Newsletter #1104

Don brings us a comprehensive round up of all the news surrounding KK’s departure, rumours of moves for some of the players and despite Pearce being given the job, those journos just will not stop putting potential managerial candidates forward.

We have a report on the reserves’ victory over Villa this week (they are in action again on Monday night vs. Wolves at MiniCoMS). There is also continuing opinion and bios on Pearce, thanks to Paul & Sarah.

There are also the usual requests and a few Keeganisms.

NEWS SUMMARY

Kee-Gone

The Statement: “Manchester City football club announces that by mutual agreement our manager Kevin Keegan will leave the club with immediate effect. We all believe that this is in the best interest of the club. Kevin has taken the club from the uncertainty created following our relegation to Division 1, winning the First Division title with tremendous style, through to the longest spell the club has spent in the Premiership. He has brought stability to a club that was very much in need of solidity and consolidation. We have witnessed the skills and talents of such players as Ali Benarbia, Eyal Berkovic and the world class goalkeeping of Peter Schmeichel. Shaun Wright-Phillips has been developed through to England international status and seven other Academy graduates have been nurtured through to the first team. Kevin’s professionalism, infectious enthusiasm and drive for success have benefited all areas of the club. The board and staff of the football club would like to thank Kevin for his valued contribution to all aspects of our organisation and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

The Press Conference: On Friday afternoon Chairman John Wardle and Stuart Pearce faced the gentlefolk of the press. Pearce had been appointed as manager – until the end of the season at least, when the club would review the situation. “Kevin and I spoke at length about what we wanted for the club in the long term,” said Wardle. “He had stated that he was going to leave at the end of next season and that point kept being brought up by the press. To cut a long story short, we both felt that in the interests of the club it would be better for Kevin to move on. Stuart has the support of everyone at this club and we wish him every success for the future.” Of Keegan, Wardle said “We’ve had a great working relationship. We were chairman and manager but friends as well and we remain friends today. When you look around this football club he’s put a lot of professionalism in to it and a lot of stability, which is what was needed. If I’d insisted, Kevin would have seen out his contract because that’s the type of person he is but this is a conclusion we both came to. He hasn’t run away. I will remember him as a good manager and a good friend who did a hell of a lot for this football club. I admire the man greatly for what he has done and take away a lot of the rubbish I have seen in the press and look at the good points. Because there were a lot more good points than bad, believe you me. And I hope he goes on to other things because today is a sad loss for football.” Pearce himself was full of praise for his former mentor. “I’d like to thank Kevin for all his hard work here but it’s now my responsibility to push this club on again,” he said. “I haven’t been waiting for this job to come along by any means. I’ve been a coach and a player at this football club but it is a fantastic opportunity for me. The staff will stay the same for the time being. It will be a sad loss for football if this is the end of Kevin Keegan. I’m the manager now and that’s where I aim to be next season and for a few seasons after that. The bottom line is I will be judged on results. As far as I’m concerned, I’m doing the job from day one and have an eye on the long term. I need results between now and the end of the season, I know that. If I can do that, it will give me a fighting chance of keeping the job on a permanent basis. I have an advantage over other potential applicants because I have been here for nearly four years now,” he said. “It is also an advantage that the chairman has known me for a number of years, as do the rest of the board. They know what I am about as a professional and as a person and that is bound to help. But the simple truth is I will be judged on results and that is the only fair way to be.” It was also reported that Pearce is expecting to be consulted on all major playing matters, including the possible retention of Paul Bosvelt and Steve McManaman, whose contracts are due to expire in the summer. He will also play a part in determining the future of our prize asset SWP.

The Reactions: Richard Dunne admitted the players were shocked at Keegan’s exit 15 months before he was due to step down. He said: “I think everyone thought he was going to stay until the end of his contract. The chairman has been talking about the stability of the club – we are an established Premiership side now and the club have been looking for that for a long time. Kevin’s left us with that and I think it’s a good thing.” And Dunne admitted Pearce already commanded the respect of the City players. “He has a lot of respect in the club – everyone thinks really highly of him,” added the central defender. Goalkeeper Nicky Weaver agreed, adding: “Stuart has been here as long as Kevin and I think the lads have got a lot of respect for him. I think he’ll do well and he would be a popular choice with the players. He has got nine games to show what he can do and we will all give him everything.” Fellow goalie David James gave an eloquent critique of the old former manager and his methods. “Arguably there was a lack of specific goal-setting,” the 34-year-old told BBC GMR. “I like to know where I am going. Unfortunately ‘top half of the table’ doesn’t really answer the full question. You need to hit a point and go for it. I have never been a manager, so it would be wrong for me to criticise entirely what was going on because I have not experienced that side of the profession but Stuart Pearce has come in and said he wants to win all nine games. As much as people always assume that, he has actually stated it. We are going in the right direction now, so it is a relief the situation has been clarified. We had been embracing more modern methods and studying more videos recently, but I am not sure Kevin will ever change as a manager. He has achieved many things in the game and he is one of the biggest personalities but management has moved on. I do not want to belittle what he has done because he brought City back to the Premiership, but it is hard to know if he will return to the dugout, given that he was talking of retirement in 2006. The gaffer did not seem as happy-go-lucky as I remember from working with him in the England fold. Everyone has always regarded him as a fun guy and, having brought me back into the international camp, I was pleased to come to Manchester City, but the job seemed to have become a strain to him.”

The Aftermath: The weekend press coverage took a decidedly nasty turn as a number of journals, particularly those in the Mirror Group, took turns at rubbishing Mr. Keegan. The first hint of implied criticism came with a piece in the Mirror, where the paper claimed to know what Stuart Pearce said in his first talk to the players as manager: “I’m not Kevin Keegan. I’m Stuart Pearce. Things are going to change around here. Training was not tough enough under Kevin but things will get a lot harder and you will all be working to a much higher tempo from now on.” The same paper claimed that the final straw for KK came when the board refused to let him sign Canadian international Dwayne De Rosario for the rest of the season. De Rosario would have acted as right sided cover for the injured SWP – but when he put his plan to chairman John Wardle it was turned down and Keegan was told he had to give the kids a chance instead. Keegan was also unhappy at the prospect of having to sell SWP this summer. The Sunday People really put the boot in, as the headline “Dinosaur Kev Was Stuck In Dark Age” indicates. The article alleged that there had been much player unrest in the camp at KK’s outmoded training methods, and that a number of the squad postponed signing new contracts in protest. The People reckoned that Psycho had an excellent chance of gaining the job permanently, quoting the chairman: “Stuart Pearce is a very professional guy. He sits with me in the stands at the games and we talk. He’s always talking during matches, noticing things and becoming involved. He’s very dedicated to football and he has really impressed me. It’s good to listen to someone who is professional and see how they read the game.” Oh yes, and it was more likely that SWP would stay now that KK had left. You pays yer money, and you takes a guess like the rest of us.

The Candidates: In the seven days since KK walked, the press have come up with eight candidates to be his permanent replacement. For those who wish to skip on and read something more interesting, here’s a quick summary: Stuart Pearce, Sam Allardyce, Alan Curbishley, Gordon Strachan, Iain Dowie, Martin O’Neill, Co Adriaanse and Paul Jewell. For those of you still with me, let’s look a bit more in depth at the contenders. The feeling is that Psycho is a clear favourite, and the Sun’s Neil Custis wrote that five wins in the last nine games would give the incumbent boss the job. Most obvious denials of interest came from Sam Allardyce and Martin O’Neill. Allardyce said: “I’ve seen they’ve appointed Stuart Pearce as manager. I’ve got enough to do here trying to get Bolton into Europe next season. Then, if I am successful, I’ll have the build up for a European campaign in the summer.” O’Neill said: “You are talking to the longest-serving manager in the SPL. Why would you ask me about this job at this stage of the season when you know we have some important games coming up? I have been asked this question umpteen times over a period of years and now I am sitting here being asked the same old questions. At some stage, if results don’t go well, you will be sitting here with someone else. I think the fans realise that I am still here at the football club. I have been asked whether I will be leaving this football club every single day since I have been here and I’m still here and I am very pleased to be here. I don’t think this has any affect on the dressing room, I just think this is journalistic spiel.” Think that’s a “no thanks”, don’t you? The Daily Mail announced that Charlton manager Alan Curbishley had emerged as a surprise contender to become the new Boss Man. Ginger bombshell Gordon Strachan got the vote from some journalists, as the Independent said Strachan has “proven experience in the Premiership and out of work since last year when leaving Southampton, whom he took to their best-ever finish in the Premiership as well as to the FA Cup final of 2003 on limited resources.” Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie has won favourable notices for his efforts this season, and Dowie, whose family still reside in the North West, didn’t quite rule himself out of the running. “It is always flattering to be linked but I cannot afford to be distracted,” said Dowie. “This is the business end of the season. Speculation happens and I cannot affect that.” Former Ajax manager Co Adriaanse has been mentioned in despatches this week. He is leaving AZ Alkmaar in the summer, having turned them into a real force on the domestic and European scene. “My challenge is abroad,” Adriaanse revealed this week. “I love attacking football, I always try to play in the half of the opponent and I want to try to prove myself that I can also bring my philosophy abroad. So I think I can also succeed abroad.” Last night’s new name on the longest shortlist in history: Paul Jewell, whose Wigan Athletic are topping the Football League Championship at the moment. And – ye gods – there are already stories linking KK with another club! Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has insisted that Keegan is not on his shortlist to replace Harry Redknapp. Mandaric said: “Kevin’s not on our list, because he only became available recently and I don’t believe he’s looking for a job at the moment.”

General News

The Return of Funny Shaped Balls: The COMS could stage a high profile Rugby League match next season. The RFL would like to stage the final of next season’s Tri-Nation Series. Last year’s final between GB and Australia took place at Elland Road Leeds, and the authorities would like to take advantage of the increased capacity of the Mancunian venue.

Villains Slain: City’s second string inflicted some damage on Aston Villa’s hopes of retaining their trophy, with a 2-0 victory over last season’s reserve Champions. Goals from Lee Croft and Christian Negouai (who returned from injury) were enough to secure the points for a young Blues side. Team: Weaver, Warrender, Jordan (Collins 64), J D’Laryea, Bischoff, Sommeil (Richards 46), Flood, Ireland, B Wright-Phillips, Negouai (Bermingham 71), Croft. Subs: Ellegaard, Miller. Meanwhile the Reserves’ fixture with that Trafford lot will now take place on the final day of the season, having originally been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The match will now take place on Thursday April 28 at Moss Lane, Altrincham.

Ireland Calling: Two City players have been called up by the Republic of Ireland at differing levels. Dunnie’s monster performances have not gone unnoticed, as Brian Kerr has brought our star centre half back into the Ireland squad, ahead of a World Cup qualifier in Israel on Saturday week. And Willo Food has been named in the Republic of Ireland U21 squad. The youngsters also face a trip to Tel Aviv for a game with Israel on Friday, March 25.

Transfer News and Gossip

Bischoff Loan Hammered: West Ham have failed in their bid to sign Mikkel Bischoff on loan this week. Manager Alan Pardew was desperate to sign a centre-half in time for Tuesday night’s Championship match against Crewe, following the calf injury to Malky Mackay. The Hammers were keen to do a loan deal for the rest of the season but Bischoff wanted a permanent move and talks have broken down. Earlier in the season Bischoff had been enjoying a successful loan spell at Wolves, until injury curtailed his stay at the Black Country club. And Stuart Pearce has indicated that Bischoff may still have a future with the Blues. “I am not ruling any player out, especially one who is young and with a good attitude like Mikkel has,” he said. “I put the loan suggestion to him because it would be a chance for first-team football. The two first-choice central defenders, Richard Dunne and Sylvain Distin, are both playing so well it will be hard to dislodge them.”

El Shaun? SWP is being linked with a move to La Liga after reports that he is taking private Spanish lessons. In the aftermath of KK’s departure from the Blues’ helm, chairman John Wardle was unable to guarantee Wright-Phillips’ future at Eastlands. The Mirror claims that both Madrid clubs and Barcelona are tracking City’s prize asset. Last week Wardle said: “We are not looking to move Shaun on but I will have to talk with Stuart if something like that [a substantial bid] happens. Financially we are not in the best shape.” This hardly sounds like a ringing guarantee of Shaun’s presence next season, although the pocket dynamo might wish to speak to his old team mate Paulo Wanchope before heading to Spain (see below).

Keeping Tabs: Kidderminster goalkeeper John Danby is believed to be attracting interest from Manchester City. Danby is highly-rated and is regarded as one of the best young ‘keepers in England. City goalkeeping coach Tim Flowers was in attendance at last week’s win over Cheltenham and Danby is believed to have been the focus of his attention. A number of top clubs are thought to be keen on Danby and City are likely to keep an eye on his progress at Aggborough.

Ex-Blues’ News

Paulo’s Probs: Former Manchester City striker Paulo Wanchope claims he was racially abused by supporters of his new club Malaga. The Costa Rican was involved in a scuffle after Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Real Betis, while he was stretching on the pitch after the final whistle. “A small group of fans came and began to make monkey noises. Those insults hurt because they were racist,” the 28-year-old said on his website. “Everything started because of one person, who started to shout all sorts of things at me through a megaphone. He said I didn’t fit in with the team, that I wasn’t worth a penny. He left but he came back with the same attitude. That ended my patience and I decided to go into the stand. I said that if he was so brave, why didn’t he say things to my face and he called me ‘stupid’ and tried to kick me in the body. I defended myself, responding to the situation by hitting out. At that moment another supporter arrived and hit me from behind and I responded to him as well.” [Thanks Matt Thomas, Robert Sleigh]

Showing Those Knockers: Leicester City featured in a prominent FA Cup tie this weekend, losing 1-0 at Blackburn courtesy of a Paul Dickov penalty. There was plenty of pre-match coverage of Leicester’s captain, one Daniel Tiatto esq. Danny reckoned he is still trying to prove his critics wrong for the way in which his Manchester City career ended. Tiatto left City last summer for The Foxes but the writing had been on the wall for the Australian since September 2002, when he was sent off for a reckless two-footed lunge on Blackburn Rovers’ midfielder David Thompson, just minutes after being brought on as a substitute. “After I got sent off that time it all started to go downhill for me,” Tiatto told The Sun. “I have a point to prove to those knockers who doubted me because I know I was good enough to make City’s first team. But Kevin Keegan thought differently. We had a few differences of opinion and he didn’t like those confrontations. I always speak my mind and hold nothing back, which didn’t go down well. That’s the type of player and person I am. I’ve spent a lot of my career proving people wrong and I’m doing it again now.”

Sheron’s Fearin’ For Future: Veteran striker Mike Sheron is looking for a new club after being released by Macclesfield Town, according to GMR. The much-travelled 33-year-old has been a regular member of Macc’s squad this season, and is keen to continue his playing career. Sheron joined the Silkmen last summer after leaving Blackpool. He began his career at Manchester City, and has been involved in three £1m-plus transfers that have taken him to Norwich, QPR and Barnsley.

Arresting Developments: Former City midfielder Steffen Karl has become the first player to be arrested in connection with Germany’s match-fixing scandal. Karl, 35, now plays for German third division side Chemnitz. He is suspected of helping manipulate the results of a May 2004 match between Chemnitz and SC Paderborn. Karl joined City on loan from Borussia Dortmund late in the 1993/4 season and scored two crucial goals to help Brian Horton’s side stay in the Premiership. He left City in the summer of 1994. He is now facing fraud and organised crime charges. Two referees have already been arrested as part of the investigation. Prosecutors are investigating a total of 25 people – Hoyzer, Marks, two other referees and 14 players – in connection with at least 10 matches in 2004.

Squad News

Seeking a Perfect Partner: “What’s the word on Blackley’s finest? He doesn’t seem to be even making the bench these days” asked Fast Andy J in MCIVTA 1103. Andy, we aim to please here, so here’s the update on Jon Macken. He has been injured, but hopes to be back in contention for the Spurs game on Saturday. “I have been out running and kicking a ball and it seems fine at the moment so hopefully I will be back for the next game,” he said. “The good news is that I haven’t torn a hamstring; it was the nerve coming down from my back that was the problem. It means that I am doing a lot of running, twisting and turning to free the nerve. I have only missed the last two games so it is not like my fitness is not there. It was disappointing to get injured but it’s not as bad as I first thought. I am remaining positive.” And Jonny wants to reclaim his place in the side playing next to Robbie Fowler. “I believe that Robbie and myself can play very well together and I believe that we have done that this season and last,” he said. “People say that if Robbie gets a partner that he can feed off then he will be even better than he is now and I believe I can be that person. I believe that Robbie can do the same for me as well. But that is there to be proven and it can only be done so if you play games together and that is what we are looking to do. Maybe the perfect partner for Robbie is here at Manchester City already and it is just a case of proving it.”

Bermingham’s Back: Karl Bermingham’s month-long loan spell with Lincoln City has ended. Poor lad didn’t get much of a chance to impress – the 19-year-old’s chances of first team action were not helped by a virus, limiting him to two appearances off the substitute bench.

The Blues Brothers 2005: So what have those Wright-Phillips boys been up to this week? First we have encouraging news of Shaun, currently recuperating after knee surgery. First team coach Derek Fazackerley is hoping that SWP might be back sooner than was first thought. “It is too early to be putting dates on his return but the surgeon was encouraged by the operation, which was straightforward,” Fazackerley said on the club website. “It could be six or seven weeks but Joey Barton came back quicker than that and who is to say that Shaun won’t do the same. But we don’t want to be rushing this injury as there is not an absolute need to push him like that.” Bradley meanwhile is hoping to impress the new gaffer in the final nine games of the season. “This is a big opportunity for myself and the other younger players,” he admitted. “Now we have to try and stay in the squad and do well when we get our chances and then keep the shirt. From that point of view training is now very important to me. I have to show the coaching staff that I am improving and working on those weaker areas of my game. I have had feedback from the coaching staff on what they think I can improve on and I have to show them that I am improving in those areas. I have been told to do the simple things on the pitch and that is what I have been finding hard to do. I can do the hard things at times but he has told me now to work on aspects of my play like keeping the ball for the team. I have been doing extra work on that and on my shooting as well and I know that I have to keep practising and working hard.”

Sinclair Sunk? Trevor Sinclair has been speaking about the serious injury that has ruled him out of first team contention since last September. “It was a serious injury. It has finished players’ careers before and it is the second time that I have had this injury on the same left knee. I had the injury first of all when I was at West Ham and came through that successfully. This time the injury was on the outside of the knee, which is supposed to be more dangerous as well. The rehab has been very time consuming and it has often been late in the day when I have left Carrington. But it is probably what I have to go through to get fit. There were a couple of occasions when I thought that the knee didn’t feel right. I spoke to Nicky Weaver and a few of the lads who have had long term injuries and it is demoralising. But you have to go through it and come out the other side to appreciate what you have and what you can still achieve.” Sinclair has set his sights on a return next season: “I honestly feel now that City fans will see the best of me. And without making excuses I have had this niggly injury for a long, long time. Whether it was keeping me out of training occasionally or just the pain in my knee it was always in the back of my mind and I think it has hampered me more than I knew. I came back last time from this operation and went to the World Cup with England and had a lot of success and am hoping to come back and make a big impact in the team.”

MATCH REPORT: MCFC RESERVES 2 AVFC RESERVES 0

City’s second string faced third placed Villa on a cool spring evening last Tuesday at MiniCoMS. This time around we had experience on our side, with Villa fielding a far more youthful team from the one which beat us 3-2 back in November. We went into this game having to win to stay in contention for winning the league, and were not disappointed.

Line-ups are below, with Jordan, Negouai, Sommeil and Bermingham returning for the Blues. City again started the stronger team, attacking from the whistle. Within a few minutes Ireland was fouled and Jordan took a free kick from the edge of the Villa penalty area that resulted in a deflection and a corner. It would appear that we are still not practising these set pieces enough, but hopefully that will be changing.

On 15 minutes Croft collected the ball from a Weaver kick somewhere back towards Piccadilly Gardens, ran down the left wing and unleashed an excellent shot from 15m out that beat the Villa ‘keeper to the top left corner of the net. 1-0 and counting.

Villa then mounted an attack (their only one this half) and fortunately Kabeya hit the ball wide as Weaver fluffed the cross, but it hardly mattered given their poor finishing. Sommeil went to ground a couple of times; not entirely sure what the problem was but as he was later subbed perhaps a slight knock.

Just before the break we had another golden chance as BWP and Negouai combined and ran completely unmarked towards goal but just couldn’t get the ball home. Half-time and 1-0 up, time for a quick coffee and warm up.

The return saw young Richards on for Sommeil, and again much of the same in terms of City attacking, but nice to see us making use of the width of the pitch with Croft and Flood down the flanks.

We were not disappointed and on 50 minutes BWP in a lovely piece of play took the ball from one of the Villa players, ran on and passed to Neggy who hit it into the right hand corner of the net. No mistakes this time and we were 2-0 up.

Neggy then almost made it a brace, but the Villa ‘keeper managed to save his header. Neggy was then replaced with Bermo, who has just returned from loan spell at Lincoln.

A good performance from the Blues, and an excellent 2-0 result, which sees us move up into third place and still in with a shout of the title.

City: Weaver, Warrender, Jordan (Collins 64), J D’Laryea, Bischoff, Sommeil (Richards 46), Flood, Ireland, B Wright-Phillips, Negouai (Bermingham 71), Croft. Not used: Ellegaard, Miller.

Villa: Henderson, Ward, Mulcahy, Stuart Bridges, Paul Green, Williams, Kabeya (Morgan 68), Osbourne, Scott Bridges (Phil Green 71), Nix, Foley.

OPINION: MANAGER PEARCE I

There have been numerous letters in various publications speculating who should be our new manager. The usual list of candidates has been drawn up. The official line of the club is that Stuart Pearce is our manager. Why are we putting forward our preferences instead of getting behind the new man in charge? Stuart Pearce is our Manager. His first actions in charge has been to increase training, something which, according to the players, needed doing.

Other comments I have read are criticizing our older players. I am the first to admit many of the older players i.e. Macca, Reyna, Sinclair have not worked out. The majority of these players have spent a lot of time on the injury list. Perhaps it is because the training is below par? A player who is not fit will get injured easily. An older player will take longer to recover.

KK was criticized for not playing the youngsters. Perhaps they are not ready for Premiership football? I am sure if Stuart Pearce thinks they are ready he will play them. I am also sure that he will not play Macca, Fowler, Sinclair or Reyna if they are not fit.

Let us start with a clean sheet. Support whoever Pearce chooses. I am sure that Macca etc. would like to achieve their former glories. If the new methods can make just one of these players reach their previous heights it will a) save us money b) give us breathing space so the youngsters can be integrated into the team gradually.

Get behind our new manager and back whatever decisions he makes. Or, as Delia says, be our twelfth man. Let’s be having you.

OPINION: MANAGER PEARCE II

Everyone keeps saying that Psycho has no managerial experience. He was briefly player manager of Nottingham Forest at the end of one season before leaving for Newcastle.

He famously did his first team sheet the night before the match and was amazed at how he felt that he had covered all angles – defence, midfield, attack. He then showed it to his wife who glanced at it and said “aren’t you meant to have a goalkeeper amongst the 11 players?”

I am sure he has come on leaps and bounds since then. Mind you, if they take to the field against Spurs without David James we will know he never showed his teamsheet to his wife.

Let’s hope that he does a great job. We all remember how fantastic the old boy was when we won the First Division a few years ago. We haven’t taken a decent corner since he retired.

P.S. Joey Barton – White Hart Lane – the match lasts 90 minutes, not 45.

OPINION: PEARCE BIO I

I have managed to glean the following from a variety of sources (with most of the info from a Nottingham Forest supporters’ website called u-reds). I hope this is useful:

Stuart Pearce – a summary of his career so far

Stuart Pearce was born in Shepherds Bush, London in 1962. He started his football career as an amateur with Wealdstone United, earning his living during the week as an electrician.

It was while playing for Wealdstone that Bobby Gould spotted him. Gould signed him for Coventry City in October 1983.

Pearce was to play 51 games for the Sky Blues before he joined Nottingham Forest in a double deal involving Ian Butterworth in the Summer of 1985. Clough’s target was Butterworth, but somehow fate stepped in and he got Pearce as well. Serendipity at its finest.

Pearce made his début for Forest at Luton Town in the opening game of the 1985-86 season. He soon made himself a favourite with the crowd through his displays of wholehearted determination and hard tackling. It was this tackling and determination that was to earn him his now famous nickname ‘Psycho’.

Pearce achieved a God-like status among the City Ground faithful. In his 12 year career at Forest, Stuart Pearce was to play 522 first team games, scoring 88 goals, many of these goals coming from penalties and his trademark free kicks.

In 1987 he won the first of 78 England Caps and captained the side on 10 occasions. One of his best seasons for Forest came in 1988-89, when he led them to the Littlewoods Cup and the Simod Cup.

He is always remembered for his failure in the 1990 World Cup, when, during the semi-final penalty shootout against West Germany he was to miss. He finally laid the ghost of Italia 90 to rest during Euro 96 when he was to take part in two penalty shootouts, scoring in both.

It was immediately after his success in Euro 96 that Pearce announced his retirement from international football.

Pearce took over as caretaker player manager at Forest in December 1996 with Frank Clark’s departure. Things started very well indeed for the new manager, seeing him get Forest clear of the relegation zone and winning the manager of the month award for January 1997.

He then became the first manager to represent his country when Glen Hoddle persuaded him to come out of international retirement and play in England’s World Cup qualifiers in 1996-97.

The club was taken over in February 1997 by the Bridgford Consortium. With the new owners came Dave Bassett, brought in to remove the more mundane administrative tasks from Pearce. It didn’t work out well, and with various reports claiming the players didn’t know who was in charge, things took a turn for the worst and Forest were relegated.

With relegation, and now 35 years old, Pearce decided it was time to leave the club. He wanted a final crack at a World Cup. With France 98 just around the corner he resigned from the manager’s job at Forest and took a free transfer to Newcastle United. His hope was to play his way into Glen Hoddle’s plans for France 98, it didn’t work out for him.

He was awarded an MBE for his services to football in 1998.

Pearce moved on to West Ham for a couple of years before signing for Man City in 2001.

OPINION: PEARCE BIO II

In response to the request in last issue – some info about Psycho, which I cribbed from Psycho the Autobigraphy – Headline.

Stuart Pearce

Born 1962 in West London. He trained as an electrician and began his footballing career at non-league Wealdstone. In 1983, Pearce signed for Coventry City and two years later he moved to Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest. Pearce played 401 games for Forest over the next twelve seasons and in 1996 he was made player-manager. A season later, he joined Newcastle on a free-transfer, leaving for West Ham in 1999. In 2001 he became player-coach at Manchester City.

Stuart Pearce made his début for England in 1987 and played 78 times for his country, captaining the side on 10 occasions. He was awarded MBE in 1998 for his service to football.

Stuart Pearce is a ‘punk’ music fan with the Sex Pistols and the Stranglers being amongst his favourites.

Info – from Psycho -Stuart Pearce The Autobiography – a very good read, gives an insight into the very honest character of someone who as obviously enjoyed his playing career, made the most of his opportunities and never forgotten those around him.

OPINION: PEARCE BIO III

I suppose it can’t get better than his own words…

Psycho: The Autobiography
Stuart Pearce
ISBN: 0747264821

OPINION: CANDIDATES

I just wanted to respond to Ahsan Naeem in MCIVTA 1103, and say that I thoroughly empathise with everything you say.

My personal feeling is, if we win 3 or 4 games out of the 9, they should offer Psycho a 2 year contract at the start of the summer. Otherwise, it’s going to look like they’re hanging on for other candidates to make decisions, which will undermine SP’s confidence and the confidence of the players in him. Nobody needs to see him as second choice – he’s done his apprenticeship at the club, and he’s earned his shot at it. Having said that, if he brings in Nigel Clough as his deputy, I deserve a shot at him, preferably with a 9 bore from very close range. Oops, in the current climate of retiring referees I should probably qualify that statement – I do not want to assassinate any of our current or future backroom staff in any way. Apart from Alan Ball. I’m joking.

I should say that while I think Psycho is a good candidate, my personal choice would be O’Neill. Then again, I think he would have been Rick Parry’s personal choice too, so why us? Perhaps he wants a club that he perceives as a challenge? He’s apparently been hinting that he’s going to move in the summer – but maybe he has the inside line that the United job is coming up… or I just wonder if, after he’s made himself the saviour of Celtic, maybe he wants the same rôle at Forest? I don’t entirely see the logic of Dowie – he only has a couple of years more experience than Pearce, and never played at as high a level. If we’re going to splash cash nicking personnel off Palace, I think we’d be better served chasing Johnson than Dowie. I think Strachan is competent when given the resources and support, and you’ll rarely see so motivated a team, but touché for Psycho. Can you see Strachan as the manager of a top 4 team? I can’t see that. And that is what we need to be aiming for if we’re looking for an alternative to Psycho.

Just my tupp’ny’orth.

OPINION: ADRIAANSE FOR CITY? I

Succesful AZ manager Co Adriaanse is reported to be wanted by City to replace Keegan. At the moment he is the most successful manager in Holland. Brought both Willem II and AZ from mid-table or lower to second places and European football; got PEC Zwolle and FC Den Haag promoted in the eighties. AZ is still in Europe and has defeated Rangers and Auxerre already and are looking to go through at the expense of Sjachter Donetsk (Celtic anyone?), the Chelski of Eastern Europe.

Several players in his team have become (Dutch) internationals. Always plays attacking football – at least 3 strikers.

Envied by many of his colleagues, known for his arrogance in the media, speaks his mind. He likes to turn around the entire club (culture) but couldn’t do his thing at Ajax (no-one can at the moment). Probably best at getting out the potential at sleeping, mediocre clubs.

His stats:
Born: Amsterdam, 21/7/1947
Career as a player: 1964-70 De Volewijckers, 1970-76 FC Utrecht
As non-player: 1992-97 Director of football Ajax, 1997-may 00 Willem II (Champions’ League), 2000-nov 01 Ajax, Oct 02-05 AZ

OPINION: ADRIAANSE FOR CITY? II

In Holland the news of Co Adriaanse being very high on City’s wish list has come out. I don’t know if this the case around Manchester, but let me give my honest and happy reaction:

Co Adriaanse is a great coach. I don’t like his personality and I don’t like the clubs he has coached so far, so my enthusiasm should count. He’s a very headstrong and sometimes typical character, always knowing best (and most) and definitely his own way of working. Both within the club as with the players and his technical staff. Including this season’s performance of AZ Alkmaar, he has really always performed very well with the teams and players he has worked. And, as far as I am concerned, one of the few Dutch (and English) coaches who can actually make a player better.

With both Willem II and AZ he has taken a relatively mediocre club and made them finish second. Both teams played very attacking football, had balanced teams, good back-ups on the bench and great perspectives when he left. After Willem II he joined Ajax, but was sacked for getting results at least two coaches after him couldn’t better and then joined AZ.

In Alkmaar he’s got a great team again. Players like Huysegems, Landzaat, Kromkamop, Matthijssen, Perez wouldn’t make City anything weaker, to make an understatement. And he might even succeed in getting Fowler’s fat percentage below Ronaldo’s.

Finally, both at Willem II and AZ he has worked with Martin van Geel as technical director, a normal construction in Holland. He’s an absolute genius in scouting, buying and selling of players. He might be persuaded to join Adriaanse, but in any case, Adriaanse has watched the master closely for years and should be able to take some talents and experiences with him. He is, in my humble opinion, the best for the position at the moment and for a couple of years with moments to come. We missed out on Martin Jol, and I realise Adriaanse isn’t that ‘big name’ either, but really, he’s at least as good as I say!

OPINION: ADRIAANSE FOR CITY? III

I don’t want to say anything against Pearce as a player or coach, but the new manager of City should be Co Adriannse, currently with AZ Alkmaar. He is leaving at the end of the season and could do to City what he has done for AZ. That is turn a good but not brilliant group of players into an efficient, attractive team that can compete with clubs with a much bigger budget and, playing attacking football, is one match away from the last eight in the UEFA Cup.

What Waterreus said about us being happy with a draw is partially true, we are all still glad that we are not in the old third division that we are willing to accept a certain level of underachievement. Patience is a virtue but sooner or later we will have to start looking up and not over our shoulders.

All the best to everyone at City and make us proud for the rest of the season.

OPINION: KEEGAN I

If Kevin had any intention on seeing out his contract, he would have had Stuart Pearce by his side, instead of the yes men, and he would have given the younger and more willing players a chance instead of the deadwood.

He would have trained the players harder, and coached them better in front of goal, and by not doing the simple and obvious things, he decided on occasions to have a go at the supporters for slagging off certain performances.

He is not a fool, but his actions show he had no real interest in taking the club forward, and past glories aside, the Bolton game proved everything; by not playing Lee Croft from the start, choosing Willo instead. It was obvious he didn’t want to win the game, ’cause if he did he would have made the right choices a man of his knowledge and experience should have.

For too long the talk has been about where we were a few seasons ago, and because of that, he used it to get away with not being honest on the training pitch; that is where the hard work is achieved.

Nice bloke, but not serious enough to win games.

OPINION: KEEGAN II

KK is gone and we can all give a good or bad opinion on his performance over the last few years. But we can’t really dislike him and he did do a few good things – Anelka, Ali B, etc.

My only hope is the when it comes to contracting a new manager, the board thinks big.

Why not O’Neill?

OPINION: KEEGAN III

Guess it has all been said by now but as they say ‘the writing was on the wall’. The last couple of games that City played, did anyone notice the outfit KK was wearing for these games – dressed (I think) all in black. Where were the City jackets / City tracksuit uniform? Guess he knew he would be leaving sooner than later (think KK would give them to me?).

Still, it has City back on the map down under in New Zealand; TV sports and newspaper stories. Even the national morning newspaper (NZ Herald) ran the Telegraph story from Gary Lineker, a full half a page of City; cannot remember if we have had so much news about the Blues before.

Had to smile regarding this part of the story, about when a match played against KK while Lineker played for Leicester: ‘I made sure I shook his hand at the end and would have swapped shirts if it had been the done thing at the time and if we had not been limited to one shirt a season at Leicester’ (how times have changed, saw a Champions’ League game last week and players were even swapping shirts at half time!).

So give Stuart Pearce a chance, good luck to him, I say. Was KK not in his early ‘forties’ when manager of Newcastle? We do not want a normal manager as ‘Strachan’ (was he not a Red, what happened to last one we had – lasted 30 days).

Nine games to see if players like Nedum, BWP, Crofty and others can make it; I think some will. Otherwise (the old City) we give them away and regret what may have been.

Thanks KK, but here’s to the new City under ‘SP’ (fingers crossed).

OPINION: PREMIERSHIP

Did I read it correctly that one of King Kev’s legacies was that this is our longest run in the Premier League?

The League hasn’t been going that long that we’d forget that 1992-93 to 1995-96 was four consecutive seasons by my reckoning.

OPINION: SONG FOR PEARCE

John Lennon and Yoko could very well have been thinking of Stuart Pearce when they wrote their song “Give peace a chance”.

So all you great City supporters get the choir going at the next games, for the new manager “Give Pearce a chance”.

Stuart Pearce is the manager; there is no vacancy at Manchester City at least until the end of this season, so let’s give him his chance and support him.

Good Luck Psycho!

OPINION: CITY GREATS

My Blue Heaven by Dante Friend is a very interesting book. A collection of 18 interviews with star City men including Alan Oakes, Joe Corrigan, Paul Lake, Uwe Rösler, Tommy Booth and Peter Barnes. The book is available from the publisher http://www.empire-uk.com/

REQUEST: SPURS TICKETS

Last gasp attempt for tickets for Spurs. Couple of people have kindly emailed to say they’re on sale at the club but was told by club it’s necessary to have various cards that I don’t have.

Need 2 tickets – can meet outside ground or somewhere in London – please call 07899 998 997 – or email.

REQUEST: MADRID BLUES VIEWING

I’m in Madrid with a large group for the weekend of the Liverpool game. Can anyone help with somewhere we might find English footy on telly in the city? We’re staying in the Salamanca District, near the Calle Serano and Castellana. Many thanks.

REQUEST: VOTE FOR CITY SITES

You can vote for the original Manchester City Supporters’ website in this year’s footballshirts.co.uk Fan Site awards.

Voting is by visiting our homepage at http://www.uit.no/mancity/ and following the link, or direct at http://www.football-shirts.co.uk/mancityfans.html and voting for Supporters’ Home Page.

Thank you.

REQUEST: CSA GALA DINNER

I’m pleased to let you know that the following people are our confirmed guests for the CSA Sportsman’s Dinner on Friday 8th April at Sacha’s Hotel:

Stuart Pearce
Mike Summerbee
Alex Williams
Tommy Booth
Neil Pointon
Neil Young
Tudor Thomas
Ian Cheeseman
Fred Eyre
James H. Reeve
Jimmy Fox – City Youth Academy
Alex Gibson – City Youth Academy
Paul Tyrell
Kevin Parker

I’m sure you will agree that the above list of names reads like a “Who’s Who” of MCFC and too say we’re pleased that Stuart Pearce has confirmed that he will be on the top table is an understatement!

So, if you were thinking of coming and now wished you’d ordered some tickets then don’t worry as we still have a few tickets left priced at:
CSA Members – £25
Non-CSA Members – £30
Table of 10 – £250
Corporate Rates – available upon request
CSA Members should contact their branch secretary.
Non-CSA Members should contact Howard Burr or telephone 0161 292 2525.

All proceeds raised will be divided equally between the Former Players Association and the City Youth Academy.

BLUE HUMOUR I

In the wake of Kevin Keegan’s sudden departure, here’s something to remember him by: a selection of his wit and wisdom this season. Thanks Kev for a good few years!

“He is now getting paid what he deserves to be paid. I don’t approve of using kids as cheap labour” – Kevin Keegan on Shaun Wright-Phillips’ new City deal.

“Though Robbie was disappointed, if he put himself in my position he might have done the same thing – though I don’t suppose he would have brought himself off!” – KK explaining why he forgave RF for his unhappiness at being substituted in the season-opener against Fulham. So the same thing or not?

“I am not going to comment on the referee because there is no point. But when a referee calls his linesmen to the left-hand side of the tunnel and asks for the police to come around him at the end of the game it suggests he may feel he is going to be questioned by players and management.” I’m not going to comment on this comment because there is no point. But it does seem a little odd to me.

“I didn’t see a lot. When Benitez learns a bit more English someone will have to tell him to sit down.” – Kevin Keegan reviews City’s defeat at Anfield. Or tries to.

“I will have to look at the video of the incidents because I couldn’t see around Mr Benitez.” KK hints to Benitez a weight-loss programme might be in order.

“The days when he is 100% he is almost unplayable and today he was near that.” KK on Anelka after the 4-0 win over Charlton. Um, surely unplayable means you can’t play the fella, not play against the fella. Does that explain Robbie Fowler?

“At 1-0 because of our experiences in this stadium we have shown we don’t know how to go on to win 2-0, 3-0, but today we have shown we do know how.” The grammar-defying KK on the same game.

“We also know as with every ‘keeper who has ever been at Manchester City in my time and a long time before they are going to make mistakes.” – KK explains why we never win anything.

“There’s a lot of flak out there but that’s nothing new. It’s to be expected. If you don’t expect it in my position, then it would be me that would be foolish.” – KK before Crystal Palace. And if we expect it, does that make our manager wise?

“We’ve got one or two players who can hurt Arsenal; they’ve got 11 who can hurt us.” – KK before the Arsenal match. I know Arsenal are an attacking team, but for Jens Lehmann to be scoring goals is a bit much.

“Unfortunately only results can save a manager. Saying something cute doesn’t work.” – KK after the Southampton match. Or else we might be challenging for the title huh?

“I think everybody is behind Arsenal right now.” – Uttered when Arsenal were five points ahead in October.

“We defended really well. That’s very unlike my teams, I must do something about that” – Kevin Keegan says after the victory over Chelski. He did, too. The next match City lost 4-3 at Newcastle.

“When you play against those two, you think: ‘I’m not sure about them,’ but it’s a different matter when they’re on your side” – Keggy on Danny Mills and Ben Thatcher, City’s pair of full backs.

Explaining the small squad: “We have got Sun Jihai who can play in three positions, and Shaun Wright-Phillips who can play anywhere but goalkeeper.”

Reported in the Observer in November, date of utterance unknown: “Robbie Fowler has been scoring goals like that since before he was almost born.”

“It was a big step for Joey at Portsmouth because he has shown a maturity that he hasn’t always done. He didn’t want to get involved in the silly things that can detract you and we have been telling him that for a year.” – KK after the Portsmouth match. And before the Christmas party.

“Liverpool need a striker but although two and two might look like four, it could also be three or five.” – Keegan shows off his mathematical ability.

“And [Anelka] has really got to want to play for this football club. At the moment people are doubting that but I am not one of those people.” – So why bring it up, Kev?

“The one McManaman missed was very similar to the one Rooney scored from. Steve was there to miss it is what you have to say in situations like this,” said KK after the derby loss. Dang it, where are the players who are there to score it?

“I would like to see through the full five years but if my chairman comes to me tomorrow, next week or next month and says we don’t want you to see the last year out, there will be no problem with me,” said Keegan, after the Bolton loss. “I will shake his hand, wish him all the luck in the world and be gone.” Who would’ve known?

BLUE HUMOUR II

Some Classic Keegan quotes:

You get bunches of players like you do bananas… though that is a bad comparison.

Argentina won’t be at Euro 2000 because they’re from South America.

People will say that was typical City, which really annoys me. But that’s typical City, I suppose…

By the end he [Asprilla] was knackered-o. I think that’s the Spanish for it.

They’re the second best team in the world and there’s no higher praise than that.

One of his strengths is not heading.

He’s using his strength and that is his strength, his strength.

My father was a miner and he worked down a mine.

If I had a blank piece of paper there’d be five names on it.

Hungary is very similar to Bulgaria. I know they’re different countries…

I didn’t see a lot. When Benitez learns a bit more English someone has to tell him to sit down.

England have the best fans in the world and Scotland’s fans are second to none.

Against France we’ll have to be at our best both technically, tactically and spirit-wise.

You can’t do better than go away from home and get a draw.

We deserved to win this game after hammering them 0-0 in the first half.

I don’t think there’s anyone bigger or smaller than Maradona.

He [SWP] is now getting paid what he deserves to be paid. I don’t approve of using kids as cheap labour.

The 33 or 34 year olds will be 36 or 37 by the time the next World Cup comes around, if they’re not careful.

Maine Road was a great football stadium but as time moved on it stayed where it is…

Chile have three options – they could win or they could lose.

Gary always weighed up his options, especially when he had no choice.

The tide is very much in our court now.

The Germans only have one player under 22, and he’s 23.

You don’t get two chances at this level, or at any other level for that matter.

He can’t speak Turkey, but you can tell he’s delighted.

Batistuta is very good at pulling off defenders.

There’ll be no siestas in Madrid tonight.

It’s understandable that people are keeping one eye on the pot and another up the chimney.

England can end the millennium as it started – as the greatest football nation in the world.

I know what is around the corner – I just don’t know where the corner is. But the onus is on us to perform and we must control the bandwagon.

They compare Steve McManaman to Steve Heighway and he’s nothing like him, but I can see why – it’s because he’s a bit different…

In some ways, cramp is worse than having a broken leg.

Should Al-Fayed get a British passport? 1000 per cent yes.

The good news for Nigeria is that they’re two-nil down very early in the game…

Despite his white boots, he has real pace…

That would have been a goal if it wasn’t saved.

Goalkeepers aren’t born today until they’re in their late 20s or 30s.

The substitute is about to come on – he’s a player who was left out of the starting line-up today.

The ref was vertically 15 yards away.

Sir John Hall was a multi-millionaire when I came back to Newcastle. With all the players I’ve bought, I’m trying to make him just an ordinary millionaire.

Football’s always easier when you’ve got the ball.

People still have the concept of one big bath, but the way forward hygiene-wise is single baths.

It’s like a toaster, the ref’s shirt pocket. Every time there’s a tackle, up pops a yellow card.

I’d love to be a mole on the wall in the Liverpool dressing room at half-time.

I’m not trying to make excuses for David Seaman, but I think the lights may have been a problem…

The game has gone rather scrappy as both sides realise they could win this match or lose it.

I’m not disappointed – just disappointed.

There’s a slight doubt about only one player, and that’s Tony Adams, who definitely won’t be playing tomorrow.

I came to Nantes two years ago and it’s much the same today, except that it’s totally different.

We managed to wrong a few rights.

It’s my job not to get beheaded.

I’ll never play at Wembley again, unless I play at Wembley again.

Sometimes there are too many generals and not enough people waving to the generals as they walk past.

A tremendous strike which hit the defender full on the arm – and it nearly came off.

That decision, for me, was almost certainly definitely wrong.

Danny Tiatto is not going to make a mistake on purpose.

He’ll also be very dangerous from set-pieces. That means he’ll be a threat from free-kicks and corners in the final third of the field.

He’s [Shaun Wright-Phillips] got a heart as big as his size, which isn’t big, but his heart’s bigger than that.

The problem in our country is that we use hindsight as our judge. When she [Margaret Thatcher] was in power, there were a lot of good things done, but people will always pick out bad things. She was a good lady.

RESULTS

15 March 2005

Chelsea               1 - 0  West Bromwich Albion  41,713

League table to 15 March 2005 inclusive

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F   A   GD Pts
 1 Chelsea         29 11  3  0 26  3 12  2  1 28  6 23  5  1  54   9  45  74
 2 Manchester Utd  29 10  4  0 26  7  8  5  2 21 10 18  9  2  47  17  30  63
 3 Arsenal         29  9  5  1 39 17  9  2  3 28 15 18  7  4  67  32  35  61
 4 Everton         29  9  1  5 16 14  6  5  3 18 16 15  6  8  34  30   4  51
 5 Liverpool       28  9  1  3 23 10  4  3  8 18 20 13  4 11  41  30  11  43
 6 Bolton Wndrs    29  6  4  4 17 12  6  3  6 20 22 12  7 10  37  34   3  43
 7 Middlesbrough   29  7  5  2 22 14  4  4  7 21 25 11  9  9  43  39   4  42
 8 Charlton Ath.   28  7  2  4 21 15  4  5  6 11 23 11  7 10  32  38  -6  40
 9 Tottenham H.    28  6  3  5 27 19  5  3  6  8 12 11  6 11  35  31   4  39
10 Aston Villa     29  8  3  4 23 13  2  5  7 11 24 10  8 11  34  37  -3  38
11 Newcastle Utd   28  7  4  4 24 21  2  6  5 16 23  9 10  9  40  44  -4  37
12 Manchester City 29  5  5  5 17 13  4  4  6 17 19  9  9 11  34  32   2  36
13 Birmingham City 29  5  4  5 17 12  3  4  8 14 25  8  8 13  31  37  -6  32
14 Blackburn R.    28  3  7  4 16 18  4  3  7  9 18  7 10 11  25  36 -11  31
15 Fulham          28  5  3  6 16 21  3  3  8 17 25  8  6 14  33  46 -13  30
16 Portsmouth      29  6  2  6 19 19  2  4  9 12 26  8  6 15  31  45 -14  30
17 Crystal Palace  29  5  3  7 15 13  1  5  8 17 32  6  8 15  32  45 -13  26
18 Southampton     29  4  9  2 22 19  0  3 11  8 25  4 12 13  30  44 -14  24
19 West Brom A.    29  3  7  5 13 21  0  5  9 12 29  3 12 14  25  50 -25  21
20 Norwich City    29  3  5  7 23 31  0  6  8  6 27  3 11 15  29  58 -29  20

MCIVTA FAQ [v0405.02]

[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. The Fans’ Committee has been relaunched as “Points of Blue”. It has appeared on the club website as a minor entry under “Fans Zone”.

[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: