Manchester City

[Bredbury Blue]

See we're being linked with Mido (we were after him before he joined spurs), Etherington and Harewood. Yes please, Yes, No.

[mrbojangles]

Ball training with City

Michael Ball is aiming to clinch a move to Manchester City before the close of the transfer window.

The PSV Eindhoven defender is training with City this week with the intention of securing a return to England.

Ball is out of the picture at PSV and revealed in December that he was keen to come back to the Premiership this month.

The former Everton full-back has seen his once promising career stagnate in recent seasons and is determined to impress City boss Stuart Pearce.

"This is a great opportunity for me to show at first hand what I can do," Ball told the club's official website.

The 27-year-old joined PSV from Rangers in 2005, but has been unable to make an impact with the Dutch champions.

He has been linked with Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth, but could prove to be the replacement for Ben Thatcher, who left City for Charlton Athletic earlier in January.

[JacknDanny]

Ball training with City

Michael Ball is aiming to clinch a move to Manchester City before the close of the transfer window.

The PSV Eindhoven defender is training with City this week with the intention of securing a return to England.

Ball is out of the picture at PSV and revealed in December that he was keen to come back to the Premiership this month.

The former Everton full-back has seen his once promising career stagnate in recent seasons and is determined to impress City boss Stuart Pearce.

"This is a great opportunity for me to show at first hand what I can do," Ball told the club's official website.

The 27-year-old joined PSV from Rangers in 2005, but has been unable to make an impact with the Dutch champions.

He has been linked with Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth, but could prove to be the replacement for Ben Thatcher, who left City for Charlton Athletic earlier in January.

MICHAEL BALL????

Is he the guy who sang a duet with Sarah Brightman?

[mrbojangles]

MICHAEL BALL????

Is he the guy who sang a duet with Sarah Brightman?

Well he can certainly strike a note. Let's hope (has his name suggest) he can strike a ball

[mrbojangles]

Good win yesterday 3-1. Now for the draw into the next round

From skysports:-

Spirited City see off Saints

Manchester City avoided an FA Cup shock at Eastlands as they came from a goal down to comfortably beat Southampton 3-1 in their fourth round tie.

The Championship side went ahead against Stuart Pearce's Premiership performers when Kenwyne Jones struck after 23 minutes, but goals from Darius Vassell and Joey Barton ensured City were on top at half-time.

On-loan PSV Eindhoven winger DaMarcus Beasley then guaranteed that City's name would be in the hat for the last 16 by walking the ball into the back of the net after 70 minutes.

Southampton looked keen to belie their inferior league status in the opening exchanges, but only some brave goalkeeping from Kelvin Davis prevented City from claiming an early opener when he denied Vassell during a goalmouth scramble before Chris Baird cleared with a thumping tackle.

In front of a sparse crowd at Eastlands, The Saints began to settle into their stride and David McGoldrick - lurking just outside the box - almost surprised Nicky Weaver with a drive before the City shot stopper got a glove to the ball and turned it over the bar.

Richard Dunne also had to be alert to clear from Jones' dangerous cross as George Burley's men continued to impress against their Premiership opponents.

Southampton's opener came courtesy of a rapid counter-attack, and in truth it should have been City who took the lead when Georgios Samaras somehow failed to get a boot to Stephen Ireland's through-ball, allowing Davis to collect.

The Saints keeper showed no hesitation in launching a long throw up field and when Trinidad & Tobago international Jones took possession of the ball from Alexander Ostlund, he had only to lift his shot over the recklessly advancing Weaver to put the Championship side in front.

However their lead was to last just three minutes as City fought back immediately when Ousmane Dabo chipped a ball out wide to the right flank where Hatem Trabelsi was waiting.

The Tunisian was slightly fortunate to retain possession after slipping inside the box, and after a challenge from Gareth Bale the ball fell to Vassell who displayed sharp reactions to fire a first-time shot past Davis and into the bottom corner.

His strike partner Samaras grew in prominence as the half wore on, going close with a header from Barton's cross, and after some neat work on the edge of the box two minutes later the Greek international fired a shot through a crowd of players - only for the highly-rated Bale to clear off the line.

Just seconds before half-time, Southampton were dealt a hammer blow when Barton produced an accomplished finish after latching onto a delightfully weighted through-ball from Ireland.

Saints striker Grezgorz Rasiak was denied by a last-gasp block in the first five minutes of the second half, whilst Jones also saw a shot saved after good attacking work from the young Bale.

However, at the other end the chances continued to come for Samaras and after twice working space inside the box, the Greek striker was unable to beat Davis on either occasion with low right-footed efforts.

After requiring a replay to see off Sheffield Wednesday in the previous round, City were keen to finish the fourth round tie at the first time of asking and whilst Barton was unable to produce a third goal as he skewed horribly over from Trabelsi's cross, United States international Beasley was only too happy to oblige.

Davis made a mess of Richard Dunne's long-ball forward and Beasley simply knocked the ball around the Saints keeper for the easiest of finishes.

The star of the show for the Premiership side was Ireland as he knocked the ball around imperiously in midfield. The Republic of Ireland international was also proving dangerous in the final third and, after already seeing a cheeky backheel saved, called Davis into action with a vicious volley from outside the box.

Trabelsi also drove a shot just over the bar as the hosts threatened to score a fourth, and with City coasting Pearce even afforded himself the luxury of handing a debut to January signing Djamel Abdoun.

No player has attracted more attention during the transfer window than Saints left-back Bale, but the 17-year-old missed the chance to add another couple of million to his ever-increasing value when he rifled a shot against the side netting in the dying seconds.

Substitute Ishmael Miller went closer still for City when he saw his close-range header tipped expertly onto the crossbar by Davis, but the final whistle sounded soon after to send The Saints out of the FA Cup.

[helicoptor]

Lets hope theres a new name on the cup this season

Dont want this cup run to jeopardise our title hopes tho

Do you know who when we have next?

[mrbojangles]

Do you know who when we have next?

I think it's being drawn in a couple of hours. I'll post on here as soon as i know

[mrbojangles]

Just in

Preston Vs Man City

[redrus]

Just in

Preston Vs Man City

Awe. Away again, naturally....! Wasn't that a Gilbert O'Sullivan tune....

redrus

[Bredbury Blue]

Just before the draw i'm scanning the teams left thinking well we don't want a premier team - and we don't want Preston - uh oh! They've been so close to pronotion past seasons, 3rd now, ex-City player connection (future City manager in Paul Simpson?), away, they'll be up for it, we must be the slowest starters of the 92, should be fun.

Sunday i spent the night watching the BBC teletext 2 minute updater for the City game, not much fun. good to hear Ireland was MoM, beginning to make a contribution now.

[totlanh]

What do you all think about the situation in regards to SP accepting the U21 England job?Myself,i think it stinks

[Bredbury Blue]

I think its a very fine line between finishing ok in midtable and down amongst the dead men, just takes one or two bad results, so i reckon city are right - i'm also not convinced SP is that good or has that much to offer the U21's apart from his touchline shouting - he's definately not one of the more tactical managers about is he.

[mrbojangles]

I agree with you both Totlanh and Bred. He should just concentrate on OUR club. Each higher position you finish in the table, means big dosh at the end of the season and boy, do we need evry penny!!

[redrus]

Ball rolls into City

By Peter ORourke Sky - Created on 31 Jan 2007

Manchester City have clinched the signing of Michael Ball from PSV Eindhoven.

Ball has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season after impressing on trial at Eastlands.

The former Everton man linked up with City last week after being told he was surplus to requirements at PSV.

Ball has done sufficiently well enough to impress City boss Stuart Pearce and he will help fill the void left by Ben Thatcher's departure to Charlton.

The 27-year-old becomes City's second signing of the January transfer window following the arrival of Djamel Abdoun.

redrus

[mrbojangles]

Not good news lads

Another injury nightmare for Nedum

Nedum Onuoha appears to have been dealt another cruel injury blow after recently returning to first team action.

It was in January last year when the 20-year-old defender had his season cut short with a knee injury, and as Stuart Pearce reveals, it could be deja vu with more bad news for Nedum.

“He had a scan on Monday, which showed a reasonable amount of damage inside his knee.

“We are still waiting to find out the full extent of the damage. He’ll have to go to London to see a specialist, but he’ll be out for a number of weeks.”

And with the injury believed to be a suspected ligament tear, Pearce knows it’s a serious blow to both player and Manager alike.

“It’s bad for his situation and from a selfish point of view for me also. I thought he was getting better and better as the games went by and he was outstanding against Bolton in his last match.

“From there, he’s had a slight niggle, came back from that and on Friday morning when you’re trying to nurse the players through the session.

“It looked like an innocuous challenge between him and another player, he walks off the training pitch comes back and tries to play on and then walks off again.

“You know in the back of your mind that we’ve got a problem here. There wasn’t a great deal of pain from his knee, but having scanned it, there are problems in there.

“Knowing how key the young players are to me at this Club, I’m massively disappointed for him.”

[mrbojangles]

Ball thrilled to be back

Michael Ball has expressed his enjoyment at sealing his Premiership return with Manchester City.

The former Everton defender is back in England's top-flight after joining from PSV Eindhoven on transfer deadline day for an undisclosed fee.

Ball exited the Premiership when joining Rangers in August 2001, but is delighted to be back in England following a successful trial.

"It's been a long time since I last played there (the Premiership)," Ball told Sky Sports News.

"I had a good four years or so with Rangers and then over to Holland. So it's nice to be back.

"To be in the best league in the world again is good.

"I needed to prove myself to City and fortunately enough they gave me the opportunity to train for a week.

"Obviously I've impressed enough to get a deal until the end of the season, which is what I wanted."

[mrbojangles]

Pearce gives City assurances

Stuart Pearce has told Manchester City he has no intention of becoming England's Under 21 boss on a permanent basis.

The Eastlands tactician was confirmed as Peter Taylor's successor on Thursday and will control England's youngsters in next summer's Under 21 European Championship in Holland.

It had been thought Pearce may take the job on a permanent basis if he leads the Under 21s to glory, but the former England international defender says he will walk away from the role after the Championship.

"People might say it would be hard to walk away from the Under 21 job if we win the European Championships, but it won't be difficult because I am a man of my word," said Pearce.

"The club have said they need assurances that I wouldn't take the job on a full-time basis and I have given them my word. I don't need to sign anything.

"Once the tournament is over I will be back to club work with City and I won't be applying for the Under 21 job on a permanent basis."

[mrbojangles]

City miss out on Mido

Stuart Pearce has revealed that a deal to bring Mido to Manchester City collapsed just 30 minutes before the transfer deadline.

Pearce was among several managers trying to prise Mido away from Tottenham during January, and was led to believe he had signed the Egyptian late on Wednesday.

City's official doctor was sent to Emirates Stadium to conclude a medical after Tottenham's Carling Cup clash with Arsenal, only for news to come through at 11.30pm that Martin Jol had blocked the move.

"There was a bit of toing and froing between 5pm and 11pm, but we were led to believe the deal was virtually agreed," Pearce explained.

"The work permits had all been sorted out, and the doctor was down there waiting to do a medical - which tells you how advanced we thought it all was.

"Then we get a call at 11.30 to say Tottenham were pulling out. It was a bit of a bolt from the blue, that's for sure.

"We were told it was Martin Jol's decision. But he is the manager of the club - that is what he is paid to do."

Pearce admits it was frustrating not to significantly strengthen his squad, but doubts whether City were the only club to miss out on a confirmed target so close to the deadline.

"I am sure the fans will be disappointed; I know I am," he said.

"We sat in the secretary's office at 1am, by which time we had hoped to have at least one or two more players through the door.

"We looked at a lot of things, and everything crossed our minds. But in the end it is very difficult to persuade clubs to sell their best players - and events conspired against us."

[mrbojangles]

Barton wins England call-up

Joey Barton has been called up to the England squad for the first time for next week's friendly with Spain.

Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate and Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry have also been recalled to the squad for the first time under Steve McClaren.

Newcastle's Kieron Dyer is also back in the squad with the midfielder having made his last appearance for England in March 2005.

Manchester City ace Barton was tipped to win a call-up after impressing this season with a number of dynamic performances and he has been rewarded by McClaren despite his outspoken views on some of England's players.

Bayern Munich star Owen Hargreaves returns to the fold after recovering from his broken leg.

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole misses out after suffering a knee ligament injury in midweek against Blackburn, but John Terry is included having recovered from his back problem.

Micah Richards keeps his place in the squad after his successful debut against Holland last November, but Ledley King is absent with a foot injury.

Everton striker Andy Johnson is included despite the player missing his club's last few games with an ankle problem.

England take on Spain at Old Trafford on Wednesday aiming to get 2007 off to a successful start.

Full squad::

Paul Robinson (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic), Ben Foster (Manchester United, on loan to Watford),Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), John Terry (Chelsea), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Gary Neville (Manchester United), Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur), Phil Neville (Everton), Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough on loan from Real Madrid),Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Scott Parker (Newcastle United), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle United), Joey Barton (Manchester City), Andy Johnson (Everton), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur).

[mrbojangles]

SWP backs Barton to shine

Shaun Wright-Phillips is convinced Joey Barton has the qualities needed to succeed on the international stage.

Barton has won many fans with his dynamic displays for Manchester City this term and England chief Steve McClaren has named him in his squad for next week's friendly with Spain.

Chelsea man Wright-Phillips, who has also been named in the party for next week's friendly at Old Trafford, is in no doubt as to midfielder Barton's qualities.

"Most definitely, he can (step-up to international football)," Wright-Phillips told skysports.com.

"I've been around him a lot and know all about his attributes and can vouch for him.

"I think he can make a difference to the squad and offer something unique.

"Everybody knows he's an aggressive player but that keeps him the way he is and that's why he is doing so well."

[Bredbury Blue]

We do you start apart with the words "chuffin bobbins!!!".

We got what we deserved if you don't put your chances away. Thought Reading were useful (great counter-attacking), highly competative and just like Blackburn before they take their chances.

Ireland's delightful throughballs aside we have nothing going forward, don't even think we've done much with a corner recently.

Who was half decent? Ireland, Vassell (apart from his finishing woes), i'm struggling now, Hamann showed some nice touches (makes it look easy doesn't he)...ah bugger it, we were crap, again. We'll do well to finish above fifteenth.

PS. The Swede didn't exactly cover himself in glory, specially with the 2nd one did he, bet Weaver's laughing.

[mrbojangles]

We do you start apart with the words "chuffin bobbins!!!".

I have absolutely no comment to make, about that performance

[mrbojangles]

City ready Ireland offer

Manchester City ace Stephen Ireland is set for talks over a new deal at the club.

City are keen to open talks with the skilful midfielder in a bid to tie him down to a new long-term contract.

Ireland has been one of City's most consistent performers over the last few months after winning his place back in the side.

The 20-year-old saw his progress hampered by some injury problems, but he is now back to his best in the City midfield. Ireland's agent Willie McKay revealed he is talking with City chiefs about a new deal for the player.

"I am speaking to Stuart Pearce and chief executive Alistair Mackintosh about a new deal for Stephen," McKay told skysports.com.

"Stephen has been in superb form of late for City and he has established himself as a regular in Stuart's first-team plans.

"He is now getting a regular run of games under his belt and he is fulfilling the potential he first showed when he broke into the side.

"Stephen is away on international duty and we will probably have to wait until he comes back before we can do anything over his contract."

[mrbojangles]

Pearce hails Sun's new dawn

Stuart Pearce is celebrating a new dawn in Sun Jihai's career after the Manchester City star returned to the squad following nine months in the shadows due to injury.

The Chinese international made the bench for Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Reading after finally casting aside a recurring hamstring injury, although he was not called upon for his first appearance of the season.

Sun's return to fitness is a huge fillip for Pearce as the 29-year-old can function in a number of roles and will be a valuable asset for the remainder of the campaign.

Now the City boss has praised the China star for always adopting a sunny disposition during his injury tribulations.

"Jihai is what he is, a good professional and we have certainly missed him," said Pearce.

"The beauty of him is that he can play in various positions. He can play at the back or in midfield, which, with the size of the squad we have is very useful.

"He has been out for nine months, which is a long time to lose a player for.

"But his attitude throughout the recovery process has been superb and we are really pleased to have him back."

[mrbojangles]

Gerrard denies Barton rift

Steven Gerrard insists he bears no grudge against Joey Barton as they both prepare for England's friendly with Spain.

Barton's inclusion has raised fears of unrest among the squad after the Manchester City man criticised players for cashing in on autobiographies following last summer's disappointing World Cup performances.

Liverpool ace Gerrard was one of the players to be criticised by Barton, but the England vice-captain is adamant he has no problem with Barton.

When asked if he had met up with Barton yet, Gerrard joked: "I'm going to give him a knock after the press conference with a signed book and he can read that over the next couple of days.

"There's no hard feelings between myself and Joey. We're from a similar area.

"The interview he's done has gone over my head.

"I will give him the welcome he deserves. His form has been fantastic and he deserves his call-up."

Gerrard will captain England against Spain with John Terry not starting the game having only recently recovered from a back injury.

The midfield dynamo is looking forward to the honour of leading the team out at Old Trafford.

"I think that is going to be the case (that he will be captain)," added Gerrard. "I have spoken to the manager at breakfast this morning and John is not ready to play so I am looking forward to Wednesday as captain.

"It means an awful lot just putting on the England shirt, but being captain and walking out at the front and leading the boys out into battle will be an extra bit special."

Gerrard is relishing the clash with Spain as he will come up against Liverpool team-mates Jose Reina and Xabi Alonso.

"It's a big game for me because I've got to train with them on Thursday," noted Gerrard.

"It will be really strange to play against Xabi in a competitive match. He's a terrific player, a great guy and it's exciting to go into battle head-to-head.

"We are really close, we're playing quite well together but it will be different on Wednesday.

"We're both looking forward to it and I don't think whoever loses will be looking forward to going into work on Wednesday.

"This game is perfect preparation, we've got some really big qualifiers next month and there is a big challenge ahead now to top this group.

"A tough friendly is ideal preparation."

[mrbojangles]

Ireland saves Ireland

Stephen Ireland's last-gasp goal spared Republic of Ireland major embarrassment as they beat San Marino 2-1 in their Euro 2008 qualifier.

Ireland's miserable Euro 2008 qualifying campaign looked to be plunging to new depths when Manuel Marani's late goal cancelled out Kevin Kilbane's opener, but Manchester City midfielder Ireland's injury-time strike got his country and Steve Staunton out of jail.

The win moves Ireland into third spot in Group D, but the defeat will be heartbreak for San Marino who were on the verge of their greatest ever result.

Ireland attacked from the outset and they created their first opening on four minutes when Damien Duff hit a weak shot straight at San Marino goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini.

Ian Harte then tried his luck with a free-kick from the edge of the box which Simoncini managed to scramble away and he was on hand to save Duff's follow-up effort.

The visitors really should have broken the deadlock on 15 minutes when Ireland sent Robbie Keane clear on goal, but with only Simoncini to beat the Irish skipper drove his shot just wide of the target.

San Marino were beginning to frustrate Ireland and they were restricting them to long-range efforts as they defended deeply.

Keane had another half chance on the half hour when Kevin Kilbane teed him up, but the Spurs hit-man drove his effort wide.

Ireland continued to push forward in search of the crucial breakthrough and Richard Dunne went close when he powered Duff's corner just over the crossbar.

Kilbane had the last chance of the first half when he flashed a shot just wide of the target as San Marino held on to go in level at the break.

Ireland came out for the second half in determined fashion and they finally made the breakthrough on 49 minutes with Kilbane netting his seventh international goal. Steve Finnan flighted over a cross which debutant Shane Long flicked on for Kilbane to nod home from close-range.

Ireland really should have doubled their lead on 56 minutes when Duff worked his way past two San Marino defenders and sent in a cross which Keane somehow failed to convert from close-range.

Wayne Henderson was called into the action for the first time on 66 minutes when he was forced to get down to Manuel Marani's dangerous low cross.

But Marani then stunned Ireland four minutes from time when he grabbed an unlikely equaliser after a defensive mix-up between Henderson and Dunne.

Ireland poured forward in the closing stages in search of a winner and they saved themselves when Ireland popped up four minutes into injury-time to grab the winner with almost the last kick of the game

[totlanh]

2 City players on the Pitch playing for England,when was the last time that happened??Methinks wither Peter Barnes/Joe Corrigan or perhaps u have to go back further to Fraany Lee and Colin Bell.

[Bredbury Blue]

Dave watson and mike doyle maybe.

But probably David James and SWP.

[Bredbury Blue]

See the wheels have fallen off again - we need a result tomorrow (need a few more than the usual suspects of Richards, Dunne, Barton, Ireland and player-of-the-month Vassell to turn up).

[JacknDanny]

Dave watson and mike doyle maybe.

But probably David James and SWP.

Its a good question.

Did any of the above pairings ever play toegether??

Ive tried to look it up but cannot find anything concrete.

Maybe Corrigan/Watson.

Did Barnsey play with either of them?

Did David White ever play the same time as Curle or Hinchcliffe??

Any City geeks have a definate answer?