City stars in smart cars

Athletic skipper Dean Furman and Manchester City counterpart Nigel de Jong go shoulder to shoulder.

THE cash-rich media circus that is Manchester City rolled into town last night boasting six Euro 2012 internationals.

Fans of both teams could hardly believe it when, rather than arrive in the customary all-singing, all-dancing team coach, the more decorated players made their way to Boundary Park in their own cars.

Cue raised eyebrows and frantic reaching for camera ’phones when the Bentleys, BMWs and porsches swung into the car park.

Roars of delight rang out as Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott and James Milner, all fresh from England duty in that run to the Euro 2012 quarter-finals, emerged from their vehicles and strolled in to the players’ entrance.

They were soon joined by France duo Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri, and Dutch hardman Nigel de Jong.

The champions of England were here and Athletic followers, particularly the youngsters, wanted to savour every moment.

Hart is one of those players who seems to command the respect of supporters across the country.

Cries of “England number one” emanated from both sets of fans as he warmed up on the pitch.

With more than £115 million of talent on show for the visitors, a comfortable triumph seemed the most logical outcome.

And while City won’t shed any tears over their 2-1 defeat last night, they got what they deserved from the contest — nothing.

Their fans, frustrated by their team’s lack of verve, amused themselves with songs about winning the title in “Fergie time” — trading banter with the Athletic contingent about the lack of a fourth stand at Boundary Park — and, on several occasions, reminding everyone that there is indeed “only one Paul Dickov”.

The Scot saluted those eternally grateful admirers who chanted his name.

But surely the sweetest feeling for Dickov was driving home in the knowledge that his side had just beaten the country’s top dogs.






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