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Pre-QPR: Manchester City Fan Danny Pugsley Offers a Perspective re Manchester City and QPR - Interview Conducted by QPR Report's Maudesfisnchips
"Many thanks to Danny Pugsley, a blogger who has contributed to a number of websites and publications including the Press Association, The Observer, Yorkshire Evening Post, The League Cricket Yearbook, the BBC, Channel 4 news, 2CC Radio and Xfm. http://www.bitterandblue.com/ and author of
How long have you supported Man City?
I remember going to a few games when I was quite young but my first regular season of going was probably 1986/87.
How did you get to your blog? Has it evolved how you would have expected?
Really just an interesting in writing and City seemed the obvious vehicle for that at the time. When I started I had no expectations of it to be honest as blogs were still in their infancy in general (there were no other City blogs at that time if I remember) but I probably didn’t envisage I’d write about and cover City at various points for a number of newspapers, TV and radio as well as writing a book about them.
Who are Man City’s biggest Rival (or Rivals) and why? (Have to ask!)
It never stopped being United of course, even during the lean years, but since City’s progression over the past couple of years it is noticeable that an intensity has returned to the derby.
Are you happy with your team and how things are to date? – What are your opinions on your manager Mancini? His spending/selling this so far?
This season? Most definitely and they have exceeded expectations for sure. Mancini has done an excellent job in a relatively short space of time to be honest. He has fostered a good spirit within the squad (with the exception of a certain malcontent) and his ability to manage the squad and make changes ‘in game’ is impressive. Yes he has all the money in the world to spend but what is noticeable is how successful his signings have been, certainly in comparison to his predecessor.
What do you think of your current Owner? WHY is he involved? What do you expect from him?
The owners (and their representatives) are quite distant to be honest and rarely are seen at the game. As to why they are involved? It could be a number of reasons: money, a front to promote Abu Dhabi or for ego or hubristic reasons but in comparison to other owners around the league I doubt any City fans would swap them.
How do you think Man City treats its fans? Appreciates them? Listens to them? Screws them?
I’d say they were good when it comes to developing and maintaining relationships with fans. Since the new owners took over – perhaps wary of wanting to stay in touch – there have been plenty of initiatives that have been implemented which should be applauded. Certainly from my position as a blogger, the club has been fantastic in acknowledging what we do.
Who are you Dangermen/Most valued/most overrated/most underrated players?
Dangerman has to be David Silva. If you thought he was on fire last season then he stepped that up a notch so far this season. With the way City have started it is difficult to really say any players are under the radar right now. Two players I would pick out though who are by no means headline grabbers are Gareth Barry and James Milner who have impressive starts to the season.
Are you happy with your youth set up? Is your club doing enough to bring young/local talent through the ranks?
For all the talk of money, Mancini has given youth its fling during his time at the club and they do have a number of players out on loan throughout the Championship at the moment.
Who would you say was the greatest City player that you yourself personally saw? And past player? (You can name more than one if it's that close!)
The best I have seen is Gio Kinkladze without a doubt: a shining light in a dismal era for the club. I’m not alone though in saying David Silva may well move past him if he continues in the same vein.
What is your prediction for Man City this season?
I thought third at the start of the season but with the way they have begun the season is there any reason they can’t win the league? I though consistency may be an issue but so far, so good.
Are you aware of any player or manager links between our two clubs past and present?
There’s a couple for sure. Clive Wilson, Tony Scully to name two that spring to mind.
What is your view and the general City view of QPR (If we even feature in your consciousness) or of Neil Warnock and our owners?
I think they’re one of those clubs who people are glad are back in the top flight. Certainly from someone who remembers the 80’s and the plastic pitch and all that they seem like they should be a Premier League club. This season will be so important as if they stay I think they could really kick on the season after.
Who(if any) is your most memorable/favourite QPR Player over the years?
This may well be Panini sticker based but Gary Bannister always stands out for me!
Any memorable matches between our two clubs that stand out for you? And the reasons why?
Can I mention Jamie Pollock? Enough said with that I think.
Your score prediction for QPR v Man City?
Hard to see anything other than a City win but it may well be closer than people think. 2-1?
- New QPR Book: Just out: a new personal account by a QPR fan, John "gramps" Clifford of what it was like following QPR in the old days (The late 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.) The Book's title is "Queen's Park Rangers: The Old Days (1939-1970)" and includes a forword by former QPR (Three-time) player, Mark Lazarus, and former longtime QPR Club Secretary, Ron Phillips -Foreward by Mark Lazarus. Introduction by Ron Phillips - BOOK ORDER DETAILS
