Didn't Take Southampton Fans Long, Manchester City's Youth Making Progress

Didn't take long for the scum to rear their ugly heads, Southampton FC have not even kicked a ball in the Premier League yet and their fans are at it already.

This has to go down as the fastest bandwagon jump in English football history, Scummer SaintNick over at Fans Network: The Ugly Inside (appropriately named) has a lot to say.  Something tells me this is just the start of yet another clubs fan base getting bitter, jealous and envious of us, it seems that not being every ones favourite whipping boys anymore has hit a nerve even in the lower leagues.

SaintNick seems to think Manchester City are putting up their prices to fleece away fans out of their hard earned cash, clearly it has nothing to do with visiting the best stadium and hospitality in the country or watching the best players in the English Premier League up close.

Seem to me like they want freebie hand outs along with a pie and pint at Manchester City FC, at a price paid to watch a Championship side in a Championship stadium.

Nick goes on to leave a comment in reply to a fellow City fan:

Quote: "I used to like City, in truth most supporters of other clubs did, we all bought the "peoples club" publicity and felt sorry for you living in the shadow of Man Utd, but as soon as you had money you grasped it greedily at all costs."

I thought this type of mentality was reserved for the foreign fan who knew nothing about English football, it seems infectious on a larger scale than I first thought.

Peoples club?, if he means Manchester peoples club then anyone only need read the history books of football to realise we are the 'Citizens of Manchester'. I fail to understand the 'buying into it' comment considering no one was misled, clearly the lad has limited intelligence.

As for feeling sorry for us well news flash there, if they haven't realised in the last 44 years that we could not give a damn whether they like us or not then they probably never will. It's the 'sound of their own voice and can't see past their own nose syndromes', then there's the money issue.

Seems to me like they think we City fans had a say in who bought our club?, we apparently grasped greedily at the money?, says a fan of a club that spent a lot of cash through the nose for players and a stadium fit for Premier League football (well fit for the past anyway).

I have had the unfortunate opportunity to live a little too close to these Southampton fans, so found it as no surprise that they would rear their ugly mugs eventually.

The fool needs to do exactly what we have been telling other clubs fans to do, and concentrate on their own clubs instead of sticking their big fat noses into ours. Southampton FC's season ticket prices are more expensive than ours, now that is hilarious.

Welcome to the English Premier League scummers, you've spent too long in the lower league and it's a pity you didn't stay there.

Youth Trials

If you hadn't already noticed we have handed trials to:

16 year old Portuguese/Brazilian Attacking Midfielder Marco Lopes from S.L. Benfica, a promising young David Silva with a sweet left foot, you would be fooled by his stature when realising how young he actually is.

18 year old Croatian Striker Mario Jelovic from Hajduk Split, joined them in 08 and made his first and only appearance for them last season, has made several appearances for the Croatian U19's.

20 year old Isreali youngster Nir Biton, another U19 International but not as young from F.C. Ashdod, a 6ft5 Defencive Midfielder with the ability to score goals, has so far made two appearances for the senior Isreali national side.

Promising youngsters Center Mid Abdul Razak and Center Back Karim Rekik continue their fight for a first team place, as does Striker Luca Scapuzzi and Winger Vladimir Weiss though I am unconvinced Weiss's future lay with Manchester City.

20 year old French Midfielder Jeremy Helan also continues his fight for first team football after having a successful time for our Elite Development Squad, a left footed Mid confortable on the wing or as a defensive mid.

While everyone outside Manchester City whine and whinge about how we steal youth and are killing football, our club continue to develop potential that if fail to make enough impact. Will end up at another lucky club and continue their career, with the best wishes of City and us City fans.

Will be interesting to see if John Guidetti sticks with the first team this season, be a shame if he is loaned out again.

The most exciting because I am an Englishman and have followed him closely, is the final breakthrough into the senior setup of our young England striker Harry Bunn. He showed amazing promise at academy level, though had three unsuccessful loan stints at Oldham, Preston and Rochdale making a combined appearance count of 15 scoring 2 goals.

I wish to personally wish Harry and the rest of our youngsters all the best for the coming season.

Trafford United Vs Pride Of Manchester, United Throw Toys Out Their Pram After losing To Manchester

In my previous article I predicted that Wayne Rooney was more likely to dive/go down easily ahead of Ashley Young, Rooney proved me to be correct after theatrically throwing his heels back up into the air to land on his knees.

Resulting in getting Captain Vincent Kompany yellow carded by Andre Marriner, the only time he pulled out a card for United was when he were left with absolutely no choice. But as soon as I City player did the slightest little thing the cards came out.

Which is why I am so so proud of our lads for beating the twelfth man once again and achieving the double, over what I believe to be a bunch of stuck up, arrogant and childish, cheating sore losers over at the swamp. evidence?

Paul Scholes trying to head butt Yaya Toure because Toure kept him in his pocket all night, it was hilarious watching him try to stand on his toes to gain a bit more height. In the 9th minute United players threw their hands up in the air claiming Vincent Kompany handled the ball in the 18 yard area, trying to claim a penalty but the ball clearly hit Kompany's chest.

Rooney reminded me of Kevin from Kevin and Perry Go Large having a tantrum, loved every second of watching him throw his hands up in the air all frustrated. Ferguson accusing Mancini of badgering officials after Mancini having every right to show his frustration at Andre Marriner showing favouritism towards United, clearly Ferguson saw this as undermining Uniteds advantage.

Our other two yellow cards came from Nigel Dejong tangling with Welbeck, nothing malicious and looked completely accidental to me with Dejong off balance as Welbeck nudged him aside. The third when Yaya Toure bounced the ball on the ground in frustration, I mean how the F does that warrant a yellow card?

Up until the last 30 minutes (including 5min Fergy time), United were given advantage by Andre Marriner but our lads battled on for every ball trying to close down every United player, it was not until the 68th minute that United started to get frustrated thus starting to lose their patience at one goal down.

On the 69th minute Jones was booked for a blatant and wild challenge on Gareth Barry, it was in the 76th minute that Dejong and Welbeck collided and Fergy jumped out of his seat to square up with Mancini. Then around the 78th minute mark Michael Carrick blatantly fouled Gareth Barry right in front of Fergy and he just sat there like butter wouldn't melt. (Fergy the biggest hypocrite in world football)

Gareth Barry was clearly being targeted by United and I totally understand why, he was absolutely amazing controlling the midfield and releasing Yaya Toure to attack. That's what United do to you see, they target the most influential player(s) when they get frustrated. Gareth Barry, Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure in our case, which is why I didn't question Mancini's choice to take off Carlos Tevez for Nigel Dejong.

Bobby Manc was on top form and kept Fergy in his pocket, very active in his technical area, he marshalled our lads on to win the biggest derby of my era.

Our defending was world class with Kompany and Lescott keeping the over rated Wayne Rooney quiet all night, United only achieved 2 shots off target giving Joe Hart very little to do in that aspect.

They did however claim as many crosses as we did, unable to break us down or cause us any real danger. We on the other hand achieved 7 shots off target and 3 shots on target.

I will say this much about referee Andre Marriner, although he showed a little favouritism towards United. He also allowed both sides to play their own game rather than continuously slow play down gifting United advantage like other referees.

All in all a top class performance from all our lads and a very well deserved win to cap off an absolutely breath taking season.

Our Pass rate was 85% compared to Uniteds 81%
Our Fouls won 14 compared to Uniteds 11
Our Fouled conceded 11 compared to Uniteds 15

For us to win the title now we will have to continue to out score United and take this performance into our last 2 games against QPR and Newcastle.

A United fan smashed the window of our Manchester City store on Market Street, a man was arrested but no information on that just yet.

United are claiming that England International Danny Welbeck is having to wear a special sock, to protect the injury he apparently picked up after Dejong tackled him THOUGH WELBECK MANAGED TO PLAY ON FOR 19 MINUTES WITH THE SO CALLED INJURY?

Now we all know this United tactic don't we, say a player is injured only for it to appear as nothing but a hoax.

Other news: Manchester City have the green light to develop our £100m training complex along side our Etihad Stadium.

Keep the Faith!

Optimistic New Year Rant, This Slight Blip Could Have Come To Late

I have some new idea's for us at the Etihad Stadium.

When playing an opponent we should spell out on a digital advertising board behind their goal 'park the bus here'.

Hand out red paper bags with the United badge on them to the away fans with instructions to 'bag their hate in here'.

Give them a book of all the crappy old songs they continue to sing at us, call it 'jealousy and envy compilation' signed 'we don't really care'.

Hand out Handkerchiefs when visiting clubs lose, stitched with 'do come again soon', the United fans hankies can also say 'have a nice trip back to London or where ever you came from'.

It could have been you
It could have been you
You jealous b*****ds
It could have been you

Despite the fact Ji Dong Woooooooooooooooo was clearly offside by a mile ,and we were cheated once again by match officials just like we were against Chelsea not long ago.

I still feel optimistic at the top of the table and we can only get stronger, I mean what is the worst that could happen between now and the end of the season?

Lets face it we are not going to be knocked out of the top three, we will still be in the Champions League next season and in an even stronger position after the January transfer window.

While Sunderland scrap it out at the bottom of the table and maybe get relegated, we're at the top with a future to look forward too so let them have their brief moment of glory.

What I find strange and a little sad is a few City fans on Bluemoon having a dig at the away support at the Sunderland game, the way they were banging on about it, you'd think only two City fans turned up and because they did not know who those two fans were they were disappointed.

The hate for us has got so intense its incredible, while I have no sympathy for the hate United fans get due to their decades of taunting, I can not help but feel privileged.

Once we were so so loved and cherished for being the whipping boys, gifted with sucker punch after sucker punch.

Now we're slapped with a bitter, envious and jealous hate but for what? certainly not for our taunting as we have barely even started if started at all.

If being hated is what it is all about up here then so be it and bring it on, I'd much rather be up here and winning than down there with my tail tucked between my legs wishing for the odd quick fix followed by a life time of disappointment.

Right now the only issue that bothers me is unqualified and unprofessional match officials, ruining the game and gifting undeserved advantage.

For or against it is completely and utterly wrong and something has to be done about it fast, otherwise it will become even more frequent and even more problematic.

I have been saying from day one that we have to learn to play against 14 men rather than 11, I still believe we need to but the only way we will is with top class players in each position which is still what we lack.

Other than Zabman, Richards and Clichy, I feel we need a better wingback than Kolarov and Lescott, follow that up with a classy center back to replace Kolo.

We are weakest at the back despite the statistics suggesting otherwise, followed by the need for cover for Yaya Toure, expect a replacement for Kolo at centre back and centre mid for Yaya.

My guess is John Guidetti will be drafted back in to replace Tevez, unless we manage to get rid of fringe players.

Lets face it the title challenge was never going to be easy, I'm surprised we're still at the top considering we are still not the finished article.

The future is still blue and there is still time to restore our lead at the top, Mancini will make mistakes like he has done and deserves the time to learn as much as our players as he is only human after all.

Comon City!

Happy New Year, Big Thank You To Villa And Burn But Can We Capitalise?

Like we once were an under dog club who never parked the bus and rolled over for the elite to dominate, I feel and a sense of respect for clubs who continue the fight.

Despite the fact we have gone from potato sacks to riches (couldn't bring myself to use the word 'rags'), public enemy number one even, I still appreciate the fighting spirit of clubs who turn up to win even if it is against us.

Step up Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers, lets forget for one moment the fact you have given us the opportunity to re-open the gap at the top by 3 points today.

A huge well done for turning over Chelsea and more importantly and thankfully United, may your new year bring more joy and happiness as long as it's not against us lol.

This year marks a huge year in my life with the 36 year long wait for the rise of our beloved club Manchester City from the ashes, from the loss of my father to cancer. To the eventual birth of our first born around May 23rd 2012 followed by the one ring I place on the marriage finger of my one in a million fiancee on 5th August 2012.

Then there's the P A R T why, because I gotta!

Glad to hear Owen Hargreaves and Micah Richards are back fit and ready, it is also good to hear the Carlos Tevez saga could be about to end.

This season will see us buying wisely with the sale of some dead wood before the capture of a few gems, most of those gems will be seen coming through the doors of our academy more than likely with Patrick Vieira amongst those who are on the hunt for the next best young talent.

Good news about the FA abandoning those stupid rules forcing English clubs to only scout young potentials within an hour and a half distance from the club.

Did you know when those rules were forced that, United tried to open up schools in other cities, those cities respected clubs forced United to shut them down and rightly so. (what utter cheek).

Good Luck against Sunderland lads, lets really kick off new year with a bang.

Happy New Year

Two Faced Bayern Up Next, Ignorant And Hypocritical Spoilt Brats Spring To Mind

When I think of Bayern Munich, to me they're just the German version of 'cough' Man United.

I have to say first of all including myself, all the City fans I know and speak too expected nothing more than a good run in the Champions League this time round so we won't be disappointed if and when we drop into the Europa League.

With that said I love the fact we are bending noses out of place and the two clubs on top of my list were United and Bayern so I am made up.

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge clearly hates us for breaking into the European elite club and has been just as vocal as our unwanted bacon face neighbour Fergy.

He believes we should be kicked out of European football before we have even been judged along with everyone else by the FFP, if that isn't bitterness and jealousy then what is?

Envious of our owners financial power maybe?, probably a bit of both in reality.

The problem Bayern now have is that, our Manchester City squad now know what to expect and will be well and truly up for a fight. Glad to see a footballers agent do the right thing for a change, with Kolo Toure's rubbishing the twisted interview Kolo gave to the French media.

I'm just hoping he can get back to his best though I am not holding out much hope for him myself, I still believe we need a world class partner for Kompany if we are to challenge for the Champions League but inevitably the Premier League year in year out.

After all the mouth Rummenigge has been spouting it would make for sweet harmony to see our lads rip Bayern apart, if we can punish United as bad then why not Bayern?

Especially when you have Bayern Coach Jupp Heynckes spouting off a totally different tune, he spoke about having this powerful respect for Manchester City football club and what we are doing domestically and globally.

My bet is he is talking out of his backside and does not know half the things City do both in and out of football, Jupp Heynckes said 'This is a big match between teams who are leaders of their respective leagues – that is always a matter of prestige. City were very good for first 20 minutes in Munich, but after that we took control and dominated. To be successful you need to play in the Champions League for some time; you need to collect both positive and negative experiences.

They're ignorant of the fact Bayern have been like United, living off another level of finance to the rest of their respected domestic league opponents for decades. Ignorant of the fact we are doing in the short term what they did over the long term, because we were forced to do so or be shut out of Europe's elite level for a very long time.

We respect City: just look at what they're doing in the English league. This game is all about two teams who respect each other. City still have a chance of progressing, but obviously it's not just down to them – it depends on what happens in Villarreal too. One thing's for sure, my team will be playing to win.'

At least with us what you see is what you get, after Napoli's men mouthing off, it would be sweet if Villareal turned them over and we beat Bayern but like our Shiekh Mansour said, the Premier League title is more important.

My predictions are City 4 Bayern 1, Villareal 2 Napoli 1

Best of luck to our lads today! Superbia in Proelio

Fan Letter Sent To Carlitos Tevez, The Way Forward Is For City To Play

Recently I sent a letter to Carlos Tevez via City Player Care, whether or not he received it is your guess as well as mine. You can read the email below:

'To Mr Carlitos Tevez,

I am a life long fan of Manchester City football club as are my family, I wish to thank you for your past service to our club up to the point of us playing Bayern Munich in the Champions League, which you turned your back on.

I was born in 1975 and from an age capable of understanding, chose to support Manchester City. I joined the ranks of the City faithful knowing full well we were in a struggle with hard times ahead, so with that said you can understand why I feel the way I do with what, I have to say next.

I could not care less whether you refused to warm up or refused to play against Bayern Munich, the important issue is that your actions led to you not playing. You could have made a difference and gained us a draw if not a comeback win, instead we lost the game and you embarrassed our club.

That to me was a kick in the teeth and I am sure it was just as much a kick in the teeth for our fans, for this I can not bring myself to forgive you unless you were in a position to sincerely apologise to the whole club and fan base.

Right now there is talk in the papers that you could sue our Manager Roberto Mancini for defamation, if this was to happen then it will only make matters worse due to the fact Roberto Mancini has full support from City fans.

At the end of the day you refused to act positively which in turn led to you not performing for your employer, Manchester City FC. The people who pay your wage are the fans as well as the club and many feel you have betrayed them, our club took a chance on you and brought you to Manchester City and you're paid wages we can only dream of, to play a sport we could only dream of playing at your level.

All it would take for this matter to resolve itself would be for you to publicly apologise, then our club could either give you another chance or allow you to leave for another club and continent. By now you will be aware your stock has plummeted due to all this mess, Manchester City are set to lose millions if you were to leave, have you not done enough damage already.

The PFA are bound to support you based on current laws and rights within English football so it is no surprise, but you are only making things worse by not taking control of the situation and fixing it. Instead you leave it to people like your representatives and zombie lawyers.

We have children and families just like you who are our priority before football, but we still find time to respect you and pay your salary. No player is ever bigger than a club, not Maradona, not Pele, not Messi, not Ronaldo (Brazil or Portugal) not even Carlos Tevez.

Be the man and do whats right for you and the club instead of whats right for just you, we respected you as fans so now I believe you owe us a bit of respect back, you play in a shirt and for a club we worship so put yourself in our position.

Yours Sincerely'

Carlos Will no doubt play for us again if we are to protect ourselves from losing him for nothing, which I am not happy with right now but what has to be done has to be done.

Whether he comes out and publicly apologises remains to be seen, we will now see what a true player and person he is in the coming months.

The Established And Delusional Elite Fan, City Are On The Right Track

I just want to touch on the uproar of our 10 year Sponsorship and Stadium Naming Rights deal with Etihad Airways.

A fellow blogger of ours at Bluedays has published a very clear and well presented article on how this deal does not completely stabilise our future.

Well it would not would it, they point out how our club are working hard to iron out all the creases, but forgot to mention the more important points. Like despite our club increasing ticket and merchandise prices, our fans still receive value for money and still pay less than clubs like Tottenham Hotspur who criminally fleece their fans and United who also demand more from their fans each and every year.

It was reported that Manchester City fans saw more value for money than any other club in the English Premier League last season. I wonder what our Premier League odds are right now to win the title this season?, I believe we have a very good chance and just as good a chance as any.

The difference is that while Manchester City improve on both a financial and entertaining level, Spurs and United are if anything flat lining if not in gradual decline in terms of entertainment and personnel. Even clubs like Arsenal fail to live up to expectations of their fans despite apparently having so much wealth in youth development.

City are clearly helping regenerate the community around East Manchester and will provide Manchester and the suburbs of Greater Manchester with more jobs, not just for City fans but for all who are lucky enough to live close by or travel there each and everyday.

Manchester City are at the forefront of community work through sport in England and over the last few years have won numerous awards for their work with outside forces.

Europe will gain something no other country in Europe has seen before let alone offered, A sporting complex catering for more than just football so with that said.

Why are the media painting Uefa as the devil implying Uefa are going to try to stop the multi million pound deal between Manchester and Etihad from happening.

Clearly Arsenal, United and a few other unknown clubs have a problem with Manchester City publicly over shadowing them, finally Manchester has hit the right nerve.

Its been suggested that these clubs have approached Uefa and urged them to investigate the deal between Manchester and Etihad with intention to try scupper the deal or have Manchester City thrown out of the Champions League before even playing a single Champions League fixture.

The chances of any of that happening are pretty much impossible considering other clubs successful stadium naming rights and considering factors like Uefa allowing United's European glory to go ahead year after year on the back of continuous lending.

What are the football odds on Alex Ferguson retiring, before United's massive debt finally catches up with them?

Arsene Wenger had to have his say as usual “Normally the sponsorship has to be at the market price if the Financial Fair Play has to have a chance. It means the Financial Fair Play will not come in, it is as simple as that."

“It cannot be doubled, trebled or quadrupled because that means it is better we don’t do it and leave everybody free. You can argue that point but if you bring in the rules they have to be respected.”

“This is UEFA president Michel Platini’s big test, but he is not stupid. He knows as well that some clubs will try to get around that.”

The odds of Uefa actually stopping the deal from happening is virtually non existent seeing as they don't have power to stop it, all they could do is use it against City if they wished to ban our club from Europe.

With that said it would have both a negative financial and political affect on Uefa, if they were to ban Manchester City from the Champions League.

Arsenal are clearly upset by the fact that our deal dwarfs theirs with the Emirates in 2004, which was valued at £90m over 15 years which also kind of makes them hypocrites.

United took their objection public by suggesting they would never sell their stadiums naming rights taking the moral high ground, they, Arsenal's supporters trust and other unnamed clubs have apparently contacted Uefa stating their dis-approval.

Liverpool owner John Henry has an opinion on the subject however it is unclear with his idle comment on twitter 'How much was the losing bid?', whether that was sarcasm or not who knows?, but one thing is for sure that once Liverpool solve their Stadium issue they could well go down the same road and also sell their naming rights.

I'm betting John Henry will feel a right moron once Liverpool opt to sell their Stadium naming rights after they sort out their options of develop or rebuild.

It just went even further with the Daily Rag aka the Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler claiming that a half wit with Sir before his name ala urgh Bobby Charlton states that only a small club should sell stadium naming rights.

Just goes to show you can be a right numpty and be knighted by the Queen of England at the same time, back in time you had to stand out as a hero for king and country to get a knighthood and be at the top of your game.

Now you can kick a ball around, get a knighthood and be seen spouting rubbish in a national newspaper, not even a true war hero can get a knighthood these days and it has become a farce.

I believe Uefa will allow our deal with Etihad Airways to go ahead without any hitch and I believe this farce is nothing more than media hype generated by fans of rival clubs.

With that covered, one certain person took it even further claiming that we, Manchester City are not worthy of a place in the Champions League.

They claim Tottenham Hotspur deserve Champions League football more, branding us as an abomination and dull collection of defensive mercenaries. I have to say that this is a rather amusing analysis of us considering the fact that despite having a club of dull mercenaries we broke into the top three and knocked out fancy pants Arsenal.

Like many a fan of Elite clubs around Europe, the author goes on to say how we bought ourselves to the top of European football, only I see every Elite club in Europe as a club that paid their way to the top.

Not one Elite club in Europe can claim they got to the pinnacle of European football without spending large amounts of cold hard cash, though many of their fans would have you believe they got there solely on blood, sweat and tear.

They seem to think their club reached the promised land solely on hard work, they cling to their glorious history as if it proves they achieved everything without money money money.

Think about it for a moment, how many elite clubs fans around the world think their club got to where they are now solely on hard work?

The only difference between Manchester City and those elite clubs is, Manchester City have done in three years what they did in 20 or 30 years in terms of spending.

With that said, if you calculated the expenditure of Spurs or United over the last 30 odd years you would be astounded, Manchester City have not even spent half of what those clubs have done in the past.

They go as far as to say we do not deserve European football because we have a lack of respect for the rules?, claiming we tap up and unsettle players with the same old opinion that we have no class and dignity.

I am starting to wonder if they actually know the meaning of the words they use, how do these people survive in the real world? and where do they get off accusing us of breaking the rules their clubs have been breaking for years.

Poaching players under the age of 16 from countries like Spain and Portugal, as those countries can not offer professional contracts to keep hold of their talent until after their 16th birthday. United and Arsenal are masters at it though they would have you believe otherwise.

Why we do not deserve European football article HERE

Clearly we are doing everything right as we have them on the back foot against the ropes, I find it very refreshing and enlightening hearing all the opposition vent their disgust and anger, bitterness, jealousy, hatred and delusion.

United fans around the world are demanding we sell Carlos Tevez at a loss, no prizes for guessing why?, so they can ridicule us for making a loss and buying who they brand a mercenary money grabbing sell out.

Oh Mark Clattenburg, The Referee That Loves To Get It Wrong Big Time

Last man standing and first chance he gets, he goes and red cards a player in a high profile game just to make a statement.

I am sick and tired of these stupid referee's getting away with this type of idiocy, don't get me wrong Arsenal certainly did bring the will to want to win with them but lets face facts. Arsenal beat a weak team with one man down and only one striker up front, what on earth is Roberto Mancini doing playing only one striker against Arsenal for crying out loud?

Another question mark was, why was Lescott on the bench and Boateng who is a right back at left back?

Referee Mark Clattenburg is a complete idiot and got it completely wrong, video evidence proves for fact that the ball got away from Chamakh so it was not a clear goal scoring opportunity.

This last man rubbish is just that rubbish, it was not a clear goal scoring opportunity and Boyata should not have been sent off.

I am sure the idiotic Newcastle fans are loving this but lets face it, it is the only way they are going to get a laugh this century, Arsenal fans will have to hope and pray we don't turn up next time round and rip them apart.

It was nothing more than a yellow card, a free kick and what proves my point even more is that Referee Mark Clattenburg also allowed Cesc Fabregas to get away with continually simulating the brandish of an invisible red card egging the referee to book on.

With that said I have to apologise to my fellow City fans for a lack of articles recently, I am in the process of completing the creation of my business website. Web design is a very time consuming job especially when I am a perfectionist, not to mention having to sort out all other jobs to get the business up and running.

Ill be back as soon as possible.

Negative Football?, Typical Italian?, Strap Yourself In And Open Your Mind!

Message to mum after scoring against Chelsea 'Feliz Cumple Mami' translated 'Happy Birthday Mum'.

Anyone that thinks football is not about winning has it wrong, Football is all about winning or trying to win so if your team lose and you don't feel one bit of negative emotion then maybe you need to re-evaluate your belief and understanding as you have surely lost something along the way.

No matter how our club plays, as long as we win I will enjoy every single second of it.

A few minutes of sheer perfection can lighten up the rest of a dull match and that my son is football.

Opposing media and fan call us dull and negative by playing three defensive midfielders, but this is what is sometimes needed in today's game with clubs that try out-muscle you playing rough style football.

The opposed are just whining because its starting to pay off, they would rather we City stay how we were as they had more of a chance of beating us.

If you have an opponent who intends to out-muscle you and intimidate you into losing then you need to respond or you will lose.

The Express asks whether Roberto Mancini can change his spots and be more adventurous?, but I think the opposing has it all wrong.

You only have to take a look at our defensive midfielders to start to see the future of Football. Football is evolving at a faster pace than many realise.

The days of playing one formation has long gone with players now learning how to shift formations on the field as opposed to at half time in the changing room when a coach tells them too.

Three Defensive midfielders can become two or even one in the blink of an eye and Yaya Toure is the perfect example.

We Manchester City were in the past known for our exciting and swash-buckling football, but were always wide open at the back leaving our defenders victim to counter attacks.

That style of football has taken the defensive strength out of City and every player that joined us adapted to the City style of the past, well it is time for change and that is what Roberto Mancini is up against.

You cannot play such swash-buckling football today without a back four defence strong enough both mentally and psychically, this is what Mancini is trying to create.

It does not help when you have so many defenders out injured, especially your first choice defenders.

We have to adapt to today's ways so Mancini's way may not be exciting but its affective and working.

When we lost to Sunderland and drew against Rovers, we were still a work in progress with our players adapting to each other after coming back from the World Cup. We did not deserve to lose those matches but we did and have to move on, our players still need time but the Chelsea performance showed we are on the right track.

Its only now that we are beginning to truly see the now Manchester City, If the opposed see us as negative then that's their problem as the only opinions that matter are ours.

Give it time and we will be rewarded with swash-buckling City once again.

Its time to move on but cherish our past.

Embrace the now.

Superman Stephen Ireland Tribute: You Will Be Missed But Best Of Luck

I would like to send a huge special thankyou to Stephen Ireland on behalf of myself and im sure other fans will join me.

You are one of the best players Manchester City gave birth too with the potential to reach for the stars, pity that you had to move on but sometimes a fresh start is what is needed.

Aston Villa fans gain a player who gives his all with heart, but lets hope they learn to appreciate you as much as we did and that you can bring them as much delight as you did for us. You will never be forgotten and maybe one day may find your way back to City, until that day I/we hope you go on to achieve and prosper at Villa.



Best of luck Superman and family, just please dont haunt us, pretty please :D

THE BERT TRAUTMANN TROPHY

nonleaguedaily.com reports, Vodkat North West Counties League club St Helens Town have confirmed that they've arranged a match against the Manchester City Legends team which will take place on Sunday, 15th November 2009 (1pm kick-off) at the Regional Athletics Stadium adjacent to the City of Manchester Stadium.

The fixture will commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Bert Trautmann's transfer from St Helens Town to City which took place on 7th October 1949 (60 years today).

Admission will be £4 Adults and £2 OAPs/under-16s. There will be a commemorative matchday programme which will include an introduction from Bert Trautmann.

Proceeds from the event will be shared between the Trautmann Foundation, St Helens Town and a charity nominated by the Legends team.

For further information on this event please contact: John McKiernan on 07976 059404

Richard Dunne Out, Ireland And City Reject United and Bacon Face Is About To Get Another Surprise with Brian Kidd in.

The Mirror claim Manchester United slapped in a cheeky bid for our Superman Stephen Ireland only to be rejected outright.

Sir Alex Ferguson hoped that the 23-year-old Irishman could be tempted away from Eastlands because Mark Hughes has an embarrassment of midfield riches with Gareth Barry, Nigel de Jong and Vincent Kompany in his squad.

But United were told that there was no chance of City selling Ireland – their current player of the year – at any price.

Stephen Ireland, who has just signed a five-year deal at City, said: “I want to be part of what happens at City because I think we’re going to achieve great things.”

“I want to be around when that happens. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

“I’ve been happy here since I came over from Ireland at the age of 14. From then I set my sights on staying at Manchester City and that’s how I still feel.”


The Sunday Express claims, Richard Dunne has received a Golden Handshake from Manchester City.

Richard Dunne has left Manchester City for Aston Villa with an estimated £6million golden farewell.

That was the amount the ex-Eastlands skipper could have expected from a testimonial pencilled in for next year when he would have completed 10 years at City.

On behalf of all City fans, i would like to wish Dunney Monster all the best for the future and thank him for the years of loyalty and service.

To end with

Mark Hughes is looking to bring in Brian Kidd to act as the link between City's first team and academy which will infuriate rival boss Bacon Face Alex Ferguson.

The News of the World claim, Brian Kidd is on the brink of a sensational return to Manchester City as part of the backroom staff.

Kidd has been approached by City chief Mark Hughes to act as a link man between the first team and the academy.

His move to City, where he spent three years as a player, will infuriate Manchester United chief Sir Alex Ferguson.

Kidd was the United manager's assistant when they secured the Premier League title for the first time in 1993.

They fell out when Kidd quit to become Blackburn manager in 1998 and their relationship has only recently begun to thaw.

Hughes was a player at United under Ferguson and Kidd when United won that Premier League title for the first time.

Kidd is credited with starting a production line of young players at Old Trafford and he has been asked to do a similar job at City.

The pair have an excellent relationship and Kidd's potential appointment underlines the manager's power at City.

Although Kidd has not been primed for a coaching role, he has been asked to improve relations between the Platt Lane academy and the first team.

His potential arrival has left the academy coaches Alex Gibson, Paul Power and Barry Poynton fearing that he is coming into the club as their new boss.

Kidd has been out of work since he performed miracles alongside Paul Hart to keep Portsmouth in the top flight last season.

He claimed the travelling distance was too much when he turned down the offer to become Paul Hart's assistant.

Are Manchester City Looking Stronger And Healthier Than Ever, Is The Future Of English Football Improving

I want to bring to the attention a few points as we have had to put up with being told we have no soul or that our club is killing football. I want to highlight the average age, the quantity of players of certain nationalities, the balance of our English club and the amount of financial gain of other clubs from the sale of their players not to mention the value these players have to Manchester City. Finally at a football club, what defines having a soul?, have Manchester City got a soul? and what are most City fans expectations.

The core of Manchester City, 25 and younger, 26 and older.

Strikers: C Tevez (25), A Adebayor (25), S Cruz (28), C Bellamy (30), Robinho (25), ( V Bojinov (23), on loan)

Midfielders: S Ireland (23), G Barry (28), N DeJong (24), V Weiss (19), S Wright-Phillips (27), M Petrov (30), M Johnson (21), (K Etuhu (21), on loan)

Defenders: Sylvinho (35), J Lescott (27), K Toure (28), V Kompany (23), N Onouha (22), M Richards (21), P Zabaleta (24), W Bridge (29)

Goalkeepers: Shay Given (33), Stuart Taylor (28), (Joe Hart (22), on loan)

With a few players surplus to requirements, R Dunne, J Garrido, Tal Ben Haim, Jo Alves, F Caicedo, S Logan and Benjani, that means City have 14 players aged 25 or younger to 10 above age of 26 so there is a balance of youth and experience present.

Player Nationalities

Brazil 2 Argentina 2
England 9 Africa 3
Paraguay 1 Bulgaria 2
Slovakia 1 Rep of Ireland 2
Holland 1 Belgium 1
Wales 1

That's 9 English players and 16 non English not including up and coming youth players in our reserve squad or our academy.

Manchester City's academy continues to grow and improve and we are currently waiting for some of our academy graduates who have been promoted to our reserves side recently, to step up to senior level and follow young Vladimir Weiss into the first team squad.

Stimulating Football as a whole
　
As most are unaware, others clubs have gained from Manchester City's academy this season with Daniel Sturridge joining Chelsea, C Evans, C Obeng and K Schmeichel all finding new clubs, no doubt more youth will be leaving Manchester City's academy in the future to new clubs.

Then there are the players loaned out from City like Joe Hart, V Bojinov, K Etuhu, F Caicedo, Jo Alves and D McDermott, there are a whole host of clubs gaining from Manchester City this season.

City are defensively heavy but that is understandable considering the defense are more prone to injury than any other position.

New Signings

K Toure, a solid proven centre-back with both Champions League and Premier League pedigree.

A Adebayor, a solid striker with an eye for goal, already proving his value for money with Champions League and Premier League pedigree.

C Tevez, a typical hard working Argentine, versatile, strong with bags of skill, Champions League and Premier League experience.

J Lescott, England International centre-back or left-back, European and Premier League pedigree.

G Barry, England International central midfielder with European and Premier League pedigree.

Are the players worth the money City paid for them?, all valuable ex-first team members of top six clubs, all with pedigree and all between the age of 25 to 28.
　
Who else financially gained without extreme disruption?

Clubs have demanded Huge fees for established English Premier League players so if anyone is to blame for inflating transfer fees, its the seller and not the buyer. As far as the wage subject goes, if any business wants to go places then they need to pay the best they can to get the best people possible to push that business forward.

Arsenal gained enough money from the sale of two players to buy at least four new players.

Everton gained a large percentage from the sale of Joleon Lescott and enough to buy two new players not to mention having a striker from us on loan.

Wolverhampton Wanderers gained a percentage of the Joleon Lescott fee.

Aston Villa gained enough money to buy two new midfielders to replace Barry not to mention having a few youth players ready to step up to the plate.
　
Accused of lacking soul?

• A solid fan base through thick and thin, up and down from Division three to the Premier League.


• The most outstanding community based club in England who have won awards and honours for work in the community.


• Our club listens to its fans, our owner keeps his promises and our clubs board gets the job done.


• Our history as an English club holds character, tradition and value, always known as a family club we have made history no matter where we were.
  
• No matter how much you put us down, we always come back fighting stronger than ever and our club oozes pride in battle.


• We never drop our heads and always raise the bar no matter what.

Who said we lack soul, I know otherwise.

Future of English football

I would say the future is looking great on a domestic and national scale, Manchester City and Aston Villa are providing the core of English youth and other clubs are starting to take note and see the success our academy has shown of late.

Domestic leagues are becoming more competitive, its not just Premier League clubs that are rolling in cash, clubs like Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are on their way back.

The more money entering Great Britain, the more tax paid to our government and in turn the more of a chance our government handing over money to solve real issues like domestic poverty and our national health service etc.

Expectation

Most City fans I think, are far from thinking Manchester City can win the Premier League title in 09'10', far from deluded but more excited about the football that will be played in the City of Manchester Stadium, instead we hope for the best possible start to the next decade.

I think City fans would be happy with a minimum of fifth place in the league and maybe a Cup to remember and then be happy to see City push on from there but I would like to also think we are a little more optimistic in hoping for a top four finish in the league if possible and we know eventually that we will be.

It is ultimately the media pointing to City winning the league in our first real challenging season aided by the bookmakers, as most will be aware, the media love to hype up a story, speculate, exaggerate, manipulate and fabricate.

Feel free to add your personal expectations as a City fan below.

Inside Futbol report Lionel Messi could end up at City?

Inside Futbol reports, according to Madrid daily Marca, Manchester City are holding out some small degree of hope of signing Lionel Messi from FC Barcelona.

The Spanish paper reports that Messi will renegotiate his contract with Barca soon and feel they City, could offer him an escape route should he not manage to agree terms on a new contract.

Marca say the whole deal would cost Manchester City €300 Million, broken down as €150 Million to pay Messi's termination clause and the remainder for signing on fees and his salary.

The paper also believes City have been quietly in contact with Messi and his father to let them know what City are willing to do to bring him to the English Premier League.

Almost beyond the realm of possibility maybe they say and I second that, but every player has his price and most forget that the loyalty of a fan is nothing like the loyalty of an employee, football is a job just like any other job and Manchester City have the muscle to make such a move happen.

News Roundup: Upson and Miranda to Manchester City, The FA Oppose Uefa

West Ham are apparently set to sell Matthew Upson, they need around £10 million to ward off creditors, Manchester City have been linked with Upson in the past and it is reported that Mark Hughes is growing tired of Lescott and Everton playing games, although Upson is aged 30 he would seem a good short term option for City, whether Hughes is interested is still yet to be seen. (Mail on Sunday)
　
Reports in Brazil suggest Manchester City are reported to be chasing Sao Paulo's young centre-back, 24 year old Joao Miranda de Souza (pictured), AC Milan were in the past reported to be interested but have now solved their back-line problems with the recent purchase of Thiago Silva.

Miranda had the following to say, "I am happy and it is very rewarding being considered by such teams," said the Brazil international."

Meanwhile the English Football Association have finally grown some pears by opposing Uefa's planned restrictions on signing players, this bodes well for clubs like Manchester City and other clubs who are also in City's position in the future.

English Football Association chief executive Ian Watmore approves of Manchester City's spending strategy, funded by their Abu Dhabi owners, and says he would like to see it repeated elsewhere in the Premier League.

Uefa are trying to implement rules that would force teams to make transfer fees and players' salaries proportionate to their income as a condition for entry to the UEFA Champions League.

I believe Uefa knows this rule would not affect current Champions League established clubs like Liverpool and United due to the fact they receive a big fat pay cheque from Europe as well as them recieving more cash than most for holding strong positions in their respected leagues so they have no problem covering their means.

Your thinking 'but what about the debt these clubs like Liverpool and United are in, does that not affect them?'

Certainly not, there is nothing in the proposed rule saying clubs in debt will be punished, as long as they live by their means they are fine to carry on in debt.

Watmore also said, "Anything that makes the competition stronger and more deep, I think has got to be welcomed."

"We don't want to see the Premier League becoming a top four procession every year.

"If in the process of the new money coming into Manchester City - and some interesting, I think different strategies that people like Aston Villa are adopting - we can get to seven or eight clubs that realistically have a chance of breaking into the top four, it can only strengthen the Premier League, which is to our mutual advantage."

Watmore doesn't want restrictive measures implemented in England that will force businessmen to instead fund foreign clubs.

"This is a global market and I'd rather have the strongest league here on these shores, which is what I think we have today, then I would see it move to somewhere else," Watmore said. "So, if people are going to bring their money into the game, then let's have it here in this league and make the Premier League even stronger than it is today."

It seems UEFA president Michel Platini has found himself a new friend, please stand up FA chairman David Triesman, both expressed concerns about unchecked spending and mounting levels of debt consuming football clubs in the midst of a global economic crisis.

I say that's extremely hypocritical and two faced considering both Uefa and the FA have watched Man United financially steal the English Premier League for the last how many years exactly?, and accumulate hundreds of millions of debt.

English Football Association chief executive and Arsenal fan, Ian Watmore was appointed Chief Executive of the FA on the 18th of February 2009 but only started work at the FA in June 2009.

Jim Cassell leading Manchester City's Global Academy Adventure

Captain Cassell, City's youth academy director will leave City for Abu Dhabi and will be representing Manchester City FC on a global youth academy scale.

The media are trying the usual spin and like to think there was a falling out between Jim Cassell aand Mark Hughes twisting and turning it into a conspiracy that Hughes is pushing Cassell out of City.

The media even go on to say Mark Hughes is risking a City fan backlash by thinking their lame attempt to fabricate this conspiracy will convince some City fans that Jim Cassell is being pushed out, ok a few may fall for it but i don't see a witch-hunt protest happening.

Jim Cassell is indeed still an employee at Manchester City and will still have a base in Manchester, The Daily Mail say that coaches Alex Gibson, who led City to a prestigious FA Youth Cup triumph two seasons ago and ex-City captain Paul Power are off to Abu Dhabi too, Cassell will be replaced by Andy Welsh, once coach of Leeds and Man United.

We have Jim Cassell and his coaches to thank for providing us with a large quantity of English talent aswell as a small quantity of non-English talent but the thanks will not stop there as he will be working his magic over-sea's. We have not seen the last of Jim Cassell yet so lets all wish him the best on his well earned adventure and thank him for the service he has already provided.

Man United and Liverpool Trafficking?, are Uefa Hypocrite's?

While Uefa declare concern over English Premier League finances, Man United are apparently trafficking young foreign players from under the noses of their mother clubs.

Yes the mighty Man United, one of the very same clubs that payed over the odds for players for decades, Why did Uefa not show their concerns about finances years ago when Man United were paying the amount of £25+ million for Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney or Dimitar Berbatov?

Why not voice their concerns when Man United sold a player to another club for £80 million?

Why are they not more concerned about Man United and Liverpool trafficking kids under the age of 18 from under the noses of their respected clubs?, they are going straight to the parents by offering them big money to convince they're child to move to United.

Why are Uefa turning a blind eye to Liverpool, Man United, AC Milan & Real Madrid?

I think Uefa are in the process of mounting a war against clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, but how can they do this?, surely clubs like Man United are not immune from these so called new rules Uefa want to implement?

It seems clubs like Man United are immune as their total revenue covers their means despite the fact they owe hundreds of millions.

So new rules are to be announced to stop clubs from breaking the bank like Man United have done for decades, why did they not stop Man United from doing so, why are they allowing Real Madrid to pay crazy prices like £80 million for one player.

Well they cannot stop us now but they can try to slow us down in the long run, if it was not Manchester City FC then it would probably be one of your clubs outside the top two so why not get behind Manchester City FC, even if you are not a City fan because we are surely fighting for the under-dogs here.

Uefa are undoubtedly late by atleast 34 years so why not target clubs that are in extreme debt in Europe instead of attacking honest clubs who are trying to get somewhere, surely clubs that borrow to maintain their hold on European football should be the punished.

Have Uefa got it all wrong?

Terminator Tal Ben Haim and Fabian Delph Rumor Roundup

Chelsea fans will be all too well aware of Tal Ben Haim after the clash with Petr Cech and we are all to aware of Tal Ben's ability to injure his fellow team-members after smashing into Micah Richards and sidelining him.

Thought to myself was it intentional?, it can not be easy playing second fiddle to someone far younger or maybe it was for the international goal Richards scored against Israel, who know?.

Recently Gareth Barry, Richard Dunne and Robinho apparently had a run in in training with Terminator, they say Barry and Dunne where not as lucky as Robinho but that got me thinking?, these players are key players at City, is this guy trying to ruin City from the inside out?.

Meanwhile Mark Hughes has claimed Manchester City are interested in Leeds United midfielder Fabian Delph (pictured) but stopped short of confirming City had tabled a bid.

Also Kolo Toure's substitution against Barnsley FC is not to be feared, it seems it was a precautionary action, possibly a sprain.

Carlos Tevez is apparently going to be fit for his debut later this week so we can look forward to seeing him in action.

According to the News of the World England defender Joleon Lescott is eager to join the City revolution, 'Lescott has informed Goodison boss David Moyes in four separate meetings of his desire to talk to City boss Mark Hughes. But after successive bids were rejected by the Merseysiders, the England international now recognises the only way to seal a deal is to go public.'

'A formal written transfer request is already being prepared and is likely to be made this week. Everton dismissed a second bid worth £19m for the 26-year-old in midweek.They are adamant they won't negotiate with City until Lescott goes public. Chairman Bill Kenwright is prepared to sit tight for as much as £30m for the defender.'

Will Lescott go public?, David Moyes certainly has done in the Sunday Mirror, says "It is about showing respect - and we are not being shown that"

"I'm sure if I was Mark Hughes with all the money he has I would try to buy the best players."But we'd try to go about it in a different fashion."I would think I would go about my business in the way I have always done."Toffees boss Moyes believes Hughes' transfer activity should be conducted in a more traditional style."

He added, "I've always tried to contact the managers and show respect to them in terms of transfers, and no matter how much money I might have to spend, I would always want to keep that up."It goes back to the managers having a drink together after the game, to the fact managers will still phone each other up when they are looking for a player."That is part of the way it should be done."

Well maybe Hughes does not want to be friends, maybe you should stop throwing your toys out of your pram and phone Hughes, take the initiative so to speak.

Manchester City Defensive Transfer Roundup: Toure, Lescott, Upson, Veloso & Mexes

While old red nose sits on his throne at the old swamp licking his wounds Manchester City are on the verge of aquiring Kolo Toure, seriously the brother of Yaya binks is apparently in the bag.

Now that John boy Terry has chosen to stay at home, many are predicting Mark Hughes will up his bid for Joleon Lescott, Everton are bracing themselves for an improved offer, they are all pacing infront of that fax machine waiting for that little green light to flash. You could feel the negativity emanating from Everton fans as John boy released his long awaited statement.

Also Matthew Upson has been thrown into the mix, at the ripe age of 30 he hardly seems a good choice to me so I think this is just a bit of old news from the Sven era or maybe its just a West Ham United fan wishing for City to come calling and dish them out a nice wedge of cash for an aging defender.

It has also been reported that Manchester City have held preliminary talks with Miguel Veloso's agent Paulo Barbosa, City only have Nigel De Jong in his position as Kompany is seen more as a central defender, some seem to think that Michael Johnson is a defensive midfielder but I can confirm he has never been such, Johnson is a box to box midfielder just like Stephen Ireland so Veloso would indeed be a good purchase at around £15 Million especially as he is only aged 23.

French Daily newspaper Le Parisien has reported that Manchester City have enquired about the availability of 27 year old Phillipe Mexes from Roma.

Kolo Toure agree's terms with Manchester City

The Sunday Times reports Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Arsenal defender Kolo Toure and will join City for around £15 Million.

Occasional Arsenal captain Toure was not consistently Arsene Wenger’s first choice.

They also report the Arab-financed club have offered Everton £20m plus England under-21 international Nedum Onuoha for Lescott, who has been attracted by the prospect of starting in his preferred central defensive position.

Toure will make a welcome addition to our back line.

Although Onouha has impressed i still think he is way off becoming a solid player, caught ball watching often so i would welcome his departure as long as we gained Lescott.

John Terry has apparently stated that he will speak out on arrival back in the UK on Tuesday.