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Masters prove they have still got it for a first
MANCHESTER City were Premier League top dogs once again in 2020/21.
The Blues regained their status as league champions, and also won a fourth successive Carabao Cup.
But the season was tinged with disappointment when, after reaching the Champions League final for their first time in their history, City fell at the final hurdle by losing to Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola will be determined to finally win the European Cup during his time at City while retaining the domestic title, and the club’s hierarchy have signalled their intention to help him by strengthening the squad with world-class talent.
As such, the summer transfer market has seen City heavily linked to Harry Kane and Jack Grealish. No matter which new stars turn out in sky blue, it looks like being a tumultuous season at the Etihad.
To look forward to the 2021/22 season, our City writers have teamed up to produce a comprehensive guide to the new campaign.
They’ll be bringing you all their insight to offer unique, personal perspectives on what Blues supporters should look out for over the next nine months.
It’s one of 41 special edition club annuals being produced by Reach PLC to mark the return of fans to stadiums across the Premier League, Championship, League One and the Scottish Premiership.
Fans can order these one-off titles in print to arrive at their doorstep before the campaign kicks off with all the details on the new season, new signings and how their club has been preparing to go after glory again. Every annual includes a full club-by-club breakdown of the competition, key stats and the latest information around the grounds as football puts fans back at the heart of the action.
IT promises to be a huge season for Manchester United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side showed improvements to finish second in the Premier League behind Manchester City.
But the last campaign ended trophyless once again - a big disappointment after reaching the latter stages of the FA Cup and EFL Cup, and the final of the Europa League.
It means Solskjaer will be determined to finally get his hands on silverware next season and this summer’s transfer window is expected to see him strengthen his squad.
Jadon Sancho will join the Reds after Euro 2020, while the likes of Raphael Varane, Kieran Trippier and Eduardo Camavinga are among the names that United are also interested in bringing to Old Trafford.
To look forward to the 2021/22 season, our United writers have teamed up to produce a comprehensive guide to the new campaign.
They’ll be bringing you all their insight to offer unique, personal perspectives on what Reds supporters should look out for over the next nine months.
It’s one of 41 special edition club annuals being produced by Reach PLC to mark the return of fans to stadiums across the Premier League, Championship, League One and the Scottish Premiership.
Fans can order these one-off titles in print to arrive at their doorstep before the campaign kicks off with all the details on the new season, new signings and how their club has been preparing to go after
glory again.
Every annual includes a full club-by-club breakdown of the competition, key stats and the latest information around the grounds as football puts supporters back at the heart of the action.
ROCHDALE’S Masters of rugby league side took to the pitch on Saturday for their first fixture since reforming.
On a red hot Rochdale day a good crowd enjoyed a great game of rugby played by some great names from the past.
There were several ex professionals among their ranks with Andy Duffy, Dave Chrimes and Richard Yeomans all putting good shifts in.
Officially there are no winners in the Masters games but between you and me Carl Abraham’s side took the honours.
It’s hard to single out players in this type of game, just getting out of bed in the morning is an effort for most of them so playing rugby league in that heat must have been gruelling.
That said everyone left the pitch with a huge smile on their face – albeit some of them were more like a toothless grin.
Adam Browne had a cracking game showing he still has that touch of class as he put Anthony Greaves away for the first score.
There’s still an enquiry going on as to how Greavesy managed to keep up with Browny but it was a joy to see.
Browny himself grabbed Rochdale’s other score as he took the ball on his own line threw eight dummies and then sprinted the full length to touch down under the sticks.
Well, that’s what he was telling everyone by 11pm...
The game was played in great spirit especially by
Johnny Concrete who sometimes showed a bit too much spirit.
One of the highlights of the game was when Wiggy (does anyone know his real name?) made a superb ball and all tackle to ensure Bury didn’t manage a score.
The only downside to the day was on the laun