Richards backs Mancini

Manchester City’s players leapt to the defence of Roberto Mancini ahead of the club’s crunch match with Fulham on Sunday.

The blues manager has recently received criticism following dour 0-0 draws at home to arch-rivals Manchester United and Birmingham City.

Right-back, Micah Richards, 22, has defended the Italian tactician and claims the club is heading in the right direction.

He said: “I know a lot has been made about the recent results but I think people need to take a reality check and see that we are actually still fourth in the table.

“Everybody is saying we’re in decline and much has been said about the manager but he’s genuinely doing a good job and it is obvious the club is going In the right direction.”

Richards believes that City are still firmly in this season’s battle for the Premier League title.

He said: “It’s hard to write anyone off at the moment as so many teams are dropping points, look at Chelsea they were well clear a few weeks ago, now they are in a little bit of trouble but you don’t hear anyone getting on Carlo Ancelotti’s back.

“I think everyone should just give Roberto Mancini the time he deserves.”

This weekend City travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham at 4pm on Sunday and there is undoubtedly going to be an extra bit of spice to the game.

It’ll be the first time former manager Mark Hughes will face the blues since he unceremoniously left the club nearly 12 months ago, despite City having only lost twice in the Premier League at that point.

Richards said: “It will be nice to see Mark Hughes again although our main focus is getting the victory. It was well documented we didn’t always see eye-to-eye but I understand that he just wanted the best for me.

“I think much will be made of the fact that Hughes will be eager for a win but Fulham is always a tough place to go anyway, we’re not kidding ourselves.”

England international, Richards, believes that if City play at their best they’ll have no trouble bringing three points home from the capitol.

The defender also thinks the club are well on course to reach their pre-season target of Champions League qualification.

He said: “At the beginning of the season we decided that reaching the Champions League was our minimum goal, we are still well positioned to do that.

“Whether that’s in first, second, third or fourth place I’m not sure but we’ll definitely get there, with ease.”

Team-mate Shaun Wright-Phillips agrees with Richards and feels that City are being harshly treated.

Wright-Phillips, 29, said: “Since we got taken over the press attention has been immense and understandably if things go wrong journalists are keen to get on our backs.

“We are a great side full of world class players and we have a manager who’s won a lot over his career in Italy, we are really well equipped to meet our objectives.”

Meanwhile, fans favourite, Wright-Phillips, has spoke of his frustrations of not being able to cement a place in City’s starting eleven.

The winger has only made six appearances this season in all competitions and this has led to speculation over his long-term future.

He explained: “I’ve always said I want to finish my English football career with City but yes in the short term future I would possibly consider a loan move but I certainly don’t want to leave permanently.”

Wright-Phillips faces stiff competition for a starting spot from England stars Adam Johnson, James Milner and Spanish World Cup winner David Silva.

Recently, much has been made about City’s players having rows with manager, Roberto Mancini, as the former Inter Milan boss is reported to have had bust-ups with Emmanuel Adebayor, Adam Johnson and talisman Carlos Tevez among others.

Wright-Phillips said: “I’m not one to criticise managers, I know what Mancini wants from me and I’m just going to concentrate on showing him I deserve a place in the team.”

The former Chelsea star said he couldn’t describe how difficult he finds not playing but vowed to make his mark.

He said: “I know what I am capable of for club and country so I just have to be patient.”

Former City star Mike Summerbee, now an ambassador for the club has told Wright-Phillips to keep working hard and he’ll get his reward.

Summberbee, 67, said: “Everyone at the club loves Shaun and nobody wants to see him leave, If he applies himself I’m sure he’ll get the games he deserves.”

Summerbee also called for Mancini to be given more respect and said has faith in him.

He said: “Rome wasn’t built in a day and I feel sorry for Roberto, it is clear he has passion for the job and I’d ask for people to give him a break.

“There’s a long way to go and I’m sure we’ll be there or there abouts come May.”

Blue moon rises on Market Street

The blue moon rose on Market Street when Manchester City Football Club opened their brand new flagship store on Friday.

The current CityStore in the Arndale Centre will be replaced with a state-of-the-art retail outlet, 420% larger in comparison.

Shoppers will enjoy much more choice, with exciting new products including the latest fashion collections, accessories and gifts.

This follows a £1 million investment from the club’s new retail partner, Kitbag, who have also upgraded the ordering facility, offering a multi-channel service which allows fans to have products delivered anywhere in the world.

Garry Cook, CEO of MCFC, explained that they were very proud of their old store, but admitted they could do a little bit better.

“Eighteen months ago we asked if we could improve the current store,” he said.

“And I think this started to depict the journey of this football club because we’re relentlessly seeking to get better.”

The club and official kit partner, Umbro, have lots of events lined-up in the forthcoming months such as bands performing live, product launches and fashion shows taking place in the shop.

“What you see is not a club shop, what you see is a Manchester City retail experience with a difference,” Mr Cook added.

“This football club is a great football club and it sits at the heart of this city, just as our new store does.”

Mr Cook said that the club hopes their new store will be a home away from home, offering the complete stadium experience for supporters.

Managing Director of Kitbag, Ray Evans, said: “When discussing plans and aspirations for this shop, we quickly realised only the best could ever be considered for Manchester City Football Club.”

And with the store boasting a unique shirt printing laboratory and an innovative and sophisticated interior, their aspirations seem to have materialised.

“We want to offer fans a bit of that magic they experience at the stadium when they walk through the door,” he added.

“I am going to make a bold statement now and say that this is, without a doubt, the best football club store in this country.”

At the launch party of the store on Thursday many agreed.

One of them was City player, Micah Richards. He said: “It’s great, I’ve been to the old store in the Arndale Centre and this is a big improvement, I can’t believe how big it is.

“I think the fans will love it, they deserve the best on and off the field.”

Richards was joined by team-mate, Shaun Wright-Phillips, where they showed their support by djing at the event.

The final seal of approval came from former MCFC player and club ambassador, Mike Summerbee.

He said: “The store looks fresh, smart and modern; I think it epitomises the direction that the club is going.

“It just shows how Manchester City are growing as a force.”

City roll out the blue carpet

Manchester City last night rolled out the blue carpet for the premiere of the club’s new film, Blue Moon Rising, at the Printworks.

Roberto Mancini and his squad put dreams of Premier League domination on hold for one evening to attend the glittering event held at the Odeon Cinema.

Producer Nick London said he felt it was vital for the film to get across the uniqueness of being a City fan.

He said: “This is a film seen through the eyes of a group of City fans and what it means to love a football club. We really wanted to present that well known self-deprecating humour of a Manchester City fan.

“I’m very confident that all football supporters can strongly relate to these guys, no matter who they support.”

Soap stars Michelle Keegan and Jorgie Porter were also in attendance, helping to add a little glamour to the occasion, although the show was inevitably stolen by lifelong blues fan Noel Gallagher.

The former Oasis guitarist signed autographs and posed for pictures with waiting fans.

Whilst the Gallagher brother makes frequent appearances in the behind-the-scenes documentary, the film’s real stars are five diehard City fans from Stockport who travel home and away to matches in a rusting 1992 Renault Espace, which goes by the name of Helios.

Directed by Bafta award winner Stewart Sugg, the film details City’s first full season following Sheikh Mansour’s £210m takeover of the club.

Sugg uses player interviews with stars such as Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Gareth Barry combined with match action to capture City’s transformation from also-rans to potential title contenders.

City’s Commercial Director, David Pullan, said: “Blue Moon Rising reinforces Manchester City’s standing as the most fascinating story in the world of football.

“It will be a lasting testimony to one of the most exciting years in Manchester City’s history.”

The film focuses on the £100m City spent buying new players last season, the sacking of manager Mark Hughes, and the subsequent appointment of Roberto Mancini.

A few Manchester City fans were lucky enough to win tickets for the first screening of Blue Moon Rising and watch it with their idols.

City fan Greg Baker said: “Tonight’s been amazing. I thought the film was great. Last season had so many ups and downs, so it made the perfect film script.”

He jokingly added: “I just wish they’d left out those last minute defeats to United.”

Blue Moon Rising will be showing in selected North West cinemas for the next two weeks.

Buena Vista International are also considering screening the documentary in cinemas worldwide, so if a blue moon does rise over Hollywood, Helios maybe pulling up to a few premieres stateside.

2010 Mid-Season F1 Report

As the beautiful sunshine set on the streets of Valencia last weekend the 2010 Formula 1 Championship reached it’s halfway point. Now that Sebastian Vettel’s victorious champagne has been well and truly savoured it is worthwhile to see what we have learnt in the opening four months of the season.

By far the biggest story throughout winter testing was the ‘Will he? Won’t he?’ affair of Michael Schumacher’s return to the sport. After months of speculation the seven time World Champion announced news that left fans across the globe joyous, he was coming back and being reunited with Ross Brawn, the tactical genius who helped Schumacher win five World Championships at Ferrari. This was the most high profile, positive news that F1 had received in years and left fans drooling at the prospect of the master taking on the new breed, driving for the newly formed Mercedes GP.

Purists had hoped he’d gloriously return straight to the front of the field and secure an eighth world title. Whether these expectations were a little unrealistic, not many would have thought Schumacher’s comeback would be the struggle it has become with the former Ferrari man currently lingering ninth in the drivers standings with only thirty-four points. His team mate, Nico Rosberg has more than double the points of Schumacher and has pretty much outclassed his more illustrious countryman. Currently the prospect of Schumacher securing a podium seems out of the depths of reality, let alone him mounting a serious title challenge.

2010, has been the year of vicious team mate battles, long gone are the days of a team having a No.1 and No.2 driver. The proof of this can be seen throughout every top team this season; from the master out performed by the apprentice at Mercedes to the Brit World Champions of Mclaren. This level of competition has inevitably helped create an open title battle with the top five drivers in the standings separated by less than thirty points. This partnered with the reform of the points system for 2010 leaves much excitement promised for the remainder of the season and the potential twists we can enjoy.

Arguably, the fiercest in-team battle of the year has come from the Red Bull drivers. On Saturday afternoons Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber have been imperious gaining four pole positions each, from the nine races that have taken place, so far. Although on Sunday this impressive form hasn’t always been continued, partially due to the two driver’s competitive mentality. The obvious example of this was at the Turkey GP when the pair collided whilst leading one and two. Resulting in Vettel crashing out and Webber finishing 3rd behind the two Mclaren drivers. Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner, will be nervously twitching at the notion of his two driver’s bitter rivalry taking centre stage and costing them the world championship. In a similar fashion to Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso while racing for Mclaren in 2007, presenting the championship to Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen.

What’s for certain is, Christian Horner’s team will have to make their undoubted qualifying superiority count more often with the constantly improving Mclarens and Ferraris ready to stake their claim for the 2010 World championship title.

Next stop Silverstone, where Red Bull enjoyed a one/two finish last season.

Craig Jones

10 Things We Have Learnt At The 2010 World Cup, So Far

1. The synchronised dress code of the German management team is more than a little creepy. The sight of Jochem Loew and right hand man, Oliver Bierhoff trying their best to be down with the kids, by wearing matching ‘designer’ cardigans is the worst football fashion catastrophe since the Liverpool team’s sinister cream FA Cup Final suits from 1995. Yes, they really are that bad.

2. Just when you start to believe there aren’t any easy games left in International football, North Korea stumble into your life. World Cup 2010 has seen memorable shocks from New Zealand, Algeria, Serbia and Switzerland but the North Koreans have offered a welcome goal boost to the established order. Most notably, shipping seven goals against Portugal. Unsurprisingly, Kim Jong-Hun’s side fell at the group stages with a goal difference of minus eleven, after three matches.

3. Nigeria certainly know how to miss a sitter, surely it couldn’t get any worse than Chinedu Oybuke’s guilt edge miss against Greece. Though, it certainly did when Yakubu completely missed the onion bag from no more than 2 yards out verses South Korea with an open goal beckoning. That has to be the worst ever miss recorded on film, even worse than Ronny Rosenthal’s.

4. Gold can actually rust, following a nightmare campaign which included a player sent home, a fitness coach resigning and their Football Federation President in tears, It would seem France’s golden generation are now dead and buried. Now that they have flown home in shame on their economy flights the autopsy continues as striker Thierry Henry has met with the country’s President, Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss the team’s abysmal showing.

5. If a team has the attacking talent of Lionel Messi, Gonazlo Higuain, Ángel Di Maria, Carlos Tevez and Diego Milito (The list could continue) it really doesn’t matter who manages them. After an indifferent qualification campaign, some predicted Argentina would struggle in South Africa although they have done everything but. Sweeping aside all in their group, under the stewardship of the Argentine equivalent of Mike Bassett, in the form of the legendary, Diego Maradona, who makes up for his lack of tactical ability with his unrivalled charisma. After his teams victory over South Korea the handball specialist responded to quips that he was too friendly towards his players by saying: “I prefer women. I have a girlfriend Veronica who is blonde and 31.”


6. Inevitably, the ball gets criticised. Adidas’ Jabulani football has joined a long line of World Cup tournament balls that have been slammed for being awkward to use. The problem with this year’s ball is that it apparently ‘just travels funny in the air’ well if anyone saw the 50 yard ball Glen Johnson played to Wayne Rooney against Slovenia or either of the two free kicks Japan scored verses Denmark the Jabulani ball doesn’t seem all that bad.

7. Like always, just as keen as the English press are to build the national team up, they’re even more eager to knock them down. If you believed the newspapers prior to the tournament, World Cup 2010 was England’s best chance to conquer the world since our victory in 1966. The odd draw later and it’s all change, Fabio Capello, once billed as a potential messiah became a senile old Italian, who’d forgotten he’d given Joe Cole a plane ticket. The worst aspect of the whole affair had to be when tabloid favourite, John Terry acknowledged the concerns raised by the press but was then called a traitor for agreeing with what they had been preaching. Gosh you’d think he’d slept with Capello’s wife or something, oh wait…maybe that was the ‘big mistake’ Fabio has been talking about. Well one thing is for certain, Capello will do more than just refuse a handshake, if this rumour is true.

8. Vuvuzelas are rather annoying, this World Cup has been devoid of chanting from the terrace but at least it has gained a lot of South African identity which ultimately makes tournaments memorable, this is thanks in no small part to those noisy horns. Plus, an avid Formula One fan can hardly criticise the noise made by a few plastic horns. A F1 car roaming the streets of Monaco is anything but quiet.

9. The BBC have pulled a masterstroke by signing 781 time Champions League Winner, Clarence Seedorf, who has complimented their already strong team of pundits. Seedorf is refreshing, articulate and not afraid of offering an opinion, Seedorf’s view of Christiano Ronaldo: “He’s one of the best contemporary footballers but he’ll never be an all time great.” Clarence has settled well into the Beeb’s tried and tested line-up whose coverage has also received a shot in the arm with Lee Dixon coming of age at the tournament. The only weak link is the monotones of the Monobrowed, Martin Keown who revealed to the world mid-commentary: “It’s a horrible job, I don’t think people at home appreciate how cold it actually is out here, plus we have to stay up to midnight and get up at 7am.” If you fancy quitting Martin, they’ll be a fair few million people queuing up to get behind the microphone, they‘d all do a better job of it too.

10. Life just goes on hold during the World Cup. Throughout the group stages we’ve had the appetiser of supping our teeth into three matches a day and now the main course of our footballing feast commences, the knockouts. Ah bliss!

10 Things We Learnt At RockNess

Here are 10 things we learnt from this year’s RockNess festival:

1. Next year make sure you travel to Scotland a day early and venture to the Go North event in Inverness on the Thursday night prior to RockNess. This year the town was invaded by 45 acts performing in 10 venues, all aspiring to be the next big thing.

2. If you see Crystal Castles front woman, Alice Glass roaming on to the main stage grasping a bottle of whisky, it would be advised to gently persuade her to leave it behind. As it may prevent a few injuries.

3. Do not be careless enough to leave a very tacky 70’s style green and white chair on display at the camp site while you’re off enjoying the festival, as something that stylish will inevitably get stolen.

4. Lightening can strike twice, fresh from clearing Inverness night club, Ironworks on Thursday evening Aberdeen rap duo Shy & DRS did exactly the same on Friday night in RockNess’ Go North tent. It is just unfortunate they failed to emulate all those other Aberdeen rap legends that have came before them.

5. Rob Green surely can not be England’s number 1 goalkeeper. Further to this, never watch England’s opening match of a World Cup campaign in the company of 300 Scotsmen, especially if the goalkeeper does have a mare. It can get a little frustrating, although a chant of ‘When’s your group game? When’s your group game?’ can momentarily quieten the jubilant tartan army, revelling in England’s failures.

6. The best thing about Dananananaykroyd is the name and even that wares thin pretty quickly.

7. Lycra was most certainly in at RockNess 2010, Britain’s Got Talent wannabes The Cuban Brothers wowed the main stage in an array of fluorescent outfits that left little to the imagination. Then comedian Chris Cox, stripped to a pair of stunning Lycra running shorts to conclude the encore to his act. This said, the most eye catching Lycra wearing artist had to be the silver clad sultry singer who performed with Leftfield. We assumed she must have been going to a fancy dress party as Barbarella, after the gig. I think she gave many a young man sweet dreams on Friday night.

8. If you’re a little nervous at the thought of proposing to that special person in your life, simply enlist the help of Hot Chip during their DJ set. The London band where more than obliging to stop the music and help a reveller pop the question to the woman of his dreams. If you’re wondering, of course she said yes.

9. Comedy definitely has a place at RockNess, this year’s new addition, the Howard’s End Pub was packed with heaps of merrymakers game for a laugh. Then on Sunday afternoon Kevin Bridges played to a crowd of around 5,000 in the Goldenvoice Arena reminiscing about the joys of 90’s childhood. Memories of Dave Benson Phillips helping make a child’s dream come true by gunging that hated school teacher brought the house down.

10. When The Strokes do go their separate ways, Julian Casablancas could easily take the lead role in the next Terminator film. As The Strokes reunited on Sunday night, Casablancas, dressed all in black leather and Blue Brothers style sunnies, gave piercing robotic stares to the 35,000 strong crowd, reminiscent of Arnie hunting down John Connor. Anyway RockNess, until next year hasta la vista, baby.




Craig Jones

RockNess Preview

Until 5 year ago the most notable attraction that resided in the sleepy valley of Loch Ness, was the much fabled monster. That was before Fat Boy Slim had the desire to take his Beach Party up north and show the people of Scotland just what they’d been missing out on.

Norman Cook’s vision became a reality and now the RockNess Festival returns this weekend to Clune Farm with it’s most eye catching line-up to date with The Strokes, Doves, Leftfield and Pendulum to name just a few all headlining. Accompanied, of course by Fat Boy Slim making his customary appearance at the festival he helped create.

Luke Pritchard, of the Kooks has revealed that The Strokes front man, Julian Casablancas is very excited to be performing at RockNess, Pritchard said: “I was at a Julian Casablancas gig recently and all he could talk about was how much he was looking forward to playing RockNess.” Which provided a slight bit jealously in Pritchard, whose band didn’t make the bill, he said: “I seriously wanted to do RockNess as I’d heard it is really cool surrounded by beautiful scenery.” There is always next year Luke.

RockNess initially began life primarily as a dance festival headlined by acts Fat Boy Slim, Audio Bullys and local boy Mylo but with each passing year the still somewhat fresh faced festival has seen it’s line-up follow a path of musical evolution.

This year there has been an influx of indie acts added to the bill, with the inclusion of Friendly Fires, Vampire Weekend and the afore mentioned appearance by The Strokes. RockNess organiser, Jim King is seemingly pleased that the festival has considerably more bands performing this year, he said: “We’re delighted with the RockNess line-up this year it’s the best we’ve had to date. We’re particularly looking forward to having some really great indie bands lined up with The Strokes, Doves, Ian Brown and many more big names performing.”

Further to RockNess having a different sound this year, organisers have taken a leaf out of the Leeds and Reading festival’s book by introducing a live comedy venue. The Howard’s End Pub will be staging stand-up gigs throughout the weekend, the gigs will be compared by cult icon Howard Marks.

Kevin Bridges described as ‘the best Scottish stand up of his generation’ will headlining RockNess’ latest venture. The Glaswegian will be joined at Howard’s End by an array of raising comedic talent including Scottish Comedian of The Year, Scott Agnew supported by Rob Heeney and Canadian Marty McLean as part of RockNess’ inaugural comedy line-up. Festival Director, Jim King is delighted RockNess can offer something over than music, he said: “We’re really excited to be introducing comedy at this year’s festival in Howard Marks’ Pub. The talent we have is some of the best on the circuit and it will bring a fantastic new dimension to what is going to be our best RockNess yet.”

RockNess takes place from June 11th to 13th remaining tickets are available now priced £149, for the weekend. For full details, visit the official website www.rockness.co.uk

Craig Jones