Manchester City

[mrbojangles]

Pearce: Business as usual

Stuart Pearce insists the fall-out from Joey Barton's suspension will not affect the overall morale at Eastlands, as he prepares his City side for Saturday's Manchester derby.

A training ground scrap between Barton and his Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo concluded with the former being suspended for the rest of the season and the latter requiring hospital treatment.

It has been widely speculated that Barton, who is no stranger to controversy in an oft controversial career, has played his last game in sky blue having pushed City's board too far for the final time.

Dabo has since claimed that he was attacked from behind in an assault that left him nursing injuries which made him look like the 'Elephant Man', with the Frenchman seething at his team-mate's alleged cowardice.

Peace, though, is predictably eager to keep the specifics of the incident in-house and he insists that the old adage of 'business as usual' best describes the mood in City's camp.

"I am sure the rest of the players will react very professionally," said Pearce.

"There will be no negative response. The way the squad have handled everything has been a credit to themselves. I am sure they are galvanised by it.

"The matter is now the subject of an internal disciplinary hearing.

"The board will be involved, as will myself, and we will deal with it after the season ends."

[mrbojangles]

Dabo recounts Barton bust-up

Ousmane Dabo says he has been left looking like the 'Elephant Man' after being attacked by Joey Barton.

The Manchester City midfielders squared up in training on Tuesday, with Dabo taken to hospital after being punched repeatedly by Barton.

The England cap has been suspended by City until the end of the season, with Dabo explaining how the bust-up came about.

"I just pushed him away and turned my back to walk off," Dabo told The Sun. "That's when he hit me.

"I really don't remember exactly what happened, but I've been told by all my team-mates he hit me from behind, a right hook which hit me on the temple and knocked me out for a few seconds.

"As I started to fall he jumped on top of me, held my head and punched me twice more in the face.

"Apparently when I was on the floor he again punched me before being pulled off.

"When I came round, and it can only have been a matter of seconds, there was blood everywhere.

"I was spitting blood and my eye was clouded over when I realised what had happened. I wanted to go after him."

After receiving hospital treatment for his injuries, Dabo said: "When I woke up this morning I looked at myself in the mirror with my face all swollen up and I looked like the Elephant Man.

"I've never known anything like this before in my career."

[mrbojangles]

Derby k/o move would have been unfair to our fans

Stuart Pearce says that this weekend's derby remains a Saturday lunchtime kick off because any rescheduling would have been unfair on City’s fans.

The Club received a request from Manchester United that the game be moved back by a day once it became clear that the second leg of the Champions League semi final would be played in Milan on Wednesday night, but the request was turned down as Pearce explained at Thursday morning's press conference.

"I think there was a request from Manchester United to move the game. From our point of view, we got a lot of stick last year when we moved the Everton game to a Sunday morning. We had many letters from our fans in respect to travelling plans that had been made, and that the game was no longer on the Saturday.

"It was moved for television, to a similar time to the one that United were requesting to move this week's game to. We found that was totally unfair to the supporters who have paid a lot of money for travelling and tickets. That's why the game wasn't moved in our eyes."

The City boss insists that there was no malice in the decision to keep the game at 12.45pm, as he continues:

"We've not made this decision to spite Manchester United, we made this decision because this game has been pencilled in on that date all season. It was brought forward for television, the game has sold-out and could have been sold out many times over so people have made their arrangements. The decision was made on the back of the Everton game last year, where we had letters from City and Everton fans who had already made their arrangements when the date and kick off were moved.

"Also, it might work in United's favour because it gives them a day extra to prepare for Chelsea next week."

[mrbojangles]

The derby means the world to our fans, says boss from City's web site 03/05/2007 06:26

Stuart Pearce sees Saturday’s derby as meaning more to City’s fans than United’s.

While United’s visit to the City of Manchester is book-ended by trips to the San Siro and Stamford Bridge, the boss is pleased that the one-off nature of a traditional derby occasion will suit City down to the ground.

“Winning always gives you a lift, but obviously against this mob it’s special in our supporters eyes. It means more to our supporters than theirs, I believe, because of the fronts they fight on and the rivalries they have with the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool. For our supporters, this game means the world and it always has done.

“It’s going to be a great game, a great occasion, in front of a full house and everything that a good English derby should be.”

Pearce is also convinced that the squad already know exactly how important this fixture is to everyone around the club.

“You don’t have to concentrate the minds of the players, they will be aware what a big occasion this is. Going to supporters clubs meetings recently, everyone has been mentioning it for weeks so they will be aware of it, there will be more of a nervous energy around at training, but they know what a derby means.

“Records just don’t mean anything with the derby, we had a good record against Villa and that didn’t mean anything last Saturday after the game. We know full well that they are a top-notch side and have been around the top of the league all season.

“They’ve got so much cut and thrust up front that they can turn a game around at any given time. Ian Woan was at the game on Saturday, and he said the game was as dead as a doornail until the keeper drops one and gives United a lift.”

One theory is that United could still be affected by their Champions League defeat in the San Siro when the derby kicks off on Saturday lunchtime, but its one that Pearce instantly dismisses.

“I don’t buy into that at all. When you are winning matches, fighting on all fronts you don’t get tired. ‘Tired’ is not a physical thing for me, it’s a mental thing, always has been.

“I’ve always felt that there’s no such thing as a tired body, it’s a tired mind. Your mind can play tricks on you but if you master your mind you can master your body.”

[mrbojangles]

Ball fired up for the derby

Michael Ball can't wait for Saturday's game, which could see the left-back complete an unusual quartet of derby encounters.

The 27-year-old already has several Everton-Liverpool and Rangers-Celtic clashes under his belt, and the intense PSV Eindhoven-Ajax fixture is another that he can look back on. Barring a late injury he will play in his first Manchester derby on Saturday lunchtime, and he's relishing the prospect.

"These are the games you look for when the fixture list comes out," says Michael, "the ones against your main rivals and as the week builds up you feel the tension around the city. As a footballer, these are the games you want to be involved in and this is going to be a big game for us.

"My second game for Everton was against Liverpool at Goodison, and that will always stick in my mind. The good thing about derbies is that it does not matter where you are in the league, it's all about who wants it the most on the day. Supporters are the ones who get the players going, you can sense the atmosphere and it's just great to be involved in a derby game.

"When you win it's great for two or three days, or even until the next season when the next one comes along. It's great, but it's all for the fans."

UK-based football fans will be familiar with the British derbies Michael has played in, but the clash of Holland's two biggest teams was had it's own characteristics.

"The atmosphere there was unbelievable, with flares going off, bands playing - it was more like being at a concert. The noise was non-stop, I don't know if they watched the game at all!"

As for Saturday, Michael is not intimidated by the prospect of facing United as he brings his previous experiences to bear.

"You know you're going to be up against some of the best players around, but to beat them you've got to stop them. If we concentrate for the full 90 minutes we can get something out of this game.

"Derbies are more for the fans, it's their day because they have been looking forward to it for so long. Hopefully, we can get out there, get the points and give our supporters something to cheer about for the last home game of the season."

And finally, Michael also spoke about the prospects of him securing a long-term deal with the Blues.

"My agent's spoken to the club this week, and hopefully it will be sorted soon. I'm positive, City took a chance on bringing me back into the Premiership, and I'm enjoying it."

[mrbojangles]

Dunne: Prove we're together

Richard Dunne feels Saturday's derby is a chance for Manchester City to show their togetherness.

City's squad was rocked earlier in the week after a training ground bust-up between midfield duo Joey Barton and Ousmane Dabo.

Barton has been suspended until the end of the season and will miss the weekend's clash with local rivals Manchester United.

With City also having failed to score a home goal in the Premiership since New Year's Day, Dunne is aware it is a big test of the players' character.

But the City captain is hoping that the team can shrug off the controversy to upset the Premiership leaders.

"Obviously we've had the incident on Tuesday, but it's the sort of thing that happens," said Dunne on Sky Sports News.

"I just suppose it's up to our character to prove we are together on Saturday."

[Bredbury Blue]

Richard Dunne = problem attitude = club gives him another chance = he repays by becoming captain and player of the year for the past 3 seasons.

Joey Barton = problem attitude = club gives him another chance, after another chance, etc, etc = he repays by becoming a better player but with more indescretions. GET RID - i'm sure Michael Johnson will be twice the player in 12 months!

[Bredbury Blue]

Darrius Vassell - i've noticed quite a few of you want rid of him. Please elaborate / educate me to your way of thinking.

[mrbojangles]

Darrius Vassell - i've noticed quite a few of you want rid of him. Please elaborate / educate me to your way of thinking.

I agree Bred. If you look at post 820, i also say No to Vassell getting the boot.

[scousemouse]

good luck today lads , hope you stuff the red/bad half of manchester .

[Bredbury Blue]

While i appreciate that the 10 man defence 1 man upfront approach has served us well since the chelsea game and has turned the corner for us, yesterday we were way too timid. United had the ball, didn't do much with it, and once we'd gone a goal down with that formation, we should have had a go - and i don't mean leave it till the last 10 minutes. We got what we deserved, nothing. Don't even think we truly had a penalty. Hamann needs putting out of his misery. Beasley is too lightweight. The rest ok with the back 4 better than most. The Swede looks no better than Weaver. Pearce played safe and will surely depart soon. we have the basis of a decent team, need a few more, and some one with tactical nouce and an eye for a transfer bargain...but boy does watching City current;y leave me numb!

[markg]

Pearce played safe and will surely depart soon.

Who do you fancy then Bred, if Pearce goes? To be honest, i thought he would have done a better job than he has.

[mrbojangles]

City to sanction Barton sale

Manchester City will sell Joey Barton if they receive an offer of £5.5million, according to the midfielder's agent Willie McKay.

The England international has seemingly played his last game at Eastlands after being fined and suspended for the rest of the season after an ugly training ground bust-up with Ousmane Dabo.

The Frenchman has made an official complaint to police after receiving hospital treatment for his injuries in the latest incident to cloud Barton's career at City.

The club are now prepared to cut the troublesome star loose, and McKay has revealed they will listen to any offers which match the £5.5million release clause stipulated in Barton's contract.

"What's happened is very unfortunate," McKay told The Sun.

"I have spoken to City's chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, and he told me they want the price that is in Joey's contract.

"If City get the £5.5million they will be happy and Joey will be sold."

Everton boss David Moyes enquired about the Merseyside native in January, and reports suggest that Sunderland and Tottenham could also be in the hunt for Barton's signature over the summer.

[mrbojangles]

Pearce curses missed chances

Stuart Pearce was again left to rue Manchester City's failure to take their chances after a 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United.

City have not scored at home in the Premiership since New Year's Day and never looked like ending that drought until the final 10 minutes.

The hosts were awarded a penalty, but Darius Vassell's spot-kick was saved by Edwin van der Sar to leave Pearce cutting a frustrated figure.

"I think any time you lose, it's a down note - added to that it's a derby match," Pearce told Sky Sports 1 after City ended their home campaign with just 10 goals.

"We had every opportunity to get an equaliser and maybe push on from there, but we missed it.

"Sometimes in this game things contrive against you, and if you don't take your opportunities when they are put in front of you, like last week against Aston Villa, when we missed a penalty to go 1-1 or 1-0 up, we'd have gone on and won that game.

"It was the same again today. We would definitely have got something out of the game and maybe gone on to win it, I don't know."

Pearce also explained his decision to leave Emile Mpenza as a lone striker until bringing Paul Dickov on for the closing 20 minutes.

He added: "I listened to the boys in the studio before the game and, obviously, they are not privy to the knowledge of my squad that I am.

"We quite often come out and chase the game, and there has looked more chance of us conceding than actually scoring - that's the reason.

"We stayed in this game, against arguably the champions after this result, right until the last minute, albeit we missed a penalty that's cost us."

[mrbojangles]

Mpenza signs City deal

Emile Mpenza has signed a contract to stay at Manchester City next season.

The Belgium international joined City on a short-term deal in February and has impressed with his physical presence up front.

He has scored twice in nine Premiership appearances and has been rewarded with a new deal by manager Stuart Pearce.

Mpenza has agreed a contract for next season, with the option of staying at The City of Manchester Stadium until 2010.

Pearce is happy to have the contract issue resolved and claims arranging a permanent deal for Mpenza was a 'no-brainer'.

"We've been talking to Emile over the last few weeks and I thought he put in a sterling performance again today (against Manchester United)," Pearce told the club's official website.

"We're pleased he's committed himself to this football club.

"I've been very impressed with him as a man and as a player, the fans have also taken to him very quickly with his endeavour and his eye for a goal.

"The more time he spends in English football, the better he'll get and it's nice to get some contract work done.

"He's got a good CV, he's scored everywhere he's played and the deal is a no-brainer on his performances since he came here

[mrbojangles]

FA to investigate Ball stamp

The Football Association are to investigate Michael Ball's stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Brown's alleged headbutt on Xabi Alonso.

Ball was lucky to escape a red card when he appeared to stamp on Ronaldo during the Manchester derby on Saturday.

The incident infuriated United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, but Ball went unpunished by referee Rob Styles who missed the incident.

City chief Stuart Pearce admitted he would review the incident and now the FA have confirmed they will study television footage before taking any action.

Fulham captain Brown was also lucky to escape a sending off during his side's 1-0 win over Liverpool.

Brown appeared to headbutt Alonso off the ball at Craven Cottage leaving the Spaniard with a bloodied nose.

The clash went unnoticed by referee Steve Bennett and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez expressed his frustration at the officials missing the incident.

The FA will now look at both incidents before deciding whether or not to charge Ball and Brown with violent conduct or the more-serious offence of serious foul play.

"We will look at the television footage of the incidents tomorrow and ask the officials what action they would have taken had they seen the incidents, and any charges will be based on that," said an FA spokesman

[mrbojangles]

Pearce admits Corradi surprise

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has conceded that he has been surprised at the manner in which Bernardo Corradi has struggled in the Premiership.

The Italian striker arrived at City in the summer from Valencia with an impressive CV, but his time in England has been characterised by a meagre return in front of goal.

Having scored just three Premiership goals all season, two of which came in one game, Corradi has yet to win the faith of an exasperated Eastlands faithful and it would appear that his manager shares their doubts.

Pearce left the 29-year-old out of his squad for Saturday's Manchester derby and with his last start coming against Blackburn on 11th March, Pearce concedes things have not gone quite to plan.

"Bernardo cost Valencia £7million from Lazio," Pearce told the club's official website.

"He has got 13 international caps, is 6ft 3in and 29 years of age.

"All those statistics add up and a CV of one goal every three games, at a price which the club would afford, made it a sound choice.

"But ultimately of course I have to take responsibility. Any signing is a gamble, and this is a tough league to play in and make your name in."

[bendix]

I'd be surprised if City got 5.5 million for Barton. In many ways, he reminds me of Lee Bowyer at Leeds - a midfield driving force and regular goalscorer, but always in trouble. When Leeds got in financial trouble, there was a time when a few clubs (liverpool particularly) came sniffing around and I think we agreed terms with Liverpool for around 6million until they got nervous about his 'turbulent' reputation. In the end we had to offload him to West Ham for 100,000.

What club in their right mind is going to take on Barton? He's pure and unadulterated trouble.

Also, thank god he stopped taking all your set pieces. It started to get embarassing him screwing up corner after corner, finally letting the young lad (Ireland?) take over.

[mrbojangles]

What club in their right mind is going to take on Barton? He's pure and unadulterated trouble.

Although i agree he is trouble, there is usually a team out there who is prepared to risk it and think they can keep him out of trouble. Especially as the lad is an international.

Also, thank god he stopped taking all your set pieces. It started to get embarassing him screwing up corner after corner, finally letting the young lad (Ireland?) take over.

Yep, i concur

[Sunderland]

City to sanction Barton sale

Manchester City will sell Joey Barton if they receive an offer of £5.5million, according to the midfielder's agent Willie McKay.

The England international has seemingly played his last game at Eastlands after being fined and suspended for the rest of the season after an ugly training ground bust-up with Ousmane Dabo.

The Frenchman has made an official complaint to police after receiving hospital treatment for his injuries in the latest incident to cloud Barton's career at City.

The club are now prepared to cut the troublesome star loose, and McKay has revealed they will listen to any offers which match the £5.5million release clause stipulated in Barton's contract.

"What's happened is very unfortunate," McKay told The Sun.

"I have spoken to City's chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, and he told me they want the price that is in Joey's contract.

"If City get the £5.5million they will be happy and Joey will be sold."

Everton boss David Moyes enquired about the Merseyside native in January, and reports suggest that Sunderland and Tottenham could also be in the hunt for Barton's signature over the summer.

Hope Spurs sign him. Sounds like too much of a rotten apple to me. Would be too disruptive in the Sunderland dressing room and I can't see Keane taking any nonsense from him whatsoever.

[mrbojangles]

Hope Spurs sign him. Sounds like too much of a rotten apple to me. Would be too disruptive in the Sunderland dressing room and I can't see Keane taking any nonsense from him whatsoever.

Maybe it's someone of Keane's mentality and discipline, who could tame the lad!!

[muckypups]

A City player speaks out..well, according to the Sun:

I was shocked by Bart attack

JOEY BARTON has been branded an over-inflated coward — by one of his own team-mates.

Manchester City star Barton was suspended for the season and fined £100,000 after a training-ground fight with Ousmane Dabo last week.

And City midfielder Djamel Abdoun said: “Joey Barton is a coward. The marks he left on Dabo’s face were shocking.

“Ousmane was unlucky to be caught up in it.

“He would not hurt a fly, and Barton knew it — he would never have picked on someone like Sylvain Distin, Hatem Trabelsi or Bernardo Corradi.

“Ousmane just pushed him and did not aim a blow, but Barton hit him with punch after punch.

“Barton simply does what he likes. He acts the big star — he thinks he is the Zidane of Manchester City, but he is just a player like any other.

“He is an over-inflated footballer. He is way, way off from being a Frank Lampard or Stephen Gerrard.”

Abdoun, 21, on loan from French club Ajaccio, says there is a division at the club between home-grown players and foreign stars.

He added: “Manchester City is a great club but the problem is that they have foreigners on one side and English players on the other.

"If the two halves manage to bond together City can finish in the top six — but that good mentality does not exist.

“In the dressing room the foreign players will sit on one bench, and the English players on the other side.

“I noticed it straight away when I arrived.

“It’s time City’s people realise football is a team sport, and stop telling the papers the foreigners are to blame for their position.

“The clash between Barton and Dabo symbolises the two factions at the club.

“And the guy who started it is the one who is always creating havoc — this is not the first time he has been involved in something like this.”

Abdoun then revealed how the incident unfolded.

He said: “Barton tackled him from behind, Ousmane repaid him in kind in the next passage of play, and they exchanged words before the training session came to an end.

“They continued talking to each other as we returned to the dressing rooms, and began pushing one another. Ousmane told him to stop, and Barton thumped him.

“Ousmane had not been expecting the blow, and he was stunned.

“As he fell Barton landed two or three more punches, and unfortunately they were all well-aimed.”

Dabo says Barton, 24, left him looking like the Elephant Man and has threatened legal action.

STUART PEARCE has taken the rap for signing striker Bernardo Corradi.

The Italian, 30, is set to leave Manchester City after scoring just three goals following a £2million summer switch from Valencia.

Boss Pearce said: “Ultimately, I have to take responsibility. Any signing is a gamble.”

[muckypups]

I thought you might like this article by Simon Hattenstone in The Guardian on his family supporting City:

Why my daughter loves my unfashionable Blue genes

I never wanted sons. I couldn't stand those men who were desperate for boys so they could mould them into fantasy mini-me s - ooh look at little Tommy, he's only six months old, a proper ladies' man, and we've just had Steve McClaren round the house eyeing him up for England,

We're on the way to Eastlands. It's derby day and Maya is ecstatic. She's 13 years old, it's her fi rst Man City v United match, she thinks we're going to lose 10-1 and it doesn't bother her. Because this is the life.

What have I done? I was only joking when I bought the girls City mugs for their fi rst birthdays. And it just seemed natural to plaster their walls with pictures of Shaun Goater and Paul Dickov. After all, they were good-looking lads and no child wants white walls. As for the songs we sang on the way to nursery - Number One is Colin Bell, We Are City Super City, Blue Moon, Twenty Years and We're Still Here - they were the only ones I knew the words to.

It was so not indoctrination. The opposite. I told them that City would ruin their lives. I suggested that they support a nice big London club seeing as we lived in London, or a small local club like Barnet where they would feel part of it. I told them that they didn't need to support any club whatsoever - football, a waste of time, money and hope. At least Maya's older sister, took note. After we lost 4-1 at home to Charlton on the coldest, wettest day in City history she decided there was more to life than football.

The sun comes out, the sky shines blue. "Look Dad, City sky," Maya says before launching into "We only win when it's sunny."

It's not been a good week. It never is, if we're honest. City's top scorer, Joey Barton, has hospitalised his team-mate Ousmane Dabo after reportedly beating him unconscious. We're playing one man in attack - at home. Things are bleak even by Blue standards.

Why do we support the teams we do? Me, I had the perfect excuse to turn my back on City from the start. My dad's friend, a doctor who decided I was a hypochondriac when I actually had encephalitis, introduced me to City. Why didn't I reject them when I rejected him? There are so many reasons people choose clubs - locality, success, peers, image, the type of football they play, individual players, the colour of their kit, family. Every factor bar one suggests my girls should have steered clear of City.

The football research centre at Leicester University shows that more girls (57% ) than boys (45% ) are likely to follow a club because of family. If only I'd known back then. Maya says it's like religion - you're born into it. Perhaps there's a genetic factor. Maybe if she had been adopted by a couple of Chelsea fans at birth, she would have still found herself at Eastlands today. I'm just trying to comfort myself.

The match is horrible. Michael Ball, replacement for the psychopathic Ben Thatcher, stamps on Cristiano Ronaldo's belly with his studs when the ref isn't looking. "Boo! Cheat!" shout the fans at Ronaldo. A few rows above us, United fans are spotted by the City faithful, and suddenly we're trapped in Lord of the Flies ("Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!") as they close in before security remove them. We lose 1-0. We miss a penalty - the second in two games. A City fan in front of us threatens to kill the City fan behind him who has asked him to sit down. We break a record - fewest goals scored at home in a Premiership season, 10, and none since New Year's Day.

We used to be rubbish but entertaining, now we're rubbish and offi cially the most boring club in Premiership history. After United throw their shirts into the crowd, City return to do a lap of honour, reach the halfway line, decide against it and retreat.

Outside the ground, a deserted scarf is left hanging from a lamppost like Mussolini. On the City bus into town, the fans sing comforting songs. "Do you want another Stella Georgie Best?" "Where's your treble gone?" "Let's all do the Kaka". It's so depressing. There has to be more to life than hate and schaden- freude. A fan lightens up the mood. "Thirty one years and we're still here." That's right, 31 years without a trophy.

We get to the station. Maya's still full of the joys, singing a song about City being the greatest team in the world. "So Dad," she says, "aren't you pleased we went now?"

[mrbojangles]

Nice article mucky. I too wonder what would have happened if my dad had took me elsewhere to watch my first match, at the age of 8 months.

[mrbojangles]

Pearce starts City reshuffle from sky sports

Stuart Pearce will begin building his Manchester City squad for next season as early as this week.

Although there is still one game remaining in the current campaign, a number of players will learn whether they have a future at Eastlands.

Midfielder Joey Barton is almost certain to head out of City in the summer following his training ground bust-up with Ousmane Dabo.

And the likes of Trevor Sinclair, Bernardo Corradi, Hatem Trabelsi and DaMarcus Beasley are also unlikely to be in Pearce's plans.

The City boss will then look at adding a number of new faces to his squad, with the promise of funds available to spend.

"By the middle of the week, everyone will know whether they are staying or going," Pearce is quoted in The Times.

"From there, we will move the squad forward.

"The directors have made it clear that there is money available to me. I have to give the side and the squad more cutting edge.

"The chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, has a list of players to make bids on and he will do that."

[mrbojangles]

Full article from the Times

Pearce begins City clear-out with his own future still up in the air

Stuart Pearce would be forgiven for fretting about his own future, given the deafening silence from the Manchester City boardroom of late, but the former England captain has been entrusted to oversee a clear out of the squad at the end of a disappointing season in which negative publicity has proved impossible to banish.

Joey Barton, the England midfield player, will be the most notable casualty, with the club eager to sell him, possibly to Everton, after his training-ground fight with Ousmane Dabo last week, but Pearce is also drawing up plans to offload players such as Trevor Sinclair, Hatem Trabelsi and DaMarcus Beasley, whose contracts expire next month, and Bernardo Corradi, the former Italy forward, whose signing the manager has intimated was a mistake.

It is all indicative of changing times at City and, with a change of ownership also on the cards, Pearce has every reason to be concerned about his future. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, is undertaking the due diligence process with a view to making a £92.5 million offer for the club and is expected to encourage the appointment of a “top-class” manager if his bid is successful. More worrying for Pearce, the present board would also advocate a change of manager, regardless of whether outside investment is to transpire this summer.

A dispiriting 1-0 home defeat by Manchester United in the derby match on Saturday added to the pressure on Pearce, but so did events both on and off the pitch last week. Barton’s fight with Dabo on the training ground last Tuesday, prompting the latter to contact Greater Manchester Police to bring charges against his teammate, is regarded as a black mark against Pearce by some, even though the manager pointed out last week that the disciplinary problems at the club have revolved around two players – Barton, who will be placed on the transfer list at a meeting next Tuesday, and Ben Thatcher, who was sold to Charlton Athletic in January.

With that in mind, Michael Ball’s stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo in the opening moments of Saturday’s match was most unwelcome for Pearce. As expected, the full back was charged with violent conduct by the FA yesterday and, having admitted his guilt and apologised to Ronaldo, is likely to miss the opening two games of next season as well as the final match of the present campaign, away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The match at White Hart Lane is likely to spell the end of several City careers, with Pearce holding one-on-one meetings with members of his squad this week to inform them of decisions over their future. Sinclair and Trabelsi, aged 34 and 30 respectively, are unlikely to be retained, and Beasley, the United States winger, who arrived on loan from PSV Eind-hoven in August, is not thought to have done quite enough to earn a permanent deal.

“By the middle of the week, everyone will know whether they are staying or going from this club,” Pearce said. “From there, we will move the squad forward. The directors have made it clear that there is money available for me. I have to give the side and the squad more cutting edge. The chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, has a list of players to make bids on and he will do that, starting today.”

Meanwhile, City must contend with the fallout of the Barton incident, with Dabo yesterday confirming his intention to take the matter to court before returning to France for the summer. Pearce said that the midfield player was “not in the right frame of mind” to play against United or Tottenham.

“It was a savage, unprovoked and cowardly assault,” Dabo said. “I feel a lot better than I did this time last week. I feel better because I will be pressing charges against Barton. I am going home to my family but I will return on July 4 for preseason training.”

[scousemouse]

Joey Barton to Everton 5.5 million.

My brother is a bluenose (were not all perfect ) and is more often than not right about these things.

[mrbojangles]

Is that hot off the press scouse? i haven't heard it yet

[scousemouse]

Is that hot off the press scouse? i haven't heard it yet

The Liverpool Echo mrbojangles.

David Moyes has set his sights on him and really the only thing stopping it is if Everton can come up with the cash.

Joey is a lifelong Everton fan and we all know his time is up at City.

[mrbojangles]

Is that hot off the press scouse? i haven't heard it yet

The Liverpool Echo mrbojangles.

David Moyes has set his sights on him and really the only thing stopping it is if Everton can come up with the cash.

Joey is a lifelong Everton fan and we all know his time is up at City.

Could be just ear say. This is the latest from skysports:-

City arrange Barton showdown

Joey Barton's future at Manchester City is set to be decided at a meeting next Tuesday.

The dynamic midfielder is currently serving a club suspension after a training-ground fight with team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Barton's agent has claimed that the England international will be leaving City in the summer with the club ready to listen to offers for the player.

City boss Stuart Pearce refused to speculate on whether or not the club had decided to offload Barton and insists a decision will be made after a meeting with the player and his agent next Tuesday.

"We will be speaking to the player and his agent on Tuesday," confirmed Pearce.

A number of clubs are thought to be monitoring Barton's situation with the likes of Everton, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Celtic all credited with an interest in the 24-year-old.