by Colin the King » Sat Feb 20, 2010 4:03 am
Looking at our squad on the OS, I'd imagine these are the likely departures-
Onuoha- One of my favourite players, and obviously we all want a blue to succeed. But he's reaching an age where he needs to play regularly. In an ideal world he'd be first choice, playing every at City but through injuries and big money signings it's not worked out that way unfortunately. The guy has all the tools to become one of the best in the country in his position and it'd be selfish to keep him here stagnating. Possibly a loan move. I'd be gutted to see him go but it's probably in his interest.
Garrido- He's been a true professional in his three years with us but in truth he'll never be quite good enough to play regularly in a team with title winning aspirations. Certainly has a lot going for him- excellent passer, great set piece delivery and a football brain. He's just lacking in pace and that's been exposed more than once by the better wingers in this league. Can't fault the guy at all- he's been well worth the £1million transfer fee to us over the last few years.
Petrov- If I'm not mistaken he's out of contract in June and we probably won't be offering him any guarantees of regular football. He's no spring chicken but is still young enough to have another 2 or 3 years at a high level. It'd be a disservice to a guy with his ability to sit that out on the bench. Fantastic player- not without his faults- but on his day one of the best wingers in Europe. Again, £4.7million was a steal and he's well and truly repaid that.
Robinho- A fantastic talent- that's never been in doubt. But having the ability is useless if you don't have the desire to put it to good effect. That's been his downfall. I think he's quite content being the big fish in a small pond and won't be in any hurry back to these grey parts.
Bojinov and Caicedo- Both talented young strikers who did well in their cameo roles at City. But I doubt either are at the required standard- especially with the likes of Adebayor and Tevez at the manager's disposal. I was a big fan of Phil in particular and thought a lot of the criticism thrown at him was unfair. What is he, 21? Can see us fetching about £7million for the pair.
Jo- Complete and utter waste of space. No desire whatsoever. Falls about needlessly, never looked that bothered. Samaras was labelled one of the worst City strikers of all time- doesn't hold a fucking candle to this twat. Can see him on huge money in some third rate league with loads of Brazilian pals with equal levels of couldn'tbearsedtoworkhardforthecausedness.
Benjani- Out of contract. Don't need to say much else?
And the last two are circumstantial I reckon:
I can see Bellamy moving on if Mancini stays. Would be gutted if he left us but even if the tabloids are exaggerating the truth there's a clean unease from both parties and I think Craig was hit harder than most by Hughes' sacking. If Hughes gets a Premier League job somewhere I'd expect him to follow.
And Vieira's loan will only become a permanent contract if Mancini stays but if old Bobby's not kept on neither will he. From what I've seen so far he looks unimpressive- that's being kind- and at his age I don't think we can expect any drastic improvements.
