Week 11

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 11

Football Academy · Cult Status

Chelsea announce press conference

Chelsea have released a press statement saying there will be a conference held at the clubs media centre on Saturday. No specific details have yet been given but the internet rumour threads have lit up with speculation that a manager is set to be announced to fill the vacant position. The club has been manager less for a number of weeks now but have always claimed they hoped to appoint a new manager ready for the second half of the season.

Besty · Cult Status

Wolves latest media release

Jamie Thanks for taking time out to speak to us. Firstly, what was your reaction to the 2-2 home draw against Crystal Palace?

"Well i always knew it would be a tough game, it always is when me and Chris meet. I think we started well enough and created some good chances but we didn't find the net, and going in 0-0 at half time was quite tough on the boys. They got a result in the end though, especially after going 2-1 down with 10mins left and it took some courage to pick themselves up again."

Obinna scored again for you and that's now 12 goals in as many games, you must be pleased with him?

"Of course, who wouldn't be. He has been on fire and i have approached Watford and Jamie Walker about extending that loan but we will see how things pan out. It looks as though Lolo from Sevilla will be re-joining us which is good as we have Felipe (Luis) exiting this week in a big deal so it was important to fill the void that he will leave."

So with Felipe leaving who will you be bringing in?

"Well i won't say too much until everything has been finalised but i'm absolutely delighted with the deal that has been agreed, he is a top player who is at the peak of his career and he could be the difference between the playoffs or automatic promotion. Wayne Routledge's loan will expire at the mid-season point so this deal has come at exactly the right moment to fill the gap left by him."

What do you think of the recent manager of the month polls?

"I love the idea of bringing in the MOTM award as it really gives people a sense of achievement and it's a nice reward of recognition for our efforts. In League One i think Stephen Wells deserves it 100% and Mark at Preston probably deserves second place above me as he had nothing to build from when he took over and he think the job he has done is fantastic."

Anything else to add?

"I'd just like to wish Adam Goble well as i think he is a certainty to get the Chelsea job at the weekend and i think you only have to look at the side he has at Roma to see that he will carry on the excellent work Drew did in getting Chelsea where they are today."

See Wolves website here for squad details, transfers, match reports and much more

Football Academy · Cult Status

Fletcher spotted at Wolves

Sunderland and ex-Manchester United's Scottish international winger Darren Fletcher has been sighted at the Wolves stadium tonight. Unofficial reports from the club suggest he is due to undergo a fitness test tonight ahead of a move to the Midlands club at the weekend.

Fletcher has been part of a successful Sunderland side that has struggled to keep their early good form going of late and would be yet another big name to leave if the deal is completed. Sunderland fans are thought to be upset at the news.

JOP · Cult Status

Struggled to keep there early good form??????

3-1 last game, joint top. What??!!

messiah · Cult Status

Walker egg-cited about West Bromwich game

After the West Bromwich manager claimed Walker had been embarrassed by Coventry this season the Watford manager was quick to react on a local radio station.

"Paul deserves to be able to flex his vocal chords this season. He moved to a team full of talent that had the brilliant Simon Jenkins before and they were always going to get promoted. I suppose Paul will take the credit for that. His transfers have not detracted from the team being top of the table that is for sure. I have never lost to Coventry and we are above them in the table. Paul might have the right to speak out this season but I hope he considers his words next time and speaks some sense."

Obinna has been prolific this season for Wolves and there has been much talk of a return for the rest of the season. This was cleared up tonight.

"We have had contact from Jamie. He has brought the best out of Obinna and I want to thank him for that. I have a difficult decision to make because I am not sure if Obinna will be good enough for me next season. I might sell him when he comes back to me and not loan him back. If he goes out on loan again I can think of no better manager to take him than Jamie."

He left with a parting message for leaders West Bromwich.

"We are looking ahead at our fixtures and the match that grabs our attention is the West Bromwich game next week. We would like to underline to the rest of the teams in our league that West Bromwich can drop points. If we managed to draw with him he would be cleaning egg of his face and not worrying about other managers and their eggs."

paulh_85 · Cult Status

West Brom Boss Quick To Defend Walker Allegations.

Baggies boss Paul Harrington today sprang to the defence of under fire Watford supremo Walker, amid allegations of illegal agent payments to secure the transfers of Gareth Barry and Gary O'Niell. Speaking at a press conference, Harrington had this to say;

" I have never dealt with MR walker, but i know, becasue he wont stop telling anyone who will listen, what a teriffic manager he is. He has vast experience in the transfer market, and i think this is why he has been so successful, to suggest, as many have, that he has been involved in illegal dealings with agents is crazy!"

despite the vote of confidence from Harrington, many managers are not of the same view, and are calling for an FA enquiry into the matter. The FA have so far declined to comment.

WBA boss then turned his attention to Walkers comments about his team and thier eagerly awaited top-of-the-table clash a week saturday, that seemed to arise after a flippent comment by Harrington that Watford were struggling in thier long running battle of the mind games against Coventry.

"Walker has his friends in this game and thats fair enough, but to say i have just inherited a team from another manager shows he isnt egg-actly paying attention. i have stamped my own brand on this team, bringing in some of the most egg-citing young talent available"

"walker can claim that they would be happy with a draw all he likes, the fact is they are favorites, our team has lost a lot of quality while thiers has gained plenty, there is no way we could egg-pext to compete with such a great team, and amazing manager......"

messiah · Cult Status

Approved pizza

Walker has admitted he has had to buy in new players to keep the ability of his team close to the form they are showing but he strongly denies any wrong doing.

"We have never spiked a pizza and sent it to any officials. It would be an ungentlemanly thing to do. There was a short problem with moving to England from Italy but the problem went away when the customs officer contracted a nasty bought of food poisoning from a freshly cooked pasta serving. Any connection between players underperforming against Watford this season and reports of food poisoning from prematch pasta meals are just a coincidence.

Paul is on cloud cookoo if he thinks he has a worse team than Watford. West Bromwich almost got promoted with out a manager last season. A monkey could get them promoted. If his team struggles in any game this season it is because he has made bad decisions when he has been stamping his authority on the team. West Bromwich should be in the premier league and we have just come from league 1. Watford and Coventry are not big clubs they are just performing very well and embarrassing the big clubs in this league. If they do not hammer us I think the fans of West Bromwich will have a right to ask questions of their new signings and of their manager."

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Coventry City move for targets

Sky Sports News can officially confirm that Coventry City have moved to bolster their squad with the signing of Australian international Mark Bresciano. Bresciano is due to complete a medical and sign terms on a four year deal later this week and will link up with his team-mates at the half season point. It is understood Liam Miller could be moving to Real Zaragoza as part of the deal, along with team mate Malcolm Christie. At a hastily arranged press conference at The Ricoh arena this morning Rollings expressed his delight at the deal.

'Mark (Bresciano) comes with a proven pedigree abroad and I have no doubt he will excel in the English Leagues. He has that quality on the ball which will suit our system, and a bite in the tackle which make him effective at protecting the back four. We have followed his progress for a while and are delighted to finally make him a Coventry City player. Sadly, that means Liam Miller looks to be heading out, and on behalf of all at the club I want to wish him well. He has been outstanding since arriving and we are devastated to be losing such a great clubman.'

It appears Coventry Citys dealings will not end there either, with speculation rife that Rollings is due to announce the imminent arrival of another top pro over the coming weeks.

'We are constantly looking to improve the squad and I confirmed a deal yesterday to bring a player of the highest quality to The Ricoh. I know we beat off stiff competition from teams in this league (The Championship) for his signature and I am delighted to have got my man. There is a little bit of red tape holding things up, but the deal is done.'

And finally, when asked to comment on the recent press altercations between West Brom and Watford, Rollings was somewhat complimentary.

'It has been entertaining reading, and I think its is building up the tension ahead of what looks like a tantalising fixture. Both teams will looks to outplay each other, and will attack from the off. They both play an exciting brand of football, and are good managers who know their squads well. I am sure they both have a plan of how to win the game and it promises to be an intriguing battle.'

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 10:25, 2008-09-03

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 10:26, 2008-09-03

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings asks Ranson for understanding

Coventry chairman Ray Ranson faces a tough decision after his successful manager Mark Rollings, has asked his chairmen for permission to apply for the vacant managers position at Fiorentina. Since joining Coventry, Rollings has taken the Sky Blues onto new levels, much to the delight of Ranson and the Coventry fans. It now looks as though Ranson and the fans may face a battle to keep his manager however, as Serie A Fiorentina cast glances his way.

'It is with much deliberation and anguish that I ask my chairman and fans to understand my request to apply for the position at Fiorentina. I love this club (Coventry City), and I am torn in half over this request. However, Fiorentina is a club near the pinnacle of Italian football, and with a proud and decorated history. Looking at their squad and infrastructure I believe they would offer me the necessary resources to take them back to the top.'

Ranson and Coventry fans can take some comfort however, as the mercurial welsh boss suggested he could well stay at The Ricoh.

'I have earmarked Fiorentina as an exceptional opportunity. By no means does this represent a plea to get out of this superb club. I only want to talk to Fiorentina, no-one else, and should my application not succeed, I will be happy to sign a new contract at Coventry City and remain in charge for the foreseeable future. I merely wanted to ask for the understanding of my Chariman and fans, out of the deepest respect for both, before officially applying, or agreeing to talk to Fiorentina. But rest assured, I will be in charge at Coventry to the end of this season at the very least, thats a promise! Any terms I agree to will be based around that.'

Rollings clearly feels indebted to his current club, and his words clearly represent the strong feelings he has for his current employers.His show of respect to his fans and board is commendable, and will at least show Coventry City they still have control over his future.

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 10:44, 2008-09-03

paulh_85 · Cult Status

Harrington Confused and "idiotic" Remarks

Baggies boss Harrington today reacted to sharp comments from Watford manager Walker who suggested West Brom should walk all over his team when the two sides meet next week.

"of course he is trying to play down his chances in a game he fully expects to win, but to do it by claiming we should steam-roller them?? this guy doesnt live on planet earth! anybody can see that watford have the better team man-to-man, they are the favorites and its up to us to cause an upset"

on remarks made by Walker claiming a monkey could get West Brom promoted, Harrington said;

"its just the type of comment ive come to expect from him really.. myself and my chairman have a two year plan to bring premiership football here and to make sure we stay there. Looking at the teams its clear watford should be winning this league, perhaps MR Walker should be questioning why they are not!"

" looking ahead to our match against Watford, there isnt much preparation required, MR Walker is as predictable as the British weather when it comes to tactics, and twice as boring!! we already know the way they will play, and we know the way we will combat it. When at Southampton i had to deal with Walker's superiority complex, and the fact he was underestimating myself and Mark at Coventy, well it looks like he is doing the same again, and i can only hope it costs him!

-- Edited by paulh_85 at 13:54, 2008-09-03

SteW · Top Flight Player

Bristol Can Do It - Wells

Bristol City manager Stephen Wells is confident his side can win promotion this season. Speaking to the BBC, Wells said he can see no reason why his players can't reproduce the form that has seen them at the top end of the table in the first half of the season.

"Of course we can keep it up. The players here are good enough for a top 4 finish, and we'll be looking to pounce on any slip ups from the teams above us which mean we could finish even higher."

Fans of the club will no doubt welcome these comments, and will be further cheered by talk of another new signing.

"I've made one or two signings to compliment the squad, but the core was here all along. Having said that, I've still got my eye on a few more players, both permanent transfers and loans, and I'm working with my chairman to bring them in. All being well, I should have another player signed up this week."

Asked what effect the injury to goalkeeper Sean Thomas will have on results, Wells remained positive.
"We should be ok. Sean is an important part of the team, but Chris Weale has been itching to get a chance, and now he has it. He's got a chance to stake a claim, and it won't be easy for Sean to displace him when he's fit again."

Wells won the Manager of the Month award recently, and given the remarkable turnaround at Ashton Gate since his arrival, no-one can argue that isn't deserved.
"The award was nice, but I've warned the players not to let me fall victim to the curse!"

-- Edited by SteW at 14:37, 2008-09-03

Stu · Cult Status

Sevilla press conference

Well done in Europe on Monday night Stuart. Are you excited or disappointed by another Spanish team in the knock out round?

I think we can beat Real Madrid so I have to be happy. The draw could have been a lot more difficult for us

Recreativo didn't make it through from your group. How big a blow is that to your feeder club?

I don't think Rob took the competition very seriously this season. He has prioritised the league because he had a difficult start to the season and league points became too important. I think it's a shame because a lot of teams look like they didn't care about Europe this season

You face an old friend this week in the league. Have you spoken about it with him?

We have Real Betis and Dale has had a hard time since he left Norwich. We have spoken and I've wished him luck for the rest of the season but he knows not to expect any favours. We can't afford to drop any points because the title race is too close

The media coverage of the Championship has filled the headlines in the last few days. How well do you think Coventry and Watford have done?

Both managers deserve praise. Last season they were locked in a war of words and they both did well to get promoted. To be doing so well again this season shows how hard they are both working. I've been disappointed with the big teams in that league. If two promoted teams can show you up week after week you should worry about how safe your job is. If I lost to Real Mallorca the fans would be on my back and I don't think it should be different for these teams

Are Watford or West Brom the best team in that league in your opinion?

West Brom have always been brilliant. They have a team good enough for the top league and they have great backup players. England appears to have lots of mind games every week and I know some of the things they say they must not believe even themself but West Brom are much better than Coventry or Watford. I think we all enjoy mind games from these guys but sometimes they talk so much rubbish it makes me cringe

Do you wish your league was like this?

I miss the private banter I had with Chris at Atletico Madrid. A lot of the managers in my league are experienced but sensible. I'd like a little banter now and again but sensible is better than stupid if you ask me. I could see myself managing back in England in the future but I hope some of these managers have wised up by then so they can show off their skills in the media instead of being shown up in it

Stu

Belizeno · Cult Status

Vasquez struggling in Championship?

In what seems to be consecutive failures for briefly the team at the top of the Championships, there has been a lot of speculation as to whether former Livorno boss Amilcar Vasquez was the right man for Blackburn. Finally mustering a win this week, Vasquez was interviewed as to what was his plans to put his team on the top two, as is expected of him.

Do you find yourself struggling in Championships?

Well, the playing style is certainly different from italian football. italian football is a mostly tactical, slow paced environment while english football is all about the adrenaline pump. This said, i am planning to diverge elements from both playing styles to secure Blackburn its promotion. It wont be easy as there are some very tough teams in the Championships, but we are confident that the boys will give there all.

Why the change from Livorno to Blackburn?

Livorno was a team with heart, thus mine will always have a space for them: it was also the first to place its confidence in my mangerial career. However, i felt that i had done what was required of me at Livorno and, simply it was time for a new challenge. Blackburn proposed a position and well, Here I am.

How has the change affected you?

Im a long time admirer of English football, so i was very excited when the job was offered to me by the board. Obviously there are many things i most adapt to, but this job is like life, we must be ready for new things all the time

Big name signings?

well all teams want that of course. Blackburn is a solid team, and there are only few changes i see necessary to make it truly complete. McCarthy, Pedersen, Nonda and of course our young boys have all been essential. The defense admittedly has been a bit of a worry for me, so im looking to secure some serious players in the back and middle line, but that would be it for new signings

Vasquez is playing another tought fixture this week against Conventry City and is hoping that his home advantage will secure him a win.

-- Edited by Belizeno at 18:08, 2008-09-04

Simon · Cult Status

paulh_85 wrote:

West Brom Boss Quick To Defend Walker Allegations.

"walker can claim that they would be happy with a draw all he likes, the fact is they are favorites, our team has lost a lot of quality while thiers has gained plenty, there is no way we could egg-pext to compete with such a great team, and amazing manager......"

I'm shocked that anyone would think WBA aren't the best team in the whole land. And to say that (lets admit it) a Premiership team is worse than a newly promoted team is... crrrrrrazy!

And whats with all the egg jokes? You're all giving me an egg-ache! hahahaha... ok that doesn't make any sense what-so-ever, but still...

paulh_85 · Cult Status

what can i say..... my poor management skills and poor decision making in the transfer market, coupled with Jamie's unrivalled skill and craft have evened things up a bit.....................

-- Edited by paulh_85 at 23:46, 2008-09-04

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans wants momentum! - Sky Sports News

Cagliari manager Steve Davies-Evans has challenged his players to go and and start putting a run of results together that will see his side push for a playoff place come the end of the season. We caught up with the charasmatic Welshman at their training ground early this morning.

"We have been improving week on week and I think that we were very unlucky against Sampdoria last week. My boys went out and played like Soldiers and were more than a match for them, it's just a shame that we didnt get the result that we probably deserved. The players at times this season have made my blood Boiled and have therefor been Fried in training on the Monday until they get it right.

It's clear to see that early on in the season, we Shelled far too many goals in which was always putting us on the back foot but recently I think our defence has been brilliant. We saw them keep their first clean sheet this season against Siena and had their forwards heads Scrambled as to how to get past us.

We are moving in the right direction now and if we can continue to keep it tight at the back, it will just be up to the midfield or forwards to Poach the goals for us to win games.

As for this weeks game, It's certainly not Bread & Butter but we believe we have the quality to take maximum points and start to build momentum going into the second half of the season. The most important thing is that we give 100% this weekend and if we do that, we won't be the ones looking like the Humptys at the end of the game. Messina are not a bad side and we will look to pressure them early on and if we can get an early goal, we can push on.

We hav worked hard all week in training and some lads are feeling slightly tired so we gave them all a day off today, I trust them and will always give them the Benedict of the doubt that they will use thier time wisely to rest up or relax.

It's huge now for us to keep on going and to achieve what we need to or we will be the ones with Yoke on our faces come the end of the season. We have a squad capeable of challenging for that playoff spot and we have already got the teams above us looking over their shoulder at us so you won't find us wanting this season and my players are up for the fight and are certainly no Chickens."

So clearly Davies-Evans has his players in the right fram of mind for the second half of the season although I suspect a win this weekend will have the Welshman Egg-static!

Bryn Law - Sky Sports News, Cagliari

-- Edited by Bluebird99 at 08:53, 2008-09-05

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Simon wrote:

I'm shocked that anyone would think WBA aren't the best team in the whole land. And to say that (lets admit it) a Premiership team is worse than a newly promoted team is... crrrrrrazy!

And whats with all the egg jokes? You're all giving me an egg-ache! hahahaha... ok that doesn't make any sense what-so-ever, but still...

I don't really understand what is being said here?

Plus Jamie now has Gary O'Neil and Gareth Barry in midfield with 3 pass bonuses between them, playing possession. West Brom and Watford are very evenly matched!

Simon · Cult Status

I wonder how long it took Steve to write up that!

GarethGardner · Cult Status

Cmon lads. Media only here please. At least Steve wrote media

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

Breaking news

Reggina Manager to stand down.

we have just heard that the Reggina manager David Davies-Evans is to stand down.
"I have tried my best and have signed some great players, However i cant take this team forward anymore.I have not won a game for 12 months now and have no idea how to pick up my first win. I have tried all tacticts and different players."

Good Luck all