Captain Stability - Richard Dunne That Is

By: Lynne
Soccer City FC

Manchester City manager, Mark Hughes (MH), has handed the fan's favourite, Richard Dunne, the captain's armband for another season (his third consecutive season) and well deserved it is too. He's the back-bone of the defence, keeping them disciplined and springing the off-side trap with precision. I'm sure his young defenders are learning a great deal from his great defensive play and positioning. His quiet, calm and assured presence on the pitch is an asset to the team, it certainly hasn't escaped the notice of other EPL managers - too late, Dunnie signed a four year deal a few weeks ago. On his arrival at City, MH made it a priority to secure Dunnie's contract, recognising how much he means to the club, team and fans alike.

Well Dunne, Dunnie and MH.

Over the Blue Moon

Manchester City and MLS News

• Sky Sports' Andy Clarke looks at what positions still need attention at Manchester City now that Mark Hughes is in charge.
  [Find the Article Here]
  
  Clarke makes an interesting point about Elano in the piece. I agree that sadly, he could be a casualty of the new regime.

• 3rd Degree reports that FC Dallas has acquired two international roster spots via trade. The club is looking in South America.
  [Find the Article Here]
  
  As usual, top-notch reporting from the website. FC Dallas is building strong ties in South America with the likes of Atletico Paranaese and River Plate.

Fair Awld Game in the Faroe Islands

By: Lynne
Soccer City FC

UEFA Cup – First Round – 17 July 2008

EB/Streymur 0 - Manchester City 2

@ Torsvollur Stadium (the National Stadium), Torshavn , Faroe Isles
(their own stadium, Við Margáir, holds just 1,000, hence the switch)

Att: 5,700 (capacity 6,000)

A great job done, by the fans as well as the team. The Faroe Islands is not an easy place to get to. 250 City mad (more so than our usual City fans) supporters made the trip, with four intrepid die-hards making an eight hour car journey (not a long trip according to North American standards, but believe me it is for British drivers, who consider anything over four hours a long trip!) to get to Aberdeen, North East of Scotland and the “Oil Capital of Europe”, to catch the overnight ferry to the Shetland Islands (phew! I’m exhausted just thinking about it). They had hired a fishing (what!) trawler to get them to the Faroe Islands, but, as all things connected with City goes (the recent, will he, won’t he signing of Ronaldinho – and, no he hasn’t, he’s gone to AC Milan, is typical), the trawler couldn’t make the journey because of stormy seas! All that way and not get to see the match! Think again, this is soccer at it’s finest. To the rescue came the Faroes national carrier, Atlantic Airways with free flights (Bill Clinton being one of it’s famous passengers), to make sure they got there – I hope the four lads weren’t afraid of flying! By contrast, it only took Mark Hughes and the team two hours on a charter flight!

They saw our new Brazilian striker, Jô make his debut appearance leading the attack for City and showing promise of things to come, almost scoring from a Petrov cross. On 74 minutes he was substituted by one of our fabulous City academy players, Ched Evans, who, close to the end of the match, almost scored. Returning to the first team squad are Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha (crucial defenders alongside Richard Dunne (C)). Both making their long awaited returns to the first team after being injured early in 2008.

EB/Streymur have part-time players in their squad (a number of whom have been called up for the national team) and play in the top division. Currently they have a clear five-point lead in the Formuladeildin league, but have lost their last three matches (shades of City last season!). They are back-to-back national cup winners and are the current holders. For this match they are missing two players: Sorin Anghel and Mikkjal Thomassen.

Oh yes, and the match…..Two nil to City!! Petrov (9 minutes) a blast of a shot into the far top corner from a Vassell cross that Johnson stepped over. A much deserved goal for Petrov, throughout last season he was a niggling nuisance to defenders, giving them a horrible time and wearing a track in the turf with his constant, lightning quick runs up and down the left-wing (all the English Premier League clubs have been busy replacing their pitches!) and making pinpoint accurate passes to his forwards. Second goal came from Hamann (yes, I’ve got that right, our ‘spoiler’ scores a peach of a goal) on 28 minutes. A corner kick from Petrov (that man again, in the second half, he could have scored another) was only cleared to the edge of the box, where Hamann volleyed it with the outside of his left foot!

The second half saw a spirited EB/Streymur put City under pressure and Hart (goal keeper) called into action, but never seriously tested. The only booking of the match was a yellow card for Johnson.

A comfortable win, but not the score-line I wanted to see. We should’ve been able to put the ball in the net a few more times, after all, we did have seven shots on target and the majority of the play. Not finding the net was a great problem last year – some more shooting practice Mark.

MoTM: Martin Petrov – a constant nuisance to EB/Streymur and in particular their defender Barour Olsen.

Shots on Target: 3 - EB/Streymur 7 - Manchester City
Shots off Target 3 - EB/Streymur 16 - Manchester City
Corners 4 - EB/Streymur 9- Manchester City
Territorial Advantage 38.2 - EB/Streymur 61.8- Manchester City

Of note: referee’d by Nicole Petignat (of Switzerland ), and yes, her first name gives it away, a woman and about time too (hope to see her refereeing future UEFA matches and more).

Next leg (another away one for us Blues - the pitch at CoMS is being re-turfed): Barnsley's Oakwell ground, Thursday 31st July with an 8pm kick-off (MCFC are providing our fans with free coach travel!! where were you when they needed the private jet to get to the Faroes?)

Come on City

Image details: EB/Streymur v Manchester City - UEFA Cup served by picapp.com

Transfer Roundup: Premiership Focus

By: Alan
Soccer City FC

Clubs in the Premiership are beginning to dive into the market with only four weeks before the first league matches kick-off.

Newcastle have made their second summer signing by clinching the transfer of midfielder Danny Guthrie from Liverpool after a fee was agreed. Manager Kevin Keegan believes he has signed a player with a big future ahead of him, saying “He proved himself in the Premier League last season so we know he can play at that level.” Guthrie, who spent last season on-loan at Bolton, has signed on a four-year deal and he follows Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez to St James Park. While one player has left Anfield, Xabi Alonso’s switch to Italian giants Juventus is in doubt following their announcement that “we can say that we have concluded our transfer activity." Liverpool’s own targets may be scuppered as those funds were expected to pay for Gareth Barry of Aston Villa and Tottenham’s Irish striker Robbie Keane. Arsenal are rumoured to have entered the race to secure the signature of Barry, who has already declared that he wants to move to Liverpool with the lure of Champions League football proving too hard to resist.

Samir Nasri has switched life in France for England as his long-awaited move to Arsenal from Marseille has been completed. The French playmaker has been described as a “young, quick and technically an outstanding player" by Arsene Wenger and the signing has enabled Alexander Hleb to leave for Barcelona for £12m. Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva is also expected to depart to Greek outfit Panathinaikos.

While captain Gareth Barry is almost certain to leave, Aston Villa have signed US goalkeeper Brad Guzan from Chivas USA and he is their second addition following Steve Sidwell’s £5m move from Chelsea. Portsmouth have signed England’s towering striker Peter Crouch from Liverpool in a move that will see him form a partnership with compatriot Jermain Defoe. "I've worked with the manager before and he gets the best out of me," Crouch said, who also said the ambitions of his new club matched his own.

One of the standout stories of the summer has been that of Ronaldinho’s proposed move to Manchester City, but the Eastlands side failed despite offering the former World Player of the Year wages that doubled AC Milan’s offered £100,000 per week. Barcelona will receive a fee which could rise to around £19m. Mark Hughes conceded that all was done to sign the Brazilian and he will now move onto securing other targets, with Chelsea’s Tal Ben Heim reportedly being one of them. On the departure list heading out of Manchester is Georgios Samaras, having made his move to Celtic permanent.

Steve Bruce has raided his former club Birmingham to be re-united with French midfielder Olivier Kapo for an initial £2.5m and released former Holland-21 international Daniel de Ridder. Kapo scored 5 times in 26 appearances last season and Bruce spoke of his desire to sign him. "He's the one I really wanted to get on board," said Bruce. "Olivier's a real fighter, but he has a touch of quality about him.” Fulham have signed West Ham duo Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil for a combined fee of £6.3 million. Both players found their first-team opportunities were limited, with Zamora only managing one goal in 14 appearances last term. Zamora has said “The prospect of working with a coach of Roy Hodgson’s caliber was a great opportunity”.

Newly-promoted Hull City have added several players in a matter of days, George Boateng being the stand-out of them. The Dutchman signed from Middlesbrough for £1m along with Hungarian winger Peter Halmosi for an undisclosed fee and Fulham goalkeeper Tony Warner on a free transfer, which rounded off three transfers in the same day. Stoke, meanwhile, have agreed a fee for England international goalkeeper Scott Carson in the region of £4 million but face competition from ‘one or two other clubs involved in the mix’. West Brom have also signed Slovakia left-back Marek Cech from Porto for £1.4m - the defender is seen as an impressive signing due to Cech’s role in helping the Portuguese side win their league title for the last three seasons.

Related items at Soccer City FC:

• Soccer City FC: The Top Ten

Transfer Roundup: Samba Stars On The Move

By: Alan
Soccer City FC

Former and current Brazilian internationals have been a common theme in transfers worldwide as teams look to reinforce their squads in the off-season.

Playmaker Geovanni was quickly signed up by Premiership newcomers Hull City upon his release from Manchester City. The former Barcelona midfielder, who once cost the Catalan side £11 million from Cruzeiro and represented his country 4 times during 2001, signed a two-year deal. His stint in Manchester ended in disappointment despite scoring in the derby against Manchester United and he failed to hold-down a first-team position. He is a welcome addition at the KC Stadium where experience will be vital if they are to secure their position in England’s top flight league. 2006 UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool, meanwhile, received the the signiture of goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri from Palmeiras. The Merseyside outfit are in the market for a backup keeper to Spaniard Jose Reina as Scott Carson looks to make his move to Aston Villa permanent and Charles Itandje is expected to move to Galatasaray for around £2 million. Diego Cavalieri has spent all of his professional career at Palmeiras and the move should be worth around £3 million for the Brazilians.

Another Brazilian joining the Premier League is striker Jo, who has joined Manchester City for a record-fee in the region of £19m from CSKA Moscow. The season for the Eastlands side starts a month earlier than most other club’s as they embark on an UEFA Cup run, starting off in the Faroe Islands on July 17th. However, Jo along with compatriots Anderson of Manchester United and Lucas at Liverpool will miss the opening league games as they have been called up by Dunga to the Olympic squad.

Atletico Madrid have made their fifth signing ahead of their Champions League campaign. Paulo Assuncao has signed from Portuguese champions Porto for an undisclosed fee. The defensive midfielder spoke of the club’s ambitions of regaining the title they won back in 1996 as the reason behind the move. "The Atletico players want to win titles like me. It's a team that has won over many years and now I'm happy to be here.” Assuncao joins Florent Sinama-Pongolle, John Heitinga and Tomas Ujfalusi at Atletico.

Defensive midfielder Amaral, who donned the Brazilian shirt on 31 occasions between 1995 and 1996, has signed with Australian A-League outfit Perth Glory, being described as “a terrific addition to the squad” by manager Dave Mitchell. “Amaral is a wonderful footballer, he's the type of player we've been missing in the last couple of seasons. His interplay with the rest of the team after just a short time is outstanding.” Amaral could prove to be an astute signing for the West Australian team and he heads a list of impressive summer transfers.

Elsewhere, Sammarinese champions Murata have ambitiously revealed that they are hoping to persuade 42-year-old Romario out of retirement. They hope to discuss a short-term contract with the 1994 World Player of the Year in time for their UEFA Champions League campaign, which begins with a first qualifying round draw against Gothenberg of Sweden. Whether the move actually happens is a completely different matter, after Romario announced on his retirement “Officially I'm not playing any more. I've stopped." With or without the veteran, Murata will have to defy all odds if they are to advance any further in the Champions League.

Related items at Soccer City FC:

• 2008/09 UEFA Cup
• Soccer City FC: The Top Ten

Jô Who?

By: Lynne
Soccer City FC

'Jô who?' all the fans will be saying.

If the reports are true, our new signing, Jô, will miss training with the team and the start of the season (possibly making his first appearance in September!). The Brazilian manager is calling him up to join the squad for the Olympics (Group C for all those that are able to watch). 8th August sees Brazil's first match, against Belgium, the final will be played on 23rd August. Never having won this competition, Brazil will be more than eager to show off the gold medals to one of the most ardent supporters of soccer.

So, all that points to our Blues without their new striker for over a month, missing not only the start of the Premiership, but more importantly, two UEFA matches. On the away leg to EB/Streymur in the Faroes, Richard Dunne says it all, "This is a game we have to win."

So, it's: 'Step up last season's strike force, show the boss that you should be chosen for the position of striker and put the ball in the net - repeatedly'. With a talent like Jô's waiting in the wings, this is your once in a 'Blue Moon' time to shine.

It's turning out to be a typical City roller coaster ride!

Related items at Soccer City FC:

• 2008/09 UEFA Cup
• Soccer City FC: The Top Ten

Richard Dunne - Dunne Deal

By: Lynne
Soccer City FC

Our captain and fan favourite has just signed a new four year contract - PHEW and thank goodness. Mark Hughes' second signing of his new managership and to me, of greater importance than the Jo deal. A huge sigh of relief is heard over the City of Manchester Stadium (CoMS) and fans everywhere can now let their shoulders relax (me included). Dunnie is: a proud wearer of his number 22 sky blue shirt, a quiet but determined presence in our defence and the back-bone of the team. Who was it that got out of his sick bed and played 'out of his skin' in the Old Trafford derby (breaking the 34 year spell since City's last win there!)? I couldn't envisage a City team without him - who'd be able to fill his boots? Simple answer, no-one, only pretenders.

Thank you Mark, for making Richard Dunne's contract renewal one of your priorities and bigger thanks to Dunnie for allowing us the undeniable pleasure of his presence at CoMS (and for the duration of his new contract, our captain - that's a cert. isn't it Mark!).

Over the Blue Moon once again!

Image details: Manchester City v Sunderland served by picapp.com

Results and News from 7/5/2008 Club Action

Toronto FC's Academy squad tied London City 2-2 in Canadian Soccer League action.

SK Brann scored 4 times in their victory over FK Bodø/Glimt in today's Tippeligaen action. Forward Thorstein Helstad ended the match with a hat-trick adding to his league-leading goal total.

Russian Premier League leader FC Rubin Kazan tied Krylia Sovetov 2-2. Christian Noboa, a 23-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder, scored both goals for Rubin Kazan. The club holds a six point advantage over second place FC Spartak Moscow.

In Allsvenskan action, Kalmar FF was saved by a 90th minute goal from David of the Elm trio. The club tied Halmstads BK 1-1. Kalmar remains in first place with a 4 point cushion.

Yesterday in Thailand Premier League action, Chonburi FC, an affiliated club of Manchester City, defeated Chula-Sinthana FC by a score of 4-1. Chonburi, with 29 points, sits in first place.

Related items at Soccer City FC:

• 2008/09 UEFA Cup
• Soccer City FC: The Top Ten

City Off to Preseason Camp

On Thursday, Mark Hughes and his Manchester City players flew to Germany along with a minimal staff to begin the club's preseason camp.

In other City news, 28-year-old captain Richard Dunne signed a four-year contract.

Several players including derby hero Geovanni were released.

City also announced a friendly against Celtic at Parkhead on Wednesday, August 6.


Image details: Everton v Manchester City - Premier League served by picapp.com

Manchester City: Reflecting on 2007/08 and Looking to the Future

By: Alan
Soccer City FC

In only 14 days time, the 2008/2009 season will already have began for Manchester City as they kick-off on their European travels away to Faroese minnows EB/Streymur in the UEFA Cup First Qualifying Round. Expectations are already high as talks of superstar Ronaldinho joining continue to grow and his Brazilian compatriot Jo has been signed for a record transfer fee in the region of £19 million from Russia’s CSKA Moscow. Mark Hughes has imminently added to the squad with the capture of the striker and his presence in the team will hopefully solve a position that has previously troubled Manchester City. Previous big-money signings of Rolando Bianchi and Georgios Samaras have failed in the Premiership for different reasons, although the former may still have a future at the club; it is clear that he initially failed to settle. Benjani has had a respectable impact having scored in the derby and then on two further occasions since joining in January but he too will be looking for improvement. Last season’s top goalscorer was Elano, having scored a creditable ten goals in all competitions and achieved as many assists but he is not a natural forward and Vassell and Petrov are also midfielders.

The lack of a proven goalscorer has been evident ever since Anelka departed to Fenerbahce, hence an additional attacking quality would certainly give the team a cutting edge and there is no reason why Jo cannot provide this. A prolific 44 goals in 77 outings for CSKA Moscow explains why he is one of the world’s hottest talents, and although a step-up to the Premiership is a massive one, his stature and instinctive goalscoring ability mean he should adapt to the league. He stole the show against Inter Milan last season in the Champions League group stage and it was then where he stamped his name on world football.

Last season had many highs but in hindsight the lows are equally as known. Life seemed perfect for both owner and manager after the double over rivals United had been surprisingly completed, but it signified a downfall in fortunes that would result in yet another manager at the helm. Two derby wins was obviously one of the main highlights of the season, along with a long-lasting stance in the top 4 until the end of November and many pleasing results were picked up along the way. Somehow, and inevitably, it was not going to last but it is astounding how far the team had dropped in effort, commitment and performances and the results suffered accordingly. The team that had beaten the Premiership and European winners lost to relegated Birmingham and Reading, and suffered further embarrassing defeats to Middlesbrough in the 8-1 drubbing and to Fulham despite leading 2-0.

It was arguably the efforts of the team in the last few games of the season which was of most concern, the on-going difficulties between Eriksson and Shinawatra clearly taking their toll on the team as a whole and the change in manager was probably for the best. Those not even following Manchester City would have agreed that the Swede deserved another year in charge but it was not meant to be and there were deeper problems at the end of the season. A finish of ninth was decent and a step forward but a higher position could easily have been achieved. In typical fashion, Manchester City did the difficult but could not manage the easy fixtures and many points were needlessly lost. One interesting fact sums up the season - Manchester City had the best record outside of the top four against the top four, but the worst against the bottom four. Impressive opening form has to be sustained throughout the campaign if they are to break into the top four stranglehold, and the away form has to reflect the home form slightly more. All in all with Mark Hughes now in charge and the UEFA Cup slot being achieved via the Fair Play League, last season has to be seen as one whereby lessons have been learnt and everyone concerned can move forward.

The squad needs improvements but the core of it is very talented and none of the players signed other than Benjani had previous Premiership experience. With one season under their belt, the new additions will surely perform more consistently and anything is possible after that. Joe Hart was the most positive outcome of last season and he stepped up from second choice to become City’s first-choice goalkeeper and has already made his England debut. Richard Dunne and Micah Richards formed one of the strongest and assured defences in the country, whilst Corluka shone at right-back with his calm and elegant art of defending and attacking. The Croatian displayed he is one of Europe’s best full-backs. Majestic Brazilian international Elano and Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov stole the attacking accolades, the former reaching double figures for both goals and assists and only few exceeded him last season. Petrov influenced games in a similar fashion whilst the contributions of converted forward Darius Vassell managed a solid job on the right of midfield. The former England striker, despite lacking top-class skill and consistency, showed once again his hard work ethic and came up with some important goals.

Michael Johnson and Stephen Ireland impressed at both ends of the pitch but will need to produce the goods more regularly in 2009. Defensive midfielders Hamann and Gelson Fernandes shone, with the veteran German showing how vital his experience can be and Fernandes demonstrated his ability as potentially one of the finest holding midfielders in the game - development of attacking skills will only improve him. Youngsters Ched Evans and Danny Sturridge along with Kelvin Etuhu and the FA Youth Cup academy winning team shows the future of the club is in healthy hands. Securing the futures of Hart and Dunne to new contracts is vital, and doing so will prove to supporters that the club's ambitions to achieve are more than real.

Statistics From Last Season:

Minutes Played:
Dunne - 3044, Petrov - 2976, Corluka - 2973, Ireland - 2568, Elano - 2455, Hart - 2399, Richards - 2249, Hamann - 2206, Fernandes - 1954, Johnson - 1934, Garrido - 1892, Ball - 1864, Vassell - 1779, Onouha - 1220, Benjani - 1069, Jihai - 803, Mpenza - 741

Premiership Goals (In All Competitions):
Elano - 8 (10), Vassell - 6 (6), Petrov - 5 (5), Bianchi - 4 (5), Ireland - 4 (4), Benjani - 3 (3), Geovanni - 3 (3), Mpenza - 2 (3), Fernandes - 2 (2), Johnson - 2 (2), Sturridge - 1 (2), Etuhu - 1 (1), Onouha 1 (1), Samaras 0 (1)

Minutes per Premiership goal:
Geovanni - 132, Sturridge - 152, Vassell - 296, Elano - 306, Benjani - 356, Mpenza - 370, Petrov - 595, Ireland - 642, Johnson - 967, Fernandez - 977, Onouha - 1220

Premiership Assists:
Elano - 9, Petrov - 8, Ireland - 4, Johnson - 3, Vassell - 3, Corluka - 2, Fernandez - 1, Geovanni - 1, Garrido - 1, Onouha - 1

Tackles (Top 5):
Dunne - 108, Hamann - 105, Ireland - 94, Fernandez - 82, Corluka - 66

Clearances - Top 5 Defenders:
Dunne - 516, Richards - 298, Corluka - 221, Ball - 192, Onouha - 131

Passes (Accuracy) - Top 5:
Dunne - 1396 (79%), Hamann - 1341 (83%), Corluka - 1302 (76%), Ireland - 1138 (74%), Elano - 1116 (76%)

Crosses - Top 5:
Petrov - 283, Elano - 90, Garrido - 63, Vassell - 45, Ball - 40

Shots On Target - Top 5:
Petrov - 33, Elano - 22, Benjani - 14, Ireland - 13, Vassell - 11

Shots Off Target - Top 5:
Petrov - 53, Elano - 45, Ireland - 25, Johnson - 23, Vassell - 20

Jo Deal Done

By: Lynne
Soccer City FC

Great news for all Blues fans - we finally have it, confirmation that Jô has signed a four year deal (for an undisclosed fee).

It's probably a wise move not to announce the finances: agents and clubs will be looking at the figures in the hope of getting better deals for their players; also, Richard Dunne hasn't yet put pen to paper for his contract - waiting to find out what the new signings are getting? I don't blame him, our owner has a bottomless pot and Dunnie deserves to be recognised financially, not least of all for the great regard other clubs have for him, the respect the team show him (he controls his back four, takes up great defensive positions and quietly dispenses 'encouragement' to his players) and for his outstanding contribution to City, on and off the pitch. Pay up boss, he's worth every penny, it'll cost you a lot more for another defender of his class. .

Elano and Geovanni (fellow Brazilians) will help Jô settle in and teach him 'Mancunian' English. All he needs to know is, "Mine's a pie and a pint", oh! and the rough-and-tumble of EPL soccer so that he keeps free of any early injuries. It's tough out there on the EPL pitches and there may well be a few 'hard' tackles going in at first, but hopefully his team mates will show the opposition the same 'courtesy'. Last season, both Valeri Bojinov (he's only just making his come-back after lengthy treatment and a tentative return to soccer, playing for the reserves) and Nery Castillo (Nery had some first team action towards the end of the season) suffered early, frustrating, visits to the treatment room.

Here's one Blues fan that will be glued to the TV.

Come on City!

Jô with the number 14.

Image details: Manchester City Press Conference served by picapp.com

Manchester City: Setting Sail for the Faroe Islands

By: Lynne
Soccer City FC

UEFA Cup competition first qualifying round sees the Blues playing EB/Streymur (Faroe Islands - 250 miles North of Scotland) at the Vio Margair on 17th July. City are in good shape then - no. The team are only just arriving at the training ground (Carrington) and no doubt, still feel the effects of losing the last manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson (SGE) under stressful circumstances and adjusting to the new manager, Mark Hughes and his backroom team (all change again - a re-run of the 2007/2008 season!).

What team will Mark send on the 'island hopping' trip, ones with sea legs I hope? Joking aside: Richard Dunne (captain, Player of the Year for the last four years and stalwart of the team) is expected to sign a new contract with City (it's been a, will he won't he few weeks - sign it Dunnie, just sign it!). Portsmouth, Tottenham and Newcastle have all shown interest, with Portsmouth being the most resilient; due to injuries early in the season, a few first team players didn't really get a chance to show us what they could do, so Mark may be keen to give them try out; then there's the young guns from the City Academy (not least of all those players that won the 2007/2008 FA Youth Cup); and any new signings, there's been plenty of rumours ie João Alves de Assis Silva alias Jo and Ronaldinho being the most mentioned. Man City should be making an imminent announcement about Jo's signing, Ronaldinho, who knows what's happening. I wouldn't be surprised if we had other new signings before the season starts. But, everyone will be watching this first game, of what could turn-out to be, the many different teams of our beloved Blues. Mark can't waste time getting the team to gel, our owner wants to see results now or else it's goodbye Mark, hello???

So, you see, it's plain sailing (pardon the pun). Welcome to another typical Blues start to the season and an adventure into the great unknown. Where's the blood pressure pills?

City: setting sail for the Faroe Islands this July.

Image details: Coastal settlement faroe islands served by picapp.com

PSV Linked with City's Second Keeper

With the departure of first-choice goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes who is off to Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur, PSV Einhoven look ready to bid £2 million for Manchester City’s second-choice goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson who recently returned from Euro 2008. Isaksson was Sweden's starting goalkeeper.

Is Swedish international Andreas Isaksson off to PSV?

Image details: Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers - Premier League served by picapp.com

Marc-Vivien Foe Tribute

By: Alan
Soccer City FC

Five years on and the life of Marc-Vivien Foe still lives on strong, the gentle giant will never be forgotten by those who had the honour of watching and being in his presence. The Cameroon favourite was a rarity in modern day football - a loveable, charming and compassionate character who cared dearly for his nation and worked hard to ensure that life was made better for many in his homeland. The story of a great man on-and-off the pitch.

Life in football began at an early age and his first major honour was being involved in Cameroon’s campaign at the 1994 World Cup finals in USA. The African side did not advance past the group stage, but Foe’s performances earmarked him to a move to Europe at the young age of 20. A star was on the rise.

The transfer took him from Cameroonian side Canon Yaounde to Lens in France, giving him the opportunity to shine on a bigger stage and showcase his talents. He stayed at Lens for almost five seasons and played a pivotal role in their march to the club’s first French title and a place in the French Cup final. Foe’s move to France had most certainly paid off and Lens had on their books a player with undoubted ability with a blend of athleticism and defensive surety. Foe made a total of 85 appearances and scored 11 goals on the way before the Premiership beckoned. A move to England had been on the cards as Manchester United had a £3million bid rejected in 1998 but a broken leg ended any interest. The following year Harry Redknapp broke West Ham’s transfer record for a player at the time to take Foe to London.

The record transfer did not last, however, as he remained unsettled and his dream of playing in England was initially premature. A regular at West Ham during the second half of the 1997/1998 season and again a recurring figure in the team for the opening six months of the next season, Foe returned to France with Lyon for £6 million. A move to Liverpool had fallen through but the French outfit saw Foe as a key player that would help them win the Ligue 1 title for the first time. By 2002, Foe had done exactly that and was a key player in Lyon’s first title win - the start of their dominating reign of French football. A cup win also rounded off a ecstatic year, which also included international honours at the African Cup of Nations.

Foe’s dream to play in England however remained unfulfilled and his stint at West Ham only lasted the equivalent of one season, which is one of the reasons why he rejected the chance to play Champions League football with Lyon to sign for newly-promoted Manchester City. Kevin Keegan was delighted with the capture of the Cameroonian, declaring Foe as “a quality player…who is strong, a tremendous athlete and who knows English football. He really wants to come here and play in the Premiership and has given up the chance to play Champions League football in order to do so. I think he is a tremendously important signing for us. All the others are exciting but some signings you know are just right and this one is just right for Manchester City.”

A loan fee for £550,000 was agreed with Lyon that took him to Maine Road and in his twelve month stay he was a dynamo at the heart of midfield. Foe was ever-present in the Manchester City team for the 2002-2003 campaign and made a total of 35 appearances and scored a creditable 9 goals and secured the club’s position in the Premiership. He was a colossal midfielder who imposed his strength to break up play and repel the opposition, his height to deal with aerial balls both offensively and defensively and he displayed his attacking capabilities by scoring vital goals. Fearless, motivator, commander of the circle box, his determination and drive were his key attributes. Fans, having appreciated his contributions throughout the season, could not wait to sign Foe on a permanent deal in the summer of 2003 and undoubtedly it is something he will have considered strongly but it was not meant to be. On the day of 26th June in 2003 during a Confederations Cup semi-final against Columbia, Marc-Vivien Foe collapsed and died from an abnormal enlargement of a heart ventricle. His place in Manchester City’s Walk of Pride is eternal, and his shirt number 23 has been retired along with Lyon’s shirt number 17, which was recently allocated to countryman Jean II Makoun who said “In memory of Marco, for me and all of the Cameroon; it will be a source of strength.”

Foe will forever be remembered as not only one of the best box-to-box midfielders at Manchester City in modern times, but one of the most talented defensive midfielders in recent years, and who knows what he could have achieved either at City or elsewhere if the tragedy had not happened. His last season with Manchester City was arguably his best and he was cut from his prime and at a stage where he was most definitely looking forwards. Foe went down in folklore as the scorer of the last Manchester City goal at Maine Road on 26 April 2003 - a fitting tribute and one that will forever be remembered.

Two French league titles were only some of his honours as a player. Twice he won the African Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002 and proudly represented Cameroon on 65 occasions. He was a core player in Cameroon's "Indomitable Lions" and following his death he was honourably awarded the Commander of the National Order of Valour.

Marc-Vivien Foe’s work in youth development programmes in Cameroon is still ongoing. The Marc Vivien Foe Memorial Fund was launched in 2005 to continue the work that he had started and it gives young men aged between 11 and 19 the opportunity to experience and learn football coaching. The project works with at least 5,000 children to improve their sporting skills and to provide communities with sufficient facilities and equipment so that they are able to play football. Other activities carried out raise health awareness on matters such as HIV and AIDS so that the children develop a higher understanding of them.

The death of Foe was unfortunately not the last of its time, as fellow footballers Antonio Puerta, Miklos Feher, Hugo Cunha, Serginho, Max Ferreira, Marcio Dos Santos and more recently Motherwell legend Phil O’Donnell all passed away under similar circumstances. Football creates its own heroes, villains and the legends who produce a moment of inspiration to turn a game around, but it is the well-being of the footballers which is most important. Whilst these players have passed away, they most certainly did not do so in vein. UEFA have ordered that every international player participating in Euro 2008 undergo cardiac screening. Team doctors for each of the 16 international teams screened all 23 squad players and a rule has now been enforced whereby the doctor must be among the maximum six team officials on the bench for international matches.

No matter how you remember him, whether it be as a gifted midfielder, a gentlemen and his community work in his homeland, or just his smile - Marc-Vivien Foe is missed greatly and will forever be remembered. Someone like Marc-Vivien Foe only comes around once in a blue moon.

“A lion never dies, it sleeps.”

Image details: Marc Vivien Foe of Cameroon served by picapp.com

Manchester City Targets Yossi Benayoun

I was surprised to read today about the transfer-rumour report concerning City's interest in Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun. The report also details the renewed interest in Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic which Soccer City FC posted about last Friday. Interesting to see how it would cost Manchester City around £14m for both players with Stankovic costing around £8m and Benayoun would be available for £6m.

*****
City backed out of this July's Swiss Uhrencup. The club will hold camp in Germany instead. It also appears that A.C. Milan will make their way to Eastlands for the annual Thomas Cook Trophy match on Saturday, August 9. Kaka vs. Elano will be worth the price of admission.

Nery Castillo wants to move to Spain mentioning clubs such as Villarreal, Valencia and Real Betis.

And finally, it looks like City will hand out another long-term contract to an Academy alum. This time it is goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Israeli international Yossi Benayoun could be moving to Manchester City.

Image details: Liverpool v Marseille - UEFA Champions League served by picapp.com

Premiership and SPL Fixtures Released

By Alan
Soccer City FC

The seasons of the major European leagues only finished a matter of a month ago but the fixtures for the 2008/2009 Premiership and Scottish Premier League campaigns have already been released. It is one of the most important dates on the calendar as fans eagerly find out who awaits them on the opening day and allows them to start planning for the new season.

The fixtures were decided through a structure that is designed to avoid international and European matches and hence the need for midweek matches as the 38 games, in the case of the Premiership and SPL, need to be completed by a certain finishing date. Fixture changes are inevitable though as clubs find themselves advancing further into competitions and so league commitments have to be re-arranged. The initial fixtures have been designed so that a home match should be followed by an away match, or vice-versa, and ensuring that there are not two consecutive home or away games together and making it as fair as possible for each club.

The fixture structure is additionally complicated as those teams very close to each other must have corresponding games, with one being home and the other being away for sufficient police resources to be present. Two home games would not allow this and when it does happen, they will appear on different days to make it easier to make the games easier to manage. No games will be played on New Year’s Day in the Premiership and the lower English divisions as the FA Cup is staged on the first Saturday in January. To have a match on Thursday 1st January would make it extremely difficult to have the FA Cup matches on the Saturday so the league games for then have been sacrificed for another date.

The dates below are of the first three and last three fixtures for each club.

Arsenal
First 3
August: 16th West Brom (H), 23rd Fulham (A), 30th Newcastle (H)
Last 3
May: 9th Chelsea (H), 16th Man Utd (A), 24th Stoke (H)

Aston Villa
First 3
August: 16th Man City (H), 23rd Stoke (A), 30th Liverpool (H)
Last 3
May: 9th Fulham (A), 16th Middlesbrough (A), 24th Newcastle (H)

Blackburn
First 3
August: 16th Everton (A), 23rd Hull (H), 30th West Ham (A)
Last 3
May: 9th Portsmouth (H), 16th Chelsea (A), 24th West Brom (H)

Bolton
First 3
August: 16th Stoke (H), 23rd Newcastle (A), 30th West Brom (H)
Last 3
May: 9th Sunderland (H), 16th Hull (H), 24th Man City (A)

Chelsea
First 3
August: 16th Portsmouth (H), 23rd Wigan (A), 30th Tottenham (H)
Last 3
May: 9th Arsenal (A), 16th Blackburn (H), 24th Sunderland (A)

Everton
First 3
August: 16th Blackburn (H), 23rd West Brom (A), 30th Portsmouth (H)
Last 3
May: 9th Tottenham (H), 16th West Ham (H), 24th Fulham (A)

Fulham
First 3
August: 16th Hull (A), 23rd Arsenal (H), 30th Man Utd (A)
Last 3
May: 9th Aston Villa (H), 16th Newcastle (A), 24th Everton (H)

Hull
First 3
August: 16th Fulham (H), 23rd Blackburn (A), 30th Wigan (H)
Last 3
May: 9th Stoke (H), 16th Bolton (A), 24th Man Utd (H)

Liverpool
First 3
August: 16th Sunderland (A), 23rd Middlesbrough (H), 30th Aston Villa (A)
Last 3
May: 9th West Ham (A), 16th West Brom (A), 24th Tottenham (H)

Man City
First 3
August: 16th Aston Villa (A), 23rd West Ham (H), 30th Sunderland (A)
Last 3
May: 9th Man Utd (A), 16th Tottenham (A), 24th Bolton (H)

Man Utd
First 3
August: 16th Newcastle (H), 23rd Portsmouth (A), 30th Fulham (H)
Last 3
May: 9th Man City (H), 16th Arsenal (H), 24th Hull (A)

Newcastle
First 3
August: 16th Man Utd (A), 23rd Bolton (H), 30th Arsenal (A)
Last 3
May: 9th Middlesbrough (H), 16th Fulham (H), 24th Aston Villa (A)

Middlesbrough
First 3
August: 16th Tottenham (H), 23rd Liverpool (A), 30th Stoke (H)
Last 3
May: 9th Newcastle (A), 16th Aston Villa (H), 24th West Ham (A)

Portsmouth
First 3
August: 16th Chelsea (A), 23rd Man Utd (H), 30th Everton (A)
Last 3
May: 9th Blackburn (A), 16th Sunderland (H), 24th Wigan (A)

Stoke
First 3
August: 16th Bolton (A), 23rd Aston Villa (H), 30th Middlesbrough (A)
Last 3
May: 9th Hull (A), 16th Wigan (H), 24th Arsenal (A)

Sunderland
First 3
August: 16th Liverpool (H), 23rd Tottenham (A), 30th Man City (H)
Last 3
May: 9th Bolton (A), 16th Portsmouth (A), 24th Chelsea (H)

Tottenham
First 3
August: 16th Middlesbrough (A), 23rd Sunderland (H), 30th Chelsea (A)
Last 3
May: 9th Everton (A), 16th Man City (H), 24th Liverpool (A)

West Brom
First 3
August: 16th Arsenal (A), 23rd Everton (H), 30th Bolton (A)
Last 3
May: 9th Wigan (H), 16th Liverpool (H), 24th Blackburn (A)

West Ham
First 3
August: 16th Wigan (H), 23rd Man City (A), 30th Blackburn (H)
Last 3
May: 9th Liverpool (H), 16th Everton (A), 24th Middlesbrough (H)

Wigan
First 3
August: 6th West Ham (A), 23rd Chelsea (H), 30th Hull (A)
Last 3
May: 9th West Brom (A), 16th Stoke (A), 24th Portsmouth (H)

Scottish Premier League Fixtures
Opening Fixtures

Saturday, 09 August 2008
Aberdeen v Inverness CT, 15:00
Falkirk v Rangers, 12:30
Hearts v Motherwell, 15:00
Kilmarnock v Hibernian, 15:00

Sunday, 10 August 2008
Celtic v St Mirren, 12:30

Monday, 11 August 2008
Hamilton v Dundee Utd, 19:45

Closing Fixtures

Saturday, 18 April 2009
Celtic v Aberdeen, 15:00
Dundee Utd v Kilmarnock, 15:00
Falkirk v Hearts, 15:00
Hibernian v Rangers, 15:00
Inverness CT v Hamilton, 15:00
Motherwell v St Mirren, 15:00

Manchester City: Morning Ticker

Another busy morning filled with transfer and pre-season news to report.

New reports have Mark Hughes targeting Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic and Espanyol defender Pablo Zabaleta. Also back on the radar is Zenit St Petersburg's playmaker Andrei Arshavin. Of note, Zenit has stated that teams have until June 20th to procure Andrei's services.

Stankovic appears surplus to the requirements now that the Special One is leading Inter. The 29-year-old captain of the Serbian national team was on the books at Lazio under former City boss Sven-Göran Eriksson.

Zabaleta is versatile player. The 23-year-old Argentine can play as a defensive midfielder, right back, or right midfielder.

In other club news, Manchester City F.C. appear ready to join Swiss clubs FC Basel and FC Lucerne as well as German Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortmund in the Swiss Uhrencup this July. The Uhrencup is an annual four-team event held in Switzerland that has been dominated by Swiss clubs since 1962.

Will Stankovic be coming to the Premiership next season?

Image details: Serie A - Inter Milan v Catania Calcio served by picapp.com

Manchester City: Morning Ticker

Now that Mark Hughes and Garry Cook have formally taken over at Manchester City, the club can devote its efforts to player evaluations and transfers. Some news and notes...

Defender Sun Jihai could be heading for either Stoke or Bolton.

Richard Dunne & Mark Hughes recently held talks and it now looks more likely that City's captain will be remaining with the club for at least one more season. [Update] Portsmouth has made a late run at Dunne, so his status remains in limbo.

Midfielder Anthony Annan is being courted by City after his tremendous run at the African Cup of Nations with host Ghana. If 21-year-old signs, he would compete with another young player, Swiss international Gelson Fernandes at the defensive midfield position.

It appears that CSKA Moscow's Jo impending move to City has cooled. Inter Milan is rumoured ready to pounce should City pass on the Brazilian.

Everton is ready to make a serious run at midfielder and England U-21 Michael Johnson. Hopefully, City will be able to stop this advance.

And now from the "World of Odd"

Reports have City approaching retired Japanese superstar Hidetoshi Nakata. The 31-year-old midfielder has been retired since the 2006 World Cup.

Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson is being linked with a move to fellow Premiership side Everton.