Manchester City Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours

dc69

charlie mchugh wrote: »

I'm not saying that City have him if they want him and its up to them to take them, far from it. All I am saying is; people will view such a story as City would be a bad move for Ronaldinho. All I am trying to ask is whether such a move would be good for City, as such questions rarely get asked when fanfare stories like these start.

it would be a good move for city,it would be a bad move for ronaldinho.Why would pepsi and nike want to sponsor a player for absolute millions,who isnt playing champions league football?

city would have to pay him at least 240,000 a week,to make up for the losses he would make on his sponsorship deals.He wont be in the european spotlight anymore and wouldnt be playing with a "fashionable club",I have nothing against city and think they are a fine club but thats just my take on the matter.

PHB

charlie mchugh wrote: »

I'm not saying that City have him if they want him and its up to them to take them, far from it. All I am saying is; people will view such a story as City would be a bad move for Ronaldinho. All I am trying to ask is whether such a move would be good for City, as such questions rarely get asked when fanfare stories like these start.

Maybe because the second he joined the club, City would have the best left sided attacker in the league?

Charlie

PHB wrote: »

Maybe because the second he joined the club, City would have the best left sided attacker in the league?

And at what costs? How many players could they sign and pay wages to if they didn't sign him. A team is made up of 11 players, not 1. Look at teams like Everton and Pompey. Would any of their players be considered the best players for their position in the league? No. But, those teams have a great balance to them. There are teams below them who have high profile players, who would be considered the best in the league for their position (or thereabouts), but the squad isn't balanced.

Also, all of this is said with the assumption that Ronaldinho would set the league alight, does his current form and mentality indicate this, certainly not. But even if he was on form now, that's no guarantee. Sheva and Veron didn't exactly set the world alight in the EPL and they were considered the best for their positions at the time of their transfers.

Look, i'm not saying Ronaldinho is passed it or that, i'm just trying to play devils advocate as, imo, City would be taking a risk by signing him.

Sqaull20

SofaK wrote: »

Would be great for ManC if it happens. Would nearly be like Maradona -> Napoli all over again, and as we all now, he delivered a couple of Scudettos.

He's an overweight alcoholic whose best days are well and truly behind him..

Who ever gets him is getting a bad deal imo

Xavi6

Activity in the City thread! :eek:

Mr Alan wrote: »

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/7334550.stm

city have met ronaldinhos reps to discuss a possible move to city, SSN reporting it at the minute as well.

wat ya make of that Xavi?!

Well of course I'm delighted that this calibre of player is even linked to the club. That in itself shows how far we've come in the past 12-18 months.

KdjaCL wrote: »

Man city the new chelsea, they have money so any players agent will link their players with them.

They went from Milito to Love to Benjani :eek:


Sven is a draw but lack of CL and any real possibility of CL will put players off.



kdjac

Benjani was signed merely as a stop gap as at the time we had Mpenza and Bojinov both out injured and Bianchi was unsettled. Anelka was due to sign for us (fact) but Chelsea came in with a late bid so he chose them instead. There was never the prospect of signing Milito in January. Personally I didn't want Love anyway.

In the summer we will lose Samaras, Mpenza and Bianchi. Boj will be back and he is class (only 21 as well), and we'll sign another big name striker to go with him and Benjani.

Sqaull20 wrote: »

He's an overweight alcoholic whose best days are well and truly behind him..

Who ever gets him is getting a bad deal imo

I wouldn't agree with that. He needs to move clubs now. His time at Barca is done. If he does have problems then maybe a move to massive club would have him too much in the limelight. If he went to someone like us he would be treated as a God and given every opportunity to get his form back.

The stumbling block though is the lack of CL football but Sven is a sweet talker and if he can convince Ronny that next season (with 3 or 4 more signings) we will be up there for a top 4 spot then who knows?

Mr Alan

Xavi6 wrote: »

The stumbling block though is the lack of CL football but Sven is a sweet talker and if he can convince Ronny that next season (with 3 or 4 more signings) we will be up there for a top 4 spot then who knows?

If Sven can talk Ulrika into bed, i have no doubt that he can talk Ronaldinho to Man City...would be pretty delighted if he signed for us...and tbh a little pissed off if we aint even in for him.

Xavi6

Greetings sports fans!

As some of you may have seen, I am currently doing a bit of a survey on the soccer forum. I know some of you have responded so cheers for that but it would great to get as many people as possible.

It's just three short questions so pop on over!

Mr Alan

ha ha ha, sure you're the only Man City fan who uses this thread xavi!

Xavi6

F*ck you buddy, f*ck you!

Peyton Manning

Dont think City need another striker. Bojinov is going to be a star if he is coached properly.

Xavi6

Fingers crossed. I have seriously high hopes for him for next season.

Peyton Manning

Xavi6 wrote: »

Fingers crossed. I have seriously high hopes for him for next season.

My best mate is a City fan, we have a tenner bet who City's top scorer will be next season. He went for Sturridge, I went for Bojinov. Given injury problems they both seem to have, it could be decided over 5 - 10 games!

Xavi6

Can't see it being Sturridge next year. Cracking player and a massive prospect but I think Sven will buy another striker in the summer and Danny will be off out on loan for the year. The following season will be his big chance.

Xavi6

On the subject of City strikers, here's Bianchi's latest offering in Italy -

http://101greatgoals.magnify.net/item/WS3J2QML6Z1BCTSL

cournioni

Xavi6 wrote: »

Can't see it being Sturridge next year. Cracking player and a massive prospect but I think Sven will buy another striker in the summer and Danny will be off out on loan for the year. The following season will be his big chance.

Sorry, couldn't resist...

Is there any truth in these Ronaldinho links with City? Have City enquired or is it all just paper talk?

Xavi6

PORNAPSTER wrote: »

Sorry, couldn't resist...

Is that a jibe at his weight or something?

PORNAPSTER wrote: »

Is there any truth in these Ronaldinho links with City? Have City enquired or is it all just paper talk?

There's truth in the sense that he is the type of big name player we will be targeting over the summer. Whether it's specifically him or not remains to be seen. We are keeping tabs on the situation. That's all I know so far.

Xavi6

A new signing for City this week - 15 year old Swede John Guidetti has joined the academy and was presented to fans at half time during the game against Chelsea last week.

My basic grasp of the Swedish language led me to this great Q&A session with the kid -

http://www.expressen.se/sport/sanktan/1.1117595/john-guidetti-om-proffskontraktet-alla-har-chansen

Good to see Sven scouting his homeland. Wonder where this lad will be in 5 years....

Raskolnikov

Does Martin Petrov have a brain?

Xavi6

Raskolnikov wrote: »

Does Martin Petrov have a brain?

Huh?

cournioni

Xavi6 wrote: »

Is that a jibe at his weight or something?

City are a MASSIVE club... Jibe indeed.

Xavi6

Read it again. I said Sturridge was a massive prospect. Nothing about the club.

Raskolnikov

Xavi6 wrote: »

Huh?

Did you watch City play yesterday? He ran around like a headless chicken.

He must drive you lot demented with frustration.

mike65

Frank Sinatra threatening to sack Sven and replace him with Big Phil Scolari according to todays papers. These idiot owners would do your head in - all money, no knowledge.

Mike.

Xavi6

Raskolnikov wrote: »

Did you watch City play yesterday? He ran around like a headless chicken.

He must drive you lot demented with frustration.

On the contrary, I absolutely love how unpredictable he is. He is a direct winger who uses his pace to terrorise full backs. He whipped in four or five great crosses yesterday but there was no one on the end. How many crosses came in from the right wing? Without him we'd have no options out wide.

mike65 wrote: »

Frank Sinatra threatening to sack Sven and replace him with Big Phil Scolari according to todays papers. These idiot owners would do your head in - all money, no knowledge.

Mike.

The papers also said we had a chance of signing Ronaldinho. Usual shit stirring to be honest.

EDIT: Just read the articles on the Times and Guardian web sites. Actual quotes from named sources? None. Must a slow news day.

gucci

Xavi6 wrote: »

EDIT: Just read the articles on the Times and Guardian web sites. Actual quotes from named sources? None. Must a slow news day.

Yeah its in todays independant as well. but no quotes really (i forget i was reading it on a plane while being more than half asleep!)
Surely Sven would cost too much to sack anyways, and big Phil would hardly be cheap either.

Xavi6

Well today's Independent now rubbishes the whole thing -

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/eriksson-safe-from-sack-as-city-progress-pleases-thaksin-808707.html

All a load of sh*te imo.

eZe^

What the hell, when was big phil linked with City? I thought Sven was well liked at the club?:eek:

Xavi6

eZe^ wrote: »

What the hell, when was big phil linked with City? I thought Sven was well liked at the club?:eek:

He was linked over the weekend. It's just the usual press rubbish at a slow time of the year for scandal. As soon as the transfer window opens they'll move on to that.

Sven IS well liked at the club. The fans adore him and have no interest in Scolari, or anyone else for that matter, coming to the club. Sven has built an almost new squad while laying the foundations for our future.

eZe^

Who do you want to see at the club next year and who do you expect?

One or two big names?

Xavi6

Manager wise - Sven. No contest.

Player wise - Well we need another defender (possibly at left back), a right winger, maybe a centre mid and a big name striker (which Thaksin ahs told Sven he also wants).

Diego has been heavily linked in the last few days but so has Danny Gabbidon so I really don't know at this stage.

eZe^

Diego? Do you think you need a bit more creativity in midfield so ya?

This may be a little offensive (and I dont mean to be ), but Ive never really rated Elano as highly as everyone in the premier league seems to. Maybe its because the EPL isnt accustomed to seeing players who are good on the ball, but he has always striked me as pretty mediocre in his position, has he really stepped it up or is it a case of a pony with new tricks thats wowwing people? I just think if he played in the Spanish league he'd be just another quite good midfield player from Brazil.

Also, when I watched Petrov at Atletico, he was SOOO inconsistent, some days he was on fire with beautiful runs and crosses, but then for the next 5 games he'd be almost invisible.

Xavi6

eZe^ wrote: »

Diego? Do you think you need a bit more creativity in midfield so ya?

It wouldn't be a bad option to have, especially considering someone like Elano can't be expected to do it every week. Which brings me on to........

eZe^ wrote: »

This may be a little offensive (and I dont mean to be ), but Ive never really rated Elano as highly as everyone in the premier league seems to. Maybe its because the EPL isnt accustomed to seeing players who are good on the ball, but he has always striked me as pretty mediocre in his position, has he really stepped it up or is it a case of a pony with new tricks thats wowwing people? I just think if he played in the Spanish league he'd be just another quite good midfield player from Brazil.

Elano started off on fire and was unbelievable to watch, partly due to no one knowing what to expect. Then he picked up an injury while on international duty and that led to him being off the boil for a while. In the last few games h e has looked very good again. A goal and an assist on Saturday in a 2-1 win isn't bad going!

As for him being just another midfielder from Brazil if he played in La Liga, I'd disagree. He was a regular in the Brazil team while playing in the far from fashionable Ukrainian league so he clearly isn't average. Now he plays for a top half side in the Premiership and all I feel he needs is someone to come in and share the workload and take some off the expectation off him. Step forward Diego.....

eZe^ wrote: »

Also, when I watched Petrov at Atletico, he was SOOO inconsistent, some days he was on fire with beautiful runs and crosses, but then for the next 5 games he'd be almost invisible.

Petrov has always been an unpredictable player but as I said in another post, this is the kind of player I want to see at City. He has the most assists for us (10 from open play alone) and has been MOM on numerous occassions. Sure he goes missing but what player in his position doesn't? On Saturday he whipped in a number of great balls with no one on the end. I honestly don't remember the same service coming from the other side.

eZe^

But Elano has been a regular in Dunga's 'work your ass of nobody knows who you are Brazil' at the Copa America. Hahaha, I mean its a fantastic side, but its hardly the flair and creativity we are used to seeing in most Brazil sides. I mean, he plays Vagner Love or Rafael Sobis upfront.

The team was missing alot of the best creativity they had because they were stars and were becoming lazy, so Id still say that Elano wouldnt be in the starting 11 of the strongest Brazil side. Im not trying to diss the guy, because he has bucket loads of talent, and maybe Im just 100% wrong.

I have a bit of a soft spot for City tbh, no idea why though.

Xavi6

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2275394,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=7

City agree deal for Brazilian striker Jô

Agreement for 21-year-old striker shows Eriksson is planning for next season

Thaksin Shinawatra last week insisted that Manchester City need more midfielders but today his club strengthened its strikeforce by agreeing a £20m deal for Brazilian forward Jô, guardian.co.uk understands.

The 21-year-old has begun the new Russian season in style, performing impressively and scoring twice in the first five games. He has been the subject of rave reviews since arriving in Russia from Corinthians in 2006 and reportedly became a target for Arsenal after netting 10 times in his first 12 matches in Europe.

Jô's first season was interrupted by injury, but he returned after many months absence and quickly rediscovered his form, hitting enough goals to make him joint top scorer in the league with Spartak's Roman Pavlyuchenko, the striker whose two goals undid England in Moscow last year.

At 6ft 2in, Jô is a powerful aerial presence but his main qualities are his speed and technique. He has already been capped once by Brazil and the national team manager Dunga, with whom Jô has previously had public arguments, has reportedly told the player that if the Home Office does not grant him a work permit he will send a letter to assist with the inevitable appeal.

So this is a massive rumour coming out of the club today. Also being reported in the Russian press. 20 mil is quite a big fee though he is only 21 and has scored goals in Europe. Anybody rate him?

Vokes

He sounds sort've Adriano-esque.in terms of his position and physique and alos the off-the-pitch stuff.

Will be a gamble alright!

Might be better for ManC, if they can, to get him for £10mil and the 2nd £10mil would be performance related installments.

Loomis

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_3458879,00.html

Manchester City executive director Taweesuk Jack Srisumrid has claimed that the club have held talks over a deal for Barcelona star Ronaldinho. The 28-year-old Brazilian appeared to be set for a summer transfer to Serie A side Milan, however reports claim a deal has stalled.
City have also been linked with the former World Player of the Year, but manager Sven Goran Eriksson has been keen to delay talk of a move until the season has concluded. However, it is reported in Tuesday's press that Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis met with Taweesuk over a deal.
"What we will look to do in the summer is to further boost the squad, bring in top-quality, internationally recognised players," Taweesuk told The Daily Telegraph. "Superstars would help fill the stadium and help our global branding. Primarily, we must win on the pitch - it can't be a gimmick.
We've had discussions [with Ronaldinho] but we'll see how that pans out.
We've looked at a host of players. Man City having discussions with superstar players used to be unimaginable, but not now. It won't be a galacticos strategy, but older famous names. We want to build around the team we have."

Suggests there's a possibility of him going there rather than it being as ludicrous a story as Middlesbrough trying to sign him. Still I'd be skeptical.
First, he turned United down years ago citing climate and cultural issues and it being more difficult for his family to settle there rather than Spain. So don't see why Manchester is any more alluring now.
Also think it's just to keep Milan on their toes and unsure he gets everything he wants in the move.

Charlie

From what i've seen, Jo looks day-cent, but at 20 million, would be a massive gamble. But, how big that gamble is really depends on how much money the Dr. is willing to spend, i.e. Chelsea wasted a ton of money 3 years back, but still have an awesome squad.

So it really depends on whether Jo will be city's big summer signing, or whether he will be one of many.

Peyton Manning

Elano, Bojinov, Corluka, now Jo.

Somebody at City plays Football Manager.

Xavi6

Manchester City hope to sign Liverpool's Peter Crouch, Tottenham's Aaron Lennon and CSKA Moscow duo Jo and Daniel Carvalho this summer. (Various)

If that happens........:eek:

Barcelona star Ronaldinho has told team-mates at the Spanish club that he may be leaving the Nou Camp to move to Manchester City. (The Independent)

Hmmmm I'll believe that one when he's shaking hands with Sven in a sky blue jersey.

From today's Independent -

City ponder Brazilian blend as Thaksin jets in to meet Sven

By Ian Herbert and Jason Burt
Friday, 25 April 2008

Sven Goran Eriksson will place a shopping list of players before the Manchester City owner, Thaksin Shinawatra, when the two men finally meet in Manchester tomorrow, on an occasion which might dictate whether the Swede has a future at the club.

Eriksson's vision for the future is clearly shaped by his Brazilian contacts and by his experience as England manager, with Peter Crouch and Aaron Lennon, both favoured by the Swede during his tenure at the FA, believed to be among those he would covet now. Eriksson's closeness to the current Brazil manager, Dunga, whom he recruited from Pisa for the Fiorentina midfield in 1988, led him to purchase Elano last summer and the same contact has delivered another Brazilian, the CSKA Moscow player Joao Alves de Assis Silva (known as Jo), to a place near the top of his list – though a work permit may be difficult because of his solitary international cap.

Jo's £8m-rated team-mate and countryman Daniel Carvalho is also highly rated by Eriksson and will be on the list Thaksin will be presented with when he meets his manager at Eastlands after City's last home game of the season against Fulham. But the question of whether Ronaldinho might also swell the Brazilian ranks remains one of much conjecture.

The view within the club is that purchasing a player Eriksson admires immensely would be to the detriment of his desire to reinforce in many departments because the £40m-£50m fee, including wages, would blow the entire kitty Thaksin is ready to provide. There is also a feeling agents, aware of Thaksin's considerable fortune and minimal football know-how, are looking to capitalise by shipping him in.

But Eriksson, who has not spoken to the Thai since last month and has several players on his list of whom the owner is not aware, might well be told that Thaksin is intent on buying a superstar like Ronaldinho to fill Eastlands. City's indifferent attendances have been as much a source of frustration to him as recent results.

Noises from Italy certainly suggest that his arrival is a possibility, even though the probable absence of Champions League football at City in the next two years would appear a deterrent to the 28-year-old.

Ronaldinho is understood to have told team-mates that he may be leaving Barcelona for City and one source has suggested that, despite the player's preference for Milan, the Italian side are unlikely, in the final reckoning, to be willing to match his Barcelona salary of €10m (£7.97m) a year. If, as the source expected, the Italians ultimately pull out, City would be the only viable alternative.

Sources have suggested that Barcelona are also desperate to offload Thierry Henry if they can recoup anywhere near the £16m they paid Arsenal for him. With a general feeling that Ronaldinho may want some of his former team-mates from Barcelona with him at City, this has raised the notion of both being at City – though that would seem a financial impossibility.

Thaksin's acolytes certainly have been in close contact with the agent Pini Zahavi and and Roberto de Assis, Ronaldinho's brother and agent, who was entertained at City three weeks ago. Though Thaksin, away in Bangkok fighting corruption charges, is understood to have been a step removed, Eriksson said yesterday that he believed Thaksin's aides at City certainly spoke for him.

Thaksin has not demonstrated, in the itinerary for his Manchester visit this weekend, that he is intent on smoothing things over with Eriksson, having failed to dispel rumours last week that he might be prepared to remove him in favour of the Portugal national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari – a Brazilian well acquainted with Ronaldinho, as well as others on the City shopping list. Thaksin's expected arrival yesterday was put back until tomorrow and he will leave Manchester on Sunday, having watched the Fulham match and completed a series of meetings.

But any attempt on his part to foist Ronaldinho on Eriksson at the expense of the breadth of players the manager considers necessary is likely to be met with short shrift. The Swede insisted last week that decisions on who should or should not be signed belonged to him. "Nobody will come here unless I have given the green light," he said. "It's not an issue at Manchester City." He has also dismissed the notion of buying a global superstar to fill the stadium as folly.

Eriksson admitted he remains unclear how much money Thaksin is prepared to make available to him, though the Thai has already cautioned against the assumption that there will be a bottomless pit. "We can't talk to players yet but we can talk to agents to see what's going to happen," Eriksson said. "Because of [Thaksin's] business in Thailand it's been difficult to talk to him and see him. I want to speak to him, of course I do." On the question of whom he might sign, Eriksson would only say he was ambitious. "We have a very good team but if we want to go one step further we have to take in world-class players," he said.

The City manager revealed that it was possible that Micah Richards may not play for the club again this season. He begins light training next week and could struggle to recover from surgery on his knee in time to feature.

Sven's men: City's potential buys

Jo, CSKA Moscow £20m

City first bid for the player in January and, though he recently extended his contract with the Russian side to 2011, the CSKA president Yevgeny Giner is understood to be ready to part with him for €25m (£20m). The player's agent Marcelo Dijan claimed yesterday that no bid has been lodged but that things "might happen."

Aaron Lennon, Tottenham Hotspur £10m

Juande Ramos is said to be uncertain about whether the ex-Leeds player has a future at White Hart Lane. Liverpool and Newcastle have been linked but Eriksson would be interested in a player he took to the 2006 World Cup and used. Attractive with chances of signing Theo Walcott fading.

Peter Crouch, Liverpool £9m

Another player Eriksson admired in his England management days has always been high on his list of targets. A striker is arguably City's greatest need, since none of those purchased has delivered.

Ronaldinho, Barcelona £40m-£50m

Milan look the Brazilian's most likely destination. Owner Silvio Berlusconi, asked if there was a chance for him to join the Serie A club, said: "Absolutely." But there have been doubts about the Italians' ability to buy. A player Eriksson would like, but not at the expense of being denied others.

Pepe LeFrits

The Times seems to think that Wenger has made Michael Johnson his number one target to replace Flamini this summer.

Considering the uncertainty that surrounds Sven at the moment, and the prospect of a starting place being available at Arsenal, would Johnson be interested in a move? What fee would City realistically be able to get if he did decide he wanted to move on?

Xavi6

Yes I'd say he could be interested alright. He's been mentioned as one of those very unhappy with the current situation at the club. The only thing is that he's a local boy so might not fancy a trip to London. Liverpool is a more likely destination. As for a fee, more than what Barton went for anyway. Considering his age and the fact he's English I'd say £8 million at least.

Pepe LeFrits

£8m? That seems a fairly low valuation to me, considering he's English and only 20. Is he just not that good?

Xavi6

Well he hasn't been recently no. His form has been patchy and the likes of Gelson and Ireland have overshadowed him lately. He's not 100% though and can only play one game a week because of the injury that had him out for a good while at the turn of the year.

Don't get me wrong, he's a smashing player and I certainly don't want him to go anywhere.

Xavi6

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=563370&in_page_id=1779&ct=5

Manchester City's boardroom boost as owner Thaksin Shinawatra clinches signing of a Nike guy

Manchester City will announce the impressive boardroom signing of one of Nike's senior sports marketing executives to run the club.

Owner Thaksin Shinawatra has moved to offer Garry Cook the position of executive chairman with the brief to turn City into a Barclays Premier League superpower.

Thaksin wanted a British supremo with an understanding of football to take the post and American-based Cook is a long-standing Birmingham fan. City will also appoint a new manager to replace Sven Goran Eriksson and invest in new players this summer, including at least one 'box office' signing.

Cook will have the responsibility of overseeing City's budget, including their player recruitment programme and expanding their global appeal, specifically across America and Asia where he has expertise of marketing the Nike brand.

Cook, 45, has worked in the sports industry for 22 years and is president of Nike's Brand Jordan, where he has worked closely with basketball legend Michael Jordan. Brand Jordan sales have helped Nike become the world's No 1 seller of sports shoes.

Sources in America claimed last night that Jordan himself had tried to persuade the Birmingham-born businessman not to leave the company.

Cook has worked for Nike in a variety of roles for the past 12 years but has now agreed a three-year contract at the City of Manchester Stadium. He expects to take up his new position by the start of next season after working a short notice period.

Highly-rated chief executive Alistair Macintosh will report directly to Cook as City set up a new management structure.

One Nike source said: 'For Garry to leave such a key position here, Manchester City must be an attractive project. We tried to keep him, but this is not about money. Clearly, they must have a great deal of ambition. This guy is a serious operator, a class act.'

Luring Cook from Nike will be seen by industry insiders as a great coup for City and ends their worldwide search for a powerful senior figure to take the club to the next level.

The Nike source added: 'Garry is his own man. He has vast experience of working in the UK, as well as leading Nike's sales force in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The company will wish him well.'

Cook also has experience of working alongside leading sports personalities and City hope his appointment will help them in their pursuit of high profile signings.

Ronaldinho, for instance, has been in talks with City's current board through his brother and agent, who recently visited the club. The Brazilian is one of Nike's leading football ambassadors.

It promises to be a busy summer for City, with Portugal manager Luiz Felipe 'Big Phil' Scolari leading the way to replace Eriksson, who expects to be sacked following a boardroom review of the season.

Eriksson, who could move to Benfica, still has support among City fans.

An online petition has been set up that has already attracted more than 4,000 signatures in 48 hours demanding that the owner has a rethink and a protest is planned for City's game at Liverpool on Sunday.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that City captain Richard Dunne and other senior players had to be persuaded by Eriksson not to boycott their summer tour to the Far East.

Well this is an interesting move. Looks like Frank wants us to become a global brand like our local rivals. Whatever about the current Sven situation, Frank is clearly a very shrewd businessman. Be interesting to see what direction this new guy takes us in, especially considering his previous success with the Jordan brand.

Xavi6

Player of the Season -

1. Richard Dunne
2. Vedran Corluka
3. Martin Petrov


Young Player of the Season -

1. Joe Hart
2. Michael Johnson
3. Micah Richards


Academy Player of the Year -

Ben Mee


So that's four years in a row for Dunnie! Some achievment. Some of the fans are pretty shocked at him winning it again in light of his recent displays but overall he's had another solid season. Fingers crossed this gets him signing a new contract.

Well done to Joe Hart as well. He's been superb this year. The save from Gerrard the other night typifies the lad's talent and hopefully he gets his first England cap by the end of the year.

Xavi6

City touched down in Thailand there today. Here's a pic -



Looking surprisingly happy.

Charlie

Xavi6 wrote: »

City touched down in Thailand there today. Here's a pic -



Looking surprisingly happy.

Why does it look like they're all waving to their mammies.

Mr Alan

is that the lad from Heroes in the middle wearing black and shades? :cool:

Xavi6

Mr Alan wrote: »

is that the lad from Heroes in the middle wearing black and shades? :cool:

Nah it's Frank's son. His daughter is a cracker btw.

Here's who travelled to Thailand -

Group 1 – Emirates (23 passengers)
Manchester – Dubai (EK 018). Dubai – Bangkok (EK 384)
Daniel WILSON Sponsorship Manager
Leslie CHAPMAN Kit Manager
James Philip BLACK Kit Manager
Leon Paul COLLINS Club Media Manager
Layachi BOUSKOUCHI Club Chef
Robin John SADLER Club Physiotherapist
Paul WEBSTER Club Masseur
Benjamin David THOMPSON Club Masseur
Richard William MARTIN Player
Kasper Peter SCHMEICHEL Player- Goalkeeper
Shaleum Narval LOGAN Player
Javier GARRIDO BEHOBIDE Player
Darius Martin Clarke VASSELL Player
Martin Petiov PETROV Player
Dietmar Johann Wolfgang HAMANN Player
Geovanni Deiberson MAURICIO GOMEZ Player
Elano BLUMER Player
Felipe Salvador CAICEDO COROZO Player
Nery Alberto CASTILLO Player
Kelvin Peter ETUHU Player
Valeri Emilov BOZHINOV Player
Jihai SUN Player
Sam James WILLIAMSON Player

Group 2 – Emirates (12 passengers)
Manchester – Dubai (EK 020). Dubai – Bangkok (EK 418)
Paul TYRRELL Head of Communications
Sven-Goran ERIKSSON Team Manager
Hans Roland BACKE Assistant Manager
Derek William FAZACKERLEY Senior Coach
Eric Graham STEELE Senior Coach
Stefano MARRONE Fitness Coach
Mark John WHITAKER Club Doctor
Kieran John TRIPPIER Player
David Michael BALL Player
Andrew William TUTTE Player
Ryan Noel MCGIVERN Player
Benjamin Thomas MEE Player
Deborah Patricia WHITAKER

Loads of players missing cause of international duty etc.

S.M.B.

Pretty sure Elano didn't go because his wife is expecting. Castillo just didn't bother showing up also.