What's going on within City?

 

Losing out on a transfer ain't the end of the world. You try to persuade a player to join your club and tell them the ambitions that are lying ahead in the (near) future. But how things are currently going at Manchester City are alarming. Bells should be heard and flash lights should be visual by now that things are going very wrong – something that could lead to long term damage.

My question is clear: are Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain capable of representing our club? Yes, we're paying their salaries and should represent us, but I noticed some issues that make me feel quite suspicious.

Missing out on Isco is a painful one. This because City has been in talks with the lad and his father since at least last April. Early May it was basically a done and dusted deal: Isco had stated he wanted to join Pellegrini's new team and to continue his career within the Premier League. For those who by the way think that Mancini only got sacked for losing the FA cup final I honestly feel sorry for.

How come that – when you negotiate for such a long time until you reach the 'verbal agreement' stage – you suddenly hold back entirely, and do not offer a contract straight away. It happened with Navas and Fernandinho – transfer fee agreed and player snapped up. In this case the two City represents let it be and left Isco in a thick fog of mystery, making it very easy for Real Madrid to step in and gain his signature.

The same applies to Edinson Cavani – who City has been in talks with for a period of one to one-and-a-half years to lure him over to Manchester. Also this player initially got convinced that moving to the Citizens would be an exciting challenge. He even stated it in the press that he 'would definitely change teams – but not colours' – and as we know Napoli and Manchester City are in light blue.

Regarding him the transfer has not yet been binned, however just like the Isco situation the 'big two' of City walked away when a final offer had to be made and so leave the door wide open again for any other club to hijack the transfer attempt.

And let us not forget the entire failed transfer window of the summer of 2012 – last year indeed. The than active manager Roberto Mancini was convinced that Robin van Persie would join his team after (personal) negotiations. But also here Soriano and Begiristain kept the player in the dark at the final stages – making it an easy move for United to take advantage regarding the highly productive striker. I'm just saying, this is exactly the same pattern.

Also this took place regarding Daniele De Rossi – who was been spoken with for at least 8 months, I dare to state. As De Rossi was also a target for January 2012 when the club needed a replacement for the Africa Cup bound Yaya Toure.

Marwood got the blame by the majority of the fans regarding all the transfer fails, as he WAS the man in charge to get new signings in – but the truth is that Soriano and Begiristain were the ones responsible. Do not forget that Marwood did sign Nigel de Jong, Carlos Tevez, Yaya Toure, David Silva etc etc!

As a result of no big players coming in the club signed highly overpriced Javier Garcia – a player who would also struggle at Norwich due of not having the spine of being suitable for the top. Sinclair was taken in. A player who would only have been a big signing to us if we would be still pre-2008. The club is slipping up – and although I seriously thought 'this is one season only being skipped', the attitude regarding dealing with transfers remained the same.

Agreed: Nastasic is probably the best young player signed by any club in the Premier League last summer. A player who adopted the English way of play and culture very quickly and shall be one of Europe's best stars. And don't forget Jack Rodwell – a player originally from the Marwood list – who as well got a bright future ahead of him. From injury prawn to now ready to shine – after some fantastic healing work by the Man City medical staff. Their future is bright, but is it for the club? Are we moving forward or are we being moled down?

The worrying part for next season is the departure of 'saviour' Tevez - the man who opened all doors for us when we managed to sign him up four years ago. That was one of the biggest scoops in football history. You don't get players with such high working rate and technique as he has. And with the failure of getting in big names, dark clouds look to set above Manchester.

The Manchester City spirit

First of all, I wish to congratulate the good United fans for winning this season's title. Fact is they were more stable and didn't had tactical cock ups as we - my beloved Manchester City - had through out the season.

Man City, we're staying up! We're staying up! Nananananana, we're staying up! I'm breathing City, I'm living City. Not just me, together with me so many thousands more. We are City. We are super City from Maine Road. Thank you Noel and Liam Gallagher for injecting me with the City 'virus', that is introducing me your love. I love Manchester as well, one of the two most amazing places on the planet. I'm here, not going away.

Let me become personal: I have been cyber bullied here on Twitter since I started my own blog. And why? Ask them. I know names, know 7 heavily involved, but not going to name them. Karma to take care of it, but not me in person. What have they done you wonder? Reported me for spam for publishing my own blog and send it to my followers only. Gawd, I dared to ask for a re-tweet, oh my, that is 'aggressive behavior' ain't it! Me, just a writer, me not holding back and fearing the established. Me, just me, being cyber bullied due of that single reason.

I'm going even more personal. In 1999 I was fully paralyzed. I had a tumor in my neck in the size of a tennis ball. If you're interested, google image it and come back after that to understand how lovely it looks like. I had no chance to survive, they discovered it early December of that year due of first wrong diagnoses. When I finally understood what was going on, I begged for a surgery: ffs, this is it, just take it out and let me continue my life! The docs refused, due of the fact I was already so far gone that I had no single chance. I beat the odds and I survived. My surgeant Dr Teddy - who got aware I was being dismissed only 5 weeks after the surgery, fainted when he saw me walking on my own out of the building. Can you read this you bullies? I did it, you won't ever come close!

In 2004 I had my second tumor removed, as well a tennis ball size. Damn, what a hell it was, but let me now come back to 1999 first. It was May, and we, Manchester City, played Gillingham in the play offs final. I accepted I would die, I was so far gone that I lived at that stage I just wanted to enjoy single moments to feel worth living for. We were 2-0 down, that goal in the 89th minute left me in big tears - even a promotion wasn't handed to me to at least enjoy. Then the recovery took place: 2-1 and then AGUEROOOOOO, I mean, DIIICKOOOOOOOOV 2-2... No need to tell you the outcome, do I? I live City, I have my life to thank for being City and feeling the Manchester loving. Still some cyber bullies - including a fellow blogger and some forum owners - feel it's justified to deny me having my own blog.

WE are City, I might be a Dutch native, but my life is City, I live it, I once stated: if we win the league just kill me there as then I've accomplished life. I'm still alive, and am enjoying our amazing progress together with my friends, my fellow Citizens. The people I love. No one can ever pull me down.

Thank you

The Paolo Di Canio bandwagon

Oh, how has Paolo became a hot topic last week! Funny that the talentless journalists praised him into heaven when they claimed he was 'appointed by Reading' just two weeks prior. Irony, now they are all silly sheep bashing him because of their lack of knowledge.

Mind you: I condemn fascism, but his personal views were known a long, long time ago. Only for those who actually observe the football world and not copycat other journalists – trying to state “EXCLUSIVE” in order to save their jobs. Some of them wrote down that Di Canio only did a fascist salute just once, but of course he did it way more often while playing for Lazio Roma. It is their club culture, and clearly a reason for me not to wish them any attention.

But what is is about Di Canio? He's a fruitcake, for sure, giving some spice to the more mentally stable elite – who can't crack any excitement into nowadays football to be fair. Have you noticed that he actually understands now that he is being seen as a 'role model', as he both got older and wiser while entering a (long term) manageral career? He knows, he tries to live to it. Politics should not get involved, and it is his to lose of course if he does any comments.

I noticed a lot of hypocrite people being the strongest followers of the 'we hate Di Canio' campaign. You only have to look at Glasgow Rangers v Celtic to understand that politics are being used in the sport of football for a long time now. But of course only attacking an individual who stated his personal views – instead of an entire team – is way more easy to target and easy to destroy. Will it work? I hope this won't. He's not really a Robin Van Persie who didn't understand the word 'no', is he?

I think it's personally best not to join the bandwagon of 'moral belief'. Did you knew that David Millibrand didn't resign due of the appointment of Di Canio, but because he had a job offered in New York? He used this situation to gain a political win only. As I began with today's article with: politics should never hijack the game of football.

Why Carlos Tevez deserves a statue

Manchester City has got a great history coming to legendary players. The amount of trophies might not reflect it, but the true fans know they've been enjoying many special moments and matches along the road. Colin 'The King' Bell without a doubt the most named player – and rightly so, with his amazing pace and productivity. And we drink a drink a drink...

For me the Colin Bell of the current era is Carlos Tevez – not even a doubt about it that he is actually the biggest signing the club has ever made. The whole football elite wanted his signature, after the Man United hierarchy decided not to give Tevez a contract after some amazing games with a high work force. The fans wanted him to stay – they were there in big numbers shouting 'Fergie sign him up' and took every single opportunity to make their statement clear.

I wanted him as well. As a die hard Manchester City fan you absolutely do not want to have any former player of your enemy within your ranks – but this was simply different. It already was that moment when he joined West Ham United that something special hang around him. And he made the Premier League his own, from scratch, helping the Hammers to survive with an amazing brase of goals as first mark of big honour.

Carlos is a strong believer in 'pride in battle'. Forget Messi. Yes he definitely IS an amazing footballer, but playing in a way more comfortable league and at a way more presented team. The Premier League has got more competition going on and you need to work harder for your goals compared to the La Liga. But Carlos isn't a quitter, he seeks and tries to destroy the opposition and does it all on his own if necessary.

But how about that incident last season away at Bayern Munchen? Why do we actually still brag about it, is my answer to that one. Whatever happened then was either a situation between Carlos and manager Mancini, or it was Tevez' his agent who wanted to earn some money by forcing a transfer. It is for me quite clear that Joorabchian is very quiet ever since that fiasco. And after a couple of stormy months Carlos fought himself back into the first team and knew it would take a long time to win back the fans opinion. He accepted his wrong doing, and grabbed his single opportunity with both hands. We have to admire his will power. The Munich incident is behind us.

The current situation now is that his contract is set to expire, and he has indicated his desire to move back to Argentina due of his family life. You can't really blame him for that – two young children and he clearly desires stability for them. But I really hope we will be able to #KeepCarlos as he's City's saviour. Due of the fast we signed him, we showed the football world we meant business. Carlos his signature opened a lot of doors, it created many transfers. For example: nice that Yaya Toure's brother Kolo was already playing for us, but he would not have joined City due of him, he joined due of Tevez. And so did Silva and so did quite a lot more.

Carlos deserves a statue. Either coming from the new MetroLink stop, him standing capping his ears facing the stadium, or either on the Ashton New Road side, facing Trafford. However, I prefer the first option due of the great stream of fans arriving via that route. - #KeepCarlos

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Image created by @CityAwayDays 

Criminal law and footballers

Football is of course a physical sport. Heads can bang against each other when two players are aiming an approaching ball, of course. A foot can accidentally remain 'planted' into the ground during a normal type of body check, resulting into a turning knee or ankle, possible. That's all in the game. But what if you use football as an excuse to just lash out to someone? Just for fun, because there's no law?

Let's go back to Sunday March 17 – the horrendous foul made by Callum McManaman during the 1^st half between Wigan Athletic and Newcastle United. The action was gross and unnecessary. He stormed in wild with a stretched leg directly aiming the one of Haïdara, who got seriously injured due of that action and had to undergo surgery.

The referee – Mark Halsey – should had shown him a direct red card for that, simple. Instead he decided not to. This might have been because he wanted to lay the responsibility of judgement into the hands of the FA disciplinary commission at Wembley, who could easily investigate the video evidence. However, weird enough Halsey also didn't gave a free kick to Newcastle – making himself look foolish.

Now there is something I am very curious about: if you deliberate kick someone on purpose, being excessively wild in your behaviour that you do not care about the outcome to your action towards someone else – what would it be named according to the law? The law is simple, as secion 18 of the Offences agains the Person Act 1861 will come into force.

It is actually very weird when you think of it that the law doesn't seem to apply for those who are on a football pitch. We again take the Wigan v Newcastle game where there were Police officers ON DUTY who witnessed the assault, who saw Haïdara in serious pain after the attack, and decided not to arrest McManaman. While if you would do something similar (or even milder!) yourself on the streets than you can be assured Police Officers will jump on top of you straight away and take you into custody. But hey ho, not a footballer.

The excuse that it was McManaman début can be rubbished. He has of course never played football in his life before and was still getting used of the feel of the ball. That object he entirely missed while storming in like a 6 year old – was due to inexperience.

And the FA let McManaman escape as they were hiding behind their rule that 'only one match official witnessed the incident'. Fair of course: as did several Police Officers, as did a crowd of more than twenty-two thousand spectators and as well did millions of people world wide who saw it all live on their TV sets.

Let's put on another fine example. Joey Barton his potential head butt during Manchester City v QPR last May would have resulted into an imprisonment of up to 6 months (!) if he did it OFF the pitch. Same counts to Fellaini who planted his head into Shawcross last December. The law even states that if you are being convicted to a head butt for a second time, you could get up to a full year in jail. But of course this does not apply for a footballer.

Footballers got a role model function and should live by those standards. I really want the rules to be changed that if a player is causing a (serious) injury to an other player – the one who does the offence would not be allowed to play any football until the attacked and injured one is fully recovered. In this case it would have ruled out the remaining of Roy Keane's career as his sickening kick on the leg of Alf-Inge Haaland forever ruined his. This is probably the most extreme example, I know, but players do are being 'kicked for joy' quite a lot and my proposal will result into a fairer game in the end.

below - normal challenge, of course

City v Barnsley 5-0 – Vroom! How to smack a journo with clichés

Wearing my Diesel allstars I was well fuelled up for the late kick off fixture last Saturday. It was a game in which Lamborghini were hosting a DAF truck, with the Wembley semi-final as reward at the end of a 90 minutes tunnel journey.

And the visitors – as expected – parked their bus in front of their goal. I don't know why they called their goalkeeper Luke Steele a 'captain', as he simply was throughout the game their live commentating host: “and on the left we are seeing goals, and on the right we are also seeing goals”. The only thing missing to illustrate the DAF truck visitors were the cameras hanging around their necks.

Their mechanic David Flitcroft had no doubt worked out a constructive plan on the drawing table in his garage during the last couple of weeks. With none of his bus parts missing he was relying on a strong counter attack tactic: put the gear from 1 to 2, then accelerate and when losing the ball: REVERSE, REVERSE! They only were not capable of turning into Transformers, sadly, as the Lamborghini players were too fast with their hydro petrol engines.

Pit stops were made by both teams throughout the game, but it was a heated moment when Carlos Tevez was part of one and he looked like a rabbit staring at the car's headlights when a police officer dressed up as Roberto Mancini wanted to have a word with him. Unlucky for him was the fact that a speedy camera has caught that moment – but most likely he shall escape a penalty. However if awarded he would no doubt easily take and score it from the spot.

5-0 the final score, with top speed Tevez scoring 3 goals and ordering a taxi for the other 2. The machine was well oiled and of course only the best was provided by our owners. Now it's time to focus on an away trip to Everton, and this time they should all take the train from Piccadilly instead of using any vehicle containing a stirring wheel – this in order to make sure we can avoid any more car/arrest jokes by very original journos. Let's keep the speed going and definitely not de-rail.

The danger of the Ever Blue proposal

On Tuesday, all Manchester City season ticket holders received a 'Fan Survey' in which a proposal was being made to vote 'yes' or 'no' towards a new plan called Ever Blue. I sincerely hope the majority will understand the background meaning of this and will vote against it.

The Ever Blue means you must pay a 'deposit' of two seasons in advance 'to make sure you will keep your seat'. This comes now on top of your season ticket renewal. If you decline to pay for the deposit, than someone else in the waiting list shall do so in the end and you'll be moved out of your seat in two seasons from now.

In order to confuse the fans they stated: “fans may decline the purpose that someone else buys your seat”. But wait, by not paying the deposit – or you can't afford it – simply means that you're 'giving up your seat'. So are you then being moved elsewhere? Not if all those other seats are already claimed by other Ever Blue subscribers.

Where will this new idea lead to? It means that unpaid seats will be sold for a higher price to those who got a deeper pocket. Those who got more wealth will also spend more in the club shop. Is this a plan in order to gain more money due of the Financial Fair Play? Surely there are other ways to do so instead of forcing loyal fans out and replace them with people who got more money.

The great successes when fans are taking over

I am not going to rant about commercialism within football, as it's simply there. Of course you got genuine sugar daddies – those who want a club to succeed and enjoy sharing a happy time together with their available money. But I'm going to write about fans who stood up against greedy businessmen and did not hold back in order to protect their biggest love in life – and keeping their pridefully gained history to remain alive and kicking.

The strongest and most powerful example in modern football is of course AFC Wimbledon. Back in 2002 already, the Wimbledon FC supporters founded their own club in protest over plans to re-locate their much loved club up to Milton Keynes. It was amazing to witness, that determination – with almost all the loyal fans taking part. When the first ball started to roll at their shared Kingsmeadow stadium there was one main target: getting back into the nationwide football league as soon as possible – and after only 9 seasons they accomplished their heroic achievement!

Five promotions in nine seasons time, exceptional. The whole project was from scratch. WFC fans paying contributions and season tickets year in year our, a sponsor sniffed the opportunity to become part of the exciting project and not only that: former players of the 'old' Wimbledon its Crazy Gang are working within their managerial ranks. This is a club of the people, and the reason why I like following them and their progress ever since their establishment.

Which I also find great is that – as they demanded it, and rightly so – they've took back all the trophies ever won and the full history of the old club for it to remains in the area. A current long time target is to build an own ground near to where the old club used to play, with the old greyhound track seen as ideal location. I hope for them they can get that ground, but only if fresh from current issues in that surrounding area.

Another fine example, which came due of AFC Wimbledon's success, is FC United of Manchester – who set up a heritage club in protest against the Glazer family their ownership of United. Also here a lot of fans are taking part, building up a healthy finance. Their greatest success so far is no doubt reaching the 2^nd round of the FA cup back in 2011. Also a great achievement for them is that they've received permission to build an own stadium in the north of Manchester, which will be used for the first time when season next season kicks off. I do hope for them have kept a register of all the fans who joined their project from the start in order to avoid glory hunters to suddenly hijack their current and future achievements. But I have no doubt they got that protection in mind themselves.

There are also some sad stories about fans trying to break free of their current club owner, but do not understand how it works. Or are simply too selfish. Mind you, I think the FCUoM fans do agree. Fans at Old Trafford were being fooled by conmen who sold Green and Gold scarves, and gained a lot of money via other ways as well, in order to make a bid to buy out the Glazer family. I smelled a stinker from a long distance myself, most didn't. They thought buying a scarf was enough, while still buying (season)tickets and a new jersey each and every season – feeding the Americans with just as much money as before purchasing their 'protest scarf'.

The big con was of course was that after a long period of collecting money from desperate United fans, they pulled out the plug one month before their set date to make a formal offer – stating they had 'internal disagreements' – and we never heard from them ever again. They did gain millions of pounds, but that money 'is gone'.

A current big fight which is going on is taking place at Portsmouth FC. A club who got into turmoil after their old manager Harry Redknapp spend way too many millions on 3^rd grade Premier League players 'trying to become a big player in the top'. He finished 13^th in his first season back in the top flight, and resigning during the second while struggling on the bottom trying to avoid the drop. To show his dignity, he joined their most hated rivals Southampton two weeks later. If QPR would go down this season, it would be Redknapp's 4^th Premier League club he will sank out of the top flight and therefore it is making him the ideal new manager for the English national team, don't we agree? – (sorry, this a snap I simply couldn't refuse)

Sadly for the Portsmouth loyal – gathered together as the Pompey Supporters Trust – is that after several years they are still not owning the club. However, not that long ago the administrators have thankfully indicated they only want them to succeed with their bid to take over the powers. It's just a matter of time. I hope for them that a big sponsor would be willing to join in when accomplished and they'll be back soon to Play Up Pompey – as their loyal fans deserve their true love to be theirs again.

(AFC Wimbledon fans after winning play offs final in 2008)

The magic of the cup - with Bradford the true winner

A cup fever has always been special, especially when little teams reach far due of strong guts and bravery. Yesterday was the most historical climax at Wembley when never-a-fouth-tire-team-reached-the-final side Bradford were paired with the Premier League fun package Swansea. Also to them is has been amazing – both teams in fact – had never reached a final of a major cup ever before. And it was Bradford's pride that was the genuine winner.

First of all I would like to state that it's a disgrace that the FA tried to charge Bradford City a sickening £2000 to 'permit them' to display a tribute banner in order to remember the 56 people who died on the 11^th of May 1985 during the Valley Parade Fire disaster. Seriously: how much did they charge to stage a minute silence for the Munich Air Disaster earlier this month? And why didn't the FA stage a minute silence this time for the other victims who died? This is highly controversial. Please STOP your 'respect campaign' now, dear FA. As I'm asking you to go back to the roots of sportsmanship.

The game itself went down the pan quite fast. Some brave faces of the northerners definitely got overwhelmed with the impact of the biggest game ever of their lives. It was however in the second half when the bitter taste stated to kick in at the score of 3-0 to Swansea when referee Not-A-Friend awarded a penalty and sent off the Bradford goalie. It was a foul, yes, but at that score with a team being outclassed, it was pathetic to show a red card. No dignity. That incident then got overshadowed by Canadian-born Dutch front man De Guzman, who refused to let Nathan Dyer to take it in order to secure being the first player in the cup history to score a hat-trick in the final. De Guzman using head-taller and bigger body in order to claim the spot kick, it reminded me of his behaviour back in the days he was still playing for Feyenoord – as he went through the youth ranks of the Dutch club. He has always been trouble – his arrogance doesn't reflect his talent.

I also point an angry finger towards Swans manager Laudrup, who should had stood up at the sideline but did not. Not only that, after the penalty all Dyer's team mates were non-stop passing the ball to him in order to 'make it up' for De Guzman's behaviour and to let him claim the big honour in history. But what did Laudrup do? Substitute him! So he let his bully remain on the pitch, giving him a double joy. To later claim that 'it was all his fault' because 'he forgot to appoint a number one to take the penalties' doesn't swallow well.

The score went to 4-0, but it were the Bradford fans who took over Wembley completely. It was actually a humiliation towards the Welsh as the Bantams fans sang their longs out and all of them were waving their special day flags in the air. It took about five minutes before one or two Swansea fans joined in with their flags, but the fact remains that to me there was only one winner. They have beaten Wigan and Arsenal, not just that, they outclassed Aston Villa in the semi finals. Yes, their end-of-season highlights DVD will be the one I shall purchase.

The discussion I wanted to unfold

I wanted to grab an issue last Monday, and I can say that my mission has accomplished. Therefore I now come with a special follow up edition.

This has been an issue many City fans have been speculating about – and I used my blog in order to open up a discussion. No need to remain in an 'if but and or maybe' position.

Some people told me I was being 'too harsh', as Marwood is 'only a footsoldier for his bosses'. I have to agree that it has been announced a year ago that the club wants to reduce the wage bill before doing any new investments, with also an eye to the Financial Fair Play. Thankfully several contracts are ready to expire upcoming summer and certain players might be sold as well. No need to speculate about who could be sold as this article is about something else.

So, am I taking back my question about Marwood regarding Cook? Yes. I basically only wondered as there has been three transfer windows since his departure – but of course never questioned his integrity. The Tevez saga should not be connected to Cook's dismissal, basically because we as fans can – and maybe may – not get involved into backroom staff affairs. And never forget that our owners have so far been very good to the club and to us as fans.

Do I still believe in a Mr Cook connection? No. I only opted one of many speculations with some great feedback in return. As mentioned, we could all remain in an 'if but and or maybe' position – in which all theories could, and so far did, snowball into many possible directions – resulting into 'wrong views' to cement. This is not fair towards Mr Marwood.

Important is that we're only at the beginning of our new era journey – with some great trophies already won and with a squad on the pitch you could have never dreamed of back in the old days. The club is fully right to keep internal issues behind closed doors, like potential transfer targets as well other matters which non-club related people should not get their hands onto.

However, when you sense that the fans are feeling unsettled and names are gossipping around, it would be wise to let that person – in this case Mr Marwood – have some publicity and talk about issues we are allowed to know more about – in order to ease the bubbling uproar. An easily to set up charm campaign can already put a storm to lay down, being a mild breeze only to remain. Just a thought. It would stop the press from writing rubbish, with one journo wanting to imporess the other one with an even more saucy story line. It can result in destablishment, which my Monday article tried to point out. A simple interview on the own website alone would do wonders.

Man City - The question I have to Brian Marwood

We as City fans are of course very grateful to where Roberto Mancini has brought us to. When he got appointed he stated very bravely: “in the first year top 4, the year after – Champions”. And indeed we did. Also he brought us an amazing FA Cup success, with glorious games at Wembley still fresh in our memories. And let's not forget the Community Shield back last summer – not really a big price as it's only a single game, however of course you do still have to win it.

A bit of a shame is that we're currently not enjoying a season of progress, we're even taking a step back. So, where has this all gone wrong? Several aspects we can point out for sure. However the most important one was last summer (and of course this January) in which none of Mancini's transfer targets were being recruited – all mainly being blocked by Brian Marwood.

Very interesting fact is that Marwood has worked alongside Garry Cook – who has been dismissed on the 9^th of September 2011 for 'sending an offensive email' to the mother of young starlet Onuoha. Both gentlemen have also worked together at Nike before heading to Manchester in 2008. They know each other very well. Now, I might be thinking a bit too deep here – but has Marwood's behaviour regarding blocking transfers been a plot of 'revenge' for his pal?

Another funny fact. Only three weeks after Cook was dismissed, Tevez suddenly 'refused' to warm up during the Champions League away game at Bayern Munchen. Now this could indeed be two separate incidents, but weird it surely is. I'm not going to speculate this Tevez issue – he had his punishment, he came back and is clearly feeling warmed about being accepted again by the fans and his team mates.

So in September 2011 our derailment began. Now let us roll on a season to this current campaign. Last August during a press conference Mancini was being asked about why he hadn't signed up anyone so far, in which he emotionally replied “ask Marwood!”. And let's be honest, how could he ever work properly while being hold against? The manager was trapped, pinned. Frustration began to bubble. Some deadline transfers did reach our squad, but simply the only interesting one of those is the arrival of young defender Matija Nastasić, who has been blooming brilliantly.

Apart from him I think no one has been an addition. Maicon is working hard, mind you, but we didn't need him. Rodwell, very injury prone and not worth the money the club has paid for him. And how about Javi Garcia? He tries to be efficient, but simply is not good enough for a top team as he's not capable of reading a game – sometimes standing still staring down and being clueless of what to do with that funny round shaped marble in front of his feet. Now I do am aware that Garcia is being liked by some of the fans, and I hope you will prove my criticism wrong. But we ain't an Aston Villa kind of club any longer, we need quality in to challenge the top.

Irritation boiling over, and Mancini started to publicly rubbish his own players. Yes, you need to sharp your players up by making certain comments, but he only became snappy during the last couple of months – always kept issues within the dressing room. Most recent he has repeatedly attacked Joe Hart, stating he would not mind dropping him. Also he has indicated he 'does not rate' the stopper. Yes, Hart made some errors recently, but that came down to the non stop negative talking by his manager. When he played against Brazil on Wednesday the 6^th of this month, he was simply showing some amazing skills again – this is the difference between giving confidence or giving stick.

So question again is: why has Marwood blocked 3 transfer windows? Revenge on the club for sacking his buddy? Or is there a new manager lined up and he has been ordered to wait with spending money until the new man is installed – in which means Mancini is on borrowed time? We City fans wish to know. This has cost the club millions of pounds due of a failed European campaign as well we've lost our chances of defending our league title due of the internal situation.

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ADDED EDIT: I have to agree that Marwood is a footsoldier who is following orders for his bosses. The current disturbances on the pitch I have most likely placed into the wrong direction. However - there is always a right to ask questions. But thanks to a healthy discussion views can be brought into a more clearer perspective. If my direction of questions were wrong, I wish to apologize to Mr Marwood.

Why has the FA lost his objectivity?

I am planning to raise an issue here – asking a sincere question about objectivity. My point is clear, rivalry should not result in making any differences coming to casualties.

Last Wednesday, prior to the friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley, there was a minute silence to remember the victims of the Munich Air Disaster which took place exactly 55 years ago. That was an important decision to stage that contribution of respect. You can have as much rivalry as you want, but when people their lives are being lost due of a tragedy then you should know where the line of hater lies – indeed, the death should not be taunted, nor should [serious] injuries be glorified.

However, it was the only tragedy the FA staged a minute silence for.

Last year, after 23 long and tearful years, the first part of justice towards the 96 victims of the Hillsborough Disaster got recognition. A powerful report cleared the Liverpool fans of any wrong doings and grilled officials who’s errors let to the horrifying tragedy. Not only those victims, but the whole city of Liverpool had been dragged through dirt by nationwide news corporations. Also the abusive songs ever since in the stadiums are unacceptable. It has nothing to do with football.

The same counts towards taunts like “Munich holiday”, also not justified. The whole Manchester community got affected by the disaster and that doesn't deserves to be joked about. The same counts towards people who try to make money by selling certain related goodies.

Back to the FA: they did nothing about staging a minute silence for those victims of Hillsborough. Nothing. Clubs themselves offered to play the “He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother” charity song during their half time breaks – not because the FA sent out a request to show some support. I assume a human life is a human life, equality.

So, what is it then? We do remember a Mancunian related disaster but not a Liverpudlian one? Oh, and how about the one at Valley Parade, will the FA stage a minute silence during the upcoming League Cup final due of the horrible fire that took place back in 1985? Killing 56 innocent spectators. I've got a funny feeling it won't happen. And no, I don't want to hear the excuse that it can't be done at the end of February as the tragedy took place on the 11^th of May. That's no excuse. This League Cup final game is the biggest achievement by the club, and especially than there should be flowers, a minute silence and a lot of balloons to fly up the sky.

So, my question is strong: how come if you're promoting a 'fair play' and a 'respect' campaign you're not staging a memorial for all football related victims? To me, the commission members who are making the final decision should always remember that a good Karma gives a good Karma back.

Why Feyenoord fans love Manchester City

Some people might remember me making a reference towards the Dutch glory hunters from Feyenoord who suddenly came crawling towards us – Manchester City – after we got blessed with our ownership by Sheikh Mansour since 2008. I am going to tell you a story of something that not only happened to me, but also contains some background history regarding Feyenoord's support. It's funny how certain people can become hateful if you're having a different point of view. Read on.

Let me start by telling you that I used to live in the Netherlands. An error by birth so to say, as I've always had my heart belonging to England. It wasn't that long after I started to like football that I began to follow the Premiership, trying to watch as many highlights (and games) as possible. Arsenal and Liverpool were then the two main teams, with Man United suddenly buying players for mind blowing transfer fees. I can remember that £8m was an over-the-top amount back in the early 90s.

It was in 1994, at the age of 13, I discovered Oasis. I was an early bird coming to them, as not only English football but also the music fascinated me – the whole culture. I read an interview in which they mentioned the Gallagher brothers were supporting City. I was curious, who were City, where did they play and so on.

I only started to use the internet from 2000 onwards, but managed to find some football magazines at car boot sales during holidays as well some – but very rarely – in the Netherlands. I already noticed the huge attendances while checking the BBC ceefax scores/results, and it impressed me big times how many fans turned up at every City (home)game. That loyalty, the Manchester accent, the pride: I felt very certain to devote my heart to the club and follow it no matter where, which league or position. I learned quite fast that the club culture is that one of a family spirit.

But while still living in the Netherlands, I wanted to see some live football as well. I wanted to smell the grass and feel the excitement. It was in the summer of 2000 when I bought my first season ticket at Feyenoord, where I stayed for 5 full seasons. I went for Feyenoord as their fan base have – like Man City – got a very loyal nature. However, that is the only thing you can compare the two clubs with. Inside of the ground I always have noticed a lot of Liverpool and some Celtic jerseys and scarves, with “You'll Never Walk Alone” being sang prior to every single game. Something they're still doing nowadays by the way. On YouTube you can actually find a lot of clear videos.

It was 2003 when influential midfielder Paul Bosvelt moved from Feyenoord to Manchester, and I couldn't believe my delight: he went to my City! After first a struggling start, he finally gained a cemented position into the first team.

I knew what he was capable of, and on the stands in Rotterdam I already told some people about my pride of City and tried to educate them a bit about the background. They weren't that impressed, to say the least. Things like “nice he plays in the English Premier, but it's only at a little club” were some of the snubbing replies I received. The crowd was more proud of goal keeper Jerzy Dudek, who had joined the Merseysiders back in January 2002.

The problems really started around 2005, after Bosvelt had left City when his two year contract expired – to finish his career off in the Netherlands. On a main Feyenoord forum I 'dared' to state that City were like the Feyenoord of England (again, based on to loyalty only), in which someone replied “City are City, we got nothing to do with them” and he was immediately backed by others. I was then 'kindly asked' to 'get lost and never come back' with my 'annoying talk about City'. That was the final straw for me, that aggression. I cancelled my season ticket and let them all be. I was due to move to England anyway in 2006 on a permanent base, but would had enjoyed one more final year of normal live football action.

Oh, but how things have changed ever since. No need to explain our current wealth and Liverpool's decline. Suddenly Liverpool are not playing Champions League football any longer and we took over their place. Not only have we took over their place, we also took over their Dutch glory hunters – who 'suddenly realised how much we have in common'. Of course they knew it, from during the Paul Bosvelt era they no doubt heard some stories [not just from me] as they weekly checked on their former player his matches. Fact is that when you're doing well, you gain a lot of new 'fans', that's unavoidable. But with them, I simply have so much first hand knowledge – I'm a front row witness indeed – that I wish to stand guard and at least speak my heart out towards my fellow Citizens.

Very simple: what would happen if our owners would suddenly leave us and we'd slip back into poverty and as well into a lower league? The Dutch would just simply walk away from us as easily as they've came over – most likely digging up their old Liverpool jerseys and state “hey mate, long time no see, how's it going?” while crawling back towards Anfield. 

Mario Balotelli - Why I believe it's not always him

“Why Always Me” - I started to hate this slogan actually quite fast after Mario made this one a world domain. Of course it's truly great guts, displaying such a message on derby day away at Old Trafford – with the recent fireworks incident very fresh in everyone's memory. It made Mario a cult hero, and it wasn't for the first time he showed some brilliance for just being himself. The reason why I started to dislike that moment is the way it snowballed into the wrong direction. During that October month, David Silva was by far the best and most consistent, influential player of the blue team, but lost the Player of the Month award to Mario due of that single moment alone. Showing that such an award is no longer a fans based issue, it became one for the one-day shoppers.

I do have a soft spot for Mario. It's a love/hate thingy, but I definitely love him most of all. I can remember he was once stopped by police and caught him carrying £50.000 cash. When the officers asked him why he had that much money on him, his clear cut answer was: “because I'm rich”. I'm still giggling about that quote.

And don't forget that moment during the 2011/12 season, home against Tottenham where he converted an injury time penalty into the winning goal. He folded his arms and leaned on one foot, showing 'this is how we do it'. Arrogance? Not at all. Mario is simply a genuine entertainer, he likes to joke. Like that spontaneous moment he went to the Xaverian College and asked if he 'could please use the toilet'. Of course it was simply an excuse to give the youngsters the time of their lives by just showing up. Randomly selected, and compliments to the school teachers to let him walk around for a moment with all students following him in every single step.

And how about the moment he asked a youngster why he was at the trainings ground and not at school? The boy replied that he was being bullied and could not bring it up to have another day of abuse. Mario was angry. He took the boy and his mum to the school and demanded a meeting with the headmaster and to ask for an explanation, and solution – which happened as Mario orchestrated it in full. Stunning!

But, what is now causing Mario's behaviour at stages? We all know about those split seconds in which he made a weird foul, sometimes harshly punished by a sending off. Or lack of spirit on the (training) pitch. When was it that the press started to name him a 'bad boy'? Here's my observation.

This is a part I assume the most of you are aware of, but, this is for an important step up.

Mario was born in Italy by Ghanaian parent – the Barwuah family, but sadly at a very young age he suffered some life-threatening complications regarding his health and had to undergo multiple operations. After a short lived recovery process he was going downhill again, with his parents not able to financially support the conditions. They agreed with social services that Mario would be adopted by a foster family, the Balotellis. In the beginning he still went to visit his biological parents during the weekends, but soon that stopped. It was that awkward moment Mario became famous, and out of nowhere his biological parents turned up at his house and asked him to move back in with them. He refused to and sent them away, accusing them of 'glory hunting' now that he was suddenly starting to make some good money. Oh my, the press took notice! Mario was a 'disgrace' for treating his parents that badly. However, his parents now were the Balotellis and what he did was protecting them by not turning his back towards them after all the unlimited loving he had been receiving. Time had simply moved on and things changed, but it was then where his private life issues started to kick off.

Let me start with a very recent happening. Prior to the Euro2012 final between Italy and Spain, a long documentary was being aired with Mario's biological family. Some quotes here: “we don't want him with us because of his money, we want him here as he's our brother”, and: “when he pulled his shirt off [during the semi final game vs Germany] I ALSO pulled my shirt off! Yes, I did that to feel connected with him”, etc etc. The whole Barwuah clan had their say and all were keep on piling pressure onto Mario. What kind of choice did he had? He already declined to be re-united with the Ghanaians as his heart and life forever belongs to the Balotellis in Italy. His semi finals celebration – in which he pulled his shirt off and stood like The Hulk – was due of the fact he had received the wonderful news that his ex partner is expecting his first baby, and dedicated it all to his mother Silvia. A bigger statement he couldn't give, showing it to the world and underline to who only it was aimed at.

Also: why was Mario being highlighted after the Euro final? He was crying – of course, you have a dream and have been working hard for it. It was a great tournament but the final was a deception. But does it mean he is not allowed to cry? And there were more players on the pitch, however of course he being the only black Italian, how could I forget. Cameras pelting all over him.

In the mean time his biological mother refuses to stop her part of the pressure. She moved to Greater Manchester in 2011 and works as a cleaning lady in the region. Mario – who gave £1.5m of his own salary during 2012 to African child support organisations – tried to be polite and offered her some money to have at least a bit or a normal life. She declined, of course she was not interested in Mario's cash. She was 'just happy to live close to her son', simply playing a mind game if you ask me honestly. And in the mean time? Mario remains silence, fearing that the press could call him 'a disgrace' again for telling the world he doesn't want the Barwuahs around him, as he's not the 3 year old any more.

Why always him – I could be completely wrong with digging for the roots of this all. But I do know he looks like strugging and that every young person will feel 'chained up' if their parents and family do not grant them to a certain freedom – a space to become an individual. If you feel you can't go anywhere, and being chased around, being watched in every move, you result in moments of craziness without realising it. I hope Mario can become the person and the player he really is, even if that is somewhere else than in Manchester, as the rumours are echoing more loud that he's due to move to Milan on a permanent base. Sad.

( image credit to @cfmcfc )

This is why a break away league is the most logical

An article in the Daily Mail of Monday the 14^th showed a 'gentlemen agreement' regarding Arsenal, Man United, Tottenham Hotspurs and Liverpool to 'make the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules more strict' - and by that to eliminate the competition from both Chelsea and current champions Manchester City. And of course it also efficiently blocks any other new competitor, who shall be chained to the new set up restrictions.

All can remember that Robin Van Persie was sold by Arsenal to United 'for football reasons', and now we most likely understand the real reason behind it: giving their best player away to United to make sure that City or Chelsea will not win the league this term.

Does this mean that if their mission next month succeeds, City and Chelsea are history? Of course not. This is actually a blessing in disguise, a strong reason to break away from the Premier League and set up a league themselves!

I have been working on the following idea now for a couple of years. I first rubbished similar ideas from many years ago – as I could not see how promotion/relegation would work – but as I've now been following the NFL (American football) over a period of five seasons, I am seeing things in a complete different perspective. Here is why, this is the set up I've been working on.

There are two phases, not more than this in order to protect the new 'product'. There will be a start of 32 teams, spread over 8 groups of 4. All those four will meet the other three twice during a season, with twenty added games via a random or system-diagram set up. They face those teams only once, and can not meet them twice at home or away on a row – in order to protect a fair share of the home advantage.

Both the winners and the runners up from each and every group will qualify to the knock out stages, based on best 1^st vs worst runner up, onwards. Single games until you reach the big final.

The second phase would be adding 16 more teams, making it 12 groups of 4, and only the winners automatically qualify with the eight best runners up facing each other to battle for the 4 remaning spots.

Is this realistic? Yes. There is a HUGE market awaiting, and this can only be what you wish to achieve when you're setting up a new format. There is also a lot of unsettlement with the UEFA/FIFA about certain issues and as most football clubs are owned, they have turned into businesses.

I will list some of the major advantages of a new football league. And as well who could (maybe I may state should?) join in.

• First benefit: An own governmental body, and no FIFA is required as it's an own label product. There might raise some issues that the FIFA will block 'new league' players to play for their national teams, but I'm quite sure that such a block would be illegal.

• United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are excluded as they have their own agreements in the Premier League. All those teams are now eliminated.
• There are big games every single week.
• New technology could be introduced. Not only goal line technology but also a 'coach challenge', one per coach per half, in which an on field decision by a ref can be questioned. That the game stands still for a moment ain't bad, people will get used to it. The most important point is that fans can feel 'being understood'. Examples are: red card Kompany away at Arsenal, or the West Ham shout for a penalty away against United. A video booth replay for the referee would then make a final decission possible.

So, who would join this new set up league? I give you you listing.

• Barcelona would most likely join on the spot due of the connections with City. Making Real Madrid almost a certainty to follow their foot steps due of El Classico.
• AC and Inter Milan could use a revival of themselves by joining the more exclusive league. With Berlusconi his TV company as possibilty to use setting up an own branded channel. Could not should.

• Bayern Munchen can finally enjoy some more competition. The irony is that old Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola now joins them from next season onwards is good for the public relations. I assume that Borussia Dortmund will be the most likely 2^nd team to join in for the same reason, stiffer competition.

• Now a big surprise: both LA Galaxy and NY Red Bulls to join as well – making it a win-win for everyone. They can sell football on a bigger scale in the States, with European teams selling their brand as easy via their networks. This makes the new league an even more global brand. AND there will be ONE big game on American soil each and every single week.

I no doubt assume that Paris Saint Germain, Olympique Lyon, Anzhi, Zenit Petersburgh, Dinamo Kiev, Porto and Benfica also will be interested to join the new – but better – Champions League format.

Of course, to fill up the spaces, you can think of clubs like Celtic, and in phase two Rangers plus Everton (just picking one here). But countries like Turkey, Holland and Belgium also got some high standard clubs and would contribute into the global and wide viarity.

To secure the roots of any club: youth teams can easily play under a different (the current) licence and remain active in their national competitions.

Have I gone a bit too far with my idea? Or have I unfolded something that is inavoidable. I personally feel that the 'coup 4' done everyone a favour.

Why Wenger's job is the safest in football

A lot has been said about the outrageous ticket price that Manchester City fans had to cough up in order to see their heroes play away at Arsenal. £62 is a disgrace to see just 90 minutes of entertainment, especially when the game is live on TV and can be seen for 3 pints of lager at any nationwide pub. Maybe I'm just drinking too slow. A fact is that City are now a 'class A' club in every away game due of their sudden wealth, but unfortunately the fans itself aren't the ones who got rich as well. It is still a working class team, a big loyal 'family', who has to dig deep in order to see their beloved club live whenever possible.

City's origin is about Manchester, and never had to deal with glory hunters swamping in from other parts of the country or overseas, like the sudden flow coming over from Holland who discovered City's welfare. Those new plastic fans are most happy to pay for any price stated on a ticket, but the real fans – who were there when the team wasn't winning any honours – are in this way being pushed out of the market.

Money blind club owners simply want to maximize cash flows from every game and the hell with once a season visiting fans. Calls to introduce a cap on ticket prices for travelling fans has my full support. All tickets to be sold directly via the visiting club and no sales on the day itself could see prices drop to 'normal standards'. I can hear a romantic violin now playing in the background.

There has been a worrying escalation in ticket prices. It was only two seasons ago a ticket for a City fan at Arsenal was £33 compared to £62 – an increase of 87% in only a very short time. No doubt other fans are as well in the same boat, but because sent back unsold tickets only now it became a public debate.

Let me outline something important to you: Arsenal's owners want to make a profit, they're businessmen and refuse to live beyond their means, they want to squeeze out whoever they can. They charge a staggering £985 for their CHEAPEST season ticket, with £1955 for their most expensive. I understood that such a card gave you unlimited drinks in their corporate lounge, but after yet again another season without trophies.

Arsenal are a team without on-field ambition, they appear to be more interested in generating income off field. Of course every season is a new one, and the young squad – carefully scouted at low transfer fees – will fancy their chances. Surely this one will be their year? Unfortunately, Arsenal are now a selling club. Big money has been paid for the likes of Kolo Toure, Adebayor, Fabregas, Nasri, Clichy and Van Persie. Just to name some. Arsenal are making a profit this way, with qualification for the Champions League another vital component. Wenger plays his part by achieving that important 4^th place each year. His job is safe, even after the home defeat against Manchester City last Sunday. There are some people who doubt it, but how else could a manager of a football club remain in his position if you've not won any trophy for SEVEN seasons on the trot, with an eight successive season winking from the corner of doom. Wenger is playing it safe with his bosses when he proclaims 'finishing top 4 is a trophy in itself' because it means the money continues to flow. He defended the policy, saying people 'can decline buying a ticket to the theatre', referring to a home game.

It's another example of how he seeks to appease his paymaster. People simply need to realise that Arsenal are now a company, a business that is about making a profit, they are no longer a football club. Yes, they play football, but as long spectators come through the turnstiles paying extortionate prices, the revenue streams will continue and nothing shall ever change.

In the meantime, the odds for Wenger to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked stand at something like 500/1. Nice work if you can get it.

Naming Suarez a racist isn't the way

Last Sunday, non league side Mansfield Town gave Liverpool a good scare by battling all the way to just a single goal defeat. A great proud achievement, knowing there is a 4 ties gap between the two. The hard pill to swallow was Liverpool's second goal, which came from a very clear hands ball by Luis Suarez. The bandwagon of haters jumped on him instantly like flies who just saw a dog dropping some litter in the bushes. The ball skipped around a bit, and luckily via Suarez his hand he put himself on the scoring sheet. He actually didn't celebrate after that goal, keeping in mind the referee and/or linesman saw the incident and would rule his challenge out, maybe even with a booking. But the referee ruled that the challenge wasn't deliberate, the goal stood. Then Suarez did what he always does after scoring a goal: kiss the palm of his hand.

Now the haters were jumping upside down as if they'd saw snow falling down for the first time of the winter season. Suarez was 'a disgrace' for kissing the palm of his hand, seemingly suffering from a short-term memory. Also he was again 'a cheat', a valid point if you realise he came second in the diving table, just behind Man United winger Ashley Young. The roars were big, and the more hateful comments poured into Twitter, Facebook and other social networks, and the more people started to lose their heads. The 'he is a racist' jibes were now being echoed and that made me quite angry. I know myself that Suarez isn't a racist, and I know that all who are close to him - people from all kind of races/skin colours - have been jumping in to defend him.

Let me outline this.

During a game with Man United, Suarez was standing directly with Patrice Evra. Evra gave some mouthful towards Suarez, as it happens all the time during games: you want to win so you're trying to trouble your opposition in every possible way. At one moment Suarez had enough, and stated "just because you're coloured doesn't mean you may say all you want", however as he wasn't too familiar with the English word he used the South American word 'negro' (for coloured). Negro doesn't even come close to 'the N-word' but the media bias and the FA started to do a witch hunt to get Suarez banned. The FA ain't objective, it's being known for liking and supporting Man United with 'dubious' referee decision and so was it with this case: banning Suarez, it would amputate the team, and make Alex Ferguson a Happy Dandy.

Let me put one more example of double standards: Van Persie, almost killed by a ball against Swansea, jumped up and started a fight on the pitch. No card shown by the ref, and no punishment afterwards. But when Samir Nasri of Manchester City got a nasty challenge on him away at Norwich, and did less violence than Van Persie, he got a red card and received a three-match-ban. Only a blind person would not see this.

To come back to Suarez one more time, he didn't do himself a favour by feeding the hating mob. After the clash away at Mansfield, a young boy outside of the ground asks Suarez kindly for an autograph, but he ignores the boy in full. This is not making him a racist, but definitely it feeds the oppositions and the hungry press to let him remain being one of the disliked players in the Premier League.