Welcome to the August edition of the City Magazine!
Last month’s City Mag was our most-read yet, so thanks to everyone for your support and keep sharing and telling fellow Blues about it.
Our cover star for August is Julian Alvarez, our latest Argentine import who is hoping to achieve great things with City.
Elsewhere, Andy Morrison resumes his role as our resident prediction king and looks at the first month or so of games.
We have a fantastic best of US tour gallery, plus a visit from the Canal Street Blues to the Etihad ahead of the Manchester Pride weekend later this month.
The List features some of the more memorable debutants over the years – including Eyal Berkovic and Ali Benarbia’s first games – and our Best XI is made up of City-supporting band members and musicians.
Lou from Cassia drops by and Marc Riley interviews his editor, while Kev Cummins starts his new series on Maine Road as we edge towards 20 years since we left our old home.
Ben Wilkinson and keeper Khiara Keating ensure it’s another packed edition.
On with the show!
Being Argentinian - and a striker that has joined Manchester City - means there will be inevitable comparisons to two of the best former Blues – Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez.
But that wouldn’t be fair on any striker, because Tevez and Aguero were among the best forwards ever to play for the Club - and one of them is our all-time top goal-scorer!
Julian Alvarez begins life at City with a blank page and each chapter is yet to be written.
In fact, when he was unveiled to thousands of City fans at the Etihad Stadium in pre-season, he said, “I want to write my own history here,” – and that’s exactly what he intends to do.
"This is a team that has been playing in a certain way for a long time."
At 22, he is the same age as his new strike partner Erling Haaland, but it’s fair to say his arrival from River Plate was earned slightly less column inches in English newspapers and websites – but that is not a bad thing and, for a youngster who is shy, quiet, and humble, that probably suits him just fine.
Alvarez played twice on City’s US pre-season tour and showed glimpses against Club America and Bayern Munich of what is to come when he is fully settled to life in a new country and culture.
He is already settling into his new Manchester apartment and his family are with him, which will help him adapt and feel at home that much sooner.
The other good news is he already feels comfortable with the playing style at City.
"This is a team that has been playing in a certain way for a long time,” said Alvarez.
“I try to do what I've been doing with River, but with some changes. It's a team that presses like we usually did in River.
“It's a little easier for me (in that respect). I feel comfortable playing this way. I'm going to continue training to the fullest to be available.
“I was very happy to play against Club America and Bayern and have the opportunity, to start with Manchester City and to play my first games.
“I will do my best to live up to the expectations.
“Pre-season was good. Every day I am training with my teammates, with Pep and all his assistants and getting to know them better.
“As I always do, I train in the best way I can. It is the first time that I am with Pep on the pitch, so I do my best to show my qualities and help my teammates.”
"I will do my best to live up to the expectations."
And Guardiola has been impressed by what he’s seen so far.
“Julian was incredible defensively against Club America, like Gabriel Jesus,” said Pep.
“Gabriel is probably the best, but he is close in aggression and intuition, and with the ball he’s brilliant. He can keep it and you can link with him without a problem.
"We have the feeling we signed a top-class young player for the next years to come, and we are delighted."
“We have the feeling we signed a top-class young player for the next years to come, and we are delighted.
“The job Marcelo Gallardo did at River Plate, we have the benefit and we hope he can grow up in the Premier League.”
And having Sergio Aguero as a role model and mentor cannot be a bad thing.
Aguero will be a legend at City forever, and he said of Alvarez: "Julian is mature, over time he will continue to learn things, he is learning more and more, and Manchester City bought him for a reason.
“He is a good kid, he's a phenomenon, shy and quiet.”
Being called ‘a phenomenon’ by Aguero is encouraging to say the least, as Alvarez admits: “Yes, it is a joy, a pride, that Kun says these things about me.
“I shared good moments with him. I have good memories of him. He has helped me a lot. He is a good, very funny person, who has a nice relationship with everyone, especially with the younger ones.
“He has helped me a lot. Obviously, saying those things about me is an honour. It makes me want to kick on.
"Obviously, I grew up watching Kun. Also watching so many Argentinian players: Kun, either in Europe or in the national team; Higuaín; Messi. So many Argentinian players."
“Obviously, I grew up watching Kun. Also watching so many Argentinian players: Kun, either in Europe or in the national team; Higuaín; Messi. So many Argentinian players.
“Obviously, I try to imitate them or to get good things out of them. I always try to look to learn, to continue growing personally.
“They are players who have shown their quality in European football and in the Argentinian national team.”
But the last words go to his former manager at River Plate, Marcelo Gallardo, who was sad to lose a player of such promise, but equally delighted that he will have the chance at a club as big as City.
“He’s very centred. He’s a lad who doesn’t get caught up in this maelstrom of praise and everything that is said about him,” said Gallardo.
“Julian plays every game as if it were his first. That effort is contagious. Replacing Julian is difficult.
“Today he is a player of great status, he has had impressive growth, and that is why he is going to Manchester City.”
Our former skipper and cult hero Andy Morrison – now head coach of the Sri Lanka national team - resumes his role predicting the outcomes of City's upcoming games for the new season…
West Ham v City
Premier League
Sunday 7 August, 4.30pm kick-off
This is a really tough game to open the season with, especially with how good West Ham were last year. We’ll have new players still integrating and learning our system, but if we’re going to set the bar high, we have to go there expecting to win.
Mozzer’s prediction: West Ham 1-3 City
City v Bournemouth
Premier League
Saturday 13 August, 3pm kick-off
Newly-promoted sides can be a bit tricky early on in the season because they have momentum and the feel-good factor still, so they’ll come and try and make it difficult, but traditionally, this is a fixture we usually win comfortably, and I don’t see that pattern ending here.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 3-0 Bournemouth
Newcastle v City
Premier League
Sunday 20 August, 4.30pm kick-off
The way Newcastle play will suit City because I think it will be a slightly open game. I don’t think their fans would accept just being sat behind the ball and that’s not how Eddie Howe sets his team up. That will make it easier for City if they set up to attack, and if that does happen, I expect us to win by a couple of goals.
Mozzer’s prediction: Newcastle 0-2 City
Barcelona v City
Charity match
Wednesday 24 August, 8.30pm kick-off
Obviously, this is a fundraiser game, and it will also see Pep Guardiola going back to the club he still is a supporter of. He will want to entertain the Nou Camp fans and though there is nothing riding on this, neither side will want to lose.
Mozzer’s prediction: Barcelona 2-2 City
City v Crystal Palace
Premier League
Saturday 27 August, 3pm kick-off
Palace have been our bogey team for a few years now and we’ll be mindful of that going into this fixture. It feels like a little bit of going into the unknown at this stage of the season because teams haven’t settled into any rhythm or pattern as yet. They’ll be organised, have a game plan and will look to make it difficult for us by stopping our passing channels and then catch us on the break. I think we will know what to expect and negate that accordingly.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 2-0 Palace
City v Nottingham Forest
Premier League
Wednesday 31 August, 7.30pm, kick-off
I think Forest will hold their own this season because they have an exceptional manager in Steve Cooper who has proven himself at every club he’s been at so far. They’ve bought a good few players in the summer and they’re brave in the way they play, and I think Cooper takes each game on its merits and sets his team out to get a result each time, but I think we’ll have far too much for them.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 4-0 Forest
Aston Villa v City
Premier League
Saturday 3 September, 5.30pm kick-off
It might seem as though I have blue-tinted glasses because I’ve gone for us to win every league game so far, but that’s the mentality we need with teams like Liverpool challenging us. We have to have the same attitude as we had in the last 10 games of last season when we knew we had to win every game. That thinking doesn’t change because this City side is relentless can handle that pressure and with that in mind, I don’t see any problems in this game.
Mozzer’s prediction: Villa 1-3 City
The start of a new season means fresh ambitions for everyone in football...
For City fans and players in recent years, that has meant thinking about hunting down yet another Premier League title or getting over that last hurdle in the Champions League.
It’s also a big moment for those arriving at the Club from elsewhere. A debut is often the first real chance for a new signing to build a rapport with the fans and prove to their coaches they have what it takes.
This year Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Stefan Ortega Moreno and Kalvin Phillips are all likely to face that challenge sooner rather than later whenever their Premier League debuts come along.
Here we take a look at some of those from our recent history that they can look to for inspiration…
About as different as two players could possibly be, Berkovic and Pearce both made their City debuts in the same match.
The Israeli playmaker and tough-tackling English defender were brought in to get City back to the top flight and they got off to a flying start here.
Berkovic created the first, scored the second and was fouled so often that it resulted in a red card for Watford’s Paul Robinson.
Pearce not only led the defence that earned a clean sheet, he also unleashed an unstoppable free-kick for the third goal.
An Algerian creative force who had been a key player with three of France’s biggest clubs – Monaco, Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain – it was something of a surprise to see Benarbia arrive at Maine Road.
Once he took to the pitch in his first Division One clash, his class was immediately apparent. Our new number eight was the architect as City destroyed the visitors and was already firm favourite by the time he was replaced by Kevin Horlock in the 74thminute.
The momentum gained from Benarbia’s arrival, as well Berkovic and Pearce a month earlier, created a feel-good factor that swept the club to promotion.
There’s nothing like a Manchester derby to show you exactly what it means to play for City. Benjani, the Zimbabwean striker signed from Portsmouth, had that experience in his very first game.
City were already 1-0 up when unmarked at the front post, he flicked a Martin Petrov cross from the right into the far corner. That sparked pandemonium in the away end to which Benjani pointed, a celebration that has its own cult status amongst City fans.
Fifty years on from the Munich Air Disaster, it had been a poignant day at Old Trafford as both sides of Manchester came together. However, once the football began normal rivalries were resumed – and Benjani’s goal proved to be the winner.
City had to wait until Monday night on the first weekend of the season to get their campaign under way in 2011/12. Star signing Aguero wasn’t quite ready to start for Roberto Mancini’s men, but he packed plenty in to the 31 minutes he was given.
The Argentine striker entered the pitch just after City broke the deadlock and took less than 10 minutes to get off the mark with a tap in at the back post.
A remarkable piece of athleticism created the third before he was again the scorer for the fourth, his dipping strike from 30 yards completing the rout and giving fans a glimpse of what was to come.
The French attacking midfielder, signed from Arsenal, started life for City back in North London in the kind of form that made him such an attractive proposition.
Roberto Mancini was building a team ready for a tilt at the title and Nasri was one of the final pieces of that puzzle. Here, he linked up with Edin Dzeko in particular to devastating effect.
Three of City’s five goals that day were created by Nasri including a pair of delicate crosses for Dzeko and an exquisite pass in behind for Sergio Aguero.
An imposing central defender who had arrived a month earlier from Porto, Mangala was fit and ready to go against a Chelsea side including fearsome striker Diego Costa and tricky winger Eden Hazard.
He settled into that task immediately, winning every aerial duel, completing 91% of his passes and making four tackles and four more clearances.
At the other end, Frank Lampard was City’s hero – scoring the equaliser against the club he had spent much of his career.
Hailing from Ardwick, it was perhaps destined that Khiara Keating would one day sport the crest of Manchester City...
Located in between the Etihad Stadium and our former home Maine Road, the district on the south-east side of the city was the birthplace of Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 - formerly St Mark’s (West Gorton) and now Manchester City FC.
Teenage goalkeeper Keating was also born and raised there, albeit quite a few years later in 2004, and now aged 18, has signed her first professional contract with City, having broken into the senior set-up in the 2021/22 campaign.
Deputising for the injured trio of Karen Bardsley, Ellie Roebuck and Karima Taieb, the youngster was thrown in at the deep end but coped admirably between the sticks, making five appearances and keeping three clean sheets.
Fresh off the back off representing England at the Under-19s Euros, she penned a two-year deal with Gareth Taylor’s side. Growing up playing cage football with her brothers at the Nicholls Community Football Centre before her mum decided to assemble and coach a local team of youngsters, Keating's career began when she was scouted by cross-town rivals Manchester United.
However, it was not her aptitude for saving goals that had captured the attention... In contrast, she turned up to the trials as a recognised striker and it was only a case of nerves that prompted her to don the gloves, unlocking a hidden talent.
"I had older brothers so whenever they'd go to play football or go to the park, I'd always be with them, kicking a ball," she recalled. "Having that inspiration from when I was young has really got me to this point now.
"My mum drives us everywhere we need to go. She's got more than one kid who plays football so she's just driving around, managing everyone, making sure we all get to different games or training, so she's been really key.
"She made a team when we must have been four, five and six of people in the local area. She used to hire a van and pick them up from everyone's houses because some people didn't have cars and we used to go and play in little Sunday league games and tournaments. She's really special.
"I was a striker until I got to the age of seven when I went to a Under-9s Manchester United trial. I saw how many people there was and back then, I didn't have much confidence. I just told mum I wanted to go home and mum was like: 'No, why don't you just try being a 'keeper?' because there was like two people.
"Somehow, miraculously, I got in as a 'keeper and that's when my journey started as a goalkeeper. No regrets."
After switching from red to blue to join City's Development Squad, she made the step up to train with the senior squad at 16 and has blossomed, now playing and training alongside the international stars she idolised in her youth.
While she admits the transition took some time to adjust to, Keating says she is thriving from the professionalism of the environment.
"It takes a while to settle in," she smiles. It's like: 'Am I actually training and playing with them?" but they're very lovely girls. You don't feel the pressure of: 'I'm playing with Steph Houghton!" - that's just Steph!
"It's very special. Seeing them in training, doing little things I don't do, I'm picking up little habits because I'm seeing it from them in training. They're just lovely people off the pitch - very motivating and hard-working.
"At the start of the game when I made my debut, I was a bit scared but they were like: 'Khiara, you're fine!' The confidence from them actually fed into myself.
Asked of the best piece of advice received from her 'GK Union', Keating replied: "KB was big on that:
"Do all the little things on and off the pitch. Put in the work 100% on the pitch and 100% off it and you will see the difference.
"Gaz [Gareth Taylor]has been a big part in my development as well - he pulls me up on the little things like where my touch goes; little details like that in the real game that would get me much further on.
"Just him even giving me the chance to play so many games at such a young age is really surreal.
"We have a top Academy, top coaches so that gives the platform for the young ones to shine and come through, and make their debut in such special moments, feeling that they are trusted.
"I think trust goes a long way in football. Once you feel like the coaches and players trust you, you can succeed.”
As it’s music festival season (still), we thought we’d get together a team of musician City supporters – it could be an imaginary fundraiser against a team of musical Reds… now there’s an idea! The positions are not based on inside knowledge of whether they could actually play these roles, but you never know…
Goalkeeper: Damon Gough
Now we don’t know whether Damon has ever donned the goalkeeper gloves before, but the man behind Badly Drawn Boy does where a hat, so that would come in handy if the sun was shining when he was in goal. Best reason we can think of!
Left-back: Johnny Marr
Lightly-built and fleet of foot, Johnny has the look of an overlapping full-back with a turn of speed – hence the left-back role for this team.
Right-back: Jez Williams
Doves guitarist Jez Williams, like Marr, has that look of being nippy and decent on the ball – so he’s going right-back as a nice balancing act to The Smiths legend.
Centre-back: Reni
Reni would need to be a footballing centre-back – the cultured sort that can tackle but has tekkers and plenty of ability. The former City ball-boy could surely fulfil this role…?
Centre-back: Rick Wakeman
Standing at six feet, three inches, Rick Wakeman has to play centre-back, right? The former YES keyboard genius could even where his famous cape on this occasion to put strikers off…
Midfield: Billy Duffy
The Cult guitarist has a definite edge to his music and so will be our holding midfielder for the Band XI. You could see Billy breaking up play and not being afraid to put a foot it…
Midfield: Noel Gallagher
With Noel’s ability to pen melodic songs, he’d have to take on the playmaker role in this team. Physically built similar to David Silva, could he show flashes of ability that El Mago who’d be proud of?
Midfield: Tom Ogden
The Blossoms lead singer is another creative talent that could sit alongside Noel – would he tie his long hair up, Erling Haaland style to play? Almost certainly.
Midfield: Mike Joyce
The Smiths drummer would have a free role, just behind the strikers in this team. He’d be expected to help in the middle and support the forwards.
Striker: Liam Gallagher
Liam has to be our No.9. With that swagger and self-belief, you need to play that role, Liam would surely have one or two tricks up his sleeve and be worth a goal. Besides, he couldn’t play alongside Noel in case they started arguing…
Striker: Jimi Goodwin
Doves’ lead singer Jimi has a presence about him and could use his power to bully opposition defenders.
Managers: Mark Radcliffe and Marc Riley
Both DJs and musicians in their own rights, Mark and Marc’s depth of football knowledge makes them obvious candidates, with Doves’ Andy Williams as first team coach.
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2
HELEN HOBBDAY
I first met Helen some 12 years ago when, as a BBC presenter, I was herded out of the soon-to-be-demolished BBC North site on Oxford Road and re-located to the brand spanking new Media City complex situated at Salford Docks. At that time Helen was working for the company who owns and runs MC and we’d got to know her through her various roles within our building. Her love of music (and MCFC) shone through and before long she was working on our live broadcasts on a voluntary basis.
Today she is my Editor! Go Helen!
IN HER OWN WORDS…
I’m Helen, I’m 37, live in Manchester and work in music radio. I’ve been a City supporter all my life, which I have my dad and brother to thank for (cheers lads). I’m a season ticket holder in the South Stand, I have a dog called Silva and a rolling bet that when City win the Champions League, I
have to get Ederson’s smiley face tattooed on my right buttock!
NOW THE Q&A GRILLING...
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF GOING TO A FOOTBALL MATCH?
I have a very blurry memory of going to Maine Road on my brother’s season ticket when I was about seven years-old in the early 1990s. I remember sitting in the Kippax and thinking it was rad being in a place where so many grown-ups were shouting and singing along together like a bunch of kids. Not the greatest way to kick off a Q&A but it gets better…ish
WHAT IS THE MOST PECULIAR OR MEMORABLE THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU AT A MATCH?
Those games (you know the ones) where we’ve snatched victory from the jaws of defeat are the most memorable, but the most peculiar was after the final whistle at Ewood Park when we got promoted back up to the Premier League. Everyone seemed to have bought a root vegetable along, all of which ended up on the pitch. I tripped over a cauliflower while watching Nicky Weaver swing from the gantry. Halcyon days.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND PREVENT ONE MATCH FROM BEING PLAYED -WHAT MATCH WOULD THAT BE - AND WHY?
I could be cheesy and say that every game has led us to where we are now and where we are now is incredible, so I wouldn’t change a thing… however A) I’m not that philosophical and B) I sat through our 0-1 loss to Bury at the back end of the 97/98 season and it was absolute rubbish. It was also a brutal lesson in what supporting City was going to be like for a very long time. I’d gladly take those 90 minutes back
WHICH TEAM ARE YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE OPPONENTS - AND WHY?
I’m always slightly anxious when we play Leicester. It should be straight forward, but rarely is.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVOURITE MAN CITY TERRACE SONG OR CHANT - AND WHY?
The Yaya/Kolo Toure chant. Like all the great songs in history it’s simple, catchy and most importantly, it has its own dance routine.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE CITY GOAL YOU HAVE WITNESSED (“Aguerooooooooo…” aside…)?
Gundo’s second this year against Villa is right up there, but I think it has to be Dickov’s in the 1999 play-off final. Definitely the most important goal we’ve ever scored. If we’d lost that game I dread to think what would have happened to us.
HAVE YOU EVER MET ONE OF YOUR MAN CITY HEROES? IF SO, WHO - AND HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE?
YES! Walking just off Las Ramblas in Barcelona ahead of our Champions League game, me and my mates walked past Andy Morrison, contemplated trying to play it cool, but ended up legging it down the street after him to get a photo. He was lovely and happily soaking up the atmosphere of a European away day. I also once bumped into David Silva while I was hurrying into a hotel, pale, sweating and carrying a multipack of toilet paper. Exactly how you want to meet one of your heroes.
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY MAN CITY PLAYER - PRESENT OR PAST - TO YOURS FOR TEA AND BISCUITS - WHO WOULD IT BE - AND WHY?
Super Mario. It would start off as tea and biscuits but probably end up with you riding a firework powered dinghy down the ship canal with massive stash of champagne.
HAVE YOU EVER SHED A TEAR - OF JOY OR PAIN - AT A CITY MATCH?
I’ve done both in a single match way more times than is good for my blood pressure.
WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT MAINE ROAD?
The history, the atmosphere, the £1 kebabs and the chastening experience of watching City get slapped by Port Vale on wet Wednesday night in November.
IF YOU COULD PICK ONE CURRENT CITY PLAYER TO BE ON YOUR PUB QUIZ TEAM - WHO WOULD IT BE - AND WHY?
Jack Grealish. He'd make us laugh if nothing else!
City’s highly successful Under-18 and Elite Development Squads are back hard at work honing preparations ahead of what they hope will be another successful campaign.
The 2021/22 season was truly one to savour for both our EDS and Under-18s with the respective squads securing successful defences of the PL2 and Under-18 regional and national titles.
The respective squads have just returned from a special training camp in Croatia where they stepped up preparations ahead of the new campaign.
And, as is the nature of Academy football, there will be a slightly different look in terms of personnel as regards the make-up of both squads for the 2022/23 campaign.
Brian Barry-Murphy’s squad will set out in defence of the PL2 crown we have won for the past two seasons with some familiar names absent and several new faces added to the squad.
The format of the PL2 competition will also change from the start of the 2022/23 season, with Premier League 2 becoming an Under-21 competition as opposed to Under-23s
Clubs will, however, be permitted to use five (previously three) over-age outfield players and one over-age goalkeeper, in order to transition from its Under-23 format.
The aim is to continue providing opportunities for the best young players to play alongside and against older and more experienced players.
From last season’s successful City EDS side, skipper and cultured defender CJ Egan-Riley has departed over the summer to take up a new challenge with Championship side Burnley.
Meanwhile, Belgian holding midfielder Romeo Lavia – another member of last season’s title-winning squad has also left City to begin a new chapter in his career with Premier League Southampton.
Also having moved on is fellow midfielder Darko Gyabi who has made the short switch across the Pennines to join Leeds United after making a fine contribution to last season’s title success.
And goalkeeper James Trafford (Bolton), central defender Callum Doyle (Coventry City) and midfielder Tommy Doyle (Sheffield United) have all begun separate loan spells.
However, several of the players who helped secure back-to-back PL2 title successes for City remain.
And our EDS ranks have been further boosted by the addition of several exciting youngsters who have made the age-range step up from last season’s successful Under-18s squad.
Last season’ Under-18s skipper Rico Lewis figured for the Barry-Murphy’s side towards the end of the last season and has now officially made the switch to EDS set-up.
The young defender has already caught the eye this summer, impressing when he came on as a substitute and hitting the post in City’s 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in our final US tour fixture.
Joining Lewis in making the switch are several other exciting young prospects.
Goalkeeper Josh McNamara, along with defensive duo Jadel Katongo and Isaac Smith have also made the transition.
Also progressing up the age range are midfield quartet Mahammodu Suohoso, Kane Taylor, Josh Adam and Kian Breckin.
And further complementing Barry-Murphy’s attacking options are strike quintet Daniel Ogwuru, Luca Barrington, Will Dickson, Liam Smith U18s along with Adedire Mebude.
Meanwhile, there are also a selection of new additions at Under-18s level as lead coach Ben Wilkinson and his players seek to build on what was a superb first season.
With several members of the squad that performed so well in securing both the Under-18 North and National Premier League titles having moved to the EDS set-up, in their place have arrived a number of players from our Under-16s set-up who have also enjoyed great success in recent seasons.
Amongst those joining the Under-18s squad are goalkeeper True Grant, full-backs Ezra Carrington and Sebastian Naylor, along with fellow defenders Lakyle Samuel, Isaiah Dada-Mascoll and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.
They are joined by exciting midfield quartet Michael Okeke, Charlie Gray, Jacob Wright and Alfie Harrison.
And further complementing Wilkinson’s squad this season are attacking trio Ashton Muir, Justin Oboavwoduo and Jaden Heskey.
It should be another exciting campaign for our youngsters...
Lou Cotterill, bassist from Macclesfield band Cassia, is a lifelong City fan and here he answers a Q&A on all things sky blue. Find out more about the band – plus their latest release - at the bottom of the interview…
Lou, are there any other band members who are City fans?
“No just me but I’m doing my best to convert them!”
Are you a lifelong Blue?
“Yes, my dad took me to my first game at Maine Road back in 2003 v Fulham. We won 4-1 and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Which other City bands do you listen to?
“Liam, Noel & Blossoms. Saw Liam at the Etihad in May which was pretty special. Blossoms are just class aren’t they? Plus, they seem like proper down to earth lads…”
Noel G played with a City badge behind him at Glasto – you ever done anything similar?
“I actually haven’t you know but I reckon if it was the Champions League final, it would have to be done.”
Who is your all-time favourite player?
“David Silva. For me he’s the greatest player I’ve seen play for us and not only that, but he’s also so humble and just a class act on and off the pitch.”
Best game you ever saw?
“Live? Probably City v PSG 15/16 season when we knocked them out. Or Southampton with the Sterling last minute winner. Both times the place was bouncing.”
Tell us about the band…
“We’re an indie pop/rock trio born and raised in Macclesfield. Started playing together in school and it just went on from there!”
What’s the new album like?
“It’s nice and groove heavy and maybe a bit more mature than some of our previous stuff! it’s quite introspective, as writing during the pandemic meant we had to go a lot more inwards and unpick ourselves a little bit and go back to experiences from the past and our childhood.”
Band influences…?
“Jungle, Glass Animals, Paul Simon, Kendrick Lemar, The Beatles, Tame Impala to name a few! “
How do you see this season going?
“Optimistic as always. Really excited with the new signings, so it will be interesting to see how quickly they settle in. I do think it could be one of the most competitive seasons because of how the other clubs have strengthened but I’d always back us for the league.”
How many goals with Haaland score?
“I think if he can bag us 25+ in all comps that will be a good first season for him. He’s capable of producing crazy numbers but let’s not put too much pressure on the guy! “
Have you heard a Cassia song played at the Etihad?
“Yeah, I actually heard Don’t Make A Scene on the TV towards the back end of last season which was pretty mental. Hopefully, we can get a few more ringing round the Etihad next season.”
Credit: The band’s new album, ‘Why You Lacking Energy?’, is out now. Check them out here
In a new City Magazine feature, we speak to the people who work behind the scenes at Manchester City in various roles and departments. We begin with City Studios Creative Video Lead John De Caux, as the wonderful new seven-part series ‘Together: Champions Again!’ is released on CITY+ and Manchester City’s Recast Channel…
City Mag: So, what was the most interesting part of making the documentary?
John De Caux (JDC): “For me, as a football fan, it was great to be fully embedded in the football side and see how the players and all the other departments work so hard each day to try and keep everything going in the right direction. In previous filming of various content, you tend to dip in and out, whereas this time we were capturing hundreds and hundreds of hours of footage, knowing that was the only way we could get the best stories. Being around all the time made us feel part of the team.”
Who was behind ‘Together: Champions Again!’ from a production point of view?
“I was the series producer/director and Alex Cuschieri was also a producer/director, both self-shooting on Lumix 4K cameras, and we had to make sure between us that one of us was always around to capture content. We rarely worked together as a result and working alone meant we were setting up sound, lighting, and filming so it was quite intensive. Harriet Jones, Craig Barrett, and Tommy Taylor were all assistant producers, too. A lot of their work included Pitcam filming, a unique cinematic angle of our matches, and they helped get a lot of the stories and moments that the other cameras perhaps hadn’t picked up such as filming the player that made the assist for a goal and watch his celebration instead of the goal-scorer and that yielded a number of intimate, unique moments. Craig Martin, who craft edited last season’s ‘Together’ film came back and edited the new series and did a fantastic job again in terms of continuing the natural yet high-end style of our other productions here at City Studios. Luke Whitworth was our runner and helped organise the hours and hours of footage we had, which is a major task in itself. So, quite a small team for such a big project.”
What was your vision ahead of the first day of filming?
JDC: “When we were given the unique access to follow the players around and immerse ourselves in their daily lives, the intention was to do something different – something that hadn’t been done before. The ‘Together’ feature film from last season covered the last 11 games of the 2020/21 season and though we were given amazing access, we didn’t have the chance to explore the players and backroom staff’s characters or capture the stories that emerge through the course of a campaign. That’s what this series brings – it shows what the players are really like when the cameras aren’t usually around, and we managed to make it seem normal that we were always around – we just happened to be backroom staff with a camera! Once we’d cracked that, we got to see the genuine togetherness and camaraderie in the squad, and I really hope that comes across in this series.”
What was the most difficult moment?
JDC: There were a couple of things. One was the shock to the system being so close and involved with the relentless lives of our first team squad. Matches every three days, travel, training, and everything else that goes with being a top footballer and we had to make sure we were always there, waiting and documenting as much as we could. It isn’t a regular schedule by any stretch of the imagination and that was something we had to navigate and work into our own shift patterns and family lives. Being on your own isn’t easy, either, even though it’s good because the players get to know you, talk to you and it all seems pretty normal to them - but there are spontaneous moments that you have to get everything right first go, because they happen just the once and you can’t ask the lads if they could do it again. If you miss that shot, then you’ve missed it. So there were elements of pressure in that respect.”
What was your favourite moment during filming?
JDC: “It has to be the whirlwind 24 hours of my life when I was filming in the dressing room during our final home game of the season against Aston Villa. Going from 2-0 down to 3-2 up and how the mood of everyone and everything shifted from rock bottom to off the charts, and there was a moment just after full-time when Jack Grealish came in to compose himself and he was so happy, but he just wanted to take a moment to absorb everything. That was really nice, and you’ll see that in the final episode. The next day I was off to Europe and then soon heading back to Manchester on a private jet filming with Erling and Alfie Haaland to finalise his transfer. As work goes, that’s got to be up there with the most incredible 24 hours in my life.”
So, will there be a Together 3?
JDC: “I don’t even want to think of that just yet! We have to finish editing ‘Together: Champions Again!’ first, but I do hope we can continue to tell the stories behind the scenes because our fans absolutely love it and keep capturing the stories that other clubs perhaps don’t or can’t. I think seeing the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes that supporters don’t normally see and showing just how much they input into the success of the team is wonderful as well. As long as we can keep telling those stories, there will be more series’ of Together, I’m sure.”
Under-18s lead coach Ben Wilkinson believes Rico Lewis’ impact on the first team’s recent pre-season tour of the USA shows the value of hard work at Academy level...
It’s a sight Wilkinson and Lewis’ team-mates are well used to - the right-back collecting the ball and driving beyond defenders and into the penalty area.
That was the stand out moment from 17-year-old Lewis’ cameo appearance against Bayern Munich in front of almost 80,000 fans in Green Bay.
The captain of the side that won the Under-18 Premier League title in 2021/22 was the youngest member of Pep Guardiola’s travelling group but showed no fear against the German champions.
"Rico had an outstanding season last year, playing a lot of games."
Breaking into a squad that has won four of the last five Premier League titles on a more permanent basis is no easy task, and players must grasp the nettle when it is thrust upon them.
For Wilkinson and the Under-18 squad on their own tour of Croatia at the time, seeing Lewis put his best foot forward was further vindication that the dream is achievable.
“It’s all well and good as staff telling the players that the opportunities are there but there is nothing better than someone actually going and living it,” said Wilkinson.
“A lot of these kids are following the same journey that Rico has just done. He left school this time last year and a lot of the players stepping up to the Under-18s now have just finished school. He had an outstanding season last year, playing a lot of games.
“To go on tour and play minutes against top quality opposition speaks more than anything I can say to the players.
“It’s a great example that if you can hit really high levels consistently then the potential is there to go and experience that even while still in the Under-18 age bracket.”
With most of last season’s crop of Under-18 Premier League champions expected to be part of Brian Barry-Murphy’s EDS in 2022/23, a new season means fresh opportunity for last year’s Under-16 squad.
For those who have left school, it also means a greater workload and the added strain that places on the body.
That’s why Wilkinson and his coaching team take an incremental approach to player growth through pre-season and the campaign that follows.
"It’s a great example that if you can hit really high levels consistently then the potential is there to go and experience that even while still in the Under-18 age bracket."
Outlining his plans for the early period of the season, he said: “We have a lot of injuries at the moment which can often happen when players go from school boys into the full-time programme.
“They’re growing and there’s a lot going on, so we’re just trying to manage them and make sure we get to the first match with as many players as fit as possible.
“There’s a balance to strike between keeping players fit and pushing them so they’re in a position to cope with what’s coming physically, technically and tactically.”
City’s first major test of the season comes on 13 August, when Wilkinson’s team will face Paris Saint-Germain in a friendly in the French capital.
We begin the defence of our Under-18 Premier League title at Newcastle United on Saturday 20 August, before Derby County are the first visitors to the CFA the following week.
This season is the 20th anniversary of our move from Maine Road. As many of you already know, I spent the whole of 2002/03 producing a book for the football club. The book, 'We’re not Really Here' is my loving tribute to the longest running saga in my life: Manchester City FC.
When I approached the club, I thought it’d be more difficult to convince them of my idea. Football clubs are notorious closed shops at times. I was also worried that if I got too close to the club, we’d ultimately fall out, and my love affair with the Blues would be over. Nothing like that happened. I felt even closer to them as we approached the finishing line. Everyone at the club was an absolute delight to work with.
Manager, Kevin Keegan, told me I could come and go as I pleased. He’d never tell me to get out of his face. He said, “If I’m giving them a rollicking on a Monday, stand next to me and capture the look on their faces.” He told me the only things he didn’t want me to do were to go in the dressing room after a game and to travel on the team bus. I told him I wouldn’t need anything like that anyway. The book was essentially about the area, the stadium, the fans, and the players, who spent that final season representing this great historic club of ours.
The fans were great. Many knew me of course, and the ones who didn’t, soon got to know me. Many suggested people I should photograph. Several others would look after my camera gear when I’d leave bits of it on the perimeter wall as I’d chase off after another photo opportunity.
Over the course of this season, I’m going to show you different highlights from that final season and tell a few stories from behind the scenes.
The book sold out within a month of publication. A limited edition with autographs and a photo suitable for framing was also produced. I’ve managed to get hold of a few copies of this from the publisher. It’s £225. If you want one, contact me on twitter (KCMANC).
Our first game at home that season was Newcastle United. I was sat by the goalpost at the Platt Lane End, when Huckerby scored the only goal to give us three points on our return to the Premier League. I forgot I was chronicling the season when he scored, and I dropped my camera when I punched the air and almost ran on the pitch to celebrate with Darren. Fortunately, I just stopped myself in time, or it would have been the shortest book in existence. I realised I had to be more professional, but there were other moments when I was so wrapped up with what I was doing, I’d forget that I had almost 40,000 pairs of eyes watching me, or more accurately, waiting for me to get off the pitch so as the game could start.
Here’s some photos from Game One. You can see I only just remembered to capture the shot as Huckerby wheeled away after scoring.
Enjoy the show
Kevin Cummins
Manchester Pride is one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charities, with this year’s celebrations taking place from Friday 26 – Monday 29 August.
To celebrate the event and City’s commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, club photographer Tom Flathers met up with Canal Street Blues – the Club’s official LGBTQ+ supporters’ group.
CSB boast over 100 members worldwide, with fans congregating in Ancoats and on Canal Street ahead of kick-off whenever Pep Guardiola’s men take to the field.
And Tom was on hand recently to meet up with some of the group around Manchester, before making the short journey over to the Etihad Stadium.
Back in 2013, we interviewed actor and lifelong City fan Daniel Rigby. The BAFTA-winning Rigby found fame for his brilliant portrayal of Eric Morecambe in the dramatization of Morecambe and Wise’s early years in ‘Eric & Ernie’…
Just a week after City defeated Stoke in the FA Cup Final back in 2011, lifelong Blue Daniel Rigby ended his own (shorter) wait for silverware when he picked up the Best Actor BAFTA for his role in the critically acclaimed ‘Eric and Ernie’.
A notable double by anyone’s standards.
Prior to his big break playing comedy genius Eric Morecambe, Rigby was a relatively unknown actor who had been trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
As a youngster he attended Cheadle Hulme School, before moving on to Stockport College.
The 28-year-old was born and brought up in Stockport amongst a family of die-hard Blues, meaning that – like many of us - the choice of his football allegiance was made for him, but Rigby couldn’t be happier with the supporting role he inherited.
“My dad has been a Blue all his life, and my uncles and cousins, too, so it was a complete no-brainer for me,” he said.
“The family were City through and through, so I was always raised to be a fan. My first memory of City is my dad taking me to Maine Road to watch a game against West Ham when Brian Horton was manager. We stood on the Kippax, and I just remember Horton waving to the fans, and that has stuck in my mind.”
Having been brought up in the mid-90s his heroes are - like many others of his era – are the shining lights of a difficult decade.
“I was probably about 14 when Gio Kinkladze was at his peak, so he was a massive hero for me,” he said. “That squad of Rosler, Kinkladze and the like loom large from my days of puberty.
“I actually got Kinkladze autograph once when I was stood outside Maine Road, as well as Michael Brown’s, Rosler’s and Gerard Wiekens’ but then I lost the autograph book!”
The moment that defined City’s recent history, is also Rigby’s personal highlight during his time following the club. The Blues’ dramatic play-off final victory at Wembley will always hold a special place in Rigby’s scrapbook.
“I remember watching the Gillingham match with my dad, we weren’t at the game, but watched it on the telly. I remember that whole season being a bit rubbish; drawing games against the likes of Wycombe wasn’t great, so when we won the final, I’d never felt euphoria like it as a football fan. The style in which we won it made it all the better with those late goals, and then penalties, it was fantastic.”
The highlight of Rigby’s career has undoubtedly been his BAFTA award this year, richly deserved for his superb portrayal of Eric Morecambe. He also knows that he is now in an extremely fortunate position, being an actor in demand, as he had previously considered quitting and taking up journalism.
“I can genuinely say that getting that job has pretty much changed every aspect of my life,” he said.
“The stuff that has happened on the back of it wouldn’t have happened in a million years, if I hadn’t done Eric and Ernie, so I know I am incredibly lucky. It wouldn’t have been what it was if it wasn’t for the calibre of people I did it with and I will be eternally grateful to them.
“It was amazing to work with Vic Reeves and Victoria Wood on Eric and Ernie. I grew up watching Shooting Stars when I was about 12 and it blew my mind so I got into Vic Reeves’ Big Night Out and all this weird comedy that he did which I totally lapped up. For me, I was a bit star-struck acting alongside Vic and Victoria.
“During filming, Eric’s son Gary and his widow Joan visited the set while we were filming a scene and I was in costume dressed as Eric when I met her. She looked me up and down and said, ‘Yes, not bad,’ which I took to be a massive seal of approval. Then Gary told me I had got his dad’s voice off to a tee so it was very heartening and kind to hear those words.
“It’s one of those strange things in acting where you’re always waiting for the role that will change your life and that has now happened for me - and changed the landscape accordingly. I’ve been so busy with work – luckily – over the past year or so that it’s been a real struggle getting up to any games. I managed a few last season including the QPR away game but I don’t have a City buddy in London where I live these days so I tend not to go as much as I’d like.
“Going to games on your own isn’t the same. Watching the match is fine, but it’s all the stuff around it that you miss and it can feel a bit weird.”
Daniel’s role as the tetchy flat-mate in BT’s current broadband commercial has made him recognisable to a whole new audience. With six completed so far, it’s an on-going project that could go on for some time when you think of previous BT long-running campaigns.
“Doing an advert can be a bit taboo for any actor and because I also do stand-up some people consider you to be a bit of a sell-out but for the industry I work in, these are the sort of jobs that can give you security and ultimately help support a family in years to come,” noted Rigby. “For those reasons, the BT ads have been amazing.”
One player Daniel will particularly miss is Mario Balotelli, who joined AC Milan shortly before this interview. Though the mercurial Italian had limited time on the pitch this season, his time in a blue shirt, he believes, will be talked about for years.
“I know some people believed him to be a troubled youngster, but I’m going to miss his antics on and off the pitch,” he said. “Mario did his own thing whether he was on camera or off it and I always found it quite refreshing.
“There were so many stories about Mario that we’ll probably never know what was true and what wasn’t, but I will miss him being a City player and the colour that he brought to football in this country. I wish him luck with AC Milan and I’m sure we’ll still hear of his adventures for many years to come.”
Whether City can go on and win the title without Balotelli is another matter.
Rigby admits that his faith waivered before Christmas but is now feeling confident about a first back-to-back triumph in the Club’s history.
“I had my doubts earlier in the season but the win at Arsenal, with all the controversy surrounding it, was a key result,” he said. “To win there without Sergio and Yaya was a statement and I think if we continue the momentum we are building at the moment, we’ll be fine.
“Hopefully, we can continue the winning sequence against Liverpool and keep the pressure on you-know-who…”
Built with Shorthand