Stu Montagu asking the questions | |
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, so you might even like this latest instalment of ground-breaking writing if I’m lucky. Anyway it’s not a time for laying blame or pointing fingers at people for hibernation of Sleeping with the enemy, in some ways we were all to blame, as was society and the parents.
Some have said that this feature is somewhat like the fathers for justice campaign in that is it entertaining whilst also being confusing, embarrassing and also never seems to achieve what it set out to do. With Manchester city coming over the horizon we thought it would be an idea to get dressed up like Batman again and hang from the London Eye; playing Robin this week is Ben Collins, editor of www.manchestercity-mad.co.uk.
So, what are your realistic expectations and ambitions for the rest of the season?
After the start we've made I think 'doing an Everton' isn't beyond us - that is scraping the fourth Champions League place against the odds. Although if we do manage that I think we might also 'do an Everton' next season by not only failing to make the group stage but also making a complete arse of ourselves in the process.
How do you see the season’s first meeting between us going and who do you think are going to be the match winners and weak links on each side?
Still can't understand the difference between your league and European form, so not sure what we'll be up against. But, writing before the Blackburn, we seem to have finally gathered some home form at the new stadium so I think we could scrape another win, just like we did last season.
Joey Barton will be back and he's become one of our most important players this season despite his pre-season antics. We have a backbone now with him, James, Distin, Dunne, and Reyna. Cole and Vassell seem capable of creating anything so they're always a danger, but our weakness seems to be on the wings.
If our wide midfielders or full-backs haven't performed, that's where teams have capitalised. As for your boys, quality midfield but your attack seems toothless while in defence, I'm not convinced about any of them except for Carragher.
Who are the fans that you have most disliked over the past year and why?
Middlesborough. Went home and away last year. Only time we heard them at their last was when they play that daft tune when they score. Same story at ours; not a peep. You may remember we were both playing for a UEFA Cup spot.
Before the game they had this UEFA Cup flag up from their run last season. They'd covered it up slightly when we equalised and it was nowhere to be seen as we battered them in the closing stages. Then when they'd got the draw and were celebrating they were waving it about as if they had a divine right to be there when, really, they only qualified again by the skin of their teeth.
I mean, I don't mind you winding us up but at least make your mind up about it.
Any supporters in particular impress you with their wit, enthusiasm and interesting chants last season?
Arsenal were quite entertaining in the Carling Cup, but that said, there wasn't much worth watching on the field. It was virtually a reserve game.
I’ll be honest, I thought giving Pearce the manager’s job was a terrible mistake; you must be pleased with the way he has started?
I didn't think he was ready, but he was the natural choice as caretaker, and after a run like that at the end of last season, they had to give him the job. I've read and heard a lot about what he's said and it's clear he's done his homework.
He's not made the same mistake as Gazza, he's actually learnt about how to become a coach and learnt about the right things to say. That said, if you watch him on the touchline you'll see he's just as passionate as ever. Also, he's always honest with his after-match comments but knows where you stop before being slapped with a fine.
Give us your take on Joey Barton and his turbulent last few months.
Thought the cigar incident last Christmas was a one-off childish prank and thought he'd get over it. He got better by the game last season but after his antics in Thailand I thought he'd had it, I thought we'd get rid - I mean biting his team-mates fingers until they bleed does not give you an impression of a sensible individual.
However, since then he's improved even more. I don't know whether it's his 'anger management' classes or the way Pearce has been dealing with him, but he's like a changed man. There's been no hint that he could flip again and he's playing that well I fancy him as an outside bet to make the World Cup squad.
Does the fact that the club is allegedly in quite heavy debt worry you?
Everyone has debts nowadays (just look at United!!), so not in the slightest (but maybe that's because I don't understand it all). What I do know is that much of the debt is to our directors/chairman so there's no huge demand for the money. That may change if they leave the club or fall out with anyone though. Also, now Keegan's gone we're not spending stupid money any more.
Robbie Fowler will always be a legend in Liverpool but how is he seen by City fans and how do you think he’ll be remembered?
You talk as if he's finished!! Well, it looks that way now as he's struggling with another niggling injury right now (I think it's his back now). I wasn't impressed with his performances or attitude until Anelka left last January.
Then he seemed to enjoy being the main man again and he finished with a pretty good scoring record last season. I was just thinking he was starting to justify his fee and his wages but then this new injury has come along.
Probably just as well really because, as it's turned out, he'd be struggling to get a look in with the way Cole and Vassell have settled in.
And what about McManaman?
Phew, don't get me started on that. I cannot believe the difference between the McManaman that left for Spain and the one that came back. I thought Keegan made a great decision by signing him but it turned out to be awful. He had several niggling injuries, but unlike Fowler, he never got a decent run.
However, when he was in the side he was shocking. He could barely pass 10 yards, he couldn't dribble and he couldn't shoot. It was embarrassing at times; he'd get the ball 10 yards out with a clear sight of goal but then pass it sideways to no-one.
That would all have been forgotten though if he'd scored against United last season. He had a tap-in, 6 yards out and level the post, but managed to put it out. That was his chance the do something for us (it would have been his first City goal) and he fluffed it big time. The fact that after his contract finished he decided to 'take time out' just shows he had no desire to play football any more.
What is your opinion on Rafa Benitez and the job he is doing at Anfield?
Not sure about your league form and the signing of Crouch (and subsequent tactics to accommodate him) but if he won the Champions League with a team like that then he must have something about him. Not sure how long he can live off that though.
What where your feelings on both the run to the final and the Miracle of Istanbul itself?
It was obvious last season he was picking teams for the league and not expecting the win, and then picking different teams for the CL, not necessarily his best team but the right team to win that certain game. I don't think anyone can argue with you getting to the final and beating Chelsea (I wish they'd stop moaning about it).
You took every game as it came and played the right way to win it. Then after fighting back from 3-0 down in the final, you deserved all the luck you got.
Who should win the European Footballer of the year?
Not really given it much thought as it doesn't concern us but I guess Stevie G is up there (at least that's what you're angling towards, isn't it?)
It looks as if City seem to have a good supply of youngsters coming into the first team now, are there any that we might not know about that we should be looking out for in the next few years?
I'd say Stephen Ireland (pictured) but despite only coming through a few games ago, he's already shown what he can do. I'm a big fan of Nedum Onuoha, a big, strong, versatile defender, but he's also played a few first-team games - he was immense in that run last season, even though he'd only just come in.
Lee Croft has started well after finally being given a chance and Bradley Wright-Phillips could be fantastic if treated properly and given time. Otherwise, Micah Richards and Ishmael Miller are two unknowns who could make the breakthrough.
A mix up with CV's when you apply for a job as the office gimp at the FA ends up with you being hired as Chief Executive; what policies do you force through?
Every time a player gestures that another player should be booked, he should be booked himself. More players booked for diving, more reasonable ticket prices. Oh, and slutty secretaries for all.
Who will be open-topped bussing it with what this season?
Chelsea for the league although I don't think it'll be such a sure run thing as everyone thinks (I see Arsenal running them close). We always think we're gonna win a cup, and we're already out of the Carling Cup, so I'll stick us down for the FA instead (realistically, Tottenham). I think United will end up going all out for the Carling Cup because they'll soon realise that they ain't gonna win anything else!! I fancy Lyon as an outside bet for the Champions League.
Give us your tip for the Young Player and Player of the season this year in the premiership?
Would Carrick still qualify for Young Player? How about Joe Cole? Ah, Darren Bent (I knew there was someone I was forgetting). As for Player, they might as well just give it to Frank Lampard right now.
