Week 22

Tezza · Cult Status

Week 22

Liam · Cult Status

Sky Sports News grabbed an exclusive interview with Liam Riste following the weekends' action:

SSN: Your team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Watford, firstly, what did you think of the game?

LR: I think the team didn't perform as well as they know they could, and as a result, they ultimately paid the price! The performance wasn't strong enough to grab anything from the game and as the stats show, we were played off the pitch, simple.

Granted, we had injuries which left me no other option but to field only two centre halves with no full backs which was a hindrance; but it's been a long and tiresome season for us which has taken its toll and the players are not to blame for having a lapse at this stage of the season!

SSN: This result condemns Aston Villa Football Club to relegation, what impact has this had to the club and everyone involved?

LR: Obviously everyone is bitterly disappointed to see this fantastic club drop out of the Premiership! Everyone from the fans to the back-room staff have dropped their heads, but the team is good enough to win the Championship once again and return stronger and better than before...

Positives can be taken from this and I have explained to the players that this is not the end!

SSN: So what positives did you find?

LR: This is something to learn from. You have to take the good with the bad and looking to the future, there is no reason why the Championship trophy can't return to Villa Park next season. The team is good and with a nice mix of experience and potential, can rise again to the Premiership.

SSN: But what is your opinion on the season as a whole?

LR: We started off slow and dropped points where I wasn't expecting to. However, we did also pick up points where least expecting to, but we dropped a lot more than we should have. The signing of Hulk was key, his form of late and goals he scored were vital for the finishing run-in; but it seems we picked him up too late! Although Hulk is definitely a star of the future and I'm sure there will be plenty more interested parties looking to acquire his fine service.

I am proud of what the squad and I have achieved and would like to thank the fans and chairman alike for their full support and backing of me as manager; however I would like to make an apology for not being able to save the club from the drop...

SSN: So what does this mean for you?

LR: I have sat down with Randy Lerner earlier today and I have decided that my time at Aston Villa must come to an end. I am sad to have to leave my first club who have made me the person I now am. I would like to wish Aston Villa FC all the best for next season and I will be watching their progress and supporting their challenge for the Championship crown once again with great interest!

SSN: So what are you intentions?!

LR: I don't wish to pass comment at this precise moment in time on the matter!

I'm sure you will find out sooner or later about the goings on, but for now I have left Aston Villa and my lips are sealed about my future.

Thank You but we must finish here...

Rhino · Cult Status

Real Madrid TV!

Real Madrid Tv caught up with boss Chris Hanton after this weeks 8-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao.

RMTV - Well Mr Hanton you must be happy with that result

CH- " 3 points is all that matters, but yes its nice to score a few goals and keep a clean sheet".

RMTV - 1 game left in the league and your 1 point behind rivals Barcelona whats your take on the last game

CH - " We have to better there result its as simple as that, they have a very hard game against Valladolid who will want to win to get that 3rd place and we have a tough game against our local rivals Atletico who have been in fantastic form recently".

RMTV - How happy are you with the way the season gone since you have taken over

CH - " Well we have lost 2 games since i have been in charge one against Chelsea and the other on pens to Real Mallorca in the cup so we have been unbeaten in the league and have reduced the 12 points behind Barcelona to 1 point so i think i can be happy with that but i would be alot happier if we can snatch that title at the last"

RMTV- You have 3 key players out for the final league game does that effect your thinking at all.

CH - "Yes of course young Joe will be a big miss as will Vidic but we have decent cover in the Cb position and we have a young keeper we have faith in so fingers crossed he can keep Bent and co out.

RMTV - Have you made any plans for next season

CH - " None as yet as all my thought has been this season's run in, I have had a few calls about Robinho and whats happening with him next season but thats yet to be decided as i may not have a job here yet so its a waiting game really.

RMTV Wishes Mr Hanton the best of luck

Simon · Cult Status

Interview with Real Valladolid manager Simon Jenkins

"So Mr. Jenkins, another dominating performance from your team again this week?"

"Yeah it was a good game. I would have liked to have scored an eighth and broken both the most goals scored and the biggest win margin records again, having beaten both of them in the 7-0 win against Celta Vigo in the first half of the season. Still, at least we are consistent and that gives us a 14-0 total against Celta haha."

"Some have claimed next week to be the most important week in Spanish football history this week, what's your opinion on this?"

"Other than Bilbao, none of the positions have been decided. But more than that, all the top six are playing each other. The ideal results for us would obviously be to beat Barcelona, then Espanyol Real Madrid to take points off Sevilla and Atletico Madrid respectively. Those results would place us in the top three."

"You have bought in a lot of very high rated attacking players this season and now Valladolid are one of the highest scoring teams in the world, any change to the transfer policy next season?"

"I'm pleased with the goal rate and unlike a lot of teams; everything doesn't come through one player. Other than the goalkeepers, everyone in the team has set up and scored at least one with almost everyone racking up a total of over 5 each. While our attacking talent shines for all to see, our defence quietly does the job which is why we have one of the best overall goal differences in the world as well as just goals scored. Next season I will be bringing in more of the same but to bulk out the squad so I dont have to rely on a strict rotation to manage fitness and bookings which has cost us a couple of cheap points this season. I know some people are already bleating about investment which I think is ridiculous and no doubt there will be a lot more people grizzling about a lack of money. My advice: manage your team and stadium a bit better."

"Valladolid play Real Mallorca on Monday in the cup final, tough game?"

"Maybe, but not due to anyone they own; it's disgraceful that a club in the top league of any country has to resort to bringing in six loans. Atletico Madrid have the second most at four, but at least that is to back up positions where they have older players. Mallorca have built a squad around people they have brought in on loan which destroys the whole point of creating a long term squad, in my opinion Mark Rollings has managed Bilbao better than Mark Galeozzi has managed Mallorca and Mark G. doesn't even need to worry about fitness or rotation. Next season, when all those players go back to their own clubs, Mallorca will be a very weak squad with no money whereas Bilbao are likely to be coming straight back up. If Valladolid do not win the cup comfortably it will be terrible on two levels, the result and who the result was against."

"Strong words. Does the prospect of European football worry you?"

"To be honest, I think the only teams who we cannot beat as we are would be Real Madrid at their strongest and Chelsea. I would quite like a friendly against a top half team from Italy or England to get an idea of how I match up. I expect to be stronger next season and if European football alludes us for another season then we will be even better prepared."

"Thank you for your time."

"No worries."

paulh_85 · Cult Status

Harrington backs Jenkins for Cup

"So Paul, its been a while since we have heard from you, how would you sum up your season with just the one game to play?"

I think its be tremendous, with only 1 game to go we are still in with a chance, albeit slim, of getting 3rd place, considering we finished 12 points behind 4th last season, thats a great improvement. weather we finish 3rd, 4th or 5th this year, there will be a lot of positives to take from it, and the aim will be to improve going into next season.

"you end the current season with a derby against your fierce rivals Real Madrid, two teams in incredible form and with lots still at stake, this ones going to be a cracker isnt it?"

I think your right, i dont think they have lost in the league under Chris, while we are 11 games unbeaten since they beat us 3-1 eariler in the season, however we are a better team this time around and high on confidence, we are looking to give them a run for their money.

I'd also like to say a special thankyou to Ventola, having weighed up our selection options we have decided he wont play on the weekend, meaning his last game for us before retierment was his magnificent performance against Sevilla. He has been a true pro for us over the last season and a half, i only hope some of the younger lads in the team have learned from him.

"so your already sure of the team your going to pick then?"

Not exactly, we have important decisions to make all over the pitch. We went all out attack against Sevilla, while played a tight containing game against Barcelona, and drew them both. Players like King, Cana and Iago could all come in depending on how me and the coaching staff feel, but we wont be going with 3 up front so Ventola wont make the starting eleven. Real Madrid also have problems defensivley, and thats something we need to look closely at too.

"This time last year you were lining in the cup final, how do you see this years final going?"

Well i think it will be close, but i hope Simon gets the victory. he has had to be patient in his team building, and hasnt always had the results that he perhaps deserves. I also agree with his veiws on the Mallorca team, Mark hasnt really made an effort to improve the quality of his squad, instead somehow managing to bring in world class player after world class player on loan. On the outside it make look like he is doing a fantastic job, but i fear for the state of his sqaud next season. Perhaps his aim was short term gain to get a job at a more high profile club, and if thats the case its the Mallorca fans i feel most sorry for. I think if there is any justice in the world Valladolid will be the victors tonight.

-- Edited by paulh_85 on Monday 29th of March 2010 12:14:29 PM

-- Edited by paulh_85 on Monday 29th of March 2010 12:16:27 PM

Liam · Cult Status

- Breaking News: Sevilla unveil their new manager -

The Sevilla fans gathered around the main entrance of the Sanchez Pizjuan to greet their newly appointed manager who was pictured alongside Chairman Jose Nido and seemed very pleased to meet the faithful fans who he looks to win over.

Liam Riste was then taken into the club for his first interview with Sevilla Football Club Television which we will be bringing you shortly...

SFCTV: Firstly, I would just like to say another warm welcome to Spain and Sevilla FC, how do you feel to be unveiled as the new boss?

LR: Thank you and I would like to thank everyone for their support and greetings. It is always very pleasing to see such a crowd gather, especially to give you such a welcome; and let's face it, it was always going to be a warm welcome, we're in Spain!

Things have ran smoothly so far today and I am relishing the prospect of getting stuck into my job here.

SFCTV: The fans seemed very pleased to see you and you likewise. What is your opinion on them?

LR: I have thanked them so much already for their support but I am sure that there must be some fans who are either against my appointment, or are slightly dubious about it...

But to them I say, I will make it a top priority to win you over and I just ask to be given a fair trial by the doubters..! Not everyone thinks the same, everyone has individual opinions so I don't expect 100% backing!

SFCTV: So what is your opinion on, and reasoning for a move away from England?

LR: The Sevilla board came forward for my services before the Watford vs Aston Villa game; which I was unaware of.

Randy Lerner called me in for a meeting with the Aston Villa board after the 3-1 loss which relegated Aston Villa. So I assumed the worst...

I made my apologies for my failure, but I was passed a contract sheet across the table with an amazing offer from the Sevilla board.

Aston Villa are a team I respect but when a club of Sevilla's stature come's along, it's a dream come true.

Everyone at Aston Villa were supportive of my move and there was no bad blood.

SFCTV: So you are pleased to have left England?

LR: I wouldn't say I'm pleased to leave England; but I am ecstatic to be in Spain.

I would have liked to have left England on a positive with my previous club, but it wasn't to be and I am looking to the future now.

I love so much about Spain, and it will keep the missus happy as she wants a better tan!

Plus I can speak some basic Spanish, and my mate Ashley Harris (Real Zaragoza manager) has been in Spain since the beginning of this season who I'm sure will help me along!

SFCTV: I'm sure everyone is itching to hear your plans for Sevilla FC..?

LR: I'm sure you all are, but I can only really comment on this weekends game at the moment.

My first game in charge is massive, and I plan to start as I mean to go on! Espanyol are a good team but Sevilla are a great team. I want my first of many three points and what better start as manager if I could deliver European Cup football next season?

That is the short term achievement I am aiming for. I will have further meetings with the board about next season after we find out whether or not Sevilla are in Europe! So I can't really comment any further about long term plans, apart from the obvious desire to win silverware.

SFCTV: Fair enough I guess. So how do you fancy your chances of finishing third with two in-form teams hunting you down with a single deciding game?

LR: The table shows us with a point and two respectively working in our favour; also, no disrespect to Espanyol, but Real Madrid and Barcelona are a harder game for our third place challengers...
I won't be keeping tabs on their results as I will only be worrying about my first game in charge, and as we can only be beaten to third if we drop points ourself, I am not worrying. Although I'm sure the fans will be keeping each other updated and I will be getting a rough idea through their reaction and chants.

I want my first game to be remembered and with the current situation adding to the occasion, I'm sure whatever the result, we will be involved in the headlines.

SFCTV: So what are your plans now?

LR: I have met everyone on the inside of the club, staff and players just before walking out to meet the awaiting fans. The players are chilling out at the moment but I must shoot off to prepare a light training session to get a better idea of the strengths and weaknesses of my new squad.

But after, I'm sure we will go for a swift pint to break the ice.

SFCTV: Well thank you for your time, I'm sure we will catch up soon but once again, welcome and good luck.

LR: Thank you and goodbye for now.

Besty · Cult Status

Arsenal manager Jamie Best gives a rare interview

Jamie, it's been a long time since we heard from you, it was probably when you offered your resignation around 7 weeks ago! How do you feel things have gone since then?

Well things weren't easy but i feel we've turned a corner and we won the 6 games that we really needed to. I was disappointed with the result at the weekend, especially after taking a 3 goal lead but it's a much improved result for us and it still means we can claim 3rd if we beat Liverpool this week.

You bought in Portillo which seems to have given you a lot more potency up front, this looks to be a key signing for you?

I was looking to bring in a striker for a number of weeks and was disappointed when we missed out in the scouting window but since bringing Javier in we have certainly had that extra dimension which we missed. Michael (Essien) has also been a great addition albeit a temporary one.

Yes i was going to come to that loan switch with Fabregas, what was the logic behind that?

It was an idea i had after we signed Portillo, we now had the added attacking threat but still seem to be leaking goals so i felt adding Michael would help break down the opposition and allow us to be more balanced across the park. I have Adrian (Bastia) who is a good defensive talent but Michael is on a different level so it was a good move.

Your good friend Liam Riste has today announced his switch from Aston Villa to Sevilla, you must be pleased for him?

Absolutely, Liam has done a great job with Aston Villa and was unfortunate not to keep them up but Sevilla have seen the potential there and got themselves a decent manager, i have no doubt he will be successful there. The word 'villa' seems to follow him around, he signed David Villa whilst at Aston Villa and he has now moved on to Sevilla! Hopefully its a good omen for the lad.

Thanks for your time and good luck at the weekend.

-- Edited by Besty on Monday 29th of March 2010 03:20:10 PM

Raymond · Cult Status

Corriere dello Sport

Chievo play off voodoo again?

Another successful season for Cheivo and Manager Farnell however, will the playoffs haunt this over achieving club once more?

We caught up with Ray Farnell at Chievo's latest press conference.

Ray its the play offs for you again, what are your thougts?
Roma still have a job to do and so do we, automatic promotion is not out of the equation. If you mention play off one more time your out.........

I have to ask if you end up in the Play Offs!?
I just love you guys!!! but you do have a job to do...
Play Offs - No problem, we will take what ever comes our way, a squad has been built and I will be measured on that alone.

Are you confident?
You wont get a lot out of me boys, I have to much respect for the managers around me.

Galleozie vs Jenkins both close to you and silverware to be won.
How do you think it will go?
Its anyones game, but what I will say is this. There are not many managers who could do what Mark has done at Mallorca and they know it.

Well it appears that there are some strange employment decisions happening around the world at the moment, any comments?
Lets just say if the ex Aston Villa Manager is sitting sweet with Sevilla I would like to see Torinos Manager Ashley at the helm of Espanyol. Why not!?
Hes over achieving and in touch with other managers all the time. I would like to see the FA giving people who care a real chance.

Good luck for the rest of the season.

Cheers lads.

Football Academy · Cult Status

ESN LIVE: Cup Finals shown live

The FA governing body revealed today a deal had been struck late in the day to show the domestic cup finals live. New sports channel ESN (Evolution Sports Network) is thought the be keen to improve sports boardcasting next season but for now won the rights to show the English, Italian and Spanish cup finals this season. The battle of Manchester takes place in England as red plays blue in a Mancunian invasion of Wembley. In Italy the two teams who have been fighting it out all season for the top of Serie A come face to face in the final although Fiorentina's injury hit side has it all to do against Italian league champions Juventus. Finally in Spain it is a fans final, with the three 'big' clubs failing to make the final prompting some pundits to suggest a new era of 'big' clubs is approaching in Spain. Real Valladolid who are battling for a potential top 3 finish in the league, face Real Mallorca who have managed to steer well clear of the relegation fight this season.

Watch all the drama unfold on the one off night of ESN action live in the radio channels now.

Ash · Cult Status

Spanish TV caught a very rare interview with Real Zaragoza manager Ashley Harris.

Q: So Ashley, here were are with one game left of the season and you are desperately trying to stay up. What do you figure your chances of achieving this are?

A: Well I have been very pleased with the performances of the side in my first season as Zaragoza manager. We were big favourites to go down, so to be in the position of having the chance to stay up in our own hands constitutes a good season. We know what we have to do in the last game as we expect Celta Vigo to beat Bilbao, which leaves us no option other than to get 3pts to stay up.

Q: So you are saying you need a win against a strong Valencia team?

A: Well we know they are a good side but we feel we have a good chance of beating them. They have nothing to play for and hopefully that will play into our hands a little bit. I am expecting a big performance as all the players and fans want to see this great club in La Liga next season, and I will be doing my best to make this happen.

Q: Have you done anything special or in particular in your bid for La Liga football next season?

A: In terms of preparation for the game, I haven't done anything different from our previous game as I feel our performances have been good enough and I feel there is no need for extra motivation for it is a massive game in Zaragoza history. Although I have been getting advice from my mate Liam Riste who has been involved in a couple relegation battles with Aston Villa and managed to keep them up on the final day of last season, which gives me confidence.

Q: You have mentioned your good friend Liam Riste who has just been appointed the new Sevilla manager. What is your opinion on this appointment?

A: Well I am delighted to be able to welcome Ristey to Spain, I just hope I am in the same division to play against him next season! I think Ristey deserves this big break and I have no doubt he will be a big success at Sevilla. He is a dedicated manager which is contrary to a few media comments.

Q: Do you have any plans for next season then yourself?

A: At the moment I am just concentrating on keeping Zaragoza up. I will have a meeting with the Chairman at the end of the season to discuss mine and the clubs future plans, but isn't that normal?

Q: So do you have any plans for the club next season?

A: Well I think that even if Zaragoza do go down, we have a good enough squad to win the Segunda. So relegation wouldn't be a complete disaster, but I hope to earn the necessary 3pts and then a big party is in order.

Q: So looking back on your season so far, you have spent no money and have kept the exact same squad you inherited when you moved from Wigan. Would you have done anything different if you had a second chance?

A: No. I am happy with the team and I felt we had a strong squad capable of staying in La Liga. We have limited funds here and changing the team just because I could was pointless when we had a group of players that were all friendly with each other and understood each other on the pitch which has contributed to our good performances and good morale in the dressing room.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Manchester United enter administration

Amid talk that a number of clubs were on the edge of administration, this morning a press release confirmed the first team had slipped, but that it was Manchester United. Seemingly unhappy with the clubs backwards steps in not winning a trophy, missing out just this week on the English Cup to city rivals, and with one game to go the club are still not confirmed a 3rd place finish in the league now fighting with on form Arsenal for that position, the board have grown tired of the situation. The statement read that the owner Joel Glazer was stepping aside with immediate effect rather than waiting for a new investor.

This leaves the club in financial ruin as Glazer will rightly take his funds away from the team, leaving them in multi-million pound debt reportedly more than £60 million in the red. It may not be hard for the club to raise such staggering sums of money, but it could spell the end for stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Daniele De Rossi who are likely to be the most popular assets in the no doubt frenzied bidding set to follow as other teams look to grab a bargain.

A number of other clubs are thought to be on the verge of administration, in the low leagues of England, and Spain in particular. It is believed at least one further statement regarding administration of another football club is due anytime in the next 3 days. The future of manager Craig Radford however has been thrown into doubt following this turn of events and some pundits are suggesting he will walk to avoid a second, more critical, rebuilding phase at United.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Ronaldo 'Burgers' the only sale in Manchester

A previous press statement was released this morning stating that Manchester United owner Glazer had walked out on the club putting the team into administration. To the administrators confusion they have been overwhelmed with offers for players and after seeking clarification with the governing body it appears someone in the press office leaked the wrong story to the press. While there are talks Glazer is considering selling the club the factual releases that should have been sent out by the press office were mixed up and were as follows.

Story one being that Glazer, Manchester United owner, had been seen entering Aldi, not Manchester United entering administration. Story two being that Nando's had entered into administration on the Manchester high street and "Ronaldo Burgers" were being sold cheap to clear stock. Apparently it is Daniele De Rossi's favourite hang out after matches and a friend close to the player said he would be devastated by the news.

An easy mistake to make on the 1st of April!!

Football Academy · Cult Status

Southampton owner quits

Ken Dulieu, the Saints chairman, has today stepped down as owner. Dulieu stated a poor run of form in recent seasons as the reason for his loss of interest in the club and stated he was not willing to wait for a new investor stating he didn't believe there would be much interest in such a poorly performing team. Famous for their youth set up, Southampton have failed to hang onto any real assets over recent seasons and sit 11th in the Championship this season, already relegated with a game to go.

Southampton are now thought to have debts of around £15 million which will be required to be cleared by the administrators.

Simon · Cult Status

Tension in the build up to the final game

We caught an interview with Valladolid manager the day before the last game of the season.

"Tough game against Barcelona this week; they will be playing their full team, will you?"

"Well, we have a bit of a booking crisis at the moment so I will be basing my squad choice around what will suit the team for the beginning of the new season. That may not involve playing a reserve squad because obviously I would love to finish fourth or even third; fifth would not be any worse than last season, particularly as we already have 12 points than we did at the end of last season. However while it may not be a reserve team, it may involve playing something new. Only time will tell how that plays out."

"You were part of an extremely good Cup Final, what were you feeling at the time?"

"I would like to say that the result was never in doubt, but unfortunately that wouldnt be true. Sloppy defending put us at a disadvantage to begin with but the quality of our attacking lineup soon shone through."

"And what are your feelings now the game has passed?"

"To be honest I don't know why I was so nervous at the point we were 3-1 down, after all our team has become known this season for its high scoring games, most of which were 3-2 or 4-3 and therefore our 4-3 cup win was within the norm for us. I will be looking to bring in a top defender who can act as the keystone in our defence. I already have a few players in mind but I wont be reveling their identities until negotiations are done."

"Come on, give us a hint about your potential targets."

"No."

"You had strong views on Mallorcas team, care to elaborate now the game has passed?"

"Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against Mark, he is a good guy but I would rather have played Madrid in the final because even if I'd have lost, it would feel a just result, however to come up against a team built on other people's players, particularly in a match as important as the Cup Final is frustrating and annoying. As I said earlier, I have nothing against Mark but I would have the same reaction against any built like they are, whether they were managed by a friend or foe."

"So what is your prediction of how the table will look after this week's games?"

"Barcelona first, Real Madrid second, Valladolid third, Sevilla fourth, Atletico Madrid fifth and Espanyol sixth. I think that we will get a point from the Barcelona game, Atletico Madrid will get a point from Real Madrid because Real have a weakened defence with suspensions and I think that Paul can exploit that weakness. I also think that Liam Riste will underestimate Espanyol and drop points. Atletico may take all three points from Real and Sevilla may will lose outright to Espanyol, but who knows? All I will say is that there will be an awful lot of goals this week."

"Thank you taking the time to talk to us, pleasure as always."

"No problem, cheers"

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Everton plan recruitments

Everton are said to be "in discussions" with a number of clubs throughout Europe about pre-arranged deals for next season, despite their immediate league future hanging in the balance. Upon Rollings' appointment, The Toffees sit safely in the League One play-off places in a scenario which replicates that the Welsh manager found himself in with Bilbao. Rollings spoke openly about his misgivings about immediate promotion with the Basque outfit and his previous inexperienced side found themselves outclassed in La Liga. However, it appears the newly appointed boss was more optimistic about his new clubs chances.

"Firstly, there are some very good clubs in the play-off places. They have an instant advantage too - their managers have had all season to plan and tweak to get things right. In a way we are going in blind. The second game of my tenure will be a play-off semi final so we are looking for things to click instantly. However, if we miss out this season, we will go again next. We will be competitive whatever league we find ourselves in next season."

Rollings has been scouring the world for new talent - and is said to have a transfer kitty of around £8million to get his men. Rollings spoke openly about his transfer policy;

"We have about 5-6 firm offers on the table to clubs throughout Europe. We have also received lots of interest for a few members of our squad. I am really hopeful on two of the deals but we will have to wait and see. As with Bilbao I am looking towards younger players who can develop and prosper. It is vital to generate a sustainable squad, even if that means being a little bit more patient with a few of the boys. We also have a famous youth system here at Everton and I will be looking to integrate local talent wherever possible. I learnt from the Basque passion at Bilbao fans like to see local boys in their football team...Ultimately I will live and die by my methods but I promise everyone at Everton that this club will be in a much stronger position in three seasons time, regardless of my personal circumstance!"

Finally Rollings reserved special praise for his friend Adam Goble - currently gearing his Barcelona side up for their title deciding clash against an impressive Real Valladolid side.

"The quality of managers in Spain is phenomenal. Simon at Valladolid has done a fantastic job and offers hope to all managers looking to break into the big boys and challenge for titles. Adam on the other hand has shown tremendous leadership to get Barcelona where they are. People have short term memories and they have been nowhere near to breaking the Seville/Real Madrid monopoly on that league until Adam arrived. Adam has gotten his side to within one win of a La Liga title and for his position to even be debated about is incredulous. For me the best scenario would be Barcelona taking the title and Real Valladolid taking third but sadly that looks like it can't happen."

Rhino · Cult Status

Hanton Press Interview

Just before the final game in la Liga Real Madrid manager Chris Hanton took the time to talk to a packed press room.

Press - Well Mr Hanton how have your plans gone this week with some key players missing out this week.

Ch " We have had a great week training the spirit within the group is fantastic and we cant wait to get on the pitch in what should be a great game of football"

Press - What do you have to say about Simons comments about what sort of team Real Valladolid put out

Ch - " Its his team he can do whatever he wants with it, i would hope he would want to try and win the game and i cant see any reason why with one game left why he would rest players"

Press - Any news on next season in regards to your future or players

Ch - " None

Cult Status

Cadiz manager plans holiday

"People will be flying to Spain for their holiday this summer. I will be flying away from it. Cadiz have treated me well but this is my final match in charge. The teams form has improved big time since I got here and the signing of vet. Donovan is a big part of that. I have trimmed the squad and raised money to help with their cash flow problems. I think our time together has been a success for Cadiz even if it cannot compare to winning leagues and cups. Where will I go? I have not had contact from any clubs yet but I know I will be gone after this weeks match. I look forward to taking on a new challenge next season and having a whole season to plan changes not just a couple of months." When asked how he thought the top league would finish this season he said nobody in Cadiz cared and a fight to see who finished third was more proof Real Madrid and Barcelona are the only two big clubs in Spain.

-- Edited by 10 on Friday 2nd of April 2010 02:23:45 PM

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings urges Walker to join him in England

Upon hearing rival manager Jamie Walker was set to leave his post at Cadiz, newly appointed Everton boss Mark Rollings urged clubs in England to move quickly to snap up the high profile boss. Rollings and Walker enjoyed a fierce rivalry when both were at Coventry and Watford respectively as both enjoyed successive promotions.

Although their rivalry often overspilled in public Rollings has since revealed to the football world that he felt it was a massive part in his success in England and his words were often born out of "respect" rather than contempt. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Rollings stated:

"Jamie and I had a very public rivalry in England, but I enjoyed the challenge. Clubs throughout Europe will be tracking his situation but his success at Watford shouldn't be ignored. I would relish the chance of pitting my wits against Jamie again, and urge English clubs to act quickly before he is lost to Spain or Italy."

Liam · Cult Status

Sevilla FC Television grabbed a quick interview with new manager Liam Riste before the eagerly anticipated final game of the season.

SFCTV: You have had less than a week to get adapted to life in Spain and to your new Sevilla team, how well has this week gone for you?

LR: I still have to slap myself every morning as a reality check. This is an opportunity I have only dreamt about. As for adapting to Spain, you can't be serious? This is like a permanent holiday, so I have adapted easily to that of course! As for the team, I have watched each player closely in training and selected my chosen eleven. The team seem happy with my new management techniques and are gelling really well to my tactics which is always a positive.

SFCTV: There has been predictions and views by other managers that you will lose out on third to Real Valladolid. Simon Jenkins even stated that you will underestimate Espanyol and may even lose this game. What do you have to say in return?

LR: That is all predictions and personal views, nobody is right all the time. We will have to wait and see over the weekend who's predictions work out won't we?!

As for underestimating Espanyol, I am fully aware that they have a good team, they are sitting in sixth without a manager which shows strength already. I have selected my first starting eleven, I couldn't select any more due to FA rules unfortunately so obviously players who didn't make it shouldn't be too downhearted about that. A loss is not on the cards and I intend on landing in Spain which a bigger bang than the plane hitting the run-way, and am looking to impress the fans. It is a big game for me, so I will be going all out to win!

SFCTV: Other managers have been making predictions, what is yours?

LR: I will predict that the team making third place will be Arsenal. As my mate, Jamie Best has brought the 'best' out of his team in the run-in and with their current form taken into account, can't see Liverpool stopping him...

SFCTV: Oh right, ok... Well what do you predict for La Liga?

LR: I didn't see that coming! Well I again want my friend Ashley Harris to stay up, but he has a tough game against Valencia which he most certainly needs to win as Celta Vigo go to a now unmanaged, relegated in last place, Bilbao team!

Ok, Ok... As for the top of the table, I believe that it will remain the same. I think Barcelona will win, which will give Adam's Barcelona the title; Real Madrid have defensive issues this week so I think they will struggle and ultimately, won't catch Barcelona regardless of their result; and as for my game, I obviously want and cannot see why my team should fail to produce a performance and result to mark my arrival in style! Simple!

SFCTV: Well it's nice to hear that you've settled in well and I'm sure everyone will be behind you in your bid for European football next season. Good Luck and thank you.

LR: No problem, cheers!