Barnsley stun City at Oakwell

Thompson - A big wake up call

City boss Steve Thompson described his sides performance as not good enough

   

Manchester City suffered their first defeat under manager Steve Thompson as they slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat away to Thompson's old employers Barnsley.  The defeat See's City drop to 3rd in the division and calls as a huge wake up call to all who thought City would walk away with the division. 

City named the same side that beat Scunthorpe United 4-1 last time around meaning captain John Terry and recent Signing Axel Witsel both made their away debuts for the team.

A goalless first half was much down to the heroics of City keeper David De Gea who pulled of a number of fine saves to keep his side level. Barnsley keeper Ochoa was also worked denying both Ronaldo and Witsel with terrific saves.

The second half  started brightly for City and Ochoa came to his sides rescue on 48 minutes with a superb stop to deny Hulk a certain goal and that save was to prove vital for Barnsley who went on to grab the only goal of the game on 70 minutes courtesy of Argentine striker López LISANDRO who turned his marker sharply before firing past the despairing De Gea 1-0. Thompson threw on Substitutes Reinartz, Munian and Mirallas with 15 minutes to go in a desperate bit to get his side back in the game but Barnsley showed tremendous determination told hold out and claim their first victory of the season. FULL TIME 1-0.

After the game Manchester City manager Steve Thompson could not hide his anger at his sides performance....

"The performance from start to finish simply was not good from us today and is a big wake up call for us all, i am very angry with my players at the minute. I feel like i am talking to a brick wall sometimes. We didn't compete with Barnsley on all fronts today and Craig and his boys fully deserve the 3 points.

I knew that Barnsley would battle they really needed this result but we just never matched them and that as a manager is not good enough. The lads have to pick themselves up and take a long hard look in the mirror before we play Rochdale in midweek. Thankfully we have come through the game unscaved but that doesn't mean i am not afraid to make changes"

Thompson was also questioned about the reception he received from the Barnsley supporters after being roundly booed on his way to the dugout .......

"I expected it to be fair i fully understand their anger at me leaving them with just one game to go last season but in time i hope they will forgive me and look back on my time there with pride. We achieved some good things at Oakwell we finished in a play off final in every season i was there it was just a shame i never got them back to division 2. I wish them and Craig nothing but the best for the future they are a great club"

Thompson relishing Oakwell return

City tackle Thompson's old boys

Steve Thompson set for his first return to Barnsley since leaving for Man City

Manchester City manager Steve Thompson makes his first return to Oakwell since leaving to take reigns at the Etihad stadium at the end of last season and the 29 year old is relishing the prospect. Thompson is likely to receive a frosty reception from the fans who once adored him but Thompson admits he can understand the fans feelings towards him given the timing of his departure.

Thompson has guided City to the top of division remaining undefeated in competitive action since taking charge whilst his former employers are still to taste victory and currently find themselves in the relegation zone but Barnsley are dangerous as Thompson well knows and City will certainly need to ensure they don't drop their performance levels in what is sure to be an entertaining game.

Manchester City team news:

City have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Oakwell trip and could name the same starting XI that beat Scunthorpe last time out. New signings Matej Vydra and Federico Fernandez are both likely to travel with their new team mates but not be named in the match day squad. John Terry and Axel Witsel will both be looking to push on after their impressive performances were the latter helped himself to a goal.

Steve Thompson spoke earlier today about the trip to his old club.......

"I am really looking forward to the trip to Oakwell it was the first fixture i looked for when they was released. I know i am likely to get a unpleasant reception and i can understand given the timing of my departure but i still hold the club in high regard and wish them nothing but success after our game tomorrow.

I know Craig hasn't had the best of starts but i know that group of players and i know they could again fight for a play off place. He just needs that win to kick start the season and they will push on.

We are taking a fully fit squad with us tomorrow which is a massive bonus and enables us to keep some consistency in selection and hopefully some consistency in our results. It's nice to be top of the table so early but we are the target for every side now and we need to rise to the pressure and play like potential champions and that means taking our chances and putting teams away convincingly" 

Ronaldo nets hatrick as City top table

City break the Irons will

Cristiano Ronaldo fired a hatrick as City bear Scunthorpe 4-1

Manchester City climbed to the top of division 3 last night after a superb second half performance saw them run out 4-1 winners over a spirited Scunthorpe United. Steve Thompson's men showed their class to overpower their plucky visitors scoring 3 times inside 15 minutes late on in the second period after going in at half time 1-1.

Steve Thompson made two changes to the side that beat Chesterfield last time out in the league with new club captain John Terry handed his debut in place of Simon Kjaer who dropped to the bench. The second change saw another player handed his debut in the shape of Axel Witsel who replaced fellow countryman Kevin Mirallas who was among the substitutes.

City started the match in the best possible fashion by taking the lead with just 4 minutes on the clock thanks to a penalty from Cristiano RONALDO 1-0. The 27,000 plus supporters inside the Etihad would have been expecting their team to push on but Scunthorpe had other ideas and stunned the crowed with an equalizer courtesy of  Mauro BOSELLI who's lovely dipping shot beat De Gea 1-1.

The second period started tentatively for both sides with chances at a premium but with 71 minutes gone City finally broke Scunthorpe's resolve debutant Axel WITSEL was the scorer with a fine finish after skipping past a couple of challenges 2-1. That goal opened the gates for Thompson's men who made it 3-1 just 4 minutes later courtesy of a bullet header from Cristiano RONALDO and with 9 minutes of the game remaining Cristiano RONALDO claimed the match ball by securing his hatrick with a lovely low angled finished 4-1.

Steve Thompson was pleased with his sides second half performance when speaking after the game.

"It's another great 3 points despite us never really hitting top gear. Scunthorpe caused us plenty of problems especially in the first half but once we got that second goal i was confident we would see the game out and it was nice to get a couple of more.

Cristiano now has 5 goals in just two games and you can see how confident he is whenever he has the ball. He is more than capable of getting us 25-30 goals and if he performs like he has tonight he wont be far off. I though the two lads making their debuts did superb and Axel getting his goal will settle him down he could become a massive player for us this season.

We now look ahead to a trip to my old club Barnsley at the weekend and i am really looking forward to going back. I know i may not get the best of receptions from the supporters due to the timing of me leaving but i have great respect for everybody connected with the club. They haven't started the season in the best of form but i know that group and i know they will get it right and be back up at the top end of the table before long"

Thompson was also quizzed by the media about comments made by other managers in various news sources with regards to his side and the way teams approach playing them.

"I find it all very flattering to be honest it shows that teams fear our resurgence and they know we are on the way back up. I have read that teams should be going out to deliberately injure the likes of Ronaldo and Messi to try and gain an advantage which i hope teams wont take on board and if so i hope referees clamp down on it straight away.

I have read that the pressure is all on me that is something i do agree with and i have embraced it as have my team. We are using it positively and it's paying off as we are undefeated and top of the division. 

If people want to play mind games i am cool with that but they just need to take a look at my starting XI for the answer"

City welcome the Iron to the Etihad

City ready to break Iron hearts

New Manchester City captain John Terry set to debut against Scunthorpe

Manchester City return to home comforts on Wednesday as they welcome Scunthorpe United to the Etihad Stadium looking to stretch their unbeaten league run to 4 matches. Thompson's men recorded a resounding 3-0 success over previously unbeaten Chesterfield last time out a result that saw them climb to 2nd in the division 3 table but with only the title on their mind Thompson and City know that they can ill afford to take any team lightly despite being clear favourites to overawe their mid-table visitors. 

The game against the Iron is likely to see the debut of new club captain John Terry who returns from a 3 match suspension which was picked up whilst playing for his previously club Chelsea. Terry 33 was manager Steve Thompson's second signing and seen as a vital part of the team as he looks to protect highly rated youngster Phil Jones.

Manchester City team news:

John Terry is available for the first time for Manchester City since signing for the club in the close season and he is likely to replace one of Phil Jones or Simon Kjaer in defence. Recent signing Axel Witsel is pushing for a starting birth after impressing in a bounce game against Sheffield United on Sunday also pushing for a start is Russian striker Aleksandr Kokorin who provided the assist for Kevin Mirallas in the 3-0 victory over Chesterfield. City have no fresh injuries or suspensions and every is available for selection

Steve Thompson gave his thoughts ahead of the game ......

"I am looking forward to welcoming John Terry into the squad for the first time. He brings a wealth of experience and a real winners mentality which will stand everybody in good stead for the rest of the season. The victory over Chesterfield has given everybody a real boost and we want to ensure the Etihad becomes a place everybody fears coming to and we do that by taking our chances and winning games comfortably.

Scunthorpe are a dangerous side. They were promoted and have that winning mentality. Their manager has served them well and knows how to get the best out of his side so they need to be respected. We won't be taking them lightly but we know that these are the sort of teams we need to be putting away"

Ronaldo shines in City win

Ronaldo inspires City win

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 2 goals as City beat Chesterfield 3-0

Cristiano Ronaldo bagged his first goals in the colours of Manchester City tonight in a 3-0 away victory over previously unbeaten Chesterfield. The result lifts City to 2nd in the division three table and keeps up their unbeaten start to the season. Despite the result Chesterfield certainly gave City plenty of problems especially in the first half and did see a goal chalked off just before City took the lead.

Steve Thompson named the same starting XI that drew with Norwich last time around but a new face was among the substitutes in the shape of midweek signing Axel Witsel.

City dominated the first half but a mixture of poor finishing and great goalkeeping looked to be their downfall until 41 minutes they finally made their dominance count courtesy of a neat strike from Ronaldo 0-1.

The second period started much like the first with City bossing proceedings and with 63 minutes gone they doubled their advantage Ronaldo again the scorer smashing a thunderous effort past the despairing Bravo 0-2. That goal killed any hope of a fight back from the host and on 76 minutes City wrapped the game up with a third Kevin Mirallas the scorer with a neat finish after a fine ball from the substitute Kokorin 0-3. That goal proved to be the last action of the game as City saw it out comfortably to claim the points and climb to 2nd in the table. 

City manager Steve Thompson was delighted with his side speaking after the game......

"It was a much better performance from us tonight and we turned a dominating performance into goals although we could have had a few more. I decided to stick with the same side and i feel justified now, it would have been easy to make a few changes but i wanted the boys to up their performance and they have responded in the right manner.

This will be a tough place for teams to come this season so i am happy to get this out of the way. Chesterfield have a good manager in Glory Days he knows this division well and has some very good players at his disposal. They will do well this season in my opinion.

We look ahead to Scunthorpe now and it will be nice to get back in front of our own fans at the Etihad. We take no team lightly in this division but we want to be winning our home games first and foremost. We played well against Gillingham last time at home. We now need to push on from that and send out a real message to this division that we mean business"

City complete Witsel signing

Witsel seals City move

Axel Witsel has made the move to Manchester City from Coventry

Manchester City have again  been busy in the transfer market this time with the acquisition of Belgium International midfielder Axel Witsel. The 25 year old joins City from fellow division 3 side Coventry in a deal that See's Alvaro Dominguez and Saphir Taider make the move in the opposite direction to the Sixfields Stadium.

Witsel brings plenty of top flight experience with him to the Etihad having served 6 seasons at Everton and in all he has made 168 league appearances scoring 19 times in the process. 

After the deal had been announced City boss Steve Thompson had this to say on his latest recruit.

"I am delighted to welcome yet another world class player into our ranks, It's a deal i tried to do a week or two back and it didn't happen but Johan at Coventry has been top class and i am glad to get the deal done so quickly.

Axel is a player i have always admired he gives you plenty of versatility in the middle of the park as he can adapt his game to defend or attack. He adds some real competition to our midfield which is littered with world class individuals and Axel will have no problems slotting into the group.

He is fit and ready to go and will be in the squad for tomorrows away game at Chesterfield"

Chirpy Canaries hold wasteful City

Thompson demands more after Norwich draw

Manchester City scorer Branislav Ivanovic

Division three title favourites Manchester City dropped their first points of the season last night as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at Carrow Road against Norwich City. The result See's City drop to 4th in the division on 4 points 

Despite enjoying the better of the possession Steve Thompson's men struggled to break through a resolute home defence and when they did Norwich keeper Rafeal was in inspired form to ensure his team came away with something for their efforts.

The first half was very much a drab affair with very few chances of note but within a minute of the restart the host took a shock lead thanks to a wonderful long range striker from German midfielder Philipp BARGFREDE 1-0. 

That goal clearly rocked the visitors who saw efforts from Ronaldo and Di Maria saved by keeper Rafeal but with 58 minutes on the clock Rafeal was finally beaten courtesy of a wonderful curled effort from Serbian defender Branislav IVANOVIĆ 1-1.

That proved to be the final goal of the game ensuring both teams came away with something from what was a poor game.

City boss Steve Thompson spoke of his disappointment after the game.

"I suppose i have to be thankful for a point, it was a very disappointing performance in an attacking sense. You can't do much about their goal it was a worldie but we have wasted a lot of chances tonight and when you have the players we do that is not acceptable.

We need to see more from this group. It's OK having a great reputation but you need to go out and show your class on the pitch and tonight too many players didn't do that.

You have to give credit to Norwich they are a well organised side they defended well and made life very difficult. They will do OK in this division i am sure of that, this place will be difficult for any team to come to.

We move on to another away trip to Chesterfield next who have started the season in very good form, They have a good squad and will prove a difficult test but we go there looking for a win and build some momentum"

City complete triple swoop on Fulham

Higuain departs as City make triple swoop on Fulham

One of three new Manchester city signings Hulk

Manchester City have once again hit the media headlines for their transfer dealings with the news that Argentine international striker Gonzalo Higuain has left the club along with Ishak Balfodil and Alvaro Vadillo with all three players joining division 1 title hopefuls Fulham in a deal that See's three players leaving Craven Cottage for the Etihad with Brazilian international striker Hulk being the most talked about. Joining Hulk at City are Spanish hot prospect Iker Munian and German defencive player Stefan Reinartz and all three players go straight into the squad for tonight's game against Norwich City at Carrow Road.

After Higuian handed the club a formal transfer request last week City manager Steve Thompson had been in intense negotiations with a number of clubs but after a succession of rejected bids Fulham finally secured the deal that puts them amongst the elite in division 1 while City secure three players that certainly make their first team squad even competitive for the tough season ahead.

Thompson was delighted to welcome his new recruits .....

"It's been a tough week or so of negotiations but i am very happy with the deal we managed to get done. Gonzalo has served the club very well but he wants to play at the top level and he has that chance under Dom at Fulham, we welcome another 3 top class players into the fold and our squad is now certainly one of the strongest around. 

Have have covered all bases with these signings and the boys may get their chance against Norwich at Carrow Road tonight"

Man City start the season with a win

Second half masterclass downs Gills

Lionel Messi bagged a hatrick for Manchester City

Division three title favourites Manchester City started their season in the best possible fashion last night as they saw off a brave fight from Gillingham to eventually win the game 4-0 in front of  28,317 at the Eithad stadium.

An entertaining first half saw both teams go in at half time 0-0 but within 4 minutes of the restart City started to assert their class on the game firstly through MESSI who made it 1-0 then just 2 minutes later it was 2-0 thanks to midfielder DI MARIA. Gillingham were then further handicapped when defender Donati received a 2nd yellow card after a shirt pull on Ronaldo and the man advantage was taken with Messi claiming the match ball with goals on 62 minutes and 73 minutes to make the final score 4-0 to the home side.

City boss Steve Thompson had this to say after the game.....

"I do think the scoreline has flattered us somewhat and doesn't show a true reflection of the game. Gillingham deserve a lot of credit they have come hear and given us a hell of a game and Felix can be rightly proud of his boys. In the end that extra bit of class that we have has shone through and won us the game.

I am happy to see Messi get among the goals early, he didn't score a lot last season but i have challenged him to win the golden boot and he has gone about doing that in devastating fashion. On the whole i am pleased with the performance 4 goals a clean sheet is a great start. Hopefully we can build on this result and cement our place at the top o the table.

We move on to Norwich next who will be a tough side. Like Gillingham they are accustomed to winning games so they will be playing with a lot of confidence, they have got a good result tonight and will want to start well in front of their own fans"

Thompson was also questioned about the future of want away striker Gonzalo Higuian ......

"Gonzalo has handed in a transfer request to the club which we have accepted. A number of clubs have expressed an interest in him but as of yet nothing has been accepted or been classed as acceptable, Until the club receive an offer that we are happy with Gonzalo will be going nowhere and he remains part of my first teams plans.

The door is not shut for the boy, he can still stay here and help this club back to where it belongs. He is a world class player and he deserves to play on a world class stage. Hopefully we can get there quickly and take Gonzalo along for the ride"

Higuain wants out of City

Let me go pleads Higuain

Gonzalo Higuain has told Manchester City he wants to leave the club

Division 3 title favourites Manchester City have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their season opener against Gillingham with the news that Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain has handed in a formal transfer request. 94 rated Higuain has been at the centre of much speculation during the close season with a number of bids reported and rejected and it's now understood that the Argentine has grown tired of the clubs demise and has instructed his agent to find him a new club with immediate effect.

Manchester City earlier released a shot statement with regards to Higuain......

"Manchester City can confirm that last night a transfer request from Gonzalo Higuain was tendered and the club have reluctantly accepted that request. Gonzalo knows that the club will not be held to ransom and will be seeking the best possible deal to ensure both parties can move forward.

Gonzalo will remain part of the clubs first teams plans and is in the match day squad for tonight's fixture at home to Gillingham"

Dawn of a new era at the Eithad

New era begins as City welcome the Gills

Cristiano Ronaldo will make his 2nd Manchester City debut against Gillingham tomorrow

It's a dawn of a new era at the Etihad and it all begins tomorrow when Steve Thompson's Manchester City welcome Gillingham in their opening division 3 fixture. Plenty of changes have been made in the close season by manager Steve Thompson and tomorrow is what the fans will be hoping the beginning of the decent back to division 1 were many feel they belong.

As many as 6 players could be making their debuts against the Gills tomorrow and everybody connected with City will be hoping for the best possible start as they target the league title.

Manchester City team news:

Recent signing and new club captain John Terry will not feature, the 33 year old carries over a three match suspension he picked up when at Chelsea. Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to make his second debut for City but where he plays remain to be seen. Branislav Ivanovic, Gael Clichy and Simon Kjaer all look set to start in a new look defense.

Attackers Kevin Mirallas and Aleksandr Kokorin are both in contention for a starting birth

Man City manager Steve Thompson gave his views ahead of the game.....

"We all can't wait to get going this is the start of a new era and hopefully we have plenty of successful times ahead. Pre-season has been great for us we have tested a number of formations and tried players in different positions and we have managed some pleasing results. Hopefully we can carry that into the league.

We are not taking Gillingham lightly. They are a team that has become accustomed to winning games especially under their new manager Felix and they can come to the Etihad with the shackles off as everybody expects us to win, the pressure is on us to perform from the off and i have confidence in my boys to handle that.

The fans have seen plenty of change in the squad but i feel we are ready for a long season which will hopefully bear fruit at the end with a promotion"

Changes afoot at the Etihad

City revolution continues under Steve Thompson

New Man City signing John Terry has been made club captain

The Manchester City revolution continues to take shape under new manager Steve Thompson with four further new signings announced over the past few days. The big news is the arrival of Chelsea legend John Terry who has left the Stamford Bridge having spent his entire 7046 career there. Joining Terry at the Etihad is highly rated Turkish midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup who signed from Birmingham in a deal that saw Luis Nani move in the other direction and he is joined by two attackers in the shape of Aleksandr Kokorin from Walsall and Kevin Mirallas from AFC Bournemouth.

These latest arrivals bring the total in-coming's to 14 since Thompson took the reigns but more importantly for City the club has seen a reduction in it's playing staff wages with a number of high earners leaving as part of the deals.

Steve Thompson spoke earlier about his new signings .....

"I am delighted to welcome the lads to the Etihad all of them bring a little something to the team and that is what you want as a manager. John Terry is somebody i have tried to sign before, he is a born leader and a rock in the heart of the defence he has been made club captain with immediate effect,

Ozyakup is still a young lad, he has a lot still to learn but with the quality we have he will prosper and grow into a fine player i am sure of that.

Aleksandr and Kevin bring us attacking intent and versatility. Alek is still a young boy but 21 goals in 44 games shows he is a natural finisher and they are hard to find.

I tried to sign Kevin when i first arrived and was told no. Thankfully for us circumstances changed at Bournemouth and we got a deal done although i am very sad to lose Bernard who i have no doubt will become a fine player.

The squad is coming along nicely and i would be happy if it stayed as it was but this is football and we know how quickly things can change"

De Gea going nowhere

De Gea is staying vows Thompson

David De Gea will not be leaving Manchester City for any price

New Manchester City manager Steve Thompson has today vowed that highly rated Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea will not be leaving the Etihad no matter what the price. The Spaniard has been subject of a number of transfer enquiries over the past few days but with City keen to hang on to his services any bids that may be made will be instantly rejected.

De Gea only signed for the club back in January making 18 appearances as they suffered relegation to division 3 and he is seen as a long term investment as the club make plans to return to division one sooner rather than later.

Speaking about his goalkeeper Thompson said.......

"David is one of the best goalkeepers in the world  and i have absolutely no intentions of letting him go. Despite relegation last season he was superb and it is no surprise that clubs higher up the ladder currently want to take him.

David is happy to be here and like everybody else within the squad he wants to get back to division one as quickly as possible with Manchester City"

Thompson makes 3 new signings

City complete triple swoop

Manchester City have again delved into the transfer market bringing in no fewer than three new signings today. The recently relegated side are preparing for life in division 3 next season by putting now fewer tan 13 players up for sale and Thompson has acted quickly to move some players on whilst bringing in his own targets.

The first player to sign on the dotted line was Danish international defender Simon Kjaer. The 24 year old put pen to paper on  4 year deal at the Etihad from division one side Sunderland which also saw Geoffrey Kondogbia and Marvin Ducksch head in the other direction to the Stadium of Light

Branislav Ivanovic was the next one to turn up at the Etihad arrivals lounge from Chelsea in a swap deal that saw German defender Mats Hummels depart to Stamford Bridge. The 30 year old right back has signed a 2 year deal with Steve Thompson's side.

Joining Ivanovic in the same deal is French left back Gaël Clichy. The 28 year old French international has penned a contract for the next 4 years at the Etihad and will be hoping to feature regularlly under Steve Thompson after finding opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge.


Earlier this evening City boss Steve Thompson spoke to the media about his new signings.

"I am delighted to welcome all three lads into the group. I have said before that numbers in the squad will need to be cut and it's now more a case of quality rather than quantity. I would love to have a youth squad of 30-40 players but this club is now in division 3 we have to be realistic with our finances and plan accordingly i know this sounds strange having just signed 3 top players but lads will be on their way out in the future to accommodate the news boys. 

All 3 lads give me options across the back line which is fantastic all good teams are built on a solid defensive unit and i am happy with the options we now have.

I am far from done in the transfer market ideally we need another striker or two so we can mix it up. I won't rule out anything incoming or outgoing at this stage"

 

Ronaldo signs for City

Ronaldo fly's into Etihad

Cristiano Ronaldo has completed a shock move to Manchester City from Arsenal

New Manchester City manager Steve Thompson has wasted little time in making his mark on the side with the news that Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo had joined the club from Arsenal in a swap deal which See's Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema head in the other direction to North London. The transfer is sure to be the most talked about in recent times especially when you consider that City have just been relegated for the second consecutive season.

Following the announcement City boss Steve Thompson had this to say.

"This deal signals our intent as a club to get back to the big time sooner rather than later. Cristiano is one of the best players in the world and is a total one off. He has all the attributes to play in either the midfield or attack and i am very much looking forward to getting on the training ground and working with him

We have sadly had to say goodbye to Mesut and Karim as they head off to Arsenal. They are both world class players who i wish i could have kept but getting Cristiano here was number one priority and i am over the moon to get it done so quickly"

Cristiano Ronaldo also spoke after signing his contract.

"The new gaffer signals a new start at this club and i wanted to be part of that. This club has suffered some difficult times of late but with the players we have here i know that can change and i hope i can play a major part of restoring the good times back at Manchester City"