City are Back (again)
equaliser
By Chris Johnson
August 14 2002
With the new season almost upon us mcfconline's newest columnist, Chris Johnson, gives his views on the season ahead and what City can expect in the wake of Kevin Keegan's belief that City can finish with a European place.
City are Back (again)I cannot remember ever being as excited as this about the onset of a new season. The only thing my neighbour and I seem to talk about is the forthcoming football season. The hairs on my neck stand on end and my arms and legs cover with goose-pimples as we discuss new signings, formations, derby-day and what the manager is saying on that particular day.The manager is talking about aiming for the moon and if we miss hitting the stars (or something along similar lines). Europe is his moon. When we were last promoted I felt, wrongly as it turned out, that we may just end up comfortably in mid-table and, if so, the club would jump at the chance of Europe through the Intertoto cup. With Kevin Keegan in charge however, I feel if we 'only' finish mid-table this chance may be turned down (by the manager if not by the board). This is a manager who believes in doing things properly. If we were to miss out on Europe automatically he would just aim higher next season. He may well have to start again next season with the same squad as the chairman and his board have clearly gone out on a limb to grant the manager’s wishes of aiming for the moon. The manager, in turn, has bought well in my view, strengthening the spine of the squad whilst also 'filling in' with good quality younger players. We could be here all day talking about the merits of Schmeichel’s or Anelka’s signing. They have one thing in common though. they have 'been there, done that and bought the t-shirt. This is one of the major differences from the squad which came up last time and the signings Joe Royle made two years ago (good though a couple of the signings were.) City's squad now has everything you could want. strength in depth, cover for every position, a good blend of youth and experience, along with masses of pace, strength and skill. I have never been as excited about a season as this! COME ON CITY! |