Manchester City plan major changes to Etihad Stadium statue
Manchester City have been granted approval to make changes to a major statue outside the Etihad Stadium.
The statue of legendary Manchester City trio Colin Bell, Francis Lee, and Mike Summerbee was unveiled outside the Etihad Stadium in November 2023, designed by renowned sculptor David Williams-Ellis.
The lasting legacy to the three players was the fourth statute to recently be unveiled outside the Etihad Stadium, following permanent honours to David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.
Bell, Lee and Summerbee made over 1,000 combined appearances for Manchester City, scoring 368 goals and winning the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup between 1967 and 1970.
Heartbreakingly both Lee and Bell passed away before the unveiling of their statue. Bell died in 2021 aged 74, and Lee in October 2023, aged 79.
The statue honouring the three former players has been open to fans since a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig, and sits outside the Etihad Stadium’s main entrance.
The Manchester Evening News report that the club are preparing to make changes to the statue however, having sought planning permission from Manchester City Council to install ‘visitor seating’ around the statue, as well as ‘walled planters, pressed concrete floor, and ivy green screen’.
A statement by the council’s planning department, said: “The statue and plinth are completed in bronze and polished concrete respectively.
“These are considered to be high quality materials that uplift the neighbouring walkway which is primarily composed of hard paving. The statue will also be seen in the context of the Etihad Stadium and thus would not appear as an incongruous addition to the street scene.
“Landscaping measures are considered to be proportionate, with them helping to soften the appearance of the stadium concourse.
“On this basis, it is considered the proposed development is acceptable with regard to its design and visual impact.”
Arsenal make Thomas Partey injury call to finally join Man City and Liverpool’s title tactic
Thomas Partey is due to remain with Arsenal and not join Ghana for the international break in a boost to the Gunners’ title plans
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Thomas Partey set to stay behind with Arsenal during the international break.
Thomas Partey set to stay behind with Arsenal during the international break. (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Thomas Partey is due to stay with Arsenal following a decision taken collectively to not join up with the Ghanaian national side. The 30-year-old will work on his fitness at the Sobha Realty Training Centre instead of playing for his country against Nigeria and Uganda.
The decision for Partey to stay and not join up with his international teammates is a decision that should come as a welcome move by supporters. The Ghanaian senior national team posted that Partey had, “Asked to be excused from the game to gain full fitness following recent injuries.”
Having seen both title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City make calls with some of their own stars ahead of the break, protecting players from the tests of the international scene is greatly preferred.
Man City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has not joined up with the Belgian national side after missing the FA Cup clash with Newcastle United. He was substituted during the 1-1 draw with Liverpool and was shown to be frustrated with his manager’s call.
Pep Guardiola said after the game: “I’m happy to see that. I like it if he’s upset, it’s good. He’s happy now.
“I knew what we were missing, we missed keeping the ball. After (he went off) we did it better. But, listen, Kevin… what can I say for Kevin… we need him and he is important.”
It seems the minor issue was picked up in the days after the game and so missed the cup win. Liverpool meanwhile could see three players potentially pulled out after Jurgen Klopp revealed issues after their clash with Manchester United in the FA Cup.
Now the boys go on international duty, we hope they come back healthy,” said Klopp. “Lucho [Diaz] felt his groin, Darwin hamstring. Cody twisted his ankle. They play again in four or five days, it’s crazy.
“Hopefully we will finish the season in style. I really feel for our people.”
It remains to be seen if they will, like De Bruyne, be pulled from their respective nations but it wouldn’t shock many to see it happen. Arsenal meanwhile have several stars going away with England like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka although both Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus will not be with the Brazil squad for the friendly at Wembley – Gabriel Magalhaes however will be.
With this being the final break before the end of the season, losing any players now would be incredibly painful for Arsenal. Therefore, as mentioned, it is indeed a relief so see the Partey decision made and allowing the midfielder further recovery after making a couple substitute appearances following his long-awaited return to action.
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