Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
EB/Streymur prediction
Although the number of goals was perhaps lower than expected, the ease of victory in the first leg a couple of weeks ago was no surprise and whilst a two-goal cushion does not guarantee a safe passage to the next round, if we crash out tomorrow evening we should really hang our heads in shame.
Whilst a game side, EB/Streymur offered very little and although we are down on our striking options, it should at least provide an opportunity for Ched Evans and/or Daniel Sturridge and we should have Elano, Corluka and Fernandes back in the starting line-up.
The game is of course being staged at Oakwell, and coupled with live TV coverage I wouldn't expect a crowd too much in excess of 10,000 judging by the number sold so far.
I doubt those in attendance will miss too much, but given we have another couple of weeks (plus the game at Hamburg last weekend) under our belts, I'm going for more goals tomorrow with a prediction of a 3-0 win.
Ben Haim signing confirmed
Manchester City have signed the Israel defender Tal Ben Haim from Chelsea on a four-year contract, ending a 13-month stay in London during which he made just 10 Premier League starts and was fined for criticising the club's management. The fee for the 26-year-old is officially undisclosed, although it was previously reported that City were preparing a £5m bid.
>>guardian.co.uk
Merely confirmation of what had been widely expected given reports over the past few days, although the undisclosed fee adds a little intrigue as to whether the touted figure of £5 million was paid.
A good player, and one who lost his way at Chelsea a little following Jose Mourinho's departure but will add depth to an area which, whilst strong, is a little light.
As I've posted before though, it will be interesting to see exactly where he will fit in, and what impact this will have on the current incumbents (most likely Micah Richards and Vedran Corluka. It is unlikely Ben Haim will switch one bench for another so it could be that Mark Hughes is preparing to push either Richards or Corluka into midfield - which for me, could be a big risk unless he does opt for a 4-5-1 formation - perhaps with two holding midfielders to allow the creative talents of Petrov and Elano to really flourish.
Although he won't feature tomorrow evening in the second leg against EB/Streymour, it may become a little clearer over the next ten days when we have a packed week of pre-season fixtures.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Thaksin set to face further charges
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra's struggle to clear his name and recover £800m took another turn for the worse yesterday when a court in Bangkok accepted charges in a third criminal case against the former Thai Prime Minister.
Thaksin and dozens of government workers and ministers are accused of abuse of power in a state lottery that lost around £500m from 2003. The telecoms billionaire must now await a court hearing in September which will decree whether he and 46 others involved in alleged tax exemption and misspending irregularities must repay the money.
I'm surprised at the relatively limited coverage this has received (in the UK anyway) given the fact the press were all over him last season following his arrival and the subsequent legal issues he faced, but it is further evidence that things are not going completely in our owners favour.
Recent reports coming out of Thailand (a good round-up here) suggested that far from Thaksin seeing all charges against him quickly dropped once his 'political friends' gained power, it has been far from easy for Thaksin to clear his name and unfreeze his assets with the political landscape still uncertain.
I don't believe ome of the over reaction that Thaksin's current issues will affect our immediate transfer prospects - and the club are believed to be looking to back Mark Hughes, but it is another blow to the club in terms of its PR - which could get a whole lot worse in the near future.
Corradi exits
No official confirmation from the club - which probably sums up the value of his City career perfectly, but Bernardo Corradi has officially joined Reggina on a one-year deal.
Despite returning to the club following his loan spell at Parma (and accompanying the side on their German 'boot camp' and trip to the Faroes), given Hughes's enthusiasm over both Ched Evans and Daniel Sturridge, Corradi was never going to be in with a realistic shot of the first team squad this season and had expressed a wish to remain in Serie A.
Another one of the trio of signings that Stuart Pearce made (along with Dickov and Mpenza) that showed what little budget and ambition the club had a couple of seasons, but I didn't envisage quite what a disaster his time at the club would turn out to be.
I had visions of Corradi becoming a version of Luca Toni - although his best days at Chievo were well behind him when he arrived, but his size was the only asset comparable to Toni, but one thing in defence of him was that we never really played to his strengths.
One thing his departure does do is suggest that both Evans and Sturridge (who featured at Hamburg at the weekend) could definitely see some action during the forthcoming season - particularly over the first month of the season when Benjani and Jo will be absent.
The days best City links 07/29/2008
Corradi Reggina bound - Manchester City - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News
Hamburg 1 City 0: Verdict - Manchester City - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News
Benarbia helps City master NW - Manchester City - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News
The Lonesome Death of Roy Carroll: Hamburg 1 - 0 City reaction
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Hughes looking to strengthen in goal
The links to us moving for Brad Friedel continue, with the latest 'news' that we are ready to hijack Villa's deal for him after their bid was agreed with Blackburn (following Rovers signing of Paul Robinson from Tottenham yesterday).
I just don't see it as Hughes was quoted in the MEN yesterday as saying he was looking for cover, and given Friedel is still playing at a level that puts him in the upper tier of Premier League goalkeepers why would he sign for us to sit on the bench when he will be the undisputed number 1 at Villa (which I think he would be looking to continue as)?
If he was signed though and handed the number 1 jersey then it would be a huge slap in the face for Joe Hart, who last season beat out both Isaksson and Schmeichel to make the position his own, not to mention make his England debut and put himself firmly in the frame as David James's heir apparant.
More realistically for me is that Hughes will look for a guy who is happy to sit on the bench and to allow Schmeichel he possibility of going out on an extended loan once again.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Carry On Captain
Not, thankfullly, a camp cinema jolly-up set aboard a cruise ship, but an endorsement from Mark Hughes for Richard Dunne's leadership qualities as he announced Dunne's re-appointment as captain for the forthcoming season.
Said Hughes of Dunne:
"There was absolutely no reason for me to change the captaincy this season," said Hughes.It caught me by surprise on reading the story as I'd not even countered the possibility of Dunne being replaced as captain. Looking at the squad as well there are not a host of stand out candidates you could envisage doing the job, although Hughes will have to find a temporary stand in for the opening pair of games due to Dunne's suspension.
"It was important for me to understand Richard's situation when I arrived here and to get it resolved and now everyone is happy.
"I have been delighted with the response that Richard has made since he has signed.
"He has been part of this squad and this club for a long, long time and I felt it was important that we made sure he would continue to be a big part of things.
"The strength and the pace that he has at the back will be one of the keys to the way we play this year."
It was also interesting to see Hughes mention that 'strength and pace...will be one of the keys to the way we play this year', ideal given the partnership of Dunne and Richards, but strange given that speculation regarding us signing Tal Ben Haim from Chelsea doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon.
I don't imagine Ben Haim would be too keen on swapping the stands at Stamford Bridge for the bench at Eastlands, so would his signing mean a move positional change for Micah Richards - moving him into central midfield to fulfill the 'Essien' style role that every club is seemingly scouring the world for?
Whilst I don't doubt he would do a job in that position - and there is a school of thought to suggest ultimately he will settle there, I don't think he would offer enough in terms of creativity that would be demanded from that position if we are to line up in a 4-4-2 formation.
I don't also see Hughes wanting to break up the partnership that despite the talents of Petrov and Elano was really the key for us last season and a big reason why we faded so badly last season when Richards lost form and then was sidelined through injury, but as we edge towards the season and the pre-season games come thick and fast we may well have a clearer idea.
Guardian Pick The Score competition
Following on from me setting up the Bitter and Blue 2008/09 Fantasy Football league, I've also created a league over at The Guardian's Pick The Score competition, which (as it sounds) is a simple correct score/result competiton.
Rather than a code to join, it needs an email invite so if anyone is keen for it drop me an email at bitterandblue@hotmail.co.uk and I'll get you set up.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
EB/Streymur 0 City 2
Unlike the trawler carrying a group of City fans that set out for the Faroe Islands, the team managed to negotiate the choppy waters that lay in front of them.
Although more goals would have been welcome, it was as comfortable a victory as predicted against a side that was as willing and hard working as expected, but lacked the quality to cause us problems.
The only real problems that we did encounter were the lack of match sharpness which was apparant in comparison to our opponents but given this was in reality our first game of the season it was unsurprising that it bore all of the traits of a pre-season fixture at a non-league side.
The game itself didn't teach us a great deal though. The performance was good enough without being exceptional, and there were one or two expected errors committed.
Team wise (and as feared), Hughes plumped for Vassell to partner Jo when I would have preferred Evans or Bianchi. With Benjani surprisingly ahead of Bianchi on the bench you have to wonder if despite Hughes's recent praise of him, whether Bianchi really does have a future at the club.
With Petrov looking impressive, I would have liked to have seen Garrido get the nod at left back as well as this would have given a real potent threat down the left, but it was interesting to see Hughes switch both Ireland and Petrov on occasion, with both players in an advanced position.
As for Jo, he looks to have a good touch and certainly has a presence (and Hughes was pleased enough), but I do feel he needs a better and more potent partner alongside him than Vassell - and this maybe an area Hughes is still (undoubtedly along with the midfield) looking at.
The return leg in two weeks will be a formality, certainly so given the extra fitness levels we will have by then and I would expect a far higher winning margin over at Oakwell.
Reports
Mark Hughes got his Manchester City reign off to a winning start last night in the unlikely surroundings of the Faroe Islands. First-half goals from Martin Petrov and Dietmar Hamann gave City a comfortable victory in this Uefa Cup first qualifying round first-leg tie, seemingly making the return on July 31 at Oakwell a formality. >>the guardian
At about the same time as Ronaldinho, Manchester City's former transfer target, was being presented by AC Milan at the salubrious San Siro, City celebrated the first match of Mark Hughes's reign last night with a workmanlike victory over amateur opposition in front of 5,400 fans in this Uefa Cup first qualifying round, first leg. >>times online
HE may have delivered a victory with plenty to spare, but there was little gloss to Mark Hughes' first game in charge as Manchester City overcame EB Streymur in the Faroe Islands last night. >>the telegraph
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The days best City links 07/17/2008
Ronaldinho 'wanted AC Milan' move - Football News - Telegraph
Manchester City FC - Latest News Story
Squad number changes announced ahead of the season.
Manchester City and North America: The Strong Connection | EPL Talk
The Lonesome Death of Roy Carroll: Ronaldinho signs for Milan
UEFA Cup: stranded Man City fans rescued by Faroe airline - Mirror.co.uk
BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Man City | Evans agrees new deal at Man City
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
EB/Streymur preview
Well that didn't last long.
Some 67 days following the meltdown at The Riverside, we now commence the 2008/09 season with a UEFA Cup qualifying game in the Faroe Islands.
It has been the usual hectic summer in the life of Manchester City, with a(nother) new manager in place, our owner on trial in Thailand, boardroom changes, one expensive Brazillian arriving and another not.
With the Premier League campaign still a month away, I'll hold fire on a full season preview for now but looking at the UEFA Cup, the qualifying rounds should prove no obstacle whatsoever and in effect they will be not much more than pre-season friendlies.
Looking at recent seasons, the success that English and Scottish sides have had is proof that a good run in the competition is a distinct possibility with the group stages offeringa relatively comfortable passage to the knock-out stages. The difficulty we could have is in the 1st round if we are not seeded, as a difficult tie potentially awaits.
To more immediate matters for know though, and our first opponents are very much an unknown quantity, but if the tie is not sewn up by half-time it would be a huge surprise given the standard of the opposition - despite the fact that we will be shorn of some key members of the squad due to their international involvement over the summer.
A small merry band are making their way by plane, train and automobile upto the Faroes and no doubt there are some arduous journeys ahead, but although we may be slightly rusty and adjusting to a new manager and system we will have far too much for our opponents.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The clock's ticking on Ronaldinho move
Or so it would now seem.
Reports at the end of the weekend stated that Barcelona had accepted a bid from us for around £22 million - although the source of this was a radio station in Catalunya, which no doubt had strong leanings towards Barca but did carry direct quotes from Barca President Juan Laporta.
Today though, events appears to be gathering pace. This morning started with reports of a 72 hour deadline, upon which a decision regarding Ronaldinho's future and Executive Chairman Garry Cook was enthused enough to indicate that it was a possibility he would join us:
"I can confirm that we have made a bid," he said. "It has been a complicated process, not least because the Barcelona organisation has just gone through a fundamental change because of their elections, meaning that a new general manager is in place and we are talking to different people than before. But in the simplest terms, we have made an offer, it has been received and Barcelona are reviewing it."We are determined to do everything we can to make this happen. He [Ronaldinho] has a commitment to play in the Olympics, which is another complication, but we, like any good club, would allow him to honour his responsibility to his country. As for his intentions, they are somewhat muddled because of the interest from elsewhere, but what I can say is that he has shown a genuine interest in playing for Manchester City. He is not playing games with us."What was a strong possibility is that Barca were tiring of the whole situation, and their revelation that our bid had been accepted and we were close to agreement was merely designed to force Milan's hand and try to flush a higher (and swift) offer.
Milan appeared unduly concerned with such news though and Adrian Galliani ventured to Barcelona to meet with the club to thrash out a deal, one which appears to have paid off as early evening reports are suggesting a deal has been agreed and the player is due to be unvelied as a Milan player perhaps as early as tomorrow (Wednesday). The club website is more cautious, yet has a confident tone (despite the shaky translation):
On his exit from the Lega Calcio Milan lawyer Leandro Cantamessa, who's in constant contact with Adriano Galliani, made the following declarations: 'There is a good chance that Ronaldinho's move to Milan will materialise. There are still some economic problems, but our law office has already prepared the necessary papers. I've spoken to Galliani, he was calm even though no one has put pen to paper yet, I want to emphasize that. We are all waiting."Despite recent reports to the contrary slavery is not present in the game so he can't simply be flogged to the highest bidder so although our offer being way in excess of Milan's, and with Barca hoping to sell him to us it does appear his heart is (and always was?) set on Milan as opposed to ourselves.
Whilst a deal is not concluded, there is still hope and I have always been positive in terms of the signing, but we have to be realistic in that whilst he may have seriously considered our offer, ultimately the bid is likely doomed to failure.
No doubt, the club has invested plenty of time and money into the pursuit of Ronaldinho and whilst some fan opinion has been negative (in terms of his signing) I feel the club should be applauded for its ambition and intention.
If he does move elsewhere, then is simply time to move on and concentrate on adding to the squad in other areas given that the season begins in earnest in just a couple of days tomorrow.
UPDATE:
Milan's website are reporting that a deal has been agreed:
AC Milan and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ronaldinho to the Rossoneri's club. Tomorrow the player will be in Milan for the medical and to sign the contract which will tie him to Milan until June 30th 2011.
Seat exchange scheme announced
Manchester City has today announced an exclusive multi-year partnership with leading online secondary ticketing company, Seatexchange.com.The partnership also includes the development of the Official Manchester City Seat Exchange, an exclusive service for Manchester City Seasoncard holders to sell, and Citycard holders and other qualifying supporters* to buy tickets for home Premier League fixtures at the City of Manchester Stadium. The service will go live at the end of July.Supporters will be able to view prices, ticket availability and exact seat locations 24 hours a day via Seat Exchange, offering access to tickets in the best locations, even for matches that have officially sold out.
>>mcfc.co.uk
A good idea in principle, and one which has been commonplace in American sports for the past few years.
Given the ever increasing number of fixtures that are subject to change (particularly at late notice) both for the TV schedules and this season potentially our UEFA Cup involvement it should allow those fans who struggle to make all of the games an opportunity to recoup what would have been a potential loss.
A question that does apply though is given the lack of sell outs we have had in recent seasons, how relevant a scheme will it prove to be?
A good idea in principle, and one which has been commonplace in American sports for the past few years.
Given the ever increasing number of fixtures that are subject to change (particularly at late notice) both for the TV schedules and this season potentially our UEFA Cup involvement it should allow those fans who struggle to make all of the games an opportunity to recoup what would have been a potential loss.
A question that does apply though is given the lack of sell outs we have had in recent seasons, how relevant a scheme will it prove to be?
Thoughts on Samaras
After a brief delay regarding the fee following the end of his loan spell, Giorgios Samaras has completed his move from to Celtic.
With the fee believed to be around £1 million, it is less than the original £3 million fee we had agreed with Celtic, and considerably more than the amount we shelled out to sign him from Herenveen.
In truth, the deal is that we've pretty much had to give him away to ensure his departure from the club - one that appears welcome from both sides.
I've written before about Samaras's struggles and it won't be shedding any new light on him by revisiting them safe to say that if Stuart Pearce risked his managerial future (at least at City) on the expensive signing (relative to the time arrived) then it was a gamble that backfired badly.
Bought on the premise of having plenty of promise and one for the future, he wasn't without talent but was far from the finished article (which we probably needed). He didn't settle to the demands of the Premier League and was not the type of wholehearted and committed player to win over the fans.
Joining a side that was struggling badly, and seemingly incapable of creating any attacking output, Samaras was not the type of player who could dominate defences or carry the attack, and for that reason was doomed to fail given the time which he arrived at the club.
In truth, Samaras was on his way out this time last year but a suitable buyer could not be found, but twelve months later on the back of a semi-succesful loan spell, we have managed to cut our losses on him - and that is about the only positive we can take from a spell at the club which will not be looked at with much fondness from all concerned.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The days best City links 07/10/2008
Manchester City close in on £5m Ben-Haim | Football | guardian.co.uk
Football: Pre-season friendlies: Manchester City | Football | guardian.co.uk
Football365.com - REGGINA EYE CORRADI DEAL - All The News - Football365 News
New blow in Thaksin's bid to recover his frozen assets - News & Comment, Football - The Independent
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Wardle steps down
It is with the deepest regret that Manchester City Football Club today announces the stepping down of Deputy Chairman John Wardle from the Board of Directors.Interesting that no specific reason was stated either by Wardle or the club for his departure, but nonetheless it wasn't a surprise given that his role as deputy chairman was merely to help smooth the transition of power last season to the incoming owner.Mr Wardle’s resignation brings to an end an eleven-year relationship with Manchester City, a relationship which began at the most turbulent period in the Club’s history but one which culminated in an era of unprecedented stability in the top flight of English football.
I don't know the extent of Wardle's power or influence on the club last season, or whether he was merely a presence in the boardroom but you would think this move strengthens the hand of Garry Cook even further - particularly if Thaksin is likely to be away from the club for longer than was perhaps intended as his trial that commenced this week appears to be more serious in terms of its ramifications than was initially believed.
The club spoke warmly of Wardle:
Wardle of course always painted himself as a reluctant chairman, stepping into the breach following the departure of David Bernstein, and whilst he quite rightly points out that we have achieved Premier League stability under his tenure, it has not been without the odd scare.
"Our disappointment at John's stepping down is matched only by our gratitude to him for the dedication he has shown on so many levels to this football club. He has been the fabric of this football club and quite simply, without his input in the darkest days of the third tier of English football, we would not be in the position in which we find ourselves today.
"John has stepped down, knowing that the future of the club is in good hands and is heading in a positive direction. "He will always be welcome at this football club and his input will never be
forgotten."
The gamble if you will in handing Kevin Keegan large sums in the transfer market did not pa off and left us with an ageing and expensive squad which cried out for investment, and whilst the personal loans that both he and partner David Makin provided to the club were invaluable during this time, it was the inability to atteact significant other investment when it was most needed that perhaps left a majority of fans hardly singing his praises.
But, his was an important role - and despite certain aspects appearing to have been done 'on the cheap', he performed well in the position and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that if there was someone at the helm without his passion and commitment to the club then we could well be in an entirely different position to where we currently stand today.
With Wardle's departure on the back of Alastair Mackintosh leaving the club, there has been an almighty changing of the guard over the summer with no one in any doubt that Garry Cook is the man effectively running the show, with Mark Hughes his personal choice as manager.
For better or worse there has been a change at the very top of the club as we head into the new season, but one things is certain is that the direction the club is heading in will make it unrecognisable from how it looked even as recently as five years ago.
UPDATE:
The Guardian ran an article today suggesting the departure was more to do with the growing disillusionment of Wardle at how Thaksin is operatin - even to the extent he was not consulted over the sacking over Sven.
The days best City links 07/09/2008
Manchester City FC - Latest News Story
Richard Dunne talks about the pre-season camp in Germany.City
BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | Thaksin goes on trial in Thailand
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Jo to miss early season games
Barcelona's Ronaldinho and Real Madrid forward Robinho will lead Brazil's assault on a first Olympic football gold in Beijing in August.
Manchester United midfielder Anderson is one of three Premier League players selected in the 18-man squad.
Manchester City's new record signing Jo, Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva and Anderson will all miss the start of the new season.
A blow for the club given that Brazil's Olympic challenge begins on August 8th, a week prior to the Premier League season, which could disrupt his ability to settle at the club and in the city.
The participation in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round will at least afford him the opportunity of a pair of 'comptetive' games with the side before he jets off but there is no doubt that it will stall his fledgling career at the club to a degree - even more so given the likelihood of Brazil getting through to the latter stages of the competition.The selection of Jo could also have an effect on potential player movement within the striking department of Mark Hughes may want to keep cover at the club for those early weeks, meaning one or more of this trio may be around until Christmas at least.
The days best City links 07/08/2008
Manchester City FC - Latest News Story
Derek Fazackerley (finally) departs the club.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
Dunne pens new deal
Manchester City captain Richard Dunne has today penned a new four-year contract with the Club.The 28-year-old defender was linked with summer moves away from the City of Manchester Stadium, but following talks with Manager Mark Hughes, the Irish international swiftly signed a deal that ties him to the Blues until at least 2012.
After completing the paperwork, Dunne exclusively told mcfc.co.uk: “I’m delighted with it.
“My first priority is, was and always has been to stay at City because I’ve enjoyed it so much and I feel really settled here.
“When Mark Hughes got the job I think everyone was really pleased and I was thrilled that he seemed to make it a priority to sort my contract out. I’m delighted to be able to stay.”
In the piece on the site, Hughes stated it was his main priority after taking over to get a new deal for Dunne penned.
I don't doubt there were plenty of suitors for Dunne, and that he may even of contemplated the possibility of moving on, but much of that would undoubtedly of been in the aftermath of the end of season shambles and it would have been a shock to have seen him leave the club.Once Hughes was appointed and some stability brought back to proceedings, I'd imagine Dunne was keen to re-sign assuming the deal offered reflected his worth and he will be in line with the top earners at the club which is just rewards for what he has achieved the past few seasons.
Whilst by no means irreplaceable, top defenders are at a premium and it is a sound move to tie him down to what effectively will be to the final stages of his career, and is now only a couple of seasons from breaking into the top 20 appearance list at the club.
Ten released as the transfer window kicks in
Manchester City can confirm a final list of 10 players that have not been retained for the coming season.>>mcfc.co.ukOf the 10 released, four were members of the 2007/08 season first team squad, with the other players young Academy lads or reserve team regulars.
Paul Dickov, Geovanni, Emile Mpenza and Jihai Sun are the senior players not to have been offered new contracts by the Club.
The other players released are Irish defender Garry Breen, fellow countryman Michael Daly, Filippo Mancini - son of former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini, striker Ashley Grimes, Faroe Isles Under 21 international Christian Mouritsen and finally young Italian goalkeeper Andrea Giombetti.
A busy couple of days around the Jo transfer, with the usual summer clear out of youth players deemed not good enough to make the grade along with those first team squad players Mark Hughes has decided do not fit into his plans.
No real surprise amongst the ten names announced and some quick thoughts on the comings and goings:
None of the youth players were likely to even threaten the first team squad, but good to see that both Grimes and Breen have been picked up.
There were reports that Sun Jihai may move back to China but he gets a move to Sheffield United who look to be amongst the front runners for promotion this coming season. A long standing player, Sun never quite showed enough during his time at the club and can be considered fortunate to have remained this long.
Dickov is likely to move to Blackpool, where he had a succesful loan spell last season and will be a serviceable player for them. The move to bring him back to the club originally was a mistake, and his record during the past seasons bears this out, and is a sad indictment of the state we were in when he was picked up by Stuart Pearce.
The interesting moves are the signing by Hull of Geovanni, and if reports are to be believed, Mpenza to follow him to the KC Stadium. Both are good pick ups for a side looking to (against the odds) survive in their debut season.
Some thought Geovanni unlucky to not receive more of an opportunity last season and he did show cameos of his talent but whether it was form or fitness did not appear to win Sven over. He possesses talent though, and whilst I can't disagree with the decision to release him it is a good signing by Hull, and he should be complemented by Mpenza, who at the very least provided a good return from what was a free pick up during 2006/07 when we were struggling at the wrong end of the table and he scored some goals which were crucial in the final outcome which saw us stay up.
He featured heavily during the first half of last season (mainly through the Bojinov injury and sidelining of Bianchi) but feel out of favour towards the latter stages and again, you'd like to think the club have progressed well enough to be able to allow the likes of Mpenza to move on.
A busy few days then with the squad now de-camped in Germany ahead of a very early start to the season. Whilst Ronaldinho looks likely to be a no-go, further arrivals are expected, particularly if Hughes's comments are any kind of indication:
Whilst it may not be in time for the early UEFA games, I'd be amazed if we didn't bring in another defender, a pair of midfielders and maybe even a striker before the Premier League campaign kicks off as Hughes looks to add to a squad to be able to challenge at least a top six position this season.
"The balance of the squad isn't as it should be. There are certainly areas that we can look to improve and make sure we are strong in. That's an ongoing process. I have to get to know the players".
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Hughes makes Jo his first signing
Manchester City can confirm the Club record signing of Brazilian international striker Jô from CSKA Moscow on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.Although the club state an undisclosed fee, most of the press report it to be in the region of £19 million - a fair chunk of change even with the deep pockets of our owner.The 21-year-old hitman becomes Mark Hughes' first signing as City Manager and comes with a record of 44 goals in 77 games for CSKA since joining from Corinthians in 2005.
I don't think for one minute we have paid that amount up front, but much like our signings of last summer it will be spread over the term of the contract presumably giving us more scope to bring in further additions.
Hughes was complimentary about him during the press conference, and it would seem that despite some stories, the signing hasn't been foisted upon him by the owners:
"He's a big talent and a young man with a big future."A lot has been said about him and there was a big expectation on him coming out of Brazil. So with the success he's had I think it's a real coup that we've been able to bring him to the club.
"He's a big guy, in stature and in ability, so I think everybody will enjoy watching him play."
Despite offers from elsewhere, Jo appeared keen to join up with Hughes at the club:
"After I spoke to the manager I was very pleased. I was told Manchester City is a club going forward at the moment."We can go places, that is our objective. We thought about it and I decided to come to Manchester City for that reason."
The capture of Jo adds another striker into an already overcrowded attack, and despite the departure (or impending) of Dickov, Mpenza and Samaras there are still plenty of options available to Hughes as he begins to ponder the shape of his side, but it would be a surprise given what we know of his Blackburn sides if we didn't field a 4-4-2 line up.
Where the likes of Bojinov, Bianchi and Corradi fit into the situation is unknown, with all touted for moves back to Italy, but with Daniel Sturridge and Ched Evans largely untested, Hughes will not want to leave himself to thin up front going into what will likely be a long and tough season.
Isaksson joins PSV
Andreas Isaksson has today completed a move to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.>>mcfc.co.ukThe 26-year-old keeper was rarely a regular starter during his time with the Blues and made only 20 appearances for the Club after signing from Rennes in August 2006.
Injuries and the form of Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart forced the Swede on to the bench for most of the campaign and after passing a medical this afternoon Isaksson signed a four-deal with PSV.
A good move for Isaksson who despite the arrival of a new manager, had clearly had enough of sitting on the bench as he never seemed to find favour with either Sven or Stuart Pearce during his time at the club, and wasn't helped with a succession of ill-timed injuries.
Perennial Champions League qualifiers, he will be playing at the top level and certainly helped his cause with a solid display during Euro 2008.
Following his departure, will Hughes look to bring another back up to Hart given Kasper Schmeichel's uncertain future with the club?
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Barton escapes jail
And hopefully there draws a line under this whole saga - one that now of course doesn't even involve a player any longer at the club.The midfielder, capped once by England, was given a four-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to do 200 hours community service after admitting to punching Ousmane Dabo, 31, during an argument at training.
Barton, 25, is already serving a six-month sentence for an attack on a group of people outside a Liverpool branch of McDonald's on Boxing Day last year.
Today's sentence has been suspended for two years. Barton has also been given a nine-month supervision order and ordered to pay £6,500 costs, with £3,000 going to his victim.
Despite all of his protestations since the incident, Barton changed his plea at the last minute - which avoided him being handed down a further sentence on top of the one he is currently serving for this incident, something The Daily Mail I'm sure would question.
Barton is expected to be released from prison fairly shortly, and Newcastle have announced they intend to have 'discussions' with him - rumours range from sacking him through to cutting his wages, but it is fair to say that his career has pretty much fallen apart at this point, considering that eighteen months ago he appeared to have seemingly resolved off-field issues, and was forging a reputation as a leader of the City side and gaining international honours.
As he walks free from prison in the foreseeable future, all that of course is now history and he must surely consider himself lucky to even have a semblance of a career he can attempt to salvage.
UEFA Cup first qualifying round draw
The first qualifying round draw was made earlier today of course, and we are pitted against Faroe Island Champions EB/Streymur.
In all honesty I have absolutely no idea who this side are, and even had to make a cursory check to see exactly where they were located (although the club ebsite provide a nice pen picture of our forthcomng opponents). It isn't the largest of towns shall we say. The Guardian reports that the village has just 199 residents in the coastal village of Streymnes, and given their stadium has a capacity of just 1,000 the game may well be moved to the national stadium.
Despite the early start to the season and that the players will not be 100%, there is absolutely no reason at all why this tie is not wrapped up by half-time of the first leg. Looking at the Northern Section of the draw we are in, progress should also be made pretty comfortably through the second qualifying round as well.
The matches will take place on Thursday July 17th & 31st.
UPDATE:
Vital Football have some footage of one of last seasons games played at The Stadium. Should be some trip.
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