Week 12

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Week 12

Football Academy · Cult Status

New Youth Players

I always try and do a bit of research when filling in the youth pool. Some players stats might not fit them in real life, but I try to make sure most do. For anyone interested, here are some video footage/media reports on the REAL LIFE players who have come through in FA in this last update, only a selection of the better rated ones though:

Koke (A.Madrid)

Chuka (Roma

Fiorillo (Sampdoria)

Aaron (Valencia)

Marquez (Espanyol)

Moses (C.Palace)

Gourcuff (AC Milan)

Football Academy · Cult Status

Rumour Mill

Kaka is set to make a shock move to London in exchange for Spanish hitman Torres as Arsenal look to save their season.

David Bentley is set to return to England following a spell at Juventus, with Manchester City and Liverpool leading the race to sign him

Milan Mandaric has been spotted in Spain thought to be discussing the buy out of a La Liga side. Espanyol and Villarreal are the two tipped by media sources.

But ex-Leicester boss Mandaric could surprise many by purchasing Segunda leaders Celta Vigo.

Richard Keogh is set to seal a 'dream' move to Atletico Madrid this week.

His fellow West Brom team mate Sulley Muntari is also close to signing for his old manager at Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona are prepared to bring back fan favourite Samuel Eto'o after he was told his future at the Manchester club was uncertain.

Espanyol have refused to comment on speculation they have approached a 'top European manager' about taking over the vacant managerial position.

Following his equaliser against Espanyol at the weekend, David Cortez has told Real Valladolid fans that he believes the club are 'two signings off challenging for Europe'.

Espanyol prodigy Javi Marquez is already attracting interest from across Europe in what would be a multi million pound move if agreed.

Levante are keen to bring Juventus goalscorer dos Santos in on loan for the rest of the season and have agreed to sign winger Eduardo.

Gianluigi Buffon has tipped new boss Huw Evans to lead the Welsh club to promotion to the Premiership this season.

Mid season investments

Chelsea - £5 million to help title challenge this season.
Manchester City - £25 million to back new manager.
Liverpool - £5 million to aid title challenge this season.
Coventry - £10 million to fund squad rebuilding.
Spurs - £10 million to guarantee Premiership survival this season minimum.
AC Milan - £5 million to recognise good rebuilding of squad.
Inter Milan - £10 million to continue good work rebuilding squad.
Juventus - £5 million to recognise good progression.
Barcelona - £25 million to build towards domination.

Besty · Cult Status

Inter Milan manager Jamie Best speaks about the season so far

Hi Jamie, you sit second in Serie A just a point behind leaders Genoa, you must be pleased with the progress you have made?

Absolutely, i think we have come on leaps and bounds since the start of the season and have got ourselves into a good position to fight for the title and at the very least a European place. All the players have put in a great shift so far and i'd like to thank them for that, but it aint over yet and we really need to push on and pip Genoa and Juventus to the title.

You had a £10mil investment from the chairman this weekend, is that deserved do you think?

Well i think so, he has seen how much we have progressed and now have a realistic chance of winning the league so with a bit of strengthening i think we can do it. I am really grateful for the investment as it means i dont need to sell so many players to generate the cash, and it also allows me to help out my feeder club Ascoli as the stronger i get the more i can feed on to them so it would be nice to help Jonny reach the playoffs if i can.

Have you started planning for the second half of the season?

Well i have been negotiating non stop since yesterday and i have already agreed to bring in a top CM to help our cause. I am also talking with a couple of other managers with regards to deals so its certainly a busy time for me and the squad. Unfortunately we have to say goodbye to two more players at the end of the season due to retirements, Julio and Cicinho have decided to hang up their gloves and boots respectively and they will be sorely missed by all the players and staff here. They are retiring a bit prematurely in my view but i have to respect their wishes so we will look to fill those gaps pretty soon.

Thanks for talking to us Jamie.

Simon · Cult Status

Jenkins' hopes for the coming season

At a pre-match press conference, Valladolid manager Simon Jenkins spoke of his plans at Valladolid.

'When I came to Valladolid they were ailing at the bottom of the Segunda, but I still planned to have them challenge the top four - Sevilla, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia - in five seasons. Next season is the beginning of my fifth season, I still have that aim and I firmly believe it is achievable.

'When David [Cortez] spoke to the press today, it showed that my players have the same dream as me. We signed a striking legend yesterday and I'm just biding my time before snapping up my second, big money purchase.

Our critics have claimed we are both overachieving and unready to be challenging the top until our sixth season atleast. However I think that our progress and current league position is making those critics think twice!'

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

"Time to show our steel!" - Davies-Evans

At an early press conference at Blackburn's training ground, manager Steve Davies-Evans spoke of his excitement of his first Blackburn-Bolton derby and wants his players to stand up and be counted in a big relegation battle.

Media - Steve, after your "baptism of fire" against Manchester City last week, is it now time to get down and start picking up points?

SDE - Yeah it is, myself and my players were tought a few lessons last week and I'm looking for the players to learn from that defeat and put it right this weekend.

Media - How has training been since that defeat?

SDE - Well we've only had one session since that game and the lads were understandably down at the start but we spoke about the things that we did right in that game and what we need to put right ready for the Bolton game and the lads are ready to show what they are capeable of.

Media - This is your first Blackburn-Bolton derby as manager, as a fan....does it give you an instant understanding of the passion in this game?

SDE - Yeah of course. I've witnessed some superb derbys between these two teams in the past but now It is up to me to put out a team to give our fans the bragging rights come Monday morning in work. Of course there is alot more to it that that, Bolton have had a poor season but, regardless of the opposition, it's up to us to claim 3 points to put some daylight between us and the relegation zone.

Media - You brought in David Jones last weekend, will he feature against Bolton?

SDE - Yeah I imagine that he will make his debut this week. Seb [Battaglia] has picked up a knock and will miss the game so it's more than likely that David [Jones] will just take his spot.

Media - Are there any other injuries to speak of?

SDE - Yeah Sylvain [Distin] will miss the game with a knock too, He's likely to miss a couple of games so we will have to look sharp at the back.

Media - How much of a miss are these two players likely to be?

SDE - Well obviously they will be a miss as they are two of our quality players but I feel we still have enough about us to get the positive result that we need.

Media - And what of new signings Steve, do you have anymore lined up?

SDE - Well yeah we have a couple of deals agreed with different clubs that I feel will give us a great chance of staying up this season. These aren't likely to take place for a couple of weeks but we do have an Italian midfielder arriving this week on loan which we feel will give us abit more bite in midfield. As for the rest, you will have to wait until the ink is dry.

With that, Davies-Evans said thank you and goodbye and headed off to take training where he was expected to announce his captain and vice captain to the team.

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Monday 27th of July 2009 10:55:42 AM

Stu · Cult Status

Welcome

No First Game Blues

Manchester City made sure they welcomed new manager Stuart Price into the fold in impressive style as they crushed a Blackburn team that is fighting tooth and nail to survive in the division. Stuart Price joined at the last minute but got on the bus to Blackburn to watch his first game against a manager he had been linked with at their old teams. Price had to wait one minute for his first Blues goal when Mikel Arteta lobbed the Blackburn goalkeeper in what turned out to be his last match for the club

Eto'o another transfer listed player added a second and when Rovers fans were given hopes of a comeback by a Oubina goal on the half hour mark City hit back in two minutes with Ibrahimovic adding a third. Eto'o rounded off an impressive display with a fourth in the second half and Price was pleased when he took his seat in front of the waiting press

You have to be pleased with that display Stuart?
"It was good to see players fighting for their places. A new manager brings new ideas and I want to mark this team like every other manager does when they join. We had time for one training session before the match day so the players had only just met me but I was pleased with the commitment they showed to this team and I hope they can continue to show that for me"

There have been good and bad words said between you and the Blackburn manager this week so how was it?
"Listen I respect every manager will do what is best for their career. Steve has not managed at the top level and you can see why he jumped at the chance. I was disappointed because Nottingham Forest had been a big part of my plans but I have no grudge against him. He has a tough job to do at Blackburn and I hope he can keep them up. You should be more excited about Blackburn coming to Manchester to play us on the final day because there will be no favours given if he needs a win to survive!"

How have you settled in Manchester this week?
"It is a lot colder than Seville! The staff and players have been great and starting with a win always helps smooth the transition."

Arteta has been sold and Wiggins has been bought. Should we expect more movement?
"Wiggins will replace Baines. We are talking to a good manager of an Italian team right now about swapping him for a midfielder so I hope we can secure that deal. Ramsey is joining this week from Cardiff but Denilson will be joining him from Arsenal. I am very excited to say Mertesacker is coming over from Juventus to have a medical tomorrow and will be joining on Friday too. Mertesacker is a player I wanted to buy at Sevilla but I was outbid so to get the chance to buy him is really exciting"

Will more players be moving?
"We are talking about a few more players leaving. Baptista could go and Shaun Wright-Phillips. This should leave me with a good budget to spend. I will be buying scouts to take advantage of the second scouting window. We need to strengthen if we stand any chance of holding on to a european qualifying position

How tough will this weeks match be for you?
"I would have liked longer with my team before we started playing the big teams but if we want to finish high we have to play the best teams. Liverpool are one of the best teams around and have a manager they can be really proud of. Any result we can get against them will be a big boost and show how far we have come"

Thanks Stuart

Stu - Man City

-- Edited by Stu on Monday 27th of July 2009 07:52:00 PM

Liam · Cult Status

The Media caught up with Ashley Harris and Liam Riste outside the Aston Villa managers' house where Harris was visiting. The two have a great friendship and the media were quick to question them both in a rare double interview:

Media: You both picked up 3 points this week, this must be pleasing for you?
AH: Yes, the result was very pleasing! Especially as earlier on this season, I applied for the Newcastle job,only to hear nothing back from the chairman. So it just gave the win that extra edge, rubbing my application in thier face...
LR: I was happy with the win of course. However, no offence to Bolton when I say this, I was hoping to strengthen my goal-difference more than I did (2-0). Although, on a positive, David Villa has started finding the net regularly and we have kept a clean sheet which is great.

Media: Again, you both had favourable results go in your favour with other teams around you dropping points. This must be a massive boost for both of your seasonal targets?
AH: The results left me in a really strong position. I believe that in the second half of the season, we have the squad to challenge Pompey and Boro' for automatic promotion, which was my aim at the start of the season.
LR: Well, everything that I predicted over the last three games has come true and I am very pleased to have now made Aston Villa 4 points clear of Spurs in the drop-zone. Also, going ahead of Blackburn was a good feeling as it now drags them into the race for survival since they rocketted outta the blocks...

Media: Steve Davies-Evans has been appointed new manager of Blackburn Rovers F.C, Mr. Riste, what are your views on this appointment?
LR: Me and Ash have discussed this and both have sent our congratulations to Steve. I backed his application 100% and even though I think they would have struggled without him, he is the best possible person they could have assigned the job to. He is a top man, and now a nemesis in the top flight; It just makes my life a little bit harder knowing Blackburn are in good hands and Steve will be fighting 'til the bitter end against me this season.

Media: There was speculation that Nathan Delfouneso will return to the JJB, can anything be confirmed?
AH: I'm very pleased with Nath's form, and he brings with him, more options for me tactically and as an alternative formation. The experience he is gaining is invaluable and we are pleased to be able to announce his return as of next week.
LR: I have had talks with Nath and he is loving the experience he is earning at Wigan. He is well looked after there and has made many friends since joining on loan, so he was more than happy to return. I have kept an eye on him and Ash has kept me updated on his form. He is playing at a high standard and has found the net a pleasing amount of times. So yes, Nath will be returning after this week.

Media:You have both had 7 retirements between you (AH=4 LR=3) what are your views on this and what does it mean for your clubs?
AH: I am disappointed at the amount of players who decided to retire. But first off I would like to say a massive thank you to Ronaldo, who has had a great career and has been a key player of the last few seasons for us. I think that Fitz Hall is retiring a bit prematurely at 32 but it was his decision and we must respect this. I have many plans for the future of Wigan Athletic FC but I think with the number of retirements and the possibility of promotion, a squad regeneration would be in much need.
LR: I have obviously had chats with all parties involved. Gallas was a concern of mine as he is a big name and gives more than required of a Full-back. Gavin McCann has been taking a back-seat this season, appearing in some big matches. He was happy with what the club has achieved and feels that this would be a fitting way to bow out of the club. Michael Owen was a massive surprise though, it has to be said. I wasn't expecting that i tell you... We signed him the beginning of this season for around £10m, and he was so happy to return to English football (as he stated in his interview) and everyone around the club was buzzing when he put pen to paper! We definitely wanted more from him as he is a massive name in English football aswell as internationally. Unfortunately we don't hold up much hope of changing his mind, which is a blow for us as a club. With these losses, it will make for a tough next season, wherever we may be. The total value of players we are losing from Aston Villa FC is now at £12.8m but if you consider that their values have dropped due to announced retirements, they were worth around £30m before!!! I just hope we are able to replace this kind of talent, whether it be through the youth academy or maybe an investment.

Ashley-ccfc16' · Cult Status

Davies speak's of his delight at capturing wonder kid Koke

GarethGardner · Cult Status

RE: Week 12

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings planning to unleash Explosive trio

Sampdoria manager Mark Rollings issued his first statement of intent this week to bring in pacey hitman Colin Kazim-Richards I an exchange deal for star playmaker Xabi Alonso. The Blucheriati boss has pledged to cut ties with his short term approach to squad develoment and has revealed he has deals in place which look set to dramatically revamp the ageing Sampdoria squad.

"My phone hasn't stopped ringing for a week we have been so busy in the transfer market. Colin (Kazim-Richards) is an exciting addition and s player I have long admired. I am convinced he could turn into a 15-20 goal a season striker and he will play his part immediately. I can also exclusively reveal a deal is in place to bring in Blackburn striker Nsofor Victor Obinha and form an explosive three pronged attack with Djibril Cisse. Nsofor is another player I have kept a watch on for a while and he has shown already he knows where the back of the net is."

Speculation is rife that the current overhaul of the squad could well see the the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Edu, Stillian Petrov and D'Agostino all follow Xabi Alonso out of the Genoa based outfit. Rollings is a known admirer of Fiorentina pair Alou Diarra and Migi Nieto, while he is also thought to have arranged a deal for a centre half. One man who remains for sale is Frenchman Jerome Rothen. Despite the Left winger showing good form over the last season Rollings made it clear there would be no room for centiment In his future plans.

"Jerome knows he is available for transfer. He has been fantastic for us since joining, but we are looking for different qualities. I have made an offer to a club which includes Jerome in a part ex arrangement and am hopeful of coming to an agreement."

Rollings ended his interview with a defiant statement on his own future, after earlier this week ruling out a move away "for at least this season".

Moving what have been the cowards choice. I realise that now! I am responsible for the squad composition and I will be the man to rectify those problems. Everything is in place here to build a bright future for this football club. We have the best fans in Italy, the biggest stadium. I am building a squad capable of ticking the final box. Do you think I wont want to stick around and watch that potential turn into success?"

richj363 · Cult Status

Big Changes at White Hart Lane

Sky Sports News caught up with Spurs Manager Richard Jefferies before training on Wednesday morning to get his thoughts on the rest of the season.

SSN So now you have been given some much needed funds what plans do you have?

RJ Well first of all i would like to thank the Chairman and the board for the faith they have shown in me. The funds they have given me will have a major effect on taking this football club forward. Several deals have been arranged this week and although no players are arriving yet i can tell the fans that i am very excited by all the players we have secured.

SSN So are you willing to name names?

RJ No not at the moment, But all deals are confirmed and will take place over the next 3/4 weeks, I will just say that i'm very confident that these new additions will not only keep us up but will take us forward over the next few years.

SSN So what do you make of the managerial changes in the premier league?

RJ Well Steve and Gareth are both good managers and i'm sure they will be making changes at their clubs to secure their top flight status, It will be strange seeing Gareth in the opposing dugout after our dealings at Vigo, But i would like to wish them both all the luck.

SSN So obviously all players are back from Vigo now?

RJ Yes they all came back last Monday and its been great this week at training to see how they have improved for regular first team football. Palmiteri and Musacchi have looked different class this week and have u huge part to play in the future of this club, Thanks to GG for giving them match time.

SSN Thanks Richard

RJ My pleasure

redrob · Cult Status

Fiorentina looking to unleash
El Nino in Italy

Exclusive....

at a pre-match press confrence Rob O'Brien confirms the arrival of Fernando Torres at Fiorentina, and the ongoing commitment to bring attacking football back to the Fiorentina fans.

So Rob you have justed put pen to paper with Torres you must be happy with this signing?

I'm so excited about bringing Fernando to the club. It is a statment to the fans that I have a ongoing vision to bring attacking flowing football to Fiorentina the way I believe the game should be played and clinching the massive signing of Fernando is a huge achievment for us at the club as he will spearhead our vision.

You must be dissapointed to lose Kaka from your midfield ?

Of course! any midfield that is fortunate enough to have Kaka in it will benifit as he is an amazing player at has been a big influence on the likes of our young stars Stephen Ireland and Zdravko Kuzmanovic, but this choice was not taken lightly and that is why Im really happy that this week we also captured the much longed after signing of Xabi Alonso and we are sure along with Stephen and Zdravko in the centre of the park will provide the oppertunities that Fernando will thrive on.

With the arrival of these two superstars at the club do you think you can push for the title this year ?

It will be extremly hard, but that is why we are here, we have a massive game against Genoa on the weekend which I believe will have a big outcome on our season but we know we are building a club and a style of football that will sooner rather than later bring the title to the loyal Fiorentina fans.

I can also give this exclusive news to yourselves and our fans that this is not the end of the superstar s coming to Fiorentina. I can confirm that we have just put pen to paper with Dirk Kuijt who will be arriving at the club after next weekends games. I believe that with me bringing Kuijt in is a excellent movefor the club as we have secured these signings on a shoe string budget and he will be the perfect partner for Fernando and will help us acheive our goal of bring exciting football to the fans that will bring them in there droves on match day.

Have you anything to add ?

I would just like to wish Kaka all the best in his move to Arsenal, where I know he will have a massive inpact on their season

-- Edited by redrob on Wednesday 29th of July 2009 06:05:46 PM

-- Edited by redrob on Wednesday 29th of July 2009 06:08:11 PM

-- Edited by redrob on Wednesday 29th of July 2009 06:13:24 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Kaka joining Arsenal

Kaka has spoken openly of his move to London for the first time to Italian journalists ahead of his pending move later this week. The media sources broke the news earlier this week when they claimed Kaka would be making the switch with Torres going the other way. Journalists proved to hit the nail on the head with Fiorentina confirming the deal later.

Kaka seemed under no illusions about the move however and admitted it was a big move in his career moving to England, but that the deal was more than just about himself.

"I have read what the English press say about Arsenal. They are the pretty team of English football and lots of players would like to play attractive football. However I know Mr Newcombe is also leading them through a barren spell at this moment. There is pressure at Arsenal and my transfer might be a last throw of the dice so there will be pressure on myself. If I dont produce I know I could very well cost the manager his job."

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Rover Time

Rumours:

Bothroyd to re-join Rovers?

Sources close to Blackburn Rovers this morning are stating that Leeds United and former Rovers hitman Jay Bothroyd is set to make a return to the club this week. Bothroyd has been in sparkling form this season having scored 9 goals in 12 games and also assisted 9 times and this form has caught the eye of Rovers boss Steve Davies-Evans. Bothroyd who also played under Steve Davies-Evans's brother Dave at Leeds is apparently eager to make a move back to the top flight. It's not certain how much of a role Bothroyd would have at Rovers and some suggest that he maybe being brought in cover for the front line strikers but with other rumours suggesting that Martin Palermo is on his way out of Rovers, Bothroyd could well find himself playing first team football until a replacement for Palermo is found. No officialy statement has been made by the club as of yet but some reports suggest that a deal could be sealed by this weekend.

Palermo off to Italy?

Other rumours this morning are suggesting that Rovers have agreed a fee with an Italian outfit for their striker Martin Palermo. Palermo who has been enjoying a run in the first team of late has apparently been placed on the transfer list as Manager Steve Davies-Evans tries to drastically bring down the age of his squad. Davies-Evans is apparently now locked in negotiations with a number of clubs as he tries to find a replacement for Palermo. Again, no official statement has been made by either club as of yet but reports suggest that a deal will be finalised in the coming weeks.

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Thursday 30th of July 2009 12:02:51 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Espanyol battle

After reports that Milan Mandaric was in Spain looking to buy back into a football club, it appears he has a rival. Mandaric had been linked with a number of teams including Espanyol but today vocal ex-Newcaslte owner Chris Mort announced he was in discussions with the Spanish club and hoped a deal could be agreed before the week was out and suggested he was already considering filling the manager vacancy.

"I have been talking to the owner and things are progressing. Espanyol is a club on the up in Spain and has a fantastic squad of players. If they could find the right manager was brought in they could be a real threat. The chairman there has seen them develop from a small club and doesn't have the funds to make this last step possible so that's where I see myself coming in. I've been told they have been chasing a high profile manager already and hope to continue that pursuit should the buy out come off."

Barcelona target minnows

Following heavy investment, reports coming from England have surprised many Barcelona fans. Adam Goble has reportedly been seen at the Norwich training ground ahead of a proposed move for Sebastien Squillaci. However the club announced on their website this morning that a 'substantial' deal from and English Premiership club had been rejected and that Squillaci was still a Norwich player.

Outgoing Gunners unhappy

Denilson and Fernando Torres are set to leave the London club in the coming weeks with Torres joining Fiorentina and Denilson moving to Manchester but both have confirmed the players are feeling the strain under the current situation.

(Torres) "The pressure to perform is growing and the results are getting worse. The club feels like it's spiralling out of control and the fans have to wonder what is happening to the dreams of title challenges. Arsenal have not been enough of a force in the cups to suggest they can win one this season and the league is already out of reach. I was sold a vision at this club and feel let down. I hope Fiorentina can push on in Italy because they look a stronger prospect for my future now than Arsenal."

(Denilson) "The young players are taking the brunt of the criticism at the club and we feel a little undefended by the manager. He has expectations on him and expects players still learning their trade to come in at the top level and perform. None of the young lads have confidence and I'm looking forward to a fresh start to rejuvenate my career now."

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Impressive Rovers Down Hapless Trotters
Blackburn 2-0 Bolton

Blackburn took a step closer to safety as they brushed past Bolton at Ewood Park this week. Goals from Eddie Nolan and Obinna claimed 3 points and a first win in charge for manager Steve Davies-Evans and with most of Rovers's relegation rivals failing to win, Blackburn now find themselves six points clear of the relagation zone with a "six-pointer" against Aston Villa to come next week. We caught up with manager Steve Davies-Evans at his post match press conference.

Media - Steve, How big a win was that for Rovers today?

SDE - Yeah I think it was a tough game for us today so I'm delighted to have come through it and got the three points. When you take on a team that had previously lost 11 out of 11 games, there is a different sort of pressure on you as you are on a hiding to nothing so I'm proud of the players that they bounced back from the Man City defeat and showed no mercy today.

Media - With Bolton obviously losing aswell as Coventry, and Aston Villa and then Spurs only drawing, this must make the win all the sweeter?

SDE - Hmmm, Yeah I think you are right to a certain extent. For me, Bolton are gone and I think that Coventry not far behind. West Brom above us have just appointed a very good manager in Gareth Gardner so I don't see them being dragged into it so for me, it's one relegation place and ourselves, Villa and Spurs fighting to stay out of it. It was important for us to do our part this week and hope others dropped points. That did happen but I think that you have to get credit to Spurs for getting a draw against Manchester United. Alot of people would have had them down to lose so Richard [Jeffries] has done well there to claim what i'm sure he will see as a bonus point.

Media - You now have a huge game against Aston Villa at Villa Park. How big is this game?

SDE - Well, It's important because they are a rival of ours so we will obviously be doing everything to get a positive result. Spurs have another tough game away to West Ham next week also so hopefully West Ham can do us a favour there and if they do, a draw at Villa Park wouldn't be the worst result but as everyone knows, I will be planning for a Spurs win in order to push my players to try and get three points at Villa.

Media - Does it add extra spice that you will be going up against your friend Liam Riste next week?

SDE - I don't think it adds extra spice. Liam is good manager and an even better guy but this is football and as Liam understands, for that 90 minutes, friendship will go out of the window. We will see eachother before the game and sure will have a glass of wine after the game although from what I've heard, Liam's wine cellar is fairly limited so maybe I will have to dip into the chateaux Davies-Evans to teach him a lesson in wine and not just football. [laughs]

Media - Can we expect any new faces for that game?

SDE - Yes, we expect to have Jay Bothroyd from Leeds in the squad by then. Jay has been in prolific form in League 1 this season and a player that I've been able to watch closely in my time at Nottm Forest and we have done a deal that will see Paul Gallagher and Sergio Peter go to Elland Road. We may have one of two more people in place at Ewood Park by then but as of yet, that isn't a certainty so we will announce them if and when they are done.

With that Davies-Evans got and left the media suite.