Jonny Sinclair was thrilled with his side after they managed a 1-1 draw against top of the table Sampdoria
'its a great result considering they had won 17 out of their 18 games this season in the league and they're in the final of the italian cup but we prepared in the right manner and everyone was focused in what they needed to do
Sinclair also stated that there wasn't any chance of Sampdoria being complacent for the reason they got a point
Thats absolute rubbish yes they had already been promoted but i know the Sampdoria chairmen and supporters would not allow that to happen they what to win every game no matter what whether theyve been promoted or not they want to be champions as soon as possible otherwise they're in the wrong sport i'm afraid because you want to win all the time
The title in the Spanish second division will surely be decided this coming week.
Zaragoza and Celta Vigo meet at Zaragoza with the home side 3pts clear, Zaragoza manager Richard Jefferies said at a press conference after the win at Osasuna that he thought it would be a very exciting and entertaining game and that he was surprised with the lack of comment from his opposite number at Vigo.
Jefferies said " yeh Gareth is not normally one to be quiet for very long and i'm amazed he hasnt made any comments about this coming week, maybe he isn't very confident" He added that he was very confident is his own teams ability and couldn't wait for the game to start.
Goal Glut at Ricoh as Coventry move towards Premier League
It is unclear as to whether rumours that billionaire investor Sulhaiman Fahim attended this weekends fixture between Coventry City and Watford were true, but one thing is for sure is that if he didnt he will be wishing he did! The fixture provided one of the most thrilling and brilliant spectacles of attacking football this season as the two sides tore into each other from the start. Roared on by a packed house at The Ricoh Arena Coventry matched their league leading opponents throughout and fully deserved their 4-4 draw. It could have been better for home side, had Dave Kitsons 86th minute drive moved 6 inches to the left instead of clipping the outside of the Watford post. With Blackburn defeated at home by Middlesbrough the point leaves the Sky Blues on the brink of promotion to the glamour of the Premier League. With Coventrys superior goal difference they could surely rely on a win in their next game against Southampton to secure their top flight destiny.
All eyes were on the directors box pre-match, with the local newspapers around Coventry claiming Al-Fahim was due at the game. However, Fahim remained unspotted and local press were left speculating as to the billionaires whereabouts. One reporter laid on speculative reports that Fahim watched the game from the Executive box, but these reports remained unfounded.
When quizzed on the media circus surrounding the supposed investment interest Coventry manager Rollings seemed somewhat tight lipped;
"I stated last week that I would be leaving these sorts of issues to the board. My job is to manage this football team and I am lucky that I have a board and chairman who trust me to do that. Retrospectively I trust Ray (Ranson) and his board to do what is best for Coventry City football club. In that respect I dont feel the need to get involved in such matters. I am sure if he (Al-Fahim) was here he will feel he got his money worth from this one. I was delighted with our performance and I think if we can reproduce that performance over the next few months we will compete in whatever league we are in. It is not surprising we are being linked to investment, you only had to look around the ground tonight to see a packed house, fervent support and fantastic attacking football to realise this clubs massive potential."
So although remaining somewhat coy on rumours the clubs financial future, Rollings clearly believes Coventry City are a club with limitless potential. A fact many Sky Blues fans will have hoped got through to the potentially on looking Al-Fahim.
Chairman the London relegation battlers Mohamed Al Fayed announced that the club had put on a special corporate box for the Abu Dhabi representatives who were present for the crucial 4-2 win over mid table Portsmouth this week. Al Fayed said the day had been a big success. "Some of them came to watch us at Craven Cottage and it was a good day for everyone. We got three points that could be vital for our survival in the Premiership and they all seemed to enjoy themselves."
When asked about his visit, Sulaiman Al-Fahim said nothing had been decided. "We are taking time to look at some prospective clubs. Fulham are London based and have done very well this season after their promotion."
It is a well known fact that Al Fayed has invested nothing into the club and has been accused on occasion of stripping assets from the club to fund his other ventures. Despite their success, many fans would appreciate a manager with deep pockets to buy him out.
When asked about visiting the Ricoh Arena, Al-Fahim joked "Where's that?"
Ray Ranson has broken his media silence to send a public invitation to Sulaiman Al-Fahim, head of the Abu Dhabi group looking to invest in a football club. Representatives were in London at the weekend and Ranson has made a bold public move to attract their attention following various questions to the outspoken Coventry manager about the clubs future financial situation.
"We would like to invite Al-Fahim to attend next weekends match against Southampton. I have spoken to the Ken Dulieu at Southampton and they are more than happy to host the Abu Dhabi group at St Mary's Stadium."
Dulieu will no doubt be hoping Southampton can attract the wealthy groups' investment with a good performance to high flyers Coventry but many have been confused by Ranson's comments. Some have claimed this is a sign of his fractious relationship with Mark Rollings and is his way of saying he sees his future away from the Midlands club, while others have stated the financial backing could push the club into Europe in a seasons time.
Rollings backs Ranson invitation. Ran Ranson last night issued an open invitation to head of the controversial Abu Dhabi group, giving the biggest hint yet that Coventry City and their board may be open to investment from the billionaire investor Sulhaiman Al-Fahim. Although some media and pundits have speculated that Ransons admission may be a reflection of a fractious relationship between manager and chairman at the Ricoh Sky Blues manager Mark Rollings has moved repeatedly to deny such a rift. And after the news broke of his chairmans invitation Rollings moved quickly to reiterate his chairmans intentions.
"I spoke to Ray at length about what his intentions were and I am satisfied they are purely in the interest for the advancement of Coventry City Football Club. I have remained uncommitted throughout all this speculation up to now but am happy to throw my weight behind Rays words. If he suggests that he thinks Al-Fahims money is the best answer to turn this great club into a continentally recognised football club then I trust him unequivocally."
Fans of Coventry City have been buoyed by the news that their chairman is actively seeking such a massive investment. But while many pundits have been left speculating just how much money it would take to deliver the results likely to be thrust upon any manager under an Al-Fahim regime Rollings refused to bow to intimidation.
"The benefit with what we have at Coventry is the familiarity that all the staff and players have with each other. I am on the verge of completing my third season as Coventry boss and know this squad inside out. I know where we need to improve to get where we want to get and I know what we would need to do to achieve what a man like Fahim would demand from his investment. I would be happy to answer any such questions and if he so wishes would be more than happy to issue him with a full dossier of proposals prior to his investment. A lot of people have suggested his demands would prove a step too far but I firmly believe if he were to back up his aspirations with cash I could deliver his wishes."
Finally, Rollings spoke of his desire for Fahim to take up his chairmans proposal and watch his side in what could be their promotion party down at St Marys Stadium on Saturday.
"It could be a great day in the clubs history and will be the perfect signal of the great potential of Coventry City Football Club. I strongly urge him to take up the invitation from Ray and come down. We have been playing some thrilling football recently and the players are determined to finish the job this weekend. I heard one press report quoting Mr Fahim querying the location of The Ricoh Arena. The lucky thing for him and us is that he doesnt need to know where we are to see where we could be going as a football club."
Black Cats manager speaks out about the ins and outs at Sunderland.
"I think we need to strengthrn in a few areas next season whether we go up or not" Goalkeeper We're after another keeper to fill the boots of Joe Hart who has done a great job on loan this year from Man City, Fulop is eager to get back in but we need at least two keepers at all times at the club"
Defence " In order to strengthen in other areas we must move players on and Andrea (Coda) is one that'll be making way and moving on. We have Luis coming back from Wolves who by the way is such a promising talent, he'll slot straight in"
Midfield "The boy Juanjo looks like he's going to come back on a permanant basis, he loves it here but is dissapointed in leaving his good friend and partner Gareth Gardner at Vigo, however for this to happen Zabaleta (on loan at Palermo) must go the other way"
Strikers "Chopra has the permision to leave if the right deal comes in for him and the club, he has been a massive asset to us and we're not going to hold him back. We'd like another top class striker here if we can, but I can say Shiba has made a great impact alredy, watch this space!"
"If we go up we have a team to servive, if we don't we'll walk the league next year"
Luke Coakley today quit his job as manager of Manchester City in a shock move. The City manager released a press release via his personal website lukecoakley.com.
"I have made a very tough decision in leaving Manchester City a club that will always be close to me. I believe I have left the club in a very strong position and fully believe the club will move forward from the current 5th position in the Premier League. The squad has a great mixture of youth and experience and I fully believe next season will see the club take another step forward into the top four however regrettably this will not be with me."
"I thank the chairman for backing me financially however in the end our visions for the club were going in different directions and I didnt feel I could continue to build something exciting while balancing those views of the owner. I therefore took the decision to look for a fresh challenge whilst wishing the chairman and the club the best of luck for the future."
Manchester City are yet to comment but believe to be lining up a number of managers to interview before deciding on a new manager.
Coakleys profile
Championship Season 1 - took the club up via the play/offs having finish 3rd
Premiership Season 2 After an initial struggle in the first half of the season Manchester City finished a respected 8th position.
Premiership Season 3 Quit after an argument with the chairman with the club up to 5th position with 3 games to go of the season.
Fans View Andy from Manchester Im disappointed; I felt we had a manager who could continue to take us forward. We were looking strong and I hope the new manager can continue on what has already been built
Alex from Northampton I think its time for him to go, we need a fresh approach for the club. I personally think his achievements have been over hyped over the last couple of seasons
-- Edited by Man_City at 13:36, 2008-11-04
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Cardiff City manager - PM or Email at ccfc999@hotmail.com
Milan chairman Silvio Berlusconi acted quickly once aware of the availability of former Manchester City manger Luke Coakey. Having only quit Manchester City this morning Luke Coakley has already been confirmed as the new manager by the Milan chairman.
Luke Coakley spoke to his now famous website Lukecoakley.com/Milan
"First of all id like to thank everyone in Milan for making me feel so welcome and would like to say how excited I am joining such a big club and how excited I am at the challenge ahead. People have asked why I left the Premier League and England but Milan is a great place, a great club with great players and as soon as I know that they wanted me I was delighted to come here.
I have plenty of ideas and targets on how I want things to go in Milan but first thing that must be done is to hire a stylist to help me get the best out of Milan shopping. I spoke with Isaksson who was previously with me at Manchester City and he tried to point me in the right direction but knowing his dress sense ill be going the opposite direction.
In all seriousness something has gone very badly wrong over the last few years at this club and the squad is quite a bit behind the likes of Juventus and Roma who for me will be the strongest teams next season as things stand along with Parma who have potential to push into the top bracket. The previous manager let the squad grow old together and instead of investing in some youth to balance things out he continued to buy likes of Ballack and Rufete which is now money down the drain when they retire at the end of the season. I think some praise needs to go the caretaker manager who has managed to bring in some younger players to balance the squad and things are looking a lot better than they did a few months ago. My job is now to take this squad to the next stage.
The chairman was a key aspect of me joining, he has ambition but with a sense of reality. He knows we need to re-build this squad and I believe ill be given the necessary time to do this along with his backing."
-- Edited by Milan at 15:35, 2008-11-04
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Cardiff City manager - PM or Email at ccfc999@hotmail.com
Recreativo Huelva manager Rob McFawn has announced to the team website that he intends to leave his post at the club at the end of the current season. In an emotional video cast, the young manager suggested that he believed it was time for a new man to come in and take the team forward. Reading from a pre-prepared statement, the manager said:
"It is with mixed emotions that I must confirm my intention to leave Recreativo Huelva at the end of this season. After three years of hard work at this club, I believe I have brought the team forward and built the foundations for future successes both in the League and the Cups. After a stalemate of a season so far I have felt for a long time that it is perhaps the right time for me to step down and make way for a new manager with fresh ideas and motivation to forge an assault on the next important stage for this club.
"I would like to thank the fans and the two chairmen I have worked under during my tenure, in particular Mr Kellner, who have given me their complete support and backing. I feel I must return that support by stepping down when I feel we are not progressing sufficiently."
"I must confirm that I do not have another position lined up and have not spoken to any other club. That would have been wrong. I will remain 100% focused on the last few games before sorting out my own future".
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Manager Reading FC English League One robefc02@hotmail.co.uk
Wolves manager Jamie Best has exclusively revealed that he will be leaving his post as manager of Wolves at the end of the current season to take over at Serie A giants Inter Milan. Jamie revealed he was approached yesterday about the position and after much deliberation decided a change was the right thing to do.
"I am very saddened to be leaving this great club, it has been the major factor in me becoming the manager i am today. I have never expressed a desire to leave and this offer has come completely out of the blue for me, but i think that i have taken Wolves pretty much as far as i can, but i must also state that i am 100% committed to them and the fans until my time begins at Inter in the close season".
"I would like to thank the chairman who has backed me unconditionally since i have been in the job and the fans who have turned out at the Molineux week in week out. The team is in a much better state than when i took over in Season 1 and their performances on the pitch have improved no end, which is reflected in our current league position. Once more, thanks to everyone who has supported me, Luke Coakley, Stuart Price, and Jamie Walker to name but a few, and especially the fans and chairman at Wolves, unfortunately thought things change and i feel it is my time to go."
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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
Owner of Recreativo Huelva has announced he understands the reasons behind his managers shock announcement that he will quit the club at the end of the season. Petr Kellner had back his manager this season substantially but hinted that although this seasons' poor form would be overlooked he expected results to show next season.
"I can understand his reasons. This season has not lived up to the promise and while it will be a shame to see him leave I still hold high hopes for next season under new management. Rob has been a good servant of this club and not every chairman is lucky enough to have a good understanding with his manager. We wish him well at his next challenge."
Kellner refused to be drawn on McFawn's replacement however, stating that nothing had even been talked about so early.
Massimo Moratti, chairman of Inter Milan, has confirmed he will be backing the newly appointed manager for next season. Wolves manager Jamie Best yesterday announced he had come to an agreement with the Milan club for an end of season move.
"Jamie Best is a manager we know a few teams have been watching. We thought he would be an ideal candidate for the job here because everyone knows we have work to do to rebuild. You only have to look at the change at Wolves to realise he is capable of this sort of task. Our sources had suggested he was going to remain at Wolves but Im glad he decided it was the right time for him to try something knew.
I can confirm funds have been promised but no figure has been settled on. We know we will be losing a number of key plays to retirement this season and I believe Jamie Best is the man to find players to fill their boots."
Thaksin Shinawatra has come out fighting on the club website by claiming that outgoing manager Luke Coakley is afraid of success and his departure will spur the club on. Fans were upset yesterday at the news their manager was on the plane to Milan less than half an hour after quitting their beloved club.
"He always said the only club he would leave us for would be his home team. He isn't Italian!" one fan commented angrily on the club message board.
Shinawatra has moved to increase the distance between the club and their outgoing manager. "He knew this club was going to go places and he's left. The fans shouldn't want someone who doesn't want success. We can now be led by a manager with a desire for success."
His comments are bound to divide the supporters, who have seen Coakley gain promotion and then a mid-table finish in the Premiership backed by Shinawatra's money.
Ascoli secured a vital point against league leaders Sampdoria as they try to hold onto their play-off place with a tight run in happening in Serie B this season. Roberto Benigni, chairman at Ascoli, has praised his manager for building a tough to beat team.
"The results have often been very close this season and we have struggled to score more than one goal a game. The manager has the right players in place and I think given time for everyone to settle and work out the strengths and weaknesses I think this team could be strong in this league."
When asked about the prospect of promotion under the manager who missed out via the play-offs last season, Benigni was realistic. "If the club gets promoted we expect to come straight back down. There are no funds here and we rely on producing talent to use or sell to create funds. We have a long term goal and won't ruin the stability of the club to try and make short term gains."
Thaksin Shinawatra has continued to develop his personality in the public eye by making public his shortlist of candidates he is lining up to replace recently departed Luke Coakley. Coakley's seat is still warm after departing just 24 hours ago and Shinawatra has released to the press his choices for the vacancy.
Spurs manager Chris Hanton was the first name mentioned by the Man City owner. It is widely known that Hanton has no future at Spurs after a large and public fall out with the chairman there.
The second name was a surprise in the form of under fire Man United boss Iain Kochanowksi. Iain has been told by his chairman he must beat Liverpool in the English Cup as finishing this season trophyless is not an option. Despite the rivalry between the two halves of Manchester, Shinawatra believes he can tempt the United boss who is thought to want to remain in England to continue his rivalry with the Chelsea manager.
Finally, the much talked about Bristol City manager Stephen Wells has also been earmarked by Shinawatra. Wells has performed well in his debut season at Bristol and is in prime position to gain promotion this season. This will add to the tension surrounding this weeks match for Bristol, as they play Sunderland live on Friday in a match that is expected to decided 2nd place.
The press is no doubt going to gather outside the three respective clubs in the hope of reactions to this latest development from the managers in question.
Media - Thaksin Shinawatra has come out and claimed you are scared of success and wont be missed, how do you respond to such comments?
Luke Coakley - First of all I hope I am not missed because that will mean the club has continues to get stronger and stronger as it has over the past three seasons and that is a positive thing. I have read his comments about me leaving because Im scared of success and I find them a tad insulting as I believe my time at Manchester City was a successful one. Only two weeks ago I asked the chairman to back my future and confirm I was wanted at Manchester City for next season and the foreseeable future and this was simply not forthcoming and that disappointed me.
Media - So you expect the club to still move forward? Luke Coakley - Yes I think so, everything is set up for another strong season with the right manager. Im sure the chairman will back him financially and I can see them pushing for the top four.
Media - You had previously said that you would only leave Manchester City for Cardiff City your local club but have now joined Milan, can you explain the reasons to the fans as this seems to have annoyed them more than anything.
Luke Coakley - I didnt feel I could take Manchester City in the direction the chairman wanted me to so I left. I have no problem with the chairman and I think he is doing a fine job taking Manchester City forward but I was simply not the manager to do it. Once I made the decision to leave I expected to be out of work for a while and taking a break however when Milan offered me a route back into management almost straight away I thought it was a challenge I could enjoy.
Media - You had a good relationship with the fans at Manchester City before you exit and now many are divided after your resignation. Luke Coakley - I tell the fans to stay united and back the club and the new manager who ever that should be. They are a great bunch of fans that make a difference on every match day. I hope one day we shall meet in the European cup at the City of Manchester Stadium and id like to think I would get a warm welcome but you can never tell in football. The club is one close to my heart which made the decision to leave even more difficult.
Media - Chris Hanton, Iain Kochanowksi and Stephen Wells have been shortlisted for the job, does any manager stand out for you? Luke Coakley - To be honest I find it difficult thinking of any manager taking over and changing the squad I have taken three years to build but Im sure all three could move things forward. They all bring different qualities to the club but for me the name that stands out is Iain Kochanowksi who I think can really make an impact however Im not sure how welcome he would be coming from the red part of Manchester. Its for the chairman to decide but I wish any new manager the best of luck.
-- Edited by Milan at 19:18, 2008-11-05
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Cardiff City manager - PM or Email at ccfc999@hotmail.com
Rumours surround the Spanish Segunda Division team today over their manager Andy Fletcher. Sources close the club have suggested Andy Fletcher has been fired and others suggest that he has walked.
Conflicting reports though also show Fletcher on the training ground as usual this morning with his Gimnastic Squad working through the weekends drills and tactics.
Fletcher has endured a difficult season after narrowly missing promotiuon via the play offs, Gimnastic languish second from bottom after winning only 3 games all season. Fletcher has been openly criticized for his player purchases and the sale of Mingo to Coventry City this season. He has also been outspoken on financial support and the commitment of the club in their chase for honours and promotion to Primera.
No announcement from either parties can be read either way.
The spanish press are pushing the club to clear up the confusion for the fans.
With all the speculation of take overs around the leagues, Sunderland manager praises chairman Quinn.
"Why would I want a take over of the club? Yes investment would help, but you can bring in a player for Ł30m but you still got to get him to perform. The other thing is a take over means a different chairman, I wouldn't want anyone one else than Quinny to run the club i'm in charge of. Niall is very supportive and backs me in all my decisions and I must thank him for that, we both understand the plan in taking Sunderland forward. He's a great Chairman and I wouldn't want anyone els. He could put his han in his pocket this summer though! (Petty laughs)"
Former Spurs boss Chris Hanton has left white hart lane for Manchester City this evening and he cant wait to get started and he wont have to wait long to face his former club as he returns with his new team this weekend which will really get both sets of fans going.
Hanton spoke to the gathered press out side Eastlands this evening.
Press....Why City ?
CH "Well Mr Shinawatra spoke to me this afternoon and sold the club to me, he wants a team that Manchester can be proud of and a team that can compete with the best of europe i know i can do that 100%."
Press...Where do you think you a can improve team ?
CH " All over to be honest, thats nothing against Luke he had his goals and i have mine he has some brought in some Fantastic talent to the club which some will remain and some wont but i do feel that the key areas to be looked at firts will be in the centre of the park area's Midfield and Defence"
Press...You have Robbie Keane and Jermaine Defoe back in you team selection after you sold them both to Spain will they be looking for new teams ?
CH "Keane and Defoe are both Quailty footballers and i sold them both for reasons that suited Spurs so the answer is they are Man city players now and will be unless something happens that will benefit City"
Press...What do you think about your quick return to Spurs this weekend ?
CH "Well its not ideal really and i will know them better than i know City, so all i can hope for is a great game of football with City taking the 3 points.
Press thank Mr Hanton who departs to meet his new players
Jamie Walker has signalled his intention to retire from football management at the end of this season. The colourful boss is currently in charge of Championship leaders Watford but has been involved in coaching in FA for many years.
A much travelled career saw him build the unbeatable Inter Milan that dominated FA even when he left. A surprise move to lowly Coventry City showed that he was not just about chasing medals but he was about chasing dreams. Coventry became a potent force rising through the english ranks before the reassembling of the league structure by FA.
He insisted on his arrival at Napoli in the middle of the season that his time out of football had been a needed break but he promised good times ahead for an underachieving Napoli team languishing in Serie B. It was not a perfect start but Napoli gained a surprise promotion that very same season. Walker was enticed back to his homeland with the Watford job soon after being crowned champions. Watford fans have joined the fans of Napoli Coventry and Inter Milan in their love of the englishman. Their team won league one and now look like winning the championship division.
At the prematch interview the pensive journalists were all expecting Watford's Jamie Walker to talk about the difficult threat Blackburn were going to pose. Instead they were treated to the world exclusive breaking news story.
"I would like to make it known publicly that I will be stepping down from football at the end of the season. Watford has been my home for two good seasons and I have enjoyed the good times with the fans here. A time has come in my life that I have to spend more time with my family and with other work commitments piling up I would not be able to give my team the attention they require to become the power in England that they deserve to be and are on their way to being."
Stunned journalists sat and recorded the emotional interview that will fill the football networks this weekend. Walker thanked those who made his success possible.
"I want to thank my family and coworkers for making this possible. I have experienced a great career and I have been lucky enough to work with some of the best players the game has seen. I want to thank those at FA who give people like me the chance to manage and keep everything held together. There have been many ups and downs but I have enjoyed them all and I hope fans will fondly remember the time I spent with them."
Walker had spoken with a couple of managers about his thoughts and he thanked those who had been good to him in his career and for keeping it private while he made his own mind up about his future. He did not rule out the possibility of a return to management in the future but said it would not be soon.
"People will get a chance to idolise my career or forget it. I do not plan a return to management very soon. Work away from football has taken a more prominent place in my life and with more time spent with my family I need to leave football management as a good memory in my past. I cannot say I will not ever manage again because it gets in to your blood but imminent future is away from the football pitch. I told the chairman about my plans yesterday and he has given my permission to stay for the last three games. I will enjoy every last minute left. It will be football for the love of the game with out the pressures of the lifestyle."
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who is that man on the sideline in a long coat? mourinho? ferguson? boothroyd? walker!
