David May planning party for Man City's 35th year without a trophy

The local police have already issued warnings to both clubs (and Carlos Tevez in particular) ahead of this weekend's Manchester derby. Despite that, former Manchester United defender David May has been touting a party in the city center the night before the match that he described as a celebration of Man City's 35th years without a trophy.

From the Manchester Evening News:

The M.E.N. understands the Stretford End ticker banner, which celebrates Citys barren spell, will be turned from 34 to 35 during the party.

Advertising the event on his blog, May, 40, wrote: The next United Night has landed perfectly, it is before the biggest game of the season, A TITLE DECIDER WITH CITY AT OLD TRAFFORD IN FEB. Hundreds of Reds getting together for a night they will never forget.

WE ARE ALSO CELEBRATING CITY NOT WINNING A TROPHY IN 35 YEARS!!! HA HA. SEE YOU THERE!!!!

After the M.E.N. contacted May, the final sentence and a picture of the ticker banner were taken down. He said the event was part of the traditional banter between fans and was not meant to offend.

He added: Its one of the biggest derbies in a long time and Im sure the fans will be singing about it and the players will be asked about it. Its friendly banter.

And I'm sure all City fans will take it as such. Just as all Man Utd fans took City's Carlos Tevez "Welcome to Manchester" billboard as silly and not at all antagonizing.

When asked about it, Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart had a decent retort, though. From the Telegraph:

"It's not false because we haven't won anything for 35 years," he said.

"But I assume they are doing it because there won't be many more of them."

So if that party doesn't devolve into some sort of gang war in the middle of Manchester, this match -- which probably won't be a title decider -- should be fun.

Photo: Getty Images