Manchester City: The Long Summer Ahead

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.