WEEK 6 FA MANAGERS QUESTION TIME

Question 1

"What is more important in a player? Youth or already impressive stats?"

Without being obvious I would say both. I do however think some managers may have made a mistake in going for to many youth players with poor stats and expecting them to improve dramatically. Ive seen a lot of talent 3 players with very poor stats move for a lot of money and if the last 2 seasons are anything ti go by they will see little return on those players.

Question 2

"What do you look for when signing a player? Talent or Bonuses?"

I think it depends on the player and his age. I like to sign players at a good age with 4 for talent (dont we all). However I like my midfielders to have a pass bonus because of the way I play.


Question 3

"What has been the best transfer deal you have seen since joining FA?"

This is a tough one, initially I thought Baines who I signed for around 10m (I think) and has been massive for me. When he doesnt play I dont seem to win..However it has to be Analka at 6m who has been out of this world for me since I signed him and basically kept me up. He has already had 6 goals and 5 assists in five games this season. Hopefully my signing next week can take some pressure off him in the scoring stakes.


Question 4

"What has been the worst transfer deal since you joined FA?"

Without a doubt letting Flamini leave for 9.3m to Valencia last week. Ive had offers of 10 plus a number of times and think hes a great player but needed to sell quickly for a transfer next week. Gutted to see him leave.

Question 5

"How do you set up your team each week? Do you keep records of previous games and tactics or prefer to do it week to week on the formbook?"

I have about 3 or 4 preferred tactics that I tend to use but always willing ti change if I notice a team has a weakness My tactics and teamsheets are just in my head and not noted at all as are my results. I do keep a excel type spreadsheet of transfers if Im in a particularly busy period but thats all.

Question 6

"Who for you has the most complete and impressive squad / team in the game?"

Its hard to look behind Real Madrid for me who have quality all over the park and now a very good manager who can take them that next step.


Question 7

"Who for you is the most impressive up and coming manager in the game?"
A number of good managers have caught my eye. I think Mark Gail-ozzie at Preston has done an exceptional job. I know him so have taken an interest in what he is doing and im surprised how far they have come considering what he took over after administration hit them. He puts the time in and I think he will reap the rewards at the season goes on.

Another manager who I rate is Jamie Best at Wolves, I find him excellent to deal with has built up a strong squad. He will take them this season and not because of the squad he has but because of his quality as a manager should be managing at a higher level.

Question 8

"What jumps out of the fixture list for you this week and how do you see the result going?"
Well this week seems the Manchester derby and they dont come much bigger than that. Ive been on a decent run in recent weeks while Manchester United seem to be having a bit of a blip. I still think it will be a big ask to beat them but we are going for the win but I would happily take a draw.


Question 9

"What do you feel about the new trend of including loan and future loan deals as part of a player transfer to clinch a deal?"
I dont think its unusual to add a loan player as part of a deal and I think its rarer to find a manager who doesnt. I find the offer of future loans a little odd because we dont know who we will be having or how good they are.


Question 10

"Now we have all experienced the first round of staduim expansions / ticket prices and new scouting systems, how do you think it has gone and do you plan to use it in the future?"

I like the scouting and I think its added to the game however at 2.5m per scout I do think it is far to expensive and single handedly rules out the smaller clubs. I think the donation system has worked a treat though and getting a free scout makes up for it. I dont see me buying a scout in future but happy to donate and use my free one. I think the stadium expansion is great for the game and adds another dimension

WEEK 6 FA MANAGERS QUESTION TIME

Question 1

"What is more important in a player? Youth or already impressive stats?"

As a lower league club, more experienced players that have good stats and are cheaper are better for me as i can improve my short term team without affecting the bank balance too much. Young talented players are great but so expensive which is why i try to bring them in on loan and keep them for as long as i can!

Question 2

"What do you look for when signing a player? Talent or Bonuses?"

As mentioned above i like young talented players and if there is one going cheap i'll do my best to land him but an older striker with a bonus shoot etc is hard to turn down. I tend to look for something in between, a young player with reasonable stats that will be around for a while but may not have a bonus or necessarily improve, they are then cheaper and a good investment.

Question 3

"What has been the best transfer deal you have seen since joining FA?"

Well as there have been so many i cant really judge on everyone elses but one that springs to mind was Steve Davies Evans signing of Frank Lampard last year for Leicester. I know it didn't work out that great in the end but what a player to have in the lower leagues. For me, the best signing so far has been Obinna from Watford, the lad has had 8 goals and 5 assists in 6 games, thats some return and i'm sure Jamie at Watford will be delighted with him as much as i am.

Question 4

"What has been the worst transfer deal sinced you joined FA?"

This is much more difficult than the best transfer deals as both parties are usually very happy with the deal they have agreed so no deal seems a bad one to the respective managers. From my experience though it was a recent one, buying Emile Mpenza from Cagliari for £4mil was a bit too much and although he has a bonus for shoot he hasn't had many games for me and that money would certainly been better spent in other areas (so if anyone wants to buy Mpenza for £3.8mil PM me!!).

Question 5

"How do you set up your team each week? Do you keep recors of previous games and tactics or prefer to do it week to week on the form book?"

When you have a lot of loan signings in the team like i have the squad sort of picks itself as you play those players every weeek, they are young,fit and you have an agreement with the other party so it's difficult to leave them out. However, i do try to look at the other team and if they have no RB/LB available to them i'll use my wingers to exploit that or if they have a strong midfield i'll leave three in there and play long ball tactics. I dont think you can go by previous meetings as generally a squad will change a lot in 11 weeks when you play them next, so the form book and squad strength is usually my guide.

Question 6

"Who for you has the most complete and impressive squad/team in the game?"

Trophies usually tell the tale in football so it hard to overlook Chelsea as the best overall team but i do like what Stu has done at Sevilla. Joining up with him this year has been very good for me and i think reaching the heights that he did last year speaks for itself. In a few seasons i think it will be much easier to answer this question so will return to it then!

Question 7

"Who for you is the most impressive up and coming manager in the game?"

As Luke mentioned Mark at Preston has really surprised me and i think it's great credit to him that he has taken Preston from administration and into a solid position in League One. Jonny Sinclair at Ascoli has impressed me as has Stephen Wells at Bristol City. He has turned what looks to be a basic team into a force in League One and they are no longer a walkover.

Question 8

"What jumps out of the fixture list for you this week and how do you see the result going?"

Coventry V Villa looks good in the Championship, smooth running Coventry and Mark Rollings face a tough test there and i've got it down as a score draw.  Bristol City against palace will be an interesting one but i think Palace will be slightly too strong for City on the night.

Question 9

"What do you think about the new trend of including loan and future loan deals as part of a player transfer to clinch the deal?"

I think that it creates a good incentive especially for lower league clubs losing a young talented player but keeping him for half a season or so which allows them to find a good replacement, or even loaning them an older, better player which will improve the squad dramatically in the short term.

Question 10

"Now we have all experienced the first round of stadium expansions/ticket prices and new scouting systems, how do you think it has gone and do you plan to use it in the future?"

I have been impressed by the scouting although, it was easy to make a donation as i enjoy the game and then benefits of a donation were too good to turn down. I do find it tough to bid on the better players as i have next to no money, but i think its better than the foreign player market and as for ticket prices i was a bit unsure of where to set mine, so i kept it the same and have waited to see what everyone else had done but i think a dramatic change could have a negative effect rather than a positive one. Stadiums will be good and will reward long serving managers who stick with a team for a long time.

WEEK 6 FA MANAGERS QUESTION TIME

Question 1

"What is more important in a player? Youth or already impressive stats?"

Season targets I think dictates what players you aim to sign, this with your own goals for the season and beyond, many managers now seem to buy up the OAPs with the impressive stats but without the price tag - the short term goal of making a name for themselves or just ensuring they dont finish bottom 3 to get a move to a different club by achieving this short burst of success - if you can call leaving behind a team that ¾ of them are about to retire

Whilst myself I have this season tried to invest in youth, getting in players that will develop over a few season to give me long term stability here and with the aim of in a season or 2 being able to challenge to bigger teams and their Zimmer frames, this has to be done slowly and with a good mixture of experience and of course still make the team competitive enough to reach the best position possible over the season.

Question 2

"What do you look for when signing a player? Talent or Bonuses?"

Until this season I didnt really look at either!! I looked at the other stats and thought what can they bring to my squad, although through time I have seen how Bonuss seem to have a big bearing on teams performances, I am unsure as to how players get bonuss dont think any player has so far developed them yet (if Im wrong point it out to me) or if a player with 1 talent will get a bonus or do they have to be 4 or 5 talent to be good enough to develop them ??? Time will tell unless I have missed something

Question 3

"What has been the best transfer deal you have seen since joining FA?"

Everybody seems to have talked about there own best deal - (mine has to be bringing Samuel Etoo to the club - he has gont on average a goal per game in the time he has been here)

But in the game!! The deal that took Kaka to Chelsea was huge -
Sergio Aguero to Spurs was a great signature
The recent captures of Salvatore Caturano to Man utd and Daniele Capriotti to Arsenal will prove to be fantastic signings


Question 4

"What has been the worst transfer deal since you joined FA?"

Again people seem to mention only their own clubs and mine has to be buying Elia Pellegrino - not because he is such a bad player because of my own player management I can not give him the games here he needs to improve

In the Game - I think Barcelonas capture of Riccardo Montolivo it set a president of double value deals that a lot of managers now feel its ok to ask double value for the most average of players (thats if they bother to reply!!!!!)


Question 5

"How do you set up your team each week? Do you keep records of previous games and tactics or prefer to do it week to week on the formbook?"

I go from week to week - I have what I consider to be my best 11 and tactic, obviously I cant play the same 11 week in week out so try to look at my oppositions strengths and weaknesss and pick a team around that - if I need the best 11 to get a result I will go for it, If I can rest a player then I will take that chance and give the squad games


Question 6

"Who for you has the most complete and impressive squad / team in the game?"

For me one manager has built a formidable squad - the emphasis on built - his dream almost costing him his job in the process -if you believe all the media hype he was probably a game or 2 away from getting the sack - today he sits 3rd in his league having lost his opening game of the season and then going on a 6 match winning streak, his team in their last match had an average age was 23.5, the team is awesome and I think will soon become the dominate force in the English Premiership - I raise my hat to the one n only Simon Newcombe at Arsenal

Question 7

"Who for you is the most impressive up and coming manager in the game?"

Now I can not keep giving managers huge amounts of hype or it will distract from those are doing great things but credit has to go to Luke Coakley, Steven Osman, Craig Radford, Chris Gale, Jamie Best

all deserve a mention for their progression

Question 8

"What jumps out of the fixture list for you this week and how do you see the result going?"

There are a couple that jump out at me

The Manchester Derby -
Savilla Vs Valencia
Bristol C vs Crystal Palace

I predict wins for Man Utd, Savilla and Palace


Question 9

"What do you feel about the new trend of including loan and future loan deals as part of a player transfer to clinch a deal?"

Im not so sure its a new trend, it has been happening for a season or 2 now. Its extra bait to secure a deal, some deals have even led to feeder clubs being set up, I am not so sure the feeder club set ups are that great as it creates exclusiveness and deals might not always be in the best interest of the smaller club. But as a whole if a manager can secure the services of players that will enhance their own teams performances/chances then it has to be good.

Question 10

"Now we have all experienced the first round of stadium expansions / ticket prices and new scouting systems, how do you think it has gone and do you plan to use it in the future?"

I did contemplate expanding my stadium, but decided against it as my average crowd does not warrant the investment in an expansion, maybe if a team can break into the top 3 or 4 in their respective league it is something to consider, this has to be weighed with the ticket price - if I reduced my ticket price to try and increase my attendances I may not get any season income from the gate receipts - if I raise it may keep fans away, the likes of Chelsea will want to increase both the ticket price and size and have the financial backing to be able to afford it, the teams struggling just to maintain mid table security will decide not to expand or increase tickets and concentrate their small funds on team strengthening.
All in all I guess it adds that little bit extra realism into the game - but even in reality the smaller clubs do build new stadiums because of sponsorship deals maybe this is an area of further expansion for the game waiting in the wings.

The scouting Window I like, very similar to the Foreign Transfer window of old but with the excitement of an Open Auction, this may take a season or 2 to build up as many teams just did not have the financial clout to plan for it this season or sat back to see what happens this season, I do hope the system does not crash at 3.59 pm this Friday when I suggest many managers maybe planning on making a last minute bid or have I just given my own plans away lol



Tony
Florentina

Question 1

"What is more important in a player? Youth or already impressive stats?"

I think this season has shown that youth can be a good way to go. Arsenal are leading the way of course and there team is now developing together. So kudos to Mr Newcombe for sticking through the rough times last season. However, I think some people pay more attention to the talent rating and less to the here and now. Some players may have high talent but simply aren't good enough to begin with. I think a blend is sensible, and I still think young and talented is the way to boost your funds, it is still an overly inflated market.

Question 2

"What do you look for when signing a player? Talent or Bonuses?"

I think bonuses are invaluable. To really groom a team with a way of playing it is important to notice what special talents your players have and try to buy players which compliment this. I think this is the best method for long term success, especially in the top leagues.

Question 3

"What has been the best transfer deal you have seen since joining FA?"

There are so many deals that its hard to point to one that stands out. I think you have to look at the players who were brought into squads and have completely dominated the league in question. Julio Baptista was massive for Southampton, Nolberto Solano for Leeds and more recently Obinha at Wolves.

Question 4

"What has been the worst transfer deal since you joined FA?"

Although I think he will do okay for Cardiff I think Hugo Vaina was massively overpriced. I think Cardiff needed to spend wisely, and could have really pulled themselves out of trouble in League One had they done so. Saying that I still think JD has shown previously he is a good manager so I think they will be okay.

Question 5

"How do you set up your team each week? Do you keep records of previous games and tactics or prefer to do it week to week on the formbook?"

I like to have a plan, but more recently it has been a bit more difficult due to the size of my squad. I think it definately helps to plan ahead though and I think the managers that do come out on top at the end. So I am hoping with some loan signings I can implement some planning and squad management.

Question 6

"Who for you has the most complete and impressive squad / team in the game?"

I would have to plump for Real Madrid! They have an embarrasment of riches available. However, with that come tremendous pressure, and it will be interesting to see how Paul handles that. He is a good manager though, and i expect success at Madrid this seaosn.

Question 7

"Who for you is the most impressive up and coming manager in the game?"

I am going to go against the grain here and not mention the likes of Mark at Preston and Stew at Bristol City. I think they have done well, but I think there are other manager sgoing quietly about their business who deserve a mention. close to home I think Rich at Cadiz and Arthur at Almeria are laughing off early season predictions linking them to the bottom of the table and both sit in the play offs. Almeria are even on the verge of the Spanish Cup Quarter finals. Both are plodding along queitly and improving their squads consistently. Well done boys!!

Question 8

"What jumps out of the fixture list for you this week and how do you see the result going?"

To be honest I think West Ham V Tottenham should be a cracker. Its the battle of the teams looking to break the monopoly in Engalnd really and I am backing chris to show his Spurs team are ready to do so. I know he prefers staying incognito so i won't build him up too much, but I think he is turning Spurs into a fantastic side with his Atletico Madrid foil.

Question 9

"What do you feel about the new trend of including loan and future loan deals as part of a player transfer to clinch a deal?"

Its something i employed in the deal which saw Forlan join me and I think its a superb way of swaying a deal.

Question 10
"Now we have all experienced the first round of staduim expansions / ticket prices and new scouting systems, how do you think it has gone and do you plan to use it in the future?"

I think the scouting system will become a more viable source of players for the smaller clubs over time but at the moment is just an avenue for the bigger teams to source player. I think this is somewhat unavoidable however, and to be honest, largely in line with how things work in real life.

Stadium expansions and ticket prices are a great addition, and are making managers stick their neck out as to how successful they think they will be. Some have taken a gamble and gone high, whereas some have gone low in search of full gates. Only time will tell which works out most successfully.

WEEK 6 FA MANAGERS QUESTION TIME

Question 1

"What is more important in a player? Youth or already impressive stats?"

Personally I feel a mix in both characteristics work well. The older, more experienced lads tend to pass their knowledge onto the younger players. These younger players then look up to the more established players, so youth and experience is a good blend.

Question 2

"What do you look for when signing a player? Talent or Bonuses?"

Again, I think its best to have a variety of players with high talent and bonuses. Those with high talent, are likely to be stars of the future, and players with bonuses offer that extra dimension.

Question 3

"What has been the best transfer deal you have seen since joining FA?"

There have been too many good transfers to remember and to pick out in the history of FA, so I will just comment on my personal transfers.

Since joing FA, I have managed two clubs. Sheffield Wednesday and currently Espanyol.

My best transfer during my spell with the Owls would have to be either the purchase of Ousmane Dabo from Manchester City, or even the signature of Jose Mari from Villarreal. Dabo cost me a mere £2million, and his experience and defensive abilities were invaluable. I snapped Jose Mari up for a cut price of £3million, which looking back, in my eyes was a steal. He was top scorer whilst I was manager, and his goals helped massively as we finished higher than our target!

Without mentioning the big money signings of Robin van Persie and Maxi Lopez, the transfer of Luis Garcia to Sheffield Utd for £8.4million has undoubtedly got to me my best bit of business for Espanyol. The striker was surplus to requirements during his time at Espanyol, and considering his ability, I managed to sell him on for a huge fee. I also feel buying Roberto Platero for £7million was a good deal, as the lad has got loads of potential.

Question 4

"What has been the worst transfer deal since you joined FA?"

One of them has to be the recent transfer of Hugo Viana. Dont get me wrong, the guy is a good player. Its just Cardiff paid almost the maximum you could possibly pay for Viana, which was almost double value. Tony Wood of Valencia must have been laughing all the way to the bank!


Question 5

"How do you set up your team each week? Do you keep records of previous games and tactics or prefer to do it week to week on the formbook?"

My first 11 practically picks itself at the moment. Without giving too much away, I tend to adopt similar formations and tactics most of the time.  havent got a set formation, as more often than not I decide week by week. I also try to study and guess what team my opponent is going to put out based on their previous match. Against the bigger boys, I tend to experiment slightly, as its hard to get any sort of result against the likes of Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

Question 6

"Who for you has the most complete and impressive squad / team in the game?"

Look no further than Chelsea. They got an awesome mix of experience and talent, and their squad is full of ability and world class players. Roman's millions eh?

Question 7

"Who for you is the most impressive up and coming manager in the game?"

Alot of praise has to go out to Stu Price, who is an established manager in the world of FA. Every manager looks up to him, and what he has done at Sevilla is remarkable. The guy is a genious.

Luke Coakley of Manchester City, is fast building a reputation as one of the best managers!

I have to say, the current Real Valladolid manager, Simon Jenkins is one to look out for. He dominated the league during is tenure at West Brom, and I think he will make Real Valladolid a solid side. He has an eye for a bargain, and seems to know what he's doing.

Other up and coming managers have got to be Tony Farrell of Fiorentina, who I have alot of respect for and Mark Galeozzie of Preston, who, with a few shrewed signings has transformed Preston's administration riddled team, into a team that have to be strong contenders for the title.


Question 8

"What jumps out of the fixture list for you this week and how do you see the result going?"

Inter Milan vs Juventus is sure to be a mouth watering clash. Unbeaten is six, can Inter's ageing team make it seven straight wins. Im not sure! Juventus have got a stong defence, but with the sale of Buffon, I dont think Chris Adamson will have a good performance this weekend.

The clash for me though, has to be the Manchester derby. United havent played well over the last few weeks, and Coakley's City team are on a good run at the moment.

Question 9

"What do you feel about the new trend of including loan and future loan deals as part of a player transfer to clinch a deal?"

I think if you can afford to loan a player out as part of a deal, then great. At the end of the day, if its going to secure the deal, and be worth while, then so be it.

Question 10

"Now we have all experienced the first round of staduim expansions / ticket prices and new scouting systems, how do you think it has gone and do you plan to use it in the future?"

All though we were not getting sel out crowds at Espanyol, the stadium did need a slight renovation, in which we added to the total capacity of the stadium. Ticket prices have been kept fairly low, as the lack of crowd support did not warrant us putting the prices up.

We hired a new Scout from Argentina, and his knowledge of the country is phenomenal. Although the scouting market is currently more beneficial to the bigger clubs at this present time, we will be looking closely at the players our scout recommends to us.

Question 1

"What is more important in a player? Youth or already impressive stats?"

I have an excellent youth coach, so consistently get strong young players such as Cortez, Jesus, Asier and Suarez, but I also have players such as Arrubarrena and Manchev who have very good stats but are older. This means that I can gain my younger players experience and then play the strong players in the important games. This means that I have future potential and do not have to worry about the fitness of my older players and generally the older player will go quite cheap, if not for half their value! It is a system the works with my team, but if I moved (or in my West Brom days) then I would have a very different opinion. Infact, I had a few moments free and worked out the average age of my team and compared it to one of the stronger teams (AC Milan) I came out as roughly 23yrs, while AC came out as 31! This major difference will also have consequences on their condition and will be something I hope to prey on in the future.

Question 2

"What do you look for when signing a player? Talent or Bonuses?"

Right, this is where I go on a rant. A player with a talent of 3 does NOT make him automatically good, particularly when they have stats of 6 and 5. It really winds me up when people want large amounts of money when the player they are selling is rubbish. Talent is a new thing in the FA world and people seem to think it is the be all and end all; in fact it isnt. It plays its part same as all the other stats (well, maybe not skill!) but shouldnt be valued over any of the others. I think that bonuses only effect the higher rated teams because teams in smaller leagues will be more concerned about the major stats although for the first time ever, I bought a player because of their bonus David Prutton has good stats, but I in the face of competition for him I paid slightly more for him and clinched a quality signing for a good price compared to what some people are paying for players!

Question 3

"What has been the best transfer deal you have seen since joining FA?"

Im not saying this because they are my team, but I have to admit that signing Motta for £3.5 million when his value is £6.1 and he has exception stats and was only 26 year old! He was (and infact still is) a European player who played in the bottom league and was key in West Broms rise. Slightly bending the question and going back a long time, in the very first week of the very first FA I sold a 29 year old defender who had average stats for a whopping £11.5 million to (I think) Arsenal (although not Simon N.!) - which made me the richest club in the game and then I signed none other than Christiano Ronaldo from Man U. on a two season loan!

Question 4

"What has been the worst transfer deal since you joined FA?"

Of course I have never done any bad transfers. But I have to say that the whole Lampard fiasco was confusing and ridiculous to any bystanders. What went on behind the scenes; I dont know, but I dont know why Steve bought him only to sell him off again. I cant believe someone said it was the best transfer they have seen! The fact that they went on to say that it didnt work out suggests that it wasnt the best transfer ever but infact a failure!

Question 5

"How do you set up your team each week? Do you keep records of previous games and tactics or prefer to do it week to week on the formbook?"

It would be sad to keep records of previous games! Similarly to what has been said; I have a particular way of playing that suits my team and I will slightly change it is there is a weakness in the opposition.

Question 6

"Who for you has the most complete and impressive squad / team in the game?"

I dont feel there is a complete team in the game because there is nobody who is unbeatable. Of course there are the big teams like Chelsea and Madrid who have already been mentioned, but looking back they havent got a 100% win record.

Question 7

"Who for you is the most impressive up and coming manager in the game?"

I think that Richard Marsh at Cadiz looks set to be a good manager he is easy to deal with and has a solid team. although the obvious one has already been pick a number of times and that would be Jamie Best at Wolves. Also, though not really up and coming I think that Jamie Walker at Watford is criminally overlooked. There are several reasons for this, but one of them is that he never stays at the club that has become successful so does not gain any fame. If Stu at Sevilla went to a poor club then would he receive as much praise? It is a shame because on numerous occasions he has taken a struggling team and improved them tenfold and that makes him one of the top managers in the game.

Question 8

"What jumps out of the fixture list for you this week and how do you see the result going?"

Of course the big fixture for me is Valladolid vs. Recreativo. Both teams have had a rough start to the season and so this is an important game for both of us. I would be happy with a draw because they have a good manager and team. The three points would be nice but I only aim for mid table particularly as my teams target is to survive (so of course I want to do better).

Question 9

"What do you feel about the new trend of including loan and future loan deals as part of a player transfer to clinch a deal?"

Its not something I have done. A couple of times, when I have gone after a youth player I have offered to loan them back, but my team isnt large enough to be able to lose players on loan (although I do have two of my youth players out on loan). The closest thing to following this new trend is loaning out a stronger player with a weaker player so that they balance each other out. I have done this several times in the past and it has worked well.

Question 10

"Now we have all experienced the first round of stadium expansions / ticket prices and new scouting systems, how do you think it has gone and do you plan to use it in the future?"

I think it went well I didnt buy anyone because I spent most of my money on the ordinary transfer market! My only regret is not putting the ticket prices to full seeing as I was winning every game! I only put it up a few quid but am still selling out, so I suppose the fans love quality football!


Simon
RV

"What has been the worst transfer deal since you joined FA?"

For me it has to be my very first transfer, in the old FA game with Werder Bremen. I had a £10m budget I think, and I spent £5m of it on a CM from Middlesbrough who was actually no better than the players i already had. I ended up never playing him and just couldn't sell him off. It was an expensive first mistake!

Sorry Rob - i feel i must take some responsibiliity for this one as I was the Middlesborough boss that sold him to you!!

cheers

Sim
Arsenal