Welcome...
Well, we're off and running again with the new season under way and it's great to be back in amongst it.
Going to press, City had made a great start and the quest for silverware has begun once again.
And, as always, the new edition of the City Magazine reflects the buzz and energy of the new campaign.
Our cover star is Josko Gvardiol , with the Croatian defender looking to pick up from where he left off last season in the weeks and months ahead.
And we couldn't let the return of Ilkay Gundogan go without an enjoyable salute to the great things he's already achieved with City in a special 'best of' feature.
Jess Park and Laura Blindkilde Brown provide youthful looks ahead to this season's Barclays Women's Super League challenge with high hopes that Gareth Taylor's side can go one better this campaign.
As ever, the above merely scratches the surface.
So Solid Blue looks at the wonderful decade of service by Nicky Weaver, while a classic archive interview with David Silva is, of course, magical.
Bill Borrows, journalist, author and lifelong Blue supplies a Best XI with a surprise choice as manager and best selling author Dame Jilly Cooper makes a welcome City Mag debut.
We've a vintage Q&A from 1970 with the great Glyn Pardoe, while our Random Match Generator has selected a six-goal thriller with Walsall and a crazy three minutes either side of half-time.
All that, plus Mozzer v The Vloggers in our predictions face-off, a Q&A with popular YouTuber Esteemed Kompany, Technical Area and a behind the scenes look at the PFA awards.
Marc Riley, Kevin Cummins and our regular U18s and EDS focus - the list is endless, so let's get on and read it all!
Hopeful of carrying his stellar form from the back end of last season into the new campaign, Josko Gvardiol couldn't wait to start his second year in sky blue. The likeable Croatian hit peak form at exactly the right time as City relentlessly powered towards a fourth consecutive Premier League title and now he wants more of the same...
Still only 22, Josko Gvardiol had to fully find his feet in English football as he learned the style and role he was expected to play - and admits it took him time to absorb what was a way of playing that was completely different to anything he’d experienced before.
It was tough at the beginning, but with concentration and hard work, he eventually found his best form and will start 2024/25 in a much stronger place than he did 12 months ago.
In fact, he is already showing the confidence he impressed so many with last season in the first weeks of the new one.
“What I learned last season is that you just need to be focused, keep going and don't quit,” said Gvardiol.
“Especially in the Premier League where every game has tough moments – and we had them last season - we just need to be there for each other and work hard.
“I needed time to adapt and see myself in the system we play and the way we play - it wasn't that easy.
“I would say my best period was the last couple of months where I found strength inside of me and the focus I needed.”
That inner strength resulted in Gvardiol becoming something of a headline act in the final months of last season.
His stunning first City goal – at the Bernabeu of all places – opened the floodgates for the Croatia star who went on a run of five goals in seven games.
He scored against Luton, Nottingham Forest and grabbed two away to Fulham, resulting in Pep Guardiola claiming, “yeah, we signed the best winger in Europe” in response to how he felt Josko’s progress was going.
The Premier League goals undoubtedly helped City over the line in the title race and in becoming a champion, he realised a boyhood dream that was shared by compatriot Mateo Kovacic.
“I had a period where I was a bit lost. That’s only football. You just need to keep working, keep going and my teammates were there to help me adapt,” he said.
"I would say the last couple of months I woke up, I was awake, and I said to myself ‘come on, it's near the end of the season’ – I showed who I am and what I’m capable of.
“As for whether I can repeat that scoring run? I don't know - we'll see - I hope so!"
“I'm going to do my best and prepare myself to be ready for what's to come, so as I say, we will see.
“Me and Mateo wanted to win the Premier League more than anything - and we achieved that dream, so it was a great end to my first season.
“It feels really good, but I need to keep my feet on the ground, keep focused because that's who I am. I know I have to keep working hard and learning all the time.”
And while working with a manager he has endless admiration for, it may have been a steep learning curve, but one that Gvardiol has relished.
“I have to say that he’s a genius,” he said of the City boss.
“He lives for the sport. I remember one day, he came to our meeting, we were planning something the whole week, how we were going to play, but that day he came up and said, ‘I had a dream,’ and he changed the system and everything. From that moment, I knew he really loved it.
“What I like is that he is a person and is a manager who likes to help you. He likes to talk about football, about the system, the way we play. I would say that is what makes the difference from the other managers.”
Despite taking part in the Euros where Croatia surprisingly exited at the group stage, that elimination allowed him to have a longer break than he’d anticipated.
A trip to America with friends, was followed by another trip to America to join his team-mates as he arrived in time for the New York leg of pre-season.
“It was great to get back and take part in pre-season partway through,” he said.
“I didn't have that much time off over the past three years - I had three surgeries in three years, so I didn't get many chances to rest, relax and get away so it was nice to go to the USA in the summer with friends.
“I like England, though I haven’t seen as much as I would like as yet. I've been to London and Liverpool but that's all because the schedule is very intense and it will be the same again this year.”
And on his new home in the city of Manchester?
“I like it a lot - it's much better in the summer because the winter was really cold, and I was surprised by that!
“Moving to the UK was an adjustment, but I enjoy learning about a new culture.
“While I miss my loved ones back home, my teammates, especially Mateo, have helped me settle.
“This season, I’d love to help the team win the Champions League and win the Premier League again to make Manchester City the five-time champions.”
Feature: David Clayton/George Kelsey
For the 2024/25 season, our former skipper Andy Morrison is up against City vloggers MCFC Lads, Prime Mutton and Esteemed Kompany. The Vloggers will form an alliance that takes turns taking on Mozzer each month predicting scores and results to see who comes out on top. A correct result is worth one point and a correct score is worth three. The City vloggers will take alternate months each over course of the season, and this time it's Steven McInerney - AKA Esteemed Kompany...
CITY V BRENTFORD
Sunday 14 Sep • 15:00 kick-off
Etihad Stadium
Mozzer verdict: Ivan Toney has now moved on and what a handful he's been in the past. Brentford have given us some tough games in recent times – last season we just edged it 1-0 and they won at the Etihad two years ago. That said, I think we’ll pull away as the game progresses and win comfortably.
Mozzer prediction: City 4-1 Brentford
Vlogger verdict: I think Brentford are a team on a slight decline under Thomas Frank. They did well in their first couple of seasons, but I think they were poor overall last season. This might even be a season in which they are more threatened by relegation. I think City will win this one comfortably at the Etihad.
Vlogger prediction: City 3-0 Brentford
CITY V inter MILAN
September 17, 20:00 kick-off
Etihad Stadium
Mozzer’s verdict: This is going to be special. Inter will bring 3,000 fans and it should be a cracking atmosphere at the Etihad as we see a repeat of the 2023 final. They’re a good side and will look to try and nick a draw, but we will have too much quality and win by a couple of goals.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 2-0 Inter
Vloggers verdict: There are a tonne of reasons to feel confident about City's chances in the newly revamped Champions League, but if there was one game which I think City might find themselves up against particularly stubborn opposition, it's this one. Inter breezed their way to the Serie A title last season and I can't shake the feeling that revenge will be on their mind for the Champions League final defeat. I'm predicting a tight game and a goal apiece.
Vloggers prediction: City 1-1 Inter
CITY V ARSENAL
Sunday 22 Sep • 16:30 kick-off
Etihad Stadium
Mozzer’s verdict: What a game! I think the Arsenal players will have Rodrigo’s words ringing in their ears and I can’t see them coming and closing shop again. Last season I think they thought they just needed a draw and that would be enough to edge the title race – this time I think they’ll go all out to win, which will make it more open. I still think the defences are too good for a goal glut so I’m going for us to just shade it.
Mozzer Prediction: City 1-0 Arsenal
Vlogger verdict: We’ve started the season well, and with a soon-to-be fit and firing Rodri and Foden to add to that, I fancy our chances at home. I’m going to go for a 3-1 win with Erling Haaland bagging a brace and Foden getting the other.
Vlogger prediction: City 3-1 Arsenal
CITY V Watford
September 24 • 19:45 kick-off
Etihad Stadium
Mozzer’s verdict: This might not be the game we’re expecting. Watford are flying just now, will arrive confident and play their game because it’s a free hit for them. I think Pep will utilise his squad, but we should still have too much for them. I think they’ll get a goal but I expect us to progress.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 3-1 Watford
Vlogger verdict: Watford are flying currently, but as good as they are, a home draw at the Premier League champions is probably too big of an ask. There will be rotation, but we’ll still likely be too strong. I’m going for 4-0, with James McAtee getting a start and getting on the scoresheet.
City Vloggers prediction: City 4-0 Watford
NEWCASTLE V CITY
Saturday 28 Sep • 12:30 kick-off
St. James' Park
Mozzer’s verdict: Another tough one! St James’ Park is always difficult with a fantastic atmosphere, especially when the champions are in town. Newcastle have made a decent start, but we’ll be up and running by this point and I expect us to grind them down and come away with three points.
Mozzer’s prediction: Newcastle 1-3 City
Vloggers verdict: This will be tough. It’s never easy going to Newcastle, but still this City side is built differently. A closely fought 2-1 victory with one goal each from Gundogan, his first since returning, and Haaland is my prediction.
City Vloggers prediction: Newcastle 1-2 City
August results (1 point for result, 3 for correct score):
Mozzer: Andy was a goal out with his Ipswich prediction of 5-1 so only collects a point for that. He also went for a 2-2 at draw at Chelsea which of course didn't happen. But our former skipper finished in style, correctly calling our 3-1 win at West Ham.
MCFC Lads: Luke Stanley of MCFC Lads correctly predicted our 4-1 win over Ipswich and was close with his 1-0 win forecast against Chelsea. He went for 2-0 at West Ham but just edges it overall.
Overall scoreboard after 3 games:
Mozzer 4pts Vloggers 5pts
In one of the most unexpected transfers of the summer window, Ilkay Gundogan re-signed for City after just one season away.
To celebrate the return of our Treble-winning skipper here are eight milestone moments from his City career to date…
Pep’s first signing (2016)
How prophetic that Ilkay was Pep Guardiola’s first signing for City?
The eloquent German had been identified as a key component for the new Blues boss as he shaped a team in his image.
‘Gundo’ was a player Pep had admired during his three years as Bayern Munich head coach and on 2 June 2016, City paid a modest fee to secure the services of the Borussia Dortmund star with few realising the impact he would go on to have at the Etihad…
Brace v Barca (2016)
Though Gundo had settled well with a series of solid displays, the first hint of genuine stardust came on 1 November 2016.
The Blues, needing a victory to edge closer to a place in the Champions League knockout phase, were up against a Barcelona side who had thrashed City 4-0 at the Nou Camp a fortnight before.
And the omens weren’t good when Lionel Messi put the Catalans ahead on 21 minutes.
But – in a game dubbed by BBC Sport as ‘the night Pep really arrived’ – Gundogan had different ideas.
First he finished from close range on 39 minutes to level the scores, then, after Kevin De Bruyne had put the Blues 2-1 up, it was Gundo who sealed a first ever win over Barcelona with his second tap-in of the night on 74 minutes to seal a 3-1 win at the Etihad.
Seagulls downed (2019)
The 2018/19 Premier League title race went to the wire as City and Liverpool exchanged blows throughout a thrilling campaign.
Needing a victory at the Amex Stadium to become the first team in 10 years to retain the Premier League crown, the Blues initially fell behind to a Glenn Murray header before goals from Sergio Aguero and Aymeric Laporte made it 2-1 to City before the break.
Riyad Mahrez increased the lead after the break - however, even at 3-1 up, a goal for the Seagulls might have made for an incredibly anxious finish.
But on 72 minutes, Ilkay stood over a free-kick on the edge of the box.
In front of 4,000 City fans, the Germany star then curled a beautiful free-kick into the top corner to send the travelling fans wild and, end any hopes Liverpool might have had of pipping us at the post.
First goal against Villa (2022)
City trailed 1-0 against Aston Villa on the final day of another epic Premier League title race.
With 68 minutes gone, Guardiola turned to Gundo on the bench to see if he could help the Blues turn it around as Liverpool waited in the wings to snatch our crown.
Within 60 seconds of the German’s arrival, City fell further behind, and the mission looked impossible.
But on 76 minutes, Raheem Sterling skipped down the right and floated a cross towards the back post where Gundo nodded home to halve the deficit – game on!
Title-winning goal (2022)
Rodrigo had levelled two minutes after Ilkay's first goal to make it 2-2 against Villa – now City went hunting for a winner.
Kevin De Bruyne picked up the ball on the right, looked in the middle and spotted Gundogan’s masterful run. KDB curled a low ball into Gundo's path and the German made no mistake from close.
In five memorable minutes, City had come from 2-0 down to lead 3-2, eclipsing even the 2011/12 comeback against QPR.
Gundo had only been on the pitch 13 minutes, but his two goals ensured the Blues were champions again in the most dramatic finale imaginable.
12 seconds v United (2023)
Having secured another Premier League title, City took on United in the first ever all-Manchester FA Cup final.
With a Champions League final to come, the prospect of the Blues winning only the second Treble by an English men’s team was tangible.
Starting positively against the only other team to have achieved that Treble – our neighbours from Old Trafford – Gundo got the game underway at a sun-soaked Wembley.
He played the ball back to Ederson, who took a touch before sending the ball forward where it was nodded on and then knocked into the path of the German who hit a first-time volley into the top corner of the Reds’ net to make it 1-0 with just 12 seconds on the clock.
Incredible.
Winner at Wembley (2023)
Not happy with one spectacular volley, Gundo had unfinished business in the 2023 FA Cup final.
United had levelled before the break via a controversial VAR-awarded penalty and as the second half began, the game was finely balanced.
Then, KDB won a free kick on the right, floated the ball towards the edge of the United box where Gundo met it on the volley and sent a bobbling shot into the bottom left corner to send the City fans crazy.
At the end of the game, ‘Gundo’s on fire’ echoed around Wembley as the celebrations began in earnest.
Champions League lift (2023)
The Premier League and the FA Cup trophies had both been held aloft by Ilkay Gundogan.
There was still one more to go.
City’s second Champions League final saw a clash with Inter in Istanbul as the Blues chased the Holy Grail of being crowned champions of Europe.
On this occasion, he wouldn’t score or even assist, but gave a typically assured performance as Rodrigo snatched the winner midway through the second half to give City a 1-0 win.
Ilkay would go on to hold the Champions League trophy aloft as the Treble was completed.
What a way to end his stay with the Club…. or so we thought!
Welcome back, Ilkay…
Our feature on hard-working Blues who went under the radar outside of loyal City fans returns with a spotlight on a goalkeeper who gave us his best years at our lowest ebb.
Famous for one day in particular, Nicky Weaver had all the hallmarks of a top-class keeper with only injuries, and a struggling side in front of him, denying him higher honours.
There wasn’t a lot for City fans to shout about in the 1990s, so it’s no surprise that any player involved in the 1998/99 Division Two play-off final is forever remembered in that kit alone.
Few players get that treatment more than goalkeeper Nicky Weaver, whose joyous celebration after making the save that won us the penalty shoot-out is still as remarkable to see now as it was on the actual day.
Bouncing up off the floor, Weaver’s sheer ecstasy sent him the way of the City fans behind the goal, before turning around and beckoning his team-mates to join him with an elaborate gesture more akin to a stage performer.
Once they got within touching distance, he again set off around the pitch until he was eventually tackled to the floor.
As previously mentioned, this is the most captured moment of Weaver’s 207 City appearances in a career with the Club that spanned ten seasons, three divisions and two stadiums.
As the man himself said in a recent interview with the Club, he still gets asked about it every day of his life.
But to ignore the rest of his tale at Maine Road and the Etihad Stadium is to do a disservice to a man with talent that far exceeded his eventual medal haul.
Sheffield-born Weaver arrived at City as a 19-year-old upon the recommendation of Alex Stepney.
Having already turned out for England U18s and gained senior experience with Mansfield Town, Weaver was attracted to Maine Road after a lunch with City’s holy trinity of Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee.
1997/98 went about as badly as it could do for Frank Clark, with Joe Royle drafted in too late to prevent relegation to the third tier for the first time in our history.
Royle made the call that 20-year-old Weaver would be his first choice in the following campaign and he repaid that faith with only 33 goals conceded in the league in 45 appearances.
In total, he kept an incredible 26 clean sheets from 55 appearances.
The play-off campaign culminated in that shoot-out success against Gillingham and jubilant scenes at Wembley. With his status as a cult hero already secured at just 21, Weaver was set for a long career in Manchester.
Despite that, there’s always some concern about stepping up to the next level. There needn’t have been with Weaver and Royle’s City, as we finished second and sealed back-to-back promotions.
Weaver played 51 times across all competitions that year and was suddenly thrust into the conversation for international honours at some point in his career.
City were well aware of the talent on our hands, with Weaver still incredibly young for a goalkeeper and already performing with the assurance of a top-class shot stopper at the peak of his powers.
However, the 2000/01 term would be a scarring one for many at the Club.
Successive promotions had left us ill equipped for the top-flight and an immediate return to Division One followed, with Weaver playing 31 of 38 league games and picking the ball out of his net much more than previously.
In that situation, with a team facing so many shots every single game, the goalkeeper tends to be one of few players who emerges with credit.
Weaver’s reputation barely suffered for our struggles that year, but it was the last time he would be undisputed number one at City for five years.
29 matches followed in 2001/02 as Kevin Keegan’s great entertainers regained our top-flight status in swashbuckling style.
For Weaver, knee injuries saw him share the duties between the posts with Carlo Nash before Peter Schmeichel came in the following summer.
From there, Weaver managed just two more appearances across the next four seasons.
With the seamless early progression of a career with no limits now behind him, it looked as if his knees would end Weaver’s time as a footballer way too soon.
Instead, the goalkeeper remarkably returned in 2006/07 for Stuart Pearce’s side.
This wasn’t just goodwill for a goalkeeper who the fans adored, Weaver reclaimed the very best of what had once made him the most promising goalkeeper in English football.
Sure footed, brave and an imposing obstacle for any striker, Weaver’s 25 starts were crucial in keeping the league’s joint-lowest scorers in the division by just four points.
The emergence of Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel that summer spelled the end of the road for his City career, but Weaver had achieved the seemingly impossible with that final 12 months in Manchester.
Spells with Charlton Athletic, Dundee United and Sheffield Wednesday wrapped up his career before a move into coaching.
Weaver is now regularly on panels and in studios discussing that 1999 play-off final, but his 207 appearances across 10 years tell a fascinating story of dreams, setbacks and perseverance.
Feature: Jack Mumford
Heading into the final game of the 2023/24 Barclays Women’s Super League season, City were tantalisingly close to glory...
Although the odds were stacked against us, the prospect of us lifting a second-ever top-flight crown wasn’t out the realms of possibility.
Gareth Taylor’s side needed to beat Aston Villa at Villa Park and hope league leaders Chelsea dropped points away at Manchester United – or force a sizeable goal difference swing.
City upheld our side of the bargain, recording a 2-1 success, but Emma Hayes’ team won 6-0 at Old Trafford – meaning our relentless chase of the title fell slightly short.
There were plenty of reasons to be proud and upbeat, however, following a campaign of records being smashed, famous results and sparkling individual displays.
Among the entire squad’s battling performances in our title fight, Jess Park certainly came to the forefront when her team needed her the most in 2023/24.
Following Jill Roord’s injury in January which curtailed her season, Taylor deployed the England international from midfield where she went on to play a starring role – scoring six goals and registering six assists before the curtain fell on the season.
And she’s planning to use the agony of missing out on the WSL title on goal difference to fuel her performances in the upcoming campaign.
“It still hurts to think about it now, but we’ll do everything we possibly can so that doesn’t happen again this year,” Park declared.
“We were so close and we did so much to try and win the league, but we just didn’t quite make it. I think this year we’ll be really focused on what we do.
“Last season towards the end it just gave me so much confidence and I felt confident playing the City way and my way in that period.
“This year I just want to build on that; more goals, more assists and help the team as much as I possibly can so we can win.”
Ahead of the new season, City have bolstered our squad with a swathe of exciting and high calibre players.
The first of these was Vivianne Miedema – the all-time top WSL scorer – who arrived upon the expiry of her contract at Arsenal.
Following her to the Joie Stadium are Risa Shimizu, Eve Annets, Ayaka Yamashita, Aoba Fujino and Naomi Layzell.
And Park has relished training with her new team-mates and says she wants to help show our new faces the City style of play as soon as possible.
Park added: “She’s [Miedema] an absolutely brilliant person, and very funny!
“She’s lovely to talk to and I think we can already see her quality she brings in training and I definitely aspire to be like her and the way she finishes in the box.
“It’s nice to learn a few things from her on the pitch and play alongside her as well.
“I think he’s [Taylor] been very drilled on about the way we play and I think that’s really important with new people coming in.
“We want to show everyone the City way, and I think that’s so important."
Feature: Sam Cox
When it comes to best-selling authors, Dame Jilly Cooper is right up there with the best of them...
With sales of her romantic adult novels in the many millions, the now 87-year-old writer is still churning out top selling titles with her latest, ‘Tackle’ topping the charts last year.
With ‘Riders’ set to air on Disney+ later this year, Jilly has been something of a national treasure for many years.
So, why is she part of our new mini-series ‘Honorary Blues?’
As with Iain Banks last month, this writer was lucky enough to get to meet Jilly a few years back in the most bizarre circumstances.
Helping former player and Undr the Cosh podcast star Jon Parkin write his autobiography ‘Feed the Beast’, I asked towards the end of the project if he had any ideas for a foreword?
“You could try Tony Pulis,” he replied, before adding, “or Jilly Cooper.”
I laughed at that.
How could big Parky know Jilly?
Then he explained…
He had got to know her when he had a stint at Forest Green Rovers, who happened to be Jilly’s local team.
She’d sponsor certain things and attend games every how and then, and as Parky was one of their star names, the pair eventually met and became friends.
So, via her agent, I made contact with Jilly who kindly agreed to write Parky’s foreword – probably the most unlikely person you could have imagined to open the life of the loveable journeyman who towered over most defenders with his physical bulk.
I spoke with Jilly at length and she wrote a glowing intro to the book, but when she learned I worked for Manchester City, she was fascinated.
“I genuinely love that football club and the way you play football,” she said.
She then added that me and my family must visit her if we were ever passing the Cheltenham area in the coming months. Fortunately, we were.
The annual family trip to Cornwall was diverted to Jilly’s lovely rambling mansion in the Cotswolds and a family friendship began that remains to this day.
Jilly is always one of the first to send a card when City win anything and she’s very fond of Jack Grealish and adores Pep Guardiola.
A few years back, Jilly asked me to read over her manuscript for the football-themed book Tackle, just to check for authenticity and so on.
Quite a privilege! I tried to shoehorn a City chant in there, but as it was a fictional world of football, that’s one for another time.
We visit whenever we pass and a few years back, I took her a Pablo Zabaleta City jersey, not imagining the lady who counts Queen Camila as a personal friend would ever wear it.
On our last stop at her home a few months back, Jilly answered the door, proudly wearing the Zabaleta City shirt and as always, chatting about the Blues and what was happening at the Club.
As you can see in the picture, Jilly is very much an honorary City fan – probably quite a bit more – and hopefully, she can visit the Etihad in the very near future and witness Guardiola’s magic first hand…
Words: David Clayton
Win New Limited Edition Definitely Maybe Album!
The boys are back together and Oasis will return with a UK and world tour next year.
To celebrate the reunion, on 30 August 2024, Big Brother Recordings released Definitely Maybe (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) featuring tracks from the abandoned original recording session at Monnow Valley Studios, along with outtakes from the definitive album recording session at Sawmills Studios in Cornwall.
The album also includes an unreleased demo version of Sad Song. Originally released as a bonus track on the LP, this very special alternative version features Liam Gallagher’s vocal.
Available on Limited-Edition Deluxe 4LP and Deluxe 2CD formats plus exclusive coloured vinyl formats, cassette and digitally with all formats including the 2014 remastered version of the album.
In August of 1994, Definitely Maybe’s release marked a critical moment in British youth culture and gate-crashed the Official UK Album Charts at Number One, becoming the fastest selling debut album at the time. Sonically defining an attitude of an era, it became a soundtrack to the imminent cultural and political change of Britain in the mid-1990’s.
Thirty years on, Definitely Maybe remains an unprecedented classic, including the singles Supersonic, Shakermaker, Live Forever and Cigarettes & Alcohol as well as tracks such as Rock ‘n’ Roll Star and Slide Away which have become ubiquitous global anthems. Loved by legions of fans and an inspiration for countless bands, it is as relevant as ever and continues to find new devotees in younger generations with Oasis being one of the most universally loved and influential British rock ‘n’ roll bands.
Follow all the album campaign activity at #Defmaybe30.
Win!!
Want to win one a copy? Just answer the following question:
What year was Definitely Maybe released?
a) 1990
b) 1994
c) 1998
Send your answer by email by 25 September to: [email protected]
Good luck!
Lifelong Blue, author and legendary journo Bill Borrows shares his all-time City XI – plus his reasons why…
Take it away, Bill….
OK, so not strictly the Best XI but all players who have had a huge impact upon me and who I have seen play (Peter Doherty aside).. I have tried to spread them through the eras and it was extremely tough to leave out favourites such as Ian Bishop, Gerry Gow, Asa Hartford, Ilkay Gundogan, Fernandinho and Leroy Sane. It’s taken much longer than I thought but this is, finally, it...
EDERSON: Just gets the nod ahead of Big Joe Corrigan for his ice-cold killer calm and ability to ping a pass 60 yards. And the smiley face tattoo behind his ear (there must be a story behind that, anybody heard it?)
BOBBY McDONALD: Not around as long as Willie Donachie but part of that 1981 FA Cup Final team and had to have one of them in here. Indefatigable chaser of lost causes.
DAVE WATSON: One of the few defenders from the '70s who would be able to hold his own in today’s game. Prepared to put his body on the line for the cause but rarely needed to as he read the game so well.
VINCENT KOMPANY: Absolutely understood what it meant to play for City. All these players did. Here for lots of reasons but obviously also the “No Vinny” goal against Leicester. Cometh the hour...
PABLO ZABALETA: Not much to choose between Zaba and Kyle Walker on the pitch in terms of effectiveness and Kyle nearly nicked this spot for that clearance off the line at Wembley, but Zaba just has that sky-blue-martyr thing going on behind the eyes.
GEORGI KINKLADZE: Impossible to overstate what this man meant when we were down with the dead men. United were winning everything but we still had the best player in Manchester, and he lit up Maine Road when there was nothing else to appreciate. His tears when he left spoke for all of us.
KEVIN De BRUYNE: Unique player still writing his own legend. Bends down, re-ties his laces, team wins titles. The embodiment of the collective will of the greatest team in City’s history.
COLIN BELL: Missed him in his pomp but was there for his comeback game against Newcastle on Boxing Day in 1977. Must have been a reason so many grown men were crying that day.
DAVID SILVA: First name on the team sheet. Matchday instructions: “Do whatever you want.”
SERGIO AGUERO: Of course, he’s here. Not just for the numbers but because he actually invented several angles from which to score that a team of mathematicians in Switzerland are still trying to work out.
DENNIS TUEART: Yes the overhead kick in 1976 but also to represent the heads down attack-minded mentality of that Tony Book side (cf. Peter Barnes). No greater sight than Tueart picking up ball just inside the opposition half on a mud bath of a pitch and going for goal.
SUBS: JOE CORRIGAN, MIKE DOYLE, PHIL FODEN, RODRI, PAUL LAKE, PETER DOHERTY, MIKE SUMMERBEE
FORMATION: 4-4-2
MANAGER: STEVE COPPELL – This team wouldn’t need a manager.
In the third of our City Vloggers series, we meet Steven McInerney of Esteemed Kompany fame and, of course, a Matchday Live regular guest…
CITY MAG: Good to meet you Steven, what’s your City story in terms of how you started following the Blues?
I’ve been following Manchester City all my life. I can’t pretend it runs in the family, as my cousins and grandma were Reds sadly, but for whatever reason I told my parents as a toddler that I wanted to be a Man City fan. They always put it down to my favourite colour being blue and recognising the word Manchester. Who knows? Either way, I’ll take it. Young me made the right choice!
How and why did you start your YouTube channel?
I started my own personal YouTube channel after another I worked on came to an end prematurely. The other channel was called Blue Moon Rising TV, and I was involved in presenting and looking after their social media channels. I absolutely loved it and when that ended it felt like a natural step to start my own. That was back in 2015 and I’ve been making videos ever since.
What was your first platform to the wider world?
I’ve always been a creative person and way before I made YouTube videos I was in a band professionally, so I was already quite used to performing and being in front of people. Obviously YouTube is different, but there’s a lot of crossover skills required, and it definitely helped me when I started making videos. It was actually a blog I used to run of the same name as my channel however that was my entry into the footballing world. When then CFA opened up I started writing about City’s Academy sides and I was lucky that people enjoyed my articles, which mainly involved match reports and so on. From there, creating videos felt like the next step and lots of the readers became viewers as the channel grew.
How many different platforms do you have currently plus followers/subscribers?
I have around 70,000 subscribers on YouTube and more than 125,000 followers across the other social media platforms. Twitter (…or ‘X’ I guess), Instagram, Facebook etc.
How did you settle on ‘Esteemed Kompany’?
It’s a play on words based on the saying ‘In esteemed company’, which basically means surrounded by great people. At the time I thought it would be a clever tribute to a player who had already proved pretty crucial to our Club, but I didn’t know back then that Vincent Kompany would go on to achieve even more with this club and become a certified legend. Not a bad choice in hindsight!
What tech do you use and how many hours per day/week do you spend on your channels?
I have a MacBook Pro and Mac Mini that I use for editing and live streaming, plus a DSLR and Rode mic. I spend a few hours a day on channel-related activities. I used to spend even more time on it, but I’ve recently become a dad and now spend most of that time chasing a toddler around the house. Thankfully he’s already a huge City fan, so it’s all good, ha!
So things are going well?
Yeah, I’m an incredibly lucky person. I get to talk to City fans and make videos about football for a living, while meeting lots of wonderful people and doing pretty cool things. I’ve adored football and the Club since I was a kid. Manchester City is a huge part of my identity as a person, and I take great pride in the opportunities I’ve been given.
What was your inspiration to create your own City channels?
I fell into it if I’m being honest so I would be lying if I said there was any real inspiration. My wife has always been the most supportive person I know, and she was encouraging me early on to give it a go. I also had a period where I really enjoyed the vlogs of Casey Neistat, an American YouTuber, and it was imitating his vlogging style at games that first gave my channel some serious attention.
What mishaps have you had along the way?
Nothing major, but like any football fan I’ve had some views that have aged terribly! There are also all the usual mistakes anyone can make who works in and around video content. Broken mics, accidentally deleting hours of footage, wrong titles, and thumbnails for videos etc. That’s life!
What’s been the most rewarding thing?
Honestly, it’s just chatting to City fans. There are some wonderful people that I’ve met and speak to regularly that I know I never would have known without the channel existing. It’s a pretty cynical world at times, but I’ve lost count of how many times people have reached out and said the nicest things to someone who is essentially a stranger. There’s a lot of good in people.
Are you getting recognised a lot at games?
Yeah, and it’s really lovely! People say hello all the time and some will even let on to my wife or dad first given they’ve seen them in photos and in videos over the years. It feels like they actually know me and it’s a little mind-blowing at times. I’ve never spoken to anyone who hasn’t been incredibly friendly, which is testament to how great this fanbase is.
Which other vloggers/YouTubers do you enjoy watching?
There are loads of brilliant City content creators so I’d be here all day if I tried to list them, so I’ll just pick one for now - and that would be the 93:20 podcast. It’s a collective of lifelong City fans who are all passionate, intelligent, and witty. There’s no filter, in a good way. It isn’t sensationalist, but they don’t dodge tricky conversations and they wear their love of the Club on their sleeves. They try to be informed and they look at City calmly, while approaching it all as adults. In an era of noise and clickbait, their approach is appreciated.
Do you have any rivals – friendly or otherwise?
No, not really. There are loads of City channels and obviously loads for other teams too. I know the vast majority, and they’re pretty much all good people and I’ve enjoyed making content alongside them. The odd disagreement here and there is only natural, but we all get it’s because we love our clubs so much.
We obviously win a lot of games – can you separate the fan from the presenter when we don’t?
Yeah of course. I don’t think I’d still be doing this if I wasn’t sincere about City after a loss. I think people come to my channel knowing I’ll be honest, but fair and considered, in my analysis of a game. Disappointment is part of football after all. There’s no need to sugar-coat it for the sake of it.
Where would you like all your hard work to lead (if anywhere other than where you’re currently at)?
I hand on heart haven’t really thought about that. I like where I am, and I’m fortunate enough to work with loads of wonderful people and do creative things on a daily basis. Chatting to City fans, meeting other content creators, and talking about the Club I love every day is more than enough for me. If I can carry on doing that for a while then I’ll be a happy man.
Finally, what advice would you give to youngsters wanting to follow in your footsteps?
It really is as simple as being yourself. I don’t think people can fake success in a medium such as this. Podcasting, creating videos - it has to be sincere otherwise people see through it. Find your own voice, enjoy what you do and be willing to take criticism, too. Self-awareness and a thirst for improvement will give you a good chance of finding an audience. It’s tough as there are a lot of very talented people out there already making great videos, but perseverance and a willingness to connect with people is everything.
Follow Steven’s various channels here:
When examining Manchester City’s transfer business in recent years, it’s clear to see the Club are equipping Gareth Taylor’s squad with promising and exciting talent ready to prove themselves on the highest stages...
Not only does this build foundations for the future, but it also perfectly compliments the world class, proven talent within our ranks.
The evidence of this is clear from this summer alone with the acquisitions of Aoba Fujino, Eve Annets, Naomi Layzell who average an age of just over 19 between them.
This followed our triple January signings of Tara O’Hanlon (19), Poppy Pritchard (18) and Laura Blindkilde Brown (20) – with the latter arriving after breaking through and impressing at Aston Villa.
At the time of Blindkilde Brown’s arrival, City were entrenched in a fierce title race – a baptism of fire perhaps as we relentlessly battled for a second-ever Barclays Women’s Super League crown.
Across the second half of the term, she made six appearances but seamlessly slotted into our engine room when called upon despite the high-pressure environment.
This was further exemplified in our last assignment of the term against her former employers at Villa Park as the title race went to the final day.
Blindkilde Brown replaced the injured Laura Coombs in the 14th minute and delivered a masterful display which earned her the Player of the Match award in a 2-1 win.
Although the three points wasn’t enough to pip Chelsea to the WSL’s summit, the experience of fighting for major honours has been invaluable on the 20-year-old midfielder.
And it’s made her hungry for even more.
“It was really good season for us as a team. To lose on goal difference was a bit devastating, but I think coming in in January it helped me and my career. That raised my levels to playing at City,” Blindkilde Brown explained.
“I hope I can kick on this season. I’m just trying to get more minutes than I did last season and keep getting better every day in training by working hard.
“I just need to be ready to go for any chances I get this season.
“He [Gareth Taylor] keeps saying that we want to raise our standards even more from last year. We’re going to push even more than we did last year so that we’re in the mix for trophies again.
“We have to be ready to qualify for the Champions League too. That will mean we’re in all major competitions and it’s where every player wants to be.”
City’s first WSL fixture of the season is a tantalising trip to Arsenal on Sunday 22 September at the Emirates Stadium.
Last term, the sides played out three dramatic contests in all competitions including our hard-fought 1-0 win over the Gunners in the FA Cup in north London.
Due to the division’s unpredictability, it’s often imperative to make a fast start to bolster ambitions of winning silverware by the term’s end.
For Blindkilde Brown, she shares these sentiments.
She added: “We have to start the season as we mean to go on, so getting a positive result in that game will set us up really well for the season ahead.
“If we can do well there, we can be confident about how our season will go.”
Interview: Sam Cox
The cover we created for the February 2009 City Magazine was reflective of a shift in purchasing power by the Club. ..
Our new owners had completed their takeover almost as the previous transfer window closed, so Mark Hughes hadn’t been able to bring in all the players he wanted – so the January window was the perfect opportunity to strengthen his squad.
The timing of four high-profile signings meant we couldn’t get an interview in the bag with any one of them, but it was important to reflect their arrival.
Ultimately, getting four players on a cover is not easy, so we opted to go with a sort of football card theme.
Nigel de Jong, Shay Given, Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bridge were all seasoned international stars with Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Wales, and England respectively.
That meant we could go with pictures of them playing for their country (as we didn’t have photography of them all in their new City strip), and hence the ‘International Arrivals’ title, which worked quite well.
White background covers always stand out, too, so overall, it looked pretty good!
DC
The Under-18s and Elite Development Squad weren’t the only teams in City’s Academy system that saw a change of leadership over the summer.
City’s Under-16s have a new Lead Coach for the 2024/25 season, Jamie Carr...
Jamie is heading into his seventh season at City but is just as excited for the upcoming campaign as he was for his first with his role in helping the Club identify and nurture future talent an intense but an extremely rewarding job.
He was kind enough to spend some time with City Magazine before the season began…
CITY MAG: Jamie, thank you for your time. First off, it would be great to hear a bit about your time at City so far and how it’s all prepared you for your role now as the Lead Coach of the Under-16s?
JAMIE: So I joined City in 2018 as the Under-13s Lead Coach from Reading. And I remember when I first joined it was really daunting I suppose, to come to a place that at that stage were league champions with one of the most renowned Academies in the world. And I remember there was a quote in Moneyball – it’s my favourite movie – and it says ‘it’s amazing how much you don’t know about the sport you played your whole life’. And when I came to City, that was the first thing that came to my mind! I was blown away by the tactical side of stuff, how in-depth the analyst team is here throughout the Academy and it took me aback a bit, in a good way, so I had to find my feet quickly. So I spent two years in that role and then I moved to Under-14s lead for two years and that’s when I then went to Under-18s assistant for two years and now I’m starting my seventh season as the Under-16 Lead Coach.
My time working with Ben at Under-18 level has basically given me a clear idea of what football looks like when the players become scholars, become full-time players and it’s now their job. I got to see the competitive side of the game where you’re preparing for the first team. In terms of how that relates to Under-16s, I suppose now I’m coming back a step to prepare them for that scholarship decision. In three or four months’ time we’ll make scholarship decisions for these boys which is a huge step in their journey. I guess one of our key jobs in the Under-16s is to make sure we can give them an opportunity to show how good they can be in their final stage of their schoolboy career I supposed before we make a decision as an Academy around what their route towards first-team football will be.
CITY MAG: What’s it like for you getting to be part of that process for so many exciting, young players?
JAMIE: It’s challenging and rewarding and a pleasure to be a part of. I think it’s at that crucial stage where you have to give them the skills that are necessary to become a professional footballer, and to develop as a person.
CITY MAG: It sounds like that is one of the key difference between Under-16 and Under-18 level. Are there any other key differences between the two levels?
JAMIE: One big difference between the two age groups is the league situation. We will travel with the Under-18s every week but they play in a competitive league and we don’t. There are two competitions for the Under-16s which are competitive. We have the nationals weekend where we will play against the top teams in England and then we have the Under-16 Premier League Cup.
CITY MAG: And looking ahead to the 2024/25 season and leading a team. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
JAMIE: Having been here for nearly seven years now I’ve been able to learn and pick up bits and bobs from all the coaches I’ve worked with, including Ben [Wilkinson]. I’d probably describe myself as someone that is quite open and honest with the relationship I try to build with the players. Hopefully for them it feels like I’m a human being that they can speak to rather than one of those coaches that is very tell, tell, tell.
CITY MAG: And alongside you this season, a familiar face for City fans, Kolo Toure is part of your coaching staff! What’s it like working with him?
JAMIE: He’s an absolute bundle of energy! He’s got so much positivity and that’s infectious for the players on the training pitches. It’s so nice to hear his stories as well when he’s talking about the dressing rooms he’s been in like ‘Thierry Henry did this, Bergkamp did that’. And he’s still current enough that our young players still go ‘wow, that’s Kolo Toure, what a career he’s had!’. And so our players will take value from working with him and so will I.
CITY MAG: And finally, how excited are you for the upcoming season and the talent you’ll be working with?
JAMIE: It’s definitely exciting! There is a number of players in the Under-16s that are also going to be fully integrated into the Under-18s squad this year. So that will be great for them and will also be nice that during the big moments of our season, they’ll be able to come and be around the competitive fixtures for their own development as well. The core of the team have been here a long time and it’s often the ones that join us at Under-9s that are still some of the best players come EDS football which is really nice to see because we know them, their journey, their story and we’ve been part of that entire journey.
Interview: Holly Percival
Here’s another classic interview from the City Magazine archives – our first meeting with El Mago himself, David Silva. The interview took place at the Etihad just after a photo shoot for the August front cover. David brought along his World Cup winner’s gold medal, as you do…
Interview: David Clayton
If you believe everything you read in the papers, there were only two clubs in with a chance of signing David Silva this summer – Chelsea and City. Both sides were keen on adding creativity to their midfield and the Valencia playmaker fitted the bill perfectly.
With the Blues keen to tie up as many transfer deals as possible before the World Cup, it quickly became clear that wasn’t going to be possible with a number of the potential targets Robert Mancini had identified.
Jerome Boateng was secured on the eve of the South Africa tournament but Silva and Yaya Toure entered the competition as Valencia and Barcelona employees respectively. It was unusual, then, that Silva, not wanting any distractions before embarking on what would be a glorious journey with his country, decided to accept City’s overtures while he was away with Spain.
A deal in principle was agreed and Silva announced he would be a Manchester City player when the World Cup finished while thanking Valencia, already stripped of the services of the talismanic David Villa, for his time with the club.
"Firstly I would like to thank Valencia as a club and all of their loyal fans, and my team-mates there and staff,” he said.
"I enjoyed six years at Valencia, they discovered me as a footballer and they will always be a special club for me.
"The time is right for me to seek a new challenge, and I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City.
"I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them.”
Of course, there has been plenty of water under the bridge since those words were first issued, including the small matter of Spain’s first World Cup win last month.
“So much has happened in a short space of time, my head is spinning,” smiled Silva who had stopped by at Carrington for his medical before arriving to sign his contract at the City of Manchester Stadium.
“It’s still all a bit surreal and I’ve not had chance to absorb what happened in South Africa yet. What happened was incredible and to sing and celebrate in front of more than one million people at our homecoming is something I’ll remember forever.”
With his mother, father plus younger brother and sister travelling to Manchester, it’s clear David is a family man and generous with it, allowing people to hold that most rare of items – at least in England – a World Cup winner’s medal.
Refreshingly, it’s tucked away back in his jeans pocket rather than put in a box to be later stored in some dusty room somewhere. It’s as if he wants to be reminded of the triumph whenever he wants. Not bad being able to keep a medal like that among your loose change. Imagine the fun explaining to airport security exactly what it was setting off their archway metal detectors on the return journey.
“Any metal on your person, sir?”
“Just this,” says David fishing out the most coveted gold medallion in sport. In a scene similar to Crocodile Dundee, he could then add, “Now that’s a medal.”
"I'm very happy with what we did as a nation this summer,” he begins. “It's the best thing that could happen to any player. Unbelievable in fact.”
David’s advisor, Javier interprets the interview but he is keen to learn English and settle into life in Manchester as quickly as possible. The remaining hours of his visit are scheduled for house-hunting to keep in with the theme of his whirlwind tour of Manchester.
“I first got the news City were interested in signing me during my last matches with Valencia and I wanted to keep a clear mind after the season and then the World Cup was approaching so I had a good think and then I could concentrate on the World Cup.”
At least the sun is shining and as we continue to talk, his family are shown around the stadium with the thick, lush green turf already looking inviting with several weeks of the close season still to go.
“I haven’t had time to look around the city at all yet,” he grins. “All I’ve seen is the hospital where I had my medical – it was a very nice hospital, though! I’m going back to Gran Canaria for a rest after this but I’m looking forward to coming back and having a good look around.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about Manchester so it will be fascinating to discover a new city.”
Football throws up many ironies, but the fact David’s first appearance for the Blues could well be a home debut against Valencia isn’t lost on the 24-year-old midfielder.
“It’s strange how things work but it would give me the chance to properly say goodbye to my old-team-mates,£ he said. " I have very happy memories of the last time City played Valencia at the City of Manchester Stadium because I scored the only goal!”
Silva also scored a stunning goal against Chelsea in the Champions League last season, carrying the ball forward past a couple of defenders before unleashing a 30-yard drive past Petr Cech. Two goals on two visits to England – can we expect a goal a game then this season?
“It would be nice,” he laughs. “Let’s put it this way – that’s what I’ll be trying to do every time we play – I want to score goals and plenty of them. I am really looking forward to starting the season with my new team and I’m excited about the challenge ahead.
“A good first season for me would be to qualify for the Champions League - or to win a trophy, but my first target is to get into the team. Of course, I have to get to know my team-mates and then to fight for the league and the other competitions.”
Despite Chelsea’s reported interest, David’s mind was only ever focused on playing in a lighter shade of blue in England, with the prospect of becoming part of a stellar first eleven was just too good to miss.
"Roberto Mancini and Garry Cook have told me we are building a very good team with some of the best players in the world and we are going to fight for honours,” he said.
“I can’t wait to play alongside Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Yaya Toure and Nigel de Jong. There are so many great players here and I’m looking forward to playing alongside every one of them."
Talk of de Jong leads back to the World Cup final and Spain’s narrow victory over Holland. Though the Blues’ popular Dutch midfielder was cast as the villain for his uncharacteristically dangerous tackle on Xabi Alonso.
Showing a sensitive side of his nature, David made sure he spoke to his soon-to-be new club team-mate at the end of the game.
He revealed: “I said hello after the match and I supported Nigel because it was a sad moment for him. He’s a great player and losing a World Cup final must have been a terrible experience so I just wanted him to have a quick word of comfort.”
While the likes of de Jong have flourished in the hurly-burly world of Premier League football, some imports have not. As Spain proved this summer, La Liga is packed with technically gifted players while the Premier League has a mix of athleticism, technical ability and physical prowess.
He knows he will be targeted for robust challenges, but he’s confident he can adapt quickly.
“It's true that the English League is faster than in Spain,” he said. “La Liga is more tactical - we like to move the ball around quickly and pass often, but in England they like to fight and run and score very fast!
"Of course, if you play well for your club team and things go well, the national coach Vincent del Bosque is going to see that and you will become more important to him.”
David admits that the Blues are now firmly on the radar of the Spanish people as the club’s profile continually rises around the world.
“Over the last few years, Manchester City’s image has grown massively in Spain,” he said. “The project here is getting more important with every year and with me it’s very exciting that I’m now part of it
“I think within two or three years it will be normal for City to be playing in the Champions League every year so I hope we can be on a par and challenge the best clubs around the world.
“I decided to come here because it’s a new personal experience and play in one of the best leagues in the world.”
David does arrive in Manchester knowing many of his new club team-mates after playing against them in various competitions, but he had only physically played alongside one of the Blues’ current squad prior to signing.
“Javi Garrido and I played in Spain’s Under-21 side so we have a good relationship and have known each for a number of years,” he revealed.
“I called Javi to ask him about Manchester City and how things are here in Manchester and he told me I should get over here because this is a fantastic club.”
A proud Gran Canarian, Silva grew up surrounded by a wild and beautiful landscape with the ocean never more than a stone’s throw away.
Arguineguín is on the southern tip of the island and has both a beach and a harbour. An ideal place for any child to grow up, David would spend his free time by playing football, swimming or fishing.
Year-round tourists are abundant in the picturesque port with Norwegians in particular attracted to the peace and tranquil atmosphere.
“I am very proud to be from Gran Canaria and I like to visit whenever I have the time,” he said. “Gran Canaria is a very multi-cultural place and great for tourists from all over the world. Plenty of English people go there and seem to enjoy it.
“The weather is nice and warm virtually all-year round and I’m very lucky to have been brought up in such a beautiful place. I was a big fan of our local team, Las Palmas, who were based on the opposite side of the island.
“I would go to watch them whenever I could but my hero was Michael Laudrup – a brilliant, skilful midfielder who played for Real Madrid and Juventus during his career. I suppose if I studied anyone closely it would have to have been him.”
So what does the Blues’ new signing like to do away from football? In Spain he was labelled quite a shy individual, but he seems very relaxed and comfortable when being filmed and interviewed during the afternoon.
He is a natural in front of the camera, too, as our feature pictures bear testament.
“I like to be together with all my family and friends, going to the cinema and just relaxing,” he said. “My main focus away from football this season, however, will be my English lessons!
“I want to learn the language as quickly as I can so I can communicate on a level playing field with everyone.
“I am looking forward to playing with my new team, but also I want to have a good rest because this season has been very long.
“I feel that everything is new but it’s one of the reasons I’m looking forward to this season so much. It’s a new challenge and I want to meet my team-mates and experience everything in what is a new life for me. I hope everything goes as well as my first visit to Manchester has because everybody has been very kind and helpful. I can’t wait to get started.”
Interview: David Clayton
A new season means fresh faces joining the ranks of the Under-18s squad...
But Leke Drake is one name that got a taste of the Under-18 Premier League North in the final weeks of the 2023/24 campaign and is now looking to make his mark as a permanent member of the squad.
The young centre-back is one of the latest Under-16s players who made the step up to Oliver Reiss’ Under-18s ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, weeks after he signed his scholarship alongside 11 other Academy players.
And after a fun but productive pre-season camp in Portugal, it’s all hands on deck for Drake and his team-mates and he’s clearly excited to keep developing connections on the pitch.
“I played a bit last year, so I knew a bit about the level needed for the Under-18s and I’m just really excited to be honest because there is only so much you can get from the Under-16s where everyone is your age or below,” said Drake.
“So with the Under-18s, it’s good to sort of play against people that you haven’t really come up against before because they might be older and the physicality of it as well is something I’m looking forward to.
“I’m a centre-back, I can play either side, left or right, but I’d say because Kaden [Braithwaite] is left footed he normally plays on the left and I play on the right,” Drake continued.
“So I think me and Kaden make a good partnership. We’ve played together a lot so, as I say, I think we’re a pretty good match.”
Drake joined City a few years ago after he began his Academy career at Stevenage. But now, the defender is looking forward to perfecting his craft under the new Under-18s Lead Coach, Oliver Reiss, whilst also showcasing his strongest attributes.
“Yeah, so I wasn’t always at City, I was at Stevenage before,” confirmed Drake. “I think I’d been there since Under-8s and a grassroots team before that.
“I played there until Under-13s I think and then made the move up to City. It was different to start off with. You see the facilities here and the calibre of players is such a high level, but now I like to think I’ve adjusted and I’m really glad I made the move. It’s helped me develop as a player and a person.
“It’s been great getting to know our new coach. He [Reiss] is really passionate about his job and obviously wants to make a good first impression and I think he has with all the boys.
“He cares a lot about the details, he has an attention to detail and quality is the most important thing. From what I’ve seen so far, I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season with him as our coach.
“In terms of what I bring, I think just my willingness to defend like I’ll always put my body on the line, I’ll always work hard for the team, make blocks, tackles, win headers and my desire to keep a clean sheet.”
And it was clear when speaking to Drake, just after the season began, that he feels an immense amount of pride to represent the Club and is looking forward to competing in the league, league cup and FA Youth Cup.
“Representing City is a good pressure on us,” said Drake. “From the recent seasons and the players that have come through and how they perform at senior level now, it means we are held to a high standard to keep those levels and contending for trophies so I think it’s a good buzz to have.
“Everyone is trying to make sure we maintain those standards.
“And I’m looking forward to competing in all the competitions. I’ve never played in the FA Youth Cup before and it’s a good experience because you get to play in stadiums, but also fighting for three points every week is exciting, too.
“But to be honest for me I’d say it’s just about getting as much game time as possible. I want to mix success and improvement.
“There are a lot of experiences to be had and they make you better as a player. You might not win every game or every trophy, but you’ll be constantly improving.
“But, a piece of silverware is always nice to have at the end of the season!”
Interview: Holly Percival
City sweep up at the pfa awards
The annual PFA Awards have become a very happy hunting ground for Manchester City in recent years.
There was a time when the top honours rarely went to a City player... but now, we can't stop winning them!
At a glitzy yet rainy (of course!) evening in Manchester, the honours for the 2023/24 season were handed out with Phil Foden collecting the prestigious PFA Men's Player of the Year award.
The PFA Premier League Team of the Year also saw Rodrigo, Erling Haaland, Kyle Walker and Foden voted in, but that was far from the end of a very special evening.
Bunny Shaw collected the PFA Women's Player of the Year to complete a unique double for the Club - and like Foden, deservedly so.
And the PFA WSL Team of the Year included no less than SIX City stars with Khiara Keating, Bunny Shaw, Lauren Hemp, Yui Hasegawa, Alex Greenwood and Laia Aleixandri all voted in the best XI of the 2023/24 campaign - though our girls were away in Australia and therefore unable to attend in person.
Congratulations to all our perfect 10!