Trautmann commemorative friendly announced
Last Wednesday, the 7th of October, marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of one of the biggest icons in City's history, Bert Trautmann. One of only 90 of his 1000-strong regiment to survive World War II, the German would refuse repatriation on his release from a prisoner-of-war camp near Wigan, and settle in Lancashire, playing for local side St Helens Town aswell as working on a nearby farm.
Performances for the Merseyside club during the 1948/49 season would impress visiting scouts, and the following October City would offer him a contract. Despite initial scepticism from supporters Bert would go on to make over 500 appearances over a fifteen-year period, becoming one of the club's all-time greats.
To mark the anniversary of the transfer of a man considered a legend of both clubs, City will field a Legends XI against the North West Counties Football League side, on Sunday November 15th, kick-off 1pm, at the Athletics Stadium (or Mini-CoMS). Proceeds will be shared between Bert's foundation, St Helens Town, and a nominated charity of the Legends Team's choice.
Us not having a game that weekend could prove a good chance for a strong turnout, to pay respect to one of our greatest ever players, and raise a few bob for the good causes. The cost to season ticket holders, pensioners and kids, will be an alarmingly good value £2, £4 for other seniors. A special programme will also be available including a foreword by the big man himself.
TRANSFER BOLLOX
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is once again preparing to raid former club Portsmouth to sign England keeper David James for £1m in January. Since taking over at Spurs, Redknapp has signed Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar from Pompey. The Sun
European champions Barcelona are closing in on a January swoop for Manchester City forward Robinho, with sporting director Txiki Begiristain saying that the Brazilian is "a very interesting footballer and could play for us in the Champions League".Daily Mirror
Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell - who left Notts County in September after only one game - wants a short-term loan move to a Championship club to earn a Premier League return in January. Daily Mirror
WAG OF THE DAY
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OTHER BOLLOX
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to escape a touchline ban, despite apologising to referee Alan Wiley for questioning the official's fitness. Daily Mirror
Striker Emile Heskey concedes he may have to leave Aston Villa - for whom he has started only one Premier League game this season - in January to keep alive his hopes of a place in England boss Fabio Capello's squad for the 2010 World Cup finals.The Sun
Former Leeds boss Dennis Wise, who until earlier this year was executive director of football at Newcastle, and ex-Chelsea striker Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink are set to make dramatic returns to football - with non-League Chalfont St Peter and Woking respectively.The Sun
AND FINALLY
Argentina coach Diego Maradona celebrated his side's last-minute winner against Peru in the crucial World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires with a jubilant belly slide. Martin Palermo's goal, which secured a 2-1 win over Peru, lifted Argentina to fourth place, with a game to go in the South American group, from which the top four qualify. Daily Star
Fewer than half a million people watched England's World Cup qualifying defeat in Ukraine on Saturday. The match was the first featuring the national side to be shown exclusively live on the internet. (Daily Mirror)