ManchesterCityBloggers

The team with no nine

David Walker — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 19:51:45 GMT

Long before a heart condition threatened to curtail Sergio Aguero’s career, it was conventional wisdom that Manchester City required a world class replacement for their legendary striker.

Plagued by injuries, the club’s all-time highest goal scorer with 260 in just 390 games (not forgetting 73 assists), was reduced to occasional cameo appearances as City cruised to their third title in just four years. Pep Guardiola’s masterly deployment of a false number nine, meant City had regained their crown, with Sergio scoring just four of City’s 86 goal haul.

Sensational, superb, sublime Sergio – City legend and all-time record goal scorer.

Fast forward to more than a third of the way into this campaign and City are flourishing, with 17 different players so far on the score sheet. Top of the Premier League and already through to the Champions League knockout stage, Pep has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, in what has already been an injury riddled campaign.

Loved by the players, but loathed by so many fans, the frequent and infuriating international breaks have thus far accounted for the absences – some prolonged – of key players; Phil Foden, Ferran Torres, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones as prime examples. Far from weakening City’s results and performances, the injury list has show-cased the astonishing strength in depth of the squad, at both senior and Academy level.

City are performing to the highest standards despite a glut of injuries.

City had five youngsters in the squad for the ‘dead rubber’ 2-1 defeat at RB Leipzig, namely; CJ Egan-Riley, Cole Palmer, James McAtee, Romeo Lavia and Josh Wilson-Esbrand. It was both puzzling and disappointing that only Palmer saw any action, and even that was as a sub.

Palmer and McAtee, in particular, look well equipped to follow Foden as regulars into the senior squad, and the sooner McAtee joins Palmer into committing his future to City the better.

City produced their worst performance of the season in the ‘dead rubber’ at RB Leipzig where Kyle Walker saw red.

Having already won Group A, it was curious as to why Pep fielded so many senior players in a lacklustre showing. The same cannot be said of Swiss referee Sandro Scharer, who upheld UEFA’s finest traditions with a stunning display of ‘ineptitude’ and anti-City bias. Remember his name because he’ll doubtless be back to screw City at some stage in the future.

The Leipzig result was irrelevant, but Scharer denied City a clear second half penalty – no VAR pitch side review deemed necessary – having previously booked KDB for prematurely taking a free kick. Don’t let the fact that I’m paranoid deflect from the fact that UEFA are still out to get City, whenever an opportunity arises!

Ever demanding Pep has taken City to the top of the Premier League for the first time this season after 15 games.

The emergence of such an extraordinarily high calibre of Academy ‘graduates’ bodes well for future first team succession planning. We’re not exactly into the realms of Dad’s Army here, with Ilkay Gundogan (31), Riyad Mahrez (31 in February) and Kevin De Bruyne (30), but a pathway is clearly there for 18 and 19 year olds, who are prepared to learn from the best and show a little patience.

When it comes to the best of the best, there’s none better than Bernardo Silva’s blinding brilliance which has illuminated City like never before. It’s no exaggeration to state ‘Bubblegum’ (so called because the ball sticks to his feet), is the finest footballer in the world right now.

Is there a better player in world football this season? No, response required, it’s obviously a rhetorical question.

Disregard the likes of the Pharaoh of Formby – Mo Salah, who’s done more dives than a Sharm el Sheikh scuba diving school in the Red Sea – Bernardo’s season is brewing up a treat, as the potential Player of the Year.

City supporters have just made him the first player ever to earn three successive Etihad Player of the Month Awards (September, October & November), at a time when he’s just equalled his top goals haul in a Premier League season (7/14 games, previously, 7/36 in 2018/19), and can now boast the highest winning percentage in PL history (minimum 100 appearances) at 77%, with 112 wins from 145 games.

And that’s the Goal Of the Season sorted…

It was a blessing in disguise that a Covid19-decimated transfer window, meant La Liga’s big guns could not afford the Portuguese maestro, at a time when he was yearning for a change in lifestyle, warmer climes and to be closer to his homeland.

From a football perspective, Silva cannot be in a better place than as an indefatigable playmaker and goal taker in Guardiola’s starting XI. Pep is on record as saying: “We never, ever wanted Bernardo to leave Manchester City in the summer, not for one second, never ever! But he knows – everybody knows – I don’t want people who are unhappy.”

Bernardo just being Bernardo and scoring at The Swamp.

Silva’s City contract runs until the summer of 2025 when he’ll be 31. Retaining him was undoubtedly the best transfer business didn’t do last summer, but the question still remains, should Khaldoon & Co have busted a gut to sign a successor for Sergio? Notwithstanding Aguero’s ongoing health worries, now being monitored with concern and sadness, there’s no doubt his free transfer switch to Barcelona made perfect sense.

Sergio bagged a brace on his last Premier League appearance but his departure was a sad sight.

A painfully peddled and media-hyped pursuit of Harry Kane came to nothing. How much truth there was about City’s valuation of Kane, or any concrete offers for the Spurs and England skipper, is debateable.

Did Daniel Levy really expect £120m-£150m for Kane? If he did, he was clearly living in cloud cuckoo land, despite having seen City splash out £100m, to trigger Jack Grealish’s buyout clause at Aston Villa.

Grealish is great talent and just needs time to adjust to a new environment, new team mates and the tactics and demands of the best manager of modern times.

Recently Grealish has come in for criticism from a minority of City supporters, but he’s a huge talent who needs time to adapt to his new environment, team mates and, above all else, Pep’s meticulous demands. He’s unfortunate in that some believe that £100m might have been better spent on a No 9, but who knows best – the greatest football manager of modern times – or a few impatient ‘fans’?

City aren’t looking too shabby in the run up to the end of the calendar year, but will Pep be in the market for a tangible and agreeable Plan B in January?

City fans who think they know better than Pep, when it comes to the acquisition of Jack Grealish, should consider upping their meds!

The conundrum is if City are doing so well, bamboozling opponents with roaming midfielders and a myriad of different false nines, why change it? Does the deep lying ‘striker’ mean opposing centre backs are left not knowing whether they’re having a sh*t, shave or a haircut – a phrase not necessarily found in Pep’s bible of tactical terminology?

Conversely, would having a conventional No 9, with natural goal poaching instincts, mean a substantial increase in the chances converted column?

Pep wants his team to be more prolific and less profligate in front of goal in their pursuit of a fourth Premier League title in five years.

Following the recent away wins at Villa and Watford, Pep himself has remarked on how both games should have been done and dusted at half time. Instead of 2-0 leads, it could and should have been 4-0, 5-0 even 6-0, with the opposition dead and buried.

Even if the Kane saga ever had any credence, surely the moment has long gone. He’s 29 next birthday, his ankles aren’t exactly robust and, to all intent and purposes, he’s out-of-form. Add into the mix Levy will still think he can win the lottery with the transfer fee, and it should be a non-starter.

Haaland is a huge talent, but any a move to the Etihad would inevitably mean City paying repulsive Mino Raiola tens of millions in agent fees. Surely that won’t happen?

As for the clamour for Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, surely City won’t entertain a move whereby Mino Raiola – the Norwegian forward’s agent – pockets tens of millions from any deal? If – and it’s unlikely – Haaland did join City, it’s a fair bet Raiola would be agitating for a move to La Liga within five years, and probably on a Bosman.

Just look at the Paul Pogba shenanigans at Old Trafford for the direction of travel of Raiola’s clients.

Dusan Vlahovic is on fire for Fiorentina in Serie A this season. Does Pep want the Serbian striker to switch to the Premier League and continue his purple patch of form?

The most pragmatic option could be Dusan Vlahovic, Fiorentina’s 21-yr old Serbian centre forward. He’s netted 40 times in 93 Serie A appearances – including 13 in just 16 matches this season – virtually half of the Florence club’s haul of 27 goals.

Since making his international debut last year, he’s scored seven goals in 14 games, and was part of the Serbian team which consigned a star studded Portugal to the World Cup play-offs, after a shock 2-1 victory in Lisbon.

Could this man be City’s new striker if Pep widens his tactical options in 2022?

Vlahovic wouldn’t come cheap, but any fee and wages would be considerably less than that being touted for Haaland. In addition, the Serb would be more readily available, if Pep wants reinforcements next month. The lack of any future wrangling with Raiola would be an additional bonus.

End

PS: The headline on this article in no way seeks to disrespect Gabriel Jesus who just happens to wear the number nine shirt. We at RBNR love Gabby!

Dedication

This blog is dedicated to the memory of a beautiful lady blue, Laveen Robson who passed away last month. Loved and adored by all who knew her in ‘real life’ – especially her partner Ian, son Daniel and her fur babies of Miniature Schnauzers, Dollie, George, Bluebell and Merlin, not forgetting Pete the cat – Laveen also had thousands of friends on social media who admired her strength, compassion, kindness and wit.

Laveen was a member of the MCFC Blackpool & Fylde, Manchester City Official Supporters Club and was visited by City legend Paul Dickov at the Trinity Hospice in Blackpool last summer, when he brought along the Premier League trophy and Carabao Cup to help raise her spirits.

MCFC Blackpool & Fylde are raising funds, via a Just Giving page, for Trinity Palliative Care Services and Brian House Children’s Hospice this Christmas, thanking them for the care provided to Laveen.

By David Walker

www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu

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City fans pray Lahoz doesn’t do an ‘Attwell’ in Porto!

David Walker — Thu, 20 May 2021 16:18:52 GMT

It’s very rare that someone who is – at best – grossly incompetent in their job, can deliver a master class.

Stuart Attwell is such a man. The only catch is that the Numpty from Nuneaton or the Wally from Warwickshire (feel free to insert your own alliterative adjective ) only excels at more of the same. Be it breathtaking ineptitude, or maybe something more sinister, Attwell managed to manipulate events for City’s sixth Premier League defeat of the season at the AMEX Stadium.

Stuart Attwell delivered the worst Premier League refereeing performance of season 2020/21.

Manchester City lost 3-2 to Brighton in a dead rubber of a match. City were already well deserved Champions of England for the third time in the last four years, whereas Graham Potter had steered his team to Premier League safety with games to spare.

Of course City would have loved to have won and extended their record-breaking run of consecutive away wins, but being reduced to 10 men in just 10 minutes didn’t help. Irrespective of the loss to a Brighton team, eager to please in front of their 8,000 fans – who celebrated as if it was they who had just won the title – there was a troubling spectre of what might lie ahead in the Champions League Final on May 29^th.

If City fans were appalled by Attwell’s antics at Brighton, worse could lay ahead with Lahoz in Porto.

I first floated the horrible notion of Antonio Mateu Lahoz – the Spanish nationalist who hates the thought of Catalonian independence and is none too keen on Pep Guardiola – taking charge of the final, before Real Madrid were knocked out by Chelsea.

Lahoz is THE worst possible refereeing option as far as City are concerned. With Guardiola at the helm, the spiteful Spaniard has actively assisted Monaco and Liverpool knock the Sky Blues out of the Champions League in previous seasons.

Infamously, he sent Pep off when the City boss lambasted Lahoz for disallowing a legitimate goal from Leroy Sane – one that would have given City a 2-0 half time advantage against the Scousers, in the second leg of their quarter final tie in April, 2018. With the aggregate score narrowed to 2-3 and, with a fully pumped up Etihad crowd ready to raise the roof, it could have made for a very different outcome to the eventual 5-1 overall loss.

Let’s just say Lahoz has ‘previous’ with City…and lots of it!

What Attwell delivered at Brighton – aided and abetted by Jon Moss on VAR – was one of THE worst refereeing displays of all time. It was either staggeringly inept or, what some observers have suggested, blatantly biased against City. There’s pretty much universal condemnation of his ‘mistake’ riddled performance – one that many City fans fear, could be a blueprint for Senor Lahoz.

Attwell and Moss deemed Danny Welbeck either ‘had control’ or ‘potential control’ of the ball, when Joao Cancelo was adjudged to have denied the Brighton forward a ‘clear goal scoring opportunity.’ The officials applied the criteria to justify the Portuguese defender’s 10^th minute dismissal. Farcical doesn’t come close to describing the decision, and it set the tone for the rest of the game.

Rodri wasn’t the only one pointing the finger at Attwell after last night’s game. The referee was slated from all quarters for his horrific performance.

Welbeck was as much in control of the ball as I would be, if you put me – a man who has only ever flown a kite in his life – in the cockpit of a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, one of the world’s most effective jet fighters!

Attwell must be high up the pecking order when nominations come in for the worst of PGMOL’s worst.

Attwell, already acknowledged by many within the game as one of the worst at the so-called ‘elite’ level, showed a yellow card to Brighton’s Alireza Jahanbaksh for a horror ‘tackle’ on Ilkay Gundogan? More akin to an assault, the incident screamed out for a red! Moss on VAR confirmed the more lenient punishment.

As Brighton played some great attacking football, putting City on the back foot, Gabriel Jesus was still able to venture into the host’s 18 yard box, only to be fouled for the proverbial stonewall penalty. Attwell didn’t award it. One can only surmise as to what Moss was doing at the time – maybe he was away from his VAR monitor, collecting his order from the Stockley Park burger bar?

City’s Gun Dog was forced off the field injured after a dreadful challenge from Brighton’s Jahanbakhsh. It was a nailed on red card, but of course Attwell only gave him a yellow!

Between them Attwell and Moss delivered a faultless demonstration of how to influence a result and, more pertinently, get away with it. As PGMOL officials they enjoy the luxury of never being held accountable for their actions or answerable to the media or fans.

To put things into perspective, even my 87-year old Ma, who listened to the match on Talksport, remarked that the commentary team – Sam Matterface and time-honoured City hater, Danny Mills – slated Attwell for his abysmal performance. It tells you everything you need to know about the ref when, Mills, of all people, has sympathy for City!

Lahoz managed to p*ss off City legends David Silva, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero when he mishandled City’s Champions League tie with Monaco.

Matterface – a Chelsea fan – tweeted immediately after the game, saying it was ‘arguably the worst officiating performance of the season.’ You’d never have known it from the from the BT Sports commentary, led by Darren Fletcher. The BT coverage didn’t raise a single query about the wayward decisions, other than to have resident refereeing ‘expert’ Peter Walton, rubberstamp each and every erroneous call.

Graham Potter managed to incur Pep’s wrath and later apologised for whatever had happened.

One never ceases to wonder which village is missing its resident idiot when Walton appears on the screen.

Joleon Lescott – twice a City Premier League Champion and now employed as the clubs Loans Manager, failed to utter a word of resistance as a BT pundit. Sad to say it was pretty spineless stuff from the former City centre back.

Sworn enemies – Lahoz is a Spanish nationalist vehemently opposed to Catalan independence. He really doesn’t like Pep and is quick to let him know!

Brighton’s fight back from 2-0 down wasn’t without merit – far from it – and Pep was philosophical in defeat, albeit the frustration and sense of injustice was simmering under the surface.

As he stated: “On Sunday, with our people, we are going to lift the Premier League trophy. And after that we are going for the final of the Champions League.”

He will be mindful of keeping many of his starters for the Final out of harm’s way on Sunday. The injury to Gundagon – courtesy of Jahanbaksh – served as a reminder of the perils and pitfalls before City even reach Portugal.

Phil Foden’s wonder goal was overshadowed by other ‘events’ at the AMEX Stadium

In the greater scheme of things, what went down at the AMEX was all pretty meaningless – lest we don’t detract from Phil Foden’s marvellous solo goal – but what goes on in Porto’s Estádio do Dragão stadium is at the opposite end of the football spectrum.

Through the eyes of City fans, the Champions League has been, and always will be, a distant second priority to winning the Premier League. The supporters’ disdain for, and distrust of, UEFA is never ending.

It is viewed as an organisation riddled with corruption, a puppet controlled by a cartel of self protectionist clubs, hellbent on a relentless mission to damage City and exclude them from European football’s top table.

Fans revolted against the abhorrent prospect of a European Super League, but City supporters still find UEFA a revolting proposition.

The contempt for UEFA is an omnipresent factor which shows no sign of going away anytime soon. Even the revulsion at the prospect of the abhorrent European Super League, cannot diminish the loathing.

Had it not been for ‘fan power’ the ESL may still have had legs as we lead up to UEFA’s showpiece final. So what did UEFA do by way of gratitude to the supporters of the two clubs, widely perceived as the instigators of the downfall of the ESL? Rather than switch to England for an all-English final, the bureaucrats moved the game from Turkey to Portugal, in order to accommodate 2,000 of their junketeers. A case of screw the 12,000 City and Chelsea fans, who have to jump through Covid19 PCR tests and protocols to attend.

It says so much about European football’s governing body, as does the appointment of Lahoz. It’s UEFA’s last ditch attempt to save themselves from the ’embarrassment’ of having City win their glittering prize.

The eyes of the football world will be watching to see if it’s XI versus XI against Chelsea, or whether it’s Thomas Tuchel’s finest, plus a Spanish quartet of Lahoz, his assistants and VAR taking on City.

By David Walker

Dedicated to a lovely lady and brave blue – Laveen Robson, you can find her on Twitter @laveen52 – who is fighting til the end. A lifelong City fan and season ticket holder in the East Stand, here’s hoping and praying she, and her family of true blue Miniature Schnauzers, can see Pep’s team crowned as Champions of Europe as well as England. Thinking of you x

www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu

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He’s Here, He’s There, He’s Every ‘Ckin Where…Gerry Gow!

David Walker — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 17:52:35 GMT

As City and Spurs go head to head on Sunday in the League Cup Final, it’s just a fortnight shy of 40 years since the two clubs battled out a historic Wembley Cup Final.

Not only was it the 100^th FA Cup Final – it was the first time the ‘Home of Football’ ever hosted a Cup Final replay. Having outplayed the hot favourites from White Hart Lane in a 1-1 draw, the underdogs from Maine Road were valiant losers just four days later, going down 3-2 in an epic encounter.

City went 1-0 up against Spurs in the 1981 FA Cup Final and Bobby McDonald, scorer Tommy Hutchison and Gerry Gow celebrate the goal.

Many a football purist would still argue to this day that the replay on 14^th May, 1981, was the greatest FA Cup Final of all time, featuring the famous – or infamous from a sky blue perspective – Ricky Villa winner, a goal which somehow overshadowed an even more spectacular strike from City’s Steve Mackenzie.

A clear case of to the victor belongs the spoils.

City paid their own tribute to Gerry after his untimely passing, aged just 64 years in 2016.

Fast forward four decades and football is fundamentally the same, albeit the culture surrounding it, is completely different. As Pep Guardiola’s team strive for the first instalment, of what could yet be a glorious treble winning season, the beautiful game has become disfigured by avarice, corruption and a blatant disregard for the core principles of fair competition.

It’s a world away from what those of a certain generation would regard as the ‘good old days’ – a time when players weren’t pampered, overpaid prima donnas, a time when players didn’t feign injury and go to ground as if taken down by a sniper’s bullet, a time when football was still – to coin a cliché – the working man’s game.

True Blue Warrior – Gerry bossed the midfield in the FA Cup Final 1-1 draw against Spurs.

You only have to look back at how the likes of Gerry Gow would go through the pain barrier, game after game after game, aided by what must’ve seemed like endless cortisone injections, to fully comprehend how he put his body on the line to play the game he loved.

It was time when Gerry commanded the admiration and adulation of the Manchester City faithful, and the respect and trepidation of on field opponents, as well as opposition fans.

Compare and contrast the greed behind the revolting prospect of a ridiculously labelled ‘European Super League’, with the actions of Gerry, when he switched from Bristol City to Manchester City in October, 1980.

No pain, no gain – Gerry went through the pain barrier each and every time he played for City, but victories like the momentous FA Cup semi final win over Ipswich were just reward.

Even back in those days, the transfer fee of just £175,000 was a bargain, but the tenacious Glaswegian midfielder was still entitled to a £20,000 signing on fee. Rather than pocket what was rightfully his, Gerry waived what was still a substantial sum, to help the cash strapped Robins, for whom he’d played 445 games and scored 54 goals in an 11- year spell.

It was indicative of the character of the man who was idolised by the red half of Bristol, a player who would quickly become the living embodiment of the term ‘cult hero’, on the blue side of Manchester.

The titanic two-game tussle with Tottenham marked the pinnacle of Gerry’s all too short period in Manchester, but his contribution over just 36 games and seven goals, left an indelible mark on every Sky Blue supporter who saw him play.

A magnificent Gerry Gow had the measure of Spurs’ Argentine World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles, in the historic 100th FA Cup Final.

No City fan of the early 80s will ever forget his immense contribution during that FA Cup campaign, not least his equaliser in the 2-2 quarter final draw at Everton, his inspirational showing in the 1-0 semi final win over Ipswich, and his gargantuan efforts to quell Glenn Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles in the drawn Final.

It is, however, easy to forget the importance of the FA Cup Final, long before a top four Champions League place became more prominent than winning the oldest cup competition in football.

Gerry smiled at Wembley when he saw a banner proclaiming, ‘GERRY GOW MAKES GLENN HOBBLE’.

Cup Final day used to mean TV coverage kicking off at 9am on both the BBC and ITV, and continuing all the way through until early evening when the Cup was won. Obviously that wasn’t the case in 1981.

Now, as the modern day City seek to avenge that Wembley loss of yesteryear, is as good a time as any to celebrate the life and times of the ‘Double G Force’ – the moustachioed, wild looking warrior who brought steel, bite and fight to a struggling City side.

It’s my pleasure and privilege to review a new, beautifully crafted biography, on the man who wore both the sky blue and black and red striped Number Eight City shirt with such distinction.

The Gerry Gow Story, written by Neil Palmer and published by Pitch Publishing, is a wonderful read for Manchester City and Bristol City fans alike.

‘He’s Here, He’s There… – The Gerry Gow Story’ captures the enduring affection for the man whose life ended at the criminally young age of just 64 years, in October 2016.

Author Neil Palmer is able to draw upon the fond recollections of Gerry’s family, friends, team mates and opponents to deliver a thoroughly engaging, easily accessible and hugely entertaining read.

There’s a lovely line where Gerry is being interviewed on the Wembley turf an hour before kick off, and the ITV reporter pointed out a City banner which read, ‘GERRY GOW MAKES GLENN HOBBLE’. The unassuming, and maybe even slightly embarrassed Scotsman, simply laughed and shook his head.

The wild man of Wilmslow – Gerry and his family loved their time in Manchester and the City fans loved Gerry and his combative, all action style.

Gerry joined City at the same time as fellow Scots, veteran wing wizard, Tommy Hutchison – scorer of both goals in the 1-1 Wembley draw – and no nonsense left back, Bobby McDonald, both of whom number among the many contributors to the book.

The trio were truly transformational as City, under newly appointed manager, John Bond, rescued themselves from a desperate relegation struggle, following the sacking of the legendary Malcolm Allison. They brought vital experience to complement the skill, energy and youthful exuberance of the likes of Tommy Caton, Nicky Reid, Ray Ransom, Steve Mackenzie and Dave Bennett.

City’s Number 8, a certain Gerry Gow was a pivotal figure in the 1-0 FA Cup semi final win over hot favourites, high flying Ipswich Town at Villa Park.

The thoughts and words of Gerry’s son, Chris, a Manchester City fan and a man I’m privileged to call my friend, are especially poignant in relation to his Dad’s time at Maine Road.

Far removed from the glitz and glamour of top flight football and Wembley finals, Gerry later enjoyed and endured a ‘colourful’ time in non-league management, making a puzzling decision to resign from one post, before being perplexed and disillusioned at being sacked from another.

The ‘Double G’ in his finest sky blue and decades later in the red of Bristol City for a belated, emotional and much deserved testimonial match, against a Manchester City XI.

What might come as a surprise to the reader – particularly those who never had the pleasure of being in his company – is that for all his ferocity, drive and, lest it be forgotten, no little talent on the pitch, Gerry Gow was not a man who sought the limelight.

There’s something in this book for all football fans, but particularly so for the supporters of Bristol City, Manchester City and Rotherham United – the three clubs Gerry served with great distinction. It’s not the case with his final team, Burnley, where the author makes it crystal clear, there was no love lost between the club and the player! Neil Palmer also gives us a fascinating insight into Gerry’s managerial career at Yeovil Town and Weymouth, including the signing of one of England’s most celebrated international stars of all time – albeit in a different sport.

From a tough but loving start to life in industrial Glasgow, to a comparatively humble, but equally loving final chapter in tranquil Dorset, Gerry Gow’s story is one well told and very well worth reading.

He only played 36 games and scored 7 goals for Manchester City, but Gerry Gow more than earned cult hero status during his all too brief stay at Maine Road.

As the terrace chant would have it, ‘He’s here, he’s there, he’s every fucking where…Gerry Gow, Gerry Gow.’

Five years after his passing, he’ll always be somewhere in the hearts of those who loved and admired him, both as a man and as a footballer.

By David Walker

Published by Pitch Publishing, ‘The Gerry Gow Story‘ is available from numerous outlets including Amazon. Please click on the link if you want to order this brilliant tribute to the ‘Double G Force’.

www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola Slams Super League Plans: 'It Is Not Fair'

Rob Goldberg — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 21:43:10 GMT

Manchester City are one of 12 clubs involved in the breakaway Super League , but manager Pep Guardiola believes it goes against the spirit of competition...

Dear Khaldoon…

David Walker — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 17:08:44 GMT

An open letter to Manchester City’s hitherto, impeccable Chairman:

Dear Khaldoon,

You’ve played a blinder for City since becoming chairman in 2008 – nigh on faultless for nearly 13 years – with a MOTM performance in beating UEFA at CAS last year.

City’s greatly admired and respected Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

We all make mistakes, even you, but it’s not too late to rectify them.

Time is of the essence. City incur more and more reputational damage with every minute of every hour of every day that ticks by, as we remain subscribed to the so called #EuropeanSuperLeague.

The ‘Dirty Dozen ‘ who comprise the so called European Super League.

Yes we’re well aware of the corrupt nature of UEFA, its greed and shortcomings, but the #esl is even worse – it’s totally anti-competitive – and that goes against the core principles of football in this country.

Naturally, you’ve always stood your ground for City – you would do, wouldn’t you – but as City fans, we always believed you were doing so for other reasons, the RIGHT reasons, those that gave us the moral high ground, above the cesspit of UEFA’s cartel.

And yet here we find ourselves, slithering around in the slime and shit, alongside all the reptiles which you’ve fought against for the past 10 years.

Why?

UEFA are no friends of City, but the club is now getting into bed with some of the most pernicious elements who have waged war on City for the past 10 years.

The City fans, down to each man, woman and child, have always had unwavering belief and confidence in you – our Chairman – we always trusted you to do the RIGHT thing by us, and by the club we so love.

Please hear our voices and understand that you are taking us in the WRONG direction. Open your eyes and look at the scum you’re accepting as bedfellows!

Take at face value, it’s insane. City will NEVER be the same again. Aligning us with the backstabbing, self protectionists is hypocritical, shameful and spineless.

The silence presently emanating from the Etihad is a further embarrassment.

Here’s hoping that Khaldoon can yet ensure City do the ‘right thing’ and walk away from the ESL.

You’ve always had the courage and foresight to fight injustice, in the full knowledge that City would invariably be left standing alone.

Now you have an opportunity to do so again, only this time with the support of the wider football community.

You and City must step away from those who represent the worst facets of football.

If you don’t you will inflict incalculable and irrevocable damage on the club you profess to want to nurture for us – the fans.

It’s a big thumbs down for City’s participation in the ESL.

Let the words of Sheikh Mansour resonate like never before, just as they did in 2008, when he pulled City back from the brink of the abyss:

“I am a football fan, and I hope that you will soon see that I am now also a Manchester City fan. But I am also a long-term investor and that is probably more important to the club and to you because it means we are here for the long haul and that we will act always in the best interests of the club and all of its stakeholders, but especially you the fans.”

— Manchester City Sheikh Mansour addresses Manchester City supporters in a letter soon after the takeover

Please Khaldoon, demonstrate to us that you truly ARE the man who we all believe you to be and just walk away from this abhorrent distortion of the beautiful game.

By David Walker

www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu

Manchester City Bests Borussia Dortmund, Will Face PSG in Champions League Semifinal

Adam Wells — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 19:07:13 GMT

For the first time in five years, Manchester City is headed to the UEFA Champions League semifinal after an X-X SCORE against Borussia Dortmund at...

Manchester City Tops Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in 1st Leg of UCL Quarterfinals

Tyler Conway — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 02:13:22 GMT

It was stressful, but Manchester City got the first step of the job done and are well on their way to the Champions League semifinals. Kevin De Bruyne scored...

True blue Vera – The memories live on…

David Walker — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 12:56:10 GMT

Just a month shy of her 105th birthday, the wonderful lady would’ve marvelled at the sight of the fledgling superstar – 85 years her junior – smashing home Manchester City’s fourth goal at Anfield last Sunday.

Phil Foden unleashes an unstoppable shot to score City’s fourth goal at Anfield – Vera would have loved it!

Vera Cohen would’ve been thrilled as Phil Foden cut inside from the right wing, shredding the last remnants of Liverpool’s ragged and demoralised defence, before unleashing an unstoppable strike past Alisson – cold feet and all – to seal the historic 4-1 humbling of the champions.

Vera, at an astonishing 104 years and 11 months ‘young’ and a season ticket holder for nigh on nine decades, had witnessed the bulk of City’s ‘history’ – the history we’re not supposed to have, if you believe the club’s detractors – but she missed Foden’s spectacular goal.

On an occasion which will live long in the memory of every City supporter, one special fan was missing. Vera had passed away 24 hours earlier.

That’s for you Vera. Phil Foden celebrates his goal as City demolished Liverpool at Anfield.

The sheer exuberance of City’s triumph was tinged with grief and sorrow that Vera had died – quite literally out of the blue – just 15 minutes after saying she was feeling unwell on the Saturday lunchtime.

Tears of sadness at her death turned to tears of joy, as City recorded a long awaited and extremely rare win on the red half of Merseyside. Vera wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

In speaking with her family this week, I learned that this truly remarkable lady possessed a myriad of personal qualities; resilience, loyalty, commitment, positivity, love of family, life and all things Manchester City. She wouldn’t have wanted her departure to cast a shadow over such a momentous victory.

True Blue – Vera Cohen, City Super-fan extraordinaire.

Vera was the epitome of a ‘true blue’. With four children; Jennifer, Erica, Shelley and Danny, seven grandchildren and 16 great grandkids, she would joke that one of her greatest achievements was having 25 family members support City, with just two opting for United – and who could argue?

She and her younger sister, Olga Halon, now 99-years of age, achieved national and international fame in 2018, when City went with an ‘experienced line up’ for the match day mascots against Fulham. The dynamic duo, accompanied by City skipper David Silva and Fernandinho, led the team out onto the Etihad turf.

City superstars – El Mago and El Vera.

Vera was chuffed to have a cheeky kiss from El Mago, but even more so when Merlin scored in the 3-0 win. In her post match interview Vera said; “I told David he was one of my favourite players, which was true, and he gave me a kiss. I asked him to score a goal for me – and he did – so that was lovely.

“Later on I saw Pep Guardiola and I said ‘thank you very much for all you’ve done for this team.’ There’s something about him that brings the best out of these players. He’s fantastic. I hope he stays forever.”

Vera’s younger sister, Olga accompanied by Fernandinho, when the sisters led City out at the Etihad.

Up until last Saturday, it was Vera who seemed like she’d been with City forever. Born on March 7^th 1916 in Didsbury, Manchester – the place she lived her entire life – she was the fifth of seven children born to Elie and Farida Betesh, Syrian Jewish immigrants, who moved from Aleppo at the turn of the 20^th century.

She started attending games in 1932 with her brother Ivan, standing on the Popular Side – later renamed the Kippax – at Maine Road. Vera would pay her match day admission – an old six pence piece – before buying her first ever season ticket during World War Two. She renewed it every year up until this season, when City didn’t issue season cards, due to the Covid19 pandemic.

Vera and husband Joe were ‘Up for The Cup’ with City in the 1950s.

Not only did she love football, Vera herself was a mad keen sportswoman. She was ‘Games Captain’ at Withington Girls School. Cricket was another passion and she was a season ticket holder at what she called ‘the proper Old Trafford’ – the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club – up until she turned 95. She loved watching Freddie Flintoff and Jimmy Anderson bowl for her native county, as well as for England.

It was another ball game – tennis – which brought Vera and her future husband, Joe, together, playing at the country club (now the Manchester Bridge Club on Palatine Road, Withington) in the 1930s. They married on New Year’s Day, 1940 just before Joe went off to serve in North Africa during the 2^nd World War. Vera contributed to the war effort, working at the Hans Renold Swiss Munition Factory. She was proud to ‘play her part’ in helping defeat the evils of the Nazis and Imperial Japan.

Vivacious Vera in her younger days.

She held Winston Churchill in high esteem, describing him as, “…a deeply inspiring man who galvanized the nation.” Vera’s future family would be enthralled by her wartime recollections. It was a family which began in 1946 when Vera and Joe first became parents.

Three years later Vera had no qualms when her beloved City signed a 26-year old goalkeeper – a former German paratrooper who had been awarded the Iron Cross during the war. The signing of a certain Bert Trautmann sparked huge protests with 20,000 people attending a demonstration against the move. Always one to seek the best in people, Vera loved to watch Trautmann thwart opposition forwards in a career spanning 545 City appearances.

His performance – playing on with a broken neck – in City’s FA Cup Final win over Birmingham City in 1956, became legendary. She always spoke fondly of, ‘a fantastic goalkeeper’, but also of Bert’s role in breaking down post-war prejudices.

The legendary Bert Trautmann played on with a broken neck in City’s 1956 FA Cup Final victory.

Vera, like everybody living in Manchester in the late 1950s, could not fail but be ‘deeply affected’ by the Munich Air Disaster on February 6^th 1958. Her grandson, David Goldsmith, said: “Grandma always said that no matter any rivalry in sport, nothing should ever come above the preciousness of life.”

How poignant it was that Vera herself should pass away on the 63^rd anniversary of the tragedy.

She always observed a minute’s silence to mark the anniversary of the plane crash in which 23 people died, including many of Manchester United’s legendary ‘Busby Babes’, as well as former City goalkeeper, Frank Swift, then working as a sports journalist. Big Frank played for City for 16 years from 1933 up until his retirement in 1949, making way for a certain German called Bert. When asked which was the better keeper, Vera never made a judgement call, describing both as ‘great’.

Vera and Olga would have joined in the minute long applause when the Etihad crowd honoured Bert Trautmann’s death in 2013.

Unlike the countless tens of thousands of fans who claim to have been among a crowd of just 8,015 – City’s lowest ever attendance when losing 2-1 to Swindon Town on January 16^th, 1965 – Vera and her son Danny WERE THERE!

It was yet another City badge of honour. Never ever let it be said that Vera Cohen was a glory hunter.

City Royalty – The King Colin Bell greets Vera watched over by City great, Tony Book

She was hardcore, as was demonstrated when she Olga, Danny and a family friend went to see City play at Blackburn Rovers in a 5^th round FA Cup tie in February 1969. Terrible traffic congestion meant they only arrived at half time, but there was never any question of heading back to Didsbury. Vera was adamant: “We’re going to watch the boys, and that’s that!”

It was the season City would go onto win the FA Cup, beating Leicester City 1-0 at Wembley. Under Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison they’d been crowned Champions of England in 1968 and Vera had loved every minute. In 1970 City would pick up the League Cup and European Cup Winners Cup. They were heady times, with Vera and Olga ever present at Maine Road.

No fair weather fans – Vera and Olga would be at the Etihad come wind, rain or shine.

But times changed. The1980s and 1990s saw the phrase ‘Typical City’ coined, as the Boys In Blue contrived, more often than not, to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Vera’s grandson David, recalled the days when City suffered several relegations and the ignominy of third tier football.

He said: “I’ll never forget one game when City were losing in injury time (an all too common occurrence in those days) and I wanted to leave early. Grandma looked at me and said, ‘We don’t leave until the final whistle is blown. We’re not these fair weather fans who come and go. We stay to the end.’ It summed up her unswerving support.”

Vera with her three surviving children – Erica, Danny and Shelley.

When she lost her daughter, Jennifer, to cancer in 2001, Vera’s verve for life and indomitable spirit helped her through the darkest of days. Rather than succumb to her grief, she sought something positive. At the age of 85, she embarked on marathon baking sessions, raising more than £23,000 for The Christie – the leading cancer care, research and education centre, based in Manchester.

In her twilight years – of which there were many – Vera reaped so much reward in the joy of her growing family and the amazing success of her other love, City!

Cheers – the champagne flowed in Vera’s ‘twilight’ years as she became a centenarian and City were the Premier League’s one and only all conquering Centurions.

After Sergio Aguero’s 93:20 last gasp, title winner against QPR, she professed to nearly having a heart attack – no joking matter when you’re 96 years old. The champagne corks popped as Vera celebrated with her own big blue family. Sergio – rather like David Silva – was one of her City favourites, hence the family’s beautiful Labrador Retriever is called Kuno.

Kuno is the Labrador Retriever so loved by Vera and her family.

She also had a soft spot for the man who skippered City to four Premier League titles, so you can imagine her delight when Vincent Kompany turned up on her doorstep in May 2017. It was part of a City initiative, ‘Nothing Without You’, where players paid surprise visits to deserving fans. Vera and Olga served tea and cakes while chatting with City’s Captain Marvel about their families and the place they all called home – Manchester. With Olga, son Danny, son-in-law Roger and numerous grandkids and great grandchildren by her side in the Colin Bell Stand, Vera would live to see City’s skipper lift the Premier League trophy on two more occasions, in 2018 and 2019.

Three’s Kompany – Vera and Olga played host to City’s Captain Marvel.

As Guardiola’s men continue their winning, record-breaking ways in 2021, City are odds on favourites to win the Premier League again, for what would be the third time in the past four seasons.

Vera wants Pep Guardiola to stay at City ‘forever’.

Vera stated she wanted Pep to stay at City forever, but there is an adage which reads: ‘Nothing lasts forever. Forever is a lie. All we have is what’s between hello and goodbye.’

If you apply it to Vera’s first ‘hello’ and last ‘goodbye’ you’ll find a life so rich in both thought and deed sandwiched in-between. The City Family is so much the poorer for her passing, but so thankful she was with us for so long.

RIP Vera you will be missed.

By David Walker (with thanks to Danny Cohen and David Goldsmith for their invaluable contributions)

On a personal note, I knew Vera for the last four years of her life. We sat on the same row on CB Level 2 at the Etihad. I had to pass her as I made my way to my seat. She always had a twinkle in her eye as she pretended to trip me with her walking stick – it was a nailed on yellow card every time. I used to joke with her about her 20 zillion City loyalty points – she’d been a fan for so long. I’ll admit to shedding a few tears when I heard news of her passing. It was a joy to share some gloriously rich, warm and sunny days throughout Pep’s reign and, when we do eventually return to the Etihad, it will be tinged with sadness at Vera’s absence.

Sleep well sweet lovely lady.

www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu

Farewell to The King

David Walker — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 17:34:20 GMT

A Manchester City team wearing sky blue shirts, each bearing the number 8, will tonight pay homage to arguably the club’s greatest ever player.

The tribute to Colin Bell – King Colin, as he has been and will always be to City supporters – will take place against Manchester United in a vital League Cup tie at Old Trafford. It’s a tragic irony that City will mark the death of such a wonderful man and supremely skilled footballer, against the same opponent, in the same competition which marked his demise as a world class player 45 years ago.

RIP King Colin.

Colin was at the peak of his powers when City took on United in the fourth round of the cup, as a crowd of 50,182 packed into Maine Road on a cold Wednesday night in November 1975. With barely 30 seconds played City had raced into the lead, courtesy of a Dennis Tueart goal, and were swarming all over United’s defence.

In the fifth minute Tueart passed the ball from the centre circle and Colin was through, clear of the Red’s backline, heading towards the Platt Lane end and an almost certain two goal advantage. What happened next was to prove a football tragedy for player, club and country.

Colin was ‘tackled’ by United’s Martin Buchan, sustaining the horrendous injury that effectively – despite years of dedication and graft to regain fitness – ended Bell’s reign in the top flight. His right knee had been bent backwards, bursting blood vessels in the bottom of his thigh and top of his calf, as well tearing all the ligaments in his knee. The doctors who treated him said the trauma was similar to that suffered by someone in a serious car crash.

A football tragedy – Colin was stretchered off with his knee wrecked by Martin Buchan as City trounced United 4-0 in the League Cup back in 1975.

City smashed United 4-0 that night with the Manchester Evening News reporting that Colin’s injury would keep him, ‘…out of action for a month.’ If only that had been the case! City went on to win the League Cup in February 1976, but at such a heavy cost.

The following season – deprived of Colin – City finished as runners-up in the old Division One, missing out on being League Champions by a single point to Bob Paisley’s Liverpool. Had Bell been fit there’s no doubt City would have won the title at a canter – ‘Nijinsky’ – would’ve made all the difference.

City’s best ever – Colin rated Tony Book’s Division One Runners-Up side of 1976-77 as the best City line-up in his career. If Colin had been fit City would have been Champions!

Colin was the same age (29), as Kevin De Bruyne is now, when his career was wiped out by that one horrific moment. One can only imagine what City could’ve gone onto achieve, had he played at full throttle into his mid-30s. City’s trophy haul would have swelled and the history books would’ve seen a darn sight more blue than red in the late 1970s and early 80s.

King Kevin and King Colin – City royalty.

Reflecting on his career after his retirement, Colin singled out his comeback game on Boxing Day 1977 – a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United – as his number one memory of playing football, his number one game.

Sadly he was to be but a shadow of the player he’d been, but the sheer emotion as he emerged as a half time substitute – the tumultuous and ongoing standing ovation – seared into his conscience. Similarly, it’s a moment never to be forgotten by the 46,000 people who were present on the day. It may be a cliché, but it’s nonetheless true, that an untold number of grown men shed tears the day The King returned.

‘Fantastic, truly humbling and hugely emotional…’ is how Colin described his most memorable game – his City comeback against Newcastle on Boxing Day 1977.

There are so many questions about what Colin could have achieved, had it not been for injury, but that cannot overshadow what actually did happen in his 13 years at Maine Road. He made nearly 500 appearances and scored more than 150 goals, gaining 48 England international caps in the process.

He was the pivotal player in City’s glory years under Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison, winning the League Championship in 1968, followed by FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners Cup successes in 1969 and 1970. Yes, there was Lee, Summerbee, Young, Book, Doyle, Oakes, Booth, Coleman, Heslop, Pardoe and others, so many who were integral to those halcyon days, but none more so than Bell.

Wembley glory in the FA Cup Final against Leicester City in 1969 and another top honour for Colin.

City fans of different generations – those fortunate enough to have witnessed the Mercer-Allison era, along with the more recent and present day glories under Mancini, Pellegrini and Guardiola – debate who’s the best to wear the City shirt? Was it Colin Bell or David Silva, could it yet be Kevin De Bruyne or Sergio Aguero?

It’s so subjective, but a key differentiator is that Bell played in an era of pitches resembling mud heaps and tackles that would now be reclassified as ‘ABH’ and ‘GBH’. He was never afforded the luxury of performing on carpet-like surfaces nor given the protection from the football ‘assassins’ of yesteryear.

European glory – Beating Gornik Zabre 2-1 in rain drenched Vienna to win the European Cup Winners Cup in 1970.

That said, all four are viewed as consummate professionals, supremely talented, role models, individuals who conduct themselves in an exemplary fashion, both on and off the field.

Colin Bell was special in so many ways. As a player he was peerless. As a husband and father, he was devoted to his family. As a man – regardless of being a football icon – he was self effacing, humble and completely devoid of ego.

I had the privilege of meeting and chatting with him on a handful of occasions – always at the Etihad on match days where he undertook ambassadorial duties. He had to overcome his natural shyness to engage with fans who were eager to meet him, spend time in his company, reminisce about his glory days and heap praise upon their idol.

Colin as he was known to a different generation of City fans – a match day ambassador at the Etihad.

I inadvertently caused him embarrassment when I first shook his hand and said he was the greatest player I’d ever seen in a City shirt. I wasn’t a starry-eyed kid, I was a ‘fortysomething’ giving a measured opinion to my boyhood hero.

The only problem was, Colin never saw himself in that light. Peter Barnes, City’s ex-winger and a star of the 1970s, was stood with us and Colin sought to deflect from the compliments coming his way, pointing out that ‘Barnesy’ was a terrific player.

World Cup heartbreak – Colin and England lost out in the sweltering Mexican heat as West Germany sealed a 3-2 comeback win in 1970. Colin won 48 England caps – it would’ve been so many more but for THAT injury.

Blundering in I acknowledged Peter’s pedigree, but compounded Colin’s modesty saying; “Oh, of course Peter was brilliant…but not a patch on you!” Talk about how to win friends and influence people!

In the early part of 2017 Colin did something which was totally in keeping with the character of the man – an act of kindness which meant the world to a dear friend of mine – Phil Entwistle, who was dying from cancer.

Royal Visit – City Blue Philip Entwistle was thrilled when King Colin and Cheeky Chappy visited him at his home in Nelson.

With the help of City’s former kitman – Les Chapman – a tremendous guy himself – Colin and Chappie visited Phil, a lifelong Blue, to boost his spirits. He was thrilled to spend time with City ‘royalty’ – even more so when, what was scheduled to be an hour’s chat, turned into a whole afternoon of sharing precious anecdotes and memories over tea and biscuits.

Unlike these modern days of social media and 24 hours-a-day sports channels capturing every game and goal, so much of Colin’s genius isn’t available at the touch of a screen or the flick of a remote control. Some of his finest moments will forever only be remembered in the eyes of those who attended City games of the past.

Whether you were fortunate enough to see Colin in full flow, a true thoroughbred, making light of cabbage patch pitches and gliding past opponents, or whether you’re reliant on You Tube archive footage of his goals and indefatigable brilliance, each and every City fan can marvel and fully appreciate why he was The King of The Kippax.

Imperious – Colin The King & Leader of Man City.

Our heartfelt sympathy, empathy and deepest condolences go to Colin’s family and closest friends, but what better way of celebrating the life of ‘The Leader of Man City’ than a win tonight in a Manchester Derby? Anyone for 4-0?

RIP Colin Bell – it was an honour, a pleasure and a privilege.

By David Walker

www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu

Manchester City's Match vs. Everton Postponed After Multiple COVID-19 Positives

Timothy Rapp — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:17:58 GMT

Manchester City announced Monday that its scheduled matchup against Everton for later in the day has been postponed after "a number of positive cases" for COVID-19 "in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day...

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Agree to 2-Year Contract Extension

Tim Daniels — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 14:08:38 GMT

Manchester City announced Thursday manager Pep Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension through the 2022-23 season...

Lionel Messi Rumors: Manchester City Preparing 5-Year, €750M 'Mega' Contract

Timothy Rapp — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:56:49 GMT

Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi could be reunited at Manchester City, but it won't come cheap. According to Sport (h/t Marca ), the Premier League giants are preparing a five-year, €750 million deal...

The Obvious Pros and Surprising Cons of Manchester City Signing Lionel Messi

Sam Tighe — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 14:39:56 GMT

It's the biggest story in football for some time. Lionel Messi has requested to leave Barcelona, threatening to put an end to a relationship that, in truth, most could never picture ending...

Report: Lionel Messi's Possible Manchester City Contract Could Have MLS Clause

Tim Daniels — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 13:32:42 GMT

Manchester City are reportedly weighing a hybrid contract offer to Barcelona's Lionel Messi that would include three years at the Etihad Stadium followed by a move to MLS' New York City FC...

Guardiola’s Groundhog Day

David Walker — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 13:50:11 GMT

Pre-match it was puzzling and potentially perplexing. City’s starting XI suggested an uncharacteristically cautious – almost negative – approach from the Catalan genius.

Whatever misgivings soon gave way to the usual sentiments of ‘In Pep We Trust’. As fans and mere mortals, who were we to question the thinking of the club’s most successful manager?

Post match it was painful and, with the benefit of hindsight, predictable that a master plan had disintegrated into a disaster class.

Down and out. Jesus and Sterling slump to the turf at the final whistle.

Aided by UEFA’s karma creation, otherwise known as VAR, and abetted by glaring goal scoring and goal keeping gaffes, Guardiola’s quest for Champions League glory once again shuddered to a halt at the quarter final stage.

Pep is being widely criticised – and with some justification – for fielding a team that was short on creativity. No Bernardo, Silva, Foden or Mahrez, opting instead to nullify Lyon’s attacking threat with a trio of Fernandinho, Rodri and Gundagon.

Why, having beaten Real Madrid a week ago, make such fundamental changes to combat a team which finished seventh in France’s much maligned Ligue 1?

It doesn’t stack up in the aftermath of City’s devastating 3-1 defeat. Ifs and buts don’t show up in a score line, but if Jesus and, most tellingly, Sterling had scored, and Ederson hadn’t fumbled, Pep would have been hailed as a tactical visionary

Lyon keeper, Lopes offers a ‘pick me up’ to devastated Jesus.

Theoretically that’s a three goal swing to City, not forgetting the outrageous VAR review which dismissed Dembele’s foul on Laporte, just seconds before he raced clear to re-establish Lyon’s lead at 2-1.

It could all have been so very different, but once again, it’s all so very depressingly familiar.

In previous Champions League exits against Monaco, Liverpool and Spurs, City have suffered due to some outrageous officiating, most recently Llorente’s handball, immediately before scoring Spurs’ precious away goal at the Etihad.

The season before that, Leroy Sane’s legitimate goal would have given City a 2-0 half time lead against Liverpool at the Etihad. Guardiola wouldn’t have been sent off for protesting about the disallowed goal. The aggregate tie would have been well set at 3-2 to the Scousers, with 45 minutes to play in a febrile atmosphere in M11 3FF.

Pep’s frustrations were self evident.

A 3-0 first leg defeat at Anfield could so easily have been a 2-2 draw, but for an offside Salah goal being allowed, an onside Jesus goal being disallowed, and a stonewall penalty not awarded after Robertson upended Sterling.

Last night’s VAR decision to allow Dembele’s first goal to stand must have had UEFA’s hierarchy creaming their underwear. City knew if it came down to fine margins they’d end up the loser.

The harsh truth is that City were the architects of their own downfall. Wrong team selection, wrong tactics, a badly miscued effort by Jesus, an astonishing open goal miss by Sterling and a schoolboy goalkeeping error by Ederson – all combined to deliver sweet FA in Lisbon.

Sterling missed a sitter but he was still City’s best player on the night.

It’s an almost unforgivable cocktail of calamities which, nonetheless must be forgiven, if City are to win top honours in 2020/21. Sterling has been a stellar performer, particularly since Project Restart, and he, more than anyone, will be well aware of the ramifications of that miss.

Lyon were good, but not that good, that a City side playing as it can, and has done recently, shouldn’t have just swept them aside.

Aymeric Laporte was surprisingly suspect in a more exposed defensive back three, whereas the unsettled Eric Garcia, at just 19, showed his lack of experience on the night.

City’s line up puzzled many fans before kick off.

The irony of this undoubtedly disappointing campaign, is that City’s much maligned defence, is cited as the primary reason for the Premier League title now residing on Merseyside. The lack of leadership, the loss of Kompany to Anderlecht and Laporte to long term injury, cannot be overstated, but City only conceded two more goals in the league than Liverpool.

Yes, there are lies, damned lies and statistics and City, having already acquired Nathan Ake at £41m from Bournemouth, will be looking for more upgrades at centre back and left back this summer.

Nathan Ake is part of Pep’s defensive rebuild this summer.

Take a look at the other end of the spectrum and the 102 goals scored in the Premier League, and you’d be forgiven for thinking all is rosy upfront. City have goals running throughout the team, with five players; Sterling, Jesus, Aguero, De Bruyne and Mahrez, all reaching double figures in the PL.

Were Pep and KDB on the same page last night?

But, put it into perspective, there could so easily be another 20-30 goals in the GF column. Eradicate that profligacy and, irrespective of the season’s defensive deficiencies, City would have much more than just the League Cup to show from 2019/20. The same principles apply in the Champions League.

City are going to be busy in the transfer window – one that runs through until early October – and with good reason. It isn’t a knee jerk reaction to a poor defeat, but this is a team, a squad, in need of more than the odd tweak.

The introduction of Riyad Mahrez wasn’t enough to salvage the tie.

Ferran Torres looks a great capture at £20.9m from Valencia, with bags of ability to provide crosses and assists to swell the ‘goals for’ column still further.

The transfer rumour mill is in overdrive so let’s see if it’ll be another two, three, four or even more signings arriving at the Etihad, with a similar number of ‘name ‘ players departing.

The big question as City strive to get back on track is who is going to lead City’s resurgence?

Pep is entering the final year of his contract. By next summer he’ll have been with City for five years. He was at Barcelona for four years and Bayern Munich for three – will he want to stay at the Etihad for an extended period?

Wingman Ferran Torres could supply more ammunition to keep the goals flowing.

At what stage does he or Khaldoon make a decision? What contingencies are in place if Guardiola decides to go? Obviously these elements are not in the public domain – and for good reason – but nonetheless they will need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

By most standards finishing as Premier League Runners-up, League Cup winners, FA Cup semi finalists and Champions League quarter finalists is a long way from disaster, but Pep has set the bar ‘so, so’ high in previous years.

Will Pep be walking out of the Etihad for good next summer?

As far as Sheikh Mansour and Khaldoon are concerned it’s no secret they covet the Champions League above all else. The majority of City fans may not agree – many preferring Premier League glory – but sticking it to UEFA and lifting the ‘jug-eared’ trophy – remains the Holy Grail in Abu Dhabi.

Here’s hoping Pep, Khaldoon and Co, can somehow eliminate the over elaborate thinking, the second guessing and mental hangs up which punctuate every Champions League campaign, and finally get the job done in Istanbul next May.

By David Walker

www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu

Adios El Mago – City’s finest

David Walker — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 12:13:12 GMT

Jordan Henderson winning the Footballer of the Year Award makes it all the more staggering, outrageous, pathetic – at this point you can choose your own adjectives – that David Silva has won next to no personal awards in his decade in the Premier League.

Simply the best. How has David Silva never won Footballer of the Year?

It isn’t intended as a pop at the Liverpool captain’s achievement – as subjective as it is since it’s voted on by football ‘journalists’, the majority of whom have ‘had it in’ for City for at least the past two years – but more, the criminal lack of appreciation, for one of the finest players ever to grace the Premier League.

If I remove the sky blue tinted glasses for a minute and look at the finest foreign imports to the top flight of English football, I’d have to concede the likes of Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrick Vieira and Eric Cantona all left an indelible mark. The question would be, did any of them do more than David Silva?

The answer can be drawn from his achievements, feats which more than merit his place among the elite of the elite.

A Premier League Champion four times over.

In 10 years he’s won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups. He’s passed the ball 18,745 times – an average of 61 passes per game. When he first appeared for City – away at Spurs under Roberto Mancini – the general consensus, outside of the City camp, was that he was too small, too slight of physique to survive the rough and tumble of English football and its 100mph tempo.

They couldn’t have been more wrong. The wizard from the fishing village of Arguineguín in Gran Canaria thrived, with his stylish play and understated tenacity. Silva is a born winner and he’s won 70% of the 377 tackles he’s made in the PL. Hardly a shrinking violet.

Genius x 2

Last August, Pep Guardiola described Silva as, “one of the best players I’ve ever seen’ – yet even though he earned 125 caps for Spain and helped them to two European Championship titles and the 2010 World Cup, he only won the Premier League’s player of the month award once in a decade. That isn’t Player of the Year – it’s player of a solitary month, out of the 90 or so months for which he would have been eligible.

If that isn’t scandalous enough, City’s midfield maestro has only appeared in the PFA Team of the Year twice. It’s impossible to fathom how there could have been eight seasons when a midfield trio or quartet, depending on the chosen formation – has contained higher calibre players than Silva.

Back to where it all began in 2010 when Silva and Yaya were both £24m bargains.

It’d be easy to feed the justifiable paranoia that Silva has been discriminated against because he plays for City. He’s only ever been prominent in red for Spain. Had he been so for United, Liverpool or Arsenal, the muppets in the media would surely have been more inclined to tick his box, when it came to handing out personal gongs.

Silva, Merlin, The Magician – refer to the man who is arguably the best player ever to wear the sky blue of Manchester City, as you will – plays his final league match at an empty Etihad Stadium tomorrow. It will be his 309th Premier League game for City, thus far scoring 60 goals and providing 93 assists. He’s been on the winning side 213 times and tasted defeat on 50 occasions – an average of five per season – none too shabby.

Better than even King Colin Bell – and that’s saying something! Bespoke graphic by Liam Stiz Stirrup.

I never thought I’d see a player surpass King Colin Bell in a City shirt, but El Mago has done just that.

Of all of his wondrous works – and there are so many from which to choose – the outstanding single moment has to be that exquisite cushioned pass, so deftly caressed from within the City half, placed with pinpoint accuracy into the path of Edin Dzeko, as he raced through to score City’s sixth in the 6-1 massacre of United at Old Trafford.

That sublime pass to Dzeko for City’s 6th…

Such is Silva’s humble approach, it probably meant more to him than the goal he’d scored moments earlier, as he virtually passed the ball past a helpless David De Gea, into the bottom left hand corner of United’s net. 5-1 to City.

Proud father and beautiful baby son – fighters both.

As one of City’s Centurions in 2017/18 – you know the only team in Premier League history to amass 100 points – David had to take time out as his baby son, Mateo’s life hung in the balance. Born prematurely, Mateo was fighting to survive in December 2017 and into the New Year. It was a time for true perspective as David played for City, between flying to and from Spain, to be with his partner Yessica and Mateo, in a Valencia hospital.

Pep told David to take as much time as he needed away from football. Family came first, but still David tried to play as often as he could during the most desperate and worrying of times. The fear of losing a child – and a newborn baby at that – is every parent’s worst nightmare.

Who’s The Daddy?

As wonderful as it was to see City holding the Premier League trophy aloft as 2018 Champions, the most heart-warming sight was that of father and son – David holding a happy and healthy Mateo in his arms – amid the celebrations. David reflected that, at the height of his son’s medical struggles, playing for City came as a temporary release from the anguish and anxiety he was experiencing at the time.

Never one to seek the limelight or personal glory, his philosophy is engagingly self effacing: “I would like to be remembered as a good guy, who enjoys football,” he said. “I hope the people enjoyed my football as well. It’s simple.”

And here’s another one for the collection.

Tomorrow will see City chasing a few milestones against Norwich City. They need three more goals to hit the 100 mark, Kevin De Bruyne needs two assists to set a new Premier League record of 21, whereas Ederson either wins the Golden Glove outright, or shares it with Burnley’s Nick Pope, if he keeps a 16^th clean sheet of the season.

The trio of achievements will be welcome, but events will inevitably be overshadowed by Merlin’s final disappearing act from the Premier League. He goes of his own accord with City insisting a contract extension is still there to be signed, if he so chooses.

And then there was one – Bernardo will keep the Silva name going as David departs.

It’s unlikely, but hopefully not as unlikely as Silva still having four more games left in his City career before the final adios. If he can help City negate the threat of Real Madrid on August 7^th, then play his part in three wins in Portugal next month, he would complete his medals haul by becoming a Champions League winner.

Accomplishments on the field of play count for so much more than those subjective accolades based on opinion and no little bias.

The picture says it all – Best Ever. Bespoke graphic by Liam Stiz Stirrup.

David Silva has proven himself beyond all measure to be remembered and revered as one of the best of the very best of all time. He’s right not to be bothered by those not fit to lace his boots.

By David Walker

Dedicated to a True Blue going through a difficult and painful few days. Get well soon Guvnor.

www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu

Bespoke graphics by Liam Stiz Stirrup.

Manchester City deserve a level playing field…don’t they?

David Walker — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 21:03:14 GMT

The polarization of Manchester City hit new heights and plumbed unchartered depths following the club’s win at the Court of Arbitration for Sport – CAS – and the overturning of the two year Champions League ban imposed by UEFA.

At one end of the spectrum you’ll find words such as ‘totally exonerated’, ‘innocent’ and ‘vindicated’ – at the other, you have ‘got away with it’, ‘technically guilty’ and ‘pyrrhic victory’.

The pernicious press and media outlets have shown little, or no, respect for the CAS adjudication, which cleared City of artificially inflating the value of commercial sponsorship deals with money from club owner, Sheikh Mansour.

CAS found in City’s favour and the two year Champions League ban has been lifted

The headline judgement read, ‘Manchester City did not disguise equity funding as sponsorship contributions, but did fail to cooperate with the UEFA authorities.’ The court handed down its decision, which read, ‘Exclusion from participation in UEFA club competitions lifted; fine maintained but reduced to €10 million.’

UEFA had sought to ban City in seasons 2020-21 and 2021-22, plus hit them with a huge €30 million penalty, for contravening the paradoxically entitled, Financial Fair Play Rules (FFP). They failed abysmally.

The Etihad Stadium will be hosting Champions League fixtures in 2020-21.

The lesser fine is quite laughable in the context of UEFA conducting a highly loaded investigation with what appears to be a pre-ordained verdict of guilt, before proceedings had even begun.

The only element that went against City – in the eyes of the three man CAS panel – was one of non-cooperation with the investigators from UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) Investigatory Chamber. In this instance City were found to be in breach of UEFA’s Article 56.

City will be in next season’s Champions League.

The CAS judgement did indeed exonerate City. It was definitive. Prior to the case, nobody, but nobody, was casting aspersions on the standing, the integrity or the impartiality of CAS as a legal entity. That soon changed as UEFA were right royally blown out of the water.

The City haters in the media, the cabal of Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Arsenal and so many others with a vested interest in seeking to destroy City, have been unable to conceal their hatred and breathtaking hypocrisy in the wake of yesterday’s watershed verdict.

Leadership – right there!

The usual suspects have been quick to show their colours. Jose Mourinho said: “If you’re not guilty you shouldn’t have a fine. I don’t know if Manchester City are guilty or not but either way it’s a disgraceful decision.”

Jurgen Klopp added his wisdom saying: “I don’t think it was a good day for football yesterday.”

Pep had the best kind of Monday morning blues.

Javier Tebas, the thoroughly repugnant La Liga President attacked CAS: “We have to reassess whether CAS is the appropriate body to which appeal institutional decisions in football.

“Switzerland is a country with a great history of arbitration, CAS is not up to standard.”

It’s funny how Tebas never had any problems with CAS when they were making judgements which helped Real Madrid and Barcelona – the darlings of La Liga – in previous hearings.

UEFA’s flag should be flying at half mast after their defeat at CAS.

Quite naturally, City boss, Pep Guardiola is ecstatic that the assurances given to him by Sheikh Mansour, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Ferran Soriano and Co, have come to fruition.

“I am incredibly happy for the decision, which shows what all the people said about the club was not true. We will defend on the pitch what we won on the pitch.” Contrary to the seething emanating from land of the red Scousers, Pep said: “Yesterday was a good day for football.”

City fans have long made their feelings known towards UEFA.

The battle lines between City, their Premier League rivals – lest we forget the so called ‘Hateful Eight’ of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Leicester City, Wolves and Burnley – yes, Burnley – who petitioned CAS to have City’s ban upheld, along with UEFA, are clear to see.

If this is the end of this particular sorry saga in UEFA’s seemingly relentless witch-hunt of City, we would do well to retrace its origins and pose questions that the anti-City media may well choose to avoid asking.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has already stated FFP rules have to change.

UEFA initiated its investigation after allegations appeared in Der Spiegel – a German weekly news magazine – in November 2018, based on City emails, stolen by notorious ‘Football Leaks’, computer hacker, Rui Pinto.

The key allegation within the leaks was that Sheikh Mansour was the source of a large portion of funds from City’s main sponsor, Etihad Airways.

Khaldoon was both adamant and confident City would win at CAS.

In December 2018 Yves Leterme, a former Belgian Prime Minister, and the Head of CFCB (Investigative Chamber) referring to the leaks said: “If what has been written about Manchester City is true, there might be a serious problem. This can lead to the heaviest punishment – exclusion from UEFA competitions. If the information is correct, this goes against the truthful reporting of financial affairs.”

UEFA began a formal investigation into the allegations in March 2019, through Leterme’s Investigative Chamber. Eleven months later, on February 15^th 2020, City were handed the two season ban by UEFA’s Adjudicatory Body. City immediately appealed the decision with CAS.

A case of ‘Ill get my coat…’ for UEFA’s Yves Leterme.

Trace events back to the insidious drip feed of Der Spiegel’s articles, and City have been under a malicious media glare for the past 21 months leading up to yesterday’s verdict.

The three-member CAS panel held it’s hearings from June 8^th-10^th, before taking just 33 days to analyze the evidence, corroborate them with the testimonies during the hearing, and come back with a finding, stating that “most of the alleged breaches reported by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the CFCB were either not established or time-barred”.

Jose Mourinho condemned the CAS judgement as a ‘disgraceful decision’.

The media reaction since 9.30am yesterday has – with the odd exception, most notably Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail – been sadly predictable. It’s been that of spoilt brats – a pack of cowardly bullies who didn’t get what they wanted – either for themselves, or UEFA’s cabal.

At this stage there are many questions which remain unanswered. Equally there are many questions that the press corps probably won’t ask, because they fear the answers won’t fit their anti-city narrative. Here are some contenders:

CFCB Incompetence or Politics? The speed of CAS’s decision and the outright rejection of the ban, while welcome, is also surprising considering that CFCB’s investigation had gone through the whole CFCB process, including both the Investigative and Adjudicatory Chambers of the CFCB. CAS took just a 3-day hearing and 33 days of deliberation, to find no evidence to support the allegations or that some of the alleged breaches were time-barred. So did UEFA actually have a real case against Manchester City? Was it a matter of gross incompetency in the CFCB process or worse, was it an investigation motivated by internal UEFA politics?

Did the Chief Investigator for CFCB Yves Leterme lead this investigation with a pre-existing bias? If so, what is the nature of the bias? This is pertinent from the standpoint of his December 2018 statements, in which City subsequently claimed he “publicly previewed the outcome and sanction he intended to be delivered, before any investigation had even begun”. This contrasted sharply with his treatment of PSG in 2018, an incident which the New York Times claimed, UEFA surrendered without a fight. (Nasser al-Khelaifi, President of PSG has since become a member of UEFA’s Executive Board).

Protocol & Audit: Did UEFA follow its investigative and adjudicatory protocol appropriately? Shouldn’t there be an independent audit of the same?

Media ‘Perp’ Walk: The previous question is significant because there have been two major leaks to the media from the investigative process. The first on May 13^th, 2019 (UEFA Investigators Set to Seek Manchester City’s Ban from the Champions League) and, the second on the following day, (Man City facing 1-season ban from Champions League). These leaks seem to have been aimed at swaying public opinion against City while the legal process was on-going. CAS in an earlier verdict in November 2019, said such leaks were ‘worrisome’. Who in the CFCB or UEFA was responsible for these leaks? Was this CFCB’s version of a ‘Perp Walk’ – an instance of someone in police custody being led into a courthouse in full public glare – implying guilt in the absence of any evidence?

Neutrality of the Regulator: Can CFCB be a truly neutral regulator? Shouldn’t CFCB be completely independent of UEFA and its Executive Board? How can it provide oversight on European Clubs when the Executive Board, which comprises members from some of the cabal, has the powers to elect/re-elect members of the CFCB, possibly fix remuneration and be responsible for the supervision of UEFA’s statutes and regulations?

Cartel Clubs: How can UEFA attract new investors with Financial Fair Play rules that are so heavily skewed towards the large established clubs in Europe? Aren’t the FFP rules protectionist by nature? How can the game as a whole benefit from these slanted rules? How can UEFA be left in the hands of the favoured few – those with vested interests in FFP?

Accountability in CFCB: The case in front of CAS was about two extreme positions with little or no middle ground. It was clear that one party would be found to be in the right and the other vanquished. If City had lost the appeal, there would’ve been a clamour for senior executives to be sacked. As it was, UEFA lost. By the same token how can the CFCB continue under its current leadership?

Article 56 Breach: With regards to the breaking of the rules as contained in Article 56 of UEFA’s regulations, isn’t it a result of City having completely lost faith in the CFCB process after the leaks and the apparent belligerence of the Chief Investigator?

Media Coverage: Has the football media been fair in its portrayal of City? Pep Guardiola has already stated City’s reputation and standing has been damaged in the 21 months, before the club had its ‘day in court’ – not UEFA’s kangaroo version – but one of integrity such as CAS. The bias against City is plain to see, but why? City have invested well and executed a strong long term plan to near perfection? If money was the only criteria for success, Manchester United would have consistently been a top 3 club since the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson, which we all know hasn’t been the case.

Vindication: Finally, doesn’t City stand vindicated? The club maintained their innocence throughout this vengeful pursuit by UEFA. This has proved to be true. Hasn’t City’s behaviour (notwithstanding the breach of UEFA’s Article 56) been exemplary, with no media leaks or PR spins? Haven’t City only been seeking a level playing field – one denied to them from UEFA or the media for a very long time.

Sheikh Mansour has had a profound and positive impact on City and the whole of east Manchester.

In conclusion, City’s performance both on and off the field over the past decade, is not down to money and money alone.

It owes much to the unparalleled efforts of the leadership of the club, the management, staff and players – their collective vision and turning that vision into a glorious reality. Shrewd business acumen – unlike any other in English football – has successfully attracted major investors, such as Silver Lake – the US multinational private equity firm, along with China’s CITIC Group.

Happy Monday for Pep, City’s executives, management, staff, players and fans.

Sheikh Mansour’s investment and the self sustaining nature of City’s affairs, have transformed vast tracts of East Manchester, providing the once barren area with a sustainable uplift. Everything has been achieved against a relentless onslaught of skewed regulations and a bombardment of baseless allegations of all kinds.

Isn’t it time for the harassment to end and City afforded a level playing field?

By Hugh Lewis Dewey & David Walker

www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu

It might be football…but not as we know it

David Walker — Thu, 14 May 2020 17:47:20 GMT

English football’s so-called ‘leaders’ are desperate to complete the 2019/20 season behind closed doors – irrespective of the Coronavirus – but at what cost?

Project Restart and playing games without fans, is a desperate attempt to ensure the Premier League keeps hundreds of millions of pounds from the likes of Sky, BT and beIN.

As far as the likes of Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and Football Association chairman, Greg Clarke are concerned, that cost is measurable by one overriding factor – avoiding the risk of repaying hundreds of millions of pounds to broadcasters, including Sky, BT and Qatar-based, beIN.

The clamour to see football return – based solely on financial grounds – is distasteful to say the least. If it wasn’t for the Premier League’s apparent desperation to hang on to their TV money, would there be such an appetite to rush to play games in the midst of the Covid19 pandemic? The answer is surely an emphatic ‘no’.

Should football even be considered at a time when hundreds of people of dying on a daily basis from Covid 19?

Alas, ‘money talks’, especially for the top flight of English football, where match day attendances and gate receipts are dwarfed by the spondoolies from Sky and BT Sport.

The economic reality of the Premier League is that supporters play second fiddle to the broadcasters. It’s been true for many a year. If there’s any truth to rumours that Sky and BT want to pipe in ‘atmospherics’ and superimpose crowd graphics in the stands, it will further lay waste to the adage, ‘football without fans is nothing.’

It’ll be football, but not as we know it, not as we want it and certainly not how it should be.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters is desperate to keep hold of the hundreds of millions of pounds paid by the likes of Sky, BT and beIN.

Germany’s Bundesliga will be the first European elite division to resume this weekend, but many fans are indifferent to the resumption. The games behind closed doors, are already being labelled as ‘ghost matches’. Disenchanted supporters claim it will break the emotional connection between them and their clubs.

Borussia Moenchengladbach have even encouraged fans to buy personalised cardboard cut-outs to ‘fill’ their stadium. I suppose it’s one way of trying to prevent supporters being labelled as ‘plastics’!

Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, in his infinite wisdom, has suggested resuming the Premier League – complete with all its artificialities – will, ‘…lift the spirits of the nation.’

Football first sat up and took notice of the Coronavirus when Arsenal Head Coach, Mikel Arteta tested positive for the virus, forcing the postponement of the Premier League clash with City in March.

The results from a subsequent YouGov poll of 2,098 adults delivered a different opinion. Only 19% agreed, with a hefty 73% stating the polar opposite. One can only assume the poll was not taken in Liverpool!

As one of the richest and best run clubs in world football, Manchester City are in a strong position to withstand the worst of the economic and commercial ravages of the pandemic.

The same cannot be said of lower league clubs in England, for whom a scenario of having to fulfil this season’s fixtures without fans, adds up to financial suicide – no, make that homicide – if it is imposed on Leagues One and Two.

FA Chairman Greg Clarke has said the 2019/20 season will not be voided and promotion and relegation issues will be resolved.

Compare and contrast the disparities between the likes of City and one of the EFL’s smallest clubs, Accrington Stanley. Both are blessed with excellent owners and chairmen – City have Sheikh Mansour and Khaldoon Al Mubarak – Stanley have Andy Holt.

The respective budgets are light years apart, the philosophies and objectives very different, but both entities are based on sound business acumen, with an emphasis on benefitting their respective communities.

City will be one of the beneficiaries from the TV mega bucks if the unimaginatively named, ‘Project Restart’ goes ahead. They’d also accrue millions more, via TV coverage of the FA Cup and Champions League – competitions in which they are presently classed as favourites.

Pep Guardiola donated £920,000 to help in the fight against the coronoavirus, before suffering tragedy when his mother Dolors succumbed to the disease.

Accrington will be out and out losers if the EFL compel them to play their remaining 11 games. There’s no TV money on offer at The Wham Stadium, no gate receipts – the lifeblood of the club – only costs and more costs. Players and staff would have to be taken off the Government furlough scheme and wages paid. Away games will entail travel and hotel bills.

How could Stanley be expected to fund the expensive corononavirus testing required to, theoretically, ensure the health and safety of players and staff?

All told, Stanley would be something like £500,000 down and for what?

When football went on indefinite hold, they were 17^th in League One, eight points and four places above the relegation zone – pretty steady and well set for a mid-table finish.

Accrington Stanley owner and chairman, Andy Holt says being forced to play the 11 remaining fixtures behind closed doors will cost his club £500,000

I’ve had first hand dealings with Andy Holt, he’s the personification of integrity, a man of honour, an individual who’s been calling for fundamental change to English football’s financial pyramid, long before Covid19. He seems to have won backing from EFL Chairman, Rick Parry who, in warning of a £200m hole in the EFL’s budget by September, is lobbying for a radical overhaul of the game’s fiscal structure. It will be interesting to see how the ex-Chief Executive of the Premier League and later, Liverpool, stands up for the rights of the 47 EFL members in Leagues One and Two.

It’s a measure of Holt, that he was offering to refund Stanley season ticket holders for any remaining games, a fortnight before lockdown and any postponing or abandonment of games – the first club owner to do so. He showed the sort of leadership then, which is so woefully lacking now in the Premier League, the FA and the Professional Footballers Association. The jury’s presently out on Parry.

Holt and Stanley don’t lack ambition – of course they want to win games and trophies – but the primary goal is, and always will be, survival and long term sustainability, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

Having been forced to drop out of the Football League in 1962, Accrington Stanley are among a number of lower league clubs who’d make big losses if forced to fulfil their 2019/20 fixtures.

It’s an entirely different ball game to that lived and played by modern day Manchester City.

An unfulfilled fixture list would doubtless lead to arguments and most likely legal challenges, in relation to relegations and promotions, regardless of at what level.

TV money is the primary motivation for Project Restart. Any blather from the FA and Premier League about ‘preserving the integrity of the game’ is a very distant second. The resumption of English football – if it happens – cannot be a one-size fits all edict. It patently does not.

By David Walker

www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu