Manchester CIty: A Stock Take Part Two

So yet again Manchester City will end a season without silverware, as expected.

At the start of pre-season we weren't the richest club in the world, we hadn't just set a new British transfer record by buying one of the most highly rated players in world football, and the expectation matched the survival instinct of the last 30 years.

We had even grown impatient with the Thaksin, and I reckon most supporters expected nothing too startling to happen.

And then £££££££££££££££

So how have the players performed under a new manager, owner and with the hope of City fans renewed and expectations raised higher than for decades.

Here goes with the defence.

Joe Hart

A good keeper is not enough, and Joe Hart is a good keeper. The things he didn't save far outweigh the things he did and the lack of the extra that makes a great keeper will come in time, but we need it now.

Kasper Schmeichel

There seems not to be a large number of top clubs clamouring to get his signature on a long term contract, not many other than Kasper and dad Peter are surprised by that.

He lacks a physical presence and has confidence beyond his ability.

I wish him well as a Scandinavian pundit

Shay Given

An outstanding keeper worth every penny that was spent on him and he is likely to buy Hart the time at the club he needs.

Not the best in the world, but one of the best in the Premiership.

Michael Ball

I was pleased when he arrived as he was better than the players we had for the position, now hes down the pecking order and likely to leave but I genuinely thank him for his efforts.

Tal Ben Haim

Why did we buy him, why did he last as long as he did?

I pray he goes in summer.

Glauber Berti

Who?

Wayne Bridge

Perhaps over priced but certainly finding his feet and an improvement on what we had.

Nothing startling but a winning attitude comes with players like him.

Richard Dunne

I have never understood why he is so highly rated.

The players around him suffer for his presence.

The team cannot have a player so regularly score own goals and get sent off, statistics don't lie.

Sorry Richard you are no longer Mr City, your time has passed.

Javier Garrrido

A respectable performer who lacks the flair needed to be first choice. I certainly wouldn't have a problem with him staying.

Shaleum Logan

Many have high hopes and from what I have seen in the reserves he is a genuine prospect.

Danny Mills

Just pay him off and leave him to 5 Live.

Nedum Onuoha

When he and Micah were coming through the ranks he seemed like the better prospect as he has a better footballing brain.

Only now is he catching up after loosing a season.

Surely an England call-up is likely at some point.

If only we could see him playing alongside a truly world class central defender, wow that would be good.

Micah Richards

Suffered for the Dunne connection, looks happier at full back but misses SWP when hes not there.

Signs of fragility in the choices he makes. Next year is likely to be make or break.

Pablo Zabelta

Has done well in a number of roles and is suffering because of his flexibility. I hope Hughes finds a definite role for him as he is committed and energetic.