Week 21

PUREADE1 · International Player

Week 21

jackieyeo · Top Flight Player

Gimnastic 1 Deportivo 2

Another unconvincing display by Gimnastic ensured Deportivo see off their opponent with a fashionable 2-1 victory. After the final whistle, manager Jackie made the players stay on a cold pitch and blasted his team's 'pathetic' performance in front of the home fans.

In other key matches, Champion Real Zaragoza displayed their usual best performance to overcome Celta Vigo with a 3-0 victory while Athletic Bilbao produced an outstanding 5-2 victory over Real Murcia thus giving newly appointed manager Mark Rolling his second win in two games.

With Gimnastic and Celta Vigo losing this weekend, the league table is now wide open for 5 teams (Celta Vigo, Gimnastics, Athletic Bilbao, Almeria and Racing Santander) chasing the second automatic promotion spot. Gimnastic manager Jackie could be right. Athletic Bilbao may take the second spot.

End.

-- Edited by jackieyeo on Sunday 4th of October 2009 07:10:52 AM

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

Sky Sports News.

Good morning we have today managed to track down media shy Fulham manager Dave Davies-Evans

SSN. Good morning Dave 6 points out of your last 2 games. Do you think you have turned a corner.

"The lads have been excellent there mentality and skill is starting to show through and im very excited about the future."

SSN. You came in here when the club was in a bit of disaray. How do you feel you have changed things here.

" As i stated when i joined the club we needed to steady the ship myself the back room staff and the players have all pulled together, the fans have been amazing and have stood by us and the last two wins were for them."

SSN. Wolves this week Dave whats your chances.

" I am very optimistic about another positive result. I will work hard with the lads on the training ground this week. Wolves are a club on the up so we have to be carefull."

SSN. Yesterday saw your childhood team relegated from the championship, you will be playing them next year how do you feel about this Dave.

"its a very sad day for the club and the fans, they are desperate for a manger to go in there and stop the rot. They need a fair bit of work on there squad and with the right man in charge(mmmm) i feel they will go straight back up."

SSN. Who do you think will be going up from leauge one this year??

"Leeds will go up as champions, Crystal Palace 2nd and Southampton in the play offs."

SSN Many thanks Dave

"thanks guys"

-- Edited by bigwave1927 on Sunday 4th of October 2009 07:27:44 AM

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings hails impact of "Basque" youngsters

Recently appointed Athletico Bilbao boss Mark Rollings has hailed the impact of youth on his impressive start to his role at San Mames. The Basque based club have notched an impressive haul of 7 goals in the welsh managers first two league games - a return which has left them two points shy of an automatic promotion slot. Rollings has identified the impact of his two young wingers as critical in this effort, a point he highlighted to gathered journalists after his sides recent demolition of struggling Real Murcia.

"The two younger lads out wide have been sensational since I arrived. We have some older guys in the team and they provide the experience but we have a constant threat out wide with Inaki (Zarandona) and Javi (Martinez). It is pleasing to see two local lads making such an impact and home fans always love getting behind their own. We have a great basque core to this side, as is traditional with the great Bilbao teams. That is something I will not be looking to overhaul. The whole region takes pride in being Basque and I will be looking to keep to those traditions. Obviously that places some strain on our Youth Academy but we will be patient and hopefully groom some stars for the future in house."

The length of Rollings tenure in Spain has already been called into question by some in the media - as the end of season managerial merry-go-round gathers pace. The often over-stated manager moved to cool rumours of an early exit from his new club.

"We are entering silly season again and managers start to get itchy feet. I took the job at Athletico with no expectations on duration of contract and I agreed with the chairman here that we would just play things by ear. The challenge of waking this sleeping giant excites me though, as does creating a side worthy of representing the Basque region. You never say never in football - and I won't be issuing a ten year commitment today but I won't be banding my name about to every job that comes available. I think it's time I proved I am more than a one trick pony and I am thankful Bilbao have given me that chance."

The fans disenchantment from their local side has largely been attributed with the move away by previous managers of the "Basque" traditions of the side. Although previous restrictions on the nationalities of the playing staff (At least 7 of the starting line up hailing from the Basque region) were seen as totalitarian and subsequently lifted it appears the abandonment of such regulation has seen fans lose touch with their side. Rollings clearly views the rediscovery of these values as crucial to bring the fans back through the turnstiles.

"We will look to harness the young talent at this club and let the fans fall back in love with their side. From what I can gather the fans feel somewhat disenfranchised at the moment. We have a raft of young talent waiting to burst through here and it is now my job to make sure their progress isn't blocked. Young Ismail Lopez Blanco notched another two for Athletico II the other day (taking his tally to 7 in 7), while Goni, Larrea and Diego Simon have all caught the eye in recent weeks.

-- Edited by Spartikus47 on Sunday 4th of October 2009 12:19:15 PM

paulh_85 · Cult Status

Harrington looking ahead after seven goal thriller

Paul, a great game for the neutrals, but are you upset that you let them back into the match after taking an early 3-0 lead.

Yeah of course, we started with a high tempo, and maybe caught them by surprise a little, but we didnt defend properly and gave them hope. I think Keogh was too busy celebrating getting on the scoresheet!! Yesterday showed what an important player Martins is for us. he has been on great form all season, and with only three games to go this season i know he is eyeing up a lot more goals.

A lot has been said in the media between yourself and Simon this past week, is there any points that stick out for you?

Well Simon has a point about next season, I would expect us to be playing catch up to Espanyol and Valladolid from the start of the season. We have had a lot of changes here and need a few more, we have a good, solid side and a lot of younger players. but there are areas of the team that need developing and little or no cash available, and in that sense, we may see us falling behind in the league a little bit, espiecially with the potential distraction of the European Cup.

Your team came through the match without picking up any injuries. There is just the one league game untill the cup final, what are your thoughts towards team selection for the Mallorca game?

It's going to be a difficult one really, there are players i dont really want to take a risk with, its unlikely that Harte and Reid will play for example, but at the same time we have to be fair for Stew at Huleva. It wouldn't be right if we just rolled over and played a team full of reserve players. So with that in mind we will be looking at putting a strong team out, to not only play fair in the relegation race, but to try and confirm 5th place in the league for ourselves.

-- Edited by paulh_85 on Sunday 4th of October 2009 04:28:29 PM

pricey · Cult Status

PRICE SPEAKS ON GREAT WINS, SACKINGS, BIG PHIL AND THE FUTURE

FOOTBALL WEEKLEY CAUGHT UP WITH SUNDERLAND MANAGER DALE PRICE AFTER HIS SIDE BAT CRYSTAL PALACE THIS WEEKEND

F.W. Mr Price a good win how do you think your side played?

D.P. I think my boys played really well I thought this game had draw all over it but they managed to get the win after going 1 down early on

F.W. That win gives you a good chance of going up and doing something that the Sunderland fans have been waiting a few years for and take them up.

D.P. Yes it does we are 2^nd now and the run in favours us we are just hoping Leeds slip up and allow us to take that 1^st place.

F.W. With news coming out that Phil Neville has played his last game how do you think he has done in his last season?

D.P. I and the rest of the staff think Phil has done a great job this season for us and glad that he is staying with the club in a coaching role next season

F.W. Talking of next season there is talk going around that if you do not win the league then there is a good chance that you will be sacked what is your response to this?

D.P. As I have said in other areas of the media it would be very harsh if I got the sack for finishing 2^nd and taking them up something other managers of the club were not man enough to do. I have spoken to the chairman and outlined my plans for the club we have spoken about the players I am targeting to push the club onto the play-offs next season I feel that this club could be a prem club soon and not one that just wants to stay up one that wants to push on up near the top there is allot of potential at this club and I really hope that I am around to see it fulfilled.

F.W. Mr Price Fulham manager Dave Davis-Evans has come out and said the best you can hope for this season is the play-offs what do you say to Dave?

D.P. I think Dave should just keep his mind on his own job no one really listens to what he has to say as I dont think many managers respect him after that FA investigation for bullying where he was sacked from Leeds while on gardening leave I know I lost a lot of respect for him maybe once he does something as a manager like getting a promotion maybe people will sit up and listen to him but until then maybe he should just stay quiet.

F.W. Thank you so much for your time Mr Price good luck for the last two games

D.P Thank you

PUREADE1 · International Player

DANDO LOOKS AHEAD TO WEST HAM GAME

Blackburn Rovers manager Hayden Dando has made his rallying call to his players ahead of the weekends vital game against West Ham.

Dando's Blackburn side host the Hammers whilst fellow relegation fighters Aston Villa and Coventry City meet at Villa Park with the fight for survival tighter than ever.

The bottom of the premiership table looks exciting as 2 from 4 teams will go down although Dando's admitts its more of a 3 horse race "I doubt West Brom will be the side who goes down to be honest, i do think it will be one from three that survives and i will do all i can to make sure that we are that club, the players seem more fired up than ever and on reflection the performance at Old Trafford was not a bad one, however we have West Ham at home this weekend and with Villa and Coventry playing a win is vital"

Most people would have though Dando's side will go into the game hoping for a draw at Villa Park between their rivals but Dando says he would prefer a Coventry win, "I would rather be level on points with Coventry at the end of the weekend, we have a better goal difference and it would give us a massive chance of staying up, we believe in ourselvesand we know the fans will give us 100% backing at Ewood Park saturday, i doubt Villa and Coventry can say the same"

Luke_C · Cult Status

Coakley looking forward to Juventus double header.

Luke you have Juventus in the league and then followed quickly in the cup final a few days later, will one of those games take priority over the other and will you take a different approach to each game?

Its going to be two very tough games and we will of course be going into each game to win. We want to finish as strongly as possible in the league however the chance of silverwear is something that has been my target since I joined Milan. I will admit changes will be made for the league game in preparation for the cup final but that's not to say it will be the reserves.

So you will play a weakened team for the league?

Well we have already lost Iniesta and Smith which is a massive blow for us and couldn't have come at a worse time but we have to pick ourselves up and do what we can. I can promise we will give it everything in both games but we wont be playing the same team two games in a row that is certain.

How big a blow is losing Iniesta and Smith for both games? has the season ended for both players now?

I don't see either player being involved now for the rest of the season and as I've mentioned it is a massive blow but we now look to other players to step up to the mark. I'll be honest and say I wouldn't mind a few Juventus suspensions and injuries for the cup final (laughs Coakley)

What do you make of the Juventus squad and form this season?

Well they have a proven manager and are leading the way in Italy in terms of rebuilding in Serie A. Steve has been given the time and the funds and has rebuilt with great effect, its something we are aiming for at Milan and believe we will archive in time. I'm surprised at how inconsistent they have been this season but they are pushing for the league and in a cup final so they wont be complaining to much.

So looking ahead what do you expect for next season?

Well we hope to be in Europe and we will look at strengthening throughout the squad if possible. Further investment from the chairman would be ideal but if not then we look at moving some players around. We have already agreed a deal with West Brom for them to take Briand for half season and in return Smith will be return for the same time. We also have Kallstrom Zaini and Swinstiger returning from loan spells so we will look at the squad in week one of the season and make judgement then. I'm certain though this squad is in better shape than those in recent years and it will get better and better.

and what about your form this season? what have been the biggest positives and negatives?

I think we have stepped up a level from last season, in terms of quality and performance. We have grown as a team but the simple fact is we have drawn to many games. We have only lost one game this season but we have to turn those draws into wins now and really push on next season but first we have plenty to focus on this season.

-- Edited by Milan on Tuesday 6th of October 2009 11:07:43 AM

Fletch · Cult Status

Blades Boss Refuses To Be Drawn in On Wholesale Changes

" My squad have performed brilliantly over the last two seasons whilst I have been manager here at United.

I dont anticipate making any more signings in the close season as I'm happy with the playing staff, we have replaced those that are retiring and we are readfy for next year, whether that be in this league or the Championship.

We have made use of some loan signings this year and have had a full squad which will effect us financially but I will once again balance the books and move on.

I anticpate next years squad being smaller but closer and more resolute."

-- Edited by Fletch on Tuesday 6th of October 2009 01:56:35 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Robinson praises Fletcher

With the upcoming saga of the merry-go-round of managers, Terry Robinson the owner of Sheffield United has urged Andy Fletcher to remain at Sheffield for years to come. United have struggled of late and ruled themselves out of the automatic promotion hunt with a string of poor results. However this week they guaranteed their play-off place with time to spare and the chairman has called for stability.

"Andy spoke to the press earlier and you can see he has a sensible head on his shoulders. The realism is we aren't currently a big club and can't offer a manager much in the way of financial, tangible support. Yet we believe the support we can offer is key and we put no pressure on Andy in the up coming play-offs.

The target has been top 6 and he has now secured that with games to go. We know Andy would prefer to have money to invest in the team but we hope the support and stability we can offer is enough to encourage him to stay on at the club. Success at clubs like ours are how managers become cult heroes. Winning a cup at Manchester United doesn't make you stand out like this can."

Napoli and Jaques to part company

Aurelio De Laurentiis has thrown manager Johndaniel Jaques's future into doubt by stating he does not intend to keep the current manager on into the new season. Jaques has a long history in management with spells at Middlesbrough, Chievo, Cardiff and ow Napoli however relegation with play-off tipped Cardiff tainted his return to England and now play-off tipped Napoli are all but guaranteed to miss out on that illusive 6th place after a dire run of form has seen them plummet to 10th in Serie B.

"Myself and the board feel we have lost confidence in Mr Jaques. Reports suggesting he is keen on a move away from Serie B seem to have gained substance in recent times and that news was unfortunately preceded by this dreadful run where we can't seem to buy a pair of wins. We feel it's time a new face took the helm and we think Mr Jaques agrees with us that he needs a fresh start elsewhere to rekindle his spark for management."

Interest in the available Watford position appears to have not been returned with Watford looking for a manager with good experience of top flight football and the current form of his Napoli team is unlikely to have convinced the Watford board otherwise. Speculation has now begun as to where Jaques future lies, with reported interest from Serie B, League One, and the Segunda, Jaques could have a wide selection to pick from.

Rumour Mill

Simon Newcombe has been spotted in Rome over talks regarding a move to Roma.

Simon Jenkins is being lined up as Newcombe's replacement having shown an ability to develop youth at Real Valladolid and West Brom.

Levante are preparing to accept manager Iain Kochanowksi is about to leave Spain after an up and down few seasons in charge.

Sampdoria assistant Bill Beswick has denied speculation he is set to join ex-manager Mark Rollings at Athletic Bilbao.

Arsenal manager Simon Newcombe has expressed interest in private about a move across London to Spurs.

Empoli are tracking Preston manager Simon Burnett after he has impressed in his debut season at the troubled English club.

Real Betis have denied making an approach for ex-manager Dale Price.

Recreativo Huelva manager Stephen Wells has been spotted boarding a plane to England tonight.

Fulham are hoping Dave Davies-Evans can put aside £5 million come the end of the season to go towards the large bank loan the club is carrying.

Espanyol have contacted Juventus boss Steve Jenkins over a move to the Spanish title hopefuls for next season.

The Spurs board are split 50-50 over whether to keep Richard Jefferies next season.

Terry Manifold has been told there were no expectations for him to save the club this season by the Atalanta board.

Glenn Whitter is set for a surprise return to Palermo, the club he left for Roma.

Both Empoli and Livorno are set to battle it out for the signature of Napoli boss Johndaniel Jaques but face competition fron England and Spain.

Tezza · Cult Status

Atalantas manager, Terry Manifold, has been very quiet recently but we did manage to catch up with him outside his favourite restaurant yesterday.

How do you sum up your time here in Italy?

It has been great, I have not been subjected to the pressure these last few months that I have been under earlier in the year. I came here knowing this season was virtually over, and it has always been about next season. The Club are great, at this moment the Chairman and I get on well, in fact you have only just missed him. That will change, of course, if I don't deliver next season.

How are the plans going for next season?

Since I arrived here I have never stopped working on the coming season. I have managed to get almost everything in place but for a couple of moves that still need to be done. I have had to use Fabio Adobati and Steven Reid in loan deals to secure other players. They will both return at the end of the season.

I have also managed to secure three very good loans for next season. My front line will be all the stronger for it. In midfield I always felt we needed players who would be willing to drop back and assist, this is a gap we think we have now filled. When you add to this that we now have Thomas Heaton from United I think we are almost ready.

What do you realistically hope to achieve next season?

I have already set the "play off" positions as my target. Anything short would not be good enough.

You still have a couple of matches left this season how do you see them going?

Yes you are right this season is not over yet and we still have two tough matches in front of us. We play Parma at home and the last game of the season is against Juventus, away. We intend to make it difficult for both opponents.

-- Edited by Tezza on Tuesday 6th of October 2009 09:49:03 PM

-- Edited by Tezza on Tuesday 6th of October 2009 09:52:24 PM

richj363 · Cult Status

SKY SPORTS NEWS caught up with Spurs boss Richard Jefferies after training on Thursday

SSN So what do you make of the board being split over keeping you for next season.

RJ Well that story has been doing the rounds for ages, I'm doing a good job the team is improving and the results are good, so why would they want to change anything !! We are in a much stronger position than when i took over, we have some great youngsters so they should just let me get on with it as the speculation doesn't help the players at all.

SSN What about rumours of a close north london neighbour taking the job

RJ Why would he, the Arsenal fans would grow to hate him and that would sour the special relationship he has with them, and it would be hard for our fans to take having him here. Any way there is no vacancy anyway ha ha

I will see him at the match this week any way so that should be interesting !!

Liam · Cult Status

Sky Sports News grabbed a quick interview with relegation battling, Aston Villa manager Liam Riste this evening outside the ground where he is set to face-off against Coventry this weekend. Here is how it went down:

SSN: So Mr. Riste, you have a big game this week against and improving Coventry side, what does this game mean to you?
LR: All you have to do is look at the table to determine that... They are 2pts behind us and they will want a win, along with every Blackburn fan praying for that result. We have a few injuries but we are confident of getting 3pts and I expect them! This game is ours for the taking and I have got a trick up my sleeve to gear the players up before the game!

SSN: How do you see these last few games and is any extra prep being done to make sure this survival is a success?
LR: As I have said, I have a trick up my sleeve which is a no-loser, it will either gear the players up or be inaffective... Also, nothing extra is being done I can assure you. Players are being given lighter training duties to keep injuries to a minimum! These last few games are key but I am pleased that our survival rests in our own hands as we have the easier fixtures and more points than the other battlers...

SSN: The new Blackburn manager has stated that he will be getting 100% support from the fans and doubts whether the Coventry fans, or even the Villa fans will do the same, what do you make of that?
LR: Well I haven't met the guy and I don't know him very well but even so, that is a ridiculous remark to make... This is the top flight of football and Aston Villa are a massive club! The fans have been an extra man for us this season, making themselves heard and in the most vital games of the season with a chance to survive this week; the fans are gunna give 110% obviously...

SSN: And finally as I'm sure you want to get home, the media have released a statement that said Richard Jefferies has the board split 50/50 and Simon Newcombe is a possible replacement if Mr. Jefferies does get the chop. Surely after your run-ins, this must bring a smile to your face?
LR: Ha... Well yes it did. Although it was a surprise to me. I'm sure Rich will be thinking that I'm about to throw a little more fuel on the fire between us, but this isn't the case actually! The Spurs board invested £10m as the club was facing the drop; Rich was given money to change the situation or otherwise the axe would have dropped on his head, which I'm sure he will agree. But he has spent well and got the club safe! It would be a crazy to sack him after he saved the club, if they were going to axe him, he should have gone before the investment surely? And to suggest that Simon may take the job is madness... I'm getting a Final Destination feeling just thinking about it!!! Rich and I have had our rants but he should keep his post as the Spurs board haven't invested enough in the club to expect anymore than Rich has delivered (apart from a few relegation scares i suppose) !!!

Thanks and goodnight.