Week 18

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

Week 18

JOP · Cult Status

Petty pleased at going top of the league again.

"I'm extremely happy with my players they played for 90 mins and it paid off. Palmiteri has got a coupld for us now and Juanjo is in outstanding form, I can see big clubs coming after him soon."

He talks about the run in.

"Well its going to be difficult for all we've beaten our closest rivals, but still need to play Cardiff who are storming up the table. We have to Play Sheff Weds who are also doing well."

He mentions another player possibley coming in.

"Well we deffinatley have a player coming in this week to strengthen the defence. We're also in talks for a player to boost our title bid."

Besty · Cult Status

Press interview with Inter manager Jamie Best

Jamie, another solid result this weekend, you seem to be on a bit of a run lately.

Yes well with all due respect we haven't exactly played the best teams in the last few games and i have no doubts that we will drop points in the next few fixtures against Roma and Juventus to name but a few. The thing is we're a team in transition at the moment, it's a big season for the team in terms of change so as long as the fans and chairman are patient i think we'll be ok.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored two and set up the other this weekend but we have seen him depart for Man City, why have you sold such an influential player?

It was a difficult decision to let Zlatan go but the club needed a bit of reassurance at the back and we will be getting that with Milito, plus £10mil in the bank so i think its a fair deal. I am extremely sorry to see Zlatan go because he has played such a big role for the club over the last few seasons but it i also need to sell players to bring in new ones with no new investment.

So does this mean there will be more transfers over the next few weeks?

Not necessarily, i have had at least 6 clubs contact me with offers for young Van der Vaart but i am not prepared to let such a quality player go for pennies so he is staying with me and the club for the time being. We've got a couple players out on loan now with Vaughan at Celta Vigo and Deplh going to Ascoli this week, we've also got young centre half Andrea Mei spare so i'll be looking to send him out on loan for the rest of the season. The squad is progressing well so i'll keep looking to build on that.

I also hear that you'll be creating a feeder link next year with Ascoli, is this true?

Yes i've been in discussions with Jonny there and he is keen to develop the young players i have here to allow me to build the team for the future and it also gives him a chance to have the quality to bounce straight back to Serie A as it looks like he'll certainly be in the relegation zone come the final game, but well done to him and the boys at Ascoli on a positive note for gaining their first win of the season at the weekend.

Ok Jamie thanks for your time.

Tezza · Cult Status

Fulham miss an opportunity.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

RE: Week 18

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings turning attention to next season after sicily point

Sampdoria are now fully focused on next season, according to their vocal boss Mark Rollings, after the Genoa outfit shared the spoils with palermo to keep their distance from the bottom 3 in serie a. It would take a dramatic upturn in fortunes from any of those clubs to catch sampdoria and clearly Welsh boss Rollings see's it as a "job done".

"This season was always going to be a transitional one and we have never looked like falling down into the drop zone. We have showed real promise on occasions but I think our inexperience may have also cost us once or twice. The last few games have given us a chance to give the younger guys a run of games and by the end of this season we will have 6 players under 23 who will have played over 20 games this term.I was set the task of securing this teams serie a status at the start of this season and we have managed to do that while building for the future. I am in constant dialogue with my very talented academy boss bill beswick and he is confident of supplementing the squad with some fresh young talent next season. All in all we are happy with how the season has gone and most of the young lads here are only getting Better.

When quizzed on the significance Rollings and his side were placing on their upcoming Italian cup semi final against cty rivals Genoa the young manager gave a luke warm response.

"We aren't terribly concerned at this point as we have other priorities. We will approach the game like we do any other but I will stick with my younger lads. Sadly we are playing something of a circus team designed to stroke the ego of an oil baron. They can afford to out and spend 40odd million on 2 players over 32?! I think my chairman would sack me for that! Its a real shame as Genoa is a club with a rich history, and that is being diluted by this chirade. I actually think they may buy themselves a cup win this year, but what does that achievement represent? For us its a great chance to give our young talent further experience. For them its a chance for their rich chairman to get an early ego boost on his investment!"

Rollings' words look likely to further ignite what already looked like being a fiesty derby between the two Genoa exports.

-- Edited by Spartikus47 on Monday 30th of March 2009 11:04:06 AM

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Sinclair delighted with first win of the season

Jonny Sinclair today expressed his deligh at Ascoli's first win of the season away to Empoli

'It's billiant to finally chalk it up and not have this weight on our necks saying 0 for the whole season to be honest we have played well in a good number of games this season but had nothing to show for it so it's nice to have something to show at long last and im just delighted for everyone associated with Ascoli the Players,Fans,Chairmen,Assistant Manager it gives us something to cheer about this season i have to give credit to my players for sticking at it through this tough season i know we'll be back again sometime in the future and we'll be much better prepared and equipped in the battle for relegation'

'Also I'm delighted to annouce that we have a feeder link up with Inter Milan now which has seen Fabian (Delph) join us on loan this week we will get some talented players in that will fit in the team nicely and help them get games and gain experience to become better players so it benefits both of us and i have to thank Jamie for allowing some of his talented players join us for a period he was also won of the first to congratulate me getting our first win of the season which was nice'

''We've also bought in Paolo (Tornaghi) this week again from Inter for £1.6million can't stop mentioning them at the moment haha he is a young talent and im sure he'll improve in the next few years with a little bit of guidance and we've also bought in Jimmy (Smith) on a free as back up in the midfield as i remember him when he was at Reggina and he didnt do to badly there and he will be very useful next season in our bid for promotion straight back to Serie A '

-- Edited by Sinky2707 on Sunday 29th of March 2009 11:08:19 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Al-Fahim urges Ratcliff on

The Abu Dhabi owner of Genoa has urged his manager to take on rivals Sampdoria in their Italian Cup semi final and has dismissed the tirade of comments coming from their opponents camp as 'sad jealousy and crazy talk'.

"This seasons target was promotion. We had no other aspirations and Chris [Ratcliff] will confirm this. The cup is a special thing and you can't buy it you have to earn it through one off heroic performances. We have two very skilful players but the rest of the team is basically a Serie B side and we have knocked out some of the top Italian sides already.

Mark [Rollings] is jealous of what we have here. He went there at the same time we appointed Chris and I know which camp of fans I would prefer to be in with next season! They have to cling on to the last few weeks they have of being the top team locally.

We have Henry and Riquelme out injured for our cup match so the pressure is all on Sampdoria. They reached the final last season under different management so I expect the fans will get on his back if things start badly for them in our match. Can they handle the pressure? They are a Serie A club with an array of depth and experience of top flight football; they 'should' be able to cope... but should and will are different things."

Allen considers contract extension

Nottingham Forest chairmen Dave Allen has insisted he is considering extending Steve Davies-Evans stay if the partnership works out. Davies-Evans joined Forest two weeks ago and has already picked up one point.

"If we work well together it could be permanent. We will see how things go. Obviously if things don't work it would be better for both parties to go their separate ways at the end of the season. We would like to have an experienced manager to some degree but we have to be realistic and say that we are only just over the last major financial situation and we need a cool head and a steady hand to guide the club forwards at a manageable rate. Do or die is not an attitude this club can afford to go through again."

Ascoli future

Kasper Schmeichel has spoken to the press following the first win of the season for his Ascoli team mates. However it also comes at a time of new rivals in his position.

"Jonny has been great all season. We know the chairman backs the manager and the manager is trying to give some young players a chance to impress here. Everyone knows where they stand and it breeds a healthy working relationship. We have maybe sat back in a few too many matches and taken low scoring losses instead of chancing our arm and going for points at the risk of a heavy loss, but this season has been a learning experience for everyone.

Paolo [Tornaghi] joined this week from Inter and that has thrown my future up in the air a little. The gaffer now has two young keepers to pick from and I guess we're both wondering who he will give the nod too. At my age, I need to be getting first team experience really, but then Paolo would say the same thing. It will be an interesting week now."

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

"Lets talk about pressure" Rollings tells Fahim

Tension is seemingly bubbling over between city rivals Sampdoria and Genoa ahead of their grudge Italian Cup semi-final meeting a week today. Rollings went on record to taunt his sides biggest rivals, lambasting the impact of indulgent billionaire Sulhaiman Al-Fahim, questioning the sustainability of the squad he was putting in place. The jibes didnt fall on deaf ears and the arab businessman has moved to question Rollings motives behind the outburst, citing Jealousy and desperation as the major antagonists. Finally Fahim pointed out that he felt the pressure was all on their rivals in the derby clash, as Rollings looked to emulate Ross Walkers success from last season, when he guided the Blucheriati to the cup final. Sampdoria boss Rollings has been quick to respond however, pointing to Fahims over-exuberance, and impatient attitude as making the pressure he was under as manager paling into significance when compared to what lay ahead for his counterpart at Genoa.

"It is very interesting to hear Mr Fahim refer to pressure, and we will see exactly how he feels if his side dont achieve instant success next year. We have no pressure, we have a young side who we expect to do well and we will head into our cup semi final in optimistic mood. I have previously cited that they (Genoa) have afforded themselves the luxury of spending around £40million on two players over 30 whereas I have spent a grand total of £2.3million net. I am afraid with those sums of money pressure comes as a bi-product and that is something everyone at Genoa will have to get used to. To suggest myself or my players are under any pressure heading into this game is laughable. We will take the game to them and I have faith in my young players that we can cause them significant problems. There is no pressure though, we are building on a 3 year plan and everyone in and around the club can see that. I have all but achieved my league target set for the season, now its time to relax and enjoy a fiery local derby. Am I jealous of not having £100million to spend; of course, but I have a loyal chairman who has the same ambitions as I do so and we will work within our means to hopefully create sustainable success."

Under accusations that his side need to enjoy being the top club in their district while it lasts Rollings was in realistic mood.

"I have heard they are planning on going out and spending £100million on players this summer. Good luck to them; spent well that will make them very competitive at the higher end of Serie A. I would scarcely suggest a better manager at conducting such business either than Chris and I have always found him pleasant and professional so I wish him well. However, we have the highest attendance figures in Serie A this season, and a very good fan base so I am not worried in that regards. We will continue to work towards our plan and try as hard as we can to climb the league table."

-- Edited by Spartikus47 on Monday 30th of March 2009 04:30:33 PM

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Sinclair responds to Kasper's comments

Well after Kasper's comments about the competition fo his position i have asked him to go out on loan for the remaining matches this season just so purely Paolo gets some experience at this level while we're still here for the time being, i've reassured Kasper he is still part of our plans and i don't want to sell him i just want him to get as many games as possible this season i want him and Paolo to be playing on a regular basis they both are good young keepers it's nice to have competition for places and i'm glad Kasper is so sporting about it at the moment I have told him he is my number one goalkeeper at the moment until i see otherwise this is Paolo's chance to ge some games and show us what he is made of like Kasper said he needs to be playing first team football and Paolo feels the same and this provides a solution for the time being that keeps them both happy. Kasper will be going to a struggling team like us but to be honest that'll keep him n his toes and i don't want him to go to a top team and not be tested because he has a defence infront of him that can't be broken down as it were so it's good fo him and me and the manger are good friends and his team needs the help so i was happy to let Kasper go to them at the end of the week

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Nottingham Forest to sign Schmeichel

Nottingham Forest are to this week sign Ascoli Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on loan for the rest of the season. Schmeichel, who joined Ascoli from Arsenal two seasons ago will team up with a manager that he has played for before when he joined Leicester on loan from Arsenal while the two clubs were linked previously. Steve Davies-Evans has moved quickly to capture the young stopper who has played almost every game for the Italian outfit this season. Schmeichel was told that he was to be sent out on loan earlier this afternoon by manager Jonny Sinclair in order to keep him progressing as a keeper and there is no doubt that he will have the chance to shine in a Nottingham Forest side rooted to the bottem of League 1.

We managed to grab a few words with Forest manager Steve Davies-Evans as he left The City Ground a few moments ago.

"Steve, we hear that you have agreed to sign Kasper Schmeichel on loan, Can you confirm this?

"Yes we are thankful to Jonny at Ascoli for allowing Kasper to come here. He has the perfect situation where-by he has two quality young keepers who need to be playing football if they are to improve and we think we can help Kasper do that here. I've had him in my side before when I took him on loan from Arsenal so I know exactly how good he is so we will be looking forward to him arriving after this weeks game."

richj363 · Cult Status

Jefferies calls for big push.

Spurs manager Richard Jefferies has called on his players to pull out all the stops to preserve their survival in the top flight, he said " I have got the big man Adebayor to join us and i think he and berbatov will be one hell of a pairing, Emmanuel was a star man for me at Zaragoza and i have been chasing him for ages, We have 3 games that we must win before the end of the season starting this week. I am not thinking of relegation and neither are my players, despite reports to the contrary the spirit amongst the players is first class and i fully expect to continue to improve each and every game"

Adebayor then said he was delighted to have rejoined Jefferies and said he couldnt wait to get going for his new club.

PUREADE1 · International Player

NORWICH BOSS EXCITED BY NEW SIGNING

Chevanton hoping to light up carrow road

Norwich City manager Hayden Dando today welcomed new signing, striker Ernesto Javier Chevanton to Carrow Road, saying that he hoped to have signed the man to fire them up!

Chevanton, 31, joins the club from Real Mallorca and Dando said "This deal had been agreed before i took over and the club honoured it, and i am over the moon they did, Ernie as i call him because i cant spell his last name is a great signing and i hope he can settle quickly and get us the goals we need to get into the play offs and hopefully the Premiership"

LATER DANDO AGREED TO AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH US HERE AT SKY SPORTS AND THIS IS WHAT HE SAID -

SS - Hayden, your first game in charge was a dissapointing result wasnt it?

HD - Yes i would say losing at home to anyone is dissapointing although Everton are not exactly a poor side now are they, we were understrength, indeed i only had one striker at the time as it was before Ernie came in

SS - Yes, your new signing Ernesto Javier Chevanton has joined, do you think it was wise to spend the little money Norwich had on him?

HD - In a word , Yes, we have a decent size squad and i am happy that i could sell one or two of the players who dont show me enough over the next few weeks to raise funds if i needed too, but the immediate thing needed was a striker and the club recognised that themselves before i even came in and honoured the deal.Also i am happy because players of his ability dont just turn up every day

SSS - What about the rumours concerning ebastian Squillaci, is he going or staying?

HD - Quite simply No, i did say every player has his price etc but unless we had an absolutly stunning offer the we will not allow him to leave and he dosent want to from the conversations ive had with him.Sebastian is a good honest professional and wants to play in the top flight, but he wants to do it with Norwich and For that im grateful as there have been alot of enquiries about him to say the least.

SS - Do you have any more transfer targets?

HD - Yes we have a couple of lads i want to bring in on loan deals and we are talking with them and their clubs, as you know i have no cash available at the moment but i dont feel it would be right to come in signing loads of players and upsetting the balance here as we fight for our playoff position.

SS - How are you going to approach this weeks huge game at Southampton?

HD - Firstly i will tell the players to ignore the league table, we are just outside the playoffs, Southampton are just inside the relegation zone, however that dosn't sound the same when you say we have 21 points and they have 15, it just proves how tight this league is and that they are not a poor side at all, we will treat them with respect but not too much and will hopefully come back with all 3 points and a smile on my face

SS - Will Chevanton start?

HD - Start What?

SS - The Southampton game of course?

HD - Maybe, Maybe not, its a few days away and i have not decded who will or won't start and im hardly likely to tell you guys my lineup am i?

SS - True, How are you getting on with the chairman Roger Murphy?

HD - I can honestly say he is a great Chairman to work for, he is incredibly loyal to Norwich City and this club means the world to him, for me that is the ideal chairman because whilst Bernie Ecclestone was a very wealthy man when i was at Sheffield Wednesday, he is not a football man and wants way too much from the club too quick, when i took over at Hillsbrough he sat me down and demanded we went up that season despite the club finishing bottom of the league the previous year, Whereas Roger Murphy sat me down and showed me a 5 year plan to become an established Premiership club, thats the difference Roger wants his club to be successful for good.

SS - and what about the fans?

HD - Quite simply brilliant, my family and i could not ask for a better welcome or a more freindly group of people.From a football point of View the noise that Norwich fans make is tremendous and gives the lads a real boost, they are amongst the most passionate in the country.

SS - Finally Hayden can you get Norwich promoted?

HD - I'll tell you after the end of the season ha ha

SS - Hayden Thank you

-- Edited by PUREADE1 on Wednesday 1st of April 2009 05:16:50 PM

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

I don't normally like writing comments in the media thred but jesus christ mate - you HAVE to change that writing!!! that hurts!!

Chrisr1606 · Top Flight Player

Ratcliff Refuses to be Drawn Into Rollings Mind Games

When Genoa manager Chris Ratcliff was questioned earlier today on the recent feud between his chairman and Sampdoria manager Mark Rollings he looked bemused as much as anything else.

"Sorry, I don't pay much attention to the media over here, it's all in Italian!" said Ratcliff

"The game next week should be a fantastic spectacle, the neutrals will love it. However if Rollings is struggling in that kind of spotlight and needs to put a greater focus on us, then that's his concern. We've been fortunate enough to be able to spend a bit of money, but we are only placing foundations at the moment. As a result of that money we have been under pressure all season, and we've all coped tremendously well. If Rollings thinks this is how he's going to win this game he's going to be mistaken.

As far as Mr Al-Fahim is concerned, you don't make the money he has by being a shrinking violet. Besides, he pays my wages so he can say whatever he likes."

Football Academy · Cult Status

WEEK 18 GAZZETTA REPORT: JUVENTUS

Season 1 saw a recently relegated Juventus side take on Serie B. Following the much publicised match fixing scandals that pre-dated the start of FA, Juventus had been relegated by the Italian FA and had to work back to the top flight. Under fairly experienced manager Tom Belletty they strode to success, finishing 17 points ahead of 2nd place Napoli and being knocked out the Italian Cup in the quarter finals by Inter Milan who went on to win the tournament.

Belletty's Juventus set a defensive record that season, only conceding 7 goals in the league which was an FA wide record. Notable transfers were ONeil (Portsmouth), Downing (Middlesbrough) and Watson (Palace) all joining to form the basis of a new look midfield with a heavy British influence. Season 1 also saw Alan Stubbs see out a illustrious playing career with the Serie B champions.

Season 2 offered new challenges. The Italian giants were still without European football but many expected them to easily avoid the drop in the top flight. However turmoil set in with Belletty resigning control of the team inside the first month of the season after selling star front man Trezeguet. In a shock move, Juventus appointed die hard Cardiff fan Steve Jenkins, luring him away from his successful stint at his favoured team.

Juventus suffered at the hands of Inter Milan again in the quarter finals, and again Inter went on to be crowned champions. Yet Jenkins set about creating his own brand of Italian football and lead Juventus to a comfortable top 3 finish, surprising AC Milan and Fiorentina by knocking them out of the European qualification spots. The Welshman brought about some stability to the squad signing more British midfielders in Ledley and Whittingham, and bringing in overlooked Gilardino from rivals AC Milan to replace Trezeguet.

The side now had a more rounded feel to it and finished with no real leading scorer, goals coming from every position on the pitch, and new boy Gilardino showing what Milan missed out on in him contributing 13 assists and 4 goals in 18 games.

Season 3 arrived and finally Juventus were looking a stable side again in the top flight. European football however was a short lived return. Jenkins clearly looked to other challenges to concentrate on, and Juventus bombed out of Europe with 0 points in the group stage.

No surprise to the loyal Juventus fans came the quarter final exit in the Italian Cup once again to...yes, Inter Milan. Although Inter went on to lose in the final to Serie B surprise package Sampdoria.

The league saw a resurgent Juventus match last seasons haul of 48 points and again came 3rd, although just 1 point ahead of AC Milan who were condemned to a finish outside to top 3 yet again.

New boys Per Mertesacker and Cicero joined following scouting trips abroad and Paul McShane signed as cover from West Brom in centre defence. The biggest sales came with Gilardino joining West Brom in their bid to achieve Premiership status, where he would go on to be a key figure in helping them up, and Buffon who joined Everton in exchange for a number of promising youngsters in his twilight years. It was Bojinov who proved his growing reputation was one to take note of finishing top scorer with 18 goals and 7 assists in 23 games. Juventus were developing a reputation for being very hard to beat over seasons 2 and 3, holding solid defensive records despite not being able to hammer teams how their Milan counterparts seemed capable of doing.

Season 4 brought a new look Juventus. The team has settled under Jenkins and adopted a British style of being hard to beat. A few new signings in the likes of Dos Santos, Montella, Lahm, Bentley and Ciancio has added the extra flair going forwards and the team has begun to put teams to the sword in games they would have otherwise won by a single goal in previous seasons.

Juventus have achieved their furthest finish in an Italian Cup tournament this season with a semi final against Lazio looming. With Sampdoria playing rivals Genoa in the other semi, Juventus are the sole remaining Italian giants left in the competition and are odds on favourites to lift the trophy for the first time in their history, despite reigning champions Sampdoria still being in the competition.

The Serie A title race has shown the fruits of 2 seasons worth of squad building under Jenkins. Despite an initial lead building up for reigning champions Roma, Juventus have quickly moved to pull their opponents back in and currently only trail on goal difference. Roma face various injury problems under new management and Juventus have to remain outside favourites to steal the trophy from their rivals in the season run-in.

Bojinov continues to go from strength to strength establishing himself as a fans favourite as he continually grows under Jenkins's management. However in Montella and Dos Santos, Juventus arguably have the dream strikeforce of the future. Dos Santos has received rave reviews for loan spells in Preston and at Real Mallorca, with Montella becoming an instant success at Messina before he was snapped up by Juventus.

Rivalries:
AC Milan - beaten into a top 3 finish consistently by Juventus under Jenkins.
Inter Milan - apparently Juventus's bogie team in the Italian Cup over all 3 seasons.

Managers:
Tom Belletty (1 season)
Steve Jenkins (3 seasons)

Current Fans Favourites:
Valeri Bojinov
Joe Ledley

Best Signing:
Joe Ledley (Cardiff)

Future Stars:
Antonio Montella
Giovanni dos Santos

Season 4 prediction: Serie A and Italian Cup double winners.

Daniel Levy warns fans

The Spurs chairman has today warned fans to expect massive changes should the team be relegated. Spurs currently sit one off bottom and 5 points from safety with 5 games remaining.

"A club this size going down is unthinkable. If we did go down, there would be vast changes throughout the club. We have a massive wage bill at present and wouldn't be able to sustain that should we lose Premiership football. We have players here who are good enough to be challenging for European places; they will want that and that's where we should be. If we go down those players may have to be sold to restructure the club.

The manager is new in the job. He will have needed time to adjust arriving here from Spain of course but whether he can dodge the blame for relegation will be something myself and the board have to consider carefully. If he lacks the experience of English football to keep us up, he must lack the experience of English football to help us get back again should we go down."

Levy notoroiously fell out with a previous manager and it seems in one interview he may have condemned the club to relegation, the manager to the chop, and players such as Berbatov to a hasty end of season exit out of the club.

Fulham assistant urges players on

Steve Kean has told his players to forget the financial troubles that have blighted their season and concentrate on winning on the pitch for the remaining 5 games of the season. Fulham are 7 points from safety in the Championship and could be relegated inside 2 weeks should results go against them.

"We were hit with a 6 point deduction yes, but look at our form. We have won and drawn the same number of games as Southampton and they're in the relegation place above us. Even without the points deduction we would be in the relegation zone.

The manager has said he has found the players he wanted and has brought them in. Now it's time for the players to find some form on the pitch. We know managerial casualties are high and it seems in English clubs even new managers are under pressure. The players need to start repaying the faith the manager has shown in them."

Parting shot at Best

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has left a sour taste in many fans mouths today when he revealed his disgust at being sold from Inter. The Milan club are battling their Milan rivals for 3rd place in Serie A but Zlatan has been axed by new boss Jamie Best as he looks to reshape his side.

"I was stunned when he told me I was being sold. I thought he meant someone else! I loved my time at the club but things have gone downhill fast. We were kings of Italy at one time and now look. Man City is a big club with big ambitions. I am looking forwards to playing with Eto'o."

Inter fans will be left with divided loyalties between their long time talisman Ibrahimovic, and new manager Best.

Shinawatra delighted

Thaksin Shinawatra has been ever praising of his manager Chris Hanton since his arrival in replace of Luke Coakley who he brandished 'scared of success' at the time. Yet again the outspoken owner has praised his manager on the back of signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"Zlatan is a huge player for any team. To have him and Eto'o up front is a world class strike force. The fans are in for a real footballing treat here now. I hope we can push on in the league. We have let United back into it a little recently and we're behind them on goal difference now. It's important we finish what we started.

The European qualification spot from the cup will go to Man United or Cardiff now so we have to look at chasing 3rd. There is a gap but it is not so big that we can't close it. We have to pressure Arsenal all the way. A 4th place will at least provide a stepping stone into next season when we can truly challenge for a top 3 place and an appearance in the prestigious European Cup."

richj363 · Cult Status

Spurs will fight all the way !

Spurs manager Richard Jefferies has has hit back at claims there will have to be major changes if the club are relegated.

He said " When i took over here we were in a right mess sitting 2nd from bottom leaking goals left, right and centre and with no defensive midfielders at all. I am sure we look a much harder team to beat now and although we are still 2nd bottom i'm sure our fans can see we are going the right way."

" My relationship with the chairman Mr Levy is first class and i know i have his full backing, if the unthinkable did happen and we were relegated i know there would be no funds coming my way but i also know we would have by far the strongest squad within the cha,pionship." "The players have been working their socks off in training and in matches and i'm sure we will get the desired results"

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Nottingham Forest Pre Match Press Conference - Live on Setanta Sports News

Media - Steve, How are is your squad shaping up for the trip to Deepdale?

SDE - "It's looking pretty good at this point in time (Davies-Evans crosses his fingers). We have a clean bill of health and we hope that everyone will be fit enough to travel."

Media - How hard is it to motivate the players when there isn't really much to play for between now and the end of the season?

SDE - "It's not very hard at all if I'm honest. I'm very lucky in that I am working with a great group of players that want to get out of the position they find themselves in. There are alot of players in my squad that feel they have let alot of people down this season and they are hungry to show in the last 5 games what they are really made of. We all understand that it isn't going to be easy especially with the run in we have but I don't have one beaten player in that dressing room and every single one is itching to get out on the field to do something about it. We aren't going to get into the playoffs but we have set ourselves a target for the remaining fixtures and if we hit that target then we feel we will have achieved something this season."

Media - Take us through your next few games Steve, as you said - you seem to have a dreaful run in.

SDE - "Well we go to Preston this week which will be a tough game as they are still trying to make a late push for the playoffs. We will have to be on our guard. Then we run into the "run of death" as we firstly face my good friend Jonathan Petty and his Sunderland side at home. I truly hope that Sunderland go up this season as Champions as Jon is a top guy but I also hope we manage to nick a point from that game. We then have a trip to Sheffield Wednesday where I imagine that you boys will have a field day leading up to that game and I'm sure I will get a gret reception from the Wednesday fans (Davies-Evans produces a rye smile). The last two games are then Birmingham away and Cardiff home which will really test us as a team. Stuart is starting to build a great squad there and as a Cardiff fan myself - I hope that they manage to go up also but we will be trying to take points off them none the less."

Media - Your chairman has hinted that there is a chance that you may still stay on at the City Ground on a permenant basis, are there any more developments there?

SDE - "Not really at the moment, as the chairman said - We will see how the next 5 games go and if we both feel it's right for Nottingham Forest Football Club - I'd love to stay on here.

Media - You will have Kasper Schmiechel coming in on loan from Ascoli this week, are there anymore deals to be finalised this week?

SDE - "We might see another goalkeeper leave this week as we bid to try and build a squad that is capeable of going on for many years to come. I think we have a talented young squad here and I think that we have to not only build for now but also for the future too."

Media - Finally Steve, What do you think your chances are of claiming a win this week away to Preston?

SDE - "I think that it will be a very tough game for us. They have just lost Robert huth to Sunderland so are going to be slightly weaker at the back and it's up to us to exploit that. We know this is going to be a very tough game for us but I feel that we can claim some sort of positive result from the game. Thanks guys." (Davies-Evans exits the room)

Besty · Cult Status

Best responds to Ibrahimovic rant

Jamie, it appears you have something to say in light of recent media releases?

Yes i would just like to clarify with Zlatan that i did not sell him because i wanted to but because i am tryin to rebuild the club that was left in a dire state by the previous manager, so for him to come out and say that i have turned the 'kings of Italy' into a club going downhill is quite outrageous in my opinion. With a ridiculous amount of retirements last season and a depleted squad i think 4th in the league is pretty respectable. I just hope the fans and the chairman see past this outburst and see what a big challenge i took on by moving here, other managers have already stated that they turned down the position in the summer so perhaps Inter should consider themselves lucky to have a manager at all?! I will do mu upmost to bring the glory days back but it wont happen over the course of a season!

Belizeno · Cult Status

me n u str8 best, but u shouldnt have sold him!

Stu · Cult Status

Price believes new signings will earn promotion

Can you catch the top 2 now?

It will be a blow to Birmingham. They came so close to a point against Sunderland. I still think Sunderland will drop more points this season and Birmingham might to. We have the chance to take 3 from Sunderland soon and we will do our best

Does the buzz around the club indicate transfers this week?

We have a brilliant player signing for us this week. Buffon is not as young as he used to be but he is the best goalkeeper in the world in my book. I think his experience can really help my young defence to mature quicker. It is always a bit of a worry on Friday when you are signing such a star because you hope the other team put the deal through. I will be waiting nervously until he signs

Is that your only signing this week?

No Reginaldo is leaving us. We signed him as cover from Fulham and he has done well here but we have a first choice striking pair and extra funds need to go into young players or other positions. We are signing a talented young striker from another league 1 team this week in a swap deal

Will there be any transfers in the last week of the window?

Yes we already have deals agreed. I was pleased it was all done early. I can relax next week when other managers are rushing around

Are you going to loan out any more young players this season?

We had interest in Acuna on loan but that would be crazy. If I thought we couldn't go up this season I might loan out one of our best strikers. Acuna and Defoe will be the main men in my attack. Darcy Blake is going out on loan this week if the other manager confirms it today and I will look at loaning out the striker I am signing this week in next weeks loan space

Cheers Stu

Fletch · Cult Status

Fletcher Strikes Quiet Note For End Of Season Run In.

Andy, is there much happening at Bramall Lane in terms of transfers.

"No not really, we have a settled squad and Im happy with who I have here, I have every confidence in their ability, we also dont have any funds. We have finalised a deal which in reality is just a swap for reserve keepers with another division 1 team. Both keepers expressed a desire to look for new opportunities so we came up with a decent solution"

How do you feel you will fair in the final run in.

"We have been in the play offs all seasin really but just now we are in danger of being caught, we have stuttered a bit due to fatigue. I hope we can make the play offs and at that point its anyones game. I think however the top 3 are mapped out in my eyes"

How are you preparing for next season.

" I want a settled team again so i may make some loan signings but I cant see anyone leaving us in the summer"