I was surprised Joe didn't make a bigger argument about the net spend per trophy ratio. Not quite sure what the exact comparison of all teams is under Pep to present but I think it would give True Geordie pause for thought. City have spent alot but they've also won a lot.
Europe's top clubs have certainly spent big
www.givemesport.com
He softened his stance on City for a while, probably after getting a real sense of what's really going on(American owners' influence/control, Bien contracts-Qatar's influence etc) when the Newcastle takeover bid fell through. There was probably an element of realising what a hypocrite he'd look, taking digs as City at the same time as moaning about what was going on around the takeover too.
Looks like he's back to it now, brown nosing Lawrence and Liverpool for the views. Joe was spot on with the faux balance they try and bring to their anti-City debates. Lawrence not only trots out poor strawmen arguments(bats them up to be knocked down) but even when he does give one of the valid City arguments, he'll deliver it mockingly with his smug little expressions(making it easier to dismiss). For me that(Lawrence) is where Brian gets his sentiments from because he wasn't always like this, from what I've gathered.
Buvey being invited back, is probably because he isn't a facts person(really needs to brush up on some of his City knowledge in general), which makes it easier for them when they push an anti-city angle. That for me, is why Esteemed Kompany, Natalie etc aren't as welcome, because the Kick-Off regulars wont be as comfortable in a debate with them. Other reasons Buvey gets so many appearances are, being mates with Rory, can't really argue with that, chemistry is important you'd imagine. He's a "bantz" type guest, who doesn't take himself too seriously. I also think it's possibly because he's the type of fan their viewers can call plastic, which fits with their anti-city agenda.
Although, he does go to games and from what I understand and he is a lifelong fan, that just happens to not be from in or around Manchester. I actually feel sorry for him sometimes, with the amount of stick he gets from all corners. It can't be easy being a blue, with the people he surrounds himself with. Lets also not ignore, that it's not like Lawrence has a strong Liverpool accent either, is it? He also can't have been going to many games, if he's been hosting the kickoff every weekend, for the past; who knows how many years? Yet the social media twerps don't question any of that in the same ways.