Crewe Alexandra       0 - 3  Nottingham Forest
Fulham                1 - 0  Crystal Palace
Grimsby Town          0 - 0  Huddersfield Town
Norwich City          1 - 1  Tranmere Rovers
Port Vale             2 - 0  Portsmouth
Swindon Town          0 - 2  Manchester City
Walsall               1 - 4  Barnsley

31 March 2000

Charlton Athletic     2 - 1  Queens Park Rangers

League table to 2 April 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.   39 15  2  3 35 13 12  4  3 38 21 27  6  6 73 34  39  87
 2 Barnsley        40 14  3  3 44 19  8  5  7 36 38 22  8 10 80 57  23  74
 3 Manchester City 39 13  2  4 39 17  8  7  5 23 19 21  9  9 62 36  26  72
 4 Ipswich Town    39 13  3  4 33 17  7  8  4 26 20 20 11  8 59 37  22  71
 5 Birmingham City 40 14  4  2 35 15  6  5  9 26 27 20  9 11 61 42  19  69
 6 Huddersfield T. 40 14  4  2 43 16  5  6  9 16 24 19 10 11 59 40  19  67
 7 Wolves          40 12  5  3 38 19  5  6  9 17 25 17 11 12 55 44  11  62
 8 Bolton Wndrs    39 11  5  4 36 22  5  7  7 16 17 16 12 11 52 39  13  60
 9 Blackburn R.    40 10  7  3 30 14  5  7  8 20 27 15 14 11 50 41   9  59
10 Fulham          40 11  6  3 25 12  4  8  8 15 23 15 14 11 40 35   5  59
11 QPR             40  7 11  2 25 18  6  5  9 27 29 13 16 11 52 47   5  55
12 Norwich City    40  9  5  6 23 21  3  9  8 17 23 12 14 14 40 44  -4  50
13 Sheff. United   40 10  5  5 35 21  3  6 11 20 41 13 11 16 55 62  -7  50
14 Tranmere Rovers 39  9  6  4 30 22  4  4 12 19 35 13 10 16 49 57  -8  49
15 Stockport C.    40  7  8  5 28 27  4  6 10 15 30 11 14 15 43 57 -14  47
16 Grimsby Town    40 10  6  4 25 22  3  2 15 13 40 13  8 19 38 62 -24  47
17 Crystal Palace  40  6 10  4 28 20  5  3 12 20 37 11 13 16 48 57  -9  46
18 Portsmouth      40  8  5  7 31 21  4  4 12 17 36 12  9 19 48 57  -9  45
19 Nottm Forest    40  8  8  4 26 17  3  3 14 19 34 11 11 18 45 51  -6  44
20 Crewe Alex.     40  7  5  8 21 25  4  3 13 16 31 11  8 21 37 56 -19  41
21 West Brom A.    39  4  9  6 16 20  4  6 10 15 30  8 15 16 31 50 -19  39
22 Walsall         40  5  5 10 21 31  4  7  9 23 35  9 12 19 44 66 -22  39
23 Port Vale       38  6  4  9 22 23  1  8 10 20 32  7 12 19 42 55 -13  33
24 Swindon Town    40  3  6 11 18 34  3  5 12 12 33  6 11 23 30 67 -37  29

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

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

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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.

Ashley Birch, mcivta@tollbar.u-net.com

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