Newsletter #975

So derby day is upon us, and what will it bring? Opinions and match preview and stats in tonight’s issue.

Don’s news contains reaction to the Everton game, amidst talk of rifts and transfer targets.

We’ve also plenty of opinion on games, views and songs and the last few requests for derby game viewing.

Off to find the Mancunian section…

NEWS SUMMARY

Crisis? What Crisis?

Macca Miffed: As the non-winning streak continues on the field, talk of discontent off the field has begun to build. First out of the traps was Steve McManaman, who claimed to be “quizzical” about his omission from the team in recent games. “It has been a dreadful month for me – on the pitch with Manchester City and off the field because of a particular newspaper,” wrote Macca in his newspaper column. “After the Middlesbrough result I was bemused to say the least to find I wasn’t even starting against Tottenham on Wednesday. What’s wrong? Well, nothing, I’ve been happy with my passing, distribution and overall use of the ball. I have relished the pace-dictating rôle in the centre, which is certainly a different job from the traditional ‘wing’ play English supporters probably expect of me from my days with Liverpool. I feel I have useful experience from then, and from Real Madrid, to help influence our attacking play, for which I have had generous praise from the press, so I remain quizzical about being left out.” Talks of a showdown were soon being broadcast, but it sounds like KK soon put him in his place. “It doesn’t matter what club you are at, some great players don’t get games every week,” said the Boss fella. “We’ve a lot of midfield players. It is tough in there and Steve knew that when he came. He has been to see me and I’ve told him the truth. I felt I wanted to look at other things as well. Obviously if he is disappointed, then that is the way he should be. He has shown me what he can do and I have got to give other people a chance. If you are winning, you don’t change the team much. If you are not winning, you do tend to chop and change. It doesn’t matter what club you are at, some great players don’t get games every week and that includes teams in the middle of the table. That’s because the Premiership is full of quality players. We are full of quality but we haven’t found a system and a way to get the best out of them.” On Sunday, McManaman was keen to clarify his position. “I certainly have not got a problem with the manager and he hasn’t got one with me,” he told BBC Radio Five Live. “I thought I had been playing all right so I don’t really know why I was left out of the team. I have spoken to the manager and hopefully things will change around again. We are all pulling in the right direction – the team, the manager and the chairman.” Next through the manager’s door for a whinge was Paul Bosvelt, according to the News of the World, who is upset at his lack of first team opportunities (thanks to JWB). Presumably that wasn’t too difficult a meeting for KK – “play better, son, and you might get a game. Don’t bother sitting down”.

“Headline: Keegan 10/3 Not To Last Campaign”: This was the less than cheery headline on a online football betting website this week. There has been a rush of newpaper articles speculating on whether KK is about to do the big walk out on City. The man himself commented “If the club decide to do something about me after the run of bad results, that’s their choice. Unfortunately, we are out of Europe and the League Cup and that is disappointing for everyone, including the chairman, who has backed me.” He added: “We should have done better in Europe but we haven’t. So I am under pressure and that’s life.” City chairman John Wardle gave the dreaded vote of confidence to his manager. He said: “People keep talking about Kevin’s history of walking out and wondering whether he will walk out on us. I’ve had no indication from Kevin Keegan that he is going to walk away and I speak to him daily. The manager feels he has let me down, but I don’t see it that way. I view it that since he came he has taken us to the First Division championship to ninth in the Premiership, and we’ve been back in Europe for the first time in 25 years. There is no pressure on Kevin Keegan from me. My opinion of him is exactly the same as it was on day one. He is the right manager to do the job.”

We Won’t Do a Leeds… The club held their AGM on Monday, and controversy reared its head before the event had even begun, when it was revealed tha KK would not be attending. This led to accusations that the Boss Man was ducking awkward questions, but KK snapped back with: “I am not going to be dictated to by what other people think. I never have and I never will.” Chairman Wardle gave a fuller explanation – the manager has temporary residence in Manchester during the week but lives permanently in the north east, and had not been able to get home for two weeks. “I thought it would be unfair to drag him here today before he comes back to prepare for the game against you know who on Saturday. We’re not having very good results at the moment and Kevin is not the type of person to duck this issue and is working to get things back on track.” So to the meeting. City officially announced a £15 million loss for the year up to May 31, 2003, sending City’s overall debt to £50 million. It was also stated that a one-off £20 million has been spent to enhance the City of Manchester Stadium, a stadium whose value is not yet fully reflected in the balance sheet. The club explained that £10 million is ‘soft debt’, owed in loans to Wardle and fellow JD Sports director Peter Makin. Francis Lee, who still owns 7% of the club’s shares, asked why the First Advice sponsorship deal was not insured, and why no other sporting events have been arranged for the stadium. Managing director, Alistair Mackintosh, explained that the club were not owed funds after the collapse of First Advice, and Wardle assured shareholders that he is busy trying to secure at least two England internationals, a rock concert, and other major events. Those of us who have encountered problems with the new ticket office were interested to read that a new Head of Ticketing has been appointed, namely Doug Smith. Dennis Tueart and Bryan Bodek were duly re-elected to the Board, but DT had faced some uncomfortable press earlier in the week, as the M.E.N. reported that Tueart had faced a club enquiry into the controversial use of a hospitality box at Maine Road. Vice chairman Bodek cleared Tueart of any wrongdoing. Mr. Wardle also said that the club were on the look out for new investors. Chief Executive Alistair Mackintosh is searching the United States, China and Russia possible sources of extra funds. If Mackintosh does manage to unearth an investor, Wardle revealed there would be no worries about them joining the board. “If a major investor came into the club, it is only natural he would want boardroom representation,” said Wardle. “I would not have a problem with that. Our debt level is manageable and I do not believe what has happened to Leeds will happen to us but we are looking for further equity.”

General News

Hit the Road, Jacques! Was it a quiet news week in France, perhaps? Who knows, but according to France Football, Nicolas Anelka is the ideal replacement in the national squad for Djibril Cisse, who is set to miss next summer’s Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal through suspension. All Le Elk needs to do is, errr… publicly apologise to the French nation for snubbing an international call up last year. Now while City fans have generally been pleased with Anelka’s behaviour in his time at City (OK let’s forget the last month shall we), he hardly seems the contrite type does he? Before Nicolas could begin rehearsing his “Je suis desole” speech, national coach Jacques Santini soon poured a huge bucket of icy water on the idea. “I’m in no way the instigator of reconciliation with Nicolas Anelka,” said Santini. “He isolated himself from the French team by refusing a call-up, showing lack of respect for the institution of the FFF (French Football Federation) and the national team. While he hasn’t had second thoughts about his attitude and reasoning, and expressed his regrets unequivocally in public, he will remain to my mind unselectable, whatever the circumstances.”

Reserves Take the Points: At least the Reserves know how to beat Everton. The second string got back to winning ways this week, with a 3-2 victory against a strong Everton side. City ‘s goals came from Antione Sibierksi, Chris Shuker (penalty) and Christian Negouai, while Duncan Ferguson and Scott Gemmill replied for the visitors. Paul Bosvelt, Eyal Berkovic and Sibierski all came through the game as the trio bid to boost their match fitness. Team: City: Schmeichel, Murphy, Jordan, N D’Laryea, Onouha, Negouai, Croft, Bosvelt (J D’laryea 65), Sibierski (Bermingham 65), Berkovic (Tandy 65), Shuker. Subs: Matthewson, Warrender.

January Cup Dates: I bet Steve Howey and Paul Dickov couldn’t believe it – City will face Leicester at the City of Manchester Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday 3rd January, with the game kicking off at 3.00pm. Believe it or not, this will be the first Saturday match at Eastlands since the Blues trounced Bolton Wanderers 6-2 in the middle of October. Perhaps we should all light candles to the ghosts of Neil Young and Kåre Ingebrigtsen, and summon up an FA Cup victory against the Foxes, who only last month trounced us 3-0 at the COMS. Elsewhere, the FA Youth Cup fourth round match will be played at Old Trafford on Tuesday 13th January, with a 7.30pm kick off. The match is subject to the Reds not being involved in a replay of their third round FA Cup match against Aston Villa.

Irish Out: The Republic of Ireland are out of the World Youth Championships after a crushing golden goal 3-2 defeat at the hands of Columbia on Tuesday evening. The Irish side had City’s Paddy McCarthy, Willo Flood and Stephen Elliott in the starting eleven, but found themselves two goals down. A second half fight back saw the Republic grab a goal back with five minutes remaining, then an injury time equaliser courtesy of our own Paddy McCarthy. But the celebrations were shortlived as Columbia struck in the one hundred and fourth minute with the golden goal to end the Republic of Ireland’s progress.

Transfer News and Gossip:

Send for Ali Mark II: It looked as though City were bringing in fresh goalkeeping cover in the form of goalkeeper Ali al-Habsi after the Lyn shot-stopper impressed KK whilst on trial after a recommendation from the world’s oldest goalkeeper John Burridge. The 21-year-old Oman ‘keeper has spent ten days at Carrington and Norwegian side Lyn believed that a sale was likely. This news came as a relief to your News Editor, who had received a text from an aged relative claiming that John Burridge was about to sign for the Blues again. Time to change those batteries in that radio, papa… Today (Thursday), Lyn director Morgan Andersen suggested that al-Habsi would not in fact be joining the Blues. “It seems like Ali stay with us. We couldn’t agree. But other clubs are interested, bigger than City. We got dialogue with these clubs.”

Wigan In Again for Hucks: Despite offering to take a pay cut to secure a permanent deal, it doesn’t seem that Darren Huckerby will be joining Norwich City on a permanent basis. Norwich’s Chief Executive Neil Doncaster has ruled out a bid for the 27-year-old, as the Canaries have announced losses of £4.6 million for the last financial year. [4.6 million? Is that all? 50 million, now that’s a real debt!] “There is no pot of money that the club can dip in to,” Doncaster told the Eastern Daily Press. “Because no player can ever give the club the certainty of promotion, no bank is going to lend us money to finance that sort of gamble. Whilst we can all clearly see the financial prize that promotion would win for the club, we must not be blind to the consequences of gambling and losing, as so many other clubs have done to their cost.” So where to now for the Nottingham-born lad? A report in the Mirror on Wednesday claims that Wigan Athletic are ready to make Huckerby the highest-paid player in the club’s history with a £1 million-a-year deal. It’s reported that Latics are set to pay £500,000.

Macken North-East Bound? Jon Macken could be on his way to Sunderland, according to a report. Despite the Blues enduring a goal famine in recent games, City boss Kevin Keegan has resisted calls to give the £5 million buy from Preston a run in the first team. Reports in the north-east at the weekend claimed Sunderland’s Mick McCarthy is considering a swoop for Macken in a bid to solve his side’s own goal drought, which has caused the Black Cats to slide down the table in Division One. Macken’s Blues career has been dogged by persistent injury problems, ensuring that the player has never been able to show the potential that bagged him 63 goals in 159 starts for Preston. However, City would be hoping to recoup a substantial part of their £5 million outlay, which may hinder Sunderland’s hopes of landing the player. Manager Mick McCarthy was quoted recently as saying: “We have a bit of a scoring problem at the moment and we need to sort that out and win a few games – we have to be more ruthless.”

Butt? But, But… According to reports, City are chasing Reds’ outcast Nicky Butt. Butt has struggled to find regular first team action this season at Old Trafford. He will consider his future, as he seeks to cement a place in England’s squad for next year’s European championships. “My situation has looked bleak this season – I would be lying if I said otherwise,” said Butt. “Nobody in their right mind would leave this club if they are happy, but at times I have thought this could be it for me. I have been playing here for ten years and I don’t want to leave. But at my age I need to be playing regular first team football and at the moment things are pretty dire for me.” Tottenham have also been linked with a January move for Butt. We all know Gary Neville is a Blue, but weren’t there rumours that Butt was a closet City fan?

Ex-Blues’ News

All Hail the Goat! On the same day that some bloke called Wilkinson was receiving a gong from Her Majesty, the legend that is Shaun Goater was at Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE. The former City striker was awarded the MBE for his services to sport and young people in his home country, Bermuda. Sir Shaun reminisced this week about last season’s derby day encounters. “That day last year was a really, really good day for a number of reasons. It was the last ever derby at Maine Road and we got that much needed win. We hadn’t beaten Manchester United in such a long time, 13 years in fact, and that was really special the way we did it. And I got a couple of goals. That set us up for the season really and gave us the confidence to go on to perform on the biggest stage. We then went to Old Trafford confident that we could get something because we all knew we were back on level terms and we wanted to show United that what we could do at home, we could also do away. They have taken a goal off us, but they didn’t take anything away from us. That was also a great occasion. That’s why United certainly won’t go into this game thinking it’s going to be a walkover or a stroll. It will be a difficult game for them.”

Mixed Up at Wrexham: Wrexham have handed a trial to former City man Leon Mike. Mike, who only played a handful of first team games for City, is training with The Dragons in the hope of winning a permanent deal. The 22-year-old has been playing for non-league side Mossley – but is keen to get back into the big-time. The striker was released by Aberdeen in the summer, and is available for nothing. Manager Denis Smith will be looking for more success than their last trial striker, Armand One, who apparently went AWOL soon after signing for the club.

I Am The Law! Last Saturday, in the Premiership game between Leicester City and Arsenal, Ashley Cole launched an atrocious two footed tackle on Leicester’s Ben Thatcher. The England full back was quite correctly red-carded for the “horror tackle” as the tabloids put it, but TV pictures clearly showed a Leicester player running fully 60 yards to remonstrate with Cole. If I said that the sprinter was an ex-City boy, I suspect you’d think it was Paul Dickov. But no – showing a turn of speed unseen in his days at Maine Road, it was none other than Steve “Judge Dredd” Howey. Howey was still pretty annoyed later, when he told the press: “He’s done it a few times. It’s a coward’s challenge. I went across to him, to ask ‘What’s the need for that?’ He just mouthed off – which I really wasn’t happy about.” Cole has issued an apology for the reckless challenge.

Reactions and Comments

A Less Poor Performance: Two similarly matched teams fought out a goalless draw at Goodison Park last Sunday. The point gained helped Everton climb out of the relegation zone, while City halted their losing streak. The Blues still haven’t scored in four league games though, and despite playing the better football on Sunday, it was Thomas Gravesen who could have won the game for Everton with a late shot against a post. The limited ambitions of the two managers was amply shown on Monday, when some match reports had headlines like “AT LEAST WE DIDN’T LOSE: MOYES” and “GOALESS DRAW IS STEP FORWARD: KEEGAN” Moyes commented: “From our point of view it wasn’t good today – but we didn’t lose and we’ll have to try and build on it. I tried to play Wayne behind Francis Jeffers and Tomasz Radzinski – but it didn’t work. Just before the end of the first half, I thought Manchester City had got one or two opportunities and felt I had to change it round and make us hard to beat. I’m not overly concerned about Wayne – as I keep saying he’s the best 18-year-old in the country and he will have peaks and troughs. Maybe he is trying too hard – but he is important to us and that’s why I keep picking him. All credit to the lads for digging deep and making sure we got something from the game. There wasn’t much activity, although in the last 10-15 minutes both teams went to try and win it.”

Nothing Ventured… The Boss, who has not seen his side win in seven matches, felt City deserved a point at least. He said: “We weathered the first 15 minutes, but we had greater possession, more chances and better forward situations than them. But because we are lacking in confidence, and that also applied to Everton, we are unable to play the final pass or make the correct decisions in possession. If you have had a run like we are in, you do tend to err on the side of caution and not take risks. But it will come. They certainly all scrapped for the team and we deserved a point, we certainly did not deserve to lose.” KK confirmed that David Seaman has suffered a rib injury rather than the hamstring problem which was first suspected. Youngster Kevin Ellegaard took the veteran’s place and Keegan was pleased with his display. “David needed an injection to be able to play, but he told us he was in trouble and it would not last 90 minutes. But Kevin did well, he made a couple of great saves.” Big Kev had a special word for Steve McManaman: “Leaving Steve out recently disappointed him, he made that pretty clear. But that is the way it should be, the last thing I want is players who are delighted not to play. Macca did very well at Everton. But there are other players I have left out – and it was Claudio Reyna’s turn for this one – not because they are not doing well, it is because I want to look at something else. I have lots of midfield options and Steve is going to have to accept, as has Claudio, Paul Bosvelt and Antoine Sibierski, that I will change things.” Keegan added: “Joey Barton is playing so well. At the start of the season he was one who was fighting for a place, now he is holding one down. That has made it difficult for the others. Shaun Wright-Phillips is the same, he has held a place on merit. Those two have given us something this season that means they deserve to stay in the side. Steve did well, he linked well and kept possession. His work rate was terrific.”

A Solid Show: It was acknowledged that Richard Dunne had another outstanding game at the back for City. “Richard has gone to hell and back and everyone knows that, but he is now showing I think the potential he showed years ago when he was at Everton,” said Keegan. “He has done some silly things in the past but his last five or six games for us have been outstanding. Those performances have unfortunately got lost in some poor results but the lad can only do his best. We have got to get the confidence back of the other players who are capable of better and then we can start climbing the table again. We had to stop the rot somewhere and I am pleased even though it was only a point from yesterday’s game. It could have been three points but equally it could have been none because they hit the post. The game was crazy in the last fifteen minutes, it was almost as if someone had told the players the midfield had been mined and they had agreed to whack it to one another at each end of the pitch. It was a bizarre ending, but no one would doubt the attitude of all the players. The vital ingredient missing is confidence and maybe this will be a springboard for both sides.” Keegan dismissed the crisis talk surrounding the side’s seven game run without a win and backed his men for a form revival. “A lot of things have been said about the run we are in but I blame myself for some of the doom and gloom,” he said. “The expectation level at this club has always been quite low. If I had said this year that we would try and stabilise in the Premiership again people would be thinking we are having a great season now. But, we went and bought some quality players – we already had some – and I felt we were ready to push on and I still do believe that. Results like yesterday’s hard fought draw away from home will look good at the end of the season providing we win the home games.”

Squad News

Danny Back for Lids? KK has given an update on Danny Tiatto’s injury woes. “Danny needs another week to ten days training to get himself fit,” explained da Boss. “Leeds will be the next game when he should be available on 22nd December, which I know sounds a long way off but it is just because we play on the Monday. We think he needs to get more fitness into him. He keeps coming back and then picking up something else. So this time we have decided to have a programme to get him fully fit. He has worked very hard and we should get the benefits from that in the second part of the season provided he has a bit of luck. Danny had a hamstring injury last time but it has been one thing after another with him, a problem with his back and then his knee. I don’t know how many games Danny has been available for since I have been manager in the past two and half years. He has missed a lot early on due to suspension and lately because of injury. He has done everything right, but he just hasn’t had that bit of luck. Hopefully this time when he comes back he won’t be playing catch up as he will have caught up.”

MATCH PREVIEW AND STATISTICS

Saturday’s clash with Manchester United will be the 129th League derby, and 185th if Cup and War games are included.

League record

In League terms, City have some catching up to do. Although unbeaten in the last three encounters, and being the current “Champions of Manchester” after taking 4 points from the Reds last season, the rest doesn’t make very pleasant reading. Since the halcyon days of the late Sixties and early Seventies, when City remained undefeated in Old Trafford League games for eight years between 1968 and 1976, City have only won three matches in 31 attempts since 1980, all at home; 1-0 in 1981, 3-1 last season, and the “famous” 5-1 on September 23rd 1989.

Away from home, United have won almost twice as many games as City (27 compared to 14). If United score on Saturday, it will be their 100th home League goal against City, with City scoring 77 in return so far. Although City haven’t lost in their last two visits to Old Trafford, they haven’t won a competitive game there since Denis Law’s back heel sealed United’s relegation fate on April 27th 1974. That is a worrying run of 19 League games (22 games in all).

Unfortunately it is pretty much the same at home, with United winning 22 against City’s 19, though City have scored more goals (94 compared to 87). Coincidentally, there have been 23 League matches drawn at home and away.

League Runs

It is 3 matches since City were last beaten by United in the League (0-1 in 2000-01), 2 matches since their last away defeat (0-1 in 1995-96), but 19 games since their last away League victory (1-0 in 1973-74).

Cup and Others

City have only played United once at home in the FA Cup, winning 2-0 in the 4th Round on Jan 29th 1955 in front of 74,000 people. Away from home, City have lost all four matches on United territory, but did win the only ever match on a neutral ground, with a 3-0 victory at Bramall Lane in the FA Cup Semi Final on March 27th 1926.

City do hold the upper hand in League Cup encounters, with two home wins and one away draw and defeat, the most famous being the two-legged, 4-3 aggregate victory in the Semi-Finals of December 1969, which was witnessed by a combined attendance of almost 120,000.

There have been 43 Wartime clashes, which are ignored by many statisticians, but for the record, City ruled the roost, winning 23, drawing 7, and losing 13, having much the better record both home and away. City have never faced United in European competition, indeed Chelsea are the only English team City have faced in “Europe”.

There are three “Other” games that have been included in the stats. They are a couple of FA Alliance games between Newton Heath and Ardwick in 1891, and the Charity Shield game at Old Trafford on October 24th 1956, which United won 1-0.

Highs and Lows

City’s biggest home win was the 5-1 Division One victory on September 23rd 1989, which was bettered by the 6-1 victory at Old Trafford in Division One on Jan 23rd 1926.

City’s biggest defeats were 7-1 at Maine Road in the WW2 League game on April 14th 1941, and the revenge 5-0 at Old Trafford in the Premiership on November 10th 1994.

The lowest recorded attendance for a derby match was 4,000 for Ardwick’s away Alliance tie at Bank Street on October 17th 1891, and there was only 1,000 more at Maine Road for the World War Two clash on February 10th 1940. One for the trivia fans is the fact that City’s highest home and away attendances against United were both at Maine Road! This was because Old Trafford was closed due to damage caused by bombs in the Second World War, and United were allowed to use Maine Road for their home games. So, for the record, 78,000 watched the “home” League Division One match on September 20th 1947, and 71,960 watched the “away” League match that season on April 7th 1948.

Wind up a Red

If you want to wind up a United supporter, ask them the list their top 10 home attendances, and the venues. They will proudly tell you that they range down from 82,771 to 70,504, but then reluctantly admit that only the 10th highest attendance was actually at Old Trafford, the 6th highest (74,000) was at Goodison Park, but all the other eight were at Maine Road! So currently, Manchester United’s highest home attendances in the League (81,962), FA Cup (82,771) and European Cup (75,598), have all been achieved at Maine Road.

For City’s full playing record against Manchester United and other teams, visit http://www.mcfcstats.com and click on MATCHES, followed by OPPONENTS.

[Thanks for that Steve. I think my optimism just plummeted – Ed]

OPINION: FIXTURE CHANGES

I’d like if I may to highlight an exceedingly annoying practice – changes to fixture dates during the season. It causes a lot of inconvenience for fans, particularly those that travel long distances.

Living as I do in Ireland, I have to carefully pick the games to attend based on the likelihood of getting tickets, and then book early to get decent Ryanair fares. For those that have used Ryanair or other low fares airlines, changes to travel dates cost much more than the tickets themselves, which is a key point! I’m lucky in that this year on holiday I met a great Dublin-based City fan with 2 season tickets (hi Roberto!) and I work out with him what games he or his mates aren’t using them, so that helps the match ticket issue. I have two young boys and amongst my trips this season I chose to bring one (a Blue) to the Leicester game and the other (‘Pool fan but currently trying to convert him) to the Birmingham game. As you know, the Leicester game was moved because of the Groclin UEFA tie. That’s a bummer for me, but as it’s due to success on the field it’s something I can certainly live with. The recent switch of the Birmingham game is an entirely different matter. That’s due to TV schedules only, and that kind of thing should really be avoidable. I know that games may be scheduled or taken off the schedule for TV depending on their performance during the season, but changing the date as well causes all kind of difficulty for those who have booked in advance. In my case it has buggered me up completely. I have bought new air tickets for the Blackburn game, but of course there’s no guarantee that game won’t move as well. I just can’t bring myself to risk lining Ryanair’s pockets any more, so my efforts to convert my other lad to City will have to wait until next season.

Now to my point. What can we do to cut out this nonsense? As I said, re-fixtures due to success on the field is something that’s still expensive but at least acceptable. Doing it willy-nilly for TV schedules is a completely different matter. First they make us pay for the privilege of watching footie on the telly. Then they do us over again when we actually try to attend a game! Sky really don’t give a c**p about fans. Trouble is, I’m beginning to suspect that the clubs don’t raise too many objections either. This affects every Premiership club so surely the impact is huge (must be difficult being a Scum fan in that case!). I have tried several times to contact the club by email to register my complaint, but the bl**dy ‘Contact Us’ section of the club page is buggered, which hardly improves my mood. Phone contact hasn’t been possible yet either for some reason, but I’ll keep trying.

[An annoying part of football today, John. Anyone else tried to take this up with Sky or the authorities? – Ed]

OPINION: BERKO’S CHANCES I

According to the Israeli newspaper “Ma’ariv”, Eyal Berkovic has been invited to play in a charity game for UNICEF. The invitation comes jointly from the captains of the two teams, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. The game will take place on December 15th in Basle, Switzerland. Amongst those taking part will be the entire Real Madrid squad, and players from Juventus, Liverpool and even Stretford Rovers. No players from Chelski were invited, due to their Carling Cup tie next week.

KK has to know about this invitation, because City have to give permission for Berkovic to take part in the game. In which case, how come KK doesn’t believe that Berkovic is good enough to get in his first team, yet is invited to an event like this as an equal?

OPINION: CHANGES

Whilst we have clearly completely lost our way at the moment, I hope that KK can swallow a bit of pride and admit he has got it wrong with several (all?) of his recent purchases. Off-load those he can get rid of (if any!) and/or just stop giving them automatic places in the team. Having done that, he should firstly give some of the “forgotten players” such as Ged Wiekens, Danny Tiatto and Jon Macken a run in the 1st team and, secondly, give some of the younger lads a chance (arguably the best 2 players in recent times have been home-grown ie SW-P and JB!) – we apparently have a good crop of youngsters, so what’s the problem with giving them a chance? Of course, if he can get his “first-choice” players to actually get back to doing what they are meant to (i.e. trying, scoring, playing like they care, trying etc.) then this wouldn’t be necessary… but it’s been going on too long already and methinks the time has come for KK to start doing something drastic. Saturday will be an important game. If we get hammered, which is a distinct possibility, the pressure will continue to grow on Mr. K. If, however, we perform well and (God forbid!) – actually get a result (either a draw or a win) all will be forgiven… by such a fickle thread KK’s fortunes may hang.

OPINION – BACK THE BOSS

I am becoming increasingly concerned about the recent comments, from the media, certain pundits and supporters, concerning Kevin K’s commitment to City. The constant reminders of his past history of supposedly simply walking out on teams when the ‘going gets tough’ could result in these becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy at City if we are not careful. The trouble is everyone is into ‘short termism’ these days. We have a short run of poor form/results and we question everything; the adequacy and competence of the manager, the squad etc. and forget the great start to the season we have had and the incredible changes in the club, not the least of which has been the move to our great new stadium. Let’s face it, we did well last season and are still mid-table in a very competitive league where all clubs have generally added very good players to their squads and then changed their team selections and tactics throughout in an attempt to neutralise City’s once they got to know how we play. It must be like a game of chess and it is not surprising to me that this has happened. Yes, Kevin stated at the beginning of the season that this was the squad he wanted (or words to that effect) and yes we do seem to be reliant on ‘older players’ but we should not hang him for that. He, like all Premiership managers at the start of the season, could not second guess the others’ moves and it is now clear that he will need to adapt/refine the squad in January. Let’s give him a chance to do that and if he is restricted by the club’s financial position let’s remember that so that we do not blame him at the end of the season.

For me, Kevin’s arrival at the club was and still is like a ‘breath of fresh air’, especially when looking back to the days of Alan Ball, Brian Horton, Steve Coppell etc. He is a quality manager and a great personality. I only hope we supporters can help him to come to love City as much as he did Newcastle, with the key difference being that at this stage of his career he feels he can stay to build a great team for the long term future success of the club. I remain very optimistic!

From a True Blue since 1967 and season ticket holder!

OPINION: WHERE ARE WE NOW? I

I’ve just read the latest MCIVTA and could not believe what I was reading.

I know you should look to the future but I invite all the backstabbers to look back 5 years and ask themselves if they would have accepted our current position at that time. I remember watching us away at Macclesfield in the torrential rain and the Premier League seemed like a different sport altogether.

Yes, I agree that KK not attending the AGM is not on, but nobody really knows the reason behind it. Maybe someone in his family was ill, or needed him there. Pointless speculation about that doesn’t help.

Slagging the team off against Everton was a joke as well. I saw more commitment and passion in that game than I had in the previous 5 games put together, and we were unlucky not to win, something we have been for a while now – our luck will turn.

Yes, we are in the middle of a slump but come on, I know everyone’s expectations are a lot higher than they used to be but let’s please be realistic. We have been back in the Premiership for a little over 16 months. When we’ve been back for 5 years, that’s when we can really look at where we are and where we should be. The intervening months and years will have ups and downs for sure, but for God’s sake let’s all be grateful that we aren’t playing Colchester away next week instead of United, even if we end up not getting the result we all want.

So come on, things ain’t going too well this last six weeks or so but let’s all take stock, look at us in 9th place (out of all 93 league teams, not just the Premiership), think about all the good things we have going for us (I bet that Oldham fans would be really impressed about us moaning about having Anelka up front and getting knocked out of Europe when they are out collecting donations so they can service the team bus or something).

Don’t think I am a soft touch and not willing to get angry and upset when things are going wrong – in the disastrous Lee / Clark / Ball / Coppell / Hartford / Neal / whoever else era I was outside Maine Road demonstrating with the best of them, but there’s a time for stuff like that and a time for getting behind your club, and now is that time.

Let’s all pull together and see this thing through – City is for life, not just for six or seven bad results in late 2003.

OPINION: WHERE ARE WE NOW? II

Over the dismal month of November we’ve only had three of the games on TV here. Chelsea (a decent effort but nothing more), Groclin at home (awful, really awful) and Everton away (I would have been pleased with the point had we been winning home games).

What to say? I am concerned that this is a team/squad that is going nowhere. Lack of goals is the end result of poor displays but the reason seems to lie deeper than that. When I see highlights of games from the top three they seem to score a lot of goals from inside the 6 yard box. We don’t. We rarely get down the wings anymore to get crosses in. It is almost as if we run out of ideas half way into the opponents’ half. I find it hard to really blame the front two even though they do miss some chances.

If we assume that they will not bring in more than one or two players during the transfer window what are we left with? Like others I have been less than impressed with Sinclair (he plays on the left but can’t use his left foot), disappointed by McManaman (not to be too unkind but results have started to go downhill since his appearance) and confused by what seems to be an odd attitude to giving some squad players a chance, either to show what they have got or to redeem themselves. I used to think we needed a goalkeeper and a central defender. Now it looks as if we need new players all over the park and that is not going to happen, so how to decide the priorities?

And we still need 21 points for safety.

Then I look at the table and realize that by mid-January we could be doing quite well or be in trouble, though I am beginning to fear the latter. With Liverpool and Newcastle beginning to pick up points and Fulham still playing well it is going to be a tough season to make the top six.

Of course all this is now put to one side in the context of this weekend’s game. I am firm believer in derby games being one off affairs but the team effort will need to be significantly greater than I’ve seen on TV the last few times.

Please don’t take this as a big moan. I am thrilled City are back in the Premier (though I am not too keen on all the talk of ‘look where we were four years ago’ as we should never have been in that position in the first place) and I’m just expressing disappointment that we seem to be slipping from early season promise.

I think the derby game is on live out here… which could mean 4.00 a.m. if it is a noon kick-off.

OPINION: WHERE ARE WE NOW? III

Some thoughts on a cold December morning.

I didn’t enjoy listening to the smug and sneering commentary provided by Alan Green on Sunday afternoon. Perhaps I should have paid to watch the game on Sky, although the entertainment level was apparently very low. At least we gained an away point. Another one of those on Saturday would suit me.

I agree entirely with your correspondent Phil that City desperately need a captain on the field. Watching the present team, I’m forced to wonder what Roy Paul would have made of them. I suspect that one or two would have slunk into their luxury cars and dashed off home in their playing kit, rather than face him in the dressing room.

Having mentioned Roy Paul, I’ve given my age away. In those early days we didn’t sing (except when urged to do so at Wembley). There was one chant I remember: “2-4-6-8 who do we appreciate? C-I-T-Y City!”, but nothing else really, apart from “Come on City!” and “Up the Blues!”, which changed over the years into “Come on, you Blues!” Perhaps the old chant conjures up pictures that are too painful. At school we used to sing a song “Who said City couldn’t play?”, but I don’t remember if it was sung at matches.

Living in the north of Scotland, I don’t get much chance to see the team, although we did receive the Groclin games. Watching those matches I must admit there were few players I would have wanted to sing about. Take away SWP and Joey Barton, and I can’t think of any. Not that I would be singing at my age. I’m a season ticket holder at Forres Mechanics in the Highland League. Our crowds, which rarely top 200, aren’t in the habit of singing. There’s not much to sing about as a Mechanics supporter, anyway. It might interest you to hear that my (concessionary) ticket costs £30 a season for a seat in the stand. Which is about right.

The reason I’m going on about singing is that in response to Phil’s plea; I’ve had an idea for a song for Anelka, should he deserve one. Using a French theme (“Alouette”):

Oh Anelka,
Nicolas Anelka.
Oh Anelka
Put it in the net!

Simple, but it might shake him out of his lethargy. Should he (God forbid) move across the city, then the final line could, I’m sure, be adapted.

Going back to Abba’s “Money, money, money”, there is always:

Joey, Joey, Joey – uh-huh,
Joey Barton – uh-huh,
City through and through!

On the rare occasions that Danny Tiatto makes an appearance, a brief burst of “O sole mio” (the Walls cornetto ad) might be appropriate after a particularly crunching tackle:

Just one Tiatto –
That’s all we need!

And the day may yet come when City fans sing to Robbie Fowler. How about this, to the tune “Michael, row the boat ashore”?

Robbie Fowler is his name.
Hallelujah!
Doesn’t score in ev’ry game.
Hallelujah!
But he’s quite a useful scouse.
Hallelujah!
If you want to rent a house.
Hallelujah!

I’m getting carried away, so I’ll stop (before I have to spell McManaman, or worse still find a rhyme for it). Whatever is sung at future games, please make it loud – you might even be able to drown out the objectionable Mr Green.

P.S. That’s taken care of the cold December morning.

OPINION: WHERE ARE WE NOW? IV

Reality check alert! Reality check alert! To all you BMW’s who contributed to MCIVTA 974, what the hell is going on? How the hell have we acquired so many BMW’s claiming to support City. BMW’s are Bitchers, Moaners and Whingers and boy have we got more than our fair share. How can anyone who claims to:

(a) love City, and
(b) have any knowledge of the game

question Kevin Keegan’s future at the club? He is the best thing to happen to City for at least 25 years. We’ve won a divisional Championship, played fantastic football and attracted the calibre of player to the club we could only have dreamed about as recently as 3 years ago. We finished 9th last season in the Premier League. We beat the Scum at home, and played them off the park for 45 minutes at The Swamp! We played in Europe!

So, we’re having a lean spell of, er, now let me think. Bloody hell it’s all of 7 games. Sack the Manager. Sack the board. Get rid of half the players. Execute the other half. Let me give you all a bit of constructive advice. And whilst I’m at it, let me give you a few home truths as well.

1. Our armchair and ‘home only’ fans are some of the biggest BMW’s infootball!
2. The vocal support at home is s***e! Stop kidding yourselves it’snot! If you negative morons got behind the team with the same enthusiasmas you Bitch, Moan and Whinge, the results might improve. After all, youdo all go to the games don’t you?
3. The vocal support away from home is fantastic. The team were givenfabulous backing at Everton on Sunday. The team were given constantencouragement and were applauded off at the end of the game. But you BMW’sknow that don’t you because, after all, you did all go I’m sure. The teamreceived similar encouragement at Spurs away last week despite a very poorfirst half. But again, I’m sure you were all there to witness this yourselves.
4. Am I questioning your loyalty? Damn right I am! Am I questioning yourright to an opinion? Damn right I am! Peter McDonald in Australia, whatthe hell gives you the right to send such a tirade of garbage? So youwatched it in good old Oz did you? Your loyalty knows no bounds. Anddon’t come back with some bleeding heart story about watching City when youwere in England etc. I wouldn’t go to Oz because it means I can’t watch City!I was there at Everton, I was there at Spurs, and I’ll bethere at The Swamp! And like everyone else whose going on Saturday (i.e. Theloyal home and away fans), we’ll give constant encouragement and sing ourhearts out… even if we get beat!

To conclude. You fair weather fans can shut up, or stop going (if you actually go in the first place) because I’m sick and tired of listening to you, whether through MCIVTA or sat around me in East Stand Upper. Alternatively, try giving encouragement or, God forbid, singing. Radical I know but I have a hunch it just might have a positive impact.

OPINION: SONG FOR COMS I

I was trying to think up a new song for COMS and wondered how this would go down with other fans to the tune of S Club 7 Don’t Stop Moving.

Don’t stop believing
Let’s keep the Blues a moving
Further up the table
By the end of the season

Keep on singing
And your voices ringing
Let’s make our new stadium
The talk of the nation, tonite

Thought I would give it a go as we need some new songs. What do people think?

OPINION: SONG FOR COMS II

There was a call a couple of issues ago for some song-writing to liven up the terraces. Well here’s one to celebrate Nicolas Anelka (and maybe get him scoring again).

To the tune of the Hokey Cokey:

You put your left leg in
Your left leg out
In out, in out
You shake it all about
You’re Nicolas Anelka and you’ve scored a goal
That’s what it’s all about

Ohhhh, Nicolas Anelka
Ohhhh, Nicolas Anelka
Ohhhh, Nicolas Anelka
Knees bend, arm raised, GOAL GOAL GOAL

You put your right leg in
Your right leg out
Etc, etc.

Just right for Christmas and New Year…?

OPINION: TRANSFER RUMOURS

One hears rumours that we are about to get some Leeds players come the January transfer window – can I suggest that the only person we should get from Leeds is Eddie Gray? At least he can coach the defence and seems to get his charges playing for the shirt!

OPINION: ANELKA

Anelka the “honest to God top quality player”, as Jon Marshall put it in MCIVTA 974. That’s one way of looking at it, but if he is so good how come he’s turned into a jourmeyman striker at the tender age of 24? Arsenal, Real and Liverpool – honest to God top quality teams (allegedly) – didn’t see fit to hang onto him. Perhaps they saw then what we’re beginning to see now?

He may well have ability to burn, but if he ain’t going to use it we may as well offload him now while his stock is still relatively high. Hell if someone (little Sir Alex?) wants to give us £20 million for him (that’s one figure that’s been quoted in the press) then I’ve absolutely no doubt – give me the money! Some of it can be used to upgrade the ‘keeper position at least. While we’re at it let’s get Huckerby back from the Delias.

OPINION: PETER’S VIEW I

Well what can we say, other than thank God he lives in Oz and there’s no chance of bumping in to him after a game at COMSTAD. Obviously he’d rather we had Gareth Taylor up front and Kit Symons at the back; now that was a team. What is wrong with these people? Just enjoy the moment, we’re in the Premiership not Nationwide Division 2, we play in front of 47,000 against little Bolton, not 14,000 or whatever against Bournemouth in the pan lid cup.

Wake up and smell your coffee, but whatever you do stay in Australia and keep your negative opinions of our wonderful Blue boys to yourself. Better still you live near enough to Singapore, why not join the rest of the glory seeking Rags out there then you can all have a whinge together.

OPINION: PETER’S VIEW II

After reading Peter McDonald’s so called match report in MCIVTA 974 I feel compelled to comment on it.

I’m sick and tired of listening to self claimed supporters of City moaning about the players, results and now unbelievably the manager – it’s outrageous. Can’t anybody remember where this club was only 5 years ago – or weren’t these people supporters then? Maybe.

Did Peter McDonald watch a different game? How can he actually believe in the crap that he’s written when all he’s done is watched 90 minutes of City playing live on his TV in Australia in the last 2 months.

Why does he have the right to criticise City supporters who travelled to the game? Does his TV volume switch work? I watched the game on my TV and actually heard more noise from our supporters than Everton – well done lads.

Concerning his unfounded, unfair and over critical comments about individual players – they aren’t even worthy of a response other than to say that the only player to disappoint for me was Sinclair. Now I’m not suggesting that the way City have played over the last few weeks has been what we (real supporters) or KK would want but I thought the game against Everton was an improvement, certainly on the disappointing midweek Spurs game and even on the game against Middlesbrough (own goal aside). I’m sure KK is right when he says that the Everton game gives us a solid platform to build on for the important game on Saturday.

Yes, our finishing over recent weeks has been poor but chances in front of goal are still being created and at some point it will click for Anelka and Fowler, and when that does happen, I expect Peter McDonald will miraculously become Robbie’s biggest fan! Everybody please get off Robbie’s back – he’s getting better and better with each game and with support will get back to his scoring best.

Mr. McDonald, I suggest that if you’re “Disgusting & Disgusted” titled match report written from your armchair in Australia reflects the quality of your support, then you should change the channel on your TV and become a Rags fan. This club doesn’t need people like you.

REQUEST: DERBY TICKET WANTED

Can I make an impassioned plea to all McV subscribers? I know it’s a long shot – but I’m after a ticket in the City end for Saturday’s derby.

I made a grave error when processing my application because I submitted two applications together (trying to sort a mate out) but forgot to state on the letter that one ticket alone would suffice. Therefore, my application (which had more than enough loyalty points) was knocked back because the whole application was taken as the lowest points total of the two cards.

I know it sounds like a bit of a sob story but I’ve only missed Chelsea away in all comps this season and it would do my head in if I ever missed a derby at Old Trafford.

Anyway, if anyone has a spare or is holding a ticket for someone who they think might let them down on the day, take down my mobile number and I’ll be outside that ground quicker than you can say “…went to Rome to see the Pope!” Rest assured it will be going to somebody who will shout himself hoarse getting behind the boys in that hellhole.

My mobile number is 07986 742 915.

You never know, you might just be sparing me the disgust of lining the pocket of a United fan/tout or, worse still, missing the game altogether.

REQUEST: DERBY TICKET AVAILABLE

By remarkable oversight I have a spare ticket for Saturday’s game at the swamp. Unfortunately a mate agreed for this ticket and now cannot make it so it is up for grabs.

Ticket is in the City end of the ground and I can arrange to meet near the ground before kick off.

REQUEST: DERBY SHOW

I patched together a little slideshow to wind-up all the Rags I know (and the one I married) … If anyone wants a copy, please email me!

Here’s hoping it doesn’t come back to haunt all of us come 2:35 pm or so Saturday afternoon.

Merry Christmas, too!

REQUEST: BLUE VIEWING IN GERMANY

The derby will be shown live in German TV in Pay-TV “Premiere”, which is possible to watch in different so called “Premiere Sportbars” or Irish Pubs, at 13.25 MEZ.

The TV-Channel also shows the City-Leeds match live on Dec. 22nd at 20.55 German time.

Up you Blues!

REQUEST: BLUE VIEWING IN SINGAPORE

I will be watching the match this weekend at the Bambooze Bar in Changi Village. If anyone is interested in coming down, please give me a call on 98522406. I believe the press will also be at the bar so as many down as possible would be good.

REQUEST: BLUE VIEWING IN NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME

I am currently exiled at Keele University and would like to watch the derby on Saturday with like-minded souls. We all know there’s nothing worse than ‘cold-calling’ the nearest pub to find that it is an extension of OT.

I tried to contact the Newcastle-under-Lyme supporters club but no response from the Chair’s email address.

Please either email me or call 0781139791.

REQUEST: BLUE VIEWING IN SOUTH LONDON

The Commercial Pub, Herne Hill (opposite Herne Hill overground station). It’s only 10 minutes from either Blackfriars or Victoria.

We filled the pub for the last derby and aim to cram it full to the rafters this Saturday!

REQUEST: BLUE VIEWING IN ADELAIDE

Blues in Adelaide will be meeting at The Rosemont Hotel, Hindley Street, Adelaide, 13th Dec.2003 at 11.00pm to watch us take the Rags apart.

Lets’ fill the place like last time.

See ya there.

REQUEST: MARC VIVIEN FOE MEMORIAL FUND

The online auction is now “live” and you can view the items available from the many Clubs, the FA and various celebs which are available to bid for by visiting the website:

http://www.marcvivienfoe.org

Amongst the City related items kindly donated by Doves are shirts which we have signed by Keegan, Anelka and SWP, we also have a shirt and City magazine signed by Shaun Goater.

For further information please email:

RESULTS

League table to 10 December 2003 inclusive

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F   A   GD Pts
 1 Chelsea         15  6  1  0 16  5  5  2  1 13  5 11  3  1  29  10  19  36
 2 Arsenal         15  5  2  0 12  6  5  3  0 17  5 10  5  0  29  11  18  35
 3 Manchester Utd  15  6  1  1 18  4  5  0  2 11  5 11  1  3  29   9  20  34
 4 Fulham          15  4  2  2 14 10  3  2  2 12  9  7  4  4  26  19   7  25
 5 Liverpool       15  3  1  3 11  9  3  3  2 11  7  6  4  5  22  16   6  22
 6 Charlton Ath.   15  2  2  3  9 12  4  2  2 13  8  6  4  5  22  20   2  22
 7 Newcastle Utd   15  3  3  2 10  5  2  3  2 11 15  5  6  4  21  20   1  21
 8 Southampton     15  4  1  3  8  6  1  4  2  5  5  5  5  5  13  11   2  20
 9 Birmingham City 15  2  3  3  6 11  3  2  2  6  7  5  5  5  12  18  -6  20
10 Manchester City 15  2  2  3 12 10  3  2  3 10  9  5  4  6  22  19   3  19
11 Middlesbrough   15  2  2  4  6 10  3  2  2  6  5  5  4  6  12  15  -3  19
12 Tottenham H.    15  4  1  3 13 11  1  2  4  5  9  5  3  7  18  20  -2  18
13 Bolton Wndrs    15  2  4  1  7  4  2  2  4  7 17  4  6  5  14  21  -7  18
14 Blackburn R.    15  3  0  4 11 11  2  2  4 12 13  5  2  8  23  24  -1  17
15 Leicester City  15  2  4  2 12 10  2  0  5 11 13  4  4  7  23  23   0  16
16 Portsmouth      15  4  0  3 15  8  0  4  4  2 12  4  4  7  17  20  -3  16
17 Everton         15  3  3  2 11  7  0  2  5  4 12  3  5  7  15  19  -4  14
18 Aston Villa     15  3  3  1  7  5  0  2  6  4 16  3  5  7  11  21 -10  14
19 Leeds United    15  1  3  4  6 13  2  0  5  7 21  3  3  9  13  34 -21  12
20 Wolves          15  2  3  2  7 14  0  2  6  4 18  2  5  8  11  32 -21  11

MCIVTA FAQ [v0304.06]

[0] 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

[1] What are MCIVTA’s publishing deadlines?

Deadlines for issues are nominally 6pm, Monday and Thursday evenings.

[2] 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.

[3] What is the club’s official web site?

The official club web site can be found at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/

[4] What supporters’ clubs are there?

Manchester City FC recognises three supporters’ clubs: The “Official Supporters Club” (http://www.mancity.net/osc/); the “Centenary Supporters’ Association” (http://www.reddishblues.com/CSAWebsite/CSA.htm) and “The International Supporters’ Club” (http://www.mcfc.co.uk/article.asp?article=111845&Title=International+Supporters+Club&lid=Membership).

[5] Where can I find out about the fans’ committee?

The Fans’ Committee operates as an interface between supporters and the club. It has its own website, http://www.mcfc-fans.com/ containing info about forthcoming meetings as well as minutes from previous gatherings.

[6] What match day broadcasts are available on the web?

The GMR pre and post match phone-in is available on the web at http://www.bbc.co.uk/england/gmr/sport_intro.shtml.

Live match commentaries and archives of games, reports and interviews can be found at http://www.mcfctv.com/, whilst an alternate live commentary service, hosted by Yahoo, is located at http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/foot/englandprem/cal/index.html.

[7] 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://canadatvsoccer.tripod.com/Fixtures.htm, http://www.foxsportsworld.com/named/FSW/Index/Soccer, and http://www.soccertv.com/.

http://www.foxsportsworld.com/content/view?contentId=1288602 also provides a guide to pubs in the USA showing football.

[8] What’s the music the teams run out to?

It’s actually a mix of two tracks. It starts with “O Verona” (from the motion picture “William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet”) and leads in to “Barber’s Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten remix)” by William Orbit. The first part is available on the movie soundtrack (volume 2) and the second is included on a variety of CDs such as Kiss House Nation 2000, Galaxy Hit Mix, Cream Live, Ibiza Chill and Dance Nation 4.

[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] Can I buy shares in the club?

Yes you can: Shares in Manchester City PLC are traded on OFEX. The latest prices can be on found the OFEX web site http://www.ofex.com/ (registration required) or in the business section of the Manchester Evening News.

[12] 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/ or http://www.citystat.net/.

[13] Acknowledgements

Thanks go to Damian Quinn, Stephen Webb, Roger Haigh, Martin Price, and Adrian Howarth for the Satellite TV info.

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: