Comings and goings at the Etihad Stadium

The City kit manager and former Latics star writes every week for Chron Sport
OWEN Hargreaves has been working on building up his fitness this week following his transfer deadline-day move to Manchester City.

The former United midfielder penned a one-year deal based heavily on how many appearances he makes, following an injury-ravaged couple of years.

We have nothing to lose because he didn’t cost anything in terms of a transfer fee, and it is down to the player to get back to his best and force his way into the team.

If he manages that, he will be a great asset to this club.

Craig Bellamy and Shaun Wright-Phillips exited for Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers respectively.

I am a big fan of Kenny Dalglish and I am sure he will get the best out of Craig. His enthusiasm and desire to play will go in his favour and I am glad he ended up at another top club.

Shaun has property down in London so his switch to QPR came as no big surprise. He was a great servant to City during two spells and was very popular throughout the club.

It was nice to see him post a thank you message to the fans on our website once the deal was concluded.

I am sure both Craig and Shaun will receive warm receptions when they return to the Etihad Stadium with their new teams.

In the meantime, the transfer window is now closed until January and everyone can concentrate on matters on the field.

It was unfortunate to see Micah Richards miss out on England’s 3-0 win in Bulgaria due to a hamstring injury.

Micah has been in brilliant form for us so far this term so hopefully this knock will not keep him out of action for too long.

United’s Chris Smalling got the nod at right-back and I must say, I have been impressed with his rapid progression.

Three years ago he was playing non-league football for Maidstone United, before joining Fulham and then heading to Old Trafford, where he is an established member of the first team squad.

Micah and another injured defender, Glen Johnson, will have a tough time trying to claim Smalling’s place in Fabio Capello’s team when they return.

It is quiet at City this week, with most of our international players not due to get back until tomorrow afternoon.

Towards the end of the week attention turns to Saturday’s home clash with Wigan Athletic — always a tricky opponent. Hopefully, our early-season form will continue and we can claim three points.