Week 13

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 13

Football Academy · Cult Status

Mid Season Investments

A list of the key investments across the divisions:

Aston Villa £10 million - replace key retired players to return to Premiership.
Cardiff £5 million out.
Charlton £10 million - new owner invested to rebuild threadbare squad.
Chelsea £5 million out.
Portsmouth £5 million - backing for new manager but improved results expected.
Inter Milan £5 million - continue rebuilding to avoid falling backwards.
Roma £8 million - continue the good squad building under current management.
Levante £5 million - backing for new manager in hope of sustaining La Liga status.
Valencia £5 million - money to help fund a key player to replace retirement.
Villarreal £5 million - backing for squad building but improved results expected.

In other news

Milan Mandaric completed his takeover of Charlton following the walk out of owner and Inter Milan boss Gareth Gardner. Mandaric has promised to help rebuild the decimated squad.

Middlesbrough have refused to comment on speculation manager Woods is set to be sacked this week. The board have grown increasingly unhappy with a lack of progress and they look set to fail to meet targets again this season. The chairman has admitted investments won't happen until the situation is resolved.

Daniel Levy has told Spurs fans he will back the manager financially if the club can reach Europe, but if they don't the club will have failed to achieve the top 6 target.

Genoa have refused to invest further with results not living up to expectations, adding fuel to speculation the manager is soon to face the sack.

Maurizio Zamparini has told the Palermo fans he won't invest until a new manager is confirmed to guide the squad development.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

SAINTS IN SAMBA BEAT!

Southampton fans crowded outside St Marys this evening as manager Steve Davies-Evans confirmed the remarkable signing of Brazillian superstar Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho who announced that he will retire at the end of this season will see out his final 10 games in the South coast of England. Many critics will see this as a massive gamble by the Saints manager in his bid to gain promotion but the Welshman sees this as a huge coup for the club.

Davies-Evans : "Southampton Football Club are clearly delighted to announce the signing of Ronaldinho. He will stay with us until the end of the season when he will hang up his boots on what has been a glittering career. This is obviously a major signing for us and hopefully people will sit up and start taking Sourhampton seriously."

Davies-Evans saw his team draw 1-1 away to Wolves this week and he sees his latest signing as player to ignite his lackluster midfield and hopefully start creating more and more chances. Southampton host rivals and neighbours Portsmouth this season and with Ronaldinho likely to make his debut, is there a better game make your debut in England?

donnybluebird · Semi-Pro Player

Arron gets ready for his first derby game against Southampton!

So your first derby game in charge of Portsmouth, are you looking forward to it?

Yes of course I am if but not as much as the players and the fans.

You have only recently taken over as manager you lost your first game to Nottingham forest, what are your chances this week?

Listen derby games have nothing to do with form, the team that is up for it wins its as simple as that, I will try and tell my players that they will have to keep the discipline that will also be crucial as it could also decide what team wins,

Any player that you will have to watch out for?

of course there is they have just signed ronaldinho, have you ever heard of him hes not a bad player(says this sarcastically) It was a huge gamble to sign him but I have no doubt that they would never has signed him if they didnt think he could do a job.

Many players have left your club over the last week and not many have come in why is this?

I am a new manager, I need to stamp my mark on things and play my own style of football with my team the other manager before me had his players and I want mine, I have sold a defender Ruiz for a good price and have been given 5million off the board to go out and buy players that will do a job rather than spending it all on one player, I have taken Vito Mannone on loan from arsenal. He is a very good young goal keeper and he will be my number one between the sticks also making his debut this week in the derby. I am also hopeful that I would have signed seven players over the next two weeks the biggest name being Lucas Fanazzi on loan. It also mean that I will be playing a weakened team but I have no doubt that my players will give it all and get the result

Good luck for the game this week and in the future!

Thank you.

And I also want to say best of luck Steve and Southampton.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Saints ready to Play Up! - Davies-Evans

Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans has been talking to local media ahead of this weeks south coast derby with Portsmouth. Davies-Evans stated that these sort of games are always good to be involved in but ultimately, it's another chance to gain 3 points.

Davies-Evans - "The lads are really looking forward to it. There's obviously a buzz around training at the moment with Ronaldinho showing every trick and flick to anyone that will watch [laughs]. We're gonna be working hard to be ready for the game. Derby games are always a great atmosphere and if it's anything like the last one, this will be some game."

Davies-Evans was quizzed as to whether Ronaldinho will start the game but the Saints manager wasn't giving much away.

"To be honest, we're unsure yet. He had gone to Brazil to speak to his family before joing us so he does have abit of jet-lag still in him but hopefully that will go. He's played a good few games this season and he will be the first to tell you that he's unlikely to play every game for us this season so we have to use him sparingly. If he does end up getting the nod, hopfully he will give us abit more spark in midfield."

Regard to Portsmouth's new manager Aaron Donnahue - DaviesEvans was quick to wish his counter-part good luck.

"Aaron has got a good job there. Portsmouth need a manager that can steer them in the right direction. They have good players but have probably under-performed of late. Aaron is new to this world of FA management but hopefully he will pick it up quickly and maybe we will have unearthed another Jose".

Football Academy · Cult Status

Breaking News

Television sources are claiming that a high profile club is set to sack their manager in the next 4 hours. Reports have broken initially in England however one Spanish radio station has claimed the reports are about a Spanish club instead. Unconfirmed reports suggest it could be the manager of a London club after the Ascoli manager Dave Davies-Evans was seen leaving an airport in a London taxi. Reports claim the club in questions board is due to meet in the next hour to finalise the terms of the decision, and to put forward a shortlist of managers as replacement. More news to follow shortly

Steve · Cult Status

"Italian football the Loser"

The Italian Federation today expressed it's disappointment at the recent cup draw which pitted runaway leaders of Serie A - Juventus and AC Milan - against one another at the quarter final stage of the domestic cup competition. A Federation spokesperson stated "This would have been the people's final, the two best teams in Italy contesting the cup final, and now football is the loser". Certainly this fixture happening at such an early stage of the competition will hit the Italian Federation in it's bank balance as any other final is likely to be an anti-climax.

We approached the Juventus manager for comment, he was in philosophical mood!

"For us it will just be another game, if you want to win all the trophies you have to be prepared to beat all the teams".

When asked how he felt Milan might feel about the draw he was unusually sympathetic.

"I'm sure Luke would have preferred a different draw. The gods of football certainly seem to be making his life diffcult this year with a tense contest in the league, Juventus in the Italian cup quarter final and Manchester City in the European draw. If he wants to win anything this year he will certainly have to work for it".

We asked him whether he felt there was an opportunity here for the other teams still in the cup with at least one of the giants bound to be eliminated before the final stages?

"It might offer some encouragement to the smaller Italian teams such as Genoa, Inter and Fiorentina, but realistically all of those teams have struggled this year with their comedy defences and tactics more suited to mud wrestling. Despite continuing investment in those teams they have been unable to buy success. If Luke can keep his squad firing on all cylinders he may remain too competitive for most teams, but the age of his squad - particularly stretched across three competitions - suggests this may be their last serious attempt at securing some silverware".

GarethGardner · Cult Status

Gardner gives Coakley good luck message.

" Id like to personally come out and wish Luke all the very best in winning the Italian League this year and hopefully knocking Juventus out of the Italian Cup. Silly comments from Juventus manager undermining all other teams in Italy this week just makes more people go against the man. Slating a defence he just about managed to break down in the past week sounds a worried mans talk and is running frightened of Milans rising force in Italian Football. Genoa and Fiorentinas teams will now need no motivation against Jenkins Juventus dream team and hopefully help Milan achieve their aim. Being our local rivals there is no love lost between fansof the 2 Big teams in Milan but i personally have a good friendship with Luke and wish him all the best"

Gardner carried on -

" To manage 1 of the top clubs in Italy for many years is easy, especially when you seem to be given all the top youth talent from having family in FA Head Quarters, most managers have to learn their trade from League 1 and get recognition for getting where they stand today. Italys recent World Cup team (the goalden oldies) showed how much Juventus super Youth system has brought through the system to make lasting damage in World football *chuckle*.
For Steve to put down managers like he is then hopefully more people will stand up to him and take on his challenge. Inter will get stronger and stronger under my leadership whether that be with "mud tactics" or without !!! "

Steve · Cult Status

GarethGardner wrote:

".....wish Luke all the very best"

As would I. Luke has stuck with his team and worked hard to make them the very successful unit they are... currently a real force in Italian football and good enough to get through to the knockout stage in Europe. If Luke wins one or more trophies this year he will have had to do it the hard way so will deserve it ... which I think I said previously! I don't think you'll find anything in my post that is critical of Luke, in fact he and I are the two managers who have stuck it out in Italy through all the flac about poor Italian football - so it seems to me we are now getting our reward and proving the doubters wrong.

Oh and let's face it Gareth, both he and I seem to have done it with a lot less investment than many!

Steve

GarethGardner wrote:

"...more people will stand up to him and take on his challenge."

"A challenge I welcome - but unfortunately one you weren't up to! Anyway I thought the whole thing was about 'challenge'...isn't that we all do each week when we work out our teams and tactics?"

Steve

Gareth Gardner wrote:

"...most managers have to learn their trade from League 1 and get recognition for getting where they stand today."

"I didn't start off at Juventus! If you are going to try and start an argument at least do your research so you don't end up looking foolish. I started in the lower leagues."

Steve

GarethGardner wrote:

Gardner carried on -

"Yes, you do a bit don't you! In fact come to think of it you do quite a lot."

Steve

GarethGardner wrote:

".....when you seem to be given all the top youth talent from having family in FA Head Quarters......"

"Yes, and there it is again, what a surprise. That same old broken record that you always return to. You really do have a complex about that don't you?"

Steve

-- Edited by Steve on Tuesday 13th of July 2010 08:27:47 PM

GarethGardner · Cult Status

So much for keeping this area for media writing. Above is a list of points, not media. Your missing the fun part Steve. If you cant take it, then dont give it in the 1st place !

MEDIA BANTER HERE PLEASE !!!!!

Football Academy · Cult Status

Boro' sack Wood

Chairman Steve Gibson tonight announced the sacking of manager Tony Wood following a number of mediocre results leaving the club 6th in the Championship. Middlesbrough were relegated a few seasons ago from the Premiership and despite time and patience have failed to achieve the return that many fans and pundits alike. When others criticised Wood, Gibson was first to support his man but it seems time has run out on this close working relationship.

"This season the target was champions of the division. It is high target but we have been building a squad at this level for some time. Promotions have slipped through our fingers but I have stuck with the management team believing a long term view was best for the club to create a stable platform. Others might not have been so supportive but we are now so far off this seasons target we are fighting for a play-off place something needs to change. I would like to be the first to thank Tony for his help and tireless efforts here, but a new way forward with a new footballing philosophy is needed here and perhaps Tony needs a fresh challenge himself to re-establish himself as a good manager."

In his last match in charge, Boro lost 2-1 in front of their home crowd to a Derby team chasing them for the final play-off place, 3 points that could prove crucial in the play-off race come the end of the season. Speculation is rife as to who will replace Wood, with Dave Davies-Evans the Ascoli manager, and Jonny Sinclair the Parma boss leading the bookies tips for the vacancy. It is believed Wood will spend a few days with family to consider his options but is widely tipped for a move to Italy as the Italian FA look to bring in fresh managerial approaches after recent criticisms of defensive frailties.

It is thought this is the first of a number of possible sackings with Genoa, Spurs, Cardiff and Valencia all being mentioned in press circles.

Steve · Cult Status

Gareth, Gareth, Gareth, why do you do this to yourself all the time.

How old are you? Why do you think you can say what you like and call it a joke and it doesn't matter? How does "the fun part" for you always result in you calling me a cheat? That isn't a fun part for me and it's getting very tiresome. I've done the getting annoyed bit before and that didn't discourage you. If you want to do a wind up pick something else because I am pretty sure that everyone is as bored with it as I am.

Why does this end up in the media section? I'll tell you the reason this ends up in the media section. It's because you make your accusations in the media and then seem to think that I should defend myself somewhere else where nobody will see it! Going on and on and on and on about the fact that any success I have is because my son manages the game takes away my enjoyment and the sad thing is you know it isn't true.

What you say isn't "banter" - you don't know me well enough to engage in that kind of banter with me. That might be the kind of banter mates do but I'm not your mate. So save it for your mates in the pub and I'll do the same.

I don't like being called a cheat every couple of weeks and I really don't see why I have to keep defending myself. It's spoiling the game for me and I don't see why I should have to put up with it. I've already cut down my use of the various media sections, back pages etc. and after tonight that's it as far as I am concerned with that aspect of the game.

You're right, this shouldn't be on here, but ignoring your sniping or responding to it in private just gives creedance to what you say - all those people who are new to the game or don't know either of us could easily think you know what you are talking about and that just won't do.

The difference between us is that in my media I made a comment about Inter Milan. In your media you made a comment about me. That's the difference - why don't you give that some thought.

GarethGardner · Cult Status

Im pretty sure the team doesnt pick mud wrestling tactics Steve ! and im pretty sure i picked the comedy defence aswell so how is that a pop at Inter and not the managers of the teams you named is beyond me.
You have had a media pop. So i have had 1 back. Like my original post, dont give it if you cant take it.
I enjoy a media battle and i know how to wind you up a treat. Your attempt to belittle Inter backfired as you got hit with a bit of a media backlash back at you (the originator of the post against Inter/me)

YOU made the 1st accusation as usual by saying about my poor tactics just because you got them right. I retaliate and back my team.

Does it make you feel better knowing your right ?????

Im 30 by the way (another thing for you to have a pop at!)

Steve · Cult Status

Not worthy of a proper response.

GarethGardner · Cult Status

Best left at that then. Dont need a thread to be closed. Sorry if i upset other managers in this thread but im pretty sure i was in the right

-- Edited by GarethGardner on Tuesday 13th of July 2010 10:30:07 PM

Steve · Cult Status

GarethGardner wrote:

".....im pretty sure i was in the right"

_________________________________________________________

Ignorance is bliss!

Football Academy · Cult Status

Give it a rest on the favouritism stuff. Its not funny, or clever, or even good banter. You're putting down another manager by 'dissing' the game basically. The game is bigger than anyone. I'm not above dropping people if they trouble make and ruin other managers enjoyment - I don't want to but if you back me into a corner I will.

This is a place for media, please all respect that, but its also not a place for throwing around accusations unless you're saying someone bribed a ref if you get a denied penalty in your radio channel or something. Creative please, not idiotic.

Steve - keep it to media.

Gareth - if you have an issue contact me or leave please otherwise think before you type.

tonymdf · Cult Status

Wood Speaks out...

Tezza · Cult Status

RE: Week 13

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Steve Davies-Evans on recent media outbursts

Southampton manager was stopped by Sky Sports News reporter Bryn Law outside the Southampton training ground this morning where he was quizzed on recent goings on in the media in both Italy and England.

BL: Steve, as a manager that enjoys dealing with the media on a day to day basis, what are your thoughts on the recent articles in the media, firstly with Juventus manager Steve Jenkins and Inter boss Gareth Gardner?

SDE - To be honest, they are both entitled to their say. This particular topic has been brought up time and time again and the only reason that I can think that it keeps reering it's ugly head is due to the pantomime that goes on between the top managers in a bid to make the league more interesting. Was Gareth right in what he stated? Maybe not, Should Steve Jenkins be allowed to have a pop at managers and not expect some sort of retaliation? Probably not either. Steve may not see eye to eye with Gareth but he's been managing in the game long enough to know what Gareth is like so if you are going to poke a coiled snake with a stick, you have to expect to be bitten. As I say, this isn't to with the content of th media as I'm sure on reflection, Gareth feels some remorse for what he said but maybe if he is left to get on with his own job, he won't come out with such things.

BL: Steve, another manager has lost his job - this time Boro's Tony Wood. What do you have to say about that.

SDE - Well I've just read Tonys media and I think that he could have done well to maybe take some time out before clearly submitting an article that came from the heart and not the head. I'm sure Tony is gutted at having being sacked. I know Tony is a proud man and probably isn't happy that he's not been given the chance to see through his plan for that team. I guess he's got some valid points but then you have to say that if he has got all these young players that are being chased all over Europe by these top clubs, they should be higher that 6th in the Championship and I'm affraid that too is FACT! Tony will have a host of clubs queuing up to higher a manager with such experience and I'm hoping that there is a club in League 1 that he would like as t would be great to have him in there. I hope he learns from his time at Boro and that it makes him a better manager.

BL: Steve, thank you.

SDE - No problem, by guys.

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Wednesday 14th of July 2010 10:59:39 AM

bigwave1927 · Cult Status

Breaking News from the Ascoli training ground.

Gazzetta News has today been camped outside Ascoli's training ground amid rumors of a huge player leaving the club and will the manager be on the way as well???. We have managed to grab a quick word with wanted manager Dave Davies-Evans.

GN " David is it true Cicero is leaving Ascoli this week"

DDE "Unfortunatly yes, we have received a massive offer for the player and i have spoke to the lad and he wants to move to England". I can reassure fans the money will be spent to strengthen the squad. We are on the look out for a young CM player and after anothere transfer goes through in the next couple of weeks we will have over £12m to spend"

GN. " Any players coming in then Dave to help the final push??"

DDE. " i can confirm that we have signed Fabio Aurrelio from Inter Milan today. He is retiring but maybe that bit of expirience in the heart of defence will help us in the play offs".

GN. "Dave will you be here to see the team in the play offs you have been linked with the new vacant managers job at Middlesborough??"

DDE. " football is a funny old game, you can never say never. I am Ascoli manager at present so my commitment is to them and getting us promoted. If an offer came in i would have to take a good look at it, but at present as i have said previously i am Ascoli manager"

GN. Thanks very much Dave.

Cheers Guys.

Luke_C · Cult Status

BBC caught up with AC Milan manager and Fulham chairman Luke Coakley

Luke at the half way stage your still in all the cups and top of Serie a, you must be pleased with the progress made this season?

"(Laughs) yes it has been a good first half of the season but that really means nothing if we fail in the second half of the season."

Juventus manager Steve Jenkins suggested your older players might not have the legs for a final push on all three cup competitions?

"We have tried to rotate certain players during the season but the honest answer is we dont know how the players will feel later on in the season.I will be keeping an eye on the players fitness levels and we will push them all the way and see what happens..I would have liked to have brought in an extra player at half season but finances meant that wasnt possible.We do have Collins John coming in but that is all that will change at Milan on the playing side now."

Gareth Gardener and Steve Jenkins had a bit of media battle but both quick to praise you which must be nice to hear? This mainly on the topic of your massive cup clash with Juventus.

"Gareth and Steve are both good manager and rivals, hopefully I will be thanking them for the kind words overa glass of wine after beating them soon (Laughs).To be honest the cup game against Jusventus hasnt really entered my mind to much yet as we have a massive game against Fiorentina this weekend.The Cup game will be a big one and no doubt the natural would have said it was the perfect final but thats not to be.As for the league its very much a two horse race but the likes of Fiorentina and Inter Milan still have a part to play on matters."

So had previously said if you did not win anything this season you would leave, is this still the case?

"I said I would offer my resignation if we again remained trophy-less and that still stands and I would expect it to be accepted. We are giving it a good go this year and if I did leave I have no doubt in my mind that I would be leaving them in a better position than when I arrived."

Media reports suggest Fulham Manager Adam Davies will leave after this weeks game? Did he jump or was he pushed?

"Adam has worked hard for Fulham the first half of the season but my understanding is he would like a return to Spain and we have said we wouldnt stand in his way, and would wish him all the best. We did approach an excellent manager to replace him who in my opinion would have took Fulham up next season however Fulham have now been placed up for sale so we dont feel it would be fair to bring a manager into an certain situation so apologise to that manager."

Is it true you placed Fulham up for sale because it stopped your dream of managing Cardiff City?

"Well Cardiff City have a manager in Huw Evans and I am unaware of him leaving so that is a non story as it stands.You are correct that as chairman of Fulham I was unable to manage any club in the English system which includes Cardiff and that did have a big influence on my decision to put them up for sale."

I thank you for your time

richj363 · Cult Status

Spurs Boss Richard Jefferies spoke the media for the first time in a few weeks tonight.

Press So where have you been ?

RJ We have been busy working toward our goal of a top 6 finish and i felt the constant media speculation was not that good for the team, we have been doing well and apart from one slip against WBA we have had a very good season.

Press So any changes due to your plans ?

RJ No not really we are progressing well and the squad is stronger than ever and im looking to bring in another quality CB to take us into the top 6

And with that he left to continue his teams prep for this weekend

Ashley-ccfc16' · Cult Status

Just a few games ago young center back Fautario had joined Udinese on a 4 year deal for 2.2 Million Euros. After a short spell the player is bound for the South Coast of England. New manager Aaron Donaghue was quick to snap up the young defender for the same price he was purchased for, as the stricken Serie B club further worry about their financial status. The club spends just under a Million Euro on wages throughout the season and Ashley Davies is determined not to be apart of another administration case.

' Where ever I have been theirs been cash problems, obviously this is highly expected but now i take a firm grip on any money problems. Some may argue that its down to the clubs financial clerks but as a manager I want to help out in every area. Cadiz were in administration when I joined. This had a huge effect and took a tole on the team. Torino almost when under but their was still a threat. Charlton were massively when I joined ! The main aspect of money can tare a club to pieces, some will say off the field problems shouldn't affect the team and they should come together through this rough patch but look. This is 2010, all that people want is wonga ! '

Despite all this worry about finance problems and saving money. The Udinese manager has confirmed the capture of highly rated Parma product Alessandro De Vitis. The flamboyant midfielder will go straight into Davies team. The Italian born star is belive to have taken a massive wage cut and paid in chips as he looks for regular football. Hopefully the young lad can become a talisman among the midfielder and give much needed support to the strikers!

' Alessandro is a kid who joined on loan from Parma . He showed excellent ability in training and integrated into the team very well. Hes had a good youth season before joining Parma's first team. scoring goals and creating plenty of assists. He is very fast, right-footed, extremely strong in one-against-ones and can play central midfield. '

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Skysports caught up with Parma Boss Jonny Sinclair about their struggle in the league

Jonny still bottom of the league what has been the problem for you and the lads this season?

Well the simple answer is we haven't scored no way near enough goals this season its not the fact my players have played badly they're just can't break teams down we have a relatively young squad here and we I just don't think they have the confidence to win when we were 2-0 up against Chievo and we just threw it away we've showed signs this season we can get points against decent teams like Sampdoria and Genoa but sadly its been few and far between.

We've heard rumours that Alessandro De Vitis your young prodigy is going on loan this week can you shed a light on it?

Well yes he will be going on to Serie B team to get experience to help his development I offered him to this particular team because I think he could blossom under the manager there but we'll have to wait and see how that goes.

You and Dave Davies Evans are apparent front runners for the Middlesbrough job are you aware of this at all?

No i didn't to be honest what with all the media of Gareth Gardner and Steve Jenkins and their bickering I knew nothing of it I did know Tony had been sacked however which I do think is a big shame I think he is a good manager who was developing a good young side but football is a cut throat business and chairmens can all often wield the axe too quickly.

However all I will say on the matter is that the board haven't told me about any sort of approach from Middlesbrough if they were to come in I might be interested I have always spoke of a desire to manage Norwich but it wouldn't be too bad for the me and the family to go back to England in the future however this doesn't mean I'm not enjoying life in Italy on the contary I am the Parma manager at the moment and I have a job to do hear and as I love the players and fans here who have treated me well it would difficult to see myself moving at the moment with some persuading.

Finally whats the transfer news for Parma at the moment?

Very little, we have little money to work with and we're trying to get some loans in but it's proving extremely difficult sadly but we'll keep trying to plug away and see if can find some out there.

Thanks for your time

No problem cheers.

-- Edited by Sinky2707 on Wednesday 14th of July 2010 11:18:07 PM

JOP · Cult Status

Reg Radio caught up with Reggina manager JOP this week

REG: We havn't heard you in the media much this season, new tactics or too busy?

JOP: Both really, previous seasons I have spoken too much in the media and its bitten me on the backside. This season i'm leaving the football do the talking.

REG: You've had an excellent first half of the season and long may it continue! Do you think you can sustain second or even pip Brescia to the top of the league?

JOP: I can't see why we can't win the league. I'm hoping Brescia get a manager in soon because without when they aint half doing bad! I should imagine the only way we will win the league at the moment is when we play Brescia again.

REG: You have some very good players here at Reggina, possibley the best midfield in the league. Who has stood out for you so far?

JOP: I have quite a few players who have stood out so far, Van der Vaart is on fire this season and his stats show that. Rubiato is having his best season and he is still only 24. Brunt was having a tremendous season before he left for Southampton. We have so many who are having a great season.

REG: On the note of Brunt leaving do you want to talk us through your reasons for your transfers and loans?

JOP: Brunty left simpley because the offer was too good we have a tremendous player in return and cash, couldn't refuse. Kodro is coming back, he did very well with Rubiato and Gallardo is staying until the end of season - so thanks to Paul at A Madrid. We have linked up with Portsmouth to take a few loans from us including Cisse and Szatmari, Dejengoue was going but they no longer need him. Carson is going next week to Bristol so he will get loads of games again.

REG: Your a welsh boy and a Cardiff fan, what do you think of Cardiff's poor season so far and would you consider a move there?

JOP: I'm happy at Reggina but being a fan, I would never rule it out. I am dissapointed to see them struggle especially with a great squad!

REG: Last question, have you been approached by Genoa?

JOP: No comment.

-- Edited by JOP on Thursday 15th of July 2010 08:23:18 AM

Tezza · Cult Status

Atalanta News

Atalantas manager, Terry Manifold, has arranged for a Post Match Press Call after each match until the end of the season, whilst promotion is still a possibility.

Press.

Any comments about todays win?

TM.

It was another game where we had to work really hard in order to pull off another away win. Amilcar made it very difficult with his tactics but, to win away from home is always a bonus, especially in this league. We are proving a very difficult side to break down and that unfortunately means we never score many goals. We tend to rely on the odd counter attack in order to settle the score. I may be too cautious with the style of play but whilst we are getting the results I dont really want to change anything. I thought that when I played the 5 in mid field today we would create more chances but, it wasnt to be. Just another solid performance with a wonderful goal from Luciano Figueroa.

Press.

Were you aware that Ascoli lost today?

TM.

No I wasnt aware, but that must put 5 points between us. We seem destined to play Ascoli in the play offs. It is going to be very difficult to catch the top two now and get automatic promotion but, it is not impossible. We need to continue the current run of wins and hope that they hit a bad spell. We do of course have to play both of the top two again before the end of the season. Those results will need to count.

Press.

You are at home to Reggina next week have you any views of the outcome?

TM.

Only to say that we will approach the match as a real opportunity, and a very important step in the season if we want to gain automatic promotion. We will be going all out to win and I am sure that Jonathan will be looking to finish us off. I can promise a very close match and one that will shape this season for us.

Ashley-ccfc16' · Cult Status

Press gathered this evening as Mr.Davies comments on Udinese's bore draw and the possibility of midfield sensation permanently moving.

Press- Ashley, what do you make of yesterdays somewhat tedious game?

- It has actually been a good game for me. Their has been a lot of behind the scenes work. Most of my few games here have been draws, Proving that the side is capable of holding teams out. This just leaves us with the only option to strengthen the attack. Sequira on loan at Ascoli may not be at the club come the new season, I have received a lot of offers for the lad and could be tempted in accepting a deal. Its more of a win loose situation. He could potentially be the attacker in the pack and provide for the strikers but hes more of a defensive midfielder and our current midfield have proved their capable of holding teams out, so I may look over the next few days into adding him to the transfer list.

Press- What sort offer could tempt you into a deal?

- are you sure your a reporter or someone scouting! (laughs) id consider any deal, I've always been like this as it opens the market up. If it was straight cash then id look for a few more million on top or a quality striker of similar stats.

Press- what are your views on the league so far?

- I for one am backing Terry's Atalanta for a late serge into the automatic spots. No disrespect to Jonathan who has done a great job at Reggina but I can see Terry nabbing that game next week ! It will be a very close match and a good one to watch, I will be supporting Terry on this occasion and back him for the automatic spot.

-- Edited by Ashley-ccfc16' on Sunday 18th of July 2010 11:27:49 PM

donnybluebird · Semi-Pro Player

ITS A RED DAY IN THE SOUTH COAST!

So the good ship Pompey lost the derby, what did you think went wrong with your team today?

Well if you play as poorly as that defensively then you will get beat in any game, we didnt play as a unit even though we had enough defensive players playing. We played a very good Southampton team but there is no excuse conceding three goals is not good enough and hopefully with the new singings that will be coming in for next week and the players we already have results might start turning our way.

You said in your last statement that you expect new singings can you name a few?

I will be happy to name them all; as everyone knows I have been given five million pounds off the board to buy players. The biggest name coming in this week has to be Lucas Finazzi from Chievo on loan for the rest of the season I have been told by ray that he was rated highly by other managers and I am lucky to have signed him and I am really looking forward to watching him play. We also have another defensive player Michele Margin for 2.5 million pounds and we are also looking forward to welcoming him to the south coast I am not finished yet we also have to centre halfs coming as well Simone Fautario for 2.2 million and James McCarten from league rivals for a small fee of 1.3 million and I have high hopes that James and Simone will settle in well and produce good performances on the pitch.

This is the your second game in charge of Portsmouth and you have missed out on another three points, could these be big points missed because every game you lose you get further away from the top two?

My team goes out on every game thinking their going to win, if they dont think they can win they dont play simple as that. But losing games doesnt build confidence when you win its great but at the moment we are having a rough patch and he we need as a team to keep our heads down work hard fix the problems and start turning out results

Thank you Arron for speaking to us!

No problem. Any time!

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Donoghue is the right man for Pompey - Davies-Evans

Southampton defeated local rivals Portsmouth 3-1 this weekend but Saints manager Steve Davies-Evans believes Pompey have hired the right man! Speaking to the media after their game, the Welshman was keen to praise his opposite number's attitude towards the game.

SDE - "Aaron seems a really nice guy. He actually sent me a good luck message before the game which went a long way with me. There are too many egotistical managers in this game and to find someone with a bright attitude was a refreshing change. Aaron has already shown that he's ready to deal in the transfer market and that will help him to mould a squad of his own."

Media - Steve, Have you heard Aarons comments after the game?

SDE - "Yeah I have and that kind of proves my point. Even in defeat, he's gracious and that's a good way to e in this sort of management. Despite that he's Portsmouths manager, he's always welcome to come to me for any help that I can pass on. I think he's got some sort of link up with Jop at Reggina so that will help him more than other new managers so he's got a good base to work from."

Media - Steve you must have been pleased with the win this week?

SDE - "Yeah delighted! That's more like the way we've been trying to play all season. We created lots of chances are were maybe unlucky not to score one or two more. Hopefully this is the first of many now."

Media - Seven points from a possible nine now, is this the Southampton charge for promotion?

SDE - Well yeah hopefully. One swollow doesn't make a summer and all tht but the boys are in good shape and we have brought in a few more that will hopefully help the fight.

Media - Ronaldinho's debut was very solid as he set up oth Nir Mantsur and Chris Brunts goals. Were you happy with his game?

SDE - "Yeah, he's was very sharp considering his age and the amount of games that he's played this season. He was unlucky not to score himself but I'm sure that he'll be as happy as me with hhis debut. Hopefully he can ontinue to go on and be even stronger in the games we have left."

Media - Steve. good luck and thanks for talking to us.

SDE - "No worries guys, thanks alot."

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Monday 19th of July 2010 04:01:29 PM