Bye Bye Andy, You Won’t Be Missed
Some people in the public eye never learn do they?
Ron Atkinson lost his job for making a racist remark off air and even Gordon Brown wasn’t immune to the curse of the forgotten microphone switch prior to losing the election last May.
Now Andy Gray has been hit by the curse after his comments regarding female assistant referee Sian Massey prior to Saturday’s game between Liverpool and Wolves. It looked like he’d got away with saying that someone had better explain the offside rule to the official, but new footage emerged of him making a comment to a female crew member Charlotte Jackson. You can view it here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9373280.stm
Following this new footage, Gray has been sacked by Sky.
I’ve never liked Andy Gray and think he is the biggest waste of space on television. His love affair with the top four teams (City excluded) and his obvious dislike for any team that tries to infiltrate them (City included) makes him one of the most despised pundits this country has and now he can add sexism to his list.
That might be a bit strong a word, but that’s what it boils down to and that’s what it is. Gray is living in the 70’s by suggesting an official does not know the offside rule, even if it is tongue in cheek, and I bet he feels a little stupid considering Sian got a crucial decision absolutely spot on when some male assistant refs would have missed it.
Women have just as much of a place in football as men and if Sian can make calls like she did on Saturday then there is definitely a place for her and others like her.
What there isn’t a place for is the kind of stupid, senseless comments from an ageing idiot whose only place on this earth needs to be back on the scrap heap where Sky found him.
Let’s be clear on this; Gray’s comments were not just banter or a bit of harmless fun. These are comments said when these two fools thought no-one could hear them and the new footage shows Saturday’s incident was not a one-off.
So goodbye Andy Gray, get off our screens and back into the abyss where you belong. You won’t be missed son.
Back To Monaco
City striker Emmanuel Adebayor looks set to re-join Monaco in a cut price £9m deal.
The Togolese striker was a big hit with City supporters during his first season at Eastlands, but fell down the pecking order following the signing of Mario Balotelli and Roberto Mancini’s tactic of playing Carlos Tevez on his own up front.
Adebayor fell further down the line in January when City signed Edin Dzeko for £27m from Wolfsburg and now looks set to join Roque Santa Cruz through the Eastlands exit door.
In his first season at City, Ade made 31 appearances, scoring 14 goals, but also served two suspensions, the first of which came in the infamous incident at home to Arsenal, while the second came following his sending off at Stoke. Ade also experienced terror at the African Cup of Nations when the Togo team bus was attacked by gunmen.
This season, Ade has made just 14 appearances, with half of these coming as substitute. To date, he has one league goal to his name, with his other four coming in the Europa League.
Adebayor played for Monaco for three years between 2003 and 2006, making 79 appearances and scoring 18 goals.
One Game But Edin Looks The Part
I know it’s early in his City career but I was mightily impressed with Edin Dzeko against Wolves.
I didn’t expect him to start the game so was surprised when I saw him named in the first eleven. I’ve been excited about his signing but, given the reputation he came with, I feared he would take a lot of time to settle and of course he will need time to adapt to the English game.
But at first look, I can see why Mancini paid £27m for him.
He is clearly a strong guy, able to hold the ball up, something that we have sorely been missing for as long as I can remember. He’s big and has a presence about him that defenders will not relish playing against.
And, on Saturday, he shown he has some good skill and an eye for playing a perfect pass, displayed when he superbly played in Yaya for number three. But it was his link up play that also caught the eye. A partnership with Carlos Tevez looks very much like a combination that could take us far.
And credit must go to Mancini who saw an opportunity to snare the Wolfsburg striker and grabbed him at the first available opportunity. I know I might be getting a bit carried away after just one game but if his signing takes us to the top of the league by May then, out of all the money City have spent, £27m may well turn out to be the biggest bargain of the season.
Why Is Santa On His Way But Jo Stays?
Roberto Mancini has confirmed that striker Roque Santa Cruz is likely to leave the club in the January transfer window, with Blackburn his most likely destination.
Santa joined the blues in 2009 under former manager Mark Hughes, but injuries limited his appearances before Hughes was sacked and the striker found himself out of favour with Mancini.
Now I can understand the striker’s desire to leave the club in order to get some regular first team football. But what I don’t understand is why Mancini is unwilling to give Santa the same opportunities he has given to Jo.
The Brazilian flop has himself made just 11 league appearances this season, with 8 of those coming from the subs bench, however, he has failed to hit the target in any of those games.
Santa meanwhile, has made just one league appearance and that was as a sub and clearly hasn’t been given the same chances as Jo. Whether he has a soft spot for Jo or maybe he can see the future and is predicting a glut of goals from the Brazilian that will fire us to the Premier League title. But rather than letting Santa go, I personally think the Brazilian should be on his way out of Eastlands.
One person who has left Eastlands is Wayne Bridge who has joined West Ham on loan and Shaun Wright-Phillips is also on his way through the exit door, with a loan move to Fulham a possibility.
Topical City, Issue 1 Out now
www.topicalcity.co.ukis anew online magazine for the fans by the fans.
With support from MCFC, have created an independent “Best of City on the Web” magazine and feature articles from different fan sites/blogs, a showcase of the talent within the City community.
It is a must read for all true City fans, It contains news and views on all things blue every month.
Check out Issue 1 now.
Dublin, Manchester City Official Supporters Club.
Last Tuesday I went along to the Dublin branch of the Manchester City (O.S.C.) The official supporters club. It was my first time so I had no clue as what to except. The meetings are held in Chaplin’s Bar in Hawkins Street in the City centre every 3 weeks or so. Having gone to the meeting I have to say what a great bunch of lads.
Dublin O.S.C. is the first supporter’s club to be featured in the all new Topical City online magazine. Once a month it will feature a Supports club from around the word with a piece on their History, Events, and of course how to get in touch and be involved. This is part of a global push to get City supporters together and hopefully create more of a world wide fan base.
Issue one is now online at www.topicalcity.co.uk and a great read.
The second Issue is Due on Monday the 7 th of February and will feature the full story of the Dublin Branch and hopefully a few pictures of the Dublin lads.
The Dublin branch are celebrating 35 years this year and the story is a remarkable one. If you had to sum up the members of the club in one word it would have to be ”Dedication ”
Like many others, I have travelled over and back to Manchester for the last 4 years now as a season ticket holder and even times on my own. Talking to the clubs Chairman Andy Grant and the Treasurer Joe Trainer on Tuesday one thing they said really struck a cord “You never have to be alone”.
Travelling with like minded City fans can be a new adventure and some great laughs along the way.
The Supporters also hold events to get all the family invoved ,with other branchs form the U.K. travelling to Dublin to join in the fun.
If your a City fan living in Dublin and like top socilize and be more involved with the club get in touch with the Dublin Man City O.S.C.
Next meeting is in Chaplin’s Bar, Hawkins Street, Dublin2 at 8.30 pm on Monday the 17 th of January 2011.
Chairman : Andy Grant
Treasurer : Joe Traynor
Secretary : Noel O’Connor
Asst. Secretary : Ron Hogan
Travel Secretary : John Morriarty
Arsenal can moan all they want, Its City we care about.
After a whole day of slander and ridicule from all sectors but especially Arsenal supporters I’m going to open it up for City fans on their feelings on last night nil all draw at the Emirates.
Arsenal fans are moaning and crying all day about a Bus been parked in front of goal and City’s lack of attack in the match they deemed boring. Boring because Arsenal played out of their skins and couldn’t find the goal needed to win the game, or a goal to bring City out to attack and really lets face it, catch City time and again on the counter. The fact they went and paid for the over priced tickets for such a dull match must also be a factor. Fantastic stadium that it is ,and it really is, the tickets are quite steep. Good thing they have no shortage of people willing to pay even for such a disappointing match.
It was billed as one of the biggest games of the season to date, however on the night with attacking options limited with Silva and Balotelli both out with knee injuries the shape of the team looked very defensive. City were rocked in the first 10 minutes or so but got it together and defended well. Defended so well in fact they walked away with a point which in a City fans eyes a point in the Emirates is much better than none, and going home 2 or 3 goals down from trying to play Arsenal at their own game in their home ground with a weakened side.
Again City cant do right from wrong over the display last night. Mancini believes that if a game cant be won, just Don’t lose it !!
Which is starting to make sense. City certainly could have gone and played and maybe lost 2-1 and having been a cracker of a match and had everyone saying “it was great game even though we lost”. However City defended to their utmost with even Tevez back as deep as I’ve ever seen him. City held on for a point to keep us ahead of Arsenal although they have a game at hand, its a game they have to win.
This and other matters have the Arsenal supporters up in arms of course we are a disgrace to the game and so forth. Van Persie went to ground with Kompany in a fair challenge, Van Persie sits up and elbows Kompany in the chest not a mention of it ,a clearly dirty thing to do. Fabregas straight after Barry got booked ran into him falls down and gives the ref the Spanish hands to try have Barry sent off. Zabaleta and Sagna there is a clear reason why Zabaleta is appealing his red card and Sagna is not. Arsenal manager Wenger claims his side are victims of rough and hard tackles didn’t look that way last night Arsenal were dishing it out and getting away with it.
Last season we destroyed Arsenal at home, beat Chelsea home and away ,where did we finish 5th which was a step up and I for one wouldn’t knock it. The Spurs game broke us. At present City are 2nd in the league and if City can manage to pick 3 points from teams who City can attack and really except to over power and take points of, Then take the draw and a point of teams who can be a threat and a worry for the defence on the counter if caught. City should achieve the goal set out which was a Champions league spot and next season have a crack at the dream of dreams, the Champions League itself.
City frustrate Arsenal at Emirates
City travelled to London to take on fancy football specialists Arsenal. From the start Arsenal attacked with a vengeance hitting the woodwork and giving City fans a right scare. The whole match was in short dull with all the action going one way, towards the City goal mouth. Forcing the fantastic Joe Hart to pull of some of the best saves of the season. Arsenal stated to get the right hump in the second half so Fabregas does his jump on the ground routine, Sagna managed to get himself and Zabba sent of for a scuffle ending in a headbutt. Barcleys man of the match Kolo Toure made a good point if not just to annoy his old club “defenders win titles”
After the match I’d just watched it seemed funny as that’s all City really done. Point in the bag and a big game put to bed. With results going Citys way with Spurs and Chelsea both losing City now more than ever need to keep going for the dream top 4 finish.
City narrowly beat Blackpool.
3 points is just that, City and Blackpool played and end to end game today and although City won I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach in the last 15 minutes of so Blackpool were going to pull of a draw or worse. Adam Johnson got the only goal of the game in the 34th minute. Tevez had an off day with his first City penalty miss followed by two or 3 easy enough sitters by his own standards, everyone can have an off day today it was just his turn. Things really stated to turn hairy when Holloway took Sylvestre off and put on his 18 year old summer signing Matt Phillips who had an impact straight away. The game finished out with Blackpool throwing everything at City. City dug deep to keep the seasiders at bay although at times the defence looked more than a bit shakey. End of the match 3 points in the bag and thats what matters. Ian Holloway in fairness said he had No complaints and Blackpool had giving a good account of themselves against a top team which to Blackpools credit they did just that I can see them easily staying up when they play like that. The heart they showed was impressive.
On the down side David Silva went off with a knee injury add that to the injury of Balotelli, it is not great as next up is Arsenal, after the home game at Eastlands and how the table now lies that game is a must win to keep the dream alive.
City “Flavourless and and lack Character” Claim Spurs Fans.
I in the last few days have debated with myself over writing this article. That fact is, I should have been the bigger man and left it, However I woke up today and said screw it !
Tornado Yid of the Vital Tottenham Hotspur Site wrote a piece called, ”Why Spurs will pip ‘Flavourless City’ again……”
While the writer of this piece tries to say he has no negative feelings and so on about City, He as a Spurs fan prefers Arsenal above City. That is really some statement to come out with from a Spurs fan Ive been to North London and have seen first hand the rivalry between these two clubs.
Apart from the mercenaries City sign, and the lack of togetherness at our club, which according to this man its “blatant to see for even the most hardcore City fan” it seems he also has a problem with the cash flow at City, I know nothing new there then! The writer goes on to compare City to an omelette with broken eggs all the place.
He goes on to say Spurs are like a curry !! Well he did compare Harry to a Michelin star Curry ? funny thing about a Curry if you get a dodgy one and lets face it Harry is a s dodgy as they come (court case pending) it can come out sort of like Tornado Yid full of Shite !! Levy is a shrewd Chef putting the Curry together, Modric is a fine wine, Van der Vaart is a Chilli , and Bale is a meatball ? I know what your thinking What a load of ….., you need to read this to believe it.
Lets face it anyone who has been down London knows there is plently of Curry shops the challange is to find one that is small and humble and cares about the food. If Spurs were a curry you can except food posioning and a long spell on the bog, Modric a fine wine last time I checked Croatian wine wasnt in the fine wine class, pop down the Aldi pick up a bottle and mix with that Curry and your going the hospital !!
However if you go up the Sevens Sisters Road you will notice one thing about the London Club Spurs a loyal following of football fans, after reading his artcie by Torando Yid, Id look and see Spurs fans as arrogant and smug since they got 4th spot, I know this one idiot doesn’t speak for all Spurs fans, I know quite a few and are great supporters of football, and have respect for other teams and supporters even Arsenal !!
Im only having a pop at them because of one fan, who happens to write for one of the biggest premier club online news outlets. To be fair I like the football Spurs have been playing and have hugh respect for the Club and fans.
To launch such an attack at City for no reason were not even playing them. The fact we this season can challenge for a shot at the title and Champions league football. This appalling attack on a team that week by week is building a team that can challenge not only the best teams in England but the best teams of Europe. Low and behold any team who tries to do so must be put down and ridiculed. I hate Mouthy, Cocky, Arrogant people who slate other clubs, for no reason than they believe they are superior.
I don’t normally stoop down to this level but I had enough of it !! City are doing it becoming stronger together as a team and playing some great football. Even when City were caught cold against Everton in the first 20 min 2-0 nil down, they picked themselves up and played Everton of the pitch and were unlucky not to get the draw, hitting the post, inches over the bar, just plain unlucky, the play and passing was great and made be believe right to the final whistle that it could be done and in recent years thats saying something. City are starting to believe in themselves and looking like a team that can contend for silverware and for City fans its about time.
Tornado Yid have your say, your so called Facts in your piece, are in Fact a show of your ignorance.
Man City News 24/7Partners
-