Welcome
Welcome to the September edition of the City Magazine.
You might have noticed it's been quite a busy time since our August issue!
We'll feature our new arrivals in the months to come, but with so much going on, we've focused our main interviews on players who have been a major part of our pre-season, namely Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rico Lewis.
Our women's team have also been busy, and again, we'll look at some of the new arrivals to Andrée Jeglertz's side when the transfer window has, as they say, firmly slammed shut.
Until then we have all our new ly-launched features to enjoy, a few regulars and plenty of interviews and columnists to make the September City Magazine a terrific way to pass a few hours.
Enjoy!
Gianluigi Donnarumma on Enzo Marseca, weddings and life in Manchester…
Gianluigi Donnarumma is undoubtedly one of the best and highest profile goalkeepers in world football.
And given he is only 27, he is incredibly experienced for club and country, as he closes in on 500 senior games for AC Milan, PSG and City as he begins his TWELFTH season of senior football.
Add 83 caps for Italy – now managed by ex-City boss Roberto Mancini – and it’s not hard to understand why former manager Pep Guardiola was so keen to bring the man known to one and all as ‘Gigio’ to the Etihad.
With 14 major trophies gathered at the clubs he’s played for and a European Championship with Italy, Donnarumma is also one the most decorated goalkeepers in the game.
A serial winner, he is now looking to add more silverware with City as he embarks on a second campaign at the Etihad.
"It's been an unusual summer because, unfortunately, we [Italy] didn't take part in the World Cup. "
And after good summer break, his batteries are fully charged as the Blues begin a new era under boss Enzo Maresca.
So, is Gigio enjoying life as a Manchester City player?
“Yes, I am very happy,” said Gigio.
“It's been an unusual summer because, unfortunately, we [Italy] didn't take part in the World Cup. But I am happy to start again and have a great season. I am very confident because we are working hard towards that.”
"Yes, I am very excited about Maresca"
Anyone with even a passing interest in social media couldn’t have failed to see that Gigio also got married during the summer.
He and fiancée Alessia tied the knot in the picturesque Italian town of Locorotondo, with Roberto Mancini, Kylian Mbappe and, of course, Erling Haaland all in attendance – the latter banging the drum on a Viking Row after the ceremony!
It was a day Gigio admits he will never forget.
“Yes, I got married and I am really happy.,” he smiled.
“It was a beautiful ceremony, full of emotions. It was the final step because my partner and I have been living together for many years, so it was a very happy moment in my life.”
Of course, a veteran of Serie A and Ligue 1 title races, how has the Azzurri No.1 found life in the Premier League?
The Blues fell just short of achieving a domestic treble in his first campaign, so did the season pan out the way he had envisaged when he first arrived in England?
“It is a very complicated championship and very hard,” he said.
“I am happy to play in the Premier League because it tests me. Every match is complicated, and that's why it is the most beautiful championship.
“It's going to be a difficult season because every team will be prepared, and we want to be there until the end, competing for the championship.”
And he will do so, of course, under the stewardship of our second Italian manager, Enzo Maresca.
And he believes our new boss has all the ingredients to successfully carry on the wonderful work of his predecessor Pep Guardiola – who he admits he will always feel indebted to.
“Yes, I am very excited about Maresca,” he smiled.
"He is very well prepared, and we listen carefully to everything he says. He has done very well at every club he has been at"
- Donnarumma on Maresca
“I have to thank Pep, who strongly wanted me here last season. I am genuinely proud pride to be part of this group, and being wanted and coached by Pep made it even more special for me.
“Now there is Coach Enzo. He has already been a winner at Manchester City, he knows the club and the environment, and he can give us a lot.
“He is very well prepared, and we listen carefully to everything he says. He has done very well at every club he has been at. He beat me 3–0 at the Club World Cup when he was Chelsea manager and I was the PSG goalkeeper, so I know what to expect!
“We have started well under him. We just need to keep listening to him and keep getting better and better as we go along.
"We have got to know people and restaurants, built new friendships, so we really feel at home in the city"
It would be remiss not to ask our Italian stopper how he is enjoying life in Manchester.
Milan and Paris – two of the world’s most fashionable cities are hard acts to follow for anybody who lived there for any length of time, but Manchester is very much a modern city and one that is developing at a seemingly unstoppable rate.
How have Gigio, wife Alessia and baby son Leo found life here so far?
“The truth is, I am doing really well,” says Giogio.
“We have got to know people and restaurants, built new friendships, so we really feel at home in the city.
“I am doing well in Manchester as a city and, above all, at the club, because it's an amazing club. It's a family.”
Feature: David Clayton
ONE STEP CLOSER
Despite Mary Fowler’s return in February following her recovery from an ACL injury, there is still a long way to go...
The Australian international suffered a ruptured Anterior Crucial Ligament and after 10 months out she returned in her first start since April 2025, against Sheffield United in our Adobe FA Cup tie.
She then went on to help us to the Barclays Women’s Super League title and FA Cup trophy and since joining back up with the squad for pre-season, Fowler shone against Fiorentina and Barcelona.
And now the 23-year-old is ready to take on the upcoming season but admitted that the journey to get herself to the present has been a rocky ride.
“I feel like I still have to remind myself that I only came back this year and I think I put a lot of pressure and expectation on myself because I'm like ‘oh, I know you can do that’ but then I'm also like ‘oh, well, you also only came back this year, so there's no pressure to be hitting the high notes’,” Fowler began.
“I think just being able to take a step back and allow myself to experience things for the first time again has been really helpful because even in the off-season, I was like ‘oh this feels different’ and I feel like a little bit more anxious to come back ready.
“But then I realised, it is my first off-season since I've done my knee, so it is going to be different.
“And then pre-season, I'm like ‘this is my first pre-season since I've done my knee and I haven't done a pre-season for two years now’ so it is going to feel different.”
The Matildas star feels she still has a long way to go before she’s back to full confidence and admitted she must be more patient with her body.
There is no doubt that ACL injuries take a mental toll and Fowler says she is learning to be kind to herself but also expressed her sheer excitement to get stuck in ahead of the 2026/27 Barclays Women’s Super League season.
This season also sees us compete in the Champions League once again – which has also been a huge motivator for the midfielder.
“I think for a lot of us, it was a bit upsetting to not get the chance to do that last year, but we had a great season and now I've earnt that opportunity again to be in this competition,” she added.
“So yeah, I'm just excited. It brings you like to new teams, new places. But I think just a chance to win something else and do better than what we did last time we were in Champions League. I think that's also very motivating for us.
“Personally, I really hope we pick some teams that are in great places. So, it'll be exciting to visit, but we'll see what we get and go from there.”
There’s no doubt that we’re going to want to win as many trophies as possible, but following her injury, Fowler isn’t setting any personal milestones ahead of the new term.
Her road back from injury has been a lengthy one and she has had to be patient, but her family along with her journalling have helped her to navigate a difficult time in her career, but every day she gets one step closer in her journey.
“I'm not like the best goal setter when it comes to football stuff,” she said.
“I think I just like to have a base of things that I'm really grateful for. I think having an injury that was so big it just puts everything into perspective.
“So, I'm just grateful every day that I get off the field fit and healthy, and I think that rehab allowed me to just be so much more appreciative for all the things that my body does do for me and when I do something cool on the field, I'm like ‘that's mad that you could do’ and I can’t always take credit for it because I’m like ‘I didn’t think about doing it, it just happened’.
“So, I don't know. I feel like lighter because of that. But it's just also meant that for me I don't think goals mean as much because I just have a lot of other things that I'm just grateful for that those things happen.”
The new WSL season gets underway on Sunday 6 September as we face Birmingham City at the Joie Stadium – which has come around so quick – and Fowler says she is raring to go in front of the fans.
“I think I'm just ready for it to start,” she continued.
“I think we've had quite a few games now in pre-season and it feels almost like the season's already begun.
“I think for me, I just feel excited to play for myself again, just get out there and be like, wow, that's pretty cool that you're back now.
“But I think as a whole team as well, I think once we get into the swing of things, it's easier to see where we're at.
“So, I'm excited for us to just get started and then build on that and keep the standards going and that because I think we're really good at keeping the momentum going.”
We then go on to face Liverpool at the Joie on the 18th September before hosting Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium – which is bound to be a spectacular showdown between the two top WSL sides.
Last season, we saw the great team spirit that Andrée Jeglertz instilled in the dressing room and coupled with the nature of the players too, City thrived on the pitch.
The summer transfer window has seen us strengthen our ranks with the additions of Beth Mead and Niamh Charles.
The Lionesses have both already played with several of our squad at international level and Fowler finished by explaining just how well they have slotted into life with the Blues.
“You wouldn't tell that they only just got here, which is great,” Fowler added.
“I think we've done a good job at bringing players in that really fit our environment. I think we always laugh about it, but we have so many characters that are just weird in our team, but everyone goes along with it.
“Not to say that those two are weirdos, but I think they fit our environment well where they can have a good time, have a laugh.
“When we're on the pitch, everyone wants to take it seriously, but off the pitch, we also just are here to have a good time.”
Words: Alice Wright.
It’s the second edition of our new feature as we look back on the best of the Septembers that have made up our Premier League era.
2026/27 is our 30th season in the Premier League in what has been a rollercoaster ride since the rebrand in 1992.
Recent times have seen unprecedented success given we’re the most successful side over the last 14 years – winning eight titles in that time.
Before then, there were some tougher times including five seasons outside of the top tier through the 1990s and early 2000s.
Every month, we’ll go through the most memorable moments that have happened in those weeks.
STATS
Matches played: 98
Wins: 47
Draws: 23
Losses: 28
Goals scored: 184
Goals against: 106
Points per game: 1.67
TRICKY START
City had a horror start to 1995/96 – going winless in the first 12 games of the league campaign.
That included four successive defeats in September to Arsenal, Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest.
We got much better but paid the price by the end of the campaign, getting relegated with 38 points from 38 games.
ETIHADS FIRST HAT-RICK
Nicolas Anelka was our prime marksman in our first year at what is now the Etihad Stadium and made history early on, bagging three in the 4-1 defeat of Aston Villa.
Michael Tarnat got our other, with all four City goals coming after Juan Pablo Angel had opened the scoring for the visitors.
Things got tougher that year, with City finishing 16th in the end.
PORTSMOUTH THRASHING
Our first league win following HH Sheikh Mansour’s takeover was one to remember, with Mark Hughes’ side putting six past Portsmouth on 21 September 2008.
Fan favourites Richard Dunne and Shaun Wright-Phillips were amongst the scorers but times would change quickly following the news a few weeks earlier.
Our wild inconsistency that season was most highlighted by a 2-1 defeat to Wigan Athletic the following week.
GOALS GALORE
An unforgettable month, starting with a 4-2 win over Arsenal most remembered for Emmanuel Adebayor’s goal celebration that saw him run the length of the pitch to kneeslide in front of the away fans.
The following week was a memorable Manchester derby, but not necessarily for the right reasons.
If I say Michael Owen, most Blues will shiver. It seemed we’d earned an entertaining 3-3 draw until the former Liverpool and Newcastle man found space very late on to secure a winner. Devastating.
And the month closed out with Carlos Tevez running the show against West Ham in a 3-1 win.
DELIGHTFUL DERBY DAY
Who doesn’t love a derby day thrashing? Especially when it acts as rocket fuel for a title charge as it did in 2013/14.
Sergio Aguero opened the scoring before Yaya Toure doubled the lead just before half-time.
Samir Nasri and Aguero made it safe early in the second half before Wayne Rooney gave the visitors a consolation.
PEP'S FIRST DERBY
Guardiola’s first trip behind enemy lines as City boss in September 2016 was a fruitful one with Kevin De Bruyne and Kelechi Iheanacho scoring our goals.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulled one back for the hosts before half-time but we held on to the three points in a sign of the strength and unity that would come to define Guardiola’s time in Manchester.
MORE GOALS
2017/18 – 5-0 win over Liverpool, 6-0 at Watford, 5-0 v Palace, 1-0 at Chelsea
City played four Premier League games in September 2017. Incredibly, we scored 17 goals.
First up was a 5-0 demolition of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool that proved our credentials as one of the league’s great entertainers.
A 6-0 at Watford came hot on its heels before a comfortable 5-0 against Crystal Palace.
However, the lowest scoring win was perhaps the most significant as City outplayed defending champions Chelsea on their own pitch.
Despite our dominance, we scored just the once with Kevin De Bruyne hammering a left-footed shot past Thibaut Courtois.
BIGGEST PREMIER LEAGUE WIN
City’s biggest Premier League win came in September 2019 with an 8-0 thrashing of Watford, a side we’ve always enjoyed a strong record against.
Bernardo Silva was the star man, netting a hat-trick but David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Riyad Mahrez, Kevin De Bruyne and Nicolas Otamendi also got on the scoresheet at the Etihad.
UNITED THRASHING
Erling Haaland was in fine form in the September 2025 meeting between City and our local rivals.
Phil Foden opened the scoring before the Norwegian took centre stage later on with a brace to complete a 3-0 win.
That game was also memorable for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s debut and a spectacular diving save, tipping Bryan Mbeumo’s volley around the post.
Feature: Jack Wilson-Mumford
In early 1994, before Oasis broke through to become the biggest band in the UK, I was commissioned by their label, Creation Records to do a couple of photo sessions with the band to get them used to being photographed and to work out what kind of look suited them best.
In February, I flew to Amsterdam for an initial shoot. It was their first gig outside the UK, so the record company were excited for them. More excited than the band as it turned out.
Noel Gallagher February 1994 Amsterdam
Noel Gallagher February 1994 Amsterdam
When I arrived at the hotel with their PR Johnny Hopkins, there was only Noel and his guitar tech there.
I assumed the others were still out from the previous night, but Noel told me they’d all been arrested on the ferry on the way over for fighting with some Chelsea fans (not West Ham as has been erroneously reported) and then sent back to England. He claimed to have missed it all as he’d gone to bed early – which seemed unlikely then and seems even more unlikely as time passes.
Johnny Hopkins wasn’t sure what to do. He had some kind of admiration for their rock ‘n’ roll behaviour which was mixed with the horror of having to explain to his bosses at Creation that he’d spent a lot of money taking me to Amsterdam for what turned out to essentially be a holiday.
Noel Gallagher February 1994 Amsterdam
Noel Gallagher February 1994 Amsterdam
To be fair I had more experience of commissions falling apart at the first hurdle than he had. I suggested we may as well use our time wisely and entertain Noel for the day – by spending more of Creation’s money – and I’d take a few photos of Noel by the poster for the gig to prove that I’d turned up.
That way we could use it as a news feature pic. for NME thus getting a page of publicity that he wasn’t expecting, and he’d be in Alan McGee’s good books for ‘his’ initiative. So that’s exactly what happened. Johnny asked me in earnest not to let it put me off working with the band – as if it would – and we agreed to reconvene a few weeks later and attempt to start again with a couple of photo sessions in London.
What could possibly go wrong…
Kevin Cummins
Rico Lewis is no stranger to crunching tackles after coming through the ranks as a talented, tenacious defender from the age of eight at Manchester City...
Well now, he’s getting stuck into something off the pitch, too. The reliable right-back loves football and has clocked up 118 appearances - as of 1 September 2025 - across five seasons for his beloved Blues.
But now he’s found another calling away from the field as he looks to make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate than him.
Our No.82 is a strong advocate for trying to combat homelessness in the city of Manchester.
The England international is not just talking the talk though. He’s walking the walk. Lewis hosted a football tournament to raise money for homelessness charities this summer.
He organised a seven-a-side football event that was staged at the National Speedway Stadium, with guest stars including teammate Phil Foden, Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, new City signing Pierce Charles, fellow Academy ace Kaden Braithwaite as well as Rico’s younger sister, Sacha, who signed her first professional contract with Manchester City this summer.
The event was also hosted by Matchday Live presenter and huge City fan, Faraaz Ghaffur, more commonly known as FG.
It raised thousands of pounds, something Lewis is incredibly proud of.
“It was definitely successful,” he said.
“We were nervous the night before trying to get all the teams sorted but it was a great day.
“It’s something we’re looking to do in all sports we can. While I was away on pre-season tour, they also did a padel tournament and from what they’ve told me it was busy and they raised even more money for charity, which is the main thing.
“I wanted to give back to people who are less fortunate in life. The football tournament was to raise money for S.P.I.N. which is supporting people in need, mainly people on the street that are homeless.
“We raised over £3,000 and it’s something we want to continue doing.
“We’ll see where it goes from here. It’s not about me but it’s nice to give back to people who are less well off and you see daily.
“It’s a nice feeling but it also feels like something I should be doing.”
It’s not the only thing Lewis has been getting up to this summer.
He had the small matter of his wedding to attend to – tying the knot with longtime partner Amelia in a picturesque Lake Como ceremony.
It’s an experience that the 21-year-old won’t forget in a hurry as he basks in the glow of marriage.
“It was an amazing day,” he continued.
“We had the opportunity to do it in the summer and it was very important to both of us.
“It was a wonderful day in Como with just very close friends and family.
“It’s a beautiful place with a stunning view of the water. That’s a place I’ll return to 100 times over because of the memories.”
It’s fair to say the defender has packed a heck of a lot into his break from football action this summer but now it’s very much back to business for the City starlet with our 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on the opening day of the Premier League season a particular highlight.
He’s now fully focused on having a successful season in the sky blue shirt as he reiterated his love of playing on home soil at the Etihad Stadium.
“The most important thing is to take it day by day, training session by training session and game by game,” he added.
“My goal is to play as much football as I can, whatever that looks like is what it is but I’m just trying to play as many games as I can.
“I do feel that love when we play at the Etihad. It’s hard sometimes when I’m on the pitch to take notice of all that sort of stuff because you’re focusing on the game but there are moments when that togetherness really shines through, especially when any of us young lads are playing.
“That pathway through has its fruits and home fans always enjoy seeing Academy players in the first team.”
Worlds: Paul Brown
Notts County v Manchester City
Meadow Lane | Division Two | Monday 6 May 1985
In our new feature celebrating our fans travelling in huge numbers, we go back four decades to a memorable match against Notts County.
A sunny Bank Holiday and the possibility of confirming promotion back to the top-flight, thousands of City fan descended on Nottingham.
The Magpies were fighting relegation while Billy McNeill’s City were hoping to get the last top-three spot available after falling behind Oxford and Birmingham at the top.
A sticky patch either side of Easter saw City fail to win six games on the trot, with heavy defeats to Oxford and Grimsby and a loss at home to Leeds.
County goalkeeper Mick Leonard saves from the leaping Paul Simpson
County goalkeeper Mick Leonard saves from the leaping Paul Simpson
But a victory at home to Sheffield United followed by a win at Portsmouth steadied the ship, although a goalless draw at home to Oldham meant nothing could be taken for granted.
Still City made the trip to Meadow Lane for the penultimate game of the season with expectation more than hope and it was becoming clear ahead of kick-off, just how many Blues were there.
Neil NcNab
Neil NcNab
Pubs around the ground and the city were spilling over with fans in good spirits, enjoying the weather and building up to the game.
Notts County’s average crowd of around 6,000 looked like being swelled to such an extent that it would become a virtual home game for City.
By kick-off, the 19,000-capacity stadium was full with the huge Kop End rammed with away fans and there were Blues all over the ground with estimates of around 14,000 cheering us on.
Everything was set for a perfect May Day but by the end of the day it had become a metaphorical distress signal.
These were the days when City never did anything easy and County weren’t going to roll over even if they were made to feel like guests at their own home.
Mick McCarthy is outjumped by Notts County's Justin Fashanu
Mick McCarthy is outjumped by Notts County's Justin Fashanu
After a tense opening 25 minutes, County did the unthinkable and took the lead through Justin Fashanu.
Seven minutes later, Algerian international Rachid Harkouk made it two and unbelievably Alan Young made it 3-0 before the break.
The party atmosphere turned sour and a large part of the pitch fencing collapsed under the weight of the hordes of fans.
With the second half kick-off delayed, McNeill took to the pitch and addressed the supporters, telling them that the game would not be abandoned and a 3-0 result would stand.
Thankfully, his urging was respected and the second half finally restarted with City roaring back into the game.
Youngster Paul Simpson pulled a goal back 10 minutes after the restart and then added a second with less than 20 minutes to play.
Cheered on by the incredible following, City pushed to try to get an equaliser but somehow County held on to take all three points.
Those goals at least boosted our goal difference, as we went into the final day of the season on the same points as Portsmouth, but five goals better off.
But there was a sombre mood as the fans headed out of the stadium, fearing we’d blown our best opportunity.
The promotion chase went to the final day of the season where a rammed Maine Road saw City thrash Charlton 5-1 to go up in dramatic fashion
Words by Jonathan Smith
CITY v BIRMINGHAM
8 NOVEMBER 1975
I can easily recall the stage of my life I was at in the November of 1975. In fact, as of the June of 1972 I can pretty much tell you where life had taken a certain teenage Mr Riley. At various points. Quite simply because after the first time I saw David Bowie on TV, my teenage years were basically memories of what David Bowie was doing at the time. Right up to 1978 when I joined a band myself and became too wrapped up in my own music.
At this point David Bowie was about to release the Golden Years single taken from the Station To Station LP. He’d written it with the intention of Elvis Presley singing it. Elvis however had no intention of singing it. So it was left to Bowie.
This period Bowie is, as was often the case, dated by his fashion sense at the time. He had taken to wearing an elegant Fedora hat and shades. What with myself and my mate Steve being the rats to Bowie’s Pied Piper of Hamlin we of course followed suit. We somehow heard of ‘Bowie hats’ being sold in an emporium in Manchester City centre and set on our merry way. Together with our Oxford Bags trousers we thought we were the Manchester Bees Knees. Around this time we went to a Welsh caravan site on our holidays and were sure the locals would be taking a double-take at these two dudes hoofing up and down the esplanade. Cool as ya like. Otherworldly.
Sadly the double-takes did happen…. but not as a result of our intended first impression. Inevitably it rained the whole of the time we were there. Which wasn’t so bad because we both had a ‘Bowie Hat’ to keep up dry!
Right?
WRONG.
It turned out that our head apparel was not made of the finest wool felt like our great leaders. It was more ‘fuzzy felt’. The kind of material one used to make faces or patterns with as a toddler. and of a constitution that, once introduced to water… or rain…flopped like a dead flower.
We were less David Bowie and more Sodden Scarecrow. The only double-takes we got were accompanied by fits of giggles.
The only consolation I had was that I had more sense than to wear the hat to Maine Road. A wise-beyond-my-years decision that otherwise wouldn’t have ended well. Going through the Kippax gates I sensibly wore, if anything, a sky blue and white bobble hat. Best decision I ever made.
Looking at the starting eleven for this game against Birmingham City brings with it goosebumps. Every single name etched in my blue brain. Legends all…with Colin Bell being Chief Legend.
At this point in time our Manager was another City Legend. Tony Book. As usual the first words to be read in the matchday programme belonged to our leader. He begins by informing us that the team bus was very nearly involved in a calamitous trip over the Pennines to play Sheffield United the week before, and that if it weren’t for the quick thinking bus driver things might have been very different. Makes the blood run cold! He also talks of “Peter Barnes, our exciting teenage winger, scoring his first goal of the season” against the Blades.
I’m lucky enough to count Peter as a friend these days… and as a result I know he is also a massive fan of the previously mentioned Bowie. I wonder if Peter ever donned a ‘Bowie hat”. I bet he didn’t.
It was many years ago I suggested to BBC Radio 5 Live (a network I was producing a programme for at the time called ‘Jim and The Doc’. The ‘Jim’ being James H Reeve and the ‘Doc’ being Tommy Docherty) that they should make a programme in which Referee’s have to face the music. Justify their decisions. This was very nearly a great idea. If I had have suggested they feature Ex Referee’s rather than the one’s who made many mistakes the week previous it might have got taken up for, as we know, these days retired officials are all over the media giving their thoughts on decisions - be they good or be they bad.
In a similar vein the matchday programmes of this mid 70s era feature a regular article called ‘Focus On The Referee’. Many of the protagonists are, how can I put this? A bit ‘dry’. But on this occasion Doncaster dweller Les Hayes shows not only a good sense of humour…but also good sense.
Here….
He also lets us in on a snapshot of his family life through this parting story about his daughter Denise.
If daughter Denise had the intention of ‘throttling’ everyone who had an opinion on her Dad’s capabilities every Saturday afternoon it would have been a very busy time for the young lady - I have no doubt of that.
It was a year previous to this game that measure were taken to control disturbances at Maine Road. A ‘segregation system’ had been constructed which was being put to use for a forthcoming derby. This was just the start of the situation we have been in for decades now. So long has it been in place that it seems inconceivable that my Dad’s generation would stand side by side with opposing supporters with rarely so much as a stewards intervention.
Arsene Wenger was quite rightly been recognised as an important figure in the development of Sports Science. He went to great lengths to understand the importance of nutrition, recovery and lifestyle. Now, you didn’t have to be a genius to come to the conclusion that Stan Bowles stopping off at the pub for three pints of his chosen tipple on his way to a match was not really the best preparation one could undertake for the physical task that lay ahead…but the nuances Arsene introduced are acknowledged as important aspect of the modern game.
So lets go back to 1975 once again. A time that saw Manchester City FC introduce their own Department of Medicine.
This article opens with the mention of the much maligned ‘Magic Sponge’. Maligned with good reason. For those of you too young to remember…if a player was to go down with an injury, be it a twisted ankle, a broken finger, a popped hamstring or a blow to the head, on would run a member of the medical team and liberally apply streams of common or garden tap water to the beleaguered area in question via the conduit of a sponge. The kind of sponge that was probably used in the days leading up to the match to clean the physio’s Austin Princess.
The days of the sponge were evidently numbered.
Enter Freddie Griffiths.
At one point Freddie describes football as a “multi-pound industry”....which I presume was a typo error.
There’s talk of an x-ray Machine, pulse meters and an omnipresent Radiographer. GO CITY!!
Almost time for me to leave you now. But not before our usual Caption Competition.
I now place you (and Denis Tueart) in the capable arms of Mike Doyle.
All that’s left to do is for me to tell you the final score of this November clash against Birmingham City.
City 2-0 Birmingham
Happy ending.
Rayan Aït-Nouri says he will play anywhere for City – even in goal! CITY MAGAZINE finds out more...
It’s probably fair to say that Rayan Aït-Nouri's first season with City didn’t go as he might have hoped.
A series of niggling injuries and the form of Nico O’Reilly meant he played fewer games than he’d hoped during 2025/26, but he is aiming to play a bigger role this season.
Quiet and humble off the pitch, he has the ability to make plenty of noise when he’s on it, Aït-Nouri is blessed with the skills of a left winger and vision of a creative midfielder.
And to coin an old piece of commentary on City from 1989, “and he’s the left-back, remember!”
Versatility could be very useful for Ait-Nouri in the new Enzo Maresca era.
The Algerian played an advanced role in pre-season and he’s up for whatever the manager demands of him in the coming weeks and months.
“I will play wherever the manager wants me to, even if I need to play goalkeeper!” smiled the likeable 25-year-old.
“I want to show what I can do and work for the team so I will give everything every time I go on the pitch no matter where I am asked to play.”
"I’m looking forward to what I hope will be a good season for the team and for me. It is different to be with Enzo, the way we stretch the pitch is different."
And new boss Maresca has made a strong impression on the Algerian…
“It’s amazing to learn every day in training with him,” he said.
“We work on a lot of details, and we take pleasure in working with the coach to press, defend and build up. I’m looking forward to what I hope will be a good season for the team and for me. It is different to be with Enzo, the way we stretch the pitch is different.
“To play with these kinds of players is amazing. You improve every day and you want to give everything. We have a very good group on and off the pitch. We all talk to each other and it’s important to be like that to be better on the pitch. It’s a small family so we all want the best for each other.”
Another thing Aït-Nouri is loving is life in a new city.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Paris, he knows a stylish place when he sees one and he is very impressed with his new home.
“I love Manchester,” he smiled.
“The fans and the people are so nice and it’s a beautiful place. But my favourite thing to do is to stay home and relax with my family. I like to watch series – my favourite is Prison Break; I’ve watched it four times now. Spending time at home is so relaxing and helps me be at my best in training, too.”
Interview: Jack Mumford/David Clayton
City’s memorable meetings with Arsenal...
Relive some of City’s finest performances against Arsenal ahead of the Blues’ Barclays Women’s Super League heavyweight bout with the Gunners at the Etihad this season.
Andrée Jeglertz’s side lock horns with the Londoners at the stadium on Sunday 4 October in what is our fifth top-flight assignment of the new term.
It will be the next chapter in one of the WSL’s most enthralling and historic fixtures with all roads leading to another exciting afternoon in Manchester.
Before the clash next month, travel back in time to four of City’s most memorable performances against Arsenal…
Oct 2025 - City 3-2 Arsenal
Iman Beney’s late winner saw City prevail in a five-goal thriller at the Joie Stadium as Jeglertz’s team passed the first test of our title credentials in 2025/26.
Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw broke the deadlock in the first half, but the Gunners hit back before Mariona Caldentey quickly found an equaliser shortly after.
Following half-time, Kerstin Casparij restored our lead, but Chloe Kelly’s long range strike saw the visitors draw level again.
It looked as if we we’d have to settle for a point until Beney fired home her first goal for the club on the cusp of stoppage time – sending the home crowd into raptures.
Feb 2023 - City 2-1 Arsenal
Embroiled in a fierce battle for Champions League qualification midway through the 2022/23 season, City started quickly against Arsenal at the Joie Stadium and opened the scoring through Lauren Hemp in the fourth minute.
It was the England international’s 50th for the Club after she met a Chloe Kelly cross to send the ball into the net at the back post.
The hosts then pushed for a second which saw Bunny denied by Manuela Zinsberger in the Gunners goal, but the Blues did double our advantage ahead of the break.
Kelly turned scorer from provider as she fired home on 43 minutes after being played into the area by Shaw.
It was a breathless first-half display by City and we had to show our defensive resolve following the interval after Rafaelle pulled a goal back for Arsenal, but we held on to ensure we collected a deserved three points.
Dec 2020 - City 2-1 Arsenal
Caroline Weir scored a dramatic injury-time winner against Arsenal in December 2020 as City ran out 2-1 winners after a pulsating clash.
The Gunners had started brightly at the Joie Stadium and took the lead through Vivianne Miedema as she pounced on a loose pass on the edge of the area before she curled an unstoppable effort into the net inside three minutes.
Undeterred by the visitors’ early strike, the Blues immediately went on the offensive and after Sam Mewis had already come close to equalising, she levelled before half-time.
The USA icon ghosted past her marker at a corner to head home through a crowd of bodies in the 30th minute.
Following the interval, the contest was played at an electrifying pace with both teams looking to find the game’s third goal – and it was fall to the hosts in the 94th minute.
In the dying embers of the game, Weir reacted quickest to a deflected Georgia Stanway drive before bending the ball exquisitely into the far corner.
Feb 2020 - City 2-1 Arsenal
City ensured it was a sign-off Nick Cushing deserved as we prevailed past Arsenal in his final match in permanent charge of the Blues.
After an evenly contested first half looking likely to end goalless, a wicked Weir corner caused havoc in the Arsenal defence and, after a bit of penalty box pinball, Pauline Bremer was in the right place at the right time to tap home from close range.
We then carried our momentum into the second 45 and we doubled our lead soon after the restart when Weir again caused the Gunners problems and her cross towards the back post was met by Hemp who headed into the net.
Regardless of our two-goal advantage, the match was still end-to-end and after City looked dangerous going forward, Arsenal pounced and halved the deficit on the counter.
Danielle van de Donk dispatched after meeting Jordan Nobbs’ rebounded effort after Ellie Roebuck did well to prevent the initial attempt.
We had to dig in to seal three points as our defensive resolve was tested to the limit, but we held firm and sent Cushing off with a sweet success over the Londoners.
Our former skipper Andy Morrison is taking on three City YouTubers again this season – this time he’s up against Typical City…
City v Coventry
Premier League
Saturday, 5 September, 15:00 kick-off
Mozzer’s verdict: Frank Lampard was only with City for a season or so, but he made a great impression on everyone at the Club, so I’m hoping he can keep the Sly Blues up this season. On paper, this looks like a banker home win, but I think it will be a lot trickier than that. It might be level going into the last 20 minutes or so, but I think we’ll pull clear in the remaining time as the Coventry legs tire.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 3-1 Coventry
Typical City verdict: Firstly, I’m looking forward to hearing the song, “There’s only one City!” when we face Coventry City. They won the Championship comfortably last season and will be full of confidence in their early season fixtures. They’ve spent nearly £100M this summer in an attempt to establish themselves back in the big time. However, I’m not convinced that their signings or their current squad has enough Premier League experience to avoid a relegation battle this season. They’ll likely have to lean on Frank Lampard's understanding of the Premier League to give them a fighting chance, but most of his expertise comes as a player. Lampard has minimal experience as a top flight manager - though he’ll be eager to prove a point. I think City will have too much for Coventry and win comfortably.
Typical City prediction City 5-1 Coventry
Porto v City
Champions League
Tuesday, 8 September, 20:00 kick-off
Mozzer’s verdict: It’s crucial we get off to a winning start in the Champions League. We saw in year one of the League Phase how tricky it can be to make automatic qualification to the Round of 16, and the lower you finish, the more there is potential to get a really difficult tie in the knockouts. Five wins out of eight should do it, and I expect the first win in this tie.
Mozzer’s prediction: Porto 1-3 City
Typical City verdict: City have a short but decent history against Porto, with three wins and a draw across the four times we faced them in the Europa League and Champions League. Porto have gotten off to a great start in their campaign, winning all four of their opening games and they haven't conceded a goal in the process. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa could prove difficult to get past! Even though we're away from home and the Dragon Stadium will be rocking, due it being the first Champions League fixture of the season, I'd expect City's firepower to be too much for Porto to handle.
Typical City prediction: Porto 1-3 Man City
United v City
Premier League
Sunday, 13 September, 16:30 kick-off
Mozzer’s verdict: An early Manchester derby and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. United haven’t made as many signings as I thought they might, but Michael Carrick has them well-organised and they’ll be up for this game, no doubt. I’m going for a draw, and if that’s the case, that won’t be a bad result.
Mozzer’s prediction: United 1-1 City
Typical City verdict: Michael Carrick’s honeymoon period is officially over. He ended last season with a decent flurry of wins but as with most of United’s previous managerial appointments, their success is often short lived. The club haven’t backed Carrick with signings that are anywhere near good enough to realistically challenge for the title and with European football to contend with season, I think United will struggle to emulate their 3rd place finish from last season. However, this is a derby and Carrick fully understands the importance of a Manchester Derby. Being at Old Trafford makes it a tougher game to call but I’m confident that City’s squad is levels above what United have to offer. If City turn up, they beat United.
Typical City prediction: United 1-2 Man City
City v Norwich
Carabao Cup 3rd Round
Thursday, 17 September, 19:30 kick-off
Mozzer’s verdict: It’s a new era under Enzo Maresca so it’s harder to predict where the Carabao Cup will be on his list of priorities. Pep Guardiola always wanted to play strong starting XIs in this competition, though was able to give vital experience to youngsters and I don’t see that changing. Norwich will see this as a free-hit and I think they’ll come to the Etihad and give it a go – but that will only make it easier for City to create chances and I expect a fairly comfortable passage to the next round.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 3-0 Norwich
Typical City verdict: You'd expect a comfortable win for the Blues, here. You'd also expect Enzo Maresca to rotate and get some valuable minutes in the legs of players who haven't featured much so far. It presents a good opportunity for our younger players to gain some experience - players like McAidoo, Braithwaite and even new signing Bouaddi! Norwich didn't get off to the greatest of starts in the Championship with back to back losses, but they bounced back with successive wins. There's a few fixtures that will affect their form between now and then but as long as Enzo finds the right blend for this game, we should win this comfortably.
Typical City prediction: City 5-1 Norwich
City v Sunderland
Premier League
Saturday, 19 September, 15:00 kick-off
Mozzer’s verdict: Can Sunderland repeat last season’s heroics? Many will expect them to fall away this campaign, but they have kept the majority of last season’s squad, so I think they’ll be hard to beat again – especially at the Stadium of Light. A goal in each half should see us home on this occasion, but it will be a tough 90 minute.
Mozzer’s prediction: City 2-0 Sunderland
Typical City verdict: Last season, Sunderland achieved exactly what Coventry are attempting to achieve this season by spending and spending wisely enough to earn another season in the Premier League. Sunderland surprised most of us with their first half of the season performances. They were difficult to beat and timed their moments to attack perfectly. They wilted towards the end of last season though and I fear for them this season. The second season in the Premier League after a promotion can often be the hardest to truly establish yourself. The element of surprise has well and truly vanished. With City having home advantage, I think that makes a huge difference because the Stadium of Light was Sunderland's fortress last season. I’m predicting another City win.
Typical City prediction: City 3-1 Sunderland
Results so far...
With no correct scores from Mozzer or MCFC Lads, this season's battle starts with a low-scoring 4-4 draw. Both predicted four of the six games (which included our pre-season fixtures and Community Shield matches), but both got our losses to Inter and Arsenal incorrect. Not the best of starts but we are off and running in this, the third and decisive season of Mozzer v the City YouTubers' predictions battle!
In our new series looking at players who left (perhaps) City too early, we go back to a Sven-Goran Eriksson signing that showed lots of promise...
Vedran Corluka was barely 21-years-old when he arrived as one of the former England manager’s transfer revolution.
Eriksson appeared to have a magic touch in the market with his summer of 2007 new arrivals all hitting the ground running.
There was understandable excitement around the Brazil duo of Elano and Geovanni, the speedy wingplay of Martin Petrov and the Serie A striking power of new duo Rolando Bianchi and Valeri Bojinov.
The new defenders – Corluka and Spaniard Javier Garrido – were more of an unknown quantity but they too made a quick impact.
Corluka’s pedigree looked good. After growing up during the war in Yugoslavia, he later showed promise as a footballer, playing for Croatia’s national youth teams before making his debut for Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager.
There he helped them to three Croatian league titles, including one double, and went on to make his debut for Croatia away to Italy, beating the newly-crowned World Cup winners 2-0.
Standing at six feet four, he was unusually tall for a full-back but that was his primary position and he was more than comfortable on the ball and adding attacking impetus.
City won the race for his signing and he arrived in August 2007 and made his debut on the opening day of the season in a thrilling 2-0 victory at West Ham.
That was followed by a 1-0 victory over Derby County in his first home appearance and then a similar scoreline against Manchester United sent us top of the Premier League.
We remained in the top three for the first three months of the season and despite making an alarming error in a 6-0 defeat at Chelsea, Corluka too made a strong start.
Stylish and solid, he became an integral part of Eriksson’s side – making 41 appearances in his first season.
Unfortunately, our good start fell away as we slid down the Premier League – eventually finishing ninth and ending the campaign with an 8-1 defeat at Middlesbrough.
Corluka started the following season under new boss Mark Hughes and scored his only goal on the opening day of the 2008/09 season in a 4-2 loss at Aston Villa.
Days into the season, Tottenham made a bid for the defender, which City turned down. But it was clear that he wanted the move to happen and eventually he completed the switch to White Hart Lane.
In North London, he showed more quality helping them to Champions League qualification – at the expense of City – and to a League Cup final.
After four seasons he moved onto Lokomotiv Moscow where he won the Russian League title and four Russian Cup successes.
But it was at international level where his quality really shined as he won 103 caps, helping them to the final of the 2018 World Cup.
His quality was undoubted but then City did replace him with Pablo Zabaleta and he turned out to be a pretty good player too!
Words: Jonathan Smith
As City prepared to welcome back one of our favourite sons in January 2024 – then as Burnley boss - we looked back at Vincent Kompany’s decade of brilliance, from start to finish…
When an unassuming 22-year-old Vincent Kompany arrived at Manchester City in late August 2008, it’s fair to say that he wasn’t really that well known outside his native Belgium or the German Bundesliga where he had plied his trade.
This writer was sat in the reception at our old training ground in Carrington when Kompany and manager Mark Hughes headed out to talk to the media.
Hughes had to return to his office to get something, and I recall asking Vincent if it had been a long day?
“Just a bit,” he smiled – if memory serves – and off he went with his new manager and that was that.
The fee? Just £6million.
Few could have realised the impact our new arrival would have on the Club or the glorious period that was just a couple of years away.
Within a few days, another relatively unknown player had arrived ahead of the transfer window closing in the shape of Pablo Zabaleta and crowd idol Shaun Wright-Phillips had been re-signed from Chelsea.
To complete what would – looking back – be a seismic 10 days or so in City’s history, Sheikh Mansour’s takeover was completed on 1 September.
A new owner, Kompany and Zabaleta for less than £13million combined and the return of Wrighty.
The optimism and hope for a brighter future was off the scale for City fans, but nobody could have predicted what lay ahead for the athletic young Belgian defender from Hamburg.
City boss Mark Hughes played a huge role in Kompany’s arrival…
"We asked about the possibility of signing him when I was with Blackburn but obviously, he was well regarded at Hamburg and that was the end of that."
Mark Hughes
“I was manager of Blackburn, and we were in Germany where we playing Hamburg in a pre-season friendly – that’s where I saw this big, young athletic centre-back and he was impressive even then,” recalled Hughes.
“He caught the eye immediately and I made a mental note of him in case I was ever in a position to bring him to the club I was with.
“We asked about the possibility of signing him when I was with Blackburn but obviously, he was well regarded at Hamburg and that was the end of that.”
But Hughes didn’t forget Kompany, and a sequence of events meant the stars were about to align for manager, player, and club.
Hughes became City manager in June 2008, but the big-money signings he’d been promised by then-owner Thaksin Shinawatra failed to materialise and with the summer transfer window deadline fast approaching, the Welshman was forced to think of bolstering his defence with a couple of solid, if not spectacular players that would fit his limited budget.
“I think people forget what the situation was like at City at the time I joined,” recalled Hughes.
“When I went to see Thaksin Shinawatra after becoming manager, I quickly discovered the resources I’d been promised weren’t actually available, so we had to look for good players who were good value.
“Vincent was on a list of players I’d had at Blackburn, so we made an enquiry, got a little bit of encouragement and it went on from there.”
That encouragement was borne out of a major falling out between Kompany and Hamburg.
Representing Belgium at the 2008 summer Olympics, Hamburg wanted him to return for the start of the Bundesliga campaign which would kick off against Bayern Munich.
Having been sent off in the opening group game against Brazil, Kompany was banned for the second game but would be available for the final match against New Zealand – and he wanted to stay and help his country progress to the quarter-finals.
Hamburg threatened legal action and demanded he return and for Kompany, his club’s very public threats were unforgiveable.
He came on as a 51st-minute sub in the season-opener against Bayern – a 2-2 draw in the Allianz Arena – but it would be his final appearance for Hamburg with his mind set on leaving.
City learned there might be an opportunity to prise Kompany away and lodged a bid that was accepted. All Hughes had to do was convince the ambitious youngster that there was a project in place that he could be a big part of.
“We sat down and talked and if I’m honest, City weren’t as easy to sell to players at that time because nobody knew what was happening behind the scenes or the possible future that lay ahead,” said Hughes.
“I just felt the club was going places and told Vinnie we needed players like him to get us there and move the club forward. I told him the ambition was to be the best team in the Premier League and Vinnie got it very, very quickly and he wanted to be part of that project… the rest is history.”
The timing couldn’t have been any better for City or Kompany and within a few days, an unclear project had become crystal clear. With Sheikh Mansour’s takeover completed just 10 days after Kompany’s arrival, Manchester City had gone from a club with an uncertain future to a world heavyweight capable of bringing in players of the highest calibre.
With only hours of the transfer window left, the new-look City flexed their muscles by breaking the British transfer record by signing Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.5m.
Hughes was now the manger of a club with incredible resources and a very clear vision, but they would need leaders on the pitch to make the next step forward.
Kompany showed definite leadership qualities, but first his new manager would have to convince him that his future lay as a central defender rather than the role he perhaps saw himself progressing in having last worn the No.10 jersey at Hamburg!
“I think Vincent saw himself as a midfielder!” smiled Hughes.
“We had a need in that position at the time, so I thought, okay, let’s give it a try and see how it goes. I remember on his debut, he received the ball on a half-turn, looked up and played a 45 yard pass straight to a team-mate’s toe and I thought, well, nobody else can do that in those areas so that why he stayed in there a little bit longer than he should have done given the problems we had in defence at the time.
“The old adage is good players can play anywhere is certainly true in Vincent’s case.”
It wasn’t long before Hughes saw something very special in his new charge, with a mindset and maturity way beyond his 22 years of age.
“He was a young man but in terms of his ability and thinking, he was older,” said Hughes.
“The way he presented himself, his high standards and the way he wanted to develop as a person and as a player were evident from the off. He was very motivated, and he wanted to get to the top.”
Fittingly, Kompany’s City career began with a win and a clean sheet as the Blues swatted away West Ham United 3-0 at the Etihad.
Wearing the No.4 jersey vacated by Nedum Onuoha, Vinnie was off and running, though over the course of that first season, he moved into the back four, though it wasn’t all smooth sailing as City won just three of 15 Premier League matches from the end of September through to Boxing Day.
That led to more excellent signings in the shape of Craig Bellamy, Shay Given and Kompany’s former Hamburg team-mate Nigel De Jong.
The spine of a very good team had been formed, but a tenth-place finish didn’t quite match the optimistic wave the Blues had been riding on.
More new arrivals during the summer of 2009 included Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott, but despite winning five of the first six Premier League matches in 2009/10, an extraordinary run of seven successive draws and a demoralising 3-0 loss to Spurs meant a 4-3 win over Sunderland just before Christmas would be Hughes’ final match as City manager, with Roberto Mancini replacing him in the hot seat.
"Giving him the captain’s armband permanently was an easy decision for Mancini and under Kompany’s inspirational leadership"
Hughes, however, takes great pride in having helped identify the bulk of the team that would end a 35-year wait for silverware the season after.
“The resources to be able to do that and to be able to bring in the players we wanted was down to the ownership of the club,” said Hughes.
“The quality that we brought in helped the club move forwards and looking back on the time they had with City, I do take pride that I was able to sign them and to be a part of helping them play a part in the club’s history.
“They were great guys, and you always want good guys to succeed. We had a good relationship and I think they appreciated that we saw something in them and that we gave them the opportunity to be part of something very special.”
Though Kompany wasn’t skipper yet, he had already become a commanding figure in the City team that flourished under Mancini and was instrumental throughout the 2010/11 season, leading the team in Tevez’s absence as City beat United 1-0 in the FA Cup semi-final and then playing in the final against Stoke before the Blues secured Champions League qualification for the first time.
He was voted the Club’s Player of the Year by supporters and his team-mate voted him the Players’ Player of the Year.
Giving him the captain’s armband permanently was an easy decision for Mancini and under Kompany’s inspirational leadership, City would go on to end a 44-year wait for a top flight title.
As commentator Alistair Mann succinctly put it as Kompany rose to power a header home that settled a must-win Manchester derby three games form the end of the campaign, “Cometh the hour, cometh the captain!”
Of course, somehow, City came from 2-1 down on the final day against QPR – ironically by then managed by former City boss Hughes – to win 3-2 and claim the Premier League title.
The joyous scenes were epitomised by Kompany, who galloped around the pitch in sheer disbelief at the 90 minutes he had just taken part in.
For Hughes, it was a bittersweet defeat.
“I might have been a little less gracious if QPR had gone down!” he said.
“But we didn’t and seeing the joy in the players faces, especially Vinnie’s was special. The part I played was only small in Vincent’s successes, because what he achieved was down to him and I don’t take too much credit for it. But I was pleased to even play just a small part.”
Kompany was assured legendary status among the City fans who continually serenaded him, telling him they loved him more than he’d ever know.
But he did know.
Vincent Kompany was born to play for Manchester City and born to lead this particular club.
He would have been a great success, no doubt, wherever he played, but there was just an unbreakable bond between the player, the supporters, Manchester, and the Club that went above and beyond expectations.
City have had some wonderful captains, but few would argue that Kompany is the best of a very fine bunch.
As City won trophy after trophy, it was fitting that when he was needed most, he always delivered - and in the penultimate game of the 2018/19 season, the Blues desperately needed a goal against Leicester to go into the final game at Brighton needing one more to win to be champions.
With 70 minutes gone and almost all his team-mates urging him not to shoot, he thundered a 25-yard shot into the top right hand corner to win the game amid wild celebrations.
As the goal was replayed, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said, “Vincent Kompany! Where do you want your statue?”
The answer is outside the front of the stadium, please!
In what would be his final season as City skipper, injuries restricted him to just 26 appearances, but he still played in the Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea, the FA Cup win over Watford and in the final title-deciding day win at Brighton.
And who knows how things might have gone but for some very odd VAR decisions in the Champions League quarter-final loss to Spurs?
He ended his City career as a player with a treble trophy success and he knew there couldn’t be a better time to say goodbye.
Ten magnificent years, 360 games, 20 goals and 12 trophies.
He sent a message to the City fans after announcing he was leaving the Club, saying: “As overwhelming as it is, the time has come for me to go. And what a season to bow out. I feel nothing but gratefulness.
“I am grateful to all those who supported me on a special journey, at a very special club. I remember the first day, as clear as I see the last. I remember the boundless kindness I received from the people of Manchester.
"I will never forget how all Man City supporters remained loyal to me in good times and especially bad times. Against the odds you have always backed me and inspired me to never give up.
"Sheikh Mansour changed my life and that of all the City fans around the world, for that I am forever grateful. A blue nation has arisen and challenged the established order of things, I find that awesome.
"I cherish the counsel and leadership of a good human being, Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Man City could not be in better hands."
We may never the like of Vincent Kompany – who developed a Mancunian accent during his time in the city he still calls home – but we will leave the final words to our Chairman, Khaldoon Al-Mubarak…
“He defines the essence of the club. For a decade he has been the lifeblood, the soul, and beating heart of a supremely talented squad. A booming voice in the dressing room yet a quiet and measured ambassador off it, Vincent can be as proud of himself as we are of him.”
Feature: David Clayton
Continuing a new CITY MAGAZINE series where we look back at friendly matches, tour games and testimonials that the Blues took part in… the more random the better!
HIBERNIAN 0-0 CITY
3 August 1984
CITY: Williams, Ranson, May, Bond, Power, McCarthy, Phillips (Lomas 60), Reid (McNab 55), Parlane(Tolmie 46), Cunningham, Smith
Playing friendly matches north of the border was fairly commonplace in years gone by for City and a whole host of other English clubs.
Always competitive and comparatively easy to travel to for the team and our supporters, they were the ideal opposition for teams looking to hone pre-season fitness.
Of course, there was the added fact that our manager at the time was Scotland and Celtic legend Billy McNeill, and we also had the Tartan Trio of Jim Tolmie, Gordon Smith and Derek Parlane up front.
City fans had come to terms – just about – with the heartbreaking relegation suffered a year earlier on the final day against Luton Town.
An unsuccessful attempt to return to the top flight at the first attempt meant that the 1984/85 campaign had to result in promotion or else the Club’s resources, already stretched to the limit, might take years to recover without a return to the First Division.
In front of a decent crowd at Easter Road, City stepped out on a pleasant Edinburgh evening with Mick McCarthy leading the Blues for the first time.
What followed was is best described as a 0-0 thrashing!
Hibs were on top almost from the word go, and it would be goalkeeper Alex Williams who kept City in the game somehow, repelling the hosts time after time with a string of superb saves.
In fairness, Hibs had already played four pre-season matches, while this was City’s first – and the fitness deficit between the teams showed.
The Blues would be described as ‘sluggish’ in post-match newspaper reports, with only Williams and the equally outstanding McCarthy managing to repel the Hibs attack.
Another new City signing Tony Cunningham – signed for the princely sum of £95,000 – toiled away up front without reward or much service.
All in all, it was a useful exercise for McNeill’s side, and a measure of the work still ahead for his players…
Ryan McAidoo says he is hungry to kick on once again this term after enjoying what was a stellar 2025/26 campaign for City’s Elite Development Squad.
The exciting young winger emerged as one of the mainstays of our Under-21s side and also played a leading role in helping City record a memorable FA Youth Cup final success against Manchester United.
Meanwhile McAidoo was also afforded his First-Team debut and marked the occasion in memorable fashion, scoring a superb goal in January’s 10-1 FA Cup third round win over Exeter City.
It was a campaign to be proud of in every sense with the 18-year-old’s temperament and application supplementing his outstanding natural talent.
Reflecting back as well as looking forward to the 2026/27 season, McAidoo said he was more than happy with his progress to date and now eager to keep learning and developing.
“I'd rather have loads of seven out of 10 games, 8 out of 10 games and a few 10 out of 10 games and then no 2 out of 10 games. I think I've matured my game a bit, to be fair,” McAidoo said.
“So, you know, obviously you just need to get some numbers in as well, work hard out of possession, and just overall be the reliable player that the game's turning into now.
“Again, just reliability is very important. That's how players get good careers as well as what you do on the ball.
“Almost like Bernardo Silva, it's [about being] reliable, good technically, and that's why he's so good at what he does.
“You know that you can't be inconsistent.
“I'd rather have loads of seven out of 10 games, 8 out of 10 games and a few 10 out of 10 games and then no 2 out of 10 games.
“Just be consistent, just know [if you are a coach] ‘I'm going to get this every single time from Ryan.’
“So that's the goal.
“As a kid, you've got no pressure. When you're playing, you're just smiling. So why don't you do that now?
“I'm thinking, just enjoy the game. Because I feel like when I put too much pressure on myself, that's when I start making mistakes.
“So, I just got to play with a smile, enjoy it, and then that's when I feel like I'm at my best.”
There were numerous individual highlights for McAidoo last term.
"I think once I got to the Etihad, I wasn't nervous at all. I think I was more nervous coming on against Salford than starting against Exeter."
But that debut goal at the Etihad against Exeter – and his subsequent emotional celebrations with his Dad who was proudly watching on from the stands, created an indelible image.
Harking back, McAidoo said it was a day he would cherish forever
“I think at first it was a shock because I didn't expect myself to start that game.
“So when Pep said I was starting on the wing, I think my heart kind of jumped like naturally.
“And then Pep asked me, am I ready for the game? Am I going to show like who I am? And you know, obviously the answer is yes, it has to be yes.
“So, I just tried to treat it like another Under-21s game and like, all glory to God, it went well and I scored.
“To share that moment [with my Dad and family] I can't put that into words. All I can say is it was unforgettable, to be honest.”
“I think once I got to the Etihad, I wasn't nervous at all. I think I was more nervous coming on against Salford than starting against Exeter.
“But I don't know. I feel like once I start a game, you can build a rhythm quicker than coming on, but [you’ve] just got to adapt to that.
“[When I scored] I felt like a sense of relief because I felt like I felt I was doing well. So, I was like, this will be the cherry on top.
“So, I felt as well as happy, I felt a bit of relief as well.
“To share that moment [with my Dad and family] I can't put that into words. All I can say is it was unforgettable, to be honest.”
In the wake of those fine exploits last term, McAidoo was one of a number of talented young players who were part of the City squad that took part in our recent 2026 Asia Tour.
He again caught the eye with his talent and application and featured in our opening Tour game against Inter Milan.
And following the squad’s return to Manchester, men’s First Team manager Enzo Maresca made plain how he felt McAidoo was in the perfect environment to further kick on and develop this term looking ahead to 2026/27.
“I think for him the best thing is to stay with us, to learn, be around first-team every day,” the City boss said.
“Try to be clever, try to be intelligent, try to learn from Antoine, from Jeremy, from the ones we have in this moment here.
“And when I say try to learn it’s not how to dribble, but also in terms of attitude, how to work hard, because sometimes it’s difficult because they can stop the work just because they feel they are ready and they are not.
“So it’s good that they continue to learn.”
Interview: Neil Leigh
In our August edition of the City Magazine, we introduced new Under-18s player Alfie Turley, who was tasked with building his Top 5 list of artists
Now, he’s in the spotlight for our Under-18s feature in which you can get to know the talented defender even more.
The versatile full-back, who can also operate at centre-back, has been working hard with new Lead Coach Lauris Coggin and the team ahead of his first campaign in the Under-18 Premier League North.
Turley is part of the latest cohort to make the step up to the Under-18s and said he’s enjoyed the challenge of pre-season and preparing for our fight to retain silverware.
“But my focus really is to just get a lot of minutes so I can get used to the Under-18s and hopefully just get some silverware as well.”
“I’m just excited,” said Turley with a smile.
“I just want to get the season going already because pre-season sometimes can't be the most enjoyable type of training, but it's important to get on with it.
“I think Lauris is a good coach and he should help us do well this season.
“But my focus really is to just get a lot of minutes so I can get used to the Under-18s and hopefully just get some silverware as well.”
Turley has been at the City Football Academy since Under-9s.
Growing up he had a strong interest in basketball, cricket and long-distance running before he made the decision to commit his time fully to football.
Away from the pitch, he keeps himself centred by playing on his Xbox with some of his team-mates and enjoys spending time with his family.
But now, with the season in full swing, Turley has got his game face on and is focused on bringing his attributes to the team.
“I can bring quite a lot of energy to the pitch because I quite like to speak, I'm loud. I can get the team going.
“When I play centre-back, I'm a ball-playing centre-back, I've got different ranges of passing and I’m composed,” said Turley when asked what he brings to the team.
“And then if I play left-back, I also have the ability to drive inside or go forward when needed.
“It fits with our style of play, building up from the back, fighting for the ball and just wanting to win.
“I can bring quite a lot of energy to the pitch because I quite like to speak, I'm loud. I can get the team going.
“I also think I'm quite aggressive so that I can back my team-mates up and just bring an overall positive vibe.”
Interview: Holly Percival
What’s your Manchester City story?
I’ve always been football mad, watching everything I could, and I remember just falling in love with Georgi Kinkladze. It could have been the name as much as anything else that drew me to him - he sounded as good as he was.
I grew up in Glasgow supporting Celtic - I still do - but everyone had an English team. The Old Firm was fierce, and Scottish football was in a much better place in those days - it was still earlyish days for the Premier League and the gap between north and south of the border wasn’t what it is now - but it was Match of the Day that was on TV on Saturday nights, so that’s what we watched. It was right in the middle of Manchester United’s dominance, but I’ve always been antiestablishment, so once I got over that (everyone was Man U daft) I naturally drifted left.
Then there was the obvious musical connection. If you were a band, you supported City - I was playing Oasis records I got on mail order. Over the years there’s been a fair bit of back and forth with players between City and Celtic too.
Your all-time favourite/proudest moment being a Blue?
It has to be “Agueroooooooooooo … “. We were on tour in America, and needing to leave the hotel, but priorities of course. Had bet my tour manager £20 on the game and the rest is history.
Your first City shirt – if you’ve owned one?
1998/99 Home. Kappa, Brother as the sponsor, Kinkladze on the back.
Favourite City player of all time?
It’s a toss-up between so many, but I think Yaya [Touré] or [Kevin] De Bruyne for the stories that they wrote for the club.
Last game you watched at the Etihad?
It’s sadly been a long, long time. We’ve toured so much it wasn’t really practical, and then since having kids I’m a real armchair supporter. I rarely miss a match, but it’s from a far as I’m up in Scotland. This is the season I’m hoping to get back to a game in the flesh.
Favourite away ground?
St James’ Park. We also played a show there with Kings Of Leon once upon a time, so there’s a lot wrapped up in there for me.
Have a No.1 hit or score the winner in the FA Cup final for City?
I can 100% say score the goal. Not 1% bothered about the hit. Football is king (or queen).
Pep’s gone now – how do you think Enzo will do?
It’s going to be tough. We’ve lost a lot of the players that made us so dominant over the past however many years, but everything changes and there’s no reason it can’t happen again.
I like him, and the squad has some really interesting and exciting new young blood, so why not? I don’t think there will ever be another Guardiola, so as soon as we can put that out of the collective hive mind and just move on the better. I don’t think we’re too rash either, so I think he’ll get the time to give it a good go.
Song from 'Separation From The Animals' for City to walk out to at the Etihad?
‘Feel It All’. So many of the references are to the area that we grew up in, and to Scotland in general for that matter. Applies to Manchester too - “it’s always raining, so stop complaining.”
We kept referencing, ‘Sunshine on Leith’, a big Hibs anthem, when we were writing it. That was the energy we were trying to channel. Starts slow, big vocal singalong. Yes, that’s the one. Play that one loud!
Your all-time City XI?
Ederson; Zabaleta, Kompany, Dias, Walker; David Silva, De Bruyne, Yaya Touré, Kinkladze; Agüero, Tevez.
Interview: David Clayton
Following Alfie Turley’s music artists Top 5, next in the hot seat for Top 5 was Under-18s full-back Jake Wain...
He was tasked with building a Top 5 list of players he’s played with at City’s Academy - past or present - and on the international stage with the 17-year-old a regular England youth international.
Let’s see who made the cut…
Who did he pick?
JJ Gabriel (Manchester United, England youth international) - one-v-one ability, great on both feet, just top.
Reigan Heskey (Formerly Manchester City EDS, now FC Koln, England youth international) - his physical attributes, his pace and one-v-one ability...
Floyd Samba (Manchester City EDS, England youth international) - His ability to score goals and physical attributes.
Stephen Mfuni (Manchester City EDS, England youth international) - he's physical, fast, reliable on the ball.
Ryan McAidoo (Manchester City EDS, England youth international) - speed and mentality and dribbling.
Interview: Holly Percival
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Celebrating our ‘City Degree’ Class of 2026!
Manchester City’s charity, City in the Community (CITC), has celebrated its 2026 graduates from the BSc (Hons) Manchester City Community Football Coaching course.
Staff from CITC and Manchester Metropolitan University, came together alongside students at the Etihad Stadium’s Tunnel Club to reflect on three years of hard work, culminating in the award of their degrees.
The evening consisted of a three-course meal, taking place alongside, entertainment, a presentation and awards ceremony in which the students could collectively reflect on their best memories and moments from the course.
Lois Daniels, Post-16 Education Manager commented on the importance of commemorating their achievements:
“We are super proud of all of the students, and their commitment, hard work and dedication across the past 3 years, and it’s important to take the time to reflect and celebrate together, before they embark on their next steps.
“Many will continue to study with us on our new Masters programme, others will explore other postgraduate options, full-time work and some may even become a part of our workforce here at CITC.
“This degree course is truly unique and it’s a time for all the staff to sit back and be proud of the students, the partnership and the impact the programme is having, and importantly, a time for our graduates to reflect and celebrate themselves and each other’s success.”
On the night graduate Pilkwan, was awarded the Alex Williams MBE Outstanding Contribution Award. Speaking about the award and his time on the City Degree programme he said:
“Manchester is a great place to experience sport, whether at a community level or within high-performance environments.
“During my studies, I took every opportunity to get involved in volunteering and placements, which helped me develop as a coach.
“I am very grateful to have my efforts over the past three years recognised. I’m looking forward to taking this into the next stage of my studies.”
You can view some of the best images from the night below.
Commenting on why Pilkwan received the award, Oliver Murphy, Higher Education Officer said:
“Pilkwan is a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Alex Williams Award. As our first ever international winner, he has demonstrated exceptional determination, resilience and commitment throughout his time with us.
“Moving from South Korea, he has embraced every challenge - working tirelessly to develop his English language skills, immerse himself in Mancunian and British culture, and seize every opportunity available to him.
“Alongside gaining valuable experience with Stoke City FC, Manchester Met Women’s Football, Manchester FA and Manchester City Women’s Academy, Pilkwan has completed an outstanding 27 additional qualifications, including multiple scouting and performance analysis certifications.
“Beyond his academic and professional achievements, he has generously volunteered within the local community through City in the Community, consistently representing the values of the programme with humility, professionalism and enthusiasm.
“Pilkwan’s relentless commitment to learning, his willingness to go above and beyond, and the positive impact he has made both on and off the pitch make him an exceptional role model and a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Alex Williams Award.”
Sitting under CITC’s Healthy Futures pillar, the programme brings together CITC’s community football coaching knowledge with Manchester Metropolitan’s academic expertise, to offer the best of both worlds and an integrated path to rewarding career goals.
With work-based learning in elite, professional sporting surroundings, the course provides students with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to find success as a coach or sports programme leader.
Since the start of the course in 2018, 112 students have gone onto receive BSc Degrees though the programme.
21 students from the City Degree alumni have already gone on to secure employment at City in the Community.
For more information on the programme visit: mancity.com/degree
CITC now also offer a Masters in Sport Coaching and Performance, developed in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University.
This new Masters degree represents the next step in CITC’s commitment to empowering healthier lives through football.
City in the Community empowers healthier lives through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity on social media.
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