Bleacher Report - Articles by Peter Wright

The Hypocrisy In Football When It Comes to Manchester City

Peter Wright — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:09:37 -0400

On 1 September 2008, the entire landscape of football changed when the ADUG purchased City from disgraced former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Since that date, Manchester City has been subject to the worst kind of slander that can be imagined.

The press, opposition managers and players have all taken every chance they could to have a dig at City. Frankly, it is all disgusting hypocrisy.

Manchester City FC are a club that at one time, was the toast of English football. With legends like Colin Bell and Mike Summerbee, they went on to win the Football League, the FA Cup and the European Cup Winner's Cup. Then in the 1980's and 90's, the franchise took a downfall after it had been built so beautifully by Joe Mercer.

In 1999, City finally started to make its way back. In 2002, they finally made it to the Premier League for good.

City fans have had to endure heartbreak and despair for decades. We have been the subject of ridicule through our troubled times and were the laughing stock of English Football.

Now, after the buyout of the club and subsequent events since then, people see City as a threat to football. People think that City will never become a power on the pitch.

What these same people fail to realize is that the world's largest clubs became big at sometime and by some way. I ask these questions to fans of large clubs:

United Fans

Remember when you wanted Ferguson sacked after losing 5-1 to city?

What club's ground did you play at when Old Trafford was bombed to the ground by the Germans in World War II?

What happened when Dennis Law scored at Old Trafford in April of 1974?

Remember, United hasn't always been at the top of everything. You've had your share of tough times.

Another thing, how much debt are you in again?

Chelsea Fans

How many top-division titles do you have in your club's history? I'll give you a hint, it's only one more than City.

How did your club really build into a power? Sure, Chelsea was finishing higher than City at this stage, but we all know it was the mad Russian's money that has sustained you.

Liverpool Fans

I know Liverpool has always been a high level club, but how much money has Rafa spent as a manager?

How much did you pay for Torres?

Despite all of this, Rafa feels it's appropriate to dig at the new kids on the street.

Manchester City is a club of high ambition; to state otherwise is an incredibly moronic thing to say. City's goal of the Champions League is one that every club should have the right to strive for. Yet, nobody feels that City should be given that chance.

City's big spending is the only way they will break up the monopoly that the big four have had on English football. Why aren't they allowed to do that?

If Manchester United or Chelsea had been bidding as much as City, would anyone raise a big stink about it?

My guess is probably not. Yet it is City, whose ambition is higher than the sky, which is made into the villain for its desire to be up with the big boys.

That is the great hypocrisy of football. The sense is that only a few clubs are entitled to greatness while the rest have to just see their place in the world and live with it. City is the beacon of hope in breaking up that monopoly.

Mark Hughes has already laid a foundation. A mix of great transfer deals and academy products has already made the club a tough opposition. The additions to the squad that have been made are making them even better.

City has as much of a right as Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool to content for the Premier League and all of the glory that has been given to them.

Essentially, if you want to have a dig at City's spending, look at your own club's actions.

The Future is bright.

The Future is Blue.

And, at this point if you don't like it—TOUGH!

Manchester City: The Long Summer Ahead

Peter Wright — Sun, 10 May 2009 11:31:56 -0400

Sept. 1, 2008, a date which will live as the day Manchester City FC was completely transformed. The ADUG purchased City and with that made the club the richest in the world. Since that date City have been linked with every player under the sun, from Ronaldo to Kaka, from Ribery to Eto'o, the endless cycle of rumors has run its course and then some. The rumors of John Terry were the most amusing to me.

With two matches left, City face an uphill climb for a return to European football. Needing six points from their final two matches and then some help, most City fans are resigned to the fact that they will only see English football next season.

However, with the spending power of City; all is not lost for the "Boys in Blue." Without European football, yes it will be much more difficult to attract top talent, but the ADUG are committed to making City a top club.

If today's derby match taught City anything it is that the main problems for the Blues are lack of physical strength up front, and lack of support for Robinho and Stephen Ireland. The question of the back four must also be answered as well.

Wayne Bridge has settled nicely, but City's defence has been the model of inconsistency. City must bring in one or two strong fullbacks to shore up this problem.

For City to build a top squad they must find a player to build around. That player is Stephen Ireland. His form and commitment are the reason City were not in a relegation battle at the end of the season.

He has been head and shoulders above the rest this season, and should have been the PFA Young Player of the Year. Many around Manchester City believe he can be the City version of a Steven Gerrard. He possesses the ability to rally and lead the club and could be a future captain.

Today, City were beaten by a squad that was stronger, faster, smarter, and far more physical. City had some moments where they played well, but it was clear the far better team won today.

As much as it pains me to say it, Manchester City must use their neighbors as a mode of how to become a top club. They must be patient, spend wisely, and most importantly gain a sense of stability in the squad and management. If they can do that, City can be a top club within the next three year. Remember; Rome was not built in a week.

There is no doubt Manchester City have quality in the club, the question is, who will they get to add to the quality and take the club to the next level? I will leave that speculation to the British writers (The Sun, Mirror, News of the World) who are far more fictionally creative and to the readers of this site.

The main questions City fans will want answers to are...

1. Who will City Buy?

2. Who is leaving?

3. Will Mark Hughes be the manager?

Only time will tell. Its sure to be a long, hot, frustrating and exciting summer for Manchester City.

Congratulations to United for winning the Premier League title. I hate saying it, but I will give the credit where credit is due.

The Night the Guns Fell Silent: Football, Christmas, and World War I

Peter Wright — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:20:10 -0500

On this night of Christmas Eve, I sit back and think about the great tales of humanity, grace, charity, peace and goodwill. No story captures that spirit like the Christmas truce of 1914, when German and Allied soldiers stepped out of their trenches to greet one another.

You may ask yourself, What does this story have to do with sports? Well, it is one sport that at this time and, so many times since, united people in a time of great conflict. The sport of football (soccer), is that sport. During this truce men from both sides would meet in no-man's land for impromptu games.

I consider myself a history buff. I am a World War I enthusiast and I find this story to be the most fascinating story in all of the war. Not for the amount of military activity, or strategy, but for that one moment when the guns fell silent, and the soldiers in the trenches had that one moment to feel human again.

On many parts of the line the Christmas Day truce was initiated through sad means. Both sides saw the lull as a chance to get into no-man's land and seek out the bodies of their compatriots and give them a decent burial. Once this was done the opponents would inevitably begin talking to one another.

The 6th Gordon Highlanders, for example, organised a burial truce with the enemy. After the gruesome task of laying friends and comrades to rest was complete, the fraternisation began.

With the Truce in full swing up and down the line there were a number of recorded games of soccer, although these were really just 'kick-abouts' rather than a structured match.

On January 1, 1915, the London Times published a letter from a major in the Medical Corps reporting that in his sector the British played a game against the Germans opposite and were beaten 3-2.

Kurt Zehmisch of the 134th Saxons recorded in his diary:

The English brought a soccer ball from the trenches, and pretty soon a lively game ensued. How marvellously wonderful, yet how strange it was. The English officers felt the same way about it. Thus Christmas, the celebration of Love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends for a time.

The Truce lasted all day; in places it ended that night, but on other sections of the line it held over Boxing Day and in some areas, a few days more. In fact, there parts on the front where the absence of aggressive behaviour was conspicuous well into 1915.

Captain J C Dunn, the Medical Officer in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, whose unit had fraternised and received two barrels of beer from the Saxon troops opposite, recorded how hostilities re-started on his section of the front.

Dunn wrote:

At 8.30 I fired three shots in the air and put up a flag with "Merry Christmas" on it, and I climbed on the parapet. He [the Germans] put up a sheet with "Thank you" on it, and the German Captain appeared on the parapet. We both bowed and saluted and got down into our respective trenches, and he fired two shots in the air, and the War was on again.

We must all remember this event as a symbol of what brings us together and what really matters in the world. The world can be a cruel and evil place at times, but even in the middle of the carnage of World War I, enemy forces could embark from their trenches and shake hands.

So in conclusion, I say to all on here (and yes I even include the Manchester United supporters) Merry Christmas and may God Bless you all during this special time.

The picture for this article is a cross, left near Ypres in Belgium in 1999, to commemorate the site of the Christmas Truce in 1914. The text reads:

1914
The Khaki Chum's Christmas Truce
1999
85 Years
Lest We Forget.

Tips For Being a Manchester City Footballer

Peter Wright — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:17:21 -0500

I found this on the "King of the Kippax" blog. Had to post it here as it is simply brilliant!

1. City are always notoriously slow starting up, so try and imagine that the game has been playing for some twenty minutes when you kick off, this will mean that you are not 0-2 down by the time you get into gear.

2. Whatever you all may think, with the exception of Robinho and possibly SWP, you are NOT a group of Galacticos who always steam roller the opposition, so do NOT fanny around pretending you are by attempting to play a superior passing game. We all know that you haven't a clue and the opposition will soon sus you out too.

3. Try getting stuck in to the opposition for a change. The WBA players will be playing out of their skins for survival, try and remember that you are too.

4. Avoid going a goal down in the opening 10 minutes (see point one).

5. Do not play the ball into the direction of Richard Dunne's right foot as he is prone to making silly mistakes or scoring an own goal with it.

6. Do not play the ball into the direction of Richard Dunne's left foot as he is prone to making silly mistakes or scoring an own goal with it.

7. Avoid playing the ball in the air near Richard Dunne's head as he is prone to making silly mistakes or scoring an own goal with it.

The January Window: What Is Needed at Manchester City?

Peter Wright — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:15:05 -0500

As a City supporter, I have been sitting and debating in my mind who the Blues should go after in the transfer market.

While I read the news and rumors, I read numerous stories of the world's elite coming to Eastlands. While I do not doubt that City can tempt a few of them to come to Manchester, I do have my doubts as to who will come.

I also worry about the types of players that would come.

Since the takeover of Man City by the ADUG, the Blues have been linked with everyone but Pele it seems. However, with the Blues in 15th, do we really think the world's elite are going to come?

If they do, I believe it would be only for the money—exactly the wrong type of player City needs.

While I have been watching City, I have decided that even though City are 15th, Mark Hughes is the right man for the job. He has successfully guided City through to the round of 32 in UEFA Cup. He has not had the chance to really build the squad into his own mold.

Also, he has little depth at crucial positions. Yes, the signings of Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips as well as the form of Stephen Ireland have drastically improved City's attack, but City lack the quality in the back four and lack consistency in general play.

So, how does City solve their problems? The answer lies with Mark Hughes and the ADUG. The club have endless wealth and are ready to use it. However, the way to use it is the subject of much debate among many in the football world.

Most agree that City need help in defense. The form of Richard Dunne and Micah Richards has been the subject of scrutiny. I believe that form has been impacted though by the increased focus on attack and the lack of support from outside defenders.

This leads us to the first transfer objective, outside defender. Javier Garrido has improved dramatically over the course of the season, Pablo Zabaleta has been reasonable of late.

However, they still lack the quality needed to compete consistently with the Premier League's elite.

Next problem for City to solve? City have a big problem at striker. Robinho is best as support to a striker. Jo has yet to show why City paid £19m for him. Benjani is a decent striker but still seems to be hampered by the injury that hit him in preseason.

That leaves two options, Ched Evans and Daniel Sturridge. Evans and Sturridge are two of the young, bright talents that have come from the City academy and while neither of these players' abilities are debatable, we can debate whether these players are ready.

Ched Evans is a kid who has a good eye for goal, but has yet to gain the confidence to really be effective in the Premier League. A loan spell in the Championship or in the top flight of another league in Europe could benefit Evans.

As for Sturridge, all he really needs is the chance to start more Premier League matches at striker. He has been used as a winger at times but his strength is up front. Daniel Sturridge is a big, strong and quick player who possesses a keen eye for goal and has the attacking mentality that is required at that position.

He also seems to be becoming more composed when he gains possession that he becomes an even greater threat.

Relying on an 18-year-old kid at striker is not a viable option to Hughes though. Mark Hughes needs an experienced and proven striker that he can rely on to supply the goals. Lukas Podolski or Roque Santa Cruz would fit that bill perfectly.

In my opinion, Podolski is the better option as he wants out of Munich and Bayern seem like they will cave and let him leave.

As for Santa Cruz, Blackburn will not sell him unless City splash out heavy amounts of cash. City have the money, but the new Arab owners are not too keen on just throwing money out at anyone.

They are shrewd and intelligent businessmen who will not be taken for granted. City's owners will back Mark Hughes financially, that is no secret. However, they will not throw money at just any player. If the price goes too high, Hughes will simply look elsewhere.

Now, City have been linked with Kaka, Buffon, and Fernando Torres. While Kaka has expressed interest in coming to City, I believe he is more likely to see out the season at AC Milan.

As for Torres? Not a chance. Liverpool wont be selling their top striker for any amount, especially when they have a shot at a Premier League title.

That leaves us with Buffon. City need a veteran elite goalkeeper. City will splash out what it takes to get that elite goalkeeper. While I do believe Joe Hart will be the England No. 1 and will be an elite goalkeeper, I just don't think he is quite to the level of an every day starter.

He has much to learn and who better to learn from than from a man that has won the World Cup? Although a move for Buffon would be great in January, I believe a move this summer is far more likely. As is the case for many of the other rumored superstars.

In my opinion, while City are struggling, to think they will not achieve a high level of success is quite foolish. The club and supporters are tired of playing second fiddle to United and the rest of the Premier League.

They will stop at nothing to bring success back to a trophy starved club and its fanatically devoted supporters.

My one plea to City is to buy smart! Don't just buy the best players, buy the right players. Players who have a winning attitude. Players who know what it takes to win. A great player may have a ton of talent, but if he has a bad attitude, it can spread and cause you more headaches.

Buy the players who will bring a level head, a good work ethic and the burning desire to bring Manchester City to the forefront of football. Bring players in who want to be a part of something special that will last for a long time to come.

Also, don't sacrifice the academy for the thrill of a couple trophies. Use the academy to build for the future, use the new signings to lay the foundation for a winning club.

January could be a defining month in the history of Manchester City. Strap yourselves in everyone, its going to be a wild, wild ride.

But we're used to wild rides at City, so I will simply buckle up my seat belt and hang on for dear life.

Sean Avery Sits: A Good Move by the NHL

Peter Wright — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:01:42 -0500

I rarely write hockey articles on here, as I typically stick with English football. But I have been around the sport of hockey in numerous capacities since I started playing in 1986 as a four-year old.

In those 22 years, I have never seen nor have I come across a player that disrespected the game of hockey quite like Sean Avery. There have been other players like him such as Claude Lemieux, but the difference between Lemieux and Avery is this:

Lemieux is a player who many said was a great teammate, but horrible to play against. The case is different with Avery. Avery's own teammates hate him. Mike Modano went so far as to say he'd rather "work in the front office" than play with Avery. Marty Turco was quoted relating Avery's antics to a "circus."

The story of Sean Avery's career is a sad story, I must admit. Skill-wise, he really is a good solid hockey player. He is a good skater, decent shooter, and he has good hands.

However, his attitude is what is so repulsive. His attitude and his lack of any respect for the game is what has made him such a repulsive figure.

In hockey, when you are on a team the most important thing to your teammates is that you are a good teammate and that you do not bring negative attention and distractions to your team. He has done nothing but the opposite.

Yes, you need good agitators. However, you don't need players doing that in the media in a pre-meditated way. Hockey players don't like teammates who seem to want that kind of spotlight.

Avery is selfish in his approach. He does things not for the good of the team, but to bring all of the attention to himself.

In general, the majority of NHL hockey players are good guys. They quietly go about their business while doing a lot for the community. Avery, on the other hand has done nothing but make others around him better, he has done nothing to help to general good of the community.

As Don Cherry described Avery, "I've known this kid since he was about 16 years old—once a jerk, always a jerk." It's time for Avery to learn that karma really does suck.

The suspension of Avery is the right move for the NHL. The move is just a punishment to the player, but the league is also saving itself an even bigger headache when someone decides to turn Avery into ground beef.

This wouldn't be just a drop the gloves incident, this would have been an "end Avery's career" type incident. It would be an incident that would be similar to the Todd Bertuzzi hit on Steve Moore. The type of ugliness that the NHL is trying to get rid off.

In my opinion, this should be Avery's final chance. One more slip up, one more moronic incident and it's off to Hollywood, where he can focus on women's clothing on a full time basis.

It seems he cares more about being a fashion poster boy than a hockey player anyways—so I say, "Good riddance Sean, and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out."

Derby Day: City Out to Silence the Rags Again

Peter Wright — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:41:03 -0500

In any football fan's life there are two words that keep a supporter up all night: Derby Day.

This Sunday, Manchester City and Manchester United will square off for the 150th time. The war of words has been instigated, the supporters chomping at the bit. However, the boys over at United are making a big mistake: they are slagging off their opponents.

Manchester United's talking heads (Wayne Rooney and Lady Alex Ferguson) have been talking all week about how City are not a threat, that they are not worried and about how they are the "Kings of Manchester". They seem to be treating this match as if they can just walk in and City will just let them win and bow to their might.

They seem to think that City's double over them last season was a fluke. The fixture at Eastlands last season may have been. City were dominated but United still failed to score. The fixture at the swamp...err Old Trafford was a different story.

City dominated the match while United looked to not have a clue of what hit them. Ronaldo didn't get the soft calls from Howard Webb and City took advantage of sloppy United play.

This season, City are a far better club than they were last season. They have a better scoring punch, better play-makers and a better manager. Although the results haven't shown it, Man City are on the verge of breaking out.

The last week has shown what City can be. A dominant home victory over Arsenal and an away win against a strong Schalke 04 side has shown that when City play with the right blend of attack and defence, they are a very dangerous side to beat. They also proved that they can win without Robinho (who will be fit for Sunday).

Manchester City will have a lot going in their favor on Sunday. The atmosphere alone will fuel them. United fans might want to bring earplugs as they aren't use to loud crowds at home. 47,000 screaming blues singing "Blue Moon" will help City.

The other factors in City's favor include a fan favorite who has made life miserable for United: Shaun Wright-Phillips. He has mesmerize United with his speed and ability to set up and finish. Remember the 4th goal in 2004? Look for Shaun Wright-Phillips to play a big part in City's attack.

Another positive for City is the man who Mark Hughes would not let get away, and for good reason. Stephen Ireland has found his form in a spectacular way. Every time he has touched the ball he has been a threat. Whenever he has not been on the ball, he has been doing everything right to either get in position to make a play or fighting for possession.

He has done just about everything right this season.

Over the past week, Mark Hughes has also shown why he is one of the best managers in football. With a huge match in Europe to play, he managed to keep his players focused instead of looking ahead to the Derby match. He has also avoided getting into the war of words with Ferguson by sticking to talking about his team.

There is not one man connected to this match that is not more focused than Mark Hughes. He sees this match as the next steeping to in the growth of the club. He knows that in order to be a big club, you have to beat other big clubs. His side is starting to learn that as well.

When you talk about a Derby match, the placement in the table, the amount of trophies, the size of the club or the amount of money invested mean nothing on the pitch. This is a war of attrition.

It's a battle over who wants it more. Who is willing to reach deep for that last bit of strength in the face of adversity. There is no club in football who have faced more adversity than City. The players know it, the manager knows it.

City are very confident, they are not cocky like their neighbours. The biggest mistake you can make in sports is the get too cocky and not acknowledge the danger the looms ahead. Mark Hughes and his players are ready to exploit that and make United pay.

In this match it is quite clear who wants it more and that club is Manchester City. They aren't grandstanding and disrespecting their opponents. They are looking forward to the challenge of a Premier League derby match. If the City players treat this match like a cup final, as they did last season - they will win.

Predicted starting XI for City.

Hart, Zabaletta, Kompany, Dunne (C), Richards, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Hamann, Robinho, Sturridge, Benjani.

Predicted score.

City 3-2 United

It will be a close, hard fought war. Don't expect Howard Webb to give Ronaldo any soft calls. City will come out on top with the home crowd! Regarding Howard Webb as well, United have failed to win in both matches he has refereed for them. City won the one match he presided over...a 3-0 win over West Ham United.

Expect to hear this all day long...

Blue Moon, You saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Blue Moon, You knew just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Someone I could really care for

Then suddenly they'll appear before me
The only one my arms could ever hold
I heard someone whisper "Please adore me"
And when I looked my moon had turned to gold.

Blue Moon, now I'm no longer alone
I have a dream in my heart
I have a love of my own

Shaun Wright-Phillips set to return to Manchester City

Peter Wright — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:11:11 -0400

Shaun Wright-Phillips is reportedly set to return to return to Manchester City after the club agreed to a deal with Chelsea to bring the right wing midfielder back to Eastlands.

It is understood that Wright-Phillips will undergo a medical today and will be unveiled to the media when Mark Hughes returns from the UEFA Cup tie in Denmark.

Shaun Wright-Phillips has always been a fan favorite at City, even after he left. He was always greeted by ovations and fans in Manchester have been hoping for his return since he left in June of 2005.

He was best known for his blazing speed and ability to set up City strikers. His greatest moment in a City shirt was possibly his goal against Manchester United in 2004. He blazed down the right wing before firing a rocket over Tim Howard to seal a 4-1 derby day victory.

If Wright-Phillips does indeed return to the club that made him a star, it will signal a possible end to the troubles of finding a player to solidify the right side of the attack. With Martin Petrov on the left and Wright-Phillips on the right, City's strike force should be able to feast on crosses coming in from everywhere.

Wright-Phillips will add a dimension of attack that City lacked last season and ultimately led to some of the losses in the latter part of last season.

One problem does lie in the whole deal. Shaun Wright-Phillips has seen virtually no first team football since last seasons League Cup final. It remains to be seen if he can re-acquire that form that made him a beloved City legend.

One thing is for sure, if he does return he won't have to wait long for a chance to gain revenge against his old mates as City's next home match is on 13 September against Chelsea. You can rest assured that Eastlands will be rocking for that match.

That is if he does return.

Manchester City Preview 2008-2009: Blue Moon Rising

Peter Wright — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:55:14 -0400

Its that time of year again as the club football world starts to get geared up for another season.

Groundskeepers are putting the final touches on the pitch, players are back at training, and once again Manchester City is linked with just about every player known to man.

Previewing the season for Manchester City is a difficult task for any analyst or expert. Give their past, life as a Blue is a roller coaster with its peaks and valleys. The 2008-09 season will be no different as City embark on another season, with yet another manager.

This year Mark Hughes returns to Manchester—this time with City—replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson who was sacked after the club's collapse in the second half of last season. One new face (Jo) has joined City and there are surely more on the way.

Manchester City bring many from a side that last season finished ninth in the Premier League. A double of Manchester United was the highlight of a season that saw a great start only for the Blues to trip over themselves down the stretch.

The new faces brought in last season seemed to be working well until the rest of the Premier League figured out how to stop them and former manager Eriksson had no answers.

Mark Hughes brings in a totally different style of football to Eastlands. A tougher, more rugged brand will be what supporters can expect to see from City. Hughes will look to makes a good European run this season and hopefully solidify a spot in Europe next season. He is off to a good start after the 2-0 win over EB/Streymur of the Faroe Islands.

Today, we look at the tools at Mark Hughes expense as he embarks on his first season at City.

Goalkeepers — Kasper Schmeichel started last season as the number one keeper for City and did fairly well until a lackluster performance at Fulham cost him his slot. He is still a very promising keeper but, with the emergence of Joe Hart, Schmeichel found himself on loan for much of the rest of the season and seems to be wanting his exit from City.

Joe Hart took the number one slot and ran with it last season and hopes to avoid any kind of drop in form this season. The job is his to lose for now as rumors of Brad Friedel joining City continue to swirl. Hart is young and talented and should be the England number one in the near future. However, City need to acquire a more experience keeper to take some of the load of Hart if they are to be successful.

Rating: 7

Defenders — For the better part of the last three or four seasons the strength of Manchester City has laid in the back. Richard Dunne anchors a young corps of defenders who are very capable of shutting down many of the Premier Leagues elite squads.

Micah Richards, Vedran Corluka, and Nedum Onuaha will look to improve on the progress they made last season. Until injuries struck Richards and Onuaha, both were enjoying very good campaigns.

What cost City dearly last season was the lack of depth of the position which has yet to be addressed. With the current crop of defenders City are very good, one injury however, could bring doom to the Blues unless the depth is improved.

Rating: 7.5

Midfield — Manchester City have a high level of talent in the midfield, and have done very well in developing young midfielders through their academy.

Michael Johnson, a star in the making must stay healthy for City to maintain success this season. His ability to set up strikers and his pace are invaluable assets to Mark Hughes.

In the center, Elano must regain his early 2007-08 form in order for City to sustain a consistent attack.

The brightest spot for City is on the left where Martin Petrov established himself last season as one of the deadliest at his position. His wicked crosses and incredible pace almost single handily beat Manchester United at Old Trafford and wreaked havoc on Premier League opponents. Should he maintain his form, City will once again be deadly on the left side.

The main concerns for the Blues are at defensive midfield and on the right. Didi Hamann is aging and Gelsen Fernandes is still bit young to hold the defensive midfield spot on a match-to-match basis. Hughes has been rumored to be looking for another body to go in that slot.

On the right, City have had trouble filling the spot since Shawn Wright-Phillips left. Last season saw Darius Vassell patrolling the right side. He was inconsistent most of the time though and although he is possibly the hardest working player on City, he isn't a player who can hold that spot for the season. This situation needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Rating: 7.5 — Will be higher if City are able to snatch up a couple of players here.

Strikers — Since Shawn Goater left City in 2003, the Blues have struggled in their search for a solid striker. Although there is a surplus of strikers on the City payroll, the Blues have yet to find the consistent finisher they had been craving for some time.

That was, until Jo came. The young Brazilian hopes to dazzle the Premiership and bring the form that saw him score 44 goals in 77 previous matches. He is set to play for Brazil in the 2008 Olympics, but when he returns he will hopefully make his presence felt around the league.

He is tall, strong, and very quick. He has the tools needed to succeed and with Hughes in as the boss, Jo is in good hands.

City will also rely on Benjani to improve on his second half form and bring in more goals. Young strikers Daniel Sturridge and Ched Evans will also provide solid depth at the position.

If healthy, look for Valeri Bojinov to hopefully show why he was brought in last season. Rolando Bianchi and Bernardo Corradi will likely return to their homeland on loan this season

Rating: 6.5

Manager — Mark Hughes brings a record of success in his first season as City boss. He was able to bring Blackburn into European competition without the transfer money that many other clubs have.

He is a driven, passionate, and a tough boss who demands 100 percent effort at all times. He will not tolerate failure and will not settle for anything less than everyone's best.

He is a highly intelligent manager as well who knows how to make average players play above their abilities. With a substantial amount of cash at his disposal, Hughes should be able to mold this squad into his own image.

How long it will take is still to be seen, hopefully he is given more time than Sven.

Rating: 8.5

The future is bright for City. City's ownership have shown lately that they are committed to bringing the club into the world's view. While I do not believe this club will crack the top four just yet, they should contend and be near it until the end.

Predicted Finish: 6th (UEFA Cup)

City should be stronger in Cup play as well this season—that is as long as no one brings any balloons to the ground.

Enjoy the season everyone, it should be a fun year.

Claudio Reyna Set to Retire From the New York Red Bulls

Peter Wright — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:18:05 -0400

After a 14-year professional career that saw him play in Germany, England, and Scotland before returning to the United States, former U.S. national team captain and New York Red Bulls midfielder, Claudio Reyna is retiring immediately, sources within MLS confirmed to ESPNsoccernet on Tuesday.

Reyna joined the Red Bulls prior to the 2007 season as its first Designated Player. He played 27 matches over the course of two seasons, including six matches this year.

However, nagging leg injuries prevented Reyna from ever having the impact expected of him when he was signed for a two-year, $2.5 million contract by then Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena.

Reyna is scheduled to hold a press conference on Wednesday at St. Benedict's Prep, the New Jersey high school where his storied soccer career began two decades ago.

During his brief time in MLS, Reyna showed glimpses of the ability that made him successful in Europe and with the U.S. national team, but the rigors of playing on artificial turf at Giants Stadium and in the physical MLS at the age of 34 took their toll.

He missed matches with a variety of injuries, and after considerable deliberation, Reyna made the final decision to stop playing.

Reyna spent a dozen seasons in Europe, playing for Wolfsburg in Germany, Sunderland, and Manchester City in England, and Glasgow Rangers in Scotland. He was regarded as one of the best players ever produced by the United States for his composure and skill in central midfield.

His career peaked at the 2002 World Cup, where he helped lead the United States to the World Cup quarter finals. His inspired performance earned him All-Tournament honors, making him the first American to ever receive such a distinction.

Reyna's retirement potentially frees up a Designated Player slot that the team is expected to use to sign a forward to replace Jozy Altidore, who was sold to Villarreal last month.

It remains to be seen just how the Red Bulls will be allowed to use the vacated Designated Player slot and salary-cap space. With the DP mechanism only in its second year of existence, MLS is in uncharted territories when it comes to handling a situation like this.

According to sources, the Red Bulls are expected to pay Reyna's entire remaining salary, believed to be slightly more than $600,000, a figure that includes the $200,000 pro-rated amount due Reyna from the league itself.

(MLS pays up to $400,000 of a designate player's salary, with the team paying the rest.)

City of Lost Souls

Peter Wright — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:54:05 -0400

To support Manchester City is to believe that God might have trouble running things on this planet, but he's in control of the next world. He has to be. The Devil rules this world and always will, because his team are Manchester United, and they are world famous and monolithic.

Manchester City, who's name travels the world about as well as Gracie Fields or Pulp, are on the side of the angels; the poor, sapped, unfortunate angels who still believe in quaint antiquated notions of earthly good. To support Manchester City is to accept with heroic willingness the dead-flat that the universe is cold and hostile, and nothing good will become of it.

To support City is to tackle head on the crushing pointlessness of existence and to attempt to make something of it. It is hard work. So why do it? Because somehow this seems ultimately more dignified and fulfilling than taking the easy way out and supporting the lulling and obnoxious United.

To support United is too easy. It's convenience supporting. It makes life too easy. There is no challenge. It is a cowardly form of escapism, a sell-out to the forces of evil. United fans have no soul and will spend their eternity neck deep in boiling vomit.

City fans retain their soul and will spend their eternity forever reliving the moment their team beat Newcastle 4-3 away from home to win the League Championship in 1968, beating United into second place.

Surely we will have such eternal bliss again, for why do we spend so much time suffering in this life watching our team climb to the summit only so that we can watch them dive, dive, dive to their pitiless bottom of the heap while United, of Manchester, but nothing really to do with it, float every more triumphantly skywards? Heartless United are the incarnation of shamelessness and to support them is heroism in a can. Cavalier City, however awry their football, however dire their straits, glow with something mystical and transcendental. City have soul. United do not. When they are great again, City will have shown that they are worth their extraordinary fans. To this day these fans will walk a million miles for one of Joe Mercer's smiles. They'll sing a million songs waiting for some new Mercer-like magic. Because they are City, and Christ do they know they're born.

Richard Dunne Signs New Four-Year Deal at City

Peter Wright — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:24:59 -0400

Manchester City captain Richard Dunne has today penned a new four-year contract with the Club.

The 28-year-old defender was linked with summer moves away from the City of Manchester Stadium, but following talks with Manager Mark Hughes, the Irish international swiftly signed a deal that ties him to the Blues until at least 2012.

After completing the paperwork, Dunne told mcfc.co.uk: “I’m delighted with it. My first priority is, was, and always has been to stay at City because I’ve enjoyed it so much and I feel really settled here.

“When Mark Hughes got the job I think everyone was really pleased and I was thrilled that he seemed to make it a priority to sort my contract out. I’m delighted to be able to stay.”

City Manager Hughes himself added: "I'm delighted with the outcome and Richard is a really important player for us. It was one of my priorities when I took the job that I made sure that he was one of the players we needed to keep."

And Dunne revealed that his City stay didn’t take long to agree to once Hughes had taken over as Blues boss: “As soon as he did we started to talk. It was literally a couple of days and it was all done and dusted.

“I’m pleased now that it’s all been signed and sealed and I can relax a bit more now and concentrate on the season ahead.”

The Blues are now in a remote Bavarian region for their 10-day training camp as they prepare for the first round of the UEFA cup, set to begin on 17 July.

Manchester City: Mark Hughes Working to Secure Foundation

Peter Wright — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:04:49 -0400

As Manchester City attempt to secure the services of Jo, Ronaldinho and other unnamed targets, Mark Hughes realises that a high player turnover rate in the club could do more harm than good.

Hughes walked into a job where a number of top players are under the microscope of rival English Premier League clubs.

Richard Dunne, Michael Johnson and Joe Hart have all been linked to moves away from Eastlands, however Hughes has made a commitment to secure these players' services.

Reports out of Manchester appear to be optimistic regarding the talks with skipper Richard Dunne. Rumors suggest that Dunne could be given a salary of roughly £56,000.

Joe Hart, also linked with a move away from City, has been in negotiations as well. Hart as been linked with Tottenham of late, as Juande Ramos is looking for a goalkeeping replacement for the out-of-favor Paul Robinson.

The Michael Johnson situation is a bit different, as the young midfielder has been linked with Liverpool seemingly since January. It's no secret that Rafa Benitez holds Johnson in the highest regard.

Johnson is a young player who is in high demand. He has battled injuries, but when healthy he has shown his ability to dominate the ball and set the pace of the play. Hughes is keen on securing Johnson to a long-term deal, but he must be able to stave off the approaches of Liverpool and other suitors.

Thanksin Shinawatra has made no secret about who he believes is the future of his club, and that is Micah Richards. He has already placed the "off limits" sign on Richards, who last season signed a five-year deal with the club. Manchester United and Arsenal have been interested in the young defender, who has shown his ability to be a superstar in football for years to come.

Mark Hughes is also tasked with deciding which players need to be shown the door. Andreas Isaksson has been very vocal recently of his wishes to leave, but what other players won't be wearing the City shirt next season?

Sun Jihai: Out of contract...thank God.

Geovanni: City's Derby Day hero never could quite secure a first-team spot under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Rolando Bianchi: Returning to City after loan in Italy, should be sold by the start of the season.

Paul Dickov: Still a City legend and a man whom City fans will always owe their gratitude towards has been linked with moves to MLS of late. With age creeping up and nagging injuries, he'll be moved shortly.

Stephen Ireland: Will be at City for the first half of season, perhaps. But the Irish midfielder has been spastic and inconsistent during his time at Eastlands. It is wondered where his head really is during a match. Sunderland were rumored to be interested. Mark Hughes will give him a chance, but I believe Ireland will likely be playing his football away from City fairly soon. A January move may be the answer.

Andreas Isaksson, Bernardo Corradi, Georgios Samaras, and both of the Mills (Danny and Matthew) are also expected to leave the club.

Times are changing at City, but Mark Hughes is committed to ensuring that the Club's stability never come into question.

New York Mets Fire Willie Randolph

Peter Wright — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:46:53 -0400

Willie Randolph was dismissed as manager of the New York Mets early this morning, according to mlb.com. Jerry Manuel has been named interim manager.

Despite having one of the league's highest payrolls, the Mets have been inconsistent. Thus, the team felt it was time for a fresh face to step in as manager.

Willie Randolph led the Mets to a large division lead in 2007, but a collapse in the season's final week handed the Philadelphia Phillies the NL East title. The Mets have not recovered since.

Willie Randolph is the first manager to be sacked this season in Major League Baseball. It is certain, though, he will not be the last.

Mark Hughes: A New Era and Attitude at Manchester City

Peter Wright — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:52:41 -0400

In a whirlwind two weeks at Manchester City, the Blues have yet again seen a radical transformation in the club's structure and philosophy. With the sacking of Sven-Goran Eriksson and the hiring of former Blackburn boss Mark Hughes two days later, the Citizens are making moves to show that they are serious about winning.

Mark Hughes knows now that the pressure is on to show that he can win with a large amount of money to spend. At Blackburn he became an expert in bargain-basement deals that were often successful. He was instrumental in turning Blackburn into a perennial European contender while having barely any money to spend in the transfer market.

Now at Eastlands, he will seemingly have an endless supply of cash at his disposal to make City a powerhouse. At the top of City's wish list: Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho.

The move for the two-time FIFA Player of the Year is seemingly becoming more and more imminent. Brazilian striker Jo is also on City's shopping list, with terms almost agreed upon with CSKA Moscow.

If City are to cash in on Ronaldinho they will immediately become major figures in the world football market. Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra knows that if he can sign the Brazilian he will have a major hit to his club's payroll but, if Ronaldinho can regain his form, it will can become a major profit in the form of marketing and merchandising for the club.

It will be Hughes' job to get Ronaldihno back to the form he enjoyed in the years leading up to last season, when his health and fitness declined.

Mark Hughes has shown that he is far different from Sven Goran Eriksson. He will not play favorites and does not tolerate losing. Hughes pressures his players to get the most out of them in every match, something that was lacking at City in the second half of last season.

Hughes will make it clear to City's players that no one's job is safe and that every man will have to earn their way into the squad.

Manchester City fans have a lot to look forward to with Hughes in charge. With some feeling that he is the best young manager in the game, Hughes will get a chance to prove that he is worth the heavy cost paid to Blackburn to bring him in.

He is a great young manager entering a club that is showing that they are tired of the "typical City" label and ready to take that next step on the football ladder. If he can get the players to buy into his style of football, City fans will have a lot to enjoy this season and opponents will not enjoy seeing City on the fixture list.

Manchester City: A New Era and Attitude With Mark Hughes

Peter Wright — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:52:37 -0400

In a whirlwind two weeks at Manchester City, the Blues have yet again seen a radical transformation in the club's structure and philosophy.

With the sacking of Sven-Goran Eriksson and the hiring of former Blackburn boss Mark Hughes two days later, the Citizens are making moves to show that they are serious about winning.

Mark Hughes knows now that the pressure is on to show that he can win with a large amount of money to spend.

At Blackburn, he became an expert in bargain basement deals that were often successful. He was instrumental in turning Blackburn into a perennial European contender, while having barely any money to spend in the transfer market.

Now at Eastlands, he will seemingly have an endless supply of cash at his disposal to make City a powerhouse.

At the top of City's wish list is Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho. The move for the two-time FIFA player of the year seems imminent. Brazilian striker Jo is also on City's shopping list with terms almost agreed upon with CSKA Moscow.

If City are to cash in on Ronaldinho they would immediately become major figures in the world football market. Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra knows that if he can sign the Brazilian, he will have a major hit to his club's payroll.

However, if Ronaldinho can regain his form, it will can become a major profit in the form of marketing and merchandising for the club. It will be Hughes' job to get Ronaldinho back to the form he enjoyed in the years leading up to last season, when his health and fitness declined.

Mark Hughes has shown that he is far different from Sven-Goran Eriksson. He will not play favorites and does not tolerate losing. Hughes pressures his players to get the most out of them in every match, something that was lacking at City in the second half of last season.

Hughes will make it clear to City's players that no one's job is safe and that every man will have to earn their way into the squad.

He is a great young manager entering a club that is showing that they are tired of the "typical City" label and ready to take that next step on the Football ladder.

If he can get the players to buy into his style of football, City fans will have a lot to enjoy this season and opponents will not enjoy seeing City on the fixture list.

Manchester City: Uncertainty Returns to Eastlands

Peter Wright — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:34:50 -0400

As Manchester City supporters we've done everything we can to support Sven and make it known that we want him as boss however, it still looks as though our next match at the Riverside will symbol Sven's final match as manager of our club. After that it will be time to move on and see just what the future brings.

We will see a new manager and new players again this summer and next season and when all is said and done we can't afford to sit and lament the past. We will need to back our new boss and players (unless that new boss is Steve McClaren).

Manchester City will always be here whether Sven is there or not. Our allegiance lies with our club. I am as much against the sacking of Sven as anyone, I believe we will have to move on.

I had been thinking about a few things in the last few days and there have been a few similarities to this season and last. While we haven't been in a relegation battle, what have we done in the second half of this season?

Sure we've scored goals at home but, have we been winning? We've let matches slip away, we have not had a solid attack... or really any attack.

We lost or drew against clubs that we had no business losing points to. A draw at Derby, one point against Fulham all season, poor results against Wigan. Losses to Birmingham and Reading.

Yes we pulled off the Derby Double, but what else have we done this season? We reached the goal of a top 10 finish, but to stumble in the second half of the season the way we did was a "typical City" event.

We lacked a killer instinct this season and if we have ANY ambition of breaking through and going to the Champions League, changes need to be made.

I would like to see Sven given another season, but the chairman has shown us that he will not tolerate failure and will not tolerate collapses like we have seen this season.

If we have any ambition collapses can NOT happen.

If we want to go to Europe... these results need to change...

Chelsea 6-0 City
City 0-2 Chelsea
Arsenal 2-0 City
City 1-3 Arsenal
Derby 1-1 City
Fulham 3-3 City
City 2-3 Fulham
Birmingham 3-1 City
Reading 2-0 City
Wigan 0-0 City
City 1-1 Wigan

Everton doubling us didn't help either...

Now losses to the "Big Four" will happen, but outside of the Derby, we took one point.

If Sven somehow stays... those results MUST change.

Whoever our manager is next season MUST make up those lost points to have any chance of of success in climbing up the table.

Breaking Packers News: Brett Favre to Retire

Peter Wright — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:43:11 -0500

According to reports on Fox Sports and ESPN, Brett Favre has informed the Green Bay Packers that he will not return for another season. Chris Mortensen of ESPN confirmed this report after speaking with Favre's agent.

Brett Favre has confirmed his decision in a lengthy voice mail to Mortensen saying that he made his because he "felt worn down by the demands of the game".

Speculation continues as many believe he is retiring based on the Packers failure to sign Randy Moss. Whether this is true or not, the focus should be on his illustrious career, not his reasons for retiring. 17 years as a starting quarterback in the NFL is taxing both mentally and physically. His decision is somewhat surprising, but not one that should be really questioned.

As a Chicago Bears fan, I must admit that it is a sad day and the end of an era. Brett Favre showed a competitive fire that we may never see in the game again. He was a tough, hard-nosed, class act.

Manchester City Still Building

Peter Wright — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:11:46 -0500

The high from the double over Manchester United has suddenly become despair for the followers of the only club in Manchester.

A loss at home to Everton and a draw at home to Wigan has set back the Euro hopes for City fans a bit. What City fans must realize is that this is still a project and a work in progress. One must remember that Rome was not built in a day. It takes time and resources to build a powerhouse club.

The support is finally there to undertake the project. The money, manager, and most of all the supporters are there. City fans have great things to look forward to in the future, so do not despair just yet.

If one wants to know just how far we have come, we must look back on what life was like last season.

Last March, City were in disarray. Fighting relegation, unable to score, restless supporters, things looked horrid for City and a return to the Championship didn't look out of the question.

Fortunately, City survived, Stuart Pearce was sacked and after an intense summer at Eastlands, Thaksin Shinawatra took control and Sven-Goran Eriksson became the manager.

My how it seems like only yesterday we were cursing Darius Vassell for his penalty miss in the Derby. Now he has taken on legendary status for scoring in the Derby at the swamp. An ultimate redemption tale if you ask me, but that's for another article.

Manchester City's quest for greatness has taken big steps this season; the victories over United and the contention for a European spot have given fans a glimpse of what the future may bring.

The players brought in so far have also helped to revitalize the club. Players like Martin Petrov, Benjani, Elano, and Vedran Corluka have blended well with the likes of young and developing stars Michael Johnson, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, and Stephen Ireland.

The most important thing for City right now is to secure the signature of Richard Dunne. He is the glue that keeps the players together.

Going into the summer, there will be areas to address for City. Depth at midfielder and striker have been concerns all season for City. Benjani should be able to help in the striker position, but help is desperately needed at midfield. Hamann is aging, Ireland can be spastic at times, and Johnson can be injury prone.

The academy is continuing to develop elite talent but transfer market deals will be required to put City over the top. We all know Sven will be watching endless DVDs of players and his scouts are constantly combing the world in search of the next City legend.

As for this season, all is not lost. If the Blues can muster up some wins, they have a shot at Europe, but the true excitement has to be what we see for the future.

Manchester City are still a very young club, keeping them together is the most important thing to do.

Following the Munich™ AIG 50th Anniversary

Peter Wright — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:31:09 -0500

As sports journalists throughout Britain tried to make sense of the amazing score line at the Theatre of Dreams, (g)Old Trafford (just outside Manchester), Priceless Uni£ed captain 75k a week, Semi-Intelligent Ryan Giggs has given his honest opinion as to why his team, who hadn’t lost at home this season, capitulated so easily to their long term rivals Manchester City.

” We were just not used to playing in shirts without sponsorship. Ever since I started playing in 1991 we have always had a logo on our kit, be it ‘Sharp’ ‘Vodafone’ or nowadays ‘AIG’. It didn’t feel right just playing for Manchester Uni£ed, my heart wasn’t in it. The players are commodities now, we know we are walking billboards and we feel comfortable with that, all the way to the Leeds in fact. I have talked to the other lads and to be honest they all said the same thing. We felt naked out there today. You can’t throw yourself into tackles if you think are-souls are hanging out of our shoes.”

We think that recent signing, Brazilian wonder-kid, Anderson supported Giggs. Talking to our reporter he said,

”O meu amigo é correto. Eu quis os meus testicals estiveram na demonstração hoje. Os bastardos, o fundo, os arsehole”

Unfortunately our paper does not have access to a Portuguese translator. However one can only assume wonder-kid Anderson was still wondering and clearly not happy about the situation.

On similar lines, 29 year old 120k a week gigantic superstar defender who cost Man U re: a stingy £29.1m, Rio 'cartoon face' Ferdinand, said;

"I agree with Giggsy. We didn’t stand a chance out there today. The boss allowed us to change our underpants at half time. I wore a pair with ‘Barclaycard’ written down the side, i looked amazing in them, whilst Scholesy had a pair sponsored by ‘Toys ‘R’ Us’, he too looked very nice, but not as nice as me. It felt slightly better and I think that reflected in our second half performance but it was too little too late. Do you know that not wearing the ‘AIG’ logo cost us all £30,000 each today. I worked that out at £333 per minute or £5.50 per second. It’s difficult to concentrate on a cross with those kind of figures racing around in your head, or even worse Ronaldo's figure in his underpants, oh the thought, and I don't think he is being paid more than me by the way, I’m the best, I only hope for the clubs sake that they don’t do the same thing in another 50 years time".

Mr Ferdinand thanked our Sports correspondent and told us that he would expect the bill for the 2 minute interview to be settled by early next week. Further he said that he would like it to be known that his, ‘whiter than white smile’ was thanks to ‘Aquadogfresh Extreme clean toothpaste’, and that his close shave was due to, ‘Gill-ette... The best a woMan can get’.

Manchester Airport Warning going out to all Man U re: Supporters heading home! Delays are unavoidable as ten’s of thousands have reportedly flooded the airport in an attempt to beat the traffic and leave Manchester early.

Uni£ed have reportedly put on extra bandwagons to help clear the backlog. A spokesperson from uni£ed said “this is not a problem, we have great new global support, it will be reclaimed through ticket prices next season”.

On a final note, may I take this moment to congratulate both sets of fans for their immaculate behaviour during the minute silence, however I would like to also mention to all Man U re: that the minute silence is now over.