Week 5

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 5

Simon · Cult Status

'Dream start for Valladolid'

Real Valladolid manager Simon Jenkins spoke for the first time this week since the start of the season before leaving to attend the teams training for next week:

'I am chuffed to bits with our start to the season. Our position in the table is not at all representative of the start we have had: five points from four games, but that includes playing Valencia, Sevilla and Real Madrid. We have two tough games in the next two weeks against Atletico Madrid and Espanyol but then we have an easier run towards the second half of the season finishing with a likely three points against Villareal.

'To come away with a point from the Madrid game made me very happy, however part of me is disappointed we did not take the full three points. Maybe this was off the back of the game against Sevilla where our reserve team held them to a draw, or maybe it is a sign of how our confidence as a team is growing. Karim Benzema had a cracking game this week and I speak for the club, players and fans when I thank him and say he will be here for a very long time.

'In recent weeks we have brought in a couple of players including Michael Carrick from Barcelona but we still have money in the kitty and I hope to bring in another big name in the next few weeks which should bolster our numbers and allow us to rotate without cutting back on quality.

'I agree with Benzema's comment that Valladolid can challenge the top. With the game against Barcelona on the horizon we shall go into it with a real force behind our back. Two of the Spanish Top Three have been left reeling after coming up against us; it is not so hard to believe Barcelona will be feeling just as sore after we are through with them.'

Liam · Cult Status

Liam Riste has issued a statement to the media following rumours that suggested he'd toild close friends of his regret at turning down a deal elsewhere.

"I started my managerial career at Aston Villa FC and even though I openly stated pre-season that I had turned down an offer from an anonymous Spanish club, I never even considered moving away from Villa Park. I regret no decision I make as a manager or person! Our poor start is down to a tough fixture list to welcome us, yet again, into the new season! But as I stated last year, bear with me and the team will pull through come season closure. I have a few tricks up my sleeve yet, which I never had last season, so I am looking forward to the next several weeks."

Fletch · Cult Status

Napoli Boss is Delighted at New Signing.

Andy Fletcher today announced that Everton assistant manager Jimmy Lumsden will be joining the club to help develop the youth academy and bring through new talent.

"Jimmy fits the bill perfectly and was our first choice at Napoli, he brings with him a huge CV in terms of new player development and training techniques, I told the chairman that he was my perfect fit and Stuart delivered, I think this signals the intent of the club, we have a Chairman who is prepared to deliver when the right opportunities come along."

"Jimmy is the first building block in an restructering plan for Napoli which will take a few years to bear fruit, he liked our plans and we look forward to him joining us this weekend."

The move sees former assistant Edoardo Reja moving the other way to Everton, Edoardo has been an excellent service to the club but the time was right for him to have a new challenge and Everton will be getting an experienced coach and right hand man, I would like to thank Ed for his support during my short time here at Napoli."

-- Edited by Fletch on Friday 27th of November 2009 02:15:36 PM

-- Edited by Fletch on Friday 27th of November 2009 02:15:59 PM

-- Edited by Fletch on Friday 27th of November 2009 02:16:17 PM

-- Edited by Fletch on Friday 27th of November 2009 02:16:45 PM