Wednesday's B*l**x (updated)
Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 11:27 pmWe at Bollox towers like nothing better than a good 'snub' story. Like in days gone by when reffering to 'Manchester City nil', as that was the common phrase when the results were read out, we think 'Snub Manchester City' *, the phrase of the last 3 transfer windows has come early this year. Barely 2 weeks since our great club secured its 3rd top flight trophy the headlines are back. Its early days with no 'official' clarification from Chelsea in winning the battle for Edin Hazard's signature, no fewer than 44 headines featuring the words 'Manchester City' & 'snub' have appeared around the world. We here in Bollox Towers have got the secretary to salute you, the great and almighty media ....
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Man City turn to Sneijder after Hazard snub (*No. 21 By talkSPORT)
Manchester City could be about to flex their financial muscle by making a bid for Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder, according to reports in Italy.
The Premier League champions have been snubbed by Eden Hazard, with the young Belgian deciding to join rivals Chelsea and that could spark a burst of activity from the Etihad Stadium.
City have become accustomed to getting what they want since the arrival of Sheikh Mansour's billions and losing out on the exciting Lille talent could be seen as an embarrassing situation for Roberto Mancini’s side.
So, as reported in Gazzetta dello Sport, City could finally match Inter’s asking price for Dutchman Sneijder - who has been a long-term target for Manchester United - to lay down a marker for next season.
City have made enquiries about the former Real Madrid man, who will be featuring for Holland in Euro 2012, before but their the two clubs have not been able to agree a fee.
But, after missing out on the chance to make Hazard their marquee signing of the summer, City could be about to sit down with the San Siro side and talk business.
Agent offers Dzeko to Bayern Munich
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international appears to be set for an early departure from the Premier League winners. However, no agreement exists between the player and the Bavarians
The agent of Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has offered his client's services to Bayern Munich, Goal.com has learned.
The 26-year-old has fallen in the pecking order at City, who are eager to trim their wage bill. And with his client dissatisfied with his role at City, agent Irfan Redzepagic has informed Bayern that Dzeko, who is highly rated by Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, would be happy to move to the Allianz Arena.
Dzeko joined City in the winter of 2011 for a fee of €37 million, penning a contract through 2015. He scored 19 goals in 40 appearances last season, but now Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez are rated higher by coach Roberto Mancini, leaving no room for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.
Reports on Tuesday evening claimed that Bayern and Dzeko had agreed to personal terms of a transfer of the player to the Allianz Arena. However, the striker's agent vehemently denied these allegations.
"Of course not! It's crazy even to comment on that," Redzepagic told Bosnian source SportSport.
Dzeko is one of several candidates that Bayern have watched as they aim to sign two more attackers before the summer transfer window closes. Olivier Giroud was observed sevearal times before Bayern opted not to pursue his signing. However, Twente striker Luuk de Jong is now a candidate.
Goal.com can confirm that the Bayern bosses have made contact with De Jong's agent, and that the player is enthusiastic about the opportunity to play in the Champions League alongside his compatriot, Arjen Robben. However, a deal for the 21-year-old is still far from being complete.
De Jong scored 32 times in all competitions last season, and has a contract that will expire in 2014.
Bayern have already signed a striker in the form of Claudio Pizarro, who will replace Wolfsburg-bound attacker Ivica Olic. However, with Nils Petersen likely to leave on loan, squad space has opened for the Bavarians to add another striker to their ranks - for now, their top choice remains a mystery.
Manchester United To Make Dramatic Approach For Manchester City Star Adam Johnson
Manchester United have made initial enquiries about the availability of Manchester City winger Adam Johnson.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a long standing admirer of tricky winger Johnson, who has grown disillusioned at the lack of first team opportunities at the Etihad.
The former Middlesborough man started just 10 league games for the Champions last season, with Spaniard David Silva and summer signing Samir Nasri preferred.
Johnson is believed to be content with life at City for now but wants assurances he will play more next season. The 24-year-old believes his lack of football is affecting his International prospects, after he was left out of Roy Hodgson’s 23-man England squad for Euro 2012.
Ferguson is desperate to reclaim the title from noisy neighbours City and has identified his midfield and full-back positions as in most need of reinforcement this summer. Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa looks likely to join from Dortmund but the Red Devils appear to have lost out to Chelsea in the race for Belgian superstar Eden Hazard.
City are unlikely to entertain any bid from their main rival but may be forced to reconsider if Johnson angles for a move. Premier League regulations restrict clubs to 25-man squads and Blues boss Roberto Mancini may take the opportunity to free up a squad place rather than keep an unhappy player.
In recent seasons, both Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves have moved from United to City, although Tevez was only a loanee at Old Trafford and Hargreaves was released by United before he joined City.
Adam and leave?: Sunderland line up Man City misfit Johnson
O'Neill wants to bring England winger home to Wearside - and has a cunning plan to play him on the left and James McClean on the right
Martin O'Neill wants to offer Manchester City winger Adam Johnson a chance to rekindle his England career.
Sunderland manager O'Neill has Johnson high on his wanted list this summer, either as a loan or as a permanent deal, as he seeks new recruits who'll improve the club's goals tally.
Johnson has lost his place in the international side while struggling for regular football at Eastlands, so a switch 'home' to Wearside - he is from nearby Easington - could be beneficial.
Although Johnson's City wages of £50,000 a week could be a problem for Sunderland, they may be subsidised by his parent club as part of any loan deal.
However, City boss Roberto Mancini, who has had doubts over the 24-year-old's attitude to defensive duties, could also consider a get-your-money-back deal worth the £7million he paid Middlesbrough for Johnson in 2010.
O'Neill wants a left winger despite young Ireland international James McClean making his big breakthrough last season, as he believes McClean could also be used on the right side.
Mario Balotelli: I'll walk if racially abused
Manchester City's Mario Balotelli insists he will storm off the pitch if racially abused while playing for Italy at next month's European Championship.
Balotelli has been the target of racist attacks both on and off the pitch in Europe, and is adament he will not stand for such behaviour in Poland and the Ukraine. UEFA officials have the authority to abandon any match if violence or abuse is taking place, but Balotelli says he will be the first to act.
"Let's see what happens at the Euro," Balotelli told France Football. "I hope that there will not be a problem because I really can't handle that. I cannot bear racism, it's unacceptable for me. If it happened again I would straight away leave the pitch and go home. We are in 2012. It can't happen."
On the pitch, Balotelli has been subject to abuse while playing for Inter Milan against Juventus, with the Turin-based club forced to play behind closed doors after the incident. Porto were then fined £16,000 as a result of monkey chants directed at Balotelli during a Europa League match against City earlier this year.
"I remember very well the Juventus game, but I also scored a goal," Balotelli said. "I had to pretend I hadn't seen or heard anything. I wanted to play. I was young. It was up to me to tell the referee, but if I had told the referee to stop the match I wouldn't have scored. Occasionally, you're so good that people can't think of any other way to make you angry."
The controversial striker, who once had bananas thrown at him while at a bar in Rome, also said if he encountered off-field abuse he "will go to prison because I will kill him".
Speaking about the incident in Rome, Balotelli said: "These two or three lads were lucky the police came straight away because, I swear, I would have given them a proper kicking.
"I would truly have destroyed them. I hope that doesn't happen again. If someone throws a banana at me in the street I will go to prison because I will kill him.
"I'm black and proud to have African roots. I think I'm lucky to be black. People say about me that I'm a black boy who has fun, earns money and has girls. It's not like that. It's too easy to judge people through what you see."
Man.City’s EPL trophy to arrive in ABU DHABI today
Manchester City FC will be flying the Barclays Premier League Trophy to the UAE so fans can join in the Club’s historic celebrations.
It will arrive in the UAE capital on Wednesday for a tour of schools and businesses before going on display at the CityStore Abu Dhabi in Marina Mall on Friday and Saturday, according to a press release.
Mike Summerbee, a legendary former player and now official Club Ambassador, is bringing the trophy with him and he will be in the CityStore from 6pm-7pm on both Friday and Saturday to meet fans.
He was a member of the team when City last won the league in 1968.
“Millions saw myself and many others shedding a tear when City won the title in what must be the incredible finish to a season,” said Mike.
Manchester City appoint Derby's Tom Glick to board role
Manchester City have appointed Derby's Tom Glick as their new chief commercial and operating officer.
Garry Cook resigned as chief executive in September over claims he emailed Nedum Onuoha's cancer-suffering mother mocking her illness.
American Glick will leave Pride Park to take up the role with the Premier League champions in August.
City hope Glick will help the club "rapidly realise its ever-increasing commercial opportunities".
Glick worked in minor league baseball and the NBA in his homeland before joining the Rams in 2008.
He said: "This is an exciting time for all connected with City, and I am looking forward to joining and helping to drive the club's off-field development on its future journey."
MCF.net thread: viewtopic.php?f=119&t=43120
Welcome to Manchester, Part 326? Cisse is being eyed by United and City
Fergie and new champions City both have their eye on the Senegal sensation who scored 13 times in 14 games after joining the Toon in January. Alan Pardew is facing a fight to keep prize-asset Papiss Cisse this summer.
Manchester City and Manchester United are tracking the Newcastle hot-shot who was a sensation after signing from Freiburg in January for a bargain £10million.
Cisse, 26, hit 13 goals in 14 games including some spectacular strikes which have alerted the Premier League’s big guns.
The Toon striker has been named Senegal national captain and has won the African Golden Boot to establish himself as one of the hottest properties in Europe.
But Newcastle may struggle to keep their big stars.
Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye are also the target of other clubs, who are ready to pounce because their contracts do not put them in the Premier League’s high wage bracket.
Ba also has a £7million buy-out clause, which has already interested Chelsea, and now Newcastle must fend off interest in Cisse.
Chelsea & Manchester City meet in the middle of the country
The 2012 Community Shield on Sunday August 12th will be held at Villa Park because Wembley is being used for the Olympic Football Final the day before.
FA Cup & European Champions League winners Chelsea will play The Champions of last season Manchester City.
Which players have finished top and bottom of the Football League Bollox?
Joe Hart: bottom with Shrewsbury in 2002-03; top with Manchester City in 2011-12.
"Everyone knows Lee Dixon won the League on multiple occasions with Arsenal, but fewer know he actually reached quite the opposite end at the start of his career, finishing bottom of the Football League with Chester City in 1983-84," writes Philip Kent. "Has any other player in the modern age managed this auspicious feat?"
Dixon is far from the only player to have finished both first and 92nd in the Football League. Indeed plenty, like Dixon, spent time in close confines with Alan Hansen – although in the Liverpool dressing room rather than the Match of the Day sofa.
The Reds teams of the late 70s and early 80s produced a series of players who went on to finish their careers in the lower reaches of the Football League, with at least five finishing bottom of the pile. The first was Ian Callaghan, who played more times for Liverpool than anyone else – 857 – and won five league titles with the club – in 1964, 1966, 1973, 1976 and 1977. After spells in the US, Australia and Ireland he ended his career at Crewe, making 15 mid-season midfield appearances for Alex as they propped up the other 91 clubs in 1981-82.
The 1990-91 Wrexham team who finished bottom of the Fourth Division contained Alan Kennedy (who won four league titles at Anfield) and Joey Jones, who took a winners' medal after the 1977 season. And the Halifax side of two years later contained Howard Gayle (who played for Liverpool between 1977 and 1983, though only very occasionally) and, though he left before the end of the season, Jimmy Case (who, again, won four titles at Liverpool).
Dixon's achivement is also matched by another Arsenal old boy. Eddie Kelly, who won the Double with the Gunnersin 1970-71, scoring in the Cup final, made 22 appearances for Torquay as they finished rock bottom 14 years later. Derek Mountfield also took more than a decade to go from top to bottom – the defender won league titles with Everton in 1985 and 1987, then made six appearances for 92nd-placed Scarborough in 1998-99.
The Shrewsbury side of 2002-03 throws up further answers. "Shrewsbury Town's inglorious, disaster-ridden season of 2002-03 can provide two solutions (or one and a half)," writes Ross Knight. "Mark Atkins, who won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995 before ending his career at Town, and Joe Hart, who as a 15 year old made a handful of appearances on the subs bench that season, a year before making his full debut."
Finally (and stretching things slightly), Noel Whelan was a trainee at Leeds when they won the title in 1991-92 and part of the Darlington side that went down in 2009-10, and, perhaps the record-holder in terms of the swiftest switch from top to bottom, Harry Worley made six appearances for relegated Luton in 2008-09 having been a non-first-team member of Chelsea's championship-winning squad in 2005-06.
Snubbed: £35m Eden Hazard rejects Manchester City AND United to join Chelsea (No. 44* MuEN)
The 21-year-old Lille star looked set to be heading for Manchester next season with both United and City locked in a battle to sign the £35m midfielder.
But the Belgian international has shocked both Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini by choosing the recently crowned Champions League winners Chelsea, who still don’t have a permanent manager.
Belgian international Hazard last night ended weeks of specualtion over his future by Tweeting: “I’m signing for the Champions League winner.”
It looked like City and United would extend their Premier League title battle into the summer transfer window in the chase for Hazard. Both Fergie and Mancini had been over to France towards to watch him in action for Lille.
Though both clubs have remained tight-lipped on the progress they were making to sign the coveted goalscoring engine-room player, it was widely reported he’d agreed terms with both Manchester teams.
However, Chelsea came up on the rails because of their European Cup final triumph over Bayern Munich in Germany 11 days ago. Hazard admitted their stunning success in Munich had made him hesitate and it turned his attentions away from United and Premier League champions City. Fergie had hoped the player would add flair and a scoring bite to his much-maligned midfield in a bid to keep the pressure on the Blues and also repair their European stature which was badly damaged by their early Champions League exit. Mancini wanted to add Hazard to his squad with an eye on next season's Champions League campaign.
Hazard has been drip feeding teasing titbits about his future over the last few weeks.
Now he has finally ended the speculation by confirming his decision to switch to Stamford Bridge – a huge gamble for the French Player of the Year as Chelsea have yet to name their permanent manager after caretaker Roberto di Matteo turned their season around
BINGO'S WONDERWALL INSPIRED BOLLOX
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OTHER BOLLOX
Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing a £12m deal for Borussia Dortmund's 23-year-old midfielder Shinji Kagawa. Metro
West Ham are pressing ahead with their bid to sign Jussi Jaaskelainen, 37, as rivals for his signature West Brom continue to search for a manager. Daily Mail
Rennes have told both Arsenal and Inter Milan they can forget about signing 21-year-old Yann M'Vila until after Euro 2012, with the want-away midfielder likely to attract more offers whilst in the shop window. Metro
Real Madrid sensation Joselu, 22, could start a transfer battle this summer with six Premier League clubs desperate for his signature. talkShit
Everton are looking to lure Benfica forward Oscar Cardozo, 29, to Goodison Park this summer. Caught offside
Andy Johnson could be the next big name to swap the Premier League for the Pro League after the Fulham striker's agent confirmed there is interest in the player from the UAE. Sport360
Liverpool will have to act fast in a battle with Galatasaray if they want to resurrect their interest in Real Madrid's 29-year-old midfielder Hamit Altintop. talkShite
Ledley King becomes a free agent next month but is set to be offered as new 12-month contract at Tottenham when he sits down for crunch talks this week. Daily Mail
Liverpool are hopeful of unveiling Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers as their new boss and Louis van Gaal as their director of football within days. Daily Mirror
With Liverpool cooling towards Roberto Martinez, the Wigan boss has let it be known he'll consider the Aston Villa job. Daily Mirror
Ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola wants a face-to-face meeting with Roman Abramovich before deciding whether to take over as Chelsea manager. the Sun
Former Schalke boss Ralf Rangnick is a shock contender to take over at West Brom after Birmingham rejected their approach for Chris Hughton. the Sun
Brian McDermott will be given £15m to spend on transfers after the takeover of Reading by Russian tycoon Anton Zingarevich was confirmed Daily Mail
Martin Jol is making sure his Fulham squad don't enjoy an easy summer by sending his coaching staff to check on their fitness. Daily Mail
The family of England striker Danny Welbeck are likely to travel to Poland and Ukraine, despite increasing fears over racist-fuelled violence. Times
Manchester United forward Ashley Young, 26, feels like he has finally become one of England's main men after overcoming the disappointment of missing out on a 2010 World Cup spot. Daily Mirror
Phil Jones is likely to get another chance to establish himself as England's first-choice right-back going into Euro 2012, as Roy Hodgson rates Glen Johnson an injury doubt for Saturday's friendly against Belgium. the Guardian
Wolves utility man Kevin Foley, 27, admits he feels "betrayed" by Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni after being left out of his final 23-man squad. Daily Mail
Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel hopes to emulate father Peter, who helped Denmark secure a surprise European Championship victory 20 years ago, after his call-up to Morten Olsen's squad. Schmeichel junior, 25, who replaces injured Stoke stopper Thomas Sorensen, described his late addition as a "huge honour". Times
England fans will be hoping Andy Carroll is better suited to international football than he is schoolyard games, after the Liverpool striker failed to complete 60 seconds of 'the yes/no game'. Metro
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[/spoiler]Man City turn to Sneijder after Hazard snub (*No. 21 By talkSPORT)
Manchester City could be about to flex their financial muscle by making a bid for Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder, according to reports in Italy.
The Premier League champions have been snubbed by Eden Hazard, with the young Belgian deciding to join rivals Chelsea and that could spark a burst of activity from the Etihad Stadium.
City have become accustomed to getting what they want since the arrival of Sheikh Mansour's billions and losing out on the exciting Lille talent could be seen as an embarrassing situation for Roberto Mancini’s side.
So, as reported in Gazzetta dello Sport, City could finally match Inter’s asking price for Dutchman Sneijder - who has been a long-term target for Manchester United - to lay down a marker for next season.
City have made enquiries about the former Real Madrid man, who will be featuring for Holland in Euro 2012, before but their the two clubs have not been able to agree a fee.
But, after missing out on the chance to make Hazard their marquee signing of the summer, City could be about to sit down with the San Siro side and talk business.
Agent offers Dzeko to Bayern Munich
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international appears to be set for an early departure from the Premier League winners. However, no agreement exists between the player and the Bavarians
The agent of Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has offered his client's services to Bayern Munich, Goal.com has learned.
The 26-year-old has fallen in the pecking order at City, who are eager to trim their wage bill. And with his client dissatisfied with his role at City, agent Irfan Redzepagic has informed Bayern that Dzeko, who is highly rated by Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, would be happy to move to the Allianz Arena.
Dzeko joined City in the winter of 2011 for a fee of €37 million, penning a contract through 2015. He scored 19 goals in 40 appearances last season, but now Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez are rated higher by coach Roberto Mancini, leaving no room for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.
Reports on Tuesday evening claimed that Bayern and Dzeko had agreed to personal terms of a transfer of the player to the Allianz Arena. However, the striker's agent vehemently denied these allegations.
"Of course not! It's crazy even to comment on that," Redzepagic told Bosnian source SportSport.
Dzeko is one of several candidates that Bayern have watched as they aim to sign two more attackers before the summer transfer window closes. Olivier Giroud was observed sevearal times before Bayern opted not to pursue his signing. However, Twente striker Luuk de Jong is now a candidate.
Goal.com can confirm that the Bayern bosses have made contact with De Jong's agent, and that the player is enthusiastic about the opportunity to play in the Champions League alongside his compatriot, Arjen Robben. However, a deal for the 21-year-old is still far from being complete.
De Jong scored 32 times in all competitions last season, and has a contract that will expire in 2014.
Bayern have already signed a striker in the form of Claudio Pizarro, who will replace Wolfsburg-bound attacker Ivica Olic. However, with Nils Petersen likely to leave on loan, squad space has opened for the Bavarians to add another striker to their ranks - for now, their top choice remains a mystery.
Manchester United To Make Dramatic Approach For Manchester City Star Adam Johnson
Manchester United have made initial enquiries about the availability of Manchester City winger Adam Johnson.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a long standing admirer of tricky winger Johnson, who has grown disillusioned at the lack of first team opportunities at the Etihad.
The former Middlesborough man started just 10 league games for the Champions last season, with Spaniard David Silva and summer signing Samir Nasri preferred.
Johnson is believed to be content with life at City for now but wants assurances he will play more next season. The 24-year-old believes his lack of football is affecting his International prospects, after he was left out of Roy Hodgson’s 23-man England squad for Euro 2012.
Ferguson is desperate to reclaim the title from noisy neighbours City and has identified his midfield and full-back positions as in most need of reinforcement this summer. Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa looks likely to join from Dortmund but the Red Devils appear to have lost out to Chelsea in the race for Belgian superstar Eden Hazard.
City are unlikely to entertain any bid from their main rival but may be forced to reconsider if Johnson angles for a move. Premier League regulations restrict clubs to 25-man squads and Blues boss Roberto Mancini may take the opportunity to free up a squad place rather than keep an unhappy player.
In recent seasons, both Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves have moved from United to City, although Tevez was only a loanee at Old Trafford and Hargreaves was released by United before he joined City.
Adam and leave?: Sunderland line up Man City misfit Johnson
O'Neill wants to bring England winger home to Wearside - and has a cunning plan to play him on the left and James McClean on the right
Martin O'Neill wants to offer Manchester City winger Adam Johnson a chance to rekindle his England career.
Sunderland manager O'Neill has Johnson high on his wanted list this summer, either as a loan or as a permanent deal, as he seeks new recruits who'll improve the club's goals tally.
Johnson has lost his place in the international side while struggling for regular football at Eastlands, so a switch 'home' to Wearside - he is from nearby Easington - could be beneficial.
Although Johnson's City wages of £50,000 a week could be a problem for Sunderland, they may be subsidised by his parent club as part of any loan deal.
However, City boss Roberto Mancini, who has had doubts over the 24-year-old's attitude to defensive duties, could also consider a get-your-money-back deal worth the £7million he paid Middlesbrough for Johnson in 2010.
O'Neill wants a left winger despite young Ireland international James McClean making his big breakthrough last season, as he believes McClean could also be used on the right side.
Mario Balotelli: I'll walk if racially abused
Manchester City's Mario Balotelli insists he will storm off the pitch if racially abused while playing for Italy at next month's European Championship.
Balotelli has been the target of racist attacks both on and off the pitch in Europe, and is adament he will not stand for such behaviour in Poland and the Ukraine. UEFA officials have the authority to abandon any match if violence or abuse is taking place, but Balotelli says he will be the first to act.
"Let's see what happens at the Euro," Balotelli told France Football. "I hope that there will not be a problem because I really can't handle that. I cannot bear racism, it's unacceptable for me. If it happened again I would straight away leave the pitch and go home. We are in 2012. It can't happen."
On the pitch, Balotelli has been subject to abuse while playing for Inter Milan against Juventus, with the Turin-based club forced to play behind closed doors after the incident. Porto were then fined £16,000 as a result of monkey chants directed at Balotelli during a Europa League match against City earlier this year.
"I remember very well the Juventus game, but I also scored a goal," Balotelli said. "I had to pretend I hadn't seen or heard anything. I wanted to play. I was young. It was up to me to tell the referee, but if I had told the referee to stop the match I wouldn't have scored. Occasionally, you're so good that people can't think of any other way to make you angry."
The controversial striker, who once had bananas thrown at him while at a bar in Rome, also said if he encountered off-field abuse he "will go to prison because I will kill him".
Speaking about the incident in Rome, Balotelli said: "These two or three lads were lucky the police came straight away because, I swear, I would have given them a proper kicking.
"I would truly have destroyed them. I hope that doesn't happen again. If someone throws a banana at me in the street I will go to prison because I will kill him.
"I'm black and proud to have African roots. I think I'm lucky to be black. People say about me that I'm a black boy who has fun, earns money and has girls. It's not like that. It's too easy to judge people through what you see."
Man.City’s EPL trophy to arrive in ABU DHABI today
Manchester City FC will be flying the Barclays Premier League Trophy to the UAE so fans can join in the Club’s historic celebrations.
It will arrive in the UAE capital on Wednesday for a tour of schools and businesses before going on display at the CityStore Abu Dhabi in Marina Mall on Friday and Saturday, according to a press release.
Mike Summerbee, a legendary former player and now official Club Ambassador, is bringing the trophy with him and he will be in the CityStore from 6pm-7pm on both Friday and Saturday to meet fans.
He was a member of the team when City last won the league in 1968.
“Millions saw myself and many others shedding a tear when City won the title in what must be the incredible finish to a season,” said Mike.
Manchester City appoint Derby's Tom Glick to board role
Manchester City have appointed Derby's Tom Glick as their new chief commercial and operating officer.
Garry Cook resigned as chief executive in September over claims he emailed Nedum Onuoha's cancer-suffering mother mocking her illness.
American Glick will leave Pride Park to take up the role with the Premier League champions in August.
City hope Glick will help the club "rapidly realise its ever-increasing commercial opportunities".
Glick worked in minor league baseball and the NBA in his homeland before joining the Rams in 2008.
He said: "This is an exciting time for all connected with City, and I am looking forward to joining and helping to drive the club's off-field development on its future journey."
MCF.net thread: viewtopic.php?f=119&t=43120
Welcome to Manchester, Part 326? Cisse is being eyed by United and City
Fergie and new champions City both have their eye on the Senegal sensation who scored 13 times in 14 games after joining the Toon in January. Alan Pardew is facing a fight to keep prize-asset Papiss Cisse this summer.
Manchester City and Manchester United are tracking the Newcastle hot-shot who was a sensation after signing from Freiburg in January for a bargain £10million.
Cisse, 26, hit 13 goals in 14 games including some spectacular strikes which have alerted the Premier League’s big guns.
The Toon striker has been named Senegal national captain and has won the African Golden Boot to establish himself as one of the hottest properties in Europe.
But Newcastle may struggle to keep their big stars.
Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye are also the target of other clubs, who are ready to pounce because their contracts do not put them in the Premier League’s high wage bracket.
Ba also has a £7million buy-out clause, which has already interested Chelsea, and now Newcastle must fend off interest in Cisse.
Chelsea & Manchester City meet in the middle of the country
The 2012 Community Shield on Sunday August 12th will be held at Villa Park because Wembley is being used for the Olympic Football Final the day before.
FA Cup & European Champions League winners Chelsea will play The Champions of last season Manchester City.
Which players have finished top and bottom of the Football League Bollox?
Joe Hart: bottom with Shrewsbury in 2002-03; top with Manchester City in 2011-12.
"Everyone knows Lee Dixon won the League on multiple occasions with Arsenal, but fewer know he actually reached quite the opposite end at the start of his career, finishing bottom of the Football League with Chester City in 1983-84," writes Philip Kent. "Has any other player in the modern age managed this auspicious feat?"
Dixon is far from the only player to have finished both first and 92nd in the Football League. Indeed plenty, like Dixon, spent time in close confines with Alan Hansen – although in the Liverpool dressing room rather than the Match of the Day sofa.
The Reds teams of the late 70s and early 80s produced a series of players who went on to finish their careers in the lower reaches of the Football League, with at least five finishing bottom of the pile. The first was Ian Callaghan, who played more times for Liverpool than anyone else – 857 – and won five league titles with the club – in 1964, 1966, 1973, 1976 and 1977. After spells in the US, Australia and Ireland he ended his career at Crewe, making 15 mid-season midfield appearances for Alex as they propped up the other 91 clubs in 1981-82.
The 1990-91 Wrexham team who finished bottom of the Fourth Division contained Alan Kennedy (who won four league titles at Anfield) and Joey Jones, who took a winners' medal after the 1977 season. And the Halifax side of two years later contained Howard Gayle (who played for Liverpool between 1977 and 1983, though only very occasionally) and, though he left before the end of the season, Jimmy Case (who, again, won four titles at Liverpool).
Dixon's achivement is also matched by another Arsenal old boy. Eddie Kelly, who won the Double with the Gunnersin 1970-71, scoring in the Cup final, made 22 appearances for Torquay as they finished rock bottom 14 years later. Derek Mountfield also took more than a decade to go from top to bottom – the defender won league titles with Everton in 1985 and 1987, then made six appearances for 92nd-placed Scarborough in 1998-99.
The Shrewsbury side of 2002-03 throws up further answers. "Shrewsbury Town's inglorious, disaster-ridden season of 2002-03 can provide two solutions (or one and a half)," writes Ross Knight. "Mark Atkins, who won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995 before ending his career at Town, and Joe Hart, who as a 15 year old made a handful of appearances on the subs bench that season, a year before making his full debut."
Finally (and stretching things slightly), Noel Whelan was a trainee at Leeds when they won the title in 1991-92 and part of the Darlington side that went down in 2009-10, and, perhaps the record-holder in terms of the swiftest switch from top to bottom, Harry Worley made six appearances for relegated Luton in 2008-09 having been a non-first-team member of Chelsea's championship-winning squad in 2005-06.
Snubbed: £35m Eden Hazard rejects Manchester City AND United to join Chelsea (No. 44* MuEN)
The 21-year-old Lille star looked set to be heading for Manchester next season with both United and City locked in a battle to sign the £35m midfielder.
But the Belgian international has shocked both Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini by choosing the recently crowned Champions League winners Chelsea, who still don’t have a permanent manager.
Belgian international Hazard last night ended weeks of specualtion over his future by Tweeting: “I’m signing for the Champions League winner.”
It looked like City and United would extend their Premier League title battle into the summer transfer window in the chase for Hazard. Both Fergie and Mancini had been over to France towards to watch him in action for Lille.
Though both clubs have remained tight-lipped on the progress they were making to sign the coveted goalscoring engine-room player, it was widely reported he’d agreed terms with both Manchester teams.
However, Chelsea came up on the rails because of their European Cup final triumph over Bayern Munich in Germany 11 days ago. Hazard admitted their stunning success in Munich had made him hesitate and it turned his attentions away from United and Premier League champions City. Fergie had hoped the player would add flair and a scoring bite to his much-maligned midfield in a bid to keep the pressure on the Blues and also repair their European stature which was badly damaged by their early Champions League exit. Mancini wanted to add Hazard to his squad with an eye on next season's Champions League campaign.
Hazard has been drip feeding teasing titbits about his future over the last few weeks.
Now he has finally ended the speculation by confirming his decision to switch to Stamford Bridge – a huge gamble for the French Player of the Year as Chelsea have yet to name their permanent manager after caretaker Roberto di Matteo turned their season around
BINGO'S WONDERWALL INSPIRED BOLLOX
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]OTHER BOLLOX
Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing a £12m deal for Borussia Dortmund's 23-year-old midfielder Shinji Kagawa. Metro
West Ham are pressing ahead with their bid to sign Jussi Jaaskelainen, 37, as rivals for his signature West Brom continue to search for a manager. Daily Mail
Rennes have told both Arsenal and Inter Milan they can forget about signing 21-year-old Yann M'Vila until after Euro 2012, with the want-away midfielder likely to attract more offers whilst in the shop window. Metro
Real Madrid sensation Joselu, 22, could start a transfer battle this summer with six Premier League clubs desperate for his signature. talkShit
Everton are looking to lure Benfica forward Oscar Cardozo, 29, to Goodison Park this summer. Caught offside
Andy Johnson could be the next big name to swap the Premier League for the Pro League after the Fulham striker's agent confirmed there is interest in the player from the UAE. Sport360
Liverpool will have to act fast in a battle with Galatasaray if they want to resurrect their interest in Real Madrid's 29-year-old midfielder Hamit Altintop. talkShite
Ledley King becomes a free agent next month but is set to be offered as new 12-month contract at Tottenham when he sits down for crunch talks this week. Daily Mail
Liverpool are hopeful of unveiling Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers as their new boss and Louis van Gaal as their director of football within days. Daily Mirror
With Liverpool cooling towards Roberto Martinez, the Wigan boss has let it be known he'll consider the Aston Villa job. Daily Mirror
Ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola wants a face-to-face meeting with Roman Abramovich before deciding whether to take over as Chelsea manager. the Sun
Former Schalke boss Ralf Rangnick is a shock contender to take over at West Brom after Birmingham rejected their approach for Chris Hughton. the Sun
Brian McDermott will be given £15m to spend on transfers after the takeover of Reading by Russian tycoon Anton Zingarevich was confirmed Daily Mail
Martin Jol is making sure his Fulham squad don't enjoy an easy summer by sending his coaching staff to check on their fitness. Daily Mail
The family of England striker Danny Welbeck are likely to travel to Poland and Ukraine, despite increasing fears over racist-fuelled violence. Times
Manchester United forward Ashley Young, 26, feels like he has finally become one of England's main men after overcoming the disappointment of missing out on a 2010 World Cup spot. Daily Mirror
Phil Jones is likely to get another chance to establish himself as England's first-choice right-back going into Euro 2012, as Roy Hodgson rates Glen Johnson an injury doubt for Saturday's friendly against Belgium. the Guardian
Wolves utility man Kevin Foley, 27, admits he feels "betrayed" by Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni after being left out of his final 23-man squad. Daily Mail
Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel hopes to emulate father Peter, who helped Denmark secure a surprise European Championship victory 20 years ago, after his call-up to Morten Olsen's squad. Schmeichel junior, 25, who replaces injured Stoke stopper Thomas Sorensen, described his late addition as a "huge honour". Times
England fans will be hoping Andy Carroll is better suited to international football than he is schoolyard games, after the Liverpool striker failed to complete 60 seconds of 'the yes/no game'. Metro
