The non-celebration

Much praise has been heaped on Richard Dunne following his opening goal in Monday night's 1-1 draw for his refusal to celebrate the goal, out of respect for the City fans - who in turn clearly conveyed their feelings and regard for him throughout the game.

The 'non-celebration' has been something the press have focused on recently, and always in comparison to Emmanuel Adebayor's infamous celebration after scoring against Arsenal, and Carlos Tevez appeared apologetic after scoring for us against West Ham.

Are we not in danger though of this issue being treated somewhat excessively though? To be disrespectful to fans who held you in high esteem is one thing - however there was clearly no danger of Dunne 'pulling an Adebayor' (although you have to admit that would have been some sight to see) so would City fans' view of Dunne be any different had he celebrated his goal along with his team mates (rather than the slightly awkward situation that we saw of them celebrating around him) in front of the Villa fans, as he would celebrate any other goal?

Would he stand accused of being disrespectful, or see his standing and reputation with City fans diminished?

The reaction that he received after scoring against us, and throughout the game as a whole, suggests otherwise.

Dunne hits out

"The manager (Mark Hughes) is very quiet, he does his own thing and I spoke with him a few times through the summer about what was going on. He was of the opinion that City needed two players for every position and that was the way the squad was going to work.

'The last time I spoke to him was in Africa after I had found out some other stuff. I said, "Where do I lie in the whole thing?" and he said they were trying to sign players and I would be part of his squad and I could fight for my place.

'He said I was still the captain and even last week he said to me he would rather I stayed but he was told we needed to get money in. I don't think it was his decision.

'They told me they have a certain amount of money they have to recoup each season to make things look better on the books. I could understand if I was being sold for £200m, it might make sense, but it was a bit strange really.

'It just needed people to be honest with me. I was getting phone calls from people saying Garry Cook (pictured) was trying to sell me behind my back, two months after me going to him and saying if he has any problems to come and deal with me. I'm disappointed with people who say one thing and then do the other.

'I'm not going to cry just because the club wanted to sell me - just don't do it behind my back.'

>>mail online.

It makes for sensationalist headlines for sure, and the 'back stabbing' angle is the one that has been followed by most of the press following Dunne's comments.

The main protagonist according to Dunne is of course Garry Cook. A man (and his actions) who the majority of fans are wary of will not have endeared himself if there is truth to the accusations that the departure of Dunne was conducted in a distasteful manner.

Of course it could well be a case of Dunne venting some frustration given the way in which he faced losing his position as player and captain in the side and then was sold when he had no great desire to leave (or choice in the matter).

At the very least, it is a scenario where a player - under contract for four further years - was ushered out of the club, and whilst he could have rejected a move, in reality there was no real opportunity for him to do that.

Dunne on City exit

"They signed the players and that was it. I wasn't given the opportunity to stay and fight for my place. That's what was annoying.

"I was told I had to go and that's the frustrating part about it.

"They told me they had accepted an offer so I said 'OK, but what if I want to stay and fight for my place?'

"They said 'it's funny, we need the money'.

>>skysports.com

An interesting angle as it suggests that Dunne would have been willing to stay and fight for his place, something that Hughes deemed would be unfair out of respect for the service he gave to the club.

Does it hint at something more, and that Hughes was keen to break ties with the past to continue shaping the side in his own image? It would be surprising given how keen Hughes was to keep him at the club the summer of 2008, and re-named him as captain since he became manager.

I feel that Hughes saw Lescott as an upgrade over Dunne and once he was added, Dunne, mainly because of the lack of rotation there is in the central defensive area in comparison to other areas of the side, largely became indispensable.

The contradictions of Richard Dunne

A player who was at one time ill-disciplined.

Yet leaves as club captain and a thoroughly respected figure.

Destroyed by Thierry Henry time and again.

Yet he was more than a match for Didier Drogba.

Arrived after being unwanted by Everton.

Leaves having made 351 appearances and a cert for the team of the decade.

He was considered a liability.

But was a pillar and cornerstone of our defence for the majority of his stay.

He was questioned technically.

He never lacked heart or fight.

Has a plethora of own goals and red cards to his name.

His partnership with Distin staved off relegation on more than one occasion.

Never universally won over the fans.

Won four consecutive supporters player of the year awards.

He must have done something right all this time.

Dunne move confirmed

As expected, confirmation that Richard Dunne has signed for Aston Villa:

CITY today said farewell to one of the club’s most resolute and enduring defenders in Republic of Ireland star Richard Dunne, who has signed for Aston Villa.

The player’s departure, confirmed this lunchtime after the Football Association checked the paperwork, signals the end of an era and Richard goes to the Midlands with the best wishes and gratitude of everyone at Manchester City.

Dunne, who will be 30-years-old next month was signed by Joe Royle in October 2000 for £3m and has turned out to be one of the best buys ever for the club.Not only did the former skipper clock up 290 league appearances and 55 more outings in the cup but he wrote his name in the Blues’ history books by being voted Fans’ player of the year on four successive occasions.

Make no mistake, the departure of Richard Dunne, club captain and longest serving player is a very significant move, and perhaps symbolic in that the remaining link to the past now departs the club, on more or less the anniversary of the ADUG takeover.

Dunne made his debut back in October 2000 against Southampton at The Dell in a 2-0 victory, that was (if memory serves me correct) the Monday night game on Sky. Also in the line up that night were the likes of Spencer Prior, Paul Ritchie and Steve Howey - a real sign of Dunne's staying power.

The hope is that although there was a delay in Dunne moving to Villa, there was not an acrimonious ending to his time at the club. Whatever the feeling is regarding his departure from the club, he would have deserved better than that for what he gave to the club over the best part of the past decade.

Whilst he would have continued to have been a valuable squad player - and no doubt featured when Kolo Toure is away on African Cup of Nations duty, with some players you have to be fair with and allow them the opportunity to move in if they are not going to be a realistic part of the clubs future plans. This is something that Mark Hughes readily acknowledged:

“Richard has been outstanding for Manchester City. He is the ultimate professional and has served the club magnificently. Winning the player of the year award for four consecutive years tells you everything about him. We all wish him well for his future career at Aston Villa," he said.

“It would have been difficult for Dunney to stay given his standing at the club and I understand that. I wasn’t going to stand in his way. I could have tried to stop him going and said I wanted him as a squad player but out of respect for what he has done for City I wasn’t going to do that.

“Not only has Richard performed exceptionally well for this club over the years but he has been a terrific ambassador and is a inspiring person who commands the respect of everyone. He has conducted himself in a impressive manner throughout my time here and way beyond that.”

Dunne's time at the club has undoubtedly come, and as sad as it may be in some ways to see a player of his stature depart, it is the correct decision as ultimately, sentiment cannot stand in the way of the progress the club is making and the direction and destination they are aiming towards.

His partnership with Sylvain Distin in the mid part of the decade was a key factor (if not the reason) that allowed for our survival in the Premier League at a time when our demise may well have proved fatal.

The signing of Kolo Toure was perhaps the initial writing on the wall for him, but the addition of Joleon Lescott ushered Dunne towards the exit door. A move to Villa though is a good one for him though. They are a well set club, consistent over the past few seasons under Martin O'Neill and could realistically finish ahead of us this season. Certainly they (along with Tottenham and Everton) will be challenging for the top six.

Whilst Dunne was no longer the pillar binding the side together. Whilst his commitment, effort and devotion were obvious traits, he remained a largely underrated player, possessing deceptive speed and qualities not obvious to the casual observer.

Dunne may not go down as one of the all-time greats but he will certainly be fondly remembered for his time at the club and will undoubtedly see his name when the teams of the decade begin to be put together.

Dunne on the Villa move

From avfc.co.uk:

"I'm delighted. It's a great opportunity for me. Obviously Aston Villa have improved each season recently.

"Hopefully I can be part of a squad that can challenge for a Champions League spot.

"I think with Aston Villa, with the experience they would have gained from last season - they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought in some new players into the squad this year - maybe it might help us go that bit further."

"I came on Friday and passed my medical and I thought it would be a straightforward day for me. I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through but I'm just really pleased that finally we have it all done."

Dunne deal will go through

We still await for official confirmation from either ourselves or Aston Villa with regards to the signing of Richard Dunne, with the Premier League yet to ratify the move (although the FA are believed to be satisfied all is in order).

The sticking point as far as we are led to believe was down to the potential pay off from the club that Dunne may be set to receive, but although there is still the possibility the deal will not be completed, I have been informed from a very reliable source the deal will be confirmed and Dunne will become an Aston Villa player.

Transfer deadline - window closes

The 5pm deadline has passed and, although news may still come through, at this stage Tal Ben-Haim has been the only piece of business conducted today.

Whilst the reports of Martin Petrov may have been a non-story, it is Richard Dunne that is the intriguing situation. It was expected that his move to Aston Villa would be completed but at the time of writing this nothing has been confirmed.

Sky Sports are working themselves up over this, frantically trying to clarify if the paperwork was completed in time (they think it may have been) or as they also suggested, Dunne could not agree on a settlement figure withourselves in relation to a potential testimonial he would be due.

Confirmation either way should come through before the evening is out.

Dunne undergoing medical with Villa

So says Sky Sports, and also The Guardian.

No surprise with this one despite the apparant weekend hitch regarding a 'golden handshake', but if Tal Ben-Haim also departs today it will leave us a little light in cover at centre-back - particularly during the African Cup of Nations.

Club confirm Dunne in talks with Villa

From the official site:

City can confirm that the Club has agreed a fee with Aston Villa for defender Richard Dunne and the 29-year-old skipper is travelling to the Midlands to discuss personal terms for a move to Villa Park.

You would imagine that the move would now be completed in time for Dunne to be available for this weekend, and as I thought, the victory over Wolves looks to be his last game in a City shirt.

Dunne fee agreed?

Certainly the Guardian suggests so:

Aston Villa have agreed a fee with Manchester City for Richard Dunne, believed to be about £6m...the Villa manager has identified Dunne as a replacement for Martin Laursen, who retired at the end of last season, and is likely to offer the 29-year-old the captaincy at the Midlands club when he discusses personal terms. Dunne has almost three years remaining on his contract at City but the arrival of Joleon Lescott this week, following the signing of Kolo Touré earlier in the summer, means that he faces the prospect of spending much of the season on the substitutes' bench.

I don't know if it is anything other than strong rumour at the moment, and inevitable folloiwng Lescott's arrival, but you have to imagine there would be a strong market for Dunne should he be available.

I know Hughes spoke following the signing of Joleon Lescott that he expected interest in Dunne, but I'm sure he would prefer to keep him in the squad.

However, whilst Nedum Onouha has time to be patient, Dunne does not. Not only it is a World Cup year (with Ireland having a good chance of qualification) but you don't imagine Dunne is the type of player who can (or wants to) dip in and out of the side, playing 15-20 games a season - he is very much all or nothing, and has been a regular ever since joining us.

It would be a significant move should he be sold though. By no means being forced, he is currently the longest serving player at the club, a link to previous regimes and above all, club captain.

Selling Tal Ben-Haim this wouldn't be.

It does look likely that Dunne will be on his way though. Kolo Toure has impressed in his opening couple of games, and Lescott is not about to sit on the bench after costing £24 million. Central defensive partnerships are not those you generally rotate either (unlike more attacking positions).

As I see it, the only possible bar to a move would be the speed in which it would need to be concluded as the transfer window is ticking down. Whilst I'm sure it is something Dunne has likely contemplated, to actually agree a move is far bigger proposition.

Depending on the line-up for the Palace game, it is seemingly likely that Dunne may have played his final game for the club.

Who next?

Dusting himself off following the rejection by John Terry, it seems that Mark Hughes has picked himself back up and got himself back in the game if today's reports are anything to go by.

Attention appears to be focusing back on both Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure, with Toure the stronger rumour and the suggestion seems to be that a bid either has, or will shortly be lodged.

Jack has mused over the merits of adding one or both of the pair, and whilst Toure seems the likelier in terms of current progress, my own preference would be to add the one player - Joleon Lescott, namely because Nedum Onouha is a better player than either. A partnership between Lescott and Onouha also looks a stronger one than Toure and Onouha, two players of similar styles as opposed to the more rugged, defensive qualities of Lescott.

A point to make about bringing in multiple defenders is, that whilst strengthening is required, the rotation in defence is not as prevalent as in other areas (which is why we can carry half a dozen attacking players) and looking at the top sides in the Premier League, they are built on a solid, consistent partnership at the back, so carrying too many defenders is by far from an ideal situation.

Dunne interesting Sunderland

SUNDERLAND chairman Niall Quinn has admitted his interest in signing City captain Richard Dunne.

Dunne is City's longest-serving player but could become surplus to requirements at Eastlands this summer with boss Mark Hughes chasing a number of high-profile defensive signings, most recently being linked with Chelsea's John Terry.

>>MEN.

Said Niall Quinn:

"He is a player who is an excellent footballer but he is a Man City player until they say any different and we stand in a line," he said in the Daily Mail.

"We are not the only admirers but if there is a chink of light we will get through it if we can.

"We probably need a few men and spirited people to lift what we have and of course Richard Dunne would fit the bill."

It is strange to think how far Dunne's stock has fallen over the past season in particular. This time lalst year, we managed to fend off interest from Portsmouth and Tottenham (something that Hughes was very keen to do), yet the groundswell of opinion that formed about Dunne during 2008/09 was that his time had passed.

As good a servant and player (easy to forget four consecutive fans player of the year awards) Dunne has been, inevitably along the way where real progress is strived for, there will be casualties and sentiment can rarely be afforded.

If we are to add quality to the centre of defence, Dunne will undoubtedly be sidelined - something that could occur regardless if Vincent Kompany drops back - and given his age and that it is a World Cup year (with Ireland having a realistic shot at qualification) he may feel that he can ill afford to be sat on the sidelines for the most part.

I'm sure sides will covet him and that he will have plenty of options to pick from should he be made available. Unless we can add in that area though, he won't be going anywhere.

Sunday transfer round up - something new

A quiet weekend all round really with the postponement of yesterday's game at Portsmouth coupled with not much of note on the transfer front speculated - as you'd expect really over a weekend with most of the media attention focused on the action on the field.

A couple of new names linked with moves in and out of the club though, with us being touted as a possible destination for Andrei Arshavin. Since rising to prominence on the back of Zenit's UEFA Cup triumph last season and then a (mostly) successful European Championships he has been linked with moves to all and sundry.

A move to Arsenal was expected this January, but there appears to some haggling over the fee and/or personal terms so it is possible we could sneak in ahead of them to his signature. I would be surprised if we were interested though. It seems a classic case of another clubs name being thrown into the mix to elicit a higher bid from interested parties. Besides, as good a player as he may be - although given his age (27) you do wonder why he hasn't 'broke through' earlier - it is difficult to see quite where he would fit into our line up and surely our priorities lie elsewhere?

Jo has been touted as a player who has fallen foul of Mark Hughes, with a couple of destinations speculated, but it is the first time I have heard Newcastle linked with him.

The Mail suggests a loan until the end of the season being a possibility. The article also speculates Portsmouth may want to take Benjani on a similar deal, and that we would encourage a bid from Tottenham for Richard Dunne.

I'd suggest that all three possibilities are nonesense. No way do we counter the possibility of loaning Jo or Benjani to a fellow Premier League side whilst as bad as Dunne's form has been, if Dunne exits, who do play there?

As we hit the halfway mark of the transfer window, lets hope for a more prosperous week than the one we have just had as time is beginning to tick away.

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 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 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 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.

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.”

>>mcfc.co.uk

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.

Dunne heading for the exit?

Manchester City are resigned to losing captain Richard Dunne after he turned down a new contract - with Spurs leading the chase to sign the defender.

BBC Sport understands Dunne, 28, has rejected a long-term deal, leaving City facing the prospect of him leaving on a free transfer at the end of next term.

Spurs are now closing in on a £5m deal for the Republic of Ireland star, with Portsmouth keen on his signature too.

Newcastle and West Ham have also been linked with the 28-year-old.

>>bbc sport.

I've consciously avoided posting links to transfer rumours so far, given the most of what is out there is complete and utter rubbish, yet there does appear to be enough substance behind this story to see all of the major media outlets devoting coverage to it.

I think it is still far from certain that Dunne is headed out of the club, and believe it is likely he is biding his time to see what shape and direction the club takes in the almost certain post-Sven era.

If it came to a decision on selling him though, I am somewhat in two minds though, but by and large think it would be a mistake.

He has of course been one of the stalwarts of the club in recent seasons and would be set to be amongst the appearance leaders if he played out his career at the club. Dunne also was named supporters player of the year this season for the fourth consecutive season and has by and large been a model of consistency for us.

There is a swell of opinion though that Dunne is not quite the player that he is largely thought and given his age it may well be that we have had the best of him, and £5 million would be a decent return for a guy heading into the last year of his contract.

We would also have either Corluka or Onouha to step in and replace Dunne, both in my mind better 'footballers', although not necessarily better defenders at this stage.

Why I think this would be a bad decision to sell him though is that it would add fuel to the fire that the club is currently being run about as well as Iraq is, and begs the question of 'Who's decision is this?' given Sven would surely be loyal to Dunne - citing his leadership and qualities throughout the season, and to allow the club captain to walk away to the club smacks of mis-management and short-sightedness on the clubs part.

It would send a bad message out and only serve to increase speculation around the likes of Hart, Richards, Johnson and Bojinov.

Still, given recent events at the club, anything could be possible.

Dunne named Supporters player of the year

Richard Dunne has been named as City’s Player of the Year for an amazing fourth successive year.

The skipper picked up his award, voted for by members of the Official Supporters Club, at a ceremony at the City of Manchester Stadium on Tuesday evening with the rest of the first team squad and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson in attendance.

Joe Hart capped a fine season, which saw him establish himself as City’s first-choice, by picking up the Young Player of the Year award at the event, attended by over 300 fans in the Boardroom Suite.

Youth team captain Ben Mee, who led the Under 18s to the FA Youth Cup win last month, was named as this season’s Most Promising Player.

>>mcfc.co.uk

A pretty impressive feat to be named as supporters player of the year for four successive seasons, and I'm pretty sure it is something that hasn't occurred before.

It is a real indication of the esteem he is held in by the overwhelming majority of fans, all the more ironic at a time when rumours continue to persist about his future at the club.

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.

Dunne scoops Supporters Club Player of the year

In news that really should have been making the headlines, but will be relegated to a couple of column inches in the wake of Barton-gate, Richard Dunne has again been named as Player of the year by the official supporters club.

Dunne wins the honour for the third consecutive season (itself a record?), and is joined in the roll of honour by Micah Richards who won the Young Player of the year award and Ched Evans who was named Most Promising Academy player.