Here's hoping the newly formed City team show the deep passion

   and commitment of the Manchester City Babies in Ghana

What a great time to be a Manchester City fan.  I can’t stop myself day-dreaming about the noise that we created that night against Hamburg, only I apply the noise to some made-up cup-winning goal scenario.  I crave more of it.  Lots more!!

The signings we have made so far have been impressive.  If we can add a big central defender to the squad before the transfer deadline then we’re in really good shape to win something this season.  Yes, repeat, “win something.”  As Robinho has rightly pointed out though, unless the defence is sorted out then we will have an uphill struggle to make our way into the top 4.  Top teams win consistently by being strong at the back.  That being said, buying a defender isn’t necessarily the answer. We’ve played well at the back with what we’ve got in the past.  So surely there is a lot to be said for getting our existing defenders seriously organised this season?

MCFCfans returns to the blog after a long time out.  It’s been a busy and rewarding last few months working on the Soccer Babies project and supporting the MCFC Babies in Ghana.  After a difficult start to their first season in the Ghanaian youth league, the Manchester City Babies recorded an unbeaten weekend across all age groups last weekend.  It was truly great news and readers can catch up the progress of the Babies throughout the season on their dedicated blog. 

My trip to Ghana to see the MCFC Babies was truly memorable.  The English Premier League is at the centre of almost all discussions concerning football among young Ghanaians.  Scattered around the country are large theatres with big screens and multiple televisions that show all of the big live EPL games.  I had the misfortune of watching us lose to United in one of them.  Virtually every shirt was either a Chelsea shirt (on account of Essien) or a United shirt.  Among the 400 odd present in the theatre to watch the derby, there was one guy in a City shirt with the old Brother logo. He gave me a long story of how he had come to inherit the shirt, how he had cherished it ever since, and that he always went to the theatre to watch City.  

The potential of the fan base in Africa cannot be underestimated.  Our capture of Adebayor and Toure will advance City’s profile in the region.  But the support of local youth football teams in Africa playing in Manchester City colours is a fantastic win win for the club. Soccer Babies aim is to sell this to them once we have established a credible track record.

In the meantime back home over 7,000 fans will turn up to Ewood Park for the opening game of the season on Saturday.  I simply can’t wait to get there (I'll be twittering updates on the home page for anyone unable to make it).  Whatever criticism comes our way, whatever nostalgia for the past may circulate, whatever anyone might think about the money in the game, if you bleed blue blood then you simply can’t help being excited by the season ahead.  Bring it on.

Come on City !!!

CTID

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