Blackburn will host a Tevez-less Manchester City on Saturday as the Citizens look to return to winning ways after the midweek European debacle. City had the day off Wednesday but returned Thursday to train for the last game before the International break. Certainly a break welcomed by Mancini and City fans alike and allow the Tevez saga to be handled behind closed doors without the quick succession of games that will face City when the teams return to action.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Mancini Kean For A Rovers Return!
Blackburn will host a Tevez-less Manchester City on Saturday as the Citizens look to return to winning ways after the midweek European debacle. City had the day off Wednesday but returned Thursday to train for the last game before the International break. Certainly a break welcomed by Mancini and City fans alike and allow the Tevez saga to be handled behind closed doors without the quick succession of games that will face City when the teams return to action.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tevez Given Argen-Time-Out!!
So it has been twenty four hours since Tevez refused to play for Manchester City and the reaction has been uniform and total condemnation and disbelief of what Carlos Tevez has done. Greame Souness, Harry Redknapp and even Golf and Rugby League weighed in on the subject and not one sided with the devisive Argentinian.
It has since been announced that Carlos Tevez has been suspended by Manchester City. This was the statement posted on the clubs official site,
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
"Mancini Wants To Bring On Tevez. He Said No, No, No"
So what do you make of the fact that Carlos Tevez didn't want to come on for Manchester City in the Champions League? City boss Roberto Mancini has already come out directly after the match and said that as far as he was concerned Tevez was done.
Manchester Citys Euro Deficit!
Manchester City failed to grab any points away to Bayern Munich today in the second matchday of the Champions League, losing 2-0 at the Allianz Arena. Despite the result Manchester City started off pretty lively and were unlucky not to be awarded two penalties, of which one was a clear cut deal if ever there was one. It was the former Manchester City defender Jerome Boateng that was the fouling player on both occasions. David Silva showed that he isn't like other Spanish players and instead of theatrics he tried to play in Nasri and the referee waved away the protests. The second one happened when Micah Richards was knocked off the ball, which is a feat in itself. Yaya Toure made his feelings clear but again the referee wasn't interested.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Munich - A Manchester Tragedy!
Manchester City travelled to Munich in Germany today before their second Champions League game against Bayern on Tuesday. Before the game however, Bernard Halford and a delegation of City Officials will lay a wreath at the Air Crash memorial.
It is a nice touch by Manchester City who realise that this went beyond City and United, it affected Manchester as a whole. On that plane that night was legendary Manchester City keeper, Frank Swift, in a journalistic role. Swift was one of the dead at the end of that night, Below is what I could find about the others on that plane.
Mancini Requests Sour Krauts!
Manchester City have to quickly get the much deserved victory against Everton at the weekend to the back of their minds as important games start to come thick and fast. Today the side travelled to Munich, Germany where tomorrow they face Bayern in gameweek two of the 2011/12 Champions League competition.
At the weekend both sides won on their own grounds. City beat Everton 2-0 while in Germany Bayern beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Bundesliga. That puts the German side top of the league after seven games on 18 points, yes they have lost already at home to Borussia Monchengladbach!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
City To Have A Backroom Disco??
A few years ago Manchester City, with Robinho, Elano and Geovanni played Samba football. Before that it in 1999 it was just classic rock as City tried to survive. Nowadays there is a mixture, Spanish Flamenco, Argentine Tango and even a little Italian Opera at times. If reports in the papers and online are true you can add Disco to that also, in the backroom at least.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Mancini Thrown To The Wolves!!
So Manchester City continue their revisiting of teams they have played in the Cup Final throughout their history. After defeating Birmingham City 2-0 midweek, a team they beat 3-1 in the FA Cup Final of 1956 they now face Wolverhampton Wanderers. It was Wolves that City faced in the League Cup final of 1974, the only time they were in the Final and DIDN'T win. In fact since that defeat City haven't met Wolves in any cup since! Which makes this game the first chance to settle the score for almost 38 years!
CITY 2, Everton 0
Manchester City took all three points from their match today placing them, at least for the moment, in the top spot, with United playing later today. Manchester City have not won a game against Everton at home since New Years Day 2007 and had only managed a total of three points, home and away since that day to this. Now it's six!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Manchester City Hope To Not Get Sticky Toffees!
Manchester City host Everton in the Premierships early game on Saturday with City trying to get their league campaign back to winning ways. The recent history between the two clubs will count for little and despite City last winning a home fixture against Everton back on New Years Day 2007 they will be the favorites going in.
Owen Hargreaves Debut
You knew that one of the most interesting deals to come out of this flurry of transfer activity would involve the oil rich club Megabucks City. In the close season City signed Clichy and Savic before moving for Pantilimon and then a little known talent in the form of Sergio Aguero. That we thought was the best signing for City this window, and indeed it is still pretty impressive.
However, in the second week of the Premiership season Mancini landed his man in Nasri. It was a transfer saga that dragged on with Arsenal saying he didn’t want to go. Even Manchester United got involved, saying that they wanted to hijack the deal.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Manchester City 2, Birmingham City 0.
Roberto Mancini sent out a completely changed side for Manchester City's Carling Cup tie with current holders Birmingham City wednesday night. Neither side had a good weekend with Birmingham losing and Manchester City surrendering a two goal lead but it was the City from Manchester that got back to winning ways. Last season Mancini rested some key players for their initial Carling Cup tie, they played and lost to West Brom.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Carling Cup Preview: Manchester v Birmingham, Battle of the Cities!
Manchester City welcome Birmingham City to the Etihad stadium on Wednesday for the League Cup tie which faces the current holders against the current FA Cup holders. City, Manchester that is, will be looking to put the nightmare capitualtion at the weekend to rest with a result against Brum. Birmingham themselves didn't have the best of results at the weekend, suffering a 4-1 defeat to now Championship leaders Southampton and will be looking at their own recovery.
Etihad Campus Plans Submitted
With all the talk in the press of Manchester City 'buying success' and the condemnation of the Billionaire owner inflating transfer fees and generally ruining football it was a surprise to me (tongue firmly in cheek) that not more was made of the announcement today coming out of City.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Fulham 2, CITY 2
'City go top of the League' were what most City fans were hoping to hear at the final whistle today. To be fair City still are unbeaten and did go top of the league but not in the way they would have hoped.
When the lineups were announced I was surprised that more rotation wasn't involved, given the depth and talent of the City squad. I hoped that wouldn't turn around and bite them in the end. It all started so well for Mancinis men as they opened the scoring first with Aguero notching his seventh goal of the season. Barry passed to Silva on the adge of the box and he in turn thread Aguero through to put the away side 1-0 to the good. After that City went on a rampage but has half time arrived they were only ahead by the single goal. Mancini had spoken on previous games about converting chances into goals and City could have easily netted three more before the break, however, just like against Wigan it was just the one.
When the lineups were announced I was surprised that more rotation wasn't involved, given the depth and talent of the City squad. I hoped that wouldn't turn around and bite them in the end. It all started so well for Mancinis men as they opened the scoring first with Aguero notching his seventh goal of the season. Barry passed to Silva on the adge of the box and he in turn thread Aguero through to put the away side 1-0 to the good. After that City went on a rampage but has half time arrived they were only ahead by the single goal. Mancini had spoken on previous games about converting chances into goals and City could have easily netted three more before the break, however, just like against Wigan it was just the one.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Fulham (A) Preview
So it is the day we find out exactly how Manchester City will deal with their European hangovers as City travel to Craven Cottage to take on a Fulham side looking for their first win. Last season this fixture resulted in a 4-1 win to the Blues with Tevez getting a brace and Zab and Yaya getting one each, that however was in November after an eight day break. In fact you have to go back to November 5th 2005 before you get a Fulham victory in this fixture. Over the course of the league meetings between the two clubs City have won twenty three times and lost fifteen times. In fact the next goal that City score will be the 100th for them in the head to head, and bets are they will and some.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
City v Napoli (City's Twin From Italy?)
After the draw yesterday between City and Napoli it was inevitable that the boo boys would come out of the woodwork to put their preverbal boot in. However it was a surprise that the biggest critic turned out to be the Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis who branded the City team as ‘money wasters’ and questioned Platini’s resolve when implementing the FIFA Fair Play rules.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
City 1, Napoli 1 (Kolarov Spares Blue Blushes)
Manchester City endured a frustrating start to their Champions League campaign at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening against Napoli although many positives can be taken despite the result. City started with an attacking lineup, using Kolorov and Zabaletta in the defensive back positions while choosing to play Nasri, Silva Dzeko and Aguero on the pitch from the first whistle. City also welcomed Gareth Barry back who had been out since sustaining injury while away on International duty.
Monday, September 12, 2011
City V Napoli (Preview)
Manchester City host Italian side Napoli Wednesday for both teams' foray into Champions League football.
Some people are already touting Manchester City to be a contender for the Finals before a ball has even been kicked. Personally I would not be so bold as to make such a prediction, however Mancini has assembled a squad capable of a prolonged European campaign this year, something that wasn’t true as recent as a year ago.
High-caliber signings like Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, coupled with previous buys like Edin Dzeko, David Silva, and Yaya Toure, look capable of pushing City over the top.
Some people are already touting Manchester City to be a contender for the Finals before a ball has even been kicked. Personally I would not be so bold as to make such a prediction, however Mancini has assembled a squad capable of a prolonged European campaign this year, something that wasn’t true as recent as a year ago.
High-caliber signings like Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, coupled with previous buys like Edin Dzeko, David Silva, and Yaya Toure, look capable of pushing City over the top.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Bridge Forever Blowing Bubbles??
It was certainly a surprise that, after Roberto Mancini had indicated defender Wayne Bridge no longer had a role to play in the Manchester City squad, the left back hadn't secured a club to move to in the transfer window.
Certainly he had offers, most notably a move north of the border to play with Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. It was certainly a surprise to me when he turned down this offer, but now it appears that he could be returning to London on loan.
Certainly he had offers, most notably a move north of the border to play with Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. It was certainly a surprise to me when he turned down this offer, but now it appears that he could be returning to London on loan.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
City 3, Wigan 0
Manchester City continued their good run, both in the Premier League and also their record against Wigan. City started quickly from the blocks as the Premiership continued after the International break. Sergio Aguero scored within the first quarter of an hour with a a nice shot to the corner from a David Silva cutback.
From that point, it looked like City were going to inflict a similar hammering to Wigan as they had in the previous game against Tottenham. However it was not to be the case, not through excellent Wigan defending but more often than not it was poor finishing from the free flowing City side.
First Silva was felled in the penalty area and Tevez stepped up with the chance to double the lead. However, his penalty attempt was soft to say the least and Al Habsi saved.
Despite the occasional threat on the breakaway from Wigan, City were still dominant and defender Micah Richards broke through the back line to get onto a Tevez through ball. The defender did everything right by dinking the keeper but had too much power and it came back off the crossbar and away.
It really was the case of defenders attacking a few moments later when Kompanys header from a corner hit the post, when it was put back into the box by Richards, Lescott managed to miss from only two yards out.
Halftime City were winning and dominant on the field of play but didn't have the scoreline to reflect it. In truth, City should have been four up and the game should have been done by the half. As it was, City only had a fragile lead heading out in the second half.
City had a few nervous moments early on in the second half and Mancini looked to his bench, bringing on Nasri for Tevez after the hour. It wasn't but two minutes later that City had doubled their lead.
The new incarnation of Bell, Lee and Summerbee, Silva, Kun and Nasri combined and Aguero finished the chance. Agueros brace became his hat trick soon after with Silva again setting up Aguero who was one on one with Wigan keeper Al Habsi. On this form, with his quality there was only going to be one outcome, City 3-0. Top of the Premiership for now with the Reticent Residents playing later today against Bolton.
From that point, it looked like City were going to inflict a similar hammering to Wigan as they had in the previous game against Tottenham. However it was not to be the case, not through excellent Wigan defending but more often than not it was poor finishing from the free flowing City side.
First Silva was felled in the penalty area and Tevez stepped up with the chance to double the lead. However, his penalty attempt was soft to say the least and Al Habsi saved.
Despite the occasional threat on the breakaway from Wigan, City were still dominant and defender Micah Richards broke through the back line to get onto a Tevez through ball. The defender did everything right by dinking the keeper but had too much power and it came back off the crossbar and away.
It really was the case of defenders attacking a few moments later when Kompanys header from a corner hit the post, when it was put back into the box by Richards, Lescott managed to miss from only two yards out.
Halftime City were winning and dominant on the field of play but didn't have the scoreline to reflect it. In truth, City should have been four up and the game should have been done by the half. As it was, City only had a fragile lead heading out in the second half.
City had a few nervous moments early on in the second half and Mancini looked to his bench, bringing on Nasri for Tevez after the hour. It wasn't but two minutes later that City had doubled their lead.
The new incarnation of Bell, Lee and Summerbee, Silva, Kun and Nasri combined and Aguero finished the chance. Agueros brace became his hat trick soon after with Silva again setting up Aguero who was one on one with Wigan keeper Al Habsi. On this form, with his quality there was only going to be one outcome, City 3-0. Top of the Premiership for now with the Reticent Residents playing later today against Bolton.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Garry Cook Resigns
So the inevitable happened today in Manchester: CEO Garry Cook resigned.
Following the leaked emails from Garry Cook to Dr. Anthonia Onouha, the City Board led an investigation which concluded that the Dr. Onouhas allegations had a foundation.
The statement by Manchester City (www.mcfc.co.uk) indicated that after the findings of the review, Manchester City's Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, had tendered his resignation, which was accepted with regret by the Board.
It then went on to have quotes from both the Chairman, and Garry Cook himself, which were all pretty standard. The Chairman thanked the Chief Executive for his work, and the Chief Executive thanked the Chairman for the opportunity.
Personally, I do not think this will be the end of the Cook/Mubarak affair. I suspect that Cook will jet off to Abu Dhabi and have another role somewhere else.
It is a shame, however, that one email—whether hacked or sent incorrectly—was the downfall of such a great person at City. The former Nike employee was big in sports even before his move to City, having worked his way up to head the 'Brand Jordan' project. He worked at Nike from 1996 to 2008 before being hired on by former City Chairman, Shinawatra.
Garry Cook secured the signings of some quality players with the likes of SWP, Given and DeJong, but also some doozies in Jo, Bridge and Ben Haim. Cook also handled the transfer of Robinho to City for 32.5m, and an audacious bid for Kaka, which ultimately broke down.
Mr. Cook also did a lot of work for City away from the pitch. He got the supporters more involved by introducing the "My first City game" campaign where supporters of the club, famous and regular, wrote in their memories of their first ever City game. He was also instrumental in the complete overhaul of the club's training base at Carrington, and scheduled a meeting with icon Nelson Mandela while on their South African tour in 2009.
He hasn't been perfect though. He made an error when welcoming City legend Uwe Rosler to the Manchester United Hall of Fame rather than the City one. This was obviously not the smartest move in front of a City audience. However, he did make amends by writing apology letters to 70 Manchester City Supporters' Clubs.
So since his arrival in 2008 to his resignation today, City have witnessed the complete overhaul of the foundation of the club. In many years from now, we will look back and recognise Cook as a key part of our new beginning.
I will not wait that long to thank him though
So today I would like to thank Garry Cook for everything he has done for City, and I wish him all the best in the future.
Following the leaked emails from Garry Cook to Dr. Anthonia Onouha, the City Board led an investigation which concluded that the Dr. Onouhas allegations had a foundation.
The statement by Manchester City (www.mcfc.co.uk) indicated that after the findings of the review, Manchester City's Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, had tendered his resignation, which was accepted with regret by the Board.
It then went on to have quotes from both the Chairman, and Garry Cook himself, which were all pretty standard. The Chairman thanked the Chief Executive for his work, and the Chief Executive thanked the Chairman for the opportunity.
Personally, I do not think this will be the end of the Cook/Mubarak affair. I suspect that Cook will jet off to Abu Dhabi and have another role somewhere else.
It is a shame, however, that one email—whether hacked or sent incorrectly—was the downfall of such a great person at City. The former Nike employee was big in sports even before his move to City, having worked his way up to head the 'Brand Jordan' project. He worked at Nike from 1996 to 2008 before being hired on by former City Chairman, Shinawatra.
Garry Cook secured the signings of some quality players with the likes of SWP, Given and DeJong, but also some doozies in Jo, Bridge and Ben Haim. Cook also handled the transfer of Robinho to City for 32.5m, and an audacious bid for Kaka, which ultimately broke down.
Mr. Cook also did a lot of work for City away from the pitch. He got the supporters more involved by introducing the "My first City game" campaign where supporters of the club, famous and regular, wrote in their memories of their first ever City game. He was also instrumental in the complete overhaul of the club's training base at Carrington, and scheduled a meeting with icon Nelson Mandela while on their South African tour in 2009.
He hasn't been perfect though. He made an error when welcoming City legend Uwe Rosler to the Manchester United Hall of Fame rather than the City one. This was obviously not the smartest move in front of a City audience. However, he did make amends by writing apology letters to 70 Manchester City Supporters' Clubs.
So since his arrival in 2008 to his resignation today, City have witnessed the complete overhaul of the foundation of the club. In many years from now, we will look back and recognise Cook as a key part of our new beginning.
I will not wait that long to thank him though
So today I would like to thank Garry Cook for everything he has done for City, and I wish him all the best in the future.
Wigan V City: Battle Of The Two Roberto's!
This Saturday, Manchester City face Wigan at the Etihad Stadium in what could be Samir Nasri's home debut. Wigan have not done too well over City in previous seasons, with two defeats last season and no goals. In fact, the last time Wigan did get points off Manchester on the road was March 2008, when the teams tied 0-0 (However they did beat Manchester at home only the year before 1-0).
Wigan currently find themselves in eighth position after an unbeaten start to the season, although this will be the Latic's first real test. All three of their opening games were against newly promoted teams, and two were draws. In fact, their opening two games were 1-1 at home to Norwich, followed by a goal-less draw away to Swansea. Their first win came before the International break, a 2-0 win against QPR.
That being said, this is the first game back after the close of the transfer window, and Wigan fans will be interested to see new signings Maloney, Van Aanholt and Crusat potentially make their debuts. Wigan are a good passing side, but their defense will have to go above and beyond as a rampant City look to repeat or better their last outing, a 5-1 trouncing of Tottenham in their own backyard.
Turning to City and Roberto Mancini, it is difficult to say what team he will start out with. Keeping in mind that on Wednesday they host Napoli in their first Champions League game, Mancini may be tempted to rest Aguero and other key players. With the quality of his bench though, I do not believe that replacing Aguero for Tevez would weaken the team. Considering he scored a hat-trick a couple of seasons ago in this fixture, it may not be a bad option. City so far have walked all over their previous opponents this season, with only Bolton keeping it close, losing 3-2. That game was sandwiched between a 4-0 win against Swansea and a 5-1 win against Tottenham.
With the Rugby World Cup kicking off, the City fans may be expecting a similar Rugby score from the City side with Dzeko expected to add to his six goals that he has already! Also add to the mix the return of Kolo Toure after his ban and there only looks to be one winner after the 'Battle Of The Roberto's'.
Starting XI:
Hart, Richards, (K)Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Nasri, Barry, (Y)Toure, Johnson, Tevez, Dzeko.
Score: 3-0 City
Wigan currently find themselves in eighth position after an unbeaten start to the season, although this will be the Latic's first real test. All three of their opening games were against newly promoted teams, and two were draws. In fact, their opening two games were 1-1 at home to Norwich, followed by a goal-less draw away to Swansea. Their first win came before the International break, a 2-0 win against QPR.
That being said, this is the first game back after the close of the transfer window, and Wigan fans will be interested to see new signings Maloney, Van Aanholt and Crusat potentially make their debuts. Wigan are a good passing side, but their defense will have to go above and beyond as a rampant City look to repeat or better their last outing, a 5-1 trouncing of Tottenham in their own backyard.
Turning to City and Roberto Mancini, it is difficult to say what team he will start out with. Keeping in mind that on Wednesday they host Napoli in their first Champions League game, Mancini may be tempted to rest Aguero and other key players. With the quality of his bench though, I do not believe that replacing Aguero for Tevez would weaken the team. Considering he scored a hat-trick a couple of seasons ago in this fixture, it may not be a bad option. City so far have walked all over their previous opponents this season, with only Bolton keeping it close, losing 3-2. That game was sandwiched between a 4-0 win against Swansea and a 5-1 win against Tottenham.
With the Rugby World Cup kicking off, the City fans may be expecting a similar Rugby score from the City side with Dzeko expected to add to his six goals that he has already! Also add to the mix the return of Kolo Toure after his ban and there only looks to be one winner after the 'Battle Of The Roberto's'.
Starting XI:
Hart, Richards, (K)Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Nasri, Barry, (Y)Toure, Johnson, Tevez, Dzeko.
Score: 3-0 City
Friday, September 2, 2011
Best 5 City Managers In Post War History.
Manchester City head into this season with their fans full of expectation of what their side can expect to do.
Most fans dare not dream of winning the league, winning cups and competing with Europe's elite clubs in the most high profile club competition.
This season, however, City fans can realistically dream about all the above. Under Roberto Mancini fans have seen themselves finish higher in the Premier League than they ever have since it's inception in 1993.
They have seen a City squad lift the FA Cup, the first time since 1969 and the first trophy since 1976 and all this while having a striker finishing joint top league scorer and a defense that was unbelievably scrooge like.
But who exactly has been City's most successful post war manager? Here are my top 5.
5) Peter Reid,
Even though he was hired as Manager after the departure of Howard Kendall, Peter continued to play for City, becoming I suppose in a way Manchester City's most successful Player/Manager of all time.
Reid started his management responsibilities on the 5th November 1990 and his first game was a defeat at home to Leeds Utd.
However that would just be a blip on an otherwise good season.
That year we would finish 5th in the Division which incidentally the last time we finished the League above neighbors, United.
The following season Reid guided City to a second successive fifth place finish.
This would turn out to be the last season before the Premiership started. City notched up 20 wins that season, the most in the top flight since the 1977/78 season.
The first season in the Premiership saw the beginning of the end for not just Reid but also then chairman, Peter Swales.
It would be both guys last full season at City. For Reid's part, City's League form was still acceptable, finishing ninth (out of a Premier League of 22 teams).
It is, in my mind at least, best not to dwell on what might have happened had City and Reid continued the partnership. Reid was given just four games in the new season before his dismissal and Brian Horton was appointed.
Peter Reid's Managerial Stats: Games: 115
Won: 48
Draw: 28
Lost: 39
WIN % 41.7
4) Kevin Keegan,
Say what you want about Keegan's overspending (and I have said a lot already in the 'Top 10 Worst City Transfers' article) this guy certainly steadied the good ship City!
Before Keegan arrived at City we had been promoted or relegated every season for the past five seasons, including the depths of the third tier of English Football.
Our first season back in the EPL saw us finish 9th, very respectable considering the inconsistency of previous years.
Kevin brought City fans exciting and memorable games including the last ever Maine Road derby game when City beat neighbors United 3-1. T
he following season he went one better. With City in their new home he masterminded a 4-1 win in the derby, sending him instantly into Legend status.
Think 3-0 down at the half in an FA Cup tie away to Spurs and also think Joey Barton, probably your most influential player at the time sent off.
Think all this and who would you want giving the team talk? Keegan had that situation and with Macken's last minute goal City pulled one of the most talked about FA Cup comebacks of all time, City on the right end of a 4-3 result.
Keegan's Managerial Statistics:
Games Managed: 151
Wins: 64
Draws: 35
Lost: 52
WIN % 42.4
3)Joe Royle,
It was a tough decision to put Royle higher on the list than Kevin Keegan, but I feel that his time at City was more of an influence to get us where we now are.
Royle inherited a team from Frank Clark that had been decimated by debt, bad management and a lack of leadership.
When arriving at City his first task was to try to avoid relegation to the third tier of English Football.
Although he did manage to pick up 18 points from the remaining 15 games it was not enough to avoid the drop. It was important, for financial reasons and just pure pride that City bounce straight back.
This task was made tougher with the departure of City icons. Rosler, Kinkladze and Beardsley all followed Ian Brightwell out of Maine Road.
To be fair, Royle's first full season didn't start as he would have hoped, winning only seven games going into December. With promotion looking out of reach City went on a rampage, losing only three more for the rest of the season and securing third place and a playoff position.
We all know what happened that day at Wembley with City performing another breath taking comeback to secure the promotion.
1999/00 saw City fans regain hope as Royle guided City to back to back promotions and back to the EPL. Sadly though that would be as good as it got for City under Royle. The first season back was also another relegation season and City slumped back down.
Joe Royles Management Statistics:
Games managed: 145
Wins: 61
Draws: 40
Lost: 44
WIN % 42.1
2) Roberto Mancini
Despite the great season last go around, the Italian finds himself at the Number Two spot.
With last seasons league finish and highest points tally in the Premiership, City under Roberto Mancini look a really good proposition for the future.
Next week City will kick off their first adventure into the Champions League when they host Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.
Fans are buzzing with the way the team have started the season and certainly it is not impossible for the Italian to mastermind more trophies, in fact it is expected.
Add to this City's first Cup win since 1976 (defeating United on the way!) and years from now Roberto Mancini could well be looked on as City's most successful manager.
Roberto Mancinis Managerial Statistics: (Up to 9/5/2011)
Games Managed: 62
Won: 35
Draw: 13
Lost: 14
WIN % 56.5
1) Joe Mercer,
As if there would be any doubt. The legendary manager, Joe Mercer tops the list as Manchester City's most successful league manager in their post war history.
Joe took over at the helm at City in 1965 despite doctors warnings not to.
Joe brought in a youthful coach in Malcolm Allison and together the embarked on what would turn out to be City's most successful era to date.
His first season in charge was a promotion season, as Champions, losing only five games in the process.
As a side note, Mercer also guided City on a good cup run, which only came to an end after the third game against Everton at the Quarter Final stage.
Two years later he had led City to only the second League title in their history. Wilf Wild had delivered the previous one but that side had developed over several years, rather than the two under Mercer and Allison.
Joe had led City from obscurity to winners in two years and that new found tradition would continue.
The next season Mercer led City to the Cup Final and a Neil Young goal against a plucky Leicester side gave City the victory and another trophy. In 1970 he eclipsed even that by winning the League Cup, defeating West Brom 2-1 in March and the European Cup Winners Cup in April.
This also was the first time an English team won both a domestic and foreign trophy in the same season.
Joe Mercer Managerial Statistics:
Games Managed: 263
Won: 109
Draw: 77
Lost: 77
WIN%: 41.4
Most fans dare not dream of winning the league, winning cups and competing with Europe's elite clubs in the most high profile club competition.
This season, however, City fans can realistically dream about all the above. Under Roberto Mancini fans have seen themselves finish higher in the Premier League than they ever have since it's inception in 1993.
They have seen a City squad lift the FA Cup, the first time since 1969 and the first trophy since 1976 and all this while having a striker finishing joint top league scorer and a defense that was unbelievably scrooge like.
But who exactly has been City's most successful post war manager? Here are my top 5.
5) Peter Reid,
Even though he was hired as Manager after the departure of Howard Kendall, Peter continued to play for City, becoming I suppose in a way Manchester City's most successful Player/Manager of all time.
Reid started his management responsibilities on the 5th November 1990 and his first game was a defeat at home to Leeds Utd.
However that would just be a blip on an otherwise good season.
That year we would finish 5th in the Division which incidentally the last time we finished the League above neighbors, United.
The following season Reid guided City to a second successive fifth place finish.
This would turn out to be the last season before the Premiership started. City notched up 20 wins that season, the most in the top flight since the 1977/78 season.
The first season in the Premiership saw the beginning of the end for not just Reid but also then chairman, Peter Swales.
It would be both guys last full season at City. For Reid's part, City's League form was still acceptable, finishing ninth (out of a Premier League of 22 teams).
It is, in my mind at least, best not to dwell on what might have happened had City and Reid continued the partnership. Reid was given just four games in the new season before his dismissal and Brian Horton was appointed.
Peter Reid's Managerial Stats: Games: 115
Won: 48
Draw: 28
Lost: 39
WIN % 41.7
4) Kevin Keegan,
Say what you want about Keegan's overspending (and I have said a lot already in the 'Top 10 Worst City Transfers' article) this guy certainly steadied the good ship City!
Before Keegan arrived at City we had been promoted or relegated every season for the past five seasons, including the depths of the third tier of English Football.
Our first season back in the EPL saw us finish 9th, very respectable considering the inconsistency of previous years.
Kevin brought City fans exciting and memorable games including the last ever Maine Road derby game when City beat neighbors United 3-1. T
he following season he went one better. With City in their new home he masterminded a 4-1 win in the derby, sending him instantly into Legend status.
Think 3-0 down at the half in an FA Cup tie away to Spurs and also think Joey Barton, probably your most influential player at the time sent off.
Think all this and who would you want giving the team talk? Keegan had that situation and with Macken's last minute goal City pulled one of the most talked about FA Cup comebacks of all time, City on the right end of a 4-3 result.
Keegan's Managerial Statistics:
Games Managed: 151
Wins: 64
Draws: 35
Lost: 52
WIN % 42.4
3)Joe Royle,
It was a tough decision to put Royle higher on the list than Kevin Keegan, but I feel that his time at City was more of an influence to get us where we now are.
Royle inherited a team from Frank Clark that had been decimated by debt, bad management and a lack of leadership.
When arriving at City his first task was to try to avoid relegation to the third tier of English Football.
Although he did manage to pick up 18 points from the remaining 15 games it was not enough to avoid the drop. It was important, for financial reasons and just pure pride that City bounce straight back.
This task was made tougher with the departure of City icons. Rosler, Kinkladze and Beardsley all followed Ian Brightwell out of Maine Road.
To be fair, Royle's first full season didn't start as he would have hoped, winning only seven games going into December. With promotion looking out of reach City went on a rampage, losing only three more for the rest of the season and securing third place and a playoff position.
We all know what happened that day at Wembley with City performing another breath taking comeback to secure the promotion.
1999/00 saw City fans regain hope as Royle guided City to back to back promotions and back to the EPL. Sadly though that would be as good as it got for City under Royle. The first season back was also another relegation season and City slumped back down.
Joe Royles Management Statistics:
Games managed: 145
Wins: 61
Draws: 40
Lost: 44
WIN % 42.1
2) Roberto Mancini
Despite the great season last go around, the Italian finds himself at the Number Two spot.
With last seasons league finish and highest points tally in the Premiership, City under Roberto Mancini look a really good proposition for the future.
Next week City will kick off their first adventure into the Champions League when they host Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.
Fans are buzzing with the way the team have started the season and certainly it is not impossible for the Italian to mastermind more trophies, in fact it is expected.
Add to this City's first Cup win since 1976 (defeating United on the way!) and years from now Roberto Mancini could well be looked on as City's most successful manager.
Roberto Mancinis Managerial Statistics: (Up to 9/5/2011)
Games Managed: 62
Won: 35
Draw: 13
Lost: 14
WIN % 56.5
1) Joe Mercer,
As if there would be any doubt. The legendary manager, Joe Mercer tops the list as Manchester City's most successful league manager in their post war history.
Joe took over at the helm at City in 1965 despite doctors warnings not to.
Joe brought in a youthful coach in Malcolm Allison and together the embarked on what would turn out to be City's most successful era to date.
His first season in charge was a promotion season, as Champions, losing only five games in the process.
As a side note, Mercer also guided City on a good cup run, which only came to an end after the third game against Everton at the Quarter Final stage.
Two years later he had led City to only the second League title in their history. Wilf Wild had delivered the previous one but that side had developed over several years, rather than the two under Mercer and Allison.
Joe had led City from obscurity to winners in two years and that new found tradition would continue.
The next season Mercer led City to the Cup Final and a Neil Young goal against a plucky Leicester side gave City the victory and another trophy. In 1970 he eclipsed even that by winning the League Cup, defeating West Brom 2-1 in March and the European Cup Winners Cup in April.
This also was the first time an English team won both a domestic and foreign trophy in the same season.
Joe Mercer Managerial Statistics:
Games Managed: 263
Won: 109
Draw: 77
Lost: 77
WIN%: 41.4
League Table Prediction (10-1) Part 2 of 2.
Now that the transfer window has slammed shut now until January I have had time to analyse the teams as they stand right now. With that in mind here is part two of my predictions for the final Premiership Table (Part one was posted yesterday and can be found at http://pacityboy.blogspot.com/2011/09/league-table-prediction-20-11-1-of-2.html)
10) Wolves:
My tip for the surprise package of the season. Mick signed a couple of decent players on the cheap (Johnson and O'Hara) and managed to keep Doyle and Jarvis from last season.
9) Stoke City:
Last seasons FA Cup finalists certainly lit up the transfer window this go around. Could be in the running for the most improved team in the EPL? Signed Palacios and Crouch from Spurs and added to quality Premiership defenders. Have already denied Chelsea points in the opening game.
8) Bolton:
Managed to keep Gary Cahill and add Nigel Reo Coker. With Owen Coyle as manager I only see a top half finish for the boys from Bolton.
7) Aston Villa:
After a hellish end to the season last term Villa look to reaffirm their upper table dominance this season. Despite losing key players they did sign Given and keep hold of Bent and Agbonglahor.
6) Arsenal:
Second longest serving EPL manager Arsene Wenger looked like a novice this transfer window. Losing numerous players, Nasri, Clichy, Fabregras and others while only bringing in Arteta, Benayoun and Mertesaker. This will see the first season (barring a cup win) that Arsenal will fail to qualify for Europe.
5) Tottenham:
Cheeky cockney twitcher Mr Redknapp sold a lot of players while getting Adebayor on a loan and convincing City to pay the chunk of his wages still! Also on board are Friedel and Scott Parker, both quality and with 'Gaff-a-game' Gomes replaced by the aging American I can see Spurs pushing back on this season.
4) Chelsea:
Not impressed so far. Torres has started this season as he finished off last, dreadful. The team is getting older now and although experience counts for something it is young sides that deal with the length of a season. Andre Villas-Boas meanwhile makes Jose Mourinho look humble!
3) Liverpool:
Should be a good season for Dalglish and Liverpool. Everton on the decline and the red side on the upward curve. Downing and Bellamy add something to a team that was begining to pick toward the back end of the last campaign and despite losing Meireles late on I think they still have enough to guarantee the resumption of Champions League Football at Anfield.
2) Manchester United:
Managed by the most succesful EPL manager ever I think they will fall short this time around. Good purchases were made in particular Ashley Young from Villa. He could be the answer on the wing that has been baffling Fergie since Ronaldo left. Only concerns for me (and the reason I have them second) is that Rooney is the glue that holds them together and he may not be fit all season. In fact it is inevitable he will spend at least a month on the sidelines.
1) Manchester City:
'Money bags City', 'Noisy Neighbours' with 'FA Cup Winners' added last season now you can add 'Premier League Champions'. Mancini has assembled a team within a team capable of competing in the Champions League and the Premiership. Aguero, Nasri, Clichy and Hargreaves on a free. Managed to keep Tevez although that may prove to be a mistake as he really doesn't seem happy. Also City welcome back Kolo Toure from his ban.
10) Wolves:
My tip for the surprise package of the season. Mick signed a couple of decent players on the cheap (Johnson and O'Hara) and managed to keep Doyle and Jarvis from last season.
9) Stoke City:
Last seasons FA Cup finalists certainly lit up the transfer window this go around. Could be in the running for the most improved team in the EPL? Signed Palacios and Crouch from Spurs and added to quality Premiership defenders. Have already denied Chelsea points in the opening game.
8) Bolton:
Managed to keep Gary Cahill and add Nigel Reo Coker. With Owen Coyle as manager I only see a top half finish for the boys from Bolton.
7) Aston Villa:
After a hellish end to the season last term Villa look to reaffirm their upper table dominance this season. Despite losing key players they did sign Given and keep hold of Bent and Agbonglahor.
6) Arsenal:
Second longest serving EPL manager Arsene Wenger looked like a novice this transfer window. Losing numerous players, Nasri, Clichy, Fabregras and others while only bringing in Arteta, Benayoun and Mertesaker. This will see the first season (barring a cup win) that Arsenal will fail to qualify for Europe.
5) Tottenham:
Cheeky cockney twitcher Mr Redknapp sold a lot of players while getting Adebayor on a loan and convincing City to pay the chunk of his wages still! Also on board are Friedel and Scott Parker, both quality and with 'Gaff-a-game' Gomes replaced by the aging American I can see Spurs pushing back on this season.
4) Chelsea:
Not impressed so far. Torres has started this season as he finished off last, dreadful. The team is getting older now and although experience counts for something it is young sides that deal with the length of a season. Andre Villas-Boas meanwhile makes Jose Mourinho look humble!
3) Liverpool:
Should be a good season for Dalglish and Liverpool. Everton on the decline and the red side on the upward curve. Downing and Bellamy add something to a team that was begining to pick toward the back end of the last campaign and despite losing Meireles late on I think they still have enough to guarantee the resumption of Champions League Football at Anfield.
2) Manchester United:
Managed by the most succesful EPL manager ever I think they will fall short this time around. Good purchases were made in particular Ashley Young from Villa. He could be the answer on the wing that has been baffling Fergie since Ronaldo left. Only concerns for me (and the reason I have them second) is that Rooney is the glue that holds them together and he may not be fit all season. In fact it is inevitable he will spend at least a month on the sidelines.
1) Manchester City:
'Money bags City', 'Noisy Neighbours' with 'FA Cup Winners' added last season now you can add 'Premier League Champions'. Mancini has assembled a team within a team capable of competing in the Champions League and the Premiership. Aguero, Nasri, Clichy and Hargreaves on a free. Managed to keep Tevez although that may prove to be a mistake as he really doesn't seem happy. Also City welcome back Kolo Toure from his ban.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Worst Signings In City History.
With the signings of Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero this transfer window, I got to wondering. These are two great signings for City, but have they always made quality additions to their squad? The answer, as with all teams, is no. Every fan can point out a handful of players that they wish their team had NEVER sat down and shook hands with.
Now trying to define a top ten worst signings for a club is tough. I mean do you go by the fee we paid compared to the performance we got? Or do you just count shoddy players no matter what the fee? How about if their attitude wasn't right, but they still sold a lot of shirts? You will disagree with some of my selections, have some of your own and may have even forgotten about some of these names.
Either way, enjoy a "Typical City transfer window."
10) Tal Ben Haim
The Israeli defender was signed on 30th July 2008 for a fee of £5 million and was the second signing of Leslie Hughes. He had previously played for Maccabi Tel Aviv, Bolton and Chelsea. He had been regular and solid at all three.
He didn't really establish himself in the first team and went out on loan to Sunderland. He didn't really even establish himself there either and at the end of the 2008-09 season he returned to City who promptly sold him to Portsmouth.
9) Ousmane Dabo,
Where to start with this one! The only reason he is at No. 9 and not higher is because at least we made a profit on him!
He left Lazio in 2006 and City snapped him up on a free transfer. However, that would be as good as it got. Three games in, Dabo was sent off after what I will call an "aerial challenge" on Steve Sidwell. His ban was for three months, however injury kept him out for longer.
When he did return from injury we only got 13 games from him before he was injured again. In fact, in the two seasons we had him he only turned out for City 25 times.
On the 1st May 2007 he and Joey Barton had a disagreement on the training pitch and a fight ensued. This left Dabo with injuries to his head and a suspected detached retina. Dabo requested the Police press charges against his teammates and Barton was arrested. He pleaded guilty but later stated that Dabo had initiated the attack. If this is true then City fans will be sad to know they missed the time that this guy showed emotion in a City shirt!
He later re-signed for Lazio with the fee believed to be around €263k.
8) George Weah,
Five years before signing for City, George Weah had won the FIFA World Player of the Year, European Player of the Year AND African Player of the Year.
He only played for City 11 times and scored four goals. He became upset with then Manager Joe Royle for selecting him as a substitute too much so he left for Marseille.
7) Steve McManaman,
Signed by Kevin Keegan in August 2003, Steve McManaman, in his prime, was a good player. His achievement list will back that up. But at City, he was accused of being there just for one final pay big pay check. In fact, in his move from Liverpool to Real Madrid he was accused of the same thing. Also, the proposed move to America and the Metrostars fell down because the American side stated that "MLS clubs were keen to lose the reputation that top stars only arrive to play in America for a final swansong in their careers"
Nicknamed Steve McMoney-man by the City faithful, he no longer had the flair and speed that once made him great. His only saving grace was getting under the skin of Ferguson when Neville headbutted him and was sent off!
6) Robinho,
City's first big money signing in the new era started with a bang and ended with a fizzle. The £32.5 million transfer fee paid for the Brazilian left the footballing world reeling and the City fans excited, even if he wasn't sure at first who he had signed for!
Everything started off great with him scoring on his debut, and against the team he thought he had signed for, Chelsea. His first hat trick came against Stoke and he was given the Captain's armband for the tie against Hull as Richard Dunne was suspended. He ended his first season as City's top scorer, although it was an unimpressive total of 14 goals.
His second season didn't go well at all, he missed three months through injury and only scored one goal against Scunthorpe! After only 12 games of the season, he looked for a move away. First he was loaned out to Santos before being sold to AC Milan for less than half City's original outlay.
5) Lee Bradbury,
After only scoring 20 goals in 68 lower league games it was a surprise that Frank Clark would spend £3 million on a player such as Lee Bradbury. There again it is Frank Clark! But that is another slideshow for another day.
Nicknamed "Lee Bad-Buy" by the City supporters, it was his 10 goals in 40 games that was the most frustrating. In his last season at City he scored an embarrassing six goals and City were relegated. That would be the start of the worst part of City's history.
City recouped £1.5 million of the initial outlay and within a year of selling Lee he was moving on again. This time it was back to Portsmouth for only £900k!
4) Roque Santa Cruz,
He's the latest duffer to haunt the City hallways. Former manager Leslie Hughes really wanted this player and he didn't care how much it cost or how many bits were falling off!
To be fair though, he did light up the Premier League before under Hughes at Blackburn but he couldn't repeat the form at City. He started off quite well though with a goal in the Carling Cup and a brace in what would be Hughes' last game.
His appearances were limited by injuries and when he was fit, Mancini left him out. When RSC made it clear he wanted to leave Mancini made it clear that he wouldn't stand in his way. So back to Blackburn he went, on loan.
While at City he played 20 times and scored three league goals. At his second spell at Blackburn he went a whole nine games but never bulged the net once.
3) Georgios Samaras,
Samaras was signed by City in January 2006 for a fee of £6 million. Despite his (at the time) huge fee he failed to hold down a regular spot. Over his City career he scored 12 goals in 63 appearances. He seemed to be disinterested and easily bullied off the ball in the EPL and never really settled.
In Jan 2008 he left for a loan spell north of the border with Celtic. He did well there and made the move permanent the following July.
2) Bernardo Corradi,
Bernardo Corradi started his Manchester City career in fine style, getting sent off after two yellow cards. The second of which was due to his reaction to an incident involving Essien.
It took Corradi thirteen appearances for City before he scored his first goal. In fact, it was two of them against Fulham. Just like Manchester buses, you wait forever and two come along at once!
In December Corradi was again sent off, this time it was in the Manchester derby. Then manager Stuart Pearce was furious and said so in his after match interview. I cannot print exactly what he said but it was along the lines of "He is not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy!" The City manager was clearly upset at what appeared to be a dive as Corradi attempted to gain a penalty. He subsequently lost his place to Emile Mpenza (who barely himself missed out on this list!).
With his discipline track record and having only scored three goals he was loaned out to Parma before eventually being released from his contract to join Reggina on a free.
1)Christian Negouai,
Yet another one of Kevins Keegans signings. Negouai was signed from Charleroi in 2001 for a fee of £1.5 million. The best thing about this signing was his last name, it had all five of the vowels in it and that was where the awesomeness ended.
There is probably still an inquest into exactly how this guy passed his medical before signing for City. Both his knees had to have major surgery on them and it is widely believed these were preexisting conditions.
He did turn out for Manchester City, but it was a mere 6 times from his signing in 2001 until his departure in 2005. In that time he scored just a single goal and certainly did not live up to the expectation that he was going to be in the same mold as a Patrick Vieira or Marc Vivian Foe.
City allowed him to go out on loan to Coventry (where he started just the one game) before offloading him to Standard Liege in 2005.
Now trying to define a top ten worst signings for a club is tough. I mean do you go by the fee we paid compared to the performance we got? Or do you just count shoddy players no matter what the fee? How about if their attitude wasn't right, but they still sold a lot of shirts? You will disagree with some of my selections, have some of your own and may have even forgotten about some of these names.
Either way, enjoy a "Typical City transfer window."
10) Tal Ben Haim
The Israeli defender was signed on 30th July 2008 for a fee of £5 million and was the second signing of Leslie Hughes. He had previously played for Maccabi Tel Aviv, Bolton and Chelsea. He had been regular and solid at all three.
He didn't really establish himself in the first team and went out on loan to Sunderland. He didn't really even establish himself there either and at the end of the 2008-09 season he returned to City who promptly sold him to Portsmouth.
9) Ousmane Dabo,
Where to start with this one! The only reason he is at No. 9 and not higher is because at least we made a profit on him!
He left Lazio in 2006 and City snapped him up on a free transfer. However, that would be as good as it got. Three games in, Dabo was sent off after what I will call an "aerial challenge" on Steve Sidwell. His ban was for three months, however injury kept him out for longer.
When he did return from injury we only got 13 games from him before he was injured again. In fact, in the two seasons we had him he only turned out for City 25 times.
On the 1st May 2007 he and Joey Barton had a disagreement on the training pitch and a fight ensued. This left Dabo with injuries to his head and a suspected detached retina. Dabo requested the Police press charges against his teammates and Barton was arrested. He pleaded guilty but later stated that Dabo had initiated the attack. If this is true then City fans will be sad to know they missed the time that this guy showed emotion in a City shirt!
He later re-signed for Lazio with the fee believed to be around €263k.
8) George Weah,
Five years before signing for City, George Weah had won the FIFA World Player of the Year, European Player of the Year AND African Player of the Year.
He only played for City 11 times and scored four goals. He became upset with then Manager Joe Royle for selecting him as a substitute too much so he left for Marseille.
7) Steve McManaman,
Signed by Kevin Keegan in August 2003, Steve McManaman, in his prime, was a good player. His achievement list will back that up. But at City, he was accused of being there just for one final pay big pay check. In fact, in his move from Liverpool to Real Madrid he was accused of the same thing. Also, the proposed move to America and the Metrostars fell down because the American side stated that "MLS clubs were keen to lose the reputation that top stars only arrive to play in America for a final swansong in their careers"
Nicknamed Steve McMoney-man by the City faithful, he no longer had the flair and speed that once made him great. His only saving grace was getting under the skin of Ferguson when Neville headbutted him and was sent off!
6) Robinho,
City's first big money signing in the new era started with a bang and ended with a fizzle. The £32.5 million transfer fee paid for the Brazilian left the footballing world reeling and the City fans excited, even if he wasn't sure at first who he had signed for!
Everything started off great with him scoring on his debut, and against the team he thought he had signed for, Chelsea. His first hat trick came against Stoke and he was given the Captain's armband for the tie against Hull as Richard Dunne was suspended. He ended his first season as City's top scorer, although it was an unimpressive total of 14 goals.
His second season didn't go well at all, he missed three months through injury and only scored one goal against Scunthorpe! After only 12 games of the season, he looked for a move away. First he was loaned out to Santos before being sold to AC Milan for less than half City's original outlay.
5) Lee Bradbury,
After only scoring 20 goals in 68 lower league games it was a surprise that Frank Clark would spend £3 million on a player such as Lee Bradbury. There again it is Frank Clark! But that is another slideshow for another day.
Nicknamed "Lee Bad-Buy" by the City supporters, it was his 10 goals in 40 games that was the most frustrating. In his last season at City he scored an embarrassing six goals and City were relegated. That would be the start of the worst part of City's history.
City recouped £1.5 million of the initial outlay and within a year of selling Lee he was moving on again. This time it was back to Portsmouth for only £900k!
4) Roque Santa Cruz,
He's the latest duffer to haunt the City hallways. Former manager Leslie Hughes really wanted this player and he didn't care how much it cost or how many bits were falling off!
To be fair though, he did light up the Premier League before under Hughes at Blackburn but he couldn't repeat the form at City. He started off quite well though with a goal in the Carling Cup and a brace in what would be Hughes' last game.
His appearances were limited by injuries and when he was fit, Mancini left him out. When RSC made it clear he wanted to leave Mancini made it clear that he wouldn't stand in his way. So back to Blackburn he went, on loan.
While at City he played 20 times and scored three league goals. At his second spell at Blackburn he went a whole nine games but never bulged the net once.
3) Georgios Samaras,
Samaras was signed by City in January 2006 for a fee of £6 million. Despite his (at the time) huge fee he failed to hold down a regular spot. Over his City career he scored 12 goals in 63 appearances. He seemed to be disinterested and easily bullied off the ball in the EPL and never really settled.
In Jan 2008 he left for a loan spell north of the border with Celtic. He did well there and made the move permanent the following July.
2) Bernardo Corradi,
Bernardo Corradi started his Manchester City career in fine style, getting sent off after two yellow cards. The second of which was due to his reaction to an incident involving Essien.
It took Corradi thirteen appearances for City before he scored his first goal. In fact, it was two of them against Fulham. Just like Manchester buses, you wait forever and two come along at once!
In December Corradi was again sent off, this time it was in the Manchester derby. Then manager Stuart Pearce was furious and said so in his after match interview. I cannot print exactly what he said but it was along the lines of "He is not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy!" The City manager was clearly upset at what appeared to be a dive as Corradi attempted to gain a penalty. He subsequently lost his place to Emile Mpenza (who barely himself missed out on this list!).
With his discipline track record and having only scored three goals he was loaned out to Parma before eventually being released from his contract to join Reggina on a free.
1)Christian Negouai,
Yet another one of Kevins Keegans signings. Negouai was signed from Charleroi in 2001 for a fee of £1.5 million. The best thing about this signing was his last name, it had all five of the vowels in it and that was where the awesomeness ended.
There is probably still an inquest into exactly how this guy passed his medical before signing for City. Both his knees had to have major surgery on them and it is widely believed these were preexisting conditions.
He did turn out for Manchester City, but it was a mere 6 times from his signing in 2001 until his departure in 2005. In that time he scored just a single goal and certainly did not live up to the expectation that he was going to be in the same mold as a Patrick Vieira or Marc Vivian Foe.
City allowed him to go out on loan to Coventry (where he started just the one game) before offloading him to Standard Liege in 2005.
Transfer Window: The Good, The Bad and The Desperate!
As the transfer window gets ready to slam shut for another year, we look at which signings have been good purchases, which were bad and which were just plain desperate!
The last day always brings a flurry of activity but with a little over four hours left before the craziness is over, I will take a look at the deals already done and which transfers, in my opinion, are good, bad or desperate.
Good Signings
Brad Friedel (Villa to Spurs): He may be older than most people would like but in fact the American stopper is still solid at the back. He will command the Spurs back line which last season seemed jittery in front of the flapping Gomes.
Samir Nasri (Arsenal to City): Following on from the Sergio Aguero capture, City boss Roberto Mancini issued a clear indication that the Citizens would be explosive in front of goal in this season. Nasri already had two assists in his debut.
Shay Given (City to Villa): After losing Friedel to Spurs and the departure of Downing, Young and Reo-Coker as well as the form of last season, I am sure that Villa fans must have been worried. However, up stepped Given to ensure that Villa would not be pushovers this season.
Bad Signings:
Gabriel Obertan (United to Newcastle): Signed by Sir Alex with the promise that he would be the next big thing, the Frenchman failed to deliver. Nicknamed 'Pingu' by me because of his flipper feet, I really don't think he will light up St. James' Park either and will probably be sold back to France before too long.
DJ Campbell (Blackpool to QPR): Neil Warnock signed DJ Campbell from Blackpool before the takeover. I am sure if the takeover had already happened, then this guy would not be a QPR player. The same goes for the transfers of Jay Bothroyd and possibly even Kieron Dyer. I say this as now they are looking to sign Wright Phillips and Bellamy or Crouch up front.
Desperate Signings:
Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff to QPR): As stated above with DJ Campbell, I think Neil Warnock needed to strengthen his squad before the start of the Premier League. This coupled with almost no money meant that Neil Warnock had to 'Derek Trotter' it close season. Lubbly jubbly!
Numerous Norwich Players: Apart from Ayala from Liverpool and Vaughan from Everton, not a single one of their signings have Premiership experience. Well, Kyle Naughton appeared once but I don't really count that. It seems that quantity over quality was the order of the day as Lambert looked to try and steady the promotion/relegation/promotion team from East Anglia.
The last day always brings a flurry of activity but with a little over four hours left before the craziness is over, I will take a look at the deals already done and which transfers, in my opinion, are good, bad or desperate.
Good Signings
Brad Friedel (Villa to Spurs): He may be older than most people would like but in fact the American stopper is still solid at the back. He will command the Spurs back line which last season seemed jittery in front of the flapping Gomes.
Samir Nasri (Arsenal to City): Following on from the Sergio Aguero capture, City boss Roberto Mancini issued a clear indication that the Citizens would be explosive in front of goal in this season. Nasri already had two assists in his debut.
Shay Given (City to Villa): After losing Friedel to Spurs and the departure of Downing, Young and Reo-Coker as well as the form of last season, I am sure that Villa fans must have been worried. However, up stepped Given to ensure that Villa would not be pushovers this season.
Bad Signings:
Gabriel Obertan (United to Newcastle): Signed by Sir Alex with the promise that he would be the next big thing, the Frenchman failed to deliver. Nicknamed 'Pingu' by me because of his flipper feet, I really don't think he will light up St. James' Park either and will probably be sold back to France before too long.
DJ Campbell (Blackpool to QPR): Neil Warnock signed DJ Campbell from Blackpool before the takeover. I am sure if the takeover had already happened, then this guy would not be a QPR player. The same goes for the transfers of Jay Bothroyd and possibly even Kieron Dyer. I say this as now they are looking to sign Wright Phillips and Bellamy or Crouch up front.
Desperate Signings:
Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff to QPR): As stated above with DJ Campbell, I think Neil Warnock needed to strengthen his squad before the start of the Premier League. This coupled with almost no money meant that Neil Warnock had to 'Derek Trotter' it close season. Lubbly jubbly!
Numerous Norwich Players: Apart from Ayala from Liverpool and Vaughan from Everton, not a single one of their signings have Premiership experience. Well, Kyle Naughton appeared once but I don't really count that. It seems that quantity over quality was the order of the day as Lambert looked to try and steady the promotion/relegation/promotion team from East Anglia.
League Table Prediction (20-11) 1 of 2
Now that the transfer window has slammed shut now until January I have had time to analyse the teams as they stand right now. With that in mind here are my predictions for the final Premiership Table:
20) Swansea:
Financially secure but certainly not wealthy. Their outstanding buy is Goalkeeper Michel Vorm who has already produced numerous saves against Manchester City in the opening game. Despite bowing straight back out of the EPL they will always be the first Welsh team in the Premier League.
19) Norwich:
It is a miracle, considering where they were a couple of seasons back, that the East Anglian side are competing in the Premier League. The last team to do the back to back promotions into the Premier League were, of course, Manchester City. They, like Norwich, went back after one season. The club are holding more funds back for January and will spend according to where they are. This may be to little too late.
18) Newcastle:
Last of the relegation sides. My main reason for selecting these over the teams above them is the fact they have let their best players walk out of the club without really replacing them.
17) West Brom:
Barely surviving this season but I expect them, if Hodgson remains at the helm, the club to go from strength to strength. Already their signings have been quality, Shane Long up front and Ben Foster between the sticks.
16) QPR:
Neil Warnock, Joey Barton and SWP are the reason I have these guys surviving. Certainly a few days back it was looking bleak for the guys from London. There have been murmurings of a Beckham arrival. I really hope that isn't the case. He would be more of a distraction I feel and upset the balance.
15) Fulham:
Not had the best of starts and Martin Jol has a tough task getting Fulham back to the highs of the Hodgson era. However they are a team of fighters and the Premiership always throws up a surprise or two.
14) Blackburn:
Fans want the manager out. Steve Keen has not had the best of starts and combined with the tail end of last season he has not had a good career to date. However he has signed Scott Dann and Yakubu in the window and if the Blackburn support can keep faith with him just a few more games I think he can do a decent job.
13) Everton:
Oh Lordy! Where do we start here? I would have them lower but they do still have a lot of talent despite losing Arteta. Moyes will celebrate his tenth year in charge of Everton in February but celebrate may not be the word unless investors can come in and get the current board out.
12) Sunderland:
I look for this to be Steve Bruce's last season as Black Cat manager. He has spent a ton of money on a ton of players but this is the Premiership and they will need to gel quickly. Results have not been good so far. Besides the opening day draw with Liverpool they have lost the derby with Newcastle and failed to score against newly promoted Swansea.
11) Wigan:
Boss Roberto Martinez has strengthened his squad across the board but I stll feel this will be a tough season for the Lactics. Van Aanholt could work out to be a good loan deal while Shaun Malony from Celtic could prove to be the deal of the season at only 1million.
That concludes the bottom half of the season. Visit back tomorrow to see which clubs get into Europe and who wins it all!
20) Swansea:
Financially secure but certainly not wealthy. Their outstanding buy is Goalkeeper Michel Vorm who has already produced numerous saves against Manchester City in the opening game. Despite bowing straight back out of the EPL they will always be the first Welsh team in the Premier League.
19) Norwich:
It is a miracle, considering where they were a couple of seasons back, that the East Anglian side are competing in the Premier League. The last team to do the back to back promotions into the Premier League were, of course, Manchester City. They, like Norwich, went back after one season. The club are holding more funds back for January and will spend according to where they are. This may be to little too late.
18) Newcastle:
Last of the relegation sides. My main reason for selecting these over the teams above them is the fact they have let their best players walk out of the club without really replacing them.
17) West Brom:
Barely surviving this season but I expect them, if Hodgson remains at the helm, the club to go from strength to strength. Already their signings have been quality, Shane Long up front and Ben Foster between the sticks.
16) QPR:
Neil Warnock, Joey Barton and SWP are the reason I have these guys surviving. Certainly a few days back it was looking bleak for the guys from London. There have been murmurings of a Beckham arrival. I really hope that isn't the case. He would be more of a distraction I feel and upset the balance.
15) Fulham:
Not had the best of starts and Martin Jol has a tough task getting Fulham back to the highs of the Hodgson era. However they are a team of fighters and the Premiership always throws up a surprise or two.
14) Blackburn:
Fans want the manager out. Steve Keen has not had the best of starts and combined with the tail end of last season he has not had a good career to date. However he has signed Scott Dann and Yakubu in the window and if the Blackburn support can keep faith with him just a few more games I think he can do a decent job.
13) Everton:
Oh Lordy! Where do we start here? I would have them lower but they do still have a lot of talent despite losing Arteta. Moyes will celebrate his tenth year in charge of Everton in February but celebrate may not be the word unless investors can come in and get the current board out.
12) Sunderland:
I look for this to be Steve Bruce's last season as Black Cat manager. He has spent a ton of money on a ton of players but this is the Premiership and they will need to gel quickly. Results have not been good so far. Besides the opening day draw with Liverpool they have lost the derby with Newcastle and failed to score against newly promoted Swansea.
11) Wigan:
Boss Roberto Martinez has strengthened his squad across the board but I stll feel this will be a tough season for the Lactics. Van Aanholt could work out to be a good loan deal while Shaun Malony from Celtic could prove to be the deal of the season at only 1million.
That concludes the bottom half of the season. Visit back tomorrow to see which clubs get into Europe and who wins it all!
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