Can I have a word?

Apologies once again for not updating in a while, but university has been somewhat chaotic. As the end of my second year rapidly approaches, so do my deadlines and final assignment submissions. I have been a very busy blue getting these finished in preparation for revision for my exams.

On the blue front, it has been back-to-back victories for City. A 2-1 away win at the Stadium of Light, beating Roy Keane's Sunderland was superbly followed by an important 3-1 victory against Portsmouth at home. Goals from Vassell, Petrov and Benjani sealed the result, and I was particularly impressed with Benjani's performance against his own club. His decision not to celebrate was a poignant one and I am sure his performance spoke for itself.

I have to say that I was particular upset with the reception that former City captain Sylvain Distin received. The Frenchman was making his first return to Eastlands since his summer move to Pompey and he was on the receiving ends of many boos and nasty chants. Distin was a superb defender at City and fans were very quick to boo him on his return. I accept that he was tangled up in transfer and contract negotiations at the club, but overall he was a great player for City and blues should have respected that. How disappointing.

I am also very disturbed about the chairman Thaksin Shinawatra's outspoken ways towards Sven. Every City fan worth their weight in gold knows how important Sven has been to City this season, and that he is laying the foundations for the future of the club. Rome certainly wasn't built in a day and Shinawatra should be a lot more patient with Sven. I hear that the final game of the season, Boro away, will be a 'Sven day', with the travelling fans wearing Sven masks to make a point to our Thai chairman. Let's hope he acknowledges the point being made.

This weekend we take on Fulham at home. Although they are fighting for their Premier League lives they will no doubt come to Eastlands knowing that a win is their only option in their fight against relegation. We must continue our form and nothing less than three points is acceptable. It's the last home game of the season so we should finish it off with a home win.

Just a quick mention to the Youth boys who have successfully won the F.A. Youth Cup. Congratulations to them after beating Chelsea 3-1, it is a superb feat and a nod to the work of Jim Cassell and all the quality young prospects from City's academy.

It is also great to see Elano playing better recently. He was the star for City at the beginning of the season and has disappeared from the radar after his injury, but is slowly finding form again.

Don't forget about the Sven day at Boro away, so get making Sven masks and buy Swedish flags, anything you can to show your support for the Maine man.

Keep the blue faith,

Emily