Flashback To July 2006-City To Unveil New Striker?

Rewind 4 years ago to the managerial reign of Stuart Pearce. The talk on VMC was of a new striker coming in and worry that our few star players would be poached...

This week we delve into the Vital Manchester City archives to a time one month before City were to be thumped 3-0 at Chelsea who were playing in third gear in the season's opening game...

City to unveil new striker ?
Monday July 17 2006 by Andy Leggott

'Some news sources are reporting that City have landed Valencia striker Bernado Corradi (30) on a two-year deal with a reported fee in the region of £1m for the ex-Italian international.

This rumoured signing suggests Psycho is determined to build a strong squad to avoid a repeat of last season when the depth of the squad (or lack of it), was apparent to all and the cause of City's dire end-of-season run in.

If the rumour is true, City will now have five strikers fighting for two places
(Cole, Samaras, Vassell, Dickov and now Corradi). However, it is possible that Vass and Dickov could play as attacking midfielders just sitting behind the strikers; an option that probably suits both their styles of play.

With rising Academy stars Sturridge and Etuhu also pressing for first team inclusion, it looks like Psycho might be spoiled for choice - now wouldn't that be a great problem to have for a change.

However, with rumours persisting about Distin and Richards, do we really need another striker right at the moment or should we be looking to strengthen the midfield and defence in the likely event of an imminent departure?'

The VMC Archives 2006

...and for the record, in that Chelsea defeat, debutant Corradi was infamously sent off after having his hair pulled by Michael Essien..!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.