This one goes to eleven

Talking of musical genius, get a load of Spinal Tap's approach to raising the roof with higher powered equipment - inspired!

Liam Clancy RIP

Not long before we went to Manchester, Ireland lost a literary and musical genius as Liam Clancy, the last remaining member of the famous family, passed away. Not only had Clancy one of the sweetest voices in contemporary folk music (described by Bob Dylan as the greatest folk singer of all time) but he was also a marvellous orator and he mingled these skills to tremendous effect on stage.

Shortly after his passing, the last case was heard in the Green Street Law Courts in Dublin (the lawyers can correct me with the precise details) - this was the scene of many historical cases in our chequered history and was the location of Robert Emmet's speech from the dock on the eve of his execution.

The following clip brings these two events together - Liam Clancy delivering extracts from the famous speech in 1965.

This second clip has unfortunately been cut short but nevertheless clearly illustrates Liam Clancy's brilliance as a balladeer - the words and music poignantly deliver as clear a message of love as you will ever hear.

Did Mike start the big scarf trend at City?

To my greatest fans .....

Mrs McKenzie would like to meet you.

Dear Pongo, I may not look like a Premiership star but once upon a time in the seventies, I could leap over a mini before the game and then go on and score two goals before half time .........

Half way through the season - assessment

Spurs - on their day, more impressive than at any time for a long number of years but still susceptible to the (too frequent) off day. Inability to break down resolute defences (Stoke and Wolves at the Lane), coupled with continuing difficulties against the top three mean that capturing a Champions League spot remains a challenge. High points have been Aaron Lennon, the free flowing football when we're up for it and the emergence of Michael Dawson as a defender of real quality. At last, a new Mike England. Prediction - 4th by a whisker.

Everton - dangerously close to the drop zone and alarmingly content to be stealing home points against teams they would have beaten comfortably a few years ago. Two home wins certainly dispels the concept of fortress Goodison. Should improve with return of key players from injury but doubt remains that Moyes has taken them as far as he can and is burnt out. Sadly little money there to improve the quality of the squad or change the manager. Kenwright's beleaguered position also worrying. Club badly needs an injection of enthusiasm a la Big Dunc - a talisman is needed. Prediction - 14th.

Chelsea - surprisingly, the Russians have been stuttering badly and one begins to wonder whether the new manager is up to the job. Key players have gone flat (Lampard and Terry) and a new goalkeeper is an absolute priority. Should have enough in the tank to get over the finishing line first but it will be close. Likely to be stretched during African Cup of Nations but so will most teams, United aside. Prediction - 1st.

Leeds - look unstoppable in Division 1 and will be a welcome addition to the Championship. Doing what they have promised for the last couple of years and winning all around them. Bates will need to get the chequebook out if they want to impress at a higher level, but in the meantime Snodgrass and Beckford will see them through. Prediction - 1st Div 1.

"Blue Moon"

Blue moon, you saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own.

Blue moon, you knew just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for someone I really could care for.

And suddenly there appeared before me the only one my arms could ever hold,
I heard someone whisper, "Please, adore me"
And when I looked my moon had turned to gold.

Blue moon, now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own
Without a love of my own.

Defining moment

Bloody hell - wouldn't the guy on the left scare the shit out of you?

And the guy on the right - see the size of his conk.

Niall Quinn's Disco Pants are the best

Plenty of good stuff from a great weekend but we're gonna start with what's top of every City fan's Christmas list this year, and every other year since 1974.



Dear Santa can I have the Denis Law video..... and if you think I've been good this year, a pair of disco pants worn by Niall Quinn, the ones that go up from his arse to his chest.

Thanks a million,

Paul Power (aged 7).