So for all of us who will be at Maine Road : -)) Any ideas of a meet up . Im staying at the Midland in the centre of town , anyone any ideas the best way for me to get to ' Mad for it ' country ?

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

Answers

Sting, my lad has a flat not 1/2 mile from the Midland. I was thinking of popping down there, either to leave the car (mebbes not a good idea!) or to have a few bevvies before/after the match. I might see if I can kip over at his place if necessary. Moss Side football stadium is only a short distance from the centre - taxi/bus/walk.

Will put my thinking cap on and let you know. Josh will be coming along too so he may have some input.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

It's a few years now since we played Man City so this info might be out of date. I'm getting a train to Picadilly then there's loads of buses from Picadilly Gardens that go along Wilmslow Rd (curry heaven!) which is a short walk from Maine RD. Taxi cost us about #4 last time if I remember correctly. Wilmslow Road's got a few pubs and there was a great chippy on the road which leads to the ground (The City Chippy?). Pubs around Maine Rd seem mostly safe and friendly but I can't remember many names, The Sherwood was one I've been in. Seemed OK but hey, I was pissed and they sold beer so I wasn't that discerning.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

Blueview is saying the following about injuries. God, they divvent knaa they're born man.

Return?

Injury crisis looms By: Andy Hopwood Date: 27/09/2000

The first injury crisis of the season is about to hit City with several key men looking doubtful for the Saturday showdown with Newcastle. Spencer Prior and Paulo Wanchope were ruled out the Gills Worthington Cup-tie and as a result of the hard fought win City now face more injury worries.

Nicky Weaver, Alfie Haaland and Gerard Wiekens are all classed as doubtful for the weekend after picking up injuries lastnight. Not forgetting that Steve Howey is definitely out for the game against his old club, this leaves City with a crisis in central defence.

Without Prior, Howey, Wiekens and Haaland the situation at the back could be dire on Saturday. With Lee Crooks distribution against the Gills making Edgy look like a worldbeater , Royle must be praying that the at least two of the quartet pull through in time as his second string is looking very weak.

Royle has the option of Richard Jobson but the stalwart lacks the pace needed against Premiership front men. One thing is certain that while this mini-crisis unfolds, Jobbo will be staying put. Any talk of moves to Wolverhampton or Stockport will be put on hold for now.

The situation as it stands may seem worrying but we've seen Joe in the past and I'm sure he's rested Prior as a precaution and took Alfie off lastnight with one eye on the Newcastle game. Wiekens in the past seems to come through minor knocks so the situation might not seem as bad by the time the weekend is upon us.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

Screach - if you're driving you can leave your wheels at ours and I can sort a lift in - Maine Road ain't good for parking cars - or at least driving them from where you left them.

I haven't a clue but I'll have a word at work and sort out a few alternatives.

I'm pretty free on Saturday - bairns are off to a party @ 2 so if I'm being dropped off it'll have to be well before that.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

Josh, I might see if one of "the bairns" can deliver/collect me. It's nice to call in some of the favours of the past 22 years! Mind you, they'll probably find some excuse to be unavailable. Be in touch.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

So any ideas then lads , whats a Toon pub or Susie B Ale is going up and a friend of hers owns a boozer somewher nearby , ill tell you where soon , mebbes that could be an idea ?

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Aah knaa where SBA's mate's pub is. It's about 3 miles or so from the ground. Haven't decided yet whether to go there, city centre or what. I hear that most of the pubs in the area aren't bad for away fans, but you have to be careful in a couple. When are you getting to M'cr Stingo??

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Err 12ish i think dependent on a few variants : - ))

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Hey Grant,

So that must put you on about the same train as Lanky then!.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Why wheres he gannin' , BTW im driving i think .

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Grant pissed and driving........I'm pleased I'm at work!

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

I'll be there midday and heading to the Sherwood to pick up a ticket from Mungo. Also meeting my siblings in there.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

That means The Sherwood will be packed full of Toon Travel Geordies. Probably the place to be. For those who don't know it's at 417 Claremont Road which is at the end of Maine Road. About 5 minutes from the ground.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Shame we are unlikely to be treated to this sight on Saturday - or maybe not. . . . . . . . . .

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

You CERTAIN about this Sherwood? Man City fan next to me reckon's it's a big blues pub.....

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Howay Screach this is your turf , sort it out man .

-- Anonymous, September 29, 2000

THE SHERWOOD

Whenever I've been there it's been 50/50 shitty fans and Geordies. It's the closest boozer to the ground so is always chocka. Good atmosphere but like I said before this is going back 4 and a half years, the last time we played 'em - 3-3. Cracking match, the one when Tino gave the big E to Keith Curle.

-- Anonymous, September 29, 2000

Sting, SBA, Josh

Did you get my e-mail? I think we may have a go-slow on external e-mails. I was thinking about a city centre meet up. Will call you later.

-- Anonymous, September 29, 2000

Got it how about 1 ish Screach ?

-- Anonymous, September 29, 2000