The MEN suddenly changing tact from their 'Save Sven' campaign?
Man City and Fulham to wait for Uefa decision - Football News - Telegraph
Sven-Goran Eriksson demands answers from owner Thaksin Shinawatra | Manchester City - Times Online
How was the season for you?: Manchester City - Premier League, Football - The Independent
Well, thankfully in some respects the season has now drawn to a close, but far from being a quiet off season, expect plenty of rumours, speculation and outright lies regarding our managerial position and player departures and arrivals.
I've posted up the end of season review I did for The Observer, in addition to the preview and also the preview I did here on Bitter and Blue.
As in the previous two seasons I've been doing this blog the end of season brings with it the Bitter and Blue end of season awards so without further ado here were go, with the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons linked up also.
Bitter and Blue player of the season
Plenty of players have had excellent spells throughout the season without managing to maintain a high level of consistency throughout the season - namely Elano, Martin Petrov, Micah Richards and Richard Dunne.
None though have managed to put in the performances week in week out that have seen beat out both Andreas Isaksson and Kasper Schmeichel, and force his way into the England squad, so the winner is Joe Hart.
2006/07 - Richard Dunne
2005/06 - David James
Bitter and Blue readers player of the season
I expected this to be a tight contest, with several players grouped together quite closely at the top, but in reality only two players ultimately contested this and whilst he led for most of the vote, Joe Hart was beaten to the trophy by Darius Vassell.
2006/07 - Richard Dunne
2005/06 - Richard Dunne/David James (tie)
Breakthrough player of the season
Once again, the Academy continued to develop players to, and on the fringe of the first team, and had the success of the FA Youth Cup to boot. The likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Sam Williamson, Shaleum Logan and Kelvin Etuhu have all crashed into the first team this season, but with a second victory Joe Hart also takes this award.
2006/07 - Michael Johnson
2005/06 - Micah Richards
Overachiever of the season
His career looked washed up at one point following a terrible debut season punctuated by injury and poor form. He has resurrected his career however to have been one of the key components of Sven's midfield this season, providing a vital link between defence and attack.
This year's winner therefore is Didi Hamman.
2006/07 - Nicky Weaver
2005/06 - Andrew Cole
Underachiever of the season
Unlike previous seasons, there hasn't been a raft of under achievers throughout the squad as most have turned in by and large good performances at some point or other.
One player though, although only playing little over a dozen games has been poor and has failed to justify and reason to suggest any future at the club - a surprise given he is in the last year of his current contract, and his return to the line-up has coincided with the poorest form of the season for the club.
Winner - Sun Jihai.
2006/07 - Bernardo Corradi
2005/06 - Danny Mills
Performance of the season
There have been some good wins, especially early on in the season when we put together a fantastic run of results, but for a day when the tactics were spot on, well executed on the pitch with a performance that wasn't expected to provide a result that no-one expected.
Winner - United 2-1 (a)
2006/07 - Middlesbrough (a)
2005/06 - United (h)
Goal of the season
We have scored a few decent goals this season, both individual efforts and some good all round team moves, but give a Brazilian a free-kick 25 yards from goal and good things happen - so Elano's free-kick at home to Newcastle would take some beating.
2006/07 - Giorgios Samaras v West Ham (h)
2005/06 - Danny Mills v Everton (h)
Incident of the season
A relatively incident free season in the life of Manchester City, charging out of the gate at a furious rate to reside in the Champions League positions. A team being built steadily under the tutelage of an experienced manager with access to the millions of a new owner.
All appeared well, until.....Sven-gate, which turned a season that was stuttering into one that imploded spectacularly to set up a summer of turmoil which could well set the club well back considering the progress made over the past year.
Winner - The Sven 'sacking'.
2006/07 - Stuart Pearce's sacking
2005/06 - Joey Barton's transfer request
So there you have it. Another season draws to a close and unfortunately it appears that this summer is as likely to be as incident and rumour packed as any we have experienced.
Interestingly, the ratings for this blog have tended to be at their highest during June and July, when people tend to be scrambling around for whatever news they can find before the media really kicks back into gear.
Given how the month of May has shaped up so far, I'm not expecting this summer to be any different.
Manchester City - City Fans At Boro May Cost Club UEFA Place (Video)
Sacking Sven-Göran Eriksson irritates symptoms of fans' Cityitis | Manchester City - Times Online
Police attacked during Man City thrashing - Football News - Telegraph
Sven-Goran Eriksson set to go on Far East tour | Manchester City - Times Online
Policeman injured in Riverside brawl | Football | guardian.co.uk
After leading for virtually the whole season, Joseph Millar sees his lead whittled away in the final couple of weeks of the season as AusCam comes up on the outside to take the title at the very last.
Well done Cameron, and sorry there's no prize but hope you're doing well down there.
The full table is linked here, but the top 3 finish is as follows:
Big Tackle (AusCam) 4953
Hose's Blumers (Joseph Millar) 4871
I've had my fill; my share of losing.... (clarky_warky) 4752
>>sky sportsCleveland Police have confirmed one of their officers needed hospital treatment after violent scenes towards the end of Middlesbrough's 8-1 victory over Manchester City at the weekend.
A section of City fans clashed with police and stewards during the final minutes of the match.
Ugly scenes saw seats ripped out and thrown at officers before dog handlers helped get the situation under control, an incident which delayed the end of season parade by Boro's players.
Match commander Martin Campbell has revealed that one of his officers was taken to hospital.
"After a full debrief and having spoken to a club steward, it appears that towards the end of the game a visiting fan removed a 4ft long metal safety barrier which was in place to prevent access to the pitch," he said.I've not dug up any photos on flickr, but YouTube has bits of 'citizen journalism' posted up, mainly from City fans who are far more accusatory towards the police.
"Fearing that it could be used as a weapon or to gain access on to the playing area, an officer removed this barrier and a skirmish then took place, spreading into other areas of the crowd.
"At this point officers began to come under attack as seats were pulled off and a number of police officers were struck by seats, one fully in the face.
"Police reinforcements were immediately called into the ground. Other officers suffered minor injuries, with only one requiring hospital treatment for an injury to his hand.
"I would like to praise the match referee who did an excellent job; it seems he was fully aware of the unfolding events and he ensured that players were swiftly removed from the pitch at the end of the game.
"Middlesbrough supporters too were extremely well natured and I'd like to praise them too. It is a shame that such a fantastic end to the season and what was always intended to be a great family occasion was marred by the behaviour of a small minority."
Wow.
Sometimes when I make predictions ahead of games, they do have a habit of bearing out. Or at least partially. I wrote yesterday that with the pressure off we may see something of an open and flowing game. More's the pity that only one side followed that direction.
There isn't anyone involved yesterday that can come out of the farcical defeat with any credit whatsoever. This wasn't just a heavy defeat like those we have suffered in the past - Derby, Liverpool and Chelsea immediately spring to mind, but the manner of the performance was woeful and has left City fans across the blogs and forums pointing the finger at all and sundry.
Of the eight goals conceded yesterday, only Rochemback's free-kick was without a generous helping hand from ourselves, with the eighth and final goal symptomatic of the error strewn and insipid display. Time and again, we were carved open and destroyed by a Middlesbrough side who are far from an attacking force.
I've never been one to place too high a premium on heart and fight in a performance, and I believe this to be something City fans in general are too concerned with but yesterday's struck as one where the players had simply given up - no matter what the situation on or off the pitch is, there should be a pride and professionalism in your performance that was sorely lacking.
I have backed Sven all the way since his appointment, and during the stretch where fans were beginning to question him and his tactics. However, yesterday he was as guilty as the players were. The situation must clearly be unsettling and he has held himself with dignity and decorum throughout the past couple of week but he simply appeared to have thrown in the towel and resigned himself to his fate.
At the saga over at Liverpool, we have heard the manager and players bleating about how it doesn't affect the on field performances. Despite the failings of the players and management yesterday, Thaksin must also bear the brunt of criticism as you cannot preside over what has occured the past two weeks without their being consequences.
With a set of players who are reportedly so close and loyal to Sven to not be affected by the speculation and stories is inconceivable and it is of concern that players Sven has both brought in and developed this season may well seek to move onto pastures new when he departs the club.
What is disappointing in this of course is that with a win yesterday (or even a draw), we would have had a reasonable and respectable finish with a squad that contains talent, plenty of upside youth wise and even if Sven departs, the new manager would have a positive situation to build upon with (almost certain) European qualification.
Oh how it was different last summer when the club rode the wave of optimism of the Thaksin and Sven arrivals and the heady autumn days of the ill-fated Champions League challenge.
Now though, finishing the season on the back of an 8-1 shellacking we are stumbling into the off-season with the club (and its reputation) in tatters on and off the pitch.
An owner who at best insensitive and trigger-happy, a lame duck manager (who surely will not survive now) still in charge but appearing to be courting offers from elsewhere for when the axe falls and a squad of players who seemingly lack heart when it matters - and according to the more mischeavous of the press, containing players who are targets for clubs around the Premier League.
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was.
Reports
Sven-Goran Eriksson wore the haunted look of a man who knew his time was up after watching Manchester City suffer a humiliating defeat at Middlesbrough, a result which is almost certain to hasten his departure from Eastlands. >>telegraph.co.uk
If this proves to be Sven-Göran Eriksson’s swansong as Manchester City manager, then what a shame. >>times online
In the bizarre mind-set of Thaksin Shinawatra, this demolition of Manchester City will have been vindication of his plans to dismiss Sven Goran Eriksson and the Swede was last night seeking immediate talks with the former Thai prime-minister. >>independent.co.uk
The off-the-field farce that has been Manchester City for the past few weeks found its way on to the pitch as their season ended in disarray with the side humiliated and Sven-Goran Eriksson heading for the exit. >>guardian.co.uk
Manchester City supporters around the world are searching for explanations after a thoroughly disastrous, preposterous defeat to a mediocre Middlsebrough 8-1 in the season closer Sunday. >>thaksinsceptic
Opinion: Being born in Newton Heath, the birthplace of MUFC, why did my Dad make me support Man City? That is probably a question on many lips. >>mcfcstats.co.uk
Joe Hart faces a busy month after being called up to the full England squad for the first team.>>mcfc.co.ukHart is one of three keepers in Fabio Capello’s squad for the games against the USA on May 28th and Trinidad & Tobago on June 1st, with David James and Chris Kirkland also named.
He is also in Stuart Pearce’s England Under 21 squad for a friendly against Wales on May 15th, as is midfielder Michael Johnson.
The news of the senior call-up caps a great season for Joe, who established himself as City’s number one stopper and won the Official Supporters Club’s Young Player of the Year.
So, the final day of another season is upon us and we go into the game at The Riverside with the added bonus of being certainties for entry into The UEFA Cup by virtue of being the Fair Play nominee.
Ironic of course, that given Sven is hovering over the precipice of the sack, he now will seemingly (although slightly foruitiously) of not only delivering year 1 of his pledge, but also year 2 by achieving UEFA qualification.
The situation with Sven is still very much up in the air, with Scolari still stalling, and links now to both Mourinho and Rijkaard. Sven himself expects the sack, but has pushed for a quick decision to it all.
Lest we forget there is actually a game today, amidst all of the likely protests and support for Sven, and whilst the pressure is off for both sides there is the hope that the game may well turn into a fairly good spectacle.
I shouldn't expect too many changes for ourselves, although Eriksson has confirmed that Andreas Isaksson will get the start in goal today, but Onouha, Richards and Bojinov are still sidelined.
Looking at the table, there is the opportunity for us to finish eighth with a win and defeat for Portsmouth but when all is said and today I expect a 1-1 draw from today which will see us finish in ninth position, exactly as predicted back in August.
With only one game remaining it is time to cast your vote for the player of the year award (which will be part of the Bitter and Blue end of season awards).
In previous seasons, it has been far more clear cut in terms of number of candidates, and it is arguable as to whether any one player has turned in a consistent performance over the entire season.
I've listed all players who have played 25+ games, but feel free to state any others you think deserving of the award.
You can click the relevant player or alternatively leave a comment or email bitterandblue@hotmail.co.uk.
BBC SPORT | Football | Premier League | Middlesbrough v Man City
Sky Sports | Football | Premier League | Manchester City | City in pole for Giovani
UEFA Cup final to be played on hi-tech pitch | the Daily Mail
Nery dreams of staying on - Manchester City - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News
Spurs interested in Man City's Michael Johnson - Football News - Telegraph
Premier League: Middlesbrough v Man City - Football News - Telegraph
There was a glimmer, albeit slight that countenanced the possibility that Thaksin may yet not to decide to sack Sven at the season end, and that the fans would get their way and Sven would lead the side into next season and beyond.
Even if Thaksin has had a change of heart, it appears that whatever water has passed under the bridge the past few weeks has been enough to either suggest or convince Sven his future does lie elsewhere.
News broke yesterday of a recent meeting held between Benfica officials and Sven to discuss Sven potentially taking over the Portuguese side, and it appears that Benfica are confident of this outcome, with Sven himself not appearing to dismiss the idea.
It has however been reported though that much like Scolari, Sven is playing a waiting game at present, perhaps in the hope that Chelsea will come calling should they dispense with the services of Avram Grant.
Of course, Sven had a very public daliance with Chelsea whilst in charge of England and I'm sure would relish a move to Stamford Bridge. Should this indeed happen, then we would certainly need to brace ourselves for an impending raid on some of our more glittering talents.
Ironic of course isn' it, that after dispensing of Sven's services, he could well wind up being the choice of a side who may well have won a Premier League and Champions League double.
Whilst not the final nail, it seems now certain that Sven is out of the door anytime soon.
Thaksin better hope he can pull the deal for Scolari, or things could messy indeed.
David Lacey: Thaksin is a chairman in the true City tradition | Football | The Guardian
autobiography
Sky Sports | Football | Premier League | Manchester City | Coventry keen on Schmeichel
Manchester City FC - Latest News Story
Darius Vassell announced as April's player of the month.
Thaksin Shinawatra has offered Luiz Felipe Scolari £3.25m a year to manage Manchester City and, in a move which has echoes of the Football Association's approach to the Brazilian ahead of the 2006 World Cup, he wants an answer before Scolari leads Portugal into the European Championship next month.
The approach to Scolari came, via a Brazilian agent, from Srisumrid Jack Taweesuk, City's executive director, whose attempts to lure the Portugal national manager are understood to have included a promise that money will be available to Scolari to buy "the players that he wants".
The Times claimed that Scolari had been offered £3.2 million per season to become the new boss, but had been gven a deadline to accept prior to the European Championships - a logical expectation given the way the summer tournaments obstruct off season planning, but it may also be that Thaksin could be thwarted as The Guardian reports that Scolari is in no rush to make a decision.
To confuse matters even further, there were also denials that Scolari had even been contacted, yet there seems to be enough out there to lend suggetion to the claims and BBC Sport also led with this story this afternoon, but early evening changed tack with this report that Thaksin has yet to make a decision regarding Sven's future, quoting him as saying "We have made no decision. We will do an evaluation at the end of the season."
Now, given that Thaksin himself had yet to comment regarding the stories circulating regarding Sven's sacking, could there be some truth in the quote attributed to him and that there really has been no decision until the post-season review.
Whilst the past weeks events has proved most things are possible, far too much has gone on to simply suggest that reports of Sven being sacked have been merely trumped up by an over zealous media, but whilst we still wait in limbo for confirmation one way or the other it does give provide an avenue for Thaksin to get a way out of this and save face.
Unlikely though, as despite being very much a populist politician, he is also a hard nosed and hard edged businesman and seemingly unlikely to let anything stand in his way.
I would suggest that the situation is more to do with keeping Sven hanging on as a fall back whilst he attempts to snare his more desired option.
Thaksin Shinawatra has been forced to make a public apology in Thailand after his name was emblazoned on a Thai flag by Manchester City fans.
A Thai flag bearing the message "Thank you Thaksin", which was unfurled during last week's Eastlands defeat by Fulham, has landed Thaksin in hot water in his home country, with prime minister Samak Sundaravej "strongly disapproving" of the flag."I saw it, but was occupied with the game," Thaksin said. "The fans are now well aware that the actions caused unhappiness in Thailand and they asked me to convey their regrets."
I'm not sure who was responsible for the flag in the first place, but given some of the other bits of 'publicity' we have seen in and around the ground this season it wouldn't surprise if Thaksin was behind the placing of it.
What is surprising are Thaksin's comments that the fans 'asked me to convey their regrets'. Given the story surfaced in Thailand over the past few days (and well after 'Sven-gate' broke) it is difficult to comprehend any kind of fan action in support of him so these attributed comments merely seem to try and save face for Thaksin in what seems a political own-goal back home.
I'm not sure whether this will necessary cause him any more unpopularity given he is making a decent fist of that already, but what could be concerning for Thaksin is that whilst there was a minority of fans who were either very anti-Thaksin or po-Thaksin, I'm certain that a majority of fans were prepared to give him the benefit of doubt over his past, this was done on the basis of the investment he brought and bright future that was promised.
If this is threatened, then this majority may well not decide to put his past to one side and things could well turn sour for him, particularly if the current issue continues to drag on and on.
Majority hated or loved, but most happy for investment and put suspicions to one side - careful this doesn't disintegrat
Diouf agent drives Blues move - Manchester City - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News
Bresciano stung by Blues snub - Manchester City - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News
Scolari close to agreeing Manchester City deal || Portuguese football/soccer
Hince: Thaksin has moved goalposts - Manchester City - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News
Manchester City FC - Latest News Story
West Brom's promotion means an extra £350,000 for the club due to a clause inserted in the Ishmael Miller deal.
