As the last divet was replaced, as the last steward had left the ground and as the sun set, Reggina fans were still reeling from the fact that their enegmatic manager had left the club after taking them into a new state of optimism during this campaign.
Dave Davies-Evans had come into the club during the last season and found life tough to take at this plucky little Italian side but, as the new season approached, there was a clear air of optimism amoungst the Reggina faithful that this really could be their year. The season started with a defeat, something that this clubs fans had been made to experience far too many times during recent seasons but this season was soon to turn around and give the loyal supporters something to really shout about.
With players like Jay Bothroyd, Darius Henderson, Lago, Mancusu and Victor Anichebe joining the reds, Davies-Evans proved that they had what it took to compete with some of the bigger teams in this over-competitive league.
The news that Leeds United were watching most Reggina games had fans worried that they may well lose the very man that had helped show them that this plucky little team from a small vineyard part of old Italy could actually move up the table and push on.
Thier fears were confirmed and with Reggina losing out to a Palermo side packed with quality and inturn, celebrating promotion the writing was on the wall. A sadened Davies-Evans appeard from the changing room to take what was to be his final press confrence infront of the worlds press. He explained that the chance to join an English club and a club n Yorkshire, a county that will house another Davies-Evans next season when his younger brother Steve will leave Cagliari to take up the reigns at Sheffield Wednesday was far too good to turn down.
Davies-Evans looked farlawned and the pain of having to leave this lovely little club was clear for all to see. He thanked the supporters, the players and the board that took a chance on him in the first place. Nobody could deny that Davies-Evan deserved that chance to manage at a higher level and with Leeds United, there is a team that is desperate to get back amoungst the higher eshelongs of British football.
At time of printing this, Davies-Evans will already be on the lane to Leeds-Bradford airport with his wife and young daughter, leaving the Reggina fans wondering if they will be able to attract the sort of manager that can continue thier previous managers good work.
Only time will tell if they can manage that but either way, A small legacy has been created in this small part of Italy and the Reggina fans will hope that they can lure the charasmatic Welshman back one day.
With promotion assured last weekend Zaragoza manager Richard Jefferies has called on his chairman to give him the backing to challenge in La Liga next season.
Jefferies said " with a record like we have had this season i feel with a little investment we could more than hold our own in the top flight, i obviousley want to keep my top players and bring in another couple to help next year"
He added that the battle with Gareth Gardners Celta Vigo had inspired both clubs to great seasons as his thoughts then turned to the championship decider coming up in a couple of weeks. Obviousley Gareth thinks they will turn us over as he made a mistake in playing a weakened team last time !!! We will just have to wait and see.
Wolves manager Jamie Best speaks about season so far.
Jamie, you sit 3rd in League One and only two points behind second placed Bristol City, you must be happy with the way things have gone?
Of course, when you look at the team we had when we started the season and the team we have now I think we have come a long way and our position in the league has represented this, we are already guaranteed a playoff place with 4 games of the season remaining so Im pleased that we have hit the Chairmans target so convincingly. I still think there is more to come from us though and hopefully we can prove that by getting promoted to the Championship.
You have said from the beginning that you aimed to take Wolves up a division inside three seasons, and you may well achieve that, will you be moving on to new challenges if this happens?
Yes, but they will still be with Wolves. My aim as a new manager when I joined was to slowly establish myself which I think I have done and once I achieve my targets I set myself other ones, I dont think getting Wolves promoted once is a big enough achievement for me to start again somewhere else, and I havent even got that far yet. When you look at someone like Stu at Sevilla who has achieved almost everything apart from that elusive European crown, you have to admire his move to Cardiff next year as that is a big challenge for him, and I really hope all goes great for him. I really dislike these want-away managers who stay in a job for no longer than a season, it shows a real disrespect to the clubs and the fans when managers do this.
So what are your plans for Wolves from here on in?
Well Ill need to sit down with Mr Hayward (chairman) once the season is over and establish how we are going to push on from here, I want long term success for this club and I hope he believes I am the right man to do that. He has given me and the players his full backing so far and so it would be great for him to continue to do so.
What sort of points tally will you be looking for out of the last four games?
We face Preston this week in a game that I expect to win as we are still able to challenge for that second automatic promotion place although they are still hunting a playoff place so it will never be easy. Then we have 2 crucial games, home to champions-to-be Derby and then away at Palace, and we finish with a home game to Nottingham Forest, so I have set the players a target of 10 points from a possible 12, I know they can do it I just need them to deliver on the day.
Thanks for your time Jamie.
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Jamie Best Newcastle United Premier League
Genoa - Season 7 Arsenal - Season 6 Inter Milan - Seasons 4-5 Wolves - Seasons 1-3
While talking to a national journalist about his companies assets Sulaiman Al-Fahim, an Arab businessman heading an Abu Dhabi company, discussed buying top flight football team.
"I think it's interesting" Al-Fahim said in comments broadcast on German television. "I am considering it, but I have not decided yet."
Al-Fahim would follow in the footsteps of the likes of billionaires Bernie Ecclestone who bought Sheffield Wednesday, and Petr Kellner who purchased La Liga club Recreativo Huelva.
Despite neither having brought success to their clubs since the takeovers, Al-Fahim admitted it appealed on various fronts.
"I think it is a good extension of a company if run in the right way. I have always been a fan of football and this would be enjoyable as well as beneficial" Al-Fahim said.
Pundits critical of Al-Fahim
A number of high profile football pundits from Britain have questioned the interest the Abu Dhabi group have shown in purchasing a football club. Within hours of the interview being aired by a German television company, British pundits were already advising English clubs to avoid the temptation.
"Fans hear this kind of thing and think of the money they can see spent on top players. Without even getting into the debate about money not buying success, you have to question Al-Fahim's motives" one ex-footballer commented on a chat show.
"Look at what he's said. They want to extend their company. Think of the pressure this would put on a manager to constantly win things and constantly rack up a profit. Any short term money put in on that basis would be cancelled out massively if they suck the club dry in the future and remove every penny that was made. "
Another famous figure in the English sporting world added "I am worried, yes. What manager would be happy with a chairman who forced him to constantly sell to line the chairman's pockets? How can a club run happily as part of a corporate business?"
Reports emanating from Spain suggest Barcelona repetitive have been in touch with the table topping Serie A club Roma about taking their manager at the end of the season. Roma have enjoyed the same success they found last season, although a final day showdown with Inter which they lost meant they finished last season in 2nd place.
Fans have already said that no matter what the result of their upcoming clash in the league, they feel the team is strong enough to hold onto the top spot this time round. As such, the news will come as a shock to many Roma fans at the thought of losing their manager who has instilled stability at the club.
No comment has been made from Barcelona or Roma as yet but the rumours have been enough to stir up debate in Italy about their managers being poached by other countries, following Inter Milan announcing their manager had agreed a move away come the end of the season.
An official FA Evo magazine has compiled an exclusive list of the most investable clubs in the world of FA for prospective chairmen. The list was based on this seasons league positions in relation to club targets, chairman and fan satisfaction, and stadium development at the club. All stats were compiled into percentage ratings, and the magazine revealed the top 10 as the following:
1st - Watford 86% Newly promoted from League One last season, Watford have rocketed to the top of the Championship and progressed as far as the English Cup semi-finals for two years running.
2nd - Sevilla 85% Last season Sevilla shot to worldwide acclaim as they bagged the Spanish double and reached the final of the European Cup competition. Sevilla also boasts the largest stadium in the world of FA with a 22,000 capacity.
3rd - Chelsea 78% The dominant force in English football at present, Chelsea achieved the triple in season 1 and followed it up with a double in season 2. The only draw back for potential investors is the resistance that would be met in the form of Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovic.
4th - Coventry 76% Having gained promotion via the play-offs last season in League One, Coventry have built on that and lead the race for the second automatic promotion spot in the Championship. One negative for an buyer could be the outspoken manager who has caused various concerns with the fans and has a fractured relationship with the current chairman.
5th - Real Valladolid 74% The little Spanish club has shown what can be achieved on a shoe string and given fans at every small club across Spain hope for their teams. Running away with the Segunda Division last season, Valladolid look set to be the only promoted team to servive the drop this season with a manager who has put his faith in a group of talented youngsters brought in from around Europe.
6th - Juventus 71% The Italian giants have looked a rejuvenated force over the last season under new management. Having been following the old veteran path that the likes of Roma and the two Milan teams have chosen, new management has given Juventus a fresh approach and they look set to dominate the league in the coming seasons with others around them suffering from retirements. Again the draw back for new investors could be current owner Giovanni Cobolli Gigli who is reported to have substantial financial backing.
7th - West Brom 71% The Midlands team had a dream first season as they ran away with the League One championship but since then progression has slowed, missing out on promotion again the following season in the play-offs, and looking set for another play-off finish this season. Management with radical ideas about changes to the playing structure could attract investors with the promise of only needing a small cash injection to push up into the Premiership.
8th - Atletico Madrid 69% For many the second Madrid team in Spain, Atletico have kept faith with a very adventurous approach to the game, attempting to outscore their opponents which has built up a large enthusiastic fan base at the club. Despite never having won any silverware, they have reached the semi-finals on the Spanish Cup in all three seasons of FA.
9th - Wolves 68% In Season 1 Wolves failed to win one single match and ended up one off bottom in the lowest English league. Yet since the current managers appointment the squad has seen an overhaul that has brought with it a big turn around in results on the pitch, which the fans have responded to by hailing the manager as their saviour. A stable relationship between board and manager has bred success and Wolves are within touching distance of an automatic promotion spot this season in the league.
10th - Sampdoria 66% Fans were stunned as they watched their club relegated from Serie A last season, having claimed 7th place in Season 1 only missing out on a top half finish on goal difference. Relegated by one point in Season 2, Sampdoria have rebuilt with a youthful yet talented group of players, they could be the dark horses next season after storming to promotion to bounce straight back up. One problem new investors may have is the loyalty of the owner. Riccardo Garrone considers himself 'one of the fans' and is often seen mingling with fans wearing a team shirt.
Rollings backs chairman ahead of Abu Dhabi interest With speculation rife throughout the Football Academy world following the admission by Sulaiman Al-Fahim, owner of the vastly wealthy Abu Dhabi group, that he is looking to invest in a top flight football team, Coventry City manager Mark Rollings has moved to back his current chairman and warned all at the club to not let the speculation affect their season end. Coventry sit in the second automatic promotion slot in The Championship, with a five point cushion over chasing Blackburn. With such an impressive over-achievement this term, coupled with the prospective riches and glamour of Premier League football next term, the Sky Blues were voted fourth most attractive investment opportunity in Europe in a recent pole. Subsequently Al-Fahims admission has led to pundits and fans suggesting Coventry could represent the businessmans prospective introduction into the Football Academy world. There is no doubt that the businessman may view Coventry as a superb value for money option, and the venue where his vast wealth may have most impact. However, Mark Rollings, The Sky Blues manager, was keen to underline his admiration for current boss Ray Ranson. "Firstly I can confirm that CoventryCity has had no contact with Al-Fahim and as far as I am aware Ray isnt looking to sell-up. Ray puts so much energy and enthusiasm into this football club and is a fantastic chairman to work under. I have been lucky in that Ray has been my only chairman since arriving and has given me the platform and opportunity to learn at this great club. I admit I have made mistakes but would like to think I have pleased him with the clubs on-pitch achievements. One thing I know is that Ray would only do what is best for this football club, and if he decided the time was right to sell I would be confident that he knew it was in the ultimate best interests of Coventry City FC. I know there have been strong concerns voiced about Al-Fahim, but I am not one to judge or get involved in that side of things, I will just put my trust in my current chairman and be confident in his views for the direction of Coventry City FC."
Congrats on beating Atletico Madrid in the cup. Real Madrid knocked you out in the european cup so can you take your revenge?
"I thought we should have beaten them last game. If we play our best and they get lucky I can't ask more of my players. We want to get two trophies this season but I know it will be an exciting final for the viewers"
Is your 7 point lead enough to win the league?
"Everything could fall to pieces but we have been on good form this season and we show no signs of dropping that many points. I will be pleased if we can have the league in our hands before the final game"
What is your reaction to the Wolves managers comments?
"Mr Best is having a very good season and the fans are right to be pleased with him. He was a pleasure to work with as a feeder club for us this season and I hope we can keep that good link in the future even if we are both playing in the same league"
Thanks
Stu
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Trophy Cabinet
2x La Liga trophy // Sevilla 2x Spanish cup // Sevilla 1x Premiership trophy // Man City 2x English cup // Man City 2x European Cup // Man City 1x Segunda trophy // Valencia
Local newspaper The Coventry Telegraph are reporting that Abu Dhabi billionaire Slaiman Al-Fahim is due into East Midlands airport tonight and will be staying in the citys premier hotel facility Stoneleigh Park Lodge. It is widely speculated that the Investments specialist is looking to add a top flight football club to his burgeoning portfolio and Coventry City and Fridays opponents Watford are rumoured to be amongst those being considered.
The accuracy of the reports are sketchy at present, and with the Coventry telegraph renowned for sensationalism the mainstream press are as yet to run with any such speculation. However a source at the telegraph explained that an airport insider tipped off the paper that a charter flight was scheduled for the airport yesterday from the UAE and a reservation has been made in the citys premier hotel for Abu Dhabi investments Ltd. The company do have financial interests in the hotels chain, as well as Euro freight, a continental freight specialist company in neighbouring Daventry. However, recent statements from Al-Fahim have been enough to stir interest amongst local press that the head of Abu Dhabi has come to take a closer look at two of his prospective investments.
When asked to confirm Fahims visit Coventry were reluctant to issue more than a brief statement;
"Coventry City can only confirm that it often has numerous guests to its matches which represent various financial interests for the club. As a club Coventry City relies on maximising our revenue generation and frequently entertains prospective investors, be it potential sponsors or companies looking to increase their interest in Englands Premier Sport."
Abu Dhabi investments Ltd have a shareholding interest in the hotel chain running within the Ricoh Arena complex, a fact which may only fuel local speculation that Coventry could be the billionaires preferred destination. However, with over 4,500 investments amongst the vast portfolio headed by Fahim, Coventry fans may be wise to avoid letting their local press build their hopes too much.
Valencia have looked patchy this season and the team find themselves in a battle for 4th and 5th with Atletico Madrid.
"This season I don't feel like the club have matched my ambition. I want Valencia to be challenging for trophies but the only fight we have left is the difference between 4th and 5th and neither is an impressive finish. Some of the board raised questions about the direction of the team earlier in the season but I put them off hoping Tony Wood was the right man to help us forward. I'm rethinking my decision now."
Despite a top 4 target still being within reach with a month left of the season, Soler is rightly uncomfortable at the large gaps appearing in the table. 10 points currently stand between Valencia and a European qualification, and in the other direction there is a 16 point gap back to 6th placed Villarreal who themselves have had a terrible season.
Fans have admitted boredom has crept into their season weeks ago with nothing left to fight for. It appears Soler is finally ready to listen to the fans, in questioning the manager's team building choices. Fans were outraged when fan-favourite David Villa left for Aston Villa, replaced by a young striker. Other signings have included Newcastle youngster Paul Huntington, Middlesbrough's 32 year old veteran Kieron Dyer, Chelsea youngster Francisco Barilaro, and Cagliari's winger Salvatore Burrai.
Dyer may add a different dimension to the Valencia midfield but fans are split over his signing, stating his age as a worry when they are already relying on 34 year old Morientes for their goals.
An official club statement was read outside Manchester United's training ground this morning. Despite a season of rebuilding, the club has struggled this season to live up to its own high standards. A spokesman for the club read a statement from chairman Joel Glazer.
"Manchester United is a club steeped in glorius history. In pre season we all knew it was going to be a weak year for us but the season has faltered. The manager has bought well known players and tried to blood our own youth but things haven't always clicked for whatever reason. The only trophy left on offer is the English Cup and we really hope the manager can win this because a trophy-less season would be a poor season and after a poor season we might have to re-evaluate the coaching staff here."
Few will be surprised by the hard line United are taking but reports from Italy and Spain suggest the manager has support should he leave United at the end of the season. Reports are that Iain Kochanowksi turned down a move only last week to try and rescue United's season. Fiorentina and Atletico Madrid have both stated their interest in the manager, and are reportedly watching the situation closely for further developments.
Quiet on board the Ricoh
Manager Mark Rollings was heard praising his chairman this week for his commitment to the club, however the reply has been significant in its absence. Ranson and Rollings have had one of the most awkward relationships over the past year and it appears the owner is not prepared to speak publicly about his manager.
Rollings has of late pledged his future to the club long term after seeing them to second in the Championship but this is only the latest instalment in a saga that has seen the fidgety manager cast glances abroad for a more high profile position.
Ranson has become a media shy individual in the last season, the opposite of his manager. Even during the most heated period the chairman tried to avoid the press, which arguably has led to uncertainty in and around the club as to key individual's futures. The fans at least have finally stopped booing their manager in the face of the on field successes.
Kellner warns Spain to watch out
Petr Kellner bought up Recreativo Huelva a season ago almost to the week, and has marked the occasion by an interview with a local news channel. After investing £15 million into the club pre season they have failed to do much more than keep a few steps ahead of the relegation battle although early season form suggested worse.
"We had a slow start but I never thought about changing things. I'm the chairman and the manager is employed to manage. I knew I couldn't just step in and do his job for him. We have picked up the points and should be safe for another season. Next season Spain will have to watch out for us. The manager has had time to find the players he wants and the players have had time to settle. Next season should see us push on strongly now."
Admittedly Kellner has never once put pressure on his manager Rob McFawn but when asked what would happen if the team started next season so poorly again he replied in a very non committing manner. "Obviously it's a marathon not a sprint and we showed we can turn it around and survive despite that start but if it were to happen again, turning it around and surviving would mean another season of treading water. Treading water is not an option for me."
So without saying so in as many words, Kellner appears committed to see his club progress next season, whoever may be at the helm to do it.
Genoa for sale
Giambattista Pastorello has made it known that if the consortium headed by Sulaiman Al-Fahim were interested in buying Genoa, the club would be available to them. Pastorello has struggled to find a manager to lead his side this season but the team have surprised many by sitting 3rd in Serie B. The club has been strapped for cash for years now and the team reflects this, being made up of mostly young talented Italians who have been left to flourish in the lower league.
The Genoa chairman Pastorello believes with the team on the brink of promotion, now is the time for someone with money available to take over where he cant further them any longer. He also claimed he hoped a buy out would tempt a manager into taking the position. "Genoa is a wonderful place. We have a family atmosphere at the club and the young players really enjoy being allowed to develop without the threat of big names stopping them having a run in the first team. I'm saddened no manager is willing to come here so if they need money to bring them then I hope we get someone on board who can provide that incentive."
The normally media reclusive Valencia Manager Tony Wood was quick to respond to Chairman Juan Soler's comments this evening -
Whilst I can fully appreciate where the Chairman & fans are comming from in expressing their dissapointment at another very frustrating season for Valencia this is also shared by myself and the players, but I believe it is to easy to dwell on the negatives more emphasis should be reflected on the positives that have been achieved -
I started this season with a few aims -
1 - To lower the average age of the squad. 2 - To reach or better our target position. 3 - To put ourselfes in a postion to challenge for honours in the coming seasons. 4 - To be able to stay a force for many years.
I feel I am only now starting to put my mark on the squad, which has seen a total of 16 of the current squad brought in by me - some acting as good back up and Squad players and some as long term replacements for the ageing players.
For the first time in a while we have some stability in the squad, which might have seen fans favoutite David Ville leave but Gabby Agbonlahor is seen as a long term replacement - Villa will be 30 soon and we needed to cash in on his saleablilty now, Kieran dyer has come in this week in what i believe to be a very good deal for valencia (a swap deal for David Albelda soon to be 34) and will add a different dimension to us in an attacking sense he may be 32 but still has pace to worry many defences in this division.
I have also invested in the future with the talents of ST Zarate (currently on loan at West Brom) to eventually replace the great goal scoring exploits of Fernando Morientes. In defence we have Perna Nicolo (currently on loan at Cagliari)
I have a long term ambition with Valencia the capture of Mohamed Sissoko last season and the very hightly rated Mathieu Flamini this season the squad is taking shape to challenge.
The signings of other youngsters such as Francisco Barilaro & Salvatore Burrai will be nurtured at our new feeder club next season - 5 players will be going out on Loan in England to develope their passion & tune thier skills ready to come back into the Valecia fold to mount a very serious title challenge.
Funds have been very tight this season and with falling gates I am not expecting an investment from the Board in the near future nor do i expect it in the current climate of things - I have never been in a financial position to buy success, have never gone hands out to the board asking for more funds, and have always had a very good working relationship with the Direcors here, I do not see that changing yes I am under pressure to achieve the same as the board are under pressure for this club to still be here in 2 seasons!
I came here to do a job and that was to put Valencia back at the top of the Spanish League I am not a quitter and fully intend to see this job through without turning Valencia into a 2 season wander full of players in their 30's Look at the likes of AC MIlan - Inter Milan - Roma - Italy is in a mess that potentially you could be looking at the 3 biggest teams facing relegation in a couple of season due to the bad management - I will not bring success to this club if it could lead to the demise of such a great Footballing tradition
Our target this season and last was always going to be hard to achieve but I believe long term stability will bring success here if I am given the chance to see it through
Wood added how many managers have Barcelona had compared to Trophies won ?
This club is heading in the right direction and needs the full backing of everyone at the club.
Roma was not built in a season but could be in Serie B in 2!!
