MAINE ROAD DIARY - SPRING '95

This diary covers the relegation dogfight, right through to the end of the season.

FEBRUARY 1995

Wednesday 22nd

MCIVTA 54 sees the announcement of the City 'Live' on UK TV page, another report of the Newcastle match, news of injuries, suspensions and the sacking of Arsenal manager George Graham, speculation linking Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear with City, a view of the run-in and an article on Dukla Prague which just goes to show that there's always someone worse off than you! Ian Brightwell makes his 200th full league appearance for City, Tony Coton and Paul Walsh return from injury and Terry Phelan is recalled as City record their first Premiership win of 1995 against Ipswich Town at Maine Road. Niall Quinn squeezes home City's first from a very tight angle and Uwe Rösler pokes home a rebound to give the Blues a much-needed 2-0 victory.

Friday 24th

MCIVTA 55 has reports of the Newcastle and Ipswich matches, some further views on the Ipswich game and opinions on the squad, the manager and hooliganism.

Saturday 25th

City are without Uwe Rösler, Paul Walsh, Garry Flitcroft and Peter Beagrie as a result of injuries and suspensions but are still much the better side in the goalless draw against Leeds United at Maine Road. Fitzroy Simpson is impressive in his first start of the season. Paul Lake plays a full 90 minutes for the A team in their 1-0 win at Preston.

Tuesday 28th

MCIVTA 56 has another report of the Ipswich game plus two reports of the Leeds game. There's news that Richard Edghill has broken his toe whilst weight-training, more opinion on hooliganism and the first part of Ian Thompson's Why Blue. The City youth team win their Lancashire FA Youth Cup 2nd Round tie at home to Preston 2-1.

MARCH 1995

Thursday 2nd

MCIVTA 57 goes out to 170 subscribers and has speculation that City are soon to make Maurizio Gaudino's move permanent, some views from the Leeds United mailing list on last Saturday's game, some views on City supporters and reminiscences of first City matches. There's also a Worst City XI and the second part of Ian Thompson's Why Blue.

Friday 3rd

MCIVTA 58 has the news that away fans will be allocated more tickets from next season, speculation that City are interested in a couple of Carlisle United players, a German view of the Gaudino situation, the remaining fixtures of City's relegation rivals, reminiscences of good and bad times from Neil Adshead and a Why Blue (and red and white!) from Karl Florczak. Former City defender Paul Futcher is the new player-manager of Darlington.

Saturday 4th

Fitzroy Simpson scores a late equaliser to save a point at Carrow Road. Norwich had taken the lead after 82 minutes through Jamie Cureton. Meanwhile, Manchester United beat Ipswich Town 9-0 at Old Trafford.

Monday 6th

Steve Finney starts a trial period for Shrewsbury Town by scoring in an impressive début for their reserve side in a 6-2 victory over Stockport County.

Tuesday 7th

MCIVTA 59 has two reports of the Norwich game, news that the last match of the season has been rescheduled to the Sunday for Sky TV, speculation that Scottish players Stuart McColl and Stephen Frail are to join City, comments about Manchester United and their recent big victory plus some more best and worst teams. The City youth team draw their FA Youth Cup Quarter-Final at Sunderland 2-2.

Wednesday 8th

MCIVTA 60 has news of an article in 90 Minutes about football on the Internet, more on the transfer of Kåre Ingebrigtsen, a report of the Blues' unusual training methods, a view from a Wrexham fan of Mike Quigley and some memories of first away games. Maurizio Gaudino scores his first league goal for City but Mark Stein scores twice and misses a penalty as Chelsea take the points at Maine Road, despite the returns from suspension of Uwe Rösler and Peter Beagrie.

Friday 10th

MCIVTA 61 has a couple of brief reports of the Chelsea game, another report of the Leeds game, news of the youth team, Paul Lake and Ray Ranson, a nightmare premonition plus numerous views and reminiscences.

Saturday 11th

A crowd of 450 turns up to watch the A team beat Stockport County 5-0 at Platt Lane; the reason - Paul Lake plays his first home game for the juniors since his comeback started.

Monday 13th

Regular trio Niall Quinn, Alan Kernaghan and Terry Phelan are included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the European Championships qualifier against Northern Ireland.

Tuesday 14th

MCIVTA 62 has news of a dispute brewing between City and Liverpool over the date of the Maine Road fixture between the clubs - the 6th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. There's also opinion on Trevor Francis and Francis Lee, information on the Inter-Toto Cup, some excepts from the humorous football magazine The Onion Bag, a Why Blue from David Whitwell and some interesting views from United season-ticket holder Mike McDonagh. City's youth team win their FA Youth Cup Quarter-Final Replay against Sunderland 3-1.

Wednesday 15th

MCIVTA 63 has news of various people in trouble with the law, news of the youth team and the rearrangement of the Villa match, comments on the Liverpool/Hillsborough situation and the possibility of a Centenary match against Glasgow Rangers, a Why Blue (and red) from Eric Lancake and a piece on the life of an exiled Blue by Jeremy Poynton. Maurizio Gaudino scores again but Terry Phelan is sent off as City draw their relagation battle with Everton 1-1 at Goodison Park. Michel Vonk has an outstanding game marking Duncan Ferguson but gifts Everton their equaliser by bringing down Anders Limpar to concede a penalty.

Friday 17th

MCIVTA 64 has four reports of the Everton game (two from the Everton viewpoint), comments on sectarianism in football and the Hillsborough disaster, a pice on Celebrity Blues and the strange story of the Maine Road Chicken Man.

Saturday 18th

City come from two goals down to beat Sheffield Wednesday in a thrilling encounter at Maine Road. Uwe Rösler is the hero with two goals, Paul Walsh netting City's other goal.

Tuesday 21st

MCIVTA 65 has a report of the Sheffield Wednesday match, details of the club's membership requirements (as enforced by the police), speculation about City signing a left-back, comment on Hillsborough, Brian Horton, the Junior Blues & the worst-ever City team plus a review of The Battle For Manchester City. In front of the Premiership's lowest crowd of the season so far (5,268), City are beaten 2-0 at Wimbledon, a result which drags the Blues back into the relegation mire.

Thursday 23rd

MCIVTA 66 has a report of the Dons match, news of a board meeting and the progress of Paul Lake, speculation that Niall Quinn will be moving to Aston Villa and Garry Flitcroft to Blackburn Rovers, more comment on Hillsborough, a review of Dicks Out! (a book about football songs) and a piece on former City player George Poyser, who died recently. City's only involvement in the transfer market on deadline day is the loan of Martyn Margetson to Luton Town. Steve Lomas signs a new contract.

Sunday 26th

City play a friendly in Spain against Athletico Madrid, watched by around 7,000 fans. The match is televised nationwide in Spain. Carl Griffiths scores a 67th minute equaliser after Athletico had taken the lead against the run of play a minute earlier; the match ends 1-1.

Monday 27th

MCIVTA 67 has a report of the friendly in Madrid, a Wimbledon view of the recent match at Selhurst Park, news that Eric Cantona has been sentenced to 2 weeks in prison (pending an appeal), Martyn Margetson's loan and yet another rearrangement of the Villa match, details of a radio interview with Francis Lee, comments on the recent transfer speculation, memories of City in the 70's and 80's, a review of Standing Ovation: A Tribute to the Kippax and details of a football challenge from the Spurs list.

Wednesday 29th

MCIVTA 68 includes speculation that Uwe Rösler is attracting interest from Hamburg, news of a meeting of MCIVTA-ers prior to the QPR game, comment on various topics including all-seater stadia and the recent World In Action programme about the neo-nazi Combat 18 group, a Why Blue from Lynne Duckworth, more quips from The Onion Bag and a query relating to some of Terry Phelan's off-field activities. Former City manager Peter Reid (who is still being paid by the club) is hired by Sunderland to save them from relegation. Niall Quinn gives the Republic of Ireland the lead in the European Championships Qualifier against Northern Ireland but Iain Dowie earns the Ulstermen a draw in Dublib with a late equaliser.

Friday 31st

Eric Cantona's sentence is reduced on appeal to 120 hours community service. There's news of this in MCIVTA 69, plus news of the MCIVTA T-Shirt, speculation that Bayern Munich are interested in Uwe Rösler, more opinion on Hillsborough, Niall Quinn and foreign players, a Why Blue from David Lamb and several accounts of Terry Phelan's night-time escapades.

APRIL 1995

Saturday 1st

City lose their crucial relegation battle at Crystal Palace 2-1. Uwe Rösler equalises after Chris Armstrong had put Palace ahead but Darren Patterson's first goal for the Eagles secures the points.

Monday 3rd

MCIVTA 70 includes two reports of the Palace match, news of the departures of Howard Kendall and Jupp Heynckes from their managerial positions, speculation that Francis Lee might take over the manager's position at the end of the season and comment on Hillsborough, the ticket office and Combat 18. Paul Lake's knee swells up in training, necessitating a further operation to drain fluid off.

Tuesday 4th

The City youth team are outclassed by Spurs, who win 5-0 in the FA Youth Cup Semi-Final first leg at Maine Road.

Wednesday 5th

MCIVTA 71 has a report of the youth team game, news of various injuries (particularly the unfortunate Lake's), comment on the lack of celebrations of the club's centenary and who the manager should (or should not) be plus another Why Blue.

Friday 7th

MCIVTA 72 is a brief edition with news of the votes for City's manager and player of the year. There's also comment on the relegation situation and a Why Blue from Bill Might.

Monday 10th

Former City and Everton coach Mick Heaton is killed in a road accident in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire.

Tuesday 11th

MCIVTA 73 has speculation that Leeds United may be interested in Maurizio Gaudino, news of various injuries including a broken leg for Peter Beagrie(!), some comment and memories plus a report of a recent sportsman's dinner at Old Trafford which featured Mike Summerbee as guest speaker. Niall Quinn, Alan Kernaghan and Terry Phelan are included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the European Championships qualifying match against Portugal in Dublin on 26th April. Uwe Rösler gives City the lead against Spurs but goals from David Howells and Jürgen Klinsmann ensure a Spurs victory.

Thursday 13th

MCIVTA 74 has four reports of the Spurs match (3 from the Spurs list), comment on Terry Christian's appearance on BBC2's Fantasy Football League last weekend and a forthright opinion on Brian Horton from Ashley. City's youth team take the lead in the second leg of their FA Youth Cup semi-final at Spurs but eventually go down 2-1, 7-1 on aggregate.

Friday 14th

Good Friday turns out to be just that for City, who gain a valuable 3 points with a 2-1 win over Liverpool, Summerbee and Gaudino scoring the goals.

Monday 17th

City cause a major upset and complete an excellent Easter programme with a 3-2 win at Blackburn. The Blues come from behind twice through a Keith Curle penalty and a strike from Uwe Rösler before Paul Walsh bags the winner.

Tuesday 18th

There is a much more upbeat mood to MCIVTA 75, which has reports of the two Easter victories, news that Gaudino may still have some serious legal problems and a myriad of opinion on the manager, plus requests for comments on football violence and the Cantona situation. With no Premiership fixtures over the coming weekend due to European Championships qualifiers, England coach Terry Venables calls up an 19-man squad for a get-together at the weekend. Thirteen of the group are uncapped, including Garry Flitcroft and Richard Edghill.

Wednesday 19th

Contributions flood in for MCIVTA 76, which has a report of the Liverpool game and a view from the Blackburn list. There's news of the England call-ups, opinion on editorial impartiality, the manager & the team, the Easter matches and football violence plus a Why Blue from Mike Hibbert and a humorous piece entitled Life in the Day of Eric Cantona.

Friday 21st

MCIVTA 77 has another report of the Blackburn game news of various injuries and a forthcoming record by a collection of City fans in the music business, speculation on a possible new sponsorship deal with Whitbread Breweries, various opinions including a view on the split-up of the Official Supporters' Club last season and a Why Blue from Jim Parsons.

Tuesday 25th

Michel Vonk is fined 2 weeks' wages and suspended for a fortnight after an article in last weekend's News of the World criticising Brian Horton. There's news of this in MCIVTA 78 and also that Uwe Rösler is set for international recognition, Paul Lake has had another operation and that there will be a meeting of MCIVTA-ers prior to the Newcastle match. There's also opinion on the manager and building the fan-base, plus a Why Blue from John Shearer.

Wednesday 26th

Niall Quinn plays in the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 victory over Portugal at Lansdowne Road.

Thursday 27th

MCIVTA 79 includes opinions on some of City's fanzines, drawn matches and the usual lively debate about the manager, speculation on the secret life of Kevin Duckworth, an article from Kevin himself on watching the 1981 FA Cup final on South African TV, a request for comments on City's goalkeepers and a Why Blue from Steve Barlow.

Saturday 29th

John Burridge becomes the oldest player (43) to play in the Premiership when he replaces the injured Tony Coton at half-time in the goalless draw with Newcastle at Maine Road. The upper tier of the Kippax is used for the first time, accommodating around 500 members of the Toon Army. Electric Blue 31 includes a letter from Ashley Birch about MCIVTA.

MAY 1995

Monday 1st

Chris Greenacre scores both goals as City beat Manchester United 2-0 in the semi-final of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup at Maine Road.

Wednesday 3rd

MCIVTA 80 has a view of the players' performances against Newcastle, news of Tony Coton's injury, the youith team and the Dry Bar, where the public can pay to surf the Internet, various rumours, opinions on drawn games, Brian Horton, Alan Kernaghan, Eric Cantona and football violence plus three items on Oasis and their collaboration on the song "Blue". Uwe Rösler earns City a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa with a 63rd minute equaliser after Ugo Ehiogu had handed Villa a 9th minute lead.

Friday 5th

MCIVTA 81 includes a report of the Newcastle match, three reports of the Villa match, rumours and opinion on Tony Coton, Alan Kernaghan, Brian Horton and drawn games. There's also news of a meeting before the QPR game and of the new City home shirt and a Why Blue from Steve McDonald. City's youth team are beaten 1-0 at Maine Road by Burnley in the final of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup.

Saturday 6th

Around 5,000 Blues see City lose to a Stan Collymore goal at Nottingham Forest. Scott Thomas makes his City début, replacing Maurizio Gaudino after an hour of the game.

Tuesday 9th

MCIVTA 82 has reports of the Forest game and the Youth Cup final, Ashley's prediction for who will be filling the remaining Premiership relegation spot, news of Tony Coton, a call for votes on the MCIVTA T-Shirt plus opinion on payments to ex-managers and John Foster. Maurizio Gaudino's former Eintracht Frankfurt team-mate Tony Yeboah scores twice as Leeds United beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Elland Road, a result which guarantees Premiership football at Maine Road next season.

Thursday 11th

The A team clinch the Lancashire League title with a 2-0 win at Liverpool.

Friday 12th

MCIVTA 83 has news of Tony Coton's injury situation, that Eintracht Frankfurt are unlikely to want to keep Maurizio Gaudino when his loan period expires and of another enquiry from Germany about Uwe Rösler, opinion on the controversial goal scored by Nottingham Forest the previous week and on Paul Walsh plus a number of suggestions of names of City players who have won European Cup Winners' medals.

Sunday 14th

Some comical defending sees City slip to their first ever defeat at Maine Road against Queens Park Rangers. City equalise twice through Niall Quinn and Keith Curle but Les Ferdinand's last-minute winner seals a 3-2 win for Rangers. Elsewhere, Blackburn Rovers are crowned champions despite losing 2-1 at Anfield.