Week 1

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 1

Football Academy · Cult Status

Agent meets Genoa

Genoa have faded into the Fabregas battle claiming the Spaniard's agent has flown out to Italy to discuss a transfer to the wealthy Serie A club. The Arsenal midfielders future has been thrown into doubt by the revelation that Arsenal have entered administration and need to raise over £70 million and as one of the key assets he could be first out the door. Reports suggest Real Madrid are close to signing him, however Genoa will be keen to back their new manager, the ex-Arsenal boss, with funds and it would be unsurprising if Jamie Best didn't consider approaching one of the key players of his old club to try to bring him with him to Italy.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings plans Everton legacy; but asks for Kenwright patience

Everton boss Mark Rollings has warned that his new "Everton project" may take time on the eve of his first full season at the help at Goodison Park. Everton are widely considered as being "too big" for their lowly league one status and fans saw the appointment of proven manager Rollings as a signal of their boards intent to push back towards Premier League football - fast. However, having experienced success in the English league system at Coventry the welsh boss warned Everton fans that patience may be required.

"Although I experience great success at Coventry I also learnt valuable lessons. Similarly I learnt the value of producing a sustainable squad at Bilbao and I will be looking to blend the two approaches. Given the fact that, in my opinion, we are in one of the weakest league one's for some time I am determined to use this league to groom younger players who will develop into important assets for this football club. Obviously this may mean that we won't blitz the league but I really believe that it is the best policy for the long term success of the football club."

Rollings is know to be working busily to radically change the make-up of his squad, and has admitted he expects dramatic movement in-and-out. Rollings addressed his policy to gathered journalists, in a statement which will arouse attention from both sides of his new city.

"We have agreed a deal with our rivals across the city (Liverpool) which will see us take both Damien Plessis and Daniel Pacheco. We see them as bright stars for the future and they will partner up in our central midfield this season. We had to sacrifice Rafael Moura for the privilege but we have young stars Fernandao and Cristiano ready to deputise in his absence. They have a new manager also in Mark Galeozzi and we thank both him and the football club for smooth negotiations. I will be bringing in many more fresh faces over the next few weeks but our focus is young talent for the future.".

With that Rollings bid farewell - heading for Liverpool airport and a flight to Spain where it is expected he will meet with current Barcelona manager Adam Goble in an attempt to secure valuable loan signatures from the catalan giants.

Fletch · Cult Status

Napoli

Napoli manager Andy Fletcher starts his first season in charge at Napoli with a rapidly developing squad and targets in mind.

"We finished well last season, I joined around halfway through after being appointed by Stuart Price. We had a small blip around mid way through the second half of the season but recovered well, I think the players are starting to adapt to my approach to games. I thought early on we might be in with an outside shout at a play off place but it was too early for us, the club started badly and there was a lot of ground to make up."

"We havent signed anyone yet this season but that doesnt mean we wont if the right player comes along, Stuart is happy to support anyone we might want to fit into the squad but certainly the infrastructure of the club and its development is taking precedent, I fully support this, we sold out every week last year in a 15,000 seater stadium, its not too far away from the big boys so we will work on ground development and create club revenue."

"The academy and the work of Jimmy Lumsden have again produced two great young talents in RB Carlo Fiore and Central Midfielder Mariano Arini, these players are part of our future plans at the club."

-- Edited by Fletch on Monday 19th of April 2010 01:07:17 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Genoa announce press conference

Genoa's multi-billion valued owner has called the Italian press to meet the new manager Jamie Best after his first game in change. He stated Best would lead the interview but revealed Best would also be unveiling his first couple of signings in the new era. "We have a winger and a central midfielder both joining from the Premiership this week. These are exciting times for us." He refused to speculate on the link between Best and Fabregas, stating that there was "obvious interest in any player of his ability".

Stu · Cult Status

Napoli
Napoli can have impact

How do you view your first season as chairman?
"It took time to get things in place. Money was tight after buying Napoli but I was lucky enough to find a manager who would come on board and help build something here and he was the first important piece in the puzzle. Andy agreed we needed the staff in place first so the rest of the money went on finding his perfect assistant manager in our budget. Andy and Jimmy are a strong unit and I totally trust them with my club"

Was it a disappointment to not be in the playoffs?
"It was too early for us to go up. That wasnt the target I gave Andy when he joined and we wanted to train a group of young players not try to get ahead of ourselves. It would have been nice to be in the playoffs for the excitement but if we got there anything can happen and promotion would have damaged the long term goals so it could be a blessing"

What are the plans for this season?
"The target is to reach the playoffs this season. Money has been spent on increasing the stadium to a twenty thousand seated stadium. The fans have been brilliant and really taken to Andy and his team so I hope they continue to attend the matches in high numbers because they are our twelfth man again this season. There is money to be spent on the team we still need a few young players in some defensive positions but if Andy has money left over he might spend it on the club shop or another stadium increase later in the season. I will be looking forward to the matches against Reggina Udinese and Ascoli this season because I think all three of them will be fighting at the top of the table. Atalanta are a big team in that league but I think Andy and his players can cause them some big problems"

Can Andy hold on to star striker Lavezzi?
"Lavezzi is every thing this team wants to be. He is young with potential and I am sure Andy can get the best out of him. Andy has told me big teams have been chasing him but I hope with my backing he doesnt feel he needs to sell our star players to build his team"

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Parma hoping for better this season

Jonny what are the plans for this season?

Well our target is to finish in the top 8 so relatively safe from relegation and this sounds like a reasonable target to achieve and I hope we can do this but surprise a few teams on the way as well because some will underestimate us I feel. We're also delighted to annouce to Parma fans that the stadium capacity should be increased by 3000 more seats to accompany all the sell out crowds we had last season their support has been terrific and I can't thank them enough for this.

What are your transfer plans for this season?

I think it's safe to say we need a couple of strikers in we are short of quality in this area adn it showed last season we have a young stirker coming in from Tottenham this week and hopefully he'll be able to bang the goals in. I also think we a quality attacking midfielder and maybe a quality experienced defender as well whether we can afford them all is another matter we have to sell but I'm hoping not too much I want to keep the core of our young side together. Gorka Elustondo will also be going on loan for the season to Atalanta Terry is a very good manager and has a good side and hopefully Gorka can help him out Gorka is definately still part of my plans but with Denilson, Jeremy Toulalan and our new youth product Mcdonald Mariga who does look like a world class player in my opinion it's difficult for all my defensive centre mid's to play so Gorka will go out on loan get a good amount of games under his belt which is what he neeeds to keep improving.

Do you think It'll be far more difficult this season in terms of picking up points?

Yes It's always difficult though for every team the teams that have come up Palermo and Roma know what Seria A is like they have good quality players Chievo have also been in Serie A before and could easily surprise one or two people as Raymond has built up a very good team there. We'll have to try and get poits of all the new promoted teams that's a given what we also need to do this season in beat teams like Sampdoria's, Lazio's and Messina's because they have quality in their teams but i don't see any reason why we can't get points out of them if play at our best level and get our tactics right for each and every game I'm hoping it'll be a really competitive league this season and we can spring up a few surprises aginst the top teams as well.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans looking for positive start

New Lazio manager Steve Davies-Evans is looking forward to the new season and confirms that his side need to "hit the ground running" in Serie A this season.

Steve, this is your first game in what alot of people describe as the best and the hardest league in the world of FA, Are you looking forward to getting stuck into league action?

SDE - Yeah of course, if you can't get excited about managing a side like Lazio then you shouldn't be in football.

You start at home, how important is it to gain a positive result in your first league game?

SDE - I think it's very important. This is a very tough league with some excellent players and even better managers so it could turn out to be a long old season if we don't approach this season in the right manor.

You will start as favourites but how do you seem the game going?

SDE - Messina are a good team and we won't be under-estimating them at all as they have more than enough players to hurt us if we're not careful. I want my players to be focused and ready fr a tough game.

Steve, many areas of the media have suggested that you may have to let your star player Leroy Lita go in order to strengthen the team. Is this a fair assessment?

SDE - This squad, although good, does need work and with a limited transfer kitty, I think it's fair to say that we have to raise our own cash. I think it's pretty obvious that Leroy has created the most enquiries and there are many good offers on the table. We may be close to finalising a deal that will see Leroy depart the team but if he does, then it will only to make the team stronger as a whole. We clearly need to bring the age of this team down and that will be my priority this season.

Does that mean that the Lazio fans may see some new players arriving at the Stadio Olympico?

SDE - I think that's fair to say and they should look forward to an influx over the next few weeks.

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Tuesday 20th of April 2010 12:10:57 PM

Luke_C · Cult Status

Coakley announces Fulham Purchase

AC Milan manager Luke Coakley today announced he has agreed to purchase league one team Fulham exclusively to www.bbc.co.uk/sport

Luke your second attempt at purchasing Fulham and you have them, how pleasing is getting them at last?

Im delighted, I tried to buy them before but didnt quite have the funds in place, now I have agreed a fee with Adam Goble and the purchase should go through within days.Everything is in place and agreed with Adam (Goble) so I dont foresee any problems at all.

What are you plans for the club?

Well firstly I have to congratulate Adam and Dave who last season reduce the debt massively.The club still has a bank loan of 7.5m which will be paid off within the next week or so and then we start to run totally debt free and can full rebuild. One player will need to be sold to help ease the minor cash flow but we are confident everything will come into place.

Will you be bring in any players or will it be a case of just getting rid of that final debt of the bank loan?

The loan will be sorted and we have already agreed to the signing of Possebon from Manchester United, he was excellent while on loan he last season so we made his signature a priority.Danny will be joining from Milan for half season loand and we are working on other loans as we speak.We believe we will have a team capable of fight for the play/offs but we wont be putting pressure on the manager this season.

Has a manager been appointed?

We have had applications today and a manager has been offered the job but that will not come into effect until next week should he accepts.In the meantime I will be using my contacts to try and agree some deals to take the club forward.

Liam · Cult Status

Sevilla FC Television grabbed a Pre-Season interview with manager Liam Riste:

SFCTV: You managed to secure top 3 last year after Sevilla went most of the season under caretaker management. What are your plans for the forthcoming season?

LR: There are a lot of teams which have grown in strength over the last few season's and I think this season will see a very close top 5 in the table! La Liga is becoming increasingly harder but I am aiming for another top 3 finish, putting on a decent cup run and to make an impact in my maiden Euro Cup...

SFCTV: So how are you going to try and reach your aim?

LR: Well I have had no investment, which I believe is fair! The caretaker manager all but secured third, and I think the chairman wants to see if I am capable of taking the club into a new era. So I am looking to stamp my mark into Sevilla and build a team which I believe is capable of reaching my aim and maybe advancing further in the future!

SFCTV: How do you mean, 'stamp your mark'?

LR: Well I feel that the defence needs tightening and that some of the players need to be sold as they are the wrong side of 30 which their value is vital to the plumbing costs of a leaky defence, and may need to make way for players who will have the legs to go the distance in two cups and La Liga.

SFCTV: So we can expect to see new faces in the next few weeks?

LR: Well to see new faces, unfortunately you will have to say goodbye to a few as well due to the lack of money I have to work with. But I feel this is good as the players I am signing are young but very talented and will bring a fresh approach to our game! These next few weeks will be busy transfer-wise for us but is all part of my reshaping and rebuilding of a team which I can call my own...

SFCTV: So can you give us any names of faces we will be seeing in the next few weeks?

LR: I would rather wait until the pen is put to paper and everything is set in stone to be honest. As you already know, I am looking to fix our defence up so I will be looking towards more defensively minded payers of course... But that's your lot for that question!

SFCTV: Well thank you for your time and we will be looking forward to the next few weeks...

LR: Cheers, and so will I.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings pledges to unleash young guns, and attack league one

Everton boss Mark Rollings has vowed to unshackle his young side in a quest to light up League One this season. Press reports this week have suggested Rollings is close to adding young talent Fernando Tissone (Atalanta) and Antonino Barilla (Reggina) to his confirmed additions of Daniel Pacheco and Damien Plessis from city rivals Liverpool. All players are attack minded, under 22 and join the likes of Fernandao and Cristiano in a youthful and exciting squad.

Rollings confirmed that his purchases gave more than a hint as to the planned approach this season.

"We won't be left wondering this season that is for sure. From my experience with Coventry it is important to be bold in the English leagues and we will look to get our talented players on the ball and playing football in the opposition half. We will be creating chances, and scoring goals and then its up to teams to come up with ways to stop us. I still think I need to add one or two players to this squad and if I get who I want we will be extremely difficult to stop this season!"

Rumours in the press suggest Rollings is desperately trying to beat off stiff competition for Manchester City's Aaron Ramsey, who has been made available for loan by manager Stuart Price. Ramsey is one of a few Manchester City youngsters looking for a temporary home this season and Rollings is known to have declared an interest in others. Although tight lipped, Rollings gave more than a hint of his intentions.

"I took Nedum (Onouha) from Stuart last season at Bilbao, and he helped our squad no end. A lad of Aaron's talent would grace any team but there are a raft of youngsters at Manchester City who have a very bright future. We believe we will be playing football the right way and offer a perfect haven should any such talent become available."

-- Edited by Spartikus47 on Thursday 22nd of April 2010 11:03:55 AM

richj363 · Cult Status

NEW YEAR AT WHITE HART LANE

Spurs manager Richard Jefferies spoke to assembled media about his hopes for the new season.

"This is a huge year for me and for this football club, I have tried very hard over the years to bring attractive attacking football here but it seems hard to convince certain elements that I am the right man for the job" "I am very confident that we will improve again this year and a top 6 position is well within our sights, Berbatov is leaving us after this weeks game and we wish him all the best with his new club, I'm sure he will continue to do a fantastic job"

" Michael Dawson has been made Captain and you only have to look at some of the offers we have had to know how valued he is" Young Rafaello will be a better player for the experience he gained last year, I do not anticipate having to sell any more players and we will be pushing all the way for that European place.

If i fail this year then that will be it for me, no point me being somewhere I am not fully appreciated, I have given 2 1/2 years good service to this club and improved the squad every year.

Its now or never this year.

Fletch · Cult Status

Napoli Find Strength in Young Squad

This time last year the average age of the Napoli squad was around 28, in the space of one season the probable squad that will start the match away at Livorno will have an average age of 24.

This is set to get lower as manager Andy Fletcher and Chairman Stuart Price sweep the famous club through with a new broom.

Fletcher said

"The plan goes way beyond this season, this is a future legacy to be left with Napoli fans as we build a club that can emulate the Barcelona model of youth development and giving them the chance to prove their worth in the first team. This weekend we look forward to our first game against Livorno and those that have been good enough in training will start the game. The balance currently is fantastic with experience where we need it and youthfull exuberence in attacking areas. We aim to play stylish attacking football and we will develop our own players to be taught along the way."

"Ryan Taylor has been handed the Captains armband after a string of impressive performances after joining Napoli last season, Ryan brought us pace, and wonderful passing ability and his assist records speak for itself, his enthusiasm in the dressing room has proven infectious and we have a future legend as Captain."

-- Edited by Fletch on Thursday 22nd of April 2010 02:23:25 PM

JOP · Cult Status

Jop talks transfers

Reggina managers talks about the departures and arrivals at the club, the hurt of the playoff final and new season.

First of all back to the playoff final, are you still gutted or have you got over it? Do you blame Ribas for his penalty miss?

"Of course i'm still gutted, who wouldn't be? We matched them in all areas and missed out because of one penalty miss. I don't blame the boy Ribas, maybe I shouldn't have put him in that position, but on the plus side he will learn from this. We over achieved last year and we hope to go one step further and get automatic."

So who have you got leaving and coming in?

"Departing we have our youth player Barilla, who is leaving for Everton with Osman coming the other way. We have had a tremendous deal considering Barilla is yet to kick a ball for the first team. We're also releasing our 3rd choice keeper Paoletti, he was an outstanding back-up last season, but we now have Trev Carson back from loan so he is not needed. We will also be looking to loan out a few players over the season.

Coming in we have striker Koldro from A.Madrid this week, we all know what he is capable of, we have Osman as mentioned above. And we have centre back Visiers, which is much needed, from Real V."

Van der Vaart was in team of the season, has there been much interest in him?

"Yes, of course he is a brilliant player and the best the club has seen for years, saying that if it wasn't for the players around him he wouldn't have achieved so much last year."

How do you think you'll do this year?

"Well the team is stronger, wiser and very confident, so I think we can challenge for automatic"

Some good teams have come down, do you see them as a challenge?

"No"

We have heard you have a curry wager with DDE at Ascoli, is this true?

"Yes. Its pointless really, they were in Serie A but there is a reason they were relegated. I think they will be lucky to get a playoff spot. Get the order in Dave!"

-- Edited by jop1927 on Friday 23rd of April 2010 08:18:23 AM

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans targets Spicey league!

Ascoli manager Dave Davies-Evans took time out of his busy schedual to hold a press conference at the clubs training ground. A packed room of Italian local and national journalists were keen to hear Davies-Evans's reply to Jonathan Petty's taunts in the media today.

Dave, We've heared from Jonathan Petty's attempts at mind games this morning, what is your response?

I did have a chuckle at Jop's media release. It's always funny when a manager that has such a terrible playoff record as his start putting down a team like ours. You don't need me to remind you of Jops playoff record. Some would say that there's more bottle in the "Cobra beer" that he'll be buying at the Indian than in his ability to actually promote a team from a playoff final.

So would you say that his words are merely an attempt to play down his own team?

Yeah I think that's fair to say. It's interesting to hear Jop bang on about how he's going to get Reggina promoted considering that he's never actually managed to hold his nerve and get a team over the line despite many strong positions. Some could say the same about me but then I'm not making bold claims AGAIN. It's going to be a tough league and there's other teams in this league other than Reggina and Ascoli.

Given Pettys prediction that you will struggle to hold onto a playoff place, would you consider you're team better than his?

Well I think both teams are good. We have the obvious benefit of having played Serie A football last season which will help my players. Reggina have falied time and time again at getting out of this league and that must be playing on their fans so I'm sure that they are delighted to read that Jop is targeting automatic promotion. Lets hope for his sake that he can deliver it as many a strong promise has been made from that manager only for fans of Sunderland and Reggina to be left dissapointed.

Dave, Are you looking to bring in any fresh faces over the next week or so?

I think we're fortunate that we're in a healthy position squad wise. Like any club though, you have to look to the future and try and freshen things up abit. We have targeted a few players that will join us over the next few weeks and I'm confident that they can make us a better unit. We have some bonus point players coming in that will sit alongside our other quality players and it may be this that makes the difference later in the season.

Dave, on a lighter note, we know that you and Jonathan Petty have struck up a bet for this season, who do you see paying for the curry come the end of the season?

Well, it's going to be nip or tuck but I'm a big lad and I like my curry so if we manage to nick it this season, Jop better have his cheque book out as I intend on making the bill that night bigger than his valuation of Rafeal Van der Vaart!

Cult Status

Walker quits Cadiz

Manager Jamie Walker has quit Cadiz hours before they play Deportivo. All he told a reporter was "I did a job for them my time is over." There is a story spreading that he went to the chairmans office not the training ground today and had a bust up with the chairman and was seen speeding away from the car park with the players waiting on the coach to go to the stadium. No team has made an offer for him in public yet so he could end up in any division now. One Spanish newspaper has reported that Jamie is wanted by England to bring back some fire to the stoic ways of Mr Capello.

Tezza · Cult Status

Atalanta

Atalantas manager, Terry Manifold was all smiles this evening after a tremendous away win at Ascoli. I thought we stood a chance but we played really well today and the lads deserve a win. The whole team pulled together and showed great spirit.

Ascoli in the first match looked a little daunting when the fixtures came out and I always viewed it as a 6 pointer.said Terry, Playing them in the first match was probably a good thing, they havent had time to settle in this Division.

Atalanta had taken an early lead through Williamson before an equaliser, just after the break, made it all square. Most of the chances had gone to Atalanta and the pundits hadn't given them much of a chance.

Adobatis late goal was terrific, said Terry He has really developed over the past twelve months and richly deserves that one. That will do his confidence a lot of good.

We have waited for this season to get underway and we could not have wished for a better start. said Terry We must build on this success and move up another gear.

Ashley-ccfc16' · Cult Status

Sky sports news grab a quick word with new Charlton manager Ashley Davies !

' We played a great game today but silly errors like not holding the ball for long enough paid in the end, Sometimes you have games like this against a really good oposition where quality was proved to be the best. Danny Webber up front had a fantastic game today, being the only striker at the club at this moment he will be a key figure! Not taking anything away from Everton they are a good side but looks like the same old story for me ! '

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies can learn from Gardners lead!

Lazio manager Steve Davies-Evans has told Ashley Davies to enjoy his time
in League 1 and learn from his chairman. Davies-Evans who has vast experience in League 1 himself is convinced that the Davies/Gardner set up could prove fruitful for Charlton this season. Speaking before his own sides game against Messina, Davies-Evans spoke of his admiration for his friend Gardner.

"I read Ashleys notes in the press and I think he needs to take it on the chin for now. Charlton have got a very good set up this season and it would t surprise me if Ashley and Gareth steer Charlton to good times this season. Gareth knows what he's doing in that division and that can only benefit the manager. I imagine that he will pass on knowledge and players to help Ashley out. Everton are a very good team with an equally good manager so a loss to them is no disgrace. Ashley should enjoy this season as I feel it may be his best in management."

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Saturday 24th of April 2010 01:26:16 PM

mg1 · Cult Status

New Liverpool manager speaks to the Liverpool Echo shortly after his teams heavy loss to European Champions Man City

"You have had a difficult start to your reign at the club with a 6-1 loss to Man City. How do you feel about such a heavy loss in you first game at Anfield?"

"Well any loss for a club with the proud history and tradition of Liverpool is far from satisfactory, but to lose 6-1 is just simply not acceptable. I have made my feelings clear and the players know that such performances will not be tolerated"

"You played a strange formation starting the game with only two defenders?"

"I had very little choice in that, the club currently only have three defenders on the books with two of them being youngsters that should not be really getting first team football at a top flight club so soon in their careers but that should take nothing away from Man City who looked very impressive today especially in light if the fact that they rested a number of their first choice players for the game"

"Today's result clearly showed a gulf in class between the two clubs, in light of this how do you think this season will go for you and what are your thoughts on the team you have inherited"

"It is clearly going to be a transitional period for the club and we are going to need to bring some players in to bolster the squad but our fans have the right to expect us to be competitive at the very least and I would like to see us qualify for a European Cup competition. I do have concerns about certain areas of our team at the moment, we are clearly lacking in defence and could also do with a bit more fire power up front."

"This week has seen Ronald Koeman come into the club as assistant manager to replace Carlos Queiroz who left to join Steve Esdale at Valencia. There are rumors that Ronald was appointed without your knowledge, can you confirm whether that was the case.

"It is true that Ronald was appointed by the board but with Carlos leaving a replacement was needed. I am always open to new ideas and Ronald has a vast wealth of experience for me to draw on. In the short time he has been at the club it is clear that he has some very good ideas and I look forward to working with him "

"You have made it very clear that you feel that certain areas of the squad are currently not good enough, and you have always been a very active manager in the transfer market so what changes can we expect to see "

"Well I have a number ideas of how we can improve the team. We have some surplus funds from last years transfer kitty that the board will allow me to use towards stengthening the squad. Nothing has been signed yet but I hope to able to announce the arrival of good young CB this week as well as a world class RM. I also am in talks regarding a few more players and hopefully I will be able to welcome some new players to club in the coming weeks. Unfortunately in order to raise further funds I will also be looking to move a couple players on "

"You mention that certain players will be moving on, there have been a number of reports regarding Steven Gerrard. It is alleged that he has been having an affair, is expecting a baby with his lover and is looking to move to Spain to start a new life".

"I am aware of the reports that have surfaced in the papers recently and will be making no further comment on the these allegations.

However I can confirm that todays game is going to be his last in a Liverpool shirt. I would like to stress that Steven is leaving for footballing reasons and would like to experience a different league and culture before he retires.

I would like to thank him on behalf of the club, the board and all the fans. He has been a tremendous servant of the club and it is going to be a big blow to lose him but Steven feels that the time is right for him to move on and we wish him all the best. We have accepted bids from a couple of clubs and will make a further announcement shortly.

"Do you think it will be hard to replace your Captain"

As an individual Steven quite simply cannot be replaced, however it will be up to us as a team to show the same commitment, desire and drive that Steven showed during his time here. Javier Mascherano will be taking over the armband for our game against Blackburn and for the rest of the season.

"Thank you for time"

"Thanks"

-- Edited by mg1 on Saturday 24th of April 2010 04:50:39 PM

-- Edited by mg1 on Saturday 24th of April 2010 04:52:11 PM

-- Edited by mg1 on Saturday 24th of April 2010 06:58:09 PM

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings reassures Davies and Charlton

Everton boss Mark Rollings began his first full league campaign with the club with a hard earned 1-0 victory over unfancied Charlton. The match was a dogged affair, with Everton finding it difficult to break down the rigid 4-5-1 system employed by new Charlton boss Ashley Davies. Despite not causing the upset they would have been hoping for Rollings was more than impressed with what he saw from his league one counterparts.

"We didn't expect them to be so well organised in truth. They made things very difficult for us and at this stage I don't think we have the quality in midfield to pick apart teams. Fair play, Ashley obviously sensed that may be the case and nearly got his rewards. I would encourage him to be bolder in certain games, as you need to be brave in this league, but tactically he impressed me today. I genuinely wish Charlton and Ashley all the best this season."

Rollings also confirmed that he had finalised yet more deals this week, along with some high profile loan signings to help his side along.

"We are delighted that we will be welcoming Vladimir Weiss, Alejandro Torres Roman, and Aaron Ramsey on loan over the coming weeks from Manchester City. Aaron will give us some much needed creativity in the middle of the park and represents a crucial part of the jigsaw. We have also confirmed a deal for determined Spanish midfielder Gorka Larrea (Almeria), who obviously offers quite the opposite of Aaron and will be utilised when we feel we need a bit more stability in midfield. I still want a left back, and we are hoping to conclude a deal within the next few days. Everton will be a force this season, and will be playing exciting, attacking football!"

mg1 · Cult Status

Robinho set to join Liverpool

Further to the earlier announcement that Steven Gerrard is set to leave Liverpool there have been reports from Spain that Galactico forward Robinho is to be given Gerrard's No 8 shirt and sign for the Reds on 3 yr deal. It is rumoured that the Samba star is due to arrive at Anfield tomorrow to put pen to paper. There has been no confirmation as yet from either Liverpool or Real Madrid who have both declined to make any comment.

A spokesman from the Liverpool Supporters Trust said that if the news was true then the signing would be a huge boost to the fans who are still reeling from the earlier announcement the club captain Gerrard would soon be leaving the club.

Liam · Cult Status

A post-match interview was given by Liam Riste following his 4-2 win against Valencia to Sevilla FC Television:

SFCTV: A 4-2 win against Valencia, a nice way to start the new campaign?
LR: Of course it is. Valencia are a good team and under new management, which made this game that little bit harder. There are many positives we can take from this game and we will be looking to build on this.

SFCTV: So what positives will you be taking away and building on?
LR: Well we banged in four goals which is the most obvious positive. We created alot of chances and played well as a team. We have Klose coming back from injury and have players coming in to the team in the coming weeks. We do need to sort out a few issue's however which will ultimately make us stronger!

SFCTV: By issue's, are you referring to your defence again?
LR: Yes! We seem to be conceeding far too many goals for my liking. Valencia have four shots on target and two fly in... I have made plans to sort the defence out but this will happen after our next game which is a concern for me. But I see things getting better from then onwards. And with six offside's, I feel I may need to run over the rule with a few players.

SFCTV: Again you have made a few transfers, and this week has seen two defensive players leave! If you are looking to strengthen your defence, surely weakening them for next weeks' games isn't the way to go about it?
LR: No, your right. As you are aware, I have sold our only left full-back in Crespo and our young central defender in Biondi. But hang in there as it will all become clear in the next few weeks...

SFCTV: Rumours are circling that you have made a large sum purchase to replace one of the defensive players you have let go, how true is this and can you expand any further?
LR: We have had a big deal agreed and expect the player involved to sign for Sevilla after the next game! I am eagerly anticipating his arrival and I have no doubt that he will be worth every penny. I will leave you to ponder! Although I will be very active for the next three weeks minimum, working on transfers...

Thank you and goodbye for now.

SFCTV: Ok! thanks once again.

Fletch · Cult Status

Fletcher Reflects on Missed Opportunity

Napoli manager Andy Fletcher was in reflective mood Saturday evening after his side failed to take all 3 points at Livorno in the opening game of the new season.

" It shows that we need that elusive Centre Back, Ive been looking for the perfect player but so far not managed to agree a deal for this position with any clubs. I thought Livorno were well organised and if you look at the stats we were evenly matched throughout, however we created more chances away from home and Lavezzi managed to earn us a point."

"We need to work harder though and i'm sure it will come together, although we are looking to play an attacking style of football we musnt forget the basics and clean sheets are priceless at any level."

Kiezen · Top Flight Player

New Celta Vigo manager Dan Merrick-Reed has been questioned by media following his first game in charge at the club.

Q: 9-2 defeat against an unmanaged Espanyol team, not the ideal start was it?
A: Let's be honest, 9-2 is not good at any time! In my defence, I was given a team what weren't at full strength and had defensive issues that I'm working on.

Q: So what was the problem with your defence and how are you looking to sort this out?
A: Well I was left with one right back and without a left back, I have three centre backs of which one was out injured so right now my defence couldn't even hold out against a ladies team! We have signed a strong left back from Sevilla in Crespo and hope that he can bring some strength to our defence.

Q: Celta Vigo stayed in La Liga last season, what is your goal for the season?
A: Firstly, never to lose 9-2 again!!! Obviously we have no plans on going down and I am currently in negotiations with other managers to strengthen my team in the hope that we can stay up again this season.

Well welcome to Spain and La Liga, good luck and thank you for your time.

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Sinclair furious with woeful Parma display

Jonny Sinclair spoke to the Italian media about his side's 2-0 defeat away at Palermo and was clearly not happy with his side 'It was rubbish they have been just been promoted and they were better than us all over the park at least we defended reasonably well but eventually their pressure was about to tell, 2-0 was a flattering for us because it could have 3 or 4 goals. We were so just poor all game we couldn't pass we didn't have a single shot all game, we were so ineffective we looked like a team who had never ever played football before the players were told this performance was not acceptable and maybe we're not good enough at the moment which worries me as I don't want to be in another relegation battle so maybe I'll need to sell a few players so I can perhaps bring in some quality experienced players.

After being asked about transfer dealing Sinclair admitted he was struggling

'Transfer dealings have been a struggle I've contacted a lot of managers but either I have no word back, they're don't want to sell or loan or they've sold or loaned them to someone else its incredibly frustrating but we just have to get on with it recent seasons it does seem to be getting more and more difficult to get players who you're interested in I really need a quality striker and an attacking midfielder so badly but hopefully I#ll have a bit more luck in the next couple of weeks'