City 2 Portsmouth 0.

Another win for the Blues today sees us establish our best unbeaten run in the Premiership (six games) for over a decade since Brian Horton was in charge. City went into the game as favourites after Portsmouth had all but guaranteed their safety last week with a win over Southampton and the game was as good as buried twenty minutes in after City established a two goal lead with goals from Sylvain Distin, maintaining the goal rush from the defense and a free kick strike from Robbie Fowler - read my lips, he will score twenty goals next season.
An uneventful second half rarely saw the result in doubt and with Middlesbrough dropping points at Liverpool, the prospect of European qualification suddenly opens up once again as we are only three points off the holy grail of seventh position. It is shaping upto be a great game on the last day of the season as Middlesbrough come to City in what could be a winner takes all contest.
There was some good off field news these last couple of days with Richard Dunne and Nedum Onuha inking new contracts and Shaun Wright Phillips in todays Sun stating he no intention of leaving City and is happy at the club.
The signing of Dunne is important as I expect him to be a slam dunk for the player of the year award and has become possibly the most vital part of the side this season. He has certainly changed my opinion of him over this last year. Onuha is a good prospect who has ousted Danny Mills during the latter part of the season and has done nothing to suggest he won't be the starting right-back next season.
Wright-Phillips comments were pleasing - particularly 'What is important for me is that I am happy in my life and in my football - and at Manchester City I'm both.' However, one worrying apect of the article was the fact that he appeared to leave his future in the clubs hands, stating 'If anyone comes in for me, as far as I'm concerned that's the club's decision whether I go or stay'. Personally, I think he will be at City for another season at least but I'm sure a lot of people will read into his comments that if the decision is left to the board then SWP will be playing elsewhere next season.

End of the season for the reserves.

The reserves finish their league season tonight with a derby match-up against United which unfortunately will not be the title decider which it appeared it might do a couple of weeks ago.
However, it has been a superb season for the reserves under the guidance of Asa Hartford as the young side has exceed all expectations. This has been even more impressive given the fact that the likes of Onuha, Jordan, Flood, Croft and Bradley Wright-Phillips have featured in the senior squad towards the end of the season.
With very little transfer budget appearing to be available for whoever is named manager in the summer it has been impressive the way the likes of the young players (plus more established youngsters Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips) have forced their way into the first team. This has also allowed more of the younger players to get their chance in the reserves and gain some vital experience as they hope to become the next group to get their chance with the senior squad.
People who are regular reserve team watchers believe that the likes of Karl Bermingham, Ishmael Miller, Daniel Sturridge, Kaspar Schmeichel and the D'Laryea twins have real potential and along with the ones who have already made their mark could provide City with their finest crop of 'boy blues' since the when White, Hinchcliffe, Lake, Redmond and Brightwell came through. It is hoped that the next manager will continue to nurture and develop the talent that will be at their disposal.

A number two for Psycho?

Much of the talk recently around City has focused on who will get the nod to succeed Kevin Keegan on a full time basis, with Stuart Pearce appearing to be in the driving seat.
One thing which was mentioned to me from one of my sources (also incidentally a Nottingham Forest fan) was that if Pearce does get the job in the summer he will bring in former Forest colleague and ex-City player (sorry - couldn't really class him as a star) Nigel Clough as his assistant.
Clough is currently learning his managerial craft in the Conference as Burton Albion manager and has appeared to do quite a good job on next to no budget, and has developed a reputation for himself as a shrewd and knowledgeable coach.
Whilst I have no doubt that Derek Fazackerly (and maybe others) will go come what may in the summer, would Clough be a good (and perhaps more importantly) and popular choice? It cannot be doubted that he was a player of immense talent, possessing a vision which saw him likened to Kenny Dalglish and it was to Liverpool he eventually left Forest for. However, he faded away at Liverpool and was out of the first team for a long period before joining City where he never recaptured his Forest form, and eventually had his contract paid up as he seemed content to run down his (rather large) contract sat in the reserve side.
It may be that Clough feels he has gone as far as he can at Burton and is ready to make a step up to a big side, but he has always seemed his own man (as has Pearce) and it would be suprise me that he would want to come as a number 2 rather than branching out somewhere else in his own right. I also feel he may not receive the warmest of welcomes from the Blues as we have notoriously long memories and his parting was not on the best of terms.
Perhaps though, he feels that he and Pearce could forge a partnership and personally, I think it may not be the worst idea to bring someone from outside the club in to take a fresh look and approach alongside what Pearce would bring.
And don't forget, Mr Clough snr didn't do too badly in a partnership of his own a generation ago....

Blank day for the Blues and an honour for SWP.

A 0-0 draw away at Blackburn on Saturday was perhaps no suprise as the Blues came across an aggressive Blackburn side who continue to embody the persona of manager (and former United villain of course) Mark Hughes and kick their way to survival in the Premiership.
Hughes of course is adored by the United faithful (I use the word loosely for all those who didn’t know they existed pre 1992 days) despite his constant fouling, elbowing and general whining which ensures he remains a figure of loathing for all Blues (see also Robson, B and Keane, R).
The signing of Robbie Savage has also failed to endear Blackburn to the rest of the Premier League and their approach in recent games against Arsenal and Crystal Palace have earned them just criticism from many commentators.
In truth it was a game that failed to inspire most who were there but the Blues could class themselves unlucky as a nailed on penalty was turned down by referee Foy, leading to even the referee friendly Stuart Pearce questioning the decision and the final result was one which was favourite prior to the game.
Sunday saw the fantastic season by Shaun Wright-Phillips recognised as his fellow professionals voted him to the Premier League team of the year. In what his breakthrough season he has been the most dangerous and creative threat that City possess and proves just how valuable he is to the side and it is hoped that any potential offers for him in the summer are given short shrift.
Disappointing though to see him miss out on the young player of the year award as he inexplicably finished second to Wayne Rooney, who has not had close to the season SWP has had and proves just what a media bandwagon can do for your standing in the game.

City 3 Birmingham 0.

Two home games – two home wins. The Pearce bandwagon gathers even more momentum following Wednesday nights 3-0 victory over Birmingham City. A game which saw three second half goals from the Blues after getting the benefit of the doubt when Clinton Morrison had a goal disallowed for offside (what was I said about luck after the Fulham game?). The first goal from Fowler was a typical predatory strike and since the departure of Anelka he has taken on the mantle of senior striker – pretty much as he’s the only striker we have, and is repaying the faith that not many Blues had in him six months.
The second goal from Richard Dunne was pleasing as it proves that set pieces must be something that Pearce has concentrated on in training as it has been an area we have rarely looked threatening in over the past season or so. In fact, who was the last defender to score from a set piece – Steve Howey?
Even Antoine Sibierski got in on the act in the last minute and scored from the spot – maybe that’s what he had in mind when he said he would Anelka’s replacement!
A good three points from the Blues and the fans must have been happy as not one caller to the GMR post game phone in was a critical one! How times have changed since Keegan departed.
Could the night get any better? Oh yes it could as Match of the Day provided the perfect late night viewing showing United’s defeat to Everton which provided some classic TV footage of Gary Neville reacting to being picked on by some bigger boys in the crowd by kicking the ball into the face of one of them. A sending off immediately followed for violent conduct which led to Gaz puffing his chest out and strutting his way down the tunnel with a look that said ‘that’ll teach ‘em’ – absolute classic.

Playing for keeps?

Birmingham City at home tonight and most Blues on the back of the last home game against Liverpool and encouraging performances under Stuart Pearce so far will be expecting three points.
The corresponding away fixture earlier in the season at St. Andrews which saw an inept 1-0 defeat was perhaps the first indication that the City fans had really begun to turn against Kevin Keegan - a game which saw the side lack any attacking threat and a lack of passion throughout.
The team under Pearce so far appear to be showing far more desire and commitment than under Keegan - perhaps a sign that Keegan had in fact 'lost' the dressing room.
It is interesting to see since Pearce took over that many of the players have come out publicly to praise Pearce's managerial qualities and his approach so far, and have called for him to be given the job on a full time basis. Whether this is genuine feeling or simply a tactic to ensure they remain in his 'good books' should he get the job may be open to debate but with five games to go until the end of the season Pearce is doing and saying all the right things so far.
Whether the team can respond enough to ensure he gets the job on a full time basis is still up in the air - and he has openly stated his desire to get the job, and surely three points tonight will go a long way in helping his cause.

New issue of City 'til I Cry.

The new issue of fanzine City 'til I Cry (of which I contribute articles from time to time) whinged its way through the letterbox this morning, and unsuprisingly focused on the departure of former manager Kevin Keegan.
In keeping with the editorial and general theme from the columnists of recent times, there were not too many tears shed over his departure. Whilst most acknowledged that he had brought good times to the club - the superb promotion season, Premier league stability and some top class signings (Schmeichel and Anelka in particular), most lamented the £50+ million pounds he had spent/frittered/wasted (delete as applicable) with very little return and also the lack of tactical variety and enthusiasm he brought towards the end of his reign.
Most welcomed the chance the club has given to Stuart Pearce to prove himself but speculated over whether the job will be his come the summer or whether one of the more high profile names - Strachan, Dowie, O'Neill etc will be taking over.
As ever, an excellent read and good talking points raised by all - and with the usual high praise of everybody's favourite red Gary Neville.
Copies can be ordered through tomcitytilicry@aol.com

A return for Paulo?

Interesting news in more than one of the Sunday papers this weekend linking Paulo Wanchope with a return to City, coming only a season after he was sold to Malaga for a criminal return of £500,000 - a move which left us badly short in attack, which was even more apparant after the sale of Nicolas Anelka in January.
It was a strange sale at the time, and one which was blamed on the fact that he only had a season left on his contract but came after his most consistent and injury free spell for us.
Would it be good for him to come back? - Malaga are apparantly looking for no more than the £500,000 we received for him after he reportedly fell out with a section of their supporters. Although I don't for a moment believe Macken or Sibierski are nearly good enough, I don't think a Wanchope-Fowler partnership would work and would like to see us look elsewhere in the summer or allow Bradley Wright-Phillips more of an opportunity.
There is the old saying of 'never go back' - and in this case, sorry Paulo, I don't think so.

Fulham 1 City 1.

An early start Saturday morning saw us get to my mates flat in London about 11am. Still, it was only typical that a combination of lunchtime drinking and the London transport system saw us still manage to miss kick-off.
Despite rumours of a re-appearance from Thatcher and McManaman it was (thankfully) an unchanged line-up although we were greeted with the welcome return of SWP to the bench.
All in all it was a disappointing game which saw City throw away two more points against a side who in truth were poor and offered little threat.
City took the lead when Reyna slotted home from close range after Van der Saar had spilled Sibierski's header. TV replays suggested he may have been offside but there is a saying that these things even themselves out (more of that to come). To me, Reyna looks far more impressive on the right hand side than he ever did in the middle and it may allow SWP to move further upfront alongside Fowler.
City should really have kicked on to take the game in the second half but when Fowler undid his good work by blasting wide from all of ten yards it was probably inevitable that Fulham would then snatch a point. A long, high hopeful ball saw Brian McBride 'outmuscle' David James and Boa Morte struck the loose ball home. TV replays indicated it was a foul - and even Sam Allardyce admitted that so it must have been!
Despite the cameo appearance from SWP for the last ten minutes or so the game fizzled out a little and both sides took home a point which was probably of more use to Fulham than ourselves.
Post game saw several hours in the White Hart in Parsons Green which saw me pay £5 for a burger from their barbecue and then onto Islington which saw rounds approaching £30 (for seven drinks!) and a night which descended into drunken chaos and carnage.
Today, feeling extremely fragile my mood has not been lightened by the listless display from Newcastle which saw United cruise to the FA Cup Final and Pakistan winning the one day cricket series against India - a result which sees me having to wear a Pakistan shirt on the next dress down day at work as the result of a lost best.
All in all, it's probably best to call it a day and start the week afresh in the morning. Except for the fact that I have an exam in the morning and need to put in an evenings revision. Oh joy!

Welcome one and all.

A warm welcome to all of you out there reading this (assuming there is actually any of you). I've basically set up this blog to bring my opinion and comment on all the goings on and events surrounding Manchester City.

The season is drawing to a close over the next month or so but with KK having gone and Psycho taking over the reigns until the end of the season (although it seems he will get the job on a full time basis) there is still plenty of interest left. This weekend brings us a trip to a Fulham and hopefully three more points which wil no doubt rekindle the dying embers of those European qualification dreams thatresurface after every win!

I'd welcome any views and feedback from yourselves and hope that you enjoy it.