Manchester City

[Mossfinn]

Ireland saves Ireland

Fair play to the City boy, even so an absolute shocker overall.

Good Luck

Moss

[mrbojangles]

Moss, it's not so bad, winning when youv'e even had a shocker.

We had a shocker and lost.

Oh wait a minute, now i'm gonna claim my Irishness, yeah we won the other day. I like this dual nationality bit, to be sure, to be sure

[mrbojangles]

Boss not surprised by Jamo's form 09/02/2007 11:21

David James' good form for tomorrow's opponents has come as no surprise to City boss Stuart Pearce.

James left the Blues to move to Fratton Park last summer, and the Manager has outlined the circumstances of the keeper's departure, which he reluctantly agreed to.

Pearce asserts: "He's done as well for Portsmouth as he did in two and a half years for us, and I didn't want to let him leave the football club.

"He was 36 years old, in the last year of his contract, he told me the offer Portsmouth had made and we could not compete with it, simple as that. It was David's choice."

James' form has led to calls for a recall to the England squad from some circles, and while he agrees with this, Pearce is more than happy with the performances of James' replacement.

"He seems to have done as well for Portsmouth as he did for us, and there is no doubt in my mind his form is good enough to get him into the England squad.

"Arguably, David has been the most consistent goalkeeper in the Premiership this year, along with Nick Weaver. He was top notch for us,” said Pearce.

[mrbojangles]

More to Harry than meets the eye 09/02/2007 15:55

Stuart Pearce thinks that there is more to Harry Redknapp than just clever moves in the transfer market.

Portsmouth made a miraculous recovery to clamber away from the relegation zone last season, and carried their form over into the new campaign to the extent that they now lie in seventh place.

Pearce clearly has a huge respect for his one-time boss at West Ham, but with City unbeaten away since early December and Pompey without a win in the league since Boxing Day, he is looking forward to the Saturday tea-time clash.

“Harry was very astute in the summer,” says Pearce. “Getting Jamo and Sol Campbell in were very cute moves on his part, and with Linvoy Primus in such good form that has formed a good triangle at the back. Kanu’s form early in the season was also a big, big plus for them.

“His teams can play a bit. West Ham were renowned for playing good football when Harry was in charge, and his man-management skills are good. Players like him, and he is not afraid to bring players in, he will bring in eight for only four to come off if you like, but that’s Harry for you.

“Credit to him, they are flying in the league and have been for the last calendar year. But in the main their stronger form was at the start of the season, as tends to happen in this league everyone will have both good runs and ups-and-downs as well. We’ve done OK on the road of late and we need to build on our away form.”

Fratton Park boasts one of the noisiest and most passionate home crowds in the Barclays Premier League, but the Manager is looking for City’s players to be inspired and not intimidated by it.

“You know you are going to be playing in a great atmosphere, there’s nothing worse than playing somewhere where it’s dead. We know full well that won’t be the case at Portsmouth, with a band, drums, bells and everything else you get there. Things like that make this game beautiful.”

[mrbojangles]

Darius targets away day rewards 10/02/2007 10:02

Darius Vassell is confident that City’s good away form can continue when they take on Portsmouth at Fratton Park later today.

The Blues are unbeaten on their travels since the derby defeat at Old Trafford, and with Portsmouth having not won in the league since Boxing Day Darius thinks City should be looking to get something from the tea time encounter.

“It’s a good fixture for us,” says Darius, “but when you talk about things like a good run it can mess it up! It’s a good opportunity for us to get back onto a winning run, those wins around Christmas showed what a few wins can do and they lifted us. They had a bit of a say on how we did in the cup as well. A few wins in the league would certainly get us up the table.”

The 26-year-old, who this week picked up the Thomas Cook award for City’s player of the month in January, is aware of the need for goals from City’s strikers.

“There’s a lot of pressure on strikers but you have got to be able to deal with it. I truly believe that you might not be able to score in every game, but you can always give 100% and the manager cannot ask any more of you than that. I try to go in with that mentality, and if everyone else does we will head in the right direction.

Darius’ selfless displays and endless running helped towards his getting the nod for the January award, and he can see why his way of playing can be seen as particularly suited to City’s tactics away from home.

“I try to do my best in any game, but I can see why people think that. It’s 11 v 11 out there, it’s not just about me but we need more players performing to their true potential.”

[mrbojangles]

Pearce backing for Isaksson

Stuart Pearce is hopeful keeper Andreas Isaksson will have a long career at Manchester City.

The Swede joined City from Rennes in the summer, but he was hit with a knee injury on the eve of the season which halted his progress.

Since his return to fitness, Isaksson's path to the first team has been blocked by the form of the resurgent Nicky Weaver.

Isaksson said recently that he may be forced to consider his future if he continues to languish on the bench.

Pearce has conceded that he can understand the keeper's frustrations but is not prepared to consider selling Isaksson.

"People are going to be frustrated if they don't play, but if you ask me a question about whether I would consider letting him leave the club the answer would be no," Pearce told Sky Sports News.

"At 24, as a goalkeeper, I still consider he has 15 seasons in front of him and I hope those seasons are spent at this football club."

Strikers Bernardo Corradi, Georgios Samaras and Darius Vassell have flattered to deceive this term, but Pearce wants his forwards to keep banging on the door.

"They have got something to prove," he said. "It's just down to them to keep banging away and deliver the goals which will push us further up the league and further on in the cup."

[mrbojangles]

No regrets for Samaras

Greek striker Georgios Samaras claims he has no regrets about joining Manchester City.

Eastlands chief Stuart Pearce splashed out £6million to prise Samaras away from Dutch outfit Heerenveen in January 2006.

Samaras made a bright start to his City career, but his form has been somewhat inconsistent this term.

The Greek admits he has found it tough to adapt to life in the Premiership, but does not regret making the move to Eastlands.

"I feel physically and mentally stronger than I have ever been in my life. I know I have a strong character that will enable me to succeed and I am 100 per cent sure that coming to Manchester City was the right move for me to make," he told City Magazine.

Samaras claims he has a hunger to continue to improve his game.

"I am still hungry for football and learning about the game, and I don't think that will ever stop," he said.

"Every day is an opportunity for me to get better, to listen and to learn new aspects that I can bring into my game. That is how I approach football and life.

"It is true that I have not been in the side every week. But that is not my decision, it is the decision of the manager.

"One thing you will never find me doing is complaining about that situation.

"What I have to do is make sure that, on the training ground and in the matches when I play, I do well enough to stay in the side."

[redrus]

Lier.........!

redrus

[JacknDanny]

No regrets for Samaras

Greek striker Georgios Samaras claims he has no regrets about joining Manchester City.

"What I have to do is make sure that, on the training ground and in the matches when I play, I do well enough to stay in the side."

Hence the reason why he is NOT playing against Portsmouth.........Lazy Tw#t

[soihok]

Morning Man City.

Welcome to the bottom end of the premiership.

Sheff Utd.

[Mossfinn]

Moss, it's not so bad, winning when youv'e even had a shocker.

We had a shocker and lost.

Oh wait a minute, now i'm gonna claim my Irishness, yeah we won the other day. I like this dual nationality bit, to be sure, to be sure

Good Luck

Moss

[mrbojangles]

Morning Man City.

Welcome to the bottom end of the premiership.

Sheff Utd.

I don't like it down there. Hopefully the 10 point cushion will be enough.

[mrbojangles]

Kanu fires Pompey to win

Portsmouth picked up their first win of 2007 with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Fratton Park.

Substitute Nwankwo Kanu came off the bench to score the winner nine minutes from time after Bernardo Corradi cancelled out Pedro Mendes' early opener.

The game ended on a sour note for Mendes when he was stretchered off with an Achilles injury after a tackle by Joey Barton.

Portsmouth had a scare in the opening two minutes when Darius Vassell beat David James to a long ball upfield and rounded the goalkeeper, but Vassell's cross was cut out by the retreating defence.

The home side broke the deadlock after just four minutes with a stunning strike from Mendes.

Mendes, who scored twice against City in last season's corresponding fixture, did the trick again when Andreas Isaksson's punch fell to the Portuguese midfielder on the edge of the box and he controlled the ball before smashing a left-footed shot into the net.

Five minutes later Tresor Lomana Lua Lua got behind the City defence when latching onto Gary O'Neil's pass, but he could only fire his shot into the side-netting.

Lua Lua went close to scoring soon after when he fired in a fierce strike from long-range which Isaksson dived full stretch to turn round the post.

Portsmouth were making all the running and Isaksson denied them a second goal on 14 minutes when he tipped Matt Taylor's shot over the crossbar after some good build-up play involving O'Neil.

The home side continued to ask questions of the City defence and Lua Lua saw a shot from out wide on the left tipped over the crossbar by Isaksson.

Micah Richards had a lucky escape when a fizzing cross from Lua Lua deflected off the international before going just the wrong side of the near post.

City had strong claims for a penalty turned down on 34 minutes when Djimi Traore appeared to handle Joey Barton's corner away from the head of Sylvain Distin. "appeared" it was the most blatant handball i've ever seen

A minute later Corradi drove a volley into the side-netting after being teed up by strike partner Vassell.

Portsmouth suffered a blow five minutes before half-time when Mendes was stretchered off with an Achilles problem after being caught by Barton with the England new boy earning a booking for the foul.

James ensured Portsmouth went into the break ahead when he produced a superb save to keep out Corradi's header after the Italian had got on the end of Vassell's inviting cross six yards from goal.

Harry Redknapp was forced to watch the second half from the stands after being sent from the dug-out for confronting referee Mike Dean at the break over Barton's challenge on Mendes.

Vassell had a sight of goal on 50 minutes when he beat Sol Campbell to Michael Ball's cross, but the striker could only slide his shot wide of the target.

City drew level just past the hour mark when Vassell picked out Corradi inside the box and the Italian powered a header past James and into the net.

Portsmouth almost restored their lead on 66 minutes when the ball dropped to substitute Lauren inside the box, but Isaksson produced a brilliant save to keep out the player's shot from close-range.

Two minutes later Ball drove a shot just wide of the target after being teed up on the edge of the box by Corradi.

Portsmouth regained the lead nine minutes from time when Glen Johnson burst forward into the box before playing a clever reverse pass to Kanu who poked his shot under Isaksson and into the net.

Two minutes later Kanu was booked for diving in the box as he attempted to win a penalty for the home side.

Portsmouth contined to push forward in search of more goals and Taylor headed Sean Davis' corner over the top.

City had claims for a penalty turned down late on as Corradi felt Taylor had handled the ball inside the box, but his appeals were waved away.

Edited February 12, 2007 by mrbojangles

[mrbojangles]

Mpenza waits for City deal

Emile Mpenza has confirmed he is hoping to sign a contract with Manchester City.

The Belgium international has been training with City this week after recently leaving Qatar-based club Al Rayyan.

The striker is thought to have impressed Stuart Pearce enough to warrant the offer of a deal until the end of the season.

Mpenza is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday and he revealed he is looking forward to the chance of playing in the Premiership.

"I will take this transfer as a revenge, with respect to all those who criticised my decision to play in Qatar," Mpenza told Bel-RTL radio station.

"At 28 years old, I am not finished and I will prove it in Manchester.

"To move to England, this is a dream which is being carried out."

Prior to linking up with City, a string of other Premiership clubs had been credited with an interest, including Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic.

Mpenza's impending arrival at The City of Manchester Stadium will end Pearce's pursuit of a new striker after he spent much of the transfer window trying to sign a front man.

[mrbojangles]

Redknapp: Barton 'did' Mendes

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is refusing to remain silent over Joey Barton's challenge on Pedro Mendes, claiming the Manchester City midfielder 'deliberately did' his player.

The row between the two clubs continues to simmer following Saturday's game at Fratton Park, with Redknapp having been charged by the FA following his half-time outburst over the incident.

Over at Eastlands, Redknapp's City counterpart Stuart Pearce has accused Portsmouth of mounting a 'witch hunt', in a war of words which so shows no sign of relenting any time soon.

Although Mendes has not suffered a torn Achilles, as was first feared, Redknapp is still fuming at the treatment dished out to a player who was also knocked unconscious by then City defender Ben Thatcher`s challenge in the reverse fixture in August.

"Barton meant to do it," said Redknapp.

"Pedro was running the game before he got hurt and I thought it was a bad challenge. The ball had long gone when he was fouled.

"Anyone who says it was an accident needs their head examining. Barton deliberately did Pedro and deserved a red card.

"I am annoyed because Pedro is a good player and a good pro who does not go around kicking anybody.

"Now he has copped it twice. He is the one suffering again."

[mrbojangles]

Sturridge set for City chance

Stuart Pearce has admitted he may be forced to turn to academy graduate Daniel Sturridge due to an injury crisis in attack.

Paul Dickov has been ruled out of Manchester City's FA Cup clash against Preston on Sunday due to a foot problem, while Darius Vassell is doubtful.

Vassell limped out of Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth after picking up a hamstring complaint and is racing against time to be fit for the trip to Deepdale.

Bernado Corradi and Georgios Samaras are both fit and available for selection, but both are short of form and could make way for Sturridge.

The 17-year-old made his first-team debut as a substitute in the defeat to Reading earlier this month, and Pearce has told him to be ready for action.

"If Darius fails to make it then it might nudge Daniel closer to the 16 or even the starting line-up," Pearce told City's official website.

"The one thing that he knows is that there is not an awful lot of traffic in front of him and he might get his chance."

[totlanh]

Hi Mr Bo,

Do you know anything about this Belgian striker whose name aludes me ive just had a mental block(happens regularly!!)

[mrbojangles]

Hi Mr Bo,

Do you know anything about this Belgian striker whose name aludes me ive just had a mental block(happens regularly!!)

Go back a page Tot, i think post number 584. Is it Mpenza your'e thinking about?

[ThaiPauly]

Hi Guys,

I have been away a while and this is my first chance to give you some stick (in the nicest possible way of course) for doing the DOUBLE over you.

Did we deserve it?...I never caught the game.

Good Luck in the Cup today...you have more chance that we do with us playing the red half of Manchester away...could be your year for the cup...why not, last 8 if you win today, then a nice little home draw with Plymouth then its the semi's and ANYTHING can happen

Chock Dee Nah

[mrbojangles]

Welcome back TP, i wondered where'd you gone. Hope everythings OK.

[helicoptor]

Is this Mpenza coming from Qatar?

Normally Qatar is where players head off to for a final big pay day. I fear he is another muppet to join the muppets we already have

[helicoptor]

Preston NE 1, City 3

This is more like it!, we came from one nil down and showed great character in the 2nd half.

My brother called me straight afterwards to talk about Wembley etc, he is a worse nut than me~!

[mrbojangles]

Preston NE 1, City 3

This is more like it!, we came from one nil down and showed great character in the 2nd half.

My brother called me straight afterwards to talk about Wembley etc, he is a worse nut than me~!

I watched the game and i think we where pretty lucky. If Weaver hadn't pulled off a superb save, we'd have been 2-0 down. But well done to the lads for getting back into the game.

But i fear if Arsenal beat Blackburn and put out a strong squad, the next game will be our exit

[totlanh]

Preston NE 1, City 3

This is more like it!, we came from one nil down and showed great character in the 2nd half.

My brother called me straight afterwards to talk about Wembley etc, he is a worse nut than me~!

I watched the game and i think we where pretty lucky. If Weaver hadn't pulled off a superb save, we'd have been 2-0 down. But well done to the lads for getting back into the game.

But i fear if Arsenal beat Blackburn and put out a strong squad, the next game will be our exit

Agreed Mr Bo.Should we play Arsenal i think the best result we could hope for is a dra at The Emirates and then get them back to Eastlands where we will lose .But just to enter a note of optimism if we could get Blackburn and win,who knows we could be meeting Watford or Plymouth in the semis,now that would be fun eh!!

[mrbojangles]

City in investment talks

By Simon Fudge - Created on 22 Feb 2007

Manchester City have announced to the Stock Exchange that they are in 'preliminary discussions' with potential investors.

The announcement comes after reports that the Eastlands club were in talks with several potential investment groups who were showing an interest in the Premiership club.

The news comes after City had declared before Christmas they were seeking fresh investment, though the club have stressed that no formal offer has been made for the North West giants, as yet.

"The board of Manchester City notes the recent press speculation regarding the possibility of an offer being made for the company," read City's statement to the Stock Exchange.

"Further to the company's announcement on December 7, 2006, the board of Manchester City confirms that it remains in preliminary discussions with third parties that may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company.

"A further announcement will be made in due course as appropriate."

The key to a possible takeover deal will be an agreement with chairman John Wardle and his business partner David Makin, who between the two own 29.75 per cent of the club's shares, but also have £21million in outstanding loans to City.

Mark Boler (18.75%), British Sky Broadcasting (9.9%) and Francis Lee (over 7%) are the club's next largest shareholders.

[mrbojangles]

Pearce reveals keeper dilemma

By Peter ORourke - Created on 18 Feb 2007

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce says restoring Nicky Weaver to the starting XI for Sunday's FA Cup win at Preston was the toughest decision of his career.

Weaver missed last weekend's defeat to Portsmouth after picking up an injury in the home defeat to Reading earlier this month.

Andreas Isaksson lost his place to Weaver and Pearce admitted changing his goalkeeper for the game at Deepdale proved a real dilemma for him.

"Choosing the goalkeeper was the hardest decision I have ever had to make as a manager," said Pearce.

"Normally I know my team on Wednesday or Thursday but I didn't this time. I left it until after training on Friday.

"I called them both over for a chat. Credit to Andreas, he took the decision like a proper professional.

"I just felt Nicky had that many games behind him it would be difficult to leave him out.

"He kept us in it at 1-0 with a good save and I was pleased for him."

Pearce believed his side deserved their 3-1 win at Preston thanks to late goals from Georgios Samaras and Stephen Ireland.

"I thought we started extremely brightly and their goal came against the run of play," added Pearce.

"It was always going to be tough but over 90 minutes we deserved to win the tie.

"There were a couple of good finishes. Bally's strike was excellent and Ireland's goal was something special.

"My team showed character after going a goal down in the FA Cup away from home."

Preston chief Paul Simpson was left to sweat on the fitness of Michael Ricketts after he was stretchered off with a suspected dislocated shoulder.

Ricketts was sent to hospital for scans on the injury and Simpson felt the withdrawal of Ricketts hurt his side.

"He has gone to hospital and his absence was a big blow for us," said Simpson.

"I am not going to sit here and say it changed the game because that would be foolish. It didn't help us though.

"City had that extra bit of quality in the second half and were a bit more forward-thinking.

"We went into our shells and the second goal was a real killer for us."

[mrbojangles]

Tim Flowers at Sky Blues

By Alex Dunn - Created on 19 Feb 2007

Stuart Pearce admits he was eager to retain the services of Tim Flowers, but was unable to stand in his goalkeeping coach's way after he was offered an assistant manager role.

Flowers has quit Manchester City in order to take a post at Coventry, where new incumbent Iain Dowie has been quick to be reunited with his former Southampton team-mate during his playing days.

Pearce believes Flowers has established himself as the best goalkeeping coach in the country during his four years at Eastlands and it was with genuine reticence that he gave the move his blessing.

He did, though, relent to Flower's wishes and it is Coventry who he believes have ensnared a coach of considerable pedigree.

"I am desperately sad to lose him and we are very, very disappointed because, as far as I am concerned, in the past and now, Tim Flowers is the best goalkeeping coach in the country," Pearce told club's official website.

"We tried our best to keep him with us but it is the club he supported as a kid, it is nearer his home, and he just felt it was an opportunity he could not turn down."

[mrbojangles]

Sinclair eyes return

By Alex Dunn - Created on 23 Feb 2007

Trevor Sinclair has had fluid injected into his knee in a bid to put an end to his injury problems, well aware that he has to impress in order to land a new contract.

Knee and groin injuries have restricted Sinclair to feature in just four of Manchester City's last 18 matches and the former England man is desperate to make a playing return.

The 33-year-old, in the last year of his contract, is confident that the procedure has been a success and he is looking to make a playing return for City's FA Cup sixth round clash on 11th March.

"All the knee needed was the equivalent of an oil change," Sinclair told the Manchester Evening News.

"It needed fluids draining, a bit of rest and an injection just to help it with its mechanical functions.

"It feels absolutely great now. I am upbeat and looking forward to getting back."

Sinclair, a City supporter, is eager to remain at Eastlands for some time yet and will be pulling out all the stops to convince Pearce he is worth a prolonged stay in Manchester.

"I definitely want to stay here," he said.

"As long as I can stay injury-free and still train and enjoy my football, I don't want to stop playing here."

[Bredbury Blue]

City's finances - worth a read http://mcfcsupporterstrust.blogspot.com/20...ccountants.html

[mrbojangles]

City's finances - worth a read http://mcfcsupporterstrust.blogspot.com/20...ccountants.html

A good read Bred but why did OB1 keep on excluding the money from SWP? Using his ethos you can't not include the sale of one player but include other players we have bought. i.e. we wouldn't have bought them if we hadn't sold SWP