The Manchester City Project

The draw for the 3rd round of the carling cup has produced an all premiership clash for Manchester City as they will face Fulham week commencing September 21st.

City made their way into the third roud after a strong team beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on Thursday night. Fulham start their League Cup campaign away to City after qualifying for the Europa League last term

City will go into the match after playing Manchester United in the derby on the 20th of September.

The League Cup third round draw in full:

Carling Cup third round draw:

Arsenal v West Brom
Chelsea v QPR
Bolton v West Ham
Barnsley v Burnley
Hull v Everton
Leeds v Liverpool
Manchester United v Wolves
Manchester City v Fulham
Sunderland v Birmingham
Peterborough v Newcastle
Carlisle v Portsmouth
Nottingham Forest v Blackburn
Stoke v Blackpool
Scunthorpe v Port Vale
Preston v Tottenham
Aston Villa v Cardiff

Manchester City FC have asked us if we can help to find some people with musical talent to play and or sing outside of the stadium on match days. Those with the x-factor will be given tickets for the game and proceeds will go to charity. The message from mcfc in full:

We are on the lookout for buskers and acoustic acts to perform outside the City of Manchester Stadium before City home games this season. In conjunction with the Umbro Playlist we need four acts each matchday to entertain the crowds as they arrive at the ground. Chosen artists will be asked to perform for approximately an hour before kick-off and will also receive a pair of tickets to the match. Any money collected through busking will be given to one of the clubs’ associated charities.

The first game we need buskers for is Arsenal on September 12th.

So, if you’re an acoustic act, guitarist, singer, violinist... anything musical, please get in touch by emailing us an mp3 of you playing or a link to a MySpace page etc to mcfc@mcfc.co.uk with ‘MCFC Buskers’ as the subject.

Manchester City secured a place in the third round of the league cup with a comfortable win over Crystal Palace. Goals from Shaun Wright-Phillips and Carlos Tevez ensured that City did not suffer a 2nd Round embarrassing defeat – again.

Joleon Lescott was thrust into the starting line-up after completing his move from Everton on Wednesday and helped City keep a third consecutive clean sheet. Palace threatened City’s goal in the first half with Moses very effective down the left and Sears coming close three times. Given was again on top form to prevent Palace gaining the lead.

City should have been ahead after 18 minutes when Robinho was ruled offside despite actually starting his run in his own half. This was one of a number of wrong desicisons by an inept linesman.

In the second half City completely dominated. They started the half with a goal when Ireland fed the ball through to Wright-Phillips on the edge of the area. Wright-Phillips smashed the ball – beating Speroni at his near post.

With 20 minutes remaining Carlos Tevez put the game beyond Palace with a header from six yards out after being left unmarked from a corner.

The strong starting line-up was necessary in order to ensure victory but also to help the new team gel together, which they are doing with every minute of play. Manager Mark Hughes was pleased with Carlos Tevez getting on the team sheet: "I was hoping that by playing Carlos that it would be an opportunity for him to get off the mark and was delighted that he did so.

"Carlos is a quality player with great intelligence. He makes the right runs time and time again.

"He is working very nicely with Emmanuel Adebayor."

Match Facts:
Crystal Palace 0
Manchester City 2 (Wright-Phillips 50, Tevez 72)
Thursday 27 August 2009, 8:00PM
Selhurst Park Att: 14725 Carling Cup


Crystal Palace: Speroni; Clyne, Fonte, McCarthy, Hill; Ambrose (Smith, 71), Danns, Derry, Moses (Carle, 79); N'Diaye, Sears (Scannell, 71). Unused subs: Flahavan, Lawrence, Lee, Butterfield

Bookings:

Manchester City: Given; Richards, Toure, Lescott, Bridge; Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Barry; Tevez (De Jong, 86), Adebayor, Robinho (Bellamy, 72). Unused subs: Taylor, Onuoha, Zabaleta, Petrov, Weiss

Bookings: Richards (10)

Manchester City FC have confirmed that they have agreed a fee with Aston Villa for Man City captain Richard Dunne. The defender is currently on his way to Villa to discuss personal terms.

The official mcfc website have said: "City can confirm that the Club has agreed a fee with Aston Villa for defender Richard Dunne and the 29-year-old skipper is travelling to the Midlands to discuss personal terms for a move to Villa Park."

Aston Villa are reporting the same story on their website.

The fee is reported to be around £6 million.

Following on from the cross media partnership between Endemol and Manchester City - Endemol are to make a film following City and it's fans during the season. MCFC have contacted this website to see if City fans would like the opportunity to feature in the film.

At the beginning of July this year Endemol - the worldwide maker of entertainment programmes announced that: "Endemol Sport will closely collaborate with Manchester City in developing both the media strategy and the entire media content output for the Club in both domestic and international markets."

A message for you from MCFC and Endemol:

We are looking for a number of fans to take part in a film about Manchester City.

We want to hear from all kinds of fans, old and young, male and female. If you want to take part, can spare some time during the ups and downs of this big year and are willing to be open, passionate and interesting, we like to hear from you with details of:

Your interest and love of the club.

The great City stories you can tell.

What you do outside your City life.

What are your rituals on match day?

Is anything big happening to you this year?

If you fancy getting involved, email Mcfc@endemoluk.com with your details.

The Manchester City Project - A Man City Fans Site

Joleon Lescott was finally unveiled as a Manchester City player today. See Joleon's press conference video below. Joleon said: "There are World Cup players and winners here and if we're all pushing in the same direction then we should achieve great things."

Joleon Lescott signed a five-year-deal after agreeing personal terms, in a deal worth around £22 million for Everton. Lescott will bring strength and depth to City's defensive options along with left back Sylvinho.

Joleon Lescott added today: "I'm excited to have joined a great club, and after talking to Mark Hughes I know that the Club's ambitions and mine are similar. Now I just want to get out there with the lads.

"It was time for me to make the change, and my target now is to just play as many games as I can this season - you don't join a big club like this and expect to go straight in.

"We want to finish as high as we can in the League of course, and fourth place is achievable when you look around the dressing-room. We've signed players from some of the biggest clubs in the world, and that shows the ambition here.

"I think we're better equipped than Everton to finish fourth. I reached the FA Cup Final last season, which is an achievement. The next step is to win a trophy. I sense that feeling here.

"I've a lot to live up to but not because of the money. I put a lot of pressure on myself and make demands of myself.

"It's a demanding season with a World Cup to follow. I've managed to get into the England squad, now I want to try and cement my place for the World Cup, a massive goal for me."

Manager Mark Hughes said of Lescott at the press conference today: "I fully expect him to become the best central defender in the country. He is at the stage of his career where there is further development in him.

"He is at a club on which there is a huge focus. He will have to deal with that. That makes players grow. We have invested a lot of money in him and with that comes a responsibility.

“Joleon can be as good as John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. That is the challenge for Joleon. It will not faze him. He is a driven young man and wants to be the best he can be."

Despite claims that the signing of Lescott will bring to an end Richard Dunne's Manchester City career, Mark Hughes has reiterated that Richard Dunne remains the club captain. Richard Dunne will along with all the other defenders now face a fight for a starting place.

Hughes said of Dunne: "There is bound to be speculation but what we are trying to do is make the squad stronger,"

"No doubt we will get calls in relation to Richard or other centre-backs, because people will surmise that now Joleon is here others may leave.

"That is not necessarily the case," he said. "It can be down to the individual or down to circumstances, but my remit is to make the club stronger.

"As we stand today Richard Dunne is the captain,"

However it is now being reported that Aston Villa have had a £6 million fee agreed with Manchester City regarding the transfer of Richard Dunne. The Guardian are reporting that a fee has been agreed and they will offer Dunne the Villa captaincy in discussions over personal terms.


Man City had previously had 2 bids for Lescott turned down robustly by Everton. The situation took a dramatic turn when Lescott handed in a written transfer request which was immediately rejected by David Moyes. Lescott however was determined to secure a move to Manchester City. David Moyes inevitably had sell Lescott to prevent any long term damage to the stability of the Everton dressing room. Moyes said: "The situation means we have to sell him, that's been the main reason. It has jeopardised team spirit, you saw how we were against Arsenal."

Everton signed Lescott from Wolves in 2006 and the player has gone on to become a regular for both Everton and England. Birmingham born Lescott now lives in the Manchester area and was reported to be interested in a move to City since the saga began.

Lescott is a versatile player who can play as either a left-sided centre back or a left back. Lescott responded today over David Moye's claims that Lescott's attitude was "disappointing" and how he insinuated that this was the cause of Everton's 6-1 thrashing by Arsenal on the opening day of the season:

"I was disappointed in the comments, I feel they're inaccurate," Lescott said. "I'd like to address them at a later date and talk more positively about my move here.

"I don't think I disrespected any of the (Everton) players. If I did I apologise. I'd like to think they thought I gave my all when I played.

"I know it wasn't my finest game for Everton (against Arsenal). It was a collective effort and obviously Arsenal were better than us on the day."

City manager Mark Hughes and the backroom staff have been keen to add premiership proven players to the squad, and preferably home-grown talent. City’s squad now has a number of high profile home-grown players including Barry, Ireland, Wright-Phillips and Bridge. Manchester City is clearly preparing a team that will be able to compete under any new “Home-grown player” rule adopted by UEFA.

The home-grown player rule states: At least four players in every 16-man match-day squad will have to have been registered domestically for at least three years before their 21st birthday.

This is not to be confused with the FIFA “6+5” rule which was abandoned after it broke EU laws on freedom of employment between European Countries. It would mean that players who have been brought up through the ranks of English based clubs would also qualify as “Home-Grown”, so for example Richards, Lescott, Barry, and Wright-Phillips fall in this bracket.

Everton are reported to have compiled a “nailed on” dossier against Manchester City – accusing them of illegally “tapping-up” Joleon Lescott. If found guilty City and the player could face possible fines. The club could also suffer a point’s reduction penalty. Ashley Cole and Jose Mourinho were fined £75,000 and £20,000 respectively after Arsenal reported Chelsea for “tapping-up” Cole. The original inquiry found Cole in breach of Premier League rule K5, which prevents contracted players talking to rival clubs without their employer’s permission.

Mourinho, who initially denied he had been at the meeting, was found to be in breach of Rule Q, governing managers’ conduct. Chelsea was also given a suspended 3-point reduction if they were found guilty of committing a similar offence in the future.

Under these circumstances Everton would have to prove that Manchester City had spoken to Lescott regarding a move without their permission. The only hearsay is that Lescott and Hughes were on holiday together, along with John Terry... hmmm. If Everton believe that the saga has been too public then they will fail in that accusation because it was Everton who published the following on their website before Manchester City said anything public:

30/07/09: "We can confirm we have received an offer of £18m for Joleon Lescott from Manchester City and that offer has been rejected outright."

Of course in all probability all of this will fade away – especially as David Moyes’ comments after the 1-0 defeat to Burnley suggested that Everton were simply playing games to get as much money for Lescott as possible from the outset. Everything else would appear to have been a smoke screen to appease the fans and get more money for “3 or 4 players” before the close of the transfer window. Moyes said:

"We shouldn't have been asked to wait this length of time for an amount of cash we think was the correct value for the player.

"Real Madrid came in with the money (£80million for Ronaldo) a week after the end of the season. If the money had been offered in June it would have been a lot easier for us. The time is against us (to find a replacement)."

Joleon Lescott is currently undergoing a medical for Manchester City after being seen arriving at the training ground. The two clubs have finally agreed a fee for the English Centreback, understood to be in the reigion of £24 million.

David Moyes relucantly decided to sell the player after Lescott made his attentions clear that he wanted to move to Manchester City. Lescott's transfer request and attitude towards the rejection of that request has now persuaded Moyes that the player should move on to stop any dressing room unrest: "The situation means we have to sell him," Moyes told The People newspaper. "That's been the main reason. It has jeopardised team spirit -- you saw how we were against Arsenal. I would have preferred to keep the player. He's a good player and he can play two positions.

"I've been disappointed but I've had my say on how it's been and any more would be repeating what I've said.

"You could see the effect that it had last week. It's played a big part behind the scenes.

"Joleon had told me on the Friday that he didn't want to play but I had no options so I chose to play him but it worked against me. So, I've taken the decision.

"It's been difficult because Joleon's attitude has been so poor. We'd rather have him playing but if a player is going to behave in the manner he did, we had not choice but to keep him away."

Manchester City won their second game of the season with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak watching from the stands. The City fans produced a number of new banners for the game including one from bluemoon forums that thanked Sheikh Mansour.

Other banners featured were “Ireland is Superman” and “We’re Not Really Here”.

Before the game Mike Summerbee was introduced as the clubs new ambassador infront of the fans with Garry Cook and Mark Hughes.

Mark Hughes made one change from the side that won at Blackburn, replacing Craig Bellamy with Carlos Tevez, giving a three pronged attack of Robihno, Adebayor and Tevez.

City completely dominated the first half. Wolves placed 10 men behind the ball and frustrated City until the 18th minute. Bridge passed to Robinho who worked his way down the left wing before passing back to Bridge who hit a ball across the face of the 18 yard box. Tevez deftly cushioned the ball into the path of Adebayor who turned and shot low and hard into the bottom of the net. That was Adebayor’s second goal of the season. (See video below).

It wasn’t until the 40th minute that Shay Given was called into action. Matthew Jarvis broke through the centre of the pitch and sent a powerful drive heading for the top right hand corner of the net. Given matched it – diving high he pushed it around the upright.

City lost a little composure in the second half and failed to close down the opposition who had decided to make a fight of the match. Wolves came close on 69 minutes when Andy Keogh smashed the crossbar with a drive that should have resulted in a goal. However Ireland should have put the game beyond Wolves on the 57th minute when he miss hit the ball with the goal at his mercy.

Overall City deserved to win the game on chances created, they had 11 shots on target compared to Wolves 2 and dominated possession with 65% of the play.

After the game during an interview Mark Hughes acknowledged that City and Everton were now in dialogue over the transfer of Joleon Lescott (see interview below).

Match Facts:
Manchester City 1 (Adebayor, 18)
Wolves 0
Att: 47,287

Manchester City: Given,Richards,Dunne,Toure,Bridge,Wright-Phillips,Ireland,Barry,Robinho (De Jong 83),Tevez (Bellamy 72), Adebayor Unused subs: Taylor, Zabaleta, Onuoha, Petrov, and Weiss

Wolves: Hennessey,Edwards,Stearman,Craddock,Henry,Keogh,Ward(Vokes74,Halford(Elokobi46)Jarvis,Milijas(Doyle46,Mancienne Unused subs: Surman,Hahnemann,Jones,and Berra

Bookings: Stearman

Manchester City host Wolves at the City of Manchester Stadium for the first home game of the season today. Emmanuel Adebayor (groin), Robinho (ankle), Wayne Bridge (hamstring) and Zabaleta (calf) will all have late fitness tests before the game. However Mark Hughes is confident that they may all be available for selection:

“Emmanuel had a bit of discomfort but we fully expect it to resolve itself and Robi has discomfort just above his ankle and we also fully expect he will be available for selection too.”

Carlos Tevez is expected to get his first start of the season today.

Wolves will be without striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake who will be a big miss after firing Wolves to promotion last year. Keven Foley at right back (knee) will also miss the game. Forwards Chris Iwelumo (foot) and winger Michael Kightly (foot and hip) remain long term absenties.

Mark Hughes wants to play strong attacking football, however he is also aware that Wolves my come to get men behind the ball and stop City from playing:

“Our aim to always play entertaining football; that is how the squad is built and that is what we will be trying to do. We have a lot of quality in the final third and we want to replicate our home form of last season,”

“Wolves are off the mark all ready and their confidence should be high after coming into the Premier League off the back of a great season. Sides new to this league are nearly always more of a threat at the beginning of the season when their confidence is high and has not been pricked somewhat. They will be full of enthusiasm coming here.

“They will not come to us with any apprehension and we will see how they approach it. They could very well get lots of people behind the ball but they could also think ‘let’s be positive and see what happens.”

Probable line up for City: Given, Richards, Dunne, Toure, Bridge, Ireland, Barry, Wright-Phillips, Petrov, Adebayor, Tevez

If you wish to watch the game via live stream then click here.

Manchester City (from): Given, Zabaleta, Dunne, Toure, Ben Haim, Onuoha, Bridge, De Jong, Barry, Ireland, Wright-Phillips, Weiss, Robinho, Adebayor, Bellamy, Tevez, Richards, Garrido, Etuhu, Vidal, McGivern, Petrov, Benjani, Taylor.

Wolves (from): Hennessey, Hahnemann, Ikeme, Stearman, Berra, Craddock, Mancienne, Zubar, Ward, Elokobi, Hill, Halford, Surman, Henry, Milijas, Jones, Jarvis, Edwards, Keogh, Vokes, Doyle, Spray..

Here are some mp3 files of Manchester City chants and the written lyrics.

Before Carlos Tevez signed for Manchester City the fans sung the "Herman munster's head" chant to the united player. However, since he moved to Man City the fans have quite rightly changed the lyrics of the chant - sung to 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home' which goes: "They couldn't afford his transfer fee, Tevez Tevez. Now he plays for Man Citee, Tevez Tevez. We're sorry for the hateful words, We're sure you've snogged loads of birds. Car-los Tevez is fitter than Cheryl Cole".

The Original Tevez Chant



He's neck scars proves he's lost his head Tevez, Tevez,
He'll never have a sexy bird Tevez, Tevez,
The argy t*at, the ugly c*nt,
They've sewn his head on back to front,
Carlos Tevez, Herman Munster head...


Since the Manchester City take over by the Abdu Dabi group City fans have ironically chanted at the full house at Blackburn "You're only here for the money" in response to the critism that City's new players have only signed for money - despite some fans from other clubs being quite happy to shell out money to watch them when they wouldn't have done otherwise.

Marching With Abu Dhabi



We're on the march with Abu Dhabi,
We're buying everyone we see,
And we'll really shake em up when we're winning all the cups,
'cos city are the greatest football team...

Are We Too Rich For You



Are we too rich for you,
Are we too rich for you,
Are we too rich for you,
Are we too rich for you...

You’ve got six fingers on each hand
Sung to such teams that come from Norfolk or Middlesborough



You've got 6 fingers on each hand,
You've got 6 fingers on each hand,
You've got 6 fingers on each hand,
You've got 6 fingers on each hand...



Fat Spanish Waiter
As sung to Rafa Benitez



Fat Spanish waiter,

You're just a fat Spanish waiter,

Fat Spanish waiter...


We’re Not Really Here



We are not, we're not really here,
We are not, we're not really here,
Just like the fans of the Invisible Man,
We're not really here...

Hark Now Hear



Hark now hear,
The City Sing,
United ran away,
And we will fight for ever more,
Because of Derby Day..


Blue Moon



Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone,
Without a dream in my heart,Without a love of my own..

Na Na Na City



Nah nah nah, Na na na nah, Na na na nah,City...

Ireland Is Superman



Ireland is Superman,
Ireland is Superman,
Ireland is Superman,
Ireland is Superman...

Oh when the blues



Oh when the Blues go marchin in,
Oh when the Blues go marchin in,
I want to be in that number,
Oh when the Blues go marching in...

We Never Win



We never win at home,And we never win away,
We lost last week and we lost today,
But we don't give a f*ck,Cos we're all p*ssed up,
MCFC OK...

De de de de de de Martin Petrov



De de de de de de Martin Petrov, De de de de de de Martin Petrov...

Man City fans were in good voice amongst the 94,123 crowd at the Nou Camp. They watched on as City beat the European Champions by a single Martin Petrov Goal and lifted the traditional pre-season friendly cup – the Joan Gamper trophy.

Vlad Weiss was named in the starting line up alongside Martin Petrov. Vlad Weiss had an excellent game on the wing, frequently showing signs of brilliance and he did not look fazed nor out of place amongst the likes of Lionel Messi, Ibrahimovic, Puyol and Yaya Toure. Based on his preseason form Vlad Weiss could well expect to gain some needed Premiership experience against Wolves on Saturday.

Martin Petrov who has been linked with a move away from Manchester City recently scored again to increase his chances of breaking into the City starting XI. Barcelona controlled the early stages of the match until City broke away after a Barca attack on 27 minutes. Stephen Ireland threaded a ball through to Martin Petrov who coolly slotted home.

City almost scored again just before half time when Petrov struck a freekick into the area and Gareth Barry watch his header fly past the post.

City’s back four stood up to a Barcelona backlash in the second half, with Dunne in good form at the back. Barcelona’s efforts resulted in a Jonathan shot hitting the cross bar and a Messi shot that went just wide.

Shay Given pulled off a number of fine saves to underline his importance in the team. Given saved brilliantly with his feet to deny a debut goal for Ibrahimovic. On this form Given will provided a firm foundation for City’s assault on the Premiership Elite this year.

In the final moments of the game Craig Bellamy had the chance to increase City’s lead after another Stephen Ireland pass. However Bellamy shot just wide.

Richard Dunne lifted the trophy infront of 94,000 fans at the Nou Camp – a major confidence builder ahead of Saturday’s first home game of the season against Wolves.



Match Facts
Barcelona 0
Manchester City 1 (Petrov, 28)

Wednesday 19 August 2009, 9:15PM
Att: 94123 Pre-Season Friendly

FC Barcelona: Pinto; Montoya (Alves, 46), Puyol (Marc Bartra, 30), Fontas (Pique, 65), Maxwell; Sergio; Yaya Toure (Jonathan, 46), Gudjohnsen (Keita, 46); Jeffren Gai, 54), Bojan (Ibrahimovic, 46), Pedro (Messi, 46). Unused subs: Mino, Henrique, Muniesa, Thiago

Manchester City: Given; Onuoha, Dunne, Kolo Toure (Ben Haim, 46), Zabaleta (Garrido, 65); Weiss, Wright-Phillips (Tripper, 81), Ireland, Barry Etuhu, 69), Petrov; Tevez (Bellamy, 65). Unused subs: Taylor, Vidal, McGivern

There are some fans that are willing to go that extra mile. A Man City fan has “2011 Champions League Winners” tattooed on his arm, a united fan names her baby after Carlos Tevez – four hours before the striker switched to City and an entire Sunday League team changed their names to their footy heroes by deed poll to change their fortunes. Scroll down to take the Fanatic Name Change Quiz.

Man City Champions League Tattoo

Kirk Bradley is so confident that Manchester City will reach the Champions League Final in 2011 and win that he has had it tattooed on his arm.

Kirk explained the reason behind the Tattoo:

"While I was in the pub one night I was saying how I thought we'd win the Champions League next season and my friend turned to me and said 'if you're so sure why don't you have it tattooed?'

"He was obviously joking, so you can imagine his face when I turned around and said 'okay then'.

"I really believe we have the quality and ambition to go and achieve the biggest prize out there and I think we can do it that soon.

"With Mark Hughes at the helm and the money flowing in, we are going to not only challenge the big four, but the whole of Europe as well.”


Tevez Baby

Manchester United fanatic Claudia Thomas named her son after Carlos Tevez, unfortunately Carlos Tevez completed his switch to Manchester City four hours after baby Tevez was born.

Fortunately Tevez Thomas is fit and well after a brief spell in the new intensive care unit at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester.

Baby Tevez was the first baby to be born and treated in the new care unit.

Claudia said: "Tevez is a lovely name, I decided on it ages ago. I was gutted when I saw he'd transferred to City. We're all United fans in my family, I don't know what they're going to say when they find out.

"I'm very proud of him, he's already made history by being the first baby born at the hospital.”


The Sunday League Superstars

There’s a group of fanatics who play for Sunday League side Lynam Athletic in the Third Division of the Birmingham Coronation League. They were playing so badly that they decided they would all change their names in order to “strike fear into the opposition”

After changing their names by deed poll the team line up would strike fear into any opposition with the likes of Henry, Kaka, Rooney and Gerrard. Unfortunately they lost 4-1 to The Iron House after changing their names.

FULL SQUAD: Thierry Henry, Ronaldo (formerly Kevin Alban), Ronaldinho (Majid Ali), Carragher (Jon Barber), Alves (Paul Blears), Cafu (Dan Branch), Essien (Darryl Brown), Van Nistelrooy (Marc Clifton), Gerrard (Connor Edgcumbe), Terry (Ian Flatt), Messi (Chris Gray), Kaka (Nick Hall), Casillas (Pete Hall) Cannavaro (Neil Kimpton), Crespo (Andrew Mullan), Cech (Jon Robins), Rooney (Ben White).


The Fanatic Nutter Name Quiz

Not just football fanatics have changed their names in honour of their heroes... I've created the following quiz dedicated to various nut balls that have permanently changed their names.

To complete the small quiz match the photograph of the person to their legal title. Simply choose the correct name from the multiple choices.

After you have completed the quiz you will get the answers - scroll down the answers to see a little explanation and story behind the nut balls.

Joleon Lescott's move to Manchester City edged closer today. Lescott trained on his own away from the rest of the Everton squad and has been dropped for the European game on Thursday against Sigma Olomouc. Everton have declined to comment on the defenders absence.

Lescott will not feature in the European game on Thursday after missing team training today and being left out the Everton squad for the match. Lescott recently handed in a transfer request and also asked not to be picked for the 6-1 loss to Arsenal on Saturday. The public absence of Lescott from training could signal to Manchester City that Everton are now willing to do business - rather than disrupt their season any further. City are now believed to be in the process of making a third bid now that the amber light flashes.

Moyes will be disappointed to lose Lescott - however the transfer would enable him to look into the transfer market to bolster his thin squad. It has been reported that Moyes has enquired about two Spurs players - full back Alan Hutton and Midfielder David Bentley. The enquiry within the last 24 hours would again suggest that Everton are now resigned to losing Lescott and gaining some transfer funds.

The silence emanating from Everton regarding the absence of Lescott is uncharacteristic of a club that has used every opportunity to publicly deny the sale of Lescott. Everton said of the situation : "We will not be making any comment on this."

Expect Lescott to be a City player by the end of the weekend.

Stephen Ireland - Homegrown Superman

Stephen Ireland was to finish any hope for Blackburn fan’s in the last moments of the game. After another inspired break away Ireland found himself confronted by Robinson in the area after another pass from Wright-Phillips – he looked up and feigned to pass to Adebayor before coolly passing the ball into the net past Robinson. Ireland topped off another fine display with a cool finish, leaving the pitch to the sound of the 7,000 strong City travelling fans... “Ireland is Superman”.

Come On! Kick off is almost upon us for the new season. Along with the excitement I’m feeling in my gut I’m also a little apprehensive. A trip to Blackburn first game of the season could be the first banana skin to make me turn my phone off at 5 and begin preparing myself for the stick I’ll receive at work and down the pub.

One thing I will do if things don’t go our way today is go out and buy a movie to watch. I’ll just catch the repeat of Match of the Day tomorrow after a sleep. A movie which has been recommended to me is “Mega Shark vs Mega Octopus”. Have a look at the following clips – how good does this movie look? Two prehistoric seas creatures are frozen in time, but when they defrost they terrorise the California coast as they battle for supremacy of the seas. Take a look at the second clip from the movie where Mega Shark jumps from the ocean to grab a plane in mid air.

It's still not too late to join our Fantasy Football Leagues! Submit your free Fantasy Premier League team to our league, you can also join our Sun Dream Team Mini League and our Telegraph Fantasy Football Super League.


Telegraph Fantasy Football Super League

To join our Telegraph Fantasy Football Mini-League go to "Super Leagues" and from the top navigation select "Join League" and then enter the following details:

League Name: Man City Project
League Pin: 9008308

You can enter as many teams as you like, and it doesn't matter who you support - try and take on the Manchester City Project.


The Sun Dream Team Mini League

You can also enter the Manchester City Project's Sun Dream Team Mini League. Again you can enter as many teams as you like. To join our Sun Dream Team Mini League simply use the following details:

League Name: Man City Project
Mini-League Pin: 116060
Mini-League Pasword: mancity121


Fantasy Premier League

You can also enter into our free Premier Fantasy League with the league code: 431917-106812

Join up an challenge the following teams already submitted:

The Project Steve Murphy
weall8redscum lee newton
Cols Slickers Colin Beech
Ruining The Game FC karl bowling
Simples Change Name
Blue Moon FC Luke Thompson
AFC Falastur Matthew Rossall
Chicago FC Cuong Nguyen
Zizou's Allstars Matt Kinsey
manchester city Paul Kinsey
sorastrife united michael hulf
Sounders F.C Lisa Umbelino
XI Kelevra's jay davis
Sharon FC Evan Halnon
City Till I Die Ashley Young
Toffee Crisps Rule Chris Sousa-Phipps
Farcelona Aqueel Ahmed
FC EKRANAS Sigitas Bumblys

The full updated league tables will be posted here through-out the season, if you wish to remain annonymous then simply send an email to admin@funkinsockmonkey.com

New article submitter Bob Bobbedy gives his preview of this weekends Premiership games but in an off beat kinda way.


Saturday, 15 August 2009

Aston Villa v Wigan, 15:00
I spent last Saturday afternoon with an Alien named Alan and showed him 90 minutes of Emile Heskey playing. I then got him to watch a football match from every other professional or semi-professional league and then asked Alan to guess what match this weekend involves Heskeys current club vs former club. He said Stafford Rangers v Corby.
Prediction: 2-0 (to Stafford Rangers).

Blackburn v Man City, 15:00
8000 travelling City fans never arrive at the ground as when selecting the destination Blackburn into the SATNAV the artificial intelligence decides that the coach drivers are obviously suicidal and directs them onto Morecambe and straight into the sea.

Prediction: 2-3

Bolton v Sunderland, 15:00

If you are coming from anywhere south of Bolton and were to travel 36 minutes more you could go and watch Blackburn vs Manchester City. Trust me..it's the best 36 minutes you'll ever spend.

Prediction: Long balls and boredom.

Chelsea v Hull, 12:45
How fat is Ray Wilkins? He speaks Italian don't you know. I'm guessing he knows two words. "Ragu" and "Seconds".


Prediction: One dead coach by the end of the season and tonnes of Ray Wilkins stuff on Ebay.

Everton v Arsenal, 17:30
So Marouane Fellaini has the best Wafro since Leo Sayer. So they finished 5th last season despite having no money. Does that mean that they can keep imprisoned Joleon Lescott from fulfilling his lifelong dream of joining Manchester City? No it does not.

Prediction: Lescott handcuffs himself to the post in protest at not being allowed to leave and clears off the line 4 times. 1-0(Fellaini)

Portsmouth v Fulham, 15:00
Both sets of fans are applauded for actually turning up to a ground that is narrowly beaten out by concentration camp in Escape To Victory as the most depressing place ever to field a football match. Stick some Swastika banners over the side with no roof and it's a tie.If only Fulham had an American Goalie I'd fancy their chances. What do you mean? Is Kasey Keller not dead yet?


Prediction: 2-1(Fratton Park)

Stoke v Burnley, 15:00
Both these towns have a large BNP following and BNP councillors. As a result both players come out in all white kits and no one knows who is playing who.After the match the FA release an immediate letter that asks all clubs to sing the traditional words of the football chant "Who's the bastard in the black" and not to exchange the words "in the" for "who is".

Prediction: 3-3

Wolverhampton v West Ham, 15:00
Unless you've got Carlton Cole or Ebanks-Blake in your fantasy football team will you care about this match?

Prediction: 1-3


Sunday, 16 August 2009

Man Utd v Birmingham, 13:30
No comment from me here. Can someone just put a looped video of Evras penalty from the Charity Shield.

Prediction: 3-0

Tottenham v Liverpool, 16:00
Steven Gerrard never plays a minute as he takes umbridge with the PA guy about the music he has chosen the teams to come out to and is involved in an ugly scuffle. Andy Gray from Sky Sports still reckons Gerrard is the best player on the pitch despite the fact that he spends the afternoon in a police cell.

Prediction: 1-1








Submitted by Bob Bobbedy

Manchester City’s Assistant Medical Officer gave assurances that Santa Cruz passed his medical with flying colours.

Allardyce prepares his team tactics

The second round carling cup match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City will be played on the 27th August 2009, kick off will be 8pm.

The match will be broadcast live via Sky from the Eagle's ground on the Thursday night.

There is currently no ticket news available yet, however it will be posted here when it becomes available.

Manchester City will face Crystal Palace away in the week beginning August 24th in the second round of the Carling Cup.

Todays draw will see Manchester City face the championship side who reached round two after a 2-1 win over second division side Torquay United.

Previous Encounters:

City played Crystal Palace on the way to the FA Cup Final in 1926. City won the tie 11-4 in the fifth round. They were beaten 1-0 in the final by Bolton. The following clip shows the coin toss and two city goals from the game played at Maine Road.

During the 1926 season City were "typical city" - the managerless side managed to beat United 6-1 at old Trafford in the highest derby victory, beat Palace 11-4, became the first Manchester side to play at Wembley in the FA Cup final against Bolton and managed to get relegated!


The Carling Cup (League Cup) Round 2 Draw in Full

West Brom v Rotherham
Norwich v Sunderland
Tranmere v Bolton
QPR v Accrington
Bristol City v Carlisle
Leyton Orient v Stoke
Port Vale v Sheffield Wednesday
Hull v Southend
Leeds v Watford
Cardiff v Bristol Rovers
Portsmouth v Hereford
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
Wolves v Swindon
Gillingham v Blackburn
Blackpool v Wigan
Southampton v Birmingham
Preston v Leicester
Newcastle v Huddersfield
est Ham v Millwall
Hartlepool v Burnley
Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough
Reading v Barnsley
wansea v Scunthorpe
Doncaster v Tottenham
Peterborough v Ipswich

Everton have been handed a transfer request from Joleon Lescott the club has confirmed.

The request has been turned down by the club, however a renewed bid for the player from Manchester City looks increasingly likely.

Everton may well have to negotiate the best deal for the player or else suffer the consequences of playing an unhappy player infront of what will be a hostile reception from the home support this year - which would not do Everton or Joleon any favours.

David Moyes told the club website regarding the request: "I have always said that we are not selling any players and that hasn't changed."

Come And Get Me - Lescott

The Mirror claim that even Lescott's team mates believed that the defender would be on his way to join the Manchester City Project before the weekend - when David Moyes reiterated that no players would be leaving the club.

Lescott is believed to be keen on a move to Manchester City and despite David Moyes standing firm up to now - he may not be able to stand in Lescott's way much longer without disrupting his own dressing room.

A young David Moyes may not get what he wants

The Guardian are reporting that West Ham United would be willing to accept a bid for Matthew Upson from Manchester City in the region of £12 million pounds. It is believed that Matthew Upson would be willing to accept the move to Manchester in order to potentially fulfil his ambition to play Champions League football withn the next two seasons.

A report in the Sun today claims that ex-player Sylvain Distin may also be considered for City's defensive bolstering if deals for Upson and Lescott fall through. It is believed that Distin would welcome a return to Manchester City, however he may recieve mixed reactions from fans - despite his impressive displays for the club - when he left a struggling City side for pompy on a free two years ago.

City will step up their efforts to purchase Joleon Lescott this week or Matthew Upson from Westham. With less than a week to go before the start of the season Hughes wants to add at least one defender to the squad.

Hughes recognises that time is running out to sign Lescott from Everton, with two bids rejected for the defender City are likely to submit one more bid early this week. Hughes said of the situation:

"We have to make a decision on any player we are pursuing, if we feel a certain deal has run its course, we will look elsewhere. Whether we have reached that stage with Joleon, only time will tell. Obviously, we can do deals right to the end of the transfer window. However, we would prefer to do our business as quickly as possible, ideally by the end of this week."

Everton manager David Moyes is still adamant that no players will be sold during this transfer window, claiming that unlike the press this summer he has been consistent in saying that no player will be leaving and that is currently the case.

Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright told sky sports news that he expects Lescott to be at Everton “at the start of the season”, not ruling out a transfer in a future window. However, with Everton to miss defender Yobo during January for the African Nations tournament the sale of Lescott at the beginning of the January transfer window seems unlikely.

Manchester City will also be missing defender Kolo Toure during January and will want a defender in place to cover any injuries before then. If the new Lescott bid is rejected this week then City will turn their attentions to England Defender Matthew Upson from West Ham.
30-year-old Upson signed for West Ham in 2007 from Birmingham City for £6 million. It may take an offer of £10 million to take him to Manchester City. The Mail on Sunday today claims that West Ham need to raise £10 million before the end of the transfer window as the club are in financial difficulty. A deal for the England international would therefore be a realistic possibility.

In April Upson himself said that he would be prepared to leave West Ham at the end of the season in order to increase his chances of landing a place in the England squad for the world cup. At the time Zola said of Upson: “Matthew Upson has been incredible. He is one of the players we will rely on a lot in the future. We will talk to him and see that he can be happy staying here.” Zola then announced that Upson has been made captain for the forth coming campaign in an attempt to satisfy Upson’s ambition. However with the club in financial difficulty a bid would have to be seriously considered.

City may face competition for the players signature from Aston Villa and his previous club Arsenal. Upson may favour Arsenal if they were to make a bid as he will not have to relocate from London and he will have the opportunity to play Champions league football this season, which is one of his major ambitions. He may feel that time is running out on his career to take a gamble on Manchester City reaching the champions league this year.

Join our mini league – League Name: Man City Project - pin code: 9008308

The Telegraph Fantasy Football is back for a new season. Spend £50 million on players in a number of different formations, there are added statistics, news and info to help you decide upon your substitutions during the season. Before the first game kicks off you can make as many substitutions as you like, there will then be a total of 30 transfers you can complete throughout the season. The telegraph have also scrapped the weekly transfer password this season.


The Manchester City Project’s telegraph fantasy mini league info will be posted here throughout the season. To join the mini league select “Super League” when you log into your team info, then select join super league and enter the following code: 9008308 and team name: Man City Project

Alan Hansen’s team is also a part of our telegraph fantasy football super league this season. His line up is as follows:



GK: Foster (Man U), £3m
DEF: Ferdinand (Man U) £4.7m
DEF: Evra (Man U) £4.2m
DEF: King (Spurs), £3.1m
DEF: Scharner (Wigan), £3.1m
MID: Lampard (Chelsea), £7m
MID: Gerrard (Liverpool), £6.5m
MID: Lennon (Spurs), £3.1m
MID: Rodwell (Everton), £3m
ATT: Torres (Liverpool), 7m
ATT: Doyle (Wolves), £4.7m

There are a number of guides to help you pick your team: Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders, and Attackers

If you haven’t picked your team going yet then click the link below – each team costs £6, there are offers for multiple teams, for example 2 teams costs £10.

Pick Your Telegraph Fantasy Football Team here


If you want to play free fantasy football this season too then enter you Fantasy Premier Team by clicking here.

Once you’ve created your premier fantasy league you can join our mini league there too by entering the following league code: 431917-106812

Manchester City’s final pre-season friendly against Celtic ended in a 2-1 win for City, wih goals from Barry and Bellamy. Carlos Tevez made his first appearance in a City shirt and the team showed signs of being ready for the opening game of the season against Blackburn Rovers.

A much improved Manchester City performance from the strongest team fielded so far since the new summer signings. Shaun-Wright Phillips returned to the team and Zabletta replaced Richards in the right back position. Nedum Onuoha was missing from the squad due to a slight thigh strain that is expected to clear up in the next few days. Toure started the game, however he was substituted with an injury after 15 minutes – Mark Hughes has stated that there is no lasting damage and Toure should be fit for the start of the season.

"Kolo's OK, he had a little tightness in his hip flexor this week, we did some work on it and he thought he was OK to start. After about 15 minutes he felt , so as a precaution we took him off. He'll meet up with his international squad, but hopefully they will think it’s a risk to play him in a friendly."

Zabletta’s cross on 14 minutes set up Gareth Barry to slide home from close range. Several minutes later former City palyer Samaras set up another former blue Chris Killen who slotted home past Given to equalize for Celtic.

After the break Adebayor was introduced to the field in replace of De Jong. Five minutes into the half and Wayne Bridge won the ball just outside of the penalty area and cut inside before sending a long range precision pass to Bellamy who controlled superbly before firing an accurate shot into the Celtic net. With the scores level Killen almost set up Samaras but the striker failed to make contact with the ball.

Carlos Tevez was introduced for Bellamy after 66 minutes to rapturous applause. City’s attacking players all linking well in the game bodes well for the forth coming season. Gareth Barry was named man of the match after another industrious performance and could well be City’s signing of the summer.

Hughes was pleased to give Carlos Tevez some match practise with his new team mates. The substitution of Bellamy highlighted the attacking options Hughes now commands, and will keep people guessing who will start the game against Blackburn next week. Hughes said after the game: "I knew I could only play Carlos for about 25 minutes at most today, and I wanted to see him on the pitch with Robi and Ade, but you can't play everybody. Craig came off at that point as well, but it illustrates the point that we've got great options and great variation in the type of players that we have in the forward areas.

"I've got a good idea of what I'm looking to do next week, but I have to factor in the internationals this week. We're hoping that everyone comes back fit and well, but it's not the ideal preparation. Any Premier League manager will tell you that not having the squad together for a full week is not great."


Final Score
Manchester City 2
Celtic 1

Manchester City: Given, Zabaleta, Dunne (c), Toure (Ben-Haim 18), Bridge, De Jong (Adebayor 46), Barry, Ireland, Wright-Phillips (Weiss 72), Robinho (Petrov 72), Bellamy (Tevez 65). Unused subs: Taylor, Richards, Garrido, Etuhu, Vidal, McGivern.

Celtic: Zaluska, Naylor (Fox 77), Caddis (Hinkel 68), O'Dea, McCourt, Donati, Flood (McGinn 76), Crosas (McGeady 68), Killen (McDonald 60), Mizuno (Fortuna 60), Samaras (Conroy 76). Unused subs: Brouc, N'Guemo, Ferry.