Welcome
Welcome to our close season July edition of the City Magazine.
With the World Cup City Magazine still out, it’s a bit lighter than our usual offerings, but we will be back up to normal capacity for August which will include new features as we embark on the 2026/27 season.
This issue, of course, has a first interview with our new manager Enzo Maresca, who also takes pride of place on our front cover.
Enzo speaks about his hopes and targets for the coming months and years as we begin life beyond the Pep Guardiola era, which we’re sure you’d agree went pretty well!
Also in this issue, we have the first words from Manchester City Women’s new signing Beth Mead – one of the most famous Lionesses this country has produced – about her ambitions and aims as part of the WSL champions squad.
We’ve also got all the key dates for the upcoming campaign – a proper football fan guide to the season ahead – and a wonderful gallery of all our stars at the World Cup.
All the above plus loads of regular features to get stuck into as we count down the days to the start of the Premier League…
The first words from our new boss…
It’s been more than 10 years since City started a season with a new manager.
Pep Guardiola led City into the 2016/17 campaign and after a decade of unbelievable success, the Catalan called time on his tenure with the Club last May, paving the way for a new man to take the hotseat – and that man proved to be a familiar face in Enzo Maresca.
Maresca was announced as out new boss at the end of June and become our second Italian manager after Roberto Mancini’s hugely successful 2009-2013 spell in charge.
Of course, Maresca returns to City having enjoyed a successful year as our EDS head coach in 2020-21,before leaving to take over at Parma – his first managerial role - and then coming back to the Blues as Guardiola’s assistant in 2022-23 where he was an integral member of the coaching staff that celebrated an unforgettable Treble achievement.
Maresca then moved on again, this time to guide Leicester City back to the Premier League where he won the Championship title in his first season at the King Power Stadium before accepting the position as head coach at Chelsea where he oversaw a FIFA Club World Cup final win and a UEFA Conference League success in his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Engaging and focused, Maresca won many friends in his previous two spells with City and when Guardiola informed the Club’s hierarchy of his intention to end his tenure, there was only one man targeted to replace our most successful manager of all time – and that was Enzo.
Now the hard work starts.
Maresca has already begun planning his own blueprint that will shape his time as City boss but intends to bring continuity with minimum disruption to the fine work of his predecessor.
It should be a fascinating journey in the months and years ahead.
Having penned a three-year deal, Maresca smiled, “This is the third time [I have been at City] – hopefully it’s the last time I come back and I don’t leave anymore!
“I’m very excited, very excited for many reasons. The first one is how big the Club is, so this for sure has been one of the reasons why [I have returned]. It’s a huge challenge, for many reasons. All the success over the last 10 to 15 years, but at the same moment it’s a nice challenge.
"I’m very excited, very excited for many reasons. The first one is how big the Club is, so this for sure has been one of the reasons why [I have returned]."
“Probably the reason why I’m here is also because the idea from the Club is to maintain the same style of football, the same idea and we’re going to try to do the most important thing in football, which is try to win, to achieve important things.
“Then the day-by-day is also going to dictate the way I will work.”
Maresca’s intimate knowledge of the Manchester City ethos made him an outstanding candidate for the role at the Etihad.
This was confirmed by the words of our Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who said: “This is a big challenge. This scares off many people. The beauty with Enzo is he actually wants that challenge. He loves that challenge.
“I think Enzo brings a lot to this Club. I am very excited honestly about Enzo and I think the fans will appreciate him as a manager, his football philosophy, and how the team is going to perform and go from strength to strength with Maresca’s leadership.
“He was one of obviously Pep’s assistants at one point in his career. So definitely he has a lot, and he will tell you he’s taken a lot of inspiration in the philosophy of Pep, and you see that in his football.
“But he’s also evolved his own philosophy. Enzo is a known individual and a known manager, someone that has been part of this Club, part of the success of the Club, someone we all know very, very well.
“He knows us very, very well and he has been part of this family. He was part of the Academy, with the success of the Academy and then he was part of the Treble-winning team, one of the most important teams in the history of this Club.”
Returning to Maresca’s first spell at City with the EDS, he admits the experience was the first step on his journey to becoming.
"Enzo is a known individual and a known manager, someone that has been part of this Club, part of the success of the Club, someone we all know very, very well."
Khaldoon Al Mubarak
Winning the Premier League 2 title with style and panache was a wonderful introduction to the City Football Academy, and one that enabled him to sample the Manchester City DNA for the very first time as a coach
He admits that was an invaluable experience.
“Absolutely, yes. It’s much easier when you join a club or a place where connect with the people, and know already the people inside the building,” he said.
“I know most of the people in terms of squad, in terms of players I probably will find four or five players from the season the last time I was here [as Pep’s assistant].
“But I think it’s much easier for me, and for any manager, to join a club where you already know people. The leadership group and players and people [who work here].
“It’s a main thing. When you have all these three – the Club, the manager and the players. I think it’s much easier for everyone working around that, to achieve something important also what the Club achieved in the last years shows that probably the way they are working is the correct way.”
And our new boss is thrilled to inherit a squad packed with experienced winners, emerging talent and established youngsters as we embark on the 2026/27 season.
“It’s a young squad, but it’s a very good squad,” said Maresca. “I think also we have the right mix between young players and more experienced players which helps a lot the young ones to grow and improve.
“The squad is already good, for sure. We need to do some things, but we are working with Hugo [Viana] and we will see.
“I think in the last, I’m not sure exactly how many years, but also when I was here with the EDS, most of that squad, most of those players are all Premier League players or almost all of them.
“The way they are working and the methodology they use in the last years also help the young players to develop in the right way. With younger players, you need also to be a little bit brave to give them an opportunity and we will continue to do that.
“Since [the Treble] season, the seasons I’ve had with my two previous clubs that were fortunately good seasons. The idea I said from the Club is to continue to maintain the same style of football that City had in the last years, so we’re going to try to do that.
“Also because it’s the way I like to work. The idea is to continue as much as we can to dominate games, to play in the opposite side, be aggressive off the ball and with intention on the ball.”
"I still remember the last part of the season, the games at home against Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Liverpool, the way the fans tried to push the team. The environment inside the stadium, that was unbelievable."
And he admits he learned so much alongside Pep – knowledge he aims to put to good use as well a tap into that emotionally-charged 2022/23 season that saw the Blues sweep all before them.
“It was an incredible year for many reasons. For the trophies the Club achieved, but also for the entire experience,” he smiled.
“I still remember the last part of the season, the games at home against Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Liverpool, the way the fans tried to push the team. The environment inside the stadium, that was unbelievable.
“Then, the season finished in a great way. The parade with all the blue throughout the city that was a fantastic feeling. That was an important journey for sure. I think that during my experience as a player, you try to take all the best things from all the managers.
“For sure, for me, I feel like I’ve also been lucky working and sharing time with the managers like Ancelotti, Lippi, Pellegrini because they showed during the seasons and years how good they have been - and they are also all different.
“Lippi in terms of leadership was fantastic, Ancelotti in terms of calming down and also he’s a top manager so I feel quite lucky. I feel so excited. As I mentioned, I remember the atmosphere in the games against Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid.
“The environment, the way they pushed the team was absolutely top. I have no doubts that they are going to support the team and support the new manager, after 10 years with Pep... no doubt everything will be good.”
Feature: David Clayton
Lionesses legend Beth Mead is on a mission… City Mag caught up with our new signing…
For a player who has achieved so much in her illustrious career, Beth Mead’s relentless hunger to win shined through in her first official interview with the Club.
The England international became Manchester City’s first summer signing and the maiden in the wake of Andrée Jeglertz’s side’s historic double success of the Barclays Women’s Super League title and FA Cup in 2025/26.
It also brought the curtain down on the forward’s stellar tenure with Arsenal where she won everything the game has to offer as well as a swathe of individual accolades including the 2022 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
“I mean Champions League football’s very different, European football, European teams, cultures, ways of playing and I think it’s figuring out a different way to play games, both tactically and mentally,”
Upon Mead’s arrival at the Joie Stadium, she immediately laid down her desire to win trophies with the Blues – and with City returning to European football next season – adding the Englishwoman’s experience on the continent is a shrewd bit of business.
And the 2025 Champions League winner is undoubtedly relishing the opportunity to make her mark in the competition again in 2026/27.
“I mean Champions League football’s very different, European football, European teams, cultures, ways of playing and I think it’s figuring out a different way to play games, both tactically and mentally,” Mead explained
“And also the schedule of being in the Champions League can become quite crazy.
“So again, I’m looking forward to it, Champions League games and nights are the best games to be able to play in. I’m excited to be in Europe for City.
“I’m excited to see them [the supporters] too, and hopefully bring good vibes, some trophies and the Champions League would be a nice one to bring home, wouldn’t it?”
Across Mead’s first days at City, she acclimatised to her new surroundings which included familiarising herself with the Club’s state-of-the-art training centre.
Officially opened in May, incorporates the very highest standards for elite football environments which includes a world-class gym, dedicated medical, rehab and physio spaces, hydrotherapy and recovery areas.
For the England international, the physical evidence of the Blues’ ambition outlines the special era to follow our first-ever league and FA Cup Double last term.
She added: “I mean, it’s top class. It’s exciting, I think that’s an exciting part to walk around and see how amazing the facilities are, and how much City are investing in the Women’s side.
“You’re getting the rewards back right now so hopefully we can keep doing that and be a part of something special.”
Words: Sam Cox
As we approach pre-season tour time, plenty of City’s bright young prospects will be hoping to join Enzo Maresca’s squad in Asia this summer.
City head to Hong Kong and South Korea at the end of the month, with three games in front of huge crowds to be played.
It’s a major chance to make a big impression on the new boss in quite intense surroundings as the whole squad and coaching staff stay together for the best part of two weeks.
Others have trodden that familiar path before, to mixed success.
But credit in the bank here may get you an opportunity when it really matters once the competitive action kicks off and a chance to live out your dreams.
For some, that may only end up being the solitary goal – but there’s thousands of fans who’d give a whole lot to say they’ve scored for City.
One such player who did just that was Spanish playmaker Manu Garcia.
The diminutive midfielder joined City soon after his 16th birthday from Sporting Gijon in his homeland.
Hope was high for a player whose first touch was exemplary and his eye for a pass far beyond what most players could consider.
His slight frame may have been a concern when considering how he would adapt to English football, but that could come later. His talent was undeniable, his smile wide and his enthusiasm abound.
Manuel Pellegrini saw the player in there and took him on his post-season trip to Toronto in May 2015.
That was Garcia’s first senior appearance and he impressed sufficiently to go to Australia, Vietnam and Germany for the pre-season tour, with appearances coming against Melbourne City, Roma, Vietnam and Stuttgart.
Then came his first competitive debut in late September as a 74th-minute substitute for the one and only Sergio Aguero during the 4-1 League Cup win at Sunderland.
But it was in the following round a month later that the No.76 got his only City goal, coming on late in the 5-1 home win over Crystal Palace.
With City already 4-1 up going into added time, Garcia was sent in behind the last man by Kelechi Iheanacho.
He took a couple of touches and rolled home under Wayne Hennessey for the greatest moment of his career to that point.
Wheeling away with a giant smile on his face, he leapt for joy as many in the Etihad considered their journey home on a chilly autumn evening.
The joy on his face was unmistakable but those who had seen him play for the Elite Development Squad, knew there was a chance there was more to come.
Unfortunately, his next appearance came in the controversial FA Cup tie with Chelsea when Pellegrini, knowing a Champions League trip to Dynamo Kyiv was just a few days away, selected a team packed with youngsters.
We lost 5-1 in what was always likely to be a very difficult afternoon for those included and perhaps ended up knocking the confidence of those involved and the manager’s belief in them.
His Premier League debut came in the 4-0 demolition of Aston Villa the following month, replacing Yaya Toure in the 80th minute.
That proved to be his only Premier League game as he set out on loan to Alaves and NAC Breda the following two campaigns before Toulouse for the 2018/19 season.
He’d been a regular at those clubs and more than proven his ability in the top leagues of Europe but by this point, City had swept away all domestic competition with the iconic Centurions and Fourmidables years under Pep Guardiola.
Our midfield comprised of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Fernandinho, Phil Foden and the freshly arrived Rodri.
Quite the task for any young midfielder to make an impression.
So he made the permanent move back to Sporting Gijon where he stayed for two years before another loan with Alaves. He then went to Greek club Aris in 2022 before joining Sporting Kansas City in 2025.
Although his career hasn’t climbed the highest mountains in this game, he’s still achieved so much.
And it all started in senior football on tour with City.
Feature: Jack Mumford
2026/27 Men’s Team Key Dates
There are certain days, moments and matches that all football fans want to know when the new campaign is on the horizon.
Of course, with TV scheduling to be taken into account, the dates and kick-offs for many of the published fixtures are all subject to change, so when there is a time and date beside a fixture or final, that is a confirmed fact.
Below you’ll find all the pre-season games, opening round dates for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, all the potential Champions League matchdays, all the final dates for each competition and the standout Premier League fixtures.
We’ve also included transfer window deadlines and the draw dates of all the competitions we are in where possible.
Remember, at this stage, fixtures beyond August are all subject to change, so check the Man City App and mancity.com regularly and turn on push notifications so you always know when there has been a fixture amendment.
PRE-SEASON
City v Inter
1 August (TBC kick-off)
Friendly, Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong
We begin our preparation for the new season against 2023 Champions League opponents Inter in Hong Kong.
With a capacity of 50,000, it’s bound to be a colourful, noisy affair with one of the most exciting destinations in the world as a backdrop.
K-League All-Stars v City
5 August (13.00 kick-off)
Friendly, Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea
The next leg of the Asia Tour sees City travel to South Korea where we begin with a game against the best of the K-League stars.
City v Atletico Madrid
9 August (13:00 kick-off)
Friendly, Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea
City round off pre-season with a tough assignment against Diego Simeone’s Atleti.
The Argentine coach, entering his 16th season in charge, will ensure it is competitive and both teams will be looking to up the tempo ahead of the domestic challenges ahead.
Arsenal v City
16 August (15:00 kick-off)
FA Community Shield, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
There will be slightly less miles for City fans travelling from Manchester for this season’s Community Shield with the venue switched to South Wales from North London.
Indeed, it is the Arsenal fans who will notice a sizeable distance change with a 150-mile hike to make to Cardiff.
Both teams will be keen to put down a marker ahead of the Premier League campaign in what should be a lively season opener.
City v Bournemouth
23 August (14:00 kick-off)
Premier League, Etihad Stadium
The opening Premier League game is always special and this season we begin at home for the first time since 2016 when Pep Guardiola took charge of his first Etihad game against Sunderland.
With Andoni Iraola leaving the Cherries, it will be interesting to see how Marco Rose’s Bournemouth shape up in what will be a tricky first game for the Blues.
Champions League Draw (League Phase)
27 August (Time TBC)
Our destiny in this year’s Champions League will be revealed when the draw for the League Phase is made.
With four home games and four away games, it promises to be another fascinating European adventure with potentially some new destinations for City fans to travel to.
Transfer window closes
1 September, 23:00
The summer window closes for business for four months on Tuesday 1 September.
As always, the scramble in the closing hours of the window is never dull to watch!
Champions League Matchday 1
Rather than sprinkle them in, here is the complete agenda of Champions League matchdays, with dates and times to be confirmed after the draw is made.
Matchday 1: 8–10 September 2026
Matchday 2: 13/14 October 2026
Matchday 3: 20/21 October 2026
Matchday 4: 3/4 November 2026
Matchday 5: 24/25 November 2026
Matchday 6: 8/9 December 2026
Matchday 7: 19/20 January 2027
Matchday 8: 27 January 2027
Knockout phase play-offs: 16/17 & 23/24 February 2027
Round of 16: 9/10 & 16/17 March 2027
Quarter-finals: 6/7 & 13/14 April 2027
Semi-finals: 27/28 April & 4/5 May 2027
Final: 5 June 2027
Manchester United v City
12 September (date and time TBC)
Premier League, Old Trafford
The first Manchester derby is a date both City and United fans look for when the fixtures are announced.
The Blues travel to Old Trafford for the opening clash of the Mancunian clans where Michael Carrick’s revitalised Reds await…
Carabao Cup Third Round
9/16 September
We’ll begin the defence of our Carabao Cup crown in early September along with 31 other sides.
The round phases will include a two-legged semi-final.
Liverpool v City
10 October (date and time TBC)
Premier League, Anfield
Traditionally one of our toughest away days, the Blues will travel to Anfield hoping to make it back-to-back wins in Liverpool’s backyard after last season’s epic 2-1 win.
Will Iraola’s Liverpool see a return of the ‘heavy metal’ style football of the Jurgen Klopp era? Whatever happens, this will be a hard 90 minutes.
Arsenal v City
28 November (date and time TBC)
Premier League, Emirates Stadium
Will City and Arsenal again be the teams that fight for the Premier League title?
If so, the matches against each other could be pivotal.
Last season we drew 1-1 at the Emirates and also beat Mikel Arteta’s side at the Etihad and Wembley Stadium – more of the same would be nice!
FA Cup Third Round Draw
Monday, 7 December (date and TBC)
A moment every football fan in England turns on their TV or huddles around the radio.
64 teams will compete in the third round and the holders, Manchester City (of course), will begin our defence here.
Newcastle v City
26 December (date and time TBC)
Premier League, St James’ Park
Boxing Day fixtures are always special.
Even more so if they are at home, when a welcome break from turkey leftovers and party games with relatives can be implemented with the words ‘I’m off to the match!’
Sadly, we're away and this is a fair trip for 3,000 travelling Blues, but not an unpleasant destination to journey to.
Transfer window opens
1 January
The window opens for business again for a month.
City v Tottenham
2 January (date and time TBC)
Premier League, Etihad Stadium
The first game of the New Year and City take on a Spurs side who have a habit of making this fixture a trying 90 minutes.
Roberto De Zerbi is fashioning a new-look side and it is unlikely they will arrive at the Etihad in the lower reaches of the Premier League.
FA Cup third round
9 January (date and time TBC)
With the draw made in December, the actual day of the third round is where the magic happens.
Home or away, the City fans will be there in their numbers as we begin our defence of the world’s most famous knock-out competition.
City v Arsenal
30 January (date and time TBC)
Premier League, Etihad Stadium
As with the earlier meeting at the Emirates, this game could have a crucial bearing on the final standings at the end of May.
A raucous atmosphere and more than 60,000 at the Etihad, this is a game all Blues will be up for.
Transfer window closes
1 February, 23:00
The end of transfer activity and the opportunity for pundits and presenters to claim the window has ‘slammed shut’.
City v Manchester United
20 March (date and time TBC)
Premier League, Etihad Stadium
Derby day at the Etihad – a full house with a sea of blue and small pocket of red.
One of the Premier League’s most anticipated fixtures and one that could have a bearing on the title race.
Carabao Cup Final
Wembley Stadium
21 March (date and time TBC)
Can we return to Wembley and defend the trophy we won a year earlier against Arsenal?
We’ll be giving it a go, for sure.
City v Liverpool
8 May (date and time TBC)
Premier League, Etihad Stadium
A potentially huge Premier League clash.
It’s impossible to know if City or Liverpool will be challenging for the title at this stage, but it’s a fair bet both these sides will be there or thereabouts.
A rare late fixture against the Merseyside Reds. and one that is bound to be exciting and, hopefully, full of goals and drama.
Sunderland v City
30 May (16:00 kick-off)
Premier League, Stadium of Light
The last game of the season – what will hinge on this fixture is anyone’s guess, but the Stadium of Light will be rocking either way as City take on the Black Cats.
And who could forget the events of May 2012 when City snatched the title back from United in the final moments of the season?
As the Reds waited for news at the Stadium of Light, the sight of the Sunderland fans celebrating City’s 3-2 win over QPR and then doing their own Poznan is a sight few Blues will ever forget! Or Reds!
FA Cup Final
Wembley Stadium
22 May (date and time TBC)
If City are at Wembley for this game it will be our FIFTH successive FA Cup final.
Here’s hoping!
Champions League Final
Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid
5 June (20:00 kick-off)
How nice would it be to sign off our season with our third Champions League final… and a second triumph?
The final takes place at the home of Atletico Madrid and the Blues will be doing everything we can to make sure we are one of the two teams that walk out at the Metropolitano Stadium on 5 June 2027.
WHEN DOES THE WSL, FA CUP AND CHAMPIONS LEAGUE START?
All the key dates needed ahead of the 2026/27 season…
Following the conclusion of Andrée Jeglertz’s side’s magnificent 2025/26 showing, attentions are beginning to turn on a hugely exciting upcoming campaign.
Manchester City harbour ambitions of retaining our Barclays Women’s Super League crown and successfully defending our FA Cup trophy after we completed a historic double last term.
The Blues will also return to European football’s top table for the first time since our Champions League quarter-final in 2025 – ending a season without football on the continent.
All roads lead to another enthralling campaign and here’s the dates for your diaries…
WHEN DOES THE TRANSFER WINDOW OPEN?
The summer transfer window official opened on Thursday 18 June which signifies a period of player trading until 23:00 (UK) on Thursday 3 September.
Also, clubs can currently sign players whose contracts expired on Wednesday 1 July 2026 and can now register them straight away.
WHEN DOES THE 2026/27 WSL SEASON BEGIN?
City’s WSL defence will begin across the weekend of Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September and the final top-flight fixtures will take place on Sunday 22 May.
The detailed WSL fixture information will be confirmed in the week commencing Monday 27 July.
WHEN DOES THE 2026/17 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE START?
After winning the 2025/26 WSL title, we will enter the Champions League at the League Phase.
This will see City pitted against six different teams, three at home and three away, and the draw to find out who we’ll face will take place on Friday 4 September.
The League Phase dates are as follows:
Matchday 1: 22/23 September
Matchday 2: 30 September/1 October
Matchday 3: 28 /29 October
Matchday 4: 10/11 November
Matchday 5: 18/19 November
Matchday 6: 16 December
The draw for the knockout phase play-offs and quarter-finals will then be held on Friday 18 December.
Should City reach the Champions League knockout play-offs, the first-leg ties will be played across Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 February 2027 before the second on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 February 2027.
Should the Blues be involved in the quarter-finals, the first-leg last-eight ties will be played across Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 March 2027 before the second on Wednesday 31 March and Thursday 1 April.
The semi-final first leg will be across Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May followed by the second leg on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May.
The Champions League final will be held on Saturday, May 29 at Stadion Narodowy, Warsaw, Poland.
WHEN DOES THE 2026/27 FA CUP BEGIN?
The reigning FA Cup holders’ quest in the competition begins in Round Four across the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January.
Last-16 matches will be held across the weekend of Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February 21, before the quarter-finals on Saturday 20 or Sunday 21 March.
Semi-finals will be played across Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 April, followed by the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 15 May or Sunday 16 May.
ARE CITY IN THE 2026/27 SUBWAY WOMEN’S LEAGUE CUP?
Due to City’s participation in the 2026/27 Champions League, we will not be playing in the Subway Women’s League Cup next season.
Changes to the competition mean those who are competing in European football will no longer enter the domestic tournament from 2026/27.
WHEN ARE THE INTERNATIONAL AND WINTER BREAKS?
The first international break of 2026/27 will be from Monday 5 October to Tuesday 13 October before the second pause in domestic football runs from Tuesday 1 December to Saturday 5 December.
City’s domestic and international pursuit will break for the winter on Monday 21 December until Sunday 3 January.
After the turn of the year, the season’s third international break starts on Wednesday 24 February and ends on Saturday 6 March before a fourth from Tuesday 13 April to Saturday 24 April.
Following the conclusion of the 2026/27 campaign, there will be an international break from Monday 7 June ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup which starts on Thursday 24 June to Sunday 25 July.
Wimbledon 0-0 City |
Division One | 24th January 1987
Attendance: 5,667
Wimbledon: Beasant, Kay, Winterburn, Jones, Gayle, Thorne, Wise, Sayer, Fashanu, Sanchez, Fairweather
City: Suckling, May, Wilson, Clements, McCarthy, Redmond, Lake, McNab, Varadi, D Beckford, Barnes
Referee: Roger Milford
City travelled to south west London and the modest surrounds of Plough Lane for a game that has, quite rightly, been consigned to the memory waste bin.
The previous August, the Blues had beaten the Dons 3-1 to open the season in style and then travelled to Anfield and ground out an impressive 0-0 draw.
But that optimism quickly faded, with City embarking on a 12-game winless run that saw manager Billy McNeill quit and Jimmy Frizzell take charge.
Relegation seemed a certainty going into the new year, but the 1,000 or so hardy souls that travelled from Manchester on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon did so in hope rather than expectation.
The hosts – nicknamed ‘The Crazy Gang’ – were a physical, direct and aggressive side who were punching well above their weight.
Bobby Gould’s outfit were in-your-face, no-nonsense and ugly to watch - and proud of it - so not the ideal opposition for a young City side in need of points.
With no away wins all season, and on a pitch that suited the hosts’ style of play, it all seemed set for a comfortable home win.
And but for City keeper Perry Suckling, that’s what would have happened.
The City stopper kept out Carlton Fairweather in a one-on-one after just a minute of play and that set the tone for what followed with Vinnie Jones going close and John Fashanu then saw a diving header superbly saved by Suckling.
And with the Blues surviving – somehow – to half-time, Suckling did the same after the restart, repelling the Dons time and time again with a string of fine saves in what was his best ever game for the club.
At full-time, with a 0-0 draw secured, the City players went straight to Suckling to congratulate him on keeping a clean sheet and earning Frizzell’s men an unlikely point.
It left the Blues – who would score just eight goals on the road all season – without a league win away from Maine Road for a 54th week, and that would be extended by a further four months until the inevitable relegation was confirmed on the final day in a 2-0 loss at West Ham’s Upton Park.
Dark days, indeed.
Words: David Clayton
CITY v CHARLTON
3rd SEPTEMBER 1996
In the year 1996 some of us (not me) found ourselves being sucked in to the now ‘all the rage’ world of the Conspiracy Theorists. A land where no one is to be trusted - and behind every truth is a devious plot instigated by the dark forces of society.
This wasn’t due to a leaked U.S. Government document or even a shard of battered metal found on top of a mountain in Peru. Oh no - the blame on this occasion was to be laid firmly at the feet of the TV programme ‘The X Files’ which debuted in the January of this year, perhaps appropriately with an episode called ‘Humbug’.
Another seismic happening that troubled the tabloid papers that year was the scenario that saw Pulp lead singer invade the Brit Awards stage currently being Moonwalked by Michael Jackson. Rather than launch an assault of any kind Jarv (as we call him) decided the most outrageous thing he could muster would be to ‘twerk’ alongside the star attraction. Never in history has a wiggled backside caused so much turbulence in the Pop World.
And then there’s the world of Sport
For us members of the Blue Army, the year 1996 is, in many ways, best left forgotten.
A refresher for those who know, and cautionary tale for those who don’t.
It was the last game of the season. City were playing Liverpool whilst in a scrappy relegation battle with Coventry and Southampton. With the scoreline 2-2 and the full -time whistle looming large, an alleged City supporter told then manager Alan Ball that the score as it stood (i.e.; a draw) would be enough to keep the Blues in the Premier League. This filtered on to the pitch where our boys set about holding the ball for as long as possible thus ensuring no change in the goals conceded… and smiles all round. Only problem being the alleged City supporter had got it all wrong! OH NO!!
With not enough time on the clock to make a difference the legitimate news (that we needed another goal) came all too late.
And down we went.
It was just the start of the worst four years in Manchester City’s history. More of which later.
Now… it was merely three paragraphs ago that I was ridiculing conspiracy theorists for their unfathomable assumptions and beleifs… but in a fantastically hypocritical turn-about-face, what about this?
What if - the ‘alleged City Supporter’ was not a City supporter at all!?
What if - (no..hear me out) …what if - he was a pesky mole planted by one of the other teams staring down the fact of League Division 1?? Eh? Eh?
I think this Cold Case needs re-opening. I’ll call Gillian Anderson. Well, I would if I had her number.
Anyway…
To the matchday programme in question. A great shot of Steve Lomas who probably didn’t expect to be a cover star so soon after his own goal on the final day of the previous season which played a part in the ensuing relegation.
HANG ON! I’ve just thought of something!
What if - what if - Steve Lomas wasn’t a City loyal through and through… and what if he scored the own goal on purpose to ….
Nooooo Marc!!!! This is ridiculous!! AS IF!!
I blame The X Files and I can only apologise… particularly to Steve.
Cover star Steve is wearing a Brother sponsored short on this occasion which reminded me that just a couple of months ago I signed up for the idea of wearing a retro City shirt to show solidarity and support to the Blue Legend Andy Morrison who has recently been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
My only question when it came to this act was what shirt to wear. I have a drawer full of retro City strips and the Brother issue was a possibly…but I instead went for the EIDOS version.
Yes - that EIDOS shirt. Does anyone else remember the hilarious (not) supposed acronym suggested to some by the letters E I D O S .
ELEVEN IDIOTS DREAMING OF SUCCESS.
Who is laughing now? Eh? Eh?
As I alluded to previously, the relegation to League Division 1 was a severe blow to us Blues, but as we know that wasn’t as bad as it got.
Oh no.
So at this point let us celebrate the arrival of another City Legend. Paul Dickov. Signed from Arsenal for under a million pounds.
A bargain buy.
Even if you weren't at Wembley on the 30th of May 1999 for the Gillingham play off final (I was) you will almost certainly be aware of it - and the role Paul played in taking City upwards and ultimately into the dream like state we’ve enjoyed for the last ten years or more.
If we had lost that match would Sheikh Mansour have picked us up by the scruff of the neck and turned us into the Greatest Football Club in the World (ever). Probably not.
Thank you Paul.
Next up …to be filed under ‘Different Times’... thankfully.
When I first read the above I honestly thought it was going to be rounded off by a punch-line. A dubious joke at best. But no.
As I say….Different Times.
Talking of which…lets turn our attention to yet ANOTHER Man City Legend. The great Paul Lake who had sadly announced his retirement from the game just eight months earlier. The victim of a cruel injury saw Paul go on to become a physiotherapist and also a great commentator on BBC Radio Manchester, but not before he tried his hand at journalism.
This column is not for the faint of heart. It involves nudity and stumps. Cricket stumps that is.
Talking of taking up commentary. Can anyone say that they could possibly predict that the ‘overtly laddish’ and ‘robust’ midfielder Michael Brown would one day become one of the best sports pundits and commentators on British TV? I certainly didn’t…but in my opinion he has become exactly that.
As you may well have already noticed the match associated with this programme sees the Blues take on Charlton Athletic. As usual the opposing manager of the day features within these pages. The man(ager) in question being Alan Curbishley. A man of few words who has been described as ‘pragmatic’ and ‘witty’. I’ve certainly never taken a dislike to him over the last two decades or more. Bit did you know (and worth remembering pub quiz goers) that Alan is the younger brother of Bill Curbishley, a hugely respected Rock Music manager whose charges have included The Who (since the mid 60’s), Brummie Metal Merchants Judas Priest and even Led Zeppelin stars Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.
Was it a coincidence then that The Ooo (The Who) played at Charlton’s ‘The Valley’ in the May of 1974 alongside Lou Reed. Probably not, as both Bill and Alan grew up in Forest Gate, some four miles or so from the ground.
Following the exit of manager Alan Ball, Franny Lee decided to give an honest appraisal of the turbulent season before. What follows if one friend having the back of another…whilst pointing the finger at some of the fellas who took to the pitch.
It's an interesting read. Particularly considering the fact that we have just parted company with the greatest football manager….ever.
My favorite Franny quote from above?
“My brother once said he would hate to be a football manager. ‘Fancy going to work every Monday morning knowing your life, your future, your mortgage, your family's security was all in the hands of eleven daft lads.”
Priceless.
Heading (pardon the pun) toward the close of this edition of Get With The Programme we now need to offer you the regular caption competition!
Lets see what you can do with this!
As usual the winning entry will be contacted by one of our glorious website team and showered with worldly goods… sort of.
For those of you interested, and bearing in mind Franny predicted this was going to be an ‘electric performance’, the final score for this Charlton clash was…
City 2-1 Charlton Athletic.
Everton 2-1 Manchester City | 7 May 2011 | Goodison Park
Our former skipper for goodness sake…
Sylvain Distin had worn the captain’s armband with pride for a time at Manchester City.
Five seasons, 206 appearances and six goals, the powerful Frenchman was a great club servant before leaving the Blues to join Portsmouth in 2007 where he'd spend three seasons and score no goals.
You see, goals were not something Distin scored regularly, with the 19 career strikes in 706 games averaging pretty much one every 38 games, or one per season.
So, it should come as no surprise that one of those seasonal rarities should come against City.
The Blues, resurgent under Roberto Mancini and with the FA Cup final to look forward to, were also challenging for a first ever Champions League spot.
Everton were also chasing European football, with David Moyes’ side having the added incentive of potentially finishing above Liverpool.
It was never going to be an easy game, but Mancini’s men looked in the mood and quickly began to dominate.
Yaya Toure finally broke the deadlock on 28 minutes after a delightful David Silva assist saw him finish with a powerful rising shot that gave Tim Howard no chance.
But the Blues wasted further chances to increase that advantage and went into the break with just the one goal to show for our efforts.
With 65 minutes played, the Toffees were awarded a free-kick and Distin was about to have his moment.
Mikel Arteta’s free-kick picked out Distin who beat Joe Hart to level the scores and send Goodison Park wild.
Did he celebrate? Did he ever!
It’d fair to say that overall, Distin hadn’t received the warmest of welcomes since his departure from City and he certainly enjoyed levelling the scores that day.
Worse was to follow as Phil Neville’s cross found the soaring Leon Osman to nod past Hart and make it 2-1 just seven minutes later.
Everton held on to win 2-1, tempers frayed and City’s Champions League hopes took a blow… but not long after we had won our first trophy for 35 years by beating Stoke 1-0 in the aforementioned FA Cup final AND secured third spot in the Premier League.
Deep down, Distin surely would have been happy for his former club!
Feature: David Clayton
Moment in Time:
Rodney Marsh signs for City, March 8, 1972
If ever there was a ‘Malcolm Allison’ footballer, it was surely Rodney Marsh.
The City assistant boss was determined to bring in the mercurial talents of Marsh, a fellow Londoner with a taste for fashion - and champagne.
Marsh was the seen as the final jigsaw of City’s 1971/72 title push and at £200,000, was a sizeable investment by the Club.
That was all still to come as Rodney met Big Mal at Maine Road in a picture that is quintessential 1970s.
Check out the attire and the hairstyles. Wonderful.
Kevin De Bruyne:
May 2024
Ahead of what was an incredibly emotional final home game, we spoke our brilliant former skipper. Kevin De Bruyne – it wasn’t that long ago, but the memory of KDB gracing the Etihad remains as strong as ever…
Kevin De Bruyne will say farewell to the Etihad this evening as we play our final home game of the season.
In what will be a night of appreciation for our skipper, widely acknowledged among City fans as one of our greatest players of all time and, on a broader level, one of the Premier League’s all-time greats, Kevin will say goodbye to his adoring public.
Of course, it is also a game that the Blues very much need to win, but it’s likely to bean occasion full of emotion, sadness and hopefully a lot of joy, too, as we celebrate a decade of genius.
Our Belgian maestro is a generational talent, the like of which we may never see again, and our home game against Bournemouth offers the chance for the sky blue masses to say thank you, one last time on home soil.
Understandably, Kevin is unsure how the magnitude of the occasion will affect him and his loved ones.
“I’m not too sure how I will feel,” said KDB.
“There will be a lot different emotions from myself, my wife, my kids and it’s going to be a bit weird, if I’m honest. I’m just going to try and enjoy it as much as I can, and I’ll be bringing my kids out with me which will be special.”
The Etihad Stadium has been his home for 10 incredible seasons, and it will be strange not seeing our No.17 grace its turf week in, week out.
And our captain admits he will miss it greatly, though the memories he’s made here will last a lifetime.
“I think it’s a beautiful stadium,” he said.
“I know a lot of people [outside the club] talk about the Etihad negatively from time to time, but there have been lots of moments when it’s been really, really loud – especially the Treble season - and there was a period for two or three years when it was incredibly loud all the time.
“Maybe this season has been more difficult for everyone, and it’s been hard at times, but I think it’s been amazing to play here, I’ve had really great times, everybody is always behind us, so it’s been really good.”
Of course, picking one favourite De Bruyne moment from a decade of appearances at the Etihad is nigh on impossible, for they are legion.
From unforgettable Champions League nights to incredible last-day Premier League glory - and most things in-between. Where do you start? There have been too many spectacular goals, exquisite defence splitting passes or crafted passes that should be possible, not to mention moments when the Belgium international has grabbed a game by the scruff of its neck and turned a negative into a positive.
He smiles at the mention of picking one special memory over a plethora of other options.
“I don’t know,” he begins. “Maybe the goal against PSG game at home when we won 1-0 and qualified for the semi-final of the Champions League for the first time – it was so loud that night. That’s a great memory.
“Or there is the Arsenal match in 2023 where we won 4-1, but it’s hard to choose just one. Beating Real Madrid 4-0 was special, too, but the 2022 last day title win against Aston Villa is hard to beat. It’s been a good spell.”
A ‘good spell’ is typically understated KDB – the truth is it has been a magnificent, trophy-laden spell that has seen a decade of brilliance, with Kevin integral to everything we’ve achieved.
But one thing he won’t lose focus of, no matter how special this match is in his career so far, is that there is a crucial football match still to be won against a very good, dangerous Bournemouth side.
The Blues will need to win this game to maintain our aim of finishing in the top five, and nothing matters more to our captain.
“I guess it goes without saying it would be nice to win tonight,” he said.
“The Club always aspires to be in the Champions League so we will try everything to make that happen and god forbid it doesn’t, but whatever happens is not going to affect my 10 years at Manchester City. I’m proud of everything that has happened, good or bad - it’s part of life - and I take it as it is, but it’s been unbelievable and there’s nothing more I can add to that.”
And how does he imagine he will feel when he hears ‘Oh, Kevin De Bruyne!’ sung to the tune of The White Stripes’ ‘Seven Nation Army’ one last time? Will there be goosebumps? Maybe even a lump in his throat?
“I’ve never let it affect me [when I’ve heard it before] but maybe hearing it in my last time at the Etihad will be different. We’ll see how it goes…”
Interview: David Clayton
As it’s the close season, here’s a bumper selection of City goals scored in particular minutes over the years with minutes 26, 27 and 28…
26
9 November 2003
In the last Manchester derby at Maine Road, City fans demanded nothing less than a win against United. City had struck first through Nicolas Anelka but United levelled quickly through Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It was nervy, frantic stuff but Maine Road was in raptures again on 26 minutes with a goal the Blues’ fans might have scripted themselves.
Gary Neville’s attempt to shepherd a ball out of play for a goal kick is foiled by Shaun Goater who nicks the ball away from the Reds’ defender to leave the Bermudian with just keeper Fabien Barthez to beat – and his crisp low shot does exactly that to put City 2-1 up. It was a nightmare moment for Neville who was left wishing the ground would open and swallow him but for Goater, it was the start of a magical afternoon as he moved on to 99 goals for the Blues against the side he once played for.
21 February 2017
City strike first in a Champions League round of 16 first leg against Monaco at the Etihad. In what will prove an eight-goal classic, David Silva threads a pass through
to Leroy Sane who takes the ball in his stride before crossing low into the six-yard box for Raheem Sterling to sweep home from close range and put the Blues 1-0 up.
5 April 2017
Trailing 1-0 to Premier League leaders Chelsea, City playmaker David Silva sees his shot well saved by Thibaut Courtois at the near post, but the Belgian
keeper can only push the ball out to the edge of the six-yard box where Sergio Aguero is waiting to pounce quicker than anyone else to level the scores at Stamford Bridge against the champions-elect.
18 May 2019
David Silva puts City ahead as the Blues go looking for a fourth domestic trophy of the campaign. Having already secured the Premier League, Carabao Cup and Community Shield, City are aiming to become the first
side to achieve a domestic clean sweep, and the demolition of Watford in the FA Cup Final begins when Raheem Sterling heads a clearance back into the box and Silva holds off a challenge to send an angled shot past the keeper and put City 1-0 up at Wembley against Watford.
27
19 May 1999
One of the most important goals City legend Shaun Goater ever scores seals a place at Wembley for the Blues. Having drawn the Division Two play-off semi-final first leg with Wigan Athletic 1-1, the second leg at Maine Road was always going to be tense – but the
game is settled by a controversial Goater goal as Michael Brown whips in a cross from the right and the Bermudian striker bundles the ball home from somewhere just above his left hip – Wigan protest it was handball (and still do to this day), but the goal stands and City hold on to win 1-0 and go to the play-off final as a result.
29 December 2001
City double their advantage over second-tier leaders Burnley, previously unbeaten in ten matches.
The second goal comes after 27 minutes when Ali Benarbia plays in Paulo Wanchope who finishes coolly for his second of the afternoon to put us on our way to a 5-1 win.
14 April 2012
An absolute beauty of a goal puts City 2-0 up at Carrow Road. Sergio Aguero heads towards the Norwich box and plays a short pass to Carlos Tevez who back-heels the ball back into Sergio’s
path and the talisman striker thunders an unstoppable shot from 18 yards out, high into the top left-hand of the net to give John Ruddy no chance and double the Blues’ lead.
22 April 2014
Relegation-threatened Wolves resist for as long as they can but finally, City break the deadlock. Gael Clichy’s excellent ball puts Sergio Aguero clear in the box and
though he begins to stumble as the keeper rushes out, Kun still has the nous to poke the ball past him and into the net from close range to give title-chasing City a crucial lead.
20 August 2016
City take the lead away to Stoke. As a corner comes in, Potters’ defender Ryan Shawcross tugs Nicolas Otamendi’s shirt and the infringement is spotted by the referee, who duly awards a penalty.
Sergio Aguero, despite missing two spot kicks four days earlier against Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League qualifier second leg, makes no mistake with a powerful right-foot drive to the keeper’s left to put the Blues 1-0 up.
16 September 2017
The first of yet another hat-trick for Sergio Aguero against Watford – and his second career treble against the Hornets. Kevin De Bruyne’s superb free kick into the box is
begging to be headed by someone and – of course – Aguero obliges, being the first to arrive and plants a firm header to Heurelho Gomes’s right to make it 1-0 at Vicarage Road.
28
15 October 2011
Mario Balotelli had quickly become the bane of Aston Villa due to a league hat-trick at Christmas 2010 and a superb goal in City’s FA Cup victory in March 2011. But there was more to come … Chasing an ambitious pass from Nigel de Jong, Balotelli reached the ball before former City skipper Richard Dunne, but was unable to get the ball under control as his momentum takes him off the pitch, sliding in front of the advertising hoardings.
A loud cheer from the away fans follows, which Mario responds to by staring at them with his fingers to his lips in a shushing suggestion. When a corner on the half-hour mark hits Micah Richards and bounces in front of Balotelli, the striker improvises with a stunning overhead finish, giving City their first goal of the day. Pushing his onrushing team-mates aside, Mario returns to the area in front of the Villa supporters, and delivers a telling glare in their direction.
27 April 2013
City have long accepted the title would not be coming back to the Etihad for a second successive season but still want to finish the campaign on a high.
West Ham United defend well in the opening stages but Samir Nasri’s dart to the byline and low cross gives Sergio Aguero a clear sight of goal and he makes no mistake with a left-foot shot from six yards out.
10 December 2013
After falling 2-0 behind to Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich in the opening 12 minutes, it looked to be only a matter of how many Bayern Munich would score against City at the Allianz Arena.
But City dig in and start what will be a remarkable comeback when Jesus Navas’ cross is headed back across goal by James Milner and David Silva prods home from close range to halve the deficit in the final Group D Champions League clash.
13 September 2014
Another Sergio Aguero goal created by Jesus Navas. The Spain winger manages to keep the ball in on the right flank before carrying play to the corner of the Arsenal box,
picking out Aguero’s clever run and delivering a low cross that the Argentine turns in from the edge of the six-yard box to put City 1-0 up at the Emirates.
14 September 2016
Another penalty clinically dispatched by Sergio Aguero after Ilkay Gundogan is fouled inside the box. It puts City
2-0 up against German side Borussia Monchengladbach in a group-stage Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
29 October 2016
When he’s at his best, Sergio Aguero is simply unstoppable – as this howitzer of a goal proves, the brilliant Argentinian is at the peak of his powers.
After almost wrestling the ball off David Silva, Aguero strikes a beautiful curling shot into the top-right corner for his second of the game and to give City a 2-0 lead away to West Brom.
12 May 2019
Having just gone behind to a Glenn Murray header in a game City had to win to seal the 2018/19 Premier League title, it takes City just 83 seconds to level the scores against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
As a ball is played towards David Silva, he manages the slightest of back-flicks into the path of Sergio Aguero who hits a low drive through the keeper’s legs to make it 1-1.
Whatever else happens across the course of his fledgling career, it’s fair to say Brooklyn Nfonkeu will always remember the 2025/26 season with special affection.
After furthering his development with a loan spell at Leeds United across the second half of the 2024/25 season, Nfonkeu really came into huis own last term.
All told, the 18-year-old made 26 appearances all competitions, weighing in with eight assists.
He became one of the most influential members of Ben Wilkinson's squad with his talent and consistency regularly catching the eyes.
Such was Nfonkeu’s impact he went on to be voted the EDS Players’ Player of the Season in the end of the season Academy awards.
Reflecting back on the campaign as a whole and that special recognition by his EDS peers, Nfonkeu revealed the award had come as a huge surprise.
And he said being celebrated in such a way also served as a huge boost to his confidence and self belief.
“It felt good. It was kind of a surprise. I didn't think I was going to win,” Brooklyn admitted.
“It kind of shows that my team-mates have got trust in me.
“They know what I can do on the pitch and it's a confidence boost when they pick me.
“So, yeah, it felt good.
“In terms of the season and what changed for me – I would say just [having more] maturity on the pitch.
“Knowing what to do and when to do it helped me a lot.”
As a part of new-look young Under-21 squad, Nfonkeu and his colleagues had to navigate some mixed fortunes across the first half of the season.
But after the Christmas break, Wilkinson's squad really went from strength to strength.
The City youngsters only lost once in the Premier League 2 across the second half of the campaign, eventually finishing in third position, missing out on top spot by just three points.
Though City were then edged out 4-3 by Manchester United at the semi-final stage of the subsequent play-offs, it still represented a season to be proud of.
And for Nfonkeu that fine form and level of consistent performance was forged both on and off the field thanks to the close bond within the squad, especially once 2026 kicked in.
“I just think, like, we got so much closer on the pitch and off the pitch - that really helped us as a team,” Nfonkeu added.
“On the pitch, I think like, we understood each other more. That definitely helped us on the pitch.
“Away from the pitch me and guys like Floyd [Samba] would play padel.
“And we would go on hikes together to places like the Peak District.”
Having enjoyed a welcome summer break and sought to recharge his batteries ahead of returning to pre-season training, the focus for Nfonkeu is already trained on 2026/27.
And once he is back in situ at the CFA, Brooklyn’s long term aims and ambitions are already clearly mapped out.
“In terms of aims and targets, it’s just trying to push for the first team.
I think I've got the abilities to play further.
“So, my aim is just try and use them.”
Interview: Neil Leigh
After having some time to reflect on what has been a whirlwind 2025/26, Tyrone Samba’s most impressive campaign in Blue was topped off with being named the Under-18s Players’ Player of the Season.
18-year-old forward Samba got a flavour for life in Oliver Reiss’ side in 2024/25, seeing what it took to win the Under-18 Premier League North title.
Then, in the latest campaign, the versatile midfielder and winger had his mind set on playing an integral role in City retaining the title and going one step further in also winning the FA Youth Cup.
Samba totalled 32 appearances for the Under-18s across the league and FA Youth Cup. He featured predominantly as a 10, finding pockets of space, teed up his team-mates and showcased great composure and trickery on the ball throughout the season.
For him, he feels he’s played some of his best football, and was quick to attribute his personal success to his hard work and the players around him.
“It’s been an amazing season,” began Samba after receiving his Players’ Player of the Season award at the Academy End of Season Awards event.
“I didn’t expect it at all and it was a huge shock and a great feeling.
“I feel like from the start of the season I’ve just been as influential as I can be. I feel like I maybe had a little bit of a dip but the fact that I could be so consistent this season and keep playing at a high level really shows how much I’ve developed over this past year.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing as the 10, in the pocket. I think that’s just who I am and when I play there is just feels natural.
“I love playing with Reigan Heskey, Christian Dunbar-McDonald and Xavier Parker because they tend to play on the left side of the pitch and so the people that I would link up with the most.
“And Marlow Barrett. The way he plays, it really helped me in my game so that's why I enjoyed playing with him.”
Samba went on to score nine goals and assist eight, his most fruitful campaign in front of goal.
He totalled 2,321 minutes, the highest of any attacking player in Reiss’ squad, highlighting the importance of his energy, experience, attacking threat and versatility throughout the term.
And it was those attributes that also saw Samba earn two of his favourite moments of the season.
“My favourite moment from the season would probably be getting on the bench for the Champions League game against Bodo/Glimt,” said Samba.
“This season I felt like I’ve done pretty good so to then I guess have that recognised with the experience of being on the first-team being is amazing and it’s a reminder that there is a pathway there.”
It seems 2025/26 is a season to remember for Tyrone and he is already champing at the bit to get back to City for 2026/27 and we can’t wait to see his performances for the Elite Development Squad!
Interview: Holly Percival
We might be in the middle of the off-season, but that hasn’t stopped us from making sure we have an Academy player be put to the test by building their Academy 5-a-side team.
And for the latest City Magazine, forward Kylan Midwood was the latest to sit in the hotseat.
The rules for his team are simple, he has to select one goalkeeper, one defender, two midfielders and one striker to complete his side, but he can only use players he has played with during his time in the Academy so far.
So who did he pick?
GOALKEEPER:
Oliver Whatmuff – He's so good with his feet and really confident so think he'd bring both of those things to the team.
DEFENDER:
Charlie Courtman - he's one of the best players I've seen on the ball and I can trust him at the back to not lose the ball.
MIDFIELDER:
Christian Dunbar-McDonald - he's a joke on the ball. In a good way, of course!
MIDFIELDER:
Tyrone Samba - and for the same reason I've got to have Ty in there. They are both just so tekky and link-up well together.
FORWARD:
Teddie Lamb - he's a goalscorer, he will score and that's all you need to say about him!
Interview: Holly Percival
25/26 Trophies: How City in the Community celebrated with the Club
On Saturday 16 May, City in the Community played a part in two huge moments, in two locations on a historic day for the Club.
You can read below the stories behind the trophy bearers for both the Women’s Super League and the Men’s FA Cup, as they were both given the opportunity to carry each prestigious trophy out on what played out to be a major day in City’s history.
Who was your Women's Super League title trophy bearer?
Emily, who helped to carry out the trophy after Manchester City’s final WSL fixture against West Ham, has worked with CITC for over a year as a BTEC Community Coach.
Having been an outstanding staff member, Emily has cemented herself as a core member of the team and real advocate of the women’s game.
Within CITC, Emily works specifically with the girl’s provision at Connell Co-Op College.
Head of Operations, Lisa McKay, said: “Emily’s hard work, dedication, and care for the work she does every day with CITC and on the BTEC programme doesn’t go unnoticed.
“We were delighted to offer this opportunity as a recognition for her dedication.
“Emily recently led her Connell team to the Community and Education Alliance League final. Despite the result not going in CITC’s favour the team and Emily still had an amazing time, taking second place in the competition, celebrating the achievement of getting to a final. We’re very proud of all she does!”
Speaking before the trophy presentation, Emily said: “It feels amazing, purely and simply because I do work hard, and I know I do, and I put my heart and soul into everything that I do, so to be recognised for it is nice, and I feel valued as part of the team.
“I’ve got friends and family coming down to the game so it’s nice to be able to share that moment with them, but I think obviously being on the same pitch as the girls, they’ve obviously achieved a massive thing this year, it’s special to be a part of it.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, how could you turn that down.”
Aside from coaching with CITC, Emily works as a coach within the Women’s academy age groups and at Stockport County Ladies with the open age groups, after competing among the highest tiers of Women’s football herself as a player.
Commenting on her passion for the Women’s game, Emily added: “I think it signifies how much growth has happened in the game since I started playing when I was six, which was almost 20 years ago now.
“I see it from a little bit of a different perspective in terms of I’m seeing the youth that are coming through the system and this win is an inspiration to all those girls who are now going to be striving to be like that.
“And I think it’s great for the area of Manchester, it’s going to completely boost that group of youth that’s coming through.”
Education Officer for BTEC, Laura Woodcock, spoke of her reasoning for nominating Emily for the opportunity, commenting: “Emily is a real asset to our CITC team and plays a huge part in the work we do across the 16+ education department and across the community.
“We hope she can enjoy this well-deserved experience.”
The story behind the FA Cup trophy bearer
Pete Bradshaw, a City in the Community Outreach Coach, carried the prestigious trophy out pre-match alongside a representative from Chelsea Foundation.
Pete has worked with CITC for nearly a decade starting part-time with the primary school’s provision, then becoming a full-time staff member, working across Primary Schools, Inspires and Outreach programmes.
Commenting on what it means to be nominated for this experience, Pete said: “It feels absolutely incredible, I’m so proud and happy that people think of me in such a positive way.
“It was great to hear the kind words from the Military Veterans and from leadership that nominated and put me forward.
“I can’t wait to walk out in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley and a worldwide audience and represent City in the Community to the best of my ability.
“I am most excited about the thought of making all the people that supported me proud and getting to represent everyone who has looked after me.”
One programme where his impact has been immeasurable is through his work with the Military Veterans programme.
One Military Veteran commented on the impact Pete has had upon the participants, saying: “Pete Bradshaw, the guy’s an absolute legend. I came across this group, about four years ago, and, every single Tuesday night and every single involvement, he just makes it an absolute joy.
“I love coming, I love his interaction with all the rest of the guys, the way he cares about people.
“He’s interested in people, he’s interested in people’s stories, it’s not just turning up and playing football, he’s interested in our military lives and our military stories.”
Discussing the reason for Pete’s nomination, CITC’s Head of Operations, Lisa McKay said: “Pete has worked for City in the Community for nine years and is an extremely valued member of the team.
“Pete oozes with passion and desire to make a positive change on people across Manchester. The commitment to his work is truly amazing.
“Pete ensures he embeds our values into everything he does - being caring, inclusive, transformative and youth led.
“Pete is a real asset to both City in the Community and our local communities across Manchester and strives every day to have a genuine, positive impact on people’s lives and their future.”
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