Tuesday 20 April 2010

Mail: Bellamy might leave

Worrying story in the Daily Mail today - a report from Ian Ladyman that Craig Bellamy could well leave City in the summer if Roberto Mancini stays:

City were never able to prove that Bellamy made the comments and let the matter rest. But it is understood that Mancini and the Welsh striker have spoken briefly about the issue and have subsequently declared what has been described as an 'uneasy truce'.

Bellamy has continued to feature regularly in City's first team and few could ever question his dedication and commitment to his club's cause. But it is no coincidence that the quality of Bellamy's football has dropped in recent weeks and some people at City now believe that the striker's relationship with Mancini cannot realistically be expected to survive beyond the summer.

If City were to qualify for the Champions League next season, Bellamy would clearly face a huge decision about his future. As it stands now, however, he would seriously consider any offers he considers attractive, and would even consider a move abroad.

That Bellamy has tense relationship with Mancini is an open secret. We shouldn't be surprised. When we signed him I was relaxed on the grounds that he has only caused problems at teams not managed by Mark Hughes. But as soon as Hughes was replaced with Mancini last December then problems were on the horizon. There was the argument over training, the argument in the tunnel and the argument over wages. Like all City fans I love Bellamy and find him compelling when he's on song but there is mounting evidence of discord behind the scenes.

If we don't make the Champions League, but Harry Redknapp's Spurs or even Mark Hughes' Celtic do and make Bellamy an offer then I would not be too surprised to see him leave.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Despite the fact that he's had a great season and carried us into autumn, I wouldn't be too sad to see him go. He's not got much left in his knees and he is a trouble causer...

Onwards and Upwards.

Unknown said...

I think he's a great wild card and he can change a game. In some ways he's playing the best of his career. If he's happy on the bench, I reckon keep him.

I wasn't sure about him when he arrived, but he's been an inspiration to the squad in many ways. He's as daft as a brush, but all he cares about is the game. Credit where it's due...

Unknown said...

...and what on earth does anything the Daily Mail - toy newspaper for UK pondlife - writes have to do with anything?

You'd get more reliable, unbiased info from a box of drawing pins.

satis said...

J, I think you should give this story as much credence as everything else in the fascist Mail. Ladyman is just limbering up for another summer of lazy speculation.

Tonimoroni said...

I love Bellers and hope he stays. He's like an evil Jimmy Bullard.

StanMCFC said...

Let him go then. If he's on 90k a week and can't show some professionalism in his relationship with Mancini (who after all is his boss), I for one won't be weeping about his departure. Would sooner see Vladimir Weiss on the right and Johnson on the left. Two lads who don't have an attitude problem.

satis said...

We don't need players with knees like bisuits and a bad relationship with the manager. Bellamy and Petrov should move on, with thanks.