The Man City Times 19/10/05

Reports suggest that Pearce is wanting to sign Fulham's 25-year-old midfielder Steed Malbranque. City already had a £5million bid for Malbranque turned down in the summer but the report suggests Pearce might make another attempt in January.

Queensland Roar have been linked to an ambitious attempt to sign Andrew Cole having seen what a success Yorke has been at rivals Sydney. Queensland have also been linked with Sheringham who did have talks about a move before re-signing for West Ham.

Pearce has been pleased with Cole's contribution to the start of the season but says it is too early to talk about a new deal yet.

According to the Daily Mirror Pearce is said to be keeping tabs on Nuremberg striker Stefan Kiessling. The young striker has four goals in six games despite the fact his club are bottom of the Bundesliga. Arsenal have also been linked.

20 year old midfielder Jonathan D'Laryea is goin to Mansfield Town on a month's loan as Pearce looks for the player to get some more experience and advance himself.
Pearce said 'They (includes Willo Flood and Karl Bermingham) are going out there for a purpose, not just to kill time or kill a month, they are going out there to get experience and come back to Manchester City as better players - that's what it is all about. People have got to understand that, and the players have to understand that themselves.'

Man City are 4th in The Times Entertainment Table. Man Utd (3rd), Chelsea (2nd) and Arsenal (1st) are above. The league goes on goals scored, shots on and off target, the number of times the woodwork has been hit, corners for and fouls against.

Pearce says Cole's goals are great, but it is teamwork that sets them up. 'The first one was good team play all round, Vass has helped create that one with one or two other players. I'm delighted that Coley scores his goals but I think that all round everyone's worked to create those goals, and to be fair to him with what he puts in week in, week out he deserves a little pat on the back.'

Defender Richard Dunne won't be rushed back from the injury to his keen that he picked on international duty last week. He could miss several weeks but Pearce says he is happy with the cover available in defence.


Thought for the day: 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for they are sticking to their diets.'