Week 14

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 14

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

YES!!!! A WIN.
24 games ive waited.

-- Edited by bigwave1927 at 22:16, 2008-09-20

-- Edited by bigwave1927 at 22:17, 2008-09-20

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

"One Swallow does not make a summer" - Davies-Evans

On hearing his brothers excitement at gaining his win as Reggina manager, Steve Davies-Evans has today been quick to remind him that he still has a long way to go and not to get too carried away, especially as Reggina now travel to Cagliari for a clash of brothers.

"I think it's great that Dave has got his first win and I'm sure that it will lift his team ahead of our game this week. I do however suggest that he doesn't get too carried away and let it get to his players of they might find themselves brought back down to earth with a bump.

I have to give some credit to my brother as he has started to slowly build a side that could eventually be capeable of a playoff challenge. They finished bottem of the table last season and I think it's fair to say that they wont this season so there is already an improvement.

We are slightly disappointed with the draw against Genoa but we now have to turn our attentions to Reggina and picking up the 3 points we need to get us right back into that playoff mix."

I'm sure this is just the start of the media battle between these two brothers this week but who will come out on top on the pitch?

Fletch · Cult Status

Gimnastic Board "Hands Off" warning to Newcastle FC

Gimnastic FC have issued a warning to Newcastle Football Club today. "Hands Off our manager"

Andy is in his second season with the club and going through some transitional changes, he's lowered the age range of the playing staff, spent wisely and improved the quality of the team. Everyone knows we have a limited budget but within the constraints of this Andy has done a decent job. The club is in a healthy position at the moment. Andy submitted a 3 year plan and he is only half way through that.

Results have been disappointing recently, we had to sell some promising players to balance the books but that was Andys choice, nobody forced him. The manager controls the budget and buys whoever he can afford. We dont get involved in this. Results will come, we are not getting thrashed every week but certainly finding a scoring combination difficult at the moment. We are confident Andy will turn this round before the end of the season. Andy has not spoken to us directly about any other job or indicated he is homesick.

-- Edited by Fletch at 10:16, 2008-09-23

-- Edited by Fletch at 10:16, 2008-09-23

-- Edited by Fletch at 10:17, 2008-09-23

-- Edited by Fletch at 15:39, 2008-09-23

Turney · Cult Status

Newcastle Boss speaks out.

The Newcastle Manager today spoke out about report that the Newcastle Board were lining up Andy Fletcher to take the helm at Newcastle.

The Newcastle Boss said: I have spoken to the Newcastle Board and they have reassured that my job is secure.

We are halfway thorugh a transitional phase in which in the end can see us challenging the big four. Look at all the young players we have in the squad Pique,Taylor,Isodoro,Milner,Diaby,Rickler,Cattermole,Dyer,Carroll.

All these players will be one season better next year and I am confident that we will have a much better season next year. You also must remember that I have been at Newcastle for only 2 seasons and have got them promoted to the premier league, avoided relegation in the first season, got them to a cup final and gave Newcastle champions league football.

I have rested players for a lot of games but now intend on playing them in the upcoming games and believe that by the end of the season we will have survived relegation with relative ease.

When the pressure has been on for us to perform, away at Everton and in the cup against Arsenal we have performed and we will do so again in the run in to end of the season.

GarethGardner · Cult Status

Gardner remains tight lipped.
Celta Vigo manager Gareth Gardner remained tight lipped with regards to the Newcastle job. Many believe the Newcastle board visited Gimnastic to watch Andy Fletcher. But there are now strong rumours from local papers saying that the Newcastle board was so impressed with Mr Gardners tactical performance in the demolition of Gimnastic that hes the man they want. When asked about the rumours Gareth remained tight lipped stating " Im currently Celta Vigo manager and am taking them into the Primera. Iv cut the age of our team almost in half and can guarantee promotion this year. As for the Newcastle job it would be unfair on me to comment as they allready have a manager in place and it would be very unfair to comment on his behalf as we have good relations with Martin at Newcastle. My thought turn to this weekends game which 3 points is a must. We have 2 massive loan signings coming in the next 2 weeks. 1 of them players being 1 of the best that we will see for a long time. Its my job to gel these players in and wait and see whats around the corner next season. "

Fletch · Cult Status

Gimnastic FC boss Andy Fletcher has laughed off comments from the press of a "demolition" in their 1-0 loss to Celta Vigo.

I'm sure those comments havent come from "tight lipped" Gareth himself as in anyones book 1-0 is hardly a demolition. Check the dictionary for a definition. We played well but went down to an early goal which even Gareth would agree was a fluke. Then again, he probably wont as he is remaining tight lipped.

Demolition it wasn't.

GarethGardner · Cult Status

Celta Vigo boss Gareth Gardner laughs off claims from Gimnastic boss Andy Fletcher about being tight lipped. I explained myself with regards to the Newcastle position and it wasnt a dig at Gimnastic F.C. My words may seem a little harsh on Andys team and I would like to appologise to him if he saw it the wrong way.
But after asking me to read the dictionary, I decided to do so and realised I was correct.
The word demolition states - The act of overthrowing, pulling down, or destroying a pile or structure; destruction by violence; utter overthrow; -- opposed to construction; as, the demolition of a house, of military works, of a town, or of hopes.

And after reading this and looking at the match stats which says Gimnastic 3 chances Celta Vigo 8 chances and its at their ground, I think the word destroying a pile of ____ was spot on with my wording ! Not forgetting Vigo sit in 2nd well clear of Gimnastic who sit 3rd from bottom 20 points behind us. What more can my team say on the pitch ?

evertonian · Cult Status

Recreativo enter crucial stage of the season

In an interview with Sky Sports, Recreativo Huelva manager Rob McFawn has issued a rallying cry to the players ahead of what he described as 'the four or five weeks that will shape our season".

Huelva have stagnated in recent weeks, epitomised by the 11 goals shipped against Sevilla and Real Madrid in the last fortnight. They now come into a spell with games against Barcelona (a), Real Betis (h), At.Madrid (h), Villarreal (a) and Valladolid (h), with the manager expecting a minimum of 8 points.

"The chairman made it clear at the start of the season that he expected a 6th place finish in return for his investment in the transfer budget. At the moment we haven't challenged the teams that finished above us last season and we must do this in this half of the season in order to push up the table."

"We made easy work of the teams below us in the games so far but we now have to start to pick up points against the better teams. Atletico and Villarreal are both currently unmanaged and I'm hoping that we will be able to take advantage of the instability at those clubs and pick up some points."

"The majority of the funds the chairman invested remain unspent, as I didn't feel that the right players were available at good prices at the time. We now have players in key positions who have played 17 or 18 games already, and they will tire even more. No doubt the money available will be spent in the coming weeks".

It is clear that McFawn is determined to climb the table further and achieve a respectable finish in the league, especially as he is yet to commit his long-term future to the club.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

"Reggina still a small club" - Davies-Evans

Sheffield Wednesday bound Steve Davies-Evans has today hit out at his own brother by claiming that even with the Welshman in charge, They are still well below thier potential.

"I can't see the Reggina fans being hugely extactic with the way the season has gone. One win in 13 games must be pretty hard to take but I suppose they have the fact that they did win their last game. I think Reggina fans should be appluaded. It's not many fans that would turn up week in, week out knowing that your side will probably struggle so I credit it them for that. There is no question that Serie B has two leagues and unfortunatley for Reggina, They are in the bottom half of the league with the other "smaller teams".

There is no question that if we are to gain promotion this season, we not only have to beat the teams around us but also those fighting it out for the bottom few places. Dave will know how I play and I have no problem with that as I fully believe that my players have what it takes to gain all 3 points and propell us closer to the playoffs.

it's more important now than ever to get Cagliari promoted. Since it was announced that I was joing Sheffield Wednesday, the fans at this club have been fantastic and they truly deserve to celebrate a promotion."

We then caught up with young striker Theo Walcott at the Sardinian training ground who was quick to express his delight at the way the season is turning out.

"I think the manager has done superb to turn things round. We didn't have the best of starts and we drew far too many games but the simple fact is that we have only lost 3 times this season and 2 of those were against Sampdoria. it's very important now to turn some of the draws into wins and that has to start against Reggina this weekend."

When asked about his own performance this season, Walcott was keen to state that he is looking to push on and gain promotion.

"I don't think I have scored as many as I would have liked but then I think myself and Manuel (Iarrusso) have forged a good partnership upfront and recently we have had Cadders (Danny Cadamarteri) up there with us. The manager spoke to us all this week and said that he's very pleased witht the way we are playing and hopes that we can raise our game slightly and help take this club into the Serie A."

Davies-Evans has certainly started turning Cagliari into a real force in Serie B and there are a few teams that are now looking over thier shoulder at them, but can they hold them off in the quest for that alusive Playoff Place.

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

REGGINA MANAGER HITS BACK.
We today managed to track down Regginna manager David Davies-Evans.
we asked him to respond to the comments made by the Calgliari manager Steve Davies-Evans.(his Brother)
"i would like to start by saying steve should concentrate on his own small little club, take away his loan players from arsenal and he does not really have much of a squad. Anyone can fill there team with loan players, the only people benefiting from that is the clubs that are sending the players out.
Im trying to rebuild a side here that has been languishing at the bottom of the table for to long. Im trying to do this by signing players permanantly to improve the team. Dont worry Reggina fans im not going to leave after only a few months because im home sick lol. What a joke the calgliari manager is talking about loyalty. he is leaving after only half a season there. Im sure the fans are right behind him LOL.
This weekends game is going to show him how football shall be played.
Reggina fans i PROMISE some big name signings over the next couple of weeks."
Cheers

-- Edited by bigwave1927 at 10:07, 2008-09-24

-- Edited by bigwave1927 at 10:21, 2008-09-24

-- Edited by bigwave1927 at 10:30, 2008-09-24

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Education a factor in life and Football - Davies-Evans

After trying to read his brother garbled nonesense in the morning rag, Steve Davies-Evans has managed to laugh off most his brothers quotes with the fact that it's just to hard to understand.

"Funny enough, I did managed to read a few things that my brother had put together. I have to say though that it was quite hard to desipher. Between the ramblings and the text talk, I'm sure that there was some valid points. I suppose it comes down to education at the end of the day. One of us generally spent time in school and one of us didn't. I suppose that it's not to hard to work out which is which.

To be fair to my brother though, He has ammused me a few times this seaason with his media and it must be great fun for the journalists that have to travel to Reggina's press confrences at 11pm at night when Mr Davies-Evans has sunk his 3rd bottle of Blossom Hill.

To right a few things that David tried to point out, I think loans are a major factor in the lower leagues as David well knows having a few himself (and more to come by the sounds of it). I also think that a few people have been jealous of my link with Arsenal, and why not - Simon is a great guy and they are a great club but if David was to have a look at my team, there is only 2 Arsenal players in there so not really "full".

The other fact that I managed to seep out of the article is that he thinks I have no loyalty. I was just wondering if David is starting to develop a short term memory loss as I am sure he actually left Almeria after less than half a season and is already looking to move on from Reggina so that is also intresting.

Anyways, I hope that I have given my brother enough of an education on how to structure a decent media article and I will be happy to give his team an education on Saturday in the art of winning football matches, something that he hasn't managed too many times this season."

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

I admit Media is not my strong point.
Its a shame that the calgliari manager has to get personal. He should be concentrating on getting his team ready for this weekends game.He is going to need all the time in the world to get them ready.
I left Almeria as theywere the worst team on the game at the time with no money and no body to do buisness with. But that was then this is now. England would be a lovely place to manage but im enjoying my time here if anything comes up in the future then i will look at it. Not just jump ship straight away when the first offer comes in.
This weekends game is going to be tough so im not going to waste anymore time on this childish banter. Let the talking be done on the pitch now.
Cheers

-- Edited by bigwave1927 at 10:53, 2008-09-24

messiah · Cult Status

Walker aiming for big win

Watford have the long journey to south Wales to play managerless Cardiff in their next match.

"We want a win and their situation gives us a chance to rest some of the older players. I have tried to be conservative this season and play players if I think we need them. We should beat Cardiff comfortably. I still want a good result from the other players they need to show me they have potential to break in to my first team.

I was surprised Stuart is taking Cardiff at the end of the season. Every one expected him to stay in spain but he has made a bold choice. With Steve moving to Sheffield that division is regaining some experience next season.

This week in our division I am expecting a back lash from West Bromwich. The result against Southampton was a bad one and Coventry could feel the full force of their disappointment."

He was quick to deny any rumours Newcastle we coming to watch him this week. "No pizza in the world could be good enough to make me take that job. I would even manage Coventry ahead of Newcastle!"

-- Edited by messiah at 12:14, 2008-09-24

mg1 · Cult Status

The usually media shy Preston boss spoke this week to the clubs official fanzine 'Monkey Business' about the upcoming game against Sheff Wed.

MB: So Mark you play Sheff Wed this weekend and currently sit 5 points out of play offs. Do you consider this a must win game?

MG: No not really I don't think we are quite at that point yet, yes our results haven't been great lately but we are hoping to change that this week although Sheffield will be very difficult opponents and whilst we will be looking for a win it is of utmost importence that we do not lose the game. Promotion is obviously our ultimate goal but I think the fans need to be mindful of the position this club was in just last season, we have come a long way since then and still hope that promotion could be achieved via the play-offs but even if this is not the case everyone at the club should be proud of the effort they have put in trying to get this great club back on its feet.

MB: It has recently been announced that Steve Davies Evans will be taking over Sheffield Wednesday next season. Any comments about possibly pitting your wits against Mr Evans next season?

MG: To be honest I am hoping that our paths don't cross next season due to us getting promoted but if they do I am sure I will enjoy it as he is a very experienced manager. He has certainly got half of Sheffield very excited. I am just not sure which half.

MB: Really don't you think he is the right man for the job then?

MG: I don't know really, Wednesday have had a very turbulent time recently for various reasons (they remind a bit of Preston a year and a half ago) and I think they need someone to go in there and change things around completely which could take a couple of years at least. Even with all his experience I am not sure that Mr Evans coming into town with his touring Arsenal B team for a season a getting a few draws and then moving is the answer.

MB: Fair enough, so do you think there is any truth in the rumours that Mr Evans has been seen in Torino discussing a contract for Season 5?

MG: LOL - I wouldn't like to comment

MB: Speaking of managers moving jobs I am sure you are aware that they have been a lot of rumours lately surrounding your future at the club ever since you applied for the vacant position at Cardiff, including this week being linked to the managers position at Derby. Do you wish to make any comments on these matters?

MG: There is not too much to say really I think that it is common knowledge that I unsuccessfully applied for the Cardiff job. I did this with a heavy heart as I love this club but I was born and bred in Cardiff therefore felt I had to try and take the opportunity while it was there. The chairman and the board were aware of my feelings on the matter and both were extremely supportive of me throughout the whole matter for which I am extremely grateful.

As for the Derby matter I do not wish comment on mere speculation.

MB: But would you be interested in the position if offered?

MG: Derby are a great club and would benefit from a bit of stability as they have had a too many managers come and go of late but I would like to make it very clear that I have not been contacted by anyone in relation to the Derby position and that I am fully committed to finishing the job of rebuilding Preston. A point I think that will be re-enforced in coming weeks by our activity in the transfer market.

-- Edited by mg1 at 17:12, 2008-09-24

-- Edited by mg1 at 18:51, 2008-09-24