CITY MAGAZINE (Volume 4)

TITLE           CITY Magazine
EDITOR          Mike Barnett
PUBLISHER       Diverse Media Ltd.
                164 Deansgate
                Manchester M60 2RD
PRICE           £2.00 per issue
PUBLISHED       First Monday of every month

NOTE            A percentage of the revenue generated by CITY Magazine
                goes into the Club's promotion fund...

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1

In the new dawn that is the post-Brightwell era, Richard Edghill is the club's longest-serving player. It's hard to credit, as another yet cross drifts over the bar, that he is an England B international. In an interview with Bryan Brett, he does at least acknowledge his weakness: "I'm crap. There's not another player at the club who can cross a ball as badly as me." Okay, those aren't his exact words, but they are no less ridiculous than his claim that, after his début goal at pre-season Deepdale, he is looking to add more (regular attenders at the Theatre of Base Comedy will appreciate this is going to happen later rather than sooner. Much later).

Gary Mason: Is he boss-eyed or what? You decide. Half a dozen league games gets you on the front of a magazine nowadays and this month's honour belongs to the unfeasibly raven-haired midfield tyro (handy pub quiz trivia: his grandad was chairman of Hibs). Sixties stalwart Roy Cheetham - he's the one described by Colin Schindler as "one of a number of interchangebly useless half-backs" - is interviewed after meeting his childhood hero, Ferenc Puskas. Here I must declare an interest: I did the interview with Roy and a helpful and pleasant chap he is, too. He might not have been that great, but he has played more games for our beloved club than you or I, Mr Schindler (there's a longer version of the interview at http://www.mancity.net/interviews/royc.html).

This month's antipodean audience is with king-size cutie, Danny Allsopp, and there are the first match reports of the season. The Academy fixtures for the under-17s and under-19s are also included. Photographic highlights include the Incredible Shrinking Man (Steve Kinsey), a reminder of what Craig Russell looks like and Moonchester at the Fifth Annual Costume Character Convention (with his pals Jungle Jim and Bradley Beaver). And Awayday Blues features the saddo crackpots of the London Branch who regularly make the pilgrimage. For some it's a 16-hour journey (why put yourselves through it? Bless you all anyway).

Bog Standard City's toilets finished mid-table in a survey of football loos (why, and how, do these people conduct these potty studies?). The survey, by Football Fans' Guide author Janet Williams and featured in the November Match of the Day magazine, sees City squeezed into 54th place (sustaining splash back from those lavatorial giants Southend and Bournemouth). Awayday Blues beware: if you hadn't already sussed, onset of micturition is likely to be delayed at the majority of this division's latrines, most of which are even crapper than ours. And since you asked, Old Trafford, which obviously has a greater exposure to matters excremental than other grounds, came turd.

The magazine also has a nice close-up, spread across three pages, of a Blue's buttocks taken from the away end at Macclesfield. Are they yours? There's also an interview with Brian Kidd (he used to play for City, though you'd hardly know to read this) by Ashley Shaw, author of a new book: "Cups For Cock-Ups: The Extraordinary Story of Manchester City FC". Anybody read it yet?

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2

When this issue was published Nick Fenton was looking our most consummate teenage central defender since Tommy Caton. But the gnarled old pros of football's hinterland have put his career on hold, something they couldn't do to Tommy. Paul Wilkinson, late of Forest, Watford and Middlesbrough, got him booked at Northampton, but at least the spindly Fenton knows he is at the foot of his learning curve. "He knew how to deal with me," he says in an interview.

Ron Saunders knew how to deal with Frank Carrodus. And vice versa, presumably, as seventies bit player Carrodus made a career following him around. Carrodus, who now runs a corporate hospitality business in Hale, is interviewed about the days when he used to wander around Moss Side with his win bonus cash in his pockets. Brave man (playing for Ron Saunders, I mean).

Jim Whitley, now seemingly more artistically talented away from the football field, still gets to play for Northern Ireland. He kept a diary for the match in Turkey when he came on as a substitute in a 3-1 defeat. He calls Horlock "the rat" - presumably a reference to our Kev's physiognomy - and pictures him in his customary pre-Colchester mode - asleep. We also catch a glimpse of Michael Hughes (remember the Blue Print cover?: 'Better Than Giggs' Days of innocence long since departed, never to return). Whitley's phrase "As we're top international footballers..." has a disturbing resonance.

The match reviews feature our six-game unbeaten league run - savour this issue, people - and those balmy autumn evenings when we looked fitter, stronger and classier than teams now above us. We even held Premiership Derby County at their pen. The manager's intended punishment for Pollock's selfish elbow at Pride Park sounds appropriately painful: "We'll deal with it internally," says Joe.

Pollock does have his redeeming features when he can stay on the pitch and there is pictorial evidence of his extraordinary earth trembling charge, tongue a-flapping, to set up Dickov's winner against Bournemouth.

Awayday Blues this issue represents something of a misnomer as our Middlewich representatives make the short hop across green and pleasant Cheshire to see City win at Macclesfield.

The new club website is apparently overseen by a Blue who was once Head of Sport at Granada TV - a combination to make you pause for thought - and there is a look at the plans for the new stadium. Ditto.

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3

I had my hair cut last week by a friend of Nicky Weaver's mum. She also thinks he's rather good. She cuts Dave Bassett's wife's hair as well. And Carlton Palmer's. And Chris Waddle shares my Co-Op, as does Sheffield Wednesday's Alexandersson, who looks considerably smaller at the jam counter than he does rounding the not-so-great Dane.

Leonardo Di Weaver seems to have the right stuff to appear for England. Except he plays for us. Which brings us back to fumble fingered Pete. With Schmeichel's powers waning you can be sure the Forces of Darkness are watching his progress.

Apparently a subdued AGM this year. No alarms and excursions, no bomb hoax and no Vince Miller (so at least someone is picking up the vibe. While I'm at it, could I just say a quick hello to all the "lovely disabled fans from Bury.")

David Bernstein knows he has inherited a mess - in spending £31 million on players in the last five years the club "had achieved a remarkable level of failure" - so we must now cut our cloth accordingly. And then sell it.

So farewell then, Lee Wide Pen, our record non-signing. Bradbury stirs and away he goes, before he gets the chance to resume his slumber at our expense.

This is all so depressing. Still, at least we've got a good left-back. Solid, reliable and loyal. Pity he's the coach. Encouragement seems to be the Donachie watchword and he identifies the problem. "It's about desire. The player has to do it," he says of today's overpaid underachievers.

Willie was due to show how his back-pass technique has improved since '78 in the Masters' League Football tourney for the creaky-kneed at the MEN Arena in mid November. Organised in part by former beanpole Blue Ian Mellor, this is how you get your kicks these days. Or you go and watch City Ladies' FC, who were top of the league with a 100% record when the magazine dropped by (bet that did for them).

Stop the season. I want to get off.

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4

This issue had Andy Morrison giving readers a sideways look on the front - with his very short haircut and "robust" figure, he's not someone you'd want to meet on a dark night! The issue also highlighted features on the Auto Windscreens Shield, City's Internet Blues, Fans' Forum and Peter Barnes in Malaysia.

Maine Frames:
Three pages of photos... Jamie and Shaun with the FA Cup - ah well! Nick Weaver looking as if he could be part of the crowd at the Mansfield AWS match! The right hand side was devoted to the Prestwich & Whitefield CSA trip to Amsterdam to see Gio, then Morrison celebrating his goal against Colchester, the Fenton twins looking rather dapper (I'm glad the caption revealed which was which!) and a pensive ex-chief executive Mike Turner.

More Reasons for Morrison:
A Scottish Devonian eh?! Mmmm - dad is an ex-Marine, hence Andy's physique! Perhaps Stanley Victor Collymore could learn something having read that Andy's dad took him and his three brothers on fishing trips getting up at 3.30am and working away for 2-3 days at a time! SVC wouldn't know what hit him! After joining Plymouth and playing over 100 first team games, Andy then went to Blackburn but with Hendry, Berg and May in the way he became Blackpool's record signing in December 1994 (and bearing in mind the reception he got on 9 Jan, the fans wish he'd stayed)! July 1996 had him heading for Huddersfield although he unfortunately became somewhat injury prone. However, he played against City three times and remarked in the 1-0 defeat by Huddersfield on Sky, on how the fans would get on the players' backs giving the opposition a lift (not much changed there then)! Due to Andy missing a couple of games early this season through injury, Barry Horne took over the captaincy from him and kept it. Andy felt the writing was on the wall but matters came to a head after their 4-1 defeat by Norwich (featuring that now prolific Motherwell player, Ged Brannan) that he had a right old ding-dong with the manager culminating a couple of days later with JR getting him on loan... the rest, as they say, is history. He says he was surprised at how City could dominate a game without picking up maximum points! His best mate Marcus Browing was injured in a fair tackle by Andy during the Gillingham game whilst on loan for them - regrettably his cruciate ligament's injured and he'll be out for a year. He prefers playing in a back three to a back four as "it gives you licence to get real tight and get personal with someone." Like the rest of the team Andy is determined to get back to Div. One at the first attempt. On a final note, Andy's 5 year old son is a smaller version of his dad - as the article finishes "sign him up now"!

Top of the Forum:
Mr Bernstein has always advocated better communication with the fans so branches from both the Official Supporters' Club and the Centenary Supporters' Association attended on 24 November 1998. Also present were David Bernstein, Joe Royle, Bernard Halford, Dennis Tueart, Jim Cassel and Richard Burgess with Jimmy Wagg in the chair. Ground rules of no personal questions re players, contracts etc. were laid down so after the Chairman's opening remarks questions were asked re the first team squad, buying of players, tactics, youngsters, ticketing, how transfers worked (with an illuminating reply from JR), the late Stephen Boler's shares, beaming away games to Maine Road, our portrayal in the media and last, but not least, Eastlands. The overall impression given was that, as an experiment, it worked well and it is hoped more can be held in the New Year.

Up for the Cup - Auto Windscreen Shield matches etc.!
Having told John Maddocks that I've been asked to review the mag, he has threatened murders if I don't do a decent job! Ahem! Our match vs. Mansfield was our first taste of the AWS (forgive the abbreviation but my pinkies hurt!) but we have always been involved in smaller cup compys since our days as Ardwick and Gorton with the Manchester Senior Cup initially used to give fringe players and other reserves a taste of higher competition than the Lancashire Combination or Central League. This was followed by the Manchester & District Cup primarily for first teamers only but from John's records (not his memory, he ain't that old!) results proved we didn't take it too seriously until April 1891 when Newton Heath (yes that lot) were beaten 1-0 at Whalley Range with Davie Weir being the hero of the hour! The Lancashire Senior Cup was also primarily a first XI compy which we won 6 times until WW2 but after the War it was reduced to a reserve competition as long as First Division clubs were concerned. 1970/71 saw the birth of the Anglo Italian Cup where the League Cup winners of both the English and Italian Leagues played each other in a two legged final which gave us chance to added more glitz to the boardroom although we lost in Bologna to a third minute goal and also lost the second leg.

The Texaco Cup featuring 16 English & Scottish clubs was launched the following season with City playing Airdrie, drawing 2-2 at home but with an almost full reserve team apart from Willie Donachie & Derek Jefferies lost 2-0 causing lots of ructions and the loss of appearance money! In the 74/75 season City played Blackpool, Sheff Utd and Oldham with differing results and lots of injuries but failed to qualify for the later stages. The following season we entered the Anglo-Scottish Cup playing Blackpool, Blackburn away and then a 3-1 win at Sheff Utd (by which time we were out anyway!).

August 1976 saw City in the Tennent-Caledonian Tournament at Ibrox. The first game saw City vs. Southampton and, after penalties with everyone scoring the final score was 11-11 and Southampton won on the toss of a coin! This after John was dumped on the floor by his chair! Third place was achieved by beating Partick 4-1. the Thistle goal scored by one Jim Melrose who later played for us of course!

From then we played some tournaments abroad, and one off friendlies rather than in sponsored tournaments and cups apart from the Full Members' Cup Final!

Hope that merits a large v&o John!

Away Day Blues:
Featuring Bill Black's band of merry men and women on their trip to Wycombe. It would seem a good day was had by all although sympathy must go to Debs who broke her arm in a bizarre accident! Get well soon Debs! The ratings were good too! Shame about the result tho!

Looking East - Peter Barnes in Malaysia:
PB is over in Malaysia courtesy of the DTI and Marketing Manchester to help cement relationships between Manchester and KL after their successful staging of the Commonwealth Games. The main bulk of the interview covers Peter's thoughts on his career with City, WBA, Leeds (which cost him his place in the 1982 World Cup Finals), Real Betis, Leeds again, Coventry then OT! As he said candidly "They were an awesome team, and it was a wonderful move for me professionally. I just wish I'd gone there five or six years earlier." After 19 appearances which even mooted a return to England duty, Peter returned to City under Jimmy Frizzell. Unfortunately, after relegation and JF's replacement by Mel Machin he then moved to Bolton, Port Vale, Hull amongst others plus Malta, US and Ireland finally retiring at 35 having racked up over 20 clubs in his career. He felt that he was unlucky that when he was playing wingers were being slowly phased out. Peter is coaching youngsters whilst he is in Malaysia saying they are skilful with good technique and balance but would need to toughen up for the way the game today is played - and yes, he would recommend any outstanding talents to City!

A blast from the past!
This article featured the Masters Tournament held at the MEN Arena featuring veterans from City, Arsenal, Liverpool and them! The tournament was played on a six-a-side basis with our team being Paul Power, Frank Carrodus, Alex Williams, Tommy Booth, Peter Barnes, Ray Ranson, Jim Melrose, Kevin Reeves, Dave Bennett, Willie Donachie and Asa Hartford. The first match was against Arsenal which we lost 2-0 then Liverpool lost to them 2-1. We drew 1-1 with Liverpool, United beat Arsenal 3-0 who then beat Liverpool 2-0. Now for the "derby" match which ended in a 1-1 draw. Unfortunately they won the tournament from Arsenal on goal difference both getting 7 points with us and Liverpool getting 1 point each.

City top of the class:
This featured the newly opened After-School Study Support Centre which enables children from various schools to enhance their learning with trips to the club enabling them to approach core school subjects and relate them to every day life at the club i.e. numeracy could involve the ticket office or a chat with Jack Richards and history covered by taking a look at the club's own colourful history. Judging from the comments from those children selected to attend it's a great hit!

The Gathering of the Blue Clan:
I know this subject has been covered quite a bit within MCIVTA, I've enjoyed reading them so with everyone's permission will just say that this had a very good one-page spread in the magazine - everyone had a great time and they hope that the next one will be just as successful. A contact e-mail address was given for Clive Tysoe on Harmony@candw.lc and further information can also be obtained on www.blueview.co.uk

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 5

Cover Stories:
"Gareth Taylor Made for City" - Main Pic
"Lee Crooks back from the cold"
"Tony Porter, City Chaplain"
"Reserves Update"

Gareth Taylor interviewed by Mike Barnett: An interesting introduction to one half of City's latest striking duo. Gareth talks through his youth years, how he nearly signed for FC Utrecht and his relationship with Howard Kendall at Sheffield United. Pick-of-the-quotes: "I'm not a 30, 35 goals a season man, but I'll weigh in with my fair share" Insight: 4/5

Lee Crooks interviewed by Nina Haigh: Unfortunately Nina fails to get Lee to open up even once and the interview is littered with off-the-shelf footballing clichés. Insight: 1/5

"Youth to the Fore": John Maddocks takes a mid-season look at City's reserve teams and their progress so far by interviewing Asa Hartford and Terry Cale, highlighting the current regime's support and The Academy's rosy future after recent instability. Particularly singling out players like Leon Mike, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Shaun Holmes, Terry Dunfield and Rhys Day. Of course there is the obligatory mention of the under 14's beating 'The Scum' 7-0. Pick-of-the-quotes: "We want to build the foundations of a fortress." Insight: 3/5

Mike Barnett interviews Tony Porter, the MCFC Chaplain: A surprisingly interesting story about City's quest for divine intervention. Porter explains how he injects some spirit into the team, confidentiality, and how he was appointed by Alan Ball. Every photo shows Porter wearing a City scarf despite his declaration that he is a Leeds fan. Pick of the Quotes: "If I wasn't praying for City, just think where we might be." Insight: 4/5

Overall: A reasonable issue with a couple of exclusive interviews providing at least something of interest for the regular McVittie reader.

Next issue: Feb 1st.

My verdict: 3/5. Should last you a short train journey!

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 6

Cover Stories:
"Loan Star Terry" - Main image
"Joe's 'State of the Blue Nation' address"
"Jo Blakeway's 'Eye in the Blue Sky'"
"City Physio Roy Bailey"
"70's Star Ian Mellor"
"1969 Revisited"

Joe Royle interviewed by Mike Barnett.

An excellent interview with Joe Royle who comments on his first 12 months in charge. Joe talks frankly about the quality of the players he has let go, Lee Bradbury performances, Nick Weaver transfer speculation and 'the future'.

Pick-of-the-quotes: "I want to see Nick Weaver help us back into the Premiership"

Insight: 5/5

Roy Bailey interviewed by Mike Barnett.

Roy spends most of the interview talking about the end of his short playing career, plus Kakhaber Tskhadadze and the "surprise" sacking by Peter Reid. A short interview that was probably done in 5 minutes over the phone.

Pick-of-the-quotes: (When asked whether he ever offers the manager a bit of advice), "No", (perhaps a lesson has been learned!).

Insight: 2/5

"The Cooke Report" - A feature on Terry Cooke by Nina Haigh.

A wonderful 'feel good' interview for any City fan to read. It is obvious that Terry is not shy with his comments on other clubs and he even discloses that "United fans don't go [to Old Trafford] that often". He reveals what it is like to share a room with Michael Brown, the fact that he is a Birmingham City fan and that his girlfriend is about to produce his child.

Pick-of-the-quotes: "I think the atmosphere's much better here than at Old Trafford"

Insight: 5/5

"Inside the Spider's Web" - Mike Barnett interviews Ian Mellor

An interesting article with a player that most of us won't remember playing for the club. Mellor talks about his time at Maine Road and he corrects the history books on his transfer and how it affected Malcolm Allison's departure. Plus a mention of his PFA work and how it makes him feel like "Father Christmas".

Pick-of-the-quotes: "I was a pawn in a political game [at Maine Road]". I wonder how many ex-City staff members can say that?

Insight: 2/5.

"Eye in the Blue Sky" - Traffic Girl Jo Blakeway is interviewed by Mike Barnett.

A fairly pointless interview with the girl who reads out birthdays at Maine Road. Jo blunders on about her upbringing, how she got the job and wonders how we'll all manage when she takes leave to have her baby in April. I was particularly non-plussed by the ridiculous picture of Jo sitting on her bath drinking wine sporting a pained expression.

Insight: 0/5

"A Harvest for Neil Young" - John Maddocks looking back the 1969 FA Cup run

A delightfully written article looking back at the days when a City fan could be truly proud. Especially interesting for those readers, like myself, who are the youthful side of 30 and don't ever remember any glory days. Some great photographs too.

Insight: 4/5

Overall:

Terry Cooke's United comments are worth the cover price alone. Go out now and buy ten copies just to give to any Rags that you know.

My verdict: 4/5. I enjoyed this issue more that most.

Next issue: March 1st.

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 7

Diary: 26 January to 22 February 1999

Automatic promotion aimed for... Peepo resumes training... two former City players sadly pass away - Arthur Mann at 51 and Joe Hayes at 63... the win vs. Millwall lifts the Blues to 7th in the table... Super Kevin Horlock is sent off at Bournemouth for "aggressive walking"... following his sending off in the same game Jamie Pollock is stripped of the captaincy which is handed to Andy Morrison... JP does give AM his full backing... AM chuffed to bits! Peepo has yet another setback... Gio watches the Blues at the Macclesfield home game... but he does looked somewhat bored in the accompanying photo.

Walking in a Wiekens Wonderland

Gerard has just had his tee-shirt released. The article says it's been 15 months since his last interview for the Mag in which Clark has left, Joe has arrived and we've been relegated to Division 2. Injury prevented him playing in Joe's first match but he was soon able to prove he should be in the side. He thought Joe's call for him to receive international recognition was flattering but was some way off, he felt that playing in the lower leagues wouldn't really help his chances - international teams tend to pick from the top leagues. He played with Davids & Kluivert in the Under-21s. He felt that his form suffered some inconsistency due to his changing positions but now he enjoys playing alongside Morrison... he can now play the ball along the floor where as Morrison takes care of the headers. He felt the Stoke home game could prove a turning point in the season. At the time of the interview Sunderland were interested in signing him but although he was flattered he wanted to stay at City because he was settled here - he didn't rule out playing at the higher level with City in a few seasons' time. He did say his friends and family were upset at relegation but they all felt he was at the right club. He concluded by saying the 'P' word was banned but felt the club could go up.

David takes on Goliath

A very busy man is our chairman as Mike Barnett found out! Mr Bernstein was amused that fans were telling him he and the Board were doing a great job after a few wins! He said it wouldn't mean much until City were back at the pinnacle of the English game. He recognises that the club needs stability off the pitch to enable to the team to perform much better on the pitch but knew there was still a lot to be done. The club were relegated not long after he took over as chairman but felt there wasn't much he could have done much to avoid it, although he did allow Joe to buy both Goater and Pollock. He said that he was fitting in his other commitments to run alongside his City commitments although this was initially proving difficult!

Mr Bernstein was born in St Helens although raised in London - his family had to move during WW2 but his love for City has never died. Although he says he sees himself as a supporter, he realises the decisions he makes for the club must run the fine line between being a supporter and a director. He says that where the fans look forward to the next game and the next month, he has to look further forward... he wants to get things right and get the club back to where it belongs.. the stability is beginning to show and he's pleased but we are still losing money and the playing staff needs to be trimmed even more - he did stress that the club wouldn't sell players he wanted to keep. Even with gates of around 27,000 the money through the gate still doesn't meet the club's requirements so other forms of revenue needed. Due to talk of fresh investment at the time of the interview, a £10 million transfer kitty was being bandied about. As the Chairman said, £31 million gross was invested in players which were not really needed. He is continually being told by opposition directors that City shouldn't be where we are but investors who want returns are not interested if the club isn't in the Premiership. Any money which does come into the club is channelled into propelling the club into the Premiership. In this interview the move to Eastlands was still being discussed.. the lease and design but all being well, at the time of writing, Mr Bernstein felt the team would indeed run out at Eastlands in August 2003.

Westminster Branch Opening

As a member of the London Branch but exiled here up North I was interested to read our Chairman Julian Cooke's account of the opening of the Westminster Branch as he covered it in Mike's absence. Various MPs were in attendance as well as Howard Davies (a longstanding member of the London Branch) and our own Chairman Mr Bernstein (honorary member of the London Branch), plus Eddie Large to name but a few! Paul Goggins blamed our losing the 1974 Cup Final on Ted Heath delaying his resignation from office - he hoped a second term in office for Labour would allow City to get back to the Premiership. It was also suggested on the night that the Gardners Arms be moved brick by brick to Eastlands! Julian ended his piece by saying he, Andy and Ray concluded the evening by visiting the House of Commons Chambers to witness a lively debate!

Awayday Blues

This covered the Bournemouth away game and was written by Don Price and Co. from the Prestwich and Whitefield CSA. Next time lads have a coach with a loo! I agreed with their sentiments about not being able to get into opposition social clubs; I only ever managed to get into Ipswich and Norwich but that was quite a few years ago! They too weren't impressed with the ref.

Where are they now?

Mike Barnett went through 30 ex-players (too numerous to precis here!) including Bob Brightwell - has he ever played for Coventry? Bareee... the oldest 19 year old in town... Geraldine... sorry Gerry Creaney, at the time of writing he was at Notts County and did appear for them a few weeks later at Maine Road... Margetson (then of Southend)... Buster (then of Bristol Rovers)... Uwe... Gio.... Kit Symons and Scott Thomas who at the time of writing couldn't be traced.

Tommy Booth

One of City's greatest ever servants the piece said (hear hear to that!), but the nearest Tommy ever got to being a full international was to sit on the bench when Joe Mercer was England manager. Tommy said that his dad and Harry Godwin joked on the night he was born that he would be signed up for City. At 15 his dad insisted he learn a trade so he did so whilst appearing for both the A & B teams. He did sign professional terms, became youth captain and then soon after joined the first team. He recalls at the tender age of 18 scoring the goal which took City to Wembley and being taken on a drinking spree in Manchester... not being used to drink he was soon legless and was put in a taxi home, falling out of said vehicle at 4/5am wondering why there were flags & banners everywhere... he soon realised. However, his mum wasn't impressed, gave him a lecture, a clip round the ear and sent him to bed! The following morning, after only a couple of hours sleep he had to give interviews with a banging hangover! He says he doesn't remember much about the Final itself although he does remember Tony Coleman's now legendary comments to Princess Anne!

Big Mal returned in 1979 and Tommy enjoyed working with him but he felt that too many good players were sold out and the youngsters maybe pushed too hard. Tommy left City in September 1981 for PNE for £30K; 5 years later he became player manager alongside Brian Kidd. His experiences seem to have put him off management for life because he recalled the time there were 24 directors on the board... and the time when the directors preferred to spend 30K on a new wall instead on investing in a new talent Tommy had discovered - a young Dennis Irwin. After this Tommy left and set up business with his brother. Regrettably this wasn't successful and at the time of the interview he was working with Granada TV Rentals. To conclude the article he was asked for his most difficult opponent - Derek Dougan. His favourite back four colleague? Dave Watson.

Obituaries for Arthur Mann & Joe Hayes

An excellent appreciation was given by the Club Historian - John Maddocks.

Match reports - those covered were Stoke away, Millwall home, Bournemeouth away and Macc at home.

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 8

Diary - 22 February to 29 March

Rumours of Nick Henry for City... Shane Rimmer and Anthony Fenton out on frees... the pre-season match vs. Stockport was announced... Tommy Wright out on loan at Wrexham... our draw vs. Chesterfield saw us drop to 6th... the first (of many as it transpires) mentions linking us with a certain Robert Taylor of Gillingham... Kit Symons finds his shooting boots and scores for Fulham - again! Stan Lazaridis decided he didn't want to come to us after all... Peepo has another op... Will Terry Cooke become a Blue after all? Kevin "I walk aggressively" Horlock gets his marching orders yet again at Northampton... City "tater" Burnley 6-0 with young Shaun getting a hat-trick! Gio linked with a possible move to Everton... Symons scores his 7th vs. Bristol Rovers! We lose 2-1 to Oldham at home... more take-over rumours abound with the Rangers Chairman said to be interested in buying into the club. Jeff Whitley returns from his loan spell... Symons scores again! Sky announce the Bristol Rovers away match to be live at 6pm on 1 May but on pay per view. Andy Morrison accepts he's got to stop getting yellow cards... Joe Royle realises that the matches against Reading, Wigan and PNE are crucial to the cause. Bradford also come in for TC... Mark Robins signs on loan but Lee Sharpe opts for BCFC. To end the month the new kit sponsors are announced which will be Le Coq Sportif... the other Kit manages not to score for once!

Maine Frames

Nick Weaver reveals his new teeshirt... Taylor, Goater & Wiekens all share the same birthday with Shaun being the old man of the trio at 29, the other two are 26... the less said about the streaker the better although it gave every one a good larf and the streaker frostbite probably! The Academy received a cheque for £276K.

Maine Events

London Branch member Matthew Gibbs pictured bungee jumping in Oz... just proves us Southerners are totally mad! The Bath Evening Chronicle has City top of the Premiership... if only!

Born-Again Browny

Michael was still unsure of his place in the side even though he had signed a three year contract. It took him until 12 October to make the starting line up but unfortunately he didn't cover himself in glory so ended up back in the reserves. His next appearance was in the infamous Auto Windscreen Shield game vs. Mansfield (Aaaarrggghhh!) where fringe players were given a run out. Joe thought that only Browny and Allsopp did themselves any justice. Then he played in the FA Cup replay vs. Darlington - wot a goal! It even made the Match of the Day shortlist for Goal of the Month! On the back of that goal and his improving consistency he's been in the side ever since. Michael admitted he felt he didn't figure in JR's plans... had there been the right offer for him he may have been let go but only Sheff Utd showed any interest. He still thinks Joe isn't convinced about him but he's decided to knuckle down, improve his discipline and feels as time goes on it is getting harder for Joe to drop him. He says all he's changed is his approach to the game, he knows Division 2 is a world away from the Premiership but at 22 he's played in all four divisions (including the loan spell at Hartlepool) but wants to get back to the Premiership again.

Cassell's Blue Bloodline

An interesting article about Jim Cassell. When Jim joined us in 1997 he wondered what he'd let himself in for, he was unhappy and couldn't see how he could resolve the problems. Fortunately his City supporting wife convinced him that after the job he'd done at Oldham he could do just as good a job at City - a bigger club. With those words spurring him on, he presented his report to the Board, adamant that branch and root changes were needed if the club was to get the licence to run a Youth Academy which was not a foregone conclusion. After a lot of hard work, the 4 year licence was granted on 14 May 1998. Jim's rôle was expanded and more people recruited but the scenario could have been a lot different. At least now if a boy comes to the Academy with his parents Jim can say well we're playing Liverpool or Man U and not smaller clubs. Jim is happy to be around when the 12 year olds are training on a Friday night; it shows continuity. Jim is the de facto chief scout... no junior signs without Jim seeing him first. He is also involved in looking at first team players but the younger lads are his priority so it's his intention that his boys can prevent Joe from spending unnecessary money. He says he had a struggle to hang onto Leon Mike because of the club's image - also he knows that many, unlike Leon, don't make it. Each age group has to have a certain amount of weekly training and get twice yearly reports... unless the weaker aspects of the boys' game improve they may not be able to come back the following season. He says realistically if he gets one player through in a season then he's done a magnificent job - 6 of the Oldham side which beat us at home were brought through by Jim. His ultimate goal is to get a full City first team of home grown players.

Metal Guru

I thought my large sky blue teddy had a large amount of badges on his shirt but Mike Larkin is the proud and distinctive wearer of a City scarf (2 actually) covered in badges. Mike lives in Eccles surrounded by Reds; although he's lived most of his life "behind enemy lines", once he started going to Maine Road that was it! His tattoos were done when he was 18/19, the badge collecting was an accident. People keep giving him badges - he's bought about 10-20 himself and not all are to do with City. He was mugged at Millwall after getting ejected from the ground, hit over the head, his wallet was stolen but the scarf was saved much to his relief. He's lent his scarf to some unscrupulous fans and found badges missing the next morning... some have simply dropped off. His first badge was a simple blue design of the old City crest, he's fond of an old Social club badge... like most of us he was dismayed when the club was shut to make way for the new Superstore. He's no United badges, he's a converter... just ask his son! Mike's favourite player was Rodney Marsh: "I'd pay treble to watch Rodney" but also liked Heslop, Doyle, Connor and Freddie Hill. Steve Daley once gave him a lift home after a Southampton game and was disappointed Mike Lester didn't make the grade. Back to the scarf Mike was offered £200 for it but he wouldn't sell. His favourite badge? A red cockerel on a Bradford City shield. A lady gave him the badge after the last game of the season in 1989. Her son had died in the fire. A poignant end to the article.

Awayday Blues

Chesterfield away by the Midlands CSA. I agreed with their sentiments although I was lucky to get a programme!

Glory Days - Fifties Throwback!

This covered the Reddish CSA's 50s night attended by Roy Clarke, Johnny Williamson, Paddy Fagan and Peter Robinson. It was intended as a Q&A session but Paddy Fagan had other ideas! It was well enjoyed by all. Topics covered were what it was like to play in those days, how those players would have adapted today, money, transfer fees, Bert Trautmann's signing and who was best - Frank Swift or Bert Trautmann!

You've Got Mail!

About our beloved MCIVTA (creep, creep!!) and the men behind it, Ashley, Steve & Paul. Ashley started it all off when he was at University in Zürich, hence the name! The subscriber list took off and Paul became involved with the technical side, Steve joined later to sort out the subs. Two thirds of subscribers are from the UK but other places involved Phillippines, Vietnam and also Georgia although this member has gone, possibly moved. Ashley sees MCIVTA as a newsletter not a fanzine. Information is disseminated and opinions given but no editorial stance is taken. Ashley wasn't pleased that the disclaimer was used and abused by the Reds! Debates are held during issues, rational arguments given not knee-jerk reactions. Why Blue? is also very popular. Even the club itself now recognises MCIVTA's worth with both marketing and the Ticket Office using it! Relegation didn't affect the subscriptions, in fact quite the opposite!

Sky's The Limit

Covered Sky's coverage of the Colchester match at Platt Lane.

Blue Notes

Covered Chesterfield (a), Northampton (h), Burnley (a), Oldham (h), Notts County (h), Colchester (a) and Reading (a).

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9

Review to follow eventually...

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10

Review to follow eventually...

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11

Review to follow eventually...

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 12

Review to follow eventually...

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND BACK ISSUES

Annual subscription rates:
UK/BFPO: £26.00 for 12 issues, £15.00 for 6 issues.
Europe/Eire: £38.00 for 12 issues, £22.00 for 6 issues.
Elsewhere: £65.00 for 12 issues, £45.00 for 6 issues.

Back issues (£2.50, not all issues available) and possibly binders are available from the address below.

Send cheque/postal order (payable to Guardian Media Group plc) or Visa/Mastercard details including expiry date to Subscriptions Department, Manchester City Magazine, 164 Deansgate, Manchester M60 2RD. You can also make contact via telephone (+44 (0) 161 839 1416), fax (+44 (0) 161 839 1488) or e-mail (citylife@mcr-evening-news.co.uk).

Paul Howarth, paul@city-fan.org