FOOTBALL: Missing... making it... and mistaken

That was the weekend that was

Nigel Clough

Manchester City

The former England striker has been on Manchester City's transfer list since the beginning of the year, having been out of favour at Maine Road since November 1996. He joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan last season but played only twice. Brian's son was recently spotted training with Birmingham City, although Trevor Francis, the Birmingham manager, has no plans to sign him.

Gary Mason

Manchester City

The 18-year-old Edinburgh-born midfielder has caught the eye with a string of excellent performances since breaking into City's side this season, impressing his manager, Joe Royle, so much with his mature play that Royle wants to build his fledgling line-up around him.

Stoke City's new manager may well share the thick grey barnet of the former Private Pike, but after starting the season with six wins out of six games to lead the Second Division he is clearly no stupid boy.