week 6

pricey · Cult Status

week 6

Jozz · Cult Status

Pressure mounts at Cardiff

Following the defeat of Cardiff at the Ricoh Arena at the hands of Coventry this week Sky Sports News caught up with the scorer of Cardiff's goal, Gianvito Plasmati. He told us that the fans are beginning to feel restless, especially following the capture of winger Hugo Viana for almost what some people consider to be approximately double his value. Gianvito said "It was always going to be a difficult game for us at their place. When we got the goal back to bring it to 2-1 we thought we would push on and at least get the draw. But it didn't work out like that. Instead we were hit with a third goal. We are certainly struggling to get a result in the league this season. It is difficult especially when you see the promoted teams holding their own. The league is not an easy one - there are no easy games. Players cannot be rested, we just have to try and keep our chins up and we will try to get our first league win next time out. But again we are away, this time at Ewood Park, and their fans will be right behind them. Quite how we turn around our form is something that seems beyond our reach at the moment."

Skysports news is reporting that manager JD Jaques has had a response regarding the Gareth Barry deal struck between Watford and Villa last week, and sources close to the manager indicate that he understands the terms of the deal, but still thinks that Jamie Walker pulled off one of the deals of his illustrious career.

They also believe that the manager will be approaching the Chairman to discuss funding at the club, because he feels that paying large money sums is an action that sometimes has to be done to capture the right player. But in order to progress the club further it is understood that he feels a reasonable cash injection would be required, especially as he has not benefitted from this during the time he has been at the club. Local media reports are saying that he may be reviewing his position if talks are unsucessful.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Cagliari boss comes out in defence of Jaques

Cardiff born Steve Davies-Evans has tody entered the debate regarding whether JD Jaques should remain in charge of the Ninian Park outfit. We caught up with him at the clubs training gtound today and asked him what he thought of his boyhood clubs current situation.

"I think that JD is trying to do the right thing there. Alot of people came out about how much he paid for Hugo Vianna but I think that if the manager is certain that the player will make a difference, pay the money! The only reason so much was made about that deal was because there was a transfer involving Watford for high profile name that eneded up going for cheaper. JD will learn from this and come out of it a stronger manager. He's got a great club there and plenty of time to turn things round. JD is the sort of manager that can pull a rabbit out of a hat so dont be surprised to see Citys results start to pick up."

When asked if he fancied the job should Jaques be sacked, Davies-Evans was polite but realistic.

"I think I am way off from that sort of job at the moment. I have as much chance of getting Chelsea,Arsenal, Liverpool or Man Utd at the moment. I would love to manage them one day yes but the simple facts are, I am in the middle of trying to achieve things with Caglirai and I am truly not the right man for the Cardiff City job at this present time. They have a very good manager in place that I'm sure will turn it around anyway."

So Davies-Evans is fully backing JD Jaques but will the Cardiff board give him the backing after publicly asking for money? Only time will tell

-- Edited by Bluebird99 at 02:28, 2008-07-27

Football Academy · Cult Status

Unrest in Cardiff stands

City fans this weekend showed their frustration at the poor form the club is showing by walking out of the ground before the final whistle. Against pre season relegation favourites Coventry, the Welsh side conceded either side of half time and despite grabbing a goal back through Plasmati, conceded a third and looked comfortably beaten by the end. With 15 minutes remaining after Forlan scored the third Coventry goal, large parts of the home stands could be seen to be empty. Those who did stay until the end jeered and whistled their own players as they left the pitch.

Cardiff, expected to finish mid table or even push for the play-offs, find themselves in grave danger at the wrong end of the table and badly struggling for points. Following the game, a Welsh radio station running a football phone-in received numerous angry callers. Some of the players dont deserve to even be playing in this division! one fan complained. Albin looked barely professional standard out there today.

Despite Viana joining in probably a club record deal from Valencia last week, Cardiff are struggling to find the net with top score Palladino only managing 3 goals in 6 games, and Plasmati being the only other to bag any goals all season so far.

Notts Forest hit rock bottom

Bottom of the English pyramid, the League One club Notts Forest have reached a new low this week in what is becoming a torrid season. Chairman Nigel Doughty announced this afternoon that he has resigned as chairman of the club with immediate effect following the clubs entrance into administration.

Doughty, who had previously supported the manager despite a large drop in form, is thought to have taken his stake in the club already. Administrators are yet to comment on the exact situation of the clubs finances but speculation is that a debt of around £20 million will have to be cleared before the club can get itself back in the black.

This, on top of Notts Forests league position, has raised questions regarding manager Rob O'Briens future. The Fan Club are thought to want the manager to remain at the club and help rebuild when the debt is cleared. However speculation from Italy is that Messina, Siena and Torino are all tracking the situation and may make a move if it O'Brien expresses a desire to leave with the chairman.

GarethGardner · Cult Status

In a sensational outburst in todays News of the World, Celta Vigo manager Gareth Gardner had given a warning to all F.A football managers in a disgust to a failed transfer between Juan Carlos Valeron and his team Celta Vigo. He is stated as quoting -

" I am absolutely disgusted that Carlos is not a Celta Vigo player this week.Celta Vigo will no longer be doing any dealings with Deportivo La Coruna. I also understand that this is not the first time that Adam Tyrone Davies has let people down regarding transfers. A good mate of mine and a fellow F.A manager who I wont name and shame has also been let down by Adam and let Adam know what he thought about his transfer dealings. I understand from a close source that this guy is putting in 10 team sheets a week and would advise all managers how unreliable this man is with regards to tranfers and to be very wary of expecting a deal to go through. I even have proof of a pm confirming he has put the deal on the team sheet ! "
" On a positve note I would like to thank all reliable managers that I have dealt with in the past and am very pleased to anounce that Argentine international Ezequal Garay has officially signed for the club and is looking fit and ready to take on Bilbao this week. And Celta Vigo will also step up their search for bringing in the right players this week,working with reliable managers."

Besty · Cult Status

Wolves manager Jamie Best today gave his first interview of the season on life at Wolves so far

So Jamie, a great start to the season, what do you think has been the key to the great form of the team?

Well its a combination of everything really, our loan signings have been superb so far and I will be hoping to keep hold of Wayne (Routledge) and Nsofor (Victor Obinna) after the half way stage so that I can continue pushing for those automatic promotion places, but obviously we will be talking to their respective clubs about that nearer the time. We have also seen some new arrivals that have done well, Landon (Donovan) arrived late last season and he has been brilliant in this earlier stage. Some good players have also left which is disappointing but when there is no cash available there is little else to do but generate it through the sale of good players.

You have added an expansion to the stadium and kept your ticket price the same, whats your reasoning behind this?

I think that while we are playing well and filling up the stadium its an ideal time to expand, and there is no point raising the price of tickets if our form deteriorates as then we will have a 14,500 seater stadium which is only ¾ full every week. The chairman was happy to expand and is pleased with the work I am doing so its good to see the club moving in the right direction. I have also got a scout in Germany but as money is tight I am again limited to what is available to me.

What do you think the team needs to push on that extra step into the Championship?

When you look at the results weve had, excluded the defeat to Sunderland on the opening day of the season, we have been banging in the goals. Out of the 4 minor divisions, English Championship, League One, Italy Serie B and the Segunda division in Spain we are the highest scoring team. But what does worry me is the amount of goals we tend to concede. I would much rather a 1-0 victory every week as clean sheets build confidence and we havent had one if those yet this year. The loss of Andrea (Coda) to Preston this week wont help that fact but we have seen the Arrival of young Dave (Hibbert) plus a small sum of cash which as Ive already mentioned is becoming crucial at the business end if the table. The defence is certainly my number one priority over the next two or three seasons.

Does that mean that you will be around for the long term?

I hope so. As long as Jack (Hayward Chairman) is happy for me to be at the helm and the fans are enjoying our football then I dont see why not. Building a team from pretty much nothing and taking them up the leagues is a bigger challenge to me than winning a title with a team of superstars. I havent even looked at other jobs since I have been here and have just been concentrating on doing the best I can for Wolves, when I cant take them any further then that is the time to move on to a new challenge.

You have had some good results yourself this year and surprised a few people but which teams and managers have stood out for you?

The first one that really springs to mind is Simon at Arsenal. At stages last season it looked like the team were in crisis and results werent going their way but look at them this season, they beat United at Old Trafford and a good result at Pompey over the weekend has seen them consolidate 3^rd place and I hope he keeps it going. Spurs and Chris have also done superbly taking maximum points so far. Jamie at Watford I have dealt with a few times and Im pleased to see him doing a great job, successive promotions would be a great achievement for him and the club. The two managers that have impressed me in League One met at the weekend with Bristol City and new manager Stephen Wells taking the spoils against Mark at Preston who has made some shrewd signings to take them up into a promising position just outside the playoffs, but its still early days and things are sure to change before the final few weeks.

Thanks for taking time to talk to us Jamie

No problem.

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Jonny Sinclair was thrilled to bring Scott Parker to the Ascoli team this week for £10million

'Its a great signing for us probably the best i've made since i've been a manger he's a great player he's great attackling and picking players out and reading the game i'm delighted to bring him its a record buy for Ascoli and its completely worth it i think we've been struggling to win games because we haven't been good enough in the middle of the park but i think we will now have that bite to win games now instead of just drawing them'

Scott also was delighted to be joining Ascoli to help the aim of promotion

'Its nice to be here the set up here is great their are a lot of youngsters here all eager to do well and they like the manager believe we can go up and its the reason why i came here the manager really impressed me and i've come here to get Ascoli climbing up that table with the players we have here i don't see why we can't be higher'

SteW · Top Flight Player

Bristol City Has Potential - Wells

Newly appointed Bristol City manager Stephen Wells has today spoken of his plans for the club. Breaking his media silence, Wells said that he doesn't understand why Bristol are in League 1, and that he hopes they won't be there next season.
"I look at the squad of players we've got, and I don't see a League 1 team. We've got players of real quality here, and with maybe one or two additions, we should be looking to finish in the playoffs, at least."

This may come as a surprise to many, with Bristol having been seen as a soft touch in recent seasons. Indeed, the rejuvenated City players seem to have taken to Wells and his methods, and have collected 12 points from a possible 15 in the opening games of the season.
"We've had a good start, and we'll look to push on. The players have done well so far and they know I expect them to keep it up."
Supporters of the club will be pleased to hear this no doubt, and will be even more pleased with the new ticket prices. This again is all part of Wells' master plan.
"I want the stadium to be full, week in, week out. You shouldn't underestimate the effect the fans can have on the team. The players want to be running out to a full house; they want to hear the fans cheering them on. The opposition want to hear their fans too, so it's down to our lot to out-sing them."

Football Academy · Cult Status

Valladolid young star speaks out

David Cortez gave his first exclusive interview today since he signed his first professional contract in football. Cortez came through the Valladolid academy which is growing in fame after producing young stars in the making such as Jesus, Asier, and Sergio.

"This season has been everything I dreamed it would be and more. To sign professionally in pre-season was a great moment for me. Simon Jenkins was very kind and made me feel at home in the first team. I never thought that hed give me a chance in the first team so Ive tried to grab it with both hands."

Cortez currently leads the Valladolid scoring chart with 5 goals in 5 games for the newly promoted side, something again he praises his manager for.

"Of course Valladolid is a small club but we have a great fan base here. The manager saw something here when he took over. He has a long history in the game and I remember seeing the news on TV when he joined and being really happy. The young players here are really flourishing under him. Jesus and Asier have been playing against some of the worlds best midfields this season and have done a great job. Even though weve played the top 3 already this season Ive managed a goal a game ratio. I just want to repay the managers faith in me."

Reports are that Chelsea have representatives out in Spain to watch this weeks game as Valladolid take on strugglers Real Betis in a 6 pointer at the bottom of the table, with a view to having Cortez partner Caturano in the future Chelsea front line. However they may face a fierce rivalry with Arsenal reportedly keen on the wonder kid who would fit perfectly into the managers youth policy there.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings planning quadruple swoop as Reebok test looms.

Normally, ten points from a possible fifteen upon your promotion to The Championship would appease most managers thirst for success. Thats the impressive points haul that Mark Rollings Coventry City have already managed this season. However the perfection driven young Welsh manager believes his side will get even better!

We are still growing as a squad and we will get better and better this season. We are playing some of the most exciting football in the division at the moment and if we can continue to move the ball around like we are we will more than hold our own this season. Our priority is to stay up, and talk of anything else is very premature. We just have to fully focus on each game as they come and we will have to wait and see where that leaves us come week 22. I think 18-20 points will be enough for safety this year and that is our main focus.

Having already completely overhauled the Coventry squad this year, Coventry fans have been excited by a plethora of new signings coming into the Ricoh Arena. The latest of which, Diego Forlan, produced a characteristically devastating display against Cardiff this week, grabbing a goal and an assist in his first outing in Sky Blue. It seems however that Rollings is continuing with his recruitment drive, hinting that he is still looking to bring four or five players in over the coming weeks.

We are still looking to strengthen the squad. Three players have already agreed to join this week, and I am tracking two others, one of which we will sign. We dont have any money but will be clever with our resources. Sadly, that means some players will be leaving us. But I can assure the fans that we will be stronger for it.

Coventry have also been boosted by the news that Fulham have agreed to extend the loan of Franck Queudrue for the rest of the season. The French full back has been superb for the Sky Blues this season and fans will be delighted that one of the clubs most consistent performers is due to stay.

Finally, Rollings took a moment to praise neglected Cadiz manager Richard Marsh, after the Spanish based manager made a heart felt plea for more recognition.

Cadiz were predicted to struggle last season, but find themselves impressively in fifth. I suppose not all of that achievement can be attributed to my mentoring of Richard, so he deserves a slice of credit.

JOP · Cult Status

Sunderland Transfer Talks

Sunderlanta Sports News caught up with manager Jonathan Petty regarding transfer activity at the stadium of light, here is what he had to say:

"Well where do I start, this week we should have one of our strikers leaving, the reason we're offloading him is due to us bringer in a little bt younger striker that will hopefully offer us a few more years experience and goals. The striker coming in will be part of a deal with our resident veteran winger Vannucchi and Raggi going the other way. They're extremley happy with the move as they want first team football and I can not offer them that. The club would like to thank them for their help and commitment since they have been here. The are going to a good manager who I know will bring the best out of them "

How about any future transfers, any in the pipeline?

"Next week we've secured a deal for a very talented centre midfielder, unfortunatley we've had to use our youngster Smith in the deal, but its a great deal for both clubs. Out of the money coming this week we're hoping to secure another player next week which our scouts are monitoring to see if its worth it"

Season So Far

Sunderlanta Sports News caught up with manager Jonathan Petty regarding the season so far at the stadium of light, here is what he had to say:

"Well we're unbeaten so far, can't ask for much more really. We've got some cracking players here. Chopra is on fire, him and Ianelli (loan from Man City) are working well. We have another striker coming in who can score goals for fun. Its going well."

What about other areas? you've always had good strikers:

"As you know we have Joe Hart (Another Man City loan) in goal a great keeper, but we had to loase Aquilani for him and Ianelli to come. Hart has helped our defence along with Ujfalusi, another very good player. But losing Aquilani was huge and it has showed recently thats why its vital we get a good centre midfielder in to play along side Kightly, Moro is good but we need better"

Your Views

Who are the teams do you think we should look out for in the English leagues?

Premiership: Aresenal, Chelsea, Man U
Championship: West Brom, Coventry, Blackburn
League One: Sunderland, Wolves, Derby

Who do you look up to in football and why?

"Drew at Chelsea is a good manager but then again with the amount of money Chelsea have even Gareth Gardner could do a good job there! I like what Simon at Arsenal has done and believe they will have a good season this year, good luck to him."

"The Manager I have most praise for and look up to is Luke at Man City, he has done a brilliant job there and has a great mix of players experienced and up and coming youngsters. I believe the talent on that squad will show through next season and will really push for the top three. You just have to look at the two players Man City have loaned us they are quality players"

GARETH GARDNER and DALE PRICE = FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT

Jozz · Cult Status

Jaques in Bullish Mood

Cardiff manager JD Jaques has released the following press release today.

"I felt that I had to make my views known regarding recent press reports about the Cardiff team. It is clear that the fans are frustrated, and I and the players share their frustration that we have not picked up the results the team expect. I would like to reassure everyone that the staff and players are proud to wear the Cardiff shirt and that all at Cardiff City are working as hard as they ever have to try to turn the situation around."

"The fans who heckled the players at the Ricoh arena must understand that doing that to the players will not help the situation. Heckling players who already may be slightly nervous does not achieve anything. I understand that fans pay good money to watch their team and that when things don't go right they feel that they want to vent their frustration at the team. However, I have to admit that their hostility to Juan Albin was unjustified. He was the second youngest player on the pitch for Cardiff and needs encouragement not abuse. There will always be people who come to football games and will jeer players but I would ask that the true fans turn out to see us at Ewood Park this week. I hope that their support will enable us to get the right result."

"I would also like to comment on the future of my position at Cardiff. I took over an ageing squad when I arrived and have changed that by bringing in some younger players. The balance between quality and age needs to be right to get results. But in our defence we have been playing teams so far who are towards the top of the division. The one team not in that position are Southampton who we drew against. The fans can criticise us if we dont get results against the clubs towards the bottom end of the division especially if we don't perform at home, but they will have to wait until near the end of the season for before they can do that."

"Clearly we have difficult games coming up against the top two teams in this division. So whether we can get a result is difficult to say. But with the support of the true Bluebird fans you can be sure that we will give it everything that we have got."