Week 3

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Week 3

PUREADE1 · International Player

Ahead of The Owls next game against Preston North End, manager Hayden Dando speaks exclusively to Football Focus on the poor start to the season, his long term ideas for the club and just who is he going to bring in next?

FF - So Hayden another dissapointing result this week against Wolves, what do you put the bad start at Hillsborough down to?

HD - Well i am not going to make too many excuses as that is not my way, the only mitigating factor is that we are going through a period of change.I had 2 debuatants on the field this week in Olejnik and David Dunn.But results are my job so i have to say the buck stops with me and things must improve.

FF - On the subject of new signings, we hear you are set to bring in 2 more players this week?

HD - Indeed we are, subject to a medical both Ivan de La Pena and John Hartson will join us this week and im also trying to negotiate a few loan deals.At the end of the day this is a huge club and finsihing bottom of league one was not acceptable for us last season so i will bring players in and the only ones that will remain are the ones who show they really want to be here.

FF - So what about the game against Preston, will you be making alot of changes?

HD - I haven't fully decided my side yet and even if i had im hardly going to let anybody know it yet, ha ha.But i will say that we have to show Preston the respect they deserve, they gave a strong Sunderland side a run for their money.All i can promise is that the 11 lads i send out will give everything for the fans and we will hopefully get a result.

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

GOOD LUCK MATE,
Following the media report from Steve Davies-Evans,His brother Dave took time out of his busy schedule to have a chat with us about the up coming game against Calagari.
"I am so looking forward to pitting my wits against a talented manager in Steve, who did a fantastic job as manager of liecester. However there will be no favours when the two sides meet. Although he is my Bro im going to teach him a lesson in football masterclass that he has not seen before on this game".
"I need to beat teams of this calibre so i can launch my asault on this league, I have some very exciting players coming shortly from my feeder club. Then Look Out.
See you on the touchline Bro. lol

GarethGardner · Cult Status

TalkSports Andy Townsend has officially got Gareth Gardners first interview as manager of Celta Vigo

AT - Hi Gareth, How are you settling in Spain at your new job ?

GG - Well Im settling very well here in Spain. The weather is beutifull and the people here are great. My family is settling well in the area.Im even starting to get a sun tan !

AT - Hows things looking on the football front ?

GG - As you know Iv had 2 games now and won 2 games. Iv slightly changed my views this year and have started to invest in a younger team and mix it with the experiance that is allready here. As you can see with my transfers Colin Kazim-Richards is a very bright young talent, so to is Adrian Montalto and Vincenzo Ferrante.

AT - Whats your aim this season ?

GG - My aim this season is to hopefully finish in 2nd place. I really cant see many teams being able to cope with the strength of Real Zaragoza with Diego Milito and Adebayor they will have to be favourites. Im looking at Celta Vigo long term and promotion will be my aim and have great trust in my young stars being able to consolidate my position in the Primera next season. Osasuna, Racing Santander and possibly Getafe will also expect to challenge for the honours this year.

AT - Are you missing life back in England ?

GG - Being honest, Im not missing it at all. I still have close connections back home obviously and will have fond memories of Leeds United. My young striker Adrian Montalto will shortly be leaving on loan to help out Leeds also.

AT - Speaking of transfers do you expect many other names to arrive here with you ?

GG - Yes Andy.I think my only weakness now is numbers at the back. Celta have now officially had a bid accepted by Cardiff City for Matt Hudson who is currently undergoing a medical with terms of his contract allready agreed.Other than that I will be looking for loan signings in all positions if the right person can strengthen the team

AT - Looking at the other leagues who do you think will be the forces this season ?

GG - Im a keen admirer and watcher of all leagues. If I have to tip anybody it will be Zaragoza for the Segunda,Real Madrid for the Primera as soon as they get their man at the helm. Moving on to Italy I would expect Sampdoria to win Serie B again if they get the right man at the helm.Serie A is the hardest league to call and I would like to see Adam at Roma triumph over the 2 Milan clubs.Then its the dreaded League 1 ! My tip would have to be a good mate of mine in Johnathan Petty to win this league.Hes done a great job in bringing in the right players and I fully expect him at Sunderland to win that league just above Derby County.My Championship tip would be Blackburn Rovers when they get the right man in. And the Premiership Chelsea will be the team to catch. Although I dont want them to win it, I would like to see Simon at Arsenal do it.Hes got a great young team.My worry though is that he will make the same mistake last year and leave himself without cover in key positions by helping out his friend at Cagliari.

AT - Thanks for the interview Gareth. And thanks for being honest and good luck in your promotion battle this season.

GG - Thanks a lot Andy. Can I just say Good Luck to a good mate in Steve Davies-Evans in his vital battle next weekend against his brother.And finally get his 1st win at Cagliari !

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans V Davies-Evans

"We have the power upfront!" - Steve Davies-Evans

Cagliari manager Steve Davies-Evans has turned up the heat ahead of his sides clash against Reggina next week. Reggina who are managed by Davies-Evans' brother Dave are currently one point ahead of Cagliari but Steve Davies-Evans is confident that his side has the power up front to see off thier opponents.

"I think we have assembled an extremley good strike force and I believe that this will be the key for us next week. I have worked with Theo (Walcott) previously at Leicester and I know how he can terrorise defenses and that's what I will be looking for from him starting at Reggina."

When asked if he felt his side could still gain promotion after two defeats out of two Davies-Evans was extremley upbeat.

"Of course we can. We all knew the first two games were going to be tough, with all due respect to Jonny (Sinclair) - I only inherrited half a team so it's been about rebuilding. We have now brought in a few players and we really feel that we are heading in the right direction. Training has been really positive and the players seemed to have a lift from Theo, Manuel Iarrusso and Xisco coming in."

With Cagliari still at 6/1 to gain promotion, it remains to be seen if they have what it takes to clinch a Seria A place but if they are to go up then they have to start winning and there is no better place then against his Brothers team.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Coventry enjoying week off with Baggies looming

With a two week break in hand, and four early season points in the bag from the first two games, Coventry City jetted out to the Algarve today in buoyant mood. Their unbeaten start, to what promises to be a challenging season ahead, will leave a sweet taste in their mouths as they take on some of Europes best golf courses in between some gruelling fitness sessions in the areas infamous Jolero Destasio sports facility.

They wont have to wait long however to be reminded of the difficulties of The Championship regime, with a difficult trip to The Hawthorns to take on the star studded West Bromwich Albion. Their midlands rivals are heavy favourites to go up as Champions this year and it seems unlikely that the unbeaten run will continue for the plucky Sky Blues. Manager Mark Rollings has hinted that he will use the fixture to rest some of his older professionals and give the younger fledglings a chance to shine.

'We have to be sensible with our squad management this year. Some of the older guys will need to be looked after and I dont see the point of putting them into such a testing game when we have two massive fixtures against Cardiff and Norwich up next. Nesta, Rivera, Rommedahl will all take a rest, and we will delay Dave Kitsons debut so he can be fresh and ready for the games to come.'

And in response to journalist accusations that the game was being sacrificed by the young Welsh manager Rollings was keen to play up his youngsters capabilities.

'Jordi Gomez deserves his chance, and Nicolo (Brighenti) had a fantastic season last year. None of the players that will come in worry me at all, because they are all more than capable of performing. If West Brom play their strongest side even including our stars would more than likely result in a loss, so why bother risking them? The season has many more twists and turns and we need a fit and hungry squad.'

It seems that the Sky Blues manager may be happy to right off the West Brom game in the hope of mounting a more serious assault on the relegation rivals.

The Jolero's signature hole 12 which will be causing the Coventry squad problems this weekend.

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 21:54, 2008-07-02

paulh_85 · Cult Status

Albion boss slates Rollings

In a press confernece to the gathering media, West brom boss Paul harrington spoke of his teams solid start to the season, and his first game on home soil next week against Coventry.

"we have got off to a good solid start, but without being spectacular, we have picked up 2 vital away wins and im happy with that, now we have our first home game of the season and the supporters will be expecting nothing but a win."

"watford and southampton will both do well this season i think, so to go away to both places and pick up wins is encouraging, were still not complete in terms of personnell, but have a few deals in the pipeline, we will only get stronger."

looking ahead to next weeks game against coventry, Harrington spoke or admiration for the way rollings has gone about his job, but had some words of warnings too.

"personally, if i was a coventry player I would be upset at his words, what does a manager expect from the players if he himself expects to lose? what he said was nothing short of disrespectful to the players, the board, and most importantly the fans. i like rollings as a manager, but cant quite fathom this line of thinking."

"were not interested in getting involved in mind games over team and tactics either, maybe he will rest players, maybe hes trying to catch us off guard but we dont worry about what other teams do here, we know we just have to concentrate on what we do well. After the game im sur ill share a bottle of wine with rollins, and wish him all the best for the season. but for now i want all three points, and wont be happy unless we get them!"

-- Edited by paulh_85 at 22:43, 2008-07-02

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Realistic ambitions key to Coventry success: Rollings responds to Albion hard line.

Taking time out of his golf session with the Coventry City first team squad Sky Blues manager Mark Rollings provided an instantaneous response to the tough talking Pail Harrington after he criticised the enigmatic manager of patronising his own team and fans. The West Brom boss refused to be drawn into tactical wrangling, a matter which Rollings seemed unsuprised with;

Firstly I think Paul is a superb manager and has proven pedigree within the English League system. It doesnt suprise me that he sees no need to disclose his preferred starting eleven before the game because I believe he is supremely confident of picking a side to take all three points against us. We pretty much know the system he will go with, and the players who will start, but it doesnt make it any easier to combat. Koumas will start and he is incredibly dangerous, especially with Motta providing a solid foundation for the rest of the midfield to play a bit further up the pitch.

Journalists then probed Rollings further on his understanding of the tactical and selection methods of boss Paul Harrington.

There is no doubt they will set up with a 4-4-2 system. I know Paul has suggested he may rest Luca Toni, and he is in an enviable situation to be able to bring in quality if he sees fit to do so. I can reassure the players, board, and most of all fans that I have the upmost belief in my squad to do the job this season. But I also ask for their continued trust in allowing me to complete my job and stave of relegation this season. If that means a loss to West Brom then so be it! I would rather be honest from the outset rather than patronise my own fans. It wil be important to keep a level of morality about us this season as its the reality that we are not at the same level at West Brom or teams like that yet.

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 23:17, 2008-07-02

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

"Rolling keen to take the romance out of Football "- Davies-Evans

Cagliari manager Steve Davies-Evans is the latest manager to speak up against Mark Rollings tactics against WBA.

"It's hard for me to comment as I am longer in England but I have to say that I was abit upset by Mark's words. Everyone knows this is football and when you are head to head, anything can happen. The fact that the FA cup is the most famous cup in the world is because the minnows can beat the giants on their day so why shouldn't Coventry beat WBA?

It's either a fantastic smoke screen by Mark to make everyone think that he's gonna rest players in an attempt to make Paul do the same or he genuinly doesn't believe in his players to get some sort of result. Personally I don't think that you can think that you are going to lose and I'm sure the Coventry players are a little "Miffed" by hearing what Mark is saying.

Mark has taken his team on holiday to a swanky resort for what? To ready them for defeat? Seems abit strange. I could understand it if the Chairman was spending all that money in order to get them ready for a huge game but it seems that it's just a jolly boys outing before they get beat. Yes we have had a break but surely it wuld have been better to go away straight after the WBA game to get them ready for the games against Cardiff and Norwich which Mark himself has pin pointed as crucial!"

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings lauds 'hilarious' Davies-Evans

After taking time out of his teams 'sejourn' in the Algarve Coventry City manager Mark Rollings and his team were dictated the words of lowly Cagliari manager Steve Davies-Evans. The remarks from the unestablished manager seemed to strike a chord with the entire squad as they enjoyed a laugh and a joke at Davies-Evans' expense before finishing their round in the sensational beach side resort. Before punching a beautiful drive down the 10th fairway Rollings took time out to remind Davies-Evans that he should perhaps concentrate on getting himself to a stage where his advice and opinion would hold some weight.

'It has made a good day for us here all the better reading what he had to say. The players enjoyed it ever more than me! It's one thing taking criticism from a manager like Paul (Harrington) but It's incredible really that Steve thinks we should take his opinion seriously. This is the manager that achieved nothing in League One apart from leaving Leicester City in dire straits before jumping ship to a second rate Italian Second Division team. I suppose you have to give him credit for his work at Cagliari mind, two losses from two is quite some turnaround from a play off final team. Maybe we should start calling him Harry Potter because he certainly seems to have magic powers when it comes to underachievement and poor management.'

Even new captain Alessandro Nesta spared us some time to remark on the jovality of the rediculous press release from Davies-Evans.

'I thank him because I think it is hard to get to grips with English humour. But his jokes seem to span the language barrier nicely. I have many friends in Italian football, and at Cagliari and they must be fearing the worst.'

The whole squad then dedicated there next shots to the over-stated Cagliari manager, before instructing their tour managers to send a heart felt 'wish you were here' card straight to Mr Davies-Evans. However, one would assume there was a fair slice of irony in the words as clearly very few clubs in the league system, would wish the young wizard anywhere near their club.

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 20:33, 2008-07-03

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans warns Rollings about stealing!

Steve Davies-Evans has launched a major attack on Mark Rollings following his recent words in the media.

"I am absolutley tamping with Mark! The problem is, Mark doesn't think about anyone apart from himself. He continues to think about number one all the time. I thought that we were friends and then he does this to me! Well this is where our friendship ends and I mean that. He cannot continue to keep stealing off my Daughter. I was up for 3 hours with her last week because she couldn't find her favourite book - "Harry Potter and the Philossiphers Stone" and now I know where it's bloody gone!

I wouldn't mind but Mark has done this before, We had a whole week of crying because her "Mr Tickle and friends" book had disapeered. Turned out, Mark was trying to work on his vocabulary. It's just not on, You can't keep taking things without asking. It's a bloody cheek that he then goes and makes it clear in the media, You think that he'd be silent about it. I suppose it's just nice that he's advancing well from Mr Men to J K Rowling. Bless Him"

Fletch · Cult Status

Gimnastic Manager Refuses to Listen to Media Pressure

We finished in the top 6 in my first season at the club. Two games without a when is really not a cause for panic at the start of the season.

My squad is still changing and I have deals up to week 6 so we are rotating the squad every week. With limited options players have to play out of position and tactics change to suit who's available.

On the sale of Juan Antonio to Florentina.

Obviously in an ideal world we wnated to keep hold of Antonio, he will be one of the best players in the world in 5 years. However, a deal involving players and cash was too good to turn down when your struggling to field a fit 11. We wish Antonio all the best in Italy and Im sure his manager will ensure his development is secure.

PUREADE1 · International Player

DANDO SPEAKS AHEAD OF VITAL GAME

Sheffield Wednesday boss Hayden Dando talks to Sky Sports ahead of what he calls a vital game against Preston at Hillsborough

SS - So Hayden 2 games 2 defeats things haven't started too well have they?

HD - No to be fair they haven't, there is no hiding that, however i said when i took the job that the squad i inherited was one of the worst in the division, with only a handful of players good enough to be at the club.The squad is now starting to take shape and i have players commited to Sheffield Wednesday, including one or two who have surprised me as i didn't expect them to play well enough to stay in my plans.

SS - Yes, you have also brought in several new faces to Hillsborough?

HD - Yes, again the players i have brought in have made good starts, young Robert Olejnik is a goalkeeper for the future although he made his debut this week against Wolves, David Dunn has started nicely and David Garcia should make his debut this week, along with that i expect to have a striker joining on loan this week and a midfielder for 4 million so the squad will continue to evolve.

SS - You have called this game vital to your plans, how come?

HD - Quite simple really, i don't expect us to keep up with the likes of Sunderland as they have better squads and more resources and we are still just getting our act together, Preston are in a similar situation to us, their manager is remoulding their squad and it will be an important test to see what level we are at and wether our chairman, Mr Ecclestone's target of a top 6 finish is realistic or not.And apart from all that we need a victory under our belt.

SS - You have had a 2 week break from competition, has that left the players refreshed and what have you been doing in this mini break?

HD - Yes, the players had a nice little getaway to Monaco where they had some time on Mr Ecclestone's boat, before getting down to some hard work on the training ground and they all seem refreshed for it, me i have been playing a little bit of golf and spending some time with the most important person in my life, Mrs Stella.

SS - Indeed! So do you think you can still turn this club into a force again?

HD - Yes i don't see why not, with Bernie(Ecclestone) as chairman we have the financial backing this club needs as well as a man with a lot of ambition.I believe in myself as i did at Palermo and i managed to get them into the playoffs and an F.A Cup q/final.I don't expect us to get anywhere near that in the cup although a good run is always nice, i do however still believe that top 6 finish is achievable if we start putting some results together and believe in ourselves as a team

SS - Finally, there has been a rumor you were about to sign John Hartson but pulled out of the deal at the last minute, whats going on there?

HD - Yes i did agree to bring John to the club, the deal was arranged for this week but due to another club backing out of a deal for one of my players i had to pull out of John's transfer, i let Albion's manager know last week that the earliest i can buy him is at the week 7 mark, and whilst he was understandably dissapointed he has said the deal should be fine to go through then.I would however like to publicly apologise to West Brom and the player as pulling out of deals is definatly not my style and i would never do so if there was another option available, but i would like to thank West Brom and their manager for his patience with me on the deal.

SS - Hayden, thank you and good luck this week against Preston

HD - Thanks very much.