Bridge gone, Guidetti’s final loan test?

News that Wayne Bridge turned down an offer to move to ol’ ‘arry’s QPR was quickly followed by the 56th rumour in 12 months that John Guidetti might join Sunderland on loan.

Skitting – and slight exaggeration aside – I hope John DOES join Sunderland on loan in order to gain 4 or 5 months ‘proper’ experience. Not only do we need to see what John can do at Premier League level but under Paulo Di Canio, I can see him flourish and be allowed to express himself. Certainly the fiery Italian would like the work ethic and professionalism of the young Swede.

Back to Wayne Bridge, briefly, it was good see that Redknapp was irked by his Clubs’ dithering-over and eventual unwillingness to sign the ex-England left-back – anything that gets up the nose of the ‘twitchy one’ is fine by me. J



He's a gud boy; he's a gud-gud boy...



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going, going…staying

And, we’re told by the Mirror, that City have released a…’released’ and ‘retained’ list. On that released list - in addition to Wayne - is Roque Santa Cruz (still has some weeks to run on his contract), Kolo Toure (free agent...but again not until 1^st July 2013), Filippo Mancini (whatever) and Ryan McGivern (recently signed by Hibs on a 2-year contract).

Sceptical

On the retained list, there are names like Gareth Barry (50/50 for me whether he’ll be kept on); Dedryck Boyata (doubtful he’ll remain at the Club), Edin Dzeko (another one in the balance), Javier Garcia (most likely to be leaving to make way for a ‘new look’ midfield), Aleksandar Kolarov (surely not!), Costel Pantilimon (actively looking for a move), Luca Scapuzzi (I would be surprised if he had a City future) and Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely (can’t see him making it either).

In short, I don’t give too much credence to this so-called list released by Manchester City; I can’t see anything on City’s own WEB site either…

Fernandinho

So, the ‘putting of pen to paper’ of Fernandinho a couple of days ago took me a little by surprise; in that I didn’t expect anything like that to happen until after our new Manager was in place.

 

And, okay, Manchester City probably aren’t (yet) big in the Ukraine but when asked the question right at the end of this interview (at 5:36),

“Finally, what do you know about Manchester City and this Football Club” (aren’t they one in the same thing?) he may as well have said,

“Well, f*ck all really”.

WAIT for it...

After decades of having to wait for trophies to arrive in our cabinets, no-one could accuse seasoned Manchester City supporters of being impatient. So a few weeks is NOTHING in comparison.

Jesus Navas, we are told, may not 'put pen to paper' for another week...or even two. Despite agreeing a fee, personal terms and undergoing a medical with Manchester City officials, the flying right winger is away on international duty with Spain.

Meanwhile, Fernandinho’s move to Manchester City – again despite agreed fees etc. and medicals taking place – could be delayed until next week also. There’s no 'panic on' or last minute hitches; it’s simply, we’re told, that Manuel Pellegrini’s arrival also looks more likely to be next week…with an outside chance of tomorrow (Friday 07.06.2013). And so, of course, it wouldn't seem right to be parading new signings before unveiling a new Manager.

So a – delay? – in our Manager arriving too. Again, we can cope with that.

And as if to, “test”, our patience; it looks like any move for Edison Cavani could also take a few more weeks. Is Mourinho interested in taking him to Stamford Bridge? Is the ‘special one’ interested in taking Edin Dzeko there instead? Do Napoli want Dzeko in part exchange for Cavani?

It’s all part of the rumour bandwagon and transfer merry-go-round I suppose.

Juventus

The Italian giants have been linked with us for several reasons in the last few days.

 

• First of all, and not for the first time, they are said to be interested in taking Aleksandar Kolarov off our hands. Not wishing to overstate this but…GOD I HOPE SO!
• Then, the cheeky buggers want to sign Carlos Tevez! And with the Argentinean apparently lowering his wage expectations, we’re informed that personal terms have already been agreed.
• Both of these could lead to no money exchanging hands whatsoever because the THIRD Juve link comes in the form of us being linked with a possible move (again not for the first time) for central midfielder Paul Pogba; with Arsenal the other supposed other interested party.

 

Kolarov & Tevez for Pogba in a straight swap?

As good as he looks footballing wise, do we really need to move for the alarmingly Balotelli look-alike? Are we not going to have enough midfielders?

Pogba

 

 

 

Balotelli

 

Javi Garcia

I’d say he’s one for the chop. I personally hope so.

Gareth Barry

Not very mobile as Pellegrini likes; must be a bit nervous…

Jack Rodwell

If he can stay fit, I can see Pellegrini liking him.

Yaya Toure

Although perhaps not as mobile as Pellegrini likes, he’s surely in.

James Milner
Perhaps not ‘top quality’ but surely has enough – and DOES enough - to please the new Manager.

David Silva

In.

Samir Nasri

Has won a reprieve with Mancini going and will probably flourish under Pellegrini.

Scott Sinclair

Probably going on to pastures new but with a new Manager, I suppose you never know…

Jesus Navas
As good as signed.

Fernandinho
As good as signed.

Isco?

And then there’s…

Mohammed Abu

Denzeil Boadu
Alex Henshall
Abdisalam Ibrahim
Vlad Nicolae Marin
Marcos Lopes
Jules Olivier Ntcham
Abdul Razak
Denis Suarez

Okay, so some (or most?) of those aren’t going to feature in the first time next season. Some may never see first team football at Manchester City. But…Pogba as well as that lot?! Surely not…

A quick word on Fernandinho

Okay, I’ll admit it (after all, I wrote about it) I was very sceptical when I first heard that he was linked with us.

“Who?” And…

“Surely that’s a made-up name…and a vicious rumour.” Adding…
“How much?!”

At 28-years old with “only” 5 Brazilian caps to his extended name (okay, Brazil’s national team are perhaps just a LITtle bit difficult to break into I’m sure); I was already looking at him through suspicious eyes.

And - I continued to question in my own head - just how good is the Ukrainian League anyway?

But I have to remind myself that he has put in some excellent performances in the Champions League and I have seen some quotes from apparent Shakhtar Donetsk fans on the Internet; who appear to be absolutely gutted to lose him.

And…YES…I have looked and he does look good on YouTube.

A very mobile, box-to-box midfielder who can sit deep and break up opposition play; but who can also maraud forward and score spectacular, long-distant goals. He has a great, accurate passing range we’re told too! Yaya beware…

Back to matters ‘up front’

If we DO lose Carlos and Edin – and having already (thankfully) lost Mario Balotelli – that would leave us with “just” Sergio Aguero and, presumably / hopefully, Edison Cavani…as well as John Guidetti let’s not forget.

Another new striker anyone? Or are we going for all those midfielders for a specific reason?

Whatever the plans are, I’m patient enough to wait quite comfortably throughout the summer to see what develops. Most of us are I’m sure.

Tackle Africa

If anyone is interested in entering a football team in order to raise money for Africa - in order the help prevent HIV / AIDS - then please 'read on' (and / or pass on the following details). Thank you.

Picture the scene – your team playing six-a-side football for 12 hours in Manchester’s only Football Marathon, all in the picturesque setting of West Didsbury & Chorlton Football Club.

As well as t-shirts for all players, fundraising and training guides, and physios and trophies on the day, you’ll also be supplied with top quality images of the action captured by a professional photographer. And that’s not all.

You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that all the funds you raise will go towards preventing HIV/AIDS in Africa.

As you know, poor countries are especially vulnerable to HIV/AIDS because they often don't have the resources to treat and help patients. A staggering 14.8 million children in sub-Saharan Africa alone have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

Last year’s Manchester Football Marathon raised £6,500 to fight this silent killer. But we need more help and more money to save more young lives. This year we want to do even better. £10,000 could teach 60,000 children about HIV/AIDS.

The deadline for team registration is Friday 12^th July, so please join us and be part of this wonderful event.

 

To find out more and to enter a team please click on the following link:

 

Link: Tackle Africa

 

Alternatively, contact Ben at TackleAfrica at ben@tackleafrica.org or on 07908-219-514 for more information.

 

As I say, if you can't enter a team yourself but think you may know someone who could, then please forward these details to them.

 

Thank you for your support!

Blue bits

Following a period of some computer issues, I’m pleased to be back and thought it best to start with some bits ‘n’ bobs about our beloved Blues.

Ryan’s gone

Left-back come left-sided centre half Ryan McGivern has made his loan move to Hibernian permanent in recent days; signing a 2 year contract with the Scottish side.

Despite our spending power and high competition for places, I always believed that Ryan was one who could make it. He always stood out a little more on the pitch (and not just because of his snow-white hair); looking mature and composed on the ball than most other youth players at City. I have no doubt, in fact, that we’ll see Ryan play at quite a high level in England some time in the future and I wish him all the very best during his extended period at the Edinburgh side.

The coming of Jesus?

Not for the first time have strong rumours come out about us acquiring the services of Jesus Navas from Sevilla. The flying right winger would certainly be a welcome addition to our side; adding another dimension to our attacking play and, once again, fuelling rumours that we could see Edin Dzeko remain at the Club this coming season. A change in style/options could see us get more from the sulking Bosnian – although often a critic of the big man; I would love nothing more than to see this guy’s potential shine through.

Navas, I am told, has pace to burn and at 27; is just approaching his footballing prime for an outfield player. This is one rumour I am hoping holds some credibility, especially as it looks like Alexis Sanchez now wants to stay and fight for his place at Barcelona.

Verbal agreement and a Monday arrival?

Manuel Pellegrini gave his strongest “hint” yet that he was to become Manchester City’s new Manager, by admitting that a “verbal agreement” was in place. So with his last game as Malaga boss to be played today (01.06.2013) against a certain Barcelona, could we possibly see the Chilean being unveiled on Monday 3^rd June? I’d say there’s a good chance…

Cavani a ‘done deal’

We are told that a, “club insider” (who ARE these people anyway?), has said that a deal to secure the services of Napoli striker Edison Cavani has already been done! This is despite word coming out from Italy that the Uruguayan would, in fact, be happy to stay at Napoli (if they improved his wage/contract considerably no doubt…).

So, could we see our new Manager on Monday (packing Isco into his travel bag too) followed by a new striker on Tuesday?

The inspirational Manager

As recently posted, I have suggested that the apparently-motivational, father-figure that is Manual Pellegrini could see Samir Nasri spring back into life next season.

Well, following on from that, suggestions are that moving for the Chilean Coach could well see Carlos Tevez stay and sign an extension to his current contract (1 year remaining) and if so - and I hope so - we would, I’m sure, see a much revitalised player. Although ALWAYS full of energy and threat, regular followers of City will have noticed that Carlos' ‘edge’ in front of goal has been missing somewhat of late. I think Manuel is the one to bring that back.

As I’ve already said, Dzeko too could well be refreshed with our new Manager coming in but, worryingly, it has also been suggested that Roque Santa Cruz – who did…okay…under Pellegrini at Malaga – could now have a chance of a new contact at City! YIKES!

I hope our new Manager doesn’t like Serbian “attacking” left-backs too…

Anyway, all that’s left to say for now (for those in parts of the world where it applies) is...happy summer everyone! The sun is shining here and I’m off to sit in the garden with a beer or three…

Technical issues.

Just a quick note to regular (and not-so regular) readers, technical issues have prevented me from posting any new articles for the last few days. Sorry for the break in service and I hope to have everything working again soon. Thank you.

Soriano talks like an EXPERIENCED City fan.

 

Too many times recently have I cringed whenever I’ve heard Manchester City fans boast about what we’re gonna win or achieve. Confidence is one thing; arrogance is best left to those who “follow” that lot over the border…

Since coming into a little bit of cash in recent years - and since we’ve started signing some stellar names - it’s completely normal that expectation levels amongst City fans will rise. And, of course, we HAVE won 4 trophies in 3 seasons following decades of bare trophy-cabinet shelves.

But with a few exceptions (I must get that in); talk to City fans who started following in the last 5 seasons or so and talk to ones who have 20 to 50 years under their belts and the difference is there for all to see.

Those longer in the tooth, in terms of following the ‘great unpredictables‘, will, in the main (there are exceptions there too), have a more calm, measured…almost unintentional pessimism when asked about the prospects of Manchester City; whether that be season expectations, a particular competition…or even just about an up & coming game.

Me? An alien?

 

Whenever I’ve been forced into such a conversation with a red, for example, I’m sure they believe that I’m being less than honest when I don’t bang on about us conquering the world. Whenever I’ve tired to sensibly predict something like us-finishing in the top 2 or 3 and perhaps getting to the final of the League or F.A. Cup – adding that we’re not ready to go all the way in the Champion’s League – they look at me as though I’ve got two green heads! It’s quite amusing to watch really…

But yes, I will admit that going into the F.A. Cup Final against Wigan - although not complacent whatsoever - I am slightly disappointed that we did the hard part (in beating Chelsea in the Semi) and couldn’t quite finish it off with a win against Wigan.

Finishing 2^nd and winning the F.A. Cup as oppose to “just finishing 2^nd“ has a very different ring to it.

But regarding the Champions League, for example, I’ve said it time and time again; we need to establish ourselves more as a domestic force before we consider getting ourselves to the final (or there abouts) of THREE cup competitions as WELL as trying to win the Premier League (surely our main priority-goal at this point in our development). We’re not that strong in terms of quality in depth nor experience as a growing team just yet.

So it heartens me to read Ferran Soriano’s comments in a recent interview where, amongst other sensible remarks, he says,

“It doesn’t mean we are going to win one or two titles, but in the grand scheme of things, if we look at the next five years and I could plan now, I would say I want to win five trophies in the next five years.

“That may mean we win no trophies one year and two in another, but on average, I want one trophy or title a year. That is the Champions League, the Premier League or the Cup.

“If next year we don’t win, but progress our football and get to the semi-finals of the Champions League, finish second in the Premier League and lose the FA Cup Final again, that will be fine.

“That is because we will have progressed in the way our football develops”.

Yes I'm sick as a parrot whenever we lose and yes it even takes me a couple of days to shrug off a defeat in a game where we underperformed badly or "should have won".

 

And of COURSE I want us to win the Premier League next season and a domestic trophy chucked into the mix would be a very welcome, added bonus. Get into the knock-out phases of the Champions League too if we can – I am, after all, a glass half full man…but a realistic one.

I can only hope that Soriano’s words are music to the majority of Manchester City fan’s ears as much as they are to mine.

New home kit

2013/2014 home kit

 

 

 

 

Nice. Smart. Relieved that Nike haven't messed up (I had my concerns having seen some of Nike's kits for other clubs).

Looking forward the the 2nd and 3rd strips. Hope we don't bring out a meaningless all black or navy blue strip...