Week 10

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Week 10

CGale · League Player

Enough is enough!

Football Academy · Cult Status

RE: Week 10

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Time for a decent manager at Palace - Davies-Evans

Having read Chris Gales bizzare rant/resignation in the media, Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Davies-Evans has called for Simon Jordan to install a manager that is able to handle the size of the club. When asked in a press conference today if he had read Gales comments, Davies-Evans was quick to respond.....

"Yeah I did read it and felt quite sorry for Chris (Gale). He has clearly struggled to cope with the size of the club he has managed. I read that Chris praised the fans and wanted to thank them etc, does he think that they will be that pleased with him when he has tarnished the clubs good reputaion by calling his own chairman a 'Moron' and berrating him in the press?

He has gone on about the fact that he hasn't been backed by the chairman and in my experience, 'people buy people' so if he hasn't been backed - Maybe he needs to look at himself when he is wondering why.

You can't take away that Chris took Palace out of League 1 and I think that deserves some praise but I think that since then, he's got abit of a 'bloody nose' and has ended up completly imploding under the pressure. I'm not sure if Chris intends to continue in football management but I can't see too many chairman queuing up to take him on when he's shown such little respect for his current employer.

I wish Chris all the best in whatever he does now and would like to offer him the chance to loan some of my daughters toys that he threw out of his pram or even one of her dummies if he can't find his own now. Failing that, Sheffield Wednesday do need a new bootboy so I'd be happy to add his name to the list of other candidates although I would have to warn him that ex Chelsea manager Drew is the most likely employee"

Fletch · Cult Status

Garcia Hailed as True Leader

Blades Boss, Andy Fletcher has hailed veteran Luis Garcia as a true leader after a reborn start to the season.

Garcia has been influential in developing the settled squad we have built and there is now competition for places all over the pitch, No one can rest on their laurals.

Garcias form has seen him score 5 goals in 9 games and make 4 assists, his partnership with Newcastle loanee Nathan Dyer helping to a good number of those goals.

All the players look up to Luis and see him as their captain, he motivates on and off the field and he is probably the best pro I have worked with in his position.

Goals from every position seems something that the Blades have been worrking on this season with no less than 9 players getting their names on the scoresheet.

Fletcher said " The only players not to have notched goals from the outfield are our CB's thus far this season and Im looking for them to open their accounts, there is no reason from set pieces they shouldnt be looking top do this."

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans delighted with another cup win!

Sheffield Wednesday last night claimed another giant killing as they put out Premiership side Portsmouth at Fratton Park. The Owls have already put out Premiership outfit Coventry in the last round and have continued their impressive run at the expense of managerless Pompey.

Speaking straight after the match, Davies-Evans was keen to praise his players.

I couldn't be happier with the team tonight. Yet again, they gave 100% and that we are no pushovers. We matched Pompey in every area and deserved the win. I think we could have beaten them in normal time but once it went to penalties, we were confident having won in the same way against Coventry in the last round.

I can't pick out any one player tonight as they were all superb and we look forward to a glamour tie against Chelsea at Stanford Bridge".

Wednesday are one of the form sides in League 1 this season and they now turn their attentions to a big game against fellow promotion rivals Cardiff City. Davies-Evans who himself is a Cardiff fan states that he will not show any sentiment when he takes on his boyhood club this weekend.

"We can enjoy the cup win tonight and I'm sure one or two of my players will enjoy tonight as we have given them the day off as a reward for their hard work tonight but we will be back in training on Wednesday morning and getting ready for a big game against Cardiff.

Alot has been made about my links with Cardiff but for that 90 minutes, they are just another team that I will be doing everything possible to beat. They have a fantastic manager in Stuart Price and he has plenty of experience and you can see that he is turning that team into a real force. With that in mind, we know how hard the game is going to be so we will have to be at 100% again or we will be turned over."

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

Well done bro youre a pure inspiration to us all. LOL
Joking aside great win
Dave

richj363 · Cult Status

Jefferies frustrated by results

New Spurs boss Richard Jefferies is frustrated by the start to his tenure at White Hart Lane.

"We have played really well in the last two games and continued to create chances but the old defensive problems have let us down again" He added " We have looked fantastic going forward but just seem a bit short of confidence at the back, I am bringing in a superb defensive midfielder next week and i hope this will offer my defence a little more protection"

The fans became restless during the cup defeat to Bolton and Jefferies really needs a win this coming week against the bottom team to relieve the pressure.

JOP · Cult Status

Petty hopes for a stalemate for Cardiff V Sheff Wed

"I hope its a draw I think it'll be the best result for us. However I can see Cardiff getting a few goals against Wednesday, I'm sorry to say it but I really think Cardiff are playing well and will put a few past my mate Steve's Wed team"

Petty speaks about Leeds links

" We have very good links with Dave at Leeds, he is a good friend and we are helping each other out really. He's giving games to our up and coming stars and in return he is getting very good players"

-- Edited by jop1927 at 09:32, 2009-02-04

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Sampdoria 'close' to finalising seasons shopping

After seeing his deal for Middlesbrough full-back Julio Arca collapse last week Sampdoria boss Mark Rollings is looking to move quickly to pursue other targets. The young welsh manager is known to be in the market for a left-back and central midfielder in a bid to steer his side clear of the Serie A relegation battle. Characterised by his swift and decisive transfer movement Rollings is expected to strike sooner rather than later, a fact identified by the man himself when he spoke with Sky Sports news correspondent Gabriel Marcotti at the Genoa based training complex.

"I was extremely disappointed with what happened with the Arca deal! But there is no point dwelling on that particular situation. This club deals in the right way and if the football authorities deemed that there was anything untoward in the manner the transfer was conducted we will respect that decision. Thats over now, and we move on to other targets. I have two bids on the table for players we believe would end our transfer movement for the season, should they get accepted I would be very surprised if this club sees any movement in or out until next season."

Sampdoria fans have been pleased with transfer activity so far this season, not least with the capture of Djibrill Cisse who, despite rumours of early discontent, has already showed the ability to make a big impact at the Blucherati.

"We knew what we were getting with Djibrill! He is lightening quick and has a track record of prolific goalscoring. It was a shame that the press wanted to unsettle the lad before he had started but I can assure all Sampdoria fans that it is purely paper talk. Djibrill has been nothing short of the ultimate professional since joining and along with Pietro (Arnulfo) represent the future fire-power of this football club. If we get the two additions we are looking at I will be very happy and can assure all fans of this club that the future is very bright indeed."

Rollings' air of confidence will serve to reassure his fans of his commitment to the Blucherati. Many pundits suggested the Italian based outfit were merely viewed as a stepping stone by the ambitious manager when he first joined, but an emphasis on youth and promise have suggested the welsh manager sees a bright future for himself at the club.

Finally in a parting shot at recent press ramblings by outspoken Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Davies-Evans, who has seemed fit to dominate the sports pages of late, Rollings suggested that his old rival should concentrate on delivering on the success his £20million pre-season investment demanded before prostituting himself to the media.

"Steve has been pretty vocal of late, and from the sounds of things is viewing his time in Yorkshire as a success up to now. However, I would suggest that from his chairmans perspective there is still a long way to go until seeing a justified return for that £20million investment he threw at Steve at the start of the year. I have heard that maybe Bernie is looking to throw some more money into the pot but seeing how Steve spent the money last time I would say this will come as welcome news to clubs around Europe as Steve looks to spread the wealth around with his rash signings and over indulgence."

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 10:59, 2009-02-04

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans laughs off Rollings Rambelings

It's nice to see Mark back out in the open. After more failed deals and alot more dark clouds surrounding his dealings with Middelsborough, Alot of us thought that he had hidden himself away in a hole - Saddam style!

I imagine that Mark is pretty bored at the moment and that's why he is commenting on a team the other side of europe that has nothing to do with his team whatsoever. As for the £20m transfer kitty, You would think that Mark would realise that he is about the 7th person to comment on this so is far from original and quite boring to say the least. What my chairman gives me to spend is my business but I'm glad that it entertains Mark as he must be feeling the pinch these days.

I also find it amazing that Mark has the bottle to even comment on anybody elses transfer dealings considering the dreadful reputation that he continues to build himself in the transfer market. If clubs are rubbing their hands when they deal with me, it's because they know that they will be dealts with above board and not get 'ripped off' unlike most that deal with Mr Rollings.

Infact, I would go as far to say that if you are new to management or are looking to leave the game and are looking for a manager to take advantage of you, Mark Rollings is your man. No bid to dodgy or suspect for that man.

Neither Mark or any other manager would not stop me commenting on current affairs so if it's any bother to Mark, I suggest that he just reads onto another story instead of trying to draw the obvious attention that he craves in order to survive. Yet again, Marks comments will be pinned to our dressing room walls so the players can see who they are proving wrong with the wins we achieve so I thank Mark yet again.

JOP · Cult Status

Petty believes DaviesEvans is feeleing the pressure.

"From the recent media article's i've read it is quite obvious that Steve (Davies-Evans) is under a lot of pressure from all corners of the world. He asks people to keep out of his business but how can they when he and his chairman are always in the media?"

"Every week we hear about a cash injection being prepared for Sheff Wed, it annoys people seeing how the manager has wasted the money and nobody "special" shall we say."

"In my oppinion, Mr Ecclestone chose the wrong yorkshire club, Sheff Utd would have been a much better option for him and with Andy Fletcher doing such a good job with no cash, imagine what he could've done with 20m. A lot more than Steve I believe!!"

Petty was asked who he thinks will get the sack in league 1 first?

"Thats a tough question, if Sheff Wed don't go up then I think Ecclestone will feel the pressure to fletch sorry fetch in a new manager, but you can say that with me at Sunderland. However I will take this team up this year and i'm not afraid to put my cards on the table, we are going up. Is Steve brave enough to put his cards on the table and say Sheff Wed are going up?"

-- Edited by jop1927 at 12:17, 2009-02-04

-- Edited by jop1927 at 12:45, 2009-02-04

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Media-Shy Davies-Evans puts Rollings in his place

It appears that finally Steve Davies-Evans, media-shy manager, consistent overachiever, and rarely indulgent man of few misdemeanours, has finally found himself coming out on top in a war-of words. Davies-Evans, unusually outspoken has, on this occasion, lifted his media-shy veil and hence forth whispered into the on-looking microphones an uncharacteristically poignant a stinging argument at recent critic, and jealous onlooker Mark Rollings. Many would have forgiven Davies-Evans for not recognising the technology lying in front of him as he spoke; such is the seeming infrequency of his use of the press or media. However, as the words tumbled out of the introverted Welshman his rivals will have been forced to take note of the new man stood before them.

It was unfortunate for Rollings that it was he who was the receiver of this new attitude displayed by Davies-Evans, and his cutting remarks are sure to leave a scar on the ego of the Sampdoria supremo. Highlighting his critics "cravings for attention" will no doubt relay an all the more penetrating message from a man normally so retracted from the public gaze and devoid of egotistical fantasies. No less, highlighting the controversial transfer policy of the now disgraced Sampdoria supremo will have hurt far more coming from a man so proficient in the markets. After all few could argue should Davies-Evans choose release a book on "how to spend £20million", that it would fittingly deserve an instant recognition only displayed amongst the very top Escalons of literacy's hall of fame. Where one once thought Shakespeare and Tolkien they would also inevitably come to think Davies-Evans.

But nothing will speak louder than the now silence from Sampdoria, as a man of Davies-Evans calibre, usually so characteristically quiet, seems to have slayed the media dragon who so rarely fails to get the last word in such an exchange, usually stroking his ego so often and so publically while those like Davies-Evans remain behind a shroud of privacy, silence and dignity. With Davies-Evans management record standing up there against the very best in the game, and bashful demeanour making those few choice words all the more poignant, Rollings will be left in retreat scrambling around for some fragments of dignity.

-- Edited by Spartikus47 at 12:43, 2009-02-04

Tezza · Cult Status

Smart words indeed. I'm impressed.

Goblets · Cult Status

Quite a brilliant piece of media!

Maybe the "shy" Barca manager will enter some media soon?!

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans refuses to respond to childish taunts

"After reading that garbage that is more suited for the walls of public toilets that Rollings cares to hang around late at night, I have got better things to do. Anyone that Knows Mark will know that he struggles to string a sentance together at the best of times so I imagine that someone has been copying the "Big" words from Russel Brands "My Booky Wook"!

When it comes to media, I will never stop despite who is intrested. The fact that Jonathan Petty is trying every trick in the book to put me off is purely acting as a huge ego boost as it clearly shows that he is scared of what we are doing. As for mentioning the chairman the number times both he and Rollings have, surely that will only back fire as he will be more determined for me to over-throw both of them??

I thank both managers for their interest in Sheffield Wednesday but I suggest that they both get on with doing their job, especially Mark who has a huge reputation to try and rebuild after recent events."

Fletch · Cult Status

Goblets · Cult Status

Since taking over at Barcelona at the start of the season, the once vocal manager, Adam Goble, has been strangely quiet.

Today he met the local press to update them on his progress -

AG - "Afternoon Gentlemen, its a pleasure to meet with again after such a break."

Press - "Hello Adam, welcome back. We've not seen much transfer activity from you since taking over at the Camp Nou, any particular reason?"

AG - "Well, no...in a word! I'm a firm believer in consistency and in, if its not broke...dont fix it. When I took charge of Barca there was nothing wrong, they just needed some guidance and I think I have given them that."

Press - "You offered some of your first team the opportunity to leave at the beginning of the season, none left and no-one came in."

AG - "Yes, thats correct. I think keeping the boys on their toes is both motivational and important to the ongoing success of this Catalan Giant, and I'm committed to it. All of the team I inherited are of an excellent standard and capable of pushing on all 3 fronts."

Press - "Do you feel there are areas you need to strengthen?"

AG - "Yes, I think you'll struggle to find a manager that dosent but its not always that easy. Although this is a well run club the money isnt as readily available as some might think...its up to me to decide what we need and dont...and for me to raise the finances. The money we did have at the start of the season, I believe has been well spent. It may be that I dip into the market again soon."

Press - "You've linked up with Steve Davies-Evans at League 1 Club, Sheffield Wednesday, do you feel this is the right place to blood the younger players in your setup?!

AG - "Definately, Steves a good fella and asked us if we wanted to do something which benefits both Sheff Wed and Barca, I believe it does and we'll soon start to see the rewards. Jonny Evans is having a decent season along with the others and Sheff Wed go from strength to strength. Steve knows how to play that suits his team and if my boys can cut it in a fasted paced English game then they'll be fine when they come back here."

Press - "Adam, we're not sure if you've heard but it seems theres a bit of a public spat going on between some of the clubs in England and one of your old mates in Italy?"

AG - "I'm too long in the tooth to get involved in he said, she said arguements! Been there and done that...it dosent help anyone and just causes friction and unsettles players. Steve is a great guy and Mr Rollings has been a long term contact of mine. I wish them both well and hope they can work out their differences."

Press - "Its been a long time since you made your debut in Management in the FA world...lots of new faces, how do you think things have changed?"

AG - "I think that this is my eighth season in FA after having 4 seasons in the old game so yes, lots of comings and goings. Its great to see the old managers still in the game, the likes of Hanton, Jenkins...both Jnr and Snr, Newcome and Price all competing still at a high level along with a new crop. Its no secret I wasnt keen on the change top the new EVO format but I'm a Norfolk boy so none of us like change!"

Press - "Adam, second place in La Liga scoring shed loads of goals, Quarter Finals of the Kings Cup and still going well in Europe, do you feel you can take silverware in your first season in charge?!"

AG - "I'd like to think we can compete on three fronts but its a very long season with alot of games. I have realistic targets this season and silverware would be great but my main aim was to bring exciting football to the Camp Nou, which we have done by scoring lots of goals...thats what I did in Rome and thats what I want to continue in Barca. The league fixtures were kind to us in the first half of the season but we'll have to wait and see what the future holds."

Press - "Thanks Adam, good luck for the rest of the season and good to talk."

AG - "You're welcome, all the best lads."

With that Goble left the press room with rumours he was about to board a plane to England for a scouting project?

-- Edited by Goblets at 14:08, 2009-02-04

Stu · Cult Status

Cardiff talks about Sunderland fallibility

Press - Stuart your team got a great point from Sunderland. How pleased are you?

"I'm very pleased with the result. If you treat world superstars like Shevchenko badly bringing them in and selling them out like old newspaper you must consider yourself to be a huge team. The boast a premier frontline and we held them to just one goal. I think we showed them up."

Press - Will the result give others hope?

"I think so. Birmingham are always good but never consistent and we have shown Sunderland to be fallible. I think teams around us will have a good go at them now and they will drop more points to throw the promotion race wide open."

Press - Are you disappointed you dropped to fourth?

"No. The result was a great one and other teams around us had better fixtures that week. It was important to show other teams the rewards of battling with Sunderland and I have a young enough team that doesn't have to rest much."

Press - Are you looking forward to the live game this week?

"We see it like David against Goliath. They might have started as a small team but the last two managers have had so much money invested I think they can be seen as powerful as Sunderland. The fans and chairman must be as expectant. I made sure everyone knew promotion through the playoffs was my aim. Both of these teams must be expected to finish top of the league."

Press - What are you expecting out of this game?

"I would take a point. We would love a win but coming away with something will be a good result. If we can stop these two pulling away from us in our games I think we can better their results against other teams. It's an interesting league!"

Press - Any comment to make on the media tension this week?

"I think Italian managers three points above the drop should concentrate on surviving. Sheffield has had big money and Sampdoria have had a free season of great experience by romping away to the B title. There are lots of managers who should be doing better but commenting on every one would take too long!"

Press - Can you comment on the rumour that Adam Goble is coming over to watch Carlos Acuna?

"We have had an approach for Carlos this week but Adams travel plans are none of my business."

Cheers Stu

Belizeno · Cult Status

Vasquez admits fustration at Ewood Park

In what would come as a little surprise to some but none to most, Blackburn manager Amilcar Vasquez today expressed his fustration at the situation at Ewood Park.

"There is always something missing when push comes to shove. My players play better, get more shots on goal, but the results always say otherwise. " After Vasquez had made some prudent moves in the transfer window some thought that his time at Ewood would take for the better. So far, Much hasnt improved apart from just one win since.

When Vasquez was asked about rumours that he would be sacked if he failed to win the next two fixtures he responded "I have not been told anything as yet, but if we do not win the next two games, i would understand if i left. It would be the best thing for the club and myself."

Vasquez was an instant hit when he won the Italian serie b with Livorno. Luck has not seem to have followed him to England.

JOP · Cult Status

Chants of the season so far

Sunderland fans aimed some songs at Sheff Weds manager Steve Davies-Evans during the Sunderland win.

"Money, money, money, must be funny in division 1. aaahhhh, aahhh, you won't make the playoffs, will you!"

"Whats it like to, whats it like to, whats it like to blow the lot, whats it like to blow the lot!"

"Stevo your a banker, stevo your a banker!"

"Is this the way you spend your money, (S**T), We find it very funny, is this the way you spend your money, oh please Steve don't wait for me. La, la ,la ,la, la, la la ,la (S**T), La la la la la la (S**T)"
To the tune of Is this the way to amiarilo

"Formula One your having a laugh, Formula One your having a laugh!"
Aimed at Bernie.

-- Edited by jop1927 at 14:58, 2009-02-04

Luke_C · Cult Status

Coakley annoyed at cup exit

AC Milan were knocked out of the Italian cup in the first round in what has been described by some as the game of the season. The thrilling 7-7 all draw eventually ended in a penalty shoot out with Genoa going through to the next round where they will face Roma. We spoke to Milan manager Luke Coakley after the game.

Media: A thrilling game, that would have been a pleasure to be a part of?LC: I can tell you I took no pleasure in that game at all. For the neutral Im sure it was thrilling but how can I be happy scoring 7 goals in one match and not winning? It was suicidal defending and I dont just mean from the defence but throughout the team. We have to perform much better than that against Inter or we have big problems.

Media: Do you plan to rectify the problems in the transfer market?LC: Ive made no secret of the fact ive wanted to bring in a young pacey right winger to the club since I joined and ive managed to do that so he will be joining this week and we have also agreed with Real Mallorca to bring back Paquale in week 10 to add some depth to the defence. If I could bring in another CM id be delighted but we dont have unlimited funds here we so will wheel and deal until we find something that is suitable for us.

Media: is it fair to say that the cup is not a priority this season and the reason you put out a weakened team?LC: That is nonsense, we all wanted a cup run this season and the team I put out was two players short of my best team. We are now out of the cup so will concentrate on the league

Media: If rumours are to be believed Pandiani is set to leave after only a few games and despite his man of the match performance and goals today.
LC: Pandiani seems to be a player that the media like to write about, every club he has been at he has been linked to another and then another. I dont know what the future holds but I do know he will be starting the game against Inter Saturday and that Im delighted with his form since he joined the club.

-- Edited by Milan at 19:05, 2009-02-04

Jozz · Cult Status

After a quiet time in the Meida recently the Napoli manager spoke to the Italian press before facing a team that he used to manage - Chievo.

"I am looking forward to the game against Chievo. I know some of the players from the time I managed them at the start of my career, so I hope that we will be able to unpick them."

"We have had some good recent results with a hard earned draw against away to Atalanta last week which I think surprised a few people especially in the media. That followed a tough game against Udinese, which again was away from home. If you asked me before those two games whether I'd have taken four points I would certianly have done. They are two of the top teams in the league only behind Genoa who have been given funds which means that they are more like a Serie A team rather than a Serie B one."

"We are holding our own in the league which is good to see, given the limited amount of money we have, and we are in discussions with clubs to try and bring in some new faces either on loan or on a permanent basis. We are also hopeful that some of our players may be able to go out on loan to get games as well."

"I want to round off by praising Rolando Bianchi, who has now bagged 6 goals in 9 games. His confidence is on a high especially following our recent good results. We just need him and the other lads to keep it going. We will be looking for the same positive attitude on Friday when we face Chievo and hopefully there will be a bigger crowd than recently, because we need the fans to get right behind the team. I am hopeful of getting a good result, but it won't be easy against a good side who lie just above us in the league."

Tezza · Cult Status

FULHAM in CRISIS

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 10

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

[Click here to start writing your quick reply.]

Rhino · Cult Status

Hanton - Mr Shinawatra deserves the very best

Man City boss Chris Hanton had this to say about his Chairmans statement earlier.

Mr Shinawatra is the best Chairman I have ever worked with, he wants this club to do things and he gives me his complete backing to do whatever I want regarding the way the team plays and who comes in and who goes out, and I know thats not the case at most clubs, I feel we have entertained this season but have not done as well as I hoped, yes were are through to the quarter finals of the cup and a point off our rivals Manchester United which please the fans and the board but there is much room for improvement. I would also like praise Ets who has scored 20 times this season not 19 times Mr Chairman..lol but were not a one man team the likes of Giggs,Scholes have done a great job since coming in giving us that quality to do things going forward,but the 2 signings that have pleased me the most is Sergio who is having the best season of his career and Ashley Young who is top class.

Mr Hanton leaves for Italy to watch a future signing.

-- Edited by Rhino at 20:00, 2009-02-06

-- Edited by Rhino at 20:01, 2009-02-06

-- Edited by Rhino at 20:01, 2009-02-06

JOP · Cult Status

Petty concludes this weeks 3-0 win over Leicester.

"We done a professional job, and we done it very well. Juanjo's class is showing through and he bagged another goal. And Sahar on loan from Chelsea got another assist, we're hoping to get him back here, he is a fans favorite and doing a good job for us."

Petty speaks about other results.

"Birmingham are on fire and done well to put 4 past a poor Forrest team, I said at the start of the season they would be our biggest threat and they are. Cardiff beat Sheff Weds which I expected, Steve was hoping to nick an automatic place but hey money can't buy everything. I doing think Sheff Wed will win this league next year provided Bernie doesn't get bored and they bring in a manager who is good in the transfer window."

Can Sunderland win this league.

"Of course, it'll come down to the game against Birmingham but I think us and them have a enough gap to secure promotion automatically."