The Week that Was (or wasn't)

As we draw to the end of a quiet transfer window just what has our beloved Manchester City got up its sleeves?

After an excruciating home defeat to Blackburn on Saturday, City's problems were all to clear (well they were to most people), they desperately need a goalscorer.

In the wake of such insight the only players to enter the doors at Eastlands in the last week or so have been left full backs. Now I know Jordan was truly awful on Saturday but we have just let go one perfectly adequate left full back. Thatcher may have wanted to leave but surely the club could have fought for him to stay until May? Now, in the wake of his departure it seems the club have forgotten the goalscoring problems and have identified left back as the priority position to be filled.

Even this folly has been carried out in true Manchester City style. First we have the arrival and departure of Francesco Coco, amidst rumours of cigarette smoking and a bad attitude. Coco claims the reason he left so soon was because he was asked to play out of position. Wonder who is more believable with that little revelation? Surely the club wasn't putting a little spin on a tale again?

To follow on from the Coco approach, City have identified a replacement as the latest trialist, non other than one time crooner Michael Ball. Sorry that should read one time Everton and Rangers defender Michael Ball. As underwhelming a trialist as one could begin to imagine judging by the various message boards.

This has also been the week that has seen the end of Claudio Reyna's tenure at Eastlands. Many may comment that he never really arrived and others that he left a long time ago, however it is a large wage bill that has been removed. The only memory of any note that Reyna leaves for me (besides his sick leave) was his goal against Bolton in the 6-2 thrashing of the whingers some years ago now. It just reminds me of Mad Kevs gung ho days and provides a stark contrast to the dour fare on offer today.

Reyna can leave with mine and many others blessings. I don't think he'll be remembered for long.

The only other story of note this week actually centres on an attacking player. Several newspapers are reporting that City are preparing a £3 million bid for Spurs striker Mido. That this originated in The Mirror may take away a veneer of credibility, but it is probably the best striker link to City this transfer window.

It is worth bearing in mind though that Mido did turn the blues down several years ago for Spurs. He can also be hardly described as an out and out goalscorer. However beggars can't be choosers and I for one am encouraged by this link.

Well a week of not very much really. We still haven't found our goalscorer and Dickov is out of action for two months. What price that a certain Bradley Wright-Phillips comes hunting on Sunday? You know it always happens.... Watch this space.

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