Newsletter #920

The main City news today is that we are back in Europe for the first time since 1979 courtesy of the English league gaining a place via the ‘Fair Play’ system. The fixtures are due out on 20th June, with the first game likely to be 14th August. Watch this space, and in the meantime get those passports and holiday entitlements checked!

Weekend saw the breaking news that the Amulet Group, who own our current sponsors First Advice, have been placed into administration with the loss of over 1,000 jobs. No doubt more information will emerge over the next few days.

The midfield debate continues, James and Ernie bemoan the lack of interesting links, we’ve a review of ‘Sex and Man City’ (not lurid revelations in the Sunday tabloids), plenty of requests for Blues worldwide and our latest Junior Blue from Australia.

Finally, details for the memorial service to be held at Maine Road this weekend thanks to Graham.

OPINION: FAIR PLAY

At long last, the Blues are back in Europe. Over the (Blue) moon in this family. Hopefully we can show the Red rags that City can be a force to be reckoned with.

OPINION: MEMORIAL SERVICE

A memorial service will take place in the main stand at 3pm on Saturday 7th June for relatives of all persons whose ashes have been scattered at Maine Road. The service will last 30-40 minutes and entry on the day from 2pm is free but by ticket only.

To obtain tickets ring Lorraine Firth direct at MCFC.

OPINION: LACKLUSTRE LINKS I

Is it just me or is anyone else worried? Last summer, on the back of demolishing the First Division, we entered the Premiership being linked with the likes of Davids, Anelka, Effenberg etc.; money seemed no object in order to secure these prize signings. All our major pre-season signings occurred not long after the end of the season.

Picture the scene now: we’ve finished in a comfortable 9th, having not lost to the League Champions all season, we’re moving to a fantastic stadium and with possible European football gracing the new turf. Now the bit that worries me, Bernstein has left as chairman with rumours of KK wanting to go on a spending spree. We now find from Wardle that this spending spree is only