Week 23

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 23

Football Academy · Cult Status

- From Manchester City -

Coakley asks for further chairman backing.

BBC spoke to Manchester City manager Luke Coakley after the 3-0 loss to Arsenal

Luke another disappointing performance from the team?

We didnt play to out full capacity and we lost because of it. We did play a very young side today and rested some key players but it was a good learning curve for the likes of Hoskins and Ianelli who have improved since they joined us. We have beat Arsenal once this season and to do it again was always going to be a big ask but well look forward to other battles next season.

Former defender Richards had a key role today, any regrets on letting him go?

Richards is a world class player and I would love to still have him at Manchester City but the deal offered by Arsenal meant we were strengthened as a squad and gave us financial security that helped us get promoted and now stay in the Premiership. Hes a good lad and we wish him well for his career but hope next time he doesnt have such an effect when he plays us.

You can now look forward to another season in the Premiership, so will it be a case of youth against Blackburn ?

We want to beat Blackburn and keep our place above Newcastle in the league but at the same time we look to keep giving the youngsters time on the pitch. We will try something a bit different but now the pressure is off I hope we can end the season with a bang.

Do you anticipate many changes to the squad for next season?

We currently have three players out on loan (Baines, Eboue, Johnson) and three players that we have loaned in that will all return. Eboue and Baines are massive players for us and will be first team players next season. Johnson also has a cracking future and he may be loaned out again to get further experience but at the moment we are waiting until next season for any big decisions. I feel we are around 4 quality players short of competing with Portsmouth, Spurs and Arsenal but if we can bring in those players needed I think we can have another good season.

So you will be looking for your chairman to splash the cash and back you this season?

The chairman has been great since I joined and its great to have a chairman with such a great interest in football as well as being a good business man. He backed me at the mid season break and I think that went a long way to keeping us up. If he can back me again for the start of next season then Im sure we can push on again. We have Emerson retiring at the end of this season so we are one player down straight away and he needs to be replaced so we need to invest in the squad. With money comes added pressure but I have great faith in my ability to bring in the right players and I feel if we can add to the quality of youth we have then next season can be even better.

Media reports suggested you came close to agreeing a deal with Martins of Newcastle, how close did you come to signing him?

This is a bit of sore subject for me and my staff. Im not sure how close we came but we did have numerous talks with Newcastle and offered a very attractive package for Martins that Newcastle considered. Newcastle feel they had a better offer elsewhere and we have no problems with that however there are other factors from other clubs that we wont mention that has annoyed us and left us disappointed. We feel as a club we have conducted ourselves in the highest manner and if other clubs dont feel they can follow suit then I guess thats down to them.

Ben Carini · Sunday League Player

Zero Tollerance Attitude

Ben Carini has made a return to management since quitting Sheffield Wednesday after an unsuccessful start to the season. He has however, made a return as of the 6th June. His first plan of action is a "zero tolerance approach".

"We have a brilliant group of players that have been underperforming recently."

"We should have won promotion from this division, however, I believe we have the quality and capability to win in the play-offs."

He continued to describe his techniques in training:

"Here in Getafe, we have decided to create a professional attitude by introducing a harsh system. The players know their place and know that they will be praised and punished appropriately."

"We need to be in La Liga next season. The fans deserve it and I know the players will deliver."

Safehands · Cult Status

Arsenal Media Release

Arsenal boss Simon Newcombe spoke to the associated press today following the close to the regular season of the Premiership

Simon, a tough season for your lads this year what are your general feelings at this point?

Well overall the season has been a major disappointment to be honest. At the moment I am feeling quite content as my players have given me their all and really done well to crack on in the last part of the season to secure the 4th place target the chairman set and get ahead of Portsmouth and West Ham. Granted I fell we should never have been in that position to begin with but following an awful middle part of the season I am immensely proud of them to get us to where we finished

You seemed unlucky at the weekend against Chelsea, out playing them on chances and losing a 2 goal lead is this more the level you expect from your players?

Precisely the level of performance I am after and think the fans deserve and I thought we were unlucky to lose. It is easily the hardest place anyone visits over the course of a premiership season and Drew has them playing fantastic football from world class players. Shame not to draw or even sneak a win but very happy with a solid performance against worthy champions

And your plans for next season?

Dependant on the chairman at this point in terms of team structure. We have agreed a deal to bring a world class player to the club in week one although a number of players will be leaving as a result. I think next year will be even harder with the likes of Spurs getting large transfer funds and a new manager and the continued success of Portsmouth and West Ham. I hope to have funds made available to not lose ground on the chasing pack but my target and I think the club will match this - will be to regularly compete with Liverpool and Man U. Chelsea may remain too strong again but we will be far better placed to match them and the target is to fight for a top 3 finish

Any new news to report from around the ground?

Nothing significant at this point. Pat Rice and myself will meet within the next few weeks to look over the youth prospects for first team promotion next year, and we will also shortly entertain Chris Hanton for a meal and a chat as I hear there are rumours we may well be rivals next season! Im sure youll get round to sniffing out other news as it happens as you always do!

Simon then left for the European Championship finals to look over the prospects of Fabregas, Torres, Senderos and no doubt do some scouting of players.................

pricey · Cult Status

Media from Dale Price,

Hi Mr Price you must be glad that the season is over?

Yes you could say that it has been a crazy season from start to finish, No win in first 10 to go onto a run of no loss in the last 9. I can't remember having a boring time at Norwich at it will be a sad day when I do leave the club.

Have you talked with the board about the idea of you leaving?

Yes me and the board have had a few meetings and I ha e decided that I can't take Norwich any further than I have so it would be best for me to find another club that has the same ambition as me.

To which club will you be going to then Mr Price?

I am in talks with a few clubs at the moment so would rather not go too much into it at the moment.

Do you feel sad for leaving Norwich City?

No not really I have given everything I can to the club and I hope the fans can see and understand this. The club will always be at my heart they give me my first job in football, But it is really hard to do your job when you have to sell your best players in order to get money into the club.

In a previous interview you have said that you were happy in Norwich and couldn't see yourself leaving" what do you say to that?

What have I got to say about that? yes I did make that comment but a lot of things have happened at the club since then, I am not going to tell you all the details but I have had a couple of disagreements with the board but I have tried to get on with my job and not let it get to me.

Some managers have talked about you being their manager of the year what are your thoughts on that?

My thoughts? It must be a joke yeah, I have been on a great run but can't see manager of the year coming my way can you?

With you leaving Norwich does that mean that your deal with Stu Price at Seville will come to an end?

Yes it does and I am so sad to say that as Stu has been such a big help to me and I thank him very much, I wish him all the best for the future and hope he can do well in the euro final next week

Thank you for your time Mr Price good luck in your new job.

Thank you I will be making an announcement in the next few days

-- Edited by pricey at 16:16, 2008-06-08

Football Academy · Cult Status

Spurs announce new boss

Spurs released an official statement today on their website to confirm that a new manager had been appointed. Gus Poyet faced the media following the announcement.

Chris Hanton has agree to make the move from Spain to join our management team next season. Its an exciting time here. Chris has some good pedigree and Spurs has the potential to achieve something in the next couple of seasons. Its going to be an exciting time for all Spurs fans. The chairman has agreed to make sure money is available for summer transfers whatever the financial situation after the end of season wage bill. Im looking forward to working with Chris.

Football Academy · Cult Status

SEASON 2 AWARDS ANNOUNCED.

See Managers Office for link.

pricey · Cult Status

Interview In La gola with new Real Betis manager Dale Price

Hello Mr Price and welcome to Spain.

Thank you its nice to be here.

There were a few clubs after you when you left Norwich how did you come to choose Betis?

Yes I have talked with other clubs but when I found out that Betis was interested in me it didnt take long for me to make my mind up.

What are your plans for Real Betis?

This is a big club and due to mismanagement they find themselves near the bottom of the league, I aim to make Betis into the club the fans are used to seeing here. As I have shown in my past at Norwich I like playing younger players here at Betis we have some good young players here and I hope to use and improve them.

Are there any areas that you want to make stronger?

Yes I think there are some positions that I feel we need depth and strength, I am actively looking for a left wing back and will spend a good amount of money on the right player. As for the rest of the side I believe we have a good team and thats why I find it hard that Betis have finished where they have.

What are your feelings about being in La Liga?

I am looking forward to locking horns with Stu and Rob who I know well from my time at Norwich. I would love to be challenging Stu but think that may have to wait a season or two.

Thank you for your time Mr Price and good luck at Betis

It was no trouble and thank you for the good luck hope I dont need it

-- Edited by pricey at 16:17, 2008-06-10

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Jonny Sinclair was pleased to talk to skysports about his team's dramatic semi-final game win against Palermo

Hello Jonny that was an incredible win against Palermo what pleased you the most?

Well obviously first and foremost the win that pleased me the most but also the fact we dug deep and produced a win when we've been struggling to win of late and what with our injuries and big injuries with Canini and Mpenza out Palermo were clear favourites so to win was truly great.

As well as that the last minute goal by James what a time to pop up with a wonder goal like that it saved us from the nailbiting penatlies and even Danny cadamarteri who was playing his first game of the season and to score as well has done him a worldof good and he'll definately been playing on friday

We've heard that you have injuries for the next game as well could you comment on this?

well we do infact even more we though Canini and Kuffour would be back for this game but sadly they still won't be match fit Emile's injury is a long term one and now we have Martin Cranie and our goalkeeper Alessandro out its a huge blow but we'll have to get on with it and hopefully we can pull off another amazing win when we aren't at out full strength

Do you honestly believe you can beat Empoli with these injuries?

Of course we can we beat Palermo didn't we why can't we look to do that again against Empoli and it would be even sweeter seeing as they are one of the two teams who beat us all season in the league and itd be nice to get our revenge now

were you pleased to see three players of your side in the team 11 of Serie B?

Ohh extremely pleased we actually have more players than Livorno who were the champions this year which shows how wel my team have played and all i can say is congratulations to Alessandro Budel,Michele Canini and Martin Cranie who have been fully committed to the team and fully deserve to been in that team although i felt Emile Mpenza should have been in there but the fact is this league is so tight there were a couple of players i think who just pushed him out of it but he must have been considered for the team. Also Tony Farrell the Fiorentina's boss will be pleased to see Martin in there and he might feel that Martin might be able to make the grade in Serie A now and couldn't be more pleased if that happens and i can't thank him for loaning me all the players he has done as i feel its benefited both parties really well

Finally there have been reports that you will be leaving Cagliari after friday i this true?

Yes i will be leaving Cagliari after the game I'll be linking up with Ascoli who have a good young sqaud and i believe they have a brilliant furure an i'm thrilled i'll be a pat of that but i'm fully focused at the moment on Cagliari and gettin them promoted which will be a perfect way to leave the club and i know they will do well under there new manger who they have got to replace me and i would like to thanks the players and fans for a fantastic two years at the club

Thanks for speaking to us today Jonny good luck for friday

No problem and thanks a lot hopefully that luck will be the difference ad get us the win cheers

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans says goodbye to Leicester

Steve, You have now managed your last game for Leicester City, Any regrets?

Well yeah, Obviously I would have liked to take them up but that just didn't happen.

A disappointing season this year, failing to make the playoffs. Was this the final nail in your coffin?

Listen, This is a big club and should without question be in the playoffs but for one reason or another, we didn't get there. Milan (Mandaric) has got the right to pick and choose his managers and he wants success and I'm just sorry that I couldn't deliver it for the fans.

So pastures new?

Absolutley. I have agreed to take over at Cagliari in Seria B and I couldn't be happier. They are a side that very much remind me of Leicester, They are there or there abouts and are very close to becomming a major force.

How do you rate Jonny Sinclairs season this year?

I think Jonny has done a superb job and the fact that he's just taken them to the Playoff final shows how well he has done. I'm sure that he would like to bow out in style with a win that takes the club into Seria A.

Will you be at the playoff final?

Definatley, I have arranged to be there and I will be willing the team on. Hopefully I will get the chance to have a drink or two with Jonny after the game regardless of the result.

So, what are your plans for the club?

Well that obviously depends. If we get into Seria A then it's all about consolidating within that division and trying to kick on and move onwards and upwards. If the club find themselves still in Seria B then we will look to challenge for automatic promotion next season and try and avoid the playoffs.

Any signings arranged?

Well I won't go into too many but Kevin McNaughton will be joining me in Italy and I think he will add fantastic professionalism into the defence.

Steve, Thank you very much and good luck.

Thank you and no worries.

-- Edited by Bluebird99 at 20:41, 2008-06-10

PUREADE1 · International Player

HAYDEN DANDO SPEAKS EXCLUSIVELY ON HIS MOVE BACK TO ENGLAND

Plalermo manager Hayden Dando has returned to his home nation to manage an English club for the first time, Sheffield Wednesday is where he has gone and he speaks to use about where he thinks things will go from here.

So Ade, first things first what made you want to return to England, and why Sheffield Wednesday?
Well, i had been managing in Italy for most of the season with Palermo, it was a great club to start out at and i had the opportunity to work with some fantastic players like Di Michele and Ishmael Miller, but im a proud Englishman and i wanted to manage an English club.Sheffield Wednesday made me a good offer and you can't ignore the history of the club and the potential that is here.

Is it not true though that you applied for several other jobs before being approached by Wednesday?
I am not going to deny that, i did apply for jobs at Spurs and West Brom but both of those clubs had managers in place by the time i applied, the only other job i have applied for was Middlesbrough and i haven't heard anything back of them, Sheffield Wednesday made me an offer and i decided that i would try to give this club something they have seemed to lack so far, guidance and leadership.

Finally what can you see happening at Hillsbrough under your reign?
All i will say is that we will improve year by year, this years first task is to build a squad which can compete at this level and try to push ourselves into at the least a play off position, after that i will re-evaluate at the end of the season and make a decision then.But all i ask is for time from the supporters and backing from the board and we will achieve what we all want at this club - SUCCESS.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings Rallies the troops as promotion chance looms

Never are we reminded more of the narrow margins of success and failure than on play-off final day. To the victor the spoils, and to those who finish second there is nowhere to hide away from the disappointment and consequences. Many times have the logic and fairness of the play-off system been questioned, but continually we are reminded of their unique and spell-binding properties.

So today is the day of destiny for two clubs, both ex-premiership, and both with a proud history and tradition which lends itself to a better home than League One football. Football is an unforgiving game however, and divine right does not exist, just hard work and a desire to win. Both Coventry and Sunderland will be going into todays game fully aware of the opportunities afforded to them with two superb wins against quality opposition in the semi finals. But quite what must the managers be feeling, almost helpless at this stage. Perhaps the best way to even begin to comprehend this is by referring to Coventry manager Mark Rollings words in his morning news conference today.

I have spoken in length over the last few weeks about enjoying the challenge and opportunity rather than getting consumed by the irrational fear of failure. If failing is so bad, would it not be best to not even try? Of course not, and that is what we have talked about as a group from the moment we beat Leeds. We have a special group of players here that has the chance to put this club back where it belongs. We believe in our ability, have confidence in ourselves to get the right result, and trust each other to deliver the goods when its most needed. We dont fear the occasion or what failure may mean, it excites us, drives us, and fuels our desire to get the result we need!

Alas, one club will be celebrating a small step to returning to their famous heritage, while one will be dealt another blow in a string of events which has left them in Englands bottom league. In a game when the smallest of details could make the difference, could the Coventry attitude carry them through to a successful conclusion to a remarkably season turn around.

Paul Wilson, Guardian Sport.

Luke_C · Cult Status

Manchester City today released this statement in regard to the failed loans of Mpenza from Cagliari and Johnson loan to Cagliari.

"Manchester City today confirm there huge disappointment with Cagliari Football Club and their incoming manager Steve Davies-Evans. Manchester City can confirm that we hold an E-mail from Mr Davies-Evans dated 5 June 2008 confirming the loan swap of Mpenza to Manchester City after initial talks were completed during that day. The document confirms Michael Johnson would leave the City of Manchester Stadium in week one of the season and Emile Mpenza to join us in week two of the new season."

"Everyone connected with Manchester City including the manager Luke Coakley took the evidence to mean that this was a deal that was 100% and not something that would be broken. We had no doubt that the deal would now go ahead. A number of other offers were rejected for Michael Johnson once this agreement was in place as we pride ourselves on honesty and creditability when dealing with other clubs."

"Disappointingly we received a further e-mail from Cagliari Mr Davies-Evans dated 11 June 2008 - Some 6 days after the original deal was agreed - confirming they no longer wished the loan deal to go ahead. The reason given, was a tie up with Arsenal that meant their players now took priority and ours bascially dismissed. As Mr Davies-Evans confirmed in his e-mail this is going into their third season as a link up with Arsenal. This confuses matters even further as surely such a long standing club link up would have known what is expected of each other and other deals should not have been talked about and certainly not agreed. We are concerned outside influences damaged this deal and someone suggested Cagliari may be better off selling Mpenza. We know on the same day Steve Davies-Evans told us he no longer had space for our loan deal, and that he offered Mpenza to other clubs suggesting he had no plans to negotiate the loan in any other way with us."

"The lack of professionalism, creditability and respect shown by Cagliari and Mr Davies Evans has shocked Manchester City and is something that has not been seen in Football Academy by ourselves to date."

"Manchester City and manager Luke Coakley would like to apologise to Emile Mpenza and Michael Johnson who have been left with their immediate future up in the air through no fault of there own or Manchester City."

"We are now in talks with other clubs taking Michael Johnson and hope to finalise something in the next few days."

-- Edited by Man_City at 17:46, 2008-06-13