Welcome to the latest edition of the Official Manchester City Magazine.
It's hard to believe we are in April already, but here we are, with the finishing line firmly in view.
How will it all pan out? We all know what we'd like to happen, and with this group of players and Pep Guardiola overseeing events, everything is possible.
It is very much going to be a month of destiny and no doubt there will be plenty of nails bitten along the way as we chase three more huge trophies.
It won't be dull, that's for sure.
On to the April City Magazine and we begin with our cover star, Jack Grealish.
Jack is a genuinely lovely lad, and he returns from injury at a crucial stage of the season - and no doubt he will have a big part to play in our remaining games.
We talk to Jack about being an icon for younger fans, his appreciative outlook on life and, of course, the big question most City fans want to know - why does he get booed by opposition fans whenever he plays?
There is also a fascinating battle going on for the Barclay's Women's Super League title and with that in mind, Laia Aleixandri discusses what will be another thrilling run-in.
We also take the opportunity to look back at another Manchester derby win towards the end of last month, with an exclusive behind-the-scenes feature of another memorable Etihad clash.e
And, of course, there is plenty more.
Among the many features in the pages that follow you'll find So Solid Blue, which pays homage to Joe Hart, an interview with Scots rockers Twin Atlantic, Cover Story, Kev Cummins' latest A to Z of Manchester (Kevin Horlock), Marc Riley's Mixed Grill, a vintage Q&A (Paul Futcher) and our find out which non-event of a game our Random Match Generator has selected for April.
All the above, plus Andy Morrison's score predictions, a Jack Grealish recovery gallery, and our regular EDS and U18s features.
So, without further ado, let's get on with the show!
All-round good guy, hero big brother and much-loved by those who know him best, CITY MAGAZINE sat down with Jack Grealish to talk about being a fashion icon, a hero to thousands of adoring youngsters and ask the question… why exactly do opposition fans boo him all the time...?
Jack Grealish is universally popular at Manchester City. Loved by his team-mates, coaches, and Club staff, what you see is what you get with Jack, a humble, generous, and loving guy who has always been incredibly close to his family.
Jack also goes out of his way to make others feel comfortable, and he is idolised by young football fans across the land.
And the nice thing is, it all comes very naturally to him, being a people person before all else - and with his playful, relaxed persona, it’s no wonder kids hold him in such high esteem.
“I think the way I was brought up, but also because we’ve always had lots of children around in our family growing up and I’ve always been very close to my family, but I think a lot of it is down to how I’ve been raised as a person,” reveals Jack.
On a recent Matchday Live, former QPR and Leicester boss Ian Holloway – father of three profoundly deaf daughters - commented on the empathy Jack shows to kids with disabilities and the natural way he is with them.
It is something Jack feels passionate about, with his younger sister Hollie born with cerebral palsy and forced to overcome numerous disability hurdles growing up.
“I think it’s a little bit easier for me because I’ve always been around my sister who is severely disabled,” says Jack.
“Whether that’s because her friends who often come around who are also disabled, I don’t know, but I’ve always been used to being around people with disabilities.
The humility and compassion Jack has for those less fortunate is something he doesn’t really think about, though clearly he takes a great deal of inspiration from his little sister and often uses it as a barometer for his own life.
“Disabled children are a lot less fortunate than the majority of people and can live difficult lives, so I think it’s important to show them lots of love and treat them really well.," he says.
Is, as you’d suspect, big brother Jack also Hollie’s hero?
“I think I probably am,” he smiles, “but she gets fed up with me as well because I’m always winding her up and stuff! I love her to pieces, and we are so lucky to have her because when she was born, they told us she wouldn’t be able to do a lot of things like talking and walking, but luckily she can do all that now.”
The humility and compassion Jack has for those less fortunate is something he doesn’t really think about, though clearly he takes a great deal of inspiration from his little sister and uses it as a barometer for his own life.
“I think it’s kind of natural,” he says. “We, as players, have bad days and even the last three months have been really difficult on and off the pitch, but I try and stay positive because – as I say going back to my little sister and the stuff she has to deal with every day – just because I might be having a bad day and not playing or training well, it pales in significance and puts everything into perspective, So I try and be grateful for everything and keep smiling.”
Jack has supported charitable causes such as Saving Lives, Children In Need as well as helping hospital fundraising initiatives and being an ambassador for the Great Britain Paralympics team – something he’s done without fanfare or seeking publicity – just because he wants to give back to those who need it most.
He is also a hugely popular player – and person - with the City fans, too.
Despite his superstar status, he manages to maintain an aura that in supporters’ eyes, he is very much ‘one of us’, and that’s something he’s been keen to do – to not lose touch with the fan on the terraces, because he has never forgotten that’s where he once stood as well.
“I think I get on well with fans because I was one myself once upon a time and feel I always would have had that relationship with them,” he says.
“The fans at City are so good and brilliant and when I see them around, I always stop and have a chat – I can’t praise them enough or fault them in anyway as people or supporters.”
Of course, you can’t have a captive audience with Jack Grealish and not talk about haircuts and socks…
You could argue he’s been one of the most influential footballers in England since David Beckham, with the Grealish haircut incredibly popular among youngsters up and down the land as well as his famously low socks and junior shin pad look now so common in professional football.
Whether he wanted it or not, he’s a fashion and style icon.
“I don’t sit down and see someone playing and say ‘oh yeah, that’s because of me’ – everyone wants to be different and so did I, that’s why I wore my headband, had my socks low and that’s part of who I am now and my swagger on the pitch,” he says.
“And If I see kids with the same hair or socks, it’s nice, because when I was their age, I used to idolise other players and want to do what they were doing – so if I see kids as I’m driving out of the CFA with a headband on or their socks a bit lower, it’s just nice to see.”
So, given how Jack is as a person, the hero big brother he is, plus the many things he does away from football to help others, it begs the question: what’s with the booing?
It seems that anywhere he goes - outside the Etihad – he is jeered by opposition supporters.
Jack, like his family, friends, and City fans, is perplexed as to why it happens at ground after ground.
“I always think about it,” he admits.
“I always wonder, ‘why do they boo me?’ – and my mum always asks me about it as well. But I don’t actually know why it happens. At every single away ground I go to now, I get booed and I’m not entirely sure why it is – I just have to try and take it as a positive or a compliment.”
Whatever the reason, it’s tiresome and without any foundation, but of course, that won’t make it go away anytime soon.
Perhaps Jack’s best way of hushing his detractors is to keep doing what he’s done since he joined the Blues in 2021 – winning trophies.
He’s won six major pieces of silverware since his move from Aston Villa and, with hopefully a series of niggling injuries behind him, he is hoping to play his part in the Blues’ attempts to win another three this season.
“That’s definitely my aim,” he says.
“I trained throughout the international break and didn’t have much time off. I trained with the Under-23s to try and get as fit as possible and try and be there with the lads in these final months and help them as much as possible – now is where the biggest games are coming because we have Real Madrid twice, Chelsea, Villa, and this where everyone looks at you and everyone has to perform.
“Hopefully, I can be there for the lads, the manager and for our fans and try and be successful in these last two months.”
Let’s hope he realises those ambitions and then goes on to have a fantastic Euro 2024 – he deserves nothing less.
Interview: David Clayton
More thoughts and scorelines from our former skipper Andy Morrison for the month of April…
Premier League
Weds 3 April 20:15
City v Aston Villa
Mozzer’s verdict: Were Villa that good in our first meeting or did we have a bad day at the office? Pep has cited them as being much better on the night and has mentioned it regularly throughout the season, which makes me think he and his players have been waiting for this game to redress the balance. I think we’ll look to give them a dose of their own medicine and expect us to dominate for long periods and win comfortably.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 4-1 Aston Vila
Crystal Palace v City
Premier League
Saturday 6 April, 12:30
Mozzer’s verdict: Though Selhurst Park isn’t one of our favourite destinations – it always feels like a hard venue to play at for us – we seem to be better against Palace away than we are at home, for some reason. They’ve become a bit of a bogey team at the Etihad, but I can’t see them being too much of a problem on this occasion.
Mozzer’s prediction: Palace 1-3 City
Real Madrid v City
Champions League, quarter-final, 1st leg
Tuesday 9 April, 20:00
Mozzer’s verdict: A huge game. Real Madrid wouldn’t have wanted us in the quarter-finals, but I guess we’d have liked to have avoided them at this stage as well. Obviously, they’ll see the first leg on home soil as their chance to take advantage of the tie, but I see us getting the same result as last season. They’ve only beaten us three times in 10 meetings – and I think this will make that stat three in 11.
Mozzer’s prediction: Real Madrid 1-1 City
City v Luton Town
Premier League
Saturday 13 April, 15:00
Mozzer’s verdict: Luton have impressed me because on paper, they should be bottom of the table and as good as down. But they have a wonderful fighting spirit about them, and they never give up – they can score goals as well, and I think they’ll get a couple at the Etihad – we’ll just score more.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 4-2 Luton
City v Real Madrid
Champions League, quarter-final, 2nd leg
Wednesday, 17 April, 20:00
Mozzer’s verdict: The way we swatted Real Madrid aside 4-0 last season will have hurt the Spaniards, and they’ll do all they can to avoid a similar outcome. I don’t see this being as emphatic and they may even peg us back at some stage – but we’ll be buoyed by a fantastic Etihad atmosphere that will carry us over the line and into the semis.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 3-1 Real Madrid
City v Chelsea
FA Cup semi-final
Saturday, 20 April, 17:15
Mozzer’s verdict: Chelsea have given us two hard games this season that have ended 1-1 and 4-4 and I think they’ll make this awkward again – we could even have to come behind, maybe needing extra time to see them off, but I think we’ll just edge it and book a place in another all-Manchester FA Cup final.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 2-1 Chelsea
Brighton v City
Premier League
Thursday 25 April, 20:00
Mozzer’s verdict: Brighton haven’t reached the heights of last season for one reason or another, but they’re still a great team to watch and a danger to any side home or away. They’ll be up for this, but if I’m anywhere near right about how we’ll tackle this month, we’ll have too much for them and just edge what is a very tricky re-arranged fixture.
Mozzer’s prediction: Brighton 1-2 City
Nottingham Forest v City
Premier League
Sunday 28 April, 16:30
Mozzer’s verdict: Forest are in trouble, and I'm not sure whether they will be able to get themselves out of the trouble they are in. They made it tough at the Etihad earlier this season when Morgan Gibbs-White got under Rodrigo’s skin and he ended up being sent off – but I think we’ll win this one easily.
Mozzer’s prediction: Forest 0-4 City
How did Mozzer get on last month?
Andy got three out of four results right and correctly predicted the 3-1 win over FC Copenhagen. We'll tally up his numbers at the end of the season!
Scottish rockers Twin Atlantic have teams north and south of the border – one half of the band, Ross McNae, is a Celtic and City fan – and here, Ross explains how and why that is, as well as some band background info…
CITY MAG: Ross, Twin Atlantic have been going a while now – where are the band currently at?
ROSS: We’ve been going since we left school around 2007. I’d never have imagined we’d still be getting to make music now, but here we are. We have a a lot to be grateful for. We’re split 50/50 between Canada and Scotland, where I am. We have a Londoner somewhere in that mix, too. Album #6 is out on August 9 on our own label - Staple Diet. We’ve been on indies, majors, and now we have our own label. It’s gone full circle.
You grew up a Celtic fan, so how did City enter the picture?
You’re right. I grew up and still am a Celtic supporter. For those who don’t know, when you’re north of the border you tend to have an English team. When I was young I loved Kinkladze. Maybe it was the name that sounded good and made my imagination run away, but whatever it was, I got a City top with his name on the back - a classic Kappa home shirt - and I never looked back.
What’s your first City memory?
It’s not my first, but my best was watching the Aguero league winning goal on tour in a hotel in America with my tour manager and a £20 bet won from him. At that point I felt like a millionaire!
Who was your first hero? City and what’s your favourite City-related music?
Kinkladze - a total magician. There have been a lot over the years. David Silva, now Bernardo, but the best of all time has to be Kevin De Bruyne. In music, '(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?' was one of the first records I bought - the first was either Daft Punk’s 'Da Funk' or Placebo’s 'Nancy Boy' - so 'Wonderwall!'. I grew up listening to anthems like that which made me want to make big sounding songs that could be sung loudly - passionate moments to bring people together.
What do Celtic fans think of your City allegiances?There’s actually a lot of crossover with players over the years so there’s an understanding there. Samaras, Kolo, Bellamy, Denayer, Patrick Roberts more recently - there’s a good few - and Joe Hart! I think it’s hard to dislike City as a fan of football - people get it.
Do you ever get to any games?
I actually had my stag do at the Etihad. 11 years ago. The players signed a top for me which I still have now. I live in Scotland and we’ve toured so much over the years that I’m usually watching at home, or on my phone or in a pub somewhere in the world - I rarely miss a game. Tuesday or Wednesday nights with a gig and the Champions League has somehow not crossed too many times!
Where can people catch you live?
We’re touring a good bit this year. UK tour this November when we’ll be at the Academy in Manchester.
As a musician, what’s your favourite City song of all time?
Blue Moon. Written in 1934 and still holds up against new music. A real song.
Who is the best City-supporting band (other than half of TA!)?
Oasis, of course, but one of my musical pseudo heroes - I hate the idea of putting people on a pedestal but this guy wrote some tunes - is Ian Curtis. There’s an anthology of his lyrics published about ten years ago called So This Is Permanence that is a must read. Love Will Tear Us Apart Again soundtracked my adolescence and it’s still fresh every time you hear it. My favourite feeling in the world is nostalgia for a time or place you’ve never experienced, and that takes me to the time when it was written every time I hear it.
We have an incredibly tough last 2 months – what do you see happening in the 3 comps we are in?
I don’t see why it’s not a double treble. Celtic did three in a row. I think City could do it again. If we get past Madrid then why not!
Describe your dream gig, venue and support acts…
My dad always says he’d pay a fortune to see a Paul Simon or Dylan at an 'evening with...', in a tiny gig, but wasn’t interested in going to see them and being miles back in an arena. I think more and more I’m realising that, too. I’m interested in how we transition to a point where we have a sustainable music industry - smaller gigs, more of them, less people travelling to each one with a lower carbon footprint - or maybe it’s online, streamed so everyone can be right there on the stage with the artists and not polluting the planet in the process. Dream venue - my living room, watching Max Richter play Sleep overnight, no supports. But if we’re talking City-based then the Etihad, Oasis reunion - we’ll play one song first on just so we can say we did it.
What’s your all-time best City XI + 7 subs, manager and formation? (can do half City/half Celtic if helps!)?
Gone for the Celtic connection on the bench and in goals - anyone who’s played at both - and the greats. It might not be the all time best, but it’s players that have meant something to me on my football journey.
Joe Hart was, without doubt, the best goalkeeper in the Premier League at the peak of his powers.
A pivotal part of the Club’s growth that took us from mid-table in the league to one of the game’s most feared opponents, Hart’s place in the long arc of Manchester City is secure.
The former England international ended his incredible 12-year association with City in 2018 and has since gone on to represent Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic.
It’s with the Scottish giants where he will end his playing career at the end of this current season, having reached the age of 36.
Born in Shrewsbury, a town in Shropshire a few miles from the Welsh border, Hart excelled at sport from a young age.
In fact, he represented Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s academy sides in his youth before eventually deciding to focus his attentions on football.
He made his first team debut for Shrewsbury Town as a 17-year-old in 2004 but it was in the 2005/06 season that he truly caught the eye. He played every single match of the league campaign and was quickly attracting the attention of Premier League clubs.
It was City who won the race for his signature in the summer of 2006 although it seemed the teenager would have his work cut out making the team, with Sweden number No.1 Andreas Isaksson, Club favourite Nicky Weaver and fellow prospect Kasper Schmeichel already in the ranks.
He made his debut in October as injuries ruled out Isaksson and Weaver and looked solid in keeping a clean sheet. However, that was his only appearance of the season and he spent the second half of the term with loan deals at Tranmere Rovers and Blackpool.
With Weaver’s move to Charlton that summer, it was a three-way tussle for the goalkeeper’s shirt under new boss Sven-Goran Eriksson. It’s fair to say Hart won the war as he played 32 times, with Schmeichel playing on seven occasions and Isaksson six.
It was at the end of this season that he made his senior England debut, coming on at half-time of a friendly with Trinidad & Tobago.
He was rewarded with the No.1 jersey in 2008/09 under Mark Hughes and was undisputed first choice until Shay Given’s arrival in the 2009 winter transfer window.
Having his place in the side, Hart sought a loan move to Premier League side Birmingham City – a decision that proved transformational for his career prospects.
At Birmingham he was voted the club’s Player of the Year, named in the PFA Team of the Year and nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Even still, upon his return to City there were no guarantees he would be Roberto Mancini’s first choice. Hart had been to the 2010 World Cup with England but not featured.
Heading into the opening day of the 2010/11 season at Tottenham Hotspur, speculation was rife as to which way Mancini would go.
He chose Hart and never looked back. It was perhaps the day that defined all of Hart’s best attributes.
The goalkeeper was named Man of the Match in a 0-0 draw, making an incredible 18 saves against a team that featured the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.
Unashamedly bold in coming off his line to collect crosses or smother strikers, Hart’s physical presence appeared to knock strikers off their game as they bore down on goal.
While he was agile enough to fly high across his line to tip shots over the bar, it is perhaps the way he spread his arms and legs in one-v-one situations to give players nowhere to shoot that was the outstanding aspect of his goalkeeping.
He went on to play every single Premier League game that season, winning the Golden Glove, and earning the complete trust of boss Mancini and Vincent Kompany, the leading figure in the defence ahead of him.
It was partly that relationship with his defence that saw us to a first major trophy in 35 years when we beat Stoke City 1-0 in the FA Cup final that season.
A mentality shift had also happened in Manchester on that run, as we overcame Manchester United in the semi-final.
There was no doubt that Hart was one of the main men and going to be pivotal for the 2011/12 title challenge.
Hart again played every game as we conceded just 29 goals, a fact that proved crucial in winning the league on goal difference.
We all know exactly how that title was won on that fateful day with QPR, but Hart’s celebration on his own at the other end of the pitch is an enduring image and one that is shown just as often as those of Sergio Aguero, Mancini and those fans lucky enough to have been caught on camera celebrating the greatest moment in their lives as football fans.
It was also his second Premier League Golden Glove and his second appearance in the PFA Team of the Year.
Hart again played every league match in 2012/13 and again kept more clean sheets than anyone else but it wasn’t enough for a successful defence of our trophy.
The arrival of Manuel Pellegrini as manager brought competition in the form of both Costel Pantilimon and Willy Caballero, but there was little doubting who remained favourite during the Chilean’s three years in charge.
Hart played 31 games in 2013/14 as we lifted a second title in three seasons, 35 in 2014/15 and 36 in 2015/16.
The summer of 2016 saw Hart struggle with England at the European Championships before returning home to find he was no longer guaranteed first choice under Pep Guardiola.
He was made captain of the side for the Champions League qualifier with Steaua Bucharest and received a huge ovation from all sides of the Etihad Stadium, with City fans suspecting it may be the last time he appeared for the Club.
He moved on loan to Serie A club Torino shortly afterwards before a spell at West Ham United in 2017/18.
With Ederson now firmly in place as the goalkeeper for Guardiola’s Centurions, Hart left in the summer of 2018 and signed for Burnley.
He was back at the City Football Academy a few months after leaving to witness as a training pitch was named after him.
At Burnley, he struggled for game time and after two seasons signed for Spurs, where he spent one year as understudy to France captain Hugo Lloris.
The move to Celtic revitalised Hart, playing as the recognised first-choice in a domestic Treble for Ange Postecoglou’s team.
Hart then announced in February 2024 that the current campaign would be his last.
Having always been an excellent communicator, it is unlikely that this will be the last we hear of Joe Hart.
However, this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on his monumental contributions to Manchester City.
Only 27 players have appeared for City on more occasions, with Hart ending on 348 City games. In that time he won 192 times and kept 137 clean sheets.
His five major trophies at City set the wheel in motion for the current era of domestic dominance we are enjoying.
Congratulations to Joe on an exceptional career!
Overcoming the demands and pressure of being an elite athlete is no easy task...
Physical, Technical and Tactical are all part of the four pillars model and the ones that are often thought about first when asked what areas are needed to develop in order to become a professional football player.
But the final pillar, and the one that is seeing continuous and quick growth to catch up with the other three, is psychology.
Mark Keep, the Professional Development Phase (PDP) Sport Psychologist for the City players in our Under-18s and Under-21s, sat down with City Magazine to discuss the importance of psychology in football.
CITY MAG: Hi Mark, this is a topic we are very excited to learn more about and shine a light on. For those who might be interested in following a similar and exciting career path such as yours, could you start off by talking us through how you became a psychologist and now continuing your career at City?
MARK: Yeah sure, so I studied psychology at A-Level which piqued my interest, I suppose. I was always passionate about sport and by the end of my A-Levels I thought it would be really cool to be a sport psychologist. I then went to university and completed an undergraduate degree in psychology before specialising in my masters in sport and exercise psychology. After that I became a chartered psychologist through the British Psychological Society which takes a minimum of two years, but it took me just over four as it did it alongside other work. Completing my chartership allowed me to be called a charted psychologist which gives you the most stature in the psychology world but also allows you to apply to Health and Care Professions Council to be a practitioner psychologist and get onto the HCPC register and the title all psychologists want to achieve.
I’ve worked in athletics, tennis, American football, I worked with a ballet dancer, too at one stage and motorsport. I then worked at a Cat One Academy for six years before I came to City and I’ve been here for two years, one as part-time and I recently celebrated one year as a full-time PDP psychologist for the Club’s Academy.
CITY MAG: What inspired you to pursue the profession?
MARK: I’m incredibly fortunate to be a full-time sport psychologist, there’s not many people, but thankfully full-time psychologists are becoming more popular now. In terms of what got me into sport psychology, I’m not sure to be honest! I think I was so passionate about sport, and I was always curious as to why some people are able to operate at an elite level. If we’ve all got the same technical proficiencies, if we’re all tactically astute, if we’re all physically great athletes, the mental side is obviously the bit that’s missing and just the thought of who can perform at their best in the most stressful of environments really sparked my interest. Penalty shoot-outs especially, are gold dust to me. I love seeing which players can cope with the pressure of dispatching their penalty versus those who are mentally going through their own personal process and struggle to take on the task at hand or whether they struggle under the pressure. And I guess ultimately, I wanted to be a small part of that and try and support players and staff in their development and prepare them for those moments as best as possible. My job is my passion.
CITY MAG: What does your role entail day to day - is it a bit different on a matchday?
MARK: Yeah, I suppose so. Overall I’m looking after the well-being of the whole squads across the Under-18s and the Elite Development Squad. We do well-being screening across the season, we have well-being forums with staff and we also have wellness ratings. I chat to players individually on things like football stress, external stress, fatigue and anything else that’s going on. Sleep is also a key area we work on with them. I’m currently working with some players on performance psychology which entails being more competitive in training and matches, whether that’s regulating their emotions a bit better or boosting their resilience levels and overcoming setbacks and how quickly we can stay in the present moment and focus on the next action.
Also working within the PDP all the players develop at different rates so we can see which players are more physically, mentally and socially mature and we just have to try and match the delivery to their personality and we need to understand each player’s peaks and troughs throughout the season and in turn tailor the support that they need. Some might need to be pushed, others might need more of an arm around the shoulder, some will be ready for that next big game, some might need more support before it.
CITY MAG: A slight misconception is that psychology and mental health fall under the same bracket but they differ a little don’t they? But with City’s set-up and support system, the players across the entirety of the Academy are provided with a plethora of types of support to cater everyone’s needs?
MARK: Yes, so we work in tandem really when we need to but also the potential to work separately to our mental wellbeing staff. It very much depends on what the topic is, is it on or off pitch, something more personal, something that could impact them on the pitch so we work together to find the best way to support each player. The important thing is that everyone has a role in supporting an Academy player’s mental health. We’re seeing a really positive shift in players becoming more comfortable speaking about their mental health which I think is because of the awareness that’s going round with the FA’s campaign, Premier League players talking about their mental health but also the support mechanisms we’re putting in place. For me now, it’s about the players becoming self-sufficient in seeking and using their social support network to process any setbacks on or off the field. And secondly, player’s exposing themselves to difficult scenarios, but having a set of mental skills which can support them to overcome any negative emotions or unhealthy negative emotions and still end up producing a performance.
And to answer the second part to your question, I think we’re really lucky here at City to have such a good link between all of the psychologists which mean the players are continuously looked after throughout their entire journey at City’s Academy. Jennie Killilea with the Under-15s and Under-16s is a really good link for me for when those players move up to the Under-18s or Under-21s. When players go into the first team I’ve got a good link with David Young the first team sport psychologist. And then below Jenniel we have Cassie Wood with the Under-12s, Under-13s and Under-14s. It’s a great system and it shows how important psychology is to Manchester City and its players.
Interview: Holly Percival
