---------------------------------
[25] massive city prices
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
>From the Manchester Evening News
'THE price of a half-time cuppa has left Manchester City fan Michael
Flaherty steaming. His corporate membership at Maine Road will include a
complimentary brew at every home game next season. But he says it is going to cost
him dearly - £262.50p to be exact.
That is the extra money City want from him to continue watching his
team even if they are relegated. And the 36-year-old pub landlord's temper is boiling
that the only apparent benefit of the increased cost of membership of the 100 Club
would be a free half-time cup of tea!
He has received a letter from City informing him that the price of
his membership will be going up to £822.50. Michael, who is landlord
of the Crown pub in Hawk Green, Marple, paid £560 this season.
Club bosses say the pricing of corporate membership is complex and
urged fans to talk to them if they are not happy - but said the
increase is to help raise standards and improve the team.
Today Michael said: ''I'm not paying the extra - and neither are my
pals. City may be going down to the First Division next season and
yet we're being asked to pay an increase of this nature. It's
outrageous.''
Michael says he and more than 20 friends who had been season ticket
holders were invited to join the City 100 Club three years ago, when
the cost was £500. Perks included free parking and match programmes,
free tea or coffee at half time, and access to bar and meal
facilities. When the cost went up to £560 last year the free brews
were stopped.
Michael said: ''The club is saying that the corporate membership
package next season will again include tea and coffee at half time,
but they're whacking up the price to pay for it. As far as I can see
that's the only extra benefit.''
The letter from the club says the new rate, available ''in view of
your existing support for our commercial activities'', will only be
on offer until May 4, after which all facilities will be released for
general sale at the increased rate of £969.
Michael, who has supported City for over 20 years said: ''There are
23 of us who all joined the 100 Club together, but nobody is willing
to pay this increase. We can't see any justification at all for what
they're asking.''
Today Chris Bird, City's chief operating officer said: ''It is a very
complex issue. There are a whole raft of things you have to take into
account, and there are so many elements that go into it.''
He said last season's published price for the 100 Club was £600 per
person plus VAT, whereas this year it will rise to £700 plus VAT - a
rise of around 16 per cent.
''Some customers may have bought multi-packaged deals and received a
larger discount after discussion with the-then commercial manager,''
he said. ''I would envisage similar discussions will take place with
our head of sales this year.
''We encourage dialogue with the club. We appreciate that fans are
spending their hard-earned money in giving us their support and if
someone is not happy about something we say: 'Come and talk to us
about it'.
He added: ''The average increase throughout Maine Road for our
corporate customer is between 10-12 per cent which is also in line
with our season ticket pricing policy.
''We are raising money to raise standards in our services and to
invest in our squad. It is to help build a football club for the
future. We have a tremendous reputation for ticket pricing. We have
the cheapest tickets for visiting fans in the Premiership. We have a
very, very low pricing base.''
city 100 club - sounds like how many fans they'll have come next season.
---------------------------------
[24] More from Fergie
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
"I'm very disappointed. It was a bag goal to lose. In fact, it looked terrible. I had
emphasised the danger they posed from set pieces but we still lost a goal to one...we
will have to make sure we play to our capabilities, keep good possession and pose a
threat...we should have penetrated more late in the game with our
counter-attacks....we know what we have to do. It is not dissimilar to a couple of
years ago when we had to go to Juventus in the semi-finals and get a victory, which we
did. Barthez made some marvellous saves for us".
---------------------------------
[23] More from Bayern
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
Lizarazu:
"In Football everything is possible,and for us it is not finished. There is a second
match and Manchester United can play well too"
I tell you - they still have the Nou camp in their heads...come on United!
---------------------------------
[22] Bayern on last night
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
Hitzfeld:
There is no revenge in sport"
(their fans had a flag 'The Revenge is Ours!' and sang 'you only sign when you're
winning' - but we weren't winning!)
"We wanted to concentrate on the sporting side and show little emotion"
(that must be hard for a German team)
"We can relax tonight but we know the job is not yet done. The chances in Munich will
be 50-50"
---------------------------------
[21] Fergie on last night
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
"It is not over. It is just half-time and we are not finished. I think we still have a
good chance, and the worry for them is losing a goal. There's still a lot to play for.
It's still open but it's still a difficult tie. We have the ability to go over there
and score the goals and we can recover. We just have to make sure we perform properly.
We have lost Beckham, but they have also lost very good players (Lizarazu and
Salihamidzic) and we can make the most of that. I didn't think we deserved to lose
although they impressed in the second half and worked well.
We have to go over there and score an away goal and that will change everything"
And for the first time ever we want to match Norwich, the only English team to win and
knock Bayern out of a European competition.
---------------------------------
[20] Two stories from official site
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
'George Mutch passes away. Manchester United are sad to announce the passing away of
player, George Mutch. The Scot, who made the first of his 120 appearances for the Reds
in 1934, died on Tuesday at the age of 88. The club would like to take this
opportunity to pass on our condolences to his family and friends.'
And
'Manchester United has announced plans to beam back live coverage of the Middlesbrough
game to Old Trafford on Saturday, 28 April. Tickets for the event will cost £8 for
adults and £4 for children under 16 and OAPs. They can be purchased through the Ticket
Line, which is open weekdays 9.30am-5pm. Contact 0161 868 8010.'
It would have been nicer if Utd had called Boro's bluff and reduced their allocation
for fans for the Old Trafford clash and perhaps seen them giving us a bigger
allocation this time and not needing the beam back!
---------------------------------
[19] Reserve match switched
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
>From the official site:
'Thursday evening's Reserve encounter with Middlesbrough has been switched from Gigg
Lane to Altrincham's Moss Lane ground. Kick off is still at 7pm, for a match which
United's second team have to win to stay in touch with the leaders.'
Incidentally the official site carried a story about 'Bayern Munich manager Ottmar
Hitzfeld has revealed that he hopes to take a one or two goal lead back to Germany
after Tuesday's quarter-final first leg. Fergie's great friend reckons that his side
have got the advantage, playing away first'.
Damn! But Utd like away leg second the most, and what went on in Turn two years ago,
will get us through again. Now is the time for Utd to raise their game, something we
haven't seen in Europe all season...
---------------------------------
[18] Interesting to note
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
that there has been no mention of Dwight in future contract negotiations. Didn't he
sign a 4 year deal when he signed for us? Wouldn't it be about time for him to
renegotiate too if he was staying?
---------------------------------
[17] Fergie, the top dog
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
You'll see him topping the league, again with a great percentage wins per game than
anyone else, a story we brought you a few days.
Now a RN reader (thanks to Kerry, not sure if a boy or a girl?) sends us this...
"Saw the bit on Fergie being top dog re wins having 63%. Dunno if you have the whole
report, but he is also top for goals scored per game (2.1) and 3rd in terms of goals
against per game (0.9). He has also won the most silverware out of anyone, 24 in
total (although the report said 22 they missed 2 scottish trophies, a cup and
something else)"
---------------------------------
[16] Teddy before the game
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
yesterday. Hopefully we'll be used in the second leg!
"Anything less than winning the European Cup would be a failure".
---------------------------------
[15] What next?!
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
Is there anything we wouldn't sell?!
>From the Guardian yesterday...
'Julia Day
Over the past five years, the club has endured a barrage of criticism
for squeezing money from those on the terraces. Now Manchester United is set to
exploit its brand loyalty even further by providing pensions.
In a move that will delight investors and astound purist fans who believe the game
has become over-commercialised, the club will launch its own-brand pensions as part
of a plan to roll out Man United financial services across the world.
Man United marketing director Peter Draper:
"The financial services we have at the moment are very successful so
we are exploring how to move forward. We are looking to offer our financial services
globally. We have a complicated and varied business and are looking to understand our
customers' needs through research, including focus groups"
What are we the Labour Party!
---------------------------------
[14] Teddy on his way
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
All the papers go with the talk that Teddy could be set for a move to Spurs in the
summer getting that two year contract he wants. Wonder what all the Spurs fans who
slagged him off would think then.
West Ham also interested. Harry Redknapp said: "I spoke to his agent at the end of
last season and I think Teddy would have been ready to come back to London at the
time. I should have pushed the boat out a bit more to get him but you do worry about
signing strikers when they get to that age. But I have to say that Teddy has been
absolutely fantastic this season."
Sheringham's agent Barry Nevill:
"Ideally he wants to stay at United. But he's a free agent at the end of the season,
he's one of the leading goalscorers in the country so I'm sure there wouldn't be any
lack of takers if he goes."
---------------------------------
[13] Soton away ticket details
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
'Southampton v Manchester United
The Dell, Sunday 13 May, 3pm
We have received an overall allocation of 1400 tickets of which 580 are priced £24
(upper tier), 80 are priced £22 (upper tier restricted view), 690 are priced £22
adults and £9 under 16s/over 65s (lower section), and 50 are priced £20 (lower tier
restricted view). Postal applications are now being accepted from Season Ticket
Holders on production of voucher 38 (duly completed), letter of application, open
cheque (made payable to MUFC), sae and the following 7 match vouchers properly affixed
to the official token sheet: 31 (RSC Anderlecht) 32 (PSV Eindhoven) 33 (Dynamo Kiev)
34 (Panathinaikos) 35 (Valencia) 36 (Sturm Graz) 37 (West Ham United).
Private Box/Exec Suite and Club Class Members can also apply in the usual manner
quoting their facilities held.
All applications need to be received in the Ticket Office no later than 5p.m. on
Tuesday 10th April. As we anticipate being heavily oversubscribed a postal ballot will
be held to determine the successful applicants.'
---------------------------------
[12] Hopefully this still WILL matter to us
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
We're still seeking 100% confirmation of semi dates but UEFA handed out a press
release last night to reporters at Old Trafford saying that our side of the semi (from
us, Bayern, Turks and Madrid) will be played on May 1st and May 9th - making it an
away leg, Tuesday, home, Wednesday scenario. We'll let you know as soon as this is
confirmation and not rumour.
Our snout in the press box last night went to the after match conference and said
Fergie looked 'crestfallen, just gutted, hardly said a word'.
---------------------------------
[11] Purely for matters of national interest
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
Boro are putting tickets for the Utd game on sale via their website on Wed 11th @
9am. www.mfc.co.uk. Of course we don't condone the fact that Reds may...blah de blah
de blah.
---------------------------------
[10] Phil Mitchell is bigger than the Scousers!
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
You're not famous anymore
'Liverpool's European match on Thursday will kick off 15 minutes late
to allow TV viewers to find out who shot EastEnders hardman Phil Mitchell. The start
of the Uefa Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Barcelona from the Nou Camp stadium
has been put back to 8.15pm to accommodate a 40-minute edition of the soap. The BBC
managed to persuade both clubs and Uefa to put back the kick-off so football fans
would not miss any of the action.'
---------------------------------
[9] The cheek of Liverpool
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
After the Premier League have said Liverpool have to - they don't want to - play
Ipswich on Tuesday Gérard Houllier said:
"This is an unfair ruling which favours Ipswich. They obviously want Ipswich to be in
the Champions League rather than Liverpool."
We'd just like to remind you that Liverpool voted against a proposal over recent years
to extend the season to give Utd games a breather between each other to aid our
European chances. Now the shoe is on the other foot Liverpool forget they told us 'get
on with it'.
---------------------------------
[8] Odds for tonight's games
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
>From Ladbrokes
Leeds 5/4
D Coruna 7/4
Draw 11/5
Arsenal 11/10
Valencia 2/1
Draw 11/5
---------------------------------
[7] Taibi slates Fergie
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
I don't know, you score a goal.......
"Manchester was a nightmare. I found Ferguson to be bogus as few people are. He kept
saying to me, 'Next time you will play, don't worry, do you understand?' Certainly I
understood - I understood he
wanted me out. "I replied to him, 'Dear Ferguson, in Italy the coaches who make
promises are the same who have decided to get rid of someone.' And he smiled.
Incredible.
Listen, Italian goalkeepers are the best in the world. But if Buffon, who is the best
of all, had gone there without his personal trainer the same thing would have
happened. I can guarantee it. If only I could return to England but accompanied by
Enrico Etna who has helped me a lot at Reggio."
You'd probably still have a 'mare and blame the studs.
---------------------------------
[6] Jury retires in Leeds case
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
Decision expected in next few days.
>From PA
'The jury in the Leeds United footballers' trial at Hull Crown Court has retired to
consider its verdicts. During the eight-week trial at Hull Crown Court there have been
60 witnesses giving evidence, including the three footballers. Mr Justice Poole went
through the allegations against Jonathan Woodgate, Lee Bowyer, Michael Duberry and two
of Woodgate's friends Paul Clifford and Neale Caveney.
The judge told the jury: "You have probably heard that in some cases a court can
receive a majority verdict but the circumstances in which that can happen won't arise
in this case unless and until I give you a further direction. Consider the cases
separately against each defendant and on each count and strive to reach verdicts that
are the verdicts of you all."
The court has been told that Woodgate, Bowyer, Caveney and Clifford chased a group of
Asians following a confrontation outside the Majestyk nightclub in January last year.
It has been alleged that they caught up with 20-year-old student Sarfraz Najeib in
Mill Hill, where they kicked and punched him senseless. Najeib, of Rotherham, South
Yorkshire, suffered serious injuries in the attack including a broken nose and
fractured leg.
The prosecution has alleged that after the attack, Woodgate returned to the
unconscious Najeib and launched a two-footed assault on him. The Crown also claim
Clifford bit Najeib on the right cheek.
The jury has been told that Woodgate, Clifford and Caveney, along with two other men,
returned to Duberry's house on the outskirts of Leeds. The prosecution claim that
Duberry supplied Clifford and another man with a change of clothing to hide
incriminating evidence.
Bowyer, 24, of Leeds, Woodgate, Clifford and Caveney, all 21 and from Middlesbrough,
deny causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Najeib. They also deny affray.
Duberry, 25, Woodgate, Clifford and Caveney all deny conspiracy to pervert the course
of justice following the attack.'
---------------------------------
[5] Houllier and Ziege kick it off
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
>From PA
"Gerard Houllier has launched a staggering attack on Christian Ziege following his
outburst at not being selected. As Houllier prepares his side for the Uefa Cup
semi-final in Barcelona he warned Ziege: "The best thing you can do is to shut up".
Ziege has failed to hold down a place at either left-back or wing-back since moving to
the club earlier this season. And the £5.5million signing from Middlesbrough vented
his frustration, saying:
"I'm not injured and I showed that by playing for Germany against Greece without any
problems. Mr Houllier has also acknowledged that I am training very well. What more
can I do? I don't want to resign myself to playing in the reserves every week. I
didn't come to Liverpool just to learn better English. I want to play football."
But Houllier hit back saying: "What he has said shows a lack of respect for the other
players. If he says he should play it shows a lack of respect for his colleagues. My
advice to him is to shut up. He is not going to attract my attention by complaining in
the media. He is not going to demonstrate his commitment by making such comments."
Great team spirit.
---------------------------------
[4] No, it's got to be a wind up - he didn't say it
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
Surely Weaver didn't say it. Confirmation sought. No, he actually did insert the m
word into this statement.
Ladies and gentlemen we give you Nicky Weaver:
"I want to stay at Manchester City. They started me off in my career and I want to
repay them for that. We're in a difficult position at the moment but I honestly
believe we're not far off something very big here. We're still a massive club and
we've got a brilliant new stadium on the way in 2003. It's vital we're in the
Premiership when we move into that new ground."
COS CITY ARE A MASSIVE CLUB!
---------------------------------
[3] Have to say thanks
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
For the unexpecteed but muchos welcome mention in the Utd match programme last night.
Wow.
Incidentally, apologise for regular Red News readers missing out on buying copis of
our new issue in the run up to kick off and particularly after the game. We were all
keen to get into to see the match and afterwards it was a mix up of distribution and
being too gutted to want to sort it out and sell. We'll have plenty of copies to get
at the Charlton game next Tuesday on sale where hopefully we won't be so gutted.
---------------------------------
[2] Giggs signs new deal
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
United press release below. Hopefully this will get him fit for the away leg!
"Manchester United is delighted to announce that the club has agreed terms with Ryan
Giggs on a new five-year contract which will commence on 1st July 2001.
Peter Kenyon, Chief Executive, says:
"The club is extremely pleased to have reached an agreement with Ryan on a new
contract. He has played such an important role in Unitedís achievements of the past
decade, and more than 10 years after his debut Ryan is performing as well as ever. We
look forward to even greater success for him and the team in the years to come."
Sir Alex Ferguson says:
"I am delighted that Ryan has agreed to a new contract. His performances over the
years have thrilled the fans and played a big part in helping the club achieve
consistent success."
Ryan Giggs says:
"I am really pleased to have agreed a new deal. I have had a fantastic time at
United, and hope to enjoy as much success with the lads in the future as I have in the
past ten years."
Ryan Giggs was born on 29th November 1973.
He joined Manchester United on schoolboy forms in 1987, and made his debut in March
1991 at the age of 17. Since then he has made 435 appearances for the club, scoring
86 goals. During his career he has won every domestic trophy - the League Cup in
1992, League Championships in 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000, and three FA Cup
winners' medals in 1994, 1996 and 1999 - as well as the European Cup in 1999."
---------------------------------
[1] Red News comment on last night
---------------------------------
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2001 by bar-knee:
Bollocks
Bollocks
Bollocks
'And then it was over and then it was done'. Well, not quite - as Fergie has pointed
out, we're 1-0 down now at half-time relatively, and at 1-0 down in Munich we were 1-0
down. That's not clutching at straws - we can achieve this. We did it in what was and
will be a far more intimidating atmosphere in Turin. And the Nou Camp win will still
be in the minds of the Bayern players whatever anyway says.
But we need to buck up our ideas quickly. There is no doubt that last night showed the
massive gap between Premiership football and European class - they were a superb
passing side last night, but most of our players have just come from tough
international fixtures in the past few weeks and a raise of the game for the European
Cup Qtr Final is essential.
If there was one word that came through after the game time and time again last night
round the pubs round the ground it was Utd had gone 'stale'. That certainly looked the
case with some of the side - with Giggs we seem to see him at least 30% off match
fitness and with others tired legs when we should be at our peak now.
1 win in 6 away from home in Europe is a terrible record to carry to Bayern, but I'm
gutted but not thinking we're out of this. Utd keep saying we are the best team in
Europe. Many fans feel this. I want to believe this. Best teams in Europe win in
Bayern, whatever the defecit from the first leg. If we want to win the European Cup
we'd expect to win even. So this is not a lost cause, merely a game which will confirm
one way or another just how good we REALLY are in European football this season.
'Manchester United always score'
