Having enjoyed 'Manchester United Ruined My Life' I was interested to read Colin Shindler's article in the Mail, now I'm sorry I bothered.
If Shinawatra was still the owner, Shindler's argument may be relevant, but since ADUG tookover the club have embraced the fans and club history more than ever. The 'my first game' campaign dotted all round the ground. UEFA Cup 1/4 final v Hamburg, adults tickets £5, kids for a quid. Reverting to a retro kit, something the fans have desired for a long time. Screening the South Africa tournament on the club website. Holding a free open door event this week for the fans. Not to mention a reduction in season ticket prices this season. ADUG are not just committed to making City one of the best teams on the field, but off it too. Far from ripping the heart out of the Club, the optimism and excitement around City at the moment means it's heart is beating faster than ever!
The only time I've been concerned for City's identity was when Shinawatra was peddling the club as a PR exercise to distract from his questionable human rights record. I went to City v Villa at Eastlands and Birthday messages for the King of Thailand filled the big screen, now I've nothing against the old chap, but what the **** has the King of Thailand got to do with City?! Other bizarre stories circulated, but 'Frank' did one act of kindness to City.....selling the club to our current owners.
Sheikh Mansour and ADUG have not 'cloaked her(City) in the finest of silk dresses and doused her in the most seductive of Arabian fragrance' as Shindler embarrassingly states, instead they have cleaned her down, covered her up and sent her to finishing school. Examples of the way our owners conduct themselves can been seen in how quick they were to distance themselves from Sulaiman al-Fahim, after his comments following the takeover were deemed brash and arrogant. Garry Cook caused the club embarrassment by claiming that Milan 'bottled it' during the Kaka affair, as a result, City now conduct transfer's in privacy (or as much privacy as the agenda's of the other club's allow) mistakes might still be made but ADUG are keen to ensure they wont happen twice. ADUG have given no indications that we should be concerned for the club's identity, instead the gestures they've made to supporters are a refreshing change from the prawn sandwich culture defining other clubs.
Shindler should be glad his 'love' escaped the grubby paws of Shinawatra and found her way to the honourable suitor that is Sheikh Mansour. If Shindler can't share in the excitement and optimism currently surrounding City then he should get his doctor to hook him up with some Happy Pills, he clearly needs them.