The 25 Man Squad Rule – How Will It Affect City?
Article by Jake Hartley
This season will see the introduction of a 25 man squad rule introduced on the 20 Premier League clubs. Each club has to work with the same rules and have a 25 man squad for the Premiership season. Here’s a look of how City are looking with regards to the new rule coming into effect.
A minimum of 8 players included in each team’s 25 man squad must be home-grown. This term means that each of the 8 players must have received three or more seasons developing their footballing talents in England prior to their 21st birthday. For this rule City currently have:
- Joe Hart
- Stuart Taylor
- Micah Richards
- Joleon Lescott
- Wayne Bridge
- Nedum Onuoha
- Adam Johnson
- Gareth Barry
- Steven Ireland
- Michael Johnson
- Shaun Wright-Phillips
- Craig Bellamy
These 12 home grown players mean City will be in a healthy state when they are picking the 8 players required to meet the regulation. Even with the futures of players like Nedum Onuoha, Steven Ireland and Craig Bellamy being reported in the media as being uncertain under Roberto Mancini, City would still meet the quota of players required.
Will Bellamy and Ireland still be at city after pre-season?
Along with the 25 players chosen to be in the squad by Mancini, he has no limit on additional players he can play that are under the age of 21. This is the way of the Premier League to encourage more academy prospects to be given a chance at clubs. City has a number of talented under-21 players that could be given a chance to perform in the senior side this season:
- Dedryck Boyata
- Javan Vidal
- Greg Cunningham
- Vladimir Weiss
- Andrew Tutte
- Abdisalam Ibrahim
- Alex Nimely
- John Guidetti
I’m sure there will be even more talented players patiently waiting in the academy side from a call up from Mancini. With the potential signing of 19 year old, Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan reportedly being close to completion, due to his age he wouldn’t be required to be in the 25 man squad which would leave a place open for another player.
With this in mind, this is my predicted City 25 man squad for the 2010/2011 Premier League season which begins for the blues at White Hart Lane against Tottenham on the 14TH of August.
Goalkeepers
- Shay Given
- Joe Hart (Home-grown)
- Stuart Taylor (Home-grown)
I’ve gone for three goalkeepers because two of the three keepers would help meet the quota of home-grown players and it provides three solid goalkeepers for a long and challenging season. Given would be my number one due to my personal opinion that he is currently ahead of Hart. Who would be your number one for the season?
Defenders
- Jerome Boateng
- Micah Richards (Home-grown)
- Joleon Lescott (Home-grown)
- Kolo Toure
- Vincent Kompany
- Wayne Bridge (Home-grown)
- Aleksander Kolarov
- Pablo Zabaleta
In wake of recent comments from Mancini stating he wanted two quality players for every position, I have gone for eight defenders with players like Kompany, Zabaleta and Kolarov also being able to play in midfield if needed.
My back four would be Jerome Boateng at right back after some impressive displays against stiff opposition during the World Cup in South Africa. My left back would be recent signing from Lazio, Aleksander Kolarov. The tough tackling defender has been given the tag of the “Serbian Roberto Carlos” due to his explosive long range shooting ability which I can’t wait to witness at Eastland’s this season.
My two centre backs would be Vincent Kompany and either Kolo Toure or Joleon Lescott. Kompany is a definite at centre back for me due to his great aerial ability and strong tackling. But, I can’t make my mind up on who I would like to partner Kompany at the heart of the blues defence after inconsistent seasons from both Toure and Lescott last season. Who would you choose in defence if you were Mancini?
Midfielders
- Adam Johnson (Home-grown)
- David Silva
- Gareth Barry (Home-grown)
- Patrick Vieira
- Yaya Toure
- Nigel De Jong
- Steven Ireland (Home-grown)
- Michael Johnson (Home-grown)
- Shaun Wright-Phillips (Home-grown)
Midfield was an area Mancini was reported to be unhappy with on his arrival at Manchester City last winter and has strengthened it with quality signings like Adam Johnson and Yaya Toure. I have picked nine midfielders for my 25 man squad with five of them being home-grown. I believe each position of the midfield is covered with the additional support of the likes of Craig Bellamy, Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta if needed.
My first choice midfield would be tough men, Yaya Toure and Nigel De Jong in the centre of the midfield. These two would help break up the play and retrieve the ball for their team-mates with Yaya Toure having the licence to move further forward when City have the ball with De Jong sitting in front of the back four. I would then have the world cup winning Spaniard, David Silva and Adam Johnson constantly swapping sides to give the opposition fullbacks nightmares.
Strikers
- Emmanuel Adebayor
- Carlos Tevez
- Craig Bellamy (Home-grown)
- Jo
- Santa Cruz
This is where the position which I believe we are weakest in. Of course we have the lethal first choice pairing of Adebayor and Tevez, but after that I can’t see where many goals would come from if either one of the first choice pairing were to be missing.
I have missed out the potential signing of Balotelli because he could play as well as the 25 players due to him being under 21. Bellamy played a more left wing role for the club last year and both Santa Cruz and Jo have been hugely disappointing. Many of you may question my inclusion of Jo, but after some recent good performances on the tour of America, why not keep him and have him as a fourth or fifth strike option. If we sign Balotelli, I would sell Santa Cruz and give a place for another player in another position. What do you think of City’s striking options?
My First Eleven For The Premiership
Shay Given
Jerome Boateng Vincent Kompany Kolo Toure Aleksander Kolarov
Adam Johnson Yaya Toure Nigel De Jong David Silva
Carlos Tevez
Emmanuel Adebayor
What do you think? Agree or disagree? Let us know your thoughts
A Left Back For A Left back
The transfer merry-go-round is in full swing as Javier Garrido replaces the man who joined City.
Aleksander Kolarov was unveiled as the blues latest capture last week, which cast question marks over the other two left backs we had at the club, Garrido and Wayne Bridge. But Garrido is now set to replace Kolarov in Serie A after agreeing a move to Lazio for an undisclosed fee, which is thought to be around the £2m mark.
Garrido was signed by former City boss Sven Goran Eriksson in the summer of 2007 but struggled to make an impact at the club and was eventually replaced by Michael Ball, who then found himself replaced by Wayne Bridge.
In three seasons at the club, Garrido made 62 appearances for City scoring two goals, both from free kicks, but just twelve of those appearances came last season.
With the signing of Kolarov and Mancini’s desire to have two top class players for each position, it was only a matter of time before either he or Bridge left Eastlands and it seems now that we will be left with the latter.
What do you think? Should Bridge have gone instead of Garrido?
Good Luck, Sparky
Former City boss Mark Hughes was yesterday appointed the new manager of Fulham and, as true football supporters, we wish him all the best in his new role.
When Hughes first joined City, I wasn’t exactly thrilled at the fact that an ex-red was in charge at Eastlands. To me, he didn’t have the experience to manage a club with ambitions like City.
The big problem for Hughes of course, was the takeover of ADUG. To City, that was the best thing that ever happened to the club. For Hughes, it was the worst. From managing a team on a limited budget, Hughes suddenly found himself responsible for the fortunes of the world’s richest club.
From thereon, every move in the transfer market was scrutinised, particularly following the signing of Robinho, and the Premier League waited to see what he would do during the January transfer window.
Of course it was the summer window of 2009 that put Hughes under even more pressure, particularly with the money that was being spent and when the team failed to perform during the Autumn, Hughes himself could probably have guessed that his time was up, so it was no real surprise to see him sacked in December.
At that point, I think opinions had begun to change and I even found myself being angered by City’s move to replace him with Mancini. But, in hindsight, it was probably for the best that Hughes moved on and now he is in charge at Fulham, we hope to see good things from the West Londoners.
Good luck in your new job Mark and best wishes for next season
Robinho on way back to City
Robinho has been told to return to City for duty after his loan spell is finished with his hometown of Santos.
Many City fans will be angered by the Brazilian for his consent lack of respect shown to the Club in interviews in Brazil not to mention telling other Santos up and coming stars not to join City.
However if he is willing to up his work rate and attitude Roberto Mancini is willing to give the outspoken & insulting Robinho another shot at one of 
Europe’s top leagues that is if were good enough for him.
Robinho has made in clear that he wants to stay at Santos the money says something altogether, Santos can not afford his wages simple as that and offers for him are nowhere near what City paid for him that and well there haven’t been that many offers for him so City bound again its seems Robinh0 is how it will go this time is anybody’s guess.
Im sure many City fans will welcome him back with open arms as long as he gives 100% while on the pitch for the team and for himself .
Mancini had this to say to Sky Sports,
“The situation is that Robinho will finish his contract with Santos. After that he will stay in Brazil for another week, play for the national team and after that he will return to Manchester City.”
Asked if he had any concerns about Robinho’s return, Mancini replied ”At this moment, no. But it depends on him.
City News.
City news for today 28/07/10
Alex Gibson has left the club after 12 years
“It was a very difficult decision to make,” he said. “Before I came to City I was with the FA, working with the national teams, and that was a tough role to walk away from, too.
“But it proved to be a great move to City. I’ve have 12 fantastic years here during which the coaching team enjoyed great success at the Academy, and long may that continue.”
Alex latterly took on an international brief and his last assignment was in New York as the Blues established a bond with the youngsters of Spanish Harlem and elsewhere.
He said: “I’m leaving for purely personal reasons. The Club have been fantastic with me, but I just feel it’s time now to change and seek a final career challenge before I retire.
“I’ll always cherish our FA Youth Cup win in 2008 against Chelsea – that will stay with me forever. I’ll miss working with the lads, but I hope to call in from time to time.”
We all wish Alex the best for the future
Striker Jo has been linked with a move to Blackburn and Roque Santa Cruz has been linked with Marseille and Stoke which would prove to be a good move Stoke mainly kick, and throw the ball up and hope. There are some less creditable stories floating about with Craig Bellamy been offered to sweeten the Milner deal and Ireland to move well anywhere.
Join Us, I Have No Regrets
Carlos Tevez has urged Fernando Torres to join him at City and fire the blues to glory and stated he has no regrets in joining the blues.
The Argentine had an excellent debut season with the blues following his controversial transfer from Old Trafford and sees Torres as the ideal partner in the blues forward line. ‘Torres would definitely make us better, he’s one of the top strikers in the world and I would love to have him as a team-mate,” said Tevez.
The Spaniard’s future has been under increased debate, following the departure of former boss Rafa Benitez and the arrival of Roy Hodgson, who is determined to keep hold of his prize asset.
Tevez himself will be aware of rumours regarding his City future, with reports that the Argentine is unhappy at Eastlands. However, in urging Torres to join the blues, Tevez said “know I’ve never regretted coming to City. It’s the best decision I ever made.”
City would have to smash the British transfer record again in order to land Torres, who is also a target for Chelsea.
'Manchester' United – The Snub List Grows And Grows
Article by Real Mancs Are Blue
It wasn’t so long ago that Stretford was the place to be, players from clubs around the world would walk over broken glass to play in front of 80 odd thousand cockneys just outside Manchester. Oh how times have changed.
The latest player to realise the tide is changing is one Mario Balotelli who is reported to have turned down a higher wage at Stretford in order to join Manchester City and be reunited with old manage Roberto Mancini. The truth is the rot set in long before this.
Carlos Tevez famously turned his back on the green and yellow army to move to Manchester, a controversial move that in some ways started the ball rolling and made some players realise that perhaps Carling Cup victories were the best United players might be getting in the future, and that maybe other clubs had the financial clout and settled environment to challenge at the very top.
Other players have been tracked by United for some time and yet once again they failed to get their man. David Silva, one of footballs brightest prospects immediately springs to mind, as does Yaya Toure, a player who himself has clearly stated he turned his back on the rags. The fact the four mentioned above all decided to join Manchester instead must hurt, really hurt for the green and yellow army, ‘tick tock tick tock’ springs to mind.
Of course, the list goes on and seems to be growing with increasing speed with Benzema being the latest to say ‘thanks but no thanks’ to Stretford’s thousands. I for one take no pleasure in this state of affairs. Seeing the Glazers make purchases such as the incredible Chris Smalling and watching Slur Alex squirm on Sky Sports, telling the world ‘there’s no value in the market’ as he looks on at the forlorn figure of Ditimar Berbatov, it is in some ways sad to see how the mighty have fallen. A club which has been renown throughout football for buying its way to success with numerous record breaking transfers being forced to sell of their prized assets to furnish their debts and scrabble around at the bottom of the transfer barrel.
Who will be next to snubs the mighty Green and yellows? Discuss below.
What now for Robinho ?
Robson de Souza, better known as Robinho, is undoubtedly one of the most talented and skilled footballers around. When he signed for Manchester City 2 years ago on deadline day, a few people were shocked. Every single Manchester City fan was ecstatic at their £32.5 million buy.
Nearly every fan has criticised Robinho and has been named a ‘flop’ on more than one occasion. I am going to be the first to jump to his defence. In Robinho’s first Premier League season, he scored 14 goals and got 9 assists. That is an outstanding achievement for a Left sider attacking midfielder.
Moreover, then Robinho got injured. He suffered a hairline fracture playing for Brazil, and was out for several months. When Robinho was back, everyone was expecting miracles in a matter of weeks. With Bellamy excelling so well on the left hand side of midfield, Robinho struggled to break back into the side. However, every single game he then played, he was heavily criticised for not putting work into ‘tracking back’ or defending etc. But the season before he didn’t track back. you can’t compare Robinho and Craig Bellamy just because they play in similar positions. Bellamy is full of energy and pace and can get up and down, whereas Robinho is a tricky player who can cut inside, create and score chances.
Anyone who watched the World Cup will see that Robinho definitely isn’t a flop. He didn’t have a great season, but come on give him half a chance! He has his best to come, he is only 26 years of age. Robinho has many a time stated of his wish to stay in Brazil. The main reason for this is because he gets treated like a God there. Everyone loves him, it’s his place of birth and everyone looks up to him. However, in England, he gets completely torn apart by the press.
Robinho went on loan to Santos in January for 6 months and is expected to be back before Tottenham away, the first Premier League game.
Reports are that Mancini is to ask him to come back early, which means that he is well in his plans, as restrictions are that we have to name 25 man squad for the season. With City easily having the biggest squad in the Premier League, Mancini must definitley see Robinho succeeding in his last 2 years of his contract, and I couldn’t agree more.
City have signed a new left back, Kolarov from Lazio, and we definitely couldn’t play Kolarov and Robinho in the same team! They are both too attacking! But we could play Bellamy on the left, who can track back, then Robinho in the middle and Silva or Johnson on the right? We have too many options!!
What are all your opinions on Robinho? Where we going to finish? 3rd and get beat in the FA cup final is my guess!
By Callum Rothwell.
Fox Soccer Channel What A Joke !
I’m watching City v New York Red Bulls and what a joke it is and I though that Fox news were full of crap !
Adebayor was seen storming the fortress ?
Maybe the counter is on ? this when Red Bulls had got their ball just outside the box then passed back
Joe Hart helped Birmingham back to the premier league ? not once but twice that was said !
Taylor was in goal for the second half not in the Fox reporters eyes and they continued with Joe Hart stopped the ball and so on ?
Henry gets the ball anywhere on the pitch and its time to raise the voice its the biggest load of arse licking crap Ive ever heard,
I don’t think anyone told them he didn’t leave Barcelona for Red Bulls for footballing reasons or the fact that hes a washed up, hand balling,Irish world cup robbing, Renault driving, Git ! ( lol pain hasn’t gone away yet )
The Billionaires of Manchester with their top players Nimley,Jo, and Adebayor for this all important match !!
leave it out we beat Barcelona in pre season last year so what !
I can understand they need to get the yanks into it but really what a joke.
They also made references to football hooligans by saying they had an educated crowd at the red bull stadium and that they were aware of the dark side of soccer ?
All that been said the match is poor so very poor, Jo missed a one on one sitter in the opening minutes shameful to be straight about it but did make up for it with a goal a little flick off his left foot close up on the fortress (lol)
Red Bulls were having a great day with City defence which was so poor it was embarrassing Red Bulls Richards was given acres of space to score in fairness a nice goal as I said the defence was appalling.
The pre season doesn’t mean anything We all know this but the way City played was in short bad passing ,defending, and sitters missed looks like the lads have been partying it up in New York .
It was bad to lose to a MSL team but worse to listen the Fox Commentators.
Sunday Round Up.
Sunday is here as is the British tradition all the papers make up stories and tell lies so here we go.
James Milner is now set for a move to White Hart lane with Harry the tax dodger also interested in Craig Bellamy and Ashley Young if true and Harry can land all three players Spurs may make serious run at the title however The News of the World also said Craig Bellamy could be bought for as little as £4m which seems a little under valued.
Tribal football have gone with a story from Corriere Dello Sport from Italy saying Mancicni is ready to sell Adebayor to Juventus after Wolfsburg took Dzeko off the market. With Juve as part of a loan deal only paying Adebayors wages which are about £4.5m per season ?
Roy Hodgson has told the News Of The World that He is powerless to stop Torres from leaving the club and has done all He can and that Torres problems with the club is over past matters and not with Roy personally. I know Hodgson hasn’t said a word all week then talks to this paper who have a reputation for making stuff up in an over the top manner, can probably see a court case in the future about this one.
Man Untied are going to try and sign long tome target Karim Benzema from Real Madrid this is from the daily mail. I would hold off on this signing until little matter of a court case against Karim is cleared up.
The People gives us that Roberto Mancini will spend another £100m no less in the next 20 days how ? That is anyone’s guess could be going to buy Blackburn F.C. for £75m of that and buy a new team to go with it seems a bit far fetched, However if Torres is on the market Kaka and Sergrio Ramos could be done. (lol)
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