Pearce wins the race?

Although not the biggest suprise that may come out of Manchester this week, a whisper came my way this morning to say that Stuart Pearce has indeed won the race to be appointed the next manager of Manchester City. In a move probably designed to rally the troops before Sunday's crunch came against Middlesbrough, the 'official' news will be announced Friday or Saturday ahead of the crucial UEFA cup place decider.
It is an expected move and will be wholeheartedly endorsed by City fans far and wide, but there was some intriguing and maybe not unrelated news that came through also this morning. It is believed that Paul le Guen, who has guided Lyon to yet another Championship in France this season, has re-signed his position as manager. Le Guen has a growing reputation in football and is believed to fancy a crack at managing in the Premiership.
There is a belief amongst a section of City fans that in addition to being an extended job 'interview', the reason Pearce has been told to wait until the summer before a decision is made is that the board are hoping to lure a more high profile manager with a greater experience than Pearce has. Whilst most assume this to be Celtic's Martin O'Neill, it maybe the le Guen has been sounded out and has expressed an interest in the job.
It maybe that the Pearce announcement is not as signed and sealed as thought. Watch this space...

Congratulations to the reserve side who won the Manchester Senior Cup last night with a victory over their United counterparts by a scoreline of 3-2. It is just reward for an excellent season all round which has seen several young players enhance their reputations and hope to make their way into the first team squad next season.