Week 23

Besty · Cult Status

Week 23

Stu · Cult Status

Cup Final

Citizens End Season

How do you rate the season Stuart?
"The league performance has been good we managed to get third and that gets us European football next season. I hope the chairman thinks he has had his monies worth this season now. The cup performance was pleasing but I would like to have done better"

What disappointed you about the cup final?
"Not winning it! We gave our selves too much to do and you can't give top teams a head start. It was pleasing to see some fight in our team in the second half but it was all over by then. We have some young players in the team and they need to learn from that disappointment now"

Are you pleased to see a new manager at Arsenal so soon?
"No. I think Jamie is a very good manager but we wanted them to fall back more before a new manager came in. He has time to prepare now and that will help him next season"

What will your targets next season be?
"I will need to sit down with the chairman and discuss that. At this time of the year every manager comes out of the shadows asking for investment. If the chairman wants me to try to get in to the top two we will need more investment. If he wants me to try and hold on to the top four I think we have the players in place to do that. If other clubs start investing my job will get harder but what ever the chairman decides is my target because he pays my wages"

Thanks Stuart

Stu - Man City

pricey · Cult Status

AFTER THIS WEEKS GAME WITH SHEFFIELD UNITED SUNDERLAND MANAGER DALE PRICE CAUGHT UP WITH SKY SPORTS NEWS

SSN. Mr Price you have to be happy with this win yes?

DP. Yes me and the team are very happy to have won the league; we knew we could do it and now we just want to get going with next season and push on to the play offs.

SSN. Your not going to be over confident again this season are you Mr Price? It has been said that you were lucky that what you said at the start of the season hasnt come back to bite you on the bum.

DP. I dont feel that we are being over confident as the championship is no where bear as strong as it has been in recent years I feel we can be good enough to push on just need a couple of players to bring extra strength to the side.

SSN. How will you be able to bring these players in as there is not much money in the club and the chairman hasnt come out and said anything on investment?

DP. Well Im not going to lie to you we need a little investment and I think the chairman knows this its up to him if he comes out and says if he is going to invest. But without any investment I think we may struggle to get the play-offs next season we shall just have to wait and see.

SSN. There has been talk of you linking up with a top club any truth in this?

DP. I can confirm that we are in talks with two top clubs and over the next few weeks things will start to happen I think.

SSN. Mr Price what does this title win mean to you?

DP. It means loads to be to be honest I have loved my first full season at Sunderland and Im hoping that its the first of many I have a dream to get Sunderland in the prem in 2 seasons and I believe that we can achieve this the fans at the club act like a 12^th man and really give the team a lift so if we can win our home games and get a few away points I think we will be there or there abouts for the play-offs.

SSN. Thank you for your time Mr. Price

DP. Thank you

crj66 · International Player

Sky Sports News caught up with Sheff Wed manager Callum Jefferies today to get his feelings on how his first year has gone.

SSN So Callum how do you feel the season has gone ?

CJ Well to be honest i'm a little disappointed with where we finished, we have a young and inexperienced squad on the whole but i thought we might have done a little better.

SSN So what do you feel you need to compete in the championship ?

CJ Well hopefully i have proved to my chairman i can manage successfully at this level, and hopefully he will give me some funds now to let me build on what i have started.

SSN So how much money do you think you need ?

CJ Well thats not for me to decide but you only have to look at the clubs in this league next year to know that we need a considerable investment to make things happen. We are a good squad but need some funds to be able to add that quality to be able to challenge at this level.

Ashley-ccfc16' · Cult Status

Ashley, The season for you has now finished, what can you take out of finishing last?

Thanks for reminding me, based on our results we didnt do all that bad, many games were down to just the one goal, our trouble is finding the back of the net

Is there any strikers that you have your eye on?

We have two young strikers that hopefully will improve for the new season and Cisse from Regina could well return

Would you like players that will remain here for seasons to come rather than loanees?

Yes, Obviously, The only problem we have is funding, at such a small club it is hard to find the money for players but there could be a small injection off an un-named consortium soon and maybe the chairman might invest

Thanks very much

My pleasure

Jozz · Cult Status

Napoli finish season with a win

Liam · Cult Status

RE: Week 23

Ash · Cult Status

Wigan manager Ashley Harris was questioned at a press-conference after his Wigan side were finally beaten in the Play-off Semi-Finals by Cardiff.

Q: You were defeated again in the Play-off Semi-Finals for the second consecutive year now, how does it feel?

A: Well, obviously everybody at the club is disappointed, losing two years in a row is a bitter pill to swallow but I can't fault the players' effort throughout the season; they have put in 110% and in the end I think it was a bridge too far for us.

Q: So what was your opinion of the season on the whole?

A: Overall I think that we started positively and we had a really good chance for automatic promotion but ultimately, the amount of injuries which we sustained left us in the lottery which was the Play-offs! But it was a fairly decent season and I still feel that this club is well placed to continue to push for promotion next year and return Premiership football to the JJB Stadium.

Q: After this season, you are set to lose players due to retirements, how much of an impact will this have?

A: I am gutted to see some of our players retire; players like Ronaldo have become key players for this club and I would just like to thank them for their service for the club. I will have to sit down with the chairman Dave Whelan to discuss possible replacements and whether he is willing to invest.

Q: There have been continuous rumours in the past linking you to a move to a bigger club, where do you stand?

A: Well I am happy at Wigan, but were another club interested and approach me I would definitely consider it, but as it stands at the moment, they are just rumours and I haven't been approached by any other clubs as of yet!

And with that, the Wigan manager upped and left from the room...

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Jonny Sinclair was delighted that his Ascoli team managed eventually beating Siena in their play-off semi final on penalties after a 3-3 draw after extra time

Sinclair commended his side's grit and determination to try and get the right result even after they fell behind twice in the game 'We weren't at our fluent best today but with the pressure of what was at sake that was understandable but im so pleased we got through i thought we were out when Amedeo missed his penalty but credit to Michele De Bellis who took that fifth penalty anone who takes the fifth penalty has a lot of courage and he tucked it away well and im pleased to have got revenge over Siena after they beat us and drew with us in the league and we look ahead to the play-off final against Chievo and i know Raymond Farnell will make them well organised we just have to assess all of the our players fitness and see if they can play on friday it'll be crucial we have everyone available so we can go out with our best possible team and we know we can beat them we have done it before this season and we have to do one more time and then hopefully we can have a better crack at Serie A unlike last time but we need to defend better first and foremost against Chievo we cant be letting in 3 goals in it's good that we knew how to find the back of the net today we havent lost for about 11 games we just need to get one more win and we're there i felt i needed to change it around for the game today I played Alessandro Budel instead of Fabian Delph as we needed to attack Siena and he scored so that payed off and than Amuari and Freddy kanoute up front for the first time this season they are two big players for us and we miss them next season but we have to use them as much as we can before the end of the season and they could be the difference in getting us promoted or not so thats why i left James Vaughan but to be fair he could easily come back in the final and do a brilliant job like he has done for most of the season

Fletch · Cult Status

Phew, Jonny good Luck, please put some full stops in though biggrin

Luke_C · Cult Status

Coakley wants Italian investment.

Many have suggested the Italian League is now considerably behind the English and Spanish Leagues, what are your thoughts?

Well its hard to argue with it when you look at the performances in Europe, which were generally disappointing to say the least. I will say though that in terms of excitement Serie A was the best league in Europe this year. I would say our cup final was the pick of the bunch but sadly its an ageing league and the quality is not at of the other top divisions at the moment.

What annoys me is we have had the Italian FA shouting the odds throughout the season about how we are falling behind and how poor we are in Europe. Yet they have come up with no solutions or idea's infact they just seem to sit in a comfortable office somewhere eating prawn sandwiches and don't really care what is happening as long as they get their over inflated wage packets and are seeing there faces in the media.

So what is the answer in getting Serie A back to being one of the best in Europe?

Well firstly I think some managers need to have a change in attitude and not let squads get older and older and then jump ship to suit. I think some managers see the Italian league as a stepping stone and therefore set no future plans in place and that has happened to many times to count. Secondly I think widespread investment is needed for the league and I'm not just speaking about the top four or five clubs but across the board and into Serie B. At a guess I would say Spain and England have had a lot more investment in recent years with the exception of Genoa in Italy the funds haven't been so free flowing. maybe the Italian FA need to invest further into grassroots football and bringing more youth through?. Maybe allowing the Italian league to bring through 3 youth players for a couple of years to rejuvenate the leagues for a while? I don't know the answer but that's not my job.

Isn't it a case of mismanagement and money spent in the wrong way?

I do think some managers need to take more care and take more of a long term view to management in Italy but it isn't always as easy as that. Young talented players are very expensive while the older generations of players can be bought quite cheaply. If you are looking short term then its much easier to invest in the older generation and get better results but sadly it fails the club and the fans after they leave.

What plan if any did you have when taking over at Milan?

My chairman asked to me reduce the age of the squad and bring silverwear back to Milan and while I have been successful in bring quality younger and talented players to Milan it has meant the short term success of a trophy hasn't been achieved all be it only by a whisker in the cup final. I can say though that as a club we will be stronger next season where as I predict a lot of clubs in Italy will start to go backwards.

Are you expecting investment and how will that effect your plans for the season?

That is totally down to the chairman and whatever decision he makes will be the right one for Milan and im happy with that.

We had a very in-depth conversation not so long ago when my future at Milan was unclear and he knows what is best for Milan and what we can and cannot afford. Ideally I would like another two players in but if not we work with what we have and like the chairman ill do my best for Milan. Each season I will try to improve the quality of the squad while keeping an eye on the long term future of the club and I'm sure the fans wont be disappointed with the players we are trying to sign at the moment.

Rhino · Cult Status

Hanton "Parma may well struggle next season"

Parma boss Chris Hanton talks to the press after ending the season in a poor way.

Press - Well Mr Hanton can you explain your clubs poor finish to the end of the season ?

CH - " When I took the job on half way through the season I knew I would make matters worse before they get better and I have a very understanding Chairman who knows this, the club had been really poorly managed in the past and the squad was not really blessed with any outstanding talent, and the average of the squad was 30 years old, so alot of players were released and younger ones brought in, either on loan or signed, so I think the answer to that question is in my reply ( to many new faces ).

Press - How do you see next season going ?

CH - " Tricky really I don't expect to be up there if im honest as there are much better sides than us in the league, but we will be a younger side than last season and may have to call in on some favours to get some decent quality in on loan and that will make us able to compete with the bigger boys, but the goal to next season is trying to improve the squad and staying in Seria A.

Press - What do you think of the Milan managers comment about the Italian league ?

CH - "Lol well I do agree with what Luke is saying to some degree about the teams being used as a stepping stones, But the people at the Italian fa do need to act to keep some of the best managers staying in the league to improve the teams, because as an offer comes in from England there off"

Press - Any news on players for next season ?

CH - " None as yet but as I said before I will be contacting a couple of managers for favours..lol, on that note I would like to thank Stu at Man City,Luke at Milan and Adam at Barcelona for all there help last season."

-- Edited by Rhino on Tuesday 20th of October 2009 05:58:46 PM

Liam · Cult Status

Sky Sports News caught an interview with Liam Riste again today as he was leaving his home for a night out:

SSN: In your last interview, you stated that it would take more than an offer 'too good to refuse' to make you leave Villa Park, does this mean that another club has approached you?

LR: Well at the time I had said that, I hadn't had an offer from another club, but I recently have been offered a job in Spain which I turned down.

SSN: Can you confirm which Spanish team approached you and why did you turn it down?

LR: I am a professional and I'm sure you can understand that I don't wish to mention any names here. But this anonymous Spanish team did offer me well over twice my current wage and some money to achieve their goals... However, I just couldn't face turning my back on Villa Park and everyone that I have befriended here. Everyone has made me comfortable in my job and I am pleased to be apart of Aston Villa FC.

SSN: Your friend Ashley Harris was being heavily linked to a top flight team, can you tell us whether he will be leaving the JJB soon?

LR: I have actually been in contact with Ash a lot since the season has ended, mainly because he wants Nathan (Delfouneso) back on loan (laughs) but we have discussed jobs as well. Coincidentally, we were both offered jobs in Spain where he would manage a strong team. I know he has stalled on the offer for numerous reasons, and I'm not so sure that he wants to leave England! I personally think that if an English team came in for him, he would find it hard to resist! He loves it at Wigan but unfortunately I see the club going backwards and he is finding it hard to accept the loss of Ronaldo who has been a massive driving force in his Wigan career! I also think it is likely that he could stay at Wigan if he is given money to play with, but we will have to see!

SSN: Wigan were beaten in the Play-offs after leading Cardiff, you were present at the game, what was your view?

LR: Cardiff was always going to be a tough game and Ash has a weakened defence which inevitably cost him the match. I was pleased with our young talented striker who has played a vital part in Wigan's final position this season but unfortunately Wigan couldn't get past their last season's finish; which was less comfortable.

SSN: Ok, thank you for your time.

Ash · Cult Status

Ashley Harris has stepped forward to make an interview about his managerial future.

Q: There has been several rumours in the past about you being able to manage at a higher level; we have spoken to your good friend Liam Riste, the Aston Villa manager, who stated that you had been offered a job in Spain.How accurate is this remark?

A: Well, I can today confirm that I have decided to depart from Wigan Athletic FC and will be making a move to Real Zaragoza. First off, I would like to sayt a big heart-felt thank you to Wigan, everybody involved at the club has been fantastic from the Chairman, Dave Whelan to every single player and the fans. I would like to thank Dave for giving me my chance at football management but I believe the time is right for a change! I wish Wigan all the best for the future and hope the terrific fans get to witness success...

Q: Real Zaragoza that won the Segunda and are the new team on the block in La Liga, what is your expectations for the up and coming season?

A; It's a big challenge in a very strong La Liga division and the objective in the first season is to simply avoid relegation. In the future, I am looking to establish Zaragoza as a mid-table La Liga side. I am very excited about the challenges looming ahead and look forward to meeting everyone involved at the club. It's a good chance for me to get some experience at managing outside England and experience a different culture, and I firmly believe that we will avoid relegation!

Q: Dave Whelan backed your move to a top-flight team a while ago, how much does that mean to you?

A: I think Dave has given me terrific support during my time at Wigan, I only have good things to say about him and I'm grateful that Dav

ve has allowed me to push on towards grwater things that I hope to achieve at Real Zaragoza.

Q: Every new manager has a different outlook on the clubs, what was your first impression on Real Zaragoza?

A: I think they have a great squad of players and as their performance in the Segunda shows, they definitely have the quality to be a very competitive La Liga side. They have a good stadium, with a passionate Chairman and I hope both the fans and the Chairman alike will get behind the team and support our objective. I look forward to a successful season at this great club.

Q: Most managers come into a club and start changing things around, what are your plans for the squad?

A: I am happy with the core group of players at the club. Obviously we will be looking to make a few additions to the club if the right calibre of players become available, but ultimately it won't be an overhaul of the playing squad.

That's it for now, thank you.

GarethGardner · Cult Status

ESPN GRAB INTERVIEW WITH BAGGIES BOSS GARDNER

Espn - Hi Gareth, was you happy with the season ?
Gareth - Yes, i was very happy this season. I have dramatically cut the age of my side and still managed to scrape out of the relegation zone.

Espn - Any plans for next season ?
Gareth - Next season has been on my mind since i took over the job. As you know i have made big changes to the playing staff and dramatically cut the age of what was a very old squad. The next part of my job is down to my chairman. I really need to sit and chat with him for next years options. Either he looks towards the future and gives investment so i can keep bringing the youngsters through while trying to keep West Brom a premiership team, or he accepts relegation and waits for the youngsters to develop themselves, or even i sell the youngsters and bring in a short term policy of keeping West Brom safe but disrespecting the future of the club and going for ageing but more capable payers to keep us up. He alone will understand my position as this season i have been fighting against Spurs and Villa in the relegation fight who both had heavy investment to stay up, and the teams coming up such as Watford, again have silly money to spend with allready a very strong team.

Espn - Interesting answer Gareth, but i was really asking about players ?
Gareth - I do have a very exciting player lined up for the 1st half of the season in Jimmy Briand from AC Milan. He has been a revelation in Italy with Sampdoria this season and im hoping to get the best out of him. I got the best out of a youngster you all know now in Palmiteri at Spurs when i was at Celta Vigo and look how good he is now ! Im hoping to do the same for my friend Luke at Milan and hopefuly try and pursuade him to keep Briand here for the full season, but thats not quite happening yet.

Espn - Any other deals lined up ?
Gareth - I can confirm that a fee has been agreed for Richard Duffy which will bring in a good bit of funding for players, but this deal is only if the manager involved will get the funds off his chairman. It is a club with a chairman who should be willing to spend so i cant see any problems in that deal failing.As for spending it, i think i will wait for silly season and pick myself up a bargain or two. Im also currently negotiating on a link up with another big club with regards to loans at the moment, but am now just awaiting a decision frm them. The manager at that club has been very helpfull and i understand that he has a decision to make as lots of clubs has been in contact with him allready.Also our young starlet with a bright future in front of him Joss Labadie will be going out on loan for half a season to Terry at Atalanta in week3, Iv allways got on well with Terry and he has 1st choice on any of my young players if i manage to get investment and they need to get regular games

Espn - Exciting times at West Brom then.Anything else you personally would like to add ?
Gareth - Yes, i would like to congratulate a friend in Dale Price on winning league 1 this year. A lot of people wrote him off and to celebrate Dale and his Sunderland boys are coming down to West Brom this week for a friendly game and after the game, Dale and his players will be invited to a free meal and bar to congratulate them on such a good season.

Espn - Thanks for your time Gareth and hope to speak again during the season
Gareth - No worries, lets just hope its going to be a good season for West Brom

Fletch · Cult Status

Blades Boss Salutes Squad

The season still has to dealt its final hand for Sheffield United with the small matter of a Play Off Final to Attend at Wembley, despite this Andy Fletcher has been heaping praise on his team.

"They know the season is not over yet and no-one has booked their holidays but we have had some fantastic achievements this year. Midfielder Steven Quinn has scored six goals in his first season and become top scorer."

There in lies the problem for Fletcher, the goal stats tells the tale of a low scoring season but a tight ship at the heart of defence.

"Next years going to be tough, with captain Christanval retiring we need to make sure we get up to speed and become miserly again next year, along with that we have struggled to score goals after the departure of midfielder Juanito and we are looking to find someone who can set things up, Luis Garcia has provided 11 assists this year but has himself only scored 2, we can improve on that too with the lads we already have."

"As I have said previously I dont want to meddle too much with the bond we have here so if we look to acquire any new faces it will need to be lads who can fit into the ethos of the team, its not just about doing up your boot laces every Saturday."

Fletcher has an exciting weekend ahead of him and his squad and tactics will remain a secret until the team sheets have to go in, but be assured rewards will be high for those who have proved their credentials this season so far.

-- Edited by Fletch on Thursday 22nd of October 2009 02:56:01 PM

Simon · Cult Status

End of season Jenkins interview

'So Mr Jenkins, another season ends. How did you think it went?'

'I am extremely happy with fifth, with a few weeks left I had a bad feeling we were going to slip down a few places, particularly after the unexpected loss against Villareal. Although some of our competitors also had a few off weeks and we nabbed fifth. Atletico Madrid were gunning for us which was shown in their massive win on the last game of the season, but we battled and triumphed against Espanyol which got us our position on points'.

'What did you think of your players performances this season?'

'Everyone had their part to play this season but special mention should go to Karim Benzema who played his first full season and at the wee age of 20 scored the fourth most goals in the hardest and best league in the world'.

'Your feeder club Chievo is in the play-off final, pleased?'

'Ray has done an excellent job there and although I wish him all the best for tomorrow. My players have gained valuable experience and I would like to think that they played a part in his success this season'.

'Any new signings lined up for next season?'

'I have a couple of world class players in mind but I will not elaborate until they put pen to paper and that wont happen until I see how my current players develop'.

'Not even a hint on who it may be?'

'No'.

'You have made no secrets of your aspirations for next season, are they still in your mind?'

'Challenging the top four is a big ask but I think next season could be good for us. But of course if that does not happen then we are always improving at such a fast rate that it will happen and the top four need to watch their backs'.

'Thank you for your time, entertaining as always'.

'No worries'.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings staying put

Recently appointed Athletico Bilbao boss has given his new employers a boost ahead of tonight's crucial Segunda play-off final by committing his future to the club regardless of the result. Speculation had arisen that Rollings was set to walk should his side win promotion this evening, amid fears that he could not envisage a way of keeping his new side in La Liga.

However, the outspoken manager used his pre-match news conference to allay such fears and commit to his new job.

"After speaking to high ranking official inside and outside of the club I am reassured that we are all moving in the same direction. I am an impatient person, and want things done right away but Rome wasn't built in a day and I am delighted that I have the full backing of the staff on and off the pitch to try and take this club back where it belongs. We have sat down and laid out a precise three year plan which ends with us residing in the top league in Spain and whether we go up and get relegated, or lose tonight and win promotion next season that won't change. Obviously I have to ask for the patience of the fans, who I hope will start turning out for their local side once again."

Speaking about his sides chances in this evenings game, Rollings reacted in a confident manner.

"We have won 6 games out of 6 since my arrival - scoring plenty of goals! Santander are a talented young side who are moving in the right direction but I feel we have what it takes to do the job this evening. Even if we fall short though our goals do not change, and we will regroup and build on what has been a great start to my tenure here and win promotion next season. I want to create a core of home-grown talent and people like Zarandona and Goni represent that. We are hoping a few boys graduate from the academy this summer and continue that proud basque-tradition."

-- Edited by Spartikus47 on Friday 23rd of October 2009 04:12:39 PM

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Sky Sports News LIVE

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

RE: Week 23

madhibee · Cult Status

Chelsea manager John Brady spoke to the press following their victory in the European Cup final.

"I am absolutely delighted for the team and supporters for an amazing victory. To go 3-0 down in the first half was so disappointing. But all credit to the players for plugging away and forcing the game into extra time. I am just glad they managed to get a winning goal in extra time because I wouldn't have coped with penalties. I know Paul at Real Madrid will be gutted to lose after such a strong start but he has won La Liga and am sure will be in contention for the cup next season.

It is clear my defence needs to be strengthened. However, in saying that, I have made the decision to include to attack minded full backs so I suppose I can't be too critical. As long as we score more than the other team than that will be fine with me, apart from my heart of course.

It has been a successful season but it will be so hard to keep that level going. I expect a strong challenge from both Man City and Arsenal next season along with Man Utd. Not so sure about Liverpool though as they don't seem to have strengthened much this season. I was delighted when they sold Kuijt as he always scored against us. It promises to be an interesting league next season, but hopefully we will win the league with a few games to spare again, thus allowing my heart rate to lower."

PUREADE1 · International Player

DANDO SPEAKS ON DISSAPOINTMENT AND OPTIMISM. Blackburn rovers manager hayden dando has spoken on his dissapointment at being relegated and looked ahead to next season 'of course it was hard to take but overall i think liam and villa deserved to stay up so well done to them, im sure they will do very well next season, as for us im optimistic, i think we can bounce back and im determined to make sure we come back stronger and i know the players feel the same'