Challenging times ahead in store

CHAPMAN’S CORNER

WELCOME back to my weekly Chronicle column.

I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer so far. I’ve had a hectic one.

My daughter Suzy got married the other week and I’ve started my new job working on City’s website now.

I’ve been out in America doing some interviews and video features while the players were contesting the Guinness International Champions’ Cup tournament, and that was terrific.

I have been to the States a number of times, but never to Pittsburgh, where City played AC Milan and never to Kansas, where the first of my new ‘Challenge Chappy’ tasks took me to the Verrucktin in Schlitterbahn — the largest water slide in the world.

I’ve done some daft things in my time and that was another experience I can tell you!

‘Challenge Chappy’ is going to be a regular feature hopefully. I’ve got a couple of other things planned — a parachute jump and then trying to go a full day without spending any money. Should be fun.

My new job isn’t as intense as being the kit manager, but I do miss the everyday banter with the players.

It was hard work, but there were lots of rewarding days and I will miss it.

Mr Pellegrini has recruited well this summer I think.

Frank Lampard is a great addition whose European experience will prove invaluable once the Champions League gets under way again.

Frank is unbelievably well respected in the game and he is still fit — he is just a top quality player and I’m delighted he is here.

Bacary Sagna we know all about from his days at Arsenal, while I watched Fernando in America and he looks decent as well. He’s another experienced lad, too.

It’s going to be a real battle at the top of the Premier League again this season. I can’t wait for it to start now.

United will be a real force again under Mr Van Gaal. He seems to know what he’s doing.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have all spent big money over the summer as well, so it’ll be tough. City will be right up there in the mix again, though. Roll on the weekend.