Friday's B*ll*x

[Chinners]

Garry Cook heads to Abu Dhabi to draw up transfer wishlist
Cook to meet Manchester City's owner and chairman • Future of Emmanuel Adebayor likely to be discussed
Garry Cook, the Manchester City chief executive, has flown to Abu Dhabi to deliver a progress report to the club's owner, Sheikh Mansour, and set in place their spending plans for what promises to be another extensive period of business in the January transfer window.
Edin Dzeko, the prolific Wolfsburg striker, is the principal target, though City know from experience that the Bundesliga club can be difficult negotiators. The clubs spent most of the summer haggling over a fee for the Bosnia international before City walked away from the deal because of the disparity in what they were willing to pay, around £25m to £30m, and Wolfsburg's valuation of £45m.
Cook is meeting the club's chairman, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, and their agenda will also include how to trim the squad of some of Roberto Mancini's fringe players, part of the effort to reduce the wage bill in line with Uefa's fair-play regulations.
The difficulty facing City is that their players are on such high salaries there is a fear potential buyers may be deterred. Wayne Bridge, who has already been informed he has no future at the club, earns £95,000 a week, while Emmanuel Adebayor is one of City's higher earners, with a weekly salary in the region of £150,000.
Adebayor's volatile relationship with the manager, Roberto Mancini, has improved recently and the club's coaching staff have been encouraged by his work on the training ground compared to six weeks ago when his attitude had become a major issue.
Nonetheless, manager and player still have differences. Adebayor's reaction at the final whistle of last night's 0-0 draw with Manchester United, heading straight down the tunnel, made clear his displeasure about being brought on as a substitute for only the final few seconds. City's backroom staff have noted that when he was informed he was replacing Carlos Tevez he did not have his shin pads or his boots on.
City will also listen to offers for the increasingly peripheral Shaun Wright-Phillips and Roque Santa Cruz while Shay Given wants a loan move after losing his place to Joe Hart.
As for Mancini, the manager appears to have ridden the storm of losing three successive matches before Sunday's 2-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion, although many supporters have questioned the team's conservative tactics in the Manchester derby.
Those criticisms were also aired by Graeme Souness and Ruud Gullit in their role as television pundits. "Chelsea's goal difference is plus 23, City's is five," Souness said. "I don't think you can go with that three of Tevez, [David] Silva and Yaya Touré if you want to play attractive football, be on the front foot, and win home games, which you must do if you are going to win anything."
Gullit said: "It's not pretty is it? You can see that they have difficulties to find each other [in attacking positions]. When they want to cross it, there is no one there to cross it to."
The centre-half Kolo Touré defended Mancini's tactics. "United are a top club with top players and it was important not to lose the game as we had to keep fourth place. When you play against the top teams the most important thing is to try not to lose. It was a difficult game for us and we are delighted with a draw."

TRANSFER BOLLOX
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is keen to leave the club and could force a move away from Anfield in January. Daily Mirror

Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland could be the subject of a £6m bid from Juventus despite the Norwegian signing an extended contract at Craven Cottage in November 2009. talkSPORT

Tottenham are considering a bid for Bolton defender Gary Cahill and may be interested in his striker team-mate Johan Elmander after the Trotters' chairman Phil Gartside admitted he may be forced to sell players in January. Daily Mirror

Alternatively Arsenal may be readying an offer for Cahill, who Bolton value at £15m.
Full story: the Guardian

Liverpool and Chelsea are vying for the signature of Palermo midfielder Armin Bacinovic after the Slovenian international's impressive start to the Serie A season. talkSPORT

Zenit St Petersburg striker Alexander Kerzhakov has claimed that he is considering an offer from Liverpool. Daily Mail

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has stepped up his interest in Basel full-back Behrang Safari who is also interesting Werder Bremen. talkSPORT

Schalke coach Felix Magath has admitted it may be impossible to keep 24-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, at the club. IM Scouting

OTHER BOLLOX
Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins has been left "hurt and betrayed" after receiving news that his contract was not going to be renewed during half-time of a reserve match against Bayern Munich. talkSPORT

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has warned Rafael van der Vaart to improve his fitness if he wants to last the Premier League pace. Daily Mirror

Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny's new five-year deal will see his salary shoot up from £2,000 a week to £30,000 a week. the Sun

Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen has offered to take Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton out to dinner to show that their confrontation during Rovers' 2-1 win on Wednesday is behind them. Daily Mirror

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been on the receiving end of jibes from former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan on Twitter after he was photographed being patted on the backside by Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez. the Sun

[Swales4ever]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... Dzeko.html

Manchester City

Manchester City see a window of opportunity for Edin Dzeko
The representatives of the highly-rated Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko were at Eastlands on Wednesday evening as the guests of Manchester City for the league meeting with Manchester United.

Prime target: Manchester City seem likely to bid for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko in January Photo: GETTY IMAGES By Jason Burt 7:30AM GMT 12 Nov 2010
Jason's Twitter

Dzeko's agents were also believed to have spent the day at City's training ground ahead of the match, fuelling the belief that the club is likely to bid for the 24-year-old Bosnian in the January transfer window.

City have long-tracked Dzeko's progress and considered making a move for him in the summer before concentrating their efforts on securing Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan. Although Dzeko has long been linked with a transfer to Italy – and was in talks with AC Milan last year – he is considering a move to the Premier League after being urged to do so by his representatives.

Dzeko, 6ft 3in tall and a prolific goalscorer, is likely to cost up to £40 million but given his age – and therefore sell-on value – and his potential they he would represent an attractive option for City.

If City did sign him it would likely signal the end of Emmanuel Adebayor's career at the club. The 26-year-old Togo striker is understood to be very unhappy at how little he has played this season and there was tension in the City dressing room after Wednesday night's match. Adebayor, who has confirmed he has rowed with manager Roberto Mancini in the past, is said to have been furious that he only came on in the 90th minute – replacing Carlos Tévez – and said he was given no opportunity to affect the result.

Another City striker, Roque Santa Cruz, has already been told he can leave the club and is expected to secure a move in January while should Adebayor also go his likely destination is believed to be Juventus who have shown a strong interest in signing him. City already have Craig Bellamy out on loan, of course, to Cardiff City and extremely unlikely to return.

Mancini is acutely aware of how heavily the team relies on Tévez to provide the goal threat and is believed to have encouraged football administrator Brian Marwood and chief executive Garry Cook to pursue a deal to sign Dzeko who is struggling to recapture last season's form but remains a strong prospect.

City will continue to monitor the fortunes of Fernando Torres at Liverpool and while Wayne Rooney's new contract has ended the possibility of the club signing him in January they will, undoubtedly, retain an interest in the Manchester United striker.

[john@staustell]

This wage inflation is murder. 12 months ago the press were saying Ade was on an outrageous 120 grand a week. Now he's on 150 grand. Crikey.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

As for Mancini, the manager appears to have ridden the storm of losing three successive matches before Sunday's 2-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion, although many supporters have questioned the team's conservative tactics in the Manchester derby.
Those criticisms were also aired by Graeme Souness and Ruud Gullit in their role as television pundits. "Chelsea's goal difference is plus 23, City's is five," Souness said. "I don't think you can go with that three of Tevez, [David] Silva and Yaya Touré if you want to play attractive football, be on the front foot, and win home games, which you must do if you are going to win anything."
Gullit said: "It's not pretty is it? You can see that they have difficulties to find each other [in attacking positions]. When they want to cross it, there is no one there to cross it to."

I myself wasn't too pleased about negative tactics but seeing Souness and Gullit being highly critical of Mancini makes me think he must be doing something right. Two of the biggest manager clowns around.

[john@staustell]

As for Mancini, the manager appears to have ridden the storm of losing three successive matches before Sunday's 2-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion, although many supporters have questioned the team's conservative tactics in the Manchester derby.
Those criticisms were also aired by Graeme Souness and Ruud Gullit in their role as television pundits. "Chelsea's goal difference is plus 23, City's is five," Souness said. "I don't think you can go with that three of Tevez, [David] Silva and Yaya Touré if you want to play attractive football, be on the front foot, and win home games, which you must do if you are going to win anything."
Gullit said: "It's not pretty is it? You can see that they have difficulties to find each other [in attacking positions]. When they want to cross it, there is no one there to cross it to."

I myself wasn't too pleased about negative tactics but seeing Souness and Gullit being highly critical of Mancini makes me think he must be doing something right. Two of the biggest manager clowns around.

I was wondering just how many draws we have had, to get this critcism of 'too many draws'. Planks.

[Ted Hughes]

As for Mancini, the manager appears to have ridden the storm of losing three successive matches before Sunday's 2-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion, although many supporters have questioned the team's conservative tactics in the Manchester derby.
Those criticisms were also aired by Graeme Souness and Ruud Gullit in their role as television pundits. "Chelsea's goal difference is plus 23, City's is five," Souness said. "I don't think you can go with that three of Tevez, [David] Silva and Yaya Touré if you want to play attractive football, be on the front foot, and win home games, which you must do if you are going to win anything."
Gullit said: "It's not pretty is it? You can see that they have difficulties to find each other [in attacking positions]. When they want to cross it, there is no one there to cross it to."

I myself wasn't too pleased about negative tactics but seeing Souness and Gullit being highly critical of Mancini makes me think he must be doing something right. Two of the biggest manager clowns around.

I was wondering just how many draws we have had, to get this critcism of 'too many draws'. Planks.

They're right about everything else though. I doubt Mancini would disagree with that. Hopefully he would say it's just for a one off, that we played that way.

[DoomMerchant]

Attn: Andie -- you and H can sign Pepe in January. He's looking for a new home. He could be your token man around the house, no? Doing the laundry, walking the dog, making brekkers, etc.

cheers

[john@staustell]

As for Mancini, the manager appears to have ridden the storm of losing three successive matches before Sunday's 2-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion, although many supporters have questioned the team's conservative tactics in the Manchester derby.
Those criticisms were also aired by Graeme Souness and Ruud Gullit in their role as television pundits. "Chelsea's goal difference is plus 23, City's is five," Souness said. "I don't think you can go with that three of Tevez, [David] Silva and Yaya Touré if you want to play attractive football, be on the front foot, and win home games, which you must do if you are going to win anything."
Gullit said: "It's not pretty is it? You can see that they have difficulties to find each other [in attacking positions]. When they want to cross it, there is no one there to cross it to."

I myself wasn't too pleased about negative tactics but seeing Souness and Gullit being highly critical of Mancini makes me think he must be doing something right. Two of the biggest manager clowns around.

I was wondering just how many draws we have had, to get this critcism of 'too many draws'. Planks.

They're right about everything else though. I doubt Mancini would disagree with that. Hopefully he would say it's just for a one off, that we played that way.

I still find it hard to criticise restricting Scum - who played the best they have this season - to about one shot.

[Ted Hughes]

As for Mancini, the manager appears to have ridden the storm of losing three successive matches before Sunday's 2-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion, although many supporters have questioned the team's conservative tactics in the Manchester derby.
Those criticisms were also aired by Graeme Souness and Ruud Gullit in their role as television pundits. "Chelsea's goal difference is plus 23, City's is five," Souness said. "I don't think you can go with that three of Tevez, [David] Silva and Yaya Touré if you want to play attractive football, be on the front foot, and win home games, which you must do if you are going to win anything."
Gullit said: "It's not pretty is it? You can see that they have difficulties to find each other [in attacking positions]. When they want to cross it, there is no one there to cross it to."

I myself wasn't too pleased about negative tactics but seeing Souness and Gullit being highly critical of Mancini makes me think he must be doing something right. Two of the biggest manager clowns around.

I was wondering just how many draws we have had, to get this critcism of 'too many draws'. Planks.

They're right about everything else though. I doubt Mancini would disagree with that. Hopefully he would say it's just for a one off, that we played that way.

I still find it hard to criticise restricting Scum - who played the best they have this season - to about one shot.

I wouldn't criticise that either. Just the complete lack of attacking purpose or intelligence which imo was completely unneccessary against that particular rags team, which is what most of the world's football industry & followers are questioning almost unanimously, not the clean sheet.

[john@staustell]

As ever when I've read - and seen - the RAGS demise I ending up thinking how good they look when on the field against us, as they did the other night, after weeks of dross.

I can just see the scenario now with attacking tactics: RAGs score on the break first half with City players stuck up the field but failing to find the net. City throw the kitchen sink at them in the last 5 mintues and Paul Scholes scores from a breakaway - 0-2.

The 'media' dont bother me as they had written their criticism before the match, perm one version from 3 (win draw lose).

But our tactics were the same as at W Brom - keep the other side out and look for openings. But the other team was better on Weds!

Everyone is treating Scum like a conference side who should be bowled aside.

[Swales4ever]

As ever when I've read - and seen - the RAGS demise I ending up thinking how good they look when on the field against us, as they did the other night, after weeks of dross.

I can just see the scenario now with attacking tactics: RAGs score on the break first half with City players stuck up the field but failing to find the net. City throw the kitchen sink at them in the last 5 mintues and Paul Scholes scores from a breakaway - 0-2.

The 'media' dont bother me as they had written their criticism before the match, perm one version from 3 (win draw lose).

But our tactics were the same as at W Brom - keep the other side out and look for openings. But the other team was better on Weds!

Everyone is treating Scum like a conference side who should be bowled aside.

Totally agreed, plus I'd add some of our most effective legs were a bit more tired 3 day later...

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

As ever when I've read - and seen - the RAGS demise I ending up thinking how good they look when on the field against us, as they did the other night, after weeks of dross.

I can just see the scenario now with attacking tactics: RAGs score on the break first half with City players stuck up the field but failing to find the net. City throw the kitchen sink at them in the last 5 mintues and Paul Scholes scores from a breakaway - 0-2.

The 'media' dont bother me as they had written their criticism before the match, perm one version from 3 (win draw lose).

But our tactics were the same as at W Brom - keep the other side out and look for openings. But the other team was better on Weds!

Everyone is treating Scum like a conference side who should be bowled aside.

That's the strange bit in all these discussions. Rags are either best or second best side in England right now. And people talk about them like they are fucking Cambridge United. How many games have rags lost this season? Which teams before us were able to beat them? None.

All the topics about them being in a meltdown don't make it true you know. They are one of the best sides around. And getting a draw against them is by no means a poor result.

[Kladze]

As ever when I've read - and seen - the RAGS demise I ending up thinking how good they look when on the field against us, as they did the other night, after weeks of dross.

I can just see the scenario now with attacking tactics: RAGs score on the break first half with City players stuck up the field but failing to find the net. City throw the kitchen sink at them in the last 5 mintues and Paul Scholes scores from a breakaway - 0-2.

The 'media' dont bother me as they had written their criticism before the match, perm one version from 3 (win draw lose).

But our tactics were the same as at W Brom - keep the other side out and look for openings. But the other team was better on Weds!

Everyone is treating Scum like a conference side who should be bowled aside.

That's the strange bit in all these discussions. Rags are either best or second best side in England right now. And people talk about them like they are fucking Cambridge United. How many games have rags lost this season? Which teams before us were able to beat them? None.

All the topics about them being in a meltdown don't make it true you know. They are one of the best sides around. And getting a draw against them is by no means a poor result.

Not to mention it serves to allow you to keep your love affair with the boss going.

Mancini licker :p

;-)

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

As ever when I've read - and seen - the RAGS demise I ending up thinking how good they look when on the field against us, as they did the other night, after weeks of dross.

I can just see the scenario now with attacking tactics: RAGs score on the break first half with City players stuck up the field but failing to find the net. City throw the kitchen sink at them in the last 5 mintues and Paul Scholes scores from a breakaway - 0-2.

The 'media' dont bother me as they had written their criticism before the match, perm one version from 3 (win draw lose).

But our tactics were the same as at W Brom - keep the other side out and look for openings. But the other team was better on Weds!

Everyone is treating Scum like a conference side who should be bowled aside.

That's the strange bit in all these discussions. Rags are either best or second best side in England right now. And people talk about them like they are fucking Cambridge United. How many games have rags lost this season? Which teams before us were able to beat them? None.

All the topics about them being in a meltdown don't make it true you know. They are one of the best sides around. And getting a draw against them is by no means a poor result.

Not to mention it serves to allow you to keep your love affair with the boss going.

Mancini licker :p

;-)

I'm def Mancini licker. Out and proud. I don't hide my true emotions.

But regardless of the manager, draw in Derby is NOT disgracefull or even poor result. It's decent result.

[Kladze]

As ever when I've read - and seen - the RAGS demise I ending up thinking how good they look when on the field against us, as they did the other night, after weeks of dross.

I can just see the scenario now with attacking tactics: RAGs score on the break first half with City players stuck up the field but failing to find the net. City throw the kitchen sink at them in the last 5 mintues and Paul Scholes scores from a breakaway - 0-2.

The 'media' dont bother me as they had written their criticism before the match, perm one version from 3 (win draw lose).

But our tactics were the same as at W Brom - keep the other side out and look for openings. But the other team was better on Weds!

Everyone is treating Scum like a conference side who should be bowled aside.

That's the strange bit in all these discussions. Rags are either best or second best side in England right now. And people talk about them like they are fucking Cambridge United. How many games have rags lost this season? Which teams before us were able to beat them? None.

All the topics about them being in a meltdown don't make it true you know. They are one of the best sides around. And getting a draw against them is by no means a poor result.

Not to mention it serves to allow you to keep your love affair with the boss going.

Mancini licker :p

;-)

I'm def Mancini licker. Out and proud. I don't hide my true emotions.

But regardless of the manager, draw in Derby is NOT disgracefull or even poor result. It's decent result.

I agree - just pulling your leg mate.

[Ted Hughes]

As ever when I've read - and seen - the RAGS demise I ending up thinking how good they look when on the field against us, as they did the other night, after weeks of dross.

I can just see the scenario now with attacking tactics: RAGs score on the break first half with City players stuck up the field but failing to find the net. City throw the kitchen sink at them in the last 5 mintues and Paul Scholes scores from a breakaway - 0-2.

The 'media' dont bother me as they had written their criticism before the match, perm one version from 3 (win draw lose).

But our tactics were the same as at W Brom - keep the other side out and look for openings. But the other team was better on Weds!

Everyone is treating Scum like a conference side who should be bowled aside.

Neither the tactics comment or the expectation comment have any truth in them imo. We didn't play the same game v WBA at all, not until we went down to ten men anyway. I also very much doubt anyone had an expectation of blowing the rags away like a conference team either. Once again people are being ridiculed & their views distorted for simply wanting our team, at home, to make more of an effort to attack another team rather than play mainly not to concede. It's a perfectly reasonable ambition for City supporters with this squad & also looking at the limited attacking options available to the opposition. Pearce got universally slated for attemping the same thing with a relegation standard team against a much stronger team.