Let me first of all publicly apologise to Nick Chavez for my initial reaction...... It was wrong of me to name call, it was a quick post on a phone rather than a reasoned argument.
I do believe however the piece provides little or no new news, and is designed to provoke negative feelings amongst NYCFC Fans (again in my humble opinion)
It is well-known that Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini wants to keep Frank Lampard as part of his squad for, at least, the rest of 2014-2015 English Premier League season
IS IT ? Please point us towards the statement where MP has actually said this, the last I heard was him saying "Lampard is an important player but it is not my decision". But what hasn’t been confirmed yet is where the player in question himself prefers to be playing when May arrives.
As this story continues to develop, my source has recently told me that Frank Lampard is the one now who is really pushing to stay at Manchester City till the end of the season. As he put it, “Lampard wants to stay and is pushing the issue.”
Who is the source, a CFG employee, a source from the EPL, or a bloke in the pub ? How does the reader know how valid this information is ?
“Pushing the issue”, of course, implies that there is some push back from New York City FC officials, and more importantly, City Football Group decision makers since these individuals are considered to have the final say in this entire matter.
IN THE UK YOU MAY PUSH SOMETHING WITH NO RESISTANCE (PUSHING IT = PROMOTING THE IDEA VIGOROUSLY)
Since it is clear that if Pellegrini had the final say, Lampard would be staying till the end of the season (
Conjecture), and since the player himself allegedly is fighting to finish the EPL season (
Conjecture), it would appear that NYCFC have an ally in City Football Group’s executives.
OF COURSE THEY DO, HOW MUCH HAVE THEY JUST PLOUGHED INTO THE CLUB
If this is true, these facts would fly in the face of the widely-held perception that all of NYCFC’s wishes are subsidiary to those of Manchester City, and that NYCFC only exists to benefit Manchester City and the club’s brand.
Cannot argue if this is your perception, though I do agree that NYCFC exists as part of the CFG brand, which is based on the image of Manchester City but this is not necessarily to be for the benefit of Manchester City, who I believe have to keep accounts separate to meet FFP conditions)
But even if that perception is inaccurate, that fact doesn’t serve as a solution to this particular dilemma.
It has little to do with this dilemma
If Frank Lampard truly wants to stay with Manchester City till the end of the EPL season, Lampard should sign a permanent contract with the Premier League Champions and City Football Group should shop for another star designated player to replace him.
AGREE WITH THE STATEMENT... But this statement promotes doubt about Lampards integrity to the reader when Lampard has publicly said nothing (probably due to contract obligations)
No team should bother trying to keep a player who doesn’t want to play for the team when he agreed to
100% agree, especially one that is based out of the proud City of New York
Filling, why would you want any player who doesnt want to play for you . There is no way this insulting turn of loyalty from Lampard, if true, would be well-received by the Third Rail, NYCFC supporters and MLS fans in general.
Note the if true... That is the important part of this line
It is probably better if CFG use the January transfer window to bring in another star designated player to NYCFC that would be useful and committed to Jason Kreis’s team, replacing Lampard who can continue with his career in the EPL indefinitely as he wishes.
Rumors of the possibility of Dutch Midfielder Wesley Sneijder signing with either New York City FC or with Manchester City to replace a potentially returning Lampard has been very warmly-received by NYCFC fans.
ANOTHER RUMOUR
http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premiership/manchester-city-southampton-miss-out-on-landing-dutch-ace/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: TransferTavern (The Transfer Tavern Home Page)
Many believe the 30-year old Sneijder, 6 years younger than Lampard, would provide much more in years he can contribute and compete in MLS. And having won the Champion’s League, league titles in Spain, Italy, Holland and Turkey, various cups in these countries, and having played in the 2010 World Cup final with the Netherlands, Wesley Sneijder is clearly a player with experience and quality that rivals Frank Lampard with 6 years less of wear and tear on his legs.
Of course, at this point, potential interest in the signing of the former UEFA Midfielder of the Year by City Football Group is nothing but a rumor, and for my source’s part, he says that there isn’t any truth to them yet, as far as he knows.
Admission probably no truth in Sneijder Rumour so why the previous paragraphs.
There’s been silence about any potential decision being made regarding Lampard’s loan status, with NYCFC Director of Football Reyna already back from his trip to Manchester last Wednesday. This is likely because, as my source believes, no decision has been made yet.
So as far as is known no change to the start of Feb agreement ...more conjecture.
It’s also possible that a replacement for Lampard, who might play at either New York City FC or Manchester City, is being sought after right now, or perhaps, terms are already being negotiated with target players.
Possible or probable... It is possible if there is truth in the Lampard to Man City bit
1 If CFG plans to allow Lampard to play out the rest of the EPL season without a replacement for NYCFC, and join the expansion club in May,
2 it will be perceived as scandalous by MLS fans. 1.
IF the operative word. 2. RIGHTLY SO
It would, of course, be a scandal of some high-profile precedence in the form of David Beckham’s loan
extension with AC Milan, which made him miss the first half of the 2009 MLS season. Beckham caught a lot of heat from LA Galaxy fans for this, and Lampard should expect the same deservedly-rough treatment from NYCFC supporters if he indeed chooses the path of his compatriot.
AGREE (IF AGAIN)
On the other hand, Beckham did go on to win 2 MLS Cups and 2 Supporters’ Shields with the LA Galaxy upon his return, so this whole soap opera could end up having a happy ending for NYCFC fans as well, if CFG decides to go this route.
IF AGAIN
In any case, unfortunately for NYCFC fans, we may be farther than we thought from seeing this situation resolved,
WHY? all things considered. But, if (
THAT WORD AGAIN) Lampard is indeed the one pushing to stay at Manchester City, at least City Football Group’s hands can be partly washed of the blame, because you can’t force a player to go to a team he doesn’t want to play for.
HE WAS A FREE TRANSFER. HE MADE AN AGREEMENT. IF LAMPARD BACKS OUT ON AN AGREEMENT THEN CFG SHOULD WASH THERE HANDS OF HIM (IN MY OPINION) NOTHING LOST IN DOING THAT.
And if you’re a New York City FC supporter, why would you want to keep a player that doesn’t want to honor its commitment to you anyways? Representing the City of New York in the world’s most popular sport, especially in the team’s inaugural season, should be viewed as an honor, not a chore to avoid.
THIS STATEMENT IS DESIGNED TO GET YOU TALKING ABOUT AN ARTICLE DESIGNED TO RILE YOU... I REMIND YOU OF THE OLD ADAGE "IF ... MY AUNTY HAD BOLLOCKS SHE WOULD BE MY UNCLE"