Just when you thought the impasse between Carlos Tevez and Manchester City was on the verge of some form of conciliatory action, the Argentine misfit chose to accuse manager Mancini of treating him like a dog!! Not the ideal manner to resolve your differences.Recent quotes from Mancini and the players representative, Kia Joorabchian had hinted that the ongoing difficulties were not as it seemed beyond repair. Joorabchian had even suggested that Tevez was seeking some kind of resolution and if required would apologise. Well that know appears not to be strictly true.This wholly unsatisfactory affair has dragged on and on and has become something of a soap-opera. This is reality and not make believe. Tevez appears to be adopting a Liverpool style attitude of 'It's not my fault'. Well Mr Tevez, your wrong.This whole protracted mess is of your making. If you want to come face to face with the instigator of this episode - look in a mirror!

With the player back in Manchester after a 100 days plus self-imposed exile, the mood of City fans has been mixed. Judging by the social networks and forums, the consensus of opinion is that Tevez is not welcome or wanted at the club. Some suggest City should just leave him to rot in the reserves. Others go for the simple option of f*****g him off and others suggest that all parties should put the whole matter behind them, shake hands and play him! My gut reaction is option 1 [rotting in reserves] but will his presence be detrimental to team unity? Option 2 gives the player what he seemingly wants, leaving City with the club left to count the cost. Option 3 is the most contentious of all, but it does have the appeal of a double edged sword. Play him and if he scores goals that helped us win the title then its win win all round. If he did just that then that would be beneficial to City in so far as it would enhance his transfer value which would again be a win win situation for City. Should City manipulate the Tevez situation to meet their needs or should they stick to their principles and let him rot? Food for thought.

I have surprised myself somewhat for even giving a modicum of credence to the chance of him playing. In September after the Munich debacle I stated quite categorically that Tevez should NEVER pull on the Blue shirt again. I have reiterated this stance on numerous occasions in discussions with other members of the Blues family. So why should I even have second thoughts on my initial moral stance?Am I so lacking in morals or is it that I so desperately want to see City win a title? It goes without saying that winning a title is one enormous reason to see him back!! But I feel guilty for even having such a selfish thought. In life there are times when principles have to be compromised if it is beneficial to all concerned and in the best interests of all parties. City have struggled a little in front of goal of late and the player who not long ago was our talisman could help the team out. The big question that raises is the effect it has on the players and more importantly the fans. Players tend to be more pragmatic over these kind of things. They probably perceive it as no more than a row between player and manager and would welcome him back with open arms. But can the same be said of the fans? Fans tend to be less forgiving when a player snubs their club. Tevez's 50 plus goals will count for nothing for most fans. They will be adamant he should be sent packing and never wear the shirt again.For those who think that way, winning the title would be a better achievement without the Argentine, given what he has done for the club. We have proved there is life after Tevez and maybe it should stay like that.

City have dealt with this whole affair with dignity and have said the 'right' things in public. They have bent over backwards to accommodate the needs of the player in particular the personal aspects of his life. He has been allowed extended periods of leave on compassionate grounds. In August 2010 he was installed as captain. In December of that year he asked for a transfer. Four days later he withdrew that request and the manager still stood by him. City have supported the Argentine through thick and thin and he has chosen to bite off the hand that feeds him. Maybe it's time for Mancini to throw him a bone and tell him to chew on that!!

Geoff Stevenson

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