City in the headlines

[Nate]

So exciting though, he seems like a very humble guy and he sounds very eager to play for us which is promising and a good sign for the fans. 

 

His experience will be invaluable and he will add some much needed class to our squad.

[Dylan]

Poor Duffy. He has been a bit drowned out with the Lampard and villa business

[Murfy1]

This is an interesting development, The City Football Group (the actual group it seems, not just Man City) have signed a lucrative deal with Nissan:

 

Manchester City announce commercial partnership with car manufacturer Nissan

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2695688/Manchester-City-announce-commercial-partnership-car-manufacturer-Nissan.html

 

Nissan are the majority owners of the J-League club Yokohama F. Marinos that Man City bought a 20% stake in earlier this year.

 

It's said that the deal is for the whole CFG group:

 

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of City Football Group said: “We are delighted to be working with Nissan as CFG’s first group-wide global partner. Nissan is a leader in innovation and sustainability –values which are also at the heart of our own organisation.

 

“Through our investment in, and support of, the Yokohama F•Marinos it has become very clear that Nissan and CFG also share a common passion and ambition for further growth and development.

 

“As a result, this new partnership presents us both with incredibly exciting opportunities to collaborate through football both in Japan and across the world.”

 

and

 

“Nissan has always been immensely proud of its place in Yokohama F•Marinos history and is now privileged to be part of the story of CFG and their network of fantastic global football teams,” said Carlos Ghosn, Nissan President and CEO.

 

http://www.mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/170769805-land-rising-city-blues-turn-japanese-nissan-sponsorship-deal-they-eye-asia

 

 

It's not quite clear what this means for Melbourne City, and I think Hyundai might have exclusive A-League automotive advertising rights (which I think has previously thwarted attempts by other A-League clubs to get deals with car companies) so it might not mean too much, but it's been reported that 

 

[The deal] also forms part of a wider partnership that will bring benefits to the City Football Group, which includes New York City Football Club and Melbourne City.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2695688/Manchester-City-announce-commercial-partnership-car-manufacturer-Nissan.html

Edited July 17, 2014 by Murfy1

[HEARTinator]

Nissan deal might mean that old 180B or 120Y might fetch a good trade-in price

 

But what's interesting is the amount of money sloshing around in the MLS. Villa, Lampard, Xavi, Kaka. In bloody-credible $$$$$

 

"A joint venture between Manchester City and MLB’s New York Yankees, who together paid a reported $100 million for the team’s expansion rights"

 

Is this a sign of what's to come for the A-league in 10 years or so??

[Heart_fan]

Is it a sign of what's to come for the A-League? No.

The US is a huge market, both in terms of population and corporate benefits. Australia is no comparison to that. Even if we grow the game to be the biggest code in this country many decades down the track, we will still likely be a small market.

As for Nissan, who knows what role they will have in sponsoring us. Unless the Hyundai deal was amended, can't see how this will work.

Edited July 17, 2014 by Heart_fan

[M13]

The NISSAN deal will affect Melbourne and all other teams within CFG..

[HEARTinator]

Is it a sign of what's to come for the A-League? No.

The US is a huge market, both in terms of population and corporate benefits. Australia is no comparison to that. Even if we grow the game to be the biggest code in this country many decades down the track, we will still likely be a small market.

As for Nissan, who knows what role they will have in sponsoring us. Unless the Hyundai deal was amended, can't see how this will work.

 

Don't disagree with this. Australia's GDP is around 1/10 that of the USA so $100M would translate to around $10M in Australia which is around what CFG paid for our A-league license. The benefit of CFG ownership is now starting to be understood where players that we could only have dreamed about having in our team can be made available to us - even if for short periods. The flow effect to the club can be massive if properly managed.

[SF33]

I think it's reasonable to assume that Hyundai's sponsorship of the A-League will prevent Nissan being involved with our club in a particularly overt way (logo on the kit, signage at home games etc.).

[Red or Dead]

I think it's reasonable to assume that Hyundai's sponsorship of the A-League will prevent Nissan being involved with our club in a particularly overt way (logo on the kit, signage at home games etc.).

It might just mean that Redders will upgrade his 2010 corolla to a new Pulsar 

[bt50]

I think it's reasonable to assume that Hyundai's sponsorship of the A-League will prevent Nissan being involved with our club in a particularly overt way (logo on the kit, signage at home games etc.).

It might just mean that Redders will upgrade his 2010 corolla to a new Pulsar

Upgrade????

[belaguttman]

 

Is it a sign of what's to come for the A-League? No.

The US is a huge market, both in terms of population and corporate benefits. Australia is no comparison to that. Even if we grow the game to be the biggest code in this country many decades down the track, we will still likely be a small market.

As for Nissan, who knows what role they will have in sponsoring us. Unless the Hyundai deal was amended, can't see how this will work.

 

Don't disagree with this. Australia's GDP is around 1/10 that of the USA so $100M would translate to around $10M in Australia which is around what CFG paid for our A-league license. The benefit of CFG ownership is now starting to be understood where players that we could only have dreamed about having in our team can be made available to us - even if for short periods. The flow effect to the club can be massive if properly managed.

 

Yes, Sidwell promising David Villa his own private wheelie bin may not have had quite the same compelling attraction.

[cadete]

 

 

I think it's reasonable to assume that Hyundai's sponsorship of the A-League will prevent Nissan being involved with our club in a particularly overt way (logo on the kit, signage at home games etc.).

It might just mean that Redders will upgrade his 2010 corolla to a new Pulsar

Upgrade????

 

In Redders defence his Corolla is a Sportivo...

[drewmelbcity]

Safe to say it means a lot of money coming across, i'm looking forward to seeing how they go about upgrading the training grounds, big potential to become the league leaders in this regard and the way I see it a big selling point to younger players who want to fast track their development, by utilising the best equipment/ programs that Australian football can offer.

[Heart_fan]

Maybe the deal will see the new training complex named the Nissan Centre

 

That may get around the exclusive Hyundai deal with a bit of spin.

Edited July 18, 2014 by Heart_fan

[belaguttman]

Interesting article on our training/preseason tour

 

 

Melbourne City players meet Manchester counterparts at Carrington training complex

Duff excited by new challenge

2:29

IT MIGHT not seem like much, but this was a big moment in the history of the Melbourne City and Manchester City football clubs.

The first time that the senior stars of each club had gotten together for one big “team” photo.

It was just another watershed event on what has been an historic month for Melbourne City.

Manchester City’s training facilities are unbelievable.

Melbourne City players - at the Carrington centre as part of an 18-day pre-season training camp - already feel like they are living as football royalty.

So you can’t begin to believe how Man City’s players are going to feel in about three months time when the City Football Academy opens up just a long goal kick away from its home ground, the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City’s state of the art training facilities being put to use. Source:HeraldSun

On Monday I had the privilege of being shown around all three facilities - the Etihad, the CFA and Carrington - and each are a sight for sore eyes.

You probably do lose some perspective as a sports journalist and take for granted the sights and sounds you see in the sport industry, but it was cool to take a tour of Etihad Stadium purely as a fan - and amongst fans - to see behind the scenes at a ground that is otherwise so far away from little old Australia.

It would be an incredible theatre to watch games at - I’m a stadium nerd so maybe I appreciate it more than most - and the atmosphere is set to only get better in the coming years as expansion at either end will see capacity rise from just shy of 50,000 to about 61,000.

The locker room. Source: HeraldSun

You figured the change rooms would be awesome - the players’ shirts are still hanging up ready to go despite each being either on post-World Cup holiday or with the club in the United States - so too the warm-up area and tunnel which leads on to the field of play, but it’s the little things that take you by surprise.

Did you know that there’s a button at the bottom of the cushy seats the Manchester City substitutes sit on that if they press it instantly warms it up for them on cold days?

They’ve also got warmers in the concrete slabs beneath for their feet.

But on the opposite bench some 10m away there’s none of that. The seats are smaller too and less comfy - maybe that’s why City lost just once here last year.

The players of Manchester and Melbourne City mingle for the first time. Source:HeraldSun

Photo opportunities at the City Football Academy were light on as it is still a construction zone.

Driving around it’s hard to imagine that in about 12 weeks it’s going to be ‘lights, camera, action’, but these guys don’t muck around - they’ll be good to go.

And what a facility it will be! More than a dozen pitches, including an indoor arena equipped to play FIFA matches and another that, with its giant wall around it, is totally sheltered from the elements.

Among other things there are state-of-the-art player facilities - including accommodation - all new media and administration areas and walkway connection to the Etihad. What more could you need?

Where the magic currently happens is out at Carrington, about a 20-minute drive from Manchester.

Samir Nasri and David Williams. Source: Supplied

The facilities are nothing compared to where the players will be in a short amount of time, but would still be the envy of any sporting club in Australia, and the training pitches are immaculate - dubbed the best in the English Premier League - so it’s safe to say that Melbourne City players aren’t complaining.

This is day 15 in the United Kingdom for them, so they could be forgiven for starting to think about being back home in a few days time, but training is still sharp and no less intense than it was at the start of the tour.

Having not played since February because of injury, one of Melbourne City’s star recruits, Damien Duff, is still slowly regaining match fitness, but it’s clearly evident that the skills the 100-time Irish international and former Chelsea possess haven’t diminished.

Former Fulham star Damien Duff trains with his Melbourne City teammates.Source: HeraldSun

The skills of the likes of Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Javi Garcia, Karim Rekik, Micah Richards and Scott Sinclair certainly aren’t diminishing either.

I say that, why? Because for a fleeting moment those players rubbed shoulders with their City Group brothers in the one and only Carrington interchange between the two sets of players.

Manchester City’s players, only just this weekend back from Scotland, were headed for the bus to the airport where they would be bound for that US tour, while Melbourne City’s players were getting ready to train.

But before heading on their separate ways both sets of players paused for a group photo - the first of its kind since Manchester City’s takeover of the club formerly known as Melbourne Heart.

Follow Melbourne City’s tour of Manchester in Matt Windley’s blog below.

 

 

Melbourne City in Manchester

 

[thedukeofhearts]

where's their bins ?? That's what I would be checking out !!

[Red or Dead]

 

Melbourne City FC is delighted to announce the expansion of the Active Supporter areas.

 

With less than 100 seats left in the current area of Bays 16, 17 and 18 at the Yarra River end, the Club will be extending these bays vertically to accommodate the increasing demand for Active Supporter memberships.

Our supporters have been the lifeblood of the Club and will continue to be vital part of the Melbourne City FC match day experience. The Club is excited about the potential to grow the active bays, with even more colour and sound filling the stands of AAMI Park.

As a celebration of the expansion, Melbourne City FC are offering one lucky Active Supporter member the chance to present the Man of the Match award when the Club plays its inaugural Westfield FFA Cup match against Sydney FC in Ballarat on August 12.

Simply sign up another new Active Supporter member by Friday 1 August and the winner will be drawn and notified on the day of the match.

Are you new to the Active Supporter experience? See for more details about how you can be part of the atmosphere here.

Please refer to the AAMI Park stadium map for further information on the bays that will be expanding. If members or fans have any questions, please contact membership@melbournecityfc.com.au.

 

http://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/article/news-active-supporter-bays-expand-with-membership-demand/1rogmkt7hc9yu1i1fiq9pjs1qa

[n i k o]

I'm hoping with the club making this announcement they are also taking responsibility in ensuring that 'active' membership is explained to those members that are going to sign up for it.

[M13]

Niko.. Surely that´s up to the fans?
I mean, many talk about supporter culture but if fans are not active enough you can´t blame the club really

[strider]

"Melbourne City FC is delighted to announce the expansion of the Active Supporter areas."

 

[Falastur]

Interesting story on a French football website. Seems to start fairly negatively, but gets more positive after a while:

 

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fr&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.outsider-mag.fr%2Fmelbourne-city-la-mondialisation-est-elle-profitable%2F&edit-text=&act=url

 

Also featuring our very own Natalie, I do believe.

Edited July 30, 2014 by Falastur

[HEARTinator]

Interesting story on a French football website. Seems to start fairly negatively, but gets more positive after a while:

 

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fr&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.outsider-mag.fr%2Fmelbourne-city-la-mondialisation-est-elle-profitable%2F&edit-text=&act=url

 

Also featuring our very own Natalie, I do believe.

Gotta love the bit about our local footy:

"It is also a big fan of the AFL (the footy, you know, the sport that combines boxing, free-fight, rugby and American football. This is a treat)."

[natalie182]

Yes it is me!

[Red or Dead]

Yes it is me!

You footy-boxing-free-fight-rugby-and-American football lover you!

[Murfy1]

Words of thanks from the club for the overlords:

 

NEWS: Thank You Manchester City Football Club

 

Friday, 1 August 2014

 

 

After what was an amazing 17-day UK tour, the Club would like to thank Manchester City FC for their warm hospitality and the use of their Carrington Training Centre.

 

The tour saw Melbourne City FC travel to Manchester with thanks to the Club's major sponsor Etihad Airways, with the team based at the Marriot in Worsley for the whole trip.

 

With two draws against League Two outfit Bury FC and League One side Oldham Athletic, the Club finished its tour with an impressive 5-1 win against a developmental Bolton Wanderers side, which capped off a successful three weeks.

 

The trip also allowed the team to meet up with new signing Damien Duff. The Republic of Ireland international trained for the first time with the Club at Carrington in what was a landmark moment for the Club.

 

Foundation team member Jason Hoffman said the tour was an incredible experience for all involved.

 

“It was an experience that the whole Club I’m sure will never forget; it was a pre-season that only a player could dream of,” Hoffman said.

 

“To train at Carrington and play the matches we played and obviously for those new players to the group, they got a lot out of it and hopefully it is a good building platform for the season to come.”

 

Head Coach John van’t Schip felt the trip will pay dividends coming into the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season.

 

“It’s been great, I think we would have liked to stay longer. I think everyone has been spoiled in every aspect; the pitches, the equipment, the food, the gym, the people,” van’t Schip said.
 

“The people have been really fantastic in helping us and giving us all of the support that we needed, so I think for sure we are going to miss Carrington and Manchester.”

 

Once again, we would like to show our gratitude towards Manchester City FC for the use of their facility and their hospitality during our pre-season trip.

 

 

http://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/article/thank-you-manchester-city-football-club/16d7azfb2wr2p1igv23kx1dztg

[Nate]

Hoffman talks way too much ahaha.

[Tonyboozeadams]

blasphemy 

[Murfy1]

First impressions from Fox Sports’ Tara Rushton after spending the day with Melbourne City

 

Tara Rushton

 

August 27, 2014 

 

 

A 4am wake-up to make the ‘Red Kangaroo’; the fog breaks on descent, and top buttons are secured upon arrival into chilly Melbourne.

 

It was my first encounter with the new-look Melbourne City squad - minus their World Cup-winning recruit David Villa.

 

Without a doubt, there’s a heightened level of interest and expectation of what this Melbournesquad will deliver this coming season. They are now owned by the richest football club in the world, and there are more eyes globally on them than ever before – added pressure perhaps, but with the pressure also the perks.

 

The ownership by Man City has spoken volumes.

 

Already, ‘welcome to the A-League’: World Cup winning, leading goal scorer for Spain, David Villa, on loan to join fellow all-star cast-mates Damien Duff and Robert Koren, who join City directly from the Premier League.

 

After sitting down with some of Melbourne City’s finest - and funniest - I learnt a couple of things…

 

Connor Chapman doesn’t appear to be a whiz in the kitchen. Or perhaps he’s just poor when he is required to create a meal to impress a lady.

 

Massimo Murdocca is vocally gifted… (on the personal performance I was privy too). Teammates said he has a knack of trying to pick up and impersonate accents, but they tend to all sound the same … Swedish!

 

City’s newly promoted recruit, recently offered a senior contract with City, Paulo Retre, is the team heart throb. Before I even had the chance to meet him, I had heard about him from nearly all of his teammates and it’s not just because of his hair.

 

‘Leave your kit behind’ or ‘forget your socks’ and Patrick Kisnorbo will be hitting you up with a cash fine.

 

For the gamut of success he has experienced throughout his career - League Cup with Blackburn, two Premier League titles with Chelsea, a Europa League final for Fulham and a World Cup for Ireland - Damien Duff emanates no scent of ego at all. Warm, engaging and humble as they come, Duff was up for a laugh and had some great banter. He was relaxed and as the oldest member of the squad, he looked a natural leader.

 

Robert Koren jumped on a plane straight after the pre-season shoot to fly to Slovenia and pick up his family and accompany them back to Melbourne. Without a doubt, when he touches back into Oz on Thursday, he will be a tad jet lagged, but he is so committed to the team he won’t be missing training.

 

Melbourne City’s pre-season continues with next Tuesday’s clash with FC Bendigo at Epson Huntly Reserve.

 

http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/first-impressions-from-fox-sports-tara-rushton-after-spending-the-day-with-melbourne-city/story-e6frf4gl-1227039042545

Edited August 27, 2014 by Murfy1

[Murfy1]

So, apparently this happened:

 

 

https://twitter.com/trna17/status/504536953388154880

[LR9]

Forty inch forehead.

[Cinnamon]

Forty inch forehead.

It's a fivehead

[kingofhearts]

So, apparently this happened:

 

 

https://twitter.com/trna17/status/504536953388154880

Looks like a mong supporter

[n i k o]

Nah he doesn't support any team playing wog ball

[Deviant]

[Murfy1]

Unfortunate Cahill isn't looking at Australia. I think this is first time he has been properly linked with Melbourne City as well (there's been ample media say the club should sign Cahill, but not that it's actually trying to sign Cahill):

 

Cahill: I could play until 2017

 

By John Greco

 

01/09/2014

 

 

The Socceroos star is plotting the next step in his career but the A-League does not appear to be on his radar

 

Australia's all-time leading scorer Tim Cahill believes he could play for up to another three years and admits Asia and Italy are "intriguing" destinations for him.

 

Cahill is currently tearing up the MLS with New York Red Bulls, where he has another year to run on his contract.

 

The Socceroos forward was in action on Monday morning (AEST) for the Red Bulls, substituted in the final minute of their 2-0 defeat to DC United.

 

The former Everton man has been named in the Socceroos' squad for the friendly with Belgium later this week and the match against Saudi Arabia on September 8.

 

The 34-year-old is pumped up for January's AFC Asian Cup in Australia before it will be time to decide the next – and possibly final – step in his glittering career.

 

"Business-wise and football-wise, I couldn't be happier and I'm lucky to have built a beautiful lifestyle in New Jersey and New York," Cahill told the Daily Telegraph.

 

"For me the biggest decision will be after the next two years. When you've lived in London, Manchester, Sydney and New York, it's exciting.

 

"I am definitely intrigued by Asia and Italy and other cities in America. I've got another good two to three years maybe of playing."

 

Cahill's comments could disappoint a number of A-League clubs with the likes of Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City having been linked with the prolific goalscorer in the past.

 

While a 37-year-old Cahill would undoubtedly be a marketing success in Australia, it would remain to be seen whether he would provide enough value on the pitch for A-League clubs to be tempted in 2017.

 

Cahill has made 71 appearances for Australia and has scored 34 goals for the Socceroos, including two at this year's World Cup in Brazil.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-au/news/4024/aussies-abroad/2014/09/01/5074582/cahill-i-could-play-until-2017

Edited September 1, 2014 by Murfy1

[jw1739]

He'll be like almost all the others - follow the money. And I would do the same.

 

I know that others support for the maintenance of the A-League salary cap, but IMO while it is in place, at least at the present level, we will never really improve the standard of the league or attract players that will bring in the crowds.

 

As for 37-y-o marquees looking for one last pay-packet? Personally I'm not interested. So far none of our "name" players, marquees or not, have delivered overmuch, and it'll be interesting to see just what Duff, Koren and Villa can deliver once we get down to business in October.

[Torn Asunder]

At 37 he wouldn't be a marquee, but would still make a handy impact sub. He'll be scoring goals till the day he retires and would knock em in for fun at A-League level

[Murfy1]

Big and impressive 6 page feature on Melbourne City, written by Dejan Kalinic, in the October edition of the Australian 442 magazine, which hit the shelves today:

 

 

 

 

There's a number of interesting points about Melbourne City in the magazine, but to be respectful to the magazine (and because I'm too lazy right now to do much typing), I'll just mention some key parts:

 

 

 

Now Melbourne City, a different crest and colours followed, and so have two new pitches and improved change rooms at a permanent training base, La Trobe University. There are more staff and support, and greater expectations at a club that has failed to reach any great heights. And most importantly, a cultural change, needed after seasons of mediocrity.

 

"It was little things like accepting certain results when you shouldn't, and that was definitely the culture that was in this club", Murdocca said. "You can just tell with the new owners and the way the coaching staff have been talking that we're not happy with scraping a draw".

 

[Murdocca:] "we want to be a classy team that plays football, and we want to play the game in a beautiful way. We want to win in a nice way and with that comes structure, a culture, that all has to be built from now".

 

Heart foundation player Jason Hoffman says, unprompted, that the focus needs to be on the culture. "The biggest change for me is trying to get a cultural change, understanding what it means to be a City footballer and being part of the City Football Group and that family". [...] "it has to be a winning culture, and winning in the right manner, and playing the style of football that Manchester City try to play in the UK".

 

The two new pitches, fenced off, are of the highest quality and the changing rooms professional. Around the halfway line near one pitch, scaffolding stands for analysis purposes. Previously, matches were filmed from ground level, and even that is a sign of improvement.

 

For players, knowing they have a training base is key, having been "dragged all over the place" last season, as Murdocca described it. [...] Just how big a difference having a settle base will have remains to be seen, but Murdocca said it was something the players could be proud of. He believes the regular moving last season led to players showing a lack of pride on the field during their dreadful 2013/14 campaign. "This is where we belong. We've got to take pride in where we are, and we do", Murdocca said. "Last year, that pride just didn't exist and that probably showed on the field which is a sad thing, but that's the reality and we hope that never happens with any other A-League club ever again".

 

[Hoffman:] "The excitement is there for the young players, the senior players, and everyone involved in the club in a general sense. There's a huge expectation on us as a club now. It's the challenge on the playing group and everyone involved to try and live up to that expectation and raise the standards and get as much as we can out of the season. We want to be successful... and in the right way".

 

 

 

I'd say the above sums up the tone, and some of the key points/ideas. What stands out, in my opinion, is how self-aware the players were that the way they were doing things, the culture, was just really off last season. Also, the club staff now seem to be laying down much tougher demands, and setting much higher expectations, which all implicitly suggests that last season's club staff weren't setting especially high standards.

 

And some of these issues were undoubtedly tied in with how the management and previous owners were running the club. The ridiculous amount of moving around the team did across several training bases last season clearly left a negative mark on the team. And now that the team has moved away from that poor and messy state of affairs to now have their own training base, with immaculate pitches and other professional resources, that will help the team be professional and show proper pride in the shirt when they take to the pitch. The stable and professional resources should lead to an effective club culture that means there's never a lack of pride for the shirt, and that culture should be a platform for sustained success (and not just the occasional wins and winning streaks, that many clubs settle for).

 

 

 

Also, there were 5 top six predictions for next season. And Melbourne City made the top six in all of them. And Melbourne City was even tipped to win silverware in one of these predictions! (And the magazine and these predictions seem to pre-date the signing of Paartalu). So it looks like there's decent optimism in the media about the club's fortunes for next season.

[InMyHeart]

I just dont get the easy cop out of blaming the training base, You're a professional footballer, with the opportunity of a life time, that many many others would love, and all you want to do is blame your poor form as a team, in which you arnt contributing greatly to either, and attribute it to moving around training locations. Give me a spell 

[n i k o]

Heart foundation player Jason Hoffman says, unprompted, that the focus needs to be on the culture. "The biggest change for me is trying to get a cultural change"

This basically answers the long asked question of whether the club, players, coaches are aware of the culture that still lingers from the old regime. It also means that the culture at the club still has a long way to go to get to where we and the club want it to be. Unfortunately cultural changes take time, and success on the pitch will definitely be one of the factors that changes that culture.