IS Bobby Mancini THE MAN?

[daved]

By Stephen Johnson
'Typical City'... the two words that have haunted Manchester City fans like myself for many, many years.

In a nutshell it describes Man City's incredible ability to self implode at the most opportune moment. The club's ability to do this year in, year out, has brought about a steely resilience all blues have instilled in them at birth.

As a 30-year old fan, who has been a regular visitor for the past 23 years, I have seen it all. And this period has also coincided with them lot down the road having their finest hours. Going to school in Trafford, and being blue during the 90's, was far more self destructive and depressing than any goth, vamp or emo kid can ever imagine. The abuse was relentless on a daily basis.

And so, into adulthood and nothing much changed - we were continuously flirting with relegation, and loyally following this yo-yo club was all part of the job. We've for a long time been the nation's joke club, and sharing a city as we do with that lot up the road provides a staggering juxtaposition of fortunes.

If a club needed 3 points to stay up, we would hand it over; if a striker needed confidence after a barren spell -come to Maine Road, we'll help you out. Never won away from home in the top flight ? Don't worry, you got City coming up. Lets move to a new stadium, and why not call our stand The Bell End ? Oh, and if a manager does finally start to turn things round, sack him and get someone else to bring us back down to earth. And if no other team will buy your worst squad players, send 'em to City. We'll 'ave 'em, and pay three times over the odds as well!

Playing lower league opposition in the cup... well that's a given. Last minute penalty at home on the final day of the season to get into Europe. Can we miss it ? Yes we can! Not been to a semi-final in 28 years... well Chesterfield have, Wigan have, Cardiff have, Burnley have, Barnsley have, Southampton... Oh I give up.

Oh yes, but then there is other side of the coin - Blackburn away from home when they are romping away with the league title. Yeah, we'll turn them over quite easily. Chelsea not lost all season ? We'll beat them no problem. 3-0 and a man down at half-time in the Cup to Spurs ? Sure, we'll win 4-3 . United at Old Trafford, on their very own Remembrance Day, it's a given. We'll do 'em.

These are just some of the things that make up the phenomena that is 'typical City',and has been a predictable sub plot my entire life...

But wait, what's this ? Has the seemingly endless optimism that things are going to get better actually paid off ? It's a takeover!! Get in there. In comes the legendary lethario Sven and a load of players we've never heard of, but are really excited about (Elano ? Shaktar Donestsk ? Must be good if we've never heard of him - whoever had heard of Ronaldo ?).

Oh, but also in comes a Thai dictator with an extremely dubious human rights record. Our 531st false dawn ? Surely not ?...... Of course it was! Turns out the Thai dictator is skint, extremely nasty and on the lamb from the Thai government - nice one!

Typical City. With rumours of a fire sale going on, we beat AC Milan (typical City), new manager Mark Hughes realises we actually have no money and is thought to be considering his options (typical City), and CEO Cook then insists we're going to be as big as Coca Cola (typical City).

But something was actually happening. Something so big, that all the false dawns, empty promises and spectacular failures would pale into significance. And on the final day of the transfer window September 2008, Manchester City officially became the richest club in the world. Unbelievable.

Cook's ramblings were no longer dismissed as nonsense. The fans 30+ years wait with nothing but blind faith, optimism and chicken balti pies to keep them going, was at an end. The numerous broken promises that City would one day rise from the flames like a phoenix, and become a leading light in world football were now within our grasp. This surely could not be a false dawn... could it ?

Surely we couldn't mess it up this time... Surely - we had Robinhio!

However, being in the bottom three for a bit last season, conceding three at home to Burnley this term, and our minds were racing once again. Typical City.

Then, right on cue, with impeccable timing, typical City come up with the goods again. In one fell swoop we:

Sack Hughes despite being on target in sixth place (Typical City)

Make up some nonsense about a points target that didn't work out (Typical City)

And finally leave the new guy (Roberto Mancini) to fend for himself in pigeon English at a press conference (so Typical City).

And so to today, we are still desperately trying to banish the typical City tag and take over the world. So far so good, a semi (finally), decent players, decent manager and a genuine shot at Champions League football next season. And, for the very first time in my lifetime, something really good left to play for in March!

But I'll leave you with one of my favourite quotes about the club I love. Franny Lee once said: 'If there was a cup for cock ups, we would win it'. Please City, no more cocks up - at least not this term.

[john@staustell]

By Stephen Johnson
'Typical City'... the two words that have haunted Manchester City fans like myself for many, many years.

In a nutshell it describes Man City's incredible ability to self implode at the most opportune moment. The club's ability to do this year in, year out, has brought about a steely resilience all blues have instilled in them at birth.

As a 30-year old fan, who has been a regular visitor for the past 23 years, I have seen it all. And this period has also coincided with them lot down the road having their finest hours. Going to school in Trafford, and being blue during the 90's, was far more self destructive and depressing than any goth, vamp or emo kid can ever imagine. The abuse was relentless on a daily basis.

And so, into adulthood and nothing much changed - we were continuously flirting with relegation, and loyally following this yo-yo club was all part of the job. We've for a long time been the nation's joke club, and sharing a city as we do with that lot up the road provides a staggering juxtaposition of fortunes.

If a club needed 3 points to stay up, we would hand it over; if a striker needed confidence after a barren spell -come to Maine Road, we'll help you out. Never won away from home in the top flight ? Don't worry, you got City coming up. Lets move to a new stadium, and why not call our stand The Bell End ? Oh, and if a manager does finally start to turn things round, sack him and get someone else to bring us back down to earth. And if no other team will buy your worst squad players, send 'em to City. We'll 'ave 'em, and pay three times over the odds as well!

Playing lower league opposition in the cup... well that's a given. Last minute penalty at home on the final day of the season to get into Europe. Can we miss it ? Yes we can! Not been to a semi-final in 28 years... well Chesterfield have, Wigan have, Cardiff have, Burnley have, Barnsley have, Southampton... Oh I give up.

Oh yes, but then there is other side of the coin - Blackburn away from home when they are romping away with the league title. Yeah, we'll turn them over quite easily. Chelsea not lost all season ? We'll beat them no problem. 3-0 and a man down at half-time in the Cup to Spurs ? Sure, we'll win 4-3 . U***d at Old Trafford, on their very own Remembrance Day, it's a given. We'll do 'em.

These are just some of the things that make up the phenomena that is 'typical City',and has been a predictable sub plot my entire life...

But wait, what's this ? Has the seemingly endless optimism that things are going to get better actually paid off ? It's a takeover!! Get in there. In comes the legendary lethario Sven and a load of players we've never heard of, but are really excited about (Elano ? Shaktar Donestsk ? Must be good if we've never heard of him - whoever had heard of Ronaldo ?).

Oh, but also in comes a Thai dictator with an extremely dubious human rights record. Our 531st false dawn ? Surely not ?...... Of course it was! Turns out the Thai dictator is skint, extremely nasty and on the lamb from the Thai government - nice one!

Typical City. With rumours of a fire sale going on, we beat AC Milan (typical City), new manager Mark Hughes realises we actually have no money and is thought to be considering his options (typical City), and CEO Cook then insists we're going to be as big as Coca Cola (typical City).

But something was actually happening. Something so big, that all the false dawns, empty promises and spectacular failures would pale into significance. And on the final day of the transfer window September 2008, Manchester City officially became the richest club in the world. Unbelievable.

Cook's ramblings were no longer dismissed as nonsense. The fans 30+ years wait with nothing but blind faith, optimism and chicken balti pies to keep them going, was at an end. The numerous broken promises that City would one day rise from the flames like a phoenix, and become a leading light in world football were now within our grasp. This surely could not be a false dawn... could it ?

Surely we couldn't mess it up this time... Surely - we had Robinhio!

However, being in the bottom three for a bit last season, conceding three at home to Burnley this term, and our minds were racing once again. Typical City.

Then, right on cue, with impeccable timing, typical City come up with the goods again. In one fell swoop we:

Sack Hughes despite being on target in sixth place (Typical City)

Make up some nonsense about a points target that didn't work out (Typical City)

And finally leave the new guy (Roberto Mancini) to fend for himself in pigeon English at a press conference (so Typical City).

And so to today, we are still desperately trying to banish the typical City tag and take over the world. So far so good, a semi (finally), decent players, decent manager and a genuine shot at Champions League football next season. And, for the very first time in my lifetime, something really good left to play for in March!

But I'll leave you with one of my favourite quotes about the club I love. Franny Lee once said: 'If there was a cup for cock ups, we would win it'. Please City, no more cocks up - at least not this term.

Just what is needed. Yet another 'typical City' article. One wonders how many times these guys can re-cycle the same old material. People like him will be a tad sad when we are an established heavyweight.

[ant london]

Just what is needed. Yet another 'typical City' article. One wonders how many times these guys can re-cycle the same old material. People like him will be a tad sad when we are an established heavyweight.

you miserable old fucker.....that was actually a rather funny piece. Spot on too

[Swales4ever]

The only actual "just what needed" is to score a point more than Spouds, Scouses & Villans at the season end.

It will greatly benefit The Club, the manager, the players and us fans, equally and alltogether...

Just wanted to run for "Mr. Lapalisse of the months" award......lol.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Just what is needed. Yet another 'typical City' article. One wonders how many times these guys can re-cycle the same old material. People like him will be a tad sad when we are an established heavyweight.

Exactly. I read about one third and realised I've seen this bollocks million times before.

NOTHING in current era reminds me of "typical City". Absolutely NOTHING. Typical City would've been that Sheik had got bored of us and just dumbed us. But instead he is investing BILLION pounds on the club and the area.

[Swales4ever]

Just what is needed. Yet another 'typical City' article. One wonders how many times these guys can re-cycle the same old material. People like him will be a tad sad when we are an established heavyweight.

Exactly. I read about one third and realised I've seen this bollocks million times before.

NOTHING in current era reminds me of "typical City". Absolutely NOTHING. Typical City would've been that Sheik had got bored of us and just dumbed us. But instead he is investing BILLION pounds on the club and the area.

Yeah, that is the very truth.
Great post NQDP. Thanks.

[Beefymcfc]

Question:Does Mancio send them out to play like we did in the second half, or like the first half?

[Swales4ever]

Question:Does Mancio send them out to play like we did in the second half, or like the first half?

Surely like first half!
Indeed he want himself and the Club to get lost. He was born moaner, too.

[10.Goater_Legend]

Just what is needed. Yet another 'typical City' article. One wonders how many times these guys can re-cycle the same old material. People like him will be a tad sad when we are an established heavyweight.

Exactly. I read about one third and realised I've seen this bollocks million times before.

NOTHING in current era reminds me of "typical City". Absolutely NOTHING. Typical City would've been that Sheik had got bored of us and just dumbed us. But instead he is investing BILLION pounds on the club and the area.

Spot on.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Question:Does Mancio send them out to play like we did in the second half, or like the first half?

considering he made the first substitution in 30 minute mark, you'd assume the latter.

I was also happy to see him pissed off to see our lads wasting time celebrating the goal and almost run to take the ball to center circle himself. That was exactly how I felt.

Truth is though that we can't afford to start games like that anymore and looking at Mancini on touchline left me with a feeling that he is going to tell that to players in no uncertain terms.

[mcfc1632]

Question:Does Mancio send them out to play like we did in the second half, or like the first half?

considering he made the first substitution in 30 minute mark, you'd assume the latter.

I was also happy to see him pissed off to see our lads wasting time celebrating the goal and almost run to take the ball to center circle himself. That was exactly how I felt.

Truth is though that we can't afford to start games like that anymore and looking at Mancini on touchline left me with a feeling that he is going to tell that to players in no uncertain terms.

I agree - the way his face was before the goal - and the animated way he wanted the game restarted - made me warm a bit more to him (also made me think that he wants to stay beyond the summer and that for that he needs 4th)

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Question:Does Mancio send them out to play like we did in the second half, or like the first half?

considering he made the first substitution in 30 minute mark, you'd assume the latter.

I was also happy to see him pissed off to see our lads wasting time celebrating the goal and almost run to take the ball to center circle himself. That was exactly how I felt.

Truth is though that we can't afford to start games like that anymore and looking at Mancini on touchline left me with a feeling that he is going to tell that to players in no uncertain terms.

And about bloody time to as it's been happening in most games from the Everton game in mid January.

[brite blu sky]

Question:Does Mancio send them out to play like we did in the second half, or like the first half?

considering he made the first substitution in 30 minute mark, you'd assume the latter.

I was also happy to see him pissed off to see our lads wasting time celebrating the goal and almost run to take the ball to center circle himself. That was exactly how I felt.

Truth is though that we can't afford to start games like that anymore and looking at Mancini on touchline left me with a feeling that he is going to tell that to players in no uncertain terms.

And about bloody time to as it's been happening in most games from the Everton game in mid January.

BINGO!

have been saying that since the Goodison game. Mancini got a fright in that game, you could see on his face he knew he could do nothing about it as well because he had no-one who could have come on and mixed it up with Felliani higher up the pitch.
Since that day, we have been overcautious and lacking confidence. Confidence has returned slowly but the structural problem still exists. imo he brought Vieira to try and solve this problem, by example and by experience of explaining what is required of the players to solve this problem.
At leaast now as you mention Mancini is under no illusions that this weakness still exists and he has to do something about it.. now.

[dazby]

I have finally decided. Yes he is. In a couple of seasons he will lead us to the title.

[Crossie]

He might be, but he wont be given enough time, and we will go back to square one AGAIN. The next manager we have needs to be the appointment to end all appointments, it needs to be a big man, the right man, appointed right at the end of a season, to have a full summer, bring all his own staff in, his own style of player, and get the full summer working on systems.

At that point everyone needs to get behind the team and manager and just stop thinking about sackings.

Someone will get it right, I just hope we give them enough time.

[BobKowalski]

He might be, but he wont be given enough time, and we will go back to square one AGAIN. The next manager we have needs to be the appointment to end all appointments, it needs to be a big man, the right man, appointed right at the end of a season, to have a full summer, bring all his own staff in, his own style of player, and get the full summer working on systems.

At that point everyone needs to get behind the team and manager and just stop thinking about sackings.

Agreed. If it is Mancini then so be it. If it is Mourinho then ditto.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

He might be, but he wont be given enough time, and we will go back to square one AGAIN. The next manager we have needs to be the appointment to end all appointments, it needs to be a big man, the right man, appointed right at the end of a season, to have a full summer, bring all his own staff in, his own style of player, and get the full summer working on systems.

At that point everyone needs to get behind the team and manager and just stop thinking about sackings.

Agreed. If it is Mancini then so be it. If it is Mourinho then ditto.

I'll third that.

IF Mancini is sacked then we will HAVE to get next appointment right. Someone with experience of winning and high enough profile. There's shortlist of maybe two or three candidates that would fit the criteria.

Personally I still believe Mancini is THE man for us over mid- to long term and I'd prefer us to stick with him.

[mcfc1632]

I am still undecided - but I hope he proves his worth so that he is not sacked - would be good to see the management and supporters get behind a manager for a few years.

I know the new owners cannot be tainted by the previous mis-management that never saw stability - but there are still lessons there

[Douglas Higginbottom]

The owners have shown their impatience already and I do hope they don't do it again.Whoever we were to get and I mean whoever including Jose is not a guarantee of immediate success. They have to back the decision they have taken and allow it/him to deliver.

[mcfc1632]

The owners have shown their impatience already and I do hope they don't do it again.Whoever we were to get and I mean whoever including Jose is not a guarantee of immediate success. They have to back the decision they have taken and allow it/him to deliver.

I really think that Jose would be an instant success - we would win something next year - there would be a media wankfest for a couple of years (and amongst some supporters) - then 2 years later - perhaps 3 or 4 - he is gone....

Leaving behind an ageing squad - no improvement to youth system etc - for me he is only any good if he is kept strictly on 1st team matters and others are given authority over the development of the squad / academy etc - keeping Jose away is another good reason (apart from all the obvious ones) to want Bobby to succeed