Newsletter #1065

A disappointment of a game on Wednesday, which was memorable for some barmy formations and substitutions. The main news this week is the much deserved and long overdue OBE for Bert Trautmann.

Other news from Sarah, match views on the reserves and the game against Arsenal and plenty of other opinion, requests and updates.

NEWS SUMMARY

Blackout for City vs. Norwich: City’s Premiership clash with Norwich on Monday could be the first to be hit by a national newspaper coverage blackout. The papers’ owners are refusing to accept demands that digital publishing of match photos is subject to a 2 hour time delay and that up to 75% of revenues from fantasy football competitions is returned to clubs. If the dispute with Dataco, the company representing the Premiership and Football Leagues, isn’t resolved by midnight on Sunday, then journalists from national papers could be banned from football grounds around the country.

Old News is no news! Kevin Keegan appears to have started the rumour mongering again with a comment to Sky TV’s Premier League programme: that he is considering his future options ‘I am coming to the end of my time as a manager in this country. Maybe there will be something somewhere else for me in the future. But you never know. I have enjoyed every minute of [my career].’ City officials stressed Keegan was not planning to depart any sooner than was expected. Club spokesman Paul Tyrrell said: ‘Kevin Keegan has made it abundantly clear that he will see out the remaining 19 months of his contract at City, which finishes at the end of the 2005-06 season’ However, when have the press ever let facts get in the way of a good story? Speaking of which… it’s a safe bet that the rumouring about KK’s departure will continue after his comments at St James’ Park. Kevin Keegan, who made outspoken comments about the referee after Manchester City’s defeat by Newcastle, is 2/1 favourite with William Hill to be the next Premiership manager to depart his club. ‘Having already hinted that his time as a Premiership manager is limited and now making controversial comments, some may feel that Keegan may be planning to move on sooner rather than later’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Anelka ‘Unhappy’ again! Although he is reportedly happy at City, it seems that the whispering is starting again about Anelka’s wish to play for a ‘big club’, oh and also for his country. However, Nico claims there is no dispute between him and France coach Raymond Domenech. Anelka has had a history of fall-outs with coaches both in club and international football but since the turn of the year has indicated his interest in returning to the national side. For now though it seems that the City front man is content to keep scoring for his club and to wait for the call-up to come. And, if it doesn’t, it seems that Nicolas will respect Domenech’s decision.

SportCity Take 2: City are setting up a second superstore at JD Sports in Ancoats retail park. Stocking goods from the ranges that have previously only been available at the Superstore, this venture would be the first City @ JD Sports venture for the club. The new venue has been chosen because of its close proximity to the ground and because many fans go this way to matches. If successful, the Club will look to expand into other JD Sports stores in the North West.

Sheron secures points for Macc: Former City striker, Mike Sheron, now at Macclesfield Town with formet City manager, Brian Horton, scored the only goal in Macc’s 1-0 win over Oxford. It was the first goal that the 33 year old has scored for his new club, since joining in the summer from Blackpool.

The Ref Dunn atrocious! KK was none too happy at the end of the Newcastle match, feeling that City had been on the end of far too many poor decisions – a fact that cost the club the match. Keegan was scathing in his post-match comments, feeling that the refereeing had not been strong enough and full of mistakes, an opinion that he shared first with Steve Dunn and then with everyone else. ‘He got too many decisions that made a major impact on the game wrong’ KK reported that he has expressed a wish that Dunn looks again at the game and analyses the decisions.

It Ain’t What I said, It’s the Way That I Said It… KK has been charged by the FA for his comments, not those post-match media comments, but with a breach of FA Rule E3 for abusive and/or insulting behaviour to the referee following the match. He has until 9/11 to admit or deny the charge, but is reported to be writing to Steve Dunn to apologise, not for what he said but for the way in which he expressed it.

D’Laryea next to step up to the squad: City chief KK has added Academy midfielder, Jonathan D’Laryea to his squad, and the 19 year old made the trip to Newcastle, though he didn’t feature on the bench. D’Laryea has scored successive goals in the last 2 reserve matches and has been brought in in response to his impressive performances and City’s worsening injury crisis. The youngster also played in City’s Carling Cup fiasco yesterday (see later).

Wattereus to keep Cup match: City’s Dutch ‘keeper, Ronald Wattereus, who made his début against Barnsley, will again keep for the Blues in the Carling Cup (so that was all of two matches then!).

Pearce looks to future beyond City: Stuart Pearce is reported to have applied for the vacant Leicester City post.

Bischoff asks to stay away: On loan defender Mikkel Bischoff is keen to extend his loan spell at Molineux, where he has helped Wolves to two wins in five days, against Derby & QPR. The youngster is gaining valuable match practice at the Midlands Club and wants to stay a further month to continue his progress. Reports on Wolves’ website today suggest that Dave Jones will be given money to buy the defender should City agree to sell him.

Senior players – you’re having a laugh (but KK didn’t find it funny): Kevin Keegan was none too pleased with the senior players in yesterday’s squad that was knocked out of the Carling Cup by Arsenal’s youngsters. Speaking after the match, the Boss said “We asked a few of the senior professionals to help the youngsters out, but in the end it was the other way round”. City’s inept performance helped Arsenal look better as we ended our cup run with a very poor performance.

OPINION: BERT TRAUTMANN OBE

The Queen has been pleased to award an Honorary OBE to Bert Trautmann, the former Manchester City goalkeeper. Trautmann, a former German POW who won the hearts of City supporters in the 1950s, is being honoured for his ongoing work to improve British-German relations. Thousands still remember him in Manchester as the goalie who played on in the 1956 FA Cup Final despite having a broken neck.

This award comes just before The Queen’s State Visit to Germany from 2 to 4 November. Bert Trautmann will be invested as an honorary OBE (Officer of the British Empire) by the British Ambassador, Sir Peter Torry, at the British Embassy on the 1 November.

Mr Trautmann will be a guest of The Queen at a Reception and Gala Concert at the Berlin Philharmonie on 3 November. He will be joined that evening by the current Arsenal goalkeeper, Jens Lehman, who is following in Trautmann’s footsteps as a German goalkeeping star plying his trade in English football.

Event at the age of 82, Trautmann has not finished his work for UK-German reconciliation. He has just launched a new body, the Trautmann Foundation, aimed a promoting British-German understanding through football.

Background:

Bernd (Bert) Trautmann is a former German paratrooper who served on the Russian front. After being captured by the British in 1945 he was interned in a PoW camp at Ashton, near Manchester, where he showed his skills in football matches between camps.

After the war, he played for St Helens Town before joining Manchester City in 1949. Fans were not happy. Season ticket holders threatened a boycott and the club was bombarded with protest letters. 40,000 people went on the streets of Manchester and demonstrated against the signing of the former German soldier. Despite this difficult start, Trautmann soon won over the City fans with his brilliant goalkeeping and went on to earn great respect amongst the British public through his strength of character and undoubted skills.

In 1956 Trautmann captured the public’s imagination when he broke his neck during the FA Cup Final but completed the remaining 15 minutes of the game in goal. His heroics ensured Manchester City won the final 3-1. Trautmann subsequently became the first foreign “Footballer of the Year”. Leading footballing contemporaries such as Sir Stanley Matthews, Jackie Milburn and Tommy Docherty have described Trautmann as one of (if not the) greatest goalkeepers ever. Trautmann remained committed to playing football in England, even though he knew this would disqualify him from playing in the German national team, for which he would otherwise have been first choice goalkeeper.

Trautmann’s final appearance for Manchester City – a testimonial game in 1964 – attracted 60,000 well-wishers. After his career as a player, Trautmann used his footballing skills for a further 16 years in development projects in, e.g. Burma, Ghana, Liberia and the Yemen. Trautmann remains a regular visitor to Manchester. Trautmann’s life-long commitment to football in Britain and worldwide, and his ongoing links with the UK have made a significant contribution to British-German reconciliation, which alone deserve official recognition.

Trautmann’s work is not finished. Aged 82, he has just launched a new body, the Trautmann Foundation, aimed a promoting British-German understanding through football. It will celebrate sportsmanship; support social research projects and promote exchange programmes between young and amateur players from the two countries. The enormous goodwill enjoyed by Trautmann in both Britain and Germany coupled with the fact that Germany will be the focus of world football as host for the World Cup in 2006 should ensure that Foundation gets off to a successful start.

MATCH REPORT: MCFC RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2

City’s winning run came to end on Tuesday night after both teams fielded very young sides to accommodate their first teams playing the following evening in the Carling Cup. Goals in each half from Jamie Tandy and Karl Bermingham were not enough to continue the six game winning run as Everton had gone two-one up in the second half, from a brace of goals from their leading scorer, James Vaughan.

City went in front after only ten minutes when good inter play around the box led to a well centred cross being met by Tandy, who had timed his run well to get in front of the defender and head past Iain Turner in goal.

City had most of the possession and created a few chances but could not make them tell. Indeed, Everton nearly drew level on twenty six minutes when a powerful free kick from Eddy Bosnar was only parried by Kasper Schmeichel into the path of Vaughan, but he could not keep his shot on target.

The second half saw Everton came out with much more purpose. The purpose told when a cross into the box was not dealt with and Vaughan came in at the far post to shoot past Schmeichel.

City twice came close from Bermingham when he was played through by Stephen Ireland on both occasions but both attempts fell kindly for Turner in goal. Everton nearly took the lead in a carbon copy of the free kick in the first half when a Bosnar strike was only parried and yet again Vaughan failed to find the target.

Everton did take the lead though on seventy eight minutes when City allowed substitute Victor Anichebe to get a good, low cross in from the left and Vaughan ran in at the far post to drive the ball over the line.

City equalized from a long throw in on eighty two minutes from Danny Warrender, immediately after Everton had made a substitution. Danny found Bermingham, who wriggled past a couple of defenders and just got enough contact on the ball to see it bobbling under the body of Turner and into the goal.

City searched for a late winner but tired legs were too heavy to be incisive enough. City play Bury next week in their second of four Senior Cup matches.

City: Schmeichel, Warrender, Williamson, Bennett, N D’Laryea (capt), Collins, Croft, Ireland, Berminghan, Laird (Miller 70), Tandy (Grimes 80).
Not Used: Timms, Lee-Matthews, Richards.

Everton: Turner, Wynne, Wilson, Bosnar (capt), Fox, Harris, Fowler (Anichebe 46), Phelan, Vaughan (Vidarsson 82), Hopkins, Seargeant (Boyle 46).
Not Used: Lake, Wright.

Att: 863.

As it was such a young team, I decided against giving ratings. I will though point at the coaching staff for not looking at the record book of results when we play Lee Croft up front. It has always been poor, and for them to wait until the 70th minute to introduce Ishmael Miller was futile as most of the team were tired and so couldn’t give him the service that Croft had in the first half and wasted. The sooner they wake up to the fact that even though Croft will produce some nice tricks, he’ll rarely produce that final ball more than once in a game; as a winger you need to do it far more often than he does. This is his third year in the reserves and other players have overtaken him – it’s time to push him aside to let others through.

MATCH VIEW I: MCFC 1 ARSENAL 2

Poor? Understatement of the century. Last night was one of the worst games of football I have ever seen. And let’s take nothing away from the Arsenal “C” team. For a bunch of kids, they did the best they could, and hey, even managed to win the game. We on the other hand, were for the most part absolutely abject. I have seen poor performances before, but last night was so poor it was bordering on surreal.

Let’s start with the very few positives. Nedum Onuoha looks like he has all the attributes to make a good player. He was quick, good in the air, strong in the tackle, but most importantly, extremely composed. He kept it very simple and that is all you can ask from such a young centre half. Certainly I can see now why Bischoff has gone out on loan to Wolves. He’s looked okay there from what I’ve seen on Sky, but Nedum definitely looks to be the much better prospect (err, didn’t we pay a pretty decent fee for Bischoff though?). The other positive was the performance of Willo Flood in the first half. He terrorized the young Arsenal left back. Had the better of him for pace, had the better of him for skill, and had the better of him for commitment. And it looked our most straightforward route to goal. So what does our esteemed manager do? Sorry, forgot about the manager and his tactics…

The tactics, or lack of, were laughable. First half I saw SWP playing up front on the right, up front on the left, and in the centre of midfield. At the same time Willo was moved from right wing to left wing, presumably to give Arsenal’s left back a break, as he was having a torrid time. And Sinclair was moved to the right. Oh,yeah, and Sibierski moved from centre midfield to up front. These changes seemed to come after City had had their best early moves. Maybe it was a game plan we went into the match with, but it clearly didn’t work, and did nothing but disjoint an already disjointed team.

The worst part of last night’s expensive experience at Eastlands? Robbie Fowler and Trevor Sinclair. Two experienced Premiership players, with plenty to prove to an awaiting crowd, and the perfect opportunity in a bunch of kids as the opposition. Admittedly talented kids, but still kids. So what did they do. Absolutely nothing. Fowler looked rubbish. Absolutely f**king rubbish. A disgrace. He lacked hunger, he lacks ability, and last night, worst of all, he lacked desire. Not once when he received the ball did it look like he was going to do anything other than fall over it. Please, please, please. Get rid of him (I didn’t see the free kick he accidentally scored, as most of us in the stands were half way home not long after Arsenal’s second goal). Sinclair. Well, see above. Exactly the same as Fowler. Maybe had a little more desire, but sadly, still lacked any ability. These guys are not going to get any better. They are past it and frankly, look like they are just collecting a pay check. Utter rubbish IMHO.

As I’m sat here this morning I’m mulling over where this leaves us. A wise man said to me last night, “don’t worry, it’s only the milk float cup”, and in some ways I can accept that. What scares me is that the same problems we seemed to have throughout the last two seasons are probably worse now than they were then. We still don’t have a left sided midfield player. We still don’t have a strike partner for Anelka. We still don’t have a playmaker from midfield. Our squad is not only small, but devoid of much genuine footballing talent. And the talent we have was not bought for big money (with the exception of Anelka), it’s home grown talent. When KK leaves us, what will he leave us with? What will his legacy be?

Back to the beginning, if the players simply cannot be motivated enough to beat the Arsenal “C” team in front of twenty odd thousand of their own fans, make up your own mind as to whether changes are needed fast.

MATCH VIEW II: MCFC 1 ARSENAL 2

The evening started well enough – we arrived early, took the chance to visit the Museum only (we’ve done the tour a couple of times) but the boys wanted another go at the ‘commentary’ (one of the interactive exhibits) and we were lucky enough to bump into Colin Bell, who gladly signed autographs. However, we were a little concerned at the lack of experience in the side (before the match) and a little perturbed that we had paid £25 per adult ticket (£10 for children); were we going to be watching City’s reserves?

However, when the match started that concern turned to dismay. Where were the team from Sunday (yes I know a couple of players were injured); what had happened to Distin? Without Richard Dunne alongside him he was positively mediocre. Was that the same Robbie Fowler? He was hopeless, missing chance after chance (I didn’t see his goal as I, and three quarters of the rest of the fans, left as soon as Arsenal scored their second goal!).

Trevor Sinclair – now please don’t tell me how much he loves City – he can’t possibly be a fan and turn in a performance like that. Ball control? Not a chance – I have seen 5 year olds head the ball better than he did yesterday.

SWP too looked distinctly uncomfortable in the rôle of striker and kept returning wide (where incidentally Willo Flood was playing his socks off).

Another thing that really baffled me was the way that players kept swapping position; one minute Flood was on the right (where in my opinion he should have stayed as Arsenal’s No.39 was fast and aggressive), next Trevor Sinclair was paired against the aforementioned – or he would have been if he could have kept up! Also, then Sinclair was subbed for Negouai, who scarcely had time to make an impression before he was off again and Jordan was on. Did I miss an injury?

Anyway, it was dire – the youngsters did reasonably, particularly Flood and Onouha, but the rest of the team (perhaps Robbie & Trevor would like to refund my ticket price, because I for one, object to paying wages to two players who couldn’t be bothered!)?

Then, to add insult to injury, listening to 606 on the way home, we heard how Newcastle were encouraging youngsters to attend their match by offering them £5 tickets. City have such a lot to learn, both on and off the pitch.

MATCH VIEW III: MCFC 1 ARSENAL 2

This was really a reserve match; Arsenal were fielding only 3 players I had heard of before (Cygan, Fabergas and Pennant) in a side who’s average age was 21. City, apparently through injury, were missing a number of regulars (although listening to 606 phone in on the way home you’d think this was the first team based on Arsenal and Spoony’s comments!). City therefore started with Waterreus, Thatcher, Distin, Onuoha, Mills, SWP, D’Laryea, Flood, Sinclair, Fowler, Sibierski, SWeeP starting up-front with Fowler and with a number of promising reserves on the bench including, Jordan, Negouai, BWP, McCarthy. So it was going to be interesting to see some of the reserves get blooded further, KK tinkering with the system and what Arsenal reserves had to offer.

The game on the large part was played at a relative relaxed pace; only in flashes did a cup-tie atmosphere seem to spark. The first half saw City have the lion’s share of possession and carve out a few chances to potentially take the lead, with Flood and SWeeP providing most of the ammunition. Arsenal on the large part looked uninspirational and largely unthreatening.

As the second half wore on City chances and creativity dried up and Arsenal’s confidence and belief visibly grew (this also coincided with the introduction of Quincy on the left who was very quick and direct). A warning sign was shown when van Persie had a goal disallowed for handball (seemed harsh from the replay later on TV) and it was no surprise when Arsenal took the lead, a flowing move ending with Van Persie slotting the ball past Waterreus (the move was worthy of the Arsenal first team). City then pressed for an equaliser and really should have had one when Fowler was put through with the ball to his left foot and he opted to pass across goal when the ball was begging to be smacked into the goal. The result: Arsenal went down field and a substitute who’s name I’m not even going to attempt to spell curled a nice effort past Waterreus. City had time for BWP to win a free-kick on the edge of the area for Fowler to whack a free-kick into the top corner in the dying seconds (why oh why couldn’t he do that for his opportunity at 0-1!).

No match ratings today but a few points I noticed…

Of the three reserve starters (Flood, D’Laryea, Onuoha), Flood was the most impressive; he had a tenacious game and looked to go forward every time he got the ball.

Onuoha had a relative solid game and performed well, D’Laryea seemed pretty lost and didn’t really impose himself on the game (it was also nice to see Distin take the three new starters aside for an additional pep-talk after the huddle!).

Of the Arsenal players, the man who stood out was van Persie (especially in the second half where he really started to influence and drive the midfield), he looks like one to watch and was most certainly Man of the Match (I would have gave City’s MOM to Flood or SWP). Smith and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, both on the left, also caught the eye.

Fowler – surely he’s on borrowed time? I am not a Robbie knocker (in a lot of reports last year I had a lot of praise for Robbie), but his confidence looks shot, he missed two or three good opportunities (a couple were half chances but class strikers score with half chances), but how long will we continue to give him a chance when it costs the club money the more games he plays? BWP looked much more threatening and a better alternative. Still hope he proves us wrong against Norwich and will always support him whilst he’s on the pitch.

Sinclair – Awful performance when played on the left, but then KK but him on the right (swapped with SWeeP for the last 10 minutes of the first half), and up front in the second half before giving way to BWP – looked a different player when he wasn’t on the left, he was much more positive and creative! Why play him on the left?

Disappointed that Sibby didn’t take more of the opportunity of starting in central midfield; wasn’t bad but equally wasn’t great.

Negouai’s and KK’s reaction when the sub got subbed – I think he was complaining about a hamstring and KK asked why he didn’t warm up properly, again a shame considering Gavin’s reserves reviews you’d think he’d really prepare for his chance to impress.

OPINION: ARSENAL EYE VIEW

Apparently, there was a note posted on the away dressing room saying “No pizza or soup beyond this point”

It’s the little things that count in football.

This is why Manchester City are a great club and Manchester United are a second rate plc.

OPINION: THE BEST?

So we got beaten by Arsenal’s kids (admitted very good kids), and this begs a question of two.

Was this the best team we could put out? If not, why not, and is the gap between the Arsenals and the rest of us widening? And is this gap to do with better management, both football-wise and club-wise? Or do we need to off-load some of our overpaid, under achieving players? Kevin Keegan was embarrassed by the performance, but will he do anything?

Oh the joys of following City, another rollercoaster ride again this season.

OPINION: OLD ENOUGH TO DO BETTER

From all accounts the senior players let City down badly against a youthful Arsenal team. City had the opportunity for a cup run, which was badly needed by the club.

The positives from the game will be that the youngsters had some first team experience, and from it City will have a better knowledge of whom to extend contracts to and keep them for City’s future.

The negatives have got to start with Sinclair; I hope he never puts another City shirt on ever again – he has proved to be a waste. It was four days since City played the game at Newcastle, time for senior players to have recouped their energy for the game against Arsenal, but it appeared that some looked tired and never took to this game with enthusiasm. No wonder KK was upset by their performance.

We can only hope now that City will have a good run in the FA Cup, but Kevin please don’t say we can win the FA Cup, just one game at a time. Kevin Keegan’s passion could win us the FA Cup, but unfortunately all the players do not show that for every game, it has become evident.

All players senior and young have got to work together for City; against the Gooners this did not happen, for the future it must happen.

Come on you Blues.

OPINION: VIEWS, OPINIONS AND THE STATE OF THE GAME

I always look forward to and enjoy reading McV and would like to comment on a number of things that cropped up in Monday’s edition.

Firstly it was nice to read that Steve Parish has taken on the rôle of taking the Fans’ Committee forward. Steve Knott has done an excellent job over quite a number of years and in my opinion it is only right he moves on now that he is employed by the club. Under Steve Knott’s guidance the Fans’ Committee has probably been the most democratic institution within the club, where any supporter can raise any issue and have it taken forward to the hierarchy at the club for further discussion.

Steve Parish is a different personality and I for one feel confident he will move things forward his way. I know from previous experience that Steve Parish is a committed Blue with many an interesting story to tell, especially when he is a guest at supporters’ branches. If you’re reading this, Steve here’s an open invitation to visit Swinton again to talk all things Blue and promote the Fans’ Committee.

Moving onto Dave Wallace, editor of KOTK, I share the view that he is a top bloke. I first met Dave when I formed the Swinton Branch of the CSA back in 1996. Dave and his equally top wife Sue were born and bred in Swinton before moving out to the sticks. We in Swinton rate Dave and Sue highly and it is our privilege to have them as Honorary Life Members of our branch. I’m saddened to hear that Dave receives criticism for his appearances on Sky TV and giving his opinion through various sources in the media. As Dave says, it is the media who approach him and not the other way round. I suspect one of the reasons the media continue to contact him is simply because he is interesting to listen to and talks a lot of sense. It is for that same reason that many supporters’ branches invite him to talk to members and ask him questions. I’ve invited Dave along to Swinton several times but he’s never asked me if he can come. Regular readers of KOTK will know that contributions offer all shades of opinion as indeed McV does.

When I’ve heard Dave speak or read his comments, he has never once assumed to speak on behalf of all City supporters, he simply answers questions and puts his own view or opinion forward.

Since I became Chair of the Centenary Supporters’ Association (CSA) 2 years ago, I have occasionally been approached by press and radio for a comment, which I’m always ready to give. However, any comment or opinion I give is entirely my own. I would never pretend to speak on behalf of the CSA or any other group of City fans. The most likely reason people like Dave and I are approached by the media is because of the positions we hold, our phone numbers are published and that we usually try to oblige.

It is my opinion that Dave, as editor of KOTK, fan on the board, guest speaker at many supporter branches, work with the JBs plus lots of other un-sung work he does for the club and supporters, is almost above criticism. I feel that those who have criticised him perhaps need to have a look at themselves, compare themselves to Dave and take it from there but that’s just my opinion.

Mike Bains invited opinions on Bosvelt and Macken, well here’s mine. I’ve always considered Bosvelt to be a quality player but because of the weight of opinion against him I’ve wondered if I’m out of touch and kept my gob shut. He has always struck me as being an excellent reader of the game and extremely good at breaking play up with some good interceptions. This season we are seeing more of his passing abilty with a hand (or should I say foot) in several of the goals we’ve scored. The main crticisms of him that I’ve read and heard is his lack of pace – well compared to Bobby Moore Bosvelt’s quick. It seems to me it’s taken Bosvelt a while to adjust to the demands of Premiership football but now that he has we are seeing a quality player.

With regard to Macken I’m still holding onto my judgement. He does seem to trouble defences more than Fowler, e.g. the Chelsea game, but strikers are judged by their goal scoring rate and on the evidence so far can anybody be convinced he is better than Fowler?

Can I add a few further thoughts on Thatcher? I must confess on watching his early performances for City I thought KK had lost the plot in signing him but recently I must put my hands up and say Ben is doing the business for us. KK usually knows what he’s doing and should be congratulated on such an astute signing.

That’s all for now and I look forward to reading all the various opinions in McV.

OPINION: DEUTSCHE BLUES

The Ex-Blues in Germany update.

Michael Tarnat yesterday scored his second goal (a header, his first one was a 35-meter shot…) for Hannover 96. He plays a nice season, not his best one, not his worst. Something like the last one for the Blues. Hannover is surprisingly in a top five position now.

Niclas Jensen plays only for the bankrupt Dortmund side, when other players are injured and he at the moment is not… Dortmund has a really hard time in the Liga because of financial problems, which are excuses for the players for bad matches. They won yesterday in Berlin but lost nearly all home games (in front of 83,000 home supporters every game) and are near the relegation zone. In the past, they did the Leeds thing, buying players with the money from the Champions’ League (no international football in Dortmund for 2 years now) for the next 5 years or so and the man with the bill is now coming.

Now to Daniel van Buyten, the guy we wanted to have in our team after he saved us last year. He plays for my less-loved team of Hamburg; by the way also a team with financial problems (like City). Daniel is having a really bad season, Hamburg is in the relagation zone, out of the Cup and the manager lost his job last Sunday. Bad defending, DvB causes nearly every second goal they got, not a player for our actual first team. The defence is not our problem this season. In this form he is a player for the Rags or for Hamburg, which I’d really like to be relegated 😉 but don’t even cry a tear for him.

Thank you guys for reading my “german” English until now. I’m still German, but a Blue!

OPINION: FOWL-UP?

Robbie,

Please tear up your contract and leave Manchester City, you know and we know it would be best all round, leave with some dignity, stop taking the p**s.

Kev,

Can understand why you bought him but I’ll never know why you gave Leeds that last £500,000.

OPINION: DUNNE GOOD

Having attended the Newcastle game on Sunday with our best friends who are Newcastle season ticket holders, one comment they made stood out.

Richard Dunne, what a transformation; in the second half he kept pace with Bellamy, 12 months ago that was unthinkable, they were impressed.

My wife and I thought McManaman had a decent game and Fowler certainly looked fitter. To be sat in a box with 10 Geordies was testing but in the final 10 minutes of the game they said City were the more likely to score, which made us more gutted than ever conceding a soft goal with 2 minutes to go!

Stick with it City, there are 10 teams worse than us, so top half of the Premiership is realistic.

REQUEST: TICKETS FOR POMPEY

Blues fan over from sunny Perth (OZ) for 5 weeks desperately seeks 1 or 2 tickets for the away game at Pompey, my last chance to see a real team in action before being banished back to the land of “footie”, please help?!

OPINION/REQUEST: DANISH AND TURKISH VIEWING

I will be in Copenhagen for a work conference in mid-November and will be staying on for the weekend afterwards. I was wondering if any Denmark-based City fans can give me some pointers on where to watch football while I’m there?

The Portsmouth versus City game on Saturday November 20th is a live Sky game, kick-off at 17:15 UK time. Where would be the best place to watch this in Copenhagen city centre? Does anyone fancy meeting up for a few jars to watch this?

Also, I would like to take in a Danish league game while I am there. I see that both Kobenhavn and Brondby are playing at home on the Sunday 21st. Which would be the best game for a City fan to pick and should I order tickets in advance?

I will be staying in a hotel next to the Central Station so should have easy access to public transport.

I have just returned from a weekend holiday in Budapest where a few of us went to see Ferencvaros – or Fradi as they are more commonly known – take Lombard Papa FC to the cleaners 5-0. Our local guide would have preferred going to Ujpest because (he told us) Fradi are considered the United of Hungary. Unfortunately Ujpest were away last weekend.

The number 53 for Fradi, Adem Kapic, looked quite handy. A no-nonsense playmaking midfielder who controlled the game against admittedly woeful opposition. The 29 year-old Slovenian international might be worth a look in the January window if our injury worries have not eased by then.

The number 20 Rosa Denes was a good defensive midfielder but I doubt he would last the pace in the Premiership. The number 9 up front Alexsander Bajevski was a real handful and would have bagged a hat-trick if the ‘keeper hadn’t insisted on taking the penalty for the fourth goal. Kapic was the player who impressed the most though.

The price to get in to Fradi was only five pounds. A Ujpest season ticket costs about thirty pounds. When Birmingham are charging a third more than that for just one match, there is no doubt where the value for money is to be found!

REQUEST: NORTH MANCHESTER TRAVELLING

Anyone out there with a spare seat on transport to home matches? I’m trying to organise something for my elderly mum (nearly 80) who lives in north Manchester, between Middleton and Rochdale. She’s not yet got a season ticket, so it wouldn’t be for every home game. If there’s anyone who could help on a case-by-case basis, who’s not into granny-bashing and who stays to the end of the match (!), please get in touch and we can begin the vetting procedures! Not sure if mum is quite willing to share a minibus with a load of drinking songsters, mind you!

Either that, or if anyone has good contact details for either Middleton or Rochdale supporters’ branches, and I can try there.

REQUEST: NEW YORK BLUES VIEWING

Our next league match will be shown live on Monday November 1st at Nevada Smith’s, 3rd Ave and 11th St.

If you’re in or near New York, leave work early or take the day off and watch the match at the proper time of day (3:00pm).

REQUEST: KINKY VIEWS (NOT THAT SORT)

We are looking for fans’ views, stories and memories of Kinkladze whilst he was with City. This is due to be compiled for a book we are currently working on. If anyone has anything they want to share, please email me direct.

REQUEST: POLLING TIME

After last night’s game (us vs. the Arse) and the number of young guns that played, I’ve decided to let my youth vs. old heads poll roll over to November. As I can only update the poll while I am at work, the poll for December will be for December and January. Do you fancy one of the following (and this is where you do some work!). If you fancy any of the following email me with the following info: which poll you fancy and your choice for the poll e.g. (3) Quinny, or (9) This one!

(1) The best manager we’ve ever had.
(2) The worst manager we’ve ever had.
(3) The best buy we’ve every made.
(4) The worst buy we’ve every made.
(5) Who should take over when KK goes.
(6) The worst ground ever visited.
(7) Best ground ever visited.
(8) Have you settled in to CoMS?
(9) The most pointless poll you ever voted in.

I’ll set the new poll up on the 1st of December ready for all you to test out your new PC’s and laptop that you will get for Chrimbo.

Well children when you hear the bell, turn over your papers and start the exam ;O)

REQUEST: BLUES BOOK

Low, Highs and Balti Pies. Manchester City Ruined My Diet

Written by London Branch member Steve Mingle, this book (published by Tempus Publishing Limited £9.99) recalls 100 City matches with humour, passion and suffering known only to City fans. A must have for all City fans but especially for London Branch members, you will love this book.

REQUEST: AAG

I am totally for the new Fans Committee, and agree that it has to be run by the fans. But my only concern is that it’s midweek and fans with a view cannot attend, due to circumstances and travel etc.

I do believe having a fans’ meeting in the morning at a venue near the ground, a couple of hours befors kick-off, would be easier for fans to attend and they could then make it part of their day.

In response to Dave Wallace, I totally respect and understand your comments on Sky reports and there was no malice intended; i just used it as an example. I also understand your decision not to stand for chairperson. Thanks for the positive feedback and I welcome your support; your input would be crucial, as would all fans’.

If there’s not enough intrest after a certain time or a lack of support for this movement then we will shelve it. So even when you read this, and you live a million miles away or are a bit sceptical, please, please, please send us an e-mail and some feedback.

Will people involved in supporters’ clubs please mail us; we need to contact you and hear your feedback and see what ideas you have. Our e-mail address is <actionmcfc(at)excite.com>

This isn’t a movement against the club, it’s just to join up us all under one body and organise a louder voice with a wider input from all fans.

When will we stopped being priced out of the game?
When we protest against the F.A. to act on behalf of the fans.
When can we choose to have a choice of safe standing?
When the F.A. are made to listen.

The game we love is changing right before our eyes, help get it back, or sit at home and turn on Sky.

RESULTS

League table to 27 October 2004 inclusive

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

MCIVTA FAQ [v0405.01]

[1] 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

[2] What are MCIVTA’s publishing deadlines?

Deadlines for issues are nominally 6pm, Monday and Thursday evenings bu email. Unfortunately we cannot accept email attachments.

[3] 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.

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

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

[5] 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).

[6] 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.

[7] 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/.

[8] 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/.

[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/.

[13] Where can I find a list of City-related websites?

Try Wookie’s Lair: http://www.wookieslair.com/modules.php?name=Web_Links

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: