Week 20

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Week 20

PUREADE1 · International Player

DANDO DISSAPOINTED AS NORWICH BEATEN BY VILLA

Norwich City manager today expressed his dissapointment at the 1-0 defeat at Villa Park to the league leaders this is what he said in the post match press conference -

SS - Hayden obviously you will be dissapointed with the defeat today?

HD - Yes i am, although Villa are top of the league i thought we could go there and get a point even though we had Paul McShane missing who was a big loss.

SS - Indeed a last minute winner must have been hard to take?

HD - Yes it wasn't the nicest way to lose but our boys did really well against a side who have lost just one league game all season which tells its own story.

SS - So where do you go from here?

HD - Well we have got Derby this week at home and we have just brought Romulo in on loan from Boro the rest of the season so that is another big help, the target is still to get into the playoffs and there are 3 games left to do that

SS - Will you be making new signings in the summer?

HD - I'm not sure yet, we will probably do a bit of tweaking here and there but to be honest alot depends on which division we are in as that will obviously have an impact on the transfer budget i have to spend.

SS - So you will definatly be staying with Norwich?

HD - Yes i don't see why not, the club is ambitious and the fans are passionate i don't see why any other club could offer me much different.

SS - How are you going to approach these last few games before the playoffs?

HD - We will approach it no different to how we always do, train hard and push the players, the new guys we have up front need to settle quickly but they have the ability to so i am not worried.

SS - Well Hayden the final question has to be, will you go up?

HD - I will answer that honestly, i don't know.All i will promise the fans is as always Norwich will give everything we can and battle for them and show pride in the shirt.

SS - Well Hayden, Good luck

HD - Cheers

dirkdiggler · World Class Player

Levante manager Iain Kochanowski speaks to the press following his side's move to the top of the table.

"I felt that it was necessary to say how proud I am of all the players in their achievements so far this season. To go undefeated in the league up to this point has been amazing and I am sure the supporters appreciate how hard the team has worked to get to the position they are in at the moment. There is a good blend of youth and experience in the side and the arrival of Federico Fazio from Sevilla will provide extra defensive cover for the title run-in.

The next match in the campaign will have a massive bearing on who wins the league. Real Mallorca away from home will be extremely tough, especially as they were held to a suprise draw at Athletico Bilbao. I am sure they will be wanting to make amends for that as quickly as possible. My only problem is that I have no idea what their team will be due to the amount of changes they have made in recent weeks. If we can avoid defeat in that match then our promotion hopes will almost realised."

Speaking for the first time about his departure from Old Trafford he stated:

"Moving from England to Spain has certainly been different challenge but one that I feel I have coped with quite well. I feel that the Manchester United board did not give me the chance to complete the rebuilding process. They have not been forthcoming in releasing funds and unfortunatley for my successor that appears to be continuing. However, Levante is the only team that concerns me now. I have a great squad and a supportive chairman. But best of all, the supporters have made me feel welcome and their vocal support has been instrumental in the success of the side so far this season.

I have to say that I have missed the opportunity of playing against the best teams in the European Cup but if the chairman continues his financial backing then Levante may well get that chance in the future."

JOP · Cult Status

Petty quits as Black Cats boss.

Speaking to the press lunch time today he announces retirement from football management.

"I have decided to resign from my post as Sunderland manager from immediate effect, this has nothing to do with the club or management or fans, they have been superb in my reign here."

"i'd like to thank the club and Nial especially for having faith in me."

When asked who does he think would fit in well here, he replied with this:

"Dave Davies-Evans, the club should do all they can to get that manager here he has all the attributes to take this club up"

"Thanks and good luck to all!"

Fletch · Cult Status

Fletcher Comments on Petty Step Down

" I'm saddened really that my fellow manager has decided to quit, or at least not see the season through to the end, I think they would have made promotion but feel Jonathan has sold himself short

If there are personal reasons then fine but I would urge the chairman and fans to get him back into the office and discuss his future, perhaps they can convince him to see the season out.

There should be no shame in only picking up a point against Forest, they are playing for points and battling so they will be a tough game for anyone now Steve is in charge"

mg1 · Cult Status

Mallorca boss speaks to the press after his sides drops 2 points in the race for promotion.

How do you feel about you chances of promotion after this weeks 0-0 draw against Bilbao:

Well it certainly hasn't made it any easier. It was a very impotant 2 point dropped today not only did we lose top spot to Levante we missed an opportunity to pull futher away from Gimnastic.

However promotion is still very much in our own hands and if we win 2 of our remaing 3 games I feel that will be enough to ensure we go up.

Next week sees a top of the table clash against Levante. Do you see it a must win game.

Well it depends, if I want any chance off winning the league it is definately a must win game but in regards to automatic promotion I think that will all come down to the final game against Gimnastic. I feel whoever wins that will go up.

Levante have been excellant all season and remain unbeaten. However I am proud of my boys this season as we are not a rich club like Levante and we have given them a run for there money despite not being able to invest 29m into the playing staff like Levante. Having said that we are the only side to have beaten them this season - a hard fought 2-1 victory in the cup and we also managed a good draw at the Estadio Ciutat so we must have belief that we can get something from the game even though that at this stage of the season we need to manage our squad carefully to ensure we have everyone available for the crucial last game of the season against Gimnastic.

Do you feel this season will have been a failure if you don't achieve promotion.

Definately yes because when I took over at the club we had just been relegated after a disatrous season in the top division having only managed to get one point from the whole season. The chairman was very clear in that he wanted to win promotion back to the first dvision straight away and have a team capable of staying up.

With that in mind assuming that you do manage to go on and achieve promtion this season do you feel you have the squad to remain in the top division.

Definately, I think the future looks bright at Mallorca. Ximun, Morgan, Basturk, Crouch, and Odonkhor will all be back at the club next season, we will also see Zambrotta join us permanently from Ascoli aswell as a superb young talent in Vaz joining us from Recreativo.

On top of that we have manged to secure a link with Simon at Arsenal which will see Walcott, Iarrusso and Djorou joining us on loan for part of the season. Simon has been extremely helpful in our discussions and we will also be sitting down again at the beginning of the season to discuss more possible loans between the two clubs.

Interesting times at Mallorca it seems - thank you for your time and good luck for the rest of the season.

Thanks.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Just In............

Davies-Evans stunned by Petty resignation

Sky Sports reporter Darmesh Seth managed to catch up with a stunned Steve Davies-Evans today when he gave his reaction to the news that Sunderland manager Jonathan Petty has retired from football management with immediate affect.

Darmesh - Steve, What's your reaction to the news that Jonathan Petty has retired from football management?

SDE - Totally stunned if I'm honest. I haven't had chance to speak to Jonathan yet but clearly he has his reasons so I think we need to respect that. It's a sad day though, I don't want to talk like he's died but Football is worse off for not having him around.

Darmesh - Did he give you any indication yesterday after your match that he was to quit?

SDE - No, none at all. I think he was down and that's fair enough after he felt he'd got a disappointing result but I didn't pick up on anything else.

Darmesh - What do you think that does for the title race now?

SDE - I have no idea to be honest. It would go one of two ways but I'm sure that Stuart Price at Cardiff is watching this situation and can't believe what's going on.

Darmesh - In a statement by Jonathan Petty, he stated that the Sunderland board should go all out to get your brother Dave from Leeds, can you see Dave being interested in leaving Leeds to join The Black Cats?

SDE - I can't really talk for Dave but I imagine that there will be alot of people interested in taking that job. It will be a rare situation where you will join a club in a good position, jobs like that don't come up very often.

Darmesh - You yourself have been linked with that job on a number of occasions, would you be willing to talk to Niall Quinn should he come calling?

SDE - Ah listen, I am Nottingham Forest manager and that's where I am!

Darmesh - But would you be willing to atleast talk to them?

SDE - Put it this way, I don't think Sunderland are very interested in me. I am currently employed by Nottingham Forest and I have to respect that but as it stands, I am leaving at the end of the season unless the chairman wants to extend it so who knows?

Darmesh - Steve, Thanks for talking to us.

SDE - No worries.

So, Davies-Evans won't rule himself out of joining the Sunderland but he has stated on a number of occasions previously that he is intent on staying at Nottingham Forest so it's most likely that he will remain at The City Ground if chairman Dave Allan offers him a new contract.

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Skysports today got the chance to speak to Jonny Sinclair and his side's relegation

'Well we knew we were going to get relegated before it was certain so in a way it's nice that its certain because we can go out and play with no pressure now and we can prepare for next season and getting back into serie a better prepared than this season we already have afeeder link up with Inter Milan for next season we're also signing an experienced striker at the beginning of next season I'd like to thank the players for the efforts this season in trying to keep us up and the managers who tried to help with loans as well this season has been a tough learning curve but hopefully we have learnt the lessons and hopefully in the future we'll know what to do about them'

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Sampdoria secure top marksman

Sampdoria fans were left delighted this week and their club moved to secure the services of prolific striker Dirk Kuyt from Liverpool. The striker has hit over 20 goals for the anfield outfit this term while his overall linking of play has been similarly impressive.

The deal appears to have happened quickly, with Sampdoria boss Mark Rollings suggesting last week a bid had come in for two of his younger pro's. Speaking at the unveiling of his latest recruit Rollings was quick to pay tribute to his new man.

"Dirk has been one of the most lethal strikers across Europe this season and has proven quality. What interested me most about the prospect of getting him in however was his ability to provide a link between midfield and front men. I think its something we have been missing all season. I tried to bring Dave (Kitson) with me from Coventry and he provides a similar function but I believe we have one of the finest players of this kind in Europe now and the prospect of linking him up with Djibryl (Cisse) is extremely exciting!

Rollings was full of praise for Liverpool boss Steve Esdale for the manner in which the deal was conducted and hinted that there may be further deals imminent.

"Steve was fantastic and everyone at Liverpool has the utmost respect from me. Negotiations were quick and fair! I can't say too much at this time but there is a very good chance you will be seeing more dealings between the clubs as soon as the window reopens!

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans - "Hillsborough will be just another game!"

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Davies-Evans will return to Hillsborough for the first time since he was sacked earlier this season for stating that he wanted to join Real Betis as manager. Davies-Evans is likely to get a hostile reception from the Wednesday fans but the Welshman isn't intimidated by the Owls fans.

Bryn Law - Steve, You head back to Sheffield Wednesday for the first time since your sacking this week. What does this game hold for you?

SDE - "To be honest, it's just another game for me and my players. There's bound to be alot of press attention due to the circumstances that I left under but If I'm totally honest, I am just looking forward to the game itself."

Bryn Law - What sort of reception are you expecting from the Wednesday fans?

SDE - "Well they are a very dedicated lot and I expect them to let me know what they really think of me but I wouldn't expect any different. I witnessed how good they can be at getting behind thier team when I was manager and they will do exactly the same against us. I will be honest and say that they are amoungst the best and most vocal fans out there so it should make for a great atmosphere at the game. My players understand what will be going on but like me, they are they to focus on the game itself and we are in good form so will look forward to taking on another great team."

Bryn Law - They have really started firing in the last few games, do you think that you will have enough to stop them this time?

SDE - "Well it's going to be a very tough game for us. They have some superb players and some that are definatley able to play in the top divisions so it will be a real test for us. Sunderland was a tough game too and my players will have confidence from that result but we understand the situation and know that we will have to be at our best and need Wednesday to have an off day if we are to get something from this game."

Bryn Law - There's been yet more rumours regarding your situation at Forest and where you will be at the start of next season, do you have anymore information on that?

SDE - "None at all, I am due to meet the chairman soon as we are approaching the end of the season but obviously - I am keeping my ear out for any positions are about incase I am not needed here."

Bryn Law - So you won't be joing Sunderland then?

SDE - "Well at this point in time, I very much doubt that I will be joining them as I have had no contact and I have said previously - I very much doubt that Niall is looking in my direction for a new manager. Nothing can be ruled out however as I will be a free agent in 3 games time and unless the Chairman and I can come up with a resolution that suits us both, I will be leaving at the end of the season."

Bryn Law - Thanks Steve and good luck this weekend

SDE - "Cheers"

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Wednesday 15th of April 2009 09:08:04 AM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Petty departure was "on the cards"

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has come out with his first comment since the parting of ways between the Northern club and Jonathan Petty. Petty was under intense pressure following 2 seasons of underachieving and failing to deliver promotion and many believe he only held onto his job by promising Quinn an early league champions finish in the season.

However things haven't gone that way and Sunderland sit second, 3 points off top and just 1 ahead of Cardiff who they still have to play this week. A disappointing 7 draws seems to be their own downfall this season.

"The timing is dreadful. We have a season defining match this week against Cardiff. We can really cement our promotion ambitions by winning that and to have the manager walk out means we have very little preparation time now. What is there will have to do.

The timing might have been a shock, but the decision was on the cards I think. The fans have been disappointed that the team hasnt faired better. Petty signed some quality players but he lacked the man management skills to make them gel. I think the next manager will have to have those skills to avoid the club stagnating any further."

Rumour Mill

Sheffield Wednesday fans have planned a dramatic 'welcome' for returning manager Steve Davies-Evans with his heated entrance expected to be matched by a chorus of boo's.

Ken Bates has told his Leeds manager no funds will be forthcoming for the new season but urged him to continue to push for a play-off place despite a 5 points gap.

Man United chairman Joel Glazer has reportedly been spotted with Brescia boss Huw Evans amid fears their rivals Man City will condemn them to a 6th place finish.

Jonny Sinclair is being lined up as the next Crystal Palace manager, with their relegation set to be decided this week should they fail to win.

Phil Gartside has hailed the new Bolton manager Simon Hickman as a 'genius' following the clubs confirmed promotion to the Premiership in his first season in charge.

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner is planning a meeting with his manager to discuss a potential war chest to help the recently confirmed promoted side compete in the Premiership.

David Villa believes Aston Villa can achieve a mid table finish next season at least.

Peter Ridsdale has told manager Stuart Price that now is the time to deliver promotion to the Welsh club as they approach a crunch match with rivals Sunderland.

Head of the Abu Dhabi group Sulaiman Al-Fahim will ask manager Chris Ratcliff for a report on loan striker Mido after this weeks match to decide whether to turn his move into a permanent one.

Real Betis have denied a shock swoop for unsettled Real Murcia and ex-Real Betis manager Dale Price come the end of the season.

Villarreal fans have been comforted by the news owner Fernando Alfonso will consider investing further in the club to aid rebuilding should they stay up in La Liga and be able to appoint the right manager.

Martin Turney is being linked to a return to Newcastle a season after they sacked him, with the new chairman reportedly wanting to make amends.

Adam Goble has been told by his Barcelona chairman to go out and win the Spanish Cup now that La Liga is out of their reach for yet another season.

Dirk Kuijt has admitted he was 'surprised' to be sold by Liverpool and that he was even more surprised that he found himself at Sampdoria.