Week 3 Season 4

Fletch · Cult Status

Week 3 Season 4

Luke_C · Cult Status

Goal rush unlikely to continue.

AC Milan manager Luke Coakley had admitted his teams fine goal scoring form since he took over is unlikely to continue. The famous club have averaged five goals a game since the Welshmans appointment near the end of last season. "We have been in fine form going forward, we are creating chances and we are scoring from all over the pitch which is especially pleasing. I hope we can continue to score this amount of goals throught-out the season but in reality its hard for any club to especially a club in the process of rebuilding."

The recent sale of Shevchenko has caused concern to some fans but Coakley is adamant it was the correct decision.

"Shev is a great player, a super player, world class but at 35 we made the decision to let him move on to allow us to bring in someone a bit younger into the squad. Our scoring record has been excellent and he has only played in two of the games and one of them was a friendly so it shouldnt have much of an effect on our recent form. We wish him the best of luck at Sunderland."

The sale of Shevchenko and Nunez has allowed the Milan manager to bring in Aqualini who he worked with last season while at Manchester City. "Aqualini is a player I targeted as soon as I took over at Milan and Im delighted I can again link him up with Iniesta in the middle of the park and we have the added bonus of Watson to mix things up. All three can give the team a good defensive look aswell great attacking play. The three together can form the best midfield in Italy if they play to the potential."

Further news released from the San Siro confirmed Pato would be leaving Milan on a half season loan despite Coakley initially saying he would stay.

"I did plan on keeping Pato here for the season but we had the chance to bring in Walcott on loan so we took the option and this allows Pato to leave on loan. Its not to get more games as he could have got games here but I felt it would be a learning curve both in terms of football and life development so we will decide next week where he will go. Having Walcott is a massive bonus for us as he gives us options, we are grateful to Simon at Arsenal for allowing us to take Walcott and we are sure he is gong to have a successful stay."

-- Edited by Milan at 15:15, 2008-12-18

GarethGardner · Cult Status

Celta Vigo manager makes a transfer anouncement on supporters bus !

Gareth -

" Good afternoon all and thanks again for your terrific away support today ahead of our match against Villareal.I expect today again to be very tough for us as will most of the season especially the 1st 6 games. I thought id make an effort today to travel with supporters to try and answer your questions to explain how im going about taking the club forward.So nows your chance to hit me with your questions "

Dai Hunt (Vigo supporter for 32 years and Bob Bank season ticket holder) -

" Hi Gareth. Id like to ask you what you expect from our players this season "

Gareth - " Well I expect this season to be very difficult to be honest. I really am looking at building a steady ship for us. With a little luck we may stay up but I really am looking towards the future. If it means going 1 step backwards to go 2 forwards then so be it "

Jessie Davies (Supporter for 10 years also Bob Bank season ticket holder) - " Will we see many new faces arriving and any players leaving ? "

Gareth - " We are allways on the lookout to strengthen Jess. I have a list of current transfer dealings that I have at the moment and when these are complete we will be looking a very strong outfit.

1st the bad news !

Going out of the club in the next few weeks will be as follows -

Richi will be leaving for Fulham this week,
Placente will be leaving for Middlesboro,
Dani Abalo will be leaving for Portsmouth,
Sergio Alvarez will be leaving for Livorno,
Claus Lundekvaam will be leaving for Sunderland,
Ezequail Garay will be leaving for Leicester,
Montalto is in talks with Livorno but im not sure whats happening with that at the moment,
and lastly the main 1 is Colin Kazim Richards will be leaving for Fiorentina ! "

(Loud booing is heard on the bus)

" AND NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS FOR YOU LOYAL SUPPORTERS !

Pedro Mendes will be arriving from Pompey ! "

(Loud cheers arrive from the bus)

Victor will be arriving from Middlesboro

(The smiles on the supporters faces goes even wider )

Coda will be arriving to tighten us up a little at the back from Sunderland
and Kisnorbo will be arriving from Leicester again to tighten the ropes at the back

and lastly

Emre Belozoglu will be arriving from Fiorentina ! "

(Huge cheers on the supporters bus as the croud chant Gardners name)

Jimmy Twine (40 year long supporter and a Grandstand season ticket holder for 15 years ) - " Them transfers sound great news Gareth. It sounds like your really mixing youth and experiance. How close was you from leaving Celta at the start of the season ? "

Gareth - " I did have a very tempting offer from an English club at the start of the season but significantly turned them down to stay and help us build. Ill be honest though if Man Utd did come knocking I think they would have been very hard to turn down "

Bryan Boycey (Grange end season ticket holder and supporter for 5 years) - " Gareth can you tell us how the transfer budget will work out as we seem to be bringing in a lot of quality and i hear only 1 million was given to us to strengthen from the chairman"

Gareth - " You neednt worry about our budget Bryan. Yes unfortunately I was given only 1 million which I thank our chairman Carlos Mourino for. I understand we are not the richest club in Spain so I have been working very hard to get the right players at the right price. But the budget will still be reasonably healthy after all dealings and I may be looking to bring more players in and possibly offload players who are not performing or up to my high standards "

Paul Taylor (Canton stand season ticket holder and a supporter for as long as he can remember) - " Gareth Id like to ask the last question please "

Gareth - " Ok Paul, im expecting it to be cheeky from you ! "

Paul - " Any chance of getting the 1st round of beers in ? "

Gareth - " Driver will you stop please ? "

(Driver pulls over and fans look on in awareness)

(Gardner comes back on to the bus with lots of slabs of Strongbow !)

Gareth - " Merry Christmas lads. Get it down you and i will join you, lucky its an overnight stay ! "

Gardners trip must have had a big impact with the supporters of Celta Vigo and hopefully cheered up and downward thoughts

-- Edited by GarethGardner at 17:10, 2008-12-18

Football Academy · Cult Status

Al-Fahim press conference

Tonight Genoa chairman Al-Fahim held a press conference in which the Italian media had its first chance to see Juan Roman Riquelme presented in front of the microphones. Riquelme joined Genoa from Villarreal in a deal reportedly imposed upon new manager Chris Ratcliff, although Chris has claimed he is enjoying the relationship at the club and looking forward to continuing it despite pundits speculating on the negatives.

"It has been an exciting week seeing Juan on the training pitch. He has been learning the basics from the other Italian lads and he seems to really enjoy Chris's training drills. Obviously we haven't bought Juan to scrap with opponents in this league. We know it's a tough league but I think Juan will give us an air of sublime about our play that exceeds out league status right now."

Riquelme looked comfortable in front of the bright lights of the media. After a successful and glittering career, he seemed genuinely excited about playing for his new club, although people will speculate whether that is due to the financial incentives of his wages.

"The manager has made me feel at home. I want to play some good football to please the fans. I think Genoa has a bright future."

After those brief words it was back to Al-Fahim with an update on the finances. "We are investing a further £20 million this week and have secured a second player to match Juan's brilliance on the pitch. Chris will have two superstars at his disposal while the club gets its own youth system in place to develop its own talent. We have now spent the amount we earmarked at the start of the season and we will sit back and see how things develop under Chris. I'm looking forwards to this weeks match."

With the media already reporting some names linked to Genoa, the press will now await the managers announcement of the final player joining Genoa. One ex-player is reported to have questioned whether Chris Ratcliff will be unsettled at the prospect of not being given funds to spend on players of his choice.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Paper Talk - News in Brief

Nunez unhappy with Milan

Juan Aguilera Nunez has said his days at AC Milan are 'days to forget' following his move to Sunderland. Signed from Spain, Nunez played in most of the matches during his stay in Italy but was quickly sold following the appointment of Luke Coakley. Nunez has told a Sunderland newspaper that he's disappointed at how the new boss treated him but is looking forward to a fresh start.

Shiba bemoans transfer policy

Henri Shiba seems set to pay the price for the huge pressure on his manager's shoulders this season. A new acquisition at the Black Cats, Shiba has started two games this season but with the signings of Shevchenko and Harewood, along with Sahar on loan from Chelsea, Shiba looks set to miss out as Petty chases a much needed league title in order to save his career.

Genoa follow Damien Duff

With the news that Genoa chairman Al-Fahim has agreed terms over a final signing for manager Chris Ratcliff, Italian journalists are speculation whether the Irish winger is set to sign for the Serie B club. Duff has been told in no uncertain terms he has no future at Fiorentina following the appointment of Rob OBrien in the summer and is available at a cut price.

Anelka attracted by manager

Portsmouth's new signing Nicolas Anelka has explained his reasoning behind his move away from the City of Manchester stadium. He described how the manager's enthusiasm and raw potential were key to him signing. Jackie Yeo almost produced the impossible last season nearly keeping Fulham in the Premiership and looks set to continue his good start to his career with a promising Portsmouth team.

Obinna demands first team action

New Blackburn signing Nsofor Victor Obinna has reportedly told his manager Amilcar Vasquez that he expects to be a regular on the team sheet. Obinna left newly promoted Watford to secure first team football at Championship side Blackburn and the £8 million signing expects to be given it. He proved a hit with fans on his debut, scoring one and laying one on in his teams 2-1 cup win over Preston.

Munby to travel to Italy

Norwich chairman Roger Munby is expected to be at the next Ascoli match amid rumours linking manager Jonny Sinclair to the vacancy at Carrow Road. Sinclair has moved to distance himself from speculation last week without actually ruling himself out of the running and it's thought his ties to the club make him the number one candidate to replace Chris Ratcliff.

Troisi accepts defeat

Newcastle striker James Troisi has admitted he doesn't expect to remain at the club for much longer. Troisi has been a bit-part player when the manager has rested his other strikers in the past, and with the club aiming for a top half finish James has accepted the fact he is unlikely to be used. "The gaffer needs to put his best team out in most games to achieve the targets and I don't think he sees me in the mix."

Guayre: "Give him time!"

New Inter Milan striker Antonio Guayre has urged supporters to give the manager time to rebuild the squad after retirements ripped apart last seasons group of players. Inter sit in 8th place in the league after picking up just 1 point so far and speculation has already started growing that ex-Wolves manager Jamie Best is choking in the lime light after being highly regarded in the media for so long. "They say he was a big fish in a small pond at Wolves but the fans have to give him time. Everyone knows new players were needed. The players know we can't have time to settle though, I need to perform from the word go to repay the manager's faith in me."

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Sheffield Wednesday announce link up with Spanish giants Barcelona

Sheffield Wednesday chairman Bernie Ecclestone today announced that after the club had decided to end it's link with Arsenal, it has moved quickly to be associated with Barcelona and manager Adam Goble.

Eccelstone statement:
"It is with great delight that Sheffield Wednesday can today announce that we have come to an agreement with Spanish giants Barcelona to become their new feeder club. We are thrilled that we have been able to move quickly and secure such a high-profiled club and as equally impressive manager in Adam Goble.

We would also like to thank our previous parent club Arsenal and their manager Simon Newcombe. We have already taken their player Manuel Iarrusso this season who will continue to play for the team throughout the season. Simon was always a pleasure to deal with and we wish him and the team all the best for the future."

Wednesday manager Steve Davies-Evans was then given the chance to say on record what he thought of the link up before he took the days training.

"I couldn't be happier. There were a few eyebrows raised when we ended the link with Arsenal earlier in the week but we have to make this clear, it was a football decision only. Some areas of the press have speculated that there was some sort of row involved between myself and Simon that lead to the break in the link. I can rule that out right now, Simon is still and will continue to be a true friend of mine and I hope that he does well again this season.

As for Barcelona, they are managed by another friend in Adam Goble who has proved over the past few seasons that he really has what it takes to manage the top clubs so it was an easy choice in the end. I have spoken to Adam recently and we are looking forward to starting the link up asap. I think that with his knowledge of the game, it can only be an added bonus on what I have already learnt from Simon."

So Sheffield Wednesday will surely see an influx of Catalan players coming in over the next few weeks which will surely have the Wednesday fans excited. Speculation mounts as to which players will arrive and if they will be able to help Wednesday shoot up the league.

-- Edited by Bluebird99 at 17:17, 2008-12-19

JOP · Cult Status

Shiba one for the future.

Petty defends bringing in strikers who will play over Henri Shiba.

Jonathan Petty speaks today about the comments made in the press regarding Henri Shiba not getting a game due to "Superstars" coming in.

"In my eyes Shiba is already a superstar at this club, he is one for the future and for now if need be. Yes we need to win this league and win it as soon as we can thats why we have such brilliant players coming in!"

"Shiba is playing tonight against Leeds and hopefully will return the good faith with a goal."

He talks about new arrivals Nunez and Shevchenko from AC.

"Well to be honest I think Nunez was as big a signing as Shevy, he has years left in the game and is already a fantastic midfielder, he slots straight in with Juanjo and with Neville coming back this week, they will be the best midfield in League 1!"

"Shevy isn't going to get his debut this week, the fans will have to wait to see the main star. We all know he's getting on and we must ensure he stays fit and I can't see us needing him against a small club like Leeds"

He talks about Nunez time at AC.

"Well would you be happy if your boss was sleeping with your mother? He told me the full story that Luke was carrying on with his mother. Me and Luke are good mates but I didn't think he would do such a thing. Nunez and his father have both come over to get a fresh start and i'm glad its with Sunderland. He's one for now and the future."

-- Edited by jop1927 at 18:51, 2008-12-19

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

Yorkshire Echo Statement.
We have managed to track down Leeds Manager David Davies-Evans from His hospital bed.
Echo " Good morning David how are you feeling and why are you in hospital"
"good morning all i have been knocked down with Pneumonia and to be honest i feel awful."
Echo " How do you feel about Jonathan Pettys comment about leeds being a small Club"
"his remark is exactly as whats in his name PETTY and doesnt really bother me. Maybe he should have played Shev then he may have had a better result"
Echo " so you are happy with the manner of your defeat then".
"nobody is happy in defeat but to go to a club that has spent big and promised to win the title by xmas (he manages to raise a smile) to come away with such a small margin of defeat pleases me."
Echo "So what of Leeds season then David"
Well I have a small game next weekend agaisnt my bro which is also a yorkshire derby. I am rebuilding this side as I inherited a very old squad. Unfortunatly I was not blessed with finances, so I am pleased with what I have done and a heartfelt thanks goes out to my Feeder club. We are going to push on and aim for a play off place (im not going to make a bold statement like im going to win the leauge next week (he raises another smile again).
Echo" was that a dig at one of your recently played teams
"No comment He laughs"
Echo anymore signings coming in David"
"I can confirm that I have Ross Wallace coming in next week and 2 very very good youngsters coming in from my feeder club, I am also on the lookout for a CM player.
Echo many thanks for your time David we hope you get on the mend soon and cant wait to see you back on the touchline.

-- Edited by bigwave1927 at 08:39, 2008-12-20