Windows Block City's New Vista

There's been a lot of spleen-venting in the aftermath of yet another transfer window farce, but was it really such a surprise City were not able to attract some much needed quality?

Judging by the volume of mania and depression on the MEN website, it seems to me that some supporters' expectations of City splashing the cash on top quality players in the positions we really need were way off target - just like our current strikers. The reality is that City are never going to set the transfer market alight and for the really top-class players we are simply not a club of choice; it's just the way things are.

Even so, January was nevertheless a particularly underwhelming month. We're in dire need of a proven goal-scorer and creative midfielder and we end up with a defender and a winger. I had a feeling the Mido deal would fall through and I can't say I'm that upset for the reasons I outlined in a previous article. Shame about Collins John though as he's always impressed whenever he played against us.

So where does that leave us? Well pretty much in the same situation at the end of every transfer window; massive fan disenchantment and a squad of players that's poorly equipped to compete properly in the top flight. None of this came as a particular surprise to me - it's exactly as expected, so I'm not quite as depressed as the seeming majority.

Once again, and it's no bad thing, we'll have to rely on the academy to produce the goods for City's future; they've done it before and they'll have to do it again. However, before everyone jumps on the Sturridge bandwagon, he's still a kid and a long way from the finished article. Yes I know he scores a load of goals in the reserves, but his introduction to the 1st team needs to be properly managed, although I don't think it'll be long before we see him on the bench. Personally, I think Etuhu should get the nod over Sturridge at the moment, as he just looks a more rounded striker, although young Daniel is certainly destined for super-stardom.... but not quite yet.

In the meantime, Pearce has no option but to persevere with Corradi and Samaras and just hope they can find some form and confidence.... and a few goals would also be very handy. Pearce will need to prove that his (part-time) coaching and management skills are capable of turning a toothless frontline into a fearsome strikeforce - no I don't believe it either!