Speaking virtually

I have just discovered Facebook. How on earth do people find time to go to work these days?

You couldn't make it up.....

Except, of course he did. Here is an article by a city fan which appeared in the Times this week. It tells the strange tale of Stephen Ireland, city midfielder, and Republic of Ireland International who told his Irish boss that first one and then (when he was found out) the other of his grandmothers had died so that he could get back to his girlfriend who had miscarried. A few weeks ago, I read an interview in the Times of another young city star, the very intelligent (lots of A levels) Nedum Onouha. He said that the other young players ask him difficult questions, like what time the team coach leaves. I thought he was joking. Maybe not.

You tell lies, when the truth will do...

It could, of course, only happen at the ongoing soap opera that is Manchester City. Where else would you get a player faking the death of numerous elderly relatives in order to get out of playing a game? Script writers wouldn't even dare write something so implausible. This is Sven's first real taste of the bizarre, yet rarely dull, world of City. In a moment of gross understatement, Stephen Ireland conceded that it was "wrong" in a press release issued on the official club site. One can only imagine what his elderly grandparents made of reading their own obituaries in the national press. It brought to mind Mark Twain's famous quip that "reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated". Christmas day in the Ireland household should be interesting this year.Tales of Ireland's stupidity are legendary at City. Apparently Joey Barton used to mercilessly mock his former team mate for his lack of intelligence, which is a damning indictment. When even Joey Barton thinks you're stupid, then it's time to worry.Maybe his miraculous hair restoration over the summer has affected the grey matter which lies beneath. How on earth did he think he'd get away with a such an elaborate web of deceit?! Displaying child like naivety, he clearly believed if he continued the lie he'd eventually get away with it whilst unwittingly digging a far deeper hole for himself. He even asked to be left out of Sunday's game against Villa whilst he made funeral preparations. You can't fault his sheer audacity.Erikkson immediately branded the player "stupid" for his actions, but has stopped short of disciplining him. This is probably down to the fact that Ireland is actually a very cultured footballer, and an integral part of the City side. He's a classic example of someone with great footballing intelligence, but absolutely no common sense. A poor man's Gazza, if you like.Back on the pitch, City returned to winning ways with a hard earned 1-0 victory against Aston Villa. Dietmar Hamann and Michael "Magic" Johnson were excellent once again in midfield, the latter being rewarded with his second goal of the campaign after a neat one two with the mercurial Elano. Maybe the Colin Bell analogies weren't so absurd after all; the surging run from midfield and composed finish were indeed reminiscent of the King.Johnson is now joint top scorer with fellow midfielder Geovanni, but there's a slight concern that our lack of attacking options could cost us as the season progresses. City fans are at a loss to explain why Erikkson perseveres with Emile Mpenza ahead of the clearly more talented Rolando Bianchi, or indeed why Andreas Isaakson didn't even make the squad against Villa, but in Sven we trust. He's guided us to second in the league (who said breaking into the top four was nigh on impossible?), so who are we to question his judgement. The impact he's had at the club in such a short space of time is nothing short of miraculous.Next weekend sees us travel to Craven Cottage for an eminently winnable fixture against Fulham, and Ireland will surely be restored to the starting line up. One only hopes that if he scores he doesn't celebrate by pointing to the sky in tribute to his "lost" relative(s).

Ric Turnerwww.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk

I'm a little teapot......

In addition to the orange jug, which I bought because I liked the colour (see previous post), we also bought six mugs and a teapot from Gressierra, the pottery workshop in Chiclana. I like the mugs, but I love my teapot and feel that it deserves a blog posting of its own.

As you know, I like to start the day with a cup of tea (earl grey) and drink several more cups (Yorkshire Tea) at various stages during the day. My teapot is almost constantly in use, therefore, and a very important part of my life. THIS teapot is everything you could possibly want in a teapot.

The pottery is quite thick, so it keeps the tea nice and warm. However, the handle is separate so it doesn't get warm and burn your fingers while you are pouring. In addition there is a nice big gap between the handle and the pot so that you can get a proper grip. The lid fits perfectly and is nice and chunky so when you put it on the pot it makes a very satisfying clunky sound. It pours beautifully and there is even a sieve inside the pot which keeps the spout clear. Finally, the spout is shaped so that there is a little curve in it and it does not drip. Of course it is very pretty as well. All in all, it is the best teapot in the world.

I thought you would like to know.

Now I am going to make myself a pot of tea.