Newsletter #1114

An important and deserved second home win on the trot in a 3-0 game against Birmingham last night (something about night games against Birmingham thinking back) and now we can look ahead to Blackburn on Saturday. It was a poor first half, despite early chances and, much like Liverpool, we came out and gave a committed performance for the second half. Maybe Psycho should give the half time “pep talk” before kick-off?

We have views and news here on that and the reserves and academy performances this week amongst others thanks to Don. Also plenty of opinion on the team, the badge and the usual requests.

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

Wanted: Financial Expert… Can you name the only City fan to be convicted of a multi-million pound fraud, then to be portrayed on film by Ewan McGregor? Why Nick Leeson of course! I’m grateful to Peter Birbeck for supplying news of Leeson’s latest adventure. “ROGUE TRADER LEESON SIGNS FOR GALWAY – DUBLIN (Reuters). It took 10 years and a spell in prison, but rogue trader Nick Leeson – the man who broke Barings Bank – has finally found a new home for his financial skills: an Irish football club. Ireland’s Galway United have appointed Leeson as their new commercial manager despite a CV that many companies might find more than a little off-putting. The world’s most famous rogue trader single-handedly ran up 791 million pounds in trading losses at Barings, the UK’s oldest investment bank. The job at the first division club will be Leeson’s first since he left Barings, who collapsed as a result of his losses. ‘I have been looking for a new challenge,’ Leeson, who served more than four years in prison, told the club’s website. ‘It is inevitable I will always be associated with Barings Bank but after everything which has happened, I have moved on and I hope other people have as well.'”

Flattened at Forest: It was a case of the older you are, the worse the results for City’s Academy and Reserve sides this week. The under-16’s managed a baker’s dozen against Sheffield Wednesday, while the under 18’s could only draw 2-2 with their Sheffield counterparts. The Blues’ goalscorers were Ishmael Miller and Danny Sturridge – his first at u-18 level. Academy Director Jim Cassell was disappointed with the draw. “I seem to say this every week but we should have won easily. But while we created plenty of chances we couldn’t put the ball in the net.” Derby County provide the next opposition on Saturday. As Heidi reported on Monday, the Reserves blew their championship chances with a 3-1 reverse at Nottingham Forest. Karl Bermingham’s 25-yarder opened the scoring for the Blues, but Forest equalized after Steve McManaman gave the ball away from a City attack. The home side went in front just after half time, and made sure of the points on 80 minutes when Felix Bastian added a third. Team: Schmeichel, Warrender, Thatcher, J D’Laryea, Richards, Collins, Croft, Ireland, Negouai (Miller 58), Bermingham, McManaman (Bennett 71). Subs: Ellegaard, Lee-Matthews, Laird.

Coy Clough: The Derby Evening Telegraph report that Nigel Clough has laughed off the latest rumours linking him with the post of “Assistant to Psycho”. Apparently SP wrote in his autobiography that Clough would be the first person he would ring to be his assistant when he got a job in management. Asked to comment, Clough laughed and said “How long ago did he write the book. If he’d seen our last two games, I’d be last on his list now, not first!”

Transfer News and Gossip

Bog Standard: City have been alerted to the possible availability of Danish full back Kasper Bogelund. The 24-year-old is set to quit PSV Eindhoven this summer after failing to become a first team automatic choice, and he is eyeing a move to England or Germany. “I will consider my situation seriously when the season is over.” Bogelund said. “But my situation will hardly have changed by then and then I will probably have to look for another club. I have been here for six years and I am longing for a new challenge. I also have to admit that PSV have played excellently this season and I can’t complain to be sitting on the bench. I would prefer to join a club in England, but otherwise the Bundesliga could also be a possibility.” SP is believed to have registered an interest in the Dane, and should he be given the manager’s job on a permanent basis, may well make his move in the summer.

Paulo Come Home: It was to be expected, I suppose. Last week we reported news that Paulo “Bambi on Ice” Wanchope was finishing his Spanish holiday in Malaga. Sunday’s quality press reported that Paulo could be on way back to City, as the Blues had first option on our last no.9. SP wasn’t too sure, though. “If he has been offered to City then it is the first I have heard of it,” stated the boss. “He has not been offered to me, it’s news to me. I don’t know where that rumour has come from. I can only think it’s people putting two and two together and coming up with something other than four. Paulo has gone over there and for whatever reason I take it he now wants to leave but I know nothing about it.”

Ex-Blues’ News

Making a Killen: The Pink had a featurette on City’s former striker Chris Killen. He has endured an injury-ridden time at Oldham Athletic, but Killen is now finding his fitness and his form. He said: “It’s my most successful season, a record for me. I have had a good run of games and that has helped. I haven’t been able to do that before. I haven’t scored as many goals as I would have liked and with the chances I have had, I really should have done better. There aren’t many games left but I still want a few more. I have linked up well with Luke Beckett and we have developed a bit of an understanding. Touch wood, I can now stay injury free and really push on”, he continued. “I can’t even remember when I was last 100 per cent fit. I have had niggling groin and hamstring problems and if you are going out thinking that, something else might go wrong, you can’t be at your best. I feel good, there are no problems and it means you can play your game. Strikers live on goals and when they go in, it is a massive boost for confidence. Right now, I am feeling good and enjoying myself.”

Impeccable Elk: Nicolas Anelka has been talking about his decision to leave City, and it may not come as much surprise to learn that the Elk wanted to play Champions’ League football. “I just left Manchester City to play in the Champions’ League,” Anelka told France Football. “I just spent two impeccable seasons-and-a-half there. I scored a lot and I never had any trouble with the players and the fans. But I realised despite beautiful words, the club will not be able to play in the Champions’ League soon. I could have stayed at Manchester City until the end of my contract, but I needed to question myself and try something else. I could have come back to France, but it was out of the question. Lyon had contacts and PSG was keen to sign me.”

Reactions and Comments

Psycho Analysis: City took the lead at Fulham on Saturday, thanks to a first half tap-in for Claudio Reyna, before the home side equalised in controversial fashion, courtesy of Luis Boa Morte on 76 minutes. The home side struck back after David James had dropped a cross following a robust challenge from Brian McBride. SP wasn’t going to complain though. He said: “I’m disappointed with the result but don’t really think we were robbed. The challenge on James looked a bit harsh but I don’t complain about referees because we could benefit from a howler next time out. I thought they had thrown Tommy Lawton on with the challenge on David James,” he added dryly. “David doesn’t drop a lot and when he comes for crosses it takes a bit to knock him down. On other days it might have been a free kick. I have only seen it once and I will have a look at it again on the video.” Pearce, although disappointed with the result, was pleased with the effort shown by the team. “I thought we scrapped away well. We are on our travels and we have got a point so you have to take the positive from that. We missed a couple of chances to get our nose in front. When you do that you can win the game comfortably. Overall when the dust settles, my head stops spinning and I have a look at the video I might be pleasantly surprised. We missed the target when we should have been hitting the target and making their ‘keeper work more. But who knows it could turn out to be a very important point.”

Coleman Not Celebrating: The Sunday papers reckoned that Fulham’s point from the game was enough to save the Cottagers from relegation. Manager Chris Coleman wasn’t sure. He said: “A point was good but we’re not there yet. We’re in a better position now than we were as another match has passed where the bottom sides have not caught up with us – but we can’t start celebrating yet.” The Welshman added: “We went into half-time 1-0 down when we shouldn’t have been behind. Their goal was offside, so with Claus Jensen’s sending off at Bolton last week that’s two bad decisions we’ve had in seven days. In the second half we looked the better team but it wasn’t a great game and at times we were just giving the ball away to each other. I suppose 1-1 was a fair result over the 90 minutes.”

Twelve Foot Leap: Richard Dunne later hinted that the players had felt somewhat aggrieved at some of the referee’s decisions. “We felt through the whole game that we were very comfortable but decisions perhaps didn’t go our way towards the end,” reflected the defender. “I think David James was fouled in the build-up to their goal but that’s just the way things go sometimes. We really should have had the game sewn up by then because we missed a couple of good chances. There is no one to blame for not winning. It is a team game and we all gave 100 per cent. That’s what Stuart wants and that is what he is getting. Everyone is pulling in the same direction. We are fighting harder and we are involved in games for a lot longer.” Of the equaliser, David James commented: “The ball was 12 feet in the air but I was told the Fulham player was going for a header. These things happen,” he added philosophically.

Better in the Second: A powerful second half performance secured City a deserved 3-0 victory over Birmingham at The COMS last night. SP strengthened his claim for a permanent managerial position as his men recorded their biggest Premiership win since August courtesy of Maik Taylor’s own goal, a towering header from Richard Dunne, and a late Antoine Sibierski penalty. There were few chances during a cagey first half but the game exploded into life after 55 minutes when Fowler’s close range header went in off a combination of post and goalkeeper Taylor’s body. City had started brightest and should have been ahead within a minute – Kiki Musampa making a productive run down the left before pulling the ball back into the penalty box where Fowler’s instinctive turn and shot rebounded off an upright to Shaun Wright-Phillips who leaned back and blazed over from five yards. The gaffer, however, was not completely convinced by the team’s show, saying: “I was pretty disappointed with our first half performance. We didn’t impose ourselves as much as I hoped. But we stuck at it, produced a bit more quality and got the goals. But while the performance wasn’t the best, we can’t complain at the result. It’s easy isn’t it,” added Pearce with an ironic smile. “We have four games left and the aim is to try and win them all. If we can do that, we will just have to see where it takes us.”

Don’t Bring Me Down, Bruce: His mentor Sir Alex would have been proud of the whinging of Brum boss Steve Bruce after the game. Bruce bleated: “The game has hinged on Clinton Morrison’s disallowed goal – which was minimally offside. There is supposed to be daylight between the players and I didn’t see any. In that situation the forward is supposed to get the decision. I didn’t feel he was offside but the linesman shot his flag up and changed the whole game.” Think we get your point, Steve. “Straight after that Robbie Fowler has missed with a free header but the ball has gone in off Maik Taylor. In a way that summed up our night.” He also complained about the late award of a penalty. “You could say it wasn’t Clinton’s night,” he continued. “We felt he was pushed into the ball by Claudio Reyna. The scoreline was harsh – it was never a 3-0 but towards the end we put strikers on to try and get something out of the game, and paid the price.”

No to Euro: Just think – if City had earned a point at Spurs, and held on to leads at Charlton and Fulham, the Blues would be in the top 7 and in with a great chance of a UEFA Cup place. Psycho soon put dreamers like me in our place. “Three games ago we were just pleased to stay up and now as we expect people will say that we are near a UEFA Cup slot,” said the manager. “Myself and the football team are just trying to win every football match. That has been the criteria since day one. That is how it is and we will keep trying to achieve that for as long as we possibly can. Make no mistake, four or five games ago I was just trying to get forty points as quickly as possible. We have gone through that barrier now and we just have to keep going. If we do that you never know. I very much doubt that we will get a UEFA Cup slot to be honest about it. I am just pleased to keep winning football matches. You keep winning, results go your way and you never know what might happen!” There were flashes of great play from the Mighty Shaunie on his return to the starting line-up, although SP thinks there’s more to come. “Shaun is not fully there yet,” he said. “He has been out for a few weeks but I felt it was the right time to bring him back. I am sure he will be sharper for the game and I expect him to be better again on Saturday.” City can look forward to facing another product of the Fergie charm school on Saturday, namely Mark Hughes and his attractive Blackburn Rovers side.

Squad News

New ZZ Top! SP has pledged to push Joey Barton onto a higher level even though the Scouser already knows his own ability! After a troubled year, which included a couple of high-profile spats with KK and, most notoriously, a record six-week fine for his infamous nightclub cigar attack on young team-mate Jamie Tandy, Barton is emerging as one of the most influential players in Pearce’s squad. The Boss said: “What we need to do is get him somewhere between where he is now and where he pitches himself, which is as a rival to Zinedine Zidane!”

Stopper Stopped – Again: Whatever Geert De Vlieger’s nickname is at Carrington, it sure as heck isn’t “lucky”. The 33-year-old has suffered his second serious injury of the season, breaking a bone in his foot in training, ruling him out for the rest of the season. The ‘keeper had just completed his third comeback game in the reserves, having recovered from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in a friendly at Wolves in August.

House That for Robbie: The club website announced that Robbie Fowler had won the player of the month award this week. Fowler admits that he has not had an easy time with the Blues, but reckons the fans are now on his side as his form improves. “As a forward you go into games knowing that confidence is a big thing and it’s always better to have the supporters on your side,” he stated. “When I first came here I was getting a little bit of stick and probably rightly so, but thankfully, because I have been doing well, the fans have done a total U-turn and are on my side and that is a great booster. It is a big factor and boosts your confidence sky high. I couldn’t help have a chuckle to myself at Charlton when they were singing about my houses and when they sang Happy Birthday to me against Liverpool that was almost surreal and great to think that they are so much on my side. If you take the first five to ten games away then I am reasonably happy with the way I have played. I have had a fair share of performances, some with goals some without, that I have been delighted with. It’s fair to say that I feel I have always been capable of being a creator and a goalscorer, though the first part of that equation has perhaps been overshadowed in the past by the number of goals I have managed.” Defender Danny Warrender won the first ever Thomas Cook Reserve Team Player of the Month award, while Micah Richards won the Academy Player of the Month.

Good Ish: It was quite a week for 18-year-old Ishmael Miller. He scored for the under-18’s against Sheffield Wednesday, then grabbed a pair of goals for the reserves when he came on as substitute against Newcastle. “Ishmael is still learning the game but he is starting to take on board the messages from the coaching team,” says Academy chief Jim Cassell. “He’s almost ready to step up into the reserves permanently. We could play him in the Under-18’s next season as an over age player but he will develop more with the second team. He’s got good pace, he’s strong on his left side and he also has power and a physical presence. If he continues to improve and lives the right way then he’s got a chance.”

MATCH REPORT: NFFC 3 MCFC 1

Were you thinking what we were thinking?

Nottingham Forest Reserves 3 City Reserves 1 – Monday 18.04.05

Nottingham, Tuesday night, City’s reserves are in town, they’ve just thrashed Newcastle 5-1, Forest are in free fall and you could hardly blame the very visible contingent of City fans from having that ‘Are you thinking what we’re thinking?’ look in their eyes.

We’re talking lambs to the slaughter, a chance to see what McManaman can do, what Croft, Negouai and co have been doing for weeks and whether or not Ben Thatcher is ready for the first team. Well, we got the answers at different times during the match.

Forest kicked off and within 3 minutes, City had already had three shots on goal, one of which came when Karl Bermingham was put through in the centre by John D’Laryea and, as Negiouai peeled off to his left, Bermingham moved to the right of the distracted defenders and thumped the ball into the roof of the Forest net, 0-1. This heralded a succession of City attacks against a very nervy home side. From our seats in the main stand, we got a close up view of Lee Croft’s wing play and some excellent interchanges between him and others, notably Stephen Ireland. Ireland was City’s best player, comfortable on the ball, making space for himself, looking up and finding team mates with apparent ease. He, together with Croft and McManaman, who was making himself available all the time, kept the front two supplied in this early period. Negouai worked hard, making the most of everything he got, and using his midfield skills to work the Forest back line. The only threat to Schmeichel’s goal during this time was a determined run and powerful shot from the Forest number 10, Weir Daley. Schmeichel saved it low down near the post just as he had done repeatedly during the warm up when Tim Flowers had been thumping shots in at him.

On 28 minutes, McManaman, using the ‘Play the way your facing’ approach for the evening, thought himself under pressure and played the ball back to Micah Richards, the pass was poor and left the City number 5 under pressure. Forest’s Daniel Ekoku (Efan’s lad?) took the ball off him and set off on a twenty yard run with only Schmeichel to beat. He duly did so from about 10 yards out and Forest were level.

All the while, Thatcher had been doing his usual Psycho impression on the left and looks a good bet for a start on Wednesday against Birmingham (especially after an indifferent performance by Jordan at Craven Cottage). However, he was booked on the half hour after attempting to make good a poor Macca pass but, on a night when consistency was at a premium, Thatcher played well throughout. Forest had regained their composure by now and were profiting from some jittery play along our back line. The speedy Weir Daley picked up a fumbled ball and fired wide when he might have done better. The half finished with a good interchange between Macca, Croft and Ireland, which saw Croft in the right hand corner picking out Negouai left of centre. He swivelled to volley the shot into the ground and over the bar.

City kicked off the second half unchanged and were now under the gaze of Stuart Pearce, who had just made an appearance in the director’s box to our left. Almost immediately, City number 5, Micah Richards, jumped up with Weir Daley and was, unfairly judged to have fouled him. The resultant free kick was swung in from the right and headed back across Schmeichel by the number 9, Eoin Jess and into the corner of the net, 2-1. City got forward looking for the equaliser but Forest’s defence frustrated them with the only real chances falling to Negouai, who headed wide and to Croft, who collected a good pass from Macca and ran in along the line, SWP style, to force a corner.

A series of substitutions followed, which saw Miller on for Negouai and Ian Bennett for McManaman. He came off to a muted and uncharitable cheer at what must have been one of the lowest points of a once great career. City’s attacks were now more frantic than fluid and lacked any coherence. Miller jumped to take the ball away from D’Laryea who, if he’d shouted or, if Miller had noticed him, would have had a free header. City were stretched and nervy in defence, Tim Flowers’ booming voice could be heard around the ground, shouting ‘Get out!’, ‘Where are Ya!’ and ‘Waste!’ amongst other things. Corners and crosses weren’t beating the first man and you were thinking all it needs is one good cross and we’ll score. Forest had the same idea and an early cross from the right found Mullarkey running in on the left of the City area from where he thumped a low drive past Schmeichel. 3 -1, game over and a less than happy return to the City ground for Psycho. What will he take from it? Were the substitutions made in order to rest players for Wednesday? Probably not, although Negouai could do a job for us. As for McManaman, you’ll probably have to go to a reserve game if you want to see him in a City shirt again. Personally, I hope he gets to bow out in the final game of the season and, if he does, let’s hope the boo boys give him a break and a decent send off. The last thing we want is the press reporting the mean spirited vocal minority as the real face on Man City fans.

OPINION: THE BADGE I

In response to Graham Keller. I would love to bring back the ‘proper’ badge, mainly because to me that is City. However, I accept there is a new Eastlands generation growing up with the eagle and ‘superbia in proelia’. I have thought long and hard about this probably since the new one came out. I think the branding is symptomatic of the new seated era, where you can’t be out of your seat for more than 10 seconds, pigbag at Middlesbrough, happy clappers at the once feared St Andrews and noiseless games at the Highbury library. Not that I long for a return of fighting on the terraces – but atmospheres have long since evaporated at many of these sterile stadiums.

Having said all this, my overriding reason for bringing back the old badge would be for what it depicts. That ‘Manchester’ is clearly labelled in our emblem and our ethos, for all to see – anyone else experienced ‘who is that’ syndrome in different lands? I am proud of our City and where we come from, it has to be on any badge as it is what we represent, IMO. The ship canal offers some reference to our heritage and the red rose of Lancashire of our geography and all it entails. All these refer back to our tradition and roots. If there has to be stars to keep up with modernity, then two would symbolise our Championship successes of ’36-37 and ’67-68, to pay due homage to stars of the past, with the encouragement to make it three some time during my lifetime. That would sit quite nicely over the top of our passion.

I would dearly love to see us using the old badge again, but fear it is consigned to a time gone by. Maybe one day when I have a few million spare and can decide policy such as the badge, no sponsors on our shirts and discounted ticketing I will be able to make these dreams a reality. Until then I’ll settle for putting it on the roof of my new car – with the kind permission of the powers that be at the Bluecamp – and driving my own passion on four wheels.

Whatever you do, stay Blue!

OPINION: THE BADGE II

In response to Graham Keller’s point about the City badge, I prefer the old one and agree with Noel Gallagher’s suggestion that is it more “Manchester” when he said this in 1998:

“The last badge had a little ship on it going down the Manchester Ship Canal and the rose of Lancashire. When was the last time you saw an eagle in Manchester?”

OPINION: FORWARD COMBINATIONS AND UNDESIRABLE COMBINATIONS

I haven’t taken any coaching badges but why did Pearce play SWP up front with Siberiski? Surely SWP always needs to play on the right? If Fowler was injured, BWP was on the bench. Shaun didn’t touch the ball for 20 minutes.

Fulham’s a horrible ground isn’t it? Shame too we were sat next to a retarded father/ son combo down the front singing the place in Bavaria songs in perfect father/son time. Then the usual Polish tw*t, Dutch tw*t at the Fulham players. Don’t they realise they’re English tw*ts?

OPINION: MACKEN

Thanks to Nick Durham for his reply in MCIVTA, always nice to have a good debate.

I remember when Nico was there, and the only appearances that Macken made were when he replaced Robbie for the last 10 minutes when Robbie was “still getting used to the pace of the Premiership!”(?)

Now, we all know that Robbie has come good, and seems to have finally found some self-belief and rediscovered himself, and I just think that Jon needs to be given something like the same sort of chance that Robbie was given. I can’t argue with the 2 one-on-ones that he screwed up, but then again, take your pick: Nico? Robbie against Fulham on Saturday? The only striker we have had in recent years who could score a one-on-one was the Goat, and even he seemed to have to put it in off his @rse, elbow or some other part of his body.

I seem to remember that when Nico was injured and Macken came in, he and Robbie seemed a far better partnership than Robbie and Nico.

From my point of view, I would ideally like to see Jon and Robbie start the last 5 games just to see what they can do together, with BWP and Lee Croft getting at least 20 minutes just to gently bring them into the team (I would have added Willo, but I think he needs another year of his mam’s potatoes to bulk him up a bit).

The only point I really wanted to make was that Jon could be a Champ or a Chump, I just don’t think I have seen enough of him to be able to make that decision.

Maybe we will just have to agree to disagree on that?

OPINION: FAR FLUNG BLUES

Message to all who those ‘Why Blues’ who have contributed or who may bethinking of contributing in the future (especially those who live more than10 minutes from Maine Road) – carry on!

REQUEST: BLACKBURN TICKETS AVAILABLE I

I have 3 tickets available for Blackburn away please email if you are interested.

REQUEST: BLACKBURN TICKETS AVAILABLE II

I have a Blackburn ticket available for the City end, upper tier. Face value is £28. If any Mcvittie fan needs a ticket they can email me or call on 07841 462437

REQUEST: CITY SHIRTS

Can any Blues help in my search for the following articles?

• City Red and Black chequerboard away shirt, size Large Adult
• City Kappa Yellow and Blue away shirt as worn vs. Gillingham play-off final: Large Adult
• City promotion away shirt maroon and white stripes as worn by Trevor Morleyet al vs. Bradford: Large Adult
• City training top navy blue from last season, First Advice: Large Adult

Please send me price and condition of the shirt to my email address.

MEETING: POINTS OF BLUE

Present: Dave Miller (co-ordinator), Steve Parish (Warrington OSC), Tom Ritchie (City till I Cry), Stephanie Ferraioli (Chorlton, Prestwich & Whitefield), Sarah Rooke (Planet City), Joy Maddock, Jim Curtis, Ruth Curtis, Roger Davies (Winton), Ged Isaacs (Prestwich and Whitefield, King of the Kippax), Phill Gatenby (CSA), Phil Barber, Alex Channon (Swinton CSA), Dave & Sue Wallace (King of the Kippax).

Matters arising from last meeting with club (some to be re-addressed to club)

1. Branding at COMS. Another lengthy discussion. Dave Millercirculated a draft letter to councillors setting out the case for some moreCity branding (if a stand sponsor can have its name in lights, why can’tthe tenant?).
2. Atmosphere. General feeling that the club could do more (e.g. a DJplaying the right music, pre-match entertainment in and out of the ground).Should be a priority.
3. Away match prices. Seek update from Alistair on Premier LeagueWorking Group (within bounds of confidentiality).
4. Ticketing. (a) Charges for paying by c.c. for season tickets lost alot of the goodwill from freezing prices. Annoyance at “bullying” tone ofreminder letters for season tickets – renew or lose your seat; club need tojustify the earlier dates (i.e. before end of season). (b) The booking feefor phone bookings for individual games was again questioned. (c) Has thetime for s.t. holders to claim away tickets been curtailed, as suggested?
5. Programme sales. Still no improvement over availability of backnumbers.
6. Kit – date for new away kit?
7. Policing/stewarding – a disabled supporter leaving the Boltonmatch very early was prevented from leaving “until the Bolton coaches hadgone”.

New stuff:

1. Any news on a pre-season tour?
2. Removal of fencing round B of the Bang?
3. Supporters’ group events at COMS – an apparent misunderstanding reCSA event meant it had gone to Sasha’s.
4. Would Kevin Keegan appear at a match to be thanked?
5. Broadcast contract. When’s renewal? Despite problems with theclub’s relationship with GMR, not many wanted a change.
6. From a suggestion that there was nowhere “like Platt Lane” to meetup with friends before the game, came a proposal for a “beer tent”(marquee). However, that raised the need for toilets outside the ground.
7. Should we enter the Inter-Toto Cup? (Yes)
8. Do stewards pass on complaints about out-of-order stuff (TVs onconcourse buzzing, erratic water supply in women’s toilets – East Standlevel 2, block 207)?
9. Charity policy (e.g. assistance from the club when supporters’clubs are raising money for charity)

RESULTS

19 April 2005

Bolton Wanderers      1 - 1  Southampton           25,125
Middlesbrough         1 - 1  Fulham                30,650

League table to 19 April 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         32 12  4  0 31  5 13  2  1 31  7 25  6  1  62  12  50  81
 2 Arsenal         32 10  5  1 43 18 11  2  3 30 15 21  7  4  73  33  40  70
 3 Manchester Utd  32 11  5  0 27  7  8  5  3 21 12 19 10  3  48  19  29  67
 4 Everton         32 10  1  5 20 14  6  5  5 19 19 16  6 10  39  33   6  54
 5 Bolton Wndrs    34  8  5  4 22 14  7  3  7 22 24 15  8 11  44  38   6  53
 6 Liverpool       33 11  3  3 28 13  4  3  9 18 21 15  6 12  46  34  12  51
 7 Tottenham H.    33  8  3  5 30 20  5  5  7 11 17 13  8 12  41  37   4  47
 8 Middlesbrough   33  7  6  4 24 19  5  4  7 22 25 12 10 11  46  44   2  46
 9 Aston Villa     33  8  4  4 24 14  4  5  8 17 28 12  9 12  41  42  -1  45
10 Charlton Ath.   33  8  3  6 27 23  4  5  7 13 27 12  8 13  40  50 -10  44
11 Manchester City 33  6  5  5 18 13  4  6  7 21 24 10 11 12  39  37   2  41
12 Birmingham City 33  6  6  5 20 13  3  5  8 15 26  9 11 13  35  39  -4  38
13 Newcastle Utd   31  7  4  5 24 24  2  7  6 17 25  9 11 11  41  49  -8  38
14 Blackburn R.    32  4  7  5 19 19  4  5  7  9 18  8 12 12  28  37  -9  36
15 Fulham          33  6  4  6 20 23  3  4 10 19 30  9  8 16  39  53 -14  35
16 Portsmouth      33  7  3  6 24 22  2  5 10 13 29  9  8 16  37  51 -14  35
17 Southampton     34  4  9  4 25 25  1  4 12 12 30  5 13 16  37  55 -18  28
18 West Brom A.    32  4  7  5 14 21  1  6  9 17 31  5 13 14  31  52 -21  28
19 Crystal Palace  33  5  4  8 18 17  1  5 10 18 40  6  9 18  36  57 -21  27
20 Norwich City    33  4  5  7 25 31  0  7 10 10 35  4 12 17  35  66 -31  24

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: