MAINE ROAD DIARY - AUTUMN '96

This diary covers the events from the start of the '96/97 season in August through to the end of November.

AUGUST 1996

Friday 16th

City start the 1996/97 season with a 1-0 home win over Ipswich Town. The only goal of the game is headed by Steve Lomas in the 25th minute, following good work by man of the match Gio Kinkladze. The match is televised live on Sky Sports 3, a new channel with will be covering the Nationwide League for the next three seasons. As is usual on these occasions, City make the fans sweat by having Michael Frontzeck sent off for a professional foul and allowing Ipswich to strike the woodwork twice in the last few minutes.

Monday 19th

MCIVTA 221 has reports and opinions of the Ipswich game, a report of the recent meeting of the Prestwich and Whitefield branch of the Supporters' Club, a report of City's pre-season tour of China, more on the Open Day and the sale of Niall Quinn, opinions on the new season and a couple of requests for information.

Tuesday 20th

City make a £750,000 bid for Arsenal striker Paul Dickov. The bid will be considered by the managerless Gunners' board on Thursday morning. The next home game against Charlton Athletic is moved back 3 days to Tuesday 3rd September due to players having international commitments. City revert to a flat back four but play very poorly and lose 1-0 at Bolton, the only goal of the game coming from Per Frandsen early in the second half.

Thursday 22nd

The consensus of opinion in MCIVTA 222 is that the Bolton game was the worst performance most people have ever seen from a City side. There are several reports of the game, plus more views of the Ipswich game, news and opinion of City's interest in Paul Dickov plus thoughts on the team and the manager.

Friday 23rd

City complete the signing of Paul Dickov from Arsenal for a fee of £1,000,000. He goes straight into the squad for the trip to Stoke.

Saturday 24th

City lose again, this time a 2-1 defeat at Stoke City. Richard Forsyth and Mike Sheron give Stoke a 2-0 half time lead. City fight back in the second half with a goal from Uwe Rösler but it's too little, too late. At half time and after the game, City fans chant for the dismissal of manager Alan Ball.

Sunday 25th

Birmingham City chairman David Sullivan is reported to be interested in buying a substantial stake in City.

Monday 26th

After a meeting with Francis Lee, Alan Ball resigns as City's manager. Asa Hartford takes over team affairs until the appointment of a more permanent successor. With news of the resignation coming a matter of minutes before publication of MCIVTA 223, most of this issue consists of people suggesting that Ball should do exactly what he has just done. There's also a report of the Stoke game, news of the signing of Paul Dickov plus the weekend's rumours.

Tuesday 27th

Former Arsenal manager George Graham says in a radio interview that he is interested in the vacant manager's post at City and is immediately installed as favourite for the job. Other candidates linked with the job include Bruce Rioch and Kenny Dalglish.

Wednesday 28th

City director David Bernstein has discussions with George Graham about the City manager's job. City give a trial to former German U21 international left back Patrik Weiser in the reserves' 1-1 draw with Wrexham at Maine Road. Gerry Creaney is City's scorer.

Thursday 29th

George Graham declines to accept the post of City manager; City are said to be furious about having been "strung along". MCIVTA 224 has the latest news and rumours about who is to succeed Ball, a report of the Stoke game plus a myriad of opinions on managers past, present and future.

Saturday 31st

Swindon manager Steve McMahon dismisses rumours linking him the City's managerial vacancy by announcing that he will sign a two-year extension to his contract on Monday. Steve Lomas plays in Northern Ireland's 1-0 home defeat against Ukraine.

SEPTEMBER 1996

Sunday 1st

Sheffield United manager Howard Kendall announces that he will not be applying for the City job. Simply Red manager Elliot Rashman denies a report in the Sunday Mirror that he is leading a consortium of Manchester businessmen willing to invest £40 million into City but says that he intends to see what interest there is in the Manchester business community for such a move. Gio Kinkladze and Mikhail Kavelashvili play for Georgia in a 1-0 friendly defeat against Norway in Oslo.

Monday 2nd

Caretaker boss Asa Hartford says he's not interested in taking the job on a permanent basis. MCIVTA 225 features a couple of views of the Norway vs. Georgia game and lots of opinions on the players, manangement and board. Morale is low.

Tuesday 3rd

Despite an appalling performance, City beat Charlton Athletic 2-1 at Maine Road. Shaun Newton gives Charlton the lead midway through the first half but a controversial penalty (converted by Uwe Rösler) and a fierce free kick from Gerry Creaney, both in the last 8 minutes, are enough to earn City the points. Scott Hiley and Alan Kernaghan are both taken to hospital with serious knee injuries.

Wednesday 4th

Paul Lake is given a job as assistant to Roy Bailey.

Thursday 5th

The consensus of opinion in MCIVTA 226 is that City played poorly and were very fortunate to beat Charlton. There are six views of the game, all in broad agreement, news of Paul Lake's appointment plus plenty of opinions as usual.

Saturday 7th

City lose 2-1 at home to Barnsley, Clint Marcelle scoring both of the visitors' goal, the winner coming in the second minute of injury time after a mistake by City débutant Jeff Whitley who was otherwise impressive. Nigel Clough had earlier equalised Marcelle's first strike. Despite the result, an improved performance by the Blues compared with the miserable showing against Charlton.

Sunday 8th

The man behind the Arab takeover bid is named as Prince Al-Waleed, a man with a proven record of rescuing businesses in financial trouble. Another possible takeover bid is rumoured to be in the offing from Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan.

Monday 9th

MCIVTA 227 has several views of the Barnsley defeat, the latest injury and takeover news and rumours, opinions on City's plight and what must be done about it plus a call for votes for August's Player of the Month.

Tuesday 10th

City put together their first good performance of the season, winning 2-0 at Port Vale, the goals coming from Uwe Rösler and Paul Dickov.

Thursday 12th

MCIVTA 228 has a couple of reports of the Port Vale game but consists mainly of the latest news and rumours about takeover bids and the new manager. There's also lots of opinions on offer!

Friday 13th

Central defender Darren Wassall is signed on a month's loan from Derby County.

Saturday 14th

City get that good performance out of their system with a resounding 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace. The Palace scorers are David Hopkin (2) and Leif Andersen. To cap it all, captain Kit Symons is sent off for a professional foul before Mikhail Kavelashvili scores City's late consolation goal. After the game, caretaker boss Asa Hartford makes it clear that he doesn't want the job on a full-time basis.

Monday

The Daily Mirror reports that Dave Bassett is City's new manager, with Steve Coppell taking over at Crystal Palace. MCIVTA 229 has news of this, a few reports of the Palace game, a profile on Stephen Boler (one of City's major shareholders) plus all the current rumours.

Tuesday 17th

City are thrashed 4-1 by Lincoln City. After taking the lead (through Uwe Rösler) in the first minute too. Unbelieveable. The Lincoln scorers are Fleming, Holmes, Bos & Whitney.

Thursday 19th

Dave Bassett turns down the City manager's job after it seemed that he had already accepted it. MCIVTA 230 sees everyone in a sombre mood, wondering what can go wrong next. As well as views of the Lincoln match there's a review of the September issue of CITY Magazine, the news that the search for a manager will have to continue and lots of heartfelt opinions on all things Blue.

Friday 20th

Eddie McGoldrick is signed on loan from Arsenal.

Saturday 21st

McGoldrick is City's star man as the Blues of Birmingham are beaten 1-0. Uwe Rösler's first half penalty is saved but another penalty awarded with 90 seconds of the game remaining is coolly converted by Gio Kinkladze. Birmingham's Gary Poole is sent off for pushing the referee and there are clashes between the visiting fans and the police & stewards at the end of the game. The October edition of CITY Magazine features a major article about City on the Internet.

Monday 23rd

MCIVTA 231 has several views of the Birmingham match, more rumours about the new City manager, a response to his critics from Francis Lee (printed in Saturday's match programme) plus a number of opinions on the way forward for both City and MCIVTA.

Tuesday 24th

More humiliation for City as Lincoln win 1-0 at Maine Road in the second leg of the Coca-Cola Cup 2nd Round tie. Lincoln win 5-1 on aggregate.

Wednesday 25th

City give trials to former Arsenal midfielder Mark Flatts and former Norwegian U21 goalkepper Andre Ulla. Flatts plays for the reserves who win 2-1 against Barnsley, but Ulla's clearance doesn't come through in time for him to play.

Thursday 26th

MCIVTA 232 has a report of the Lincoln game, news of trial players and more management rumours, opinion on two potential managerial candidates - Lou Macari and Dario Gradi - plus a Why Blue from Steve Warrington. City's next home game, against West Bormwich Albion, is postponed due to international call-ups.

Saturday 28th

City lose 2-0 at Sheffield United, the goals coming from a Mitch Ward penalty and Gareth Taylor. Rumours of another takeover bid surface, this time from a consortium led by Chester City chairman Mark Guterman.

Sunday 29th

Another MCIVTA F.C. session takes place at the Armitage Centre but unpleasant weather leads to a below-expected turnout.

Monday 30th

Yet another consortium is set to invest in City, this time £15 million from a London-based group provided that Chris Waddle is installed as manager. MCIVTA 233 has news of the boardroom rumours, two reports of the Sheffield United game, a call for votes for the September Player of the Month, a review of the October Issue of CITY Magazine, information about buying shares in the club, more on possible managerial candidate Sammy McIlroy plus the announcement of a new City WWW site - My Blue Heaven.

OCTOBER 1996

Tuesday 1st

According to newspaper reports, Gio Kinkladze wants to leave City and the Mark Guterman investment bid has fallen through. Both reports appear to be premature.

Thursday 3rd

MCIVTA 234 has the latest rumours and speculation regarding transfers, management and takeovers plus denials regarding most of them from City, news of a chance to have a VIP visit to Maine Road in November whilst helping a charity, news of Sunday's MCIVTA F.C. session and the upcoming game against the "Internet Rags", details of an unhappy trip to the first Junior Blues meeting of the season, a heartrending tale from a Microsoft customer and finally a Why Blue from Andy Birkin.

Friday 4th

It is reported that Birmingham City chairman David Sullivan has bought a controlling interest in City. It turns out to be another media fabrication.

Saturday 5th

Not a happy day for City players on international duty. Kit Symons' Wales lose 3-1 to The Netherlands and Steve Lomas' Northern Ireland draw 1-1 with Armenia in Belfast.

Monday 7th

Six weeks after Alan Ball's resignation, City have a new manager. It's former United and England winger Steve Coppell, who agrees a three-year deal. Phil Neal, former Liverpool and England defender, will be his assistant. Caretaker boss Asa Hartford reverts to coaching duties. MCIVTA 235 has news and opinion of these appointments, the result of the August Player of the Month poll, an offer of a lift to City's home games from Newcastle upon Tyne, thoughts on why we don't like the Rags and a Why Blue from Jonathan Richards.

Tuesday 8th

The new management team have their first training session with the players and make an immediate impression with "gruelling" 3-hour workout.

Wednesday 9th

The Italian press make Gio Kinkladze their man of the match in Italy's 1-0 victory over Georgia in a World Cup qualifying match.

Thursday 10th

MCIVTA 236 is full of opinions about the new management team (mostly positive), a transcript of Steve Coppell's press statement on joining City, a report from the Platt Lane Correspondent, preparations for Sunday's MCIVTA F.C. vs. Internet Rags football match, a view of the "5 Live Football Forum" held a Platt Lane on Monday evening, plus a report from the Sunday Telegraph about City's financial plight.

Friday 11th

Cardiff City obtain a high court injunction preventing Phil Neal taking up his post as assistant manager with City. The injunction is later lifted after City's lawyers outline their case to the judge.

Saturday 12th

City fight back from 2 goals down to draw 2-2 at Queens Park Rangers in Steve Coppell's first game in charge. Trevor Sinclair and Paul Murray give the R's the lead but Ian Brightwell and Georgi Kinkladze earn the Blues a deserved point. Andy Impey is sent off for deliberate handball in the incident leading to Kinkladze's equaliser from the penalty spot. Georgian striker Georgi Nemsadze elects to join a Turkish side instead of City, changing his mind whilst en route to Maine Road.

Sunday 13th

Only four United players make it to Manchester for the MCIVTA F.C. vs. Internet Rags game so several of the MCIVTA team guest for United. The game ends 3-3.

Monday 14th

Saturday's improved performance produces a multitude of reports in MCIVTA 237; there's also a report of Sunday's Internet Derby and more opinions on Steve Coppell.

Tuesday 15th

Things are back to normal again as City lose 2-0 at Reading, both goals coming from Lee Nogan. Steve Lomas is sent off near the end for violent conduct.

Thursday 17th

MCIVTA 238 has several views of the Reading match and more opinions on Steve Coppell.

Friday 18th

Steve Coppell's first venture into the transfer market is to make permanent the signing of Eddie McGoldrick. City pay Arsenal £300,000 for the Eire international's services.

Saturday 19th

High-flying Norwich City are beaten 2-1 at Maine Road with goals from Nigel Clough and Paul Dickov. Keith Scott scores a late consolation for the Canaries, whose only ever win at Maine Road was in 1964.

Monday 21st

MCIVTA 239 has a report of the Reading game, several views of the Norwich game, a call for votes on the second MCIVTA T-shirt, an interesting interview with Gio Kinkladze from a Russian newspaper plus opinions on various topics.

Thursday 24th

MCIVTA 240 reflects on a quiet week with just a few rumours and newspaper clippings, a few opinions and a Why Blue from Dave Brierley.

Saturday 26th

City are reported to have signed the Georgian international captain, sweeper Kakhaber Tskhadadze for £350,000 from Eintracht Frankfurt. The deal is only dependent on a work permit being granted, though this could take a couple of weeks.

Sunday 27th

City lose 1-0 at home to Wolves, the only goal coming 13 minutes from time from Steve Bull following a mistake by Kit Symons. Once again City's poor finishing costs us dear as a number of chances are squandered.

Monday 28th

Midfield player Simon Rodger is signed on loan from Crystal Palace as cover for Steve Lomas, who is to serve a three-match suspension after his sending-off at Reading. MCIVTA 241 has news of the new signings, a few views of the Wolves game, the result of the September Player of the Month poll, opinions on the changes needed to the squad and a Why Blue from Geoff Donkin.

Tuesday 29th

In a thrilling encounter at Roots Hall, City beat Southend United 3-2. City are three up through Uwe Rösler and Gio Kinkladze (2) but the home side fight back with goals from Paul Williams and Andy Rammell and come close to equalising before the final whistle eventually comes.

Thursday 31st

MCIVTA 242 has several views of the Southend game, more opinions of the Wolves performance, an explanation for the defeat at Reading and a Why Blue from Dave Lewis.

NOVEMBER 1996

Saturday 2nd

City slump to a 2-0 defeat at Swindon, both goals coming from Wayne Allison. Only a good performance from Andy Dibble (including a penalty save from Kevin Horlock) keeps the score down.

Monday 4th

MCIVTA 243 has many views of the Swindon game, the latest news and rumours, opinions on the sad state of the team at present, a number of jokes at the expense of our Red neighbours who are going through a bit of a sticky patch, some background information on Kakhaber Tskhadadze and a Why Blue from Tim Perry.

Tuesday 5th

Australian international goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer plays a trial game with City's reserves in their 1-0 win at Bradord City. Meanwhile, the youth team go out of the Lancashire F.A. Youth Cup after a 2-1 defeat at Blackpool.

Thursday 7th

It's a quiet start to the week but MCIVTA 244 has two more reports of the Swindon game, news that City are set to sign Mark Schwarzer (opinion on this too), a report that Gio Kinkladze has bought a football club back in Georgia, news of CITY Magazine (whose publishers have gone into receivership), an account of the recent meeting of the Prestwich and Whitefield branch of the Supporters' Club, opinions on the club's plight, Trevor Brooking, Steve Lomas, the atmosphere at Maine Road and Barry Silkman, plus no less than three Why Blues, from Thomas Colnot, Rob Knapper and Matt Dye.

Friday 8th

The club is rocked by the shock resignation of Steve Coppell on medical grounds after only 32 days at the helm. The pressure of the job proved to be too much for him. Phil Neal takes over for the time being.

Saturday 9th

Not a happy day for City players on international duty, with only Steve Lomas having anything to smile about following Northern Ireland's 1-1 draw in Nürnberg. Gio Kinkladze and Kakhaber Tskhadadze are in the Georgia side defeated 2-0 by England in Tbilisi and Kit Symons' Wales are humiliated 7-1 by The Netherlands in Eindhoven.

Sunday 10th

City's financial results for 1995/96 are alarmingly bad; the club lost £3.1 million and debts rose to £26 million.

Monday 11th

MCIVTA 245 is a big one despite there being no match reports; Steve Coppell's resignation elicits plenty of opinions, as do the financial results. The winning design for the MCIVTA T-shirt is announced, there's another opinion of Mark Schwarzer plus a Why Blue from Phil Lines.

Tuesday 12th

Darren Wassall's loan is extended for another month, taking it to the maximum of 3 months allowed under league rules.

Wednesday 13th

Phil Neal makes an unhappy start to his reign at Maine Road as City lose 2-3 at home to Oxford United. It's a nightmare for Andy Dibble as Joey Beauchamp's cross goes straight into the net and he's also at fault for goals by Jemson and Elliot. Paul Dickov and Ian Brightwell score for the Blues.

Thursday 14th

MCIVTA 246 represents the lowest ebb so far for many fans. There are several views of the Oxford game, of Steve Coppell's resignation, Phil Neal and the financial situation. There's also career details of the one and only Barry Silkman and a Why Blue from Ted Cummings.

Friday 15th

Gio Kinkladze's Swiss-based agent states that the mercurial Georgian is "not at all happy" at City; Barcelona head a long list of clubs who'd like to sign him.

Saturday 16th

Despite taking the lead through Simon Rodger, City slump to a 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth with former Blue Fitzroy Simpson doing most of the damage, making the first goal for Lee Bradbury and scoring the second himself. Jerome Anderson, Gio Kinkladze's British-based agent, issues a statement stating that the player has confidence in the chairman and board and that he'll be staying at Maine Road for the time being.

Monday 18th

MCIVTA 247 has plenty of views of the Portsmouth match, the rumours about Kinkladze's departure, news that the Arab investment deal isn't "beyond recall", opinion on the 1995/96 Premiership Supporters' Survey and City's worsening plight on and off the field plus a Why Blue from Tim Morgan.

Tuesday 19th

City's run of defeats ends with a goalless draw against Huddersfield Town at Maine Road.

Thursday 21st

MCIVTA 248 has a couple of reports of the Huddersfield game, player rumours, more on the Premiership Fans' Survey, opinions of Francis Lee's reign as chairman so far, a review of Frank Swift's autobiography Football from the Goalmouth and a Why Blue from Phil Jones.

Friday 22nd

City sign former England U21 winger Neil Heaney from Southampton for £500,000.

Saturday 23rd

An own goal by Ian Brightwell seals another defeat for City, this time 1-2 at home to Tranmere Rovers. Dave Higgins and Nicky Summerbee are the other scorers.

Monday 25th

City announce that negotiations are underway for a £12 million investment into the club from three Manchester businessmen, two of whom are John Wardle and David Makin, the founders of sportswear company J.D. Sports. MCIVTA 249 has news of this, four reports of the Tranemere game, transfer news and rumours, the result of the October Player of the Month poll, Alan Hansen's view of Phil Neal, a new version of Oasis' Champagne Supernova, some programme notes from 1938 which are just as appropriate today plus a Why Blue from Duncan Dickenson.

Tuesday 26th

City's bid to sign Georgian sweeper Kakhaber Tskhadadze looks doomed as the Home Office refuse to grant him a work permit.

Wednesday 27th

City score their first victory under Phil Neal's leadership with a 3-2 success over West Bromwich Albion at Maine Road. Uwe Rösler heads the first and Gio Kinkladze puts away a couple of penalties for City; Paul Peschisolido and Ian Hamilton reply for the visitors.

Thursday 28th

MCIVTA 250 has a couple of views of the W.B.A. game, transfer news and rumours, opinion on the players being linked with City and Phil Neal plus a Why Blue from Stuart Reynolds.