Summer has for the last few years been about big money signings at The Etihad Stadium as City built a side capable of challenging for major honours. Indeed as last season ended with the Premier League title rumours were already rife as to whom City would sign.
City usually play their cards close to their chest regarding transfer business which means the media have to make up their own stories relying on agents for tip offs etc... Indeed if you believed all the rumours City would have spent close to £200 Million already signing the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic Thiago Silva and RVP as well as a few others.
But todays contract news from the club is indeed probably better than any new transfer as it was announced club captain Vincent Kompany has signed a new 6 year deal. Great news for fans and as he stated on twitter
Very pleased and honored to announce my new 6 year contract with MCFC! I am good here, best fans in the world! Ready for much more trophies!
A tough tenacious centre half he has been the rock from which City's recent success has been based. The fact he is only 26 whilst being one of the more senior pros at the club shows City to be a young side and that's something the wider media don't give much credit for. Indeed with few tweeks this City side could remain almost unchanged for 4 years and only 3 or 4 players would be over 30.
Added with the news earlier in the month manager Roberto Mancini has signed a new 5 year deal the statement made for the Premier League and Europe is crystal clear Manchester City are here to stay, the FA Cup and The Premier League were only the beginning the club have that taste of silver and want much more.
The news Robin Van Persie has refused a new contract at Arsenal sent the media into a frenzy. He had already been linked heavily with either a move to Manchester City or perhaps a move to Juventus. At 28 this is his last real chance of a big money move and contract and given Arsenals recent trophy drought it would appear he would also like to win top honours like former Gunners Cesc Fabregas Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy did in the first year of leaving Arsenal. He certainly was good at clocking up personal honours winning the golden boot and Player of the year awards.
Having familiar faces in the dressing room could mean a bid from City holds sway with Van Persie that said City have recent history of signing a player for their last big money move. Step forward Roque Santa Cruz. Signed at 28 there were doubts about his fitness when he signed and indeed in two seasons Roque only appeared in 20 games for City having took over a month to be fit enough to make his debut. A lot of fans felt medical concerns were ignored as then Manager Mark Hughes rightly rated the Paraguay international who had a habit of finding the net when he played. However appearing 57 times in two seasons for Blackburn did indicate there might be issues.
And that is a similar story with Van Persie indeed last season is the first time he has managed a full season in the Premier League. There is little doubt he is a proven scorer as over all he is near enough a 1 goal every two appearance striker for Arsenal, though that was aided by 30 in 38 last season. It could be he has fully shaken off his injury woes but given his age it does beg the question is he worth the risk? Given the options City currently have up front added to by the returning John Guidetti from his loan at Feyenoord is he actually needed as goals haven't been an issue for City.
I'm not totally against the idea but can think of more reasons to steer clear the money it would take could be better spent in my opinion.
One month and one day on from that dramatic finish to the Premier League we are less than a week off finding out whom City will face in the first game of next season in August. There is a noticeable sense of excitement amongst any blues I've had the pleasure of talking to since.
One thing I have noticed is a changed in United fan friends attitudes. Originally full of well dones it's slowly got more bitter with digs about buying the league. Well of course we did unlike their squad of free transfers......Ignoring the fact squad for squad there isn't really all that huge difference in fees paid.
Whilst awaiting those fixtures the transfer rumour mill is in over drive and this is an area the club does well not to get involved. Some managers seem to thrive on linking themselves with all the rumours where as Roberto Mancini and the club will usually keep quiet. The flip side is this means the press do seem to go OTT linking many big names with the Etihad whilst also linking players at the club with moves out.
One rumour was Sergio Aguero was apparently off to Real Madrid. Now this rumour did tickle me the player himself seems happy and settled in Manchester indeed no vibes either from him or his agent that he might well be off. Added to the fact in Spain he is a legend at Athletico Madrid wearing the white of Real would be taking a huge risk to his reputation.
The likes of Emmanuel Adebayor Wayne Bridge etc.. will also return from their loan spells. In Adebayor's case there were strong links that Spurs wanted him on a permanent deal however with Harry Redknapp's departure it does look like only a matter of time before Adebayor announces he wants to try and win his place back In City's Starting 11.
The key area that does need strengthening is the back up Centre Halves when ever Kompany or Lescott were out City didn't look the same side. Perhaps the answer maybe already at the club with Dedryk Boyata but I'd be tempted to loan him out again to get more experience he does show signs of promise and could indeed become a regular along side Kompany for both club and Country.
Edin Dzeko is strongly linked with a return to Germany and Bayern Munich I wouldn't have an issue with this if Mario Gomez was part of the deal as he has what Edin lacks good close control. Don't get me wrong I like Dzeko but he blows way to hot and cold for me to be a regular in the team though his vital goal with us 2-1 down to QPR to make it 2-2 will ensure him a fond place in the hearts of City fans.
What has been refreshing is hearing players happy to announce they want to stay at the club indeed the likes of David Silva and Sergio Aguero have already let that be known. Most of the squad is tied to long term deals and something City don't really get much credit for is the age of the squad there aren't that many over 28 years old which is bad news for the rest of the league a young squad has won the league and they will be hungry for more.
And there does appear to be proof that City are "ruining football" as the tv rights for 2013 onwards were auctioned off for over £1.25 billion more than the current deal. And that's just for UK audiences with Sky and BT sharing coverage.
Whatever 2012-2013 brings I'm sure the main aim of the club will be to have a bigger impact on the champions league and of course defend the title we snatched at the last possible second. I just hope we do it a bit easier on the old heart!
Some of you may well know me I'm the writer of this blog Robert Allen I'm 34 years old and am a Manchester City fan always have been always will be. That love for the club despite me now living in Chester has passed on to my two sons Connor aged 11 and Lucas aged 6 we proudly sit together in Block 134 of the Family Stand. We enjoy going to games and cheering on City.
Bar the fact both boys do look a lot like me that's where the similarities end. You may ask why so I'll explain. Aged 8 I started attending games at Maine Road on a regular basis, I loved being stood on the Kippax about 15 yards past half way towards the North Stand End peering through the railings was my spot and most games it would be the same faces stood round me cheering on the likes of Kenny Clements and Paul Power etc... I even went away a fair few times back in them days going away was an experience the abuse hurled from the home team fans and the "modest facilities" most away ends had were a sight to behold. I've endured 4 relegation's I've celebrated one 3rd tier playoff win and one 2nd tier title. I've seen many managers come and go some did well some well lets just not got there!
I've even seen 2 club saviours come and go in the board room. Through it all my love for City didn't diminish any excuse to go to a game and I'd take it even if amazingly in the 3rd tier getting tickets to Maine Road wasn't that easy. I saw us roll over 4-2 at Sheffield United as Brian Gayle did what a lot of ex blues always seemed to do and score against us. I saw Christian Negouai punch the ball into the net V Rotherham. Following City played a part in making me the man I am truly believing try your best and if it doesn't work out just keep trying no matter how low you go.
My boys well they are well use to the facilities modern stadia give them. True there is still the banter with opposition fans when you go away but the chances of a fight are a heck of a lot less, true we see a lot of the same faces sat next to us week on week. They've seen 3 managers and 2 chairmen. Connor started coming to watch with me on a regular basis during Svens season in charge City were still City 2 steps forward 3 back then 1 forward again but then things began to change. It began with Thaksin and although City finished 10th there were definite signs things were improving till the last weeks when it was clear Sven was a goner . Little did we realise our saviour was infact broke there had been rumours but they were always flatly denied in the media by Thaksin. To be fair knowing he was in trouble who he sold to the Club to was the key. HH Shiekh Mansour and his chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak did get behind then manager Mark Hughes and despite improvements it wasn't happening fast enough, Hughes got the push and in came Roberto Mancini. I don't think anyone could have foreseen what was coming.
Narrowly missing out on the Champions League in his first half a season Mancini in his first full season clinched Champions League Football and won the FA Cup the first major trophy I'd seen us win. In his 2nd full season despite getting the "magic" 10 points City dropped out of the Champions League in the group stages City had dominated in the league. Then a huge drop off and suddenly United were clear....then amazingly City not only pulled it back but clinched the title in the last minute of the season. So to the boys their outlook being shaped by the club is keep striving to be the best and with effort and commitment you will get rewarded so different to my own above.
They've only known a club on the up, its doubtful they will suffer so many relegation's in the same time as I did and seeing a City captain lifting a trophy could well become a sight we and the rest of the world have to get used to! I am a tad envious cheering on the likes of Aguero and Kompany, but am enjoying the journey with them that's why they were delighted to go and see the Premier League trophy as much as me it meant every bit as much to them. It's a great time to be a kid blue but you know I wouldn't swap it as I do see this current period as reward for my love of the club and I'm glad I have my boys with me. What an amazing time to be a kid blue though!
Roberto Mancini proudly holding the Premier League trophy is a sight many City fans at 4:45pm that Sunday didn't think was possible. We all know the rest as City fought back from 2-1 down to QPR to win 3-2 and the euphoria that followed was richly lapped up by Mancini and his team.
They say the best team always wins the league and based on the generous reaction I've had from friends who are Utd fans they have been saying exactly that. It didn't seem possible just a month ago as Utd pulled away the press were saying Fergie had won the mind games and Mancini had bottled it. Mancini stood there and didn't make any excuses as he conceded the title to them. Then the results turned City kept winning as Utd began dropping points, even going into the derby at the Etihad Mancini said because they were 3 points clear it was still Utd's title to lose...City won and Mancini even went toe to toe with Fergie which went down well with the fans. Even post match Mancini wouldn't admit City were now favourites as he knew Newcastle away was far from an easy game. In the end City were comfortable 2-0 winners.
During that game as at the derby Mancini was brave with his tactics pushing Yaya forward and that paid off big time. That said he hasn't been afraid ti make changes when they've been needed domestically. There have been mistakes and Mancini was quick to always blame himself not his players. He is always evolving and learning and that makes City a dangerous side for the Premier League and Europe.
Could it just be Mancini out mind gamed the master?? It sure looks that way over the course of the season Mancini has taken the blame for poor results like Everton saying "he got it wrong" so in conceding the title was Mancini once again taking the pressure off his players? Given the interview chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak gave to City TV this would indeed appear to be the case. The players could have felt sorry for themselves but instead they rose to the challenge and in the end got the rewards they deserved. And that is credit to Mancini though I think even he would have preferred a more comfortable win than the drama that unfolded at the Etihad.
Only Mancini will know but in the end the record books show Premier League champions 11-12 which now means Mancini has 2 trophies in 2 and a half seasons at City which is a brilliant return to have got success so quickly and man managed the squad to get them to the top.
Its took me nearly two days to be able to plan this piece such has been the emotional rollercoaster I and many thousands of City fans went on. It had started at 6am when I woke up completely awake and excited It was like Christmas morning only my present was hopefully waiting for me at the Etihad Stadium.
Arriving in Manchester at 11am I was amazed to see street traders selling scarves saying "MANCHESTER CITY CHAMPIONS" Lucas even spotted a blow up trophy and wanted one there and then. I refused telling him I would only get it IF and WHEN we won. After a spot of lunch I met a few friends for a quick pint whilst Lucas was getting agitated at my refusal I decided it would be best to get to the Stadium. I had arranged to meet my uncle Keith who was using my eldest sons seasoncard as he couldn't make it, It seemed the right thing to do allowing the man that had took me home and away as a kid to see hopefully the dawning of a new era in City's history. Summerbee Bar was already full by 1pm and the queue was huge so I stood no chance of meeting some other friends, you could sense something in the air people had got there early to drink it in. Gates opened it was straight in for us.
When the game kicked off you could see the tension in the players they were dominating but not getting any luck in front of goal. Tension amongst fans went up when news filtered through Utd were winning at Sunderland. Then suddenly Pablo Zabaleta let fly Paddy Kenny didn't get the best of touch the ball looped up and dropped behind the line the stadium erupted the Poznan even made a welcome return.
The 2nd half started similar then disaster a rare Joleon Lescott mistake allowed Lord Cisse of Frodsham through and his smart finish was to much for Joe Hart. Keith leapt from his seat and slumped back down he was along with everyone else wearing MCFC colours shocked. Then out of no where the advantage looked to be back with City when after a bit of handbags with Carlos Tevez, Joey Barton elbowed Tevez and the assistant spotted it. Ref Mike Dean after checking with his assistant sent Barton off and what followed can only be described as disgraceful as Barton kicked Sergio Aguero then tried to headbutt Vincent Kompany. Surely against 10 men with over 30 minutes City would get the winner??
As It turned out that was far from the case indeed QPR broke and scored a great headed goal by Mackie as he did what any coach will tell you head down and back to the direction the ball came from leaving Joe Hart helpless. City piled forward chance after chance came and went as Kenny more than made up for his earlier howler with save after save some from near point blank range. The news from the Stadium Of Light was unchanged City had to win. Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko were brought on as Mancini tried to find the answer to the problem that was Paddy Kenny. I had began to accept typical city was having a swansong then the stoppage time board went up 5 minutes left. The announcements over the PA about a lap of honour and not going on the pitch were beginning to get really annoying. Then from a Silva corner Dzeko rose and buried the header past Kenny the goal was celebrated but it seemed it was merely saving our unbeaten home league record. QPR's bench appeared to have got the result from the Britannia stadium as they seemed excited there was also a cheer from the away fans in the South Stand as indeed it was the case Rangers were safe and Bolton were down.
1 minute left Nigel De Jong ran forward it was last chance saloon he passed to Aguero who linked with Balotelli who fell over but as he did he managed to flick the ball right into Aguero's path a side step past a challenge he unleashed a shot that flew past Kenny as the net bulged the entire stadium went wild City's bench emptied on to the pitch fans were celebrating wildly I hugged Keith, Lucas who had been stood on his seat to see launched himself into my arms and planted the biggest kiss he has ever given me. Putting him down I realised my chest was sore I was struggling to breath I found my inhaler quickly and within a few seconds was ok enough to soak up the last few seconds.
Now you may note I said the entire stadium well I standby that comment after seeing this youtube video by a QPR fan knowing they were safe they wanted to party with us
Fair play to them they knew it didn't matter had the news they needed.
Full time whistle and the roof came off the stadium never before had the league finished in such a dramatic fashion. Forget Michael Thomas and that famous goal at Anfield this was even more incredible and no doubt will be talked about for as long. Given the drama there was a pitch invasion the raw emotion was understandable. Appeals were made for fans to return to their seats so the trophy presentation could take place and slowly people heeded and trotted back. The party then started as bluemoon and various other songs boomed out.
In a great nod to the past Tony Book and Mike Summerbee carried the trophy out for the presentation, As well as a guard of honour formed by Francis Lee Glynn Pardoe etc.. Seeing Vincent Kompany lifting the trophy and the party atmosphere was brilliant. Indeed watching the trophy go past held proudly by Roberto Mancini and Brian Kidd and seeing the players with their families was joyous. On the way to Piccadilly I spoke to some QPR fans they were brilliant happy they were still a Premier League side they in turn happy for us that after dropping into the old division 2 we had come good and become Champions of England. And as a man of my word Lucas did indeed get his blow up trophy and on the train home I had to pretend I was the crowd and he was Vincent Kompany lifting the Premier League Crown. I loved it as much as he did, If this is how it feels to be City it feels just champion!
Yes they are at it again the last few days have seen a glut of articles in the press from players from Old Trafford. Wait with the headline you were expecting me to say the Etihad Stadium weren't you?? Well that's the thing despite "Noisy Neighbours" being a United put down and something Fergie invented it is actually them making all the noise as the title race enters the home straight.
In the last few weeks there have been articles from Danny Wellbeck and Jonny Evans basically saying United's experience will see them through to their 20th title and they will win at the Etihad Stadium to all but clinch the title in late April. Jonny Evans must be trying to cheer himself up still after his red card played a small part in City's 1-6 win in the Derby earlier in the season. As for Wellbeck he's young and has been bred into United arrogance. They are brought up believing they are the best they deserve all the success they have had. Whilst true they have been the best many times the fact the challenge has come from City really does appear to be getting to the players as the weekly articles are beginning to show more and more.
Put simply they expected City to have choked by now and it's scaring them that despite a few wobbles City are still top because United also wobbled at the same time. It's really eaten at them that despite their comeback win in the Community Shield (a footballing lesson according to Wayne Rooney) they haven't been able to shake off City as the massacre at Old Trafford proved City are for real.
But here is the thing the league table shows City and United pulling away from 3rd spot which quite probably means worst case scenario City would finish 2nd. And that would be a best ever season since the Premier League started in 1992-93. That would be progress for City it's a win win situation either way we've nothing to lose yet everything to gain it would be disappointing having come so far not to win the title but it isn't the end of the world. Where as for United the reverse is true they have everything to lose if their local rivals pip them to the top spot.
The press make a big deal about the youngsters in United's side whilst completely ignoring the age of City's squad so lets look at that. In goal Joe Hart is 24 in defence Micah Richards is 23 Vincent Kompany is 25 Pablo Zabaleta is 27, in midfield David Silva is 26 James Milner is 26 Nigel De Jong is 27 Adam Johnson is 24 and up front Sergio Aguero is 23 Mario Balotelli is 21 Edin Dzeko is 25. In other words most of the first team aren't at their peak yet City have many years challenging at the top left in them.
So winning the title isn't an urgent must do 2nd place would still be a sign of progress. The "Noisy Neighbours" will come good it might be this season it might be next the point is time is on City's side.
