Newsletter #1132

The new season takes a step nearer as the fixture list is published. There’s still no definitive news on signings but the rumours continue. We also have news of ex-Blues young and old enjoying success this summer.

Some good opinion tonight on the finances, marketing, takeover targets and the usual requests.

NEWS SUMMARY

General News

Top Brass Gather: The Executive Committee of UEFA met last week at the COMS, with the major issue being security at European matches. This follows the abandonment of the AC Milan/Inter game in April after Milan ‘keeper Dida was struck by a flare thrown by the crowd. Inter were ordered to play their next six European club competition games behind closed doors as a result of the disturbances, with the last two under a probationary period of three years. In addition, the Italian club were fined £200,000. The Committee discussed whether UEFA should impose tougher sanctions in the event of any further occurrences of a similar nature.

Citycard Correction: Just to let you know – in the latest edition of “Citynews” (the mag that goes out to Citycard holders and to members of the International Supporters’ Club), the wrong telephone number has been printed for renewing membership. It should be 0870 062 1894. The number printed actually puts you through to an office in London, who must be getting a bit browned off by now getting calls from City fans (thanks Ken Corfield for alerting us).

Fixtures Out: Can it be the new season already? It certainly feels that way as today saw the release of the fixtures for season 2005-2006. The computer has been fairly generous to City in the opening games – August sees the Blues take on WBA (at home, Aug. 13th), Birmingham (away, 20th), Sunderland (away, 23rd) and Portsmouth (home, 27th). The games with OT Red Sox occur at their place on September 10th and we return the favour on January 14th. The season finishes with a visit to Ewood Park to play Blackburn on May 7th. Some fixtures will of course be chopped and changed for Sky’s benefit. [You can find the fixtures at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/fixtures.asp?sublid=First+Team&lid=Statistics – we’re not printing them here because those obviously underfunded people at the PL pursue us for money – Ed]

Transfer News and Gossip

Distin to Stay: There’s been plenty of gossip and tittle-tattle flying around about our players this week, with most column inches devoted to our captain. The same suitors as last week were mentioned as possible Distin destinations, namely Aston Villa and Everton. Villa were the first to come-a-knocking again at City’s door – the News of the World thought that Villa were ready to make an improved offer of £7 million for Distin. That flyer crashed down to earth within 24 hours, as Monday’s Mirror announced that David O’Leary had given up hope of landing Sylvain. But this was because Everton were back on the scene. Distin’s agent, Willie McKay, was quite open about it. “Everton are interested in signing Sylvain,” McKay told Sky Sports. “Bill Kenwright and John Wardle have spoken to each other about Sylvain. A lot depends on the price as I know Everton are speaking to another player and although it is clear they like Sylvain, they may decide to go for a cheaper alternative. Sylvain is currently away on holiday in Guadalupe and we will discuss things when he returns, but a lot depends on what happens with Shaun Wright-Phillips if they sell him or not. It is down to John Wardle and Stuart Pearce what happens with Sylvain.” And so the papers did a bit of “two and two equals four” thinking, and came up with the Toffees making a bid of cash plus Marcus Bent (remember him, last week’s target for Psycho?). That price of £7-8 million was putting David Moyes off however, and he was moved to comment that: “Distin is a good player but £7 million is a huge sum of money for a central defender.” And lo, Mr.Mckay looks like being proved right, because it looks like Everton have gone for a cheaper alternative. On Tuesday, Everton were reported to have agreed a £5 million deal for Udinese’s Denmark international central defender Per Kroldrup. The powerful 25-year-old was a key figure in Udinese qualifying for the Champions’ League after finishing fourth in Serie A last season. And in a neat completion of the circle, Aston Villa boss David O’Leary is chasing Everton skipper Alan Stubbs on a free transfer from Everton on a two-year deal. This is because Villa have been put off by City’s valuation of Distin. Everton are happy to let Stubbs leave after signing Kroldrup. Could this be an end to this Sylvain speculation?

Kick Start on Jay Move: It is believed that West Ham and City are keen on offering Jay Bothroyd the chance to stay in England. Bothroyd is back at Perugia after ending his loan spell at Blackburn at the end of last season. Blackburn have indicated they will not be taking up their option of signing the former England Under-21 international on a permanent basis. Bothroyd saw his time at Ewood Park interrupted by injuries that prevented him from holding down a regular place in the side. The 22-year-old is believed to be keen on staying in England rather than returning to Italy and the news has alerted a number of clubs. Bothroyd, lest we forget, could have won the award for the most pointless sending off of last season, during Rovers’ visit to Norwich last November. Bothroyd was trying to shepherd the ball over the line near the corner flag, when he decided he didn’t like the attentions of the Norwich defender jostling him – so turned round and booted the player. Unsurprisingly, a red card swiftly followed. Let’s just hope he’s matured in the last seven months.

Get Bas: Panathinaikos midfielder Angelos Basinas is poised to make a decision on his future this week. The 29-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs including City and Marseille. With Greece bowing out of the Confederations Cup, they played their final fixture against Mexico in Frankfurt on Wednesday, and Basinas is now in a position to decide where he will be playing his football next term. The combative member of Greece’s successful Euro 2004 side has alerted English sides with his battling qualities in midfield.

Wish List: On Wednesday, the Guardian neatly tied together a number of strands to produce the following picture. Here goes. SP has drawn up a list of transfer targets, and the top two on the list are Peter Crouch of Southampton and Marcus Bent of Everton. The only way Psycho can bid for these players will be if either or both of City’s saleable assets are flogged off. That means either SWP or Sylvain Distin must go. If no such funds become available, then Pearce’s fall-back position is a move for Mamadou Bagayoko of Nantes, who would not cost a fee.

Palmi Perused: True to his word, SP has visited Iceland to watch 20-year-old midfielder Palmi Rafn Palmason in league action. Earlier this year, the player trained for a week at Carrington, and at the time the gaffer said he wanted to see him in competitive combat. Pearce watched him in KA Akureyri’s 1-1 draw with rivals KS. “He did reasonably well when we had him here for a week,” acknowledged Pearce. “I always fully intended to have a look at him playing for his club. As much as you can bring players in and have a look at them in training to give you some base line idea, you have to see them in matches.” KA are coached by Toddy Orlygsson, a former team-mate of Pearce’s at Nottingham Forest.

Le Mans Race for David? It was nice to see the Evening News catch up with the story we broke last week, under the headline “Blues ready to offload Negouai”. As we’d said, Standard Liege and Sturm Graz were said to have been interested. Elsewhere, French First Division side Le Mans are thought to be chasing defender David Sommeil. Since joining City from Bordeaux in January 2003 for £3.5 million (those were the days!), Sommeil has played 33 times for the Blues, and made only a single appearance last term. The newly-promoted French side see Sommeil as an ideally experienced defensive bulwark for the new season. The “Big Ben for London” rumour has resurfaced, by the way. Ben Thatcher almost joined Fulham in January, but now the Sunday People reckons that Charlton and West Ham United are after left back Thatcher. Oh dear, more SWP speculation. Both the Star and the People said that John Wardle had slapped a massive price on Shaunie, should Chelsea come a-calling. Depending on which tome you read, Wardle wants either £20 million or £22 million for little Shaunie. According to The People, the deal could be done by July 1, and would represent Chelsea’s biggest outlay of the summer.

Pegguy Lu, Now You Know Why Stu Feels Blue: City’s hopes of signing Marseille striker Peguy Luyindula seem doomed after the player and the president of the club insisted he will stay in France. Luyindula bagged 10 goals for l’OM last season and SP was impressed when he checked out the player’s form.

Ex-Blues’ News

Whitley Watch: Last Friday’s Metromagazine contained a feature on Jim Whitley, the former City Reserve player and brother of Jeff. Jim, currently a player at Wrexham, is also a talented artist, and has been commissioned by City to paint portraits of former City greats, as well as current players like SWP. Limited edition prints of the originals will be on sale in August, via City’s new retail website. Jim has painted many footballers, including Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney (who they?) – and most of the subjects like to purchase the finished work. “A lot of big footballers have got large rooms, which they dedicate to themselves, a bit like shrines,” said Whitley. “they have their memorabilia – shirts, pictures and portraits. The only player who didn’t want his portrait was Peter Schmeichel; he said he just wasn’t into all that” (thanks the Talisker Kid). Jeff, meanwhile, has signed for Cardiff City. At 26, he has been released by Sunderland just over 2 years after leaving City. He played a key rôle in the Black Cats’ promotion last term and was manager Mick McCarthy’s first signing when he took over at the Stadium of Light two years ago. Whitley is now Dave Jones’ first signing as Bluebirds’ chief.

Asa the Ross Boss? Asa Hartford has thrown his hat into the ring for the manager’s job at Scottish Division One club Ross County. The vacancy was created by the sacking of veteran boss Alex Smith. SP deemed that Asa was surplus to requirements last month, and was replaced by Steve Wigley. Former Hearts’ boss John Robertson and ex-Red Steve Paterson are other contenders for the position, with Robertson said to be in pole position. He has retained a home in the area and his partner still lives there. However, Hartford insists he has the experience to compete. He said: “I’m out of the game and trying to get back in. I still have family in Scotland. Although I’ve spent my career in England, I would be happy to go back for the right job. I’m looking at anything interesting in coaching or management because that is what I enjoy. I have had offers of chief scout or European scout, but I’d prefer to stay on the coaching side. I have only just lost my job at Manchester City, but I’m looking at anything that comes up, either in England or Scotland.”

Shuker Stays: Chris Shuker ended weeks of speculation over his future by putting pen to paper on a new 12-month contract with League One side Barnsley. The Tykes’ Player of the Year last season had been linked with moves to Tranmere Rovers and Oldham Athletic, but has delighted Barnsley boss Andy Ritchie by committing to the Oakwell club. “We’re very happy he’s signed,” Ritchie said. “I wouldn’t say they were protracted talks, Chris just wanted what was best for himself and he’s been away on holiday for a while. We know what Chris has got. He has bags of energy and is exciting to watch and he works very hard for the team. You know you’re going to get that every time he’s on the pitch,” Ritchie added. “He’s the last piece in the jigsaw and now we’re a bit more settled and can get ready for what we hope will be a promotion push.”

Goat Appeal: Shaun Goater used that august organ, the Sun newspaper, to plead with his current club Reading to pay up what they owe on him, and to let him continue his career. The Goat, you may recall, has made 49 appearances for the Royals – and if he plays a fiftieth time, Reading have to pay up an extra £50,000 to City. Clearly they don’t want to shell out the extra payment, because big Shaun hasn’t played in the first team since last December. Thirty-five year old Goater said: “The £50,000 is between the clubs. I’m convinced I can still do a job.”

Reactions and Comments

Worthy Trip: The King of All Geordies has been extolling the virtues of the Academy’s recent visit to Bermuda. Apart from playing the national team, the Boy Blues also got a chance to coach local kids. Dennis Tueart thinks that a lot of good will come from this tour. He said: “It was an excellent trip. The one thing that we have seen in the last three years is the general improvement of the local kids coming on the course. It was there for all to see. The Academy kids relished the responsibility and it all helps towards them getting coaching badges in the future. They have to take responsibility and give all the instructions themselves. They have all come a long way. I was really impressed with Kasper Schmeichel’s attitude. He was more mature in that week than I have seen in the whole of the last year. He, like the rest of the lads, is developing all the time and the signs are good. If he can keep progressing like that, who knows what might happen, particularly with there being four ‘keepers out of contract next season.” He added: “We have had a lot of corporate support over the year to make this happen and I cannot thank everyone enough for backing the Academy. There is going to be more of an onus on producing young footballers in the next few years rather than going for transfers and it is encouraging to see that our Academy is thriving. We need to stay ahead of the game.”

Another Trophy! City are the Masters of the Universe. Well, not quite – they are Masters of the North West, after winning the regional heat of the Seniors competition. The squad, featuring such luminaries as Mike Stowell, Ian Brightwell, Steve Redmond, Tricky Ricky Holden, Wayne Biggins and the Simpson kids, Paul and Fitzroy, triumphed in the deciding fixture, against the Stretford Reds. The game finished 2-2, with City’s goals coming from Biggins and Simmo (Paul). The Blues were leading with seconds to go, but were pegged back by a long range effort by Andy Ritchie. So it went to penalties, and Denis Irwin’s kick, saved by Mike Stowell, clinched City’s 3-1 shot out win. “The standard of the goalkeeping was unbelievable and I thought I was the worst here!” said Stowell. “So, it was about time I earned my corn at some stage.” Paul Simpson meanwhile used the tournament as a trial of his fitness, as he considers whether to keep playing for Carlisle United, where he is player-manager. “It was a good test for me and I came away feeling good with no pain in either my knee or my calf,” said Simpson. “I thought the hard surface would find me out if I was still struggling but I had no problems. I’m still not absolutely certain I’m going to play on but I feel fit at the moment and if that continues through pre-season, I’d like to be involved, even if it is at a reserve level. I’ve been training for around three weeks now, doing a lot of running, although I haven’t really kicked a ball except for when I’ve been messing around with the kids! But playing in the Masters was a benefit as I’ve done a bit of ball work now and I’m still feeling in decent shape.”

Squad News

Sun Set on Future: The club website has confirmed that Sun Jihai has made a full recovery from his cruciate ligament injury, and will join the squad for pre-season training. Sun was injured last October during Chelsea’s one and only Premiership defeat, but can now look forward to the pre-season friendlies. City also announced that Sun’s work permit had been renewed, following his new contract with the Blues.

OPINION: RIPE FOR TAKEOVER?

I, like all City fans, have been following the boardroom announcements about debt, the lack of it or indeed the weight of it and its impact on our manager’s ability to improve the squad.

I have read many comments in the last few weeks from contributors to MCIVTA asking why, if we have so much more revenue, are we still unable to spend some on players.

Can we not see the wood for the trees here?

Are we all so blind to the possibility that our club is in fact being readied for a change of ownership that we fail to spot the obvious?

The first clue should be that on the one hand we are told that “the club’s debts are structured, manageable and controlled”. Therefore, the ‘business’ is a healthy one.

Second, the message is that the debt is so great that the club cannot, acting reasonably, jump headlong into the transfer market and mortgage the club’s future in a Leeds United style suicide.

We are all heartened by the fact that we have a board capable of running such a large business, unlike the Swales era, and we are no doubt all frustrated but grudgingly accepting of the logic of a few lean years to guarantee a healthy future and all its possibilities.

What wonderful PR this could be, but for the fact that City fans have seen a lot worse and are always on the lookout for the signs of wear and tear in ‘our’ club’s business plan. By nature, we can spot a crock of the brown stuff through fifty feet of fog.

So I suggest that the board are openly controlling the spending and yet bullish about the debt situation to ready any potential investor’s rôle as the saviour of our immediate dreams.

Enter Mr Thai Businessman (who possibly cannot afford Liverpool), or Mr Ruski’ (who wants to be Abromovich but doesn’t have as much money), or indeed Mr Stars and Stripes (who sees huge potential in a smallish sum of say $60 million to hide profits from other investments). Let me therefore take you to the press conference that is likely to occur just into the new season, with some explanatory notes for you to take on board…

Q Why Man City?

A I chose Manchester City because it has huge potential, a massive and loyal fan base and a manager I respect for what he done as a player and what he can offer as a manager.

But the deciding factor was the fans; they have shown over the last many years (’cause he doesn’t really know how old the club is etc.) that they can make a difference.

I look forward to working with everyone who has the best interests of ‘our’ club at heart.

(need I say anything about that sort of BS?)

Q What are you investing in the club?

A I have bought a controlling interest in the club and have taken on board the debt burden as part of the package of measures I have agreed to (this means all directors’ loans are repaid and that is all he pays in cash; the other loans stay attached to the club in the long term, just under a different owner – no change there).

I must thank the board for handing over a very well run company and it is their prudence and good management that allows me to announce today that a transfer fund of £25 million is being made available with immediate effect.

(the transfer fund is a lot less than this in real terms but hey who’s counting and it sounds good)

Q What do you hope to achieve here at City?

A There are no limits as to where we can take this cub, together with the manager and the loyalty of the world’s best fans we can all expect a bright future. I would hope that we can achieve a top 7 place next year and bring European football back to the City of Manchester Stadium.

(I bl**dy hope we get into Europe; if we don’t then I’m outta here and if those fans stop buying those shirts with the Wright-Phillipses names on the back at 50p a letter I’m doomed. That reminds me: I wonder if I could get Makaba-Makalamby on loan; we ordered too many A’s and M’s last time).

Now I’m no Mystic Meg but the parallels between Mr Wardle of MCFC and Mr Towers of MGR are worrying. Both run/ran businesses with a product that needs investment to get up to scratch, both have entered the boardroom as saviours of a dying business, neither have the financial clout to make a difference and in reality didn’t invest that much but took control. Both have travelled widely looking for foreign partners to invest with little success.

I hope I’m wrong on where this might end up.

Thanks for listening and I await the avalanche of accountancy talk and rebuttals in the next issue.

OPINION: A FINANCIAL VIEW

In the last MCIVTA, and over the past few weeks, there has been some debate over City’s financial position, and in particular why the club cannot afford to invest in new players.

Club accounts are available on the OFEX website (http://www.ofex.com/). Full accounts for the year to May 2004 are available, and some information for the 6 months to November 2004 have also been published.

Last year’s accounts show that, purely on the football club ‘business’, City’s income was £62 million (ticket sales: £17 million, TV: £26 million, Commercial: £19 million). Costs against that income were £58 million, including £38 million on salary costs. That leaves a ‘business’ profit of £4 million. This is before any interest payments are made on the club’s debts. The interest charge for that year was £6 million.

These figures come from the club’s profit and loss account, which takes into account what money the club is due, and what expenses it is liable to pay out, but not actual cash movements (including any repayments of the actual debt).

The club’s cash flow statement shows that the football ‘business’ generated about £6 million net in cash for that year. Of that, £4 million was actually paid out in interest, with another £2 million going in repayments of the actual debt. The ‘net debt’ position that the club reports, incidentally, was £96 million at 31 May 2004, which basically represents the total borrowing of the club at that date. Of this, around £8 million is owed to current directors.

Broadly then, the club currently generates just about enough cash from its ‘business’ to pay its day to day expenses, plus the interest and loan payments that it is committed to – leaving very little left over for investment in players. Even if the club was completely debt free, the club would on current figures have a maximum of around £6 million a year to spend on players, if it didn’t wish to borrow money. It won’t be until the next full accounts appear (expected by 31 October this year) that we can see whether cash from the sale of Anelka has affected this position.

Hopefully this explains why the club can’t afford to make big purchases without selling first though.

OPINION: MARKETING MANCHESTER

Andy Webb’s call to address the club’s badge issue on marketing grounds (“Manchester City F.C.” not being on the badge) should be given serious consideration from those who wield influence. This same point could be extended to nearly all of City’s clothing items for sale. Look at the online catalogue; everything either says “MCFC” or “Man City”. There are a couple of shirts that say “Manchester City”, but from the picture it appears that there is no “FC” or “Football Club” to be found, so anyone outside of England could reasonably assume you like the City of Manchester. I found the same problem when I looked at the previous online catalogue and also one in print.

Here in the US (I’m a New Yorker) almost nobody knows of the existence of Manchester City Football Club. And if they are semi-knowledgeable about football, once they hear the name Manchester they automatically think United: “I support Manchester City,” I say; “Oh, Manchester,” they respond, “I’ve heard of them. David Beckham, right?” So I throw on the brakes right there and provide a passionate correction and explanation… and sales pitch.

Even if someone had heard of Manchester City, I can’t imagine them seeing a shirt that says MCFC or Man City and then making the mental leap to Manchester City Football Club. On top of that, Man City is a really tough sell. No offence to our gay readers, but as thin, neat, and single yet heterosexual man in my late 30’s living in Manhattan, I am not bold enough to walk around with a shirt that proudly declares Man City when nobody knows it refers to a football team in England.

Anyway, for these reasons I myself do not have a City shirt outside of a couple of kit tops. My father’s been bugging me for a shirt as well, but he also wants to sport Manchester City Football Club on it rather than the cryptic MCFC or emasculating Man City. I think you all get the point.

I believe in another recent issue someone raised the point that Manchester City F.C. should replace the Latin motto on the badge – I agree. I’d do that and remove the then redundant MCFC. Feel free to recommend any other changes you like.

And one last point just to add to Andy’s comment regarding the NY Mets benefitting from the NY Yankees’ marketing efforts (even though the Boston Red Sox are traditional rivals to the Yankees). Manchester United has a global following and may well be the only team that one can expect the average American to have heard of. We are the natural rivals to Man U, and the fact that we are the only other team that has “Manchester” in our name it is only natural that people will assume that we would be arch rivals. It would be wise for us to piggy-back on United’s ubiquity and popularity and take full advantage of it, but since MCFC and Man City don’t make the connection to “Manchester” or even to the sport of football itself, that opportunity is largely lost.

I seriously hope this issue can reach the appropriate people at the club.

OPINION: NO NEWS, GOOD NEWS?

As the clock ticks down, it looks like Manchester City are in no rush to sign any new players. Of course we all know that is mainly due to Stuart Pearce’s lack of funds to get who he would like.

The three relegated sides Crystal Palace – Johnson, Southampton – Crouch and Norwich – Ashton, still hang on to their best strikers, the money the clubs want probably scares MCFC off. John Wardle made a statement at an earlier date that no money would be available for Stuart Pearce, and rumours have it that City will have to sell first.

We have heard that Thatcher might be sold, I think it would be a bad move to sell him, as he has already said that after his robberies at his home were over and dealt with, he wants to stay at City. It’s a healthy competition between him and Jordan for the left back position; we need both for cover.

Shaun Wright-Phillips: the stories never end with speculation that he will be sold. It will show lack of ambition by MCFC if he was to be sold, and it would have to be an out of this world price if it was to happen.

Distin has had moves for him by Newcastle, Aston Villa, and the latest Everton, all who claim the price of £7 million is too high for a central defender. Distin was an improved player last season, and he likes his rôle as captain.

It is my opinion that none of our present stars should be made sacrifices to bring in another player.

Before the deadline date MCFC must find a way to bring in another striker; only one senior man up front Robbie Fowler is no way to start the season.

Stuart Pearce is waiting to find out what Angelo Basinas (29 years old Midfielder) of Panathinaiks who will decide now that Greece have played their last game against Mexico in a 0-0 result in the Confederation Cup. It sounds as if it’s between City and Marseille who both compete for his signature.

OPINION: SWEEP & SYLVAIN (NOT FOR SALE) I

The Sunday People have reported that City have set the target figure for SWP at £20 million. Well I’d like to hear City actually say this figure. And if you read what players are being rated at in the papers, SWP is a snip at £20 million.

We should do what Liverpool have done with Gerrard. They’ve slapped a £32 million price tag on him. Take it or leave it. We should do the same with SWP. £30 million, take it or leave it. Nothing less.

And if Chelsea (the only British club that can pay that) don’t rate him that highly, then they don’t have to buy him. All the better for City (he will go one day, let’s hope it’s not now).

Rumours continue as to the future of Sylvain Distin. Twelve months ago, I would snatched anyone’s hand off for an offer of any kind for the frenchman. But in the last 12 months, he has bonded well with our other ‘wayward’ centre back to form one of the best in the Premiership. So it is with uncertainty that I think City should maybe consider an offer for him as we have Onouha coming through who could fill his boots without a problem. If he stays, we have then three excellent centre backs. What would you do? We need the money.

OPINION: SWEEP & SYLVAIN (NOT FOR SALE) II

Why are we reading reports that John Wardle is trying to sell Sylvain Distin to Aston Villa or Everton?

1. Does our City captain really believe that this is a beneficial move?
2. Does Wardle really want 5 million quid that badly that he is prepared tojettison on of the strongest defensive pairings in the Premier League?
3. Money in the bank does not equate with performance on the field. Surelywe should be trying to strengthen the team, not weaken it?

I am all for the suggestion that City fans should be telling Wardle and Co not to touch our prized assets. I cannot believe there is any upside to selling off existing assets. Rumours like a possible Distin sell-off do not reflect a positive environment.

Be afraid, be very afraid!

OPINION: SAVE THE GOAT

Having recently read a piece on Shaun Goater’s bench-warming at Reading due to a £50,000 fee to City triggered when he plays next, how about City write this off as a goodwill gesture?

I’m sure the clause was penned when City’s revenue streams were much less certain, and the gesture would help a City favourite play on.

[I wonder if Reading have asked about getting this reduced/staggered? -Ed]

OPINION: CITY NEWS

Can I offer Ernie and others some advice of a very quick way of checking on all things Man City on the internet on a daily basis – using this method I save loads of time but rarely miss a story.

1. Go to http://www.newsnow.co.uk/newsfeed/?name=Manchester+City&x=7&y=3which is updated every 5 minutes 24/7 for all stories from +20,000 websitesources. As there is lots of repetition just pick the usual good sources(MEN News, MCFC.co.uk, Guardian, Times, etc.).
2. Go to Google News and search for “Manchester City” – set it on the righthand side of the page to ‘sort by date’.http://news.google.co.uk/news?hl=en&ned=uk&ie=UTF-8&scoring=d&q=%22Manchester+City%22

[Thanks Peter, some are better than others though, wading through the rumours and nonsense does get painful. Thankfully Don has his finger on the pulse – Ed]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: 5-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT

Just a quick thank-you to all who took part in last Saturday’s CSA organised 5-a-side football competition held at the Platt Lane Complex. Special thank you’s to Steve Thorpe who organised a team to represent McV, and McV reader John Nisbet for his valued contribution as a referee.

In all 24 teams took part, Colin Bell spent a hour chatting to participants, an excellent buffet was provided in the Oasis Suite and Andy Hinchcliffe did a brilliant Q&A session for all.

Although most of the teams came from the Manchester area, it was great to see several teams from the cobbled side of the M62 (Yorkshire) and the M40 corridor in the south of England. For me it was great to see Blues just getting together, enjoying some football and having a bl**dy good day. We even arranged for the sun to shine.

REQUEST: ISRAEL CALLING

After what seems like forty years of wandering in the wilderness (raising kids, computer crashes, and other unlikely excuses), we are finally getting our act together on the long-awaited plan to set up a branch of the Manchester City Supporters’ Club here in Israel.

We plan to hold a meeting on 14th July (a Thursday evening) at a yet to be announced venue in the centre of the country. The aims of this meeting are firstly, to get to meet each other at long last, and secondly to find out from this meeting and the contacts surrounding it if setting up a branch is a feasible and worthwhile venture.

To those who contacted me some time ago I apologize for my extended silence (see previously offered pathetic excuses!), we hope to see you all on the 14th. I would request that those of you who plan to attend contact me so as to get some idea of numbers. In addition, those who can’t attend but are interested in the setting up of a branch to also contact me.

If from this initial meeting we get enough numbers to work with then we shall get the paperwork done and then have an official launch of the branch in conjunction with the club at a later date.

I look forward to hearing from you.

REQUEST: FOUR NIGHTS IN BANGKOK

Been watching for news on Bangkok trip, but not too much about on match tickets. If anyone’s heard or hears how to get tickets without going on official trip I’d be grateful for any posting.

For reference the cheapest flight I’ve found from Manchester is £650 return via Dubai, although I can only make it for first match and four nights. Anyone got anything cheaper?

Whatever you do, stay Blue?

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: