GENERAL DISCUSSION » Manchester City

On Saturday, at the Proms, Jon Christos announced on stage that City had won that afternoon. (Have I got that right?) He also said he was big City fan. Needless to say, there were boos. And I thought all men were sportsmen.  (My husband was a City Man too, so, Surferboy, you are not alone as some on here would think.) The only thing I liked Man. United for was that the lads were great dancers when we met theem at Sale Locarno, but needless to say, but that was before the plane crash. ass far as football is concerned, I am not dead sure whee the ball is supposed to end up after all that energy waste.

By the way, I couldn't find the old posts, so I hope you don't mind, I made a new one for you Surferboy so I could give you that heartening news. (I expect you know they won.)

No but City did..Barry, Milner, Hart, Johnson and 2 on the bench!

What a goalie Hart, the best since Trautman.

A good result for England and a reasonable performance. Rooney must be getting frustrated but one man doesn't make a team.

I hadn't realised Milan had bought Robhino, I thought he had just gone on loan.

I bet this American football player would get some stick over here.

The long curly hair that sticks out of NFL football player Troy Polamalu's helmet has been insured by a shampoo company for $1m (£650,000).

Polamalu, a defender for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been tackled at least once by his distinctive 3ft-long (1m) hair which hangs down his back

At least lazy bones Robhino's gone. AC Milan must be crazy for buying him. He certainly was a dummy.

Plus another Hughes duffer..

But the Paraguayan was trying his best to stay calm as City coach Roberto Mancini prepares to name his 25-man squad – probably without the 29-year-old striker. 

"I have always been happy at City and was looking forward to the season and to being part of a great club here," he said.

"Unfortunately, the manager has told me he won't be counting me for the rest of the season.

"All I can do is train hard, not get angry, prove my fitness and hope a loan can be sorted out.

"Lazio were there to take me but a deal could not be agreed."

Surferboy, how about Robihno buzzing off to AC Milan, will he be missed or is it good riddance?

Switch to United it's less stressful and you'll live longer!

OH NO WHAT A DISASTER. COMIC CUTS!!!!

3 POINTS CHUCKED AWAY AND ONLY 4 STAYED OUTSIDE TO CLAP THEIR OWN FANS EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE CHEESED OF AT LOSING SO LATE. JUST NOT ON.

Just watching City. Different class than Sunderland and Tevez missed a sitter in the first half but they couldn't score. They really need to beat teams like this if we want to win the Premiership.

Togolese striker Adebayor, senses his starts could be limited this season after being named on the substitutes' bench for City's first two Premier League games.

The 26-year-old said on Talksport: "If you're in a team and you're not playing and there is a team that comes in for me, then I will definitely be on my way out."

Perhaps the Arsenal fans were right and he's just a money grabber. He's been looking  lazy lately. A spell in the reserves might shake him up.

Another good result Surferboy. Another step on the long road to silverware, I just hope they have the stamina.

This guy certainly has stamina and loyalty.

Manchester City rolled out the blue carpet for their oldest fan on his 100th birthday.

Salford-born Norman Jones has been supporting the club for a record 91 years, after his father took him to Manchester City's original ground at Hyde Road when he was nine.

To celebrate his 100th birthday Norman and his family joined executives for a sumptuous four course meal at the City of Manchester Stadium, before City did him proud by beating Liverpool 3-0.

Norman, who lives off Heywood Road, in Prestwich, said: "I could not think of a better way to celebrate my 100th birthday than at the ground of my beloved football team with my family

It was a good result Surferboy and I hope they have many more like that but jelly can be a bit wobbly.

After last nights demolition of the Scousers I think the cynics will be swallowing their words. The Jelly as set already ! We also started with 7 English players. 7/1 at Betfred for the title?

BY THE END OF THE SEASON, RED OR BLUE, WILL YOUR WALL HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS ON IT?

It might be just a coincidence, but it looks like City are having yet another go at United.

The Blues incurred the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson when they planted a controversial billboard ad at the end of Deansgate.

It featured then new signing and ex-United star Carlos Tevez above the slogan ‘Welcome to Manchester’. It was seen as a sideswipe at the fact the Reds’ home lies outside the city of Manchester boundaries.

Now City have unveiled a stunning Soviet-style mural – alongside the Mancunian Way.

The huge work of art, which began to go up yesterday and will be completed today, shows boss Roberto Mancini in a Stalin-esque pose, flanked by first teamers holding giant flags and proclaims the club’s new motto: ‘Be Part of It’

Designed to offer fans a family-friendly area to build up to the big game, City Square offers places to eat and drink along with pre-match entertainment and even a place to shelter from the famous Manchester weather!

City Square will be opening for the first time from 5pm on Monday, ahead of the team’s big game against Liverpool. To celebrate the opening, Umbro and Manchester City are asking fans to ‘check in’ to the City Square using Foursquare, the locational application you can get on your iPhone, Blackberry, Palm Pre or Android phone.
 
We’ll be offering plenty of special prizes throughout the season using Foursquare to check in at City-specific locations, and on Monday we’re offering a special Blue Moon t-shirt to the first ten people to check in at City Square. Login while you’re there and leave a message saying ‘Blue Moon tee please!’ – if you’re one of the first ten we’ll get a t-shirt over to you.
 
Of course, if you haven’t got Foursquare, you can still enjoy the entertainment at City Square before the game. But if you want to be in with a chance of winning, you’ll need to be checked in!

A decent result away from home surfer? Will have to do better!

Great to see Blackpool having their moment of fame, second place in the Premiership. Good on them but I suppose it won't last long.

I see Mancini made Tevez captain, do you reckon that as a one off or a permanent move? I didn't see the match but some reports reckon that City were lucky to get the draw.

"Hart was in top form and was the only thing standing between Spurs going with a 3-0 lead into the break after excellent saves from Defoe, Crouch, Huddlestone, Assou-Ekotto and Bale, to name but a few!"

At least Mancini can speak a bit of English unlike Capello.

Joe Hart was sensational in the first half at Spurs. I'll settle for the 0-0 as they had plenty of chances but City could have nicked it a couple of times as well. A steady start and a hard earned point so something to build on. Bring on the Scousers next.

Mario must have a really good agent to have secured a 5 year contract with City or is it just more evidence that City have money to throw away.

Anyway it all kicks off today, it will be interesting to see where our local teams are at Xmas.

I see Fabio Cappello is coming in for some real stick in the media. Does he deserve it? Can he survive it?

2/1 City to beat Spurs 12-45 kick off. Seems generous to me.

Manchester City are gambling that Mario Balotelli can also say arrivederci to controversy and become one of the world's best footballers after signing him to a five-year contract.

"Unquestionable talent; highly questionable temperament" is the populist view from Italy.

I make no comment on this one.

Manchester City Ladies' team can't find a league to play in because they are too good.

A championship-winning girls’ football team can’t find a league to play in – because they are too good.

Manchester City Ladies’ Football Club under-15s have won 32 trophies over the past six years. But their impressive run could be about to come to an end.

They were offered the chance to play in the Lancashire FA’s next league up – the under-18s West Lancashire League.

But that would mean losing three star players as they would be too young to play in that competition. It would also mean having to play away games as far afield as Preston and Blackpool – at a time when many of the girls will have GCSE examinations.

The team – which won the under-16s Lancashire League and Cup double last season despite most of their opponents being older – wanted to join the South Manchester Girls’ U16s for the new season.

But league organisers say there are already two Manchester City-affiliated clubs in the division – and three would be one too many. Concerns have also been expressed that the girls would be too good for their rivals

Video highlights of City's match yesterday

THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE POSTED HERE WAS ERASED BY SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR AND A VIDEO FOOTBALL CLIP ADDED IN ITS PLACE. TO ATONE FOR THIS THE CULPRIT HAS TO WATCH THIS VIDEO CLIP EACH TIME THEY LOGIN TO HEARTS.

Roberto Mancini and his coaches led a light work-out before the squad split into three teams: Bellamy’s Boys, Ade’s Army and Tevez’s Troops.

The players then competed against each other in various drills with Ade’s Army claiming overall victory at the club’s open training session.

New signings Aleksandar Kolarov, Jerome Boateng, Yaya Toure and David Silva were introduced to the fans for the first time, while Nigel de Jong made his first appearance since the World Cup final.

With face painters, magicians and other entertainers providing fun for the free event that was presented by Key 103’s Hugh Ferris, a good time was had by those in attendance.

The Fun Day was also streamed live on the official club website where I watched it and the club’s official Facebook pages.

The Blues, among 74 teams entering the Play-off Round, will play the first leg at the 32,019-capacity Dan Paltinisanu stadium before playing the return leg a week later at the CoMS on Thursday, August 26.

Liga 1 side Timisoara were one of six teams City could have faced from the group seven pot.

Blues’ boss Roberto Mancini said: “It will be a difficult game and any team from Romania will provide stiff opposition, particularly on their own ground.

“We will look forward to both legs and obviously look to ensure we move to the group stages of the competition.”

Oh dear Surferboy. I see the City build up to the season is still looking a bit bleak. Perhaps the players have been told to look after themselves and not pick up injuries in the run up to the start of the season. But I doubt it!

You are wrong SB. As a United fan I don't derive any pleasure from seeing City lose.

I wish for the days when there was keen rivalry between two clubs who played good football. I used to enjoy watching both teams when supporters mixed together on the terraces and the rivalry was nothing more than joking and leg-pulling at each others expense. When did it become compulsory of the supporters of one club to hate the other team? Maybe it is a reflection of the way society has changed over the past 50 years!

The Blues had the chance to down the reigning European champions but saw hope disappear with the first half dismissal of Patrick Vieira.

The Frenchman was red carded for an alleged elbow on Marco Materazzi in the 21st minute and Inter went on to win 3-0 in a friendly in the US.

It was one-way traffic with City’s sole attacker Adebayor so bottled up that he would have needed a corkscrew to extricate himself. They were absolute garbage you United fans will be glad to know.

Surfer, who in the City line up would you definitely leave out of the 25 man squad which must be selected? They have 30+ over 21s on the books.

Spend-spend-spend doesn't win trophies! City need to score-score-score and win-win-win to get something in their trophy cabinet.

Who are they going to sell to get them down to the 25?

Harry Redknapp believes it is only a matter of time before Manchester City win the Barclays Premier League.

Both City and Spurs are currently out in the United States for the Barclays New York Challenge. Spurs beat the big-spending Blues to the coveted fourth place last season and with it a crack at the Champions League in the coming season.

However, City's owner Sheikh Mansour has bankrolled another amazing summer spending spree - and yesterday the club completed the signing of Serbia left-back Aleksandar Kolarov for a reported £19million fee from Lazio.

Redknapp - renowned for his shrewd dealing in the transfer market - feels if things continue, then City will inevitably get the ultimate return for such heavy investment.

"They can go out and sign almost anybody," Redknapp told BBC Radio Five Live's 'Sportsweek' programme.

"Money seems to be no problem, because the man who owns the club has so much. I genuinely think that eventually they will win the championship."

Things are not looking good already:

Saturday, 24 July 2010 City 0 - 2 Sporting

• Our dreams of winning the Barclay's New York Football Challenge were in tatters this morning after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon. They tore us apart in a very one-sided first half, as Yannick Djalo twice escaped Micah Richards to score for Sporting. Our diamond midfield never looked close to functioning. That said, we changed and improved in the second half, and we're still five friendlies away from White Hart Lane.


• The first half was not exactly a triumph. We were lined up in a 4-4-2 diamond, in accordance with a rumour from the News of the World last week. Patrick Vieira was at the base, Adam Johnson at the tip, with Pablo Zabaleta and Stephen Ireland shuttling either side. It was woeful. Johnson has his strengths but is no trequartista and barely got on the ball. Ireland, who is a natural No. 10, drifted into Johnson's position and influenced play when there. But too often Patrick Vieira - looking as sluggish and ponderous as he did last season - was isolated and overmanned in midfield. In the first twenty minutes he lumbered into two tackles that would have got him yellow cards in a competitive match. Sporting's movement, however, was excellent. Carlos Saleiro and Helder Postiga dragged our defence across the pitch, while Yannick Djalo and Simon Vukčević exploited the gaps.


• With Sporting so dominant, it was no surprise when we went behind. Zabaleta gave the ball away in midfield, and Vukčević ran at Greg Cunningham. He sold him the cheapest dummy - coming back onto his left foot - and crossed to Djalo. Micah Richards was characteristically inattentive at the far post and Djalo headed home. They added a second just before half time. Our defence was sucked up towards Carlos Saleiro, who chipped the ball into the gap to Djalo running between Richards and Kompany, who rounded Hart to score his second. Again, their movement manipulated our team like dough - think England v Germany in Bloemfontein.


• There was a change at half-time, and a subsequent improvement. We moved to a rough 4-4-1-1, with Craig Bellamy behind Jô, Ireland starting on the left - but drifting further in as the match went on - and Johnson on the right. This gave us better shape and allowed us to press Sporting more effectively. We were harder to play through and even came close to creating chances of our own, all due to Ireland taking up his favoured positions behind the strikers.


• But Ireland went off and with Alex Nimely playing behind Jô, and Craig Bellamy out on the left, we looked fairly short of attacking ideas. Then John Guidetti and Andrew Tutte came on - which was good to see - and we held on and saw the game out. It wasn't a great second half as a spectacle, but we played better. Wayne Bridge introduced a degree of competence down the left, while Ireland and Johnson playing their natural games brought a touch more attacking coherence to the side. Nimely had some excellent touches. The lack of chance creation might be a concern, but remember - we did have Jô leading the line for seventy minutes.

 but latest.....

• 
  

  Manchester City have completed the signing of Aleksandar Kolarov after the Lazio left-back passed his medical.

  
  

  The 24-year-old Serbia international had already been granted a work permit and underwent a physical examinatio in Manchester.

  
  

  Kolarov will not, however, be joining the club's pre-season tour of America.

  
  

  According to Italian media reports, the Premier League club agreed the transfer after several hours of negotiations involving City's Italian manager Roberto Mancini and officials of both clubs.

  
  

  Lazio's Italian rivals Juventus were also keen on the player, but it seems that they could not match City's spending power, bolstered by the millions of their billionaire Abu Dhabi owner Sheikh Mansour.

  
  

  "He has the ability to play in numerous positions and is very good in midfield," Mancini told the club's official website.

  
  

  "This is an additional benefit to the team. He has a fantastic international career ahead of him. I first saw Kolarov in his Lazio debut back in 2007. I was impressed by the speed and strength of someone so young.

  
  

  "I have watched him a lot since then and so have the Manchester City scouts. His attacking capability is very good. He is fast and can shoot with power and accuracy.

  
  

  "He was composed on the ball, had an excellent delivery with his left foot and was technically very able."

  
  

  Kolarov can play at left-back and left midfield. He has made over 80 appearances for Lazio in three seasons.

  
  

  The 24-year-old was part of the Serbia side that lost 4-1 to the Netherlands in the U21 European Championship final in 2007 before helping his country qualify for this year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

  
  

It's the big question for footy fans here in Manchester: will the big-spending Blues, for the first time in living memory, overtake United and finish higher in the Premier League.

Paul the octopus who was so accurate in his predictions in the world cup was unavailable so the Manchester Evening News went to the Blue planet Aquarium to see if they could find another seer.

WATCH THE SHORT CLIP OF "ELVIS THE OTTER"

With Paul unavailable, we contacted the biggest aquarium closest to Manchester - the Blue Planet aquarium in Ellesmere Port - to ask if they had an octopus that could possibly emulate Weymouth-born Paul.

They didn't, but the keepers at Blue Planet, reckoned Elvis, a seven-year-old Asian short-clawed otter, might be able to help.

So the test was set up.

Identical pieces of red meat, Elvis' favourite food, were placed in a City box and a United box in his pen.

And after sprinting towards the boxes, and having a brief sniff in the City box, Elvis plumped for United.

So Fergie and the red half of Manchester can relax, the Blues will have to spend even more if they are to overcome the Reds next season.

They're going to extend the stadium on one side. 45,000 is just about the current limit.

Kelvin is on his way out I'm afraid with all these new signings. I can't comment on this incident as we don't know the real details but I've found him a nice lad the times I've met him.

I was reading yesterday that City have already sold almost all their season tickets. How much does such a thing cost? The article also said that City were the third best supported team last season after United and Arsenel. They averaged just over 45,000 at Eastlands. Does this mean you will soon be needing a bigger stadium Surfer?

Manchester City striker Kelvin Etuhu was arrested after three people were injured in a dispute at a casino.

The 22-year-old forward, who spent last season on loan at Cardiff City, was held on suspicion of wounding. He is due to answer bail next week. Police were called to the 235 Casino in Watson Street in the city centre after reports of a disturbance.
Two men, aged 24 and 26, and a 23-year-old woman were taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary for treatment to injuries.
Mr Etuhu and another man, Leonard Rico Richards, 27, from Longsight, were later arrested

City boss, Roberto Mancini, has been an admirer of the striker for a long time and wants to make a move for him.

The Ivory Coast star has not ruled out a £20m move up north. Sounds ok to me.

New Manchester City signing Yaya Toure admits he was sad to leave Barcelona but says he will return to the Catalan club one day.

City paid Barcelona around £27.5million for the defensive midfielder, who will reportedly become the highest-paid player in the Barclays Premier League.

Nevertheless, Toure says the decision to leave Barcelona was a difficult one.

"The decision to leave was complicated because Barca is the team of my whole life," he told radio station RAC-1.

"It was a sad decision because everybody wants to come to Barca and I have had to leave, but not playing has been difficult and it wouldn't have been normal to just sit on the bench and pick up the money."

Toure, who will link up with his brother Kolo at City, says his agent, Dimitri Seluk, was instrumental in the move.

"He told me I had to leave," he said.

"I wanted to bring more joy to the fans, but life is like that. Barca is a great club with the best players in the world and I have played less in this third season, which for me has been difficult."

Nevertheless, Toure hopes to return to the Nou Camp one day.

"I don't feel that I'm away from Barca and I'm sure I'll go back one day," he said.

That sounds like  commitment does'nt it.

After starting only 18 times last season for Barcelona, it’s utterly perplexing to think that Yaya Toure has now become the highest paid footballer in the Premier League. The Ivorian is reportedly set to pocket £55.6million from his stay at Manchester City from a wage that will smash the £200,000-a-week barrier after April’s tax increase.

For a player who has yet to take part in an entire season for a club, the fee is not only excessive, it’s wholesomely repugnant. Even as a fan I think they've made a big mistake.

How will that much  wealth affect the relationship between the player and club and the fans. How can fans relate and support a man who is represented as an arrogant playboy prima donna thanks to the environment he finds himself in because of his ridiculous wage packet?

The hope as gone Meldrew..I now expect.

Live in hope Surferboy - you've had plenty of experience in the past.

It's great listening to the media. City after ???????? £25mill, £30mill etc then hard up United after someone for a pittance of £9mill. I reckon we'll become the top team this season in Manchester.

City really seem to be going for it, at least off the pitch. Is this just bling or will it attract more fans?

This is a sneak preview of how Manchester City's new fan zone will look next season.

Three outdoor TV screens showing interviews with players, kids' play areas, a bar and cafe will all feature in City Square.

The City of Manchester Stadium destination, which was originally going to be called City Street, is being built by the club to heighten fans' matchday

It looks like Hodgson will be the next Liverpool manager. I wonder if he will insist on a get-out clause in his contract in case he is offerred the England job which I think is highly unlikely.

Manchester City have reached an agreement with Valencia over the transfer of David Silva on a five-year deal.

"The time is right for me to seek a new challenge, and I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City.

"I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them.

"There has been a lot of speculation about me in the British and Spanish media, and I need to fully concentrate on playing for Spain in the World Cup.

Mancini also expressed his satisfaction at clinching the deal and backed Silva to make an impact in the Premier League.

He said: "I think that David Silva is one of the best midfielders in Europe, and I hope he will be a very important player for Manchester City.

"I am so pleased he is coming to us, I think he can make a big, big impact for Manchester City.

"In signing David, we are showing the world that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League.

"When players see what is happening at Manchester City and the ambition they are attracted to what we are building and want to be a part of it.

Real Madrid chief Jose Mourinho is said to be weighing up a £40million swoop for the Argentina striker.

A City source said: Carlos is going nowhere. He's happy here and we're looking forward to welcoming him back next month.

We'll get our revenge!

Away to Spurs for your first match Surferboy, what do you think of that?

I didn't see that episode of Come Dine With me but have seen a few. They are often better than the usual type of cookery programme presented by a celebrity chef. If you get the right mix of characters they can be really amusing and the background commentary is brilliant, really caustic wit. If you've never seen it give it a try on channel 4 various times.

Last night Channel 4 camera crews visited the home of Aston Villa and England striker Emile Heskey to record his stunning fiancée, Chantelle Tago, rustling up a spread of spare ribs and salmon on Come Dine With Me.

Her guests include: Jessica Taylor, girlfriend of wackyManchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland; Jude Cisse, wife of former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse, and former Celebrity Big Brother star Nicola Tapenden, who dates Crewe’s Simon Walton,

Chantelle, said: “Jessica was so cute and had a lovely little face. She was really nice and down to earth.

“Jude was dead mumsy. She looks so young but, with four kids, she’s sure got mothering instinct!”

Here's Stevies house + his famous fishtank which would look more at place at Seaworld.

I like the way he has a big mat with his name on to remind him who he is!

Manchester City trio Martin Petrov, Sylvinho and Benjani will all leave the Premier League club this summer.

Injury-hampered Bulgarian winger Petrov, 31, was signed by then manager Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2007 but only managed 57 starts, scoring 15 goals.

Brazilian defender Sylvinho, 35, signed on a one-year contract last August but only made nine starts.

Benjani, 31, who arrived in 2008, scored the winner on his debut in a 2-1 away derby win over Manchester United.

Petrov would walk into most Premier League teams. I'd snap him up.

Yes, I agree with you Surferboy that Platini doesn't have the interests of football at heart and like Sepp Blatter is only interested in persuing his own twisted agenda.

As far as the teams you mentioned are concerned United (since they used to play at Maine Road) have always planned for the longer term and that is why they have prospered until those bloody yanks took over. Arsenal (damn them) are the only the only team at present who seem to have longer term objectives in mind. The other teams which are dependent on rich Russians, Americans or Arabs may or may not prosper in the short term but any success will only last as long as the interest of their benefactors.

Isn't it about time that we had a United thread on here - perhaps you would like to start it off Surferboy!!!!

Surfer, there's a bit in the Sports section about possible United buying plans. But what's all this about City fans having cold bums? Is that as well as some of their players having cold feet?

WARM WELCOME FOR FANS AS CITY FIT HEATED SEATS.

Manchester City has unveiled £1.5m worth of swish stadium upgrades - including heated leather seats in the stands.

When are United going to spend some big money on new players?

That new UEFA deal of only spending what a club earns surely means that the top clubs with a big fan base and steep ticket prices stay at the top for eternity so nothing will ever change while small clubs can only afford cheap castoffs and never have the chance to progress. How can that be fair. City and Chelsea will be penalised even though they have no financial worries. Platini is just a meddler trying to promote his own interests. Being a cynic I think Platini is doing all he can to allow French clubs a chance to compete in Europe!

Uefa has approved plans to force clubs in European competition to spend only what they earn. Michel Platini, the president, is insistent that the rule change is intended to “protect clubs, not punish them.

Manchester City are preparing a £34 million bid to sign Edin Dzeko, the Wolfsburg forward, as they look to build before Sheikh Mansour’s spending power is curtailed in 2012 by new financial regulations.

Uefa, European football’s governing body, announced last night that its executive committee had voted unanimously in favour of “financial fair play” regulations, which will severely restrict the influence of super-rich owners such as Sheikh Mansour at City, Roman Abramovich at Chelsea and even Mohamed Al Fayed at Fulham.

The regulations will require all clubs to break even from 2012 onwards if they are to compete in European competition, with owners restricted to covering losses of about £40 million over an initial three-year transitional period.

In the case of City, who have spent huge sums on transfer fees and wages under Sheikh Mansour’s ownership, it effectively means that they have two years to assemble a team and to secure the additional commercial and broadcast revenue and prize money that would be required to sustain the club as a dominant force.

Chelsea the biggest spenders of the Premier League era have yet to win the European Cup that Roman Abramovich craves. Unless they cut spending his European dream will become ever more distant.

Liverpool £55 million loss. Britain’s most successful club in Europe prohibited from entering European competition because of the state of their finances? It just may happen, particularly as their losses continue to mount.

Manchester City £93 million loss. Conspicuous consumption of top-class players has been the order of the day since Sheikh Mansour took over in August 2008. But City face a race against time for their recruitment drive to turn them into a Champions League club while improving their finances.

Manchester United £22 million profit. Do not be fooled by United’s profit, it includes the £80 million from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo. Without it their transfer losses would have been the second highest in the division and they can ill afford to sell another star to keep their financial picture looking rosy.

I agree that Berbatov isn't a great player though he is one of the most skilful i have seen for years. To be a great player he has to make much more of an impact particularly big in games where he has consistently failed.

As for realism in expectations for City I suppose that one day they will win something, I just wonder whether it will happen during my lifetime and I intend to be around for a few years yet but I do wish them good luck. 

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside. I hope Stagecoach put a few more buses on from Shudehill when the away match is on next season.

Unrealistically optimistic? It's only a matter of months not years. The futures bright..the futures City!

Berbatov a great player? Is Alex going senile?

That's what I like most about City supporters, despite their record over the last 30 years they remain unrealistically optimistic. Milner (if they get him) would be a great buy although £20M is a bit high. Ibrahimovic I wouldn't give tuppence for.

I'm not a fan of Ibrahimovic having watched him playing against Inter in the recent semi final eventually being substituted he was so ineffective.

I found this comment by a City fan about the possible signing of Ibrahimovic and found it amusing.

"No, No, No, No! He is all that is wrong about an overpaid, overated prima donna footballer! If he is too slow and lazy for the Spanish league he will have absolutely no chance in our league.For those who say he has scored 20 goals this season, my mum could score 20 goals in a fantastic Barcelona team in a two team league, maybe we should sign her."

While on the subject I see Mike Summerbee is involved in the launch of a fleet of"City blue" taxis. I'd be surprised if they can find enough City fans to fill one!

The cheque books out. Milner for £20 million?

United won't be buying anyone but not because they have no money...Who's he kiddin!

I wouldn't mind seeing Shinny Whatnot himself buried under the center spot after the way he plundered his own people who are still feeling the backlash with the current troubles over there.

In 2008 the previous club owner Thaksin Shinawatra ordered magic crystals and porcelain elephants be buried at various places underneath the playing surface to 'energise players' and 'create harmony' at the stadium.

But, after being dug up as part of drainage improvements earlier this week, the club's new owners now need to decide whether the mystic items will go back under the new pitch.

Ahead of the 2008-09 season the large crystal ball was buried under the centre spot while the elephants, seen as symbols of wisdom in some Asian cultures, were buried underneath the corner flags with a number of crystals.

M.E.N. City survey

May 12, 2010

The Manchester Evening News is planning to carry out a comprehensive City survey to find out exactly what Blues fans think of the club at the conclusion of the 2009/2010 season.

Before we finalise the questions, we'd like to know if there are any topics that you feel are particular talking points among supporters.

Click CITY SURVEY and then look for the M.E.N City survey box and click. Here is one sample of the comments already on there "  Remove John Smith's (no-one who likes bitter wants to buy this keg rubbish) and replace it with a Holts, J.W.Lees, and a Hydes tap, thus ensuring we provide good beer and support local businesses."

Listen to our chairman. Fascinating stuff,

>CLICK HERE

I watched it and thought it was a really good game. The difference was Tottenhams' defence, Ledley King in particular was magnificent and , despite his fitness, must go to the World Cup. It is obviously dissappointing for City fans but they were playing the form team in the premiership tonight. You can't dismiss a team which has beaten Chelsea, Arsenal and City in the last 3 weeks.

I did warn, in this thread on 26 March, that Spurs could well snatch 4th place.

City were rubbish. I don't blame Mancini just the dross or crocks he had to work with like Toure, Cruz, Adeybayor, Bridge, Lescott all down to Hughes.

Peter Crouchs mother is a City fan. Here's hoping he does a snooker and misses on purpose tomorrow!

Everton beat Arsenal yesterday in the ladies Cup final. Amazingly there was no added minutes because women are renowned time keepers are'nt they. I have to admit I was dissapointed they did'nt whip their shirts off when scoring a goal! 

A sad day for Busker with Sheffield Wednesday relegated to Division One.

On the otherhand who would have believed this from the England reject!

>CLICK HERE

Yes but Surfer Ashes to Ashes is set in the past!

Did you watch the TV show Ashes To Ashes this week. Gene Hunt shot a guy then whispered in his ear to which he started shouting "NO NO NO."

What did you say to him said his girl sidekick for him to react like that?

"That City are going to cane Man United next season" he replied...............

WHAT A GREAT SHOW!

Good result Surfer just a pity Bolton couldn't stuff Spurs.

Yes it's D Day today and I hope Bolton can do us a favour at Spurs but it's longs odds that. I hope it rains this afternoon, we seem to play better like at Burnley and bad conditions seem to give the home team more passion.

Is this Mancini making it clear that he won't be messed about by the whims of "prima donor" players? If it is then good on him it can only be good for the future of City . More managers should do the same.

Tevez gets Mancini message.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says any unhappy players will be allowed to leave the club this summer... and that includes leading scorer Carlos Tevez.

Amid fears that the Argentine ace may walk out of Eastlands if the Blues do not secure Champions League football, Mancini has a stark message.

"It's the same for Tevez as any other player - if they don't want to stay here, it is best they go to another club," said the Italian as his side prepare to face Aston Villa at Eastlands on Saturday in their bid to secure fourth place in the Premier League.

Why have City been allowed to sign a goalkeeper when they have one already and only three games left. I can't imagine that the other contenders for 4th place will be happy with that.

You've got to hand it to the special one. What I'd do to get him to come to City.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper, signed on an emergency loan late on Tuesday evening, arrived at Carrington this morning to start work with his new team-mates ahead of Saturday’s vital home date with Aston Villa.

Having tussled with Craig Gordon for the goalkeeper’s jersey at Sunderland, the Hungarian says he is in good shape for City’s exciting final week of the season, telling mcfc.co.uk:

“I got the call on Tuesday from City and I was more than happy to come and help the club. It’s fantastic to be here at such a time. It came out of the blue but I’m delighted to try to help City achieve their goal.

The table will show the truth at the end of the season, it always will. If City get sufficient points they will finish 4th and deservedly so. If they don't it will be the fault of nobody else but themselves.

I do sympathise with them however - if I had a face like any of those 5 I would want to hide it behind really dark glass.

I can't believe I wrote that.

It's true Meldrew, a conspiracy. It's going on all the time. Did'nt you know Elvis is still alive, and that aliens are already here mixing in society. I've my suspicions about a few on here but I know your ok.

Did you notice that the ref who gave the controversial penalty to Aston Villa yesterday so they went above City was the same Red in disguise who controlled both of this years derbys. After all that added time in the first match which help rob City of a point they made it plain that they did'nt want Mr Atkinson for our home tie but ref Klattenberg was mysteriosly stuck in Spain because of the volcanic ash so we got that other toe rag again! Why was the ref we ordered in Spain in the first place...I tell you!!

I've got to agree with Meldrew. I hadn't realised there was such a law and I doubt that many did. A £30 fine is hardly going to break them and if the cars were sold to them in an illegal state they must have a comeback on the supplier to put it right.

Anyway Surferboy think about it are there any United fans with enough nous to know enough about the law to bubble the City players?

O come off it Surferboy, where is your evidence for that?

I see it says they wer'nt targetted. Come on, are you telling me that someone randomly recognized their names on a computer list full of them and said "Oh look they're all City players!" Of course they were by a RED!

Well Surfer United did the business and City got one point which at another part of the season would be a good result at Highbury. At least City are still in the running!

I hadn't realised that some City players are so publicity shy that they hide behind darkened glass. This is from the MEN

Fines for City stars with 'too tinted' car windows

Mike Keegan. April 24, 2010

Five Manchester City stars have been hit with fines for having 'over-tinted' windows on their luxury cars.

Club captain Kolo Toure and team-mates Shaun Wright-Phillips, Patrick Vieira, Stephen Ireland and Shay Given were each given £30 fixed penalty notices as they arrived at the club's Carrington training complex.

Police and Vehicle Operator Services Agency officers swooped when they spotted goalkeeper Given in his £120,000 Bentley Continental on nearby Carrington Lane. They followed him to City's car park - and then pounced on several shocked stars.

Each player whose vehicle was found to have windows darker than the legal level was told they would have to wind down the windows until they were fixed if they wanted to carry on driving

Yes and we are relying on United to do the business against Spurs.

Could be a decisve match tomorrow Surferboy, hope you get a good win!

I didn't believe it. Not injury time again!

Very close yesterday Surferboy! But then Spurs give you a bit of a kick by surprisingly,at least to me, beating Chelsea which also gives United a boost. That 4th place is still possible though.

You're pulling my leg Surferboy - ther's nowt in there to clean.

It's not true the dust in the atmosphere is not from the Icelandic volcano but from the spring cleaning of City's trophy cabinet!

You're ever the optimist Surferboy. They have certainly been helping their goal difference just lately if if should come down to the wire.

It just gets better for City every match and the derby is next weekend at Eastlands. Amazingly early prices show United 11/8 favourites with City at 15/8. I just can't comprehend that.

To me the only hope United have is if Rooney plays but I still fancy City anyway.

I see Newcastle are already guaranteed promotion the the Premiership next season. good on them, a city with great footballing history and they are from the north.

WOULD I BE SO CYNICAL FEZ? THE TITLE OF THIS SONG FEELS HOW I FELT ABOUT YESTERDAYS RESULTS!

>CLICK HERE

Surferboy, a great result for City yesterday and Spurs getting beat does make it even better. I suppose the icing on the saturday cake for you was United going down to Chelsea?

Arsenal are quite capable of a big upset, I certainly wouldn't write them off. And what is it with Rooney, is he turning into a bit of a softie? Turns out it is just a sprain , the sort of thing you or I have probably shrugged off in the past and worked through. Yes I know it's different for an athlete. Having said that I am surprised Rooney doesn't pick up more injuries the way he plays the game with 100% effort 100% of the time!

Watching Barcelona last night was like watching a different type of football. So sleek and brilliant control. Mind you credit to Arsenal for coming back to get a draw but I can't see they have an earthly in the 2nd leg.

Well Tevez certainly seems to be paying his way at City but then United seem to be doing nicely without him but they did seem to have a bit of a hiccup last night with extra time going against United for once.

TEVEZ.........FERGIE SIGN HIM!

I did warn you about Everton earlier in the week SB. Over the last 15 games or so they are the form team in the Premiership and could be challenging for 4th place but for their disastrous start to the season. Moyes picks players who are prepared to battle when things aren't going their way - something which City are not as prepared to do. Unless City do they will lose 4th place to Tottenham.

I don't know about passionate Surferboy. I'd have thought stupid would be a better description. I mean how can you instil discipline in your players if you can't do it for yourself. When it is Fergie doing this sort of thing is it just him being passionate about the game?

City 0 Everton 2. Played well, no decisions/no breaks/no win. I suggest just hard luck and that's football and yes the ref was atrocious.

At least we have a passionate manager!

My toes gone down thank you. Spurs I think have to play Chelsea, United , Arsenal and City so I think we're on our way to 4th.

Blakburn did both City and United a favour with their draw aganst Chelsea. Is there still a chance of seeing the two Manchester taems at 1st and 2nd.

Surferboy how's the foot? Is it "your left foot"?

I'll be rooting for City on Wednesday too but it won't be easy - look at what they did to United. Spurs are still well in the race for 4th place although they have some tough games.

Imagine the hype if City qualify for The Champions League next year and come up against United.

Great wins for City and United today but with some poor refereeing decisions. City were always in control until the ref gave a penalty to Fulham for a harsh "chestball" against Barry. Luckily we still got the 3 points. I wanted Liverpool to lose at United as they could challenge us for fourth.

We now play Everton on Wednesday and in our current form a win looks on the cards.

It's obvious they can't afford him. It's about time he grew up and changed his attitude if he wants to make it in Europe. City will do well to get rid and recoup as much cash as they can.

Any truth in this story from the MEN Surferboy? If there is would you welcome him back?

Pay row could set up Robinho return

Robinho could make a shock return to Manchester City before the end of the season.

He is reported to be at the centre of a row over whether Santos, where the Blues star is on a six-month loan, and two sponsors have reached a deal over his salary.

And, unless Santos can finalise the sponsorship deals worth £375,000 a month, the whole loan move could collapse, leaving the British record transfer buy no option but to return to the Blues.

City allowed the star to leave on loan in January, providing Santos met his wages, after he fell behind Craig Bellamy in the pecking order.

Interesting at 10/1 Surferboy. How do you rate England? An interesting match last night, it surprised me to learn that the Egyptian team are raaked higher than the English.

Maradona has not had it easy since he became manager of the national team in 2008, but a 1-0 win over Germany in Munich on Wednesday night showed that his side are primed and ready for the World Cup.

"This game had the character of a World Cup quarter-final and this is the level we were looking for," he said.

TEVEZ, MESSI, VERON, MASHERANO, ZABALETA ETC  NOT BAD EH?

LATEST ODDS...10/1

Wayne Bridge shouted to scumbag Terry post match..."That's how you play away!"

I'M NOT A RED

NOR AM I A BLUE

JUST A MANCHESTER FAN THROUGH AND THROUGH.

Scrappy match but a good result for City and for United!

Well done City, 4-2 at Stamford Bridge is no mean feat. I, as a "red" am genuinely pleased when City get a good result although I admit it is mitigated with disappointment when that result is against United.

I don't subscribe to the view that United supporters are compelled to hate City and vice versa.

No comment only that your a red.

Surfer. City knew Adebayor could be trouble when they bought him. I saw the incident and did think he was out of order, it may not be justice but perhaps it is a case of him being overly punished because of his reputation.

Well the paths clear now for City to concentrate on securing a place in Europe next year without having the distraction of other competitions. Is Tevez back yet?

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been suspended for four games after being sent off in Wednesday's FA Cup defeat at Stoke.

This is outrageous. Every newspaper I read yesterday said it was harsh to be even given a red. On the same night in the Milan/Chelsea game an identical incident occured and the ref just let them carry on playing. The F A are a law unto themselves and are as inconsistent as their rubbish referees.

Plus a letter to the BBC which reflects my own feelings;

It's amazing to see the nastiness directed at Bridge after his decision to pull out from the England set-up.

The man has been betrayed by both friend an partner and publicly humiliated. He has now decided that his presence in the England team would not be in his or ENGLAND's best interests.

The media circus surrounding the team would not cease before or during the World Cup and Bridge knows that. It would not only affect his performance but that of the whole team. He has fallen on his sword for events that were not directly of his own doing.

I mentioned in a post on 9/2/2010 that they would be calling for his head before long. They need to plan for the long term and bring in a manager whose judgement they are prepared to back. No manager has ever been succeeded in managing a squad who are somebody elses choice; they have always needed to bring in players to fit in with their own preferred system.

Forget Mourinho, Moyes or O'Neill because one of them is going to Old Trafford.

They are still hanging in there for the top 4, don't tell me you have given up on them. I've been reading that some fans are already calling for a new manager which I think is a bit crazy, how about you?

Do you think we'll get that far. You've more faith than me!

Bit of a nasty draw in the cup isn't it Surfer?

If the Mafia haven't kidnapped the "special one" in the meantime!

Looking a bit creaky aren't we. Surely not another manager? I do think the special one will be here in the Summer.

So a draw for City. I wonder if they were told to play for it, perhaps the money is running out and they need the extra gate money. Or were they just not quite good enough on the day.

Don't forget City V Stoke F A Cup match is live on ITV at 5 tonight.

Looks like Wayne Bridge will have to replace Ashley Cole. Maybe Terry will drop himself? He's gone to meet the wife in Dubai. I wish I was a fly on the wall!

I believe City are also paying most of Robhino's wages while he is in Brasil as the club he is with just couldn't afford him. I always thought that the idea of loans was to keep the club payroll under control. Do you think you will see him back at City Surferboy?

Interesting comment by one sports reporter on Sunday "The big worry for mancini though is that he has inherited players whose pay packets are bigger than their talents- and certainly bigger than their hearts. I think their could be some truth in this but hope I am proved wrong!

I saw his goal - what a cracker - it is a pity he couldn't do it for the people who pay his wages'

What are the odds against Mancini being on hia way before long; he has already lost more than Mark Hughes did in the first half of the season. 

Robinho has criticised Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini for not giving him the freedom to express himself. (He seems to forget we still own him. He comes over as a childish brat.)

The Brazil star was loaned back to his first club, Santos of Brazil, last month and marked his debut on Sunday with the winning goal in their 2-1 win over Sao Paulo.

Talking of Mancini's tactics, Robinho told the Daily Mail: "He has a different way of thinking. In Brazil, the coach respects the player's characteristics."

Robinho joined City for a British record £32.5million in the summer of 2008 and made an instant impact, finishing as the club's leading scorer in his first season.

But this season has been a different story as, first under former boss Mark Hughes and then Mancini, Robinho spent most of his time on the bench.

He added: "In Europe, they are used to playing with two lines of four players and they don't want to know what you can do.

"There, if you are a forward, the coach sends you on to the pitch just to run. You have to run and that's it."

Robinho is due to return to City after the World Cup, and he is confident he can showcase his talents in South Africa.

"I am preparing mentally and physically to be the best player at the World Cup," he added. "I'm at a good age. I have to get flying."

The guy who threw the penny at Craig Bellamy is in for a rough time. His name address and telephone number have been posted on the net by irate City fans!

Ferdinands just got a 4 match ban. Evans backed into Boyata and nudged him away for the last goal so it kindly landed on Rooneys head. Please watch the replays.  Bitter Blue.

I agree with all you say SB ............  well except for the last word. Whatever happens I am guaranteed a team to shout for at Wembley even if my first choice will be wearing red.

Well it's crunch day. I just hope it's a fair match with no dives, sending offs and the best team wins.....City!!!

Wasn't too far out with my forecast of the match SB but I thought we were a trifle unlucky. Could be an even better game next week - I suppose it will be for the supporters of whichever team goes through.

The debt is frightening and I can't see any way out of it.

The United debt mountain seems to get worse everytime you turn on the news Meldrew. Where will it all end?

As a United fan I obviously hope that the reds will win. However the way they have played so far this season I am not sure they can do it.

I think Fergie will treat it much the same as a two legged european tie ie they will play it tight and there could be only one goal in it. Against that Tevez is on fire at the moment and he will be difficult for the centre backs to handle, whoever they may be.

Any pre match predictions. Will Tevez put one over on Fergie. Any win by 2 clear goals will do me or even one if we don't concede as away goals can count double.

OK we lost and everyone is saying the honeymoon is over and both goals resulting from over zealous refereeing decisions. We've got lots of injurys to key players and we'll soon bounce back. Tuesday will be a good day to do it.

LIVE ON BBC 1 at 7-30pm.....MANCHESTER CITY V MANCHESTER UNITED...LIVE Ist LEG CARLING CUP SEMI FINAL.

Traumatised Man City striker forgets who he plays for? In the wake of the horrific gun attack on the Togo national team, Emmanuel Adebayor has given an interview to Sky Sports News recalling his experience - while wearing an Arsenal polo shirt.

The Manchester City striker - who got himself into hot water for running the full length of the pitch to taunt Gunners supporters earlier this season - clearly still has an attachment to his old club, even if it is only in the wardrobe department!

Drop him I say and put him on the list!!!!!!!  What disgraceful behaviour to dishonour the club who's paying your wages.

With his hatrick last night I think Tevez has already scored more for City this season than he did during the whole of his time at United. Mind you, he is playing as the main striker whilst Adebayor isn't about - a position he was never able to play at United.

Tevez doesn't score enough. That's what red fans gleefully told us when we bought him.

Just backing United to get beat in every game would have netted you a tidy profit by now. I had 12/1 they lose to Birmingham half time and full time last night and only got caught out by a late contencious equaliser.

Looks like Viera will be getting pretty good wages as well £130,000 a week, not bad for a man past his prime but probably peanuts for City.

Whoops - yet another mistake I've made. Apparently the City/United match was postponed because of conditions outside the ground, it is reported that the pitch was playable.

I thought that Viera was coming on a loan deal from Inter until the end of the season.

Inter Milan's Patrick Vieira is undergoing a medical at Manchester City today.

City, whose boss Roberto Mancini signed Vieira when he was in charge at Inter, hope to complete a permanent deal for the 33-year-old midfielder on Friday. Are we start going to sign these old players? I thought the idea was to have a young team.

It is a pity that their finances don't run to under-pitch heatingf so that the match tonight could have gone ahead.

On a different tack yesterday Mancini was reported as saying that all the top players now wanted to come to Manchester City. I see that today Juan Sebastien Veron says he would rather not.

We were over £90 million in the red last year but our nice owner just accomodates it. Pity the same is not true about the Glazers.

Manchester City football club has reported an annual loss of £92.6m ($148m) for the 2008/09 financial year.

The figures reflect the large sums of money spent on top-class players by Sheikh Mansour since he bought the Eastlands club in September 2008.

Away from player transfer costs, there were some positive signs in other aspects of the business.

Turnover was up 6% to £87m, while average attendances rose slightly, to 42,890 from 42,081 the year before.

A run to the latter stages of the UEFA Cup helped boost ticket revenues by £1.8m, and TV income was up by 12% to £48.3m, also boosted by the European run.

The simpsons is certainly more entertaining.

It should be an interesting match tomorrow Surfer, what's your prediction? Do you think it will go ahead given the weather?

The best comical text I got after Uniteds loss to Leeds yesterday was:

For all Manchester City fans, 6-15pm on ITV the FA Cup 4th round draw live.

For all Manchester United fans, 6-15pm on Channel 4 "The Simpsons!"

Yes indeed Meldrew, I reckon when Fergie retires it will be the end of United akin to the falling of the Roman Empire, The Third Reich and Alexander The Great all rolled into one!

When City bought Tevez all my United friends said so what, if you look at his record of goals per game it's not very good. They've gone quiet on that one the last few weeks!

You refer SB to Fergie not being able to afford Tevez but just wait. When Fergie retires and Uniteds success starts to wane the club will be unable to service the massive debts it has been saddled with. The interest rate on some of their debt is a frightening 25%. Potsmouth could be the first Premier League club to go under but I wouldn't bet against United being the second. At least it would bring a smile to an awful lot of faces.

Don't think Robinho will be playing today. It's minus 2!

What a difference a week makes. 2 games and 6 points for our new Messiah. Maybe not as gung-ho but lots more grit and determination, a steely resolve...may I admit in the style of United and Tevez missed a sitter after a majestical move late on to make it 3 but got another even later and Fergie must rue he couldn't afford to keep him. The signs are encouraging!

And so we did 2-1. I didn't think Robhino did much though and the jury is still out on him.

Bring on the Reds. After all Alex we're only a "little team." Will he play the first team I wonder?

Surferboy for the latest comments on the amazing run of City draws see the Sport section.

How much did you win Fez? After another 1-1 draw that's 7 now!

HUGHES OUT!!!!!!!XXXXXXX

Bring in Gus Hiddink

I could easily end your City run of draws by putting a couple of quid on their next match for a draw, that's how lucky I am gambling but they could then lose!

If you were still doing the old pools looking for 8 draws you would only need to pick 7 with City as a banker!

City chalked up a sixth consecutive draw, one short of the Premier League record.

Yes the weather has been a bit miserable and different every day, but once again we seem to have escaped the extremes they are getting in other parts of the country despite the dire warnings on the local forecasts. Soon be summer. come to think of it it'll soon be Christmas.

He got lightly as usual. City showed their friendly live for free through their website but I missed it being in rainy old eccles. What a horrible week for weather we are having.

So Fergie gets a 4 match touchline ban but what is the point of suspending 2 of them till the end of next season? Plus a £20,000 fine. About time eh Surferboy?

Yes Fez we could have cleaned up.

Hughes came out on Saturday night saying teams had watched City's method after winning so many of their early games and now become better tactically prepared to stem our attack. Chelsea and United havine been winning continuously for seasons and they are still doing it. What a lame excuse. Sack him I say like I've said before. I think he's useless, almost as bad as Gordon Brown.

Hi Surfer. If you like a bit of a bet you shold have taken note of my post in the footall forum on the 17th Sept, below, you could have been quids in (mind you so could I)

"Your 9/2 for City to win at the weekend seems mighty generous. What are the odds for a draw City have now gone 16 matches without a draw so they've got to be due?"

Hughes is playing too negative against rubbish teams. OK play with caution against your tops sides but Birmingham? With our players we should have hammered them.

Busker, nice to see you dropped in on the health pages but no mention of Wednesday?

Good job some others are getting poor results. Doen't this draw put City in fourth place with a game in hand?

0-0 against Birmingham and they missed a penalty. Brum are mediocre and I've had it with Hughes.

1-1 Villa City. Passing poor. Marking at set pieces diabolical. Glad for the point.

Still waiting for the F A's decision on Adebayor. Neville only got a fine for this after United's 4th in the Derby so if they ban the Blue the systems bias.

Nice one SB .........................................

10 /10 FOR PRESENTATION

>FROM THIS

TO THIS>

TO THIS>

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2020!

Q:Why are Man City and bird flu different   A:bird flu made it to europe

Yes a good result Surferboy. Let's hope they can keep it up all season!

CITY3 WEST HAM1...easy . Robinho will do well to get back in the side because of his lack of work rate. 

Extra officials? Maybe they should get one with a watch that works! Fergie time again, a complete joke.

I noticed that you had been in to the sport section Willow well done.

It might be good thing if everyone clicked on the items in the menu on the left of the page. The Health, Environment and especially the Entertainment and Hobbies and the User guide all have sub-menus if you click on them, go on give it a go everyone.

Just thought I'd let you know. I found it. It wasn't easy but I Percy Vere'd. (Actually, when I think about it, that lad I knew was actually called Peter Vere.)

See I told you I don't moan but if people are finding it difficult using the submenus/dropdowns it is perhaps something we should look at in the future?

Yes Fez, that was my point really. We take for granted everyone is PC savvy but at least Willow knows how to start new discussion titles. Is anybody else not sure of how to use the menus on the left?

I never moan Surferboy but, and there is always a but, I think it's worth pointing out that the committee spent most of one meeting deciding what should go in the menu on the left of the home page and part of another deciding that some parts of the menu should be drop down tabs with submenus. These are:-

HEALTH with Discussion and A-Z in the drop down.

ENVIRONMENT with Discussion and A-Z in the dopdown.

ENTERTAINMENT AND HOBBIES with Home and Garden, Sport, Cookery, Music and Entertainment and Films Concerts and Shows in the dropdown.

USER GUIDE with Computer Safety and Tips, FAQs (frequently asked questions), Joining instructions and User Agreement in the dropdown.

The point is that if we don't make more use of these sections it will become increasingly difficult to find items if everything just automatically goes into General Discussion

See I told you I don't moan but if people are finding it difficult using the submenus/dropdowns it is perhaps something we should look at in the future?

Great stuff Willow. If I'd put this here Fez would be moaning ha ha! We do talk about City but it's on "Football" under "Sport" in Entertainment and Hobbies.