1. England’s execrable draw in Ireland yesterday was made only vaguely watchable with a bit of City-spotting. Robbie Brady (to whom we’ll return) impressed, while it was bittersweet to see Paul McShane in action. Great to see him representing his country; saddening to remember he’ll not be playing for us any more. 2. Meanwhile, the rumour mill continues to churn out its usual mixture of rubbish. We are not in the slightest bit interested in repeating the nonsense published as facts in tabloid newspapers at the behest of grasping agents, we’ll generally leave that tiresome game to others. However, a tweet by the well-connected David Burns did raise a smile, claiming that while others are interested in Brady (not surprising), City claim to want £15m. 3. Let’s remember that isn’t a valuation; even today’s transfer market cannot possibly accommodate that madness. It’s not even what Steve Bruce really wants, or would realistically settle for; his hand would probably be forced by a Premier League club offering a third of that. It’s simply a way of staking a position and inviting others to overpay. 4. James Chester’s departure remains the biggest fear. He’s too good for the Championship, and both he and his employers must realise that. That doesn’t automatically mean he’ll be sold, but he comes across as an astute young man who’ll say the right things and keep himself professionally out of the limelight, evidently instructing his advisers to do the same. You’d have to wish him well if he does leave, because he’s been a gem of a players and a good pro; but wouldn’t it be fantastic if Steve Bruce can persuade him to stay? 5. If Chester goes, could that propel Harry Maguire to prominence? An interesting piece in the Hull Daily Mail last week contained strong reviews of his time at Wigan, and while he was very obviously not ready for Premier League football in his few outings last season, he did appear to have some potential. 6. Not such a good pro, but more likely to leave is Abel Hernández. His goal for Uruguay, albeit it against Guatemela, will hopefully help City to recoup at least some of the frightening outlay for him. 7. City are in the First Round of the 2015/16 League Cup. That’s quite a departure from last season’s automatic entry into the Third Round; but we will of course be seeded, opening up the opportunity to play (hopefully away) someone we’ve not played for a while, or indeed, ever. Ground tick geeks rejoice. 8. Better still, it’ll be free for season ticket holders who renewed before City were relegated. Though with the First Round being sandwiched in between the first and second games of the Championship season, it’s hard to see anything other than a full-on reserve team being fielded. Which, if we’re at home to Morecambe, means the free ticket offer is hardly a sensational reward… 9. A ball hasn’t yet kicked, and already City have lost their place as Championship title favourites. Derby, presumably on the back of their recent managerial appointment, are now most fancied to finish top. Not that we’d be unhappy with finishing second behind them, of course. 10. Congratulations to City fans, for whom banning orders are now at a 13 year low. We hope that West Yorkshire Police and their scarcely better counterparts in this part of the country take note. http://www.ambernectar.org/blog/2015/06/things-we-think-we-think-190/?
Re point 10, wouldnt it be great to be 'allowed' a weekend game at TWS rather than the obligatory midweek outing. Is it really too much to ask?
Our last game against them was on a Saturday. EDIT: Just realised you're probably on about away fixtures.
"Re point 10, wouldnt it be great to be 'allowed' a weekend game AT TWS ......." I'm pretty sure we won there, midweek, 2-3 in the promotion season.
