Lake, now a committee member of City’s former players association ‘Once a Blue’, offers his thoughts on a host of topics including memories of Kevin Keegan, the arrivals of midfielder Elliot Anderson and boss Enzo Maresca as well as new deals for Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol.
KEEGAN KINDNESS
Like the rest of the football world I was really saddened to hear about the passing of Kevin Keegan.
As a football-crazy kid I probably saw Kevin Keegan on the telly more than most.
Not only did he play for that famous cup-winning Liverpool team of the late 70s and early 80s, he was also a pivotal member of the England squad.
Brilliant on and off the ball and a massive threat in front of goal, Kevin was such an impressive and intelligent footballer.
He always came across as a hugely upbeat and likeable character, whether it was his appearance on BBC Superstars, his adverts for Brut aftershave or his ‘Head over Heels’ hit single.
As a manager, he was driven and passionate, with an attack-minded approach that produced so much entertaining football during his time at City.
On a personal level, I was fortunate to witness Kevin’s kindness and humility for myself.
He was a guest speaker at one of my testimonial events, back in 1997, and afterwards I learned that he’d donated his entire fee to my fund.
He hadn’t really known me that well, but had recognised the trauma of a football career cut short.
I was really touched by that, and it’s something I’ll never forget. Rest in peace, Kevin.
Elliot at the Etihad
I’m so pleased that we’ve signed Elliot Anderson who, as well as being a top player for England, has been one of the best performers in the Premier League over the past 18 months.
He came through the Newcastle United system and wasn’t getting an opportunity, so went to Nottingham Forest and just got stronger and stronger.
His all-round game is excellent. He’s got two really good feet, works well in tight spaces and his range of passing, short and long, is very impressive.
His consistency and drive is something that will benefit the squad, and bolster the ‘on-pitch’ relationships in those central areas.
Elliot is a great leader, too, which will definitely help to fill that Bernardo-shaped gap.
Bringing in somebody with his stature and quality is a message not only to Blues’ fans, but also to the whole squad.
As a club, City will never rest on its laurels. It’s always looking for the next player and for the next opportunity to keep developing, competing and winning.
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Welcome back, Enzo!
To me, it always felt like Enzo Maresca was the obvious, number one option for the City hot seat.
Picking up the baton from Pep Guardiola is a hugely daunting task, yet Enzo has all the qualities we need.
His involvement with Manchester City for such a long period of time, from the Under-21s to the assistant position, means that he’s grown with the club.
He understands the dynamics. It’s an embedded philosophy which has been tried, tested, and has been hugely successful.
He can now add to that, tweaking it here and there, to make the team just as strong, if not stronger.
He has very good people skills and an excellent pedigree, having done a great job with Leicester and Chelsea.
No doubt he’ll be excited to build upon Pep’s legacy with a sprinkling of his own magic to boot.
New season, new deals
I was thrilled to bits to see Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and Phil Foden signing new terms for Manchester City.
Gvardiol has had his injury issues last season, but thankfully he looks to be back to his best.
He can play centre half, he can play on the left hand side and he can even step into midfield.
With his ability on the ball and his threat in front of goal, he’s so suited to our style of play.
After a shaky start Khusanov has just gone from strength to strength, and it’s been so pleasing to see his development in a City shirt.
He’s grown into the position in such an assured fashion. I see him as a real hybrid in that he’s got great skill (I love those diagonal passes) but at the same time has incredible speed and aggression. He reminds me of certain players of my era who had steel, mettle and a never-say-die attitude, lads whose tackles could change a game and get the crowd on their feet.
And as for Foden, I can’t wait to see him this season. Now that Bernardo Silva and John Stones have left he’s got a real opportunity to show his character and be a leader in the group.
Last season was a struggle, but he’s had a lot of time to reflect and I’m sure he’ll return to this campaign with a real sense of purpose, and be the world class footballer we all know he is.
Onwards and upwards, Phil.
Once A Blue news
As an executive committee member of Once A Blue, City’s former players’ club, I’m really excited about the upcoming season.
We’re planning plenty of initiatives to help the health and wellbeing of our ex-Blues, including a programme of Thrive events such as regular walking football and Tai Chi sessions, and will be inviting more former players to the Etihad on matchdays.
We’ll soon be launching our new website, as well as a Once A Blue podcast, so there’s lots afoot.
We’re always keen to strengthen links with City fans, so please follow our social media channels to keep up-to-date with news and developments.
