Bitter and Blue

On hold

2010-07-23T20:52:13Z

Things are going to be quiet around here for the next week whilst I have a bit of time away. I'll likely be back posting up on Sunday 1st August, but until then - as it is likely to be a busy time with the pre-season and transfer stories (and possible signings) - feel free to make use of the Fan Shot and Fan Post facility that the blog has to post up any links or articles.

Milner move likely

2010-07-22T12:43:00Z

It appears as though a move for James Milner may be imminent based on Martin O'Neill confirming that the Aston Villa midfielder wanted to leave the club, and would be allowed to do so if their valuation is met:

‘There is a question mark over James Milner,' said O'Neill. 'I had a conversation with James before the World Cup and he intimated that he would like to go at that time.
'Manchester City have made an offer for the player but certainly there is a difference in valuation.

‘But I’m sure things will get resolved. James is due back next week after an extended stay after the World Cup....and I imagine things will get resolved one way or the other in the very foreseeable future.’

Varying reports of between £25-30 million have been suggested, and you imagine this would be the region that would have to offered - although throwing in one (or more) of the likes of Richards/Onouha/Ireland should reduce that down to the £20-25 million mark.

An in-depth look at City's finances

2010-07-21T19:25:33Z

One thing that I have noticed during the current Premier League off-season is the number of excellent non-club specific football blogs there are out there.

In particular, Run of Play has been getting plenty of deserved praise (check out the Pro Vercelli series) but one blog that I have only recently stumbled across is Swiss Ramble, which primarily concerns itself with the finance and business of football.

I was waiting for him to turn his attention to City and this week there was finally a post up there that has an in-depth look at City's finances. Whilst there has been plenty written about this subject post-takeover, this is the first time I have seen a real look at all aspects of the clubs finances - and a very balanced one at that.

I'm not going to quote too much from it because I recommend you go over to the blog to take a look for yourself, but there were a couple of interesting areas that were raised that I wanted to touch on.

Firstly, an interesting point regarding ADUG's investment:

In any other business (and football is now surely a business), there would be no problem with investors using vast amounts of their personal wealth to fund ventures. Would anyone have said anything if the owners had spent £1 billion+ to acquire United? The investment in City, which has largely been spent on buying new players, may actually end up costing less than purchasing a ready made club.

Much has been written about the vast sums on transfer fees and wages that has/is being laid out (with some commentators pedalling the 'City are ruining football' line), but what the post highlights is that in real terms - and likely one of the main reasons for purchasing City - is that the overall outlay is not the excessive given the (relatively) small sum that they acquired the club for.

This has then allowed ADUG to perhaps spend more on transfers and wages to achieve Champions League qualification (the obvious aim) as opposed to buying a more 'ready made' club, that comes with a higher price tag, and of course, higher debts. That's you Liverpool.

Another topic of much debate is UEFA's plans to ensure clubs break even - ie, do not spend more than they are accumulating. At first glance it appears that City would fall well short in this regard given their lack of revenue generation (something being worked on of course, but still falling well short of the likes of United and other competitors).

However, there may well be an answer to this:

....as there is a section in the new guidelines that may well allow them to pass UEFA’s break-even test with flying colours.
As a rule, revenue from non-football operations is excluded from the break-even calculation, but clause B. (k) in Annex X allows you to included revenue from “Operations based at, or in close proximity to, a club’s stadium and training facilities such as a hotel, restaurant, conference centre, business premises (for rental), health-care centre, other sports teams.”

That sounds almost exactly like the £1 billion development that City are planning for the area around Eastlands stadium. Described as a world class sports and leisure complex, it will include a training facility, luxury hotel and restaurant and should provide a very healthy revenue stream.

There are also other areas around revenue generation that it appears the club could exploit to ensure they pass UEFA's test, more of which is discussed in the article.

As I said earlier, I've only touched on a couple of points but I do recommend putting some time aside to read the whole post.

Very interesting stuff indeed.

Nielsen signs extension

2010-07-21T19:09:56Z

Not content with adding a third string senior keeper for the 2010/11 season, the club today announced that Gunnar Nielsen - who literally did have his fifteen minutes of fame - was re-signed to a further one year contract, and then immediately loaned to League One side Tranmere until January.

Perhaps spooked by the situation of having only one fit senior keeper (Nielsen) at the back end of 2009/10 before adding Marton Fulop, the club can now boast four senior keepers - although it would be a major surprise if Stuart Taylor, let alone Nielsen, took to the field during the forthcoming season.

Bitter and Blue fantasy league 2010/11

2010-07-20T19:24:34Z

I've once again set up a Bitter and Blue fantasy league over at the Premier League site.

It is easy to add into once you have a team and profile set up and the code to join is 272622-72477.

Bitter and Blue on Facebook

2010-07-19T20:27:14Z

In addition to being up on Twitter, I've set up a Facebook page for Bitter and Blue.

I'll use it post any new articles both here and Twitter, as well as other things such as links or discussion topics so feel free to stop by and join up.

Kolarov fee agreed

2010-07-15T20:58:29Z

I'm going to be away for the next few days so I expect this to one to be officially confirmed sometime over the weekend, but it is being reported this evening that City have a agreed a fee with Lazio for Alexsandar Kolarov.

After the story going cold over the last week, it was speculated on twitter by Christian Larsson that Lazio manager Edy Reja had confirmed a deal was 'imminent', before Daniel Taylor reported in The Guardian that a fee of £18million had been agreed between the clubs.

I'll post more in-depth on this once I'm back (assuming the deal is completed), but it does fill an obvious positional weakness and will no doubt raise questions over Wayne Bridge's future.

"I'm very happy with what we did this summer - it's the best time that any player can have. "I am...

2010-07-14T19:08:40Z

"I'm very happy with what we did this summer - it's the best time that any player can have.

"I am looking forward to starting the season with my new team, I'm excited about my new team. And I will be happy if at the end we are in the Champions League - or if we win a trophy.

"Roberto Mancini and Garry Cook have told me we are building a very good team with some of the best players in the world and we are going to fight for honours."

>>David Silva's interview the official site after completing his move to the club.

"In my own mind I am really confident that I’ll be fit by August 14th. I’m hoping to have had a few ...

2010-07-14T19:06:50Z

"In my own mind I am really confident that I’ll be fit by August 14th. I’m hoping to have had a few games by then, there’s an international in Dublin on the 11th when we open the new stadium there and I would love to be part of that."

>>Shay Given in bullish mood about his chances of making the season opener.

World Cup 2010 - de Jong suffers final defeat

2010-07-13T19:50:08Z

More photos » Laurence Griffiths - Getty Images

18 days ago: JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 11: Nigel De Jong of the Netherlands tackles Xabi Alonso of Spain during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Final match between Netherlands and Spain at Soccer City Stadium on July 11 2010 in Johannesburg South Africa. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Browse more photos »

The first ever active City player tasted defeat in Sunday's final as Nigel de Jong's Netherlands side fell to a late goal in extra time by Andres Iniesta that saw Spain crowned as World Champions to add to their European title.

de Jong was involved in a controversial moment in the first half as a high, studs up challenge rattled the chest of Xabi Alonso saw him receive a yellow card, that could (should?) have receive stiffer punishment. It was a challenge that fitted the approach of the Dutch in the first half as they sought to (literally) knock Spain off their game.

This resulted in a first half that was largely forgettable apart from the flurry of cards from Howard Webb, who had little alternative and stewarded the game in exceptionally trying circumstances. Following the break, the game became a more intriguing, if not compelling, spectacle as both sides had opportunities to score - with Arjen Robben missing the most gilt-edged but extra-time always looked to be an inevitability.

Both de Jong and Mark Van Bommel, so dominant in the tournament, by and large restricted Spanish opportunities but with the variety and quality on offer - particularly after the introduction of Cesc Fabregas - it proved difficult to shackle Spain for the duration of the game.

After appearing in Spain's semi-final win, soon to be Blue David Silva was an unused substitute in the game.

Taylor re-signs

2010-07-12T15:00:49Z

As per the MEN, Stuart Taylor has re-signed with the club after it was previously announced that he was being released after his contract expired.

The move makes sense for Taylor as I don't see him landing as number 1 spot at either a Premier League or Championship club, so at the wages he is likely to have been offered he is perhaps better off as a number 3 at City rather than a number 2 elsewhere.

What I am a little surprised at is Taylor being handed a two-year deal as surely a one year rolling deal makes more sense when signing a veteran keeper who will be little more than an insurance policy.

Mancini on Balotelli/Dzeko

2010-07-09T13:42:52Z

Definitely a busy day for transfer speculation.

Both the MEN and Telegraph have gone with a story based on Roberto Mancini's comments to the Italian newspaper Il Giornale, in which amongst other things (predominantly about the World Cup and Fabio Capello) he discusses Mario Balotelli and Edin Dezko, and declaring an interest in both.

Firstly, on Balotelli:

"If Inter decide to sell (Balotelli), we will be there."

The Telegraph also previously reported that a bid for Balotelli had been turned down, and it has been widely suggested that United are also eyeing him should he become available.

He is certainly a talent, and like TLDORC I think he would be a good addition. Pacy, strong, versatile (able to play across the front line) and offering a real spark, he matches Mancini's pre-requisites perfectly and there are those who feel his supposed attitude problems are not an entirely accurate reflection of his persona.

The potential difficulty with Balotelli is that at this stage he hasn't expressed an interest (let alone a firm desire) to leave Inter. It is difficult to see where he would fit into Rafa Benitez's plans, but by this time, Mancini may have moved on to other targets.

And one such target may be Edin Dzeko. We know that Dzeko wants out of Wolfsburg, and interest from City appears to be genuine. Mancini's comments were thus:

Balotelli and Dzeko in attack: good idea?

"Absolutely. Dzeko is more of an interest."

It was also tweeted by Christian Larrson that Garry Cook was due to meet Wolfsburg officials next week to agree on a fee, and his view is that the deal will be completed by this time next week.

Where interest in Balotelli and/or Dzeko leaves the reported pursuit of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is unknown, but given the options already at the club I don't see more than one, let alone all three, of the trio arriving unless the club begins to start shipping players (and wages) out of the door.

Perhaps with the conclusion of the World Cup this weekend, and with just five weeks to go until the season opener, some of the recent speculation may begin to make way for some actual movement.

Robinho/Ibrahimovic swap?

2010-07-09T11:41:52Z

So says todays MEN, who suggests City's 'top brass' are set to 'take advantage of the Spanish club's current financial plight'.

It was something that I put up on twitter yesterday evening (after a tip from my brother who lives out in Barcelona) as it was heavily reported yesterday that City were prepared to offer Robinho plus £20million to land Ibrahimovic. It was suggested in Spain that Barca would be happy to keep Ibrahimovic, but that the financial situation at the club (which saw the sale of Dmitroy Chygrynski back to Shaktar) could see them open to a deal.

Whilst most would be glad to see the back of Robinho (despite a good showing in the World Cup), this I'm sure would be tempered by the arrival of Ibrahimovic.

His first season at Barca did nothing to dispel the belief of him as lazy, self-centred and overpaid - and to many it would be a case of swapping like for like (with an added £20million heading out of the club of course).

I should declare that I have always been a bit of a fan though. Watching a lot of Serie A football I have probably seen more of him than most, and whilst it is easy to see why he is often dismissed he is a big talent, and has a good goalscoring record.

Having laid out such a big fee for him, I don't think he was utilised too well by Barca during 2009/10 in that there wasn't too much of a departure in their style of play which bypassed Ibrahimovic at times. The recent signing of David Villa looks to be a better fit for them.

Whilst I think he can be a good fit for City, the concern I would have is how he would partner with Tevez. Assuming a 4-4-2 formation with Carlos Tevez as a one of the front pairing, with the style of play that Tevez offers in dropping deep and moving across the front line, would Roberto Mancini would be better served adding more of a pure goalscorer - someone who wouldn't necessarily occupy Tevez's territory (as we saw on occasion when he was paired with Emmanuel Adebayor)?

That said, if Mancini were to land him, it would be undoubtedly another quality addition to a burgeoning squad.

Reports: Besiktas Robinho bid rejected

2010-07-09T07:53:53Z

Both The Mail and ESPN reported yesterday that City had rejected a £16.7million bid from Besiktas for Robinho.

Robinho had (as anticipated) a good World Cup, perhaps sensing that it was an important chance for him to sufficiently impress to get a club to take a chance on him after his reputation dipped so quickly over the past season (certainly here in Europe).

If he was available for loan, then you imagine a number of sides would be interested (particularly if City were willing to share some of his wages) but I don't see a stampede of clubs forming a queue to sign him on a permanent basis - and certainly not to pay any more than around £20million.

The club therefore are going to have to eat a significant part of the £32.5million laid out for him less than two years ago. However, a saving of the approximate £150,000 a week wages would be welcome given the no doubt spiralling wage bill.

Luiz bid reported

2010-07-08T22:06:32Z

Biggest news of the day was the reported bid for Benfica defender David Luiz, with A Bola suggesting a fee of €35million being offered to the Portuguese club along with €3million a year in salary to the player.

Luiz is a player long linked with the club, but this is the first indication of a firm offer being made. However, The Guardian later reported that the club were willing to pull the plug on a deal because of Benfica seeking a higher sum for the Brazilian under-20 international.

The news sparked a little debate on twitter about the merits of Luiz, with Tor-Kristian Karlsen believing him to be a big upgrade on the likes of Vincent Kompany, Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott.

He certainly is highly rated, and whilst many sprang to the defence of the incumbents, if the club is to mount a challenge beyond just top four qualification then Toure and Lescott may just be a step below what is required.

The acquisition of Jerome Boateng, and now pursuit of David Luiz suggest that Roberto Mancini feels this is the case.

More to come on this no doubt.

World Cup 2010 - Silva through at Boeteng's expense

2010-07-08T07:00:26Z

Spain's 1-0 victory over Germany yesterday evening ensured that it will be David Silva, and not Jerome Boateng, who moves on to face Nigel de Jong's Netherlands side in the World Cup final.

It was the first time since signing for the club that there had been a glimpse of Silva in a Spain shirt, and although for just five minutes at the end of the game he was involved on a few occasions - floating around at the head of the midfield and breaking with fellow substitute Fernando Torres on a couple of counter-attacks.

But the World Cup ended for Jerome Boateng though. Not his most comfortable of evenings at left back against an excellent Spain side, but he does look to be a good player. Tall, strong, poised and comfortable on the ball and with both feet - the kind of player that Micah Richards may well have developed into had he not hit the buffers with his development.

From the evidence of the World Cup he does look more of a central defender, but also looks as though he could be the best option at right back.

The final between Spain and the Netherlands is of course on Sunday evening.

All eyes on Paul the octopus then...

Early season fixture changes announced

2010-07-06T10:23:37Z

Early season fixture changes announced

Bojinov completes Parma move

2010-07-04T22:35:34Z

I posted recently about the effect recent signings could have on the players that Mark Hughes brought to the club, but one of the few remaining Sven-Goran Eriksson purchases severed ties with the club today as it was confirmed that after a successful spell on loan in 2009/10, Valeri Bojinov has joined Serie A side Parma on a permanent basis.

The fee is believed to be around £5 million and more or less recoups what the club paid for him almost three years ago. The move leaves Javi Garrido as the only remaining signing that the Swede made during that hectic summer that saw the make up of the side completely overhauled in a matter of weeks.

Given he made only a handful of appearances for the club, he was held in great esteem, often the case as players out of the side can see their reputations enhanced as a mystique can develop around them. This was not the case though with Bojinov as there was a huge amount of sympathy for the struggles he went through and a real acknowledgement that he was a quality player.

Being a long time fan of Serie A, I had seen plenty of Bojinov since he emerged as a fifteen year old with Lecce (the youngest ever foreigner in Serie A) and knew he possessed traits that could make him a success.

Short, squat and possessing a spiky character (that saw him encounter problems at Fiorentina), he also had an eye for goal and had the promise of being able to make that difficult transition from Serie A to the Premier League - a path littered with many failures.

Unfortunately, Bojinov's time at the club was marred by two serious injuries which all but wiped out two successive seasons. Firstly, the knee injury suffered on his first start for the club in the home derby - a matter of minutes into the game which put paid to the remainder of the 2007/08 season.

He worked himself back to full fitness and it was evident that Mark Hughes was an admirer. Bojinov featuring heavily in pre-season (including the winner at home to Milan) and despite Hughes's signings in the summer of 2008, Bojinov looked set for a starting role.

Tragedy was again to strike however. On opening day 2008/09, Bojinov was named in the starting line up at Villa Park but ruptured his achilles in the warm up. Such a cruel turn for a player desperate to make his City career a success.

Again he fought back. Long hours in the gym and training pitch saw a return towards the end of the season. Hughes bringing him along slowly, limiting his playing time despite a lack of quality in attack. He did however strike his first (and prove to be solitary) City goal in an away defeat at Tottenham.

The summer of 2009 saw the big money arrivals - Tevez, Adebayor and Santa Cruz and Bojinov slipped down the pecking order. A loan deal was struck with Parma - it was hoped that going back to familiar environment and getting a full season of football behind him could reinvigorate his career and see him return to the club to start his time again.

It was a forlorn hope however and after a successful season at the Ennio Tardini (their first back in Serie A), it was evident that both club and player had moved on and despite reports of him receiving other offers he opted to remain with Parma, bringing a close to a frustrating and unfulfilled spell at the club.

World Cup 2010 - Santa Cruz bows out

2010-07-04T07:59:48Z

Like Carlos Tevez earlier in the day, yesterday was to be the final action for Roque Santa Cruz as Paraguay were hit by a late David Villa strike that ended Paraguay's hopes of progressing to the semi-finals as Spain won out by a 1-0 margin.

After a tense and disjoined first half, the second half sprang to life in a madcap three minutes of action that saw Paraguay awarded a penalty which Casillas saved, and then Spain break swiftly and saw themselves given a spot ick after David Villa was fouled.

Xabi Alonso scored the from the spot, but because of encroachment it was ordered to be re-taken, and Alonso subsequently missed.

Spain had the ascendancy though, the introduction of Fabregas for the out of sorts Torres sparking them into life and by the time Villa put them ahead, they looked the most likely to score.

After starting three consecutive games, Roque Santa Cruz was left on the bench as Paraguay rang the changes in a bid to shake up an attack that had been barren for the most part. They did look far livelier throughout, and arguably their best chance (penalty aside) fell to Santa Cruz late on after he had been introduced, but Casillas recovered well to save his follow up effort.

Although there have been question marks over Santa Cruz's fitness and his ability to fully train, the hope is that he can get back to the club and pre-season in good shape and make an impression on Roberto Mancini.

New signing David Silva again started on the bench and was not introduced.

World Cup 2010 - Tevez out, Boateng moves on

2010-07-04T07:47:02Z

More photos » Chris McGrath - Getty Images

26 days ago: CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 03: Carlos Tevez of Argentina shows his dejection after being knocked out of the competition following the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Quarter Final match between Argentina and Germany at Green Point Stadium on July 3 2010 in Cape Town South Africa. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Browse more photos »

Carlos Tevez's World Cup came to a shuddering conclusion as they were brushed aside by Germany in a stunning 4-0 scoreline to once again knock Argentina out of the tournament.

The game was one of the more anticipated quarter-final ties, and Germany proved their form in the victory over England was no one off as if anything, they were even more incisive and cutting on the counter. After holding a 1-0 lead for over an hour tore Argentina apart with three swiftly executed goals within a five minute spell, exposing a defence that had been questioned heading into the tournament.

Tevez was his useful effervescent self, but try as he - and the Argentinian forward line - might, it was a frustrating afternoon as final balls went awry and final touches betrayed them. Tevez did manage to set up Higuain for a goal, but the effort was correctly ruled offside.

Tevez's loss is Jerome Boateng's gain though. Lining up on the left hand side of the back four, Boateng again displayed his undoubted defensive qualities but it was concerning to see him struggle at times one on one against the man on the right. This could well be a result of being played out of position on the left but the more I have seen of him in the tournament, the more he does seem more suited to a central defensive role.

Germany now meet (David Silva's) Spain on Wednesday evening in Durban for a place in the final.