Press on the attack but do we care?

Manchester City's new sponsorship arrangement with Etihad Airways seems to have the press in an frenzy be it The Daily Mirror's Oliver Holt or BBC's Phil McNulty.  They are just two in a list of people on the attack.

You have to ask what are they afraid of?  is it simply as some City fans believe the press hate the thought of their cosy little top 4 being broken up by a upstart like Manchester City ?  Point is City are no upstarts we have a history that a lot of clubs could only dream about,  Yaya Toure's goal winning the FA Cup for City was the first major honour in 35 long years which has seen some dramatic relegation's promotions new managers and umpteen false dawns.

City despite it all have continued to be well supported by a loyal fan base that have endured things that I seriously question fans of other clubs would willingly put up with whilst still turning up.  Relegation to what is now League One in 1998 saw the club at an all time low yet attendances at Maine Road were up near capacity.

Shiekh Mansour took over back in 2008 from being poor little Manchester City suddenly the club were thrust into the news for good reasons.  It took just 3 seasons to turn a mid table side into automatic Champions League qualifiers doing well in that competition is a license to print money attracting commercial partners people wanting private boxes for matches etc..

Yet the press seem to be almost hell bent on knocking City down even questioning if the Etihad deal is legal despite as many reports quoted the club openly spoke to UEFA to see what was and wasn't allowed.  Perhaps it is they don't want change from their ever faithful big 4 ?  Newsflash Liverpool haven't been top 4 for the last two seasons,  Arsenal for the last few years have promised so much and delivered very little to the point players seem to leave whilst still at their peak.  If Chelsea had managed to do a similar deal for the rights to Stamford Bridge would there be the uproar? I really doubt it.  Facts are a product that stays still goes stale the SPL is a prime example with winners of the title being both Glasgow clubs for a long long time

The Family Stand COMS

Well it seems like ages ago Connor and me excitedly entered COMS to see the new look family stand when City played Valencia.

We weren't disappointed the stand looked really good bright cheerful foyer had replaced the grey soul less area that is the bug bear of most modern stadia. From player height charts to compare the kids against to colourful recreations of famous goals almost like a hop scotch on the floor.

Face painting is always a winner and unless you got to the ground early there would always be a queue every home game. You could even "do the Tevez" something many kids and adults seemed happy to do next to a life sized picture of Carlos.

Entertainment varied through out the season ranging from magicians to ball tricks to even a contortionist in a box. all seemed very popular. There was the odd lame effort like a pantomine dame and a huge Christmas pudding but overall the standard seemed very good. Before the Leicester replay the magician had Connor mesmerised. (click to see a youtube of a card trick)

Throughout the season i did see moans and groans on the
forums about gaps in the crowd, true there did appear to be but with it being the only part of the stadium where kids do get the £95 season card I can see the family stand being fuller next season. However perhaps for cup games the rules could be relaxed quicker.

Overall for me as a parent and a seasoncard holder the family stand has been a huge success for Manchester City. When I do take both Connor and Lucas they want to go in as soon as the gates open to get their faces painted and to see the pre match entertainment. The sweet shop in the stand was also a no brainer. I look forward to the 11/12 season and all it brings knowing the club I love values my support and values the fact as a father I want my children to share in my passion for Manchester City!