Al Qahtani 'turns down' move

Asian Player of the Year Yasser Al Qahtani claims he has turned down an offer to join Manchester City.

The Saudi Arabia striker, 25, had been on trial with Sven-Goran Eriksson's side but said in an official press conference on Saturday that he has decided to stay in his home country with Al Hilal.

"I had a successful trial with Manchester City and I was given great praise from everyone there including coach Sven-Goran Eriksson," said Al Qahtani.

"We had reached an agreement but there were some issues in the contract that were not resolved.

"However, the reason I rejected the offer was not due to financial reasons but because I feel Al Hilal need me too much this season."

Al Qahtani stressed he still has ambitions to play in Europe in the near future.

He added: "I'm still looking to play in Europe and the situation could be different at the start of next season.

"I still have some offers and I will discuss them with the administration and I'm sure that I can succeed in Europe."

itv.com

City 0 Liverpool 0

Sometimes, as unpalatable as it may be for some of you, it is more important to ensure defeat is avoided in a game that go all out to win - thus increasing the risk of a defeat.

I'm certain that Sven looked at yesterday's game with the idea that Liverpool pretty much had to win to keep alive slim title ambitions, whereas we didn't want to lose first and foremost and a point would suit us perfectly in a quest for European football.

And so it panned out.

Yesterday was generally regarded as a game of cat and mouse, with Liverpool holding the ascendancy for the most part and our stat of zero shots on target bears this out a little. Yet, for me is there nothing wrong with sticking to a gameplan and playing out a 0-0 if that is what is required.

In fact, renowned Italian football writer Gianni Brera has often championed the 0-0 draw as the 'perfect' result for a game of football, and what impressed me particularly yesterday is how well drilled we looked - particularly at the back where Richards and Dunne particularly showed a superb return to form after a slightly sticky spell which has seen us ship goals of late.

Vassell up front was as willing as ever, with Bianchi's demotion to the bench giving him ample time to no doubt check out the merits of a pie and pint before the game, but Sven must be keener than most to see the clock strike midnight tonight and herald the opening of the transfer window as it is clear we need reinforcements in an attacking sense - regardless of how Nery Castillo pans out.

No qualms about yesterday for me, and pleasing to pick up a point and keep ahead of those on our tails. Newcastle up next in a game I feel Sven will see as one to take all three points from, against a side shorn of confidence and in a mess off the pitch with the future of their manager again being questioned, and the habitual offender wearing stripes of a different kind.

Reports:

Guardian
Independent
Times
MEN

A look to the second-half of the season

The 2-2 draw against Blackburn saw us hit the half-way mark of the season, and despite draws in the past two games we sit with an impressive record of 10-5-4 from the first half of the season yielding 35 points - a mark we have hit in the past couple of seasons around Easter as opposed to Christmas.

While performances of late have been a little inconsistent, we are still getting results and have mantained our challenge on the top four all season, and with potential recruits arriving over the next couple of weeks we are in strong position going into 2008.

But, exactly what position are win, and more importantly, what do we need to achieve to guarantee European football come the end of the season?

Due to the increased amounts teams such as ourselves, Portsmouth, West Ham and Aston Villa have spent, in addition to the strides Everton and Blackburn have made, it has seen a congested top half of the table - not to mention in and around the top four, meaning it likely that a high points haul will be needed to guarantee a top six spot.

Looking back in time over the past five seasons, a projected points haul of 70 points (based on what we have achieved so far this season) would guarantee a Champions League spot, not to mention a UEFA Cup place, as shown below:

02/03 - 67 points CL, 60 points UEFA
03/04 - 60 points CL, 56 points UEFA
04/05 - 61 points CL, 58 points UEFA
05/06 - 67 points CL, 63 points UEFA
06/07 - 68 points CL, 58 points UEFA

Whilst on this basis a UEFA Cup place is a near certainty even allowing for a poor run of form over the second half of the season, and a Champions League spot definitely attainable, I think that this season will set a new high in terms of achieving a UEFA Cup position, and almost certainly the 70 point mark will be hit by the fourth placed team.

As well as we have played this season, is it realistic to think we can repeat the 35 points haul and hit the mark? In all probability it is doubtful given that our points haul has dropped of late when you look over each of the third point marks - 12 from games 1-6, 13 from 7-12 and 10 from 13-19.

I also doubt that there will be quite as much inconsistency from the sides playing for European places as in past seasons, as there has been such a noticeable difference in quality between the top and bottom half of the Premier League this season.

For me, looking ahead towards 2008, I do feel that a Champions League place is beyond us, but see ourselves and Everton as the two sides in pole position for the UEFA places, and definitely the two strongest and most consistent of the chasing pack.

Looking back to when the new owners and management took over, they talked of an initial three year plan and suggested a top ten place this season would be an acceptable finish for their debut campaign.

Well, we are well ahead of schedule so far and have achieved well over what I expected (I predicted a ninth place finish) and I do see us comfortably taking the 5th or 6th spot come mid May, but with the one caveat that we cannot afford to drop the levels of performance that we have displayed so far this season.

Liverpool prediction

Manchester City midfield duo Elano and Dietmar Hamann are set to be recalled after being rested for the 2-2 draw against Blackburn.

Fellow midfielder Michael Johnson again misses out because of a groin injury.

Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger (foot) may be rushed back as Sami Hyypia is a doubt with an ankle injury.

If the pair are not fit, youngster Jack Hobbs could play or Alvaro Arbeloa (flu) could be used in central defence. Peter Crouch is suspended.

---

Man City (from): Hart, Isaksson, Onuoha, Corluka, Sun, Dunne, Richards, Garrido, Ball, Ireland, Hamann, Elano, Fernandes, Geovanni, Petrov, Mpenza, Vassell, Bianchi, Samaras.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hobbs, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Babel, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Kewell, Voronin, Torres, Kuyt, Lucas, Agger, Itandje.

---

-BBC Sport.

An interesting contest is on the cards when we host Liverpool tomorrow, as fourth meets fifth in a battle of home form against away form. We may have well lost our 100% home record but are still unbeaten, whilst Liverpool boast an impressive away record this campaign.

Eriksson is likely to start Elano, who was on bench for the last game, and Dietmar Hamann is also set for a start while Michael Johnson will be out with groin problem.

Rafa Benitez will wait on defender Sami Hyypia, who picked up an ankle problem at Pride Park, until last minute and if the Finland international fails a fitness test then Denmark defender Daniel Agger could make his return after a lengthy absence from a metatarsal injury.

Our record against Liverpool at home in recent seasons is favourable and we should go into the game with confidence, but they do have definite dangerman that can cause our defence problems - in particular the red hot form of Fernando Torres who must be giving the pairing of Dunne and Richards sleepless nights ahead of this game.

At the other end of the pitch, we are capable of scoring goals and Liverpool have injury worries themselves with Daniel Agger and Sami Hyppia late fitness doubts. Hopefully Bianchi's can put aside his disillusionment with English 'culture' and continue his goalscoring record of late.

A tricky one to call this one, and if anything (and despite our home record) we probably start as slight underdogs. Recent encounters have not been the most memorable, and I'm going to predict a similar outcome with this game as a 1-1 draw is most likely for me.

Thaksin allies victorious in Thai elections

ALLIES of Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra have declared victory in the Thai elections. The PPP captured 233 of 480 seats in the lower house of parliament to win Sunday’s national election, it was announced. The rival Democrat Party was second with 165 seats, while the Chart Thai Party finished third with 37. The victorious People’s Power Party (PPP) is attempting to attract smaller parties to form a coalition government. Dr Thaksin lives in exile in London and the populist billionaire, ousted in a military coup last year, would face numerous hurdles if he attempts a comeback to political power. Dr Thaksin announced he will “explore options” about returning home in April at the latest. Speaking in Hong Kong, Thaksin said he would not resume a political career but stood ready to advise the PPP, made up of stalwarts from his outlawed Thai Rak Thai party.

-MEN.

There is plenty of in-depth analysis of the Thai elections from The Times, Channel 4, Independent, The Age and BBC, and one issue - or rather person, dominates the outcome - Thaksin Shinawatra.

Essentially, the PPP - formed from the ashes of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party hold sway in Thailand having secured just short of a majority in the vote. Undoubtedly the presence or influence of Shinawatra was a factor, with the PPP targetting the same voters as Shinawatra did in previous elections.

The biggest question now is probably 'What next?', as to form a government the PPP need to form a coalition with one of the other parties - something which hasn't been too forthcoming in the immediate aftermath of the election.

But whilst we may all hold a pressing desire to know what the political landscape in Thailand now looks like, probably for most City fans the effect this may have on the club and its future is maybe higher on the list of priorities.

It seems that every scenario ranging from he will return to Thailand a hero leaving City in the lurch to his assets will be unfrozen and billions will pour into the coffers in time for the January transfer window, and Thad Williamson raises some of the more pertinent questions in a post, paraphrased below:

1. What will happen to the court cases against Thaksin, which the Democrat Party still wants to see prosecuted in full?

2. Is Thaksin really capable of returning to Thailand and (after the initial splash of publicity) keeping a low profile, refraining from over-obvious political activity?

3. What are Thaksin’s long-term aims? Does he simply want to get his name cleared, his money unfrozen, and his ability to business restored? Is he happy to see out his days as a patron of sport?

4. If he does clear his name and get his money back, will he maintain continued interest in owning Manchester City? (The guess here is yes, for the time being.)

5. Will the investigation into the 2003 war on drugs initiated by the military government proceed under the new government, or simply be pushed to the background?

My gut feeling regarding the situation (and I am by no means knowledgeable regarding Thai politics) is that, like the issues of charges brought against him over the past six months, it will have little overall effect on the club in the short term.

Whilst the situation may now be favourable for a return, he has plenty of enemies still in Thailand and should he have any aspirations to go back in some political capacity, he would be extremely foolish to do so at this stage.

Far more likely is that he will continue with his 'day to day' business of being at the helm of the club, with substantial money undoubedly handed out if Sven so decides between now and the end of January. He has also put in too much time, money and initiatives to simply walk away at this stage - not to mention the impressive start the club has made under his tenure has surely done for his profile.

A high political profile is not likely given the still unstable situation, but a return to the country is likely - but I would have thought initially it will be a well choreographed and stage managed visit at this stage.

I also think the issue the pending charges against him (and his family) will remain 'as is' at the moment, being as it will be a political hot potato and any government formed would open themselves up to accusation should the charges be conventiently tossed aside.

So, as it stands, I don't believe much has changed in the life of Manchester City as far as Thaksin Shinawatra is concerned, but where the club and the country of Thailand are linked going forward is if Thaksin does express a desire to actively get back into political life - here is where the problems would undoubtedly begin.

Trio named in emerging XI

The City of trio of Joe Hart, Michael Johnson and Ched Evans have all been named to an emerging British XI, named on Sky Sports' website.

The full team is listed here and given that we were the only club to feature more than one player, it is yet another indication of the success of our academy set up to be represented so prominently - and not even included in the line-up are the more established Nedum Onouha and Micah Richards, and those waiting in the wing such as Kaspar Schmeichel, Ishmael Miller and Kelvin Etuhu.

Blackburn prediction

Just time for a quick link to the preview I did for this game for The Observer yesterday, which I've posted up here.

That's me done for a few days now with the next post probably up on Friday after the Blackburn game, so it just remains to wish everyone out there a Happy Christmas.

Enjoy!

Aston Villa 1 City 1

I guess yesterdays result is a case of 'is the glass half full or half empty?' depending on whether you see it is a point gained or two points dropped.

A point gained in terms of going away to one of your main rivals and coming away with a point from a game where you weren't at your best, and under the cosh at times. Or, is at another away game where we failed to win and threw away an opportunity to increase the gap over a rival after taking the lead - particularly against a side who have struggled against us in recent times.

Personally, I am if the 'half full' opinion and a point cements our place in the top four as we now move headlong into the hectic festive period - with a pair of vital home games over the next week to take us past the half way mark.

A couple of changes from the midweek defeat against Tottenham with a new pair of full backs with Ball coming in for Garrido, Onouha for Corluka and in midfield with Gelson for Michael Johnson. At the back it seemed that Dunne had taken the left side position of the two - perhaps protecting Richards and trying to shore up that side as we have shiped goals on that side of the defence of late?

It was a great start for us with Bianchi backing up the fans clamour for his inclusion by notching another goal for us with a smart finish, and one thing he does give the side is the ability to attack the net - and by doing so will always be able to get on the end of the type of balls that Petrov can deliver.

Having gone ahead though, it was then disappointing to lose the lead so quickly in the manner we did as the impressive Carew brushed aside more than one challenge (and easily beat Dunne) to fire past Hart.

Following the goal, Villa had a period of dominance and threatened on multiple occasions from set pieces with Hart looking a little shaky, although he did make an excellent save from a Carew drive from the edge of the box.

The second half saw both Garrido and Corluka introduced into unfamiliar positions in midfield, and following a bit of a lull in the game we had another spell, with Corluka particularly impressing and Petrov went close but we never really threatened with any clear cut chances and if anything it could have been Villa who took the points late on as they wasted a great two on one opportunity, and Hart came off his line smartly to deny a late goal.

The one concern I do have from seeing the past few games is that due to the lack of real depth in the squad, the same core players have featured throughout the season and the recent performances which have lacked a little conviction and intent may be down to tiredness in the camp, and something Sven may be mindful of with his calls for a winter break.

A good point all in all for me and a four point return from your two games against your opponents in this league will see you finish among the upper reaches. Back on home turf for the next two games, with a game up next against a Blackburn side who have had the better of us of late, but have stuttered in form the past few games.

Reports:

Observer
Telegraph
Independent
Villa Blog
MEN

Aston Villa prediction

The previous occasion this season we suffered a disappointing loss and setback that could have had a big effect on the side was the 6-0 defeat at Chelsea.

That occasion, we responded well and continued to pick up points to maintain our top four challenge.

There has been a big rallying call from Richard Dunne, citing how we rebounded well after the Chelsea game and we do need to pick ourselves up from what was a disappointing exit on Tuesday.

Whilst it is fair to say no-one expected us to be sat in fourth spot as we approach the half-way of the season, and that we have overachieved on where we were expecting us to be, we are in fourth on merit and have a great opportunity as we head into the new year.

The trio of games that face us over the Christmas period - Aston Villa, Blackburn and Liverpool are obviously crucial games, and even moreso given their proximity to us in the table. A return of seven points for instance from these games and we will have cemented our position in the table.

Villa will be a tricky game however. They have fared well this season (perhaps unlucky to be on the end of a defeat in the earlier season meeting) and Martin O'Neill has had more time to put his stamp on the side. They are fairly solid at the back, and possess youth and pace up front which could trouble us.

Michael Johnson may miss out for us, whilst I imagine Garrido could well face the axe after Tuesday night. Obviously away from home has been a problem for us so far this season and it is imperative we get back to winning ways on the road.

I don't see it tomorrow however, but we should be good value to come away with a point with a 1-1 draw.

Etuhu pens new deal

Kelvin Etuhu has capped a great few weeks by signing a contract with Manchester City until the end of the 2009/10 season.

This season has seen the 19-year-old make his first team debut and score his first goal for the Blues in the 4-2 win over Bolton last Saturday. He had already made an immediate impact in his first appearance as a substitute, setting up Georgios Samaras for the winning goal against Norwich in the Carling Cup.

Sven-Goran Eriksson was pleased to get the deal done and speaking exclusively to mcfc.co.uk he declared: "Good news. Kelvin has signed a new contract – very good.

"We are very happy about that and it’s one more young, talented player and we’ll see how good he can be. We know he’s good already because he’s played in the first team and we are very pleased."

A product of the City Academy, Kelvin has fought back from the cruciate knee injury that ended his 2006/07 season while on loan at Rochdale.

After signing his new contract, Etuhu said: "I’m very happy and happy to be at a club that’s going forward. I’m working under a very experienced manager and I’m very happy to be here.

"I was hoping that the new contract would come and I’ve been working hard to make it happen and I’m delighted it’s arrived."

And he outlined his aims saying: "I want to cement my place in the team and hopefully be successful with this Football Club."

-mcfc.co.uk

Sven sweet on Hart

Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed that Joe Hart will be the Manchester City number one for the foreseeable future.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's trip to Aston Villa, the Blues boss said: "“On Saturday Joe Hart will play and will be my number one for the foreseeable future.

“I have had talks with Andreas today and obviously he’s not very happy. I had to make a choice and for this moment I’ve made the choice in Joe Hart."

Rumours will surely start about Andreas Isaksson’s future at the Club and Eriksson admitted: "I don’t know if Andreas wants to leave or stay and fight for the place but I told him it’s very much up to him.

“I will not be surprised and I will understand it if he wants to leave.

"It was important and for the players to come up with this decision before the window opens in January."

-mcfc.co.uk

Not really a surprise given the fact that Joe Hart was recalled to the to the starting line-up for the Carling Cup defeat against Tottenham and it does now seem - for the foreseeable future at least, that Hart is the no. 1 guy, having started the season as third choice.

Sven speculated that Isaksson may well indicate a desire to leave, and I have no doubt that he will do as he is amitious and wants first team football, something he has never managed on a consistent and long term basis since joining he club - both as a result of untimely injuries and an at times strange reluctance from both Sven and Stuart Pearce to back him.

Isaksson is a renowned international keeper with a good pedigree and reputation so I doubt that there will be a shortage of takers if Sven allows him to depart. Whether this means that Kaspar Schmeichel will be elevated to the back up spot or if a more veteran keeper will be added on a short term basis.

Both this season and last, I have long trumpeted the Isaksson cause, finding it baffling that he was constantly overlooked on a number of occasions. But in all honesty - from the games I have seen, the defence appears to be more at ease and relaxed with Hart in goal, than either with Schmeichel and Isaksson between the sticks. Statistically, there is not a great deal of difference between Hart and Isaksson but it is fair to obsever that Isaksson has not imposed himselfon the team as much as he perhaps may have done.

To cut him a little slack though, he has never had a settled run in the side and it may have played on his mind that neither Sven nor Pearce were 100% behind him.

Sven has always said that he would make his decision on who his guy will be at Christmas, and true to his word he has rotated all three keepers to give them opportunities. Despite how highly I do rate Isaksson, I can't disagree with the decision, and whilst Isaksson will now get a chance to resurrect his (still young) career elsewhere, Joe Hart has a golden opportunity to establish himself as the first choice keeper for many years to come, not to mention force himself into the international reckoning.

City take Saudi captain on trial

ASIAN Player of the Year and Saudi Arabia captain Yasser Al Qahtani will have a trial with Manchester City.

The 25-year-old striker arrived in Manchester with Al Hilal president Prince Mohammed Bin Faisal, with Sven-Goran Eriksson and his City coaching staff preparing to take a closer look at the player.

"I'm now in England after I got an invitation letter from Manchester City," said Al Qahtani.

"I'm here with Al Hilal president Prince Mohammed bin Faisal and my agent Turki Al Mukairin.

"I'm glad to train with such a good club in England and I will try my best to prove that Saudi players are good players."

-MEN.

My first reaction to this is one of scepticism.

I can't confess to have heard of this guy, let alone know whether he is a decent player or not. Perhaps it is a bit of a PR move to generate some interest in what is a lucrative market, but on the back of last nights defeat it became even more apparent that attacking reinforcements are needed in January - and these need to be of a quality nature, with a proven record.

I may be proved wrong but I don't see it with this signing.

Wikipedia page.

City 0 Tottenham 2

The quarter-final curse that has afflicted both the club and Sven over the past few seasons failed to be exorcised last night in what at the time was one of the more frustrating evenings of following City, and on reflection one of the biggest opportunities wasted.

To plat at home against a side not in fantastic form, reduced to ten men after just twenty minutes on our home ground where we had won every game so far this season is an opportunity that doesn't present itself too often, and clearly we blew it. Big time.

Yes we weren't helped by Steve Bennett's decision to not send off Steed Malbranque - although the Zakora decision was a yellow at most, and seeing the TV replays confirmed that Dunne was fouled in the area, and not just him being a big lump who couldn't get out of the way.

But that aside, we could and should have won that game and progressed through to the semi-finals.

Sven talked after the game about a lack of urgency in the first-half following the sending off, and he got that absolutely spot on. There was a lack of urgency, a lack of confidence, a lack of conviction and a lack of intelligence as we played into Tottenham's hands who displayed a perfect example of how to defend a 1-0 lead with ten men.

The key for their win was undoubtedly Dmitar Berbatov, who in my opinion turned in one of the most impressive displays I have seen against us. On his own up front, with out any support whatsoever he commanded the line, stretched the defence throughout the game and made Dunne and particularly Richards look poor players.

We had been given ample warning before Defoe put Tottenham ahead as Lennon gave notice to Garrido he would trouble him all night and Garrido looked at best pedestrian and received no help from Richards as those two looked on different wavelengths early on.

We received a boost of course when Zakora was sent off, the victim of the (absolutely correct in my view) recent initiative of zero tolerance towards two footed challenges and despite winning the ball and not connecting with the man, Zakora received the red card. Quite why Malbranque didn't follow shortly after for a far more dangerous and spiteful challenge was mystifying.

We really struggled for the remainder of the first half to really create much, with a lack of movement evident throughout the entire team and only Elano's chance really gave us an opportunity to level.

The second half we were more adventurous with both full-backs pressed higher up the pitch and Hamman replaced by Geovanni but there was a lack of intelligence at times and far too often we were prepared to merely hit speculative crosses into a packed Tottenham area.

Both Vassell and Bianchi went close, with Robinson pulling off smart, rather than spectacular saves and in truth, both players should have done better and highlighted that a striker is surely at the top of Svens Christmas list.

With such an attacking formation towards the end of the game as both players and fans grew ever more anxious, we were susceptible to a counter-attack and Malbranque added a second with little over five minutes left to send hordes to the exits, hopes of a Wembley trip and silverware left firmly behind.

Reports:

The Times
MCFC Stats
Bluesology
Telegraph
MEN
Spurs Pies
The Proud Cockerel
A Spurs Odyssey

Man City v Spurs , Carling Cup Quarter Final

A quick chance for revenge following our recent 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane, with Pascal Chimbonda's controversial goal proving the difference. City are looking for there 11th straight home win.

Spurs had a good win at Pompey on Saturday and will certainly be a different proposition from the confidence drained side of just a couple of weeks ago. Robbie Keane is still suspended whilst Darren Bent is also out injured. Michael Dawson is also out.

For City the Maestro Elano returns, whilst Sven clearly has access to texts from the bitter and blue think tank and brings Hart back in. Time to stick with young Hart in my opinion , Isakkson has had his chance and proved himself no better, the defence and Dunne in particular do not look happy at all with the swede.

Prediction : 3-1 , a tight first half opening up as both sets of players tire allowing Citys counter attacking to come into play.

City 4 Bolton 2

A ninth straight home win for city in an entertaining game which saw the blues lose a lead and then come from behind to keep the fantastic home record intact and move back into 4th place.

City drew first blood through the impressive Rolando Bianchi, who gave the best performance from a centre forward for city season. A slip from Gardener let in Vassell who squared to the ever impressive Michael Johnson, who cleverly played in the Italian to finish from six yards.
City then backed off the pace and allowed Bolton to come into the game, and mistakes from both Dunne and Corluka resulted in well crafted and well finished goals from the ever despicable spit the dog and Kevin Nolan, who in my opinion was lucky to see the match out with at least three second half yellow card offences going unpunished.

2-1 down at half time with Bolton in the ascendancy and thoughts of Gareth Southgates damming verdict on svens half-time motivational speeches crept in.

Not to worry as it appears Sven did the 'fight them on the beaches' speech and we blew Bolton away with a second half performance that yielded 3 unanswered goals with and own goal (might be hammans?) Vassell and Kelvin Etuhu netting his first senior goal for the club. Add into that at least two late gilt edged chances as Bolton, to their credit, pushed right up.

Megson whined on the radio about mistakes and them matching us blow for blow, well his facts were sadly incorrect (see the sky report) whilst he managed to neglect to mention both their goals came from our mistakes. I really do hope Bolton go down.

Spurs in the cup on Tuesday and hopefully a tenth straight home win, Elano back fit with a bit of luck, the ink dried on the Nery Castillo loan deal and i think we can maybe say it's been a good week ??

No excuses, a call to arms for all blues get down and back the lads on tuesday night.

Manchester City V Bolton Preview

14/12/2007 - Eastlands - 3pm


In a reversal of the last couple of years it is City who sit in the top six and welcome a struggling Bolton side only just coming to terms with the loss of Fat Bastard Allardyce. Ginger Bulemic Gary Megson is carrying on the tradition of 'the beautiful game' at the reebok.

Bolton have held the upper hand for three years since an emphatic 6-2 win, bizarrely what sticks in my mind most about that win was Allardyces stinging criticism of his team for coming and 'playing football' , so glad we didn't get him.

Anyway onto tomorrow's game 2 of the players of the season so far return in Elano and Hamman, whilst Ireland misses out due to suspension. Bolton have no new injury worries.
With the League cup quarter final coming up quick on tuesday, im a little suprised that Elano is been risked against a team that has now added nasty tackles too its already impressive time wasting and persistent fouling routine's.

An early goal is the order of the day as Bolton will certainly come for the draw, I predict a 3-1 win with the players inspired and in some cases worried with the news that Castillo is too become the first of a few high profile January signings. Anelka with the late consolation !

Castillo signs initial loan deal

MEXICO CITY, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Mexican forward Nery Castillo is to go on loan to English Premier League side Manchester City after a failed attempt to adapt at Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk, his agent said.

Castillo, who shone in this year's Copa America with a brilliant goal against Brazil, moved from Greek club Olympiakos Piraeus to Shakhtar in July for a reported 20 million euros ($28.9 million).

He failed to impress at Shakhtar, however, and played only a handful of games, starting mostly on the bench and occasionally being left out of the squad.

Manchester City, sixth in the English top flight and coached by former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson, had expressed interest in Castillo when he made it known he wanted to leave Olympiakos.

"There has been an agreement with Manchester City so that Nery can be with the club for one year on loan and so he can prove himself, so he can play active football," his agent, Jose Luis Padilla, told Mexican television.

"Nery just wanted to play and that was not happening at Shakhtar," Padilla said. "Nery is now in England to iron out in the next few hours the final details of his contract."

Padilla said Manchester City would have an option to buy Castillo at the end of the loan period.

-reuters.

So, in keeping with the tradition of transfers since Sven has been at the club, another player arrives without a great deal of speculation in the press until the signing is all but confirmed.

It makes you wonder quite what sports desks are sourcing for transfer speculation given the names that continue to be linked with us, yet nothing really surfaced regarding the signing of Castillo.

I don't know too much about him, but Sven's judgement thus far has been commendable so it could well be another talented addition to the squad. Given his lack of plaing time this season though, it may well take several weeks to get him acclimatised to the demands and rigours of the Premier League.

More on Castillo can be found at his Wikipedia page, impressively updated already to show him as a City player.

The M-word

CITY have revealed that they will wear a special edition kit for the February derby against United - a game that marks the 50th anniversary of the Munich Tragedy.

The shirt will have a black ribbon embroidered into it along with the words `Manchester Remembers.'

It will be similar to ones that have been produced by City in the past for Remembrance Sunday matches and will not be on sale to the public.

The shirt is one of a series of initiatives that the Blues will undertake either at the Old Trafford game - or ahead of it - to mark the occasion in the appropriate manner.

Blues staff have been working tirelessly behind the scenes with their United counterparts and their own Centenary Supporters Association and official supporters' clubs to make sure the message is clear that the Munich air crash was a tragedy felt throughout the whole of Manchester.

-MEN

I know this story is a couple of days old, but real job commitments have left me little time to get anything up about it.

The comments section on the piece on the MEN site has certainly filled up, with every emotion and suggestion seemingly on there - ranging from the desire for the club to go even further right to the other end of the spectrum in that people should be free to say and sing whatever they like.

Personally, I feel that it is noticeable over the past few seasons that there is less Munich chanting during games, and whilst there will always be a minority who continue to sing and reference it (many, if not all were probably not even born 50 years) yet both the club, and more importantly fans groups and representatives have taken strides to try and eradicate it.

My own view is that I support any moves that are made to wipe it out. Rivalry is one thing, humour and banter another, but I don't see how there can be any justification for any Munich songs or chanting.

It is often levelled at United that they have 'cashed in' on the disaster for their own benefit, and whilst they undoubted garnered a support (particularly outside of Manchester) following it, I think that accusation does not ring true, and if anything, they should be criticised for the at best, shabby way that the survivors and victims families have been treated - almost tossed aside by the club.

I know for those that were around at the time, it was something that did touch the whole of Manchester quite deeply, and not just United as a club. Obviously Frank Swift died, but at that time there was still the identification with players at the club as 'local lads' and the loss was probably more readily felt.

As for the shirt the club are planning to wear, I think it is a nice touch but I don't like the look of the kit in still carrying sponsors logo's on there. Much preferable would be a blank shirt, carrying just the ribbon logo.

From reading the article, it does appear the club are planning to mark the event in other ways. Whilst it is commendable the club are making efforts to do so, I think they have to be careful in not over playing things. For me, a gesture with the kit and an observation of the silence is sufficient enough.

Obviously the anniversary always garners a great deal of publicity, but next year will be even more poignant and an increased media glare on the game, and I'm sure that aspects of the media and United fans will be all too ready with the 'I told you so' comments.

I don't however believe that anything will be disrupted and that the fans who are in attendance will observe it respectfully.

But, I do understand people who were not personally touched by the tragedy not wishing to be involved in any specific rememberance, yet if you don't wish to observe it directly, simply take your seat late, and allow those who wish to observe it do so.

Dunne set to sign new deal

Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson has disclosed that City skipper Richard Dunne is on the brink of signing a fresh contract with the Citizens.

The 28-year old defender is nearing his 300 appearances for his Eriksson’s club, having severed them for the past seven years.

Discussions, regarding the new contract have been held and Eriksson is certain that the Irish international will sign on the dotted lines.

"I think it's ongoing and I know the club has spoken to his agent and I have spoken to his agent," Eriksson told the club's official website.

"I think it's not far away before he signs a new contract. He is very important for us and always plays very good football. He is very steady."

The former England manager also hailed Dunne’s leadership qualities and stated that the defender is an inspiration to his team-mates.

Eriksson added: "I think a captain doesn't need to speak very much. It's important that the players look up to him and listen when he speaks and I think Richard Dunne is one of those players. When he has something to say no players argue with that - that's leadership.”

"A captain is important. If I have any doubts and want to speak to anyone, I normally take the captain and ask his opinion, because he speaks for the players.”

"As a coach you have a little bit more contact with the captain than the other players.”

"If you take Richard Dunne, he sets a good example in the dressing room, the training field and the pitch on match days. He always gives everything, even today in training."

-premiershiplatest.com

I must confess that following Sven's arrival in the summer, and with bucketloads of cash at his disposal that Richard Dunne might be a player who although not immediately, would ultimately be phased out in favour of new recruits.

However, Sven chose to maintain him in his role as captain of the side and he undoubtedly provides an important bridge between the various elements that we now have within the squad - not to mention the benefit that Micah Richards will get from playing alongside him.

Whilst still prone to the odd mistake or lapse in concentrate, Dunne is undoubtedly a more consistent player these days and for me is perhaps one of (if not the) most underrated player in the Premiership.

With 277 appearances under his belt, another five or so seasons at the club could see him threaten the top ten all-time list, something no player since the days of Joe Corrigan has managed to achieve.

Article from The Independent

There was a piece yesterday in The Independent which looked at Thaksin Shinawatra and the role that owning the club has helped his profile back home in Thailand, and makes for an interesting read when looking at the comparisons between ourselves and Everton in how we are both looking to operate and make inroads into what looks to be an increasingly lucrative market.

Tottenham 2 City 1

Although Sven was happy enough with how we played, and pointed to the fact there was more endeavour and attacking intent than in previous away games, our winless away run continued and without arguably the two most consistent (and important) players of the season in Elano and Hamman, the midfield had a very inexperienced look to it (with four of the midfield five aged 21 or under) and the squad overall gave the impression of looking light on genuine depth.

Elano may well have been gambled on, but with perhaps one eye on the congested period of games coming up, Sven decided against recalling him to the side, opting to allow him another weeks rest to recover from recent injury.

Sven stuck to the 4-5-1 formation however, and it maybe a lack of confidence or faith in the strikers at his disposal that is preventing him fielding a 4-4-2 line-up. Although he only saw a limited amount of action before his injury, perhaps we are feeling the loss of Valeri Bojinov as I am certain that he would have had an integral role in this side by now (in either formation) and it has was suggested by Andrew over at purelymancity that the absence of Bojinov could be a factor in Bianchi's continued absence, with Sven perhaps not being convinced of his ability to lead the line as a sole front man.

I think it is clear that the trio of Mpenza, Vassell and Samaras are on notice and their futures at the club are limited, with the attacking certainly the most crucial for focus in January - a time when hopefully Bojinov should return.

It is disappointing to not take anything from the game as I have no doubt Tottenham would have been happy with a point from this game and perhaps we suffered from lack of focus after Ireland's challenge - something no doubt that will be added to his charge sheet of misdemeanours.

Back on home territory next week, we have two important games with an improving Bolton in the league followed by a return against Tottenham in the Carling Cup. On home turf and with the likes of Elano and Hamman - not to mention a more game ready Michael Johnson, back in the side we will look to put the away run to the back of our minds and continue our superb home form and maintain the start we have managed so far as we approach the halfway mark of the season.

Reports:

MEN
Guardian
Independent
The Proud Cockerel
Spurs Odyssey

Tottenham prediction

The start of a crucial run of games leading upto the Christmas period begins today at White Hart Lane, and we seek to get a win under our belts to put aside any worries over our recent away form.

Sven has been talking this week about not changing too much tactically, hoping for more attacking threat or belief away from home to match our approach that has brought much more reward at home.

It will be difficult though against a Tottenham side still getting to grips with new manager Juande Ramos, but are always a threat going forward - even if their defensive problems have yet to be solved.

Team wise, Didi Hamman is suspended and his loss will be a big blow in a midfield that may or may not see Elano and Michael Johnson return. In attack, it is unlikely Bianchi will play given Sven's comments about picking the team on form and performances on the training ground not from fan opinion.

Both sides will be keen for a win today for different reasons - ourselves to try and get back into the top four, and for Tottenham to try and put a run of form and results together.

All of which points to a likely result of 1-1.

Bitter and Blue fantasy league - week 15

Well it's all about me this week as a week scoring 260 points sees me jump into the top five - level with Cameron who also climbs back into the top five.

Modesty aside, and Joseph Millar continues to extend his lead at the top leaving the rest seemingly scrambling for second place barring a spectacularly poor second half of the season.

The full league table is here, but the top five is as follows:

Hose's Blumers (Joseph Millar) week 216, total 2199
Sven's Blue (ali_rainsbury) 126, 1731
I've had my fill; my share of losing (clarkywarky) 178, 1714
Bitter and Blue (dannypugsley) 260, 1607
Big Tackle (AusCam) 125, 1607

Hamman to be offered new deal?

SVEN-Goran Eriksson has dropped the biggest hint yet that Didi Hamann could remain with the Blues for another season.

The evergreen former German international is one of only five players to have played in every one of City's Premier League games this season, though he misses out at Tottenham this Sunday through a one-match suspension.

There were those that thought the former Liverpool anchorman's City future would be short-lived after he managed just a dozen appearances in his first season after moving from Anfield via the Reebok.

But the 34-year-old has been a key element of the early season success enjoyed under new boss Eriksson, turning in a string of impressive performances and winning player of the month honours for August and September.

Hamann's contract is up at the end of the season and as such he is free to negotiate with other clubs from January 1, but he has told those close to him that he wants to stay for another campaign.

-MEN.

I've posted about this before, but I do believe that the club will offer Hamman a new deal - certainly no more than a year though as despite his excellent performance this season, the way the club hopes to progress over the next few seasons it is by no means certain what the make up of the side will be given the changes we have seen so far since Thaksin/Eriksson took over.

I'm sure that Hamman will be able to be an important member of the squad even next season, but to look a season further than that is looking a little too far to commit to given his age and the progress we are looking to make.

Money will surely not be an issue in any negotiations, but the length of the deal could be a sticking point and whether a new deal is signed will depend on Hamman's willingness to take a shorter deal than he perhaps ideally wants to.

UEFA Cup final official launch

The run-up to next year’s UEFA Cup Final in Manchester got underway today (Thursday 6 December 2007) with an event to reveal the designs to publicise the event.

This year’s designs have been created by celebrated Manchester-based artist Liam Spencer, one of the rising stars of the British contemporary arts scene.

He has created three major pieces of work that will be used on materials ranging from stadium decoration and posters to websites and match tickets.

One shows a glowing aerial view of the City of Manchester Stadium, where the UEFA Cup Final will be played on Wednesday 14 May 2008, another is a stylised image of the distinctive Stadium structure, and the third is an image of football fans enjoying the spectacle of a top-level match.

The designs got an enthusiastic reception from the people at the event at the Stadium today – including UEFA Cup Final ambassador Denis Law, who was European Footballer of the Year in 1964 and who played for both Manchester City FC and Manchester United FC during his outstanding career.

Also there were Mr Geoff Thompson, chairman of the Football Association and Vice-President of UEFA, Mr Alistair Mackintosh, Chief Executive of Manchester City Football Club, and Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council.

Liam Spencer spoke about the process of creating the artwork and answered questions about it.

Sir Richard said: "The UEFA Cup Final is a great opportunity for Manchester to show the world how we enjoy international events that bring benefits and investment to all those who live and enjoy themselves in the city.

"We are delighted that the UEFA Cup Final will promote Manchester through two of our greatest passions, our love of sport and our love of culture.

"Liam Spencer's work is renowned for its Manchester connections and it's totally appropriate that UEFA has chosen his images to launch the UEFA Cup Final 2008.”

Mr Thompson said: “The City of Manchester Stadium is a fitting stage for a match of the importance of the UEFA Cup Final, and I'm sure that Manchester as a real football city will make it a fantastic, fan-friendly event.”

Mr Mackintosh said:

“Liam’s work reflects the pride that everybody here at Manchester City feels in hosting the UEFA Cup Final. The final will be a terrific opportunity to showcase our stadium and the city.”

The idea that inspired the creation of a new identity for each final was to develop a specific design featuring the UEFA Cup and including a distinctive flavour of the host city. The objective is to help promote the final and enhance the prestige of one of the Europe’s biggest sporting occasions.

Preparations for the UEFA Cup Final will include a grassroots tournament of 3v3 street football matches, starting in January and culminating in the finals in the city centre in the week of the Final.

In mid-March the UEFA Cup will be handed over to the City of Manchester by the holders Sevilla FC. The trophy will then go on a tour of venues across Manchester.

During the week of the Final, there will also be festivals for football fans in the city centre, with music, entertainment, food and drink.

Tickets for the final will go on sale on 14 February 2008 exclusively via UEFA’s website uefa.com. The ticket application phase will close on 14 March 2008. All applicants will be informed if they are among the lucky winners or not.

-official uefa press release

Keane suspended for forthcoming games

Spurs captain Robbie Keane will be suspended for both upcoming games against Manchester City, it was confirmed on Tuesday.

The Irish striker was sent off against Birmingham City on Sunday, and with his two-footed challenge earning him a straight red card he was handed an immediate three-match ban.

The White Hart Lane club launched an appeal, but the original decision by referee Phil Dowd has been upheld.

The two clubs face each other twice in just over a week this month, with the Blues travelling to north London this Sunday and then hosting Juande Ramos and his men for the Carling Cup quarter final on December 18th – Keane will also miss Spurs’ Premier League encounter against Portsmouth in-between.

-mcfc.co.uk

Given his record against us over the past few seasons, his absence will surely be a bonus for us for these crucial pair of games.

Undoubtedly, they will be both be tough games but despite Juande Ramos having a few games under his belt now he hasn't (as yet) managed to eradicate some of the woes that plagued previous manager Martin Jol this season - particularly the defensive frailties evidenced the past week in their win over Aalborg in the UEFA Cup and defeat on Sunday to Birmingham, something which will no doubt encourage Sven and the coaching staff as we look to both end an average set of away trips in the league and bid to reach the Carling Cup semi-finals.

FA Cup 3rd round draw

Well, if we were going to get drawn against a Premier League side away from home, at least it is the one where we saw our only victory so far this season.

Since then, West Ham have got their act together and have looked at times this season a good side. Clearly it is a draw that neither side would have really hoped for but it will be somewhere we will travel too in good heart.

Full draw:

Preston v Scunthorpe
Port Vale/Chasetown v Cardiff
Colchester v Peterborough
Bolton v Sheffield United
Blackburn v Coventry
Brighton v Mansfield
Northampton/Walsall v Millwall
Charlton v West Brom
Watford v Crystal Palace
Luton/Nottingham Forest v Liverpool
Plymouth v Hull
Aston Villa v Manchester United
Tranmere v Hereford
Tottenham v Reading
Burnley v Arsenal
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Fulham v Bristol Rovers
Huddersfield v Birmingham
Horsham/Swansea v Havant & Waterlooville
Sunderland v Wigan
Oxford/Southend v Dagenham & Redbridge
Everton v Oldham
Derby v Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton v Leicester
West Ham v Manchester City
Ipswich v Portsmouth
Wolves v Cambridge
Barnsley v Blackpool
Chelsea v QPR
Stoke v Newcastle
Swindon v Burton Albion/Barnet
Norwich v Bury

Ties to be played on 5/6 January

Wigan 1 City 1

A good point from a tricky fixture or a cause for concern that another away trip yielded less than a full return?

The media have focused mainly on the latter in the aftermath of Saturday's point at the JJB, but I suspect the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Saturday's game was always likely to be a difficult one, given the circumstances of facing a side who were playing their first game under a new manager - and on a ground where we have far from covered ourselves in glory previously.

Still, having been gifted (and it was a wonderful Bramble-esque gift) an opener before too many would have even taken their seats it must rank as disappointing to not take all three points against a side who had lost their previous eight games in the league.

Our away form (or points return) is an obvious concern though as since the opening day victory at West Ham we have of course failed to win and a quick glance at the top half of the Premier League shows that we have the worst return in terms of points of any of the sides.

If you are being kind though, you could probably credit us for a degree of resilience for taking a point given it was a performance that wasn't considered one of our best this season. The Radio Manchester commentary highlighted the lack of structure and shape to the side on Saturday - areas that have been notably impressive this season. It was also evident that one or two key players - particularly in the absence of Elano, did not fill the void left by his injury.

Whilst I would hand a great amount of credit this season to Sven, the Bianchi sideshow is beginning to grate and perplex virtually every follower of City. If he is indeed struggling to settle, or cope with the Premier League then surely the softly, softly approach (as he has been fond of with Stephen Ireland - with good results) would be a far better one than ostracising him completely and persisting with the duo of Mpenza and Samaras. Added to this - and as good as his potential may be, it was also puzzling to see Kelvin Etuhu introduced ahead of him as well.

One thing did hit home this weekend and was just how consistent we are going to need to be to even achieve UEFA Cup qualification this season. The weekends results saw us slip out of the top four and the levels of consistency shown by the 'big four' are I think beyond us this season. Not only that but I believe our own improvements upon last season have been replicated elsewhere and it is a far tougher and more competitive league in general this season - as evidenced by a comparison at the stage last season.

Currently we sit in fifth position, and a look below us reveals that for our very impressive start (30 points from 15 games) the likes of Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Blackburn and Everton are not too far behind and means we are going to be in a huge fight even for a top six position.

The next five games between now and the end of the year are Tottenham, Bolton, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Liverpool are far from easy - and perhaps Sven's reticence to commit to end of season prediction until then is perhaps a clever one.

Reports:

Everybody felt sorry for Titus Bramble, culprit and victim as City were handed the quickest Premiership goal of the season in 28 seconds. - Telegraph.

The last time Steve Bruce was at Wigan Athletic he lasted only 55 days, and yesterday another quick exit must have had its attractions. - Independent.

Gary Megson went back to basics in an attempt to move Bolton Wanderers away from the bottom of the table and Steve Bruce, it seems, is prepared to do the same at Wigan Athletic, even if it is not to everyone’s liking. - Times.

Having conceded a goal before their new manager had even had the chance to settle down in his new surroundings - and then seen their captain sent off at the end - you might think Wigan would simply be relieved to have finally ended a sequence of eight consecutive defeats. - Observer.