Week 9

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Week 9

Adams · Top Flight Player

Fernandillo joins Bilbao from Almeria

Bilbao have completed the signing of Spanish talented young striker Fernandillo for £17.6 million, Jonnie Adams, the manager of his new club Bilbao, has confirmed.

Fernandillo, 22, has signed a four-year deal at Bilbao, with an option for a fifth season, after the two clubs agreed a fee.

Villa had come close to joining the Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid weeks earlier but eventually decided to move to Bilbao to help them move to la liga.

We have agreed the purchase of Fernandillo to Bilbao for £17.6 million, said Adams. As you know, last month he could have left but decided to stay to help Almeria the team who had given him his first chance, something the fans love him for.

It is a lot of money to pay and we have sacrificed our large squad to get the players needed. But this is a good price and a necessary purchase given the talks with the chairman at the start of the season. Our objective is to ensure that Bilbao are successful and promoted this season. We are obliged to take responsible decisions that will get us where the chairman wants to be and one of those is to complete the purchase of young hungry players who agree with our aims. At no point did he say he wanted to leave them on the cheap and no team can accept the offer we came up with. We paid top money for him. We know big teams wanted him from Almeria and I would be shocked if any team can find a deal to make us sell him.

-- Edited by Adams on Monday 14th of June 2010 04:02:06 PM

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings doubts Saints "killer instinct"

In the build up to the first contest between managers Steve Davies-Evans (Southampton) and Mark Rollings (Everton) for four seasons the inevitable media wrangling is already beginning at pace. Davies-Evans has chosen to try to shift pressure onto his opposition by claiming the toffees are virtually assured of the title this year. Speaking to SkySports News Rollings was keen to thank his rival for his kind words.

"It is nice to hear managers tipping us for the league title as it means that we must be doing things well. I am not worried about the pressure of expectation because I know I have the players who can handle that and turn it into positive performances. I have players with experience in the elite european leagues, so they know what to expect and they know that expectation is a by product of success. I am confident that I have players all over the pitch who will stand up and be counted when its needed. I was delighted to see young Daniel Pacheco grab two important goals this week and that shows that any opponent we play has a lot to think about. I am not sure Steve has the tools at his disposal to nullify our threat!"

Rollings also stole a word about Southampton's impotence in front of goal, and reserved some special advise for his upcoming opponent.

"I would say be ruthless! If your strikers aren't doing what is needed maybe they need to move on. We had the same problem here earlier this season and I gave Fernandao and Cristiano clear objectives. Cristiano stood up, but Fernandao couldn't give me what I needed so we got rid. He was a talented kid, and has a great future, but league one is all about the here and now. Steve knows this league well and that will certainly count for him this year. Southampton will be in the play-offs and if Steve can get a couple of key signings in key areas then I would tip them for a great promotion."

Finally, Rollings gave a tantalising glimpse into his upcoming team selection, a trait he was famed for when the pair did battle in previous league one terms.

"3-5-2, Chamakh will partner Torres Ramon up top. We will look to play through them not around or over them. Stop us if you can!"

-- Edited by Spartikus47 on Monday 14th of June 2010 08:28:52 PM

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Southampton will beat Everton! - Davies-Evans

In a outlandish interview to local Hampshire reporters, Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans is confident that his side can overcome title chasing Everton. Davies-Evans claims that knowing Mark Rollings and the way he approaches games has led him to know exactly what system he will play along with his tactics. Davies-Evans and Rollings have been matched up in a number of occasions in the past and Davies-Evans is sure he knows the secret to Evertons downfall. Only yesterday Davies-Evans was keen to play down his sides chances but in a radical U-turn, the Welshman has come out with his boldest prediction to date.

"We'll beat them. Lets just say that we know Mark and we know how they play. I know Mark very well and infact it was myself that introduced him to the world of FA management and I know exactly how he likes to play in big games. Normally this wouldn't be seen as too much of a big game but knowing how Mark will want to get one over, I know exactly how he will approach this. If gets Everton playing like we expect him to, it will play directly in into our hands and we know that we have players more than capeable of beating them. Mark talks about ruthlessness but if we do come out on top, he may wish he hadn't spoken those words. We put a dent in Norwich's hopes last week and we aim to do the same to Everton. Even after losing to us, I still expect them to win the title. They are out and out favourites but we are very confident that our system will beat them, you just watch and see. We knew how we would play before Mark stated his formation and team. We take no notice of that and we will play the way that we had planned to. Just because Mark has said that doesn't mean that he will but our system will beat a number of his formations and tactics. Maybe he should check to see if there is a mole within his camp? "

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Tuesday 15th of June 2010 10:21:06 AM

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

No "mole" in toffees camp

Everton moved to release a hurried club statement after strong accusations from Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans that their was a mole within the Everton camp. Rollings, flagged by his chairman and head groundsman, spoke directly and was clearly agitated by the accusations.

"I can assure the authorities that there is absolutely no mole problem at Everton FC. We pride ourselves on the state of our facilities and invest heavily in ensuring that our playing surface is prestine. We don't want to give scrappy sides like Southampton an advantage and as such we make sure our home pitch suits our more attractive, fluid style of play. It's true that we have had the odd mole hill at the training complex but thats normal for this time of year."

Head groundsman Mr A Titchmarsh then continued the defense of his playing surface.

"I spend several hours a day treating the pitch and we categorically have never suffered from a mole epidemic. It would obviously be severely detrimental to the teams chances and give the teams like Southampton a far more level playing field......or a far less level playing field as it were."

Finally Rollings laughed off suggestions from his opposition number guaranteeing a win for his Saints side.

"I am not sure about a problem with moles at Everton, but it looks like they have a flying pig epidemic on the south coast!."

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Sky Sports Live interview - Steve Davies-Evans

Georgie Thompson - We're pleased to say that Southampton Manager Steve Davies-Evans joins us live from the Southampton training ground.

Steve - we have heard from both you and Mark Rollings in the press today having a good out "Ding Dong", feathers are flying if not pigs?

SDE - Ha yeah I know. I t was funny to see Mark laugh off the deflected suggestions. I think that's Marks way. Clearly he doesn't wan to think that someone might be feeding any opponent of his tips as to how he plays but we are more than fine to hear his funny stories.

GT - For the record....Any flying pigs above you?

SDE - None that I can see, Haven't seen any since Mark played down his title chances last to be fair. Plenty of moles here though! A few are giving us snip bits into his team talk stratergies as we speak [laughs]

GT - A very bold move to state that you will beat Everton who are in fine form, do you really believe you will?

SDE - Listen Georgie, teams like Everton have it too much their own way. They were clear favorites at the start and they are even more so now. Mark loves to play his chances down, he always does but inside, he will know the title is theirs for the taking. He certainly wouldn't be making so much effort to get top class players if he didn't believe that. We have our own game plan and we now fully believe that there is a massive weakness that Mark might have missed that we will exploit. I'm more of the Capello style of team announcements but I will say one thing, Mark will not have come up against this sort of thing before.

Ash · Cult Status

Marca caught up with Real Zaragoza manager Ashley Harris after his sides recent 4-1 win over Gimnastic.

M: Ashley, your sitting pretty at the top of the Segunda. Is it all Over?

AH: Absolutely not. It's long hard slog to the finish line in this league and injuries and such can play a part so were definately not arranging the open top bus parade just yet! I have been pleased with our performances so far and we have a 6 point gap in the automatic promotion spots with a superior goal difference which is a nice gap to have but im keen to avoid any complacency and the players must continue this level if we want to remain where we are.

M: Your defensive record must be particualry pleasing?

AH: Yeah, everyone at the back has really put in some fine performances of late and to only concede 3 goals in 8 games is fantastic, i really coudn't ask for any more. Although maybe our standards are slipping a tad, those 3 goals have come in our last 3 games! No seriously everyone at the back is certainly deserving of their paychecks at the mo.

M: Your new signing Adam Prince has also been in great form of late. Is there more to come?

AH: Indeed there is. Adam's a young lad and we wern't expecting too much from him, but i have to say he has been exceptional. Another 2 goals and an assist in the win against Gimnastic is great and if he continues devoloping at the rate he is now he is going to be a very strong player for Zaragoza for a number of years to come.

M: You play 3rd placed Bilbao this week. How do you see it going?

AH: It will be a diffcult game obviously. They have spent big this week on 1 player so they are improving and they have a good manager so it should be an entertaining game. It's a good chance for us to increase the gap between us and the chasing pack and I see Bilbao as one of the strongest challengers for promotion in this division. All of the players are really looking forward to the game and hopefully we can get the 3 points and take a step closer to that all important return to La Liga.

M: Thanks for your time Ashley
AH: No problem guys.

-- Edited by Ash on Wednesday 16th of June 2010 12:58:28 PM

PUREADE1 · International Player

DANDO WANTS WIN OVER WIGAN

Sky Sports today caught up with Bristol City manager Hayden Dando ahead of his sides bottom of the table clash with Wigan Athletic at Ashton gate on friday and Dando revealed new signings, hopes for the team and also taked about that big game......

SS - So Hayden how are you enjoying the job at Bristol CIty?

HD - I'm really enjoying it, this is a good club to be at and i am hopeful that we can improve on results so far in the very near future. I was very pleased with the performance of the defence against Coventry when we drew 0-0, we just lacked a bit of firepower and creativity if i'm honest that day, then last week we went to Newcastle who have got a very good side and we were beaten 2-0, i told my lads not to get too down hearted as i believe Newcastle will go up and probably that will be as champions in my opinion.

SS - How do you plan to improve on those results then Hayden?

HD - Well by winning game quite clearly, in all seriousness i have a few ideas in mind to shake the team up and i have faith in this club that we can survive, which is after all our big aim for the season. Defensivly i have been impressed overall, i think we do have some talented attacking players too they just need to come out of their shell a bit more, if they do that then we will be fine.

SS - Can you confirm the rumours you have arranged 2 transfer deals?

HD - Yes i can confirm that we have agreed a deal with Genoa to bring in Anthony Van Den Borre and we have also agreed a deal with Chievo that will see John Carew come to Bristol with one of our players and some money going to them for his services. I am delighted to get them both as i think they are both fantastic players and i do believe they will make a huge contribution to our survival hopes this season. I have also made enquiries about loaning a centre back and a goalkeeper, i have been offered a goalkeeper for the second part of the season so i am looking forward to his arrival, however a centre back at the moment still seems like a long way away as no deals have been agreed yet and none are in the pipeline, but we will continue to try and bring someone in for that position.

SS - So just how big is fridays game?

HD - For us it is massive and for Wigan it is even bigger, both sides are in bad positions but both sides are good enough not to be, we will give evrything we have and hopefully our talent will outshine theirs and we will give our fans a much deserved 3 points to kick start our season.All i ask is the fans keep the faith and we will put things right for them.

ss - Thank you Hayden and good luck for friday

HD- Cheers

-- Edited by PUREADE1 on Tuesday 15th of June 2010 07:06:28 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Rumour Mill

Fabio Aurelio believes Inter Milan manager Gareth Gardner has brought the ambition back into the club and is hungry for success with his new team.

Fulham are lining up the signing of Real Madrid winger Mark Gonzalez for the next month.

Chelsea are tracking out of favour midfielder Danny who is on loan from AC Milan at Fulham, however a £28 million asking price could prove a stumbling block.

Antonio Cassano has talked up Espanyol's chances after the dark horses of La Liga took points off some of the higher placed teams in their opening months.

Real Zaragoza fans believe the board did well sticking by manager Ashley Harris who has led the club to top of the league following last seasons relegation to the Sedunga Division.

A section of the Genoa fans have turned on the manager and team, demanding mass cuttings by the board and a new manager with a war chest to rebuild the underperforming team.

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas believes his Manchester City team can challenge the all conquering English champions Chelsea this season in the league.

However opposite number Petr Cech has played down his opponents stating they lack the quality in midfield which the champions can boast.

Brazil sensation Robinho has had a training ground bust up with manager Mark Galeozzi and looks set to quit Anfield.

Barcelona are leading the race to sign Robinho, offering Liverpool Wayne Routledge and Bojan Krkic in a swap deal.

AC Milan centreback John Terry has criticised manager Luke Coakley for putting him up for sale so soon after joining the club.

Maxi Lopez has scored a stunned 15 goals and 10 assists in 9 games, but is considered too slow for AC Milan by manager Coakley.

Real Madrid have targeted Maxi Lopez as replacement for Wayne Rooney in a deal that could well include John Terry as a makeweight in the deal.

Roma star David Villa has tipped the young midfielders to become world stars, but has urged his manager to provide more talent to produce results this season not just for the future.

Juan Angel Albin has praised manager Iain Kochanowksi for taking him to Roma after an impressive first few games in Serie A.

Parma's top scorer Pietro Arnulfo has told his manager the midfield supplying him are "barely Serie B standard" and has warned relegation is pending if things don't change.

Leicester chairman Steve Jenkins is lining up a surprise swoop for Everton boss Mark Rollings after an impressive string of results for the Merseyside team.

Genoa's chairman is considering brining ex-Arsenal manager Simon Newcombe back to the top flight following a spell with Racing Santander.

Siena chairman John Brady wants to appoint Ashley Davies new manager despite his recent arrival in the division with Udinese.

Brady also wants to make Crystal Palace star Saviola the first signing in the Davies era.

With both admitting Real Valladolid are favourites for the title, and Sevilla looking strong, Barcelona and Real Madrid are in the race for third place and as a result, to keep their job with the losing on his way out.

New Athletic Bilbao striker Fernandillo has told friends he was disappointed not to be able to agree a deal with Real Madrid.

Recreativo Huelva fans have urged manager Dale Price to make history by finishing in the top 6 and qualifying the team for the new European tournament next season.

Sheffield United have sent scouts to Italy to follow the progress of the Chievo and Atalanta managers who top their shortlist for the vacancy.

A History: Chelsea FC

The first in a number of reports commissioned by the FA across England, Italy and Spain, the Soccer Star has focused on the most successful team in English football this week, producing its own report on the history of Chelsea under their successful manager John Brady, leading them as the potent force throughout the last 6 seasons.

Season 1
- Premiership Champions (on goal difference) 61 points
- English Cup Winners (vs Manchester United)
- European Cup Winners (vs AC Milan)
- Top Scorer Kaka (23 goals)
- Top Assister Kaka (21 assists)

Season 2
- Premiership Champions (4 points clear) 62 points
- English Cup Quarter Finalists (vs Watford)
- European Cup Winners (vs Sevilla)
- Top Scorer Kaka (39 goals)
- Top Assister Arjen Robben (27 assists)

Season 3
- Premiership Champions (8 points clear) 66 points
- English Cup Semi Finalists (vs Liverpool)
- European Cup Winners (vs Liverpool)
- Top Scorer Darren Bent (39 goals)
- Top Assister Darren Bent (26 assists)

Season 4
- Premiership Champions (1 point clear) 55 points
- English Cup Semi Finalists (vs Liverpool)
- European Cup Semi Finalists (vs Liverpool)
- Top Scorer Darren Bent (31 goals)
- Top Assister Darren Bent (24 assists)

Season 5
- Premiership Champions (9 points clear) 59 points
- English Cup Semi Finalists (vs Arsenal)
- European Cup Winners (vs Real Madrid)
- Top Scorer Arjen Robben (19 goals)
- Top Assister Darren Bent (21 assists)

Season 6
- Premiership Champions (4 points clear) 58 points
- English Cup Quarter Finalists (vs Watford)
- European Cup Runners Up (vs Manchester City)
- Top Scorer Obafemi Martins (25 goals)
- Top Assister Alexandre Pato (23 assists)

Looking back, the best chance anyone has had to toppling the Chelsea supremacy was in Season 4. Liverpool led by Steven Esdale knocked Chelsea out of Europe and the English Cup in the Semi Finals, and were just 1 point off them in the league; in a season where Chelsea scored their lowest points total of any season (55). Had Liverpool broken them, the next few seasons could have been very different. However an aging Liverpool side couldn't build on that in Season 5 and no other challengers stepped up, leaving Chelsea to cruise to the league title and win back the European Cup.

Last season emerged Manchester City as the new threat, winning both Cup competitions although only knocking Chelsea out in Europe (their English Cup challenge being ended by their historical bogey team Watford). However Chelsea came close to that magic 60 point mark in the league and won the title before the final game of the season.

This season, the challenge again appears to fall to the two Manchester teams to fight Chelsea. Stuart Price is the last in a line of Manchester City managers building a new era at the club and last seasons trophies will no doubt give them confidence, but also the financial rewards to build upon this year. Craig Radford has built a Manchester United team that has been run close twice now inside the top 3 and fallen away late in the season. Some are tipping them to learn from their mistakes and turn it on in the second half of the season this time around, if the right signings can be made in time to swing the balance. Either way, with two teams chasing them, Chelsea will have an eye over their shoulder maybe more than any other season this time.

pricey · Cult Status

Price takes fans words on board

Recreativo Huelva manager dale price spoke today about comments in the media from fans asking him to make history and finish in the top 6 "I can promise the fans that we are trying as hard as we can to get up the league we are in the middle of a very tough run of games last week we were very unlucky and had the lead for a long time but Ath. Madrids quality just told in the end." Speaking about the next few games and the cup tie coming up Price had this to say "I am looking forward to getting our cup challenge under way we have Athletic Bilbao they are a good side but I feel we have enough to get through and then who knows I am aiming to have a good cup run so we shall see how it goes. In the league we have Madrid, Barca and Levante I think we can get 3 maybe 4 points out of those games my goal for this season was to stay in the league and build for next season I feel we have done enough to stay up already so why not have a push for the top 6." Price left to get back to training

-- Edited by pricey on Wednesday 16th of June 2010 11:31:14 AM

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Jonny Sinclair was happy to talk to the Italian media about the rumours going on in Italy at the moment

'What's your opinion Pietro saying that your midfielders are barely Serie B standard?'

'Well I know my midfield isn't Serie B and I don't think he is however they have created very little for the strikers to score so I understand what Pietro is saying but in some games he must understand that against the top teams we can't afford to play fluent free flowing football that would help create chances for him and the other strikers. I'm pleased that he is concerned and did come to me to voice that concern and I'm trying my hardest to bolster the midfield but we have very little to work with money wise and I'm asking managers if they are willing to loan some out but I'm having no luck its frustrating we have to get on with and it'll be a very difficult game against Juventus and we will try and shut their game down and kill the game for them we know they are a quality side but if we play at our very best we might be able to get something out of this game'

What do you think about the Genoa situation with them possibly looking at finiding a new manager again?

'Well I think the board has been a disgrace and thank god they didn't take over Ascoli, Roberto Bernigi made the correct decision when he rejected their approach they keep chopping and changing they shouldn't have got rid of Chris Ratcliff he got them 4th he is 1st season in Serie A and gets sacked for it and they have struggled to emulate that since Jamie Best needs to be given a chance to succeed because he did a good job at Wolves and Inter Milan. They also keep forcing the managers to sign players they don't want and changing the squad with new players all the time the don't have a team a squad of high profile individuals who are only their for the money and nothing else and their fans seemed to have forgotten completely on where they were a few seasons ago they were struggling in Serie B a few seasons ago going nowhere so I think they need to get behind the team stop slagging them off and be pleased with the fact they are in Serie A at all otherwise i think it would have been a few more years before they got promoted after my Ascoli beat them in the play-off final'

You have a crunch game against bottom of the table Chievo next week after Juventus is it safe to say its a 6 pointer?

'Yes I think it is they haven't won but neither have we yet and I think we could build a lot of belief if we can beat them it helps get clear of them and close down the gap between us and the rest of the strugglers I think we have a better team than Chievo but Raymond Farnell is a good manager and will make sure they are will make the game very difficult for us but we do have to start punishing teams and scoring goals and that game is the perfect chance to do that'

Sinclair then left to get back to trying and making a few signings.

Tezza · Cult Status

Atalanta News

We managed to get word with Atalantas manager, Terry Manifold, before Friday's clash with Torino. They may be on the bottom of the league but it will not be a walk over, A team in that position have nothing to lose and they will be up for it. I am sure that Alan will put out a very good side and will have done his homework.

We were very lucky to get Renato Augusto in on loan from Fiorentina this week and he will add a little sparkle to the mid field.Rob wanted to keep him together with Tonelli. I am very grateful to him for the loans, Terry said, I am sure we will benefit from the deals.

I think you will see a few more goals this week with the line up, Terry said, We have been working hard at getting forward a little quicker and tomorrow should be results time.

Atalanta continues to do reasonable well in the league sitting in 4^th position. I know Terry would like to be leading the pack but the team is still poised to take automatic promotion this year. A lot will depend on the next two weeks with Torino and Seina

When asked if he was still enjoying life in Italy Terry commented Yes it really is good here but, I am here to take Atalanta back into Serie A and if I cant deliver, the jobs on the line. We need to keep the pressure up, make more chances going forward, and we could be in that second slot by the end of the season.

When asked if he had any recent success on the Transfer Market Terry tells me that he is currently working on a swop deal involving Radovanic. It is all about strengthening the squad and filling in the little cracks we have, Terry said, We are nearly there.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans - "Silence is golden"

Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans has been speaking to a media room at St. Marys ahead of his sides clash with Everton at Goodsion Park. The Welshman claims that since he told the world that Southampton will win the game comfortably, he has not heard a peep out of normally media friendly opponent Mark Rollings.

Media - Steve, we've heard alot from you in the past few days. How much do you enjoy these media "Battles"?

SDE - I think it's all part and parcel of the game isn't it? It's a shame that more managers don't become abit more active in the media as I think it gives off an impression that they are more introverted than they actually are. Having said that, since I claimed that I would beat Everton, the silence has been golden from a certain area of Stanley Park.

Media - How do you think Mark tood that claim?

SDE - I'm sure he took it well. We will both play our game and neither will really take much notice of what the other says.

Media - Surely by the fact that he hasn't said a word since though, you feel you have the upper hand on him?

SDE - That's a question you will have to ask Mark, he is quieter than normal though.

Media - What would it mean if you beat Mark and Everton?

SDE - 3 points

Media - That's all?

SDE - Yes. Listen, Whatever goes on goes on. I like Mark, he's a top manager. If we beat them, it'll be just another win that's all. It will be a good win because they are a top side but ultimately, it's 3 points.

Media - Score Prediction this week?

SDE - I wouldn't normally do this but I'll say Everton 1-2 Southampon

Davies-Evans then smiles and leaves the room.

Liam · Cult Status

Sevilla FC Television interviewed Liam Riste over his side's performance so far this season in La Liga.

SFCTV: So how would you rate your teams performance so far this season then after pulling back level at the top of the table?

LR: I think my team are gelling nicely for a team which has saw a number of big changes recently. I am very pleased with how the team have adapted to my tactics and style of play, along with each other as it's never easy to get an understanding of a new signings' football style. The team are doing very well and are impressing me greatly with their performances and I think we have answered a few critics about firstly, me jumping to such an illustrious club and secondly, our chances of making the top three in such a competitive league.

SFCTV: The weekends' results must have been pleasing for you, what was your take on them?

LR: To be fair, I am full of confidence in my team as we may as well have clock time named after us! To be 3-0 down against Real Madrid with a slightly weaker team out, I was having my doubts... But we are building a reputation for ourselves as the team that never quits. We scored 3 goals in 3 minutes and all was square, which was perfect for Kaka to snatch all 3 points with his 90th minutes strike which I'm sure will have broken many Madrid hearts.

As for Espanyol doing us a favour and holding Valladolid to a draw, well that sat pretty on the eyes.

SFCTV: You mention clock time being named after you, what do you mean by that remark?

LR: Well I would guess that around 80% or more of goals scored by Sevilla this season have all been in the final third of the game, so it should be called ' Sevilla Time' as it's when we go into 5th gear...

SFCTV: Ok... What did that win over Real Madrid mean for you and the club?

LR: For the club, it meant we tie level at the top and are keeping pace with Simon's strong Valladolid team. That game was always going to be a sell-out and is one of the clashes which everyone doesn't want to miss! It p[roves the club can compete with the big boys in the league. I look forward to Barcelona and taking on my friend Simon's table topping team in another clash of the titans.

For me personally though, as I had previously sent my CV to the Real Madrid board early last season, unsuccessfully, for the vacant managers' post, it particularly pleasing to send a 'V' shaped hand gesture in the form of a last minute killer goal by Superstar Kaka, back to their board and leave them empty handed and extend a further lead in the league.

SFCTV: Are you looking forward to another 'clash of the titans' match this weekend against Barcelona?

LR: All I'm prepared to say is, I'm more looking forward to his line-up...

SFCTV: Kaka has landed with two vital goals for you, how do you rate your Superstar Signing so far?

LR: The first game he played against Recreativo, he was blending into the squad still, but he certainly pulled out a top drawer performance when it counted by started off our comeback and snatching all three points in the dying seconds of the game. He has shown why we paid such a sum for a 32 year old and his Brazilian style of football is spicing up training and games alike. I look forward to watching him work his magic again and again and again!

SFCTV: The Genoa board are suggested to be turning on your good friend Jamie Best, what do you make of this rumour?

LR: If the rumours are true, then it's harsh. Sure Jamie's results haven't been too pleasing of late, but you have to give any manager time to settle, build and gel a team! Things very rarely click straight from the off, especially when new faces are being added and bundled together and expected to understand and read each others' games. I don't think there is amazing talent at the team either. The players at Jamie's dispense are good, but not world conquering standard like the Genoa board expect, so I would hope the Genoa board will give Jamie more time to build..!

SFCTV: Ok thanks for your time.

LR: Cheers.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Everton on brink of key signing as Leicester link rubbished

Everton boss Mark Rollings has revealed he is finalising a deal for a top central midfielder as he looks to further develop his squad. Speaking on the clubs official website Rollings addressed the key issues in a busy week at the Toffees.

on the signing...

Things are just about done. We thought we had finished most of our business 2-3 weeks ago but I always keep on eye on the market and cherry pick deals which I think can take this club forward. I have spoken to a couple of managers about how they think Everton could progress best. Simon Jenkins at Valladolid gave us some good advice and I will be looking to develop a link there if possible because he has a proven track record of excellent club development, a club like Everton could learn a lot from how they have grown. We identified players back in pre-season and this player was top of our 'most wanted' list.

on the Leicester link...

I think it's lazy journalism on both fronts. Steve Jenkins is a seasoned campaigner in management terms, and will have a very specific plan for how he wants Leicester to run. I spoke earlier this season that Leicester would be a huge threat this season and that remains the case. I would wager a large amount that Steve already knows exactly the man he wants and knows the attributes he wants in a manager. On the other side I signed a contract at Everton for three seasons and the chairman and I share the vision for this club. The club has the same feel as my Coventry days and that excites me!

and finally, on the upcoming game against Southampton...

Steve is a good manager. He has struggled to settle at a club but I think what you are seeing now is that he is bringing together the experience he has gained from his past jobs. Fans possibly aren't used to the media circus that has been whipped up this week but its part of what I bring to the club. Some people hate it, some love it! The time for deliberation is now over however and we will be doing our talking on the pitch. Our season is about more than one game against Southampton and we enter every game confident that we have the tools to do the business.

Luke_C · Cult Status

Fulham chairman asks for fans backing with 6m promise

Statement -

Firstly let me say how pleased I am at how the rebuilding is going at Fulham. Now the debt has been totally removed we are in the process of building the squad. This was never going to be an easy job for manager Adam Davies but on the smallest of budgets we have used the loan market to its full effect and managed to bring in players on permanent contracts such as Possebon, Qassim and deals is already in place to bring in Williamson and Greening.

As chairman I am pleased with the backing the fans have given us averaging over 13,000 but we still have room for more fans and want everyone to bring a friend and make this a real push for promotion. I therefore make the promise that if we can push that average to over 16000 fans by the end of the season I will guarantee six million pounds will be instantly made available for next season to the manager irrespective of what league we are in.

Simon · Cult Status

Having been away from the media spotlight for several weeks, Valladolid manager Simon Jenkins came forward to speak about recent events.

"First of all, a draw against Genoa in the European cup. Bit of a shocker?"

"Well, no, not really. I had said previously that I wasn't interested in Europe and so brought several free agents in just for that one game. Perhaps it's an insight into how badly things are going at Genoa if drawing against a team filled with some very weak players is what was chosen to head the Genoa media a week or so ago. There's also been some sort of bust up between them and Arsenal but I am unaware of the details so I shall not get involved. I would, however say that Jamie Walker would not make such a fuss without a real reason."

"And that draw was followed by another draw, but this time in the league."

"Yeah, it was a shame that our 100% win record had to end, but at least we didn't lose. We fell behind several times and let a lead go, so I would say that a draw was probably fair. The top is a lot tighter now but there's still over half a season to go."

"You mentioned the top of the table, what's your opinion of the situation?"

"As I said, it's very close but there's a great set of managers occupying the top 5 spots. Paul at Atletico have been fierce rivals for a couple of seasons now and Paul was my successor at West Brom, Chris at Real Madrid and Adam at Barcelona are neat guys and although they've both been a bit quiet this season we usually have a bit of banter, and I don't really have much of a history with Liam like I do with the others, but he seems a nice guy and we've got along whenever we've had a chat. And if he carries on like he is doing then maybe in a season or two we can have some proper banter and conversations like I would do with the others. So overall I would say that there are some entertaining months to come!"

"Mark Rollings and Steve Davies Evans; both good friends of yours, both fierce competitors, how do you see the game going?"

"I think they've built it up to a six-pointer and most of them end in a draw. I hate to pick sides, but I can't see past Everton on this one. The quality is there and Mark has the extra oomph in his loan players that I'm not sure Steve has. However if Steve has a mole and an amazing Rollings-beating tactic as he says he does, then maybe the pendulum could swing."

"In two weeks time loan players will be paid for by the club taking them, not their owners, what do you think of this?"

"Well, the rule has it's critics and I can see their point, but I would say that it would cut down on managers building a club on loans with no future and then leaving once they get promoted with no potential or hope. Had I bought Southampton then I would have more to say on the matter, but I wont be in any bottom leagues for a while and neither with Arsenal, so it's not really of any concern."

"You face Celta Vigo this week, how do you see that going?"

"We set a record win against them last season, but they have a manager now and so I would have thought it would be unlikely we will win by such a degree this time around. They have a couple of key attacking players but I would have thought we have the strength in defence to contain them and our attacking force is much too strong for their defence. I would have thought that the money they had in the bank should have been spent on bringing in some defenders of a goalie, but there we go."

"Anything else to add?"

"No."

"Thank you for your time"

"No worries."

predator · Cult Status

It High Times As Fulham Pickup 2nd Win Of The Season

We Will Able To Get A Quick Word With Fulham Media Shy Manager Adam Davies After Is Side Pickup It 2nd Win Of The Season

I Thought We Played Really Well We Had Most Of The Possession But Only Got One Goal Which I See As A Problem So I Will Be Looking In The Market For A New Stiker But Things Are Looking Up With New Signing Abdulla Qassim Looking Great On His Debut And I Would Like To Say Thank You To The Chairman Mr Coakley For His Support And Turning This Club Around And Thanks To The Fans For Not Giveing Up On The Team And Keep On Coming To The Games

Thanks For Time Mr Davies

No Problem

-- Edited by predator on Saturday 19th of June 2010 08:10:27 PM

Raymond · Cult Status

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Can Chievo stay in the top flight? We ask Ray Farnell in this exclusive interview......

Ray, its been a tough season, you sit bottom of the table, are there any positives from the season so far?

Hell yeah - hey other managers classed us as the whipping boys in this division and good for them, the reality is this - yes it was always going to be a hard season but we have something special here.

Special?
Siege mentality - its us against the world, every player is fighting, digging in, training hard and is wearing our badge as if it is their heart, these lads know what is required and its my pleasure to work with them, these guys are hungry.

And you? is hunger enough to stay in the top division?
Dont be stupid! - I believe 12 points will make a team safe in this league and yes we want it but the Teams around us know the same but we do want it badly - the squad is ready to fight all the way, it makes no difference who the opponents are.

Frankly I do not care who we face, top of league or bottom i expect a performace.

Any transfers we can note?
Hey I like a lot of players! lets just say Carew, Davies and Djengoue are leaving the club and we are active in te transfer market.

What I can say is that the fans will be proud of our team what ever happens.

This is the little club big club syndrone and we will enjoy it all the way!