BOOK REVIEW (STOP MAKING SENSE) MANCHESTER CITY, MOTHER RUSSIA AND ME ..

author Peter Brophy

Not being a prolific reader of books but now and again I am drawn to titles like Debbie does Dallas and Heather likes it Hot. I thought I would purchase a copy as the lads from Parrs Wood Press were flogging copies at the September meeting and as I was heading for the Des Res caravan at Towyn at the weekend I needed some essential reading to keep me out of the Ale House during the day. The first question I asked myself and no doubt at this very moment you are asking is "who the **** is Peter Brophy and what's more why the hell did he write a book about City and Russia and who does he expect to read it??" Well then, that's part of the intrigue and beauty about it isn't it? A quick flick through the first pages reveals that Peter wasn't a member of the 80's hooligans mob the "Guvnors" but his granddad was a bit of a gangster in America. One thing I would like to challenge, not only in Peter's book but also in others, is how they can remember so ****ing much. I can't even remember who we played after the last Gentleman's Morning never mind going into precise detail of teams and statistics in '82 and naming half of the Newcastle team including Kevin Keegan in '83. The book centres on who Peter's life in Russia is mirrored by how City are doing ... eg City going down and Peter losing his job etc and doing crap at school. It's not hard to read and a bit of a laugh and well worth £8.95. I didn't and don't like the bit how he and many others before him send the Blues up by stating that many football teams are unpredictable but none can rival Manchester City for the tage of English Football's soap opera club. Peter is a qualified lawyer who specialises on the sporting side and has advised on transfers and players contracts at the highest level. Time is traced from winning the League Cup in '76 to the Blues' stunning success under Kevin Keegan on our march to promotion in 2001 - 2002. He chronicles the years spent in Russia where he lived through an abortive coup, political turmoil and financial meltdown .. just like at Maine Road one could add. Told with warmth, honesty and humour that you would expect from a City fan, never mind one who lived, studied and worked in Russia. All in all, not a bad read and would make a great belated crimbo present or ideal birthday

gift. If the lads from Parrs Wood Press could get Peter to a meeting, I'm sure you'll find him a very interesting and entertaining guest.

Review by Mr. S Rushdie

LOOK BACK, BE HAPPY, BE BLUE

In the mid to late nineties, when City went through crisis after crisis, there was one shining light - Georgiou Kinkladze. We step back in time with best selling author and life-long City fan Gary James.

Although Gio arrived at Maine Road just in time for the start of the '95 season, a delay in obtaining a work permit caused him to miss all the pre-season friendlies (what a surprise). Also the first few weeks were difficult as he was unable to speak English and City in their wisdom appoint a Russian interpreter even though Gio was from Georgia and both countries hated each other. Nevertheless he quickly settled into the side and by the time of his first goal - a much needed late winner against Aston Villa - he was a vital member of the team. A couple of weeks later his superb goal away at Middlesborough helped him gain admirers and headlines nationwide. Alan Hanson raved about some of his performances especially in the 3-3 game with Newcastle and the 2-1 Maine Road defeat of Southampton. The match against the Saints was particularly pleasing as his second goal of the game was simply incredible. During the course of a 40 yard run he tore through the whole Southampton defence, allowed Dave Beasant to make his move and then delicately chipped the ball over the keeper's body for an effort that should have been awarded goal of the season. The Daily Telegraph's highly respected Bryan Butler became one of Gio's first admirers. Within weeks of his debut, Butler was making comparisons with Matthews and Best (yuk) while stating Gio had more to offer English football than Cantona, Shearer, Giggs and a whole host of other familiar names.

Gio was a crowd pleaser who entertained and excited City fans. Gio was crowned man of the match on many occasions and was runaway winner of City's Player of the Year. Gio attended two meetings at P&W and was absolutely brilliant when we had a party with him at a secret location in Amsterdam. He never settled at Ajax and hardly plays for Derby. His best days were certainly at Maine Road.

Thanks for the memories

Gary James