Week 21

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 21

Luke_C · Cult Status

Lazio 2 Milan 5

BBC spoke to Milan manager Luke Coakley

Five goals today but the game was in the balance until two later goals?

I cant say I agree with that, we looked comfortable throughout the game and even though Lazio worked hard and caused us a few minor problems I dont think the result was ever in doubt. We played a very attacking team so it was likely we could concede but we have such quality going forward that I had no doubt we would get the goals needed to win the game.

Your chairman set you a target of top 2 which now looks unlikely, how disappointing is that?

Its very disappointing but we will keep going while points are available, we need to win every game, score a hell of a lot of goals and hope Roma lose both games and concede a lot of goals ***Laughs Coakley***. My target was always to win the league but this year was also about reshaping the squad while trying to stay in contention and we have managed to do that in some ways. I think we have a lot of quality now and the average age has dropped significantly so the future looks a lot brighter now.

Do you feel disappointed you have failed to bring the fans back through the door after the previous managers effect?

Of course Im disappointed as the atmosphere the fans can bring to the San Siro is something special and Im yet to sample a sell out as manager. The previous manager let things rot at the club and when I arrived the club had a very old and stale feel to it so Im trying to revitalise things. We now have exciting players at the club and play some really good football, we like to attack. Only Roma have scored more goals than us and I think that shows what we are trying to do, we still need to find the right balance in the squad but we are looking hard to do that. I beg the fans to come back and help us push on, they really can make a difference.

Do you plan many squad changes to the squad now that your place in

Well we have already agreed to bring in Liam Miller who will add some bite into our midfield and for the time being that is all that has been agreed. We brought in Huth last week for next season when Pasquale and Lanna return to there clubs. Ideally I would like to add a few more players with the extra European games but we will see what can be done. We have a lot of players on loan returning but we do have Lennon and Pato to come back who can be massive players for us.

So investment is needed from the chairman?

What manager doesnt want investment ***Laughs the Milan manager***. If the club can afford to invest in players then of course thats great news but if not then we look at moving things around or like this season using the loan market to our advantage.

richj363 · Cult Status

SPURS BOSS PRAISES HIS TEAM

Spurs manager Richard Jefferies saluted his team as they moved out of the relgation places for the first time this season.

"We have been magnificent over the last few weeks with young Levi Porter bagging 4 goals in the last 3 weeks, he has been an inspiration to all around him and my experienced trio of Berbatov , Malbranque and Dalla Bona has all performed when required" He added "We know its not over and realise we have 2 more cup finals to play but we are looking a lot better than 5 weeks ago"

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Sheff Wed 2-0 Nottingham Forest - Post Match Press Conference with Steve Davies-Evans

Ian Gwyn-Hughes - Steve, Would it be fair to say that you were well beaten out there today?

SDE - Yeah I think that's fair Ian. Sheffield Wednesday are a good side, we allowed them to play abit too much and they denied us goal scoring chances. Overall, I don't think we can have many complaints.

Ian Gwyn Hughes - Does it make it all the harder that it was Sheffield Wednesday that you lost to?

SDE - It makes no difference what-so-ever. I hate losing full stop, It wouldn't matter if it was Sheff Wed, Man Utd or Burton Albion that we lost too, it's always a bitter pill to swallow.

Ian Gwyn-Hughes - You have two games remaining at Nottm Forest against Birmingham and Cardiff, you can still have a massive say in who gets promoted from this division, there are rumours that as you are being linked to Cardiff next season that you may indeed take it easy in that game in order to help them get promoted, is this accurate?

SDE - It couldn't be any more inaccurate if you tried!! I will be going as full out against Cardiff as I do against any team we play. The agreement between myself and Stuart Price stand no matter what division Cardiff are in. It would be nice if these people would suggest these things to my face though as the people who really know me know that I am a winner and losing is not in my vocabulary! Stuart has already been made very aware that I will be doing everything to take a positive result from our game and if that stops him going up then it wouldn't have been just down to that result but the season on a whole.

Ian Gwyn-Hughes - It has been rumoured in the media this morning that there is a number of clubs both in England and in Italy that are interested in your services, would you consider a move back to Italy?

SDE - Well as you know, In 2 games time, I will be out of a job! If the Nottingham Forest chairman decides that I am no longer needed then of course I will consider a move back to Italy. I had a great time there with Cagliari and I wouldn't rule out a return.

Ian Gwyn-Hughes - Cagliari themselves have been rumoured to be monitoring your situation, would you return to the club that you took to the playoffs last season?

SDE - To be honest, I don't think that I can continue to talk about hypothetical situations, I expect to find out of the next couple of days where my future lays so I won't be commenting anymore until I know exactly what is going on.

Ian Gwyn-Hughes - Steve, Thanks for talking to us and good luck in the future.

SDE - No problem guys.

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Jonny Sinclair hails his team's positive attitude

'I cant believe how positive my team has been all through out the season not once have their heads dropped we lost 3-0 to Roma are we bothered no because we gave them a good game the only time we've been annoyed with ourselves is if we've been poor or not tried to go about the game in the right manner and Davide Raffaello's comment's just sum it up he is a major talent but is he bothered about playing in Serie B next season no in fact he is looking forward to it ,is he is screaming for a move no he wants to stay with Ascoli the players here are incredible he is are best talent and we have some amazing talent but he is truely outsyanding i have to say and for him to say that breeds confidence for next season and with an attitude like that i don't want to or will ever at the moment sale him because he isn't like most players ohh we're not in the top 7 this team is rubbish i want to move, no he wants to stay and help this team become better than it ever has been and he loves the club no matter what turmoil. It has been a strange season if anything we've enjoyed this season far more than last year even though we've won once all season in the league and won on penalties in a cup game hardly amazing but its crazy the fans players chairmen staff and me i think we are all insane we love this team far too much and i want it to stay no matter what that is why i want to make a pledge that i will never leave this club for another team even my beloved team Norwich unless i get sacked or i retire i love this club this team it doesn't mind the bad times as longs as you've experienced good times with them then its not a problem whatsoever and i haven't felt under any pressure at all this season by anyone even though we haven't done great points wise this season and i feel secure here i feel loved and i want to stay here as long as possible so rumours about me moving to Norwich or Crystal Palace are untrue even if they do actually want to offer the job to me i'll answer honestly and truely say sorry but no i have too much of a good thing here at Ascoli and i don't want to change that no matter what

'As for preparatons next season we are planning to sale Ginaluca Zambrotta for an experienced Striker in hindsight i wish i had of kept him here whilst we were in Serie A but i think he needs to be playing top level football which he can do hopefully next season and i just we needed a striker more than a left back at the time and Peter (Crouch) has of course been great i know him from my norwich days so i know what he's all about he his an amazing player and when the season is up we will miss him deeply but it'll give Micheal (Mifsud) and Michele (Paolucci) a chance to establish themselves in the side next season it gives everyone a chance to impress next season we dont expect too many changes to the side we have now next season we have the experienced striker joining of course as well the Inter Milan loanees which i have to thank Jamie again for because that is going to be a major help in push for promotion back into Serie A we hope Iva (Iaconi) can work his magic with are youth team and hopefully find a jem out of the pack like he so often does but if he doesn't its not too much of worry we have a very good team as it is anyway and it will only grow stronger as years go on in my opinion my aim is us to end up championshopefully next season and for us to avoid relegation with much more of a fight than this season'

-- Edited by Sinky2707 on Sunday 19th of April 2009 12:42:55 AM

pricey · Cult Status

PRICE HAPPY WITH WEEKENDS WIN

Real Murcia manager Dale Price spoke to Spanish football station El Goala after this weekends game with Cadiz

E.G. Mr Price you beating Cadiz means that they will finish bottom this season how do you feel about that?

D.P. I am absolutely delighted that was where we finished last season and I am glad that we are not there this season, also Im not the biggest fan of Ashley (Davis) so yes couldnt be happier

E.G. It was a game that you needed to win to continue your push for the play offs you have two game left now against Gimnastic and Real Betis are you confident that you can finish in the top 6?

D.P. Yes I think we can do it no one would have given us a chance at the start of the season and to be honest I didnt give us much hope either but we have done fantastic. The next 2 games are going to be the most important in the clubs history I think the gymnastic will be a hard one but if we can sneak a point that would take a bit of pressure off us for the Betis game which if we need to I expect us to win

E.G. What would getting to the play offs mean to you?

D.P. I think it will be up there with keeping Norwich up in the Championship 2 season ago with the biggest thing I have done since I became a manager.I also feel having it on my CV would help me out loads when at the end of the season I hope to move back to England

E.G. Is there any news on your return to England?

D.P. Not much to report really have been to watch Newcastle a few times after Chairman Yuri Semikov had invited me. I have also spoken to Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn since Mr Petty quit the club I feel both clubs have a good future ahead of them and with the right man in charge they can go far.

E.G. It was reported in the media that your chairman was upset about your talking of leaving the club what is your response to that?

D.P My response was one of shock as we had spoken about this at the season and he was happy for me to come in and turn the club around then move back to England he always knew my ambition was for me to leave for an English club

E.G. Thank you for taking time to speak to us today good luck for the last 2 games

D.P. Thank you

-- Edited by pricey on Sunday 19th of April 2009 02:17:50 PM

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

DAVIES-EVANS SIGNS FULL-TIME CONTRACT WITH NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Steve Davies-Evans has tonight put pen to paper on a new contract that will see him become Nottingham Forest manager on a full-time basis. Davies-Evans has been enjoying a successful interim spell with the 'trees' and has stated on a number of occasions that he would like to continue at the club after his contract was due to end on the last game of the season. Now having met with Forest chairman Dave Allen, Davies-Evans has moved quickly to secure his future in Nottingham. Nottm Forest held a press conference soon after......

Dave Allen - "We would like to take this oppertunity to announce that Steve Davies-Evans has tonight signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest to stay on as manager on a full-time basis. We are delighted that Steve has decided to stay with the club after what I and thr board felt was a successful interim period with the club and we look forward to a successful era under Steve's guidence".

Steve Davies-Evans - "Before I face questions, I would also like to take this oppertunity to say that I am delighted to have a signed a new contract here. I have loved every minute of my time at the City Ground since I have been here and I am looking forward to a ong spell with the club in which I intend to take them forward.

Media - Steve, Was it a big decision to stay on here?

SDE - No not at all, I have said a number of times that I would like to stay on and I am delighted that it's finally happened.

Media - We have read recently that a number of clubs were monitoring your situations, in the end, was it just Forest to approach you?

SDE - No, I also had a solid offer on the table from Cagliari and I would like to publicly thank them for their interest in taking me back there. They are a suberb club and maybe somewhere down the line, I could end up back their but I have already started putting things in place here and I wanted to see that out and hopefully take this football club forward over the next few seasons

Media - Steve, Now that you know your future, what are your plans for next season with Forest?

SDE - Well, I have short term, mid-term and long term goals with Forest. Short Term is that I hope that I can start modeling the squad into a side that can move forward and get off the bottem of the league. My mid-term goal is that I can take this club up and out of League 1 and into the Championship and my long-term goal is to help them become an established Premiership team and we will have to see after that.

Media - So where do you see Forest finishing next season?

SDE - Well, That's pretty hard to say at the moment as we haven't even finished this season yet but I believe that with our link up to Cardiff City and with a few players that I have got my eye on, I believe that we could even reach the play-offs next season aslong as we can stay fit and become a consisten unit.

Media - Do you know if you will have any funds next season?

SDE - Myself and the chairman haven't spoken about money yet but I am hoping that I have something to play with as we all want to go forward. I don't believe I will have anything like what I received at Sheffield Wednesday but a couple of million could still help take us forward.

tonymdf · Cult Status

Middlesboro Still on Target

Middlesboro Manager Tony Wood today spoke with MEN (Middlesboro Evening News)

MEN With Middlesboro now sitting nicely in the play off positions how do you feel the season is going?

Wood After an indifferent start to my career here as manager, the team have settled down well confidence has been building over recent weeks, the only team to beat us were the champions (Villa) so it shows how well we have progressed. I am very pleased with our position going into the last 2 games of the season. We are still not mathematically assured of a play off place yet this is something I will be telling the players this week, one more good performance will get us there but with 2 games to go its very much in our own hands now. When I took over here Promotion was my target with the other teams already to far ahead for us to catch the play offs were always going to be our only hope we have only dropped 9 points in the 10 games I have been manager and the players have to take credit for their attitude and performances.

MEN You have Everton away this week; some pundits think it could be a dress rehearsal of the play off final what are your plans for the game?

Wood Without being dis-respectful to the other teams I think Middlesboro vs Everton would be the peoples choice for the play off final 2 big clubs 1 game for the ultimate prize of a place in the premier league. As for my plans for the game I will be treating it as any other match, both teams have concerns over key players fitness and with potentially 4 games still to play it is very much who makes best use of the squad.

MEN you let Romulo go out on loan last week to potentially one of your play off rivals what was your thinking there?

Wood Norwich approached us to help them out with a ST and Romulo was only 4^th choice ST here so I was happy to help them out, I am disappointed he didnt play this week as I thought he was going there to get games but we didnt make it part of the loan deal so I just hope the lad isnt there to make up the numbers and to sit on the bench.

MEN You have received a lot of support from the fans recently, has this helped you?

Wood Undoubtedly, the fans have been truly fantastic, I would hope to see a few more coming through the turnstiles a packed house for our final game of the season in 2 weeks times would be a huge sign of support from the fans for the hard work that has been put in by the players and coaching staff.

MEN Have you got long term plans for Middlesboro?

Wood Well my Target when appointed was to get promotion so my season and Middlesboro career could be over in 2/3 or 4 games but as you can see from the changes made so far I have reduced the age of the squad considerably without sacrificing quality the signings of David Cotterill, Leonardo Ponzio have given stability to positions and the captures of young Denilson on loan from Arsenal and Eden Hazard has given us enthusiasm and energy. I have not heard anything from the Chairman recently which I hope means he is happy with what has happened so far and the next few games will decide both my and Middlesboros futures so we will take it from there really.

MEN Thanks for speaking to us and good luck with your remaining games

paulh_85 · Cult Status

Harrington Ready for big test

Out-going Baggies boss Harrington was in an upbeat mood as he spoke to the gathered media about his future, and the up and coming match against Man city this week.

"This is a huge test for how far we have come this season. We are gaureenteed to finish 6th this season, and as we were favorites to go down that is a remarkable achievement. now we need to push on against and try to secure 5th, or possibly 4th if we can, myself and the players will be going all out to beat man city this week."

many experts have predicted that this game will decided who finishes 4th this season, with West brom, and both halfs of Manchester all level on points. United however have the more difficult run-in and a cup final in their sights, leading many to believe that a top 4 finish will ocme down to the winner of this highly anticipated match this week.

"obviously we want to finish as high as possible, but west brom cannot yet compete with the quality and the resources at Man City. we can only do what we have been doing all season and put maximum effort into the match and see what we can get out of it"

also discussed, was the news that Harrington had agreed to become the next manager of Spanish side Athletico Madrid next season, and early rumours indicate that he is looking to bring 1 or 2 Baggies players with him.

"Yes i have agreed a contract with Madrid, and i look forward to starting what should be an altogether different challenge next season. on the subject of players im not sure the chairman is willing to let me bring any of my players with me, i bought them because they are fantastic so it is understandable that i would want to bring some of them to my new club."

" i have also spoken to my new chairman about Mido, i havent spoken to the lad yet but my intention is to keep him at the club, though im not sure what sort of say i will have in that. however when i take my first training session next year i want mido to be there, we will have to sit down and sort something out as i feel he can play a vital part for Madrid next season."

Football Academy · Cult Status

Sunderland prepare for press conference

Niall Quinn has announced to the press that there will be a conference held this afternoon at the clubs stadium. Quinn refused to go into detail of the agenda but this has sparked fresh interest in the vacant managers position at Sunderland. Many pundits believe Quinn has been forced into a quick decision by the Real Murcia managers decision to apply for the position.

While Price is the only formal candidate, rumours have run through the North this week about mystery candidates and secret discussions. It is believed Celta Vigo manager Gareth Gardner has already expressed an informal interest to the Sunderland board along with Dave Davies-Evans who is currently chasing play-offs in that league with his Leeds team. Two other unnamed managers have also reportedly been in contact over the position.

One candidate out of the running is Steve Davies-Evans who yesterday signed a new contract to turn his 7 week stint at Nottingham Forest into a permanent deal. One pundit believes that Sunderland "were considering Davies-Evans" but weren't willing to move on it in time to push Nottingham Forest out the way.

pricey · Cult Status

SUNDERLAND ANOUNCE NEW MANAGER

Sunderland have tonight announced that former Real Murcia manager Dale Price has been appointed new manager of the north east club with immediate effect Mr. Price had the following to say on his appointment I am delighted to be at such a fantastic club and I hope to take them to the next level I feel there is a good team here and I believe I can get the best out of them when asked what is it like to be back in England Mr. Price said it is fantastic to be hones I think I made a mistake when I left Norwich to join Betis but you learn from these mistakes as the press conference finished Sunderland fans could be heard singing theres only one Dale Price

-- Edited by pricey on Monday 20th of April 2009 02:53:05 PM

pricey · Cult Status

New Sunderland manager Dale Price gives his first interview with Sky Sports News

SSN How do you feel about being appointed the new Sunderland manager?

I am very happy to be at such a big club and I am pleased to have the chance to work back in England again.

SSN How do you rate the job that previous manager Jonathan Petty did?

Jonathan is a good friend of mine so you will not get me saying anything bad about him. I feel that he did a good job here should have gone up two season in a row but they didnt have that killer touch I hope I can bring that to the club

SSN Sources close to you claim that you stated many times that you would like to be the next manager of Newcastle United, how do you think the Sunderland fans will take to that news and do you think they will support you?

Im not going to lie to you yes I was interested in becoming manager at Newcastle but that is in the past now and I am fully focused on Sunderland and getting them to where they need to be.

SSN If Sunderland do in fact find themselves missing out on automatic promotion and have to take part in the lottery that is the play-offs, do you feel you have enough quality to still go up?

Yes I feel we have enough about us to go up I am planning for life in the championship and I will be very disappointed if we are not there. I think automatic promotion is out of reach for us so it looks like it will be the play offs I have a 100% win rate in them so hopefully that will continue

SSN There is no doubt that you did an excellent job in your time in Spain with Murcia, is there a part of you that wishes you had stayed to finish what you started there and maybe claim promotion?

No I feel I had taken Murcia very far compared to where they were when I took over. If I had taken them up there is no way we could have competed with the resources the other clubs inthe top flight have had would have come right back down and that wouldnt do my career any good.

SSN If the un-thinkable happens and Sunderland miss out on promotion this year, who do you think will go up and who would you see as your main rivals next season in League 1?

Im not really thinking about not going up to be honest but if the un-thinkable did happen then I think we could walk the league next year Im not going to make a statement like Ill win it by the half way point but I dont think we will struggle to win it

SSN Have you already started targeting players that are likely to leave the Stadium of Light and have you already thought about which areas you want to strengthen ready for the next season?

I havent no but over the next week or so when we have assessed where we will be and our budget for that season I will move forward and strengthen the team where I feel its needed

SSN It's been reported that yourself and Sunderland FC have already moved quickly to donate money to a charity that is close to your heart - "Giving It More Passion Foundation" (or G.I.M.P Foundation) which has seen many managers including Recrativo Huelva manager Stephen Wells pass with flying colours. Is this a sort of "Sporting Chance clinic" like that which Tony Adams runs?

Yes I was very happy to give money to this cause some of the managers in the game like Dave at Leeds United who is in the programme at the moment and is doing amaizingly and we are seeing fantastic results its just a chance to give something back to the football world for those who are lacking a bit.

-- Edited by pricey on Tuesday 21st of April 2009 03:27:51 PM

-- Edited by pricey on Tuesday 21st of April 2009 03:28:37 PM

Simon · Cult Status

Jenkins appeals to new chairman and casts an eye over the footballing world

Having been quiet since the take over of the small club, Valladolid manager Simon Jenkins has come forward to ask questions of the new chairman Paul Davidson. 'I have not heard anything regarding the future of this club, and I would have thought that this would have been one of the first things he would have done on arriving. I have been planning a long term increase here at Valladolid; pressurizing the top three in two season's time. I know this man has funds, but money is something that I do not really have in my plans, I have got by on very little and I did not expect that to change. I am worried that he will expect a lot of my team next season and even with an injection of money, that would still not gel with me as I feel it should do. If Mr Davidson could state his intentions with the club, then I would greatly appreciate it and could look forward to next season instead of worrying about what expectation could be sprung on me next season.'

When asked how he saw the season so far Mr Jenkins replied 'I was extremely pleased with the first half of the season having only lost three games, positioning in at an all time high for the club in fourth place and staying within a point of the pack we were chasing, but during the second half of the season they began to pull away and I feel both me and the players admitted defeat a little having lost twice as many games in an unfinished half as we did in the whole of the first section. Benzima has gone on loan to Cardiff to aid my fellow manager Mr Price and to hopefully rack up a few extra goals before the end of the season. Although in hindsight I feel this was a stretch on the team and could close the gap between us and the teams below, particularly as we have tough games against Recreativo and Valencia left. We have already achieved our target and are safe from relegation but it would have been nice to finish in the position we have held for the whole of the season.'

On the subject of loans Mr Jenkins seemed pleased as to his arrangement with new feeder club Real Sociadad 'it has been a rocky road but our loans seem to be arranged. I look forward to the deal I have with Sociadad, they have a great team and a great manager.'

Finally Mr Jenkins gave his view on events unfolding in the world of football 'I was surprised by Dale Price's move from Murica; he has completely destroyed his club's target. To be in fifth with a target of tenth is fantastic and I really believe he could have taken them further. Similarly I must congratulate Steve Davis Evans on his time at Forest, with his connections to the Cardiff youth I think he could get Forest out of the position they are in and give them a chance of promotion. Also it is saddening to see Paul Harrington leave my former club West Brom for the sunny heights of Spain, but he is looking for a new challenge over here just as I was a few seasons ago, no doubt he can improve Madrid further and possibly pose a problem to my plan of a European spot in the next few seasons.'

After bidding his farewell, Mr Jenkins left to oversee a youth training match at the Valladolid ground.

Jozz · Cult Status

Gazzetta

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Week 21

Luke_C · Cult Status

Milan only need fine tuning.

In his first season at AC Milan manager Luke Coakley has achived a respectable third finish ahead of rivals Inter with both clubs in a season of rebuilding. The third place finish however is not acceptable for manager Luke Coakley "It was always going to be hard this season however we wanted to win the league, of course that was the target for a club as big as Milan. Third is not impressive but it is no embarrassment and the failure and short comings of this season will push us on next season."

The Welshman hopes his teams style of attacking play together with the thought of Europe football will bring the fans flooding back to the San Siro "We have played some great football this season and scored a lot of goals and thats the way i want my Milan team to play. We like to keep the ball on the floor and play with style and flair whenever possible. I just hope we can bring the fans in to watch our football now we have European football back in Milan and I believe exciting times are ahead for next season."

"We know the team needs a slightly better balance but we are working on bringing in the right players, the team only needs fine tuning, although extra competition for places would be helpful now we are fighting on three fronts"

When confronted regarding his future the Milan boss said little "I have not been approached and I dont think Milan are looking to replace me so I have nothing to say on the matter."

Last season Milan reduced ticket prices and became the cheapest team to watch in all the Football Academy leagues and promised a price freeze until the club returned to European football and while the club have admitted ticket prices will increase this season they have promised they will remain highly competitive and still likely to be amongst the lowest in Europe."

We searched Milan-forum.com to see what fans have been saying

Pizzaman557 said "Ive been impressed with the way Luke Coakley has managed the squad after the previous mess left behind. The likes of Iniesta and Aqualini have been a joy to watch this season"

Milanlover said "The manager has done ok but I would have liked to have seen more of a push for the title."

glassishalfempty said "Coakley hasnt done anything except lower the age of the squad, we have lost quality like Shevchenko and Halford and they have been replaced with average younger rubbish. Our league form has been average and our cup form a disgraced. He would not be missed if he left today, infact it would be welcomed by me. We should have an Italian in charge anyway."

Sanstheman said "This season was always about rebuilding and we have some exciting players at the club and the players are of a good age which was important after what happened under the previous regime, getting into Europe was vital. He will be judged on next season and we must get further in the cups and give a good showing in Europe. The chairman must back him though otherwise the squad may be too small to cope"

Chrisr1606 · Top Flight Player

NO GENOA DEAL FOR MIDO

Chris Ratcliff announced today that Genoa would not be making Mido's loan move permanent in the close season.

"Undoubtedly he is a player of some talent. However I think there are better players out there. He is also, for me, the wrong side of 25. When I came here it was with the aim of building a young, vibrant team. I understand the need for experience and Thierry and Juan do that for us. If we could get a couple of wiser heads at the back that would be great, but beyond that I would like to think the chairman will target up and coming players. I don't feel Mido would provide us with that expertise, and could even lead some of the younger players astray. If the chairman is targeting players of Mido's ilk then perhaps he should look at fine tuning his short term goals."