City and West Ham fans plan tribute for 10-year anniversary of former player Foe's death
Manchester City and West Ham fans are hoping to honour former player Marc-Vivien Foe, who tragically passed away ten years ago, when the two sides meet on April 27.
The Cameroon international collapsed during the Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia on June 26, 2003 and died shortly afterwards despite attempts to resuscitate the 28-year-old.
The central midfielder, who also had spells with French sides Lens and Lyon, died from the same hereditary heart condition (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) which caused former Bolton midfielder, Fabrice Muamba, to collapse on the pitch last year. Muamba thankfully survived, but later retired from the game.
West Ham signed Foe for a club record of £4.2million in 1999 before returning to France with Lyon in 2000. He then joined City on loan in 2002 and scored nine times for the club from midfield in his sole season in Manchester.
The club have since retired the No 23 shirt that Foe wore during his time in the North West.
One City supporter came up with the idea to pay tribute to Foe when the two sides meet in little over a week's time.
Although it is another two months until the 10-year anniversary of Foe's death, fans believe the match between his two clubs later this month is the most appropriate available to honour his memory.
On an unofficial club forum, the idea for both sets of fans to stand and applaud for one minute after 23 minutes at the Etihad Stadium has been suggested.
Word is being spread on Twitter under the hashtag #RememberFoeOn23.
The post on mcfcforum.com read: 'On the 27th April, City host West Ham United in the league. How fitting would it be to have the entire stadium applaud and celebrate Foe's life for one minute in the 23rd?
'I am here to ask you all to spread the word amongst your fellow Citizens and Hammers fans. Many of you will not be aware, but there was to be a City v Lyon/West Ham XI game but for reasons unknown it was cancelled.
'That would have been a fitting tribute, but now we as fans, together, can perform our own.'
Welcome BACK to Manchester?
City consider a shock move for controversial former United starlet Ravel Morrison
West Ham midfielder Alex Ferguson rated as one of the best youngsters he's ever worked with is rebuilding his reputation on loan at Birmingham
Ravel Morrison could be on the brink of an incredible return to the Premier League - with champions Manchester City.
The former Manchester United whizkid, now on West Ham's books, has caught City’s eye with a string of highly-impressive performances during a season-long loan spell at Championship side Birmingham.
That has prompted Premier League champions City to make discreet enquiries about the 20-year-old midfielder - who was once regarded as one of English football’s hottest prospects while at Old Trafford.
United manager Alex Ferguson even claimed he was one of the best young players he has ever worked with, but Morrison left the Reds after failing to agree a new contract as he wanted regular football.
Morrison made just one nine-minute substitute for West Ham after Sam Allardyce took him to Upton Park 14 months ago before they fell out, but has been rebuilding his career and reputation as a regular starter in the second-tier with Birmingham.
Arsenal and Newcastle have both been very keen on Morrison in the past, and there is clearly a feeling that he still has the ability to make it at the top - not only in the Premier League but even for England.
City have been keen to invest in young, British talent, which may explain why they are now keeping tabs on Morrison.
It is believed Morrison is unlikely to return to the Hammers and may be sold in the summer or loaned out again for next season - which is expected to spark interest from several clubs.
Roberto Mancini has made great impact at Manchester City - Kidd
Assistant manager Brian Kidd says boss Roberto Mancini has made a significant impact at Manchester City and expects him to guide the club to more success.
The Italian ended City's 44-year wait for a league title last May, although they appear unlikely to retain their Premier League crown this term.
But they will lift a third major trophy in three seasons if they beat Wigan in next month's FA Cup final.
"What he's done in just short of four years has been fantastic," said Kidd.
He told BBC Radio Manchester: "The boss has done terrific with the way he's adapted to the Premier League and the success he's brought to Manchester City. He's put silverware on the sideboard.
"Every manager has different styles and different ways and he's not dissimilar to [Manchester United manager] Sir Alex Ferguson. He's not afraid to make big decisions, he's passionate and he can handle big players."
Under ex-Lazio and Inter boss Mancini, Manchester City won their first major silverware in 35 years when they won the FA Cup in 2011 and could repeat that success after booking their place in this year's final by beating Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday.
Despite City's 1-0 home win against Wigan on Wednesday and local rivals United being held to a draw at West Ham, the Red Devils still have a 13-point lead at the summit and need two wins from their remaining five fixtures to win the title.
Kidd, who played for and has coached at both Manchester clubs, rejoined City in 2009 as part of their academy set-up and was made assistant boss following Mancini's appointment as manager in December of that year.
He also had a spell coaching with the England national team as part of Sven-Goran Eriksson's backroom staff - which was cut short in 2004 when Kidd was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Play media"It was a just a run-of-the-mill blood test, that was all," the 63-year-old told Radio Manchester's In The Spotlight programme.
"I was with England looking forward to Euro 2004, but when I was diagnosed with that, I had the treatment for it. You put your gumshield in and you get on with it.
"I'd like to think that, when it happened to me, it brought a lot of awareness to people. Particularly lads I'd gone to school with and people in general - they looked at me and thought I was a fit lad. I know people have said they've had tests and it's raised an awareness.
"It isn't nice when you get the diagnosis, but you get on with it because there's always someone worse off than you.
"Today, we'll hear stories of terrible things happening in the world out there. I've never had this 'why me?' attitude. Why not me? That's life."
You can hear an extended interview with Brian Kidd on BBC Radio Manchester's "In The Spotlight" programme from 18:00 BST on Saturday, 20 April.
City's Micah determined to win place back from Pablo Zabaleta
But the defender’s biggest problem right now is that the man he is set to vote for is blocking his route back into the first team!
Pablo Zabaleta has been exceptional at right-back ever since he was preferred by manager Roberto Mancini at the sharp end of last season.
And when Richards suffered two injuries – one to his ankle as he played for Great Britain in the Olympic Games in August, the other to his knee in a league clash with Swansea in October – Zabaleta has further cemented his place as first choice.
Richards, who played just four games inbetween those two injuries, finally made his comeback after six months out in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Wigan.
He was delighted to be back, but recognises that he faces a hard scrap to get games, with Zabaleta now one of the first names on Mancini’s team-sheet, and a huge favourite with the City fans for his bravery and commitment.
But nobody likes and respects the Argentine more than Richards, who said: “He is a quality player, Zaba.
“He gives 100 per cent all the time and has probably been our player of the season so far.
“I am never really jealous of anyone. Zaba is one of my best friends in the team so to see him doing well – if anyone I am most happy for him.
“He has been here since 2008. He has had to work hard, like I have, to stay here because of all the money that was spent. For one player to be doing do well, I am happy it is him.
“But it is not just Zaba. I think Gareth Barry has been quality, James Milner has been good, Clichy has been good. A lot of players have been good this season and it is just a shame we are sitting second in the league.”
Zabaleta was given a hard-earned rest against the Latics, after starting the previous 21 games, his only rest being for the last 27 minutes of the win over Fulham in January.
That handed Richards his comeback and the England international had a difficult time against lively Wigan, with Mancini afterwards saying he had hoped for more from the returning player as he has been doing well in training.
Richards admitted he found it tough after such a long lay-off, saying: “I'm tired but I feel good. I felt tired around the 70-minute mark.
“I could have had a few more reserve games to get me more finely tuned but I am not complaining, I played.
“I think Zaba is having an excellent season and he probably needed a rest. I was happy to come in.
“I have been training with the team for about three weeks and then you have got to play reserve games. It is hard.
“When I was playing reserve games, I was playing centre half and fitness-wise, compared to right back, it is a whole different level.
“And obviously from reserve to first team it is a step-up again. I did find it hard physically but I feel good and hopefully I will get some more minutes.”
Richards is an affable, bubbly character, always quick to laugh, but he said that he has found it hard to keep up his spirits as he made his way back from knee surgery he underwent in October.
“It is hard to smile when you’re injured,” he added. “It is quite frustrating to be out so long, and when I first came back I was playing really well.
“It has definitely been frustrating, especially when you see United on top of the league.
“After last season I thought we would have kicked on and maybe been a bit better, maybe retained it. We haven’t done that but I think next season we will regroup and hopefully we will get it back.
“Zaba has been class this season and it is going to be hard to get back in but you know what football is like... one minute you are in and the next you are out. When I am in, I am going to have to take my chance.
“I think Zaba is going to be back in at Tottenham after the way he has been playing but if I am called upon I will give 100 per cent.
“Last time after injury I almost tried to rush back.
“This time I don’t want to rush back. I want to take it steady and when I am called upon try to do a job.”
All things being equal, Zabaleta would get the nod for the FA Cup final on May 11, but Richards is hopeful he can be involved on the day.
And he said that the way Wigan played at the Etihad Stadium, being the better side for most of the game, was a much-needed shock for the Blues.
“It has given us a wake-up call really,” said Richards. “I wouldn’t have said it was going to be a walkover but I think they were better than the whole team expected.
“They have got some real firepower up-front and they seem to know that system inside out. There were runners coming from everywhere.
“We will learn from that and make sure we are ready for the final.
“They were the better team. They played their football better.
“I think there were a lot of tired legs from Wembley and playing on a big pitch there. Overall, they probably deserved to win it but we got the three points and that is all that mattered in the end.
“For me it is just getting back, getting some minutes under my belt, just to play 80 minutes on Wednesday night was enough for me for now. I will just keep training, working hard, trying to get fitter and stronger.”
Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz is set to leave Manchester City and join Brazilian side Botafogo on a free transfer. Santa Cruz, 31, signed for City for £17.5m in July 2009 but has only scored three Premier League goals since then and spent the majority of the last three seasons on loan at various clubs. Daily Express
MANCHESTER CITY LINE UP £17M MOVE FOR SCHALKE STARLET KYRIAKOS PAPADOPOULOS
MANCHESTER CITY are lining up a £17m summer move for Greek defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos.
Starsport understands talks between City and the 21-year-old's club Schalke have already begun.
And sources close to the German side claim the two clubs are on the verge of reaching an agreement.
Papadopolous has been on City's radar for some time but Roberto Mancini feels the time has come for City to make their move as he prepares a spectacular squad overhaul.
Mancini reckons bit-part duo Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure will quit City this summer after falling down the pecking order.
That would leave City with just first-choice central defensive pairing Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic.
Papadopolous has now emerged as Mancini's top target to bolster his backline.
But he won't come cheap - he has a £17m buy-out clause in his Schalke contract, which expires in 2016.
The 6ft centre-half is rated as one of Europe's most promising young defenders and has also been linked with City's neighbours United and AC Milan.
Papadopolous, who has 16 caps for Greece, could be one of a number of new arrivals at City.
Starsport revealed in February that Sevilla winger Jesus Navas and Dortmund star Marco Reus are high on the wishlist.
They are also understood to be in the market for a right-back, a left-back and a holding midfielder.
Emmanuel Adebayor's former team-mates at Man City 'are always falling out with each other' says Spurs striker
Emmanuel Adebayor claims infighting at Manchester City is Tottenham Hotspur’s best hope of securing victory in their crucial showdown on Sunday.
Spurs are battling for a top-four place with Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton and Adebayor has risked creating further friction with Roberto Mancini ahead of the White Hart Lane clash after insisting his former team-mates are always falling out with each other.
The Togo international endured a troubled end to his career at City, which included a training ground fight with Kolo Touré and a string of disagreements with Mancini, before finally joining Spurs for £5 million last summer after a successful loan spell.
Adebayor is set to start against City and is determined to repair his relationship with Spurs supporters after his abysmal penalty in last week’s shootout against FC Basle in the Europa League quarter-final.
And the controversial forward is convinced Spurs’s chances of defeating City will rest on their ability to snap the fragile mentality of his old club.
He said: “We have a chance to win because I was there and whenever things are not going their way there will definitely be a fight or an argument on the pitch and that is how we can take them down.
“We are playing in front of our fans and we will give them everything and put them under pressure. I don’t have anything to prove to Manchester City.
“It’s going to be important for me to prove how good I am, but I don’t have any pressure that says I have to beat Manchester City because of the way they treated me because they bought me expensively and sold me for cheap.
“That has nothing to do with football, I just have to go out there and play my football and find a way to help Tottenham win the game because now I play for Tottenham.
“If we can win this game the confidence will be back and all of a sudden we have our main players back and with a full squad we have a good chance of finishing in the top four.”
Spurs could fall five points behind Arsenal if Arsène Wenger’s team defeat Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
But Andre Villas-Boas’s team could be boosted by the return of Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon, although Gareth Bale is facing a battle to be fit for this weekend. Bale has returned to light training but is rated at “50-50” as he recovers from his ankle injury.
Adebayor insists Spurs are desperate not to lose out to Arsenal for the second successive year.
“That happened once and we all spoke about it and we don’t want it to happen again,” he said. “I think from the beginning of the season our target was to finish in the top four.
“I cannot say it is a good thing that we are out of the Europa League but we now we just have to focus on the league. We have six games to go.
“That’s what we tell ourselves in the dressing room - that we have six finals. We have to play it as a final and if we find a way to be in the Champions League for us it’s a very good season.”
Manchester City refute suggestion from Emmanuel Adebayor that they could descend into infighting against Tottenham
Roberto Mancini’s assistant Brian Kidd today dismissed Emmanuel Adebayor’s claims that Manchester City’s players will start fighting if the pressure is on at White Hart Lane on Sunday, declaring that the Togolese had not even played for the club in two years during which they have won trophies.
“You’ve only got to think about the manager and players we’ve got and they don’t like to lose,” Kidd said. “Ade has not been around in the last few years and the boss has put silverware on the sideboard in the time. I hope they carry on fighting!”
Kidd said that City’s title hopes are not dead – contrary to their manager’s claims that the race is “finished” ahead of the Spurs/City clash.
“We are champions and we want to fight until the end. We’ve got to accumulate as many points as we can because we’re champions and we’ve got to take pride in it that. I hope the players believe that, too. It is United’s to lose but make no mistake there will be some jittery moments there with what happened last year. It was a bad experience for them.”
United were eight points clear with six to play last season and still managed to lose the title. They lead by 13 points with City six games from the finish and United five. If City lost at Tottenham, United will reclaim the championship by winning at Aston Villa on Monday evening.
City today joined the chorus of indignation about the FA Cup final kick-off time which will strand Wigan fans and their own with no train home on May 11. “People have grandchildren like I have and you want them to be there,” Kidd said. “You do feel for both sets of fans.”
Kidd said David Silva will probably not be fit for the game against Tottenham this weekend, though suggested Sergio Aguero will have shrugged off a hamstring injury in time.
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[/spoiler]Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle, 22. The German club's representatives are in London to finalise the transfer. talkSHIT
Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, 27, is a target for newly promoted Cardiff City as the Ivory Coast international, currently at Lille, wants a return to the Premier League. Metro
Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, 22, is ready to turn down a summer move to either Arsenal or Tottenham. The Belgian forward has scored 19 goals for Villa since joining for £8m from Genk last year. The Sun
Galatasaray are ready to battle Manchester United and Liverpool for the signing of Porto's 26-year-old striker Jackson Martinez. talkSHIT
Promoted Cardiff City want to sign Reading striker Adam Le Fondre, 26, and QPR forward Bobby Zamora, 32, as Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay prepares to strengthen his squad for next season's Premier League campaign. Daily Star
Barcelona are set to make goalkeeper Victor Valdes, 31, stay another year at the Nou Camp, despite Arsenal's interest. Daily Mirror
Arsenal are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt's Japanese midfielder Takashi Inui. Gunners chief scout Steve Rowley has watched the left-footed 24-year-old, who can play in a playmaker role or on the wing. DSSC
Liverpool want Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy after the 23-year-old produced a fine performance against the Reds when the two sides met last week.
Daily Star
Forward Wayne Rooney, 27, wants Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to offer him a new contract as a show of faith. Daily Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has urged England manager Roy Hodgson to not be afraid of picking striker Andy Carroll, 24 for the national team. "Roy would be scared to do it because of the reaction he would get and he would be accused of a direct approach," said Allardyce. The Sun
Midfielder Bebe, 22, who is on loan at Portuguese side Rio Ave, reveals he has struggled to understand Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson. DSSC
Ex-England striker Alan Shearer says Wayne Rooney, 27, needs to leave Manchester United in the summer if he is unhappy at Old Trafford. The Sun
Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre reveals all the club's future transfers will by decided by committee rather than giving full control of recruitment to manager Brendan Rodgers. Daily Telegraph
Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, 29, has shown he has other talents as he displayed his cricketing skills with the bat. 606 newsletter
The Blue Square Bet Premier trophy will be with league general manager Dennis Strudwick at a service station in the West Midlands on Saturday. Leaders Mansfield and second-placed Kidderminster have a chance of winning the title with both sides playing at home on the final day of their season. Strudwick will then dash to the victorious team to present the trophy. Metro
