Toure: No leadership at Arsenal

Man City new boy Kolo Toure says Wenger's lack of squad strengthening made him decide to quit the Gunners. The new Blue Boy recently transferred from Arsenal for 16 million pounds said that Arsenal's reliance on youth means that they lack in leadership and experience that is needed in the Premiership.

"When you look at Arsenal you see all the great players have left and are now in the past, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Ray Parlour have gone. We lost too many leaders at Arsenal." said the 28-year-old.

Arsenal changed their captain last season William Gallas to Cesc Fabregas after Gallas made comments about this team-mates. Toure was the last of Arsenal's 'immortals' ......the team that went through the whole of the '03-'04 season unbeaten, but seemed to have snubbed the captaincy.

Tore added "Players like Henry, Vieira and Parlour that brought success to Arsenal have all gone and I believed it was right at this stage of my career to also move on,"when we were winning the league the spirit was fantastic, we were like a band of brothers."

So Toure stays at a club that is winning, but yet loyalty is out of the window for the manager who had faith in you to pay your wages. It's so sad.
I totally agree with Toure about Arsene's youth project, he needs to find the right balance like he had in 2003.
But even with Arsenal not winning a trophy since 2005, what has Man City won? Does Toure really think that a trophy of some sort will be heading to Eastlands? No, i don't think there will be.

Sir Alex: Man City a small club

Sir Alex Feguson has lashed out at Man City over the city billboard with a picture of Carlos Tevez with it reading "Welcome to Manchester".
He said that Man City "are a small club with a small mentality".
With Mark Hughes trying to empty the City money pot as fast as his bosses can fill it, Ferguson has been relatively quiet in the transfer market.
Hughes has bought in Adebayor from Arsenal, Barry from Aston Villa, Santa Cruz from Blackburn and Tevez, who left United for City.

Ferguson was speaking at a press conference in China claimed that Adebayor had attempted to sign for Manchester United before committing to City.

"When someone offers you that kind of money, it is a big attraction," said Ferguson. "That is the reason they have gone there.
"At the last minute, from what I can gather, either Emmanuel Adebayor or his agent phoned us after they had agreed a deal with City and then did the same with Chelsea. He was desperate to get to either Chelsea or us."

Man City are Prem. Champions!

Jose Mourinho is supporting Man City to win the Premier League next season. Mourinho 'won' two titles with Chelsea, and is convinced Mark Hughes' team will be crowned champions next May.

Mourinho said: "Adebayor up front with Carlos Tevez - unbelievable! And they have Roque Santa Cruz and Robinho too. What a strike force! That's it, City are champions for sure."
He added: "It's not buying the title. You buy the players you think can do the job but you still need to prove you are the best - the best coach, the best team and that's tough and no amount of money can buy that."

Mourinho stated that he doesn't care what happens with the John Terry affair because it's not his club. Nicely put.

Maybe Jose knows that his comments will get a rise out of Sir Alex, other than that, like he says...he's at Inter so what does he care?
And just because City have Adebayor, Robinho, Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz, doesn't mean anything. Three could get seriously injured, then what?

Terry silent over comittment

John Terry is silent over where he wants to be next season, and it's driving Abramovich crazy!
The Blues captain would still like to talk to Man City boss Mark Hughes, but Chelsea owner Abramovich has shot down those requests every time.
The Chelsea faithful were hoping that their star boy would stay at Stamford Bridge, but it may not turn out that way.
Man City have already had offers turned down for Terry, but they won't give up just yet.

Man City manager Mark Hughes said: "John Terry is a player not at the club, who I keep having to answer questions about.
"We made a bid for a player that was rejected and that's where we stand at this moment. I said at the beginning of the window that ideally we would like to have all our signings in place for the start of the season.
"But if the right player is available and it takes until the end of the window to do the deal then so be it.
"You have to give each transfer deal the time it deserves. If you feel the process is not going to progress then you walk away."

Chelsea are still adamant that Terry will be in their colours come the start of the season.
I think he'll be wearing the City strip. Money talks.

Adebayor the money grabber.

GAEL CLICHY told former team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor: You only left us for the money.
Adebayor had stated that abusive Arsenal fans drove him out to another club. But did it have to be Man City?.....no. It was all about the money.
Adebayor is strong, powerful, can score goals, and is quite technical for a big man. So he wants us to believe that no other 'big' club wants him? And only Man. City with more money than Abramovich would like to double his salary for his services.
I think Clichy is right. Man. City will buy anyone who will go to them for big money.
Good luck to Mark Hughes, he's going to need it. Too many highly paid stars in fighting for eleven places is not good.

Manchester City score a whopping 1

After all the money spent in the last couple of weeks at Man City, all they could produce was a single goal to beat Kaiser Chiefs (not the band). And Gareth Barry made his debut, playing for around an hour, after costing Mark Hughes 12 million pounds.

The goal cam from a City 'old boy' Stephen Ireland at half time. Barry almost scored at half time and Etuhu blazed his shot after going past the 'Chief's goalkeeper.

Adebayor will join with his team mates and possibly make his City debut along with Carlos Tevez when City go to battle on Saturday.

I know it's only pre-season friendlies, but wouldn't you want the main eleven, the nucleus of your squad to play every game whether you have new players or not. I like Mark Hughes as a manager but with all these signings all I see for him is failure. I hope not. Prove me wrong Sparky!

Man. City a threat?......No way!

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester City is no threat to them in the new season. City with all their money are wanting to finish in the top four, but SAF is confident his team can steamroll any team in the Premier League, including City.

The United boss said: "Given all that has happened in the transfer market this summer, it is a different type of challenge we are facing. We are being challenged for the back pages"

The great Scot said that once again his main threats are Liverpool and Cheslea (are they any different)

This upcoming season will definitely prove interesting as City and Chelsea battle it out for the money Championship, and Ferguson takes the game to Liverpool and wins another trophy.
I don't play favourites, i believe Man United will win the Prem again.

Hughes not giving up on John Terry

Mark Hughes has told reporters that he still hopes to sign John Terry in the near future, even though City have had a bid for Terry turned down.
But Hughes still thinks it will happen. Hughes said

"He's obviously the type of player and the calibre of player we need if we're going to progress and compete at the top level," he told BBC Sportsweek. There may be a point that we concede (defeat), but I don't think we're at that point as yet."

Hughes has already spent 80 million pounds on players so far this summer, and has said that he hasn't finished yet. He's already signed Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor, and more will follow the green brick road to Eastlands.
One former Manchester United player who has moved from the red to the blue side of the city this summer is Tevez, but Hughes said the United connection was not relevant to his decision to sign the Argentine striker.

"What I saw was an outstanding football player that could become available at the end of a loan spell with a competing club," said Hughes, himself a United striker.
"We're all absolutely delighted that he chose to join us. It's a big move for him, what with his connection to Manchester United, but he understands what we're trying to do and he's really excited by the prospect.

With the arrival of all these players, like most new players at their new clubs, are they going to think they are special and disregard the other players, or is Hughes going to lay down the law and tell everyone that he looks at the whole of his squad as equal. If he doesn't, this spending spree could backfire.

I'm telling the teacher!......

Chelsea are furious with Mark Hughes and Manchester City for 'tapping up' John Terry. Now wait a minute, i remember the big stink in the papers around 2 or 3 years ago when Ashley Cole was watched by Chelsea. Now at the time Chelsea hadn't put in an official bid for him, instead they met Ashley in a restaurant secretly behind Wenger's and Arsenal's back, but yet when it's one of their stars being 'tapped up' they don't like it.
But how can they that JT is being tapped up when City have put in an official bid of 30 million pounds for Chelsea to sell the England star.

So unless i'm missing something here, please tell me how that is classed as 'tapping up'? Or are Chelsea so scared of JT leaving that this is their best option, to run to the Prem bosses hoping for them to tell Hughes to stop it, knowing that for once a team in the Premier League has more money than they do, and can pay a lot more than they can. Like i said before, money talks.

Deja Vu......in blue.

Man City have given a massive welcome to Carlos Tevez, and given a huge f**k you to Man UTD.
City have put up a huge poster of Carlos reading: Welcome to Manchester.
Mark Hughes signed Tevez after his two year Man UTD deal ended.
They're going to have to find more places to hang all the posters of all the stars they're buying. Hughes still wants John Terry and Joleon Lescott. I think it's just a matter of time for the both of them.

This is the article from The Sun newspaper

Moyes: My players are not for sale

Man City are still hoping to land Joleon Lescott from Everton and partner him with Chelsea's JT. It seems a bit ambitious but you can't take anything away from City for that.
City offered 15 million pounds for the defender, but Everton have again said no.

Everton Manager David Moyes has told shareholders at a forum at Goodison Park on Wednesday that none of his players will be sold this summer. But Lescott could force the issue and demand to speak to City boss Mark Hughes, just like John Terry did to Chelsea chiefs.

I think David Moyes has a sound head on his shoulders. He backs his players no matter what, fights for them and genuinely seems to want them at the club, not like some Premier League managers who buy players just to say that they have him and no one else does. Lescott is a good defender and Everton should try to keep him at Goodison at all costs.

Hey....you told me that you were mine!

Gareth Barry has hit back at Rafa Benitez after calling Barry greedy.
Rafa said that Barry's move to Man City was all about the money. Could it be that Barry just didn't like the setup at Liverpool, or even not like Benitez?
Rafa is upset(again) because Liverpool have made it no secret for along time that Barry has been a major target for them, but with Barry signing for Man City, it came as a huge f**k you to Benitez.

Barry said: "I think there was maybe a bit of frustration because it was well documented that Liverpool were in the market to sign me for a couple of years.
"But Manchester City had agreed a fee with Aston Villa. Once I'd spoken to the manager, heard the ambition and he told me what the club were aiming for, that suited me.
"People can talk about the money because of the speculation in the media but the players who are now joining City are proving my decision to be correct.
"These are players who are really going to improve Manchester City and take us to where we want to go."

Don't worry Gareth, Rafa will get over it......eventually. (Can somebody find Rafa's pacifier please?)

Tevez to swap shirts.

Carlos Tevez is reportedly agreed terms with Man UTD rivals Man City and ready to sign a five year contract. The Argentine will join the rswt of the City gang after a medical at Eastlands. And manager Mark Hughes said he is delighted with the capture of the former Man UTD marksman.

Hughes said: "It is terrific news. Carlos is an international player of the highest class who possesses all the attributes that will help drive this club forward.
"He is not only outstanding technically but he is a reliable goal scorer and someone who will contribute fully to the team ethic. He gives us another exciting, attacking dimension.
"I cannot wait to welcome him to City. This is yet another deal that shows the commitment of the owner Sheikh Mansour to make this club the very best it can possibly be."

Another one for the moneybags City.
But i do understand that Tevez wants to play every game, and that's great. Some players just want to sit on the bench every week and still collect their money, but Tevez is different, he does want top play football, he does want to win trophies, but i don't think Man City was the team to go to if he still wants to be a winner. Yes he will play every game providing he's fit, but i think Tevez will be in the same situation as if John Terry joins City, they won't see the Champions League again.

Should i stay or should i go?

John Terry has asked Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to talk to Mark Hughes and Manchester City about a possible transfer, but up to now Chelsea have said no to the possible £50m move. If it does happen, Terry will have a signing on bonus of £5m signing-on fee and wages of £280,000 a week.
Chelsea have been quiet so far in the transfer market, only buying three players, which hasn't bent Abramovich's cheque book out of shape yet.
It will be a loss for Chelsea if Terry goes, but also i think Terry won't be seeing the Champions League again if he does sign for City.
City are a good team, but they seem to be lacking something and i think bringing somone in who costs all this amount of money won't do their morale any good.

Money talks, and so could Terry.

John Terry has been woo-ed by Manchester City with a record breaking £300,000-A-WEEK.
28 year old Terry has been mind boggled with City's offer which is worth £15.6million-a-year, and City boss Hughes insists the Chelsea captain Terry is crucial for City's future development. If the deal goes through, Terry will become the highest paid player in the world, no-one, not even Ronaldo's wage will come close to this. Ronaldo is now earning £255,000-a- week at Real Madrid.
Hughes insists he needs Terry for City to break into the top four in the Premier League to join the European powerhouses.
City was foiled last season to land the England star but the latest offer of £30m has been rejected by Chelsea, but this chase is far from over. Ancelotti and Chelsea are ready for City to offer again, this time in the region of £40m.
People close to Terry say that he is beginning to wonder whether Chelsea really want him and admit he has been impressed by the faith Hughes has in him.

Terry has become more than just the captain at Chelsea. He was almost made a board member and was the link-man between the players and the Chelsea top men.
Chelsea manager Ancelotti could have different ideas of how he want to run Chelsea, and possibly get rid of Terry as captain, but Terry knows Hughes will make him the main man if he signs with City. City are sizing up an offer for Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona, which could see the Cameroon international earn £250,000-a-week.
Seems like Chelsea owner Abramovich has a money rivals with City's Arab owners.

Yet again i see i'm getting old. This money thing worries me ever since i wrote about Blatter stating that he thinks there is too much money in the Premier League.
Maybe i should take over a Premier League club and show them how it's done.
I remember when Sir Alex Ferguson took over Man UTD, and with hard work and determination look where he took them.
That's what you need in football, not all the money in the world.

Santa Cruz to rejoin former Manager

Roque Santa Cruz has left Blackburn to re-join Mark Hughes at Manchester City. He has signed a four year contract after he passed the medical.

Santa Cruz, 27, was still under contract with Blackburn up until 2012 but had a buy-out clause for £18m. The Paraguayan said: "It's been close to happening for a while. Now I can focus on doing my best for the club."

Santa Cruz was bought by former Blackburn manager Mark Hughes from Bayern Munich in 2007 for £3.5M and scored 23 in 70 appearances goals in the first season. In the 2008-09 season he only managed to score 6 goals from16 appearances due to a knee problem which kept him on the sidelines for 2 the last 2 months. The paraguayan had become a target for Mark Hughes and Man City after the Abu Dhabi United group took over the club.

Said Santa Cruz on Man City' website "The owners want the club to be more successful. They want to break into the top four, and the fact that the fans are so passionate about everything to do with City was also a factor. I am very motivated to play for these fans. I know the kind of football Mark Hughes wants to play and the kind of character he is - he's a winner, he wants to make things happen and be successful. Those are always my thoughts as well, so knowing what he wants was a big factor in coming here, because I know the club is going in the right direction."
City manager Hughes said that Santa Cruz would be a key addition to his squad. He added: "His ability in the air and his physical presence are qualities we've been missing, but he also has technical ability and good pace for a big man. He's a very good player and one I know well from our time at Blackburn."

City have already signed Gareth Barry from Aston Villa for £12M, making the summer an expensive one for Mark Hughes.
It will be interesting to see how they fair against Blackburn on the first day of the new season at Ewood Park.