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30 Aug 2026 22:11:05
The buzz is we have reached agreement with club and Player and Camara will be joining for approximately £40m.
I hope he proves to be as good as my mate says he is.
1.) 31 Aug 2026 08:02:49
We need him to be Tom, so hope so too. But if he is Santos' replacement - unless that is Barco, but he may be an Essugo replacement if he's thought not good enough for CFC - we still need a Fernandez one too. And midfield is our obvious big weakness, especially if Caicedo is injured.
Though we could have done hugely with Cucurella on the pitch as left wing back yesterday too, and can only hope Palestra is OK to play soon, as he can play left or right wing back, I think. We were wide open down the flanks v Brighton.
2.) 31 Aug 2026 08:04:39
Especially open down our left flank.
3.) 31 Aug 2026 14:14:51
I just read he's going to Palace for a year and then we sign him next season.
4.) 31 Aug 2026 14:43:49
I think you're getting confused with the young Italian left back, Honest Ahanor, we have just signed, CFC1221.
5.) 31 Aug 2026 16:00:45
Ah yes, my bad!
29 Aug 2026 22:09:37
I posted at the start of this window that Liverpool asked to be kept informed about Neto, whatever that means. Liverpool asked for an update yesterday.
My guess is asking for an update is a million miles away from making an offer.
1.) 31 Aug 2026 08:05:50
Hope so, Tom cos Neto looked v good for us yesterday and we need him.
2.) 31 Aug 2026 12:46:07
Liverpool apparently asked about the availability of two of our wide players.
27 Aug 2026 19:16:45
So EF supposedly asked not to play tonight. Maybe this is an opportunity for those who wanted him to stay to reconsider their position. If this is some mechanism to force through a sale at a reduced price, I will tell City to swivel and let him rot in a bomb squad. Of course, that will not happen.
On an even worse note, we have apparently agreed a fee for Martinez.
I always say it’s impossible for the club to make me happy in a transfer window. This is certainly one of those cases. Obviously if he signs I will support him as he immediately becomes a top keeper. ?end.
1.) 27 Aug 2026 22:24:49
Alonso says it was the club's and his decision not to play EF tonight. I guess that makes some sort of difference, but not much as far as I am concerned.
2.) 28 Aug 2026 13:57:48
Yes, Alonso did say that, Tom, and also said he may be involved v Brighton on Sunday, though you would think that was unlikely.
3.) 28 Aug 2026 15:42:51
JBS, my guesswork theory is that EF told the manager and board he preferred to leave, and then the Chelsea decision-makers took him out of the squad.
26 Aug 2026 20:37:28.
Apparently Chelsea have not received a bid or spoken to City about Fernandez.
I personally still think it happens.
1.) 27 Aug 2026 01:41:51
Lot of reports, bid expected yesterday. Wouldn't surprise me if Citeh are leaking with no intention of bidding, just to waste our time.
Really hope they bid and he goes, though. He was pretty useless when paired with Caicedo in the past, and he isn't getting into the team as a starting 10.
2.) 27 Aug 2026 11:45:56
Agree, Melbourne.
3.) 27 Aug 2026 16:14:03
I also agree, Melbourne. Whilst EF looked great in the Champions' League, and despite scoring a lot of goals for us last season, he generally looked a bit off the pace to my eyes in the middle of the park in PL games.
4.) 27 Aug 2026 16:53:53
I made my position clear on EF last season when he said and his agent said he wanted to leave. We had about 10/12 games of the season left, and he is our vice captain.
My view was, and is, he should never play for the club again.
Unlike some, I rate him as a player, but players who want to leave can go, as far as I'm concerned. Thanks and goodbye.
5.) 28 Aug 2026 14:10:56
I think he was one of the three best players last season... Joao Pedro and Cucurella being the other two. EF is seen by many as JP's closest rival for our player of the season. Caicedo next, but below the level of his previous 2 seasons. Then a gap to Neto. Esteveo had patches of brilliance. Reece and Cole, some good games, but well below their best levels overall. Trevoh C is probably our best defender in terms of consistency.
So, I take the point about his pace, but unless we can replace EF with an additional proven top-quality midfielder - and perhaps a Kante-like one may suit Alonso's system best - I'd want him to stay for the sake of our ECL qualification campaign this season and so as not to strengthen City. And bet Alonso would want the same.
26 Aug 2026 14:54:09
If the rumour is true and we are looking to sign Martinez the I am very disappointed. I don't rate him as a keeper and from what I understand he is a bit of kn@b.
If Penders isn't better than him, we are in trouble.
1.) 26 Aug 2026 16:57:50
It probably won't surprise you to hear that I really hope this happens.
I appreciate that he may not be a nice person, but that's where the management come in.
Penders can still be No 2, but to Martinez, not Sanchez.
2.) 26 Aug 2026 17:19:40
tbh, maybe we need a few more not-so-nice characters. Look at our sides of the past and recent league winners (Gabriel for Arsenal, Bernardo Silva for City). We have often been accused of being naive and nice. Could be what we need.
3.) 26 Aug 2026 18:02:52
If it had been a couple years ago I'd have been alright with signing him, but he's been average last couple of years in my opinion.
4.) 26 Aug 2026 18:26:25
Agree, fuser, but average is still better than Sanchez.
5.) 26 Aug 2026 20:29:04
Martinez isn't about replacing Sanchez, it's about us not picking Penders. Martinez is bang average, so it doesn't say a lot about the confidence in Penders.
6.) 26 Aug 2026 22:03:51
Tom Penders is a kid - very rare to see a keeper that young as first choice, especially in a side that looks promising but is still unsettled... Id like to see him bedded in slowly - Martinez could be the man for that role.
7.) 27 Aug 2026 03:11:29
I am not a fan of Martinez as a keeper but then as I have been saying for ages with two exceptions the premiership keepers are all average in my opinion. Let me make it clear, I am not saying he isn't better than Sanchez.
From what I have read about him and been told I can't see how he is going to be a positive in the dressing room.
I would value one the Ed's opinions on his potential signing as a player abd an influence?
{Ed001's Note - he is a bit of a ?, very difficult to manage and you have no doubt seen the arse he makes of himself. I think it is very telling that he has been trying to leave Villa every summer for about 3 years now and this is the first genuine interest anyone has shown in a weak market for the position. And you are only seeing him as a stopgap in desperate circumstances! But at least he is not Sanchez, so it should be an improvement. He does have a tendency to make the odd clanger too, but not quite as often.}
8.) 27 Aug 2026 04:23:34
Thanks Ed, much appreciated.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome Tom.}
9.) 27 Aug 2026 09:08:07
What do you think of Penders as a keeper ED01? or is it too early to tell?
{Ed001's Note - I haven't seen him play to be honest.}
10.) 27 Aug 2026 11:22:10
And there lies the problem, none of us really know if Penders is good enough or ready.
The one thing that we all know is Sanchez isn't good enough.
11.) 27 Aug 2026 16:49:57
The other thing we know is Martinez isn't a lot better than Sanchez and is a ? end.
If we ain't gonna trust Penders, buy Costa.
12.) 27 Aug 2026 18:15:08
Disagree, Tom. Martinez is levels above Sanchez, who may be the worst keeper in the league, and the bigger issue is his best mate, who got the gig as keeper coach
If Sanchez goes, he needs to follow him out the door.
13.) 27 Aug 2026 18:47:13
I'm seriously thinking of giving in. The issue isn't that Martinez is better than Sanchez. The reality is he is bang average and a ? end.
What some are saying is that he is better than Penders. If that is the case, then Penders is bang average and not the answer.
If Penders is the second coming of goalkeepers that some believe, then maybe the coach also deserves a portion of credit.
I also repeat, in my opinion, Sanchez will start against Brighton.
TomB's banter posts with other poster's replies to TomB's banter posts
06 Oct 2026 22:35:16
I hope to be at the game on Saturday.
Will be interesting to see how many of the players injured pre the international break are now fit. It will also be interesting to see the shape we adopt and if the manager can get Palmer and Roger's working all over the pitch.
I am hopeful of a win, so it's Come on my mighty Blues.
1.) 07 Oct 2026 09:47:46
Hope you make it Tom.
I am also intending to be there and not quite sure what to expect both in terms of CFC line-up, quality of play and result.
I see that Alex Scott is sidelined for two months - does just being linked with transfer to CFC lead to such misfortune?! - or so which is a blow for Bournemouth but we know where are own weaknesses lie.
03 Oct 2026 11:22:44
Just been watch Chelsea thump dirty Leeds 4-0 (1971/72) on the Big Match revisited.
The match itself was attended by 51k fans and that was with no East Stand.
After the match the commentator (Brian Moore) showed a plan of the proposed new wrap around Chelsea stadium, with a 60k capacity. The existing railway mainline had a road flyover for extra car access to the ground.
If only we had finished the job.
1.) 03 Oct 2026 12:49:37
Tom,
It would be nice if the new ownership started something never mind us finishing it years ago, even showing us the future plans and giving a timeline, that would be a start.
2.) 03 Oct 2026 16:36:58
Bill, if I remember correctly, it was widely reported that a board split was one of the major reasons for any decision. Well that excuse has now disappeared.
Will be interesting to see if there is a least a question on this subject in the next FAB meeting minutes.
Can I also say, the model shown on that 1971 program was quite futuristic. Obviously no problems with building over the main railway line in those days.
29 Sep 2026 17:18:49
This is a very strong statement from the Premier League.
My mates and I went for a 50pt deduction for the next five seasons. Maybe it is going to be stronger than that and they get drummed out of the leagues.
1.) 29 Sep 2026 18:23:35
it is Tom- and the key part is the misstated accounts and lying to auditors- in the 'normal world' that would be cause for very very serious consequences.
2.) 29 Sep 2026 19:23:08
Three independent KC's sit on a panel and find them guilty of all charges.
I would be totally flabbergasted if they won an appeal.
3.) 30 Sep 2026 07:55:06
I always thought that fake / false accounting was a serious crime especially in this magnitude, are the police involved? Or are they waiting for the final outcome?
4.) 30 Sep 2026 09:17:38
This is probably a watershed moment for all aspects of so called financial fairplay. If City were to avoid serious sanctions then surely that spells the end of it.
ED01, what is your take on the whole thing?
{Ed001's Note - it is not just that, it is also the fact they refused to cooperate with the investigation (unlike Chelsea, Everton and Forest) plus the fact they have also committed crimes in legal terms, not just breaches of footballing rules. They have to be absolutely smashed or there will be no reason not to do it again and again and again.}
5.) 30 Sep 2026 11:22:14
Thanks Ed001
My feeling is that once this is sorted a criminal investigation will swiftly follow, this could involve Execs being arrested / questioned and ex managers and possibly players.
Could someone pass the popcorn ? please.
{Ed001's Note - I hope so, but I think it will just get brushed under the carpet.}
6.) 01 Oct 2026 06:26:08
Gary Neville on UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's comments about Manchester City:
"I find those comments absolutely staggering. At a time when Manchester City have just been found guilty of serious financial rule breaches, the Prime Minister is talking about how concerned he would be if their owners left. What message does that send?
Are we now at the stage where money, investment and tax revenue matter more than the integrity of football? Because if that is the message coming from the top, then we have a serious problem.
You cannot have one set of rules for the smaller clubs and another set of rules for the biggest and wealthiest clubs. If the rules have been broken, they must be dealt with properly. It doesn't matter how much money the owners have brought into Manchester.
And let me be very clear — nobody should be influencing the independent process. The courts, regulators and football authorities must be allowed to do their jobs without political pressure.
If Manchester City escape meaningful punishment simply because they are economically important, then forget sporting integrity. Every club in England will ask themselves why they should respect the rules.
The Premier League cannot become a competition where the bigger your bank account, the safer you are from consequences. That would destroy the credibility of English football.
I think the Prime Minister needs to clarify those comments, because right now they sound like he is more worried about losing Manchester City's owners than protecting the integrity of the Premier League.".
7.) 01 Oct 2026 11:56:59
Breaking news, Gary Neville makes reasonable point. ??
Thanks K, I personally hadn't picked that comment up in the media.
8.) 01 Oct 2026 15:29:05
EDOO1
Why do you think legal action will be brushed under the carpet?
{Ed001's Note - because the govt will put pressure on to ensure it does.}
9.) 01 Oct 2026 17:35:23
Bill- legal action on the back of this will get really messy, think sanctions will be kept to a sport level on the whole- with small scale/individual legal cases ongoing for years- when sporting sanctions are handed out think will be on agreement from rest of league/big orgs like govt+HMRC that they won't pursue any legal action after.
10.) 01 Oct 2026 18:41:43
I disagree. When and if sporting sanctions are met out to City, it is my opinion the pressure will grow to such an extent that HMRC will have to investigate.
I have no idea about the process or responsibility but I assume the auditors used by club will also come under scrutiny.
Also, given Burnhams stupid comment, loud noises will be made for an investigation into other UAE so called Manchester investments and how or if Burnham was actively involved.
11.) 01 Oct 2026 19:04:21
I wish you were right Tom but I fear Burnham and co have far too much to lose both personally and the country.
I would not mind betting this will lead to a break away from the prem.
12.) 01 Oct 2026 21:55:34
Bill, I think Burnham has already lost credibility with the majority of football fans when he puts finance above integrity. It says a lot about him as a person in my opinion.
Yes, the UAE are considered an Ali but they have a a very small impact on our GDP. I can't see either civil service wanting to destroy the relationship for the sake of City, given what's going on in the world at the moment.
If I was advising them I would just start negotiating a deal with the premiership. I certainly wouldn't be prompting a state run sponsor to issue threats of legal action.
For me, they are going to get a massive points deduction. The only question is for how many seasons? European ban's probably don't matter because they won't qualify. Massive fine and maybe a transfer ban for a number of windows.
I can't see the owners walking away and I can't see the premiership forcing that issue. They probably should but I doubt they will.
13.) 01 Oct 2026 20:13:23
This will either stop all this arab sportwashing or go the other way and prove the UK is in dire straights and owned financially by them.
14.) 02 Oct 2026 09:29:18
I would go for the latter K.
15.) 02 Oct 2026 08:43:29
With 30 year gilts at over 6% we do not need anyone's help to be in "dire straights.".
16.) 02 Oct 2026 09:58:11
sportswashing isn't reserved for arabs. we had our own russian version before you start singling out specific groups
Tbh the prem are largely to blame- they had no complaints when the sheikh arrived and starting splashing his cash on the city- same way it was with us and roman, if we're being honest. it was 'good for the league' and 'good for manchester and everyone conveniently ignored the negatives and brushed them under the carpet and now they're left between a rock and a hard place. this whole saga will continue dragging on for years. in the meantime they really need to reform the current financial rules as they're just not fit for purpose.
another point i'd make is this case/investigation largely came off the back of a hacker obtaining and leaking info. i dread to think about our potential bad behviour during the roman era and beyond. the likes of the infinite athlete sponsorship are murky.
17.) 02 Oct 2026 13:44:03
Kazblue
You mention us and Man Cheaty but what about the secrets other clubs could be hiding.
Dont forget the prem league did not find out about us or cheaty, our new owners self reported and Cheaty got hacked.
I just think others could be abusing the system without anybody knowing.
18.) 02 Oct 2026 12:05:13
EDOO1
Can you see a situation where no club would play man cheaty.
{Ed001's Note - would: cost them too much to do that.
19.) 02 Oct 2026 15:33:48
I agree there would be a cost and point lost for each club but the prem league as we know it would surely end and maybe that's what's needed.
20.) 02 Oct 2026 15:47:03
Bill i agree- we self reported and sham city got hacked anorher reason why i still believe a deal will be made eventually.
21.) 03 Oct 2026 10:04:51
bluekaz,
Just because they got hacked didn't mean they are less guilty.
22.) 03 Oct 2026 10:59:43
Surely these arab owners must be forced to sell if found guilty of corruption and cheating?
{Ed001's Note - why does casual racism have to slip into it? Does it matter that they are Arabs?}
27 Sep 2026 09:40:19
I was told that Gittens has picked up a bad injury while in England U21 duty?
That would be a shame. As I have said before, in my opinion the lad can play a bit. As I also said when we signed him he does tend to play with his head down but nothing that good coaching couldn't put right. Hope it's not too serious.
1.) 27 Sep 2026 12:22:47
He got a kick on the ankle Tom and was replaced by Tyrique George. Seen on crutchez.
Pender also got injury.
Gittens is way down pecking order and won't play much under alonso and will be sold or loaned.
2.) 27 Sep 2026 14:27:09
EbW, according to many pre season reports Gittens had impressed Alonso in pre season. Unfortunately he got yet another injury and that stopped him getting the mins his pre season form deserved.
As I mentioned weeks ago, I'm struggling to see how Alonso can play both Roger's and Palmer at the same time. The only way I can see that happening is if Alonso plays with an extra midfielder.
I can see Alonso giving Gittens a run as a Roger's replacement. I can't see how we play two talented players who only operate in one segment of the pitch. I very much hope I am wrong and Alonso finds a solution.
3.) 27 Sep 2026 14:48:37
Tom, I think ED01 has come up with a solution to our defensive woes in an earlier post when I asked him a question about 3 or 4 at the back.
By having a solid backline of Hato, Levi Colwill, Josh and Reece James we could protect them with Jordan Henderson and MoisesCaicedo then you also get another forward in like Estevao or Neto or your man Gittens.
4.) 27 Sep 2026 18:13:05
I also noted Ed01 mentioned my historic point about playing Roger's and Palmer.
In my opinion our best defender so far this season has been Josh. So for me he has to play.
I'm am not a fan of three at the back. I would play 433 or 4312 but if that happens he can't play Roger's.
In years gone bye we had players who could cover for a player like Hazard but as good as those players were they couldn't have coped with two players who are not prepared to do the hard work.
JBS and I have been having debates on this issue since virtually the start of the season. This situation is why Alonso gets paid the big bucks. As I've also said, Jose would have made the call a few weeks ago.
5.) 27 Sep 2026 21:41:10
I agree with you Tom, Jose would of sorted this but surely we give Alonso a chance before you change him?
6.) 27 Sep 2026 22:15:39
I have never suggested replacing Alonso. I am a believer in giving people a long time before I make a decision about their abilities.
Also, just for the record, I would definitely not want Jose back as our manager.
25 Sep 2026 22:28:27
Just back from the pub with a cross section of football fans. A big spread of ages, supporters of different clubs.
The football topic was obviously City, with us all giving our views on a suitable punishment. At the end we seemed to strangely agree that a "one" season punishment didn't reflect the "term" of the transgression.
So, we ended up with a 50pts deduction every season for five seasons.
There was also agreement that any club directly affected "should" take legal action for compensation.
I wasn't drinking but the debate was very loud with more than a touch of anger, especially from a couple of spuds fans.
13 Sep 2026 21:39:13
As long as we try to show respect and the post passes the Ed's scrutiny, who cares what name or names people choose to use.
11 Sep 2026 15:55:01
I hope Clearlake turn out to be good owners. It will be interesting to see what the share sale values the club at.
02 Sep 2026 18:05:44
Swcfc, I think we tried to get players lined up in case Fernandez was sold. Club transfers are not a static thing, and I personally believe it's hard to imagine a club with a top player letting us have a guaranteed option to buy that player but only if we sell our player.
If that makes sense?
My guess is we will make a stop-gap signing and then look at the market in January. I personally would like us to still sign Camara but I would be reluctant (for no real reason) to do Monaco a favour.
02 Sep 2026 15:19:20
Chelsea Football Club's stance was clear. The fee for Fernandez was a minimum of £120m. We had no control or absolute certainty that City were prepared to make that sort of offer.
I personally didn't care if EF ever played for us again, but the club and manager played him against Fulham, so they were happy to keep him.
31 Aug 2026 12:46:07
Liverpool apparently asked about the availability of two of our wide players.
07 Oct 2026 09:27:20
Bill, I hope we go to four at the back and three in midfield.
06 Oct 2026 17:09:06
I have never suggested Alonso should "go" now or a few games in the future.
I always support our managers and I always give them time (usually a season or maybe two) to prove their worth.
I have only expressed how I prefer my team to train and play. I firmly believe that playing a game is a replication of training.
Train hard, play hard.
06 Oct 2026 13:20:26
The "so called" Alonso priorities do not align with mine.
I am a fan of coaches who make every minute in training or friendlies a must win atmosphere.
06 Oct 2026 09:03:04
I see it as a poor result with the team we put out. I personally do not believe it's ok to lose any game and all training sessions should have intensity. Bad habits start on the training ground.
What do you think Ed?
{Ed001's Note - without knowing What the plan was impossible to say. The year LFC won the league under Klopp I seem to remember losing every pre-season friendly,
04 Oct 2026 14:47:33
JBS, thanks for the info mate. Holly Molly that is a poor result.