The City gent George Smith who put Reds to the sword
George Smith, the man who defied a wartime bullet to become a City star, has died, aged 92.
The Blues inside forward signed for City in 1938 but had to wait eight years, and survive a friendly fire incident in World War Two before he made his debut for the club.
Among the first to pay tribute to George was City legend Bert Trautmann, who was grateful for George’s friendly nature, as well as appreciative of his football ability, when he joined City.
Former German prisoner of war Trautmann was given a hostile reception by some fans, including City fans, so soon after the end of the war.
He said from his home in Spain: “I am saddened to hear of George’s passing. He was one of the players who really welcomed me when I joined the club.
“He was a great goalscorer and to even play football again after receiving such a terrible injury, made him exceptional.”
The war years probably robbed George of his peak years, as he was tipped by some observers to become an England international.
Born in Fleetwood in 1921, George moved to Salford as a boy and played for Adelphi Lads Club, from where he was picked up by City, soon becoming firm friends with legends like Trautmann, Frank Swift and Matt Busby.
The outbreak of war saw him join up with the King’s Africa Rifles and while serving in east Africa he came under fire from a South African Air Force plane, one bullet entering his elbow and exiting his hand.
After the war, City harboured doubts about whether he could play again with such a severe injury, but George wore a glove to hide his wounds and trained hard to prove he could still hack it.
In 1946, he scored all four goals in a Manchester derby win against United, who were sharing Maine Road after Old Trafford suffered bomb damage.
With typical modesty, George later told City historian Gary James of his feat, believed to be a joint record for a Manchester derby.
He is quoted in James’ definitive club history as saying: “I wasn’t much of a drinker. I never went wild or anything, but beating United in that manner and by scoring four goals was a wonderful moment.
“It was nice for the landlords to put one over the tenants.”
George played a total of 166 games for City between 1946 and 1951, and went on to make another 250 appearances for Chesterfield from 1951 to 1958.
He also played for Mossley and managed Prestwich Heys, while working as sales manager for Kenning Tyres in Cheetham Hill.
For the last five years of his life he was cared for at Spurr House retirement home in Unsworth, and died peacefully in Fairfield Hospital on Sunday, leaving daughter Lynne, three granddaughters and two great-grandsons. His two sons, Ian and Paul, died before him, of cancer.
“George was a wonderful character, and even though he was born in Fleetwood he was raised and lived in Manchester for just about all of his life – he was a real Manchester man,” said son-in-law Geoff Partington.
Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City must be twice as good
New Blues boss wants lean and mean squad but with two quality players in every position at the Etihad.
Bringing kids into the first-team squad is not just a part of City’s ‘holistic’ football philosophy – it could well be a physical necessity in the coming season.
There is a popular misconception that the Blues have a huge, unwieldy first team squad, stocked with highly-paid mercenaries and carrying a phalanx of wage-gatherers and time-wasters.
But the Blues have trimmed the excess over the last couple of years, getting the likes of Wayne Bridge, Roque Santa Cruz and Benjani off their books. And the simple fact is that they now have one of the leanest, meanest squads at the top end of the Premier League – where it is generally accepted that squads need to be bigger to cope with the demands of Champions league football as well as the bread and butter stuff.
New boss Manuel Pellegrini has made it plain that he will be happy to operate with a squad of 22 or 23 players, which compares to a United first team unit of 27.
The Chilean also reiterated his desire for good balance within that squad, so he has fallen in with the formula very much in mode these days, of having two players for each position.
Of course, that is open to interpretation. Does John Guidetti count as striker cover, for instance or is Dedryck Boyata seen as part of the centre back complement?
An examination of the current City squad shows exactly why another striker or two, and possibly a centre half, is still on Pellegrini’s shopping list.
The goalkeeping positions are covered, with Costel Pantilimon apparently happy to stay for another year after interest from Hull and Fiorentina failed to amount to anything. He will start the season as Joe Hart’s back-up, while Richard Wright last week signed a new one-year deal as third choice, essential cover in that position.
Right-back is also strong, with Pablo Zabaleta – despite wild suggestions he may want to play in Italy – in possession, and Micah Richards likely to agree a new deal with City before fighting hard to regain his place.
Left-back is equally clear-cut, despite suggestions that Aleks Kolarov will leave this summer. Gael Clichy is the main man, although he missed Sunday’s friendly defeat by SuperSport United in Pretoria, remaining in the squad’s Durban training camp for treatment to a minor injury.
Kolarov had a decent 45 minutes in that game, and is very much part of Pellegrini’s plans, despite interest from several Italian clubs, with Juventus head of the pack.
The departure of Kolo Toure means City are still short of a centre back, unless Pellegrini can re-start the stalled career of Boyata.
Vincent Kompany, Matija Nastasic and Lescott – if he can agree a new deal – are the three main men, but Pellegrini wants another one, as shown by his fruitless pursuit of Real Madrid star Pepe.
But there is no haste – the lessons of last summer, when it felt as if some players were bought for the sake of it, have been learned. Richards is more than able to play central as well as right back – indeed this could be his chance to establish himself in a position many feel is made for him. While Boyata will also be keen to join the party.
The front six is a more complex affair, especially as Pellegrini is likely to be aiming for a fluid formation, where all are expected to attack, and all expected to defend.
But some will have more defensive duties than others, so four ‘holding’ midfielders – who will sit deep more than the rest – are perhaps necessary.
If Gareth Barry agrees to stay, he, new boy Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Javi Garcia, and Jack Rodwell are likely to be battling it out for two positions, although such are the varied talents, that it is conceivable Pellegrini could pick four of those five without upsetting the balance.
You could also add James Milner’s name to that mix, as he certainly prefers to play in a more central role and has done well there for City.
But Milner is another who is adaptable enough to play in several positions – he is in contention with Barry and Yaya on the one hand, but also with Jesus Navas and Samir Nasri on the other.
The addition of Navas gives City pace and directness out wide, and Sinclair will be hoping for a happier time under the new manager, if he remains at the club.
Getting beaten to the purchase of Isco by Real Madrid was disappointing, but not critical to Pellegrini, who already has David Silva and Nasri.
If the Blues end up playing a 4-3-3 then two conventional strikers might just be enough, with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko the two men standing.
But Pellegrini wants more goals and more chances from his front three, hence City’s hot pursuit of the Montenegrin Stevan Jovetic, not noted as a goalscorer but a creative star for Fiorentina.
Alvaro Negredo, also attracting strong interest, does have a goalscoring pedigree, but the fact that City are looking to bring in two front men could indicate that someone is surplus to requirements – with Sinclair or Garcia the most likely candidates.
Of course, having such a small, tight squad means that young players can flit in and out whenever there are injuries and suspensions, so Abdul Razak and John Guidetti will be hoping to establish themselves.
And there will be a queue of young players – Marcos Lopes, Emyr Huws and Denis Suarez spring to mind – all hoping to become part of the equation, sustaining the idea of holism and encouraging the striving kids beneath.
City ready to confirm £28m deal for Fiorentina star Jovetic after hitting the buffers in pursuit of Sevilla hotshot Negredo
Manchester City are on the verge of sealing the £28million signing of Fiorentina star Stevan Jovetic.
However, City suffered a setback in their pursuit of Alvaro Negredo after Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido warned there is now only a ‘one per cent’ chance of a deal going through.
New boss Manuel Pellegrini is anxious to sign the two strikers to fill the gaps left by the recent departures of Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli.
City have been in talks with Fiorentina over Jovetic for some time, but it is understood the two clubs have finally agreed an initial fee of £23m that could rise by £5m in bonus payments.
Fiorentina have previously stipulated that they would not sell the Montenegro international, 23, for less than the £28m buyout clause in his contract.
City still hope to sign Negredo as well but have been unable to reach a compromise deal over the Spain striker amid concerns that Sevilla are trying to ramp up the price beyond £20m.
Del Nido confirmed yesterday that the two clubs are some way apart in their valuations and said: ‘Either they pay what we ask or the player stays with Sevilla for another three years.’
Meanwhile, City are adamant that defender Aleksandar Kolarov will not be joining Juventus despite reports that they will listen to offers. The 27-year-old is believed to be open to a move after losing his place at left back to Gael Clichy, but with Maicon set to join Roma for £4m, City want to keep Kolarov and may add to their defence.
Maicon’s departure means they have wiped nearly £40m off their wage bill this summer. The Brazilian was on around £100,000 a week at the Etihad Stadium, as were Kolo Toure, Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz, who have all left the club as free agents.
It is estimated that Tevez’s move to Juventus saved City £17m in wages and bonuses as the club looks to fall in line with new financial fair play rules.
It is just as well because Jovetic and Negredo could cost up to £50m on top of the £15m for Jesus Navas and £30m paid for Fernandinho. The Brazilian made his debut in the first game of City’s tour of South Africa and is confident of success under Pellegrini despite defeat in his first game in charge.
‘It seems he has that winning mentality and strong football philosophy,’ said Fernandinho. ‘The biggest challenge for me is the language. I speak Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Russian so hopefully it won’t be too long.’ DSSC
GOLDEN BOLLOX 16-7-1979
Brian Clough called Malcolm Allison "the Errol Flynn of football, who was too handsome for his own good" and this day in 1979, flamboyant manager returned to City for his second spell in charge, replacing Tony Book, the man he had mentored.
Allison was brought in by chairman Peter Swales and was handed a sizeable transfer war chest in a bid to recreate City’s glory days of the early 70s. With his trademark fedora in tow, Allison splashed the cash on Michael Robinson and Steve Daley.
Despite these considerable outlays, City finished a disappointing 17th in the 22-team Division One and Malcolm headed for the Maine Road exit door once more, taking up the reins for a short but successful spell at Sporting Lisbon.
Big Mal sadly passed away on 14 October 2010 after a lengthy illness and tributes poured in from across the globe, including from Mike Summerbee who said that Britain had lost one of its greatest ever managers.
"He gave us a football brain and if things weren't going right, we could change it ourselves because he made sure we had football brains. He had a wonderful character and that spread right through the side," said Mike.
Manchester City's latest Alvaro Negredo bid fails to reach £24m Sevilla asking price
MANCHESTER CITY look set to have to up their bid if they want to secure the services of Sevilla ace Alvaro Negredo.
The Spanish side are fighting desperately to keep their star players after failing to secure European football for this season.
The club is hoping to hold out and cash in on the 27-year-old before letting him leave for the Premier League.
New reports in Spain suggest The Citizens put in a renewed bid worth around £20m, which looks to have failed
The president of Sevilla Del Nido was reported as saying recently: "With Negredo there has been progress but we are far from reaching an agreement. Right now it's further away than it was at the time with Atletico Madrid.
“ Sevilla ace Alvaro Negredo is a target for Manchester City”
"Sevilla have put an evaluation on Negredo and either Sevilla are paid what they're asking for or he stays for another three years.
"I'm not saying the price that's been put on him. The ideal thing would be that he remains in Sevilla and renews for another two years."
"We are in no hurry. We are in a better situation than a month ago and we've shown that with the signings that we've made."
It follows reports that City boss Manuel Pellegrini has moved his attention firmly to securing the striker, having missed out on Paris Saint-Germain bound forward Edinson Cavani.
Maicon arrives in Roma for medical
Douglas Maicon arrived in Rome on Monday to undergo the routine medical before completing his transfer from Manchester City to Roma.
The right-back will undergo his medical Monday afternoon and then will go to join his new teammates in their pre-season retreat of Riscone.
The almost 32-year-old, who joined Manchester City from Inter last summer and only started just four Premiership games there, is expected to sign a two-year contract at the Stadio Olimpico.
Manuel Pellegrini rejects Aleksander Kolarov sale
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has reportedly decided that Aleksandar Kolarov has a future under his regime at Eastlands.
Kolarov has been persistently linked with a return to Serie A in recent weeks, with Juventus and Inter Milan both keen on a season-long loan deal.
After allowing Maicon to talk terms with Roma the Chilean has decided Kolarov must stay and fight for first-team football at the Etihad, according to The Sun.
Pellegrini is thought to see Kolarov as a useful utility option on the left-hand side, but still views Gael Clichy as his preferred starter at left-back.
The Serbian international joined City for a fee of £19m in 2010, and has since made 88 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Fernandinho impressed by Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini
Fernandinho already feels Manuel Pellegrini has a "winning mentality" but has urged Manchester City fans to be patient with their new manager.
The £30million signing from Shakhtar Donetsk made his first outing in a City shirt in Sunday's 2-0 friendly defeat to SuperSport United in Pretoria.
Fernandinho is enjoying getting to know Pellegrini, with the Chilean boss another new arrival at the club this summer.
"The players are already getting used to his style on and off the pitch," the 28-year-old told the club's official website.
"He has that real winning mentality and a strong football philosophy."
Fernandinho
"Pre-season is a good time for this. We can learn his personality.
"I'm enjoying working with him, but I think it will always take more time for the players and the manager to get used to each other fully.
"It seems like he has that real winning mentality and a strong football philosophy that he will make the players understand."
The Brazil international is expecting to see more match action in Thursday's clash with AmaZulu in Durban, with City then flying on to the Barclays Asia Trophy tournament in Hong Kong.
Building his fitness is his main target, but the experience of pulling on the City shirt is also exciting him.
"It felt like a great honour to play with such big names and fantastic players," added Fernandinho.
"I don't feel 100% fit yet but I have two weeks of pre-season now to train, then hopefully I will feel top quality."
Manchester City join Premier League suitors for Hellas Verona midfielder
Manchester City have joined a host of Premier League clubs interested in signing Hellas Verona starlet Jorginho.
Jorginho enjoyed an impressive 2012/13 season with the Gialloblu, during which some stellar performances helped his side achieve promotion to Serie A.
According to the website of Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà, Manchester City’s new manager is impressed by the Brazilian-born Italian midfielder.
Liverpool and Everton have also registered serious interest in Jorginho in the last few days.
The Toffees, whose manager Roberto Martinez is trying to construct a team according to his own tactical ideas after taking over from David Moyes, have made a higher bid than their city rivals, whose offer is believed to have been €9 million.
Jorginho, 21, was born in Brazil but has lived in Italy for several years and has made one appearance for the Azzurri Under-21s after being granted Italian citizenship in October 2012.
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[/spoiler]GOLDEN BOLLOX 16-7-2010
Robinho fits the bill for Shakhtar Donetsk as billionaire Ukrainians line up £20m bid for Manchester City flop
Shakhtar Donetsk's billionaire owner has confirmed he is keen on Manchester City outcast Robinho.
Sportsmail revealed the Ukrainian giants were considering a £20million bid for the Brazilian in an attempt to build a side competitive enough for the Champions League.
The club are also tracking Ajax hot shot Luis Suarez and Benfica's Oscar Cardozo, though convincing any of the World Cup stars to industrial Donetsk will be difficult.
World Cup star: Robinho looked rejuvenated for Brazil at South Africa 2010
Goodbye? Robinho is not expected to wear a City shirt again
However, Shakhtar chairman Rinat Akhmetov said: 'I do not eliminate the possibility of an acquisition. There is a discussion between me and Mircea (Lucescu, the coach) on how to strengthen the squad.
'But if we rose to the level when our fans were discussing the possibility of acquisition such players as Suarez or Robinho - our supporters have a perfect football taste, I should say. I like them both.
'We need a help now, in the Champions League. That is why I will respect Mircea Lucescu’s opinion. I myself would probably buy some of strong forwards. But if he says we do not need them, I will consider his opinion. I would prefer to create a sound competition in attack.'
Shakhtar believe Paraguay striker Cardozo would be the most achievable signing and would command just a third of the £100,000 a week after-tax wages demanded by Robinho.
The City forward would prefer to extend his loan at Santos and has already been lukewarm about a bid from Besiktas, while interest from AC Milan and Barcelona has failed to materialise into a formal offer.
Aleksandar Kolarov seals £17m Manchester City switch as Real Madrid stalk Nemanja Vidic
Manchester City’s amazing summer spree continued last night when they had a £17million bid accepted for Lazio left back Aleksandar Kolarov.
The Serbia defender is set to become Roberto Mancini’s fourth signing of the close
season and take City’s outlay so far to £75m, following the arrivals of David Silva (£24m), Yaya Toure (£24m) and Jerome Boateng (£10m).
And while City carry on spending, their fiercest rivals Manchester United could be in danger of losing Kolarov's Serbian team-mate
Vidic has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford since last year after reports emerged that his wife was unhappy living in Manchester, and new Real boss Jose Mourinho is said to have put the 28-year-old at the top of his list as he aims to add some defensive steel to his collection of Galacticos at the Bernabeu.
Iron man: Nemanja Vidic is wanted at the Bernabeu to shore up a defence that conceded 35 league goals last season
Vidic's agent Paolo Fabbri has refused to confirm that the defender will definitely be at United next season, and suggested only last month that a transfer might take place once the World Cup had finished.
'We have requested some time from Manchester United to think about things,' said Fabbri. 'Nemanja does not want to look at things now. Any eventual transfer will only take place after the World Cup.'
Jumping ship: Ashley Cole unleashed a foul mouthed-rant about his hatred for England before the World Cup - could Kolarov's transfer hasten a move to Spain?
Another knock-on effect from City's latest deal could be the transfer of Ashley Cole to Real Madrid.
The Spaniards had previously been linked with Kolarov and may now step up their efforts to prise England star Cole from Chelsea.
Kolarov impressed at the World Cup this summer, even though Serbia finished bottom of their group behind Germany, Ghana and Australia.
The tall, powerful defender can also play in midfield and is renowned for his long distance shooting and willingness to attack.
Nicknamed the Serbian Roberto Carlos due to his fondness for spectacular strikes,
Kolarov came to prominence as part of the Serbia team that reached the European
Under 21 Championship final in 2007.
His stunning long-range winner in the semi-final against Belgium helped win him a move to Serie A, where he earned hero status among Lazio fans.
Arsenal will not take up their first refusal on re-signing former midfielder Cesc Fabregas and that will leave the way open for Manchester United to try to sign the 26-year-old Barcelona player.Daily Star
Manchester United boss David Moyes is confident he can sign Fabregas from the Nou Camp club but he has lined up Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 25, as a back-up target. Daily Mirror
Moyes actually wants to sign both Spain international Fabregas and Belgium international Fellaini to pair them up in a new look midfield at the Old Trafford club. Guardian
Striker Christian Benteke, 22, wants Tottenham to step up their pursuit of him - because he does not want to go back to Aston Villa this week. Daily Mirror
Liverpool are bracing themselves for Real Madrid to finally make a formal bid for striker Luis Suarez, 26, this week. If, as reported, it will be Gonzalo Higuain, 25, plus £10m, they will reject it and hold out for £40m cash. Daily Mirror
Liverpool are ready to use Suarez in their pursuit of Bayern Munich's Swiss youngster Xherdan Shaqiri, 21. CaughtOffside
Chelsea have been left frustrated after Napoli forward Edinson Cavani, 26, passed his medical ahead of his proposed switch to Paris St-Germain. Daily Express
Villarreal have made an 11th-hour move to hijack Napoli's bid for QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar, 33. talkSHIT
Hull City manager Steve Bruce has conceded that any deal to sign Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner, 25, could be too expensive. Goal.com
But Tigers boss Bruce is aiming to bring in QPR forward Adel Taarabt, 24 to add some creativity to his Premier League newcomers. The Sun
Hull have also made an approach for 27-year-old Sunderland striker Danny Graham, who only joined the Black Cats in January for £5m. The Times
Roma boss Rudi Garcia has pleaded with the club's board to prevent Chelsea from signing midfielder Daniele De Rossi, 29. Metro
West Ham are preparing a £3m bid for West Brom midfielder and Scotland international Graham Dorrans, 26. The Sun
Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda, 27, has spoken of his hopes of playing for AC Milan, who are reportedly interested in signing him from CSKA Moscow. Gazzetta dello Sport
French goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, 33, is to end 15 years in Serie A when he moves from Genoa to Turkish side Bursaspor next season. La Repubblica
Nikica Jelavic joined Everton from Rangers for £5.5m
Former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Manchester United and Stoke striker Michael Owen has concerns about the 'dearth of quality' when it comes to the England team. Daily Express
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre is aiming to convince Luis Suarez, 26, that he can achieve his ambitions with the Anfield club. Bloomberg
Striker Nikica Jelavic, 27, will have talks about his Everton future with boss Roberto Martinez this week. Daily Mirror
Goalkeeper Pepe Reina, 30, will quit Liverpool rather than be back-up to Simon Mignolet, says Anfield legend Jan Molby. Daily Star
David Beckham has recommended the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge call their baby David if it is a boy. Sky News
Southampton fans are angry about a new video showing a couple of Portsmouth fans planting a Pompey shirt inside the walls of the Saints' new training ground. 101 Great Goals
GOLDEN BOLLOX 16-7-2012
Manchester City primed to sign French starlet Niang from Caen
The Champions look set to beat Arsenal and Tottenham for the 17-year-old's signature after Brian Marwood invited him to the club for talks
Manchester City are ready to win the race for French sensation M’Baye Niang - and snatch him away from Arsenal and Tottenham.
City supremo Brian Marwood has personally approached Niang’s club Caen with a request for Niang to come for talks this week after the teenager spent a few days with the Gunners.
Attacking star Niang, who has made 30 appearances in the first team already, is set to decide on a move before the window shuts and has also had an invite to visit Tottenham.
However City’s direct move - and money - may yet win the chase for the £6million-rated prospect who wants to leave the French Second Division outfit.
Niang, a quick and tall striker, is in the French under-21 side years ahead of his age and rated the best player to emerge from his country in that role for some time.
Marwood is trying to improve the quality of the next generation of City players - with Roberto Mancini unhappy that there have not been many coming through.
City have spent heavily on teenagers who could emerge in time, but Niang is seen as a player who could even walk right into Mancini’s first-team squad
Real Madrid turn their attention to Man City for defensive reinforcements
Jose Mourinho’s desire to sign a quality defender has been well publicised by the Spanish media and now it seems that the Portuguese is looking at his favourite league to bring in some new recruits and solidify his current back line.
After last year’s La Liga triumph over Barcelona, the Santiago Bernabeu is abuzz with the potential that the future holds for the current team and Jose Mourinho wants to capitalise on this optimism by bringing in some big recruits. The name currently spiralling around in the boardroom is Manchester City’s Micah Richards according to Calcionews.
The English defender has been an integral part of the Citizen’s Premier League winning squad and it’s believed that the Spanish giants consider his strength and pace a vital asset to their style of football. A move to Real Madrid would make Richards one amongst a series of English players to don the white kit of the club. Michael Owen, David Beckham and Steve McManaman have all tried to bring their English grit and flair to the club but failed to make a serious impact in the memories of the club’s fans.
However, Richards isn’t a player being poached simply for his brand value but because he’s a rational choice to cull the club’s woes at the back.
Convincing Roberto Mancini to give up Richards for a sum of €10 million will be a difficult task for Mourinho but the Portuguese’s charm could lure the gritty defender to Spain.
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