Jonnie Adams: My Future At Sheffield Is Uncertain

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 2

Football Academy · Cult Status

Parma fans distraught at season start

The up and down career of Jonny Sinclair took another twist in the first week of the season as his team slumped to newly promoted Palermo. Many expected Palermo to be one of the whipping boys this season in Serie A but the promotion of Roma, along with the way in which Palermo ran away with the Serie B title last season, could bring bad news for last seasons mid table teams such as Parma. Palermo dominated and looked clinical in front of goal, unlike a lacklustre looking Parma. Fans will be wanting new signings and quickly to avoid letting the season continue in such a disappointing way.

Ash · Cult Status

Spanish TV Caught up with Real Zaragoza manager Ashley Harris after the opening weekend of the new season.

stv: Ashley, a dissapointing start with only a 0-0 draw after your sides relegation last season. Your Reaction?

AH: Well we are dissapointed with the result but on the other hand i think in Villarreal we probably played our main rivals for promotion, so to keep Villarreal from even having a shot was a good showing from my defence, its just our attack that needs to improve! I was annoyed that we wern't able to put away at least 1 of the chances we created but that's how football goes somethimes, you need that bit of luck and we didnt get it.

stv: So then do you have any plans to improve your attack?

AH: Ah, well im pleased to say that we have secured the loan signing of Victor Moses from my good friend Liam at Sevilla. He's a strong player who will add a different dynamic to our fromt line and im sure he will bang in plenty of goals at Segunda level to ensure that we secure an immediate promotion back to the top flight. I believe the signing will benefit both us and hopefully help Victor improve aswell.

stv: Are there any other new signings in the pipeline then?

AH: Well we will see on that one. I have a bit of money to spend but am currently exploring all avenues available. i think with the signing of Moses the side is good enough to challenge strongly in the segunda but we shall see!

stv: So what are your overall targets for the season?

AH: Well as i have mentioned the only acceptable outcome to me and the board is promotion and hopefully we can also secure the Segunda title, anything less than promotion would be considered a massive failure.

stv: Ashley thank you for your time.

AH; No problem

GarethGardner · Cult Status

Gardner calls Press Conference :

Inter Milan boss Gareth Gardner pleased with new faces.

" Id officially like to anounce to the fans my signings for the new season. Last season I made the team a lot younger, possibly to young. This year im looking at mixing the team up a little with youth and experiance to get us that 1 step higher in the league and push for a European place.
1 st this week we proudly welcome Leroy Lita from rivals Lazio in Serie A. I was looking for a goalscorer so we can finish off teams this season. Leroy had a fine season scoring 17 goals in 21 games with 7 assists to his name. The ex-Chelsea player seems to love this league and hopefully he will be a great signing for the club.
Looking at next week we bring another superstar to the club. People will remember him playing for arch rivals AC Milan but last season he shone in a quality Real Madrid side. I think he will fit into the side perfectly and will hopefully give Leroy the chances he will bury. Im proud to anounce that this week Ronaldinho will officially become an Inter Milan player.
Im hoping the fans really get behind the side this year and we all have a fine season together "

Football Academy · Cult Status

Rumour Mill

Michael Dawson is set to complete his £15 million move from Spurs to Genoa to become the rock at the heart of Best's new defence.

An angry war of words has begun between Steve Jenkins of Juventus in the local Italian press, and Paul Harrington manager of Atletico Madrid.

Gareth Bale is set to sign for Sevilla in a £20 million deal.

Fulham are weeks away from clearing their crippling bank debts thanks to new owner Luke Coakley.

Genoa also want Watford striker Eto'o for £16 million.

New Genoa assistant manager Pat Rice has criticised Arsenal's failure to produce youth products under both Best and Newcombe.

New Arsenal owner Simon Jenkins is tracking Ray Farnell and Jamie Walker to fill the vacant managers position.

Simon Newcombe could be called upon for a shock return to Arsenal a few seasons after being sacked, with good links to their new chairman.

Blackburn striker Jay Bothroyd is set to snub one Davies-Evans in favour of another when he completes his move to Ascoli.

Palermo goal machine Michael Chopra has refused to rule out a move back to England.

New Liverpool star Robinho is unhappy with the training facilities since leaving Real Madrid.

Roma striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes the giants will struggle unless quality replaces youth in their midfield.

Chelsea have sent scouts to Siena's next game to track young winger Zito.

Atletico Madrid youngster Kike has been refused a loan move to Leicester at the eleventh hour leading to criticism from Leicester chairman and Juventus manager Steve Jenkins.

Reggina are leading the race to sign goal machine Giovanni dos Santos from Serie A club Juventus.

Tony Wood is "one bad game" away from being sacked at newly relegated Middlesbrough.

Striker Chevanton has denied reports of a return to Spain insisting he's happy to see out his days at Norwich.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans quits Lazio!!!

SS Lazio are tonight searching for a new manager after Welshman Steve Davies-Evans handed in his resignation with immediate affect. Davies-Evans who has only been in charge at the Stadio Olympico for 3 weeks has stated "personal reasons" for his early departure. Davies-Evans who has a young daughter in Britain has struggled to be away from his little girl and is believed to be looking for a move back to England to be nearer her with Nottm Forest, Coventry and Watford amoung the teams tracking his services already. The journey-man's girlfriend is thought to be disappointed at the move away from Italy and she has been enjoying the Rome fashion scene. It is yet to be confirmed whether she was on the flight with Davies-Evans as it left Rome airport.

Davies-Evans will be returning to England this evening where he will evaluate his future before making any choices as to his next managerial post.

More to follow...............

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Wednesday 28th of April 2010 07:59:06 PM

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

Gazzepa News.

GN. Dave, your brother is on the move again have you any views on this matter?

DDE. My Brother has been in contact with me today, he has stated that he is home sick and wants to return to England. I was very suprised when he got offerd such a good side as Lazio. I feel his heart has not been in of late.

GN. So what now for your brother then Dave?

DDE. That is up to him, he is a good manager and many english teams will want his services. I think given the right challange and chairman his heart will grow back into the game, otherwise i feel he will quit this game all together.

GN. Do you ever think he will settle into a club Dave.

DDE. After talking to him today he is very excited about his future and was very positive about the future, so yes i think with the right club, where he has to start from scratch with no pressure will suit him.

GN. What about your start then Dave?

DDE. We have been handed a very tough start in this leauge and although we lost last week, One swallow does not make a summer and we are building for the future.

GN. Any tranfers coming in and out Dave?

DDE. We are pleased to announce that Jay Bothroyd will be joining us this week, he has a cool head and has always scored goals where ever he has played. Also our youngster Jose Ramon will be leaving for Charlton this week and under the Guidance of an experienced Chairmen and Good young manager they can bring the best out of him.

GN. Many Thanks Dave.

DDE. Cheers all

-- Edited by bigwave1927 on Wednesday 28th of April 2010 08:17:09 PM

Liam · Cult Status

Sevilla FC Television spoke briefly to manager Liam Riste earlier with regards to the rumours flying around Europe about Gareth Bale joining the club:

SFCTV: You stated in your last interview that you have replacement defensive players joining you in the next few week; Rumours have been circulating throughout Europe that Gareth Bale is set to sign in a multi-million pound deal, can you bring some light on these rumours?

LR: I am delighted to be able to confirm that Gareth Bale will be on a plane headed for Spain straight after this weekends' games to put pen-to-paper in a deal worth £20m. I am eagerly anticipating Gareth's arrival and as my most expensive signing in my managerial career; I fully believe Gareth will add a defensive presence that will be greatly felt as well as an attacking edge that will bulster our already deadly front-line! Gareth and I have been in contact alot and he seems very keen to meet up with the squad and put on a Sevilla shirt for his debut, and he is as eager as I am to be unveilled to the fans!
This could be the start of something special and I am looking forward to a brighter looking future. The transfers will still be rolling in so keep your eyes and ears open for more to come!

richj363 · Cult Status

Spurs Manager Richard Jefferies has issued the following statement after rumours circulated about his Captain Michael Dawson.

"Michael is not leaving this football club, he is the heart of our defence and our new club Captain, yes we have had many offers for him but he has to be here if we are going to be a top 6 club. I spoke to Michael at great length before the season began and he is fully committed to taking this club into europe this season"

"We have 2 top players coming in from Barcelona this week who i feel will give us the strength to push on, I just hope the fans get behind us and give us their full support as we are on the up"

paulh_85 · Cult Status

Harrington oblivous to "War of Words"

Mr. Harrington, there have been rumours around that yourself and the Juventus Manager have been in a "war of words" seemingly regarding a failed loan deal, can you clear this situation up?

I can indeed, Kike, our young RM was supposed to be going out on loan to Liecester this week, the deal was agreed at the back end of last season and all parties were happy with it. However its not now possible for that to happen, its unfortuante but its just one of those things.

So what happend then?

Well last week Rosicky was due to join us, on loan, from Arsenal. however, thanks to their mis-management that deal didnt happen, it would be rather stupid of me therefore, to send my only right winger to another club. Nobody saw this coming and nobody is more annoyed about it than i am, but the situation was out of my hands. I tried in vain to contact, first the Administrator, then the new potential investor at Arsenal to get the deal back on as i was still keen for kike to get some game time at leicester. However... it seems that if you upset one of the memebers of the "Royal House of Jenkins" you uspet them all.

ok.. so is there any transfer news you can give us at Atletico?

Ironically we are suppose to be loaning Gallardo to Arsenal this week, but again, i have heard nothing about that despite the manager/owner being readily available all week.We also have an offer out on the table for a player currently with an unmanaged club, but for reasons probably detailed above that is not going to happen any time soon. We cant move forward untill we hear from this unmanaged club, but im not holding my breath.

Steve · Cult Status

Jenkins oblivious to "War of Words"

Mr. Jenkins, there have been rumours around that yourself and the Madrid Manager have been in a "war of words" seemingly regarding a failed loan deal, can you clear this situation up?

I havent spoken to the Madrid manager Chris Hanton for some time!

No, not Chris Hanton, the Atletico Madrid manager Paul Harrington!

Oh sorry, I naturally thought you meant Real Madrid as they are the main football club in that city.

Mr. Harrington has been talking about a recent rumour...

Talking about a rumour as if its the truth? Let me see, what does it say in my pocket dictionary..Rumour - gossip or hearsay most commonly believed by gullible people. Well there you are - that seems to provide the answer?

Absolutely - that seems to be quite clear - he also made some comment about a "Royal House of Jenkins" implicating your son Simon - the Valladolid manager?

Simon and I get used to that kind of comment - it's part of the celebrity burden when you are a member of a footballing dynasty.

Thank you for your time Mr. Jenkins. Would you like to tell us anything about your clubs recent high profile signing?

No. Why dont you ask this Harrington person, perhaps hes heard some rumours about it and can turn them into a story to get himself back into the media.

At which point Mr. Jenkins roared off into the distance in his expensive Italian sports car.

-- Edited by Steve on Thursday 29th of April 2010 04:03:49 PM

Simon · Cult Status

Jenkins views the season ahead and clarifies certain pro-active distractions

"So Mr Jenkins, a good result this week?"

"Yeah, we rested a couple of players which was risky because Dale's got a decent squad there that could be hard to break down. But in the end our quality showed and I'm pleased with the result."

"Real Madrid next week, how do you see that going?"

"Well it's going to be a very good game, hopefully with a lot of goals! Chris and I have a good banter so it'll be a light hearted event, probably not the case in the second half of the season when the result of the table begins to show how it's all going to turn out and we've got more to play for!"

"You signed Micah Richards from Arsenal this week, what was the thinking between that?"

"I've been looking to improve the right side of my squad for some time and Richard's is pure quality. His speed is something that isn't covered in the current squad so hopefully he can bring a new dynamic to the squad."

"Care to clarify the 'war of words' between the Jenkins and Paul Harrington?"

"To be honest I don't see where I fit into this and for some reason Paul is blaming me when I actually have the least to do with it out of the three of us. Here's what I know: Paul asked in passing during another conversation to "let him know how the Arsenal thing goes", which I took the view that if he wanted to know what happened then he'd look himself, so the comment was dismissed from memory. We also had a loan agreed of a player about two months ago when I was originally planning to buy Southampton. When I knew I was going for Arsenal I got in touch with him and sorted it out that the player would now go to Arsenal. In the meantime, Paul got in touch with Steve at Juventus and promised to send ex-Valladolid right midfielder Kike to Leicester. A while later Paul backed out of the deal with Steve and accused me of not replying to his message because apparently "let me know how the Arsenal thing goes" is supposed to mean "Can I loan Rosicky from Arsenal when you buy them?"... Yeah I bet you didn't work that out either.

Anyway, Steve told me this (if he hadn't I'd have been oblivious to the accusations made against me) and I explained the situation and it turns out that Paul had booked the Kike loan for the same week that he was supposed to be loaning the player to Arsenal! Steve wasnt happy with this as it became obvious that Paul was the one to blame and his accusations carried no weight; in fact he was outright lying.

When Steve confronted Paul with his newfound knowledge of the situation, turned to the media to continue his lying, completely ignoring the fact that both of us knew he was talking nonsense. Paul also sent me another message asking if the loan to Arsenal was to happen this week, unknowing that I knew he'd double booked himself that week and obviously was coming back to me now his other deal had fallen through. And the result is that Leicester are no longer getting their player, Arsenal are no longer getting their player and Atletico Madrid look like fools."

"Ah, I see. Before we let you go, care to tell us who the new Arsenal manager is?"

"I'll give him the honour of telling you himself."

"Not a 'she' then?"

"Haha, no."

"Thank you for your time"

"No problem."

-- Edited by Simon on Thursday 29th of April 2010 07:16:50 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Plenty of negotiations fail. Well done for expressing it in media at least...

And after a deep breath, everyone went home for a glass of sparkling water. End of please.

Richard.

Steve · Cult Status

biggrin

-- Edited by Steve on Thursday 29th of April 2010 07:53:47 PM

-- Edited by Steve on Friday 30th of April 2010 05:16:55 AM

Adams · Top Flight Player

Jonnie Adams: My Future At Sheffield Is Uncertain

Blades manager spoke about his Yorkshire future...

Manager Jonnie Adams has been a surprise hit with the Yorkshire media and celebrated promotion from the tough league one a week ago.

"I have had a good start learning my way in league one then last season getting promotion. Will I still be the manager of Sheffield next month next season? In football you never know."

"I could stay two, three, four, or ten years. I do not know, it depends...it depends on many things."

Adams also responded to speculation that he wants a move to Spain in the future. "I would like to broaden my style of football some time," he concluded.

Since arriving in Sheffield, Adams has made an effort to bring through British talent sprinkled with young players from the continent and his strong belief in young players paid dividends last season to much surprise.

The Sheffield media has discussed one day Adams moving to Spain with some teams looking for managers there, but he is thought to be uncompromising on his team building policy of local young talent.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings sets strikers Leicester target

Everton boss Mark Rollings has laid the gauntlet down to his young strike force this weekend by asking them to fire his side to victory against Leicester City. Everton have one of the most talented front lines in the English Lower Leagues but the trio of Cristiano, Fernandao and Rafael Moura failed to hit the goals trail last season and manager Rollings has firmly stated that must change.

Moura is set for a switch to city rivals Liverpool, but with Manchester City ace Torres Roman set to sign on loan that may leave Cristiano and Fernandao fighting it out for a place in the side. Rollings is likely to look to loan out whoever he deems surpless to his requirements this season and sources close to the club have suggested both young strikers now face a shoot out to prove their immediate worth to Rollings.

In the pre-match press conference Rollings suggested it was time for his young strikers to start realizing their potential.

"All three show week-in, week-out in training that they could be top strikers. It really is time they turned that potential into goals and I have set both Cristiano and Fernandao a considerable goals target for the next three games. I will be looking for them to start immediately against Leicester City this weekend. In three weeks they will have Kuzmanovic and Ramsey supplying them with chance after chance so they both have an opportunity to show they are the ones who should benefit from that!"

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans hopes to keep Saints Marching!

Former Lazio boss Steve Davies-Evans has been confirmed as the new manager of south coast struuglers Southampton. The welshman left his job at the Stadio Olympico stating personal reasons for his exit. The former Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers manager will now team up with old friend and former feeder club manager Simon Newcombe. Davies-Evans was speaking on BBC Radio Solent to reporter Jeffrey Adams ahead of would could turn out to be an exciting time for Saints fans.

Press: Steve, How happy are you to be in this role?

SDE - Yeah delighted, it's been a strange couple of days but I'm delighted to be here and can't wait to get stuck into it all.

Press: Can you tell us why you left Lazio?

SDE - Well I've seen it documented that it was down to presonal reasons and that's not too far off the mark to be fair. Everyone knows I have a little girl and despite arranging with her mum to bring her out to Italy for prolonged periods of time, that didn't come true. Family comes before anything and when I knew that it was impossible to get her out to Italy, I had to make a big decision.

Press: You've been labled somewhat of a "Journey-man" given the number of clubs you've managed. What would you say to that?

SDE - I can see why I've got that tag. What I will say is that I've gained alot of experience at the clubs I've been at and that will hopefully be to Southamptons benefit.

Press: You're now working under you're good friend Simon Newcombe, how pleased are you that he came straight in for you after you left Lazio?

SDE - Well Simon's a good friend and knew the situation I was in. The timing was perfect as he'd just completed a deal to take control of Southampton and when I got back to England, he and his good lady invited me to stay with them. After a wonderful meal and even better wine, me and Simon discussed the possibility of me joining the club. Once he'd laid down his plans for the club and what he wanted to achieve, It was too good to turn down. This is a fantastic club and now I believe they have the sort of chairman they could have done with all along.

Press: It's been a whirlwind couple of days for you I expect, have you had any time to discuss transfers?

SDE - Yeah well Simon phoned me as I was in the Rome Airport and told me that he was picking me up. He'd already mentioned to me tat he would like me to join the Saints so immediately I started calling some contacts to see what I could put in place. Emails were flying back and for even whilst in mid flight. Me and Simon have worked tirelessly over the past couple of days to try and get some players in and I think we've managed to sort out deals that could make a real difference to the team.

Press: Any Names?

SDE - Come on guys, when have you heard me spill out deals until the players have signed their contracts? I'm affraid you will have to wait.

Press: League One looks a tough league this year given the sort of chairman that have taken over League One clubs. Do you think it's going to be tougher than ever?

SDE - Yeah I do. You only have to look at the fact that League One clubs have chairman with the caliber of Steve Jenkins, Luke Coakley, Gareth Gardner and of course, Simon Newcombe. They all have major experience and most within this league! They will want their teams to do well and we have already seen players join their League One clubs on loan. We hope to use our experience to do the same and hopefully get Southampton football club up towards the right end of the table again.

Press: Lastly Steve, Who do you think will win League One this season?

SDE - Wow that's a tough one? I imagine that there's alot of teams that feel their squads aren't quite where they want to be yet, us included so I think you will have a much better idea come the mid part of the season but for now, I think that the likes of Everton have a great chance as they have a good team and an excellent manager in Mark Rollings so I'd probably put my money on them for the time being but I think there will be a surprise package this season.

Press: Could that be Southampton?

SDE - Why Not?

With that, Davies-Evans left the press room to take his first training session ahead of this weeks local derby with Portsmouth.

Tezza · Cult Status

Atalanta News

Atalanta only managed a draw against Cantania today.

Press.

Another good result?

Terry.

No, things didnt come together today. We held the centre of the park but they made it very difficult for us today. I think we were still celebrating last weeks win and not really concentrating on the game. It should have been a win, we let it slip.

Press.

Is it true that Adobati is leaving?

Terry.

Yes if all goes well tonight Adobati will not be here in the morning. We got to the stage where we had to let him go. I need to keep one eye on the drive for Serie A football, and the money will come in handy if we falter. Adobati has a big following here and will be missed but, its the team that is important, so whilst we wish him all the very best, we are looking at the long term.

We are also losing Sergiy Predko, who is moving on to Chievo.

Press.

Does that mean there are other changes taking place.?

Terry.

We are hoping to put a signature on a half season loan tonight for a very exiting young prospect from Parma.

The Adobati deal includes a player exchange with Oliver NSabamfumu who we are hoping will keep the defence tight. Last season we were very good defensively and I am hoping with the changes we are making this week Atalanta can create more changes from midfield.

Press.

Any other movements?

Terry.

Yes I hope so, I have a few irons in the fire and if all goes well we should be in a much better shape over the next few weeks.

Adams · Top Flight Player

Jonnie Adams: My Move To Spain

New Bilbao manager spoke about his change in team...

Former Sheffield Utd manager Jonnie Adams is set to expand his managerial career in Spain with Athletic Bilbao after being offered the job by new chairman Jamie Best.

"Friends have told me that managing in Spain would be the ideal way for me to expand my style," Adams told The Daily Telegraph. "It has worked wonders for top managers in the past and I leave Sheffied Utd on a good footing in The Championship."

It is understood that Adams has formally agreed to take charge of Athletic Bilbao this week, and is looking forward to training with his new players tomorrow.

A source close to Adams said: "Jonnie enjoyed his first job in management in Sheffield and the fans were pleased with the surprise promotion. He has spent a lot of time going to Spanish games last season to watch and has been out in Spain studying the different style of football they play out there."

Adams, who will fly out tonight, has been told he needs to finish in the top half at the very least this season, the source added.

Adams said: "I'm only young in my management career and I've still got lots more to give. I have to start again and go out and prove myself. I was interested in Cadiz and Bilbao but I was ignored by Cadiz. I hope I can repay my new club for such an easy and well organised move."

Adams launched his managerial career at Sheffield and spent most of his time in League One before beating Everton and Norwich in last seasons play off matches to finish the season with a promotion for his young team that is mostly domestically raised.

"Yes I've had a good experience in England and that was pleasing, but I have to be realistic about what could be achieved at Sheffield," he said. "I built what I could with no money and that was half a team. Bilbao want to do that in the same way and with the right chairman I will be less restricted by funds. I hope the chairman players and fans take to me quickly."