Patrick Vieira - EDS

[Lee_R]

Sort of on topic but heading off at a tangent; my thought is that Vieira is developing our youth while City develop him for a future role as manager. . which is, as I'm sure we'll all agree, the natural linear progression from his current role to the next equivalent level.
Imaging that, in say 5 years time when Patrick has all the badges and experience he could step up as assistant manager and be in the hot seat 1 year later - presiding over a team consisting in part of players that he'd presided over throughout their development through our youth ranks. Wistful thinking or real possibility?

Absolutely.. assistant to Pep then take over ;)

You may be saying this 'tongue in cheek', but I actually agree.
Watched Pep with MP the other night and there was a huge mutual respect between the pair that said 'you're setting it up nicely for me!'
Vieira would definitely be part of that team, just like Villanova was. Even if Pep doesn't come I see Vieira replacing Kidd in the near future.

Oh I have no doubt mate. No contract is signed until its signed so anything could change but I just believe that its an idea thats already been thought about.

[twosips]

A little off topic this and not sure if its already been covered but does anyone know if City have any intentions when bringing in youngsters from abroad as regards to which national team they may be encouraged to play for given the option?
As in the case of this 14yo Brahim Abdelkader (Who we've supposedly signed). He may be eligible to play for Spain or England once hes been here a few years. I think his Dad has been quoted as saying its the boys choice.

I mean it should always be the players choice but it could be great for England too.

i don't think they'll give a shit to be honest

[Douglas Higginbottom]

The 18's play Liverpool at Platt Lane tomorrow (start at 11am) and then the Arsenal game.

2 wins please.

[Ted Hughes]

A little off topic this and not sure if its already been covered but does anyone know if City have any intentions when bringing in youngsters from abroad as regards to which national team they may be encouraged to play for given the option?
As in the case of this 14yo Brahim Abdelkader (Who we've supposedly signed). He may be eligible to play for Spain or England once hes been here a few years. I think his Dad has been quoted as saying its the boys choice.

I mean it should always be the players choice but it could be great for England too.

i don't think they'll give a shit to be honest

I'm not sure that is the case.

One or two may end up England qualified, which in turn gives us more selection options for the first team squad in the future, when they get older & have to qualify under the various regulations.

Re Vieira & the first team; Pep was promoted at Barca after a very short period in charge of the 2nd team (one year), so if Tricky thought Vieira was 'special' he would be in with a shot of the first team management job in the near future should the Count leave.

For normal non 'special' people though, (ie 99.99% of managers) you would expect it to be some years before they were ready. Vieira seems to be the kind of guy who will go into every detail, analyse his own performance & actually make up his own mind whether he feels he is ready for a top job, or he may decide not to bother if he feels he is better at his current job.

Some stuff here about how the performance analysis team work with the kids similar to with the 1st team, & a couple of the 12 year olds explaining some of the club's football philosophy better than we do, which backs up what Doug was saying.

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/citytv/City-Today ... 2-December