The mega-rich Blues News

2011-08-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

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Milner aiming to be middle man

2010-08-21T03:45:00.000-07:00

James Milner is eyeing a place at the heart of City's midfield as he prepares to chase his dream of a Premier League winner's medal following his move from Aston Villa.

Manager Roberto Mancini pinpointed the England player's versatility as a key factor in his pursuit of Milner following the summer arrivals of Jerome Boateng, Yaya Toure, Aleksandar Kolarov, David Silva and Mario Bolatelli.

But 24-year-old James is warning his former Villa team-mate Gareth Barry and City's other top linkmen that he aims to play a central role when his Blues career kicks off against visitors Liverpool on Monday night.

Milner, who switched from the flank to the middle with notable success at Villa, said: "Wherever the manager wants me to play, I'll do it to the best of my ability.

"But I enjoy playing in the middle - that's probably my best position and where I've shown by best form over the past 18 months. I've been most creative and scored goals from there and I've enjoyed it immensely.

"I think that's where the boss has signed me to play, but if he asks me to play anywhere else I'll do what is best for the team.

As long as we're winning football matches, that's all that counts

Not that he is taking a starting place for granted: "You need competition at any successful club, because if players are comfortable whether they play well or not then performances are going to slip.

"You need players pushing each other every day to step out on that pitch, and if you know you are going to be replaced if you don't perform, then that's healthy for the team."

James, who links up with another former Villa pal in goalkeeper Stuart Taylor, received a rousing weekend farewell from Villa fans and expects Stephen Ireland, whose No.7 shirt he inherits, to go down a storm there.

He said: "I enjoyed every second there and the fans were brilliant to me. Stephen's a good player who gives his all and was loved by the fans here with good reason. Hopefully I can show them what I'm all about."

Watch Manchester City Live Broadcast !!

2010-08-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

Watch Manchester City Live

http://live.mcfc.co.uk/

Manchester City Thailand Fans Club Website

2010-08-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

Manchester City Fans Club website in Thailand
ชมรมกองเชียร์ฟุตบอลแมนเชสเตอร์ซิตี้

All Events And News From The Club
กิจกรรมและข่าวสารความเคลื่อนไหว จากชมรมกองเชียร์ฟุตบอลแมนเชสเตอร์ซิตี้

เว็บไซต์ website : http://mcfc.in.th/

สมาชิก Members : 4,590

If you are Citizens Fans Go for it and sign up to get news and talks with all citizens fans !!

เรียนเชิญเลยนะครับ ถ้าท่านเป็น แฟนเรือใบสีฟ้า อย่ารอช้า สมัครเลยคร๊าบ !!

Redshaw leaves Man City for Rochdale deal

2010-06-11T04:07:00.000-07:00

Released Manchester City youngster Jack Redshaw is close to finding a new club. Redshaw was cut loose by City this week. The Daily Mail says the former City striker is on the brink of signing with Rochdale.

credit : http://www.tribalfootball.com/

Man City keeper Given: How can I watch France? - Manchester City

2010-06-11T04:01:00.000-07:00

Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given admits he will struggle to watch the World Cup this month.

France beat Ireland 2-1 on aggregate in their World Cup play-off in November thanks to Thierry Henry's blatant cheating.

Irish keeper Given, 34, said: "His handball still hurts. Living in England I'm going to be hearing about it all the time, which is annoying, but we've got to get on and focus on qualifying for Euro 2012."

credit : http://www.tribalfootball.com/

Book your Father's Day lunch now

2010-06-11T03:59:00.000-07:00

Finding it hard to come up with something different for dear old dad on June 20?

Why not treat him to a Father's Day he'll remember with a special Sunday lunch served in the unique surroundings of the City of Manchester Stadium ... and if you must get socks, make sure they're blue!

Cost will be £26.50 per person inclusive of VAT, £13.25 per child under 12 years, children under 2 years eat free.

Fancy a tour around the Stadium before or after lunch? The price is £6.00 per adult and £4.00 per junior/concession. A family ticket can be purchased for £18.00, covering two adults and up to three juniors/concessions. Please note children under five free.

Tour timings are 11am and 2.30pm. All tours will leave from the Tour Centre, situated above the Club Shop, and guests will be dropped off at West Reception after the tour.

For more information or if you would like to book, please contact the Conference & Events team on 0870 062 4141 option 3 or email conference@mcfc.co.uk

credit : www.mcfc.co.uk

Tevez must play, admits coach Maradona

2010-06-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

Diego Maradona has told Argentina striker Carlos Tevez to stop worrying about his World Cup place and admitted that the Blues hero HAS to start in South Africa.

Anxious Carlos has been sticking to a strict fruit diet and even hired a personal trainer because he feared for his starting place in unpredictable coach Maradona's plans.

But Maradona has revealed he is ready to accomodate Tevez, City's Player of the Year after a goal-spangled season, in a three-man "trident" attack against Nigeria tomorrow.

Argentina's Hand of God icon confirmed Lionel Messi's fitness but reassured Tevez: "Carlitos cannot be left out of the team. He is an idol of the people, more than me and Lionel Messi."

Elsewhere, City enforcer Nigel de Jong believes he has cemented a strong partnership with Mark van Bommel at the heart of Holland's midfield as the Dutch prepare to face Denmark on Monday afternoon.

De Jong said: "Since Mark has returned, we have a connection. Such co-operation is good and he knows my qualities. If he's away, I can do his job, when I'm away, he can do mine. That confidence feels good.

"It's good having a defensive block on the midfield. We're playing for the good of the team. I don't have any trouble with that. I'd rather stop a good attack than score a nice goal.

"We let our team-mates at the front show us how much quality they possess. As a midfielder, I'm really enjoying their style."

credit : www.mcfc.co.uk

Check this out !

2010-06-11T03:42:00.000-07:00

just met up with moonchester in john lewis on way home after moving out from uni

Pateince a virtue for Toure

2010-04-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

Kolo Toure thinks City may need to bide their time in trying to break Burnley down when the two sides meet at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The Clarets are battling to avoid having just a single season in the Barclays Premier League, but they did initially have one of the better home records, which included a famous win over Manchester United.

Much has changed since then, and City will be on the hunt for vital points in the race for a place in the Champions League, but for the skipper patience will be needed on Saturday evening.

"All the games are going to be really tough at this stage of the season," he says. "Burnley are fighting for their lives and they are going to give everything. We saw that with Wigan on Monday.

"We will have to be patient again, if we keep hold of the ball we can tire teams out when they are desperate to do well.
Once a team begins to get tired, that's
when we can hurt them. We did that
against Wigan, and I think that might
be the way we play against Burnley as
well.

...Kolo Toure

Carlos Tevez's hat trick last Monday took the Argentinean to 25 goals for the season, and Kolo is pleased that he only has to train and play alongside someone in such inspired form.

"Carlos is a top striker and he's playing incredibly well at the moment," he continues. "He's scoring some really important goals for us, I'm just glad he's on my side and that I don't have to play against him!

"Compared to when he was at United, with all the good players they had, here at City he's our main striker although we have some really great players to go along with him as well. He's really improved this season, and we're getting the benefit of that."
credits www.mcfc.co.uk

Squad sheets: Burnley v Manchester City

2010-04-03T01:42:00.000-07:00

Under Brian Laws, Burnley's form is abysmal – one win in 13 – but subterranean morale ought to be lifted by the return of captain Steven Caldwell, back after four months out. Manchester City have been consistent only in their inconsistency of late, losing to Hull and Stoke, then winning at Chelsea; losing their unbeaten home record to Everton, then thumping Wigan on Monday, with a Tevez hat-trick. Roberto Mancini, whose job depends on winning the race for fourth place, was hoping to recall Stephen Ireland, but he is not quite ready, and Pablo Zabaleta starts a two-match ban. Joe Lovejoy

Venue Turf Moor, Saturday 3pm

Tickets £28-35 (0871 221 1914)

Last season n/a

Referee A Wiley

This season's matches 23 Y75, R5, 3.48 cards per game

Odds Burnley 9-2 Manchester City 3-4 Draw 3-1

Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic
Burnley

Subs from Penny, Weaver, Kalvenes, Duff, Gudjonsson, Elliott, Cort, Blake, Bikey, Jordan, Thompson, Cork

Doubtful Jordan (knee)

Injured McCann (knee, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide LLLDLL

Disciplinary record Y51 R2

Leading scorer S Fletcher 7
Manchester City

Subs from Taylor, Petrov, Vieira, Onuoha, Boyata, Bellamy, Sylvinho, Ibrahim, Santa Cruz

Doubtful Petrov (knee)

Injured Ireland (ankle, 11 Apr), Bridge (groin, 24 Apr), Lescott (hamstring, May), M Johnson (knee, Aug)

Suspended Zabaleta (first of two)

Form guide WLWDWD

Disciplinary record Y47 R2

Leading scorer Tevez 19
Match pointers

• There have been 30 goals scored in the last six meetings between these sides in all competitions, 24 of them by Manchester City

• Burnley are the only side in the Premier League not to have scored a goal from a corner in 2009-10

• City are the only side this season not to have lost a game after scoring the first goal

• Burnley have attempted fewer tackles (569) than any other team in the top flight

• Carlos Tevez has scored as many league goals for City this campaign as he did for Manchester United in the previous two combined
credits www.guardian.co.uk

Roberto Mancini claims he is 'ready to go back' to Italy

2010-04-03T01:37:00.000-07:00

Roberto Mancini joined Manchester City as manager last December. Photograph: Tim Hales/AP

Roberto Mancini has added to the uncertainty surrounding his long-term future as manager of Manchester City by claiming he is 'ready to go back' to Italy and hinting that he would be interested in taking over at Juventus. Mancini, who replaced Mark Hughes at City in December, has a clause in his three-and-a-half-year contract that would allow him to walk away from Eastlands in the summer.

It is widely believed that he would be fired by the club anyway, should they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season. The 45-year-old could, however, be preparing to walk before he is pushed. In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Nazione, he said: "I'm ready to go back [to Italy], if and when there will be a possibility. How near I am to a return to Italy I don't know. Football is strange. It was probably right for me to broaden my horizons but I will return sooner or later."

Mancini could return to his former club Internazionale with it becoming increasingly likely that José Mourinho, Mancini's successor at the Serie A club, will return to the Premier League next season. However, the former Sampdoria and Lazio playmaker has strongly indicated that he would like to join Juventus, who are currently managed by Alberto Zaccheroni but are expected to make a new appointment in the summer, with Rafael Benítez though to be among their leading candidates.

"Juve is always Juve," added Mancini. "They are going through a difficult period right now but we are talking about a club with history and prestige."
credits www.guardian.co.uk

Happy Birthday Pi Mean

2010-03-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

2009-12-22T20:03:00.001-08:00

2009-12-22T19:52:00.001-08:00

Aston Villa vs Manchester City 1:1 FULL MATCH[เต็มแมตซ์]

2009-10-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

Watch More Football Videos at MySoccerPlace.net

เบลลามี่ยิงช่วยซินี้บุกแต้มวิลล่า

2009-10-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

"เรือใบสีฟ้า" แมนฯ ซิตี้ บุกไปเสมอกับ "สิงห์ผยอง" แอสตัน วิลล่า 1-1 ในเกมพรีเมียร์ลีก นัด มันเดย์ ไนท์

ฟุตบอลพรีเมียร์ลีก

วันจันทร์ที่ 5 ต.ค.52

แอสตัน วิลล่า 1 - แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้ 1

เกมมันเดย์ ไนท์ที่วิลล่า พาร์ค แอสตัน วิลล่าได้สตีฟ ซิดเวลล์กองกลางที่เดี้ยงไปสองนัดกลับมาลงสนามเสียบแทนฟาเบียน เดลฟ์ซึ่งหล่นไปนั่งข้างสนามเป็นการปรับทัพแค่รายเดียวจากนัดก่อนที่บุกไป พ่ายแบล็คเบิร์น 2-1

ส่วนแมนฯ ซิตี้ก็มีหัวหอกเอ็มมานูเอล อเดบายอร์พ้นโทษแบนสามนัดลงเล่นเป็นการเปลี่ยนขุมกำลังจุดเดียวเช่นกันจาก นัดขยี้เวสต์แฮมในรัง 3-1

เกมเริ่มต้นโดยแมนฯ ซิตี้เขี่ยบอลก่อนต่อหน้าฟาบิโอ คาเปลโล่กุนซือทีมชาติอังกฤษซึ่งเข้ามาดูเกมอีกตามเคย และแค่สองนาทีเจ้าบ้านก็เกือบนำตั้งแต่ไก่โห่จากลูกเตะมุมด้านซ้ายที่กาเบรี ยล อั๊กบอนลาฮอร์เข้าชาร์จเผาขนที่เสาแรก แต่ถูกเชย์ กิฟเว่นทิ้งตัวใช้ขาสกัดทิ้งบนเส้นประตู

ผ่านมาในนาทีที่ 11 แอชลีย์ ยังปีกตัวจี๊ดของวิลล่าก็จ่ายบอลจากกราบซ้ายมาหน้าเขตโทษให้กัปตันทีมสติลิ ยัน เปตรอฟวิ่งเข้ากดลูกเรียดระยะ 25 หลาลอดหว่างขาโจลีออน เลสค็อตต์ แต่บอลเฉี่ยวกรอบประตูไป

จากนั้นอีกสามนาที แมนฯ ซิตี้ก็มีเสียวเมื่อเวย์น บริดจ์พาบอลลุยขึ้นมาแล้วแทงต่อให้เคร็ก เบลามี่ทะลุไปตบบอลจากสุดเส้นหลังฝั่งซ้ายมาเสาแรก แต่อเดบายอร์เข้าหาบอลช้าไปแค่เสี้ยววินาทีเลยถูกแบร็ด ฟรีเดลขยับออกมาปัดทิ้งจากเท้าได้ก่อน

และในที่สุด นาทีที่ 15 ก็เป็นแอสตัน วิลล่าที่ได้ไชโยจากลูกเตะมุมด้านขวาซึ่งริชาร์ด ดันน์อดีตกัปตันทีมเรือใบโดดโขกที่เสาไกลระยะหกหลาย้อนศรเข้าตุงตาข่ายโดยแก เร็ธ แบร์รี่อดีตมิดฟิลด์วิลล่าขึ้นประกบสู้ไม่ได้ เจ้าบ้านจึงออกนำ 1-0 แต่ดันน์พยายามข่มใจไม่ฉลองการพังประตูทีมเก่าแม้จะเช็กบิลให้สิงห์ผยองได้ เป็นลูกแรกนับตั้งแต่ย้ายมา

แมนฯ ซิตี้ยังทำอะไรเจ้าบ้านไม่ถนัด แต่นาทีที่ 25 ฌอน ไรท์ ฟิลลิปส์ลุยขึ้นทางฝั่งขวาได้น่ากลัว ทำให้เปตรอฟต้องปรี่เข้ารวบล้มและรับใบเหลืองเป็นคนแรกของเกม

ถัดจากนั้นอีกนาทีเดียว เจ้าบุญทุ่มก็หวิดทวงคืนได้เมื่อดันน์เคลียร์ลูกโด่งไปเข้าทางให้คาร์ลอส เตเวซตั้งป้อมตะบันจากหน้าเขตโทษสวนเข้ามาแฉลบจังหวะจิ้มตามน้ำของอเดบายอร์ ที่ยืนอยู่หน้าปากประตู แต่บอลลอยไปเข้าอกฟรีเดลพอดี

กระทั่งนาทีที่ 35 ไนเจล เด ยองก์ก็เข้าสอยแอชลีย์ ยังเต็มแรงจึงโดนจดชื่อตามระเบียบ

ท้ายครึ่งแรกเป็นทีมเยือนที่สร้างปัญหาให้กับวิลล่าได้มากกว่า และนาทีที่ 41 จากลูกเตะมุมด้านขวาของแบร์รี่ซึ่งถูกแฟนเก่ารุมโห่ใส่ตลอดทั้งเกมก็ลอยไป ให้อเดบายอร์โดดโขกจากระยะหกหลา ทว่าฟรีเดลปัดพ้นคานได้ ครบ 45 นาทีสิงห์ผยองจึงนำหน้า 1-0

เปิดครึ่งหลังมาแค่นาทีที่ 49 วิลล่า ได้ลุ้นทันทีจากจังหวะเตะมุมต่อเนื่องบอลตกมาถึงเท้า เจมส์ มิลเนอร์ บริเวณเยื้องเขตโทษด้านขวา แล้วสับไกเต็มเท้าขวาส่งบอลพุ่งเฉี่ยวเสาไกลนิดเดียวเท่านั้น พอเห็นท่าไม่ดี มาร์ค ฮิวจ์ส กุนซือแมนฯ ซิตี้ เลยรีบปรับแผนส่ง สตีเฟ่น ไอร์แลนด์ มาเพิ่มมิติเกมรุกแทนที่ ไนเจล เดอ ยองก์

แต่รูปเกมของเรือใบสีฟ้ายังคงไม่ดีขึ้น ซ้ำร้ายยังเกือบโดนซัดอีกลูกจาก ริชาร์ด ดันน์ เจ้าเก่า ที่ขวิดลูกเตะมุมถากเสาไปแค่ไม่กี่คืบเท่านั้น ถึงนาทีที่ 67 แมนฯ ซิตี้ ก็มาได้ประตูตีเสมอ 1-1 จากจังหวะโต้กลับ อเดบายอร์ หลุดกับดักล้ำหน้าเข้าเขตโทษแล้วป้ายต่อให้ เคร็ก เบลลามี่ ตวัดยิงด้วยขวาส่งบอลลอยเข้าประตูไป หลังจากนั้น ทีมเยือนเดินเครื่องบุกหนักเพื่อแซงนำ แต่ก็ทำอะไรเพิ่มไม่ได้ จบเกมเสมอ 1-1 แบ่งกันไปทีมละแต้ม

รายชื่อผู้เล่นของทั้งสองทีม
แอสตัน วิลล่า : แบร๊ด ฟรีเดล - การ์ลอส กูเอย่าร์, ริชาร์ด ดันน์, เจมส์ คอลลินส์, สตีเฟ่น วอร์น็อค - เจมส์ มิลเนอร์, สติลิยัน เปตรอฟ, สตีฟ ซิดเวลล์, แอชลี่ย์ ยัง - กาเบรียล อั๊กบอนลาฮอร์, ยอห์น คาริว
สำรอง: แบร๊ด กูซาน (ผู้รักษาประตู) - ฟาเบียน เดลฟ์, เอมิล เฮสกี้, ไนเจล รีโอ-โคเกอร์, นิคกี้ ชอรี่ย์, ฮาบิบ เบย์, เคร็ก การ์ดเนอร์

แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้: เชย์ กิฟเว่น - ปาโบล ซาบาเลต้า, โจลีออน เลสค็อตต์, โคโล่ ตูเร่, เวย์น บริดจ์ - ไนเจล เดอ ยอง, แกเร็ธ แบร์รี่, ฌอน ไรท์-ฟิลลิปส์ - คาร์ลอส เตเวซ, เอ็มมานูเอล อเดบายอร์, เคร็ก เบลลามี่
สำรอง: สจ๊วร์ต เทย์เลอร์ (ผู้รักษาประตู) - ไมก้าห์ ริชาร์ดส์, ซิลวินโญ่, สตีเฟ่น ไอร์แลนด์, ไมเคิล จอห์นสัน, มาร์ติน เปตรอฟ, โรเก้ ซานตา ครูซ

ผู้ตัดสิน : ไมค์ ดีน

Manchester City Boss Mark Hughes Speaks Out In Defence Of Craig Bellamy

2009-09-21T01:56:00.000-07:00

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has spoken out on defence of under-fire striker Craig Bellamy, who was involved in an on-pitch bust-up with a Manchester United supporter.

The Welsh striker scored two goals in City's resilient 4-3 loss to their cross-town neighbors, but after the game it is reported that a pitch invader attempted to confront Bellamy and proked a retaliation from the former Liverpool player.

Hughes told Sky Sports: "I did not see it but the guy should not have been on the pitch. That is not acceptable.

"I seem to recall Brian Clough clipping someone around the ear and he was lauded as a national hero. Maybe it will be the same case with Craig but I doubt it.

"I'm sure people will make a nuisance about it."

Hughes also confirmed substitute Javier Garrido was struck by a missile propelled from the Old Trafford crowd.

Asked whether he had been struck, Hughes said: "Apparently so. Something came from the crowd but he is okay."

ปูด!เรือใบเพิ่ค่าตัวเลสค็อตต์พันล้าน

2009-07-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

สื่อ อังกฤษประโคมข่าว แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้ จัดการเพิ่มข้อเสนอขอซื้อตัว โจลีออน เลสค็อตต์ กองหลังจอมแกร่ง ขึ้นเป็น 1,064 ล้านบาทแล้ว เพื่อหวังให้ เอฟเวอร์ตัน ใจอ่อน ยอมปล่อยตัวนักเตะย้ายมาสวมชุด "เรือใบสีฟ้า"

"สกายสปอร์ตส์ นิวส์" สื่อดังเมืองผู้ดี ตีข่าว แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้ สโมสรมหาเศรษฐีแห่งศึกพรีเมียร์ลีก ตัดสินใจเพิ่มข้อเสนอขอซื้อตัว โจลีออน เลสค็อตต์ ปราการหลังทีมชาติอังกฤษ "ทอฟฟี่สีน้ำเงิน" เอฟเวอร์ตัน ขึ้นเป็น 19 ล้านปอนด์ (ราว 1,064 ล้านบาท) แล้ว

ช่วงที่ผ่านมา เลสค็อตต์ ตกเป็นข่าวเตรียมย้ายจาก เอฟเวอร์ตัน มาเล่นในถิ่น ซิตี้ ออฟ แมนเชสเตอร์ มาตลอด แต่ค่าตัว 15 ล้านปอนด์ (ราว 840 ล้านบาท) ที่ แมนฯ ซิตี้ ยื่นไปครั้งแรกถูกปฏิเสธไปเรียบร้อยแล้ว อย่างไรก็ตาม ยอดทีมแห่งอีสต์แลนด์ส ยังคงอยากได้ตัวกองหลังวัย 26 ปี มาเสริมแกร่ง ทำให้พวกเขาตัดสินใจเพิ่มข้อเสนอเป็น 19 ล้านปอนด์ ดังกล่าว

ก่อนหน้านี้ "เรือใบสีฟ้า" ซึ่งพลาดได้ตัว จอห์น เทอร์รี่ กัปตันทีม เชลซี มาร่วมทีม เพิ่งจะเซ็นสัญญากับ โคโล่ ตูเร่ กองหลังทีมชาติไอวอรี่ โคสต์ มาร่วมทีม เมื่อวันพุธที่ผ่านมา โดยในช่วงซัมเมอร์นี้ มาร์ค ฮิวจ์ส กุนซือชาวเวลส์ ทุ่มเงินซื้อนักเตะไปแล้วหลายราย ได้แก่ แกเร็ธ แบร์รี่, สจ๊วร์ต เทย์เลอร์, โรเก้ ซานตา ครูซ, คาร์ลอส เตเวซ และ เอ็มมานูเอล อเดบายอร์

ตูเร่ยันความท้าทายมิใช่เงินพาซบเรือ

2009-07-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

โคโล่ ตูเร่ ปราการหลังตัวใหม่ของ "เรือใบสีฟ้า" แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้ รับเป็นเรื่องยากที่ต้องย้ายออกจาก อาร์เซน่อล เพราะเป็นสโมสรที่ผูกพันมานานถึง 8 ปี แต่ด้วยอายุที่มากขึ้นทำให้อยากที่จะออกไปหาความท้าทายใหม่

โคโล่ ตูเร่ เซนเตอร์ฮาล์ฟตัวใหม่ของ แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้ สโมสรมหาเศรษฐีแห่งศึกพรีเมียร์ลีก ยอมรับรู้สึกลำบากใจมากที่ต้องตัดสินใจย้ายหนี "ไอ้ปืนใหญ่" อาร์เซน่อล และไม่ใช่เพราะเงิน แต่ตอนนี้ขอตั้งเป้าทำผลงานให้ดีที่สุดสำหรับความท้าทายใหม่กับทัพ "เรือใบสีฟ้า" ในฤดูกาลหน้า

ดาวเตะทีมชาติไอวอรี่ โคสต์ กล่าวว่า "มันเป็นเรื่องยากลำบากเสมอที่ย้ายออกจากสถานที่ที่คุณใช้เวลาตลอด 8 ปีที่ผ่านมา และมีช่วงเวลาที่ดีเยี่ยม แต่ผมรู้สึกว่ามันถึงเวลาที่เหมาะสมสำหรับความท้าทายใหม่ และตอนนี้ผมอายุ 28 ปีซึ่งผมรู้สึกว่าผมอยู่ในช่วงจุดสุดยอด และจะทำผลงานได้อย่างยอดเยี่ยม"

"สำหรับผมเรื่องเงินไม่ใช่ปัจจัยสำคัญแต่ผมคิดว่ามันถึงเวลาที่จะ ต้องย้ายทีม และต้องเป็นสโมสรที่เหมาะสม ซึ่งผมรู้สึกว่า แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้ คือสโมสรนั้น เห็นได้ชัดว่าที่นี่เต็มไปด้วยความทะเยอทะยานและเป็นทีมใหญ่ ทุกคนรู้ว่าสโมสรแห่งนี้มีการพัฒนาอย่างต่อเนื่อง ซึ่งเป็นสิ่งที่สำคัญจริงๆ"

"ผมยังอยากที่จะประสบความสำเร็จ และผมรู้สึกว่าผมสามารถที่จะคว้าแชมป์กับ ซิตี้ ได้ นั่นเป็นสิ่งที่ผมจะพยายามอย่างเต็มที่ มันไม่ใช่แค่เรื่องคุณภาพในสนามแต่มันเป็นเรื่องการผสมผสานในความเป็นทีม และด้วยประสบการณ์ของผม ผมคิดว่าผมสามารถช่วย ซิตี้ ทำแบบนั้นได้" ดาวเตะวัย 28 ปี ระบุ

Kolo join blues

2009-07-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

Manchester City are delighted to announce that Kolo Toure has joined from Arsenal.

The central defender who spent seven years with the Gunners has signed a four-year contract and becomes the sixth summer signing.

He passed a medical late this afternoon, headed straight to the Blues headquarters to finalise paper work and then spoke exclusively to mcfc.co.uk.

“It is always difficult to leave a place where you have spent the last eight years and had good times but I felt the time was right for a new challenge and I am still at an age, 28, where I feel I am at my peak and will play my best football," revealed the former Arsenal central defender.

“For me it was time to move but only for the right club and I feel that Manchester City is that club. The ambition here is clear to see and is big. Everyone knows this club is moving and that is really, really important.

“I still want to achieve things and I feel as though I can bring something to City and that is what I will be striving to do. It is not just about quality on the pitch it is about blending as a team and with my experience I think I can help City do just that.”

Boss Mark Hughes who added Kolo to other new faces in England midfielder Gareth Barry, strikers Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Roque Santa Cruz and goalkeeper Stuart Taylor believes that the Ivory Coast star will be a huge influence in the dressing room and on the pitch.

"I am delighted to welcome Kolo to Manchester City. It is no secret that we have been looking to strengthen our defence, and in Kolo I feel we have recruited a world class player. He brings a wealth of Premier League experience from his seven seasons with Arsenal,” he declared.

“Kolo has been a central figure in a very strong Arsenal team for many years, and I have been an admirer of him for a long time. He is strong, quick, reads the game well and will be an influential figure in the dressing room.”

เรือพลาดเทอร์รี หันซิวตูเร ขึ้นค่าเเรง2เท่า

2009-07-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

"เรือใบสีฟ้า"แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้ ยังไม่หยุดช็อปหลังมีรายงานว่าตกลงคว้าตัว โคโล ตูเร มากจากอาร์เซนอล ด้วยค่าตัว 15 ล้านปอนด์ พร้อมค่าเหนื่อย 120,000 ปอนด์ต่อสัปดาห์...

วันนี้ (28 ก.ค.) สำนักข่าวต่างประเทศรายงาน โคโล ตูเร ปราการหลังทีมชาติไอวีรีโคสต์ ของ "ปืนใหญ่" อาร์เซนอล อาจจะกลายเป็นสมาชิกใหม่ของ "เรือใบเศรษฐี" แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้ อีก 1 ราย หลังมีรายงานว่า ทั้ง 2 สโมสรตกลงค่าตัวกันที่ 15 ล้านปอนด์เป็นที่เรียบร้อยแล้ว

ก่อนหน้า นี้ ทีมเรือใบสีฟ้า ต้องการคว้าตัว จอห์น เทอร์รี ปราการหลังกัปตันทีมสิงห์บลู เชลซี มาร่วมทีม แต่ทาง เทอร์รี ได้ออกมาประกาศเเล้วว่าเขาต้องการที่จะปักหลักอยู่ในถิ่นสแตมฟอร์ด บริดจ์ ต่อไป ทำให้ มาร์ค ฮิวจ์ส กุนซือทีมเรือใบ เบนเป้าหันไปหา โคโล ตูเร แทน

มี รายงานว่า ล่าสุดทางตูเร ได้ตกลงสัญญาส่วนตัวเกี่ยวกับการย้ายทีมครั้งนี้เป็นที่เรียบร้อยแล้ว โดยจะรับค่าเหนื่อยอยู่ที่ 120,000 ปอนด์ต่อสัปดาห์ ซึ่งจะมากกว่าเดิมที่เขารับกับอาร์เซนอลถึง 2 เท่า

ยังมีรายงานอีก ว่า ทีมแมนฯซิตี้ ก็กำลังให้ความสนใจที่จะคว้าตัว โจลีออส เลสค็อตต์ ปราการหลังของ "ทอฟฟี่สีน้ำเงิน"เอฟเวอร์ตัน รวมถึง แมทธิว อัพสัน เซ็นเตอร์ฮาล์ฟ ของเวสต์แฮม ยูไนเต็ด มาร่วมทีม เพื่อช่วยอุดแนวรับที่เป็นจุดอ่อนของทีม
ที่มาข่าวจาก ไทยรัฐ

Manchester City & Arsenal Strike £15m Deal For Kolo Toure - Report

2009-07-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

They may have missed out on one London-based defender, but the Citizens are set to sign up another...
According to The Daily Mail, Manchester City have struck a £15 million deal with Arsenal for Kolo Toure.

The Sky Blues had been chasing John Terry, but the England captain announced earlier this week that he would remain at Chelsea.

Thus, Mark Hughes has moved swiftly for Toure, whose place at Ashburton Grove has been in doubt ever since his well-documented spat with William Gallas last season.

The arrival of Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax has only raised further questions about the Ivorian stopper's long-term prospects in London, and now it seems a move to Eastlands is all but sealed.

It is understood that Toure has already agreed personal terms with City, and that he will earn in the vicinity of £120,000 per week - twice what he has been raking in at the Emirates.

The Citizens, who are still chasing Everton's Joleon Lescott and West Ham United's Matthew Upson, are expected to officially present the 28-year-old later this week.

Mike Maguire, Goal.com

‘Big Possibility’ John Terry Will Join Manchester City - Adebayor

2009-07-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

The striker is hopeful that JT could follow in his footsteps and swap London for Manchester...
Manchester City’s latest recruit Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed that he feels there is a big chance that Chelsea captain John Terry could be lured to Eastlands.

The Citizens have been linked with a move for the England captain for most of the summer and with Terry yet to reveal his feelings on his future, speculation continues to mount.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Adebayor admitted he was hopeful that his new club could capture the centre-back and insisted that anything was now possible.

“I think there is a big possibility John will join us,” said the striker.

”People didn't believe six months ago that Carlos Tevez, or myself, would be playing here.

“We have come to Manchester City to be the big team. Why shouldn't John be persuaded to come here, too?”

Terry is currently with Chelsea on their pre-season tour of the United States and captained his side to victory in their latest fixture, a 2-1 win over Carlo Ancelotti’s former side AC Milan.

Gill Clark, Goal.com

Manchester City Are A Small Club – Sir Alex Ferguson

2009-07-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

The United boss has continued his assault on his neighbours by insisting that they operate in the giant shadow of his club...
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has issued a withering assessment of Manchester City, branding them “a small club”.

The Citizens have enjoyed a headline-making summer, spending big on the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry, whilst also tempting Carlos Tevez away from United.

The Sky Blues also appear to have angered the United boss with a poster featuring Carlos Tevez, which appears with the slogan ‘Welcome to Manchester’.

However, Sir Alex has now responded to City’s actions and, speaking to the BBC, he has let his true feelings be known.

“It's City isn't it? They're a small club with a small mentality,” he said.

“All they can talk about is Manchester United; they can't get away from it.

"They think taking Carlos Tevez away from Manchester United is a triumph. It is poor stuff,” stated the clearly irritated Reds boss.

Sir Alex, who also revealed he was offered Emmanuel Adebayor before he moved to City, insisted he knew exactly why players were moving to Eastlands.

"When someone offers you that kind of money, it is a big attraction," he added.

“That is the reason they have gone there.”

Wine buff Ferguson has rarely been so fractious, but nobody said anything about sour grapes.

Gill Clark, Goal.com

Manchester City Will Be Champions For Sure – Jose Mourinho

2009-07-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

The Special One believes the title is heading to Eastlands…
Jose Mourinho reckons that Manchester City’s new signings will see them win the Premier League next season.

The Citizens have bagged a series of top names this summer including Roque Santa Cruz, Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Gareth Barry.

They are also still believed to be chasing Chelsea captain John Terry, and speaking about the Sky Blues, Mourinho insisted their strike force could see them clinch the title.

“Adebayor up front with Carlos Tevez – unbelievable,” he told the News of the World.

“And they have Roque Santa Cruz and Robinho too. What a strike force! That's it, City are champions for sure.”

Mourinho, who guided Chelsea to two Premier League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge, also defended City’s big-spending tactics.

“It's not buying the title,” he insisted.

“You buy the players you think can do the job but you still need to prove you are the best - the best coach, the best team and that's tough and no amount of money can buy that.”

The Inter coach also refused to discuss the current speculation surrounding his former club, and Terry in particular, and insisted his heart was now in Milan.

“This is my club now - I love Inter,” he added, before insisting he had no interest in the Terry saga: “It is not my club so it is not my problem. I don't care.”

Gill Clark, Goal.com

John Terry: I Am Going To Stay At Chelsea

2009-07-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Blues skipper finally speaks on his future...
Chelsea captain John Terry has finally committed his future to the club after weeks of speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.

The Blues captain was the subject of several bids from City boss Mark Hughes, who stated his intent on signing the England captain.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has said in recent weeks that he is sure Terry will remain at Stamford Bridge, and now this has been backed up by the player himself.

The 28-year-old has revealed that there was never any doubt where his future would lie, and has said that any offer from City would have been rejected.

Speaking to Chelsea's official website, Terry released the following statement: "There has been a lot of speculation recently about my future and I want to clear this up once and for all. I am totally committed to Chelsea and always have been. Chelsea have also made it clear to me consistently that there was never any intention to accept any kind of offer.

"When you are linked with any club, or with a manager who I have huge respect for, it will always make headlines but me leaving Chelsea was never a possibility.

"I know there has been comment that I should have made a statement earlier. However, throughout this period there have been numerous discussions between myself, the owner and the Chelsea Board and we all agreed that the timing of any statement would suit everyone involved in those talks, not any outside influences or agendas.

"What is clear to me following those discussions is that Chelsea's ambition remains as high as ever.This has been further proved by the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti. I am certain that he will take this club on to the next level.

"Another important factor was knowing that Chelsea would be securing key current players for the long term. The strengthening of the squad around this core is crucial to pushing us onto greater success.

"I am as committed as ever to helping drive Chelsea forward and I will be proud to lead the team for as long as I can."
The news now means that City are likely to chase their other main defensive target Joleon Lescott, who is reportedly the subject of much interest from Hughes.

The Everton central defender is valued at £30 million, after the club rejected a £15 million bid from City for the England international.

Nick Turner, Goal.com

Manchester City Readying Triple Transfer Assault For John Terry, Kolo Toure, & Joleon Lescott

2009-07-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

A three-pronged transfer bid for Chelsea's Terry, Arsenal's Toure, and Everton's Lescott, could be on the cards...
Manchester City's intent to force their way into England's Champions League qualification spots appears to be gathering credence, according to a new report in The Times.

The respected broadsheet intimates that - by the end of August - the club will have scooped Chelsea and England captain John Terry, Ivorian international Kolo Toure, and Everton defender Joleon Lescott, in a deal expected to exceed £100 million.

The Times speculates that the hardest coup to complete will be landing the signature of highly-rated Terry, even though the player's continued silence indicates an apparent willingness to at least hold talks with the Premier League's latest fiscal superpower.

Toure, meanwhile, is deemed to be the likeliest of the three targets to sign terms first, as the Arsenal centre-back - a key cog in the club's "Invincibles" season - is perceived to have moved down the pecking order at N5, with Arsene Wenger's Belgian acquisition Thomas Vermaelen deemed the ideal partner for former captain William Gallas.

Everton manager David Moyes' pursuit of Hull City defender Michael Turner, meanwhile, is believed to be a sign that the determined Scot is willing to cash-in on Lescott.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com

* » Comments (167) * Print Story * Send to Friend * Contact Us * Bookmark Manchester City's Adebayor: Arsenal Needed The Mon

2009-07-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Togo international claims the Gunners wanted to get rid of him, and has hit out at the fans who criticised him during his time at The Emirates...
Emmanuel Adebayor has claimed that he left Arsenal because they needed the money, in addition to his unpopularity with the fans.

Adebayor recently joined Manchester City in a £25 million move and has been criticised by some of the Arsenal faithful, but he said it was not his decision.

He told The Daily Mail, "I came back from holiday and in my first training session they told me that they had accepted an offer for me.

"I asked Wenger why he wanted to sell me. I found out that Arsenal needed the money and that I was the target.

"I never wanted to leave.

"I’m happy they get their money and I hope they spend it well."

The Togolese striker then said he felt his criticism from the fans was unfair, continuing, "I scored 30 goals for Arsenal two seasons ago and it was not my fault that AC Milan, Barcelona or Real Madrid wanted to buy me.

"The way the fans turned against me was not nice. They didn’t turn on Cesc Fabregas when Barcelona showed interest in him.

"When a player plays well, clubs come in for him. The fans never understood that and I cannot understand why they went after me.

"I played my heart out for that club and gave it my best and the way the fans behaved towards me was not nice at all."

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com

Everton Defender Joleon Lescott Hopes To Hold Talks With Manchester City - Report Lescott feels Man City would improve his chances of an England start

2009-07-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

The latest name on the Manchester City hitlist, Joleon Lescott, has reportedly admitted to his team-mates that he would consider a move to Eastlands to improve his chances of starting for England.

The Times reports that the defender is hopeful that an agreement can be made between his own club, Everton, and the Citizens.

The Toffees have already rejected a £15 million offer for the defender, but in light of Mark Hughes identifying Lescott as a prime target, a second offer is expected to be anywhere between £18 - £30 million.

While unwilling to cause major agitation within the Goodison camp, the 26-year-old remains hopeful that Everton will be able to reconsider their stance if a better offer does make it to the table.

Stephen Crawford, Goal.com

Manchester City To Launch Ambitious Bid For Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

2009-07-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid may soon have a rival in their quest for Alonso's signature, with Man City looking to splash more cash...
While the football world is expecting Xabi Alonso to move to Real Madrid, Manchester City are plotting an audacious bid of their own for the Liverpool star.

The Alonso saga has dragged on all summer, with the player appearing keen to move to the Bernabeu.

However, as that deal continues to linger in limbo, Man City are preparing a bid. According to The Daily Express, the Citizens are now willing to match Alonso's £35 million valuation, and could even increase their bid to fend off Los Merengues.

It is unlikely that Alonso would choose City over Madrid, but should Los Blancos pull out of the race, Mark Hughes' side are ready to pounce.

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com

Manchester City is delighted to announce that agreement has been reached with Carlos Tevez over a proposed move to the City of Manchester Stadium.

2009-07-22T21:21:00.001-07:00

Personal terms with the 25-year-old have been concluded and the deal has been ratified by the Premier League and the Football Association.

After a medical Carlos, who has won the league title in every country in which he has played, is expected to sign a five-year contract and will meet up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour to South Africa. He will sport the number 32 shirt.

He is not only outstanding technically but he is a reliable goal scorer and someone who will contribute fully to the team ethic.

Mark Hughes

The only player to named South American Player of the Year in three successive seasons, Carlos has recently concluded a summer break following his successful World Cup exploits with Argentina.

"It is terrific news," a delighted Mark Hughes told mcfc.co.uk. "Carlos is an international player of the highest class who possesses all the attributes that will help drive this club forward.

"He is not only outstanding technically but he is a reliable goal scorer and someone who will contribute fully to the team ethic. He gives us another exciting, attacking dimension.

"I cannot wait to welcome him to City. This is yet another deal that shows the commitment of the owner Sheikh Mansour to make this club the very best it can possibly be. I am sure our fans will give Carlos an exceptionally warm welcome."

Tevez signs after an extended loan spell at Old Trafford where he spent two seasons and clocked up 99 league and cup starts and bagged 34 goals.

He has previously spent a season at West Ham United having made his name in his homeland with Boca Juniors before transferring in 2005 to Brazilian club Corinthians.

Carlos’ scoring ratio with Boca was better than one in three games and he improved that to better than one in two at his second club.

Like Blues teammate Pablo Zabaleta, Tevez has an Olympic gold medal though from Athens in 2004 not last year in Beijing. He has clocked up 50 senior caps for his country.

Manchester City can announce that Emmanuel Adebayor has passed a medical and signed a five-year contract.

2009-07-22T21:20:00.001-07:00

The 25-year-old Togo international has joined the Blues for an undisclosed fee. He will wear the number 25 that he sported at Arsenal last season.

A crowd of around 300 Blues fans were at the City of Manchester Stadium to greet the striker whose was named African Player of the Year for 2008.

The player was hugely impressed by his reception.

“It made me feel really welcome and special and I can’t wait to play for City’s fans and show them what I can do,” he declared after completing the bulk of the paperwork.

“I was born to play football and that is what I want to do. I have come here to make history for this club and those supporters. It what the chairman and the manager told me that they want too and I can’t wait to get started.

After beginning his career in France at Metz, Emmanuel moved to Monaco from where he was signed by the Gunners. Once there he made 104 first team appearances and scored 46 goals. He was named African Player of the Year in 2008.

The 6’ 3” striker’s most productive season in the top flight came in 2007-08 when he notched 24 goals in 36 starts. He was being courted by Milan earlier in the season.

Blues boss Mark Hughes is delighted to have secured the services of yet another high class international star with his peak years still in front of him.

“Emmanuel has been one of the top forwards in the Premier League since he arrived from France and we are delighted he has agreed to come and join us,” he declared.

“Along with the other signings we have made in the last two windows he will greatly enhance our ability to compete with the top sides.

“His arrival is another clear indication that we are determined to augment the players we have here with the best of international talent.

“He adds vital balance and power to our attack. He has everything a top forward needs. He is versatile, powerful, quick and agile on the ball. I am looking forward to working with him as are the rest of the staff. He will definitely add a new dimension to our play. I have been a great admirer for a long time.”

Adebayor will now head out to South Africa to join his new teammates.

City fans should note that the club shop will be open tomorrow from 11am until 5pm.

ฮิวจ์สรับซิตี้สนใจเตเวซ

2009-06-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

มาร์ค ฮิวจ์ส ผู้จัดการทีม "เรือใบสีฟ้า" แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้ ยอมรับว่ามีความสนใจในตัวของ คาร์ลอส เตเวซ กองหน้าทีมร่วมเมือง "ปีศาจแดง" แมนเชสเตอร์ ยูไนเต็ด

อนาคต ของกองหน้าทีมชาติอาร์เจนติน่า เป็นประเด็นข่าวได้ต่อเนื่องเสมอ โดยล่าสุดมีรายงานว่าทางด้าน แมนฯ ยูไนเต็ด เตรียมจ่ายเงินตามสัญญา 25.5 ล้านปอนด์ที่เคยตกลงกันไว้กับนายหน้า เคีย ชูรับเชียน

แต่อีกกระแสกลับบอกว่าทางด้าน เตเวซ จะไปอยู่กับแมนฯ ซิตี้ แทน ซึ่งหลังจากที่เพิ่งได้ แกเร็ธ แบร์รี่ มาร่วมทีม ทางด้าน ฮิวจ์ส ก็ยอมรับว่าสนใจในตัวของเตเวซ จริงๆ

"คาร์ลอส เตเวซ เป็นนักเตะที่เก่งมาก ซึ่งถ้ามีนักเตะดีๆ แบบนี้พร้อมย้ายทีม แน่นอนว่าผู้จัดการทีมทุกคนย่อมสนใจอยู่แล้ว"

สายฟ้าแล่บ! ซิตี้ซิวแบร์รี่ 12 ล้านปอนด์

2009-06-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

ทีม "เรือใบสีฟ้า" แมนเชสเตอร์ ซิตี้ ปฏิบัติการสายฟ้าแล่บคว้าตัว แกเร็ธ แบร์รี่ กองกลางทีมชาติอังกฤษ จากทีม "สิงห์ผยอง" แอสตัน วิลล่า มาด้วยค่าตัวราว 12 ล้านปอนด์

ข่าว การย้ายทีมของ แบร์รี่ เกิดขึ้นอย่างรวดเร็วสายฟ้าแลบ เมื่อมีรายงานจากสื่อในอังกฤษ ระบุตรงกันว่าทางด้าน วิลล่า ได้อนุญาตให้แมนฯ ซิตี้ เจรจาสัญญาส่วนตัวกับทางด้านกองกลางวัย 29 ปีได้

ล่า สุดการเจรจาเวลานี้ได้ข้อยุติแล้ว หลังจากที่แบร์รี่ ได้เดินทางเข้าไปตรวจร่างกายกับ แมนฯ ซิตี้ และไม่มีปัญหาอะไร ทำให้กลายเป็นนักเตะใหม่คนแรกที่แมนฯ ซิตี้ ซื้อตัวในซัมเมอร์นี้

ก่อน หน้านี้ แบร์รี่ พยายามจะย้ายไปอยู่กับ "หงส์แดง" ลิเวอร์พูล โดยอ้างว่าต้องการลงเล่นในแชมเปี้ยนส์ ลีก แต่ก็อกหัก มาปีนี้ก็กลับมามีข่าวอีกครั้งว่าอาจจะได้ไปแทนที่ของ ชาบี้ อลอนโซ่ ที่อาจจะย้ายกลับไปเรอัล มาดริดแทน นอกจากนี้ยังมี อาร์เซนอล อีกทีมที่สนใจตัวกองกลางซ้ายธรรมชาติรายนี้ด้วย

Carlos Tevez

2009-05-19T02:20:00.000-07:00

Should he stay or should he go? Carlos Tevez has popped up with two goals in two games, and made the difference against Wigan after coming off the bench and scoring within 4 minutes. Is he going to be happy playing that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer role next season? If he does feature in this game, don't bet against him putting one in the back of the net.

W.I.T

2009-05-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

I think might got ranked eighth in the table of this season.They should play europa league next season and I watch a game between Manchester United vs Manchester City 2-0,but man utd better than us we have a chance but can't do it.They pay many for superstar footballer what an idiot !,i really wanna know who gonna join us in next season
//JT

what the papers say

2009-02-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

Joe not sulking

Joe Hart pledges to fight for his place, while we get a mention in Olly Hoult's opinion piece.

The Sun

"Joe Given an England setback"

JOE HART admits his England ambitions have been damaged by the arrival of Shay Given at Manchester City.

The keeper has not played since Given’s £8million move from Newcastle earlier this month.

Hart, 21, won his only senior cap as a substitute in the 3-0 friendly win over Trinidad & Tobago last June.

And he said: “I need to play first-team football if I want to play for England.

“I haven’t lost my job — I have just lost my place in the team.

“There’s no point in sulking or being any other way about it.”

Daily Mirror

"The biggest threat to..."

... the completion of David Beckham's permanent move from the LA Galaxy to AC Milan is simply this: Milan are skint. Why else do you think they were so desperate to snatch Manchester City's hands off when they bid £100m for Kaka.

Danes promise City a hard time

2009-02-25T20:42:00.000-08:00

DEFIANT FC Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken has warned City manager Mark Hughes and his UEFA Cup-chasing side: "We will be better tomorrow than we were last week."

The Blues start favourites to reach the last 16 after Copenhagen substitute Martin Vingaard snatched a late equaliser, but Solbakken said last night: "That late goal at Parken obviously gives us a chance.

"It would be interesting to face Aalborg, another Danish team, in the next round but we have a tough task first and must try to do our job in the second leg. But this is a bonus game for us before our season restarts on Monday."

Copenhagen lie second in the Danish League after their winter break and skipper Ulrik Laursen claimed: "We were a bit rusty last week - our game is better than that. City's goals were from mistakes, and we've no reason to think we'll lose."

Hughes knows that a place in the last 16 against either Aalborg or Deportivo la Coruna is still in City's hands despite the blow of conceding that late, late goal in the Parken Stadium a week ago.

He said: "We have a slight advantage because of the away goals, but that goal was a disappointment - and Copenhagen got a real boost from it. They know they have to come here and beat us, and that 1-0 would do.

"It would have been far harder for them if we'd held on at 2-1. But we have to be positive and make sure we get the job done. We have the weapons to create and score goals.

"It's up to us to make sure we don't fall out of the competition. Sometimes you think that it's more trouble than it's worth having to play on Thursdays then Sundays, but when you get knocked out there is a gap and a feeling of 'what if ...'

"European football raises a club's profile, not that we need help in that respect! But the more games, the better it will be for the development of the team. It's not until you get to the quarters or semis you can think about winning it."

Robinho rewards young enterprise

2009-02-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

ROBINHO was on the ball last night with some quality passes at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Ninety eight youngsters from Tameside High Schools were presented with certificates by City’s Brazilian star as part of the new Enterprise project organised by City in the Community.

The Enterprise City project - backed by the Premier League, the North West Development Agency and the Department for Business - involves CITC working with young people across Manchester and Tameside to give them a better understanding of business by allowing them a unique insight into the running of a professional football club.

Young people from Two Trees Sports College in Denton and Littlemoss High School in Droylsden are the first to gain the accredited qualification and by the end of the school year more than 300 will have taken part.

Among the aspects that students learn about during the ten-week course are marketing, customer service, career planning and the club’s community initiatives.

Alex Williams MBE, who manages the award winning CITC, said: “We were delighted that Robinho could attend the celebration event, and the students were thrilled to meet him.

“The Enterprise project is proving to a great success and the feedback that we are getting from the young people and the schools is that working with a Premier League football club is having a big impact to the young education.”

Youngsters who take part in the scheme get to visit the City of Manchester Stadium and also have the chance of winning MCFC goodies such as free tickets to home games.

Dave Hewitt, assistant head teacher at Two Trees Sports College, said: “Our students have really enjoyed being involved in the enterprise programme.They have developed their business and enterprise skills whilst learning about a premiership football club. Well done to all the students and City in the Community."

For more information about the Enterprise City project, contact Mike Green on 0161 438 7711 or e-mail mike.green@mcfc.co.uk.

City sign keeper Gunnar Nielsen

2009-02-25T20:36:00.000-08:00

Manchester City has bolstered its goalkeeping ranks with the signing of Gunnar Nielsen from the Faroe Islands.

22-year-old Gunnar was with Blackburn Rovers earlier in his career, and he now gets the chance to link up with both Mark Hughes and goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock for the second time.

An Under 21 international for the Faroe Islands, Gunnar has inked in a two-and-a-half year deal with City, and he told mcfc.co.uk how excited he is to be joining the Blues.

"This is a really big club, and it's nice to come here knowing people. I know what they expect from me, and they will know what to expect from me. I am really excited because I know that they believe in me, so I will work hard for them.

"It seems like a club with massive plans that wants to achieve great things. I have met people at Carrington and there is a real harmony there, everybody seems happy and is focussing on the same goals. It's a good place to come to.

"So many players would give their right arm to be in the position I am in right now. Of course it’s an exciting time, and I am not going to let this chance go by."

Kompany set to defy pain for UEFA Cup tie

2009-02-25T20:35:00.000-08:00

VINCENT KOMPANY is ready to play through the pain barrier to help Mark Hughes' men see off FC Copenhagen tomorrow night at the City of Manchester Stadium and reach the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.

Manager Hughes is set on fielding his strongest side against the Danes following City's first-leg 2-2 draw in the Parken Stadium, but key midfielder is waiting to see if he can have an injection to ease a troublesome toe injury.

Kompany has been impressive in recent games and made Craig Bellamy's goal at Liverpool on Sunday, but Hughes revealed: "Vinnie has got a problem with his toe - he's been having injections and it is a little sore at the moment.

"It needs to settle down and we hope that he hasn't got an infection because that would make it difficult to inject him again. We have to dull the pain so he can play. That's what's been getting him on the field of play of late so we're hoping that it will settle down."

Balancing UEFA Cup demands against precious Premier League points have been a cause for debate at some clubs, but Hughes insists there will be no balancing act on selection with tomorrow's tie so delicately poised.

He said: "We have a few injury concerns but we'd rather get the job done and put the game to bed than go the other way.

"You might think you can go with a weaker team and keep personnel in reserve hoping that you don't need them. But invariably, at some point you do need them, and I'd rather go the other way."

Shaun Wright-Phillips, whose three-match domestic ban does not apply against Copenhagen, will have an ankle knock checked but skipper and defensive rock Richard Dunne leads the side looking refreshed from his recent suspension.

Hughes said: "I've been pleased with him since he came back in - we missed him in those four games.

"He's come back in and benefited from his break. It's important that we have guys with Premier League experience because on occasion we can look a little light in terms of Premier games played. Dunny's experience is a big help.

"It's also important to have players who have experienced different stages in the club’s development. Dunny has been here a significant time and experienced the poor times and bad times. We hope he's going to see the good times in the future."

Last chance to claim a UEFA Cup discount

2009-02-25T20:33:00.000-08:00

Today is the last chance for Seasoncard holders and Citycard members to claim their discount on tickets for tomorrow night's UEFA Cup tie.

Seats cost just £15 when booked today, as prices will rise to £20 for all adult tickets bought on matchday itself.

It's all set for a cracking night, the tie is level but City have two crucial away goals in the bag, thanks to Nedum Onuoha and Stephen Ireland. The Danes fought back to square the first leg with a late equaliser, so it should be an entertaining evening with a place in the last 16 at stake.

16-21 year-olds and over 65s can get in for the great price of £10, while seats for Under 16s are just £5.

Click here to book online, or call 0870 062 1894 (option 1).

Win tickets for City v FC Copenhagen

2009-02-25T20:31:00.000-08:00

The Club’s Official Secondary Ticketing Partner, SeatExchange.com, has teamed up with www.mcfc.co.uk to offer supporters the opportunity to win tickets to see our UEFA Cup fixture against FC København this Thursday.

SeatExchange.com, operators of the Club’s Seat Exchange service, are offering you the chance to win a pair of match tickets to see City’s second leg match against the Danish side, with a place in the next round to play either Aalborg or Deportivo La Coruna on offer for the winners.

To enter, all you need to do is answer the following question:

Who scored Manchester City’s opener in the first leg away in Denmark last week?

a) Richard Dunne
b) Nedum Onuoha
c) Micah Richards

Email you answer with your full name, email address and daytime telephone number to seatexchange@mcfc.co.uk.

The competition will close at 4pm today, and the winners will be notified by 5pm at the latest, including details of when to arrive and where to collect tickets.

Seat Exchange operate the Manchester City Seat Exchange, an exclusive website for Manchester City Seasoncard holders to sell and qualifying supporters* to buy tickets for home Premier League fixtures at the City of Manchester Stadium. Log on now at www.mcfc.co.uk/seatexchange.

They have donated a proportion of their hospitality, tickets and promotional inventory to loyal Manchester City fans since becoming an Official Partner at the end of last season. This forms part of their commitment to the Club’s supporters and to giving as many people as possible the opportunity to watch matches and experience the atmosphere at the City of Manchester Stadium.

*Supporters that hold a Seasoncard, Citycard or Accesscard or are a member of the LIVE4CITY scheme shall be entitled to purchase tickets listed by Seasoncard holders. Terms & Conditions apply.

Gloves are off, Joe warns Shay

2009-02-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

JOE HART is promising Shay Given a battle royal for the goalkeeping shirt after losing his place in Mark Hughes' City side.

England prospect Hart has been on the bench since Given's arrival from Newcastle in last month's transfer window, but the 21-year-old former Shrewsbury keeper is determined to give manager Hughes a selection headache.

Hart said: "Shay has come in and done exceptionally well - I have nothing against him. It is not his fault, and if I had been in his situation I would have done exactly the same. He has been very good to me and I will be the same to him.

“I have never taken a first-team place for granted ever since I arrived and I am happy to be at the club.

"I would love to be playing, any player will tell you that, but right now I am not, and I have to work hard in training to try and get myself back in the side.

“There is no point in sulking. I have not lost my job, just my place in the team. At the moment I am not the first choice keeper and I want to change that as fast as I can.”

Joe figured in Fabio Capello's thoughts earlier this season, but that would change with a long stretch on the sidelines.

He said: "It has been hugely beneficial and a great honour to be involved in the England squad.

"My desire to become first choice for my country is as strong as anyone’s. I need to play first-team football to play for England and my aim is to force my way back into the City side.”

what the papers say

2009-02-24T20:05:00.000-08:00

Robinho and me, by striker Craig

CRAIG BELLAMY is in the spotlight again ... City's Wales striker has been putting the record straight on his relationship with Robinho as well as setting out his philosophy for winning games

Daily Telegraph

"Bellamy moves to stamp out talk of rift"

Rory Smith writes: Craig Bellamy has dismissed reports that the Manchester City dressing room is in a state of open revolt against Brazilian Robinho, insisting he "adores" playing alongside the British record signing

Bellamy was thought to have accused Robinho, and Elano of being "lazy" following last week's 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth. Sources close to the club suggested that, following a meeting at the club's training ground, the pair refused to speak to each other.

Mark Hughes, the Manchester City manager, denied a rift existed after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Anfield, in which Robinho and Bellamy combined to give City the lead.

Yesterday, the Wales international spoke warmly of playing alongside the former Real Madrid player.

He said: "I am a massive admirer of Robinho. I adore him as a player – how could you not? He's exceptional and I think other teams know that.

"He's our talisman. When people think of Manchester City, they think of Robinho. He's our biggest and best player by a mile. For us, he's a player we need to play well. When he plays well, we play well, so we need him at the top of his game."

Such admiration is unlikely to staunch the flow of rumours about the atmosphere among City's players. Accusations that the club's Brazilian contingent – reduced by one after Jo was loaned to Everton earlier this month – refused to submit to Hughes's disciplinary regime have been rife since the start of the season and the manager has clashed with Elano and fined Robinho.

Bellamy is no stranger to controversy and former team-mates Alan Shearer and John Arne Riise would testify that he is susceptible to falling out with team-mates. That history, combined with the intense spotlight on City since the club's takeover, means he accepts he is likely to be thought of as a potential source of discord.

He said: "It's all part-and-parcel of what goes on, all part of being a footballer and you have to deal with it.

"We're a club everyone is looking at for the moment. It doesn't worry me."

Daily Mirror

"Steel for Craig"

Alan Nixon writes: Craig Bellamy wants Manchester City to turn into the 'Steel Blues' and be a Premier League force home and away.

He believes that in drawing 1-1 at Liverpool, City finally showed the grit lacking in an appalling record on the road that has brought just one win.

City host Copenhagen on Thursday in the second leg of their UEFA Cup tie and Bellamy said: "You have to work hard, especially away from home.

"You have to really battle to get a foothold in the game and then the quality players come into it. It was a good step for us to play like that at Anfield."

Treat your Mum in the Legends Lounge this Mother's Day

2009-02-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

Why not treat your Mum to some of City’s famous hospitality this Mother’s Day?

Let someone else do the cooking on Sunday March 22nd as you treat her to a special four-course Sunday lunch at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Choose from a variety of starters, with a carvery for main course and a host of desserts to make your mouth water, and there will also be a small present for Mum as a memento of the day!

A lovely relaxing day for the whole family in the Legends Lounge, with its sweeping views of the stadium, with lunch being served between 12.00 midday and 1.30pm.

£26.50 per person, inc VAT.
£13.25 per child under the age of 10 years, inc VAT.

To make a booking or for further details, contact the Conference & Events Office on 0870 062 4141.

Story of the Blues on offer

2009-02-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

THE club museum is offering a two-for-one special for supporters who turn up early before the second leg of the UEFA Cup tie against FC Copenhagen on Thursday evening.

The City Experience can be enjoyed before the game by two people for a fiver - the reduced rate from 5pm until around 7pm for a visit that every serious Blues fan should make.

The club's rich history is celebrated and re-created, with interactive buttons for the youngsters, and there's the added bonus of our brilliant "Painting the Blues" exhibition by local artist and City fan Ben Kelly.

Happy Jack's fairytale trip

2009-02-24T19:56:00.000-08:00

IT really was wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen for Boy Blue Jack Nolan. Seven-year-old Jack went to watch City train at the Parken Stadium and ended up running out alongside Richard Dunne for the UEFA Cup tie 24 hours later!

Surprise mascot Jack was hoping for a few photos with his heroes as a memento of the trip but went home with Robinho's jacket and Pablo Zabaleta's shirt to the envy of his pals at Alkrington primary school in Middleton.

Dad Ian said: "We were standing there outside the ground when, out of the blue, Mark Hughes came over for a chat and then took us into training as his guests. We even stayed for the whole session when all the Press had to leave.

"City didn't have a mascot for the game and suddenly, it was Jack. We had to get our friend Shaun to bring his shorts over on the day - he already had his shirt, of course. He was freezing on the night but he loved every minute.

"Dunny had to stop him going over to join the pre-match kick-about, he was so keen. His mum Lisa cried when he walked out, she was so proud of him. We sat behind the dug-out for the game, and Robby gave him his coat and Zaby his shirt."

The season-ticket holding Nolans also went to Omonia and Schalke, but budding centre-half Jack's first Blues match was at eight months - when he had his picture taken with Ali Benarbia and Darren Huckerby at Maine Road.

Nedum Onuoha, who claimed the opener in the 2-2 draw with Copenhagen, might want to put Jack on permanent standby: he was the official mascot last year against Tottenham ... when Nedum scored his only other senior goal for City.

Mark's work in progress

2009-02-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

MARK HUGHES has urged fans and critics alike not to make a hasty judgement about his embryonic City team but to regard the side currently sitting tenth in the Barclays Premier League as a work in progress.

Hughes, in his first season as manager at the City of Manchester Stadium, is determined to tackle the unpredictable nature of their performances and views the draws at Copenhagen and Liverpool as a potential turning point.

Having signed four of his targets in the January transfer window, Hughes said: "We are trying to achieve a mentality, and maybe change an approach which people would react to and say, ‘Well, that’s City for you.’

"That needs to change and we want to ensure that, in future, we are recognised for the good, consistent performances that we are striving for.

"We have guys that are still integrating into the team, and we saw on Sunday at Anfield that they are starting to understand what needs to be done to win Premier League games. They worked really hard for each other and that pleased me.

"People expect us to be challenging almost immediately, which is an impossibility. The teams that have been in and around the top seven have been together for a substantial amount of time, and while we recognise that, maybe others do not.

"Where we are at this moment is not recognised, but we accept that. On occasions we disappoint ourselves and other people.

"But we saw at Liverpool that we have the makings of a good team - we just have to make sure we are strong and take whatever criticism comes our way. We’ll accept what is valid, the rest we will just ignore."

City's defence, playing in front of new goalkeeper Shay Given, are starting to meet Hughes' exacting standards and restricted title chasers Liverpool to Dirk Kuyt's late equaliser in Sunday's battling draw.

Hughes said: "The back four were rock-solid, and that goes with Shay behind as well. There is a calmness about the defence now which is helping us.

"Richard Dunne has also come back and looked really good in the two games he has had since his suspension. They were all good, but I was just as delighted with all the units of the team."

Kompany is firm over future

2009-02-24T19:50:00.000-08:00

VINCENT KOMPANY believes that City's impressive draw against title challengers Liverpool could provide the right platform for a battling finish to the season from Mark Hughes' improving side.

And the Belgian international, whose pass provided Craig Bellamy with City's goal on his return to former stamping ground Anfield, reckons that City's team spirit will play a key role in the last third of the campaign.

City are tenth in the Barclays Premier League and face Copenhagen on Thursday for a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.

Kompany said: "Liverpool was a big credit to us. For the first time in a while we were almost perfect in the second half, we looked to be a really strong side. We have the weapons and tools we will need to get the results we want.

"That's the kind of performance we needed and the sort we should be expecting from ourselves, especially away from home.

"We don't have to tell anybody how difficult it is to get a result like that at Anfield, and that's two good performances coming after the 2-2 draw in Copenhagen. That's something for us to build on.

"We are feeling positive because we definitely look a stronger side - we could have scored one or two more on Sunday.

"The collective spirit was there for all to see at Anfield. The players ran many kilometres and worked their butts off.

"It's a very good team spirit, but it's also important to get things said - players want to improve themselves and the group, so it's important you talk about things from a collective aspect. It's to be expected from a team aiming to be top."

The Blues can book another step of their European adventure by seeing off Copenhagen at the City of Manchester Stadium, and Kompany is quietly confident of booking a tie against either Aalborg or Deportivo la Coruna.

He said: "Copenhagen came back from their winter break for the first leg, but we have played many more games. I'm not sure which team has the advantage there. But what matters is that we are at home now to get the job done."

Kompany, who has played centre-half or midfield anchor this season, was happy to be pushed further forward at Liverpool.

He said: "You always have to look at the greater good when it comes to where you play - the result is the most important thing. I had a different role at Anfield and I thought I understood the job well. I'm not too worried about where I play."

what the papers say

2009-02-23T23:55:00.000-08:00

Bellamy pops up with the write stuff

23/02/2009 09:44

CRAIG BELLAMY'S successful return to Anfield certainly scored with the national Press as our Wales striker put a dent in the title hopes of his former team-mates and boyhood heroes ...

The Sun

"Hellamy! Craig goal a nightmare for Rafa"

Phil Thomas writes: As a kid Craig Bellamy spent hours dreaming of hitting the goal at Anfield which ended the title race.

Well yesterday he got his wish. And boy, weren’t Alex Ferguson and his band of Old Trafford champions delighted about it.

There may still be mathematical life left in the battle for the Premier League crown but make no mistake about it — this was the day Liverpool gift-wrapped the title for their deadliest rivals.

And what a sweet irony for all those Manchester United fans who, for a couple of hours at least yesterday afternoon, were as big a bunch of Blues as the 3,500 or so visiting supporters here.

As if the sight of your only serious rivals slipping up yet again wasn’t enough, the fact it came courtesy of the boot of Bellamy was the cherry on the top.

For Bellamy grew up as a huge Liverpool fan and spent a colourful season as a player at Anfield two years ago.

So what a bitter-sweet moment it was for the Welshman when he swung his right boot four minutes after the break and saw his effort clip off Alvaro Arbeloa and arrow into the far corner.

What a gut-wrenching moment, too, for Rafa Benitez, who shipped him out after that solitary campaign — and saw the City striker return to boot him in the backside to such devastating effect.

The Star

"Craig's Bell of the ball"

Kevin Francis writes: Former Liverpool star Craig Bellamy achieved the impossible at Anfield yesterday by uniting both halves of the Manchester footballing public!

His goal left City fans rejoicing at an unlikely away draw – and United fans gloating at the sight of seeing stuttering Liverpool finish the day a massive seven points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.

Even a late equaliser from Dirk Kuyt can’t change the feeling that Liverpool’s chances of winning the title for the first time since 1990 are now disappearing fast.

After all, this was a must-win game in their race to catch the Premier League’s in-form team from Old Trafford.

Liverpool look to have thrown away too many points to beat United to that particular piece of silverware.

Bellamy’s goal was his third in five games since his £14m move from West Ham in the January transfer window.

He struck in the 49th minute of a game where he needed absolutely no motivation. Playing against one of his old sides was more than enough to ensure that he would be on top form.

It was Robinho who set up the goal with an inch-perfect pass, one of many he produced on the day, to Vincent Kompany on the left-hand edge of the penalty area.

Kompany stroked the ball to Bellamy, whose curling, right-foot shot took a deflection off Alvaro Arbeloa and went to the left of diving Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina.

Kuyt grabbed his goal in the 78th minute to present Liverpool with a chance of claiming a last-gasp victory from a game that had looked as though it had slipped away from them.

Mee signs new City contract

2009-02-23T23:52:00.000-08:00

Reserve defender Ben Mee has signed a new two-year contract with the Club.

The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal this afternoon, with the news capping a 12 month period in which he captained the Under 18 side to FA Youth Cup glory and moved into the City reserve squad.

Ben is now looking to step up over the course of the new deal, which runs until the end of June in 2011, and he told mcfc.co.uk, "I'm hoping to really kick on and improve in the next two years. It has been a really good 12 months for me with the Youth Cup and now this new contract. And to train alongside and against some of the players at Carrington now has been a great experience for me, so it's been a good year."

The move from youth to senior football is one that Ben has taken in his stride, and he has noticed the difference that playing or training against top-class, experienced players has made to him.

"There's a definite difference, playing against someone like Robinho you can only improve. It's a gradual thing, I don't play against the first team every day, more when you are called over from the reserves, but you can see and tell the difference between the two.

"I want to be there every day working with and against people like Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips to improve my game.

"I played for the reserves a few times last year, but this year I can see the difference coming up against these kinds of players all the time. I have played against Dean Windass and Alan Smith this season, which taught me more about the physical side of the game - I ended up with a few more bruises than normal!"

City have staying power

2009-02-23T23:51:00.000-08:00

City’s displays over the course of two games inside three days have earned praise from manager Mark Hughes.

Thursday night’s exertions in the sub-zero temperatures at the Parken Stadium were swiftly followed by a return to home base and then the stiff challenge of playing title-chasing Liverpool. City only used 13 players in both fixtures, including substitute Felipe Caicedo, and the resolute defensive display in the closing stages at Anfield bore out the boss’ regular assertion that his sides never flag as a long season progresses.

“Sunday was a big ask, because we had worked so hard on Thursday night," he states. "After that late goal we had to pick ourselves up for the challenge at Liverpool, and we showed that. Every player put in a stint and showed we could come away with something from Anfield. It’s a sign that the team is gelling and we have to keep going.

“I was pleased because I do feel that the team will benefit from the work they do on a daily basis, and that’s been the case for some time now.

“You can see signs that physically we are able to match and hit the levels that you need to win Premier League games, because as we know this is a hard league. If you cannot get around the pitch, you will get beaten, and Sunday’s performance was very encouraging from that perspective.”

Another encouraging aspect of the display at Anfield was effectiveness of a new midfield unit for the Blues – Nigel de Jong (ineligible for the UEFA Cup), Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta. The trio held an increasingly desperate Liverpool at bay, and made inroads up front, with Vincent Kompany setting up Craig Bellamy for the strike that was later chalked up as an Arbeloa own-goal.

Pleased with the midfield, Hughes added, “They are international players who recognise when to break forward, and they did that well. The initial part is breaking play down, setting a tempo and getting onto the front foot. The midfield three did that from start to finish.”

Craig full of praise for talismanic Robinho

2009-02-23T23:49:00.000-08:00

Craig Bellamy has praised team-mate Robinho after the pair had had a hand in City's hard-earned point at Anfield.

Sunday's draw was the first time the Blues have come away from Liverpool with anything since May 2003's 2-1 win, and they went into the lead after the Brazilian had fed Vincent Kompany, who in turn set up the Welsh striker inside the box.

Bellamy, signed from West Ham last month, was in a typically forthright mood afterwards when asked about media speculation surrounding him and Robinho, and he responded by saying,

"I am a massive admirer of Robinho, I adore him as a player - how could you not? He's exceptional, and I think other teams know that as well.

"He's our talisman, when people think of Manchester City they think of Robinho. He's our biggest and best player by a mile.

"For us, he is a player we need to play well. When he plays well, we play well so we need him to be at the top of his game. It's a lot to ask but we need him at his best."

Craig accepts the media spotlight that has fallen on the Club with a shrug of the shoulders, and he adds, "It is part-and-parcel of what goes on, all part of being a footballer and you have to deal with it.

"It is also part of where we are as a football club, we are a club that everyone is looking at at the moment. And they have signed a controversial player who is always going to be involved in this sort of stuff!

"It does not worry me, it’s a challenge that I am looking forward to."

Craig was delighted with City's display against his former club, and thinks we were a touch unfortunate not to come away with all three points.

"Getting a point at Anfield will always be hard-earned because they are formidable here, and you have to work hard. That's what we did, and towards the end we were maybe a bit unlucky not to get the three points. Every time we attacked I thought we had good opportunities to get another goal."

what the papers say

2009-02-23T00:02:00.000-08:00

A deal for Danny?

Strikers are on the agenda today:

News of the World

"Sturridge drops wage bid"

DANIEL STURRIDGE will reduce his wage demands to secure his Premier League future.

The striker, 19, has hit a contract stalemate with Manchester City — and Aston Villa could step in.

England Under-21 star Sturridge has been offered a four-year deal by City that could be worth £30,000 a week.

But a source close to the player claimed the contract is weighted with appearance bonuses, indicating Sturridge is not about to break through into the top rank of players.

........meanwhile Alan Oliver in the People is in no dount that Michael Owen is joining City this summer.....

Sunday People

"Michael Owen's secret op shock"

Michael Owen's fitness battle has been dealt another blow after he had a secret operation in Germany.

Newcastle striker Owen, 29, has taken the opportunity to return to groin specialist Dr Ulrike Muschaweck's clinic in Munich while he has been recovering from an ankle injury picked up in the defeat at Manchester City in January.

Before his own heart triple by-pass operation, Toon manager Joe Kinnear was talking about Owen being back in a black and white shirt for Sunday's visit to Bolton.

But his comeback has now been put back to the game at Hull City on March 14, following the hush-hush visit to Munich where Dr Muschaweck previously performed a double groin operation on him in September 2007.

Injuries have always been a touchy subject with Owen and it is easy to understand why as he has made only 52 Premier League starts for Newcastle, since his £17million transfer from Real Madrid four years ago.

Owen has banged in 26 League goals for Newcastle in that time, giving him an average of a Premier League strike every other game but the club's and fans' patience with his treatment-room record has finally reached breaking point.

His four-year contract runs out in June and the striker will move to Manchester City in the close season.

But money is not an issue as far as Owen is concerned and it is unlikely that City will have to match the £5m-a-year wages he has picked up at St James' Park.

City believe that Owen will be the best Bosman transfer ever but they will be more than interested to hear about his latest groin problems.

Hughes hails gritty City display at Anfield

2009-02-22T23:59:00.000-08:00

Mark Hughes has hailed City's display in the draw at Anfield as the best away performance of the league season.

City were 12 minutes away from the first win on the road in the Barclays Premier League since August 31st, but Dirk Kuyt's equaliser, after a lucky deflection when Torres had miskicked at a cross in the area, saw the Blues come away from Anfield with a point.

Craig Bellamy had struck just after half-time to score against his old club, and the goal spurred City into their best phase of the match, so given the context of the opposition, did Mark think this was the best away performance of the season?

"I think so," he said afterwards, "given the quality of the opposition and who we were up against today. We caused them problems in attack, and for long periods we were very much in control of the game. To say that at Anfield is something we have to be pleased about.

"We have set a standard now and it is up to us to not let it drop from what we produced today. There have been times this season when we have been impressive at home, and then been at fault away in the next match. What we have to do from now until the end of the season is a consistent level of performance. On the back of the display in Copenhagen, we are starting to get that.

"I thought we looked strong at the end of the game after the exertions of Thursday night. Liverpool have had a couple of weeks off, and no-one could say we were tiring towards the end. It’s a good sign for the second half of the season."

Sunday's team selection saw De Jong, Zabaleta & Kompany impose a presence in midfield in front of the back four, and it is an option the Manager may keep in the locker for the future.

"There was good movement from our front three, and having the three lads in midfield worked really well. We had to change the personnel, went for a more solid look and I think it helped. It is something we will look at in the away games coming up. Nigel probably had his best game in his short time with us and that has to be good for his confidence. Overall, it was a professional Premier League performance."

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

2009-02-22T23:58:00.000-08:00

Liverpool v Manchester City

Sunday February 22, 2009, 3.00pm
Anfield - Att: 44, 259

Liverpool:
Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher (c), Dossena (Aurelio 76), Lucas, Masherano (Babel 83), Benayoun, Riera (El Zhar 62), Kuyt, Torres.

unused subs: Cavlieri, Hyypia, Ngog, Spearing.

City:
Given, Richards, Dunne (c), Onuoha, Bridge, de Jong, Zabaleta, Kompany, Ireland, Robinho (Caicedo 88), Bellamy.

unused subs: Hart, Garrido, Evans, Elano, Weiss.

Goals: 0-1 (Arbeloa o.g. 50) 1-1 (Kuyt 78)

Bookings

Liverpool: El Zhar (75)

City: Dunne (32), Kompany (74)

Referee: P Dowd.

Pre-Match: There was one change from the team that started in Copenhagen, with Nigel de Jong replacing the suspended Shaun Wright-Phillips. The other changes from the last league outing, at Fratton Park last Saturday, saw Richards back for Logan and Richard Dunne in for Elano, the skipper starting a Barclays Premier League game for the first time since the win over Wigan.

The Match

The hosts, under pressure to stay in touch with the top of the table, went on the attack early, with Richards doing well to put former team mate Albert Riera off when Kuyt crossed in the second minute. Micah needed treatment after Dossena caught him late five minutes later, but he was up and about after a bit of attention. The Liverpool man got away with no booking for a poor challenge.

Torres, as dangerous as ever, wasted a good chance within 60 seconds, miskicking a volley yards wide after Carragher & Benayoun had combined to find him free in the area. We were able to keep several attacks at bay for the next period, with Dossena’s cross that flashed across the box but just avoided everybody on 16 minutes the closest the hosts came to scoring. Ireland’s pass through towards Bellamy seconds later was just too far ahead of the striker,

Shortly afterwards Torres won a free kick in a dangerous area despite there being minimal contact when Dunne had challenged him. Thankfully Benayoun’s free kick went straight at the wall.

The half’s midpoint brought several goalmouth scrambles in our area in quick succession. Firstly, Bridge’s deflection from Mascherano’s cross from the right took the ball dangerously close to Torres and Kuyt, but Richards was able to clear it momentarily before another cross from the left brought a corner. Liverpool’s front two both got touches as a bout of pinball ensued, but resolute defending kept the score at 0-0.

City had had no clear-cut chances, but on the half hour Stephen Ireland spurned a golden opportunity in front of the Kop. The midfielder started a sweeping move with a long pass across the pitch to Robinho, who delayed a return just long enough to find Stephen in acres of space in the box, but after running in on Reina he drove the ball straight at the keeper, and then put the rebound into the side-netting.

Dossena’s low shot from long range forced Given to save on 33, even though the ball was probably going wide, but Albert Riera seemed determined to put one over on us and his shot three minutes later skimmed just wide of Given’s left post.

It had all been pretty subdued around the ground until Micah Richards needed more treatment on 39 minutes. The defender had spun right over and landed on his neck after a challenge with Skrtel on the edge of Liverpool’s area, but the home fans thought he was milking it and gave him a hostile reception when he returned to play.

Benayoun wasted another chance on 41, spooning the ball over after electing to shoot with Torres waiting in the middle of the area.

No changes at half time, and just after the restart Vincent Kompany volleyed a shot at Reina that the Liverpool keeper collected easily. But we did not have to wait too long for the deadlock to be broken, and the Belgian was at the heart of our first goal at Anfield since August 2004! Robinho fed Kompany inside the box, and he looked up to roll it to Craig Bellamy, who took aim and saw his deflected shot loop wide of Reina and into the net. The newswires were flashing it up as an own-goal to Arbeloa, but who would like the job of telling Bellamy it had been taken away from him?

Kuyt headed over from a corner on 58, and seconds later a quick City break gave Ireland a shooting chance from the edge of the box, but his curled effort had too much height on it and went a long way up into the Anfield Road end.

Dunne cut out an El Zhar cross to concede a corner on 66, but City broke downfield straight away and had the ball in the net when Ireland connected to a cross from Richards – but it was rightly flagged as offside. Carragher downed Robinho right on the edge of the box with 21 minutes left, but the Brazilian’s low attempt at the resulting free kick was deflected wide. Two City corners in quick succession came to nothing.

The home fans had been restless since City’s goal, and they finally had something to cheer on 78 minutes when they equalised. Benayoun’s cross from the left was meant for Torres, but his miskicked shot fell luckily for Dirk Kuyt, who tapped the ball home from close range.

It was all Liverpool now, and Shay Given kept the scores level on 82, punching away Kuyt’s long range effort that swerved in the air. The keeper repeated the trick two minutes later, parrying a fierce Benayoun shot from inside the area.

It was not all one-way traffic, with Nedum Onuoha shooting straight at Reina, and then Robinho kept the ball too long in the Liverpool area when Bellamy & Ireland were calling for it. The hosts went close with three minutes left, Torres pulling his shot across the face of goal and wide of Given’s right post.

Three minutes were added on, and Liverpool could not make the most of a fine run & cross down the left by Torres which the City defence cut out, Skrtel shooting a long way over to the disgust of his home support.

We hung on for the rest of injury time, and came away with a creditable point. It could have been more, but we remained in ninth place after a determined and gritty performance.

U18s beat Everton to extend unbeaten run

2009-02-22T23:56:00.000-08:00

Our Under 18 side's unbeaten run continued on Saturday when Everton were despatched 3-1.

Abdi Ibrahim, Alex Nimely-Tchuimeni and Dedryck Boyata were on target as the youth team stretched their lead over Manchester United at the top of the Premier Academy League Group C to nine points.

Don't forget that the lads play their FA Youth Cup quarter final against Norwich City at the City of Manchester Stadium at 2.00pm on Saturday, March 7th.

Click here for the Group C table.

Pablo relishing Liverpool test

2009-02-22T23:55:00.000-08:00

The prospect of playing when City take on Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon has quickened the pulse of Pablo Zabaleta.

The Argentinean, signed from Espanyol last August, will be hoping for an improvement on the last time he met the Reds. The Blues let a two-goal lead slip and Pablo was sent off in the second half on that day at the City of Manchester Stadium in October, with Pablo only able to watch from the sidelines as today's hosts snatched all three points.

Despite City's lack of a win on the road in the Barclays Premier League since August, the 24-year-old is relishing the prospect of playing in Liverpool's famous stadium, and he told us,

"This sort of fixture, City against Liverpool at Anfield, was one of the big attractions of coming here. It is the sort fixture that fulfils your expectations of football in this country, for fans and players.

"It's important that we go to places like Anfield and that we feel able to come away with something - a point or maybe even three. We have enough in this squad to go there and play with confidence.

"The atmosphere at games over here is something I really enjoy. The grounds are all different, and they are always full. The fans always get behind their team, wherever you play, and Anfield has a special atmosphere. I have been a couple of times as a guest of Javier Mascherano and the fans get right behind the home team."

The possibility of coming into direct confrontation with his friend and fellow countryman is something else that Pablo is looking forward to, and he adds,

"I was at Javier's house last weekend, and he gave me some stick because now that I am playing in midfield we could come up against each other! Whatever happens, we will be friends afterwards, but I hope it's with me being on the winning side."

Join Hugh Ferris & Andy Hinchcliffe for live commentary from Anfield on MCFCTV.com from 3.00pm.

what the papers say

2009-02-21T21:24:00.000-08:00

Stevie seeks to end away-day woes

Stevie Ireland spoke to the press after Thursday's game, and ahe addresses our away form in light of what Ian Ladyman rightky calls aa creditable draw in Denmark.

Daily Mail

"Ireland's rallying cry for struggling City to end away day blues"

Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has found himself exempt from the criticism that has come the way of Mark Hughes under-performing squad.

So perhaps the young Irishman was speaking from a position of strength on Friday when he told his team-mates that there is no excuse for their stumbling efforts away from home.

Ireland scored one of the goals in City’s creditable 2-2 UEFA Cup draw at Copenhagen on Thursday night but knows Hughes’ team will be asked more searching questions at Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.

Asked about City’s dismal away League record, which has seen them win just once away from Eastlands, Ireland said: ‘It’s really hard to answer why.

'Games we’re not expected to win away are ones we maybe win or go close to winning, but those we’re expected to win, we haven’t been doing.

‘It’s about making sure we match the other team’s efforts and making sure we run harder and work harder than them.

'I want to win for myself, the team and especially the gaffer. I really enjoy playing under him. He must stay.’

The Times

"Manchester City desperate to cure travel sickness"

Although the snow had partially relented, the temperature was plummeting by the time Stephen Ireland stopped to talk to the press in a bleak, desolate corner of the Parken Stadium after Manchester City’s 2-2 draw away to Copenhagen in the Uefa Cup on Thursday evening.

Nothing is too much trouble for the 22-year-old these days and as he addressed, with an eloquence belying his relative youth, City’s weaknesses before a daunting trip to play Liverpool tomorrow, the midfield player’s assessment of his team’s failings, particularly on the road this season, felt as stark as the surroundings.

If other players had approached games with the same level of application as Ireland this season, Mark Hughes’s future as City manager would probably not be open to debate. Instead, stories linking Luiz Felipe Scolari, the former Chelsea manager, and José Mourinho, the Inter Milan coach, continue to surface as City’s away form in the Barclays Premier League goes from bad to worse.

Hughes, in turn, has felt compelled to criticise the attitude shown by some players on their travels in recent weeks and Ireland clearly believes that such criticism is justified, with the midfield player suggesting that it is time the team dig deeper and work harder for a manager he hopes to work under for years to come.

With Liverpool firmly expected to win tomorrow, Ireland believes that it would be the perfect time to spring a surprise and claim what would be only City’s second win in 13 Premier League matches away from home this campaign. “Yes, of course,” Ireland said when asked if it hurt the players to hear Hughes keep questioning their attitude away from home. “We’ve had a lot of discussions about this now. We need to start from the off because we start sloppily [away from home] and that puts us on the back foot.

“I think it’s about comparing ourselves to the other team and making sure we match or better their efforts, run harder and work harder than them. You’re not going to win a game in the Premier League if you don’t work hard. I go into every game with the mentality of a winner. I want to win for myself, the team and especially for the gaffer because it’s important he stays. I enjoy playing under him.

“A lot of the players are the same and want to win, but there’s the odd time when someone switches off and we concede goals. More often than not everyone in the team really wants to win, but I just think it’s down to a lack of concentration for a split second and things like that.”

Apart from a continuing inability to defend against crosses or set-pieces and the fact that Copenhagen were allowed to snatch an undeserved draw in stoppage time, there were grounds for encouragement in Denmark with the team demonstrating far greater determination than they have in recent away games, particularly the 2-0 defeat by Portsmouth at Fratton Park last Saturday.

Ireland believes that City need to show the same stomach for the fight against Liverpool, although he has no doubts that Craig Bellamy will not be found wanting in that department against his former club. Liverpool’s decision to sell Bellamy to West Ham United in July 2007 still rankles with the Wales striker. “I think Craig’s going to want to prove a point against Liverpool and hopefully score a goal,” Ireland said.

Although Ireland is contracted to City until June 2012, talks about an improved deal could begin before the end of the season, with the midfield player eager to stay at the club for years to come.

“I’m not really thinking about another negotiation as much as I’d love to stay here for a long time, but I’d love to sit down and the club show me that they are as serious about me as I am about them,” he said.

Ireland eyes Anfield chance

2009-02-21T21:21:00.000-08:00

Stephen Ireland insists that City have a good chance of arresting their poor away form in the league at Anfield tomorrow.

The Blues have not taken all three points in a Barclays Premier League fixture since August 31st, but they go into Sunday's game on the back of a creditable draw in Copenhagen that could have ended in their fifth away win out of six games in Europe.

The first meeting between City & Liverpool this season saw the Reds come back from two goals down to snatch a 3-2 win, but Stephen is convinced that Liverpool's attacking approach could allow City plenty of chances.

He says, "No one expects us to win this game but we often win the games we’re not expected to but Liverpool are quite like us. They like to play football and hit on the break so I think it will be a good game and end to end.

"The defeat at our place against them was hard to take. The turning point was when Zabaleta got sent off although we still should have won. I think we’ll have that fact on our minds at Anfield. I think they’ll be more space for us, it should be a good footballing game."

Reflecting on Thursday night's display, Stevie thinks City can be confident of making their two away goals count next Thursday.

"It was a good performance. I thought the defence were very good, they defended very well. From corners, they caused us some problems but I think we can learn from the performance and take it into next week. We were ahead twice and I think we should really have held on to the lead but looking back on it 2-2 is not too bad for us."

The Andy Hinchcliffe column

2009-02-21T21:19:00.000-08:00

In stark contrast to their away league form, City have had very few problems in Europe this season and they continued that trend with a creditable 2-2 UEFA Cup draw against

FC Copenhagen in some of the coldest playing conditions I’ve ever experienced (Get my agent....I never signed up for minus 5 degrees!) It was the Danes first competitive game since a 6-week winter break and on a newly-laid pitch slowly being blanketed in snow, they looked lively with Ailton, Santeen and Kvist carrying a significant attacking threat.

Mark Hughes’ team selection after the Portsmouth defeat was always going to be interesting and the return of Micah Richards, Richard Dunne and SWP made a big difference to both City’s quality and application as they dominated the first half and deservedly led at the break through Nedum Onouha’s bizarre opener…his celebrations in front of the ‘painted fans’ behind the goal was brilliant!

‘Dogs Of War’ Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta combined excellently in central midfield and if SWP, Robinho and Craig Bellamy had taken one of their golden chances with the score at 2-1, the tie could have been put to bed there and then.

Ultimately two pieces of sloppy defending cost City the win but on the whole the Manager must have been much happier with his sides performance and taking two away goals back to Eastlands for next week’s exciting second leg will prove vital.

UEFA Cup aspirations are put on hold for a week as on Sunday the players must show real unity to face a daunting trip to Liverpool, a side who have done well to maintain their title challenge.

After seeing them win 3-2 at Eastlands back in October, I thought they were a long way off being capable of pushing Chelsea and United for top-spot and come kick-off on Sunday, they could be 8 points behind United and have to beat City to stand any chance of staying in the title-race.

Robbie Keane’s return to Spurs (what was all that about?) has left them short of fire-power and Rafa Benitez will be praying his dynamic duo of Gerrard and Torres, who have 23 goals between them, stay fit till the end of the campaign as without them their Premier League hopes will go up in smoke.

Anfield has been a fortress this season with no side taking all three points although City should be encouraged by the fact Hull,Stoke,Fulham and West Ham all gained a valuable point showing how far grit and determination can get you.

The big question is whether City have the stomach for the fight against a top-class side after capitulating so many times against far inferior opposition.

A Manager does his best but once out on the pitch, what more incentive does a professional footballer need than to play at one of the world’s great sporting venues and test himself against one the best teams in the land?

City’s seven remaining away league games are incredibly tough, having to face five of the top six so they will find it hard to change the shocking statistic of just one win in 12 attempts. Key-man SWP is suspended, so I’m highly doubtful if the final whistle at Anfield will signal a sudden change in fortunes…

Chinch predicts: Liverpool 2-0 City

TOTAL FOOTBALL on Key 103 and Magic 1152 Manchester brings you EVERY City game this season.

Join me next on SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY from 2 O’CLOCK, LIVE from ANFIELD as the Blues face title-chasing LIVERPOOL.

Then have YOUR say on my after-match phone-in by calling 0161-288-0103. TOTAL FOOTBALL…the place to be for EVERY City game this season.

Kop star Kuyt backs Robinho

2009-02-21T21:18:00.000-08:00

DIRK KUYT has admitted to being a fully paid-up member of the Robinho fan club on the eve of the Brazil star's first chance to impress the Kop in City's Premier League visit to Anfield.

Blues manager Mark Hughes was delighted with Robinho's 'excellent' contribution to Thursday night's 2-2 UEFA Cup draw in Copenhagen, and Liverpool striker Kuyt has identified the gifted No.10 as City's danger man on Sunday.

Dutchman Kuyt, signed for £9million from Feyenoord by Rafa Benitez, knows how tough it can be to switch from mainland Europe to the demands of English football, and has nothing but admiration for the South American import.

He said: "He's a fantastic player and he's done really well. It's not easy coming from the Spanish League because it's more physical here.

"I thought it would be tough for him, but he's shown he can do really well here. He's scored a lot of goals, and I'm sure as City get stronger as a team that he'll become even better."

Top-scorer Robby hasn't hit the net for nearly two months - his strike in the 2-2 draw at Blackburn was his 11th goal in the League and 12th of the campaign - but he impressed hard taskmaster Hughes with his performance in Denmark.

Hughes, who had a heart-to-heart with his club record signing earlier this week, said: "I thought Robinho was excellent. Straight from the off he showed his intent and he was a catalyst for a lot of the good things that we did.

what the papers say

2009-02-20T20:20:00.000-08:00

Verdict from Parken Stadium

THE Press pack caught the mood in Copenhagen ... and the general verdict was that 2-2 was cold comfort for City.

Daily Mirror

Grimm end to Blues fairytale

"There was no fairytale ending for Manchester City in the home of Hans Christian Andersen as they were denied by a stoppage-time equaliser.

"City were just seconds away from a fifth win on the road in Europe this season when FC Copenhagen ripped up the script and penned their own dramatic ending.

"It is still advantage City heading into Thursday's return at Eastlands, but it could have been so much more comfortable for Mark Hughes' side.

"The commendable draw papers over the cracks of what was another patchy performance from the richest club in the world and but for the efforts of Craig Bellamy and Stephen Ireland, it might have been a different story.

"The Copenhagen fans unfurled a huge banner before kick-off showing their mascot of a lion holding a mouse in City's colours in his paw with the words 'they might as well be mice because lions don't care'.

"Copenhagen had not played since their final group game before Christmas, but they showed few signs of rustiness as they put City under the cosh on a snowy night on the shores of the Baltic.

"The Blues needed a break and they got one on 29 minutes when Jesper Christiansen gift-wrapped them a precious away goal.

"Ireland played Nedum Onuoha, who had stayed up following a free-kick, through on the left and his tame right-foot effort was fumbled over the line by the hapless Christiansen.

"He was only playing because first-choice Johan Wiland is ineligible. In the home of Carlsberg, this must rank as probably the worst goalkeeping blunder in the world.

"City couldn't ride their luck all match and they went to sleep at the back to present the Danes with a goal in the 56th minute. Almeida was left unmarked just six yards out to head home to bring the home fans to life.

"They were quickly silenced when the Blues retook the lead on 61 minutes through Ireland.

"Copenhagen seemed to stop playing as Shaun Wright-Phillips ran out of space by the right corner flag, but the England winger somehow managed to squeeze a cross through Atiba Hutchinson's legs and Ireland fired home his 10th goal of a terrific season past a stunned Christiansen.

"Then with 90 minutes played, Dame N'Doye crossed for Martin Vingaard to head home and thwart City again."

The Sun

Late blow after Nedum comedy goal

"Nedum Onuoha's comedy goal was snow joke for the Danes but it put Manchestr City on the way to the last 16.

"The England Under-21 defender's feeble effort squirned through the grasp of Jesper Christiansen to gift Mark Hughes' team a first-half lead.

"City's progress was checked by a last-minute equaliser but, all in all, Sparky's lads can be pleased with their night's work in wintry Copenhagen."

The Independent

Vingaard pops up to peg back City

"A late goal from the substitute Martin Vingaard on his debut left Manchester City cursing their luck in the first leg of this round of 32 Uefa Cup match here in the Danish capital last night. The midfielder stepped off the bench to drag his side level in stoppage time by heading home.

"It was cruel luck on City, who seemed to be heading to a morale-boosting victory thanks to Stephen Ireland's 10th goal of the season. However, they will take some consolation in that they have the benefit of two away goals in the return leg at Eastlands next Thursday. Nedum Onuoha also found the target before Ailton Almeida raised Copenhagen's spirits by pulling them level."

Change of date for Fulham

2009-02-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

THE forthcoming home match against Fulham in the Barclays Premier League has been re-arranged from Saturday, April 11 to Sunday, April 12 and will be broadcast live on Sky TV with a 4pm kick off.

Hughes upbeat for Mersey trip

2009-02-20T20:16:00.000-08:00

MARK HUGHES insists that Sunday's opponents Liverpool have a genuine chance of the title - but City's manager also believes their need to stay in touch at the top could work in his team's favour at Anfield.

Early leaders Liverpool have fallen five points behind Manchester United in their bid to be champions for the first time in 19 years, and cannot afford any slip-ups in the rest of the campaign if they are to end that barren spell.

But while Hughes considers Rafa Benitez has got it right by moderating his rotation policy this season, he also senses that his talented team will be allowed to express themselves in a way they couldn't at Stoke and Portsmouth.

He said: "It's always a test going to Anfield, but we will give it a good go. They will have to come out and try to win the game, so hopefully that will leave spaces in behind that we can exploit.

"They have been frustrated by other teams at Anfield. We have to make sure we have a platform to win the game ourselves.

"We need to be nice and solid, but be a bit better at set-plays as well as seeing games out to the end, because we have the goals in us, as we showed against Copenhagen. We have to show all of that against Liverpool.

"When teams come out and have a go at us, we will always be a threat going the other way. We have struggled away at times when the other team doesn't come out - we end up like the home team and get caught by the sucker punch."

Despite his belief that the Blues can build on Thursday night's efforts, Hughes will not underestimate the threat from a Liverpool outfit he accepts have stepped up their title bid after flattering to deceive in other seasons.

Hughes warned: "They are real challengers this year - they have been in the top four for a few years but not really been near to challenging for the title. Whether they run Manchester United close this year, we will have to wait and see.

"Liverpool have made a better fist of it, and maybe that has come with less squad rotation. They have been criticised for changing the team in the past, but this year they haven't, and as a consequence they are having a better challenge."

Nedum's eye for goal no joke for Danes

2009-02-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

NEDUM ONUOHA has admitted he was a little embarrassed by the rare goal that gave City the lead in their 2-2 UEFA Cup draw in Copenhagen - and even joked that he'd paid the home keeper to drop a major clanger.

The England Under-21 skipper has only scored on one other occasion for the Blues - his winner against Tottenham at Eastlands nearly a year ago - and this one owed quite a debt to Jesper Christiansen's slapstick moment.

Manager Mark Hughes reckoned that Nedum gave Christiansen 'the eye' as the stand-in keeper spilled his regulation shot, and defender Onuoha smiled: "I gave him the eye ... and about ten kroners as well!

"It was kind of embarrassing but important as well, but I'll take it. Hopefully, I'll score in the next game as well.

"If I'd struck it well, the keeper would probably have saved it, so hitting it so terribly was probably the best thing I could have done."

Onuoha added to the bizarre nature of the goal by saluting the 'fans' painted on a giant mural behind the goal where building work is going on - a new take on the popular City song "We're not really here", perhaps?

He explained: "A few of us were talking about it before the game, and I said that I would do it - but I didn't really think I would score! Then it happened, so I just had to make the most of it."

Copenhagen's last-ditch equaliser was all too real, and Nedum admitted: "It gives them a boost, but we still have two away goals for the next game, so I think we are in a good position.

"The late goal didn't really change our mood too much. If we'd thought about it before the game, we'd have realised that 2-2 is not a bad result, so we will take that and try to use it to our advantage next week.

"We have worked hard to get this far, and you have to make the most of every game you play in Europe, because you never know if you'll get the chance again.

"I think we played well in Denmark, barring two soft goals. We could have scored a lot more ourselves and won the game. Hopefully, we can carry that on into Sunday at Liverpool."

what the papers say

2009-02-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

What the papers say

MICHEL PLATINI is on the warpath because he's worried about the effects of the cash being poured into the game, while Mark Hughes takes a dim view of the Copenhagen coach's comments on City's newly-found wealth.

Manchester Evening News

"Sparky hits back at jibes"

BLUES boss Mark Hughes has hit back at opposite number Stale Solbakken for claiming City's wealth could `destroy football'.

The two men will come face to face in the sub-zero temperatures of the Parken Stadium tonight and the Norwegian may find he gets a frosty reception.

However, Hughes believes the Blues becoming the target for pot-shots from within the game should be viewed as a positive.

"Yes, their coach has said a lot, hasn't he? We've had the benefit of the money for five or six months and we haven't destroyed football yet so I don't think that is going to happen," declared the City chief in response to former Wimbledon player Solbakken, who also said he felt Hughes has a very difficult job.

"In years gone by, no-one was talking about City. Now, every time there is a question about football in general, our name gets brought up and people respond to that.

"Everybody seems to want to knock us. We don't think we are arrogant but people still seem to take exception. They are not in possession of the full facts and they are just looking at it from the outside."

City are likely to include Robinho and a clutch of other expensive stars in tonight's first leg against FC Copenhagen.

Hughes has refused to lay the blame for a poor performance at Portsmouth at the feet of the Brazilian and despite admitting that the best two away shows of the season - at Schalke and Sunderland - were achieved without the attacking midfielder he seems ready to give him another chance.

“We have had a brief word and we have an opportunity now that we are away to talk some more,” he declared. “We will speak in depth - not only to Robinho but everyone. I know he took a lot of criticism after Fratton Park whereas other players should have come into focus as well in that regard. It wasn't just about Robinho's performance - it was about our collective performance.

“He hasn't had a great deal of Premiership football away from home. I think that's the key to it. We have to realise that's where we are at the moment with him. The setbacks we are having now will stand him in good stead because away from home you have to understand that it requires a different mentality.

“Sometimes you have to play percentage football and you can't play the way you want to play as a person and as a team because, on occasion, the other team will have something to say about that. You have to find another way and at the moment we are struggling to find another way.”

Daily Telegraph

"Platini aims to curb big-spending culture"

Michel Platini says Uefa will address two issues which he believes are blighting football – the frivolous spending by clubs and the exploitation of young players.

The Uefa president warned that "the values that football represents are in danger" and told MEPs in Brussels: "We [Uefa] are looking at the idea of limiting a club's expenditure to an as yet undecided percentage of its direct and indirect sporting revenue."

Platini hinted discussions over a salary cap were accelerated by one club's "astronomical bids" in January.

It is believed he was referring to Manchester City and their failed £107 million bid for AC Milan's Brazilian forward Kaka.

The former Juventus playmaker also pleaded with the European parliament to help Uefa in their bid to make football more financially stable despite labour laws which currently promote free trade.

"Whatever happens, please do not stop us, on the basis of inappropriate legislation, from establishing financial fair play," he added.

"Do not stop us from acting morally. Especially when all the stakeholders –- clubs, players and national associations –- agree with my proposals for greater financial transparency and better governance."

He also described the recruitment of overseas youngsters by Europe's top clubs as "child trafficking".

"Free movement from the age of 16 considerably undermines training clubs and encourages international trafficking of children," Platini said. "Most youngsters who are brought to Europe from third-world countries do not become Ronaldinhos or Eto’os.

"Often enticed by a shady agent, they stagnate for a few years in a semi-professional club in eastern or southern Europe, usually ending up with no qualifications, no future in sport and no identity papers, doing odd jobs for paltry wages."

He added: "I have thought about this problem a great deal and I am now convinced that the international transfer - yes international - of players under 18 should be prohibited, fully in accordance with the Fifa statutes. Some people talk about the free movement of workers. I am talking about the protection of children."

Boss looking to press home advantage in second leg

2009-02-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

Mark Hughes thinks that City are in with a great chance of advancing to the next round of the UEFA Cup despite conceding a late goal that saw the first leg in Copenhagen end in a draw.

Goals from Nedum Onuoha and Stephen Ireland either side of Almeida's equaliser had given City the scent of their fifth away win in Europe this season. The late leveller from Vingaard took the gloss off, but two away goals give City an advantage going into next Thursday's game at the City of Manchester Stadium.

The Manager said, "We're obviously disappointed to lose a goal at that late stage because I thought we would see the game out quite comfortably at that point.

"But we have to look on the positive side, we have turned in a good away performance, got two away goals and overall put in a good professional European performance. It was not the win that we were looking for, but before the game we would have been delighted with what we ended up with. We are in the box seat, and the advantage is ours. It's up to us to make the most of it."

The home side tried to make the advantage of playing in front of their vociferous support count, but their attacking approach allowed City to exploit them at the back in Mark's opinion.

"The opposition came out and attacked us, when teams do that that allows us to get in behind and we have the players to exploit that. With a better final pass we would have scored more, but in the previous games teams have sat back and made it difficult."

Looking ahead to the return leg, Mark added, "They have come off a midwinter break, and we need to exploit that. But they have a good level of fitness and worked extremely hard. We need to show a bit more quality in the second leg and finish them off."

FC Copenhagen 2-2 City

2009-02-19T19:50:00.000-08:00

FC Copenhagen v Manchester City

Thursday 19 February 2009, 8.05pm
Parken Stadium - Att:

Teams

FC Copenhagen: Christiansen, Pospech, Norregaard (Gronkjaer 70), Laursen, Almeida, Kvist (Vingaard 60), Santin (N'Doye 59), Hutchinson, Antonsson, Kristensen, Wendt.

unused subs: Jensen, Nordstran, Jorgensen, Coe (GK).

City: Given, Richards, Dunne (c), Onuoha, Bridge, Zabaleta, Kompany, Ireland, Wright-Phillips, Robinho (Caicedo 89), Bellamy.

unused subs: Hart, Garrido, Weiss, Vassell, Elano, Evans.

Goals: 0-1 (Onuoha 28), 1-1 (Almedia 56), 1-2 (Ireland 61), 2-2 (Vingaard 90+1)

Bookings:

FCC:

City: Bellamy (43), Richards (83)

Referee: P Kralovec

Pre match: As expected, Richard Dunne and SWP were in the starting XI, with Kompany partnering Zabaleta in midfield. Richards & Robinho shook off their injury worries and also started.

There was a familiar face on the hosts’ bench, with Niclas Jensen coming up against his old club. The hosts also made a nice gesture by playing ‘Blue Moon’ over the PA, which the 1,800 or so City fans, encamped above the press box, singing along to it lustily. Following that it was air guitars to Guns n'Roses and ‘Welcome to the jungle’!

The Match

There was a crackling atmosphere at kick-off, with the snow drifting down adding to an already surreal scene with the mural behind one end. The first action of the game came in the first minute, with Almeida going down in the box, but the referee ignored the pleas for a penalty, most of which came from the stands.

Craig Bellamy was caught offside on three occasions early on, but the first real alarm came after 14 minutes when Shay Given dropped a corner that had looped over from the near side. Thankfully no-one from the home side could capitalise and the danger was cleared.

Kvist’s header on 22 minutes was Copenhagen’s best chance so far, but Given collected it easily. City were straight down to the other end and carving out their best opportunity, Robinho threading the ball through to SWP, whose shot was stopped by the legs of keeper Christiansen. Three minutes later Kvist chanced his arm from long range but he could only fire the ball a long way over the bar.

But a quiet game burst into life on 29 minutes when City scored through the most unlikely of sources. We won the ball back from a free kick, and Ireland looked up to find Nedum Onuoha, still up the pitch from the set-piece. With Bellamy free in the middle, the defender chose to shoot straight at Christiansen, but the home keeper made a compete hash of it and the ball rolled gently over the line! Nedum celebrated just his second senior goal by wittily thanking the fans on the mural behind the goal.

The crucial away goal inspired the team, who went close on 33 minutes when Stephen Ireland was just short of getting a foot to a deflected Bellamy free kick. The ‘Istanbul we are coming’ chant was also getting several airings at this point.

Fine work by Bellamy on the right ended with a cross that Christiansen punched out as far as Zabaleta, and the Argentinean’s shot a second later curled safely back to the home keeper. As we entered stoppage time, the defender-turned-midfielder raced in on goal from the right but put his shot wide of the near post.

A half-time airing of ‘Wonderwall’ roused the City fans even more, and within seconds of the restart SWP’s mazy run into the box ended with Christiansen saving the shot from a tight angle. Six minutes later a shot from Ireland struck Robinho, who could not control the rebound.

The home side had been so ineffective for such a long time that their equaliser on 56 minutes came as a real shock. Kristensen swung in a corner from the far side, and Ailton Almeida’s powerful header flew in past Given low to his right.

But City’s heads did not drop and five minutes later we were back in the lead! Determined work from SWP in the corner ended with him crossing the ball through Hutchinson’s legs straight to Stephen Ireland, who drilled the ball home first time for the 10th goal of his superb season.

Copenhagen dominated for a long spell, but the best chance they had ended when Dunne made a perfectly-timed challenge on Almeida. Robinho had the chance to make it three when he broke away on 82 minutes, but his shot went straight at Christiansen, who this time did not make a mistake. The home keeper made a better save to deny SWP with six minutes left, diving low to his right to parry the shot from eight yards out.

Three minutes were added on, and in the first the home side restored parity to take the gloss off a good night for City. N’Doye crossed from the right, and Martin Vingaard, unmarked in the area, headed the ball home.

That was the last real action of an entertaining match, a disappointing end for City but two away goals give us an advantage going into what should be a cracker at CoMS next Thursday.

Some grounds for concern, admits Hughes

2009-02-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

Copenhagen is gearing up for tonight's UEFA Cup tie on what promises to be a chilly evening at the Parken Stadium.

Both squads trained on Wednesday night on the stadium's newly-laid pitch, one which City boss Mark Hughes has admitted is causing him slight concern.

"We are aware of that situation and irrespective of the work they do with it, the pitch won't be ideal because it won't have time to bed in," he says.

"I have had experience of pitches that have been laid prior to games with Wales in the Millennium Stadium.

"On occasions the pitch played okay, on other occasions it was detrimental to a good game. Hopefully that won't be the case."

The sliding roof at the hosts' ground is likely to be open tonight but it was closed during the Wednesday training sessions. The temperature here in the Danish capital is minus four in mid-afternoon, so it will be even chillier when kick off rolls around at 8.05pm local time.

One notable feature to look out for tonight is the mural behind one of the goals! The entire stand at one end of the ground is being refurbished, so a huge painting, reminiscent of the one Arsenal erected at Highbury in the early 1990s for the same reason, spans the width of the pitch. It will lend a slightly surreal touch to the evening's proceedings, which will take place in front of a reduced capacity of 34,000 or so fans.

City's 1,800-strong contingent of supporters began to arrive on Wednesday for the next part of this season's European odyssey. It all began in the Faroes on July 17th, has already taken in one trip to Denmark before moving almost as far as you can go in Europe to Cyprus. Following that was a magnificent win in Germany over Schalke, before the group stage ended in defeat on the northern coast of Spain in Santander.

The winners of this tie will meet either Aalborg or Deportivo La Coruna, with the Danish side in pole position to progress after winning last night's first leg 3-0.

Who are ya?

2009-02-19T19:47:00.000-08:00

SO, FC Copenhagen. One of the grand old teams of Danish football then?

Well, yes and no. They were actually formed as recently as 1992, in a merger between KB Copenhagen and Boldklubben 1903. But those two were among the elite with 100 years of proud history behind them, not to mention 22 League titles between them. KB were actually the oldest club on mainline Europe, formed in 1876.

What about recent history?

They won the 2001 Superliga title under Roy Hodgson, now in charge of Fulham, and they qualified for the Champions League a couple of years ago when the highlights of their group games included victory over Celtic and a 1-0 win over Manchester United at the national Parken Stadium.

Formidable opponents for the Blues then?

Certainly. They didn't get past those group stages in 2006-7 because their away form didn't match their home form, and they finished rock bottom, but the Lions remain one of the strongest teams in Denmark with the biggest following.

They'll be up for a big tie with City?

Copenhagen love to play the English. Ten years ago they gave Chelsea a bit of a shock, drawing 1-1 at Stamford Bridge but being squeezed out by a Brian Laudrup winner at home.Their scorer, Bjarne Goldbaek, then joined Chelsea while Laudrup went the other way and had half a season with the Danes before signing for Ajax.

Who do we know from their current side?

Left back Niclas Jensen, of course. He helped City clinch promotion to the Prem and then finish ninth the next season before joining Borussia Dortmund. Winger Jesper Gronkjaer had two years at Chelsea alongside Wayne Bridge ... and Brazilian striker Jose Junior has had three English clubs: Walsall, Derby and Rotherham.

And what about their coach, Stale Solbakken?

He's a former Copenhagen player who turned out for Norway. Solbakken has crossed paths with Mark Hughes before, but fleetingly in Wales' 3-1 defeat by the Norwegians in 1994.Sparky had already gone off when Solbakken came off the bench.

How's he doing as a coach?

Well, Copenhagen have only lost one of their ten UEFA Cup ties this season, to French side St Etienne. Enough said.

Dunne back to lead the Blues

2009-02-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

Richard Dunne will be back and leading the Blues from the front against FC Copenhagen tonight.

That’s the unequivocal message from Mark Hughes as the City squad prepare for the first leg of the UEFA Cup round of 32 tie at the Parken Stadium.

The skipper has missed the last four Barclays Premier League fixtures following his sending off against Wigan in January, but despite several options available to him, the Manager says that Richard will start tonight’s game.

Vincent Kompany has worn the captain’s armband recently and filled in in central defence, but with Nigel de Jong ineligible it is possible that the Belgian will move back into midfield with Dunne resuming his usual duties at the back.

The Manager says, "Dunne will be captain. He has been an outstanding player for City for many, many seasons. Maybe the break will have done him good, and he's had four games out. That will help him, and I think that he will come back refreshed.

"It's a long hard season in the Premier League so the enforced break can sometimes be a good thing.”

With two dismissals this season, Dunne has faced criticism from some quarters but Hughes says his captain is experienced enough to take it all on the chin.

“Sometimes you have a run of games where things don't go quite right for you and that has a significant impact on results but Dunnie has been involved in these situations before. He is a big lad and he has been in the game long enough to deal with it, such is his strength of character. It won't faze him. He is always prepared to go out there and get going again."

Looking ahead to the game tonight, the Manager is looking to improve on our last game, last Saturday’s defeat at Fratton Park, and he says,

"At the weekend we were disappointing but it can be difficult. You heard what Paul Hart said after the game and their game plan was to hopefully get a draw. We were undone by sucker punches and that happened before at Stoke where we had the vast majority of the play in terms of possession without really creating anything, then we get undone by a couple of attacks and lose the game.

"I don't sense that will happen against Copenhagen. The onus is on them to get a positive result and that may well play into our hands.

"It will a test but with most people talking about our away form of late, our best away performances have been in Europe, so let's hope we can replicate that.”

Pump up the pressure, says Kompany

2009-02-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

VINCENT KOMPANY admits to feeling the huge pressure on Manchester City this remarkable season but insists that it's a natural knock-on effect of the ambition at the City of Manchester Stadium and says: Bring it on.

As Mark Hughes' men resume their UEFA Cup campaign in Copenhagen tonight, Belgian international Kompany - who hands back the skipper's armband to Richard Dunne - relishes the weight of expectation now resting on everyone's shoulders.

Kompany, who announced his August arrival from Hamburg with a man-of-the-match display at West Ham, said: "Ever since the new owners came, pressure has been normal for Manchester City to deal with.

"There has been pressure on the team, but the more pressure there is on my team, the happier I'll be that I'm in a good team. I love it. I've always looked forward to situations where you are playing for something that really matters.

"The UEFA Cup is a good competition to be playing in, but it's not the biggest thing that you can go for. There's a lot of things for us to improve, so pressure is good.

"I have enjoyed being captain, it was a good couple of weeks. It was a very good experience, and I've learned a lot. I'm confident that some day I will have the captaincy of a team."

Kompany will be more than happy to get back into European competition after admitting his frustration at the spoiling tactics employed by some Premier League sides when faced with Mark Hughes' talented squad.

He said: "Europe is completely different from playing in the Premier. We went to Schalke and won 2-0, but when you play in England you play against teams who maybe don't have the ability of a Schalke.

"They will just throw long balls in and make it a battle, make it a war. They make it so physical, so you have to respond physically. We haven't found a way around that yet.I'm confident we'll win away games, but we've still to find a solution.

"But we've had a good European run and we have to keep that going. There's a lot of excitement about this game after the group stage, now you really feel like you're playing for something. Every game you win gets you closer to the final.

"Let's see where we are after Copenhagen. I have a couple of friends in the Danish League and I know that Copenhagen are not a team to be underestimated. In a good year they can be worth a Champions League place, so it's a difficult game.

"But it's in our hands with the away leg first. It's a massive advantage in Europe. The team at home in the second leg is more likely to get something positive out of it. But you have to get the away result first. A win would be great.

"Europe is all about how you do over two games, and there's no reason why we shouldn't do well. We have to show them respect. And we have to give everything and remember there's no game that you can win by giving 80 per cent."

What the papers say

2009-02-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

What the papers say

THE football world is still buzzing with City's transfer-market intentions - even though the window is closed until the end of the season ...

Daily Mail

"Barca expect £20m bid for Eto'o"

Barcelona are bracing themselves for a £20million summer bid from Manchester City for Samuel Eto'o after the striker indicated this will be his last season at the Nou Camp.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are also all keen on La Liga's top scorer, who has snubbed Barca's offer to begin contract talks. In the summer, he will have just one year left to run on his current deal.
Eto'o, 28 next month, is believed still to harbour a grudge against coach Pep Guardiola, who said the striker could be sold last summer but no clubs could match Barca's valuation. Eto'o has since worked hard to get back into favour and tops the charts with 23 goals.
His feelings became clear when he refused to be photographed for a magazine interview wearing a Barcelona shirt, saying he did not want to be 'one of those players that kisses the badge then leaves'.
Barca would prefer to sell to the highest bidder which would put City in pole position, but Eto'o has always been a fan of Arsenal's style and Liverpool.

Daily Telegraph

"Villa agent dismisses City speculation"

City reportedly made a £50 million approach for the Valencia forward ahead of the January transfer window, but his agent, Jose Luis Tamargo, claims Villa is not interested in a move to England.

"David has rejected the chance to play in England. It would be a nonsense to negotiate with Manchester City and Chelsea aren't interested," he told the Mirror.

"If Valencia do decide to sell him he wants to stay in Spain."

Villa, who scored Spain's opener in their 2-0 victory over England earlier this month, now has a strike rate of 25 goals in 42 internationals.

While Spain rely on Villa, Valencia are even more dependent on the prolific forward, who has scored 18 out of their 43 league goals this season.

Villa was hot property in the summer after firing Spain to Euro 2008 glory – with the tabloids labelling him 'Maravilla' which translates as 'wonder'.

After missing out on Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Spanish champions Real offered a reported 45 million euros for him, but Valencia didn't want to do business and the striker signed a contract extension until 2014.

"The club wanted to keep me and I feel comfortable here so it is all fine," Villa explained at the time.

However, with presidential elections at the Bernabeu this summer, Villa could again be a target for Real come the end of the season."

Dream of a day for Christie trio

2009-02-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

PATIENTS from the Christie Hospital enjoyed a morning to remember when they met their heroes and watched them being put through their paces at the Carrington training complex this week.

True Blue fans Jen Bayley, Chris Taylor and Martin Cox were guests of the club on a special day out that started with a warm welcome from manager Mark Hughes and included a long chat and autographs with the whole senior squad.

Lorraine Case, youth support co-ordinator at Christie's, said: "They had a brilliant time. They're all big Blues and so they were really excited about the visit, and every player came up for a chat after they'd finished training.

"Stephen Ireland and Shay Given made a particularly big impression. They got their shirts autographed and by the time we left at lunchtime they were made up."

Jen, 21, and Martin, 18, are being treated for leukaemia and Chris, 19, for a bone tumour at the world-renowned hospital.

Lorraine added: "Mark was lovely. He came out to say hello and welcome and had another chat later. The trip meant a lot to the three of them."

All the action live from Copenhagen

2009-02-18T20:30:00.000-08:00

YOU might not be able to get to Copenhagen to support the team as they resume their challenge for the UEFA Cup, but you can still stay close to the action thanks to the website that puts you right in the picture on City.

Manager Mark Hughes has shared his own thoughts and observations on the first leg of the round of 32 and that interview is now running on MCFCTV.com, while you can also see skipper Richard Dunne and Nigel de Jong meeting the fans.

And we'll have a full live commentary from the Danish capital on TV.com from 7.05pm tomorrow night, so you don't have to miss one goal or incident as the Blues seek a repeat of that fabulous night in Schalke.

Access to MCFCTV.com starts at just £3.99 a month, with live commentary from EVERY game plus highlights from all Barclays Premier League matches.

Shay ready for another crack at Europe

2009-02-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

Shay Given can't wait for another go at European football when City take on FC Copenhagen on Thursday.

The Irish keeper enjoyed some memorable times with previous club Newcastle United, most notably an epic 3-2 win over Barcelona shortly after he had arrived at St James' Park.

It is now two years since his last stint in the UEFA Cup with the Magpies, but the thought returning at the knock-out stages with City is an enticing one to the 32-year-old.

Shay says, “There are some huge teams both in terms of ability and history still left in this year’s Uefa Cup and though some people view it as a poor relation to the Champions League it still takes some winning, and particularly so this season.

“It is a great trophy in terms of kudos for any team to win and I am sure all the teams left in it are as desperate to win as we are. There is definitely a different feeling playing in Europe, it is hard to define but there is a special atmosphere surrounding match nights.

“Sometimes there is not the blood and thunder of the Premier League and it is a little bit cagier. You find teams want to keep possession more and try to hit you on the break.

“I have some great memories of European nights at Newcastle and I hope to have some more here this season,”

Following the disappointing defeat at Fratton Park last Saturday, Shay is pleased that the chance to atone for that display is coming around quickly.

“Last weekend at Portsmouth was a huge disappointment for everyone involved with the club. On the day we were not good enough and we need to rectify that. Whenever you have a bad performance it is great if the next match comes quickly and you can immediately start to put the record straight.

“Hopefully we can do that tomorrow. We know that we let the fans down at Portsmouth when we were not good enough on the day.”

Temperatures in the Danish capital are expected to plummet to minus six, or even lower, but Shay does not think this will pose a problem.

"The extremely cold temperatures will not be a problem. Sometimes when it is really cold the ball moves all over the place but the modern ball does that any way.

"It is just nice to be back in Europe again and it is great to be in with a chance of winning a trophy. Who knows which team’s name is on the cup. It could be ours.”

Hughes sounds warning over UEFA rivals Copenhagen

2009-02-18T20:28:00.000-08:00

MARK HUGHES sends his City hopefuls into European combat again tomorrow night with a warning that FC Copenhagen are a tougher test than the feisty Danes who almost tipped them out of the UEFA Cup in August.

Blues are among the favourites to go all the way to the final in Istanbul on May 20 after adding three top stars to the roster, but manager Hughes rates their rivals in the round of 32 as a tricky proposition.

City only overcame virtual unknowns Midtjylland with the aid of a last-minute own goal and two Joe Hart wonder saves in a dramatic penalty shoot-out as they diced with an embarrassing defeat in the qualifiers.

Hughes has boosted City's roster with Shay Given, Wayne Bridge and Craig Bellamy, but said: "It's still a difficult tie for us - they are a strong, fit side who are doing well, though they've not had too many competitive matches lately.

"They are a similar team to Midtjylland but higher in the league and going well. Like most Scandinavian teams, they are big guys with a good work ethic who get around the pitch.

"It's a good test for us. We're looking to get back on track and it's about time we did. It's about making sure we are in good shape for the home leg, being on the front foot with a positive result so that we can finish the job.

"A draw would be OK. Ideally we'd like to score out there, that would leave us in good shape. But Copenhagen are conscious of the threat we have and will be looking to restrict our opportunities in the final third.

"We weren't able to ask enough questions at Portsmouth and this is a good opportunity now in Europe to make a statement. People will look at our away form and ask questions about us, but we can only answer by winning games."

   Hughes will not consider sacrificing victory in Europe despite the pressing need to push on in the Premier League.

   He said: "Sometimes it can be seen as a distraction but trust me, when you do go out it's a missed opportunity. There's an emptiness there that we don't want to experience, and we have enough quality to go as far as we want.

"You always need a slice of luck now and then in cup competitions, but hopefully we can get to the quarters or the semi-finals ... then anything can happen."

what the papers say

2009-02-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

New contract for Stevie mooted

News from across the spectrum today, with new contracts, interest from other clubs and reaction to the defeat at Portsmouth.

The Independent

"City ready to offer in-form Ireland new contract"

Manchester City are ready to sit down with Stephen Ireland to discuss a new contract reflecting his improved form under Mark Hughes.

Pending final discussions between manager Hughes and the club's board, talks are expected to begin shortly in an attempt to do something about Ireland's £26,000-a-week salary, which is by no means commensurate with the contribution he is currently making at Eastlands. It is not even two years since the 22-year-old last agreed a contract which would keep him at the club until June 2012 and, with City's board of the view that any new contract offer must be Hughes' decision, a deal nearer £50,000 a week would appear to be likely. Ireland's position is in stark contrast to that of Daniel Sturridge, whose advisers want more than £60,000 a week for him, a demand which Hughes and the City board are not willing to entertain.

Hughes is hoping that Robinho will be fit for the Uefa Cup trip to Copenhagen this week after he limped out of the 2-0 defeat at Fratton Park on Saturday, with a tight thigh. As Darius Vassell missed Saturday's lacklustre performance on the South Coast with an illness, Hughes needs Robinho fit, otherwise he could be short of forward players. Benjani and Sturridge have already been ruled out, which could leave Craig Bellamy, Felipe Caicedo and Ched Evans as his only options.

Micah Richards is also facing a fitness test on the ankle injury that kept him out at the weekend after it initially failed to respond to treatment.

Daily Mail

"REVEALED: Jeff Powell's Best Brazilian footballers"

ROBINHO (Man City). The most expensive player in the world and, on recent evidence for Brazil against Italy, worth every penny of Sheik Mansour's £32million.

Daily Telegraph

"Aston Villa to renew interest in Manchester City’s Micah Richards"

Richards was the subject of an £8 million bid from Villa in January but City were unwilling to sell, particularly as they experienced difficulty in acquiring a replacement, with enquiries for Everton’s Joleon Lescott and England captain John Terry coming to nothing.

However, Richard’s indifferent form for the club, and the likelihood that further recruits will be bought by manager Mark Hughes in the summer, mean Villa are hopeful a deal can be struck, reports the Mirror.

Laursen, 31, a pivotal figure in Villa mounting a credible challenge to the established top four at the summit of the Premier League, has been hit by a succession of knee injuries.

Daily Mirror

"Furious Mark Hughes lays into Manchester City flops"

Mark Hughes has put the boot into his Manchester City flops, warning them he will not tolerate any more away-day dross.

Hughes was furious with his players after they undid all their recent good work in a spineless 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth.

Their abject surrender at Fratton Park - to a side who had not won in the league since November - was their seventh Premier League loss on the road and their only win was way back in August at Sunderland.

The City manager was particularly livid because his side ignored the carefullyprepared game-plan they had worked on all week.

"I was angry because we work really hard all week to give the players lots of information and an understanding of the gameplan but on Saturday that was not taken on board," fumed Hughes.

"If you veer away from what you're trying to do then on occasions you will be exposed and we didn't get anything like a performance on Saturday and in the end got what we deserved - nothing.

"We have to have variation in the way we play and we cannot just pass and probe.

"It's frustrating because we see good signs and then, away from home, we're disappointing. It has got to stop." Hughes signed Nigel de Jong and Craig Bellamy to put some fight into his side and he was angered by their lack of steel.

He claims his team, who must regroup for Thursday's

UEFA Cup trip to FC Copenhagen, must now earn the right to play when they go away from the sanctuary of Eastlands.

"You've got to roll your sleeves up when you travel to places like Fratton Park and battle for what you get and on occasions we were lacking in that respect," he said.

"There are certain situations where you have got to stand up to the challenge, but we allowed Portsmouth to take the initiative.

"As a consequence you will concede goals and this is the hardest league in the world when you do that.

"At times we forget that, certainly away from home.

Other teams will not allow us to play, not allow technically gifted players to influence the game, so you have to find another way." Hughes has maintained during his roller-coaster reign at City that the second half of the season would be the time to judge him, and his sides traditionally finish strongly.

He is also banking on his January signings to help them mount a bid for a European place to silence his critics.

But instead he is frustrated that City still look as fragile as ever in away games and this fundamental weakness could prove fatal when owner Sheikh Mansour reviews his first season in charge come May.

Robinho and Elano are particularly prone to 'going missing', - despite starring for their national side last week - a situation that can only undermine Hughes' position further. "We had the vast majority of the game but in key situations were found wanting," said Hughes.

"You can't win in this league unless the majority of your team is playing at the right level."

Terry staying put

Chelsea and John Terry are insisting that the inspirational skipper will remain at Stamford Bridge in contrast to weekend specualtion that he is on City's wanted list.

Daily Mail

"Terry commits his future to Chelsea after turning down City switch"

John Terry insists he is going nowhere after Chelsea snubbed interest from Manchester City.

Mega-rich City have been spurned in their attempts to sign the Blues skipper as part of their lavish rebuilding at Eastlands.

Terry admitted he was glad his club rejected the bid, saying: "Chelsea told me what had happened with the enquiry as a courtesy.

'I was very happy with their reaction as mine would have been the same.

'I have always said that I want to end my career at the club which I love and we all see no reason why that cannot happen.

'Given recent events I am more determined than ever to make Chelsea successful again.'

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon warned City not to return with an improved offer in the summer.

'We made it very clear that John was not for sale,' he said.

'We did not entertain any further conversation on the subject and nor will we in the future.

'John is our captain and the captain of England.

'He is part of the heart and soul of Chelsea.'

Daily Telegraph

"Chelsea's John Terry denies Manchester City link "

City made an enquiry about Terry before the winter transfer window opened, Chelsea have confirmed.

That might underline the scale of City's ambition, but Terry sees no problem at Stamford Bridge in terms of future trophy-winning potential.

And the 28-year-old captain of Chelsea and England, who came through the youth ranks in west London, is adamant he will remain a one-club player.

He is determined to give everything for new boss Guus Hiddink, who saw Chelsea - minus the suspended Terry - secure a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals by beating Watford on Saturday.

Terry was kept informed by Chelsea about City's interest, and said: "I was very happy with their reaction as mine would have been the same.

"I have always said that I want to end my career at the club which I love and we all see no reason why that cannot happen.

"Given recent events I am more determined than ever to make Chelsea successful again."

Chelsea are likely to sell players in the summer in order to fund new signings, after their latest accounts showed a loss of almost £66million.

But they are adamant Terry represents everything positive about the club and insist he will not be sacrificed for the sake of bringing in fresh faces.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon told City, now backed by billionaire Arab owners, there was no chance of them landing Terry.

City turned their attentions to AC Milan's Kaka, only for their bumper bid for the Brazilian to fail.

Kenyon said: "We made it very clear that John was not for sale. We did not entertain any further conversation on the subject and nor will we in the future.

"John is our captain and the captain of England. He is part of the heart and soul of Chelsea."

Penalty blow for young Blues

2009-02-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

Manchester City 1 Hull City 2

Tuesday February 17, 2009, 7.00pm
Regional Athletics Arena - Att: 269

City:
Schmeichel, Obeng, McGivern, Mee, Brown, Kay, Moore (Trippier, 60), Tsiaklis (Morris, 78), D Ball, Bojinov (Daly, 65), McDermott.

Unused subs: T Johansen (GK), Ibrahim.

Hull:
Warner, Doyle, Hanley (Gardner, 74), Welsh, Plummer, Cooper (Lamplough, 64), Devitt, Featherstone, Kendall, Hughes, Atkinson.

unused subs: Woodhead, Cairney, Bennett.

Goals: Ball 14min; Atkinson 6min, Doyle (pen) 59min.

Bookings:

City: None.

Hull: Doyle.

The Match

VALERI BOJINOV made a promising return after his six-month absence but neither the Bulgaria striker nor Kasper Schmeichel could prevent Glyn Hodges' table toppers from slipping to their second defeat in six matches.

Bojinov's 65-minute comeback stint might yet prove to the most significant factor from this game as Mark Hughes' squad prepare for a final third of the campaign that will test their strength in depth to the full.

City had won 4-1 when the teams met in September, but it was the Yorkshire side who took the lead with six minutes gone after a smart bout of passing by the visitors, under the watchful eye of former City boss Brian Horton, now Hull's No2.

Schmeichel, having an extra outing before the UEFA Cup trip to his native Denmark with the seniors, made a good save from lively Nicky Featherstone but winger Will Atkinson pounced to smash the loose ball past the keeper.

But City were level with a quarter of an hour on the clock. Karl Moore swung in a fine cross from the right and David Ball, a problem for Hull on several occasions, planted a firmheader beyond the reach of veteran Hull keeper Tony Warner.

A sparse crowd were hoping for some heroics from Bojinov as the former Fiorentina striker kicked a ball in anger for the first time since pulling up with an achilles injury in the warm-up for the opening League match at Aston Villa.

He was understandably a touch rusty after such a long lay-off but his quality stood out as he evaded three tackles only to shoot over the bar.Earlier, Warner had to be at his best to beat away his rasping shot at full stretch.

But when Ryan McGivern played a fine long pass into his path Bojinov was just short of the pace to beat the alert Warner, and it was Ball who looked the likelier to turn up with a winner for the home side.

Hull's experienced midfielder Bryan Hughes, with 500 senior games after spells at Birmingham and Charlton, delivered a superb long-range effort that forced Schmeichel into an excellent save to tip the ball over the bar.

Bojinov conjured a good turn and shot early in the second half but it was Hull who regained the lead after 59 minutes when Nathan Doyle scored fromthe spot after McGivern brought down Jamie Devitt just inside the box.

Right-back Curtis Obeng hit the post for City after 70 minutes as the young home side battled to try and rescue a point, but Hull managed to weather the storm and secure victory.

Bojinov back at last in reserve clash

2009-02-17T20:05:00.000-08:00

VALERI BOJINOV is set for his long-awaited return to action tonight in the reserve match against Hull at the Regional Athletics Arena at Sportcity.

The luckless Bulgaria striker has missed the whole season after damaging his achilles during the warm-up for the opening Premier League match of the campaign at Aston Villa.

Having recovered from the knee ligament injury that blighted his previous season after joining City from Fiorentina, Bojinov was looking keen and sharp with a fine performance in the pre-season clash with AC Milan.

Seen as a valuable acquisition when he was prised from Serie A, a fully-fit Bojinov will be a welcome addition to Mark Hughes' strike force with the demanding last third of the season sure to test squad strength to the full.

Glyn Hodges' otherwise young reserve side, which kicks off at 7pm, also includes goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who travels with the senior squad to his native Denmark tomorrow for the UEFA Cup tie at FC Copenhagen.

Team: Schmeichel, Obeng, McGivern, Mee, Brown, Kay, Moore, Tsiaklis, D Ball, Bojinov, McDermott.

Subs: Morris, T Johansen (GK), Daly, Trippier, Ibrahim.

Hughes ready to resume European campaign

2009-02-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

MARK HUGHES is ready to send out a strong City side in Copenhagen tomorrow night to keep his men firmly on the UEFA Cup trail and start to banish memories of the weekend disappointment at Portsmouth.

Record signing Robinho has been cleared to play despite limping off with a thigh strain in the lacklustre 2-0 defeat at Fratton Park, while skipper Richard Dunne and Shaun Wright-Phillips are both back in action in the Danish capital.

City will travel without midfielder Gelsen Fernandes, whose slight hamstring injury rules him out for a week, but otherwise Hughes takes the squad that is being counted among the favourites to reach the Istanbul final on May 20.

Republic of Ireland rock Dunne is back after suspension, and Hughes said: "Four games out is a long period but we expect him to be refreshed and make an impact.

"And if you look at the game at the weekend, we possibly lacked that ability to drive past people with pace with the ball and get in behind people.

"We struggled, but Shaun will help in that respect - he takes people on in good areas and things happen when you do that."

Dunne's presence in central defence and SWP's attacking intent can only bolster a side that has taken some criticism over that last outing at Portsmouth - not least from manager Hughes, who nevertheless has some sympathy.

He said: "In recent away games - Stoke and Portsmouth spring to mind - teams have set up to make sure they get a draw then anything else is a bonus. Teams have sat back and we haven't been able to break them down and make the chances.

"Then we've been caught out by sucker punches. We've got to create more chances. We are playing too much like the home side away from home, if that makes sense. We've had the majority of possession but without real threat or attacking focus.

"It only takes one slip or a couple of consecutive errors and we concede. Trying to get back on terms then is a difficult task. Chasing games away from home is always more difficult."

Dunnie dropping in at the CityStore on Tuesday

2009-02-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

There are a couple of great reasons for coming to the CityStore at the City of Manchester Stadium this Tuesday afternoon.

In line with our half-term offer, there is 50% off all replica kits and training wear, but come along from 2pm and you can meet City skipper Richard Dunne.

Richard, along with new signing Nigel de Jong, will be signing autographs and meeting fans in the store, and don’t forget that card holders can claim the usual discounts on all items bought in store.

The half-term discount offer also applies at our shop in the Arndale Centre all week.

If coming along on Tuesday, take the chance to snap up a discount on tickets for our next home game against FC Copenhagen on Thursday February 26th at the stadium box office. Seasoncard holders and Citycard members can buy seats for £15 in advance, and with all adult tickets going up to £20 on match day itself it really makes sense to claim some money off beforehand.

Stevie calls for the Schalke spirit

2009-02-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

STEPHEN IRELAND is urging his City team-mates to turn back the clock to their finest hour and a half of the European campaign when they tackle FC Copenhagen in Thursday's first leg of the UEFA Cup round of 32 in the Danish capital.

Mark Hughes' side finished top of their group despite stumbling 3-1 in the dead-rubber at Santander, but it is the magnificent 2-0 victory over Schalke in Germany that the City midfielder sees as the yardstick for success.

City are among the favourites to go all the way to the Istanbul final on May 20, and Ireland, one of the men of the season so far, pinpoints that glory win against the Bundesliga giants as the template for a trip to Turkey.

The Blues began their UEFA journey in the Faroe Islands back in July, and Stevie said: "Every game in Europe has been different. We've had games where we've had to battle and there have been passing games as well.

"My first season in Europe's been a great experience and I've learned a lot from it. A European tie is often a great occasion and you tend to raise yourself because it is a special game.

   "But for me, Schalke was probably the best game I've played and that the team has played. Everything went so well, from the way that we approached the game to the way that we played.

"From start to finish, it was a proper, complete performance. The team was a tight unit - we played some brilliant football and then took our chances when they came.

"We need to try and play every game like that in the Premier League as well as Europe. If we can do that on a consistent basis, we can achieve a lot."

   Glyn Hodges' table-topping reserves - who play tonight against Hull at the Regional Athletics Arena, kick-off 7pm - broke new ground by jetting over with the seniors to play friendlies against their counterparts at Schalke and Santander.

   They have to miss out this time around, but Ireland reckons: "It's been great for the youngsters to come over, not just to play a match themselves but to see what's going on and watch how the senior players prepare for a European tie.

"They're a good bunch of lads and they've had a taste of what it's like. When I was at the Academy we didn't get that chance, but it's good experience - it will help them to learn and and hopefully make them hungrier to kick on."

Remarkable Redshaw sweeps City to win at Carlisle

2009-02-17T19:52:00.000-08:00

City’s youngsters have swept to victory in their latest totesport league fixture, thanks to a remarkable individual performance.

Jack Redshaw scored all our goals in the 4-1 win over Carlisle United at Brunton Park. The young striker chipped the keeper after 14 minutes to open his account, and doubled the lead in first half stoppage time.

Dobie reduced the arrears on 56 minutes, but Redshaw was at it again three minutes later to claim his hat-trick. Best of all was his fourth with 13 minutes left, an unstoppable long-range effort that fittingly capped a marvellous display.

The ‘senior’ reserves are in action at the Regional Athletics Arena on Tuesday night in a Barclays Premier Reserve League North game against Hull. Kick off is at 7.00pm.

Lose inches and save pounds at Platt Lane

2009-02-17T19:51:00.000-08:00

CITY fans already know that Platt Lane's brilliant Academy is the kick-off point for the young stars of tomorrow - now we're inviting you to come and get yourself in shape for 2009.

The newly-refurbished gym is now being made available at reduced membership prices - if supporters take up the offer before the end of this month.

Friendly professional staff are on hand to guide new members through their personal routine at one of the fastest-growing leisure facilities in the region, with a stretch and tone room, health MOTs and daily classes such as boxercise as well as an Over-60s fitness programme.

And if you should happen to spot the next SWP or Micah Richards going through his paces with his Academy team-mates, there'll be no extra charge!

Offers valid until February 28 include:

* 12 month membership £129.99

* 6 month membership £99

* 8 month student membership £69.99 (full-time students, NUS card required)

* 12 month membership direct debit £20.50

* Casual membership £4.50 per visit (£10 induction fee)

* Student/MCC casual membership £4 per visit (£10 induction fee)

Information for fans travelling to Copenhagen

2009-02-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

FC Copenhagen plays their fixtures at the Parken Stadium, which is the Danish National Stadium. Our UEFA Cup fixture will be their first competitive game following their winter break.

The stadium is located in the City of Copenhagen and is a twenty five minute drive from the airport. Trains run every 20 minutes from Copenhagen’s central station to Osterport station close to the stadium. It is an approximate 30 minutes walk from the City centre.

One end of the stadium is undergoing extensive alteration and as a result the stand behind one of the goals will not be in use. As a consequence the capacity of the stadium has been reduced to 33,700. Our allocation is 1,900. Kick off will be at 8.05pm local time (7.05pm GMT)

Further details of the stadium can be obtained on the FC Copenhagen web site www.fck.dk/english/news.

The site also has a map of the stadium together with a link to the Parken web site.

City fans will be located in A Stand (Tribune Ovre A on ticket) on the Upper tier and will enter through entrance A11 (Sektion A11 Udehold on ticket). Please note that this entrance has only two turnstiles. Supporters will enter a sterile area before the turnstiles where they can expect to be subject of searches and ticket checks. They will then be allowed to the turnstiles. Manchester City stewards will be at the turnstiles to assist our fans. The turnstiles will open at 6.30pm.

Once through the turnstiles there are approximately five flights of stairs to climb (Ed.: not quite as bad as at Newcastle, but you get the picture!). Access is gained to the seating area at the top of the stairs. All seating is unreserved. The area reserved for City fans is quite steep and it is recommended that supporters arrive in plenty of time.

The refreshment area is small, and male and female toilets are contained near this area. There is an additional male toilet which can be accessed directly from the stairs and is signed ‘Kun Pissoir’ and has a picture of a male. (MCFC.co.uk did not write this!!!)

It is forbidden to sell alcohol at UEFA games, so soft drinks and non alcoholic beer will be available in the refreshment area. The only currency accepted will be Danish Kroner.

The police have intimated that City supporters will be asked to stay behind after the game for a short period

FC Copenhagen has a Club shop at the corner of the Fona stand and the stand under construction; replica shirts and scarves are very expensive.

There will be no programmes on sale for this game.

There are numerous pubs and eating places in Copenhagen. Please visit www.copenhagen.com for further details.

You should ensure that you have warm clothing as it is very cold in Copenhagen at this time of year.

Leading man Dunne back to lift the Blues

2009-02-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

MARK HUGHES will welcome back Richard Dunne for the UEFA Cup tie with FC Copehagen on Thursday night after admitting that his team lacked leaders in the disappointing 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth this weekend.

City's skipper and centre-half steps back from suspension in Denmark along with Shaun Wright-Phillips as City bid to quickly move on from a Premier League performance that left manager Hughes far from happy.

Seventh place in the table was on offer - the highest position since September - but City's lacklustre away form raised its head again with some big trips coming up for the Blues in the last third of the campaign.

Hughes left his players in no doubt that he expects much more from the side, saying: "We needed leaders at Portsmouth and we didn't have enough.

"It was an opportunity to go seventh - we could have kicked on from there, but instead it was a setback. The performance wasn't anywhere near the level we needed it to be.

"We work really hard all week to give the players information and an understanding of the game plan but on Saturday that had not been taken on board.

"If you veer away from what you're trying to do then on occasions you will be exposed. It is frustrating for everybody - we see good signs then away from home disappoint too many people. It's got to stop. We have to make sure that we pick ourselves up now."

what the papers say

2009-02-15T23:18:00.000-08:00

Terry linked with summer move

The 'John Terry to City' story resurfaces, and there's an assessment of Saturday's defeat at Portsmouth.

Sunday Express

"City in for £20M Terry"

Manchester City will make a £20million move for John Terry in the summer – believing that the England skipper is becoming increasingly disillusioned with Chelsea.

There is a growing feeling within the corridors of power at wealthy City that any bid would be successful this time around.

City believe that Terry is now ready to move on as his love affair with Stamford Bridge fades.

Overtures were made to Chelsea and Terry’s advisers before the January transfer window but there was no chance of any deal being agreed.

At the time Chelsea were not prepared to sell and Terry did not want to leave.

But the latest upheaval – with Luiz Felipe Scolari being sacked and divisions appearing in the dressing room – has made him think about his future.

City – backed by Sheikh Mansour’s billions – would hand Chelsea a £20m cheque and make Terry the highest earning defender in the country on £150,000 a week.

Sunday Telegraph

"Paul Hart in the right place for Portsmouth"

It may not have been pretty, but that will matter not a jot to Portsmouth's long-suffering supporters. A traumatic week for the south coast club, which saw the removal of Tony Adams after just 16 games in charge and executive chairman Peter Storrie re-questioned as part of a police inquiry into suspected corruption in football, ended with a fully deserved win over Manchester City in the day's only Premier League fixture.

Second-half goals from defenders Glen Johnson and Hermann Hreidarsson lifted the beleaguered club further clear of the relegation zone and handed caretaker manager Paul Hart and his assistant Brian Kidd the perfect start.

Sven-Goran Eriksson may still be the preferred choice, but with money too tight to mention at Fratton Park, do not count the double-act out of the post full-time, particularly if results continue in this vein. Hart admitted it was something he would be interested in. "I was brought in to run the youth team - which I love - but there was a tingle in my stomach that I've not felt for a few years," he said. "Although I'm not looking that far ahead."

Hart must have thanked his lucky stars that City were the visitors yesterday. Mark Hughes's side may have won the reverse fixture 6-0 at Eastlands back in September, but with just one league victory away all season, they were never in any danger of repeating the trick. Portsmouth goalkeeper David James - on his record-breaking 536th Premier League appearance - hardly had a save to make.

Hart made two changes to Adams's final line-up; Jermaine Pennant and Nico Kranjcar coming in at the expense of Nadir Belhadj and Hayden Mullins.

For Manchester City, Richard Dunne was suspended and Micah Richards injured, so 20-year-old Shaleum Logan was handed a first Premier League start at right-back.

Elano was also given an increasingly rare chance to impress due to Shaun Wright-Phillips's suspension. The Brazilian - like his compatriot Robinho - fluffed his lines badly. It was almost impossible to reconcile their listless performances with those that lit up the Emirates in midweek when both were on the scoresheet.

"International friendlies are completely different from the Premier League," Hughes pointed out. "Today those two found it difficult to stamp their quality on proceedings. But it wasn't just them. There weren't really any positives today to be honest."

Portsmouth, playing with more purpose, had the better of the first half. After just eight minutes Peter Crouch shot straight at Shay Given following a surging run from the lively Pennant.

David Nugent, playing wide left, then raced through on goal from Kranjcar's ball over the top. Forced wide by Given, he managed to squirm the ball through the keeper's legs but wide of the target.

City's strike force of Robinho and Craig Bellamy wore matching fluorescent green boots but were otherwise strangers to one another. It was left to Elano to summon a couple of pot shots from distance, neither of which troubled James.

Instead it was Portsmouth showing the enterprise. On the half hour Johnson's cross from the right found Nugent who could not get enough purchase on his downward header.

The second half continued in much the same vein. Portsmouth showing industry and City a total lack of ambition. Nugent once again beat the offside trap from Kranjcar's slide rule pass but dragged a right-foot shot across goal There were shades of Antigua's Sir Vivian Richards stadium in the sandy playing surface and it was evidently not to the liking of Robinho who was substituted to a chorus of boos after 65 minutes.

It seemed to spark Portsmouth into action. Johnson, one of the few players to rise above the mediocrity, beat Wayne Bridge on the right byline, cut in and saw his left-foot shot parried by Given. He followed up with a cool finish into the top corner to send Fratton Park into ecstasy.

Five minutes later Portsmouth were 2-0 up, an outswinging corner from Pennant headed powerfully home by Hreidarsson for his second in two games.

Fittingly, though, it was the record breaker James who had the final word with a stunning fingertip save from Ched Evans's close-range header. Portsmouth, and James, deserved the clean sheet.

"He hadn't really had a save to make," Hart said. "So to pull that off at the end was special and just fantastic for him."

Family activity day at CoMS

2009-02-15T23:17:00.000-08:00

Young people and families will get the chance to sample free sporting activities at Manchester City Football Club on Thursday February 19th, 1pm – 4pm.

As part of the Getting Manchester Moving campaign, the Football Foundation has funded the Club’s registered charity City in the Community (CITC), to put on a range of activities – dance, football speed cage, table tennis, tri golf, penalty shootout and speedminton.

The aim is to encourage local families to participate in physical activity at any level, from recreational to competition.

Manchester Community Health Trainers will be available on the day to offer free health advice. The Health Trainers scheme sees members of the community provide one to one support to help people take the first steps to becoming more active and eating more healthily.

Getting Manchester Moving is a citywide initiative designed to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity, its benefits and where these activities can be accessed as well as about healthy eating and weight management. The project is funded by the Football Foundation and supported by CITC, Manchester City Council and Manchester Public Health Development Service.

The Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports charity funded by the Premier League, The Football Association, Sport England and the Government. Their mission is to improve facilities, create opportunities and build communities throughout England.

Registration will take place on the day in the Commonwealth Suite reception. For more information about the event or the campaign please visit www.gettingmanchestermoving.org. You may also contact Getting Manchester Moving on 0161 438 7711 or e-mail citc@mcfc.co.uk.

Dunnie dropping in at the CityStore on Tuesday

2009-02-15T23:15:00.000-08:00

There are a couple of great reasons for coming to the CityStore at the City of Manchester Stadium this Tuesday afternoon.

In line with our half-term offer, there is 50% off all replica kits and training wear, but come along from 1.45pm and you can meet City skipper Richard Dunne.

Richard, along with one other first team player, will be signing autographs and meeting fans in the store, and don’t forget that card holders can claim the usual discounts on all items bought in store.

The half-term discount offer also applies at our shop in the Arndale Centre all week.

what the papers say

2009-02-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

Cure sought for away-day ills

The boss calls for an away-day improvement, with City without a win on the road in the league since August (pictured).

The Mirror

"Mark Hughes calls on Robinho to end the club's woeful record"

Mark
Hughes has called on Manchester City's recordbreaking signing Robinho
to reproduce his individual brilliance away from home and end the
club's woeful record on the road.

City have won just once away
from home all season, a 3-0 triumph at Sunderland back in August, while
all but one of Robinho's 11 Premier League goals this season have come
at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Now Hughes has challenged the £32.5million Brazil star to inspire his side to a long overdue away win at Portsmouth today.

"All
of us need to replicate our home form when we go away," he said. "We
just haven't been able to produce enough quality away from home.

"Our home form has been excellent and, given the games we have ahead of us, it's about time we started dong that on the road.

"Robinho
can help us achieve that. All it takes is a flash of brilliance and he
can win a game on his own. If we get him in the right areas we know he
can produce for us."

City travel to Portsmouth for today's
rearranged fixture, which was called off on January 10 because of a
frozen pitch at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth v Manchester City Saturday February 14, 2009, 3.00pm Fratton Park - Att: 20,018 Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Distin, Campbell, Basinas (Mullins 66), Davis, Hreidarsson, Kranjcar, Pennant (Belhadj 86), Crouch, Nugent. unused subs: Begovic, Pamarot, Utaka, Kanu, Gekas, Belhadj. City: Given, Logan, Kompany (c), Onuoha, Bridge, De Jong, Zabaleta (Evans 79), Ireland, Elano, Robinho (Caicedo 66) , Bellamy. unused subs: Hart, Garrido, Fernandes, Berti, Weiss. Goals: 1-0 (Johnson 70), 2-0 (Hreidarsson 75) Bookings Portsmouth: City: De Jong (19), Bellamy (86) Referee: L Probert Pre-Match An injury to Micah Richards meant that Shaleum Logan came in for his first Premier League start at right back, the youngster having started two Carling Cup ties last season. Elsewhere, Elano came in for Shaun Wright-Phillips in the other change from the XI that started v Boro. The Match It was a chilly day on the south coast, but nowhere near the sub-zero temperatures that called this fixture off just over a month ago. A loyal City contingent had made the long journey south, with today’s trip hampered by a snarl-up on the roads leading into Portsmouth. They gave David James a warm ovation when it was announced that today’s game was his 536th Premier League appearance, a new record. Our first nervy moment came on eight minutes, when a corner eventually fell to Pennant, whose run into the box was stopped by Zabaleta. The ball span away to Crouch, but from near the penalty spot he put his shot straight at Shay Given. Within a minute the hosts had another good chance, David Nugent breaking across the box and trying to beat the City keeper from a tight angle, but the former Preston striker could not find the target. City asserted themselves better after these chances, with Bellamy a persistent threat and Elano rifling a shot from outside the box over the bar on 21 minutes. Just past the midway point Nugent broke through again, and this time it was a much closer-run thing, Given finger-tipping the ball away after racing to the edge of the box. Peter Crouch was denied by well-timed Kompany challenge inside the box on 25 minutes, and at the other end Nedum Onuoha put a header from a free kick straight at his former team mate David James. The hosts looked nervous, with any slight mistake adding to the home fans’ apprehensions. City won it back on 34 minutes, the move ending when Elano cut in from the right and put a powerful shot into James’ bread-basket. The Brazilian’s free kick from around 30 yards out with three minutes to the break gave us our next chance, but it was a tame effort that James had no problems with. Glen Johnson had the first chance of the second half, the right back wriggling into space after a corner to drill in a low shot that Given collected with ease. But on 53 minutes Nugent spurned the best chance of the game, beating the offside trap to go one-on-one with the City keeper, only to make a hash of the finish, his shot from an angle rolling across the face of goal and a long way wide of the post. City were patient and content to probe for an opening, with their next chance coming when Craig Bellamy fired over with a first-time shot following a knock-down from Stephen Ireland. Pompey still pressed, with a late deflection taking a decent effort from Crouch wide of Given’s left post. But with 20 minutes to go the home side went ahead. Glen Johnson cut in from the right and shook off Bridge to shoot at Given; the keeper parried the effort, but the Pompey right back collected the rebound and placed the ball past Given and into the far corner of the net. That lifted the hosts and the home fans, and five minutes later they had more reason to cheer when Pompey doubled the lead. A corner swung in from the far side was met by Hermann Hreidarsson, who got in front of Kompany to power an unstoppable header past a helpless Given. Ched Evans and Felipe Caicedo had replaced Zabaleta and Robinho as time began to run out, and the former came close to getting one back on 84 minutes, but his header from a Logan cross was denied by a superb save from David James. Craig Bellamy went into Lee Probert’s book on 86 minutes after clashing with Hreidarsson, but the striker was amazed to be shown the yellow card. Johnson moved into the box in the last minute of normal time, but Shaleum Logan did superbly to clear his shot off the line. Things got heated in stoppage time, with the home fans trying to get Bellamy sent off following a clash with Belhadj. A City corner came to nothing, with Evans’ header falling harmlessly wide, and that was the last real chance of the game. Another away defeat had seen City spurn the chance of climbing into seventh place.

2009-02-14T23:05:00.000-08:00

A disappointed Mark Hughes says that a lack of battling qualities was key to Saturday's defeat at Fratton Park.

Second
half goals from Glen Johnson and Hermann Hreidarsson kept City in ninth
place, and the Manager accepted that the overall display was not up to
scratch

"Today's performance was not anywhere near the level we
needed to be," he said. "You have got to roll your sleeves up when you
come to places like this to battle for what you , and on occasions we
were lacking in that respect.

"You have got to be strong and
stand up to the challenge, but we allowed them to take the initiative.
You will concede goals as a result of that, and this is the hardest
league in the world. At times we forget that, certainly away from home.

"Other
teams will not allow you to play, not allow your technically gifted
players to have an influence on the game. You have to find another way,
get a performance from within and take something from every
performance. Today was a performance where some players did not perform
to their capabilities, and that is a frustration for everybody.

"This was a setback, but we have to pick ourselves up and make sure we are in better shape for our upcoming games."

City
were forced into a change when Micah Richards dropped out with an
injury, this allowing Shaleum Logan to start his first Barclays Premier
League game.

Hughes adds, "Micah went over on his ankle on
Friday, had it treated and we did not expect it to be a problem. But he
woke up with a problem this morning, failed a fitness test and that put
us on the back foot. But that said, Shaleum came in and did very well,
he was brave and his performance was a bright point of the game."

Portsmouth 2-0 City

2009-02-14T23:04:00.000-08:00

Portsmouth v Manchester City

Saturday February 14, 2009, 3.00pm
Fratton Park - Att: 20,018

Portsmouth:
James, Johnson, Distin, Campbell, Basinas (Mullins 66), Davis, Hreidarsson, Kranjcar, Pennant (Belhadj 86), Crouch, Nugent.

unused subs: Begovic, Pamarot, Utaka, Kanu, Gekas, Belhadj.

City:
Given, Logan, Kompany (c), Onuoha, Bridge, De Jong, Zabaleta (Evans 79), Ireland, Elano, Robinho (Caicedo 66) , Bellamy.

unused subs: Hart, Garrido, Fernandes, Berti, Weiss.

Goals: 1-0 (Johnson 70), 2-0 (Hreidarsson 75)

Bookings

Portsmouth:

City: De Jong (19), Bellamy (86)

Referee: L Probert

Pre-Match

An
injury to Micah Richards meant that Shaleum Logan came in for his first
Premier League start at right back, the youngster having started two
Carling Cup ties last season. Elsewhere, Elano came in for Shaun
Wright-Phillips in the other change from the XI that started v Boro.

The Match

It
was a chilly day on the south coast, but nowhere near the sub-zero
temperatures that called this fixture off just over a month ago. A
loyal City contingent had made the long journey south, with today’s
trip hampered by a snarl-up on the roads leading into Portsmouth. They
gave David James a warm ovation when it was announced that today’s game
was his 536th Premier League appearance, a new record.

Our first
nervy moment came on eight minutes, when a corner eventually fell to
Pennant, whose run into the box was stopped by Zabaleta. The ball span
away to Crouch, but from near the penalty spot he put his shot straight
at Shay Given. Within a minute the hosts had another good chance, David
Nugent breaking across the box and trying to beat the City keeper from
a tight angle, but the former Preston striker could not find the target.

City
asserted themselves better after these chances, with Bellamy a
persistent threat and Elano rifling a shot from outside the box over
the bar on 21 minutes. Just past the midway point Nugent broke through
again, and this time it was a much closer-run thing, Given
finger-tipping the ball away after racing to the edge of the box. Peter
Crouch was denied by well-timed Kompany challenge inside the box on 25
minutes, and at the other end Nedum Onuoha put a header from a free
kick straight at his former team mate David James.

The hosts
looked nervous, with any slight mistake adding to the home fans’
apprehensions. City won it back on 34 minutes, the move ending when
Elano cut in from the right and put a powerful shot into James’
bread-basket. The Brazilian’s free kick from around 30 yards out with
three minutes to the break gave us our next chance, but it was a tame
effort that James had no problems with.

Glen Johnson had the
first chance of the second half, the right back wriggling into space
after a corner to drill in a low shot that Given collected with ease.
But on 53 minutes Nugent spurned the best chance of the game, beating
the offside trap to go one-on-one with the City keeper, only to make a
hash of the finish, his shot from an angle rolling across the face of
goal and a long way wide of the post.

City were patient and
content to probe for an opening, with their next chance coming when
Craig Bellamy fired over with a first-time shot following a knock-down
from Stephen Ireland. Pompey still pressed, with a late deflection
taking a decent effort from Crouch wide of Given’s left post.

But with 20 minutes to go the home side went ahead. Glen Johnson
cut in from the right and shook off Bridge to shoot at Given; the
keeper parried the effort, but the Pompey right back collected the
rebound and placed the ball past Given and into the far corner of the
net.

That lifted the hosts and the home fans, and five minutes
later they had more reason to cheer when Pompey doubled the lead. A
corner swung in from the far side was met by Hermann Hreidarsson, who got in front of Kompany to power an unstoppable header past a helpless Given.

Ched
Evans and Felipe Caicedo had replaced Zabaleta and Robinho as time
began to run out, and the former came close to getting one back on 84
minutes, but his header from a Logan cross was denied by a superb save
from David James. Craig Bellamy went into Lee Probert’s book on 86
minutes after clashing with Hreidarsson, but the striker was amazed to
be shown the yellow card.

Johnson moved into the box in the last
minute of normal time, but Shaleum Logan did superbly to clear his shot
off the line. Things got heated in stoppage time, with the home fans
trying to get Bellamy sent off following a clash with Belhadj. A City
corner came to nothing, with Evans’ header falling harmlessly wide, and
that was the last real chance of the game. Another away defeat had seen
City spurn the chance of climbing into seventh place.

Derby win for U18s

2009-02-14T23:03:00.000-08:00

The
Under 18 side's unbeaten run goes on, with the youth team earning a
hard-fought 1-0 win over United in Saturday morning's derby.

A close
first half gave way to a second period dominated by City, but it was
not until late on that Ahmed Benali struck to put City ahead. There was
still time for Joe Clegg to ensure all three points with a fine save in
stoppage time.

City are still on top of Group C in the Premier
Academy League, six points ahead of United, with 13 wins and four draws
this season.

September thrashing irrelevant today, says Hughes

2009-02-14T23:02:00.000-08:00

Two
changes in management at Fratton Park since mean that City’s 6-0
drubbing of Portsmouth in September will have no bearing on Saturday’s
return fixture, in Mark Hughes’ opinion.

The two clubs finally meet
again today following the postponement of the game last month due to
the cold snap in early January. Harry Redknapp was in the dug-out for
City’s home win over Pompey, but his subsequent departure and successor
Tony Adams’ sacking this week mean that Paul Hart is in charge for
this game.

Hughes says, "I don't anticipate it being the same
result. I would love it to be at the same level, but they have changed
the manager, which can have a positive or negative effect in the short
term.

"Fratton Park is always a difficult place to go. Everyone understands that whatever the circumstances going into the game.

"They
have great support and a lot of backing and they may feel that, with
their backs against the wall, everybody has to pull together, and that
will be something we have to deal with. It's not an easy fixture but we
are playing well at the moment.”

The departure of Adams elicited
a sympathetic response from Hughes, who had some fierce battles with
the former Arsenal & England defender in their playing days.

He
continues, "You feel for Tony because he only had 16 or 17 games, which
isn't a great amount of time to stamp your philosophy and try and build
a winning culture at your football club.

"It's hard to take under those circumstances but obviously the people in charge felt a change was needed.”

But
City’s away form is more of a pressing matter for Hughes, who is fully
aware that the Blues have not won on the road in the Barclays Premier
League since the 3-0 victory over Sunderland in late August.

"We would like to think we can sustain a challenge from now until the end of the season.

"It
will be difficult because we've got a period of away games coming up,
which will be very testing given our away form this season, so we have
got to make an improvement quickly.

"It would be a good time to
start this weekend. We need to get back on track on our travels. It's
been too long since our last away victory."

what the papers say

2009-02-13T21:03:00.000-08:00

Trapattoni wants Stevie to 'show his Irishness'

Stephen
Ireland's self-imposed exile from the Irish squad is discussed by their
manager, while ours assesses Elano & the situation on Danny
Sturridge.

Irish Independent

"Trap bans City ace Ireland from World Cup bandwagon"

GIOVANNI
TRAPATTONI has told Stephen Ireland that he won't be welcome back in
the Irish camp if qualification for the World Cup is secured.

The
door is still open for the Manchester City midfielder to make himself
available to contribute to the battle to get to South Africa, but he
has refused to take up that option.

And now the 22-year-old has
been warned by the Irish boss -- in the clearest possible terms -- that
it won't be acceptable to come back with cap in hand should the ticket
to South Africa be booked.

"Obviously if we qualify with this
group, he cannot say at the last minute 'I am available', he can't make
himself available," said Trapattoni, speaking yesterday morning after
Wednesday's dramatic 2-1 win over Georgia at Croke Park. "Not for him,
but out of respect for the others. He has to show his Irishness and his
willingness to play for Ireland."

Trapattoni is refusing to rule
out a role for any his midfield exiles in the remainder of the battle
to top Group 8, although the other players out of the picture-- namely,
Andy Reid and Lee Carsley -- are in that predicament because of the
manager's preference.

"I am not excluding any possibility, I have
never excluded any possibility with Reid or Ireland. Also, Carsley,"
said the animated 69-year-old.

"If there is injury or suspension,
I need to call in other players. But a team is strong when a team is
compact, consistency comes with practice so you cannot keep changing
players because it changes the system and changes the habit.

"In the future, I will look and see many players. I will look at Sunderland or Manchester City.

"We
have already discussed about Ireland, we wait. When he decides, maybe,
he wishes to come back then we'll take him into consideration."

However,
Trapattoni again asserted his frustration that discussion over
experienced absentees such as Reid and Carsley continues when he seems
to be unconvinced about their track record.

"I don't want to be
polemic," he said. "But you keep going on about player selection. It's
not as if when certain players were here, the team was winning."

The Sun

"You're still one El of a good player"

by Martin Blackburn

BRAZILIAN ace Elano has been told by Mark Hughes he can still have a big future at Manchester City.

But Sparky warned the Samba star he must quickly get used to the idea he will not be starting every week at Eastlands.

Elano
reminded everyone of his undoubted talent with a goal and starring show
for Brazil in their 2-0 win over Italy at the Emirates on Tuesday.

And
a ban for Shaun Wright-Phillips means he could come into contention for
City’s re-arranged league match against Portsmouth at Fratton Park
tomorrow.

Yet his relationship with Hughes has been uneasy all season and the fans’ favourite has not been a regular starter.

The City boss said: “I’ve been pleased with Ela recently.

“He has had an understanding of where we want to go, we want him to be part of that.

“His football hasn’t been affected by not starting games and we want him to stay here.

“What
I’ve noticed of late is that Elano understands now it’s a squad game
here and he’s very much part of what we’re trying to do here.

“He’s more comfortable with that than initially he was.

“He doesn’t take not starting very well and there are lots of players similar to that. But there’s no doubting his talent.”

The Times

"Mark Hughes refuses to bow to Daniel Sturridge’s demands"

Mark
Hughes, the Manchester City manager, has urged Daniel Sturridge not to
price himself out of a new contract after making it clear that the club
will not be held to ransom by the highly rated young striker.

Sturridge
is out of contract at the end of the season, but while Hughes accepts
that the 19-year-old is in a position of strength after expressing
dismay that City have not resolved his future before now, the manager
appears willing to lose the player rather than do long-term damage to
the club’s pay structure.

Despite Sturridge having made only
five starts in the Barclays Premier League and 11 in all competitions
for City — scoring five goals — his representatives are understood to
be asking for at least £65,000 a week, which is more than £20,000 a
week more than the club are prepared to pay.

To put Sturridge’s
demands into context, £65,000 a week is about what Stephen Ireland,
City’s best performer this season and one of the most influential
members of Hughes’s team, stands to earn when talks about a new deal
for the Ireland midfield player commence shortly.

Asked
yesterday whether Sturridge and his representatives were asking for too
much, Hughes paused tellingly, then requested the next question.

City
hope that Sturridge will stay, but it seems increasingly unlikely that
the matter will be resolved until nearer the end of the season, with
both parties digging their heels in. Regardless of the wealth of Sheikh
Mansour, the City owner, the club are determined not to pay over the
odds on wages, as well as transfers. Sturridge, though, is mindful
that, as a free agent, he could demand a significant salary elsewhere,
with Chelsea one of several clubs monitoring the player’s situation.

“We
want him to stay, he’s an outstanding player,” Hughes said. “He knows,
and his advisers know, he is in a position of strength. At the moment,
we’re not close to an agreement. We made it clear that we feel for his
sake this is the best place for him. Other things are of more
importance to others around him but we’re trying to make sure Daniel is
here and not anywhere else.”

City travel to Portsmouth on
Saturday for the only Barclays Premier League game of the weekend, with
Hughes indicating that Elano may come in on the right side of midfield
for Shaun Wright-Phillips, who is banned for the club’s next three
league matches after being found guilty of violent conduct this week.

Elano
has claimed that he has no problem with Hughes, despite publicly
criticising the manager during a television interview last November
after taking exception to being dropped, an outburst for which he was
fined a week’s wages, about £40,000.

The Brazilian has been
accused of being a disruptive influence in the dressing-room, but
Hughes believes that the player is maturing and still has a future at
the club. “Before Christmas he found it more difficult not being in the
team, but what I’ve noticed of late is that he understands it’s a squad
game here,” Hughes said.

Portsmouth, who were beaten 6-0 at the
City of Manchester Stadium in September, are without a manager after
the sacking of Tony Adams on Sunday, only 16 league games into his
reign. Adams’s departure preceded the news that Luiz Felipe Scolari had
been dismissed as Chelsea manager after seven months at the helm and
Hughes fears that the lack of time that managers are being given could
prompt a shift in their thinking.

“If we are not careful,
managers themselves might start looking at jobs simply as short-term
opportunities,” he said. “What that then does is change their thinking.
They start to look at short-term fixes rather than long-term plans that
will ultimately help sustain the club as a whole.”

Fire in the Bellamy!

2009-02-13T21:02:00.000-08:00

Mark
Hughes has backed Craig Bellamy's response to a Welsh fan at
Wednesday's international in Portugal and praised his contribution to
City's performances since his arrival from Newcastle last month.

The
combative striker was involved in a row after a supporter tried to
interrupt a TV interview he was giving on the side of the pitch
following Wales' defeat to Poland on neutral territory. Following the
brief verbal altercation, Bellamy continued with this and other
interviews, but his club (and former country) manager says that his
commitment to the playing for his country cannot be questioned.

Hughes
says, "I think he did well to spot a fan because I don't think there
were that many there anyway! When there are few fans there you can
hear things a little too clearly. I think that's what has happened with
Craig, and when he feels people are out of order he will tell them so.

"I
am not sure of the circumstances of why Craig felt he had to pull the
guy up, if he was questioning his commitment to the Welsh cause then he
is totally out of order. No-one can question Craig's commitment to his
country or his team.

"He's the captain and he leads by example, maybe it was a case of too much sun and too much drink for this supporter."

Bellamy
has scored twice since signing for City, and Hughes is convinced that
those who doubted the wisdom of the move will have been won round by
the 29-year-old.

"Craig has been excellent for us, I think people
now can see why I wanted to bring him to the club. The fee that gets
mentioned is invariably the wrong figure, it keeps being quoted as
£14million, but that was not the price we paid for him.

"Irrespective of that, I am convinced that come the end of the season he will be value for money."