Tuesday's Ladies B*l**x
Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 9:26 amTHE BOLLOX
Day 21 of a transfer window that is yet to explode into life, and it remains slim pickings for City rumours.
It makes a rather refreshing change, if I’m honest!
There are a few morsels to digest, starting with CaughtOffside’s claim that the Blues are in the market for a goalkeeper.
Recent performances from Joe Hart and Costel Pantilimon suggest that isn’t an area we’re short in, but the website reckons City are aiming to sign Real Madrid stopper, Diego Lopez next summer.
The report reads: “With Pantilimon having failed to impress City head coach Manuel Pellegrini between the sticks when given his opportunity, the experienced Chilean trainer now wants to lure Lopez to Eastlands, having been impressed with the 32-year-old’s displays in goal for the La Liga giants since the Spaniard controversially took over from Madrid and La Roja legend Iker Casillas at the Santiago Bernabeu this time last year.
“Lopez, who has a contract in the Spanish capital that runs until June 2017, has now appeared in 46 matches in all competitions since returning to the club from Sevilla last January, 36 of which have come in La Liga. However, the Blues also know that they will face stiff competition for the shot stopper’s signature from Borussia Dortmund.”
Hmm, we’ll see…
Elsewhere, the Joleon Lescott story rumbles on.
Apparently the defender has now decided on a switch to Besiktas – that one’s according to the Daily Express, who have translated some reports in Turkey.
As if we could forget, it’s a World Cup year, and Lescott is said to be seeking a move away from the Etihad Stadium to bolster his chances of being selected for Brazil 2014.
Ben Jefferson writes: “Lescott has been linked with both West Ham and the Turkish side since the start of January, but Manuel Pellegrini has resisted letting the 31-year-old leave.
“But reports in Turkey suggest that the player himself has decided that he wants to join Besiktas and will have his agent meet with Pellegrini to try and force through the move.
“The former Everton star's contract expires at the end of this season and Lescott is free to talk to other clubs this month.
“But Lescott is keen for the move to go through before the end of the month, so he can play more regular football in the lead up to this summer's World Cup.”
Finally, another saga that simply won’t go away is that of Southampton defender, Luke Shaw.
Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with the youngster along with the Blues, and now Glenn Hoddle has offered his opinion to Sky's talkSHIT.
Hoddle told the radio’s breakfast show: “Luke Shaw will move on, Southampton won’t be able to keep him.
“There are some big clubs in the top four after him. He looks the real deal.
“I don’t think he’ll leave in this transfer window but certainly at the end of the season. He’s got a bright future, which will include England honours.”
That’s about it for today, but we’ll be back at the same time tomorrow with more rumours and gossip to rake over.
Man City Ladies – New Signings, New Ambitions
Manchester City Ladies Football Club was founded in 1989 as a supporter’s football club. In August 2012 the team became officially affiliated with MCFC and they have not looked back since. They began life in Division 2 of the North West Women’s Football League and enjoyed much success throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s. They have since been accepted into the newly reformed Women’s Super League, entering into the top division, controversially replacing the Doncaster Rovers Belles. The new league will begin this year and it looks to be very exciting indeed as City aim to push the Women’s game to new heights, fully supported and encouraged by the authorities in Manchester and Abu Dhabi. Much like the expansion into America, MCLFC highlights City’s commitment to developing the game and the club in every possible arena; “Holistic,” indeed.
To say that the City Ladies have been preparing thoroughly for this new League is somewhat of an understatement. Their inaugural opponents will be Arsenal, Birmingham, Bristol Academy, Chelsea, Everton, Notts County, and Liverpool, the reigning champions. None of those teams can be taken lightly and will provide the Ladies with a stern challenge. The Ladies will be training at the new Academy when it is completed alongside the Men’s and Junior teams.
The idea of strengthening yourself whilst weakening you rivals seems to have become a watch word for Nick Cushing’s squad. In the process of, “parking their tanks on the lawn of the women’s game,” the City Ladies have been joined by five successful and highly talented international players – four from England and one from New Zealand. Here’s a brief cut out and keep guide to City’s new signings…
Karen Bardsley
Age: 29
Position: Goalkeeper
Bio: Karen Bardsley signed for City from Lincoln Ladies at the end of the 2012 season on a two year deal. Despite being US born, both her parents are from the Greater Manchester area, meaning that any problems settling in will surely be short lived. Before arriving in England, Bardsley played across North America and in Sweden as well as making 34 appearances for England following a 2005 debut. She also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London. Her wealth of diverse experience should stand her in good stead to succeed with MCLFC.
Bardsley has found herself, “very impressed by the progressive and professional approach City have implemented. The resources and training available [are] second to none.” Hopefully this is the first step in a long an fruitful relationship between player and club.
Jill Scott
Age: 26
Position: Midfield
Bio: Jill Scott has been one of the outstanding players in the Women’s game for a fair while now. City signed the midfielder from Everton, a club where she won the FA Cup and League Cup with her team and many personal Player of the Year awards. Scott has also made 74 appearances for England, including as a key part of the side which were runners up in the 2009 Women’s European Championship, and was an important part of Team GB at the 2012 Olympics. As a player, Scott has all the attributes to be the ‘engine room’ for this team; as a person she has a high profile within the women’s game and will help legitimise this City team just by being there. A shrewd buy.
“I hope I can bring something to the team,” Scott said. “I’ve played over 70 times now for England and I’ve been at Everton for seven years, playing with some really good players. I hope that I can add some experience, maybe offer advice to the younger players and really feel part of the club.” Every team needs its senior players and it looks like City have found a good one.
Toni Duggan
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Bio: Toni Duggan is the second ex-Everton player in the City team and, like Scott, looks to be an excellent buy. She will be one of City’s main offensive weapons having consistently been in the goals from the age of 15 internationally and domestically, including in the Champion’s League. In addition, Duggan’s youth means that she has plenty of scope to develop into an even better striker over the course of her City career. It is fair to say that a lot is expected of Duggan, but there is little doubt that she will deliver.
Duggan is not afraid of the new challenge ahead of her. “The move is a big change for me and I’m not going to lie, it’s been hard. I was at Everton from a young age and they’ve done so much for me. As I say, I can’t thank them enough but sometimes, you just need a fresh challenge and I want to better myself as a player.”
Steph Houghton
Age: 25
Position: Full Back/Midfield
Bio: Steph Houghton is the fourth member of City’s new quartet of England internationals and completes the team’s brand new spine. Signed from the famous Arsenal Ladies, Houghton brings with her experience of success both domestically and internationally. She had a particularly successful 2012 Olympics, scoring 3 goals from the Left Back position in four games for Team GB, scoring the winners against New Zealand and Brazil and becoming a household name. Houghton can be expected to kick on and become an even more formidable player in the coming seasons for City.
On signing, Houghton said she is, “very excited for the new season now and I want to play in as many games as I can, as well as I can. Fingers crossed, I’ll play frequently for both City and for England and we’ll have a successful first season.”
Betsy Hassett
Age: 23
Position: Midfield
Bio: Betsy Hassett is City Ladies’ new Kiwi signing has previously played for the California Bears, the University of California, Berkeley’s women’s team, and SC Sand in Germany’s second division. Having made many appearances for the New Zealand Football Ferns at international tournaments at such a young age there can be no doubts that Hassett has the mentality to succeed in England. She is an energetic midfielder who is eager to advance both her personal game and the popularity of women’s football back home in New Zealand. Playing for a team with such the kind of media profile Manchester City enjoy seems like an effective way to start reaching towards that goal.
Hassett seems to enjoy the idea of getting into something new at the ground floor. “I’m really impressed with the club and its program. I like the idea of being part of a side that’s entering the FA WSL for the first time.
“This way, we can start from scratch with a new style and I can play to my strengths rather than trying to adapt to an already existing and established environment.”
It is clear that MCLFC are looking to build something that lasts and the raft of new signings is just the beginning of their hunt for silverware and success. Knowing the determination of the people in charge at City, there is no doubt they will succeed.
Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign ‘the new Neymar’, according to the Daily Star.
17-year-old Chidiebere Nwakali’s agent has revealed that the attacker has put pen to paper with the Premier League giants: “Nwakali has passed Manchester City medical and he has signed a four-year contract with them.” said Babawo Mohammed, the players’ agent. ”It is a good move for him and I am sure in no distant time, he will blossom with the club.”
The Nigerian was part of his country’s recent success in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, but looks set to leave Nigeria for Manchester. The youngster currently plays for Shuttle Sports Academy, where he is deployed as a midfielder or defender.
Also dubbed as ‘the Nigerian Neymar’, City will certainly be hoping that Nwakali brings some of the skills and talent that the Brazilian has displayed for Barcelona since his €57million transfer from Santos.
The Etihad side are currently second in the Premier League, just 1 point adrift of Arsenal. And with current players such as Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Alvaro Negredo all stunning the City fans, Manuel Pellegrini has set his sights on signing future stars at the club, as well as focusing on his present squad’s bid to re-lift the Premier League trophy.
Versatile Jovetic WILL add new dimension to City, eventually
City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes the striker has a lot to offer City when fully fit but will not rush him into action.
Manuel Pellegrini is backing unlucky Stevan Jovetic to bring a new attacking dimension to City as he nears a return to action.
The £22million striker has had a nightmare start to his career with the Blues, beset by a series of injuries and an illness which KO'd his planned comeback just before Christmas.
But he is in the squad for tonight's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at West Ham – although he may have to settle for a place amongst the substitutes.
The Montenegro star was one of the mist exciting Premier League acquisitions of the summer, and City fans were desperate to see a player whose performances for Fiorentina in Serie A had seen him compared to Italian legend Roberto Baggio.
But, after showing glimpses of his ability in the pre-season win over AC Milan, he suffered a hamstring problem which saw him miss the start of the season.
He finally made his debut in the goalless draw at Stoke on September 14 and bagged his first goals in the 5-0 Capital One Cup beating of Wigan.
But further hamstring and calf problems have beset him since then, and his last outing for the Blues, in the cup win at Newcastle at the end of October, lasted just ten minutes before he limped off.
Since then, his season has been a litany of aborted comebacks, and confused utterances from Pellegrini about his physical and mental state.
City insist the problems have been purely physical, and Pellegrini said he has simply been the victim of “bad luck”.
But the manager was cautious about the chances of Jovetic being involved at Upton Park, even though he has come through two full training sessions with no apparent reaction.
“We’ll see what happens with Stevan in the next few days,” said the Chilean. “It’s an important chance for him to come back to play but I don’t think he’ll be able to play from the beginning or play 90 minutes.
West Ham vs. Manchester City: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
Manchester City and West Ham will meet at Boleyn Ground on Jan. 21 for the second leg of their semi-final clash in the Capital One Cup.
Thanks to Manchester City's dominance in the first leg, there isn't a lot of drama in this one. The Citizens beat West Ham on Jan. 8, 6-0. Anything is possible in sports, but West Ham beating Manchester City by six or more is highly unlikely.
Perhaps Manchester City's recent flurry of matches will have taken a toll they simply can't overcome?
Who wins?
Manchester City have been getting run ragged. This will be City's eighth match since Dec. 26. Still, how fatigued would City have to be to get blown out by more than six?
At any rate, although this match amounts to little more than a high-profile friendly, there should still be some fun soccer to enjoy.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET
Where: Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, London
Watch: beIN Sport; beIN Sport Play; Sky Sports 1 (U.K.); Sky Now (U.K.)
Key Storyline: Will Manchester City treat this like a friendly?
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini isn't a big fan of his team's hectic schedule. The Guardian's Paul Wilson passed along this quote from Pellegrini after their recent 1-0 win over Crystal Palace: "I always knew this game would not be easy. We were not fresh; it is impossible to play two games in so little time, and it is always difficult when only one team is trying to play."
Pellegrini can't do anything about lightening the schedule at this point, but he can help make that schedule easier on his team. Gaining a 6-0 lead in the first leg of this contest was certainly one way to do that.
City will have an FA Cup tie on Jan. 25 and then a Jan. 29 return to the Premier League against Tottenham. This is a great opportunity for Pellegrini to get his side some rest before that stretch of matches.
Spurs will be looking to exact revenge on their 6-0 beat down and will test City's road resolve.
Then, just five days after that match, City will host Chelsea for a huge showdown.
Prediction: West Ham 2-3 Manchester City
This contest will be far closer than the first leg. Although it remains to be seen if West Ham will be going after this one at 100 percent, they do enjoy the home pitch, and Manchester City has not been nearly as potent away from Etihad.
Still, the Citizens will escape with the win and move on to bigger matches.
PAY ON THE DOOR TONIGHT
http://www.whufc.com/articles/20131220/ ... 84_3585276
City splash £300,000 on Iheanacho’s father
It has been learnt that Kelechi Iheanacho’s father and Taye Academy have received half of what was promised them by Manchester City.
That would mean City have splashed at least 300,000 pounds to secure the talented Iheanacho, who was picked by FIFA as the best player at last year’s U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
MTNFootball.com specially gathered that City have rescinded a decision to make payments to the Iheanachos until January next year and both the player’s father and the academy that started him out have thus received half of what was agreed with them.
“Iheanacho senior is now smiling to the bank as he has been paid half of what was promised him after his son signed for City,” a source familiar with this transaction told MTNFootball.com
“This shows how badly the EPL want the youngster.”
Iheanacho, who was voted the CAF Most Promising Talent for 2013, could not honour a special invitation to the FIFA Awards in Switzerland is now working on his travel papers to England.
Striker makes switch from Manchester City to Huddersfield Town
Striker Harry Bunn has made a permanent switch to Huddersfield Town following the expiry of his loan from Manchester City.
The 21 year-old joined the Terriers last month, playing in the U21s victories over Barnsley and Sheffield United and also appearing as an unused substitute in the first team clash at Ipswich Town.
However, Bunn, who also had a loan spell at Sheffield United last year, has now put pen to paper on a permanent contract at Huddersfield that will keep him at the club until the end of the season.
Town boss Mark Robins told the club’s official website: “We believe Harry can develop further and we’ll work hard with him on the training ground to aid that development.”
GOLDEN BOLLOX 20-1-1979
City 2-3 Chelsea
City throw away a 2-1 lead on a snowy Maine Road pitch as they lose 3-2 to Chelsea.
It’s the 13th game in a row without a league win and puts manager Tony Book under further pressure.
Goals from Paul Power and Ron Futcher, who had scored a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, looked like ending the barren run but the visitors, inspired by Clive Walker, recovered to take maximum points in front of 31,876 fans.
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Chelsea have told Manchester United they will have to pay £40m for Spain midfielder Juan Mata, 25, who is keen to leave Stamford Bridge to secure regular first-team football ahead of the summer's World Cup. DSSC
Striker Samuel Eto'o, 32, says he will sign for Mallorca when his short-term contract at Chelsea expires at the end of the season. Daily Express
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is keen to bring Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov back to White Hart Lane but manager Tim Sherwood is reluctant on a move for the 32-year-old. Daily Mirror
Hull City manager Steve Bruce wants to sign Ghana international midfielder Sulley Muntari, 29, from AC Milan in a £3.9m deal. Daily Star
Turkish club Sivasspor are keen on signing West Ham striker Modibo Maiga. The Mali forward, 26, has been told he can leave the club by manager Sam Allardyce after scoring just twice in 19 games. DSSC
Stoke City have put in a £5m bid for Monaco striker Emmanuel Riviere, 23. Times
Meanwhile, Stoke forward Juan Agudelo, 21, has joined Dutch side FC Utrecht on loan until the end of the season as he awaits a work permit to play for the Potters. Sentinel
Newcastle have reached an agreement to sign Montpellier's Remy Cabella, 23, but the French club say the £12m midfielder will not join the Magpies until the summer. Metro
Manchester United manager David Moyes and striker Robin van Persie have held talks after the Old Trafford club's physios said the 30-year-old was fit to play but the forward claimed he needed more time on the sidelines. Sun
Manchester United are planning a pre-season tour of North America to mark the start of a £53m sponsorship deal with Chevrolet but may have to cut the trip short if they fail to qualify for the Champions League and have to play a Europa League tie in July. Daily Mirror
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal says he was approached by Tottenham as a potential successor to Andre Villas-Boas, and admits he is keen to coach in the Premier League in the future. London Evening Standard
Sam Allardyce believes that Fulham's transfer window approach for Ravel Morrison, 20, has unsettled his West Ham squad and acknowledges that the England Under-21 international could be sold in January. London Evening Standard
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet thinks that centre-back Wes Brown, 34, can play for the club until he is 40. Daily Mirror
Blackpool boss Paul Ince held crisis talks with chairman Karl Oyston and is set to remain in charge of the struggling Championship side for Saturday's game against Doncaster. Guardian
Bayern Munich are interested in Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky, with the 33-year-old Czech midfielder's contract to expire soon. Bild
Tottenham could make a move for Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin, 27, after the Italian side rejected Manchester United's earlier offer for the Colombian. Le Figaro
South Korea were left shocked as Syria scored an unsportsmanlike goal during the AFC Under-22 Championship at the weekend when the ball was put out for a throw-in so a player could receive treatment. Metro
more bollox/flaps later
Day 21 of a transfer window that is yet to explode into life, and it remains slim pickings for City rumours.
It makes a rather refreshing change, if I’m honest!
There are a few morsels to digest, starting with CaughtOffside’s claim that the Blues are in the market for a goalkeeper.
Recent performances from Joe Hart and Costel Pantilimon suggest that isn’t an area we’re short in, but the website reckons City are aiming to sign Real Madrid stopper, Diego Lopez next summer.
The report reads: “With Pantilimon having failed to impress City head coach Manuel Pellegrini between the sticks when given his opportunity, the experienced Chilean trainer now wants to lure Lopez to Eastlands, having been impressed with the 32-year-old’s displays in goal for the La Liga giants since the Spaniard controversially took over from Madrid and La Roja legend Iker Casillas at the Santiago Bernabeu this time last year.
“Lopez, who has a contract in the Spanish capital that runs until June 2017, has now appeared in 46 matches in all competitions since returning to the club from Sevilla last January, 36 of which have come in La Liga. However, the Blues also know that they will face stiff competition for the shot stopper’s signature from Borussia Dortmund.”
Hmm, we’ll see…
Elsewhere, the Joleon Lescott story rumbles on.
Apparently the defender has now decided on a switch to Besiktas – that one’s according to the Daily Express, who have translated some reports in Turkey.
As if we could forget, it’s a World Cup year, and Lescott is said to be seeking a move away from the Etihad Stadium to bolster his chances of being selected for Brazil 2014.
Ben Jefferson writes: “Lescott has been linked with both West Ham and the Turkish side since the start of January, but Manuel Pellegrini has resisted letting the 31-year-old leave.
“But reports in Turkey suggest that the player himself has decided that he wants to join Besiktas and will have his agent meet with Pellegrini to try and force through the move.
“The former Everton star's contract expires at the end of this season and Lescott is free to talk to other clubs this month.
“But Lescott is keen for the move to go through before the end of the month, so he can play more regular football in the lead up to this summer's World Cup.”
Finally, another saga that simply won’t go away is that of Southampton defender, Luke Shaw.
Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with the youngster along with the Blues, and now Glenn Hoddle has offered his opinion to Sky's talkSHIT.
Hoddle told the radio’s breakfast show: “Luke Shaw will move on, Southampton won’t be able to keep him.
“There are some big clubs in the top four after him. He looks the real deal.
“I don’t think he’ll leave in this transfer window but certainly at the end of the season. He’s got a bright future, which will include England honours.”
That’s about it for today, but we’ll be back at the same time tomorrow with more rumours and gossip to rake over.
Man City Ladies – New Signings, New Ambitions
Manchester City Ladies Football Club was founded in 1989 as a supporter’s football club. In August 2012 the team became officially affiliated with MCFC and they have not looked back since. They began life in Division 2 of the North West Women’s Football League and enjoyed much success throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s. They have since been accepted into the newly reformed Women’s Super League, entering into the top division, controversially replacing the Doncaster Rovers Belles. The new league will begin this year and it looks to be very exciting indeed as City aim to push the Women’s game to new heights, fully supported and encouraged by the authorities in Manchester and Abu Dhabi. Much like the expansion into America, MCLFC highlights City’s commitment to developing the game and the club in every possible arena; “Holistic,” indeed.
To say that the City Ladies have been preparing thoroughly for this new League is somewhat of an understatement. Their inaugural opponents will be Arsenal, Birmingham, Bristol Academy, Chelsea, Everton, Notts County, and Liverpool, the reigning champions. None of those teams can be taken lightly and will provide the Ladies with a stern challenge. The Ladies will be training at the new Academy when it is completed alongside the Men’s and Junior teams.
The idea of strengthening yourself whilst weakening you rivals seems to have become a watch word for Nick Cushing’s squad. In the process of, “parking their tanks on the lawn of the women’s game,” the City Ladies have been joined by five successful and highly talented international players – four from England and one from New Zealand. Here’s a brief cut out and keep guide to City’s new signings…
Karen Bardsley
Age: 29
Position: Goalkeeper
Bio: Karen Bardsley signed for City from Lincoln Ladies at the end of the 2012 season on a two year deal. Despite being US born, both her parents are from the Greater Manchester area, meaning that any problems settling in will surely be short lived. Before arriving in England, Bardsley played across North America and in Sweden as well as making 34 appearances for England following a 2005 debut. She also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London. Her wealth of diverse experience should stand her in good stead to succeed with MCLFC.
Bardsley has found herself, “very impressed by the progressive and professional approach City have implemented. The resources and training available [are] second to none.” Hopefully this is the first step in a long an fruitful relationship between player and club.
Jill Scott
Age: 26
Position: Midfield
Bio: Jill Scott has been one of the outstanding players in the Women’s game for a fair while now. City signed the midfielder from Everton, a club where she won the FA Cup and League Cup with her team and many personal Player of the Year awards. Scott has also made 74 appearances for England, including as a key part of the side which were runners up in the 2009 Women’s European Championship, and was an important part of Team GB at the 2012 Olympics. As a player, Scott has all the attributes to be the ‘engine room’ for this team; as a person she has a high profile within the women’s game and will help legitimise this City team just by being there. A shrewd buy.
“I hope I can bring something to the team,” Scott said. “I’ve played over 70 times now for England and I’ve been at Everton for seven years, playing with some really good players. I hope that I can add some experience, maybe offer advice to the younger players and really feel part of the club.” Every team needs its senior players and it looks like City have found a good one.
Toni Duggan
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Bio: Toni Duggan is the second ex-Everton player in the City team and, like Scott, looks to be an excellent buy. She will be one of City’s main offensive weapons having consistently been in the goals from the age of 15 internationally and domestically, including in the Champion’s League. In addition, Duggan’s youth means that she has plenty of scope to develop into an even better striker over the course of her City career. It is fair to say that a lot is expected of Duggan, but there is little doubt that she will deliver.
Duggan is not afraid of the new challenge ahead of her. “The move is a big change for me and I’m not going to lie, it’s been hard. I was at Everton from a young age and they’ve done so much for me. As I say, I can’t thank them enough but sometimes, you just need a fresh challenge and I want to better myself as a player.”
Steph Houghton
Age: 25
Position: Full Back/Midfield
Bio: Steph Houghton is the fourth member of City’s new quartet of England internationals and completes the team’s brand new spine. Signed from the famous Arsenal Ladies, Houghton brings with her experience of success both domestically and internationally. She had a particularly successful 2012 Olympics, scoring 3 goals from the Left Back position in four games for Team GB, scoring the winners against New Zealand and Brazil and becoming a household name. Houghton can be expected to kick on and become an even more formidable player in the coming seasons for City.
On signing, Houghton said she is, “very excited for the new season now and I want to play in as many games as I can, as well as I can. Fingers crossed, I’ll play frequently for both City and for England and we’ll have a successful first season.”
Betsy Hassett
Age: 23
Position: Midfield
Bio: Betsy Hassett is City Ladies’ new Kiwi signing has previously played for the California Bears, the University of California, Berkeley’s women’s team, and SC Sand in Germany’s second division. Having made many appearances for the New Zealand Football Ferns at international tournaments at such a young age there can be no doubts that Hassett has the mentality to succeed in England. She is an energetic midfielder who is eager to advance both her personal game and the popularity of women’s football back home in New Zealand. Playing for a team with such the kind of media profile Manchester City enjoy seems like an effective way to start reaching towards that goal.
Hassett seems to enjoy the idea of getting into something new at the ground floor. “I’m really impressed with the club and its program. I like the idea of being part of a side that’s entering the FA WSL for the first time.
“This way, we can start from scratch with a new style and I can play to my strengths rather than trying to adapt to an already existing and established environment.”
It is clear that MCLFC are looking to build something that lasts and the raft of new signings is just the beginning of their hunt for silverware and success. Knowing the determination of the people in charge at City, there is no doubt they will succeed.
Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign ‘the new Neymar’, according to the Daily Star.
17-year-old Chidiebere Nwakali’s agent has revealed that the attacker has put pen to paper with the Premier League giants: “Nwakali has passed Manchester City medical and he has signed a four-year contract with them.” said Babawo Mohammed, the players’ agent. ”It is a good move for him and I am sure in no distant time, he will blossom with the club.”
The Nigerian was part of his country’s recent success in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, but looks set to leave Nigeria for Manchester. The youngster currently plays for Shuttle Sports Academy, where he is deployed as a midfielder or defender.
Also dubbed as ‘the Nigerian Neymar’, City will certainly be hoping that Nwakali brings some of the skills and talent that the Brazilian has displayed for Barcelona since his €57million transfer from Santos.
The Etihad side are currently second in the Premier League, just 1 point adrift of Arsenal. And with current players such as Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Alvaro Negredo all stunning the City fans, Manuel Pellegrini has set his sights on signing future stars at the club, as well as focusing on his present squad’s bid to re-lift the Premier League trophy.
Versatile Jovetic WILL add new dimension to City, eventually
City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes the striker has a lot to offer City when fully fit but will not rush him into action.
Manuel Pellegrini is backing unlucky Stevan Jovetic to bring a new attacking dimension to City as he nears a return to action.
The £22million striker has had a nightmare start to his career with the Blues, beset by a series of injuries and an illness which KO'd his planned comeback just before Christmas.
But he is in the squad for tonight's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at West Ham – although he may have to settle for a place amongst the substitutes.
The Montenegro star was one of the mist exciting Premier League acquisitions of the summer, and City fans were desperate to see a player whose performances for Fiorentina in Serie A had seen him compared to Italian legend Roberto Baggio.
But, after showing glimpses of his ability in the pre-season win over AC Milan, he suffered a hamstring problem which saw him miss the start of the season.
He finally made his debut in the goalless draw at Stoke on September 14 and bagged his first goals in the 5-0 Capital One Cup beating of Wigan.
But further hamstring and calf problems have beset him since then, and his last outing for the Blues, in the cup win at Newcastle at the end of October, lasted just ten minutes before he limped off.
Since then, his season has been a litany of aborted comebacks, and confused utterances from Pellegrini about his physical and mental state.
City insist the problems have been purely physical, and Pellegrini said he has simply been the victim of “bad luck”.
But the manager was cautious about the chances of Jovetic being involved at Upton Park, even though he has come through two full training sessions with no apparent reaction.
“We’ll see what happens with Stevan in the next few days,” said the Chilean. “It’s an important chance for him to come back to play but I don’t think he’ll be able to play from the beginning or play 90 minutes.
West Ham vs. Manchester City: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
Manchester City and West Ham will meet at Boleyn Ground on Jan. 21 for the second leg of their semi-final clash in the Capital One Cup.
Thanks to Manchester City's dominance in the first leg, there isn't a lot of drama in this one. The Citizens beat West Ham on Jan. 8, 6-0. Anything is possible in sports, but West Ham beating Manchester City by six or more is highly unlikely.
Perhaps Manchester City's recent flurry of matches will have taken a toll they simply can't overcome?
Who wins?
Manchester City have been getting run ragged. This will be City's eighth match since Dec. 26. Still, how fatigued would City have to be to get blown out by more than six?
At any rate, although this match amounts to little more than a high-profile friendly, there should still be some fun soccer to enjoy.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET
Where: Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, London
Watch: beIN Sport; beIN Sport Play; Sky Sports 1 (U.K.); Sky Now (U.K.)
Key Storyline: Will Manchester City treat this like a friendly?
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini isn't a big fan of his team's hectic schedule. The Guardian's Paul Wilson passed along this quote from Pellegrini after their recent 1-0 win over Crystal Palace: "I always knew this game would not be easy. We were not fresh; it is impossible to play two games in so little time, and it is always difficult when only one team is trying to play."
Pellegrini can't do anything about lightening the schedule at this point, but he can help make that schedule easier on his team. Gaining a 6-0 lead in the first leg of this contest was certainly one way to do that.
City will have an FA Cup tie on Jan. 25 and then a Jan. 29 return to the Premier League against Tottenham. This is a great opportunity for Pellegrini to get his side some rest before that stretch of matches.
Spurs will be looking to exact revenge on their 6-0 beat down and will test City's road resolve.
Then, just five days after that match, City will host Chelsea for a huge showdown.
Prediction: West Ham 2-3 Manchester City
This contest will be far closer than the first leg. Although it remains to be seen if West Ham will be going after this one at 100 percent, they do enjoy the home pitch, and Manchester City has not been nearly as potent away from Etihad.
Still, the Citizens will escape with the win and move on to bigger matches.
PAY ON THE DOOR TONIGHT
http://www.whufc.com/articles/20131220/ ... 84_3585276
City splash £300,000 on Iheanacho’s father
It has been learnt that Kelechi Iheanacho’s father and Taye Academy have received half of what was promised them by Manchester City.
That would mean City have splashed at least 300,000 pounds to secure the talented Iheanacho, who was picked by FIFA as the best player at last year’s U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
MTNFootball.com specially gathered that City have rescinded a decision to make payments to the Iheanachos until January next year and both the player’s father and the academy that started him out have thus received half of what was agreed with them.
“Iheanacho senior is now smiling to the bank as he has been paid half of what was promised him after his son signed for City,” a source familiar with this transaction told MTNFootball.com
“This shows how badly the EPL want the youngster.”
Iheanacho, who was voted the CAF Most Promising Talent for 2013, could not honour a special invitation to the FIFA Awards in Switzerland is now working on his travel papers to England.
Striker makes switch from Manchester City to Huddersfield Town
Striker Harry Bunn has made a permanent switch to Huddersfield Town following the expiry of his loan from Manchester City.
The 21 year-old joined the Terriers last month, playing in the U21s victories over Barnsley and Sheffield United and also appearing as an unused substitute in the first team clash at Ipswich Town.
However, Bunn, who also had a loan spell at Sheffield United last year, has now put pen to paper on a permanent contract at Huddersfield that will keep him at the club until the end of the season.
Town boss Mark Robins told the club’s official website: “We believe Harry can develop further and we’ll work hard with him on the training ground to aid that development.”
GOLDEN BOLLOX 20-1-1979
City 2-3 Chelsea
City throw away a 2-1 lead on a snowy Maine Road pitch as they lose 3-2 to Chelsea.
It’s the 13th game in a row without a league win and puts manager Tony Book under further pressure.
Goals from Paul Power and Ron Futcher, who had scored a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, looked like ending the barren run but the visitors, inspired by Clive Walker, recovered to take maximum points in front of 31,876 fans.
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[/spoiler]Chelsea have told Manchester United they will have to pay £40m for Spain midfielder Juan Mata, 25, who is keen to leave Stamford Bridge to secure regular first-team football ahead of the summer's World Cup. DSSC
Striker Samuel Eto'o, 32, says he will sign for Mallorca when his short-term contract at Chelsea expires at the end of the season. Daily Express
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is keen to bring Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov back to White Hart Lane but manager Tim Sherwood is reluctant on a move for the 32-year-old. Daily Mirror
Hull City manager Steve Bruce wants to sign Ghana international midfielder Sulley Muntari, 29, from AC Milan in a £3.9m deal. Daily Star
Turkish club Sivasspor are keen on signing West Ham striker Modibo Maiga. The Mali forward, 26, has been told he can leave the club by manager Sam Allardyce after scoring just twice in 19 games. DSSC
Stoke City have put in a £5m bid for Monaco striker Emmanuel Riviere, 23. Times
Meanwhile, Stoke forward Juan Agudelo, 21, has joined Dutch side FC Utrecht on loan until the end of the season as he awaits a work permit to play for the Potters. Sentinel
Newcastle have reached an agreement to sign Montpellier's Remy Cabella, 23, but the French club say the £12m midfielder will not join the Magpies until the summer. Metro
Manchester United manager David Moyes and striker Robin van Persie have held talks after the Old Trafford club's physios said the 30-year-old was fit to play but the forward claimed he needed more time on the sidelines. Sun
Manchester United are planning a pre-season tour of North America to mark the start of a £53m sponsorship deal with Chevrolet but may have to cut the trip short if they fail to qualify for the Champions League and have to play a Europa League tie in July. Daily Mirror
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal says he was approached by Tottenham as a potential successor to Andre Villas-Boas, and admits he is keen to coach in the Premier League in the future. London Evening Standard
Sam Allardyce believes that Fulham's transfer window approach for Ravel Morrison, 20, has unsettled his West Ham squad and acknowledges that the England Under-21 international could be sold in January. London Evening Standard
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet thinks that centre-back Wes Brown, 34, can play for the club until he is 40. Daily Mirror
Blackpool boss Paul Ince held crisis talks with chairman Karl Oyston and is set to remain in charge of the struggling Championship side for Saturday's game against Doncaster. Guardian
Bayern Munich are interested in Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky, with the 33-year-old Czech midfielder's contract to expire soon. Bild
Tottenham could make a move for Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin, 27, after the Italian side rejected Manchester United's earlier offer for the Colombian. Le Figaro
South Korea were left shocked as Syria scored an unsportsmanlike goal during the AFC Under-22 Championship at the weekend when the ball was put out for a throw-in so a player could receive treatment. Metro
more bollox/flaps later