Grandpa Pat

[ant london]

I have to say that I, along with most of us, was shaking my head when Mancini signed Vieira but I have to say that over the course of the season I think the decision has been vindicated.

Not just talking about last night when he was genuinely good, or against Notts County when he weighed in with a couple of goals (after a pretty crappy start to the game for him) but in a couple of games when he has steadied the ship and brought some brains and calm to our midfield.

I also think it's evident that he seems to be a pretty decent influence to have in the dressing room and certainly has the respect of the young lads and our in house loony tune.

He's the latest in a line of golden oldies who have had a pretty useful swansong for us at City....Bernarbia, Pearce, Hamman and now grandpa Pat.

I know that Mancini said he'd like to replace Patrick with a new/old version and I have to say that I think there is definitely justification to do so....my question is, who would you sign for that role of bit part player/proven winner/influence in the changing room?

(nb....I'm assuming that PV has to retire at the end of this season...right??)

[dazby]

Mancio was asked in the post match interview whether the club were looking to sign him for another season. He dodged the question ever so well.

Kaka might be an interesting old head. Ever since his name was mentioned last week I've thought elano would be great as an impact sub.

Did Van Bommel actually sign for the club he's with now or was it on loan? If it was on loan he'd be good.

I'd love us to sign Mata from Valencia and just go with what we've got. Let the side grow.