Newsletter #1122

As the footballing season ends, and before silly season starts, Don brings us news tonight on the return of Bischoff, the signing rumours have already begun, and there’s reaction to the Boro game, the season and international duty.

We also have plenty of opinion on the season, squad, and kits. There’s a nice piece from Dave about his City Wheels and the usual requests.

Anyone fancy penning a Why Blue now that we are in quiet mode?

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

Seeking Assistance: The Guardian broke the story on Saturday that SP had invited his former Nottingham Forest and England colleague Des Walker to join his backroom staff at City. The report claimed that “Walker has provisionally accepted the rôle, but they will not be reunited with another former City Ground luminary, Nigel Clough, who has decided to stay at Burton Albion.” Prior to his testimonial match on Monday back at Forest, Walker was being somewhat coy about this report of a potential coaching rôle. “People are jumping to that conclusion because Pearcy and I built up such a good relationship over many years,” Walker told Forest’s official website. “I’m very pleased for him that he has got the job at City because he has done a fantastic job. I’ve been and watched them two or three times and that has probably fuelled speculation. But there has been nothing mentioned. All I am focussed on at the moment is finishing my coaching badges in the summer because I would like to stay in football.” Which is just as well, because Walker did his job prospects no good at all as Tuesday’s journals attested. Walker, it was alleged, was arrested after his testimonial match for being drunk and disorderly. Walker spent the night in a police cell after the game at the City Ground. He had been arrested 5.30am after neighbours in The Park, one of Nottingham’s most exclusive areas, rang 999 to complain about his behaviour. “A 39-year-old man was arrested for being drunk and disorderly,” a police spokesman confirmed. Mr. Pearce is having a bit of bother finding the perfect assistant, because after Clough Junior’s snub and Walker’s apparent self-destruction came news of a Harford rebuff. Rotherham boss Mick Harford was the latest candidate to turn down Psycho, if the reports are to be believed. “I am delighted that Mick is staying with us but I am not surprised because I know how committed he is to the club and this job,” Millers’ chairman Peter Ruchniewicz said. “His decision is consistent with the sort of man that he is, he wants to be a number one, he wants to be a manager in his own right. This sort of opportunity being offered to Mick is not a surprise but Mick deserves the chance to be a number one and with no disrespect to Manchester City, who are a big and fine club, I feel he has done the right thing to stay in charge here.”

Europe’s the Goal: Whoever will or won’t be his number two, SP is already focusing on season 2005-06. He’ll start by visiting an unnamed European club to examine their training methods. “I am going to see another European club this weekend and see how they run things on the inside,” explained the manager. “I will looking around their training facilities and see what ideas I can take from them and bring back into Manchester City. I am not prepared to just to stay in Manchester City and say, ‘this is how we do it, this is how Stuart Pearce does it and that is good enough’. Someone a few years ago in this game explained how they send their staff into different sports to find out how those other sports do things. So with that in mind I am off into Europe on Friday to see if there is an idea or two at this club that I could bring back. It is just a flight for me but it could be the best day of the summer for me, you never know. I will approach it with an open mind and have no specific ideas on what to look for. I will be speaking to their coaches while the meeting will provide a link with the club and something might spring from there.” And he hopes an influx of new ideas off the pitch might help the team on it. And he highlighted the progress made by Everton this season. He said: “Everton were tipped to go down at the start of this season. I must admit, when I saw them in pre-season I thought they might struggle. But credit to their manager David Moyes, who has done a fantastic job at the club. They have proved that if you work hard, build on the spirit and put performances together, it can be done. There is no reason why it can’t be done at this football club.”

Thai Ties Tied Up: The Thai FA’s website has given further details of the tournament in which City are participating. The four-team tourney involves City, Everton, Bolton Wanderers and a Thai under-23 team. All games will take place between July 20-23, in Bangkok.

International Blues: Kiki Musampa’s spell with City must have been noted back home, because the 27-year old has been called up to join Holland’s three-day training camp ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers. Kiki will link up with Marco van Basten’s squad at their base in Noordwijk on Wednesday, May 25. Van Basten will name his 18-man squad for June’s World Cup qualifiers against Romania and Finland on May 27. And you suspect Psycho must be quietly chuffed that SWP has pulled out of England’s tour of the USA in May. The gaffer had recently expressed the hope that Shaun would be able to rest up this summer, and now that wish has come true. “Shaun saw our physio, Jim Webb, after Sunday’s game, and has picked up a slight injury to his right knee,” said City spokesman Paul Tyrell. And it looks like City’s representation in the game at Soldier Field, Chicago on May 28, will be limited to a goalkeeper with outfield ambitions, namely David James – Claudio Reyna will be rested, according to reports.

Transfer News and Gossip

Sunday Sunday So Good for Me: Here beginneth the rumours and guesses from the Sunday tabloids. We have two possible destinations for Danny Mills – Wigan (as per the Sunday People) or Sunderland (on a year’s loan if you believe the News of the World). SP is said to be keen to cut his wage bill in order to bring in new faces and as Sunderland themselves are not flush with cash, a season-long loan with the Black Cats is being talked about. Elsewhere, on-loan Southampton striker Henri Camara could join City next season. Camara’s registration is held by Wolves, so the Senegalese striker has suffered Premiership demotion in consecutive seasons. It’s not clear if his nickname is “Lucky”. And we couldn’t have a weekend without a fresh SWP rumour, could we fellow subscribers? Well, it isn’t so fresh to be frank – some of the Sabbath journals aver that either Newcastle or Liverpool were pursuing SWP. Oh, and Barcelona got mentioned yet again. Think again, ye pursuing pack, because Shaunie ain’t going nowhere. So says our pocket maestro. “I signed a four-year contract last August and when I signed it was with the intention of staying with the club,” said Wright-Phillips. “That is where I want to be and until my contract runs out I am not thinking of moving. It is my home. The fans have really taken to me and I think that is because I have come through the ranks. I came here when I was 16 and went from the youth team to the first team and the fans supported me all the way. I am settled here.”

Canadian Dry: Alleged City target Paul Stalteri has signed a four-year contract with Spurs to join Martin Jol’s side on a free transfer from Werder Bremen. The full back recently decided to end his seven-year association with the former German champions and a move to England was his goal. Charlton Athletic and City were linked with the 27-year-old, who conceded he received offers from other Premiership clubs.

Stone Free: Now for a couple of scraps of conjecture, courtesy of fans’ websites of other clubs. Portsmouth have released former England midfielder Steve Stone this week, so a Pompey site reckons that SP will snaffle up his former Nottingham Forest team-mate on a year’s deal. He’s certainly within City’s budget (i.e. a free transfer), although at 34 he is hardly one for the future. In other news – fancy a Leicester City reject anyone? Leicester have released young midfielder Stephen Dawson after contract negotiations stalled. The Ireland U21 international was offered a new one-year contract on reduced terms. City were rumoured to have been interested during the season (apparently), ergo he’s on his way to the COMS.

Return to Zenden: It could be a swift return to Eastlands for one of Middlesbrough’s players – City have been linked with their winger Bolo Zenden. The Dutchman is disappointed with the offer made by Boro and can move to the COMS on a Bosman (hurrah!) as his contract runs out. He said: “We are still a long way apart. If they want to keep me, they must come back with a proposal which is suitable. I played 49 of the 51 games and the fans made me Player of the Year.”

Ex-Blues’ News

Ratter Chased Out by Black Cats: We’ve recently heard Stephen Elliott saying how much he is looking forward to an MCFC reunion next season – but one player who won’t be joining him is his team mate Jeff Whitley. The former City scrapper has been a frequent member of Sunderland’s Championship winning side this term, but manager Mick McCarthy has told Jeff that he will not be offered a new contract this summer. McCarthy is clearing the decks of a number of experienced campaigners, including Marcus Stewart and Brian Deane.

Athletic Brown? Wigan Athletic boss Paul Jewell is closing in on Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown. The News of the World says Jewell has Brown high on his summer shopping list and has been tracking the midfielder since his days at Bramall Lane starring with Sheffield United.

Reactions and Comments

UEFA Gamble Fails: City’s impossible dream of a UEFA place came within a whisker of coming true last Sunday, as Mark Schwarzer saved an injury time penalty from Robbie Fowler to ensure that Middlesbrough held on to the draw they needed to secure seventh place in the Premiership. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink had given the visitors a lead against the run of play midway through the first half, but City equalized on 46 minutes courtesy of Kiki Musampa. Boro withstood quite a bombardment before SP pulled off the unexpected tactical change of the season – David James went to play up front for the final minutes of the game, as goalkeeping duties were taken up by Nicky Weaver. The gamble almost paid off, as James’ presence clearly upset the Boro defence, and lead to a handball in the area by Franck Queudrue. “I thought we had done enough to win the game,” remarked SP. “I think it was one of our better performances under me, certainly for heart and spirit. I felt as if we had lost the game and came off the pitch and didn’t know the score! It felt like we had lost. Robbie has been top notch for me in the nine games. I have always said that we will win a game and lose a game as a squad and when things don’t go right for people we all get together.” Asked what he had said to Fowler, SP replied “Join the club”, a reference to Pearce’s famous penalty miss in the World Cup semi-final of 1990. “Obviously it would have been nice to score and I’m devastated,” said Fowler. “And it will be a big test now for me to see what I can make of it. The worst thing you can do when you are taking a penalty is to change your mind at the last minute and that’s what I did. When that happens it plays havoc with you. It feels like we have lost a cup final on a penalty shoot-out.” Fowler paid tribute to the City fans. “I can’t thank the supporters enough for the way they reacted towards me at the end,” said the 11-goal forward. “I didn’t have a good start when I came here and scoring a penalty would have been a great way to repay everyone for my poor start. Hopefully I can make it up to everyone next season.”

Top Bombing: And what were Psycho’s reasons for the great switcheroo near the end? “I know it was disappointing for Jon Macken who was sitting on the bench. I thought about it last night and wondered if we were level with five minutes to go what I would do. I thought if we were going to go route one what could we do. I knew we had a six foot five goalkeeper who is fully fit. I thought if we were bombing it up front then David James might upset a few and I think he did.” James revealed that he only knew he might play up front against Middlesbrough when questioned by referee Rob Styles. The match official told the Manchester City ‘keeper to remove his gloves should he play outfield. “I didn’t know until the referee asked me before the game if I knew about the secret plan,” joked James. “I said ‘Yeah of course’ so he said ‘If you’re going to go up front take your gloves off’.”

Almost a Genius: While Boro boss Steve Mclaren was elated by his team’s result, he did admit to feeling bemused by the end-of-game shenanigans. “I couldn’t believe what was happening,” said McClaren of Pearce’s substitution. “Stuart was one moment away from being a genius. The ending was just incredible. Thirty-eight games and it boils down to one defining moment. You could not write a better script. I have been involved in some big games that have gone to the wire but I have never experienced anything like that. The emotions are incredible. It just shows what a thin line exists between success and failure.” McClaren said he had no complaints over the penalty award, admitting that when Fowler strode up to take the kick, he thought one of the most lethal forwards the Premiership has ever known would score. “I have seen Robbie Fowler in action,” he said. “If you were going to put your mortgage on anybody to score in that situation, it would be him. It is a weird feeling. One of sheer helplessness. You can’t do anything about it. You are putting your trust in the players and Mark Schwarzer ended up being the man of the moment.”

A Big Ask: There have been claims that all is not lost for City’s pursuit of a UEFA spot, although there’s some mighty big ‘ifs’ to go our way for that to happen. Liverpool have to beat AC Milan in this month’s European Cup Final, UEFA then decide to allocate the Scousers a fifth place in next season’s competition and then they have allow City to step into the vacancy left by Rafael Benitez’s men. So all I can say is – come on you Reds!

Squad News

Bischoff Back: Wolverhampton Wanderers have decided not to take up the option of signing City defender Mikkel Bischoff. New Wolves’ boss Glenn Hoddle said this week: “We have decided not to take up the option thatwas available to us as part of the loan agreement to buy Mikkel. We’d like to thank him for his hard work and we wish him all the very best in the future.” Altogether Bischoff made 9 appearances for Wolves plus one as sub.

Kiki D-Day: Kiki Musampa is playing the waiting game as he sees if SP can sort out a deal with Atletico Madrid that allows the left sided midfielder to play another season at the COMS. “At the moment I am going back to Atletico,” said Musampa this week. “I do not know anything about my future. I have a future at Atletico until 2008 and I belong to them. It is up to the club to decide which team I play for next season, although I have not discarded the idea of playing for Atletico again.” He admits that regular first team football has helped his game. “When I play a lot of games I regain my confidence and I was able to score three goals,” he said.

Five Minutes and He’s Almost There: Part of Psycho’s “cunning plan” in the last five minutes against Boro involved a welcome return to the first team fray for Nicky Weaver. Weaver, 26, came on at the weekend as a sub for Claudio Reyna, allowing Big Dave to push up front. “Seven or eight months ago I could not have imagined being where I am today,” he told the M.E.N. “I thought I might never hear an ovation from the fans like that again. I even thought I might never play again. To come on and get that reception and to be in the position I am now means it has been a great season for me. I am looking forward to next season now. A few more five minutes here and there will do me!”

OPINION: WHO STAYS, WHO GOES?

OK, so we blew it again. Blame Boro’s tactics or whatever, but we had the chance for glory and came up short yet again. Seven weeks ago, if someone had said we would be playing for a UEFA spot in the last game of the season, I’d have said you must be mad! But the facts are we did get there and but for Robbie’s poor spot kick we would have been there. Oh, if Anelka was still here we would be singing now. I know Robbie has done OK this season, but now is the time for him to go. He is way past his best now, and that missed kick has cost City millions next season. The main priority for next season is to get a top class striker.

If Arsenal don’t resign Bergkamp, he would certainly fit the bill. My opinion of the rest of the team:

James – keep
Mills – get rid
Jordan – keep
Onuoha – keep
Distin – keep
Dunne – keep
Thatcher – get rid
Reyna – keep
Barton – keep
Musampa – keep
Wright-Phillips – keep
Macken – get rid
Fowler – get rid
Croft – keep
B Wright-Phillips – keep
Flood – get rid
Sinclair – get rid
McManaman – get rid

Let’s hear your opinions City fans.

OPINION: BORO GAME I

All in all a satisfying season. In typical City style, they dangled that UEFA Cup carrot in front of us then lost it on Robbie’s last-second penalty gaffe (saw the replay a number of times… talk about telegraphing the kick!). But 8th is a vast improvement.

Now we have a manager who’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in and a core group of players who are actually loyal to the team.

If Psycho is going to get the broom out of the closet and sweep out the geriatrics, surely there must be some funds available for 2005-2006. How about buying Andy Johnson? Would provide a great partner with Robbie Fowler and he can actually score from the penalty spot!

P.S. The new Oasis album is a killer.

OPINION: BORO GAME II

I came away from Eastlands as giddy as a goat. Yes we dominated, yet failed to win. We were the only team showing any form of ambition to win or entertain. This was a crazy game, and having seen James go up front (confused? I was), it proved to be inspired tactics; every towering knock-on was god-like, that scything challenge that cropped two ‘Boro players, shear bliss, and then Robbie missing the Roy of the Rovers penalty. I should have been so deflated, especially when the ref didn’t have the nerve to award a second penalty, it looked it from where I was, but I came away floating, blood pumping, I was a child again.

This is why I love City!

I also really took to the new shirt, although I’m sure it is too close in appearance to the ref’s shirt. I’m sure I saw three passes to the ref, and these were intentional, i.e. not from Mills.

What odds Crouch from Southampton?

OPINION: THEY THINK IT’S ALL OVER

The season has finally come to an end and it did in a typical City fashion. Missing the crucial penalty in injury time that would have won a UEFA Cup place. What a shame. It was really disappointing but we have to cope with it. I think it’s better for us all to turn our heads and watching all the good things for the seasons ahead.

This one could be a decisive season for our future. At the end of the last one, I was so down. All the enthusiasm and drive from our marvellous comeback in the Premiership, well sustained by a very positive playing in the 2002-03, was nearly erased by a totally disgraceful campaign when it seems we lost all the faith in the manager, him having brought a bunch of players that didn’t settle at the brand new City of Manchester Stadium. As I wrote in the past in this newsletter, I feared City would have been the next Aston Villa/Tottenham kind of thing: no ambition, no drive, no will to really win, middle of the table material, no hope to improve at all. Yes, ok, after all the ups and downs it sounded good to establish ourselves as a Premiership side but I think that, given the size, the history and the heritage of City, it would have been unfair to be satisfied with a position like that.

The 2004-05 campaign, with the appointment of the new manager and the good performances of the youngsters, ended with a refreshment I hoped for. We do have now a really committed man as a manager. He turned the players, they were willing in the last nine games and it seems he wants to continue that way for the next season. Probably we all agree the fact KK lost his way, showing no faith in the players he himself bought and probably the players felt that.

Now we can build on a solid basis. We have got a really good defence, a central defensive duo many teams would be happy to have, fighting for the places on the backs (even if I would let Jordan and Onouha play instead of Thatcher and Mills but it’s only an opinion!). A very good goalkeeper. He should be given a chance for England again. In the midfield we possibly will miss the drive and the grit of Paul Bosvelt and that’s a gap we do have to fill. Hope Reyna will stay and most of all stay healthy! On the left flank I hope Kiki will stay even if I was reading yesterday that the only chance is to sign him on loan due to financial problems. Ok, let’s cope with it.

We have got two gems in SWP and Joey Barton. They are young, improving every season, committed to the cause. I really hope we can find a creative midfielder even if I think it’s difficult to do on Bosmans. Let’s wait and see. Lee Croft seems good. Willo Flood too. All young players, let’s give credit to the Academy! I don’t really know much about D’Laryea and Ireland, while I think we should give BWP a chance maybe as ‘fourth striker’ of the squad with more experienced forwards nearby. Fowler is one. We have to buy the others. I read about Crouch. I think he is a good player.

We should always have in mind we have no money to spend and it’ll be hard for Psycho to strengthen the squad in such a position. We should also get rid of Sommeil, Sibierski (sorry but I really don’t like him!), Macken, McBananaman, Bischoff, Negouai, Sinclair and of their wages but I do think it will be a harsh affair to do it.

Anyway I show my faith to the new manager. He deserved the job and he’s the right person at the right place. I’m sure he knows how to manage the club.

Let me take this opportunity to give my regards to you all, I hope you to enjoy your summer.

Ciao, City til I die!

OPINION: WHO’D HAVE THOUGHT IT?

Well, what a season!

When I book my hols, normally the first thing I do is check the fixture list (yes, we will be away that week and we will be on Sky, etc.). Not this time oh no, while all you people were watching Robbie miss the penalty, I was flying back from Greece tucking into mini versions of chicken, roast potatoes, and peas, followed by a little cheesecake.

I had my 1971 shirt on (I can’t stand these plastic ones they sell nowadays, give me cotton every time) and while I was waiting for my suitcase full of cheap fags at the carousel, and hoping that:

a) I wouldn’t get copped by the cigarette gestapo, while having a quick drag after a 4 hour flight (they really are sadistic b*****ds aren’t they),
or b) that the nice customs people wouldn’t choose my suitcase to open.

While I was pondering these things, this other similarly confused City supporter shouted across to me from the other side of the carousel (while also having a crafty fag) that we had drawn 1-1, and that we had missed a penalty in injury time.

My first feeling was one of disappointment; I think that lasted for about 2 and a half seconds, because then I started thinking about where we are and where the journey has brought us.

I hope Ipswich get promoted, because I think that Uncle Joe started us back on the way to being a football team again, and I would like to be amongst the many City fans to give him a warm welcome (before we stuff them 6-0 of course) for what he did for us.

I have the same feelings about KK too. I think he has been a major part of the journey, he promised us European football within 5 years while we were in the Championship/1st Division/whatever, and even though he isn’t here now, I think we might get that next year, which would be within his timescale.

Whatever anyone else thinks, my opinion is that these 2 managers gave us our pride back and also in KK’s case provided Stuart Pearce with the time and development opportunity to grow into who I think will be our manager for the next 10 years.

So, when I think about it, it’s become good to be a Blue again, we’ve got a club and a team that can achieve something, we aren’t owned by an American dwarf with a bad beard, and the main thing is, when we say we are a City fan to some Greek barman, he won’t say “hard luck mate, here, have a free shot of Sambuca”.

OPINION: ENGLAND-USA

David James will be in the England team to face the USA in Chicago on May 28th. But it’s been reported that Claudio Reyna will be rested and will not be playing for the USA.

I anticipate the USA will be playing the same kind of football as they did in their last match versus Guatemala, which was a fast passing game that became furious at times; great stuff to watch, and entertaining. For the USA to beat England would mean more to them simply because of the fact that England is a big name in football.

The game is a tune-up for the USA for their up coming game versus Costa Rica (Paulo Wanchope’s team) in the World Cup qualifier. For England it’s a kind of bonding game, in preparation for future World Cup games, and for players to show why they have been picked.

I know that it will be on ESPN TV in the USA, and I sure hope that it will be shown on TV in the UK.

The player who impressed me playing for the USA was Eddie Johnson, a striker (hope MCFC will be watching). It will be interesting to see if anyone else out there will be impressed? Of course we shall all want to see our City players do well.

My next door neighbour is an American and he is a genuine City fan, comes over here in his City shirt for all the games on TV and brings the Boddingtons. He can bring his Stars and Stripes, but I shall have my flag of St George. It will be a friendly rivalry.

Come on England!

OPINION: NEW KIT

For the record I like the new away kit and accept that the club has to do anything in its power to “market” it to its customers – i.e. us the fans. We have been only too critical of the club in the past when it was not smart enough in terms of it commercial activity. It is for the benefit of City that these things happen in the modern game – if we don’t then the club will stand still and we risk being left behind because let’s be honest, every other club is doing it. It was a surprise to see us play in our away kit but it didn’t matter did it? What mattered was that we saw the team pull its tripe out to get that last Uefa spot – in the end it wasn’t to be but I enjoyed the game.

As for the club badge, I’ve decided after all the long winded debate that I like the new one with the eagles after all!

See you next season, if not before.

OPINION: CITY WHEELS

Thought people might like to see the Mini I recently had customised.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=2126802002

For best results run slideshow. Password is mini4europe.

[Excellent Dave, I want one! – Ed]

OPINION: THE BADGE AGAIN I

The multi-faceted badge/crest/kit debate is proving to be very interesting, and I too have noticed the inherent contradictions in my own opinion. I’ve stressed the need to look forward with regards to our badge, yet I would like a kit without all of the scratch marks! So really I would be satisfied with kits that are similar to those worn during our most successful era with the present day badge on them!

To be honest I feel that now when people see the current badge they associate it with our now more stable status as an established top-flight club. I think that since we’ve only recently acquired this status it is wise to continue with the present badge as it is a symbol of our new found stability, just as the old one came to represent the sheer inadequacy of our on and off field operations and ultimately the crumbling wreck that was Manchester City Football Club at that time. Although I’ve always been proud to be a City fan, I’m undoubtedly much prouder now I have something to shout about.

I agree with the kit issue, that is if you don’t like it don’t buy it, but the fact remains that it is easier said than done for some fans. Personally, I can’t see a mass boycott happening, as too many fans are either eager to get the latest thing or want to put money into the club. I’ve always found it funny when I see how many people complain about kits, yet still buy them! However, I’m not going accept being treated like a moron, and neither should anyone else. Just because kits are aimed at consumers, it doesn’t mean that true fans should be saddled with generic Reebok cast-offs. Everything I buy from City, I buy on its own merits, not purely because of its association with the club.

Finally, can we please stop the attacks on fellow City fans? Is a Manchester City newsletter really the forum to be making personal attacks on someone’s occupation? Isn’t it a little offensive to question whether someone is really a City fan merely because they express a view that isn’t the same as yours? David Butler asks in MCIVTA 1118 ‘To those of you complaining about the design of our away kits: are you actually City fans?’ The answer to that question would be, yes David, I am indeed, as big a fan as anybody, from Melbourne to Manchester.

[Agreed Nick, no more digs at contributors please folks – Ed]

OPINION: THE BADGE AGAIN II

I’m a new subscriber to the MCIVTA newsletter (and loving it – good work) and just thought I’d add my opinion to the ongoing badge argument. I’m a lifelong Blue, but being 20 years of age I have known only heartache and broken dreams with the exception of promotions and ‘that game’ in May 1999.

I accept that the old badge is part of City’s fantastic heritage but to many City fans my age it represents the bad old days of the 90’s, and for my generation conjures images of Alan Ball, Frank Clark, Alan Kernaghan, Gerry Creaney (what were they thinking?) etc. I was at Wembley when Dickov scored the injury time equaliser and that was the first time in my life City had actually ‘won’ something and had started to go back in the right direction.

We wore the new badge that day and the day we went up at Blackburn the following year. We should celebrate the fact that the new badge is playing a part in City’s future and the best times I’ve had as a City fan have been when City have worn the new badge – I’m sure in the future it too will be a part of our heritage.

I’m also certain older City fans will strongly disagree with me but to many Blues my age the old badge was part of the dark days when City were seen by most as a joke as well as the good times of Lee, Bell and Summerbee.

Anyway, sorry to keep continuing this debate, I’m sure you’re all bored of it by now, let’s just all be proud to be Blue.

BLUE HUMOUR (OR: YOU COULDN’T MAKE IT UP)

I heard on the telly tonight that United fans are planning to wear black shirts and armbands at the Cup final.

Well, if they wear black shirts and black armbands, how will anyone know that they are wearing them? It just gets better.

And Malcolm Glazer and his son plan to run the club together when things settle down a bit. That’s double Glazing!

Ho Ho Ho.

REQUEST: DENTON BLUES

The next meeting of Denton Blues will be on Monday 23rd May, 8pm at Denton Con Club.

Our special guest for the evening is Paul Power, so we hope you can come along and join us for another excellent Q&A session.

For details on directions etc. please contact me directly.

REQUEST: US BLUES DVDS

I have a couple of (City) PAL DVDs, plus others. Since the US system is NTSC, I was wondering: what would be the best way to view these DVD’s, in North America? Any comments / suggestions appreciated… e.g.:

1. Pay to have the PAL items converted to NTSC (anyone recommend a companyin the US and its location to have this done?)?
2. Purchase a “region-free” DVD player, which will accommodate the PALformat, here in the US & play using a standard TV (anyone recommend amake/brand model machine and its supplier?)?

Thanks, and, I appreciate any advice on this.

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: