Rollings looks ahead to Chairman meeting Speaking from his squads Sicilian based hotel, after taking his squad on a well-earned end of season break to the Italian province, Coventry City boss Mark Rollings took time out with the press to discuss the recent changes at the club and outline his plans for the coming season.
"We are currently taking a bit of a breather as this season has been tough but we have also spent a lot of time talking about what we expect from each other next season. We showed on Friday against a good Milan side that we can compete with some of the best teams in Europe over 90 minutes but we will need to show that consistently next season to have a chance of staying up. I am yet to speak with Mr Rodgers (New Coventry City Chairman) but I am hoping that his apparent passion for the club will lead to him injecting some much needed cash to bulk out the playing squad. I dont think we need tens of millions to achieve what we want this season, but I am hopeful that with our profit margins up this year, prize money from our promotion, and Chairman investment we may get around £10million to play with. I think that would give me the ammunition to ensure we have a squad to keep us well clear of the drop."
Rollings was keen to distance himself from pundits suggesting Coventry were favourites to head straight back down to The Championship, but warned that failure to act positively now could see all the good work done at the club undone all too quickly.
"I think we are 3 or 4 players away from being a mid-table Premier League side and I am pushing hard to get those players in. I will sit down with the boss (Peter Rodgers) and discuss where we need to invest. If we dont act now to consolidate then we will find ourselves in a real dog-fight this season. I urge those in charge to invest now to avoid all this. I am very much looking forward to meeting with Mr Rodgers, and experiencing his passion for the club first hand!"
After jubilant celebrations with Palace at Wembley last week Chris Gale was relaxing at his London home when he took some time out to speak to the press about the challenge ahead next season.
So how do you feel after last weeks heroics?
CG - "Knackered, just when I thought we could relax a 2 up Preston sucker punched us which left for a very nervy last 20 minutes. I am not sure that I could take much more of that!"
Are you happy with the way Palace have got to The Championship?
CG - "I spoke just after the halfway point of the season about my expectations and hopes for the season and, although we did it the hard way, we have now achieved what we set out to do"
What are your hopes for next season?
CG - "Well I would love to emulate what my good friend Mark Rollings has done at Coventry but a more realistic target would be to consolidate ourselves in the Championship next season and then move on from there"
What can you learn from Rollings work at Coventry?
CG - "I think that maybe I could be more decisive in the transfer market, last season I think a few deals slipped me by but that is where my inexperience shows. Although I still think Mark should have let me keep Coloccini for another season!!!!"
Any deals lined up then?
CG - "There irons in the fire and I think that I will have to gamble a little bit in the opening weeks to set my squad up for the job in hand. But along with that I hope to have some prize money, some investment from the Chairman and 1 or 2 exciting youngsters come through as well"
So all in all you are looking forward to the new season?
CG - "I cannot wait, I have always wanted to challenge myself as a manager. The higher I manage the greater the challenge and I am definately relishing this one"
Jack Hayward has become the second manager in as many days to point towards a future away from high profile investments. In a climate where foreign companies are looking to buy up football clubs, the Wolves owner has said Wolves will remain as they are.
"Rumours suggested we were going to back the new manager for this campaign. I can confirm they were false. I want to thank Jamie Best for the great job he did with us, the squad this season reflects that. We all think the quality is already there, extra money would just be frittered away and isn't necessary."
Manchester City- Thaksin Shinawatra "I promised to support the new manager in our hunt for improved success and I will be making a further £10 million available to ensure we can push into the top 4 in the league. We would hope that in a seasons time we will be looking forward to European football too."
Newcastle- Chris Mort "We all know last season was disappointing and we only survived by the skin of our teeth. We have to aim higher this season. A further £6 million has been made available for squad improvements and along with the talent we have already we believe this should secure our aims."
Portsmouth-Alexandre Gaydamak "I want to show the new manager he has chosen well by moving to us from another Premiership team at that time. £5 million extra funds have been handed over with immediate effect for his spending to help reduce the ages and find us another star to add to our talented squad."
West Brom - Jeremy Peace "We acknowledge if we are going to be able to compete at this level now against some of the best players in the world, we need some new players. We have stretched ourselves to provide £3 million for the manager and hope this will give us a fighting chance."
Wigan - David Whelan "We have a youthful side with star players spread throughout and we fully expect to do well this season and recover from last seasons disappointment. I have given the new manager a further £5 million to help rebuild ready for next season when we hope to be back in the Premiership.
Aston Villa - Randy Lerner "An extra £2 million has been placed in the transfer funds. We believe the team is good enough to achieve the target set but know money will be needed for wages to avoid selling our star players."
Crystal Palace - Simon Jordan "Last season we made a loss financially despite promotion. We have suffered from too many seasons failing to achieve the promotion that the level of our players suggested we were worthy of. I have dipped into my own pocket to clear the debt accumulated from last season to allow the club to move forwards."
Reading - John Madejski "The club has fallen on hard times and our fall from grace after losing the Championship play-off final a year ago has been huge. We have a new manager and will invest £5 million towards new players as a final roll of the dice. If this club continues to go backwards, the faces on the board will drastically change."
Leicester - Milan Mandaric "This season everyone at the club believes we can step up and challenge. We need to regain our status higher up the English league system. £5 million has been put towards covering debts created after last season and towards team improvements."
Birmingham - David Gold "The team has struggled to live up to expectations from within and from outside of the club itself and that needs to be addressed. We have stuck with the manager this far and are giving him £3 million to aid any changes he wants to make to allow us to achieve our target this time round."
Juventus - Giovanni Cobolli Gigli "This season is our time to shine. We have moved back into Serie A two seasons ago and since then we have picked off the big teams resulting in two surprise 3rd place finishes above AC Milan. I hope £10 million will allow us to make the next step and run the teams above us for the title this season."
Palermo - Maurizio Zamparini "We have topped up what was already in the bank to give the manager near £6 million at his disposal. I have faith he can fight bravely against relegation this season. We are too big to return back to Serie B."
Real Valladolid - Carlos Sureda "I felt that after committing myself to developing this close knit team that investment from me was needed. I have made a further £2 million available to ensure we continue to punch above our weight."
Real Zaragoza - Eduardo Bandres "We want to make sure the relegation of two seasons ago doesn't happen again this season. Boosting the funds up to £5 million will hopefully allow us to avoid the problems we faced before. Now the manager has adapted to Spanish football I hope everything will fall into place."
Celta Vigo - Carlos Mourino "Funds are tight at the moment. We have tried to offer the manager £1 million to ease financial problems but the team should never have been relegated last time when we went down and the manager shouldn't need much funding to stay up this time."
Real Sociedad - Maria de la Pena "This season is the time to increase our efforts to regain top flight status. £5 million investment should be enough t see us lift higher in the table and really push for promotion."
-- Edited by Football Academy at 21:01, 2008-12-01
The manager of Napoli of Italian Serie B has hit out managers who have not had the courtesy to respond to his enquiries regarding loan players.
"Over here in Italy, we make a point of replying to enquiries. I know that sometimes managers are busy, and cannot respond to enquiries immediately. I also understand from those managers who have had the manners to respond that we are not the only ones who are making enquiries. We do not want to comment on who it is we have contacted and who do not appear to have the basic understanding of responding to simple enquiries, but there were some teams in particular in the Premiership who had good players who were left to sit on the bench all season. If I was the Chairman of such a club I would not be happy that enquiries that would actually help to improve such players have been filed to the bin. All I can think is that such managers show complete ignorance whether they are award winners or not."
Jaques then thanked those managers that had responded to his enquiries and wished them well with the new season.
The Blackburn chairman has told his manager to sort out the clubs dire financial problems, and fast. Blackburn are 2 weeks away from administration following a huge wage bill and failure to gain promotion to the Premiership last season.
The owner told his manager that things needed a fast solution. "Someone needs to be sold and fast. We should be back in the Premiership by now but we're paying the price financially. In two weeks if we go into administration, we will be looking at fighting hard just to stay out of League One!"
A huge drop in fan support for the club after they fell into the Championship and failed to bounce back again has seen attendance figures plummet.
The manager of Napoli of Italian Serie B has hit out managers who have not had the courtesy to respond to his enquiries regarding loan players.
"Over here in Italy, we make a point of replying to enquiries. I know that sometimes managers are busy, and cannot respond to enquiries immediately. I also understand from those managers who have had the manners to respond that we are not the only ones who are making enquiries. We do not want to comment on who it is we have contacted and who do not appear to have the basic understanding of responding to simple enquiries, but there were some teams in particular in the Premiership who had good players who were left to sit on the bench all season. If I was the Chairman of such a club I would not be happy that enquiries that would actually help to improve such players have been filed to the bin. All I can think is that such managers show complete ignorance whether they are award winners or not."
Jaques then thanked those managers that had responded to his enquiries and wished them well with the new season.
New Sheffield United Manager Andy Fletcher echoed Jaques comments regarding responses from managers and the courtesy of a reply.
" Ive contacted a dozen managers and had 3 replies, all enquiries were polite and courteous. There's no law to say they have to but it makes things very difficult, particularly when your in the lower leagues"
" I would like to bring this to the attention of the FA Directors and request some action be taken, in my opinion its unsportsman like behaviour"
"Likewise I would like to thanks those managers that do respond and provide support for lower level football, you all know who you are."
Crystal Palace Manager Chris Gale has sensationally challenged Simon Jordan's ambition for the coming Season and slammed his decision not to invest further in the club.
In a statement released this morning Chris Gale said -
"After guiding Crystal Palace to the Championship on a shoestring budget and balancing the books very well I cannot believe that Mr Jordan has basically thrown it all back in my face!"
"Mr Jordan obviously does not want Crystal Palace to move on and without serious investment this club may well go backwards. I know that is not what the fans want and it is certainly not want I want!!"
"With crowds up I cannot see where the club has lost money and the way he has come out in the press to announce this suggests that the fault lays a my feet!"
"I know my phone bill was a bit too high and therefore I would like to thank Mr Jordan for paying that for me as this is the only debt that I am aware of!!"
"I will have to have a long think about my future and then have a discussion with Mr Jordan to see if we do have matching ambitions and to see if we can continue to work together!"
Rollings stuns Coventry In a stunning press conference hastily arranged at The Ricoh Arena Coventry boss Mark Rollings stunned gathered journalists and the Football world as he emotionally announced his departure from The Sky Blues after three years of successful service. The gathered press sat silent, and astonished as the news reached them. Rollings was visibly shaken, and fought back the tears as he explained his reasons behind the decision. "This is the hardest things I have had to do throughout my managerial career. I love this club and we have had some incredible moments over the past three seasons. To move from a lower table League One outfit to a Premier League team in two seasons was a fantastic achievement. But that achievement lays as much with the fans, town and Ray Ranson as it does with me and I have nothing but admiration for each. Ray and I may have had some differences, but we both loved this club and always gave 100% for Coventry City Football Club. Maybe away from football we can consolidate our friendship." After a stunned silence journalists began to shake off their surprise and attempt to probe Rollings further on his resignation. The young Welshman however, seemed reluctant to drag his old-club through the dirt. "All I will say is that I notice a gap in the ambitions of the club and myself and after long, and hard consideration I believe it is in the best interests of both parties for someone fresh to come and work with the new chairman. I only ever-wanted the best for Coventry City and that will continue to be the case. Nothing would make me slander a club I have grown to love and maybe one day I will get the opportunity to return. Sadly however, it seems like it is goodbye for now!" Some journalists were clearly keen on the inside scoop on the specific details of exactly why Rollings was leaving, but eventually, under Rollings guard, questions moved towards the managers future. "I have nothing lined up. That had no bearing in my decision at all, and I want all the fans at Coventry City to know that. I was offered the job at Inter Milan pre-season and I turned it down flat to take this club where I wanted to. If I wanted to jump ship to further my career I could have taken that job and moved straight into European Football with a top 2 side. I will reassess my options and if the right opportunity arises will give it my full consideration. If I dont receive an offer which tempts me I will sit back, and take some time with my family." Rollings will be the first to admit that the football world will be a quieter place without him, but it remains to be seen how long he will stay out of the beautiful game.
Both the Coventry and Crystal Palace chairmen have released statements within half an hour of each other as they respond to comments by their managers. Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan was angry after having his commitment criticised.
"The club was in debt and the manager would have had to sell someone just to survive. If I left them he would have moaned about having to sell after promotion. Our squad was a Championship squad playing for 3 seasons in League One when we should have been promoted. Does that place blame at my door? I don't control what this team does on the pitch."
Chris Rodgers was quick to follow with his angry statement. The newly arrived Coventry owner was planning a meeting with his manager but it seems he hasn't been given the chance.
"Managers just seem to want money with money on top. The managers who do something with nothing gain great acclaim and move onto higher things and it's disappointing so many people base achievement on money these days. We wish the manager success where ever he goes but his comments about a lack of ambition at this club sound like sour grapes after no money being given to him. All he knows about me is that I bought this club. He doesn't know me or my ambitions and I'm hoping to get a manager who wants to be here now."
Sheffield United Manager Andy Fletcher quickly stepped in to offer Mark Rollings a temporary position as head coach and football advisor at Bramall Lane.
"I know he is somewhat controversial and outspoken but Mark has been of huge support to me during my time at Gimnastic and we are good friends off the pitch. If Mark would like to keep his coaching hat on until he finds something else then we would be delighted to offer him a position, out of the limelight and help me to asses the squad at Sheffield United."
"Ive spoken to Mark briefly and the offers there."
Today Real Murcia manager Dale Price spoke out in support of his mate and former Coventry City manager Mark Rollings Price said The decision he has made is a massive one and one that I know he has put a lot of thought into, was it the right choice? Yes I think it was you cant take a team up to a league like the premier league and not have the board back you.I think Mark has done a very good job there and the backlash he is getting is way out of order. When asked where he thinks Rollings future will lie Price had this to say Where ever he goes you will see good attacking football and success will follow him as I think he is a top manager with a very long and successful career ahead of him.The conversation turned to a report in todays media from the managers of Napoli and Sheffield United about certain managers not replying to emails Price said I think this is the worse part of being a football manager the lack of replies you get from managers it only takes two minutes to send an email with yes or no don't it? its not very hard to do and make life a lot easier.As Price leaves for training he thanks the media for listening to him.
-- Edited by pricey at 16:15, 2008-12-02
__________________
Norwich City 1-2 Real Betis 3 Real Murcia 4 Sunderland 4-6 Recreativo 7-8 Atalanta 8-
AC Milan manager Luke Coakley has begged the Milan fans to get back behind his club after attendances dropped to a record low of 1000 fans in Milan under the previous regime. The club have already planned major changes for the new season and the most recent signing of Spanish superstar Iniesta moving to Milan.Coakley was known at his former club in Manchester for his attacking play and so far hasnt disappointed with his four games in charge of Milan scoring sixteen goals and whilst this is unlikely to continue at such a rate Coakley has shown his intent.
"We need the fans back and we need them from week one because without them we can nto move forward.I can understand the frustration they had under the previous manager who basically left this squad to rot but I plan to bring a vibrant and new look in Milan.I like my teams to play good football and pass the ball and attack and that is what we are aiming to do at the san siro.A full stadium with out fans backing us gives us that extra momentum and is worth an extra goal a game. A empty stadium gives the players a negative feel before we enter the pitch and that has to change."
Coakley has gone a step further to get the fans behind him by getting chairman Silvio Berlusconi to drop ticket prices by 50% from £10 to £5 and a promise they will not go up until the club are back in Europe.
"I want the fans back and ive asked the chairman to drop ticket prices and he agrees something needs to be done so we are now offering top Seria A football for £5 and will continue to while Im at the club until I can get this club back in Europe where they should be."
Coakley also ruled out loaning out or selling Pato who has become a Milan fans favourite from his reserve team games alone.
"The previous manager didnt think Pato was up to first team football for some bizarre reason but he is now in my squad for the first team and he is going to be heavily involved this season.Ive read reports suggesting he is going out on loan or being sold to help build the rest of the squad but that is not an option.He is our future and he will continue to improve in Milan"
Finally we question him on former Coventry manager Mark Rollings decision to quit just days before the start of the season.
"Im disappointed if Im honest, I speak to Mark often as we know each other from the CardiffCity terraces and ive told him the same.I have said before how disappointing I find it when managers leave after a promotion and the same applies for Mark but sometimes you just have a feeling its time to move on so I wish him well. He done a great job at Coventry and gained promotion twice so Im sure a few clubs will be eyeing him up already. I know he likes to build teams up and I know he likes the Nottingham area so it wouldnt surprise me to see him down at forest."
-- Edited by Milan at 16:49, 2008-12-02
-- Edited by Milan at 16:50, 2008-12-02
__________________
Cardiff City manager - PM or Email at ccfc999@hotmail.com
New Reading manager Rob McFawn today sat down with the waiting press at the team's summer training base in the USA for his first interview since his arrival at the club last week.
So, Rob, how do you feel to be at Reading?
I'm really happy to be here, I've had a really fun first week. We flew out in economy, and all 30 of us are camping out on Hahnemann's parents farm! It's nothing like the high life of La Liga but its been a great experience so far! I feel the team is really bonding after the disappointment of last season, and I guess the money we saved had gone into the transfer kitty!
How do you anticipate life in League One turning out?
Well it's a great shock that a club like Reading is playing in the third tier. A club of this size should be pushing for promotion into the Premier League and I hope we can do this in the next few seasons. Obviously Cardiff are favourites for top spot and so they should be. Stuart works miracles on a shoestring but with over £30m he will be creating a long term force over in South Wales! I just hope the players here and any others we bring in will have the quality to stake a claim for the other automatic promotion place.
Season ticket sales are at an all-time low, and amazingly only 400 tickets have been sold for the opening game. Do you have a message for the thousands of stay at home fans?
I would like to ask the fans to get behind the team as much as they can. I know last season was a massive disappointment for them and third tier football isnt always a great watch, but this is a new start for Reading Football Club and we need the fans behind us. In response to the relegation and the difficult financial situations our fans might be finding themselves in, myself and Mr Madejski have set a new ticket price to just £4.
Thanks Rob.
Thanks and see you all on Friday.
-- Edited by evertonian at 17:51, 2008-12-02
__________________
Manager Reading FC English League One robefc02@hotmail.co.uk
Former Manchester City manager Luke Coakley today backed Espanyol manager Craig Radford after confirmation he applied for the Manchester United Job. "From my time at Manchester City I learned a lot about Manchester as a City and a lot about Manchester United as a club. They fan base are very passionate fans who want the best for the club and I believe Craig (Radford) is the man to get the fans buzzing again. He isnt just a very good manager but also a fan so it seems a match made in heaven. A season with no trophies at Old Trafford is simply unheard of so who ever takes over next is going to have to be a strong character and Craig is certainly that."
-- Edited by Milan at 13:10, 2008-12-03
__________________
Cardiff City manager - PM or Email at ccfc999@hotmail.com
Glazer held a brief press conference where he revealed the new manager to take over the Manchester United hot seat. In the last 24 hours Espanyol manager Craig Radford applied to the club.
"We can confirm we have received Craig Radford's application and have accepted it. We look forward to a new era at the club and expect much success in the new regime. Craig knows what a big club this is and knows he has immediate expectations, but we believe he can fulfil our ambitions."
Madrid deny speculation
Atletico Madrid have denied they are about to appoint ex-Coventry manager Mark Rollings ahead of the first game of the season. Rollings recently quit Coventry amid fears of differing ambitions with the new chairman.
"We can confirm we have received an application from a manager currently in England. Contrary to media speculation we have no interest in appointing a manager at this stage. We have full respect and belief in the assistant manager who is doing a wonderful job of continuing the marvellous work Chris Hanton did here."
Normally cagey Cadiz manager Rich Marsh has broken his usual pre match silence and announced a revolution in football terms...
Due to retirements, loan returnees and a lack of pre season transfer activity Marsh will send his Cadiz mavericks out with an experimental 2 7 1 formation.
I'm fully expecting a thumping this game, I can only hope that if our 7 man midfield link arms and stand on the half way line the Bilbao boys won't get through, we've been doing a lot of British Bulldogs in training.
Marsh is hoping to remedy the defender situation with a couple of signings over the next couple of weeks so hopefully this is the only game where we will leak goals.
2 7 1 - You heard it here first, it's the new Christmas Tree, Wingbacks and Diamond for 2009!!!
Newly appointed Manchester United manager Craig Radford was earlier interview by the clubs TV Channel, MUTV.
I am absolutely delighted in becoming the new manager. This is a dream job for any manager, especially a life long United fan, which I am.
I have had a meeting this afternoon with the current squad, in which I addressed my plans for the season ahead. There will be some changes in personnel, and deals have already been agreed for two very exciting players.
Myself and the Chairman, Joel Glazer also met again a couple of minutes ago. Joel stated that I had the full backing of the board, and I will do my very best in repaying his faith, by hopefully winning some silverware in the near future.
Former Coventry manager Mark Rollings is never far from the media limelight and this week has been no different.Only weeks ago the welshman secured promotion and committed his long term future to CoventryCity, but how things have changed.In just one week he has quit Coventry just days before the start of the season and had his application for Athletico Madrid turned down.Now the former Coventry manager has targeted Fiorentina as his next stop, his second application for a club he clearly believes he can turn around.We spoke to Milan manager and friends of Mark Rollings - Luke Coakley on the goings on.
"To be honest I thought he was destined for Nottingham Forest" snapped Coakley trying not to show his laughing face "I made a joking comment about Mark going to Forest and some people took it a bit to seriously in the English media so had to comment again."
"Mark was excellent at Coventry and I dont think he should have left when he did and maybe he is starting to regret his action I dont know, but I do know once he puts his mind to something he will do it and well. With Craig going to Manchester today I thought he may have applied for Espanyol who are a lot like Fiorentina in terms of clubs structure but maybe his style of play is better suited to Italy."
"I spoke to Andrea Della Valle (Fiorentina chairman) last season when I turned down the opportunity to join Fiorentina and he is a very ambition man a lot like Mark (Rollings).I think its important Mark finds a club with a chairman he can relate to and with Andrea (Della Valle) he has just that in my view.While the Milan manager backed his friend he did have some words of warning for the potential Fiorentina manager." "Mark is an infectious character and he may have to lower his actions and ways down a tone in Italy but I have no doubt that he would be successful in improving Fiorentina and trying to get silverwear.Sadly for him Im already looking to collect every trophy in Italy so he will have a struggle on his hands laughed Coakley."
-- Edited by Milan at 18:36, 2008-12-03
__________________
Cardiff City manager - PM or Email at ccfc999@hotmail.com
Reports have come in this evening that Craig Radford and the Manchester United Board are ready to drop the current ticket price.
Old Trafford is normally a complete sell out for home games, but last seasons figures show that out of a possible 17,000 fans, an average of only 9,775 turned up for home games. That is incredibly low, for such a high status club.
Its looks as though Radford is determined to get the fans back supporting his players at the Theatre of Dreams, with ticket prices expecting to be dropped from £16 to around £12.
In a move that is sure to appease Blades fans who have been staying away from games in their droves, Brammall Lane bosses have cut the price of match tickets from £15 to £10.
With attendances struggling to reach the 1000 mark in a capacity of 12500 this is poor going.
Boss Andy Fletcher said the chairman hadn't ruled out further cuts later in the season in recognition of fans ability to raise the money needed in the credit crunch.
It has been a whirlwind week in the life of ex-Coventry City boss Mark Rollings. But as the dust seems to be settling at his old club, and they prepare for life without the cornerstone of their recent successes, the ex-boss has found his name banded around a multitude of new roles. Many expected the outspoken manager to find a new home quickly, but as various rumours have come and gone, the future remains unclear for Rollings.
Speaking to Telegraph writer Henry Winter, Rollngs seemes philosophical about a return into football soon.
'I was keen on a role at Atletico Madrid and it turned out they were sticking with the Assistant Manager, who has done a fine job and probably deserves his chance. I then spoke to Fiorentina, another club that excited me, but talks regrettably broke down. I didn't leave Coventry for another role, and as such I am a free agent but it looks as though it may stay that way for a while. I had two offers on the table from two Spanish Primera clubs but they just weren't the challenge I was looking for.'
With the season starting tomorrow it seems certain Rollings will remain unattached.
'It seems as though I will be spending a lot more time on the golf course. It has been an intense three years and maybe this is gods way of telling me I should take a bit of time with my family. I have other business interests, and I will put more of my time into them, I have plenty to keep me busy.'
It would appear that Rollings is in no rush to find his way back into football, and when pushed on a timescale for his reintroduction remained illusive.
'You cannot just dip in and out of football management. It doesn't work like that I am afraid. Thngs change so fast; Tactics, Training methods etc. Realistically you cannot take a sabbatical out of football management so if things don't work out for me then so be it. I am a great believer of fate and if it's meant to be it's meant to be. Maybe an offer will come in next week which I can't refuse, if not then my golf game is going to be getting a lot better!'
Sunderland Supporters Trust meets with under fire manager Jonathan Petty to discuss the season ahead. Here is feedback from the meeting.
When asked why didn't we go up last season, Petty replied with: "To be honest guys I am willing to take the blaim for this, because I did loan out a lot of our young good players in Zabaleta and Aquilani. This didn't help us in the league at all, however we did get in Joe Hart and Iannelli and Diana in return so they are good players, but looking at what Aquilani done in the premiership he would have been amazing for us the boy has a bright future."
A fan challenged Petty about Aquilani's future and asked are the rumours true he is going to AC and if so why when he is one of our best players? Petty then slips up and here is what he said: "I'll be honest again, he is going to AC (The crowd at this point were getting very irate and shouting I bet he's going for F*** ALL!) BUT, we have had a very good deal, Shevchenko is coming to south wales along with young talented centre midfielder Nunez (The tables turned and the crowd are sing "Who needs a cup of Kenco when we've got Shevchenko")."
Petty is asked about other deals coming/leaving the club "Well again i'll be honest, the boy Juanjo is coming back but Zabaleta is leaving, others who are going are Wallace, Maldonado and Coda so far. We have a few really class players coming in and a few young loans" The chairman of the trust asks are we really going to be champions this season? "Yes"
Sampdoria appoint new boss as Rollings' whirlwind week ends.
In a hastily arranged press conference in Genoa, press gathered after the Blucerchiati hierarchy released a short press release earlier this morning suggesting that they would be naming a new boss. And in a final, and fitting twist, to the Rollings job saga, which has seen the high profile boss linked to clubs throughout Europe Sampdoria announced the welshman's appointment alongside Rollings' first signing, Jerome Rothen.
'The Sampdoria board are absolutely delighted that we could persuade a manager of Mark's calibre to come on board and lead us this season. Some of the football his Coventry side played last year was breathtaking and everyone at the club is excited as to what the future holds under our new boss. We moved quickly to secure his services and are delighted he could see the potential in our great club.'
Rollings was clearly keen to make the press conference as short as possible, to spend time with his players before their opening match against Champions Roma but the welsh manager made a brief statement, and introduced his first recruit to those present.
'I am delighted to be here, and am excited about what the future could hold here at Sampdoria. Thereare some great young players here and over the coming weeks I will be adding some real quality to the side to compliment our exciting talent. Jerome (Rothen) represents the first stage of that! I have been chasing his signature for many months now and I am delighted to finally be adding his name to my squad.'
If Rollings can recreate the attacking style he masterminded at Coventry City, it won't take too long to gain the admiration of the passionate Blucerchiati fans.
Press - Why did you team lose to their old manager in the friendly?
SP - He is a good manager and Napoli are a very good team. We looked very bad and at times it looked like a training match
Press - How are things going to change?
SP - Lots of players have left and more will be sold and released. I always planned to look towards youth to save this team and I have signed 3 of my old young players who really excite me. I'm in talks with a few people about more signings but the players I wanted have cost me most of my money so more players have to be sold if any more players can come in
Press - What do you think of new academy player Ramsey?
SP - Ramsey has great potential and I have to make sure not to waste that. I might loan him out if I think he can do better somewhere else. I was very tempted to sell him when a big team asked about him and I might have to if I need money because not many of my players are worth anything
Press - Do you expect to beat Birmingham?
SP - They are one of many very good teams in this league. Lots of teams have the players to play in the next division. With no new players yet it will be a very tough game
Press - Thanks for your time
SP - Thanks
Stu
__________________
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
In an attempt to close a deal before this weeks league games, Al-Fahim has admitted he has made another bid to a new club to secure the investment group their illusive football club. "We made a bid this morning and are waiting for a response from the club involved. We were disappointed to miss out on Ascoli who we felt had corner stones already in place to build on. A different club will need more work but we have clear plans for this club now."
His only hint as to where it was is that he has confirmed the club is considering future managers to take over, suggesting the team is either unmanaged or that the current manager will be replaced as soon as they take over.
Giambattista Pastorello, owner of Italian Serie B club, is reportedly on the verge of walking out. Genoa looked impressive last season with a blend of Italian youngsters and old pro's but fell at the final hurdle against Ascoli in the play-off final, despite finishing third in the league.
Speculation has reached a frenzy in the Italian press with these rumours surfacing so soon after Al-Fahim admitted a bid had been tabled to one club today. Genoa fans will be keen to find out the outcome sooner rather than later, as if no new chairman has been appointed and Pastorello walks out, Genoa may face administration.
Fulham set for takeover?
Rumours in London suggest owner Mohamed Al Fayed is about to sign over his Championship club to the Abu Dhabi group following the relegation from the Premiership. Fulham suffered a double blow as talented manager Jackie Yeo left to join Portsmouth in the pre-season break.
Fayed is known to have been the first chairman in contact with Al-Fahim and hosted an afternoon with various representatives of the group staying at the club to watch a game and look at the facilities. Should the rumours turn true, newly appointed Terry Manifold from Spain could well be the first casualty of the season after Al-Fahim hinted at a managerial change following their takeover if it was a success.
Simons fears takeover
Martin Simons has admitted Charlton are prime candidates for being taken over, but has claimed it may not suit the club long term. Charlton have had their squad destroyed with retirements and have been relegated to the lowest tier of English football after a dismal display in the league last season.
"If a company did bid for us, I couldn't say no. Charlton are financially unsure right now and the squad's value has diminished significantly. If I could pick a takeover that would benefit the club it would be great but I doubt I'd have the options. Foreign investment could put further strains on our fragile club."
It has been announced as breaking news that the Abu Dhabi have final purchased a football club. The long running saga has seen various key points including a trip to London and along the South coast before flying out to mainland Europe to watch a play-off game.
After being knocked back by Ascoli it now seems the huge investment company now has sealed a deal. "We can confirm our bid has been successful and we are now going about headhunting various people. We will want to appoint a new manager as well as bring in a top class assistant manager to work together at the head of the team."
Unconfirmed reports have group representatives sighted in London, Northern Italy, and Southern Spain, with no concrete source yet revealing the club's identity. One issue the news does raise is the managerial headhunt that will begin. Al-Fahim is unlikely to consider managers who have moved recently and with a large number of managers moving clubs at the end of last season and in pre-season, there are a limited number of names in contention.
Front runners for the job are pure guesses at this stage, as the situation will change when the club's identity is revealed, but Simon Jenkins (Real Valladolid), Stephen Wells (Bristol City), Paul Harrington (West Brom), Chris Gale (Crystal Palace) and Huw Evans (Brescia) are all being linked.
While most of the FA world sleeps, big things are happening in Italy. Giambattista Pastorello has officially resigned as chairman of Italian Serie B club Genoa. Sulaiman Al-Fahim has officially been appointed chairman as head representative of the Abu Dhabi investment group in a late night announcement on the clubs official website.
"I want to thank Pastorello for the hard work he put in when running the club. Genoa had a great season coming third in the league last season, and it was a real shame they missed out on the opportunity when they lost the play-off final. We went after Ascoli first but Genoa have a lot of what Ascoli had. The youth development programme isn't in place here, but that will be the first thing we look at. Money will be spent on a new assistant manager to help bring through Genoa academy kids."
Al-Fahim has said he will find a manager for the club and then discuss the signing of an assistant manager. Only then with the management in place, will they look at the squad transfer kitty.
"Sustainability is a key word for us. If I give you £20 million now that money could be spent in 5 minutes but it doesn't guarantee success. I'm in constant contact with the group over finances for Genoa but we want an infrastructure here ready for imported talent. After all, any Genoa fan would prefer to see a Genoa kid break into the team than an Englishman or a Spaniard."
Since news broke of a deal being agreed, the press have been speculating over which manager will be headhunted by the group to take over at the helm of their project. "We have a few names and we are going to contact a club to ask for permission to approach their manager. With the recent flow of managers around clubs we are limited to our choices but there are plenty of quality managers to pick from still."
This news comes on the back of a great 2-2 draw with newly relegated Livorno who only scraped a draw with two goals inside a minute, with just two minutes on the clock. Genoa look to be a strong outfit already in Serie B but could be a real force in the coming weeks or months.
In an effort to raise funds and to push his Cadiz team on from their shock play-off appearance last season Cadiz manager Rich Marsh has revealed that the club would be prepared to reluctantly listen to offers for their Assistant Manager Antonio Calderon.
"Antonio has done a fantastic job at the club, his stats and valuation of 9m clearly illustrate how good he is, he is one of the best regarded Assistant Managers in football, there aren't many with a higher price on their head."
"With the news that the Abu Dhabi Investment Group are seeking a new backroom team at Genoa we feel it would be prudent of Cadiz to make them aware that Antonio would be available at the right price, unfortunately we have to be a selling club and if Al-Fahim wants to put the best backroom team together then Antonio should be top of his shopping list."
"If Mr Al-Fahim wanted to contact the club and discuss a fee for Antonio we would be prepared to talk, I have discussed this with Antonio and he fully understands that if Cadiz are to improve we need an injection of talented youth, with the greatest will in the world our Chairman Senior Vera loves this club but doesn't have the wealth to put his own money in, I am comfortable with that and am confident that with time I can build a team that will eventually get promoted and hold it's own in La Liga, but we have to raise funds somehow."
