CITY MAGAZINE (Volume 2)

TITLE           CITY Magazine
EDITOR          Steve Anglesey
PUBLISHER       Greater Manchester Publications,
                on behalf of Manchester City F.C.
                164 Deansgate
                Manchester M60 2RD
PRICE           £1.95 per issue
PUBLISHED       First Monday of every month

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

This issue of the magazine seems like some surreal offering, depicting a harmonious club just waiting in earnest to start the campaign that will inevitably lead to promotion. This makes a stark contrast with a reality which has seen Ball and Quinn depart, and everyone else plunged into despondency.

To start off, we have Buzzer on the cover, a man who was loudly booed against Charlton, as it appeared that he just couldn't care less. He's also the subject of one of the main stories inside, and those photos of him standing proudly in front of his rather plush house are hardly designed to make those people who pay at the turnstile feel any happier. Although players' wages have never been a burning issue for me, those pictures somehow brought it home to me just how much they earn. Here's one case where the verb 'earn' needs to be applied a tadge more literally! The article itself concerns the nightmare of relegation, how the players took it at a personal level, and how they plan to put us back where we apparently belong. Summerbee comes across quite well as a person; maybe he'll improve as a player with a new manager?

Kev Cummins' witty tale of his non-trip to see the Blues in China (which appeared in MCIVTA) is here, and another (I think!) article on Edghill's battle for fitness. A backroom story focuses on the Maine Road medic - one 'Dr Luft'. For years, the author thought it was actually 'Dr Love', which brought a few old disco hits spinning through my head! Luft is funny enough as it is though, it's German for 'air'! The last 'biggie' is on Kevin Bond, back at Maine Road in charge of the reserves; he surely can't do any worse than Les Chapman can he? Bond seems to be a thinker so let's hope he can put his ideas into practice. Bond was yet another victim of the boo boys but overcame the adversity to be voted player of the year in 1983.

The magazine now features a 'diary' section which details all the happenings during the last month, certainly something useful for exiles, and it does contain the odd snippet which didn't make the news (or wasn't allowed to) at the time. There are also short articles on Levenshulme Branch's trip to Ireland and the Exeter trip from Buster Phillips' viewpoint. John Maddocks comes up with more interesting stuff from the past (someone force that man to write the club's history now!) - this time opening day fixtures. Lastly, there's a funny attempt to look into the future by Steve Anglesey; a music video containing some City players, and the Why Blue-esque 'Blue Chips'.

Quite an interesting read, but wait for the next one, plenty of water under the bridge as well as something on those Internet Blues!

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2

In the face of a turbulent month at City, I was waiting for this issue in anticipation and I was not disappointed.

The first thing I noticed about this issue is the thickness, thanks to a 16-page poster special sponsored by the Daily Star. Among others, Kinky, Symons, Dickov and Whitley (pleasant surprise!!) are featured.

A new section, called Maine Frames, covers the first few pages. It contains many good photos of City's opening matches of the season, with perhaps, a last shot of Bally and Franny together. You can look forward to more good photos from our matches on this section. (especially useful for fans from out of England).

Another interesting article is called the "X-FILES", featuring typical City nightmarish games, from before 1980. The only thing it did was to highlight to us how things have not changed at City ;-)

Dickov, nicknamed Bobbit (the one with scissor-wielding Lorena as wife) was interviewed before City's game against Barnsley. Poor chap had to see the man who signed him leave just days after putting pen to paper. Reading it makes you feel that he will give 100 percent without being asked. Good lad.

Quinn talked about his days at City and his emotional goodbye. Asa was also featured, explaining why he does not want to be City's full-time coach. Make of it what you will.

However, the best section is the story by our very own Ashley Birch, called In the 'Net!! Great one this. This alone is a good reason to buy the issue. This could also spell 'trouble' though, as we should expect an explosion in the number of subscribers, without a doubt.

Great stuff, worth buying. If only the team can be as entertaining as the fanzine.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3

The front cover of this issue is designed to give a massive overdose of the "well things are OK now" feeling. A full page photo of Steve Coppell's cheesy grin backed with headlines of "COPP THAT!" and "FIRST MAJOR INTERVIEW WITH OUR NEW MANAGER" supported by smaller surrounding pics of a beaming Jeff Whitley and Eddie McGoldrick make for an optimistic looking publication. Flicking through the pages holds no surprises, much of the mag dedicated to photographs and articles illustrating the lead up to, and the signing of Steve Coppell. These articles include an interview with the man himself, penned by Joanne Parker and another with FHL talking to Richard Bott. Although both these commentaries offer something of interest, I found the Coppell piece rather shallow; comments like "the greatest fans in the world" and "I think we're (SC&FHL) going to work well together" are straight from the FA "handbook for things a new manager says", and don't really offer anything beyond the sycophantic speech that's expected. The interview with Lee comes across as being more honest. It covers the struggle to find a new manager, the antics of the press and the long awaited cash injection.

On page 20 the manager theme continues with an article about the managers who were in charge at City from 1932-65. Although there is no great detail in any of the five short accounts, there's enough to give you an idea of each man's achievements. Here's an excerpt from the Les McDowall part of the story:

"Other odd-sounding McDowall tactics were to play a forward line consisting of five players who were all Paul Dickov-esque inside forwards, a very short lived idea (no pun intended), and a 1962-63 line up of no less than eight half backs and a solitary striker with the intention of bursting out of defence and catching the opposition on the counter-attack. The Blues went down that year. Their 58 goals for was a better haul than some clubs who survived but the more telling statistic was an appalling 102 goals against - including 12 by West Ham in two meetings!"

The managers were: Wilf Wild 1932-46, Sam Cowan 46-47, Jack Thompson 47-50, Les McDowall 50-63 and George Poyser 63-65.

Further on in the mag there are interviews with Eddie McGoldrick, Jeff Whitley and Andy Dibble. Ed McGoldrick comes across as a genuine sort of character, as does Jeff Whitley but Andy Dibble... well, perhaps I'm being cruel or cynical but when he's stating that he'd like to break back into Bobby Gould's plans and play for Wales again I think he's kidding himself.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4

For us cool dudes who subscribe to said organ there is the monthly joy of opening that brown envelope only to find that it isn't the Ann Summers catalogue I ordered but the City Magazine in all its wonder.

There is a theory that to appear on the front leads to 'the curse' being placed on the poor unfortunate and the career taking a significant down turn (check out previous covers and you will see what I mean).

So what does the December issue contain:-

• Diary - Quite interesting this because it doesn't fall for the "aren't we wonderful" trap. Fairly honest and some snippets of insider information.
• Blue Mail - Sad letters from Blues who have had their pics taken whilst wearing a City shirt or have dressed up their dog.
• Maine Events - Short articles and space fillers.
• Beagrie's Back - Well no he isn't actually but it is an interesting article about his fight for fitness, operations and his Christmas return (Please, Please, Please).
• Blue Christmas - Usual Christmas Fayre (note Olde English spelling), Lomas, Brown and Symons on what they want for Christmas.
• Senior Citizen - Article about Michael Lally (who?), a 102-year-old Blue who is as old as the club - great to see a True Blue in the mag.
• Grin and Bear it - Jason Beckford on what is happening now he can't play any more.
• Georgia on my mind - Blues' trip to Tbilisi to see Georgia vs. England, well written, witty, interesting
• The Fourth Man - Phil Neal, Manager of the Month, how he got lumbered with the job and what he wants to do - he will be leaving soon - they always do once they have been in the mag.
• Blue Notes - Gloom and doom on the pitch - match reports.
• Blues Review - How to get to the grounds we are going to lose at next.

The mag is always a good read, let's face it we would read anything about City, even old ticket stubs and the rubbish away programmes print.

My next game will be Oldham (visiting my mother) so if you are there I'll be the one having a heart attack every time someone passes back to Dibble, shouting at Rösler, and wondering what the hell Summerbee and Clough are doing on the pitch.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 5

Well, what a surprise, somewhat earlier than I expected, on my mat arrives the latest edition and considering the Coppell article the other month, I expected another similiar "out-of-date before it's published" mag. No! Big Frank's on the cover! Inside knowledge or what?

On page three we have a full spread of Clarky, with a good exclusive for the mag; the article certainly looks good for Frank and he definitely comes over a lot better than Coppell ever did.

The Editor also apologises for the fact that the rest of the magazine is a bit shuffled due to this Stop Press piece! The rest is filled out with the usual photos and Diary. The Maine Event covers new fanzines - including a website - My Blue Heaven - if you want the address, buy the mag!

For all of you who have wondered about the money for players, share issues, etc, there is a good article on the AGM. The mag claims the feel-good factor willl be back, provided by Neil Heaney.

A useful article on the loan system and how, due to the injuries at the Academy, City have utilised it, and all the great players we have loaned?!

Best article, IMO, is "The Gong Show" (p25-31), a great piece on the review of '96 - Poignant photo - Gio crying into his shirt on Black Sunday.

For anyone who wants to know a bit more on Martyn Margetson, there's a chance by reading his interview; I thought it was interesting, and still think, with the right coaching, he could be a City great.

Worst page - 37 - Lee Crooks is gonna hate that photo, haunting him for the rest of his life. I'll forgive him putting me off my cornflakes if he becomes a great!

Final point, the new publishers have made a number of what I think are impressive changes throughout the mag, just small things like jazzier graphics, different fonts, all for the good of the mag.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6

Oh what joy it was to receive the great mag; once again they totally confused me on the delivery date but what the heck! I ripped open the brown envelope and there it was... a sticker of Gio! Delight, joy, I danced around the office wondering where I was going to stick such a precious item; the Rag fan that was suffering a Dons hangover gave me his opinion (leave that to you to work out!) and I didn't care!

The front cover photo would have done well being featured on the "Strangeways Footie Mag"; it's Kit with his lovely new hairstyle! Inside, and once again the new owners have changed the style again, but kept the format much the same, different fonts etc... You still have the usual Maine Frames, Diary, Maine Events, Blue Notes and Blue Mail. One I am sure that is a new edition is the Blue Preview (am I wrong?)

For all you autograph hunters out there, there is a centrefold pullout of Maine Road with 11 blanks to get your autographs of the team; shouldn't they have had a prize for the first to complete it and send it in? Shame! On the subject of compo's there is one on the page prior to the pull-out. Too hard though, you get questions like: Nick Summerbee and Dad Mike both signed for City from which Club! - dough!

Onto the issues.

The diary is, as you may expect, full of the joys of Clark and well worth a read.

The first interview is with Tommy Wright Wright Wright. I am sure that this is also a first, having a big interview in the club mag with an on-loan player. The article is great and the more I read it the more I felt that this 'keeper should be snapped up permanently before another club, including Forest, cotton (cotton not coton!) on to the fact that he is actually quite good! Two things that come out of the article for me are that Wright persisted with life and football after a serious injury when he could have quit, showing he's a battler - what City need at the moment - the second being that he holds very high regard for Clark, and in what he says Clark comes across as being a great man-manager. Wasn't that something that was seriously lacking in the 95/96 season?

The next interview brings you closer to Frank's ever present "out of the limelight" men - Alan Hill and Richard Money - an interesting article where both of them are interviewed at the same time, with one answer after the other. I'm sure this is the technique used in girlie mags like Minx, where they ask Sharon and Tracy about the first time they had sex! The answers aren't quite as stimulating here but my favourite was "This is the job in football at the minute. This club could be anything it wants to be. It's another Newcastle waiting to happen" Let's just hope with more trophies!

Next comes the article of the mag for me! If I'm quick I can just about rearrange the plans for my Summer wedding; Ross-on-Wye - pugh! Maine Road, I'm up for it, I know my dad will too, her side of the family? Ar, hadn't thought of that.

Yes that's right, apparently you can now stage a wedding at Maine Road. A crackingly hilarious article, I can just see it now meeting the girl/boy of your dreams at a City match, spending the next ten months travelling up and down the M6 following City and in the Summer getting married on the hallowed pitch! Well, if it brings the club some money, go for it. I can't honestly see too many people jumping for it. Christine? Must read article

Kit Symons let himself in for another interview about his newly shorn mop; apparently the cut was so he can get a new start just like City under Clark. In the article it does broach other issues than his nuttercut. Worth a read.

The final interview/article is one that my father will enjoy reading - Roy "Nobby" Clarke; the guy oozes City and even though I wasn't born when he was playing, the article shows why he is a City legend. What does strike me as amazing is that the guy didn't make any real money out of his years playing for City, yet he gave his all for them; nowadays they get too much and do f*** all and whinge when it's cold! Nostalgic City must read artcile

Photos to cut out and keep - Kit Symons, Ian Brightwell; I don't personally think this is enough photos of our heroes - I know they have the pull-out bit this month but a few more posters wouldn't go amiss, even though I wouldn't put them up myself. Having said that, I do have a Gio poster on the wall beside my desk in the office.

Best Advert?

Don't think anyone anywhere out of the advertising world has ever reviewed adverts so I had to do it, sorry. I saw a great T-Shirt ad from the City Store; on the from it says "I know I am... I'm sure I am..." Then on the back you've got "CITY till I die." Good work fellas. The price is a staggeringly good £12.00 and is only available in X-L in limited quantities, so hurry... I won't be cruel and make you buy the mag to get the number... 0161 226 6000. This will be the latest edition to my designer wardrobe!

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 7

Volume 2 Issue 7 (March 1997)

I am convinced that the content and structure of the mag has changed yet again; personally I believe that the new publishers are slowly but surely getting it together with a winning formula, just like the team really!

The cover has City new boy Kevin Horlock and features a big interview - reviewed later. Also, it has this month's sticker of the month - our ever committed Eddie. Anyway, on to the mag...

Usual Photos; I like the one of Uwe bowing to you know who at Oxford, and the usual Diary and Maine Events. Maine Events covers the trip of Gio's family and has the results of the recent questionnaire about who buys the mag; apparently us City fans are fairly well off?! Guess who was favourite player?

The first interview is with cover boy Kevin. It seems like he had quite a good banter with the lads as soon as he came to City, with Dibble walking up to him and saying "it was you that took that penalty wasn't it? ... Nightmare!" Who had the real nightmare though, Horlock for missing the penalty but still going on to win, or Dibble for losing and letting in his usual foray of goals? according to Kev the Manchester derbies will probable pale into insignificance if what was said in the interview is true: "Their (Oxford and Swindon) mutual hatred is of such a venomous nature that derby fixtures resemble an old firm clash." Don't worry he'll come round!

Next we have my favourite article about my favourite match of the season so far. Appropriately titled: Were you watching Anal Lab; oh my spelling's terrible... Alan Ball. The article is an attempt into giving fans some idea of the stresses that go on during a televised match at the studio. The only problem is they chose to cover an away match covered by a different network, so there wasn't too much stress. Instead we get a sort of mini review of what Elton D***head had to say about Alan Ball and the response it provoked from the City fans ("I knew I had started something when the mail started pouring in"). We also learn that the recent turn of form is not down to the new manager, not the ginger one, but Elton himself, he'll be buying a purple tracksuit soon if predictions like this keep coming on a regular basis! We also learn that from when Gio picked up the ball he carried it for 34 seconds by the time it hit the back of the net - one for all those Stattos out there!

Next one up is - You're Gorgeous featuring Rae Ingram and a 15-year-old girl who left with the necessity to change her underwear! I wasn't aware that we had a potential David Ginola at the club, but we do! I will confess to my girlfriend saying she thought he was lovely at Oxford; I put it down to the fact we were no closer than 30 yards, she had no glasses on, and we didn't have the benefit of television close-up, shows how wrong I can be! The interview commences with Rae expressing his relief and delight at actually having put a run of games together in the first team. I also like his philosphy when he say "accept your flaws as your strengths and things can only get better." He didn't get that saying off Lomie now did he? We are also fortunate to have Rae grace our club with his presence, he could have been swallowed in the machine that is the Swamp, but instead his dad, an ardent Red, convinced him that Blue was best. He also states that Blue is still best - let's be honest though he would, I mean replacing Dennis Irwin would be little harder and tougher than Homer Simpson.

Now, here I think there is a breach of copyright, sort of! We have a new feature being a sort of Why Blue; this month we have four people who offered their reasons. I would like to know how they knew about it, as I have read the mag for quite a while now and never saw anything asking for this? Anyway we have a wide spread of fans, Mr Wild (aged about 45, sorry if your reading Wildy, but you didn't state it), Sam Eccles (13), Phil "Wolves fan in disguise!" Molyneuex (17) and Billy "only photo I had was the Strangeways one, been there 17 years see" Ross (47). Questions are such like: 'best thing about City season so far' - answers unanimous - Frank Clark. Also have the statisticians' question. - 'At which ground do you get the best pies?' Best answer is Wildy's - "Only sad people test pies!" Anyway you get the drift.

If you want to take part in Blue Watch send in your own thoughts together with a photo, remembering to include your first game, earliest memories of City etc. to - Blue Watch, City Magazine, Greater Manchester Publications, 164 Deansgate, Manchester M60 2RD.

Next there's an interview with Beesley, you can guess what sort of things go on. We also have an interesting - if not weird - article on what Clive Allen is up to at the moment, and how unhappy he was at the way Reid treated him. Can someone refresh my memory and remind me why he was sent to train with the youth team and would only get picked if no-one else was available?

For of those who read Loaded, you'll have heard of Bill Borrows, he's the larger than life character who does weird things such as climbing in Tibet and supporting Man City. He must be mad. Many others will know him as the editor of Blue Print, I never read it, preferring King of the Kippax, but apparently he was the one who started the banana craze of the late eighties and also the Forward with Franny campaign. You won't see Blue Print around now, as Bill decided it was right to quit it before he started criticising Franny, feeling it would be hypocritical to do so. If only more journos were like this.

Other new features ... a fixture list ... out of date now but handy, gives you all the scorers as well, would be good if they would give you the star man like the programme. Also get Blue preview giving directions to the grounds. Very useful. Last new one is 20 Questions with... (this month Eddie boy) all the usual stupid mundane questions like "what was your favourite subject at school", "what's the worst haircut you've had", "what's your favourite Abba song" and "what's your ideal night out."

Photos - short on the photos side this month, and no centre pullout for the youngsters; personally I think the teenage market is a big one to tap into so more photos please! We only get Steve Lomas and Neil Heaney for our money!

That's all for this month.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 8

Cover boys! - Brannan and Greenacre, with a sticker of Kit.

Usual contents. Maine Frames includes a good photo of Atkinson after scoring against Stoke. All the day to day stuff in the diary, mind you we get it all as it happens each week and don't have to wait for the mag!

Maine Events feature our five youngsters signing new contracts, good to see. Big Frank getting a taste of silverware with the Yokohama Tyres/Nationwide league "best performance on the road" award.

Advert for back issues; apparently there has been a Gio special recently which I obviously missed, I'll be ordering one and will review it as and when it arrives.

First interview is with Ged Brannan; all the usual stuff really, big club, great fans etc.

Second interview - Mike Turner, our new chief exec.; quite a good piece on how a City fan has achieved a lifelong ambition of actually contributing something good to the club. I think he'll be a good asset.

The comeback kids - news on the near comebacks from injury for Scott Hiley and Dickie Edghill, both of them looking forward to running back out at Maine Road.

Blue Watch - Can't be bothered with this as I think it is rubbish and they should adopt a new piece based around the McVittee great "Why Blue".

Centre page pullout - team photo with a notable absence being Andy Dibble.

Hutch Rabbit - the first of a new series on three Scots who joined City in the relegation season of 1980. First one - Tommy H. An interesting read.

The boy done well - Chris Greenacre talking on his brakthrough to the first team at his tender age. IMO one of the up and coming stars of the future and forget this Scottish bloke, stick to homegrown talent.

20 Questions with Kit Symons. I know I like this bloke and would get on with him when he makes a comment like "My favourite soap star is Annalise from Neighbours, purely for her acting skills of course!" Does it again later when asked about his idea of paradise: "A night out with Claudia Schiffer, but not as good as with Lucy (his wife)" as the mag says - cover those tracks Kit!

One personal point i'd like to address, and people can call me thick but have the Scum really trademarked the phrase "The World's Greatest Team" - only everywhere I see it there is a little "tm" next to it, or is it us lot just taking the p**s?!

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 9

Well, this review is a little late and a little out of date, but as it didn't stop the publishers sending it to me when it was out of date I thought I'd let the rest of you suffer too! You'll get exactly what I mean about the date in a second, and bear in mind that this landed on my doorstep around the tenth of May, after the season had finished!

Cover - some bloke called Dalian Atkinson, didn't he play a couple of games for City? The sticker is of Big Bob Brightwell. Why do we call him Bob?

The photos show one of the last ones taken of Lomie in a sky blue shirt after scoring against Stoke.

All the usual in the diary.

Then we have an article titled "Blue Skies Ahead?" - an interview with Dalian Atkinson. I have to be honest, I haven't really read this article as what is the point, before I got the mag Big Frank had already said he was on his way back to Turkey.

The only thing the article really seems to be on about is "Disco" regaining his fitness so he can reach through balls, he refused to talk about contracts and wages. There are rumours that the editorial team are looking to get him for another interview at the start of the season - Grey days return!

The next article is just as bad - Something in Reserve - Kevin Bond interview! Forget the curse of Hello, grace the pages of City and that's it - you're confined to the scrapheap of soccer! The article starts by saying that there can't be many people happy with the season they had last season, but Kevin must be. If the poor bloke read that I wouldn't be surprised if he had topped himself! It also goes on to say things seem much calmer for Bond now. Was that just the eye in the centre of the storm?! All in all, he seems a nice guy, but Big Frank has plans for City, so sorry Kev mate.

There is also a good article on the bloke that claims to have started last years favourite City chant - City 'Til I Die. He gives a description of how he fell on it by accident and that it took ages before you heard the terraces singing it as you have to build up confidence in other fans that it will be a good song. So, if I think up a beaut next season, I'll let you know and we'll all have to sing it and maybe we'll make the mag? You then have another "You Watch" article which is the similar one I mentioned to our very own Why Blue?

The curse then seems ready to strike again, with an article on Alan Kernaghan titled "I'll be back." No you won't! I have a bit of a soft spot for Kernie, I think he has always tried his best and OK, he's not too good in the air, can't really pass the ball, and isn't the fastest player around, but come on he's not as bad as Homer Simpson was, is he? The article is a good one as well; he doesn't have an agent 'cause he thinks there just there for themselves, he hates Alan Ball, he's the club's PFA rep. He has been actively involved in organising Lakey's testimonial fund. All in all I won't be too sad to see him still at City next season!

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 10

In my opinion, this is the best City Mag I have ever read. Admittedly I haven't received my copy of the Gio special yet, so it could be changed! I called the publishers this morning and they promised by the end of the week; which week they didn't specify! The cover is full of the news that eveyone (I'm sure everyone?!) wanted to hear, that Gio was staying; there is also a sticker of Kevin Horlock.

Inside, the format has changed a little, as I guess they are still striving to find the perfect formula. Thankfully they have got rid of that crappy section that was a poor rip-off of our own "Why Blue". There is also a request towards the end for real supporters to send in their own match reports for the mag, so perhaps there's a possible journo's job for Paul Howarth if he wants one, as he does a great job on these pages!

The usual diary details all of the final stages of the season, and continues after the end of it. It doesn't go past the date of Gio's re-signing but I guess they'll milk that again in the next issue!

There are two articles which I think are brilliant; the first is on the news of the re-signing of Gio. There is not actually any first-hand comment from Gio, but some qoutes from the Daily Mail article in which he was interviewed. The feature does have a brief interview with Bernard Halford on his views on the club - how they have managed to secure Gio's services, and the fact that they will now be able to bring in some more quality players. All in all a good article.

The second article is an interview with Frank Clark. I started reading this just as England started the game against Italy, and whatever was happening there didn't bother me, I got totally engrossed in the article and couldn't leave it until I had finished it! It is, as the mag says, a "Frank" interview in which you just gain more and more respect for the guy and the ambitions he has for the club. He is honest that the possibility of us reaching the play-offs was never there. He also says that had we gone up, he wouldn't have thought it was a year too early and would have tried his best up there.

Along the lines of players, he says the reason Jeff Whitley was dropped was not because he wasn't playing well enough but because he was too young and thought the previous managers had pushed him in too early. He also talks of those that have been listed, saying it is in theirs and the club's best interest that they have a change, and cites Dibble as proof of this. He also states that there are a number of players that he has thought all along are not good enough to play for Manchester City with the club's and his ambitions in mind.

On the youth team subject, he says he didn't like having to change the old guard but with Franny's ambitions for the club, it was better that the youth team was given a totally fresh start when it could. In not so many words he was saying that the youth team set-up has not been made a scapegoat for the club's lack of success as has been stated.

There is much more in the interview, too much to put in the review but all worthy of a mention; I don't know if it is possible for somebody to scan it in, and post it on a page for a few days so that everybody can have the benefit of reading it.

The next article is an amusing one on the comments of the season made by managers and players throughout the season, I've picked out my selection of the best:

"If results had gone differently, I wouldn't be looking for a new manager."
Good 'Ol Franny!

The Coppell one, but I can't be bothered to type it; it's long winded and I don't like him so he's not worth the energy!

"Watching City is the best laxative there is."
Phil Neal

"So it's another traditional Xmas then, the turkey's in the oven, Slade are on the radio and Manchester City are in turmoil."
Peter Ferguson, Daily Mail (bobody told me City had moved out of Manchester? ... to a place called turmoil! Alright a poor attempt to show wit!

"Now I know how sea lions and tigers feel at the zoo."
Clark on the openness of the training ground and the decision to ban fans and press.

"I think the penny's dropping slowly but surely, to the fans, that these players that they've backed for years are not good enough."
Ball on Uwe on the infamous Sheff. Utd. night.

"Are you watching Alan Ball?"
Us at Oxford!

"I've never been to Wembley."
Gio. If it's any consolation neither had I until the same night! (well apart from a couple of concerts which don't count).

"Yes, maybe!"
Gio on whether he's staying or not.

Well, I think I've covered a lot here so I'll skim through the rest of the mag.

• Two pages of how crap we really were!
• Paul Power on how he's going to revive the youth team and his time at City as a player.
• Commemorative article on Stan Gibson, whose last game as groundsmen was the same one as many thought would Gio's last as a City player.
• Paul Lake's testimonial Golf Match against the Rags; oh we won, but Niall was crap!
• Article on Nicky Weaver, our 18-year-old new 'keeper who let in 90 goals in 24 games last season; good work scouts! No, give them credit, they did try and find the 'keeper who let in 101, be he'd topped himself!
• Bobby McDonald, on his days at City and in particular the cup final.

If you want to send in match reviews to the mag, title them "Blue Notes" - to the address below.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 11

The latest version of the City magazine is, in my opinion, a slight improvement on recent offerings. Even though a copious amount of space is taken up by the new Kappa/Crest/Corporate I.D. issues, it makes for compelling reading. We find out the significance of the three stars (they look continental?) and that City will be Kappa's only involvement with a British club because we were the only club with enough street cred (buzzin!). So it's Juventus, Barcelona, Red Star Belgrade and City! The Latin phrase 'Superbia In Proelio' apparently means 'Pride In Battle'.

The kits are modelled by Michael 'when am I going to get a regular run in the 1st team' Brown and Chris Greenacre. Also on hand were Mark Radcliffe and Lard (Radio 1 Breakfast Show presenters) to show what the kits would look like if you had a beer belly. Radcliffe claimed to be unimpressed by the shade of blue, but conceded that it may grow on him. They also recant tales of blagging for food in the top tier of the Kippax because they aren't yet famous enough to get it for free.

There is an interview with 'Art Dealer' Gary Owen who provides an interesting insight into his acrimonious departure from Maine Road, when he got caught up in Big Mal's loony sports science era. A very interesting article as I feel Owen's best years were still to come at City.

An interview with Tony Vaughan follows. We sort of already dislike him because of his protracted contract negotiations and alleged love of the Rags. He sorts out the Rag question by saying that he supported er... both United and City at the same time. We all know that loads of kids in Manchester do this. This reminded me of Prince Naseem threatening to thump Frank Skinner because he laughed when Naz said that he supported both Sheffield United and Wednesday equally.

Anyway, not a bad issue overall and a free 'new crest' sticker on the front to boot.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 12

Cover: Buzzer leaning on the goalpost. Sticker: Tommy Wright. Caption states: Light the Blue Touchpaper; looks like we've got a long fuse judging by the first week!

Contents: Summerbee interview, Team by team review, Richard Money, going up, Curley and Les (from the street!), Gerard Wiekens, Tommy Wright, and all the usual stuff!

The Mag starts off with the usual Maine events, main point discusses the new kit, states that Liam was in the Scum with one, and that they haven't seen a Spice Girl in one. Thank God!

Nicky Summerbee: Good article on Buzzer saying that of course he wanted to stay all along, and that he isn't really a money grabbing you know what! Said it was good at the Blackpool friendly when some fans (wierdos?!) were bowing at him we're not worthy style. Says he feels more relaxed under Clark, and that he expects to get even better this season. Makes a good statement about the fact that the team spirit is much better now than under Ball, that is basically his only swipe at Ball.

Murder in the First: "It's the toughest Div 1 in years - but who are the contenders? Who are the pretenders? And who are the dead-enders? Impress your mates down the pub with this handy bluffers guide" That's how it starts and as you will have gathered it is a club by club run down on our season's opponents. If you're keen on football in general but don't really follow any other team movements, this is a good guide. Also gives a verdict on where each of the teams will finish and their title odds.

The Money Programme: interview with Richard Money on how the press rumour mill started on him moving to Everton. States there was no truth in the rumours, and that as the story broke he was sunning himself in Cyprus. He states that had the opportunity arose he probably wouldn't have taken it as he has such a good position at City because he is left in total charge of the training Mon-Fri while Clark takes a back seat on that side of things.

We're Going Up As Champions: Quite a cool article about the fact that based on results from previous seasons in this Division, we'll go up this season. They even go to the trouble of predicting the results. So far it's two out of two - wrong: they had us down for a 2-1 win against Pompy, in May (I wish it was now!) a 2-2 draw at The stadium of Poo.

Follow That Camel! - I liked this, about the pre-season with lots of photos. Particularly funny is the typical City fans and a Camel and how that got more attention. Made me laugh and think - I'd rather have been in Blackpool than Hawaii! Ok maybe not!

Play City Fantasy Footie - for a fiver - I have! We belong in the Premiership, so let's have City up there substituting Man U! (in my dreams), the only pre-req is that no United players are allowed and that you must choose at least 4 City players, I always did in the Telegraph anyway, is that why I didn't win? There's a no money limit and it costs a fiver. Look out for my team, "Gio's sweaty armpits!" you'll also apparently see a grim mugshot of me, 'cause you have to send one in.

Centrefold: God, oops my spellchecker's not working - Gio.

Over the Hill Street Blues: I'll be honest I've only skimmed this one! An interview with two other famous Blues, Curly and Les; talking of Les, I have an anorak point to make, if he is a City fan, why didn't he put his foot down over the UN*** mirror shirt that was hanging in his car on the street? I would have even if they ended up firing me! From what I can see it basically says that off screen they love each other 'cause they love City but hate each other on screen.

Be There Now: an article on City's unrivalled away support, of which I am definitely a member, a rundown of how good we are on the road with a guide to how many people we took to away games and how many they brought to us. Interestingly, one of our lowest crowds was to Palace, surprised me quite a lot as I was there; even though we lost I will still remember the day which brought a tear to my eye as all 1395 of us stood in the last five minutes singing Blue Moon when we were three down with ten men.

Gerard Wiekens: An excellent article with a guy that could become a City hero, says he no good at English just like every other foreign import - the interviewer begs to differ and states that Wiekens' command of the language is better than his. Talks of his frustrations of not being able to come last season, now he here's he says he'll give his all - good to hear! Tells how when he came over he was amazed by the support!

MCFC: A diary that tells you all that went on in the pre-season, not so up to date as to include the Bradbury signing, but it covers it. You all know what happened so I won't go on about it!

20 Questions with Tommy Wright: The usual funny article with a City player, here's a couple of snippets: If you could have three famous people to dinner who would you have: Ian Botham, George Best and Steve Ovett. I was going to say Beffie Best and Rab C Nesbitt but I wouldn't fancy the drinks bill! Who's the funniest player at the club? Paul Beesley. I don't know whether he tries to be funny but he can make me laugh at any time of the day. Can you tell us a story about Kit's stag do? No, I was on holiday and they're keeping pretty stum on it!

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Paul Howarth, paul@city-fan.org