LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS 0 CITY 1
Friendly
24th July 1986
attendance ???
Scorer McCarthy
City Suckling, May, Wilson, Clements, McCarthy, Redmond, Lillis, McNab, White, Brightwell, Simpson – used subs Hinchcliffe, Reid, Beckford, Baker, Kinsey
FROM THE PRESS BOX
PAUL HINCE WRITING IN THE MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS 25TH JULY 1986
Manchester City manager Billy McNeill unveiled his blueprint for the new season at the start of the Blues’ tour to Switzerland last night.
For the highlight of City’s 1-0 victory over La Chaux de Fondes was a commanding display from 18 year old Steve Redmond in the sweeper’s role behind central defenders Kenny Clements and Mick McCarthy.
And McNeill will use the Swiss tour and the later tour to Spain to perfect the new system before launching it against Wimbledon on kick-off day.
“There is nothing defensive about the system,” said McNeill today from the team’s headquarters near Basle.
“Argentina used the same tactics during the World Cup and I don’t believe anyone accused them of being negative. It is simply a question of playing to our strengths. Steve may be young, but he is quick, strong and a good reader of the game. He is a natural for that position.”
Redmond will again lineup behind the two central defenders for City’s second match against FC Aarau tomorrow night.
The unexpected match winner last night was McCarthy who is one of four players who have so far refused to sign new contracts.