oxford blue

It seems likely we will sign Rodon. Faes has the greatest value of current centre backs and it make sense to sell; I am sure he would command a similar fee to that we would have to pay for Fatwu. (or if considering receiving transfer fees, I would think better not to receive Bologna's money for Kristiansen.) In other words, both Fatwu and Kristiansen both greater assets to City than Faes. I am sure there will be interest across Europe with a current Belgian international player...

This is starting very soon (and is separate from charges regarding PPS). It was reported in the Times (behind a paywall so cannot copy) but there is a very good podcast https://www.thetimes.com/podcasts/the-story. Also a good summary here: https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/premier-league-sponsorship-trans-associated-party-transactions-sanctions/ Essentially, Man City are arguing rules that rules on inflating sponsorship deals (which is against PL rules) is tyranny of majority and illegal). The outcome of this will be huge for football if successful. Aramco (or Saudi Arabia) could put even more money into Man City. Chelsea, Villa and Sheff Utd all owned by Gulf state owners were 4 clubs to vote against this. I am surprised this has not had more publicity to date given effects of outcome - and those on FFS charges v Man C i be heard November .

kushiro - what a superb post! Really interesting: I had no idea about these cards in cigarette packets; googling Arthur Chandler (perhaps the only name I know until after WW2 ) I see he was featured on a Gallerher's cigarette packet card. Any idea when cigarette cards started and ended?

Yes, but if GS decides he will leave after Euros, it would probably be into next season before a new appointment is confirmed. Clearly too late then, Potter will need to make a decision immediately if offered City job.

I thought I was an older poster but this is before my time - thanks (from a young man then!)

I'm hoping Bologna don't wish to pay agreed fee and we keep him; I thought his abilities, energy were great - far better than others in our relegation season. He may have made some mistakes, but I don' t see a player not able to adapt (and improve) to any manager. (and that would have included in Maresca in Championship). It would be crazy to look for alternatives if we don't have to.

Whilst I understand Corberan being a popular choice, his contract doesn't end for 3 years. Given our precarious financial position (and £9-10 m for EM will help) I think someone with no,( or very little) compensation to be paid may be a preferable option for board.

Whilst I don't think Maresca will leave - A manager who has a good future is John Mousinho left as a coach at Oxford to become Portsmouth manager in Jan 23. He has a 54% win rate since then and as you will know took Pompey to League 1 champions. (As an aside, it was only Pompey's win at Lincoln in final game ensured Oxford came 6th - and then promoted).

Given it seems likely that the 115 charges against Man City may have come before a tribunal, it would seem unlikely that Man City would not be docked a huge number of points - or sufficient to be relegated - motivation may be lacking! Having said that, he is a supremely good manager and has demonstrated this in three different countries over more than a decade. One of the greatest managers of all time. (And if Foden is now at his peak in time for Euros, we may be grateful!)

I think the part developing a less idealistic streak will be crucial to City staying in League (assuming Maresca stays). A more direct approach may be necessary and EM must be able to change tactics earlier in a game. I think the last few games show a more pragmatic approach but just one style soon gets too easy for opposition, especially in PL. The "enzo way" to which mickyblueeyes refers will need to have modifications!

According to DM we will be spared transfer embargo https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13362035/Leicester-sign-players-summer-transfer-EFL-Premier-League.html There is a fine line between trying to comply with FFP and the quality of the team which will need to be better next season. I am of the view we keep as many key players as possible(including KDH) Everton (and probably Forest) have shown points deductions does not necessarily mean relegation.

Do you think that's likely? If a lower or non league gets a draw at home they were previously sure of a good pay day in replay as revenues shared equally. As mentioned it will just enable top PL clubs to play more European games as authorities keep demanding bigger competitions. And of course lucrative friendlies are also essential for some clubs?

A good manager needs the ability to make changes in a timely fashion during the game. Both these managers had a fixed way of playing: it has taken the realities of PL for Kompany to adapt to PL and make changes to style. Maresca usually has no planB' and if he does, employs it too late to have an effect. (Same could be said for Southgate too.) It will be interesting to see how Pompey do nest season; John Mousinho taking over mid season 22/23 and hardly doing anything wrong since. Rob Edwards in his career to date has been remarkable; Watford must regret decision to sack him when in top half of table.

Has there been a worse penalty in professional football? https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13312125/Osasuna-striker-Ante-Budimir-mocked-WORST-penalty-Croatian-star-fluffs-97th-minute-penalty-1-0-defeat-against-Valencia-fans-fume-trying.html

I have not read all contributions, so apologies if I make similar points. Having been charged it seems inevitable we will have points deducted, given similarity to Everton/Forest. It would affect possible transfers - assuming we are promoted - as it is not a great selling point! Players wages must have a huge part to play in this situation. I am concerned about the competence of the board who have overseen recruitment, retention; I have never thought it time for Rudkin et al to leave, but I do think that time has come. Separately. Man City have had 115 charges made but no date for a hearing. It clearly won't be resolved this season, if at all. Man City and other "top teams" seem to be treated differently to other teams. I am not brave enough to suggest possible reasons (I have my thoughts!), others may have views too...

Colchester now playing on a smaller pitch because part was constantly waterlogged and caused last 2 games to be postponed. EFL approved because it is a drainage problem. https://www.cu-fc.com/news/2024/march/pitch-change-approved/#:~:text=The amended dimensions at Colchester,of Clubs across the League.

In December City beat Plymouth 4-0, it was the worst result during Steven Schumacher's managerial career (Plymouth manager at the time). His worst defeat as a manager is now 5-0 having become Stoke's manager in December. Maresco must enjoy end of game handshake!

City have been drawn against Birmingham 8 times in the FA Cup - and progressed through to next round each time

# When RL started (Nov 67) the only live commentaries were of Tigers games, with Van Hopkins commentator: possibly from start but soon after. This does age me but I remember speaking to him on air live in studio. [Live commentaries of football was limited - as I recall - to second half on (I think) Radio 2].

As with KDH (&Nelson) he needs loan spells in lower leagues to improve. If not for remainder of season, hopefully 2024/5.Perhaps stating the obvious, It's great when local lads get the chance to be challenging for a first team place.

The misapplication of VAR In Belgian Pro-League has led to Anderlecht (who have a certain Schmeichel in goal) v Genk being replayed. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/27/misapplication-of-laws-var-error-leads-to-full-replay-of-anderlecht-genk-belgium Could this lead to similar outcomes in other countries? Certainly in Belgium (and possibly beyond) this could be a dangerous precedent - could there really be any difference between ref making errors and VAR errors? Although I am very unhappy with VAR, this may need UEFA to intervene to stop outcomes of games being subject to appeal.

Doesn't 'health & safety' dictate playing conkers is too dangerous to personal safety and must be banned? Just think of all the injuries we have suffered through playing - well, actually none...

Watch this for some great clips from the past, an entertaining chat - and the reason KDH went on loan to Blackpool! https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/68034298

Aren't his performances reminiscent of Mahrez in his early days? Mahrez was hit and miss to begin with but had the skill and mentality to play to a superb level. Whilst Mavididi may not quite have the skills of Mahrez I don't' think he is far short. With support from coaching team/Maresca he could be important to the team in the PL next season.

Not today, and has probably been raised before in previous 195 pages! Idiots travelling at 50-60 in second (middle of 3 lane) lane of a motorway when there is nothing in first lane. So to overtake necessary to pull out 2 lanes which should be required and makes driving more dangerous.