Football: Machin given Maine chance
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MEL MACHIN, sacked as manager by Manchester City three years ago, was yesterday given the chance to return and prove a point when his Barnsley side was drawn to play at Maine Road in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
It was the perfect end to the day for Machin, who had earlier watched Andy Rammell earn Barnsley a 4-1 win over West Ham with a hat-trick.
'It will be strange going back,' Machin said. 'It's the first time I have taken a team there since leaving but when a manager goes back to an old club his players usually pull out that little bit more.
'I'll look forward to it. I have a lot of good friends there, a lot of memories and it will be nice. I'll enjoy it.'
It will be a tesing match for City, who have won only four times at home this season and have fared much better away from Maine Road. But their manager, Peter Reid, was not concerned about that. 'The first thing you want in the Cup is a home draw and we have got that. Barnsley have done well and we will certainly treat them with respect.'
City's neighbours, Manchester United, are 7-2 favourites for the Cup, and 7-1 for the Double, having been drawn away to Sheffield United, where they lost on the opening day of the season. 'There are no easy games in the Cup but when we are on form we are capable of beating anyone,' United's manager, Alex Ferguson, said.
The other Sheffield club, Wednesday, were given the apparently easier task of playing First Division Southend United at Hillsborough, while Tottenham Hotspur, having seen off one Premier League title pretender in Norwich will face another if Aston Villa overcome Wimbledon in a replay next Wednesday.
There will be a clash of former Liverpool favourites if Kevin Keegan's Newcastle, the First Division leaders, dispose of Rotherham at the second time of asking. They will have to visit Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn Rovers.
FA CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa or Wimbledon
Manchester City v Barnsley
Blackburn R v Rotherham U or Newcastle U
Sheffield Wednesday v Southend United
Sheffield United v Manchester United
Derby County v Bolton Wanderers
Arsenal or Leeds U v Nottm F or Middlesbrough
Ipswich Town v Swansea City or Grimsby Town
(Ties to be played 13, 14 or 15 February)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments