Week 17

pricey · Cult Status

Week 17

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans impressed with "Battling" Forest!

Nottingham Forest Interim manager Steve Davies-Evans has spoken of his delight at his sides battling quality in his sides 2-1 loss to Leeds this week. Forest were unlucky to come away from Elland Road with nothing and Davies-Evans now believes his side can kick on and start claiming points.

"Well firstly we're all disappointed to come away with nothing and I think that's the right approach. If we are to move forward as a club then we need to make sure that everyone from the boot boy to the chairman is doing everything to avoid a defeat. My players are sat in the dressing room disappointed because they know they could have claimed a point and possible all three today. Lets take nothing away from Leeds however who played some very good football and in the end possibley shaded it enough to claim 3 points. If you give a team like this chances, they will punish you and that's a lesson we have to learn fast.

I do however think that we were very good today and showed some very good battling qualities. We had a couple of training sessions this week about staying solid at the back and I am delighted to see the players willing to put that into action on the pitch. It's pleasing to see that I have a group of Men there are willing to progress and we are definatley better that our league position states.

We will hopefully be bringing in a few players before the end of the weekend that I feel will give us an extra cutting edge so I hope to see a further improvement next week."

Jozz · Cult Status

The Gazetta caught up with new Napoli striker Victor Anichebe.

Victor, how do you feel about the move to Napoli from Sheffield Wednesday, following a recent transfer from Fiorentina? Some would say that you appear to be traded between clubs regularly....

Well I am glad to join Napoli. They are within the playoff spots and following the departure of Steve Davies Evans as the Owls manager I am quite glad to have got out when I did. The pressure applied to the manager was rubbing off on some of us at Sheffield Wednesday. Having spoken to the manager here he has reassured me that he is not intending to use me as a pawn in transfer negotiations. I am looking forward to settling in here as a regular striker.

What did you make of the team's performance this week?

Well we had a tough trip to Cagliari. They played well and got the first goal, but we kept it to 1-0 until half time. Then Robinson got a goal with a good free kick from 25 yards, but the winner by Tuni was a stunner - a bicycle kick that left their goalie with no chance.

How do you feel about the fact that Bianchi has returned to Napoli on loan from Sheffield Wednesday?

I am relishing the opportunity to play alongside him. He has been grabbing goals for Napoli and I hope that I can do the same whilst he is here.

And you will be available for selection to face the league leaders Genoa this week?

Yes, I hope to start. But the manager has said that he may rest some players given that Napoli seem to have cemented their place in the playoffs. We are 9 points ahead of Catania who lie outside the play offs and have a superior goal difference which is worth another point. However, the manager is proud of his recent 6 game unbeaten run. And I know he is confident of how the team can compete with Genoa - following their narrow defeat in extra time in the 2nd round of the Cup.

What do you make of Genoa?

Without the Chairman's investment, everyone knows that they would not be at the top of the table. They are likely to get promoted, and whilst the manager Chris Ratcliff has bought talented players, in Riquelme and Henry, they are both coming towards the end of their careers. When you look at their squad they have another couple of good players who are over 30, but the rest of the team are pretty run of the mill. Mr. Ratcliff will have to hope that the rumours of further investment are true, but he will need to be careful about who he buys, otherwise he could be one of the first casualties of the new season.

Are you aware of any further transfers for Napoli in the next few weeks?

I am not aware of any forthcoming transfers although the manager seems to be building a good relationship with the Juve manager Steve Jenkins, with some loan players coming in from the Serie A outfit.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans - "Harewood will be key!"

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Davies-Evans has today told press that he is delighted to have former Forest frontman Marlon Harewood back at the club and leading the line for his side for the rest of the season. Harewood spent 3 seasons at The City Ground and Davies-Evans is thankful that he has some experience in the side.

"We are thankful to Leeds nited and Dave for allowing us to take Marlon for the rest of the season. He's a model professional and will play a huge part between now and the end of the season. We have a very young side and young squad in total so we need a leader and some experience about the place. Marlon will now wear the armband for the rest of the season and the younger players are thankful they have an experienced Pro to look up to.

We also brought in Oscar Lopez and Hayden Foxe who will bring in some stability to the back line. We leaked two goals that we should have done better on so we will look to cut that out this week."

We then caught up with Marlon Harewood at the training ground where he gave us a few words.

"Yeah I'm well happy to be back. I had some great times here and the gaffa has brought me in to do a job and I'm releshing playing. This will be my last season in football so I'm thankful that I can play it out instead of in the reserves and it's even better that it's at a club I love. I'll be trying everything possible to score some goals while I'm here."

Football Academy · Cult Status

Peace praises Harrington

West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has praised manager Paul Harrington in the face of their pending parting of ways. Harrington informed the press in the last week of his desire to move on to new challenges next season and Peace was saddened.

"It is hard to hear that a successful manager wants to move away. We had the similar situation where Simon Jenkins was tempted away after much success and it appears the same will happen with Paul. We have gone from League One to 4th in the Premiership under these two managers and have been very lucky. We hope Paul can continue his success to the end of the season and he might take the Baggies fans to the promised land of Europe should the cup finalists both be in the top 3, allowing 4th place to get a European place next season.

We will begin looking for a new manager who can match the expertise of our previous two, and who can continue to help our small family club punch above its weight in this tough league."

Everton dismiss Gardner rumours

Following a public announcement that Celta Vigo manager Gareth Gardner wants to move to unmanaged Everton, Bill Kenwright moved quickly to dismiss the reports that a deal was already on the table for the ex-Leeds manager.

"We have a strong squad and plenty of resources. This is a time of stability at the club and we are not looking to appoint any manager as of yet. Some restructuring of the squad is needed and a little investment in youth but this will be done at a fair pace to avoid the 'all or nothing' mentality that has destroyed various squads around Europe in recent seasons."

Palace consider Jefferies

Crystal Palace have responded favourably to being linked to Getafe manager Callum Jefferies. After he expressed a desire to move to England, the London club have confirmed they will look into the details.

"We would like to look closer at him first. We will send a few scouts across to watch some of his games in the coming weeks. He should look at the rest of the season as a chance to impress and earn a move. We could do with a little Spanish flair in the squad!"

Football Academy · Cult Status

As a special this week, managers will have the chance to quiz Bernie Ecclestone the chairman of Sheffield Wednesday.

Bernie what qualities are you now looking for in a new manager? And do you have any ideas where that manager may be coming from yet?

"We need a manager with a proven record of spending money. Steve came off the back of good success at Cagliari which is why we head hunted him but he felt the pressure here. We need someone who can handle ambition and knows how to spend wisely. This team does not represent over £30 million of investment and that has to be worrying because it's my money that is being spent."

Once a new manager has been appointed do you intend to continue investing heavily into the club to achieve success?

"Money will be made available again but we have clear targets. There will not be limitless cash made available and we still expect promotion. If a manager has to come in and sell to buy then so be it. They should be able to raise £30 million from the squad if the money was spent well."

How far do you believe you can take the club with continued investment.

"To the Premiership. Norwich have shown the way in the Championship and West Brom are a team we want to emulate to some degree by moving up quickly whilst progressing the squad at the same rate. We don't want to reach the Premiership with a League One squad."

What do you think to the purchases made by your manager and did they have your backing, like spending £350k (per game) on Drogba who was due to retire at the end of the season ? Was it a gamble or transfer suicide ?

"Drogba is a class player and will give us a fighting chance this season. There are other more questionable purchases I would worry over more than him."

Do you think your club can get in the playoffs now Steve has gone?

"I think last weeks result shows we can. Maybe Steve was holding the team back a little and stopping them expressing themselves. They went out and played open football this weekend and won convincingly. If we had a few more points I would say the automatic places were still in reach based on Sunderland's form."

Would you consider doing the same as Genoa and offering a new manager rediculous amounts of money to be challenging for the top three in the Premiership in two seasons?

"Genoa's board own oil wells and unless they want to give me some I can't compete with them. Money is available to the right person to produce the right results. We do expect Premiership football in about 3 seasons time. Only then will we look at how high in the Premiership we can compete. Italy and England are very different leagues."

Fletch · Cult Status

Blades Manager Backs Kenwrights approach to Everton Stability.

Having graced the Glwadys Street for the last 25 seasons, boyhood Evertonian Andy Fletcher has supported Bill Kenwrights strategy for stability in the club.

Everton deserve to do better, like many clubs they have fallen from grace and they should be challenging for honours in the top flight.

Bill is blue through and through, he has his knockers but what he lacks in financial muscle he makes up for in passion and wanting the best for the fans, the club and the city.

As proven by many clubs its not all about money, you can still compete, yes you need squad depth when injuries and suspensions come calling but with the right players and the right attitude you can push the big boys to the final hurdle.

I'm sure Bill will find the right manager who wants the best for the club and realises the tradition and expectations of the fans.

as the famous Everton song starts.

"And if, you know, your history............................."

-- Edited by Fletch on Monday 23rd of March 2009 02:17:20 PM

-- Edited by Fletch on Monday 23rd of March 2009 02:40:45 PM

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans - "I made mistakes!"

On the back of Bernie Ecclestones comments in the press, now Nottingham Forest manager Steve Davies-Evans has admitted to the press for the first time that he did make make mistakes in the transfers of certain players. In an interview with Sky Sports' Bryn Law, Davies-Evans gave his most frank assesment of his time at Hiillsborough yet.

When asked if he regrets the way that he spent some of his transfer budget at Sheffield Wednesday, Davies-Evans had the following to say.....

"Regarding some transfers, I think I have to hold my hands up and say yes. There was a large transfer fund made available for me and I did try and get in as manay "match winners" as possible. That isn't always easy when you're kitty is on public display and teams know exactly how muh you have got to play with. We found that a few teams were trying to add on an extra couple of million here and there just because it was Sheffield Wednesday. I'm certainly not going to use these fact as excuses as I feel that if I had my time again, I would have gone about things slightly differently but it did make the job slightly harder."

Davies-Evans was then asked to respond to Bernie Ecclestones critical comments about him this week in the media and this is what he had to say......

"Listen, I'm not going to sit here and lambast Bernie. As I have said before, he was doing what he felt was right for that football club and you have to respect that. Like I have said, to a certain degree, I have to shoulder the responsibility as I had full control of who was brought into the football club and who left. There were a couple of players that should't have joined and if I had the chance again, I wouldn't sign them but then there a couple that are now playing there that I feel will be a superb puchase for that football club."

When asked how he felt about having to start at the bottem and work his way back up, Davies-Evans was extemley honest in his answer.......

"Can I honestly expect anything less? I think that when you are at a football club and you apply for another position, you are walking a tightrope and unfortunatly for me, I fell off and hit the ground. That is no dis-respect to Nottm Forest because I think they are a great club but in terms of the table I left a club challenging for promotion and joined a club that is struggeling at the foot. There is a saying that if you live by the sword, then you die by the sword and that sums up the situation perfectly. I am already enjoying my time at Nottingham Forest and I am here to prove the doubters wrong and that I am a good manager that is capeable of doing a good job in the game of ours."

Finally, Davies-Evans was asked where he thinks his future lays....

"Well I have no idea. I am here (Forest) to do a job for 7 games and I will see what happens after that. I have spoken to the chairman and we are due to speak again at the end of the season but I have no idea whether I will be here or any other club come the start of next season. The only thing I am really concentrating on now is doing the best job possible for Nottingham Forest and trying to take them off the foot of the table. I think that if we can do that, We will have achieved something."

PUREADE1 · International Player

Dando takes over at Carrow Road

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Ascoli manager Jonny Sinclair was delighted to find out Norwich had appointed Hayden Dando

'It's nice to see the club has installed a manager that can hopefully keep the team in the play-offs and have a shot at the premiership Hayden has taken a break after leaving Sheffield Wednesday but he has experience in England and i believe he can keep the club in the play-offs and you can never know what can happen in the play-offs

It also finally dimisses me being linked with the job yes everyone knows i do want it but at this time i do not as im happy at Ascoli and i do not want to leave just yet i hope Norwich can do really well now'

Football Academy · Cult Status

RE: Week 17

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Manager's do go too quickly:

Having listened to comments from his Chairmen Roberto Benigni Mr Sinclair backed up his chairmen's opinion's on this

'Well its fair to say a few managers do seem to do it and jump ship far too quickly in my opinion Roberto is right on that i mean sorry to name name's but Adam Davies is one because Wolves aren't doing well he wants to jump ship that's not right in saying that i do slightly disagree with what he says as some managers do show loyality but have other's desires that sometimes are too big to turn down or have felt they have done all they can for a club like i did at Cagliari or for Stu at Sevilla i'd like to say that this is probably my last interview as Ascoli manager as i feel my chairmen will want to sack me now for disagreeing with him haha i hope he realises that was a joke

What do you think about Steve Davies Evans sacking then?

Well i can see why he was he made it clear he wanted to leave so either sacking him or letting him stay till he found a new club i don't think it worried him and for the future of Sheffield Wednesday it was the right one don't get me wrong though Steve is a good guy he has a lot of fun managing clubs and and he's generally a nice lad we've made made deals in the past and hasn't let me down the problem with Steve is he loves a challenge and he loves it so much i think he wants to help every club out that he can thats why he moves on not because he has had enough of them or the pressure has been to much for him to handle. He saw a challenge at Cagliari so moved on he moved to Sheffiled Wednesday because it was a different challenge now he has moved to Nottingham Forest which will be another challenge I think Steve personally wouldn't be happy even if he was at a top team such as Barcelona or Chelsea becuase he'd find it less of a challenge than the teams he's managed you might win trophies but the team was already good enough to win them and you feel your ability as a manager isn't needed as much say if you were at the Forest's and the Torino's of the leagues

-- Edited by Sinky2707 on Monday 23rd of March 2009 11:41:08 PM

Stu · Cult Status

Cardiff city manager Stuart Price spoke to the media about his chances of getting promoted

"We have a new player coming in this week and I think that will get us promotion. It is hard to find very good players who can win games all on their own because at our level in the leagues we can't normally afford these players under 30. To get one is a big coo for us. Sunderland are 5pts ahead of us but we can catch them we have an easier run now

We both have to play Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday. We have Leeds, Charlton and Preston but they have Birmingham, Leicester and Sheffield United aswell as playing each other. I think if Sunderland don't beat Birmingham this week they will be in a big panic for the rest of the season. They will know that promotion is back in our hands if we can win this week and then match their results and beat them when we play each other"

Cheers Stu

JOP · Cult Status

Sunderland boss Jonathan Petty speaks about the season run in.

How do you think you'll finish?

"I believe we can still win the league, its important to get something out of the game this week and as we know Cardiff are on our tails! I think we have a stronger squad than Birmingham especially at the back and after our new player arrives this week then we'll be even stronger. So to answer your question I think we will win the league."

What about Cardiff, they are building and getting stronger?

"Yes they are, but as long as we do our bit then we'll be ok. People seem to forget we are unbeaten this season, that is not by luck, we have a great squad and are always building"

You've been here three season now, is this the season for Sunderland? And why didn't you go up the last two seasons?

"This is the season for Sunderland and we are now ready for the Championship. If we had gone up the first season I arrived we would not have survived on the squad we had, I am building here for now and the future. The fans have been on a bit of a ride here although they had two trips to Wembley in two years, lets hope we don't go back there this year aye!"

"Just remember Rome wasn't built in a day, however I wasn't working on that particular project"

-- Edited by jop1927 on Tuesday 24th of March 2009 12:55:32 PM

Safehands · Cult Status

Arsenal Manager Interview

Arsenal Manager Simon Newcombe today spoke to the associated press ahead of this weekends fixture with West Brom at the Emirates

"You have been difficult to get hold of this season - any reasoning behind this?"

"Afraid there is no Fergie style mind games, I have just been focused on an intense battle with Liverpool (and some degree Chelsea) and preferred to stay out of the limelight while other managers seemed to find all the time in the world to speak to anyone that will listen! Joking aside, Liverpool have reemerged as a real force this season, and with the likes of West Brom and Watford punching far above their weight - no points are guranteed in this league anymore"

"What of your battle with Liverpool this season - any thoughts on an eventual winner?"

"Think you may be jumping the gun a bit there chaps - still too early to say. We are up for the challenge and are confident we can be ahead come the end of the season. It may well come down to the wire when we face each other in the final stretch of the season. And it will be intriguing who copes with the pressure of picking up the most points when we arent squaring up to each other, and who can cope with the tough games ahead such as Man City, Chelsea and Man U. So far its very even. Perhaps it will even come down to who can keep their squads injury free? Will Lamps and Gattusso have the legs on Gerard and Alonso et all?

"What of transfer developments here at the Emirates?"

Well as a club we dont tend to speculate untill the ink is dry on any new players contract, and with a settled squad of quality players we dont tend to dabble in the market unless a truly exceptional player becomes avaliable (which is not every day!)

I am delighted to announce that we have late last night finalised details of numerous Arsenal players joining Real Mallorca next season. These will certainly include Manuel Irrarusso, Johan Djorou and Theo Walcott for at least part of the season and may well include more as we discuss the matter further. We will also more than likely have Denilson returning on loan to Boro as he is enjoying his time up north. I would also find it likely that myself and Mark @ Mallorca will discuss any new academy players that come through in the close season aswell. Mallorca will certainly be given first refusal on new recruits as there are few other places where they can receive some a good footballing education

I would like to thank Mark for his proffesionalism and enthusiam as we went about structuring the deal. He is also heavilly invovled with the FA sanctioned Beat the Odds Competition that we run - which serves as another indication of his attitude and professional courtesy

In terms of transfers into the club we have been working behind the scenes on 2 senior significant additions to the club but understandably the managers involved are unwilling to part with the type of calibre we are after and so far we have not finalised any deals. We are deep into a goalkeeping reshuffle at the club - but it is still too early to make any official announcements just yet to keep the intergrity of the players and staff concerned

"Any thoughts on developements in other leagues around the world?"

Well it certainly has been an interesting couple of months for various reasons (not all of them good it has to be said!) I think the constant media from League One is actually overshadowing really exciting times in Italy as AC Milan and Juventus are really pushing Roma right to the wire. I would like to see Milan sneak to the top spot as Luke is a close friend of mine - but I cannot see past Juventus in terms of tactical ability and momentum and we wish both clubs well in the run in. Of course perhaps the new management team installed at Roma can hold firm and see off the title challengers but I fear it will be a bridge too far for them with an ageing (but exceptional quality) squad

I also think Steve D Evans should be commended for stepping in to help Notts Forrest when his situation became untenable at Shef Weds. I didnt agree with the manner of his application to R.Betis - and feel Big Bernie was right to want to instill a more loyal management team at the club - but Forrest are in real trouble and someone willing to step in when their own future is in doubt is alright in my eyes and we wish him and his players well in future games. Id like to see a Forrest win this season if only for the fans who have been through tough times in recent years - and Steve is certainly going in exactly the right direction in my eyes with the players he is bringing in

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings pleased to avoid chairman merry-go-round

The past month has seen much of Europes sports column inches becoming dominated by takeover and investment talk; culminating recently in Newcastle, Valladolid and Fulham all changing ownership. Even outgoing toon chairman Chris Mort this week refused to deny he had advanced investment plans, and with the recent chairman circus one could be forgiven for forgetting football was played on the field and not in the board room.

One boss who has, by his own admission, luckily escaped all the uncertainty of it all is current Sampdoria boss Mark Rollings. The Welsh boss has openly praised his chairman in recent weeks and has made extremely vocal professions of the ambition both men have for Sampdoria. Known for his fierce loyalty towards his managers, Riccardo Garrone is a modest man, without the vast riches of a Russian oil-billionaire or the lewd ego of an ex-Formula One official. However, his newest manager Mark Rollings wouldnt have it any other way.

Rollings departure from Coventry was on a sour note. The fans still hold their old boss in high regard, thankful to Rollings for turning their ailing League One club into a Premier league outfit. However, Rollings famously disputed the value of the incoming investment from little-known business man Paul Rogers, and suggested his position was therefore untenable.

"It is common knowledge that I was not happy with the level of investment, both economically and physically, coming from Paul Rogers. Ray (Ranson; previous Coventry chairman) and I had our spats and differences but I always respected his passion for Coventry City. For me, Paul Rogers isnt fit to lace his shoes and bought nothing but his egotistical attitude which will threaten to take Coventry City back down to League One. Coventry City were on the verge of hitting the Premier League and the club were bought by a man who could barely fund the rigours of a League One side. I was not going to be put in a position where I was trying to paper cracks and as much as I wanted to take Coventry City forwards I felt Paul Rogers made that job impossible."

Rollings went on to energetically praise his current chairman and distanced himself from investment talk around Europe.

"Mr Garrone is simply an incredible man, who loves this football club dearly! He keeps himself to himself which is now a trait I value immensely after working with Ray. He doesnt have the financial clout of some of the richer chairman but I am glad that all the take-over speculation has been about other clubs and not us. We are all working very hard to build a sustainable and successful future for Sampdoria and we are doing it the right way. We have the biggest stadium in Italy, which is full to the rafters every week. We have a good, young squad, which is full of talent. I would suggest we are absolutely ripe for investment but I am more than happy we are being overlooked as with money comes unrealistic pressures which can hurt you in the long run. It may take a bit longer doing it this way but we will ensure we have the correct grounding to support our size!"

In the current climate of football Sampdorias approach offers a refreshing change. It remains to be seen however, if Rollings words ring true and Sampdoria really can push on while clubs around them maintain such large levels of investment.

-- Edited by Spartikus47 on Wednesday 25th of March 2009 02:36:44 PM

OFFIT · Cult Status

Newly appointed Roma manager Glenn Whitter replys on the comments left by Roma legend Raul.

To be onest i can agree wid raul to a certain extent and also think the age of the team and the amount of retirements to key players is a worry for me. I know its going to become a huge challenge for me to keep the club the big force its well known as, but i think with the experience and talent left in the team plus new players comming in i feel the club can do well and still achieve. But i disagree with the other comments made by Raul that the club has a dark future and its my job that this dos'nt happen. If the team were to win the Seria A this season i can say with the money invested it would help us bring in more new faces and strengthen the squad, so i can serioulsy say that we can challenge for the title next season and keep up with the other top teams in the league such as Juventus, AC Milan etc. I would also like to point out that Philippe Mexes wont be leaving us for any price, and that it would take a huge offer for us to departe with Chivu as he's a valuble member of the team. That is all.

Thankyou
Glenn Whitter.

Jozz · Cult Status

Manager JD Jaques spoke to the press today.

"We recently welcomed Victor Anichebe to the club, and things have developed since he spoke to Gazetta earlier this week. Whilst it is the case that it is my intention to ensure that he is this club's player we have agreed a loan for Victor with a club in England. I have spoken to Victor and he is keen to play first team football, and because of the number of strikers we currently have we felt it prudent to let him get first 11 action consistently at another club. I do not want to comment on whether he is going to be in the starting line up this week against Genoa."

"The game against Genoa is not a crucial one for us. Although I am proud of our current form, we will face Genoa knowing that we do not have to win. Having said that we are going to be trying a few new things and hope that even if our team selection is not our strongest side, we can spring a few surprises."

"We would also like to thank Steve at Juve for his patience this week, and look forward to welcoming one of his players into our squad next week."

"We have quite a tricky run in facing us, playing Genoa this week and also facing Udinese and Atalanta at home. However, following our win at Udinese and draw at Atalanta earlier this season they do not frighten us, and it would be nice to do the double over Udinese although they do have some good players in their team. All in all we are quietly confident of finishing in a play off position at the end of the season."