NORMAL SERVICE

I drove back from a wonderful holiday in Northumberland yesterday, entertained and enthralled by the radio commentary of what seems to have been a magnificent F.A. Cup Final.
I am delighted that the profile of the competition is rising again after a few years of seeming indifference from the big boys of the Premiership.

The fairy story from Scotland also made nerve tingling listening and Gretna fully deserve the accolades and recognition they are receiving.



Let's hope that City will enjoy more involvement in next season's Cup competitions than in 2005/06.


The list of players being released or offered for transfer has been issued in my absence and caused little surprise, although, in my opinion, Marcus Stewart should also have been placed on the list.
I hope, however, that terms can be agreed with Luke Wilkshire when he returns from World Cup duty as I believe he offers a creative midfield option to the team, particularly in home matches when City are usually striving to break down packed defences.

Gary Johnson obviously has summer targets in mind but I feel that with the addition of an experienced goalkeeper and two or even three strikers, City will challenge for honours in 2006/07.

Whilst on holiday, I spent a night in Newcastle upon Tyne, sampling that City's lively night scene. A most impressive City, I have to say, and football daft!!
All eyes are on St. James' Park which, Cathedral like, dominates the City skyline. The most impressive Stadium features a statue of 'Wor Jackie', Tyneside's cult hero Jackie Milburn, which, it is rumoured,is soon to be joined by a statue of the recently retired Alan Shearer.

I know that I'm a bit of an old git and can be accused of living in the past, but would it not be fitting if future development at Ashton Gate could include statues of City's two most famous players, Billy Wedlock and John Atyeo. Both more than deserve such recognition, untainted by commercialisation as are the present tributes,e.g. the Carling Atyeo Stand.

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