Some interesting thoughts on here - and displays of common sense. Let's not fall into the trap of "typical City". If one party thinks that the club is ripe for a takeover, then it's perfectly reasonable that another party will have the same view. And it's more than likely that different parties will have different motivations/plans. If a non-football investor comes in, then somebody like Ranson will have lost his chance with this club - similarly, if Ranson succeeds in buying the club, then an investor looking for a quick killing will have lost their chance. All of this means that it's likely to get a bit grubby IF a deal is looking like it might happen. That's pretty much what happened at Liverpool - but I doubt most of us were living that saga minute by minute (or cared so much) and so it wasn't quite as painful! And look at what is happening at Arsenal - so this is not a "City" thing. I for one do believe that Wardle is motivated by the best interests of the club. His personal stake in the club doing well is more than most of us could ever imagine and it seems to me that the relationship between him getting his money back, the way the club performs and whether or not he readily agrees to sell his stake is more complex than most of us give him credit for. Bear in mind that more than 70% of the club is NOT owned by Wardle and Makin, which is quite a lot to aim at if you're intent on buying up some of the club - if, perhaps, an expensive way. I think we need to have a bit of faith that's he's got the club's interests at heart.
Thicko, La-la-land

City takeover Ransons bid rejected

Blues sceptical over Ray offer Chris Bailey 25/ 4/2007
CITY'S takeover saga took a new twist today with the Blues blasting back at Ray Ranson's 'indicative offer' as they unveiled one of the 'mystery' Americans.In a statement to the Stock Exchange this morning, City confirmed that they have received two offers from Ranson, though they say neither is for £90m.Ex-player Ranson, meanwhile, has made it clear that the Blues can expect a fresh proposal in the next few days as the race to own the club hots up.He may face competition from Jerome Simon, a USA financier who is looking to get into the English game and has previously been linked with Millwall.Although he has been reported to have made a visit to the Carrington training ground, 47-year-old Simon - whose company is Lonestar Partners - is still not considered a front runner by the Blues.They are sceptical, too, about Ranson, and have clearly been irritated that his `indicative offer' became public knowledge after a period of time without contact. "The board can confirm it received, and responded promptly to, a highly conditional indicative proposal from Ray Ranson and his advisers on March 12, 2007," read their statement. "For the avoidance of doubt, since March 12, 2007, contrary to media speculation, neither the purported '£90m bid', nor further proposals of any sort, have been received by the company or its advisers from Ray Ranson." Meanwhile, Ranson's own statement released to the Stock Exchange last night hinted strongly that he was about to launch another offer.

City1-Watford1-Same old story

Yet another Pearce inspired inept performance.Playing one up front against the worst team in the league then having fluked a goal courtesy of their rag goalkeeper sitting back and inviting them to equalise summed up this season. Yet again Beasley goes off after an innocuous tackle.Miller comes on as sub and has his usual useless game -what does Pearce see in him ? The only bright spots were the performances of Johnson and Hamann who held us together in the middle and another steady game from Dunnie. Pearce must go at the end of the season.We've competed in the past against the rags,Liverpool and Chelsea and beaten them all - now we capitulate against the likes of Watford.

City v Watford Preview

We are playing well, but we are still in that position where we have no preditor in front of goal. You can tell the difference when Mpenza is playing. You always feel you are going to score. Without any help Mpenza have done brilliantly, but needs a partner. Beasley, is only just starting to blend in after a miserable season with injury and brings that balance to the side. Ireland needs room and is at his best in Midfield. The free kick have got better since JB gave them up. Not expecting anything other than a win at Watford. Still need a goalie to command area
Buzz Lightyear, Anglesey

City takeover "more likely"

Pearce has confirmed a major investment into Manchester City is looking more likely.John Wardle has been in intense negotiations with an un-named buyer for his stake in the Eastlands outfit, which could deliver some much-needed funds for Pearce to strengthen his squad in the summer.Strange story: 1 comment, 1 question. Comment - who can blame Wardle for thinking "sod it!" and being willing to sell his shares to anybody who will buy them at the market price and will help resolve the "loan" situation? He's a City fan and I can imagine that every now and then he wonders if this was what he expected for rescuing the club and "living the dream". (By "this" I mean other fans calling for his head.) Question - those people who reckon this is a scam to generate season ticket sales - are you "allowed" to make public claims about potential takeovers, investment, etc when you are running a plc? It seems a bit dodgy to me because when this was first announced, the share price went up - I just wonder if there are rules about that sort of thing.
John Devon

City 1 Arsenal 3

City v Arsenal

City started brightly on the bowling green of a pitch at the Emirates and had Darius Vassell running at pace onto the Arsenal backline within the opening few minutes.
His pull back from the left found DaMarcus Beasley, but a good blocking tackle prevented Pearce's men from shocking the home crowd and taking the lead.
Despite City holding their own in the early stages it was the home side who went in front after 12 minutes.
Diaby won the ball back in midfield and fed Eboue down the right wing, his cross found Nedum Onuoha sleeping at the back post and Tomas Rosicky stole in to blast the ball through Isaksson's legs.
The Blues kept to their task in hand despite the early blow and it wasn't until the 27th minute that the Gunners threatened again - a fantastic sliding challenge in the area from Richard Dunne prevented further damage.
After half an hour, Arsenal's Abou Diaby couldn't carry on after an innocuous-looking collision left him with a cut to the head. Julio 'the beast' Baptista replaced him.
Isaksson was called into action after 33 minutes as he made a good parry out from a long rang Fabregas effort. Arsenal, with the added firepower of Baptista now on the pitch, threatened to double the advantage sooner rather than later.
The nice football Arsenal played hadn't turned to goals and the Blues were still in the game 10 minutes before the break.
City then had a chance on 37 minutes as Vassell again provided a decent ball into the box. Jihai Sun lost his footing but still managed to fire goalwards - Gallas though blocked before the ball was cleared to safety.
The Blues didn't have to wait long for their next chance and they made Arsenal pay this time. Jens Lehmann made a hash of a clearance, Joey Barton picked the ball up and found Michael Johnson, he rode a couple of challenges before slipping the ball on to DaMarcus Beasley.
The American stayed calm and placed the ball beyond Lehmann and send the City fans into raptures just five minutes before the break. Arsene Wenger's men had not learnt their lessons.
City could even have gone in at half time 2-1 up. Barton's 20-yard drive forced an unsure Lehmann to turn the ball behind for a corner.
HALF TIME: Arsenal 1-1 City
No changes by either manager ahead of the second half.
Pearce's men looked fresh and ready after the late leveller. Beasley was again making the Arsenal fans sit uncomfortably in their padded seats with a dangerous ball in, which Jihai Sun could bounce goalwards, Lehmann this time made no mistakes.
Arsenal pressed and pressed during the second half, but too many times they continued to overcomplicate matters, playing too many passes. The home fans became increasingly edgy and ran the risk of being caught by City again.
When the Gunners cottoned on, halfway through the second 45, City held firm. A flowing move involving Rosicky, Adebayor and Hleb brought a fine block from Distin.
Then Isaksson produced an amazing save to deny Adebayor a certain goal. The former Monaco striker rose well to meet Hleb's cross, but the Swede stretched full-length and even managed to hold the ball.
Typically it was a strike from nothing that eventually saw the Gunners retake the lead. It was Cesc Fabregas with an unstoppable drive from some 20-yards out to break City's hearts. Nothing Isaksson could do about that one.
Pearce made an attacking double substitution with Corradi and Samaras introduced - but it got worse as Arsenal scored again.
Alex Hleb bundled his way into the box with 10 minutes left before the ball fell to Baptista who turned it home to surely seal the points for Arsenal. Another cruel blow for City to take despite playing some good football and troubling Wenger's men.
The Blues had a good chance on 87 minutes as the two subs combined, but Samaras' shot was well saved by a relieved Lehmann following his first half blunder.
City can count themselves unlucky to have lost here tonight having given a good account of themselves.
Leon Collins.

City v Arsenal Preview

With no Henry or Van Persie we have a real chance. Surprisingly, Arsenal's midfielders do not score that many goals and without their best 2 strikers, i can actually see us keeping a clean sheet. The question is whether we can break them down and much of this depends on whether Mpenza recovers in time. We have to play 4-5-1 in this game because if we give fabregas and co. to much room to play, they will destroy us. However, Mpenza is the only player we have who is suited to playing upfront on his own... the next closest in my opinion is unfortunately Corradi... oh dear... Fingers crossed on Mpenza then eh!?

Urmston Blue, Manchester

Link to Urbis's City exibition City till I die

The photographs tell of the lows and highs of life as a die-hard City fan, each with its own story to tell including:
- a landmark to celebrate – weddings and birthdays at the stadium
- babies’ first club kit
- a fan’s first match
- a fan’s last match
- fans on dream holidays wearing City kits
- photos with the players
- City tattoos
- friends who have endured support for City together since the 1970s.

Click on the Link below for more infomation
http://www.urbis.org.uk/page.asp?id=3088

City 0 Liverpool 0

I am still right about Pearce. He's a great guy. He was a great player, but there is a lack of tactical direction from the bench. Credit where credit is due. A 0-0 snore draw with the Scousers is a good result for us and 11 points out of the last 15 makes the season a little easier to bear. However, I still don't understand where Pearce is coming from at times given the players he has available. The last few games have been more of an exception to this. Let's hope he has made a few realisations i.e. Samaras is not a right sided midfielder / winger and Vassell can not play the high ball game against a 6'2" defender. ( this is the same game vs. Bburn FA Cup when both are on the field!) Samaras needs to get his confidence and playing him out of position is not going to do that. And if Corradi is so out of favour why was he brought on? I still want to see Corradi and Mpenza together in a game where we are going to attack. I think there is a partnership waiting to happen there. But I guess Bernie will leave during the summer and I will not get to see this happen. Corradi is a cultured player, but unless you play to his strengths you will never see the best of him. We have failed to play to Corradi's strengths all season. I have to ask, why did we sign him when we have never played a system that suits him? It's a bit like playing Samaras wide right and booting high balls to Vassell when he's against a 6'2" defender. Pointless. Corradi needs and Mpenza style player (i.e. plenty of movement, dragging the centre backs to and fro) up front with him and two wide ment hat can deliver crosses. Unless you do this you might as well not even put Bernie on the coach. Hope SP has learnt quickly over the last few games. Also hoping we can see Onuoha and Richards in the same team so Richards can play central midfield. That would be a bonus. Sandy-Dublin

£45 a goal

-Samaras-What did psycho ever see in him

So far season ticket holders have paid on average £45 per City goal at home a high price indeed for our mid-table mediocrity.Over 9 hours with out a goal at home.remember when we came up,it was goals galore.Or was I just dreaming?

The greatest ever city picture?

Click on the picture to see possibly the greatest ever city picture

Think you have seen better? email: mcfcok@fsmail.net with your own photos and pictures.

Not your normal car sticker!

I was amazed a few weeks ago when i was walking through Didsbury villiage to see a sky blue mini drive past me this was not your normal idea of a mini.With a registration plate of CI7Y-YY it caught my eye then I shortlty realised it was covered in city retro crests it was strange because I had never seen or heard of any thing about it before, until i was on four four twos website a few days ago and recognised it.It said "Some people pop a sticker on their car window to display their club loyalty: Man City fan Dave Clinton chose to spend three grand making every part of his Mini a tribute to the Citizens".click on the picture for a clearer image.

Ireland signs new 4 year deal as the latest academy product to sign a full time deal

Stephen Ireland today put pen to paper on a new long term contract with city which will keep him at the club until 2011.I am still not fully convinced that Ireland is a premiership player yet however he definitely has the capability to do so hes not a viera or keane type player but his eye for a pass is second to none.He also has a keen eye for goal most notabily the winner against Sheffield United at Christmas and vital goals for Ireland in there euro 2008 qualifiers.Hes the latest academy product out of the club.With players such as Wright-Phillips and Micah Richards being made into premiership players the academy is a vital part of City, and theres still young sturridge to make his long awaited break-through.Long may the academy continue.

New Kit, Adidas or Le Coq Sportif?

City will change there shirt maker from reebok at the end of this season however who will take its place?.
There are strong rumors citys new kit will either be made by Adidas or Le Coq Sportif - not the coq again,there will be an all blue home kit and a retro red and black striped away kit like above.

Emil Mpenza Video

Follow this link to see Emil Mpenza in action for Standard Liege
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qzsrzN8TCI

All doom and Gloom? Not anymore

Well what a difference a week makes! Not too long ago we were languishing 4th from bottom, having played 6 lost 6 and scored 1. Well tonight all the blues around the world can have a smile on their faces, as we stand in 11th place, after beating Middlesbrough away, Newcastle away, drawing with Charlton at home and beating Fulham on Bank Holiday Monday 3-1. In that time we have looked defensively sound, and a threat upfront with new signing Emile Mpenza.
Over the last few weeks we have mainly been playing a 4-5-1 formation with Vassell on the left wing, Pearce changed it on Monday playing a 4-4-2 with Beasley on the left and Vassell and Mpenza upfront. It paid dividends as we were a constant threat all afternoon, scoring 2 goals in the first half and 1 in the second. With the installation of Isaksson in goal, we have looked defensively strong at the back, what a difference it makes to a team to know you have a class goalkeeper behind you,but we all really deep down would have weaver.
Mpenza upfront has definitely added some extra spice and it almost looks like the players think that if he’s given a chance then he’ll score the goal, this alone must boost the confidence ten-fold. Hopefully we can secure him on a proper contract for next season, with an acquisition of another top striker and do our damndest to keep Distin we could have a very strong team next season. The emergence of Johnson has been another revelation and our academy just keeps on producing the goods, and there’s still Mr Sturridge to come through yet!
Over the last few weeks though our game has seemed to pick up somewhat, with the signing of Emile Mpenza and the installation of Andreas Isaksson in goal, we seem to look more solid at the back and more of a threat upfront. Stuart Pearce has had it very tough this year, when you only get peanuts to spend, you only sign monkeys. With the massive dissapointment of Samaras, Dickov & Corradi this season, it has seen the Blues struggle all season infront of goal. Having only Watford with a worst strike rate speaks volumes of where our problems have lay this season. However Mr Pearce deserves his credit too, the signing of Mpenza after the transfer window closed seems to be a master stroke and (finally) installing Iskasson in goal seems to have worked wonders for our stability at the back, Pearce is learning all the time it seems.
So its Liverpool next, both teams are on a very good run of form at the moment, Liverpool have looked excellent in recent weeks and have secured their place in the Champions League. Over the last couple of seasons we have played quite well against Liverpool and I’m sure we all remember Kiki Musampa’s last minute winner not too long ago! Whenever the ‘top 4’ sides come to COMS we seem to step it up a gear and really give them a run for their money, Arsenal have been beaten here this season, Chelsea were very lucky to get away with all 3 points, and United are still to come. If we can set our stall out early not to give them the space they desire, be strong at the back and try and hit them on the break, we could have a very interesting game next Saturday.Roll on the scousers 'Courtesy of www.bluearmy-mcfc.co.uk'

Growing Barton

Stuart Pearce praised Joey Barton’s maturity after another City goal and Man of the Match performance at Craven Cottage yesterday.

the Blues' third successive away win!!!!!!!!What a shock. Pearce said: “I think he’s flourishing in the team and in the shape of the team.

“If I was Joey, I’d look behind me and see Jihai sitting in there, so I know I can go forward.

“Behind Jihai are two colossuses as well and in front of him there’s a geezer [Mpenza] that’s holding that ball for him and making runs for him. DaMarcus Beasley also showed that he’s prepared to run in behind for his goal against Fulham.

“You can’t do it unless you’ve got a team around you and that’s important for us.”

In another season of ups and downs for Barton, Pearce has clearly seen the change in his prize midfielder.

He reflected: “A year ago, if Joey irritated me in respect to anything he would never walk back into my office and apologise, things have changed now.

“Joey comes in at times if he thinks he’s stepped out of line and says, ‘Sorry gaffer, I think I got that wrong yesterday.’ I can work with people like that and it echoes his maturity on a football pitch as well, which I’m pleased to see.”

I believe Joey Barton is the Key man in our team,he may not have the skill of a world class player however his passion and drive is one of the best i have ever seen in a blue shirt yes he has made mistakes but he has turned his life around and is going from strengh to strengh I believe he will leave eventually and for no more than 5.5 million i personally feel hes at least double that amount but how many clubs bigger than city are there that would want to buy him??? tottenham,newcastle and perhaps villa Not one of the top 4 would buy him simply because hes not good enough for them.lets hope we can keep him in our midfield
Roll on the scousers lets hope for a home goal for the first time in over 7 hours(yes thats right 7 hours!!)

Takeover Talk

The Times ran a good piece today which suggested that there were two front-runners to take control of the club - an unknown American consortium, and a British-based one headed by former-City player Ray Ranson.Interestingly, the article suggested that the American bid holds the upper hand but there are believed to be concerns over how their bid will be structured