Tuesday 13 January 2009

I guess that's why they call it...

Soul Dancer

As I wait to gain a few precious moments in which to compile my latest magnum opus (a challenge was thrown down for me, of which more later) I thought I would dash off a few words on the continuing terrible state of affairs at Middle Eastlands. At the risk of sounding repetitious (ooh, nice word, even if I say so myself, and even if it is made up) I will re-state my feelings, in the politest way I possibly can, that Mark Hughes is not the right man for the job.

Oh, I know that loyalty - especially these days (though one could argue that there never really was a Golden Age, and that this vaunted ideal only ever existed purely in the heads and hearts of the fans. Viz. Denis Law) - doesn't bear any relation to the game as we know it. The prima donnas of the Premier League, as we know, are only in it for the substantial quids they receive, or else the occasional stamp of approval from shopping obsessed wives and girlfriends. But there has to be a line drawn somewhere, a marker laid down in the sand. And in my case, that marker is Mark(er) Hughes, the Ruabon soul dancer. Apart from the (admittedly very major) fact that he used to be a Rag, there are many other reasons for my feelings towards the man and the manager.

I'm sick, to begin with, of all the crap that's regularly spouted by the press about Sparky being some sort of rising star, the most intelligent manager in the league, etc., etc. Blah blah blah. Where's the proof? In the Wales job, his biggest achievement was almost qualifying for the European Championships in 2004. Big deal. At Blackburn (and I know I'm being un-gracious here, but who cares?) his team kicked and scrapped their way into the top 6, into cups and stuff and into Europe without ever being entertaining to watch. And that's really what he's all about. This is not the City way, unless you count the Peter Reid or, um, Brian Horton years. We may have been a sack of shit since around 1976, but at least we've been a fun sack of shit. When I hear the name, or worse see the picture, of Scotty Parker associated with the lazer blue, a cold shiver descends my spine. With all the Abu Dhabi dosh at his disposal, Hughes talks about signing Scott Parker.

For my sins, I seem to be acquainted with a lot of Spurs fans, and one of them, in his repeated rants at Darren Bent, says the Bent is not a Spurs player. He may bang in the goals (occasionally) but he doesn't have that trademark Spurs style, and as such will never be accepted into the bosom of the White Hart Lane faithful quite as warmly as, say, John Chiedozie or Jason Dozzell (I jest, of course, when I mention that last name) In the same way, Hughes will never ever ever be a City man. I think it would be highly amusing if we went down this season, thus ensuring that the Welshman is removed from his post, and we can continue to be typical City. It's up to you to decide if you think I'm being serious or not.

9 comments:

Michael said...

First Scotty Parker, now Kaka?
I guess the Sheikh has just woken up to Sparky's transfer policy - and that you'll get your wish without the trips to Coventry, Barnsley and QPR.

Myeral said...

Kaka is right.

Michael said...

I've just seen your line-up for Kaka's anticipated debut - against us, of course. Frightening, but reminds me slightly of an old Ossie Ardiles formation.

Not that you would have had any trouble picking up the three points anyway.

Myeral said...

I saw that too. 4-1-4-1. H'mm...

Listen mate, we're City. There's nothing certain in our world, and I won't be at all surprised - Kaka or no Kaka - if we lose.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps you can enlighten me...what are City's new owners getting out of all this?

Myeral said...

Frank, as always a pertinent question. Maybe it's something to do with the 'man who has everything' syndrome, and the challenge of making Man City a world beating club was one he couldn't resist. After all, it must be hard to find a high to match losing £440 million on the stock market.

Michael said...

We're Newcastle. Everything's certain in our world.
At the moment we'd struggle to beat a kids' five-a-side team.

Myeral said...

Yes. Doesn't look good, I have to admit. But things could have looked a lot different for us if we hadn't managed to cling on to that Zabaletta goal.

Myeral said...

So you see Michael. Bellamy instead of Kaka. QED