2006/07 season review August-November

I'm not sure whether raking over the season is going to do me, or any of you any good, but here is part 1 of a three part post this week with a run down at the games and events of the 2006/07 season - linking into some of the posts that featured on Bitter and Blue over the season.


August

Not a good start to the season as a 3-0 defeat away at champions Chelsea was followed by an uninspiring 0-0 home draw against Portsmouth, a game which was overshadowed by Ben Thatcher's challenge on Pedro Mendes which saw him banned by the club and charged by the FA.

The month ended with a fine 1-0 win over Arsenal, and the end of the transfer deadline saw DeMarcus Beasley arrive but Andrew Cole and Antoine Sibierski depart.


September

Andrew Cole and Stuart Pearce were less than complimentary to each other following his move to Portsmouth and a toothless attack saw us fall 1-0 at Reading.

Ben Thatcher saw his ban extended by the FA, whilst I mused over where the goals would come from this season.

A 4-2 defeat at Blackburn was followed by a Carling Cup exit at Chesterfield to put the pressure on Stuart Pearce - which was lifted a little following a 2-0 victory at home to West Ham.

Off the pitch, the end of September saw the MCFC Supporters Trust announce their mission statement.


October

A 1-1 draw at Everton was clouded by Joey Bartons 'bum rap', and the CoMS was awarded the 2008 UEFA Cup Final - sparking hopes that we would make an appearance.

A 0-0 home draw (another one?) against Sheffield United was a welcome point compared to the next inept performance - a 4-0 hammering at Wigan (which saw the debut of Michael Johnson). It was a game which sparked a debate on ticket pricing and led to John Wardle publicly commenting on the teams performance.

Injuries were beginning to tell on the side, but the month ended on a positive note as the pressure was eased with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

October also saw Bitter and Blue nominated in the inaugral Manchester Blog Awards.


November

A game billed as a relegation battle saw us defeated at an Ian Dowie led Charlton, whilst Nicky Weaver's return to fitness and form saw his contract talks come under the spotlight.

Another 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle saw us bid for a new consecutive clean sheet record.

Micah Richards made his England debut and former-Blue Uwe Rosler was sacked by Lillestrom.

A pair of 3-1 victories (against Fulham and Villa) was sandwiched by a 1-0 defeat at Anfield against Liverpool, and Antoine Sibierski hit out at Stuart Pearce following his early success at Newcastle.

Rumours of a Shaun Wright-Phillips return started to surface as the January window began to appear on the horizon.