Week 6

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 6

tonymdf · Cult Status

Valencia Manager Tony Wood - was quick to react to his chairman Juan Soler condemnation of the teams performance this week and that of his handling of club affairs

Wood had this to say - whilst I am upset that again the chairman seems to use the press to speak out publicly rather than ask me to meet with him & the Board to discuss his concearns I did address his issues at the end of last season, nothing was said back to me - it does appear that Mr Soler wants to put a dent in everybodys confidence within the club rather than backing us at this difficult time

Wood went on to point out that there was some error on the team sheet and the team that played was not actually the team selected this week and a very imbalanced team took the field which I think has attributed to the final result.
I am not taking anything away from Simon Jenkins Team today as they have a nice tidy squad with rapidly developing young players mixed in with the experienced seasoned pros this divisons needs.
That is what I am building here at Valencia - I said at the end of last season not to judge us on our results this year as we are very much planning ahead to next season and a serious assult on the title -

Wood also pointed out tat the board at Valencia have not put anything in financially since i took the job, I have managed to create funds from selling fringe players and some stars which I have also been critised for - I did not hear any thanks for selling Huga Viana for 14m!!
A team can not progress on skin alone it needs a backbone - I have brought into the club since I was appointed some of the best players around
GK Scott Carson - CB Philip Jagielka, CM's Mohamed Sissoko, Mathieu Flamini & Christian Poulsen and ST Gabriel Agbonlahor

I have also managed to get in some exceptionally talented youngsters - CB Perna Nicolo
, & Lewin Nyatanga & ST's Mauro Zarate & Francisco Barilaro all with no financial input from the board

Yes The club is currently in debt due to the fans voting with their feet which was notexpected means that debt is gettin worse every week but I have been working behind the scenes out of the limelight to rid the club of that debt without ripping the squad that was being built to shreds
Season ticket prices have been halved as well as there being 2 potential deals being negotiated. I have tried to help the wage bill by developing a good Feeder club link up with Leeds Utd where by next week 6 of our players will be developing their skills and
improving their game to come back here next season stronger and better for the challenge ahead.

Currently in La Liga there are 5 clubs unmanaged - all the other teams have had new managers I am the sole surviving manager that has stuck by the club to see through what I started when appointed and would ask that the board look at what has been achieved off the field before I am judged on it by a couple of bad results

Valencia has been behind the likes of Real, Barcelona and Savilla for some time, I now believe we are catching them, there will be no mass retirements here, I have not had millions to spend in the transfer market like other clubs nor have I not complained about the lack of support from the board financially ever.

Wood offered an olive brach to Mr Soer by offering to meet to discuss his concearns more indepth and to resolve the differences to enable Valencia to progres onto another lever together.

Football Academy · Cult Status

FA statement released

An FA spokesman has read a short statement concerning comments made by the Valencia manager over the team selection for the Real Valladolid match. Valencia manager Tony Wood has come under fire in recent weeks and blamed an error for his dropping of points.

"We can confirm that there was an error on the Valencia team sheet submitted to us this week but it was on Valencia's side of things. Tony Wood requested Gabriel Agbonlahor to play twice in the first choice 11 and we can confirm that a player can't be doubled! As such a default players was added in replace of one of the Gabriel Agbonlahor places, and as usual this default player was picked from the same position as the ineligible one, which left Valencia uneven.

We appreciate Tony Wood is frustrated, but every manager should own up to their own mistakes."

The statement will surely through doubt onto the Valencia managers other facts he has claimed in his emotional defence of his role at the club.

SteW · Top Flight Player

Soccer Star got an exclusive interview with high flying Bristol City manager Stephen Wells. In his second season in charge, Wells already has one promotion under his belt and the small Bristol club are in the play-off places in the Championship now.

(Q) Stephen you must be enjoying your managerial career so far?

(A) Yes, its been great. I couldn't have wished for a better start to be honest! Long may it continue.

(Q) Not many would have tipped you for promotion last season let alone be challenging this season. What do you put your success down to?

(A) I think last season we took a lot of teams by surprise. They weren't expecting much from us, and we caught them out. I came in and changed a lot of things behind the scenes. The training, the nutrition, and the way we play. I've got to say that the players responded superbly. I expected a bit of resistance, but got quite the opposite. That's what its down to really. The players were willing to try new things, and we found things that suited us.

(Q) You have been extremely quiet in the transfer market only buying a couple of fullbacks. Have you avoided transfers on purpose or are the right players just not available yet?

(A) I've been a bit fortunate with regards to the players that have come through the youth setup. I was badly in need of a defensive minded midfielder, along came young Skuse, and he slotted straight in.
This season I needed a keeper, and there was Ruddy.
I've also been able to bring in some players on loan, which has helped to get us where we are.
I'm not purposely avoiding transfers, but I have a limited transfer fund, and wont be pressured into buying for the sake of it. I was hoping that our scout would unearth a bargain, but that hasn't worked out too well by the looks of it. I don't think transfer activity will increase for a while. We're still building, and will have to look to youth and loans for a while yet I think.

(Q) You have been linked in the Gazzetta to the Lazio job in recent weeks, is it something that interests you?

(A) Hypothetically, yes. I'd love to manage in Italy. Realistically though I'll be at Bristol for a while. I don't want to be jumping around from club to club. Bristol gave me my chance, things are going really well, there's no reason for me to be looking elsewhere, and I'm not.

(Q) And finally, where do you see your own career, and Bristol City's future being come the end of the season?

(A) We're aiming for mid table safety, at a minimum. If we can push on into the playoffs, we'll be going all out for it. As I've already said, I fully intend to be at Bristol City for a while. We're a club very much on the up, and I'd like to be a part of things here for a while yet.

-- Edited by SteW at 17:17, 2009-01-04

tonymdf · Cult Status

Marca got an exclusive interview with under fire manager Tony Woods. Tension has been building between chairman and manager ever since Valencia missed out on the targeted top four finish last season by a staggering 9 point gap.

(Q) You must be extremely disappointed with the slow progress the club are making in recent times Tony?

(A) I do not believe in overnight success so dissapointment is not a word I would use, yes I think we have underachieved slightly in recent seasons but then the squad did need a massive overhaul or it would have bee in the same prediciment as some well known Italian clubs. Tagets are there to use as an aim not as a automatic placement every club has aims and objectives I feel the squad that has been built here will provide the springboard for future success

(Q) What is your view of the draw against Real Valladolid in the last game?

(A) The result was a disapointemnt - We had scouted Real Valladoids squad recently and had them watched so did not underestimate their strengths which is why a very strong attacking team and tactics was selected - I am dissapointed our pass completion was not better and equally our crossing into the box was not good enough, we know our strengths and try to use them in matches this was a game I took very seriously and have let the players know of my feelings at the result

(Q) Do you take responsibility for the error you claim was on the submitted team sheet?

(A) There was definatly an error somewhere - unfortunatly these errors have appeared in the past with team sheets so am unsure where the fault is I can confirm that Vicente was selected and not Gabriel Agbonlahor twice the team sheet was checked and doubled checked before it was submitted this is an issue I will take up with the FA

(Q) How would you describe the relationship between yourself and the chairman Juan Soler?

(A) Up until the end of Last season my Relationship with Mr Soler was distant and quiet - he never came to me making demands and likewise I never went to him cap in hand asking for anything, I am annoyed that he has now gone public twice but feel we can work together to achieve the things we both want for Valencia

(Q) Do you agree with a number of Spanish football pundits who have suggested that yourself and the chairman share very differing views on how the club should be developed?

(A) I am unsure how Mr Soler wants the club developed as he has openly critisied but not made his views on how he would like the club developed open to me, as far as I am aware we both want success here, the foundations have now been put in place - not one player has retired here under my management of valencia we have always negotiated deals when I thought the time was right to move them on either at the peak of their saleability or when the risk of retirement was starting to worry me that I could loose a quality player and not have a replacement - unfortunatly to achieve the changes that have been made David Villa probably our biggest asset was sold and he is doing well in the english Championship as is david Albelda but at 34 the time was right for him to go.

As I have previoulsly said we now have good quality youth players developing and some exceptional world class players that will be around for a long time, although one downfall I see with the squad is that we are restricted in our formations this does not worry me as a lack of quality and over pricing of players in certain positions has resricted us in bringing in players in those positions.

With the right backing from the board Valencia will be challenging next season and I want to be a part of that success and see the good times return with a full stadium cheering us on

Football Academy · Cult Status

Blackburn score heavy victory

Fulham were thrown deeper into the mire following a crushing defeat by fellow strugglers Blackburn. Both are massively under performing this season and pressure is high on the Blackburn boss already, and is building on the new Fulham manager.

Many fans expected Blackburn to sack Amilcar Vasquez if he lost to Fulham but a big win saw the first game in weeks where the fans didn't boo their players off the pitch. However there seems to be differing views on the managers future.

One ex-Blackburn player said he thought the board would back the manager. "I think that result has bought him some time. Everyone knows Blackburn should be up the other end of the league, but I think John Williams will stick with him for now."

Meanwhile comments reportedly from an unnamed person within the club suggest he is still one game away from the sack. Bristol City play Blackburn next and this one report suggests Williams is considering making a change should Blackburn fail to beat the newly promoted side.

West Brom hammer United

Newcastle United fans flooded out of their seats with 15 minutes remaining after seeing their side collapse against a newly promoted Baggies team. Newcastle twice held the lead but they conceded two in the space of a minute in the second half to make it 4-2.

Chris Mort made his differences with the manager Martin Turney clear last season but Turney managed to recover the season and survive the likely looking relegation. However they are once again down in the relegation zone and the weekends result saw a full strength Newcastle team lose to a side many fans expect to finish well below them this season.

Reports in the mornings paper the next day suggested Mort was seen leaving the stadium along with the other fans, suggesting he may have run out of patience waiting for a turn around. Newcastle have made it clear a top 6 finish is the target this season, which looks a long way off at this stage.

Chievo tracking Marsh

Federici Yarna has admitted they have Cadiz manager Richard Marsh on a shortlist for taking over the club in the near future. Yarna said "Marsh is one name we are looking at. Cadiz had a good season last year and that was a good achievement under a new manager."

The Chievo chairman did admit and agreement was far from near. "We have a few people in mind and we haven't approached any club to ask to talk to their manager. We are some way off finding a manager whoever it should be."

Fletch · Cult Status

Blades Boss Andy Fletcher unveiled Juanito as his latest signing.

31 year old Juanito cost Sheffield United a record £4.1 million from Real Sociadad and was in the League 1 team of the season in the summer after impressive performances for Sunderland.

Fletcher said

"Juanito brings us experience, quality, passion and a remarkable playing record in the UK. Having moved from Sunderland, Juanito wanted to come back to the UK, his game suits the English teams and he will be a huge bonus for us."

" I dont think the money is an issue, in this market £4.1 doesnt buy a huge amount, we have tracked him for some time and made enquiries some time ago"

"I'm delighted he is with us, he can fit in any formation and will help develop other players we may bring through over the next couple of years."

-- Edited by Fletch at 16:54, 2009-01-05

-- Edited by Fletch at 16:55, 2009-01-05

JOP · Cult Status

I don't remember him at Sunderland!!

Juanjo was with me last season. Rich I think there is an error on the team of the year.

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

Leeds Echo,
Good evening following the awefull comments made by the Valencia chairman, Leeds boss David Davies-Evans has spoken out about the disrespect and disgusting behaviour from the Valencia board and chairman.
"i find it almost comical after the results Tony has had this season losing to Barcelona away by such a small marging was a great result and the players should hold there heads high not be berated by the heirachi(who obviously dont know anything about football). Every body makes mistakes in football and Last week unfortunatly it was Tony's turn.
So thats it he has made a mistake and should be sacked. the people runing that club want to take a long hard look in the mirror.
Managers of the calibre of Mr Wood dont come along very often he should be rewarded for his loyalty not slaged off on the back pages. That is not the way to run a football club.
I am very greatfull to Tony for helping me this season and if his bosses had botherd to look at my result two of the young strikers he loaned me scored.
Good Luck mate im behind you all the way.
Leeds Echo,
Thanks very much Dave and good luck for your Trip to Cardiff which we believe is your supported club.
I think we may snatch a point at City on the weekend but im going all outfor the win.
Many Thanks

Fletch · Cult Status

LOL

Fletcher buys wrong player shock !!!!

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

"Crazy gang" fever hits Owls!

Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Davies-Evans is well known for taking the old Wimbeldon style "Crazy Gang" spirit to any club he has managed and now it seems that it's very much alive at his new club.

It is reported that some of the players were involved in a practicle joke this week that found the manager locked in his office for 5 hours. We caught up with captain Liam Miller this week who took up the story.......

"When the manager brought me in, one of the first things he spoke about was the great spirit within the squad and how we had the "Crazy Gang" thing going on. A few of the lads have had certain things done to them like Richard Wood who had two patches cut out of his suit on the bottem area and actually had to go out on a club meal like it. Manuel Iarrusso is somebody else who has been 'pranked' when one of the players (mouths Dave McClements) got a Mars bar and heated it up with a hairdryer and stuck it to Manu's pants!

We decided that we would test the water with the gaffa and see how good he was at taking it aswell as dishing it out. We knew that he was working in his office so we managed to get the keys of the office and while he wasn't looking, we managed to lock the door. I don't think he would have minded but it was 9pm when we did it and we went back and unlocked the door and let him out on our way back from the players christmas night out. He wasn't a happy bunny at all and we paid for it in training 2 days later but he has seen the funny side since.

I think it's important that we can still have a laugh and as long as it doesn't go too far - the manager incourages it. We haven't had the start we wanted and this is a way of letting off steam".

Wednesday face a tough test away to Preston this week and with the season not going the best for Davies-Evans so far, 3 points would be a very welcomed belated christmas present.

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

Shame that fever cant boil over into normal life.
LOL biggrin

Football Academy · Cult Status

Valencia sack Woods

Breaking news from Valencia is that Juan Soler has announced the sacking of Tony Woods. Woods who has been under pressure following last seasons poor showing has come out fighting his corner this season following an equally poor start which has seen the club slipping into greater debt.

Citing damaging differences in plans for the future, Soler said the mentality of the manager no longer matched that of the club. "I have always said success should be strived for because this is a club that should be in the top three and be pushing for cup trophies. Everyone was warned last season was simply unacceptable but we continue down the same road. Producing young players is all very well but the club is too big to not challenge for silverware for a number of consecutive seasons. Money hasn't been put in but money hasn't been taken out. Valencia had a top three squad when Tony took over and players like Morientes are in the twighlight of their careers, David Villa has been sold which we allowed all funds to be used by the manager to replace him, and the young players are up to five years off even possibly being good enough to get us to where we need to be."

Soler added "To imply we should keep Tony because he was better than nothing was not in our view a good approach to take. If that is the only reason to keep a manager its worth letting the assistant have a go at managing for a few weeks. Ronald Koeman will continue to act as head coach for the time being but he has expressed his interest in joining Tony where ever he should end up. We respect his decision and will give him the chance to open discussions when the time is right."

Speculation now surrounds the future of Tony Wood, with a number of English and Italian teams reportedly alerted to his availability. Soler was keen not to put a timeline on announcing a new manager for his team but did say he expected a decision to come soon.

Belizeno · Cult Status

oops... my condolences Tony hope i dont join the unemployed brigade too.. god damn boards!

Turney · Cult Status

BREAKING NEWS

BBC Sport understands that Newcastle Manager Martin Turney will takeover at Valencia. BBC Sport believes that Martin Turney was offered the job this evening and felt that the offer was too good to turn down considering the lack of backing from current Newcastle chairman Chris Mort.

-- Edited by Turney at 19:15, 2009-01-06

tonymdf · Cult Status

Tony Wood the EX Valencia Manager took a parting shot at Juan Soler as he left the stadium today -
Wood was quoted as saying "Soler is very short sighted in his pursuit of success yes when I took over Valencia were a top 3 side unfortunatly 9 of those players have since retired and none under my management nothing was invested into the club so how did he expect trophies? and I dont now many clubs that take money back every season so why he has commented on that is a mystery
Valencia have been left in a very strong position with the squad although I have been sacked I can hold my head up high and know I was doing the best I could for Valencia Football club and its long term future and stability.

Wood also said he had rejected the chance to take over at an italian club as having such a long assocciation in spain with Valencia he did not want to take the first offer that came along and hoped he could stay in spain

Wood also wished his newly appointed successor Martin Turney every success for the future

-- Edited by tonymdf at 19:57, 2009-01-06

Belizeno · Cult Status

u tell em!

Tezza · Cult Status

Fulham manager Terry Manifold was a little shocked to read that his job was on the line after only a few weeks. "It's not been easy this last few weeks putting a team together from the one inherited," said Terry.
Filham dropped into the Championship with an elderely side and very little finances. "I feel like Dave Bassett" he says, with a smile.
"The job is now almost complete and it will be the next three matches that will determine how good a job I have done."
Fulham go to Crystal Palace this week with a side that is just starting to pull together, the manager tells me. Next week they entertain Middlesboro at home before taking on Wigan. "I am looking for 5 points from these matches" Terry says. "We are not going to win any league this year but that was never the plan," he tells me, "It is all about stabilisation and trying to finish mid-table." " I appreciate that it is not what the Chairman has in mind, but I did tell him it would take at least three years."
I left Terry, still on the phone, probably ringing Ladbrokes for a price on his head.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Madrid deny Wood interest

Rumours surfacing in Madrid overnight suggested that recently sacked manager Tony Wood was due for an immediate return at Atletico Madrid. Wood had expressed his desire to remain in Spainish football which seemed to spark the rumours.

A spokesman from Atletico Madrid said the club were 'concerned with the financial irregularities' that caused a debt at Valencia to remain untouched and slowly spiral out of control. The Madrid side are in a financially good position still despite Chris Hanton leaving more than a season ago now to move back to England.

Roma downhearted

Reports from Italy confirm last nights rumours on a radio station that claimed the reigning champions had approached an English based manager for the vacant position. Roma have confirmed an approach was made to Stephen Wells at Bristol City but that the Welshman respectfully declined the chance.

Bristol City have released a press statement revealing their joy at the managers decision. "We knew we couldn't stand in Stephen's way if he wanted to join such a glamorous team. They can see their success is limited by their squads age and obviously wanted him to help rebuild the side. We thank Stephen for the commitment he's shown to this club in trying to take us even further." Bristol City are at an all time high in the club history, sitting in the play-off places of the Championship.

Ferreira urges support

Fulham's star player Reginaldo Ferreira has urged the fans to get behind their manager and team in next weeks match. Ferreira who has played in all three countries already in his career, for Fiorentina and Sevilla before a move to the then Premiership team, said his manager needed some support.

"The chairman is going to be disappointed with our start. Everyone is at the club. The managers feet have barely touched the floor and while we realise there's no longer a bedding in period in football he has been getting used to the team. I believe we can turn the form around and still challenge for the play-offs this season. We are a force going forwards and with the right set up we can turn over many of the teams in this league."

Pressure has been mounting on the new Fulham manager just 5 weeks into the role as the recently relegated Premiership team look set to slide through the divisions, sitting in the Championship relegation zone.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Valencia unveil new boss

Chairman of Valencia Juan Soler was present in front of the Spanish press this afternoon as the club announced their new manager, less than 24 hours after the sacking of Tony Wood.

"We want to welcome Martin Turney to the club. He has achieved things in the past and this is a club that expects achievements. We know his time at Newcastle has been a rocky one but he was the outstanding candidate for us and we believe he can now show everyone what he is really about with Valencia."

One journalist asked if the sacking of Wood was short sighted. "The best clubs demand success. This club is no different. Tony says no player retired under him yet blames 9 retirements for his difficult job. He made money on every one of those players and spent every single penny of it. We have players with potential now but potential doesn't win matches. I think Tony lost sight of what this club is about but I'm sure a smaller team will appreciate his youth policy greatly."

Soler also denied that the fast turn around in managers was a sign that he had already agreed terms with Turney before the sacking. We approached Newcastle 2 hours after Tony was sacked. They gave us the chance to talk to Martin immediately and we knew the relationship there was strained. Martin was quick to accept and we thank all parties for a speedy solution.

Fletch · Cult Status

Sheffield United Gates Improve

Just 6 games ago, Bramall Lane averaged a gate attendance of 1000 and were set to make a further loss at the end of the season of -4 million.

In a remarkable turnaround, Gate prices were reduced by 50% and the average has now improved. A new manager and a new style of football will have helped develop this statistic.

What remains to be seen is wether new manager Andy Fletcher can continue to entice the crowds and provide them with a brand of football they are willing to pay out for every other week.

New signings and attractive football along with the hunt for silverware on a non existent budget will be the ingredient mix to serve up the best dish since the half time pie.

pricey · Cult Status

Price talks about his season so far.

Real Murcia manager dale price spoke today with FourFourTwo magazine about his time at Murcia.

So Mr Price since your sudden sacking from Real Betis at the end of the season you got offered the job at Real Murcia one question on everybodys mind is why???

I got offered two teams before I accepted the Murcia job which I turned down. I felt the challenge at Murcia is a big one and one that I was happy to take on. The chairman and I spoke before I took the job and we spoke about my ambition for Murcia and my ambition for my career. He said I would want the team to finish in the top 10 and I felt that was something I could achieve so that would push my repetition up and that could mean I get an offer to manage a bigger club

You have only brought in a couple of players so far are there more to come?

Yes there are more to come in we have 7m pound to spend which Is a lot for a club of our size. A fan asked last week if we were planning ion wasting the money on players that wouldnt be very good I said the them my name isnt Steve Davis-Evans!! I will be spending the money very wisely I will only buy players that will bring something to the side. We have our scouts out in brazil at the moment and they have flagged some good players up for us to look at.

There has been reports in other media outlets that Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Davis-Evans has criticized you as a manager what do you say to that?

To be honest what Mr Davis-Evans says makes no difference to me he hasnt done anything in the game so far and cant see him doing anything this season. I can guarantee that if I had been given 20mil I would have spent on much better players. The players he has brought in are not up to the job of getting Sheffield Wednesday up and recent results have shown that I can see Mr Davis-Evans being sacked at the end of the season and that will mean another one of his clubs left in a state where it will take years to sort out same as he did at Leicester and Cagliari.

And finally Mr Price where do you think youll finish this season

I think we will finish some where between 1^st and 12^th

Thanks for the interview good luck for the rest of the season

Thank you

-- Edited by pricey at 23:25, 2009-01-07

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Price comments will be nailed up in Wednesday dressing room!!

Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Davies-Evans has reacted in good humour tonight after hearing the words of Murcia manager Dale Price. Price has accused Davies-Evans of using his £20m transfer budget to buy players that are not up to the task of League 1 promotion this season and Davies-Evans intends to use his comments as motivation from now until the end of the season.

"I only caught some of Dales interview to be honest as the girlfriend wanted to watch Celebrity Big Brother and to be honest, if there's a choice between Vern Troyer doing impressions of Coolio and Dale Price rabbiting on about how useless we are, the little fella will win everytime!

I hear that he reckons that I haven't bought well and that my players aren't good enough for promotion well as soon as I can be bothered to tear myself away from Toya Jackson dressed as a Jester then I will find the article and cut it out so that it can be pinned to the dressing room wall so that lads can see what others have said. I'm sure it will act as great motivation so I can only thank Mr Price for aiding my efforts to leave League 1 this season.

As for everything else he has apparently said, the better half did have a chuckle when she read that Dale was commenting on my previous clubs being left in a state when Betis were left with the worst points total in Premiera division and was then left without a manager due to Dale stating that he wanted away. I wish Murcia the very best this season as I fear that with Dale in charge, they could reach an all time low.

Anyway, Michelle Heaton and Lucy Pinder are about to start a skipping task so if you wouldn't mind.........."

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Sampdoria a 'works in progress' as new boss looks to the future.

Five weeks ago young Welsh manager, Mark Rollings shocked the footballing world be resigning from newly promoted Coventry City after declaring himself unhappy with the clubs future ambition. Speculation regarding the outspoken managers future duly went into overdrive until eye brows were raised when Rollings was appointed boss at returning serie a outfit Sampdoria. Defending his move as 'a significant alignment of ambition' the move brought criticism from many quarters who failed to share the welshmans opinions on his new clubs potential. 5 games on, and after a modest but effective start those murmurs are starting to subside.

What has been most notable is the lack of noise coming from Genoa since the new regime took over. Rollings has seemingly taken decisive action to focus his attention on improving his squad. In has come Stillian Petrov, Gataeno D'agostino, Jonathan Woodgate and the inspirational Jerome Rothen. And while the exodus of fire power, in the shape of Victor Anichebe and Fabio Quagliarella is worrying club sources have revealed funds are available and targets identified.

So with the addition of a new front man apparantlt high on the agenda Sampdoria fans may well look forward to the season ahead.

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 09:39, 2009-01-10

tonymdf · Cult Status

Tony Wood the unemployed ex Valencia manager today asked the Atletico Madrid spoksman to clarify his comments over alligations of financial irregularities' ......

Wood said I have not applied to be the manager of Atletico Madrid so it was suprising to see such slanderous comments in the press this week. The Debt at Valencia was caused by falling gate reciepts and work behind the scenes had been ongoing over the last month to clear that debt which had slowly built up to just over half a million (hardly spiralling out of control) that debt would have been cleared this week with a deal that was already agreed prior to my sacking.

Having been at Valencia for so long and never been involved in any irregularities I will be seeking a full public appology from the Madrid Spokesperson over the comments

-- Edited by tonymdf at 18:18, 2009-01-10

Fletch · Cult Status

Blades Boss Defends Cup Squad Policy

Blades boss Andy Fletcher came under fire from some of the Bramall Lane faithfull this week after he once again indicated his cup squad would be made up of fringe players.

" Yes this is true, I can confirm that players will get run outs during the upcoming cup game against West Ham. Its an opportunity for me to look at some fringe players and see if they fit in to the Sheffield United ethos for the future. Some players are returning from injury also.
Not to mention players who are over 30 really need some rest and treatment. I will not run my players into the ground, thats how it is"

" I also have obligations to the managers of loanees, the lads in on loan will be assessed individually. If their condition means they probably should rest then I will rest them. If they are still looking good, as is Nathan Dyer then they will get a game Monday."