Manchester City

[mrbojangles]

Recession. What recession!!

From the Guardian:-

'Shirt deal to eclipse United's £56.5m'

Manchester City hope to strike a record sponsorship deal with Etihad, national airline of the United Arab Emirates, after opening talks about an agreement that would recognise their position as the richest club in the world.

Although talks are described as very early and several other companies are also in the frame, Etihad's links to the Abu Dhabi United Group, the club's owners, have established the airline as the frontrunners to replace Thomas Cook.

The new agreement could be the biggest in English football, beating Manchester United's £56.5m four-year deal with AIG.

Meanwhile, City have expressed a mixture of anger and bemusement about a newspaper story that Mark Hughes was threatening to resign as manager because he did not have complete control in the January transfer window. "As Mark has said himself, you can only surmise that people have an agenda against the club," his assistant, Mark Bowen, said.

[bkkjames]

Recession. What recession!!

From the Guardian:-

'Shirt deal to eclipse United's £56.5m'

Manchester City hope to strike a record sponsorship deal with Etihad, national airline of the United Arab Emirates, after opening talks about an agreement that would recognise their position as the richest club in the world.

Although talks are described as very early and several other companies are also in the frame, Etihad's links to the Abu Dhabi United Group, the club's owners, have established the airline as the frontrunners to replace Thomas Cook.

The new agreement could be the biggest in English football, beating Manchester United's £56.5m four-year deal with AIG.

Meanwhile, City have expressed a mixture of anger and bemusement about a newspaper story that Mark Hughes was threatening to resign as manager because he did not have complete control in the January transfer window. "As Mark has said himself, you can only surmise that people have an agenda against the club," his assistant, Mark Bowen, said.

According to Shari'ah (sp) law, Islam companies are not allowed to make a profit - it seems City is well-covered in this respect.

It's interesting that Etihad would go this route when West Ham is there waiting and would be a better deal - London Team - Media Darlings etc, Guess they (Etihad) are going for the wow factor of being associated with further big name signings at City over TV exposure in contending for the title and playing in the champions league - surely they could buy out AIGs deal with United.

[mrbojangles]

According to Shari'ah (sp) law, Islam companies are not allowed to make a profit

Not true. Although it's complex, a for instance is 'Mufawadha' which are part of Contractual Companies and the partners have equal shares in the company as well as equal rights and benefits in profits and management.

It's interesting that Etihad would go this route

Etihad are based in Abu Dhabi, our owners are from Abu Dhabi. Not a surprise really, that this may happen.

West Ham is there waiting and would be a better deal

That was a joke, right?

surely they could buy out AIGs deal with United.

We're richer than your debt ridden club, why would they want to bail you out. You can keep your skint sponsors

[bkkjames]

According to Shari'ah (sp) law, Islam companies are not allowed to make a profit

Not true. Although it's complex, a for instance is 'Mufawadha' which are part of Contractual Companies and the partners have equal shares in the company as well as equal rights and benefits in profits and management.

It's interesting that Etihad would go this route

Etihad are based in Abu Dhabi, our owners are from Abu Dhabi. Not a surprise really, that this may happen.

West Ham is there waiting and would be a better deal

That was a joke, right?

surely they could buy out AIGs deal with United.

We're richer than your debt ridden club, why would they want to bail you out. You can keep your skint sponsors

Regarding SH Law ....

Under Sharia Islamic law, making money from money, such as charging interest, is usury and therefore not permitted.

Wealth should be generated only through legitimate trade and investment in assets.

But investment in companies involved with alcohol, gambling, tobacco and pornography is strictly off limits.

Guess you won't be selling advertising to www.punters.com or selling beer at the games now.

[mrbojangles]

Regarding SH Law ....

Under Sharia Islamic law, making money from money, such as charging interest, is usury and therefore not permitted.

Wealth should be generated only through legitimate trade and investment in assets.

But investment in companies involved with alcohol, gambling, tobacco and pornography is strictly off limits.

Guess you won't be selling advertising to www.punters.com or selling beer at the games now.

As you well know, Sharia varies vastly in Muslim countries.

In countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Sudan etc. it is applied quite strictly.

However, in the majority of Muslim countries it is applied selectively. Some countries adopt only a few aspects of Sharia law and others apply it to the full.

We pop down to Bahrain or over to Dubai quite regularly for a tipple of "you know what".

Etihad serve alcohol on their planes, so i think we'll be ok at Middle-East Lands

[JacknDanny]

According to Shari'ah (sp) law, Islam companies are not allowed to make a profit

Not true. Although it's complex, a for instance is 'Mufawadha' which are part of Contractual Companies and the partners have equal shares in the company as well as equal rights and benefits in profits and management.

It's interesting that Etihad would go this route

Etihad are based in Abu Dhabi, our owners are from Abu Dhabi. Not a surprise really, that this may happen.

West Ham is there waiting and would be a better deal

That was a joke, right?

surely they could buy out AIGs deal with United.

We're richer than your debt ridden club, why would they want to bail you out. You can keep your skint sponsors

Regarding SH Law ....

Under Sharia Islamic law, making money from money, such as charging interest, is usury and therefore not permitted.

Wealth should be generated only through legitimate trade and investment in assets.

But investment in companies involved with alcohol, gambling, tobacco and pornography is strictly off limits.

Guess you won't be selling advertising to www.punters.com or selling beer at the games now.

Sheikh Mohammed and the Maktoum family are the richest racehorse owners and breeders in the world.

Last time I looked, horse racing and gambling were hand in hand.

Ways and Means.

[bkkjames]

Regarding SH Law ....

Under Sharia Islamic law, making money from money, such as charging interest, is usury and therefore not permitted.

Wealth should be generated only through legitimate trade and investment in assets.

But investment in companies involved with alcohol, gambling, tobacco and pornography is strictly off limits.

Guess you won't be selling advertising to www.punters.com or selling beer at the games now.

As you well know, Sharia varies vastly in Muslim countries.

In countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Sudan etc. it is applied quite strictly.

However, in the majority of Muslim countries it is applied selectively. Some countries adopt only a few aspects of Sharia law and others apply it to the full.

We pop down to Bahrain or over to Dubai quite regularly for a tipple of "you know what".

Etihad serve alcohol on their planes, so i think we'll be ok at Middle-East Lands

In my time in the ME, I heard a rumour that the 'you know what' consisted of only through the back door - therefore not violating any rules? Can't substantiate that though.

Hilarious, Bahrain has got to be the biggest Bro8hel in the ME.

I guess it's like religeon all over the world, it only applies when its convenient. So is Hughes' going or staying?

[mrbojangles]

In my time in the ME, I heard a rumour that the 'you know what' consisted of only through the back door - therefore not violating any rules? Can't substantiate that though.

Hilarious, Bahrain has got to be the biggest Bro8hel in the ME.

Where i am, "you know what" is home made (and not too bad) with the odd bit of stuff through the back door. But Bahrain is only a few hours drive and is the real stuff. So every now and again, it's worth it for a blow out. Some UAE places are more lax than others. Dubai, for instance, would probably close over night if they didn't sell it. The Irish Village Pub in Dubai airport is never empty.

I guess it's like religeon all over the world, it only applies when its convenient.

Yep

So is Hughes' going or staying?

Personally, i don't think he's got what it takes. But we got to give him a chance, just like United did with SAF. It looks like the new owners will give him time but for how long....who knows?

[bkkjames]

Yea but things are different now compared to when SAF took over - success now is the mantra of the billionaire owner.

[mrbojangles]

Yea but things are different now compared to when SAF took over - success now is the mantra of the billionaire owner.

I don't disagree. But unless it goes really t1ts up, I think they'll give him till the end of the season to see how he fares with any new signings.

[MSingh]

Personally, i don't think he's got what it takes. But we got to give him a chance, just like United did with SAF. It looks like the new owners will give him time but for how long....who knows?

Unfortunately for Hughes, the " what it takes " part is the problem here because of your new Owners in my opinion, unless they are REALLY clever & understand that Rome wasn't built in a day, which when you're pumping the amount of money into an investment that thye're gonna pump, patience i doubt is something that there is a lot of..

We'll see though, Hughes would certainly be welcome at UP thouhg as i'm pretty sure he's got what it takes in the way that we interpret success & how Man City used to..

I sincerly hope that Man City as a Club & their Fans, now because they have a chance of some legitimate success, don't lose their heads when talking about their Football & have visions of Grand dillusion..

City have always been known for having good Fans that aren't deluded that talk sense about their Football & have their feet firmly on the Ground ( mainly because the haven't had any other choice ), lets' hope it doesn't change now that you've got some $$..

[mrbojangles]

Personally, i don't think he's got what it takes. But we got to give him a chance, just like United did with SAF. It looks like the new owners will give him time but for how long....who knows?

Unfortunately for Hughes, the " what it takes " part is the problem here because of your new Owners in my opinion, unless they are REALLY clever & understand that Rome wasn't built in a day, which when you're pumping the amount of money into an investment that thye're gonna pump, patience i doubt is something that there is a lot of..

We'll see though, Hughes would certainly be welcome at UP thouhg as i'm pretty sure he's got what it takes in the way that we interpret success & how Man City used to..

I sincerly hope that Man City as a Club & their Fans, now because they have a chance of some legitimate success, don't lose their heads when talking about their Football & have visions of Grand dillusion..

City have always been known for having good Fans that aren't deluded that talk sense about their Football & have their feet firmly on the Ground ( mainly because the haven't had any other choice ), lets' hope it doesn't change now that you've got some $$..

Nice post buddy

However, the deluded part is a bit off target. We've been deluded for as long as i can remember

One of our songs is:-

City, City

The best team in the land

And all the world

Repeat 10 times

Yep, we're deluded and proud of it

[mrbojangles]

Anyone know the latest on Bojinov?

Looks like some good news Lawling.

From skysports:-

January comeback for Bojinov

Hughes reveals injured striker is making excellent progress

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has revealed injured striker Valeri Bojinov could return to action in January.

The Bulgaria international suffered a second long-term setback since arriving at Eastlands from Fiorentina in 2007 when he tore his Achilles tendon in August.

Bojinov, who has made just one Premier League start for City, immediately underwent surgery on the injury and Hughes has confirmed he is closing in on a comeback.

The City boss said on Sky Sports News: "Boj is doing really well. We are really happy. We are hopeful we will get him back for mid-January, if everything goes to plan.

"He has been out training on the pitches looking like a footballer again.

"He has been really unfortunate. We all know the catalogue of injuries that he's had. For a young player that has been really difficult for him.

"But he has the strength of character. We are really encouraged by the way it is progressing and really looking to forward to getting him back."

Hughes also gave updates on a number of his other injured squad members ahead of Saturday's game with Everton.

He added: "Hopefully Robinho will improve today and will he will able to train tomorrow.

"Gelson Fernandes is training today, Nedum Onuoha is training, Javier Garrido is having treatment and Daniel Sturridge is ill."

[lawling]

Thanks for that piece of news, Mr B. Let's hope he actually makes it back and is able to make a worthwhile contribution.

I see in one of today's papers that Everton think that Jo could be the answer to their striker problem. Not long ago I heard Hughes saying that he had confidence in Jo and that he would come good eventually, but if Bojinov makes it back, Jo's future at City wouldn't look too rosy.

[spiderman2]

After 2 injuries like that they unfortunaltey never usually come back close to being as good as what the once were, Michael Bridges springs to mind.

[rott]

Mr. Bojangles, after your very kind welcome when I introduced myself to the forum, I feel guilty about having nicked the points off you in time added.

However I can live with it.

I think I read that you are from Rochdale, I had a mate that lived there up near a pub called the Black Dog. Just thought I would mention it.

[mrbojangles]

Mr. Bojangles, after your very kind welcome when I introduced myself to the forum, I feel guilty about having nicked the points off you in time added.

Nah, never feel guilty about taking the points rott. I'd take em no matter how we get them. Your'e riding quite high now in the league.

Good luck with the rest of the season

I think I read that you are from Rochdale, I had a mate that lived there up near a pub called the Black Dog. Just thought I would mention it.

it's not where i live but i do know that area of Rochdale. My Mrs has a Thai friend who lives up that way.

[Whitterz]

93 Pages on my beloved Man City, Bit of turmoil at the moment.

Its bad enough to lose, but losing in Injury time is even worse.

Lets see what the new year brings, if it wasnt riches, it was be back to the depths of Football League

Danny

[JacknDanny]

Well yesterdays performance was nothing short of pathetic.

Excepting Joe Hart and SWP, each player needs to take a good long look at himself.

There is no doubt in my mind that the team we had out was more than adequate to take care of an average, albeit well organised, Everton team that didnt even have a recognised forward in its lineup!!!!!!!!

I do not know what is going on behind the scenes, and I do not mind getting beat, provided we put in a performance, but to me these players lokk completely unmotivated and clueless.

I have to lay most of the blame at Hughes' door.

Yesterday Robinho was obviously nowhere near fit, he should have been taken off at half time at the latest. Is Hughes afraid of upsetting Robinho? Why perevere when you have got a passenger on your team?

What has happened to Elano? Where have all those silky passing skills gone? He was awful!!!

Jo......What can I say. Not only did he look totally unfit, but totally uncommitted, unconcerned. He can trap a ball further than I can kick it!!!!!

Its no good spending big money, if you cannot gel as a team.

Hughes has a lot to answer for

[mrbojangles]

Your'e right about SWP and Hart, Jack. But i also thought Dunney and Richards had a good game, with Zabaletta having a decent one. Robinho was obviously unfit, i just hope the ankle hasn't suffered.

Ireland wasn't his usual best and should have scored one for sure. Jo and Benjani.....i still have to be convinced. Elano is just rusty, i reckon. And the spat with Hughes and the fine probably hasn't helped.

All in all, it was a grim performance and one which will see some of the players, having to pack their bags next month.

[mrbojangles]

93 Pages on my beloved Man City, Bit of turmoil at the moment.

Its bad enough to lose, but losing in Injury time is even worse.

Lets see what the new year brings, if it wasnt riches, it was be back to the depths of Football League

Danny

Welcome to the footy forum Danny. The more the merrier.

[JacknDanny]

Your'e right about SWP and Hart, Jack. But i also thought Dunney and Richards had a good game, with Zabaletta having a decent one. Robinho was obviously unfit, i just hope the ankle hasn't suffered.

Ireland wasn't his usual best and should have scored one for sure. Jo and Benjani.....i still have to be convinced. Elano is just rusty, i reckon. And the spat with Hughes and the fine probably hasn't helped.

All in all, it was a grim performance and one which will see some of the players, having to pack their bags next month.

The defence was caught out AGAIN at a set piece.

I am a big fan of Richards, but he was to blame for the goal.

Zabaleta looks good, but gives too many fouls away, however I just found the distribution from the defenders and midfield was shocking. I really do not remember our passing being so poor

But it was the general listlessness of the side that really peeved me.

[Whitterz]

Zabaleta Looks very good to me, Ive only just got over to Thailand, so Im a bit jet lagged and missed the game Saturday so I cant comment on his performance then.

Anyhow, we need to win all these games over the festive period.

PS. Ive been to all the home UEFA cup games this season, are they televised over here ???

[mrbojangles]

Anyhow, we need to win all these games over the festive period.

We're not PC in here Whitt, we can call it the "Christmas" period

PS. Ive been to all the home UEFA cup games this season, are they televised over here ???

I have got to see them all, here in Saudi. Thankyou SuperSports and Showsports

[mrbojangles]

From skysports:-

Benjani blow for City

Mark Hughes expects Benjani Mwaruwari to be sidelined for 'a number of weeks' with a hamstring problem.

The Manchester City striker missed the start of the season due to injury but has been in fine form since his return.

He had to be replaced in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Everton and now looks set to be ruled out for some time.

Hughes already has several players unavailable and admits it is a blow to lose Benjani ahead of the busy Christmas period.

"We're a little bit light on numbers at the moment," Hughes told Man City's official website.

"A number of the guys are carrying injuries, so that will have an impact, and that's difficult when you've got games coming up thick and fast; you have to have a fit and able squad.

"At the moment we're just struggling a little bit in that respect.

"We've lost Benjani again at the weekend with a hamstring and he'll probably be out for a number of weeks. We're a bit threadbare."

[bkkjames]

If you guys keep losing, pretty soon a call into Harry's agent will be made.

[mrbojangles]

If you guys keep losing, pretty soon a call into Harry's agent will be made.

Your not wrong there. Something needs to happen.......and soon!!

[mrbojangles]

From skysports:-

Injury concern for Robinho

Brazilian star suffers recurrence of ankle injury

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has revealed he could be without Robinho for Sunday's trip to West Brom.

The Brazilian star suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury in the 3-1 defeat to Racing Santander in the Uefa Cup on Thursday night.

And British-record signing Robinho is now a doubt for the Premier League clash at The Hawthorns.

Hughes said: "Robinho was not able to continue so he is a big doubt for the weekend. It is his ankle again.

"We are staying here overnight so we will check everyone in the morning.

"He has made a great impression on everyone in Manchester, scoring eight goals in the Premier League. We are delighted with his impact.

"In the last three games he has been struggling with an injury and that was a concern to him tonight. We are pleased with what he has produced. "

Even though City's campaign in the group stages ended in disappointment at Santander, they advance to the knockout stages in top spot.

Hughes, who made wholesale changes to his side, said: "Ideally we would have preferred to have won the game but credit to Racing, they are a good team.

"Their motivation was to try and get into the next round. We had already qualified so that might have taken a little bit of edge out of our game.

"We made changes as we wanted to give the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland and Vincent Kompany a little bit of a rest. I

"I think that was important given the number of games coming up. They are key players for us.

"We have topped the group and that was the order of the day. We are grateful for that."

[JacknDanny]

From skysports:-

Injury concern for Robinho

Brazilian star suffers recurrence of ankle injury

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has revealed he could be without Robinho for Sunday's trip to West Brom.

The Brazilian star suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury in the 3-1 defeat to Racing Santander in the Uefa Cup on Thursday night.

And British-record signing Robinho is now a doubt for the Premier League clash at The Hawthorns.

Hughes said: "Robinho was not able to continue so he is a big doubt for the weekend. It is his ankle again.

"We are staying here overnight so we will check everyone in the morning.

"He has made a great impression on everyone in Manchester, scoring eight goals in the Premier League. We are delighted with his impact.

"In the last three games he has been struggling with an injury and that was a concern to him tonight. We are pleased with what he has produced. "

Even though City's campaign in the group stages ended in disappointment at Santander, they advance to the knockout stages in top spot.

Hughes, who made wholesale changes to his side, said: "Ideally we would have preferred to have won the game but credit to Racing, they are a good team.

"Their motivation was to try and get into the next round. We had already qualified so that might have taken a little bit of edge out of our game.

"We made changes as we wanted to give the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland and Vincent Kompany a little bit of a rest. I

"I think that was important given the number of games coming up. They are key players for us.

"We have topped the group and that was the order of the day. We are grateful for that."

This sums up how naive Hughes is being.

Robhino was not fit at the weekend, yet he painstakingly plays for the full game.

He next plays him in a non-issue game, we had already qualified, what is he thinking???

[mrbojangles]

This sums up how naive Hughes is being.

Robhino was not fit at the weekend, yet he painstakingly plays for the full game.

He next plays him in a non-issue game, we had already qualified, what is he thinking???

I agree Jack. He rest 8 players including SWP and Stevie Ireland but plays an injured Robinho. Crazy