Following City, as they (me and my subconscious) always say, is like watching a Ben Stiller movie.
As evident in There’s Something About Mary, Meet the Parents/Fockers and The Heartbreak Kid, to name a few, just when things seem to be going well for Mr. Stiller, you know that a disaster would befall upon him. He keeps on going, nevertheless, throughout the movie; in his own archetypal Stiller, indecisively confident way. The media couldn’t highlight enough the 6 – 0 thumping of Portsmouth at (Middle) Eastlands a few weeks back. And just as gimmicky, the Carling Cup defeat to Brighton was sensationalized as much. Journalists were put to the test as they tried to come up with the cheekiest ‘being wealthy means nothing-related’ headline the next day. ‘Rich’ was the most searched word for that day on Thesaurus.com. But we only have ourselves to blame as the team fielded, though not as strong, was a decent enough side. Credit to Brighton and I hope they prosper to win the cup so that we could, as most glory hunters across the globe would, repeatedly mention how ‘we lost to the winners’. Losing at the JJB wasn’t that easy to swallow either. Fair enough, we lost by a goal due to the theatrics of Wilson Palacios; which could’ve easily earned him a spot on Broadway and making a bigger name for himself -- than playing for Wigan. The matter of fact though, sadly, was our lack of aggression. Steve Bruce’s men simply outplayed us. It was one of those games where you just know that it wouldn’t end up to your favor. They were superior in the air and every loose ball ended up in the possession of the men in blue and white stripes; including Titus Bramble. The need for a ‘ballsier’ approach to games like these remains the only positive of the game. Fresh from the aftermath of tormenting my digestive system after the second day of Raya, I stayed up to watch the UEFA Cup clash with the Cypriot giant, AC Omonia Nicosia. Though we cruised into the group stage by winning 2 – 1, I do have to point out that everyone in the team, Mark Hughes included, needs to be orientated further on the history of the club. While being up by two goals may be comforting enough to some, this is City that they’re handling. As proven by the late goal by a rather resurgent Omonia side, Sparky needs to realize that he can never be too complacent; no until the final whistle. Bear in mind, in Meet the Parents, Ben Stiller got screwed during the ending credits. Now bring on Liverpool.
A joyous 6-0 thumping of Pompey in the league is followed by a penalty kicks’ loss (after a 2-2 deadlock) to little Brighton in the Carling Cup three days later. Sharin smsed “Typical city!”. Yes, it’s still the same old City!!
Too much celebrations after our biggest win in the Premier League? Our superstars can’t play well in front of small crowds? The Carling’s not important enough to be seriously bothered? Half of our ‘heroes’ of the weekend romp were on the field too. Surely the Seagulls can’t be half as good as Redknapp’s boys. At the end for such ‘mismatches’, it is always about how much heart we put into it. We have walked this path many times before and will forget soon enough. Come the weekend, another game’s up, another battle looms and we will still be cheering again for our City.
There is nothing wrong in having very rich club owners. But having those who unabashedly flaunt their wealth is really something. The joke now is Man. City is buying over the world!
I can’t believe the astronomical prices quoted for some rumoured City’s targets, undoubtedly some of the best footballers around. It does put the world and players on alert that Eastlands is the happening place to be; not necessarily immediately but surely in the future. However, the mere mention of a City’s interest will now lead to clubs asking for the blue moon and the sky (almost). An intended public relations coup or some unbridled emotional lapses? It will not be easy to do deals and do we really want to over over pay (like giving AF a Stg. 130 m. warchest)? For the time being, we are still bathing in the golden hues of riches beyond imagination - enough feel good to last quite a while. But let’s get back to work or rather let the on field action takes centre stage. That’s where the ultimate excitement of a football fan rests and where the real battles are fought. Go City go !
1.9.2008 is a momentous day. Now everybody’s is talking about Manchester City. Before, I can gobble up almost every online MCFC news item. Now I just cannot cope. Help because it is not going to end anytime soon.
Once we were easily dismissed and brushed aside; now we get some respect if not wariness and disbelief. Look at all those doubting Thomases, moral guardians, cynical critics and ignorant pundits. It is simple envy and sour grapes. Which fan will not welcome such a glorious fortune to fall their club’s way? Sharin Osman, can remember those days when he had to beg or bribe to get hangout places to switch to the live game featuring City. Now (for the time being), he only needs to shout out the name of Robinho to get his wish! Yes, we are in the big league now but certainly we will not get big headed. Long suffering faithful corps of ol’ Sky Blues knows better. We have been through hell and back. It will be (our usual) heart-stopping topsy-turvy ride, only now we (er.. I mean ADUG) have plenty of petrodollars to pay for our thrills. What a comforting thought, what a turn of events. Yes, Dunney it's really surreal.
 Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan(source : Wikipedia ) Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is one of the sons of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is a member of the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mansour is an accomplished horse rider and has won a number of Endurance Racing tournaments held in the Middle East region. Sheikh Mansour also fulfills a number of responsibilities and undertakings in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In the current UAE Federal Cabinet, Sheikh Mansour holds the post of Minister of Presidential Affairs for the country's President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In addition, Sheikh Mansour serves as the Chairman of First Gulf Bank, one of the fastest growing and most successful banks in the region, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation. Sheikh Mansour believes in educating the youth of U.A.E and has established scholarship programs for U.A.E students to study abroad. He is also chairman of the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) and Chairman of the Emirates Horse Racing Authority (EHRA). He is married to Shaikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime minister of UAE and the ruler of Dubai. Labels: Manchester City, Sheikh Mansour |
East of COMS Malaysia is the website of Manchester City supporters in Malaysia. It is currently under construction.
Upcoming events 10/2/08 - Come watch the season's second Manchester Derby at Souled Out, Hartamas! Contact mancity_mal[at]yahoo.co.uk Links MCFC Official Blue Moon Manchester Evening News Mica's BBC Column Ric Turner Archive August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 September 2008 October 2008 |
