Week 22

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Week 22

Football Academy · Cult Status

Breaking News

Roma have announced to the Italian Press that a press conference will be held before 5pm this afternoon. Chairman Franco Sensi is expected to appear in front of a host of the Italian press. A host of names are being linked with the under pressure managerial seat including Simon Newcombe, Ashley Harris, Iain Kochanowksi, Gareth Gardner and Simon Jenkins.

-- Edited by Football Academy on Saturday 10th of October 2009 11:42:12 AM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Roma sack Whitter

Franco Sensi has come out in response to his team all but being relegated down to Serie A with a swift decision that may not shock many Roma fans. Glenn Whitter performed heroics at Palermo but the bright lights of rebuilding Roma attracted him at the end of last season. However Roma slipped from top spot in the run in during Whitter's first month in charge and continued that form into the new season. Messina's battling win against high flying Genoa all but secured Roma's fate after they were hammered this week. Roma would need to win by about 20 goals to survive on the final day.

"This season has been disappointing. I believe managers should always get a chance and not be expected to perform from the word go. There were no repercussions after we threw away the league title last season when the winning money would have helped rebuild this season. However the mistakes this season have left me with no choice. We can't back the manager any longer for the sake of our clubs future.

We wish Whitter all the best with the future and I hope the fans don't look back too angrily on his time here. I hope he finds a good new club on the back of his success at Palermo before his time here.

We have already appointed a new manager ready to take over at the end of this season. For now we will leave it in his hands whether he announces his move just yet but we can say his experience and skill in the transfer market make him an ideal candidate to take us back to the top. I am very excited about the future now."

Simon · Cult Status

Interview with Valladolid manager Simon Jenkins

So Mr Jenkins, you took all 3 points this week, what's your opinion of the game?

'Well, it was a good performance; Karim Benzema netted two and set up the third which makes him one of the leading goalscorers in the league and Javier Saviola got his first goal and assist since joining from Madrid. Quaggers had a quite game and has done for a few weeks now but Im hoping that its just end of season fatigue and hell be back to his usual self come next season. I was not over the moon about letting in two goals against a relegation team but I wasn't playing my strongest defense and in the end its all about the points; particularly in this late stage of the season.'

You mentioned the importance of points, how did you feel upon seeing the league table after this weeks games?

'Of course I was ecstatic, after the disappointment of losing to one of our rivals Atletico Madrid it was nice to see us above them again. The win this week puts us out of Villareal's reach and means that once again it is a three horse race for the fifth spot between Valladolid, Madrid and Espanyol.'

What is your prediction for next week?

'Unfortunately we have a game against Espanyol which will be extremely hard however a draw will secure our place in front of them. Atletico Madrid have Levante next week and all I can hope is that they are weakened on the back of this weeks defeat and Monday's cup game. Im not holding my breath however.'

You have been linked to the recently vacated Roma job. What's the situation there?

'I was surprised to be linked to that particular job but Italy is the last country I am yet to manage well in. The Roma job is far too easy for me; I'll leave it for the likes of Simon Newcombe haha.'

So you're not the new manager?

'No.'

What about Arsenal, interested in taking over there?

'Well, as much as the Gunners fans would like a manager with such pizzazz as me, I doubt it'll happen. I've got to focus on Valladolid. They've got a lot of future and this is where I want to be. The irony was not lost on me that Spurs beat Arsenal this week. Maybe Rich should be offered the Arsenal job instead of Simon Newcombe getting the Spurs job!!'

-- Edited by Simon on Saturday 10th of October 2009 04:38:33 PM

dirkdiggler · World Class Player

Levante Manager Iain Kochanowski speaks to the press following his team's confirmation of relegation.

"I would like to say that I am extremely saddended that the team has been relegated. I could not have asked any more of the team and that they should be proud of their efforts throughout the season. La Liga is a very tough league and we just fell short when it came to putting the ball in the back of the net though I don't think we were ever disgraced."

"As for next season, I decided a few weeks ago that, regardless of whether the team survived the drop or not, to hand in my resignation at the end of the season. I have a great relationship with the chairman and he has been brilliant with funding for the team. I will also miss the fans as they have been behind the team throughout and it has been brilliant to see a full stadium week in and week out. I just feel that the team could do with a fresh face. Someone who will hopefully take the team to the next level. The foundations are definately in place and I see no problem in the team gaining promotion next season."

"As for my next job, I was approached a few days ago with a job offer at Roma. I accepted that offer as I see huge potential at the club and I am planning for next season with a view to the team being in Serie B. It will be a massive challenge, but one that I am relishing. Once again, I would like to thank the chairman, fans and team at Levante for their support over the last two seasons and will do my best to get a win in the final game."

richj363 · Cult Status

Jefferies praises Palmiteri

Spurs manager Richard Jefferies spoke to SKY SPORTS NEWS after the dramatic 4-3 derby win.

SSN Well how do you feel after that

RJ Delighted but not just for me, for the fans and my players who have deserved this all season. Palmiteri has been unreal since he came back from his loan spell. He is a real star of the future and working with Berbatov has made him even better.

SSN What did you make of comments made this week by Liam @ Villa

RJ Well contrary to popular opinion me and Liam get on great and apart from a slight disagreement earlier this year we have no problems. I know they got beat today but have no doubts they will stay up with a win next week. He is doing a good job there.

SSN So what about next season.

RJ Bring it on, we have a strong squad with some quality talent and hope to break into the top 6, I know that was my target this year but if people had looked at the strength of this league they would have realised how hard that was going to be. I am doing all i possibly can to bring success to this club and i will not stop until that happens.

Luke_C · Cult Status

Coakley turns down Arsenal approach

AC Milan manager Luke Coakley today confirmed he had turned down an approach from Arsenal to replace Simon Newcombe for the start of next season. The former Manchester City manager has reaffirmed his commitment to AC Milan just days before the cup final.

Milan are back in Europe next season and I believe the squad is getting stronger and stronger so its exciting times. We have only lost two games all season so I believe the squad only needs fine tuning to really push on next season.

It was thought the Milan boss would welcome a return to Britain after he applied for the Cardiff City job just a couple of months ago but this was dismissed.

Its a well known fact that I one day wish to manager Cardiff City but they are the only club in the English league system that interest me. I have big ambition to turn Milan into a real force in Italy and Europe. Its true someone form Arsenal approached me and while they have a great young team its not something that interested me.

pricey · Cult Status

INTERVIEW WITH SUNDERLAND MANAGER

Football weekly caught up with Sunderland manager Dale Price after this weeks game

F.W. Well Mr Price top of the league does it feel good?

D.P. Yes it feels really good.

F.W. A little bit of a shock though yeah?

D.P. No not for me its not I have been saying since before the season that we would win the league not many believed in me but I knew we could do it. We have a hard game to finish off the season but both me and the players are looking forward to getting the trophy this weekend

F.W. People have spoken about the similarities between the end of the season and your final season with Norwich City do you see these?

D.P. No I dont really no one even me thought that I was taking Norwich down but this season me and the players all knew we would win the league and we are looking forward to next season now.

F.W. Talking about next season do you have any players lined up to sign?

D.P. There are players that we have our eye on but that will take money so we may need the chair man to dip into his pocket. We have a very good strike force at the club so we are not looking to bring anyone in that area into the club we will need to bring in an attacking cm something we have been blessed with this season as I said I have players on my list and we shall see what happens in the next few weeks.

F.W Thanks very much for your time Mr Price good luck for the future

D.P. Thanks

Stu · Cult Status

Citizens Hunt Trophy

How do you feel Stuart about a chance to win the first cup for Manchester City in your first season?
"First credit must go to Chris Hanton. If the players I took when I joined were not good enough it would have taken me much longer to get here. I think we have performed well and done what was needed. Arsenal look like they are playing much better now they know Simon is leaving and that is a concern. I can promise goals tonight"

You won't try and close the game down?
"Cup finals are there to be won. If we go and lose 1-0 because I tried to shut up shop I have myself to blame. If we lose 5-4 the fans have something to remember and I know I did everything I could to get that trophy"

Would you say football will be the winner tonight then?
"And many other clichés yes"

Will the league be weaker or harder without Simon at Arsenal next season?
"That will depend on who takes over but I think his experience has been invaluable to them in building for the future. There is a fine line between the future and the now and I think Simon fell foul of that because his board was very eager to see success. I don't want them thinking they made a mistake sacking him so I will be trying to stop him winning this cup too"

How will you celebrate or commiserate tonight?
"The players have a day off tomorrow what ever the result as a reward for getting this far. I will have a quiet word with them after the game and then meet Simon for a goodbye drink. Of course if he joins Spurs it will be a see you soon more than a goodbye! I think he should try a new country next to see if the climate suits him better"

Thanks and good luck

Stu - Man City

paulh_85 · Cult Status

We can Real-ly beat Madrid, says Harrington

You and your players seem in a bullish mood ahead of tonights cup final, considering Real havent lost a game all season, where does this confidence come from?

The lads have been really sharp in training, they took a lot of confidence from beating Barcelona, espicially as it was without Martins, and they feel they are capable of causing another upset tonight. We have a fully fit squad, and will go out to win the game, there will be a hell of a lot of goals tonight i feel!

Have you had a chance to suss out your opponents tonight? Any clues on what sort of team they will field?

To be honest, i havent got a clue. They are missing a couple of players, but are still very, very strong in attack. However, they have a lot of players close to injuries and suspensions, and with a crucial game against Sevilla for the league title, and then Chelsea for the European Cup, they might see this game as a chance to rest players like Ronaldinho and Casillias. However, if they turn up expecting to walk the cup with a second string team, we will punish them! I suppose its just a fact that Paul at Real will have prioritsed the league and European Cup over the domestic cup.

So tonight everyone is Spain should watch then? are you promising us a fantastic final?

Indeed i am! Tonight is a great showcase for european football with the three domestic finals! There will be an insane amount of goals in all three im sure! And plenty of great football and terrific performances to talk about when the dust has settled. My only hope that the main talking point will be a major shock in Spain!

-- Edited by paulh_85 on Monday 12th of October 2009 12:17:42 PM

Safehands · Cult Status

Newcombe's Farewell Post Match Press Interview

"Well gentlemen, my chairman mentioned a few weeks ago that the cup final was would be my last game for the club so its with a heavy heart that I speak to you for the last time as Arsenal Manager. Before any questions id like to thank the backroom staff and the players for their hard work and dedication over the 5 years I was here. Weve had some highs and some lows - but it was always entertaining!"

"Your thoughts on the Cup Final tonight?"

"Not that I would have ever told the players this pre match but I was quite nervous about tonight. Man City are a very accomplished team and there was a lot of pressure on the players as it was well known it would be my last game for the club. They responded as I knew they could and were outstanding tonight and showed true class. Im very grateful to them for being able to deliver the FA Cup to the fans. I also wouldnt be to worried if I was a Man City fan. That club will go far under Stuart and this will not be their only final appearance in the next few years"

"Your thoughts on Arsenals chance of success next year?"

"Well whoever comes in couldnt have it much better. They will inherit an excellent squad of youthful yet experienced players who have proven tonight they have what it takes to bring home silverware. Hopefuly the new manager can adapt them quickly to any changes of style they want to implement, and i look forward to following them. I will always be a staunch supporter of Arsenal in any capacity from fan, through manager, to chairman perhaps one day?!"

"That'll do it I think chaps, im eager to get away and celebrate with the boys. All the best and perhaps ill see some of you in the future"

Cheers

Simon Newcombe
Ex-Arsenal Manager

Luke_C · Cult Status

Milan lose final on pens

Luke a night of high drama and goals, but a disappointing end?
What can I say, we gave it our all and we were involved in one of the greatest cup finals in Italian history but to be honest that is little consolations at the moment. It was a great game of attacking football but Im sure both me and Steve (Jenkins) can improve on some of the defending on show. I really thought we were the better team today but sometimes you just have to take it on the chin. We really where a whisker away from claiming that cup but it will just make me and my players more determined to come back next season and we want to be the ones celebrating. My congratulations go to Mr Jenkins and to Juventus.

Many thought you were the underdogs in this game due to injuries and suspensions, how much of an impact did that have?
In terms of betting odds I guess we were underdogs because of the suspensions and injuries and yes all three were set to start the game but I refuse to look for excuses and players being injured and suspended isnt one. I could have easily rested players in previous weeks in anticipation for the final but I chose not to and stand by that decision. Those that started today were quite simple magnificent, I have no complaints and all can be proud.

You have one final game of the season and again no silverwear at Milan?
Well when I took over my objective was to rebuild the squad and bring Silverwear back to this great club. The first objective has been achieved quicker than I expected with the squad looking strong. This squad has a great future and we were a couple of pens away from bringing the silverwear we want so everything is heading in the right direction. We now need to make that extra step up both in the league, Europe and the cup. I think we are three good players short of really competing on all fronts but we will give it another real good go.

And finally there was a moment this season when you said you would clarify your position at Milan, will you still be in charge next season?
The chairman hasnt said anything to suggest he is looking elsewhere so I will still be in charge next season. Milan is a great place to work and live, I have a great chairman and the best fans so I see no reason to want to leave.

PUREADE1 · International Player

DANDO ISSUES PLEA TO CHAIRMAN AND PLAYERS!!!!

Blackburn Rovers boss Hayden Dando has spoken to both his players and his chairman publicly ahead of this weekend's huge relegation finale.

Rovers have it all to do as they visit Manchester City, nothing less than 3 points will do for Rovers whilst they also have to rely on results elsewhere, namely Bolton beating Aston Villa and Arsenal taking the points from Coventry but Dando issued this statement to his players "The fans have been brilliant since i have been here and whilst i know it is out of our hands this weekend i am not prepared to go down without a fight and i know the players aren't so i ask them to give everything they have in their bodies this weekend and hopefully the rest will take care of itself"

Dando also publicly asked Chairman John Williams to back him financially, "At present we have nothing in the budget for new players, yet we have 3 players returning to their clubs and another 3 retiring at the end of the season so it dosen't take a genius to work out we are going to need strengthening regardless of what division we are in.The chairman is an intelligent man and will know this so i am asking him to back me with money to help the project by backing me with good finances no matter what happens this weekend, i want to be here for a long time but i need financial support to get this club fighting and competing in the premiership and not be in this situation again"

Dando will await a response from the chairman, however this weekend's game is fast approaching regardless and Dando knows he needs the 3 points for any chance of Premier League football at Ewood Park next season, but he also acknowledged that both Villa and Coventry want the same "I read the comments last week by the Villa boss regarding what i said about their support, and whilst he seems to be a very good manager and has a decent squad i live not far from Birmingham and have been to Villa Park many times, their backing is not as vocal as our and thats all i meant by the comments, i've no doubt he and every Villa fan will want to stay up as do ourselves and Coventry"

JOP · Cult Status

designsbyJOP.com

Chrisr1606 · Top Flight Player

Week 22

Liam · Cult Status

Sky Sports News has once again caught up with Aston Villa manager Liam Riste to interview him on the events of the past and closing curtains of this season, here is what he had to say?

SSN: You played a Coventry side which you said you expected to beat and lost to a 90th minute goal 2-1, just how disappointing was this?
LR: All season we have seen Coventry and Bolton as softer games, no offence to them, and I have expected a win in both... Unfortunately we were struck with more injuries and had a weaker team out than comfortable. A match lasts 90minutes and to have a lapse of concentration so late on was frustrating! Sorensen was extremely disappointed to conceed but did say that he found it hard to focus as Dave Kitson's hair was blinding him... Unfortunately this loss means that to a certain extent, our survival is out of our hands which made it more disappointing.

SSN: Now how do you see your survival chances?
LR: I expect a win against Bolton and the players know that a win is needed. I can't see Coventry stealing 3pts at Arsenal, although I was extremely disappointed that Arsenal will go into this game managerless aswell as Coventry! So I suppose I am under the impression that IF and only IF we grab a win against Bolton, we will survive... I think, no offence, but Blackburn are down, although Man City did declare a while ago they will be fielding youth!

SSN: So you are confident that even though you are back in the relegation zone, that your fate lies in your hands still? And does this mean you won't be keeping an eye on other games aswell?
LR: Yes and No! We have a few injuries again to key players but I am confident that the key players remaining are good enough and will shine through! And, no I will definitely be focussing a little attention to other games as my friends, Ashley Harris (Wigan) and Jamie Best (Inter) also have key games. Wigan need a point to guarantee Play-offs ahead of Derby, and Inter can win the league ahead of Juve, so I will be looking out for my friends as I'm sure they will be doing the same!

SSN: Your friend Ashley Harris (Wigan) has been in the media in the past about possibly moving to a top flight team, even with the backing of his chairman. What do you think?
LR: He is a good manager, he's not as active as he could be, but there is no need at Wigan. He could be more active if he had reason. I think that if he was to stay at Wigan and show loyalty to the club, they must reward him with investment as they are losing their best player in Ronaldo and are an ageing squad... But I think that if the right offer came in, he is capable of leading a top-flight team and should take it as he has alot to offer which he will struggle to show at Wigan next year...

Thanks and good night..

pricey · Cult Status

PRICE LOOKINGFORWARD TO HOLDING LEAGUE ONE TITLE

Sunderland manager held a pregame press conference before tonights game with Sheffield United.

"We are glad that the end of the season is upon us and we cant wait to get out hands on that lovely title it has been a long season and we all thought that we would have won the league a few games ago but here we are we all we have to do is win and we are champions". Asked by one reporter in the room if he thought he was going to get sacked Mr Price reacted angrily "What are you talking about is this how you lot sell papers making up crap like this? Listen we are going to win the league this weekend do you think Im going to get sacked think I will be the first manager ever to win a league and get sacked please no more stupid questions" The press conference moved onto tonights game Price was asked if he think his side will win the game comfortably "Sheffield United are a good side and they have a good manager in Andy Fletcher and I think they could win the play-offs this season it will be interesting to see how he does" A Sky Sports reporter asked if and when Sunderland go up does Mr Price think he can keep them up. "Yes I think we will stay up and have a very good chance of making the play-offs next season we just need one or two more players to finish off our side and I am working around the clock to bring these players in hopefully now with us going up the chairman will dip his hands into his pockets and give us a little bit of cash." With that the press conference ends with the Sunderland fans in attendance thankful that they finally have a manager with the same ambition as the club but more importantly one that has the skill to deliver that ambition.

-- Edited by pricey on Friday 16th of October 2009 10:56:40 AM