Welcome
Here we are again!
Another thrilling month in the life of Manchester City - how many times have we reached the month of May and had nothing to play for?
Exactly - we can't remember, either!
Going to publication, there is so much to play for in the final weeks of the campaign with crucial Premier League games, an FA Cup final, our wonderful women's team are now WSL champions - plus our Under-18s and EDS are gunning for silverware.
Incredible times to be a Blue.
Hopefully, we can reflect that excitement in this, the latest City Magazine.
We have players from all the above teams involved, with our cover star the excellent Marc Guéhi, who reveals what this past few months have been like as a City player.
There's also the thrilling climax to This Month, as Andy Morrison takes on the City YouTubers for one last time - who will win the predictions league?
Aoba Fujino and Naomi Layzell feature from our WSL title-winners and then we have all our usual features - too many to mention - to keep you entertained between the many matches all our teams still need to play.
So, on with the show!
Marc Guéhi may have found his spiritual home in Manchester and Manchester City…
When Marc Guéhi received a pass from Rayan Cherki and in one smooth move, teed himself up and then placed a low shot past Robert Sanchez to put City in the driving seat at Stamford Bridge last month, you could forgive the Chelsea hierarchy and academy staff thinking ‘how did we let him get away?’
After all, Marc had spent 13 years or so with the West London side having joined the club aged eight and in May 2019, he was even named on the bench for Chelsea’s trip to Leicester.
He would get his chance during the 2019/20 campaign, playing in a couple of League Cup matches before being loaned out for what would be an 18-month spell with Swansea City where he would clock up 59 appearances.
A few days after his 21st birthday, Guéhi was the subject of a reported £18million bid from Crystal Palace – an offer Chelsea accepted and his long association with the club was at an end.
Chelsea’s loss was very much Palace’s gain and over the next five years, Guéhi went from promising youngster to one of the Premier League’s best defenders, winning his first senior England cap in March 2022 – having represented his nation at every level from Under 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 equalling 58 appearances for the young England sides.
"it was an easy decision to become part of Pep Guardiola’s squad"
Officially installed as captain at Palace for the 2024/25 season, it’s fair to say that Guéhi by that stage had become one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe and though he seemed set to move to Liverpool at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, Palace decided there wasn’t enough time to find a suitable replacement, and he instead stayed to see out the final year of his contract.
He did so with no complaints, no fuss and dignity - those who knew him well expected nothing less.
Then, in January of this year, Manchester City came calling and Guéhi admitted it was “an easy decision” to become part of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Since then, Guéhi had taken to life with the Blues like the proverbial duck to water, seamlessly blending into the team and becoming an integral part of a defensive unit that has seemingly got stronger with each passing week.
Not surprisingly, Guéhi says he has loved every minute of City life so far.
“I’ve enjoyed it,” he says with a trademark smile and an aura that exudes calmness.
“Everyone’s been super welcoming. I’ve been learning a lot - different things. And obviously we are competing for titles, I’m just grateful to be honest and it’s a blessing being here.
“I just want to get my head down and work and just help the guys around me. I want to help this club to continue reaching the heights that it already has.
"Manchester’s nice. I didn’t know too much about the city before but since I’ve been here, everyone’s been super welcoming"
“Manchester’s nice. I didn’t know too much about the city before but since I’ve been here, everyone’s been super welcoming and there’s so many different food spots and things to do here so it’s definitely a place I’ll enjoy living for many, many years.”
Guéhi had to sit out our Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal in March due to being cup-tied, but he will be doing all he can to win more silverware in the weeks ahead.
If he does, it will be something of a dream come true for a footballer who is humble, intelligent and hugely likeable.
It would also add to an incredible few months for the 25-year-old who also captained England for the first time against Japan at the end of March.
He admits some of the events of 2026 have taken even himself by surprise.
"Yes, me, Antoine, Rico as well and Jeremy, we’re big on our faith and our belief in Jesus Christ"
"Things like that aren’t things I’ve envisaged or dreamt of because it just seems too fake,” he says with typical modesty.
“But the fact that it’s happened I’m extremely blessed, I’m grateful to God, I’m grateful to my parents, I’m grateful to everyone that’s helped me on my journey and there’s hopefully going to be many more good moments along the journey - as well as downs as well because it’s just part of life. It truly is a blessing and I’m sure I’ll look back on it with even more pride once my career is done.”
Marc’s religious background is well-documented.
The son of a church minister, he was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast before moving to London with his family at the age of one.
His faith is hugely important to him, but he is not alone at City.
“Yes, me, Antoine, Rico as well and Jeremy, we’re big on our faith and our belief in Jesus Christ,” he said. “It’s been nice to have Christ together and share that and live that faith each and every day and besides everyone else.”
And there has been much to be thankful for as Pep Guardiola reshapes and an exciting, new-look Manchester City team.
Guéhi is likely to be a key member for many years, with his leadership on the pitch making him a likely contender to be one of our future captains.
Looking ahead, he says it is crucial the newer members of the squad look at those who have come before and provided a bedrock that has made Manchester City such a dominant force domestically, and also in Europe.
“I’m hopeful, you have to be hopeful,” he smiles.
“It’s exciting, but the most important thing is that we all get our heads down and work. I’m not going to say we try to emulate or reach the heights of the guys before us, but the standards have been set and it’s important that we come to work every single day and try to reach those standards and hopefully go beyond.
“We have unreal quality. There’s a lot for me to learn off. Everyone has so many different qualities. For me personally it’s a dream to play with these players and for me it’s an opportunity to learn from each and every one of them.
“When you have players like Rayan [Cherki], it’s fantastic. Hopefully there’s a lot of opportunities and good things for all of us at this football club to share with the fans.”
And on becoming an instant crowd favourite with the City supporters, he added: “It’s been top, honestly. I didn’t have any expectations really. I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve played here a few times and the stadium is top; the fans are great. But actually, when you’re in it and they’re supporting you and behind you, it’s been great. I can’t speak highly enough of our fans.”
Interview: David Clayton/Robert Pollard
The final leg of a marathon predictions battle between former skipper Andy Morrison and three City YouTubers in Esteemed Kompany, Typical City and JSM44. And it is Jason – AKA JSM44 – who will try and edge the Vloggers past Mozzer in our final This Month of 2025/26…
Everton v City
Premier League
Monday 4 May, 20:00 kick-off
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Mozzer verdict: Every game is a final now and we are up against a dogged, organised Everton side in their new stadium. That makes me think they will be focused on stopping us scoring and maybe nicking something on the counter, but I think we’ll find a way through at least once, more likely twice.
Mozzer prediction: Everton 0-2 City
Vlogger verdict: Our first ever visit to Hill Dickinson, so I have no idea what to expect. City will need a victory as Arsenal will have played twice before we play this fixture. I’m confident we have enough quality to get the job done and Guéhi and Khusanov look insanely good right now, so I’m also going for a clean sheet and three points.
Vlogger prediction: Everton 0-2 City
City v Brentford
Premier League
Saturday 9 May, 17:30 kick-off
Etihad Stadium
Mozzer verdict: Brentford have surprised everyone this season and they have been more than decent on the road. They are likely to still have a chance to qualify for Europe, so they will set up to be difficult to beat and be a threat from set-pieces – but we have to win and while it might be tight for much of the game, I think we’ll power home late on and take the points.
Mozzer prediction: City 3-1 Brentford
Vlogger verdict: Brentford, the only team we didn’t beat in the Treble season!! Still cannot believe that, so we’re out for more Etihad revenge and I’m feeling there will be a few goals, too. An enjoyable 90 minutes and a comfortable win. Hopefully!
Vlogger prediction: City 4-0 Brentford
City v Palace
Premier League
Wednesday 13 May, 20:00 kick-off
Etihad Stadium
Mozzer verdict: Palace at home has never been an easy game for us in recent years, but if they are in a European final and safe from the drop – which they almost certainly will be – it’s hard to imagine Oliver Glasner not rotating his squad (as he probably would against Arsenal, too) with a first European trophy to play for. All ifs at this stage, but we are more than capable of beating their strongest XI, and whichever Palace turns up, we will send them on their way having enjoyed a comfortable win.
Mozzer prediction: City 3-0 Palace
Vlogger verdict: The longer, Palace stay in Europe the better, as they are safe in the Premier League and will mainly be focused on bringing home the UEFA Conference League for a perfect send off for Glasner, and I hope they do it From a City perspective, that could mean they rotate their squad for this (and the Arsenal) game. For us, it could be the most vital game, of the season as we could potentially win the league on goal difference. So let’s go and get some goals!
Vlogger prediction: City 6-0 Palace
Chelsea v City
FA Cup Final
Saturday 16 May, 15:00 kick-off
Wembley Stadium
Mozzer verdict: A fourth successive FA Cup final appearance - a magnificent achievement. This game comes ahead of our final two matches which are huge, but our only focus will be winning our second trophy of the season. Chelsea are still likely to be managerless and I think that will be the difference on the day. They have players who can hurt you, but we showed what we can do against them at Stamford Bridge, and I predicting a similar outcome here.
Mozzer prediction: Chelsea 1-3 City
Vlogger verdict: Back to back FA Cup Final defeats, Pep will know this and with us already securing silverware this season at Wembley, I cannot see a Hat-Trick. City were too strong for Leeds/ City cast aside Chelsea and I’m expecting a repeat of 2023, and that ended with us with our hands on the trophy
Vlogger prediction: Chelsea 1-3 City
Bournemouth v City
Premier League
Tuesday 19 May, 19:30 kick-off
The Vitality Stadium
Mozzer verdict: Arguably the game most people are worried about, and with good reason. Bournemouth have had a superb second half of the season and they don’t lose many at home – or concede for that matter. They may well be in contention for a top six finish, but if their form has tailed off, the fact Andoni Iraola leaving might have a negative effect. Whatever the scenario, if we are still on track, I can’t see the City juggernaut being stopped.
Mozzer prediction: Bournemouth 0-3 City
Vlogger verdict: Very, very tough because Bournemouth are in good form going into May – great form, actually. They did us a massive favour and beat Arsenal and look on a roll, but when push comes to shove and City need a win, we usually find a way. It will be tight, but I back our boys in Blue to edge a nervy win.
Vlogger prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 City
City v Aston Villa
Premier League
Saturday 24 May, 16:00 kick-off
Etihad Stadium
Mozzer verdict: Where will we be when this game comes around? 90 minutes from winning the Premier League? Level on points with Arsenal and hoping to have a better goal difference? Already champions if the Gunners have tailed off or even hoping they slip up in their final game – so many possibilities. There is a chance that Villa will have just played the Europa League final a few days before and, if as I suspect they have, and won, you'd imagine this game won’t mean half as much to Villa as I’m hoping it will for us. That said, Unai Emery would not allow his players to toss a game away, so I’m expecting an open game with goals. But we’ll score more!
Mozzer prediction: City 4-2 Villa
Vlogger verdict: If we can win the league in this game, I BEG CITY, not to go 2-0 down and give us an unbearable watch in the stands, so if that’s the case, let’s do what we did against, West Ham back in 2024, score early and control the game! Our record against Villa at the Etihad is sensational and will come four days after the Europa League final, which hopefully they will be and will have won. If they’ve already secured a top five finish, they will be pressure-free and I smell a City win!
Vlogger prediction: City 4-1 Villa
Last month: Mozzer took on YouTuber Esteemed Kompany - and it was the latter who predicted the only correct score - the 2-1 win over Arsenal. That three points proved the difference with both predicting five results correctly. It means - remarkably - Mozzer and the YouTubers go into the final month on level points!
Season scoreboard so far:
Mozzer 45-45 City Vloggers
City 7-1 Barnsley | Carling Cup | Etihad Stadium | 21 September 2004
If you were asked to name strikers that were involved in two matches where City have scored seven goals you’d probably start with the usual suspects... Sergio Aguero, Erling Haaland, Tommy Johnson, Eric Brook… but how long would it take before you came up with the name Barry Conlon?
Born in Drogheda, Ireland, Conlon was a stalwart of the lower leagues in England for more than a decade with a reputation as a combative striker who chipped in with a decent amount of goals.
From 1998 to 2010, he spent time at Plymouth, Southend, York, Colchester, Darlington, Barnsley, Rotherham, Darlington (again), Mansfield, Bradford, Grimsby, Chesterfield and Stockport before a brief spell in Belgium ahead of ending his career in his native Ireland.
Conlon’s first club was QPR although he never played for the London side before he moved to City when we were in the second tier of English football.
He made his debut in a 6-0 victory over Swindon Town in September 1997 as a second half replacement for Georgi Kinkladze.
The teenager went on to make seven league appearances for the Blues, all at Maine Road, although in a difficult period for the Club that would end in relegation, five of those ended in defeat.
His final appearance came the following season as a substitute for Lee Bradbury in a League Cup first round second leg victory over Notts County.
After winning 2-0 at Meadow Lane, City followed up with a 7-1 win – Gary Mason and Jim Whitley grabbing their only goals for the Blues, while Shaun Goater and Paul Dickov scored twice and Bradbury also bagged.
But Conlon was to end his City career goalless, moving on loan to Plymouth before a permanent move to the Pilgrims.
Fast forward five years and he was back for a League Cup tie, this time with League One Barnsley.
The venue may have switched to the Etihad Stadium, but the result was exactly the same as City romped to a 7-1 victory.
Managed by boyhood City fan Paul Hart, the son of former player and manager Johnny, the Tykes included former City youngster Chris Shuker in their side along with Conlon.
City boss Kevin Keegan, meanwhile, went with a strong team, while also giving debuts to Dutch goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus, who had joined in the summer from PSV, and Bradley Wright-Phillips – a half-time substitute who lined up alongside brother Shaun.
By then the game was long over with City storming into a five-goal lead by the break amid growing fears of just how bad it could get for the South Yorkshire opponents.
Not that the visiting fans were concerned, particularly when they pulled a goal back 90 seconds after the restart and with Conlon doing the damage.
He pounced on a poor backpass to finish past Waterreus and enjoyed the moment and received applause – albeit slightly patronising – from the home fans.
Barnsley supporters began to chant that they were going to 6-5 but Antoine Sibierski rounded off with a brace to a seal an emphatic 7-1 victory.
Another seven goals for City, but a consolation that this time, at least, Conlon was on the scoresheet.
Feature: Jonathan Smith
A select few people can say they’ve lived out their lifelong dreams and Aoba Fujino is one of them.
Taking part in the Asian Cup was already a thrilling moment for the Japan and City forward, who fought back from injury to make the squad, but getting her hands on the trophy and playing alongside her teammates meant as much as qualifying for the World Cup.
Risa Shimizu, Yui Hasegawa and Ayaka Yamashita also featured alongside the 22-year-old in Australia and Fujino explained her sense of pride for her fellow Blues.
“It was very special, especially for Risa,” Aoba Fujino began.
“She was back from the long rehab work of the injury and it was really good to play with her in such a big tournament.
“For Yama and Yui, I've been playing with them all the time, but it's really encouraging to have them in the team.”
But the road to the final was no easy feat as the youngster had to overcome an injury in time to make the team selection.
Thankfully Aoba was able to make it due to City’s medical team and the recovery programme they laid out for her.
If it wasn’t for their support, she may never have got her hands on silverware with her national team.
"They gave me a lot of support while I was injured," she said.
“They gave me a lot of support while I was injured,” she said.
“After I came back from the injury, I didn't play that much with City, and then I had to go to the tournament, so I was a bit nervous about it.
“But they gave me a very good programme of the recovery and then they checked the conditions, we have work.
“So I was at the perfect condition at the Asian Cup.
“So it was all because of their good support from the medical team. I really appreciate that.”
Yamashita, Fujino and Hasegawa all started for the Japanese side in their victory over host nation Australia in the final, with Mary Fowler also featuring for the Matildas in Sydney.
Hasegawa set up Maika Hamano for the game’s decisive goal inside 17 minutes and, despite a couple of smart saves from Yamashita, that was enough for their third Asian Cup title.
And on lifting the Asian Cup for the first time Aoba discussed how it felt to be crowned winners.
“Just simply, I was very happy,” she added.
“And I had a lot of play time during the tournament and then I could achieve some result.
“And most of all, we lifted the trophy with the team, with everybody in the team. That was really good.”
The occasion also meant that Japan qualified for the World Cup, which was even more special for the promising youngster.
“The World Cup has been a dream since I was a little girl," she continued.
“So it was really good that we achieved the qualification for the World Cup. So I'm really happy about it.
“Now I'm really excited to play at the World Cup.”
But before she could even process what she had achieved with Nadeshiko, Aoba was straight back into action, playing against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
"The last time we played against Manchester United at Old Trafford, I was just back from the injury, so I started from the bench."
After coming back from the Asian Cup for a few days, she tried not to sleep during the day because of the jet lag, but her City teammates got her through it by taking her to cafes.
The Blues went on to complete a Barclays Women’s Super League double over the Red Devils this season after a dominant 3-0 win.
Two Vivianne Miedema headers before half-time put us on the path to the memorable victory as we chased home and away league wins over our rivals.
Fellow Netherlands international Kerstin Casparij extended our lead shortly after the interval which rubber-stamped the superb showing by the Blues, and meant we once again ran out 3-0 winners in the Manchester derby.
“The last time we played against Manchester United at Old Trafford, I was just back from the injury, so I started from the bench," she recalled.
“But now, this time, I could start that match, it was really good.
“I missed the two games during I was at the Asian Cup and then I was away from the teams and I watched the matches.
“So here, being back to the club, I wanted to contribute to the club.
“Before the match I was really excited and then after the match I was really happy to contribute to the good win.”
"We will have to make sure that we win the remaining matches to get the title - that is our ultimate target."
Finally, we have a tough set of games to play as we face Liverpool at the Joie Stadium before a trip to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup semi-final and ending the WSL season at West Ham.
City need just five more from our final three WSL matches this season to be crowned 2025/26 champions and Aoba laid out her feelings ahead of the final few games.
She said: “We've been playing one game per week in the league, so it's really good.
“We will have to make sure that we win the remaining matches to get the title - that is our ultimate target.
“I would like to give a very good impact to the team.
“We know that they're not going to be easy games, but as long as we fight as a team, we'll be okay.”
Interview: Alice Wright
Throughout this season I’ve been working through my back catalogue each month to bring you a session I’ve taken during specific moments of the year. Now we’re approaching the World Cup, and what better than celebrating the best World Cup record ever made: New Order’s World in Motion.
New Order knew relatively little about football at the time so Tony Wilson roped in Keith Allen (Dad of Lily) to write the lyrics with them.
This session was taken at Melwood, Liverpool’s training ground, in May 1990 where the band – along with John Barnes and Keith Allen - were making the accompanying video for the record.
I supplied the New Order t-shirt and the sky-blue England shirt. Well, I was hardly going to use a red one was I. I also got John Barnes to wear a Touched by the Hand of God T shirt (a New Order track of course, but in this case could be seen as an oblique reference to the Maradona goal of four years earlier).
It hadn’t occurred to anyone to bring anything New Order or England related for the video – other than World in Motion t shirts - so after I’d taken my photos, I let them keep them for the rest of the day.
Bernard had other ideas though and turned up later in full Vegas-era Elvis regalia. When asked why, he merely said: I thought it’d work as an idea. To this day I fail to see any connection between Elvis and the World Cup, but hey! Musicians think in mysterious ways.
At the end of the day, I’d managed to get a sky-blue football shirt on the cover of the NME and a top England player in a New Order T shirt. In such ways are little victories made.
Call the Carabinieri
Kevin Cummins
Bernardo silva: career gallery
With our captain announcing he will bring to an end a glorious nine-year career with City at the end of this season, CITY MAGAZINE have reflected on his time with us.
There is still time to add to his incredible haul of winners' medals with the Blues, but here are some of the best moments of this much-loved City legend...
Manchester City has a wide portfolio of Official Partners and aligning with brands that share the Club’s values and commitment to innovation is a key objective for Manchester City.
Whilst partners provide a revenue stream, by working together with the Club we are also able to make improvements to our operations and offer unique activations and experiences for our fans.
One of the members of the Partnerships team is Kevin Hodgson, who helps oversee City’s EMEA partners.
And he kindly agreed to sit down with City Magazine to provide some amazing insight into his role…
CITY MAG: Kevin, thanks for your time. First, it would be great to know about how you came to be in your role at City...
KEVIN: Thank you to asking me to be a part of the mag! So I joined City in February 2023. Since I graduated from university I would always pay attention to job postings within football to see if anything would come up that would match my skillset and experience. Luckily the Partnership Marketing role came up here at City. And I was delighted to get the role as Man City has always been an organisation I admired and wanted to work with since I moved to Manchester.
CITY MAG: Why partnerships. What got you into your line of work?
KEVIN: I started off doing International Relations at Loughborough University. I then completed a Masters degree also at Loughborough. For me both courses were a great foundation for what my role is now particularly when looking at how people, groups and organisations both on a macro and localised level create and influence change. Naturally being at Loughborough, pursuing my athletics and a football fan, I was always drawn to the sports industry. It was also when I was at university when City’s Amazon documentary ‘All or Nothing’ came out. It was the first time a documentary following a Premier League team had been released and I remember just being drawn to it and to City, thinking to myself, I’d love to work there some day.
CITY MAG: I’m sure no two days are the same but what does an average day look like for you?
KEVIN: I have to do all I can not to be cliché, but there is such a massive variety to our work. We fundamentally work with our partners to bring their business objectives to life in the world of football. With each partner having their own goals, it means our roles stretch across a real wide variety of departments at the Club, whether that be:
- 360 marketing campaigns
- Content, ideation, production and delivery
- Matchday hosting and activations
- Creating seasonal and multi-year strategies to amplify the partners goals
- Non matchday events
- Creating co-branded products, services and experiences
It’s important to note that all of this requires a lot of collaboration with over 10 departments at the Club, all of which are experts in their fields and a delight to work with. Working with all of these teams is a real highlight to me as we have truly great people across the whole organisation.
CITY MAG: Why are partnerships so important to football clubs?
KEVIN: Whilst partnerships are a key revenue driver for the Club, I think one of the most important things and the great thing about having a wide variety of great organisations partner with us is that you have to become an expert in their business. This puts our business in the unique position to learn from them and ultimately make our club stronger too.
CITY MAG: What content have you worked with partners on that you’re proud of?
KEVIN: Working with Kellogg’s and the Club’s charity City in the Community to launch the Kellogg’s football camps was a lot of fun.
And working with our partner OKX on one of the biggest pieces of production with City Studios ‘A New Alternative’ was really rewarding to see it all come together the way we envisioned it.
I’d say those two are the standout ones for me and the team.
CITY MAG: Finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to get into a similar role to yours?
KEVIN: Definitely reach out to people who have roles within the industry. I think most of us currently working within in it feel incredibly fortunate to have the roles we are in and are more than happy to speak to people looking for opportunities and to share our experiences. Don’t be put off by having no direct experience in sponsorship or the sports industry. Instead, if you think you have the skills required and can see that when looking a job spec, be confident. Voices and perspectives from other industries and backgrounds will only make organisations stronger. Keep looking and applying, there are so many new and established roles that are available or being created as the market grows, so keep your eye out.
Interview: Holly Percival
City goals scored in particular minutes down the years – this month we’re covering 22, 23 and 24 – and there are some iconic ones in this bunch!
22
October 23, 2011
One of City's most famous goals and the first of what will be an unforgettable Manchester derby at Old Trafford. David Silva probes the United defence before feeding the overlapping James Milner to his left - Milner's low precision cross into the box finds
Mario Balotelli on the edge of the box and the Italian guides a superb low drive into the bottom left corner of the net and just inside the post to put City 1-0 up over Manchester United. Balotelli immediately pulls up his shirt to reveal the message 'Why always me?' Genius.
November 6, 2012
With City on the ropes against Ajax and watching their Champions League campaign unfold before their eyes, it is Yaya Toure who decides to take the game by the scruff of the neck and lead by example.
Trailing 2-0 to the Dutch giants with only 17 minutes played, City cannot afford to lose this game and as a cross comes in from the right, Yaya controls the ball at the back post and swivels all in one movement to bury the ball past the Ajax keeper and bring City back into the game.
August 19, 2013
It takes Sergio Aguero just 22 minutes of Manuel Pellegrini’s reign to find the back of the net as City start the 2013/14 campaign in rip-roaring fashion.
Aguero collects the ball in midfield before turning on the afterburners and heading towards the Newcastle United box. He then fires a low shot into the bottom left-hand corner from 20 yards – a terrific way to start the new season.
May 3, 2014
A crucial goal and one that puts City back on course for a second Premier League title in three years. Aguero darts forward into the Everton box and fires a fierce low shot past Tim Howard to level the scores after the Blues had fallen behind on 11 minutes.
It would be Sergio’s last act of the afternoon as he then limps off with a groin injury – he’d only returned after a three-month lay-off 10 days earlier. Despite the blow, City go on to win 3-2 and climb to the top of the table with just two games remaining. It’s his 28th goal of another stunning – though injury interrupted – season.
23
April 23, 1904
The goal that settles the 1904 FA Cup final and secures Manchester City's first major trophy comes after 23 minutes of the game against Bolton Wanderers played at The Crystal Palace in London.
George Livingstone’s right-wing pass eludes Bolton's Archie Freebairn and reaches Billy Meredith, who dribbles beyond Bob Struthers for a run on goal. The Welsh winger shoots goalkeeper Davies' left, scoring the opening goal. Suspicions of offside are unfounded, and City go on to win the game courtesy of Meredith’s strike.
May 21, 2017
The first of two goals at Vicarage Road for Sergio Aguero at Vicarage Road comes after a measured through ball from Kevin De Bruyne sets Kun clear,
and his low shot to the left of the keeper doubles the Blues the lead on the final day of the 2016/17 campaign.
October 31, 2022
Nottingham Forest’s realisation they are in for a long night sinks in as Erling Haaland finishes with a low shot from the centre of the box to put the
Blues 2-0 up at the Etihad and score his second of the game. He will complete a first-half hat-trick before the break as City go on to win 6-0.
24
April 26, 1969
City take on Leicester City in the 1969 FA Cup final at Wembley with the Blues looking for a first success in the competition for 13 years. What will prove to be the only goal of the game comes when Mike Summerbee skips down the right flank before crossing low into the Leicester box where Neil Young arrives with perfect timing to thump a powerful rising shot past Peter Shilton and give City a 1-0 lead.
It will be enough to secure the trophy for Joe Mercer's men who were still defending league champions at the time.
January 21, 2014
With City already 6-0 up against West Ham United after the League Cup semi-final first leg, this was always going to be a comfortable night for the Blues at Upton Park and Aguero’s goal is the result the result of yet more bad marking by Sam Allardyce’s side.
Marcos Lopes flicks the ball to Aguero who just about keeps possession before nudging it past a defender and tucking home with ease via a clever chip past the keeper and put City 2-0 up on the night and 8-0 ahead on aggregate.
September 9, 2017
Another home goal against Liverpool for Sergio Aguero – his sixth in succession against the Reds at the Etihad – equalling the Premier League record for successive goals in a fixture.
From just inside the Liverpool half, Kevin De Bruyne plays a sumptuous pass that splits the Reds’ defence apart for Aguero to race on to. He rounds keeper Simon Mignolet before slotting the ball into the empty net to put City on the way to a memorable afternoon against the Merseysiders.
CITY V WEST BROM
30 SEPTEMBER 1972
It’s 1972 and perhaps the most succinct way I can convey the price of essential goods at this time is by telling you that you could buy this matchday programme for the princely sum of five pence. You could also buy a pint of milk for the same amount. It’s hardly a gripping start to this episode of Get With The Programme but those of us of a certain age like to put things into perspective. I’ll admit this particular trait was more often than not centred around how much one paid for a pint of beer. I remember when shockwaves were sent around the North West with the utterance “I was in London last week - and I paid £1 for a pint of flat beer”. This news still gives me the shivers to this day. Probably because my regular Sunday night routine involved walking to the Tatton Pub on the banks of the Mersey in Northenden, with just £2 in my pocket. Two full English pounds. “You won’t get very far with that” I hear our younger readers say. Well I can tell you now. Two full English pounds was the equivalent of Eight full English pint pots! The fact that they were full of a rather uninspiring liquid known as ‘mild’ has nothing to do with it!
Never mind the quality…. feel the width. Or in this case, never mind the taste - THERE ARE EIGHT OF ‘EM!
Quantity - not Quality.
1972 was a big year for me. I discovered David Bowie and coincidentally discovered that I didn’t need to learn anything at school anymore as I was going to be a pop star. Or if not a pop star I would be the bloke who carried a pop star's shopping home for him or her. Or I’d be the bloke in dungarees who would protect said pop star from adoring fans.
As it happens I ended up being none of the above. I did however keep my promise to myself and become one of St Gregory’s (in Ardwick) highest under-achievers. If that isn’t an oxymoron.
1972 was also the year a Japanese soldier called Shoichi Yokoi was discovered on the island of Guam (not anywhere near Ardwick) blissfully unaware that the Second World War had finished 27 years previous.
More happily, in 1972 Manchester City were riddled with legends within their ranks. Book, Doyle, Booth, Oakes, Summerbee, Bell, Marsh and Lee being the highest profile players donning the sky blue of a weekend.
“That’s all well and good Marc - I don’t hear you say - but what about the bloke they called ‘The Man In The Middle’. That's right - the ‘unsung hero’ also known as The Referee. I know some people called referees something altogether different from time to time, but this might make such a person reconsider!?
Think of some of these officials as less of a necessary ‘evil’ - and more of the sheriff riding into town to sort out the ‘bad lads’.
Talk about the Wild West!!
Read on!
There are some legendarily infamous games (*see below) in the history of most sports but this bloke from Halifax who seemingly took on the whole Brazilian squad and tamed them! They’re built differently up there in Halifax. Evidently. Fearlessly drinking tea whilst Brazilian players set about altering the facial features of the truly legendary Puskas in his changing room.
GO ARTHUR ELLIS!
One such match* coincidentally featured City's opponents on this day in ‘72. Namely West Bromwich Albion.
Have you never heard of The Battle Of Bramhall Lane? Sheffield United v West Brom. A scene of carnage that ended with the match being the only game in English professional football to have been abandoned due to a shortage of players. A shortage brought about by the ugly scenes on the pitch resulting in three red cards, and two serious injuries brought about in the various attacks.
Where was Arthur Ellis when we needed him!
In the early 70s more and more families were spending their holiday breaks abroad bringing about decades of struggle to a whole host of (particularly northern) sea-side towns. Thinking of Blackpool, Morecambe and Southport immediately.
It seems that this wanderlust touched the Man City squad of the day, too. Well, some of them!
As injury lists go you’d have to say the above leads to pretty grim reading…but it’s quite apparent that neither of these City youngsters were unduly bothered about their First Team colleagues.
Quite the opposite in fact.
WERRRRR - HEYYYYY!
Every cloud has a silver lining, eh lads?
When Maine Road closed its turnstiles for the very last time our beloved stadium was asset stripped leading to the possibility of owning pretty much anything that was or wasn’t nailed down. Or screwed down. Even the boardroom table was up for grabs. You can’t even begin to imagine how many bottles of cheap whiskey and how many fat cigars that big ol’ chunk of wood had witnessed over the seasons. Being the good friend he is - my mate Matthew Maxey bought up six chairs from the terraces and gifted me one of them. It doesn't quite go with our Laura Ashley wallpaper and swirly brown carpet - so it lives in pride of place towards the end of our garden. It has never rusted and still flops up and down with pure elegance.
I wonder if it’s one of these?
These days the seat I occupy at the Etihad has a cushion plumbed in. I’m just waiting for the offer of an upgrade which sees me lying back on a recliner chair whilst watching the Blues tearing it up on the pitch. I can dream, eh?
It was whilst skimming through the pages of this missive that I momentarily thought I might need to go for a lie-down or maybe stretch out on a previously mentioned recliner, to compose myself and give my obviously weary brain a rest. Or maybe I needed to take a crash course in Russian? Polish??
OGNIB YTIC
OGNIB YTIC…OGNIB YTIC……. NOPE! NOT A CLUE!
It took me a short while to call my best ‘1% Club’* grey matter into action. It isn’t a foreign language! It’s not even a typographic error! It’s a very clever marketing ploy.
(*TV programme if you weren’t aware).
OF COURSE!! OGNIB YTIC … CITY BINGO in REVERSE!! Oh how I laughed…. and immediately attempted to buy a ticket so impressed was I. Then I realised this happened 54 years ago.
‘Whichever way you look at it’ indeed.
Time for this month's caption competition…. and there was only one contender…
Before I run to the hills I’d like to take what is turning out to be a regular feature in GET WITH THE PROGRAMME. That being a perusal of the forthcoming acts at the City Social Club. Over the years there have - it is true to say - been some very well known acts appearing. Not least our very own Little and Large, but on this occasion I have to admit to being slightly underwhelmed. This despite the advert trying to convince me otherwise!!
For example.
THE RETURN OF ROBERT YOUNG! I never knew he’d been away. In fact I’ve never heard of him!
AL SHOWMAN!! AL…SHOWMAN!!!! Surely the worst non-de-plume in showbiz history. It’s a dangerous choice! What if he were the worst act you’d ever seen in your entire life? It’s a bit like calling your child Charisma only to find that is one quality they most definitely don’t possess!? Or even worse - like calling your kid Chelsea and they grow up to be a Spurs supporter.
Biggest offender in here thought…no question, is the looming presence of a certain Tommy Hunt. Yes. .Tommy Hunt. No - me neither. This despite the fact that the Ad reads THE FAMOUS AMERICAN SINGER TOMMY HUNT! It doesn’t even just say FAMOUS AMERICAN SINGER TOMMY HUNT … it has the audacity to proclaim THE FAMOUS AMERICAN SINGER TOMMY HUNT!!! I would respectfully suggest that if you’re going to use the definitive article (THE) then you’d probably be on safer ground if you were honestly able to boast THE FAMOUS AMERICAN SINGER - FRANK SINATRA!!!
Anyway - it’s too late now. It’s already been printed. 54 years ago as stated above.
Time to go now! I’ll leave you with the double-page spread featuring both teams and various well situated adverts…and also the good news that City won 2-1 on the day.
Football fans the world over dream of scoring a professional goal, never mind matching the feats of the likes of Erling Haaland, Sergio Aguero or Bunny Shaw.
But only a very select few get to feel that emotion, never mind at the top level of English football. Even more so when born hundreds of miles away.
However, Vladimir Weiss did just that after moving to Manchester as a teenager to chase his dream.
The third generation of Vladimir Weiss in his family to become a professional footballer, the dimunitive winger hails from Bratislava in Slovakia.
But he first surfaced in English football consciousness as part of our 2008 FA Youth Cup winning team that dismantled Chelsea over two legs.
In a team of future stars such as Kieran Trippier, Daniel Sturridge and Ben Mee, Weiss caught the eye with his dribbling ability and determination to get at his man at every opportunity.
He scored in the second leg too, capping off a memorable occasion.
Weiss earned his senior debut 12 months later, coming on in the 71st minute on the final day of the season as Mark Hughes’ side beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0.
The 2009/10 campaign saw him become a regular part of the first team squad, playing three times in the League Cup and once in the FA Cup.
It was in the third of those League Cup outings that his big moment came.
With City 2-0 up against Arsenal in the quarter-finals, Weiss arrived late into the box to meet a Craig Bellamy cross and lash in off the bar.
He responded with all the enthusiasm we’d all have in that moment and kissed the badge for good measure.
With so much change at City at the time, the bar was incredibly high, so Weiss went out on loan to Bolton Wanderers, Rangers and Espanyol in the couple of seasons that followed.
And while his talent to play in the best European leagues was never in doubt, City were a title-winning team by the time he came back from those.
So that acceptance saw him move on to Pescara in Italy, before Olympiacos and a spell in Qatar.
He returned to his hometown in 2020 to play for Slovan Bratislava, Slovakia’s biggest side and it was there in 2024 that City again crossed paths with the winger, who was now captain of the team.
He spoke in glowing terms about his love of the Club in a pre-match press conference, while his father – the Slovan Head Coach – stayed behind to greet Pep Guardiola to the stadium.
“I have the best memories of my time at City,” began Vladimir.
“It was an amazing achievement to break through to the first team at a young age with the players that were already in the squad.
“With time, there were better and better players and with Mancini coming in, my chances were getting smaller.
“I am always going to watch City, not just because they’re my first club but because they play the best football in the world for me.”
“It was in Didsbury with a woman called Barbara and her husband Les with their kids and two dogs,” he said when asked about his lodgings in Manchester.
“I have the best memories. I left here at a young age and the beginning was extremely difficult.
“I fought through it with the help of my parents and everyone at Manchester City of which I’m very grateful because I wanted to go back, I was really homesick.
“For any player, leaving your family at a young age is difficult but it made me who I am today.”
And he'll always have that City goal to cherish, too...
Feature: Jack Mumford
Chris Sievey 2010
Looking back at some our interviews from the past, we go back 16 years and a tribute to the late, great Chris Sievey – a dedicated Manchester City fan and the creator of the wonderful Frank Sidebottom.
City Magazine columnist Kevin Cummins wrote this touching tribute to his long-time friend…
Icon: Chris Sievey
Frank Sidebottom aka Chris Sievey, died on 21 June 2010. Chris was a long time Blue and occasional Alty supporter. However he probably didn't endear himself to the Moss Lane faithful with his song, ‘The Robins are Bobbins’
In 1987, when Chris told me he was recording an EP of Queen songs entitled, ‘Frank Sidebottom salutes the magic of Freddie Mercury and Queen’, I suggested we just had Frank dressed as Freddie throwing a few, erm, Freddie poses. It wasn't quite working until I sent my assistant out to buy Queen's greatest hits. Naturally none of us would admit to owning a Queen record at that time.
Once the CD went on, Frank danced around the studio and kept making exaggerated Freddie Mercury shapes. We were all in hysterics. Half the shots are unusable because I was laughing so much I was unable to hold the camera steady.
A couple of months after Frank's EP was released to critical acclaim but the usual low sales, I happened to be invited to a press conference to meet Freddie Mercury himself. It was too good an opportunity to miss. Armed with my ‘Frank Sidebottom salutes the magic of Freddie Mercury and Queen’ EP, I duly turned up for my appointment with the rock aristocrat at London's fashionable Royal Opera House. We were ushered into a small room where approximately 15 journalists were waiting to greet Sir Freddie and Monserrat Caballe - to hear them talk about their latest opus; the operatic Barcelona LP. Freddie wasn't the most modest or self-deprecating of chaps; the conceit now was that he could duet with one of the finest sopranos of the 20th century.
The talk was high-brow. The hush in the room was reverential. Finally a flunky asked, 'Any more questions?' I produced Frank's EP with the cover photo you see here and placed it in front of His Royal Fredness.
"Have you heard this and if so what do you think of it?" I asked - to general astonishment. Monserrat looked horrified when she saw the photo. Freddie's expression suggested that a bad smell had wafted through the room. He prodded at it with his index finger. Finally he said, “Hmmm, I have heard it - yes. Some of it's funny and some of it's ... NOT!” He got up to flounce out of the room but I hadn't finished.
“Would you please sign it for me?" and I handed it to him. He didn't want to have a tantrum in front of this select group of journos, so he half-smiled and produced a pen and signed the front for me. Then he walked out of the room - seething. I was never invited to meet Sir Fred again. But I still have my signed souvenir of a 'smashing day out'. You know I do; I really do.
God bless Chris. We miss you.
Words and pictures: Kevin Cummins
City 3-2 Wolves | First Division | Saturday 20 March 1976 | Maine Road
City: Corrigan, Keegan, Donachie, Doyle, Clements, Booth, Owen, Hartford, Barnes, Tueart, Royle. Sub: Power.
Wolves: Parkes, McAlle, Palmer, Bailey, Carr, Daley, Hibbitt, Kelly, Kindon, Richards, Sunderland. Sub: Patching.
Barely a month after our 1976 League Cup triumph over Newcastle, there was another entertaining encounter, this time at Maine Road.
Tony Book’s side welcomed Wolves – a team that had beaten the Blues at Wembley in the same competition two years earlier, but were now in a relegation battle at the foot of the First Division.
They did have a sprinkling of highly-rated players – not least a certain Steve Daley who would become the most expensive footballer in England three years later when he moved from Molineux to Maine Road.
But ahead of our meeting in March, City were short of players with Alan Oakes joining an injury list that included Colin Bell and Dave Watson.
That gave the opportunity for a highly-rated teenager who had been impressing for the reserves and the England youth team.
St Helens-born Gary Owen had only been an unused sub for City before he was thrust in for his debut against Wolves.
After Book told him he was starting, the youngster had a robust fry-up of bacon and eggs to get himself ready for the encounter and what was to be a rollercoaster afternoon.
Wolves started on top although the Blues were almost ahead when Dennis Tueart tried to replicate his overhead kick that had sealed the League Cup a few weeks earlier, only this time goalkeeper Phil Parkes was in the way.
Joe Corrigan did his best to keep the game goalless with a couple of fine saves but Daley, who clearly caught the eye, put the visitors ahead in the 29th minute.
An unhappy Book gave his players a roasting at half-time, saying after the game: “Motivating a team that is already in Europe next season and with little else at stake now is extremely difficult.
“That is why I told them they have a duty to remain entertainers and that I didn’t care if they lost the game by two or three goals, so long as they went out to play instead of thinking that the season is over.”
The reminder worked and after Owen went close to scoring on his debut, fellow homegrown youngster Ged Keegan equalised eight minutes after the restart.
However, City looked to be heading for defeat when in the 81st minute, Steve Kindon put the visitors back in front with a header.
Less than two minutes later, City were level from the penalty spot when Tueart converted after a handball.
And in a final twist with five minutes remaining, Mike Doyle stormed in to head City in front to secure the points.
Owen took the headlines and kept his place the following week when City were beaten 1-0 away to QPR.
He would go on to become a fans’ favourite making 124 appearances as he became a regular over the next three seasons, including the 1976/77 campaign when we finished just a point behind champions Liverpool.
But he was sold to West Brom in 1979 to be a replaced by a certain Steve Daley, whose time had the Club has been well documented!
Words: Jonathan Smith
Under-18s midfielder Finlay Gorman is the next Academy player tasked with building his ultimate 5-a-side team.
Like his predecessors, Gorman had to abide by the following rules:
The England youth international could only pick one goalkeeper, two midfielders and one striker from a list of Academy players he has played with.
Who did he pick?
GOALKEEPER:
Oliver Whatmuff – He’s really good with his feet which is important for 5-a-side and also a great goalkeeper who you can rely on whenever you need him.
DEFENDER:
Kian Noble – I think Kian is the type of player with such a good football understanding. He knows the game well, can read play, defend and help you go forward. He’s just a brick at the back.
MIDFIELDER:
Divine Mukasa – He’s just got an elegance about him. Can play with both feet, really good passer of the baller, dribbler, scores and assists. Divine is a special player.
MIDFIELDER:
Ryan McAidoo - 5-a-side is small and he’s great in tight areas which is key. And his one-v-one ability is top.
FORWARD:
Teddie Lamb – He’s just a goalscorer. Does his job. Whenever you need a goal he’ll put one in the net for you.
Interview: Holly Percival
Layzell: Patience is better than pride
Naomi Layzell’s recovery from a hip injury hit another significant milestone in early April, when she made a long-awaited return to the training pitch...
The young defender has been out of action since October, picking up the injury while representing England Under-23s.
A successful surgery followed and now she can see light at the end of the tunnel.
“It’s been a massive boost to be honest,” Layzell said on being back out on the grass.
“Even though you're not doing a full training session, just being able to get back on the ball, put your boots on and also be on the pitch at the same time as the girls makes you sort of feel a bit more in and around it.
“The physiotherapy team I've been working with have been really good, keeping me motivated. I've done a lot of my rehab with Laura [Wienroither] so we've been keeping each other company in the gym, and then I've been on the pitch with Grace [Clinton] as well recently, which has been really nice.
“But then also just like the other girls, just checking in, asking what I'm up to, how I'm doing, and also just hearing more about what they're doing on the pitch is nice to distract yourself from what you're doing in the gym every day.”
Even during the most difficult periods of that recovery process, Layzell remained positive on her road to recovery.
In January 2026, soon after that surgery, we spoke to her about the road ahead and the progress she’d already made up to that point.
Naomi’s return was developing promisingly at the time, but she also referenced the frustration and isolation that can come from not being able to join her team-mates on the field.
This is where connecting with a close circle of friends and family was essential, as well as broadening her horizons to new hobbies and pastimes.
"I’ve got quite a few friends in Manchester which helps. So, I’ve made sure that I’m making the most of seeing them."
Asked what helped her through the recovery process away from football back in January, Naomi said: “More so just leaning on the people around you, having a good support network.
“I’ve got quite a few friends in Manchester which helps. So, I’ve made sure that I’m making the most of seeing them.
“My boyfriend comes up to visit, just leaning on family and friends and keeping yourself busy with other things.
“I’ve been doing my university work, picking up different crafts and trying to keep myself busy doing crochet and stuff.”
Another crucial means of inspiration and wisdom for Naomi, however, has been her faith.
Crucially, it’s enabled her to both accept and handle setbacks in her life and career, such as her recovery from this hip injury, which has limited her to three appearances this season.
“I suppose being Christian, it just gives you a different perspective,” she continued.
“Football isn’t the be all and end all, and I think it gives you a different purpose and enables you to remove yourself from moments when you’re overthinking things or you just feel quite overwhelmed.
“I think it’s a nice place and you also have a nice community through church to then be supported as well.”
The church has served as a place of reconnection and reflection for the defender following her move to Manchester from Bristol as a 20-year-old.
Layzell had made a name for herself as one of English football’s most exciting young defenders at Bristol City, helping the Vixens gain promotion to the WSL in 2023 before being named their Players’ Player and Young Player of the Year 12 months later.
But moving to a completely new city, surrounded by established internationals at the top of their game and to a team who’d only missed out on the title on goal difference the season prior, was a sizeable adjustment.
"Having been in the gym and then going on to pitch is great but it’s a lot of change and just having a focus on where my mind's at throughout that has been really beneficial."
Naomi’s church community was essential in making that transition as smooth as possible.
“It’s massive. I go to a church called Fabric and the people there are lovely. I’ve made some really good friends," she said.
“I think it’s just being able to be there for them and them be there for you, especially when you move to a new city it’s difficult to meet new people and when you have faith in common [it helps]”.
In December 2025, Layzell referred to ‘Joshua 1v9’ in an Instagram post about her injury recovery.
The passage reads: ‘be strong and courageous because Lord your God is with you’, and teachings such as this have provided an important perspective on her in difficult moments.
When speaking to us in January of this year, Ecclesiastes was mentioned, particularly chapter seven, verse eight, which reads: ‘finishing is better than starting, patience is better than pride’.
Our young defender has certainly had to be patient, but the strategies she’s used away from the pitch have been crucial in helping her navigate those difficult moments.
She added: “I’m just trying to be intentional about having quiet time, being more contemplative and looking towards my faith, especially in this time when it's been a lot of change as well for me.
“Having been in the gym and then going on to pitch is great but it’s a lot of change and just having a focus on where my mind's at throughout that has been really beneficial.”
Naomi’s road back from injury has been a long one, with a few more milestones still to push towards in the coming weeks and months.
However, seeing her happy and healthy out on the pitch with her team-mates is testament to all the hard work she’s put in, and the support she’s felt from friends, family and her faith.
Our defender finishes by outlining her short-term goals: “I think for me it's more about getting into a position where I'm strong, fit and feel good so that I can then attack next season.
“If I can get into training in the team squads before the end of this season, that's amazing, but I think for me I'm focusing on just putting myself in the best physical and mental position to then be able to attack next season, and just hopefully get back into a bit of a rhythm.”
Interview: George Kelsey
Whatever else happens between now and the end of May, it’s already fair to say 2025/26 has been a season of progress and growth for Elite Development Squad winger Ashton Muir...
Muir made a timely comeback towards the end of last season and proved a pivotal figure in helping Ben Wilkinson’s go on to glory in the end of season play-offs to claim the Premier League 2 title.
This time around, the left winger has been a reassuring regular presence in the side.
Having figured in all 20 regular league phase games, Muir is also set to be a key component throughout the play-offs with City having launched our quest for success with a 3-1 win against Arsenal, setting up a quarter-final with Aston Villa at the start of May.
But regardless of how the City youngsters fare in their quest to make it back-to-back titles, on a personal level Muir believes the 2025/26 campaign has already been one of huge growth and development for him as a player.
“Last year was meant to be my first season at Under-21 level, but I missed basically 10 months of the season through injury,” he pointed out.
“So, this season has been better because, you know, consistency is better.
“You don’t want to go through being injured because it's like stop-start. You just want rhythm.
“Consistency of games does that, so it's been better than last season.
“I'd also say the consistency of games has helped with my fitness, especially in terms of being match fit.
"It's not really a set plan, but I just thought, obviously for my next step, going into men's football, you have to be bigger and more robust - that's just part of the game."
“It can be a killer that. You can do all the training you want but when it comes to a match if you're not much fit, forget it.
But it's stood me in good stead.
“I just feel like more overall game has got better. There’s not like one specific thing.
“My understanding since I came back from my injury has gone up levels. from what it used to be, and physically as well, I’m a lot bigger than I was pre-injury.”
Muir’s fitness, physicality and stamina have been some of the standout features of his progress this term.
Alongside his consistency and talent, Muir’s work rate and physical endurance have seen the 20-year-old go the extra mile week in, week out on behalf of his team mates regardless of where is asked to play for the side.
And he says the lessons he learned during the course of a long and exhaustive period of recovery and rehabilitation last term have stayed with him.
“The onus is on yourself [in terms of fitness, strength and conditioning],” Ashton added.
“It's not really a set plan, but I just thought, obviously for my next step, going into men's football, you have to be bigger and more robust - that's just part of the game.
“Now I just do my own gym.
“Since I had my injury like because I was in the gym for like six months straight that's all I was doing so I just thought I'll just stick with it after when I come back and it's made me better.
“In terms of all the muscles, once you have an injury, all your body focuses on that healing, so all your other muscles like shut down.
“So having them already strong [is important].
“Like when you are putting all that effort into that healing, then something else might be slightly weaker and that creates another injury.
“If you like manage everything, not focus on one bit like I did [it really helps].
“Obviously injuries are down to luck, but I don't think muscle injuries are luck. I think that's on you.
“Bone injuries are like, that's unfortunate, but I think muscle injuries is definitely on you.
“[In terms of the way I apply myself in games] I think it's just like repetition, especially on the wing. It's a lot of high-end speeds, like running power, like high acceleration, deceleration
“I think just after time though, you just get the hang of it. Just becomes second nature to you. But if you play more in the 10 role, you have to run more.
“That's adds a bit more onto your distance at the end of the game, but I'd definitely say playing as a winger is harder in terms of like physical output.
“Not maybe in terms of distance, but the intensity is harder.”
Interview: Neil Leigh
Sometimes seasons don’t quite go as planned...
But Charlie Courtman is a true optimist, has fought tooth and nail twice to return from injury setbacks and is now fully focused on helping the Under-18s finish 2025/26 with a bang.
In his second season under the tutelage of Oliver Reiss, Courtman has transitioned from full-back to centre-back in recent outings.
The 18-year-old has totalled 14 appearances across the Under-18 Premier League North and FA Youth Cup with his most consistent run of matches over the past couple of months following two injury-laden spells on the side-lines.
But it’s fair to say there is fire in the defender’s belly to complete the season as strong as possible now he is back fully fit and fighting for a place in Reiss’ squad.
“The season has been tough to be fair,” began Courtman.
“I've had a few injuries. I did my ankle just after pre-season so I was out for three months with that. Then came back, worked really hard, played Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup, won that and in that game I picked up another injury with my hip.
“So I was out for a couple months with that. So now I'm back and just trying to work and hopefully get back in the team on a regular basis.
“I am enjoying playing at centre-back. You get more of the ball and you can control the game from there.
“And I think that suits me well. I like to play out from the back and progress the ball forward and I also think it’s an area of my game that has improved the most.
“You also have to be more switched on defensively. If we lose the ball it’s about being in the right position to win it back as quickly as possible.
“And it’s great to have another season where we could win silverware. But I’m more focused on getting minutes, progressing as a player and as a person.
“I wouldn’t say I’m someone who looks too much into the future, I just take it day by day.”
In the season prior, Courtman was one of the new faces to the Under-18s side after he signed his scholarship.
He totalled 13 league appearances, featuring predominantly at right-back in which one of his favourite moments in a City shirt transpired.
In our 4-1 league win over Stoke, Courtman made a darting run down the right before squeezing his shot in at a near impossible angle.
You could tell how much his first goal meant to him in the celebrations and is a moment that will continue to motivate him in the final weeks of the current campaign.
“Probably last season my goal against Stoke,” said Courtman with a smile.
“It was my first goal in years, my first in a competitive league, so that was a good moment for me.
“And I’m just excited. It’s good that we can hopefully win the league and the FA Youth Cup.
“We just want to win as much as we can. We fell just short last year so we are hoping we can rectify that this time around.”
Interview: Holly Percival
Moment in Time:
maine road, May 15, 1981
It’s at this time of the year that thoughts turn to the FA Cup final, whether your team is involved or not. And these days, we usually are!
On this occasion, City were involved – in the Centenary FA Cup final, no less.
Taking on Tottenham in front of 100,000 people, the Blues went ahead through a spectacular headed goal from Tommy Hutchison on 30 minutes.
The graceful left-winger was known for his heading ability, but this was to be a day he’d never forget as he attempted to block a Spurs free kick on 79 minutes and saw the ball come off his head, wrong-foot Joe Corrigan and make it 1-1.
‘Hutch’ was crestfallen, especially as we went on to lose the replay five days later 3-2.
The above picture suggests that, as disappointed as everyone was, Joe Corrigan and manager John Bond still had a smile for the fans gathered near the main entrance on our 'homecoming' the day after the replayed final.
Either that or both were looking forward to their summer holidays!
Words: David Clayton
City celebrates its charity at WSL Matchday takeover
Manchester City celebrated its charity, City in the Community (CITC) during a 5-2 Barclays Women's Super League victory over Tottenham Hotspur in late March.
Prior to the day, CITC Premier League Primary Stars participants from Our Lady of Lourdes were tasked with drawing Manchester City Women’s players for the matchday graphics.
As part of the celebrations CITC participants were given once-in-a-lifetime opportunities including flag wavers, taking part in the ball-team, welcoming and announcing players into the stadium and shadowing Manchester City content teams.
Elsewhere, the Joie Stadium came alive with charity branding ahead of kick-off, including a centre circle display, bespoke LEDs and participant drawn graphics to help raise awareness of CITC’s identity and purpose.
The City squad also showed their support by wearing City in the Community branded t-shirts and mid-layers during their matchday walkout. These will be signed and donated for fundraising.
To help further raise awareness of the day, Head Coach Andree Jeglertz and Director of Football Therese Sjogran, surprised a group of 16+ participants commenting about their visit in his press conference saying: “They’re doing a fantastic job in supporting so many different activities, so we’re really looking forward to having them involved.”
The day was organised to help raise awareness of the Club’s charity and its work to empower healthier lives through football.
You can watch highlights from the day here.
Commenting on the day, Head of Communications and Engagement, Rachel Clarkson, said: “We are extremely proud of our community matchdays, which began many years ago but grow in scale each season.
“The objective is twofold – bring fans closer to their Club’s charity through awareness and engagement opportunities, as well as create life-long memories for local people.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Manchester City, from backroom staff to players and business departments, for their ongoing and unwavering support of City in the Community.
“Together, we are empowering healthier lives through football. “We look forward to our next community matchdays at one of the men’s fixtures later in the season!”
Keep your eyes peeled in early MAY, As City in the Community looks to take over a men’s matchday soon!
City in the Community empowers healthier lives through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/CITC or follow @citcmancity.
Win an O'Reilly signed shirt!
Celebrate our April Etihad Player of the Month with the chance to win this fantastic prize.
Built with Shorthand