Can Man City do a Chelsea next season?

WITH Gareth Barry joining Robinho in the Eastlands and possibly Carlos Tevez on the way, Manchester City are starting to look the way of Chelsea at the start of the Roman Revolution just a few seasons back.

We all knew how that turned out didn’t we? Chelsea won the Premiership title for two seasons in a row under Jose Mourinho, with stars such as Arjen Robben, Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko (still considered a star at the time of signing at least).

The Citizens are attempting to flood their dressing room with the same embarrassment of riches in footballing talent this transfer season, although Mark Hughes is definitely no Mourinho, based on last season’s results.

Furthermore, the Blues were nearly there (i.e. already in the Big Four) when Claudio Ranieri in charge, Abramovich’s money and Mourinho’s managerial nous arguably proved to be the final boost needed for the London club to clinch their first Premiership title in 50 years.

City, however, do not have the same foundation to start with, finishing 10th in the league this season, even with additions such as Robinho and the return of Shaun Wright-Phillips.

But can City do one better than Chelsea and jump from mid-table mediocrity to the Big Four next season, with all the money available for big-money players and maybe even a new high-profile manager?

Which of Fergie’s old boys is the best manager?

ROY Keane has returned to football last night (Singapore time), after being appointed manager of Championship side Ipswich.

The former Manchester United captain will now attempt to repeat with Ipswich what he did as manager of Sunderland at the end of the 06/07 season – to bring the club to the glittering lights (not to mention the financial riches) of the Premier League.

With the appointment Keane rejoins the ranks of former United players or coaching staff who have played under Sir Alex Ferguson and then went on to manage their own clubs.

Among them are Mark Hughes, Carlos Queiroz, Steve Bruce and – who can forget – Steve McClaren.

Who is the best manager among all these ex-United men who have learned under arguably the most successful British club manager in history?

Are City turning into an English Real?

JUST a day after their initial £100 million bid was supposedly turned down, City have upped their bid for Kaka by £7 million.

The Brazilian playmaker has been given permission to talk to the Eastlands club, paving the way for a possible transfer that will smash the world record and shock the football fraternity.

But the real question is – should City really be padding up their strike force with yet another expensive buy?

THE POSTMAN LIM SAY HENG says: While a superstar such as Kaka will always be a welcome addition to any team, it remains to be seen if Mark Hughes really needs yet another attacking player in his squad.

At his disposal, Sparky already has the likes of Robinho, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jo, Elano and Stephen Ireland, and if you look at City’s scoring record this season so far, they have only been outscored by Chelsea, who have netted 40 goals.

Question of the Weekend (You, in Mark Hughes’ shoes)

Hi all,

THE POSTMAN’S QUESTION OF THE WEEKEND: If you were Mark Hughes, which two areas of the Manchester City team would you improve, and which two players would you sign in January?