City show Roman his roubles are losing their worth

The propaganda parade that marks a Premier League press conference took place yesterday in the UAE capital. International journalists, photographers and cameramen crammed into Emirates Palace for a chance to meet Manchester City's Player of the Year, Stephen Ireland, manager Mark Hughes and the Welshman's new multi-million pound marquee signings: Gareth Barry for £12m (Dh72m), Roque Santa Cruz for £18m and Carlos Tevez for £25m. But when the raucous din quietened and the Famous Five finally took their seats at the top table, there were murmurings of discontent: "Where is Emmanuel Adebayor?", "When's John Terry arriving?" The questions may have been whispered in jest, but they were as relevant as anything asked over the microphone – indeed, the first two questions Hughes had to field were regarding the two potential signings rather than the £55m-plus worth of talent sat alongside him. The 46-year-old refused to be drawn on either subject, but the fact he is fielding such questions proves the tables are no longer turning in the top tier of English football: They have turned. When Roman Abramovic acquired Chelsea in June 2003, it was the Russian and his roubles that dominated the headlines each transfer window. That is no longer the case. Blue may still be the colour, but it is a lighter shade these days. By pursuing Chelsea captain Terry, City are inadvertently showing Abramovic that he no longer rules the roost. And if they succeed in tempting Terry north, there is little the West London club's owner can complain about. For years the oil oligarch dominated dealings when it came to big money transfers. Staff and players were shaken, stirred, unsettled and perturbed at their less wealthy clubs and then lured by the lucre as Roman built his team of superstars. Terry is reportedly being offered the chance to double his salary at City. The England defender, who graduated through the ranks at Stamford Bridge, has often been billed as 'Mr Chelsea', but a salary increase of 100 per cent is still a increase of 100 per cent. Especially during a recession. And especially when the pound's exchange rate is weakening by the day. And more so with the 50p income tax rate coming into force in April 2010. For a 29-year-old with injury problems, few fans could argue if Captain Fantastic opted for one final colossal contract. - What do you think? Write to online@business24-7.ae Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here .