Davies-Evans moves quickly to distance himself from Bluebirds hotseat
Southampton manager and Life-long Cardiff City fan Steve Davies-Evans has stated that he doesn't want to be considered for the Cardiff City managers job should the position become vacant. Speaking to Solent News, Davies-Evans stated that he is enjoying life on the South Coast and wants to stick around.
"I can here and now rule myself out of the Cardiff City job if it does become available. Although it's all retrospective due to Huw [Evans] still being in the job, I thought I would take time out to distance myself from it. It's always flattering to be linked to a job like that (allbeit by myself) but I am very happy at Southampton. I love working under Simon [Newcombe] and we are starting to move in the right direction. This has been my most enjoyable managerial job of my career so I want to stick it out and try and take Southampton places. The Cardiff job is obviously something that would always get my interest, this is not the time or place to be moving."
When asked who he thought was the right man for the job, Davies-Evans was equally quick to talk up Luke Coakleys chances of the position.
"I have seen that Luke has put his name forward. I personally don't think that you can go wrong with Luke. When it became available previously, I thought he was the outstanding candidate until Stuart Price applied and then got the job. The appointment of Huw Evans was a huge surprise to everyone but when you look at the caliber of teams that Luke has managed, I think Cardiff would be lucky to get him. He's by far and away the right guy for the job. He may not have won masses at AC Milan but he's turned them into real title contenders and could quite easily have toppled Juventus's grip on the title. I'm sure that Steve Jenkins will be releshing all this."
With his tongue pressed firmly to the side of his cheek, Davies-Evans then left to to take training at the Southampton training ground in Christchurch.
-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Wednesday 28th of July 2010 05:11:39 PM
Jop, have you heard the chants ringing around the Cardiff City stadium lately "We want Jop, We want Jop"
"Yes I've been told. I have family who are still season ticket holders, but I havn't been for a while so haven't experienced it!"
Are you going to apply for the job?
"Well considering they still have a manager, how he's still there i'll never know, I wouldn't like to apply at the moment. Unlike some managers I have dignity and would like to be asked and not put myself in the shop window like some cheap hooker from the mumbles mile."
Luke at AC has applied for the job or should I say "sent an updated CV", do you think it will help if you do the same?
"Like I said I am not a cheap hooker, if they want me they know where I am"
So would you accept if offered the job?
I'm a Cardiff fan so it will be a tough decision and if that time comes i'll think about it.
Avoiding the various hit men and assassins who have followed him since earlier media appearances, Juventus manager Steve Jenkins agreed to answer some questions on the growing media storm surrounding the AC Milan manager and the Cardiff vacancy or non-vacancy.
How do you feel about Lukes thinly disguised application for the Cardiff job?
Well it is fair to say he has never really been anything other than open about it as a long term goal. I seem to recall that earlier in his career he talked about going there when he had gained experience and he now has that experience.
So has he gone about things in the right way? I think if I was the Cardiff manager I would feel my position was being de-stabilised by all the talk but then Luke did not start the rumours and perhaps he feels that if he doesnt ask he will not get. It would be tough if he kept quiet and got overlooked because of it. The key point is that the Cardiff Board have not dealt with the rumours or the stories leaking out of the club.
One of those stories suggested that the Chairman was looking to bring back the glory days by re-appointing one of the managerial legends from recent years - either yourself or Stu Price?
I cannot comment on rumours.
So have you or Stu been approached, and would you be interested?
I think any comment on that would simply add more pressure to an already difficult situation, but it is a great club with a lot of potential.
Do you think Luke has caused a problem at Milan by showing such strong interest in leaving?
I doubt it; successful managers will always attract attention and if they were not ambitious they would not be successful. Milan will be eager to keep him as he has been instrumental in returning the good times to the club.
Southampton manager, Steve Davies-Evans, suggested you would be happy to see the back of Luke?
Luke is a real threat at Milan and that keeps me on my toes. He has had a tough couple of weeks but I always said his squad would find it hard to compete on such a wide front this season, that does not mean there are no further twists to come in the league. The trick is not getting a team to be competitive; it is keeping them competitive, which is why a number of managers have left crippled squads behind them in Italy. Luke has put the infrastructure in place to adapt his squad for their next push. They will be a threat in what remains of this season and again next time.
So would you prefer to see him stay or go?
Stay would be the best result for AC Milan and for Italian football in general.
With that comment Mr. Jenkins terminated the interview and, surrounded by bodyguards, left for a secret training camp with his squad - ready for their league outing against Messina.
"I would firstly like to apologies to Huw Evans the Cardiff managerfor putting more pressure on an already difficult situation. He is a good man and I understand he has had a frustrating season.
In my career I have been lucky to have managed two of the biggest and greatest clubs in world football in Manchester City and AC Milan.My career to date has been that of a dream job and while I have given everything to both roles it of course could never match to that of managing the club you support and love.From my time at Manchester City to now I have made no secret of the fact that I would jump at the chance to manage Cardiff City, both chairman I have worked under have been aware of this and I have always been open with both sets of fans.It is this honesty which I believe has helped me build and improve both teams I have worked for.
I can once again confirm that I have re-sent an updated and tailor made CV to Cardiff City and made them aware of my position which is the same position I have had for several seasons.I have said over many years my plan for my career was to manage Cardiff City and this has not changed.
My personal opinion is that the Cardiff City needs a fresh outlook now, to many talented players are not getting games and our league position is not one that cannot bring a smile to my face.I think Huw Evans is a good manager and I apologies to him or anyone else who may have been upset by my actions however the situation remains the same.If I am selling myself like a cheap hooker for the good of helping Cardiff City then thats what I will do.
I have already had some great support in my actions while others will be unhappy, that is life and that is football.I have no further comment to make on the situation at this time."
-- Edited by Milan on Wednesday 28th of July 2010 06:56:04 PM
__________________
Cardiff City manager - PM or Email at ccfc999@hotmail.com
Manchester City called a press meeting to announce their two new signings. No one sat with Stuart Price as he waited to speak but he revealed the evening would bring two arrivals at Manchester airport.
No players here Stuart what news do you have? "We are pleased to announce two new signings. Vidic will join from Real Madrid and Podolski is coming over from Bayern Munich. I'm delighted we got two big names to sign and this is a big step in the right direction to over throw Chelsea"
Vidic is a star in Madrid you must be pleased to get him in this transfer market? "Every manager knows defenders are at a premium. You only have to look around to see teams working with only one good enough or accepting weaker defenders and having to build from the front instead. It is important for us to have a strong defence to stand any chance of beating Chelsea. We have a tough tackling midfield and Vidic will add to the experience in our defence. Vidic and Mexes will be a defence to fear and it takes the pressure off Wilson and lets him learn his trade at his own pace with no expectations on him to perform yet"
And £18m for Podolski this week? "Yes more than I would have liked to pay but Bayern Munich set their price. If another team had bid I wouldn't have gone higher. £18m was Man City taking a punt on Podolski improving well. We have a strong strike force in the team now with four good players and Evans out on loan to come back. Podolski is extra and will leave on loan immediately to get as much experience as he can"
Where will he be going? "A deal was agreed minutes after signing him. Chris was looking for a loan player for Real and I have total confidence in his management of players. I think if any body can get the best out of Podolski Chris will be able to. I will be booking him in to an overnight hotel when he arrives then he can fly to Madrid the next day. It must be some sort of record for a player staying in the city!"
__________________
Trophy Cabinet
2x La Liga trophy // Sevilla 2x Spanish cup // Sevilla 1x Premiership trophy // Man City 2x English cup // Man City 2x European Cup // Man City 1x Segunda trophy // Valencia
Boss Chris Hanton has accepted a 14 million pound offer from Manchester City for star centre back Vidic, The Real Madrid boss had this to say after the news broke
" Im sorry to see the big fella go but with his age and the size of the fee being offered i thought it was in the best interest of the club that we accepeted the offer, We have recently brought a top young centre back to the club with a fee of over 20million being paid so the Vidic fee replaces some of that"
Mr Price released a statement claiming Podolski is set to join on loan...Is this a done deal ?
" Yes its a done deal, were asked after Aguero or Adriano to come in on loan for the rest of the season and it was not a option for City, they have today signed Podolski and Mr Price kindly offered the player to us, which we took"
How will Lucas fit in with Rooney and Briand ?
" Talent will allways fit in, i have agreed that Lucas plays every game he can and he will play with Rooney or Briand, or maybe even both, It gives us the option of resting one of them as we have tried to all season but without the quailty back up which now Lucas will provide."
Any other transfer targets ?
"Yes we have tried to sign a couple of centre midfielders and were priced out on a big star, but thats the end of that one, we have a big offer in on a player in the Italian league which im very hopeful we can pull off"
Your through to the Semi Final of the Spanish cup how happy are you about that and what sort of game do you think you will get from the best team in Spain at the moment ?
"Really happy we got through against a decent team, but would of been even happier if we got Barcelona or Atletico in the Semi's, We now face Mr Jenkins team who must be Favourites for the double now ?, I hope to be able to put my best team out and give them a decent hard game because we didnt do that when we last meet, We hope to have a couple of new faces in by then so who knows"
-- Edited by Rhino on Thursday 29th of July 2010 07:14:42 PM
Toffees boss Mark Rollings described himself as "contented" with the last gasp win against League One rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers despite the growing fears that his Everton sides title challenge is stuttering. Recent performances have been patchy while their once fluid attacking style appears to have been scuppered by the appalling weather conditions sweeping across Europe.
"We haven't been our fluid selves over the last 3-4 games but crucially we have dug-in and kept the points column ticking over. If we come out of the next few weeks in the top two I will be confident of finishing the job and getting promoted. It's a cliche but it really doesn't matter how well you play, its just about getting the points in the bag at this stage of the season."
Rollings also commented on his league rivals, after all of the top four won this weekend.
"I keep saying it but Leicester City are the ones to watch. They are looking incredibly strong now and have options all over the pitch. Southampton have turned heads these last few games and fair play to Steve for getting them firing like they are. One thing that concerns me with their squad though is its ability to cope with the play-offs. They have a very old squad and that will need to be managed carefully, perhaps Steve will look to play his star players against his immediate play-off rivals and rest them against bigger and smaller opposition to make sure he is picking up important points? Either way if he can do it right then they will be very strong indeed in those play-offs, so we want to make sure we do our bit and stay out of their way!"
Finally Rollings commented on the press frenzy surrounding the Cardiff City managerial position.
"As far as I understand it Huw is still manager at Cardiff City. Its incredibly de-stabilizing for him having managers come out and openly covet his job so I really feel for him. The Cardiff City board should show loyalty to the man that got them up in the first place and at least give him to the end of this campaign."
Saints give 4 star performance as Playoff hunt continues.
Media - Steve, 4-1 after creating a "hat-ful" of chances, happy?
SDE - Yeah of course. It wasn't an easy game by any means but I think for the second week running, we were clinical in our finishing.
Media - 13 goals in 3 games now, is this a statement of intent from you and the players?
SDE - Well to a certain extent, yes of course. We needed to get ourselves back in the mix and we are starting to do that.
Media - No Ronaldinho this week? Is it more pleasing that you managed to create the number of chances that you did without him?
SDE - Well "Ronny" is a big part of our plans. He's played alot of games this season already so we need to make sure he is fresh. I'm happy that without him, the boys managed to show that we are from from a one man team.
Media - A hat-trick from Santa Vivo this week, how impressed have you been with him since joining from Roma?
SDE - He's an excellent player and by far the best on the pitch today. He likes to run on ahead of the strikers, abit like a Frank Lampard of the world so he got himself in some very good positions. That's 4 goals in 2 games for him so he's rightfully pleased.
Media - Mark Rollings has commented that due to your old squad, you will need to manage them well, what do you have to say to that.
SDE - Yes we are, so thanks.
Media - That's it?
SDE - Well yeah I guess. Mark's a good manager and he's identified what we already knew, hence why Ronny didn't play this week. We also dropped Antonio Guayre who scored 4 goals last week. We will try and make sure as much as we can that these players are fresh for each game I want them to play in but that's in a perfect world.
Media - Do you think that with Marks comments, he may fear you're team if you were to meet in the playoffs?
SDE - Well firstly, it would be a huge shock if Mark and Everton were in the playoffs. Looking at the players he got in exchange for Jack Rodwell, they shouldn't be anywhere except 1st. IF we do meet them, we'd have a go at them. Whether they fear us would be something you'd need to ask Mark but I very much doubt Mark fears anyone with his team.
Todays match was played out in very windy conditions and it must be said that the close passing style of Atalanta, reminiscent of the way Arsenal played last year, was the difference between the teams.
Press.
Good result today?
TM.
To win away from home is always a good result. It wasnt a good game to watch but we went about the business well and pulled off a reasonable performance. I did manage to have a word with Ashley before the game and I must say he seems to be putting something together at Udinese that should pay dividends in the future.
Press.
Young Sinclair scored again today, he seems to be improving all the time?
TM.
Yes Scott has had plenty of games this season and he has managed to score a few goals for us. Come next year he should be an even better player. I was very pleased with Ryan today. I wanted to rest the regular forwards and decided to give Ryan a start . Yes, he set up the goal and went close on another occasion. He will be certainly be playing a part in the run up to the end of the season.
Press.
Is team rotation working?
TM.
I do have an eye on the play offs already. With 7 weeks to go I do need to even the matches out in order to preserve some of my more experienced players for a title shot. I am fortunate with this squad to have the option to play different combinations and yet still keep it tight.
Press.
Have you stopped looking at possible transfers?
TM.
I will never stop looking at improving a squad of players. I still keep one eye on the market and I will be watching closely when the latest input of players comes in from the Scouting round to see if there is a good loan deal available.
-- Edited by Tezza on Friday 30th of July 2010 11:37:16 AM
Manager Chris Hanton is thought to be considering his future at Madrid after this week poor 1-1 result, The Madrid Boss rested players again in the hope that his young guns would get the points and the plan never worked.Madrid have been putting some form together recently to gain a top 3 spot and the semi finals of the spanish cup but insiders are sure Hanton will quit after a few days visiting friends and Family in England.
Hanton Responds to press Claims
" Im visiting England to look at options at buying my own club and to meet up with another manager, Im not happy with the result this week and it may have damaged our chances of getting the 3rd spot, but i know with the 2 players i have coming in things can change so why quit, Im sure the board will contact me if they want me to leave."
-- Edited by Rhino on Friday 30th of July 2010 06:56:28 PM
Bristol City manager Hayden Dando today apologised to supporters of the Ashton Gate club for his recent public fall out with the clubs chairman, Dando said "At the end of the day i must say sorry to the fans, I was wrong to publicly air my grievences with the club and for that i also apologise to the chairman, i feel i should put this situation behind me and do what i can to help this football club before re assessing my situation at the end of the season or before if that decision is taken out of my hands"
Ex Valencia & Middlesboro manager Tony wood today gave a short press conference.
woods opened the conference with a short comment before taking questions
Since bering sacked by Middlesboro just over 2 weeks ago I have been re assessing my options and looking at future plans, I was extremely dissapointed to have lost my job at Middlesboro, that set back has knocked me a bit, I thought that things at Middlesboro were progressing and I thought I had a chairman that had the same aims as myself - long term stability and achievment with very restricted financial backing. I feel again that I am not in a position to finish what I have started, it hurts me to see Valencia in the position they are now despite being sacked 3 years ago when they were in 4th but hopefully Middlesboro can go on from here and continue to progress, I have every faith in the backroom staff that remain there, If i didnt I would not have brought them in when i was appointed. I do think the chairman needs to re think his aims either he wants success instantly and invest accordingly or let any new manager build slowly and be a little more patient, I wish them all the best for the future.
Have you had any contact from interested teams ?
I did have contact with a couple of teams early after my exit, which I immediatly dismissed to assess my future, and have recently been approached by 3 more teams with a view to taking them over.
Can we expect to see you appointed somewhere soon then ?
Sadly not, having thought about the 3 offers carefully and looked into things from backroom staff and playing staff, I have decided to decline them.
What about your application to Deportivo ?
Sadly I heard nothing back so dont think they were interested in me as their new manager, I am dissapointed they didnt even bother to get in touch so that looks like that dream is over. I dont apply for jobs often so when I did i had hopped for a more positve outcome
So where do you go from here ?
I have decided that I will spend the rest of this season away from football, I know I will miss the involvment but I will still keep an eye on whats happening. but I will not just take a job for ther sake of it, any club I am manager off I have I put everything into so short term posts do not interest me, I will see what the new season brings.
Wood left thanking all the managers who he has had involvment with over his cut short season.
Liam Riste was interviewed by Sevilla FC Television on recent goings on in the world of football.
SFCTV: Well firstly, you played and beat a good friend of yours in Dan Merrick-Reed at Celta Vigo last weekend, that must have been a good feeling?
LR: It is always nice to win, and to win by 4-0 is a bonus, however, we were always expected to win the game which made it harder with everything to lose! I rested 4 players and had Klose out injured, who wouldn't have played any ways. Shirley (Dan) and I had several beers after the game and long discussions into the night where I believe he is trying to build for the future and is happy to play the waiting game with his team...
SFCTV: A hat-trick by Aleksandr Kerzhakov after being rested, Carlos Diogo popping up with a goal as a reserve, a statement of intent perhaps after the 4-4 draw with Espanyol saw both watch from the bench?
LR: They were obviously fired up for this game and wanted to show me what they can do, which they did! We have some players the wrong side of 30 and I will rotate them when I see fit to maximise our chances of the highest possible league finish this season. Kerzhakov's hat-trick was delightful and to see young Victor Moses set up 3 goals was another pleasing feat.
SFCTV: Rumours have been circling that interest is high in your two hot prospects, Moses & Toledo. Can you confirm whether they will be leaving or not?
LR: I can confirm that we have had great interest from clubs all over the world for both players, but they are hot prospects for the future of Sevilla Football Club, whose value will only increase. I do not wish to let them go and have rejected a total value of £32m for both players! So they will both be staying at Sevilla...
SFCTV: You play Real Mallorca away this weekend, what are your thoughts?
LR: As Valladolid play Atletico Madrid, I want to win in the hope that Paul at Atletico can do me a favour and take something from that game; he has the team to do it and Valladolid are in action mid-week after that game which may work to our advantage! I just want to win my game and keep the pressure on, that's my primary objective.
SFCTV: Ashley Harris at Real Zaragoza has now drew four games on the bounce and isn't looking as comfy as he once was for the Segunda Title, have you been in touch with him recently about it?
LR: We are always in contact and I know he wants a third striker in the team and wants Victor Moses back off me again, that's all he keeps on about! Seriously though, he is on the lookout for a third striker as he believes his goals are drying up as a result of Moses' departure. He will still be very much up there and I cannot see him being removed from the top spot in Segunda in all fairness! Last week was a slip up but a draw with Racing Santander, with the team they now have was a very fair point for Zaragoza!
SFCTV: Ok well thanks for your time.
LR: No problem, Cheers.
-- Edited by Liam on Wednesday 4th of August 2010 11:33:29 AM
Davies-Evans: Players feet are firmly on the ground.
Southampton manager today spoke of his desire to take Southampton to the Championship but insisted that his players were still focused despite their recent form. Speaking at his pre-match press conference at St. Mary's , Davies-Evans took time out to speak to the waiting press.
Media - Steve, you travel to Nottm Forest this week. Obviously this is a clubclose to your heart, are you looking forward to it?
SDE - Yeah of course. I had a great time at Forest and loved every minute of it. It's a great club with great fans so I'm looking forward to going back there.
Media - Will you meet with the chairman?
SDE - Yeah I'm sure we'll see eachother. There's no bad feeling between either of us so It'll be good to catch up.
Media - On the subject of Southampton , you are in superb form...I imagine training is a good place to be at the moment?
SDE - It's always been a good place to be to be honest. Even in the first half of the season when results weren't great, the boys were still working hard to get the wins we wanted. We are always gracious in both defeat and success.
Media - Steve, how important is 3 points this week?
SDE - Well, it's not life or death but I want to build up momentum so yeah, we'd all like a win. This is far from a fore gone conclusion however, Forest are a good team with very good players that can hurt us if we are not on our game so we need to make sure that we are at it from the start.
Media - Lastly Steve, We didn't see Ronaldinho last week. Can we expect to see him this week.
SDE - You'll have to wait and see won't you [laughs]
With that, Davies-Evans left the room to continue his training session.
This weekend will see Atalanta entertaining Napoli at home.
"The weather forecast for tomorrow isnt looking good with gale force winds expected," Terry said, "if the match goes ahead it will be very interesting, It may come down to who can overcome the conditions and have nothing to do with football."
"Andy Fletcher has pulled Naploi up this league and his side has to be respected," Terry said, "and with the likes of Lavezzi playing up front we will need to keep it tight."
" Mind you I do think the suspension ofArini is a bonus and I aim to capitalise on the situation."
Everyone at Atalanta see the match against Napoli as a real opportunity to go 3 more points ahead of Ascoli who have a tough match against Reggina. It should be a very interesting situation at the weekend with a real indication of how this season will pan out.
When asked if he had anything else to add, Terry said "Yes, I have managed to sign a very experienced midfielder over the past few days in order to bolster the side for the run in," " I think we still lneed that little bit extra in the middle of the park." " I can also give you news of a possible loan deal that could come off in the next two weeks involving a very talented youngster," Terry informed us, " and thats all I am going to say at this point." " I must add I have never seen so many reporters here, It must be very quiet out there for news., Good day!"
-- Edited by Tezza on Thursday 5th of August 2010 10:35:31 PM
-- Edited by Tezza on Thursday 5th of August 2010 10:39:49 PM
Brescia have stormed Serie B this season proving to many last season was a blip and that they are in fact a Serie A team capable of survival under the right management. The playing staff has been put in place this season and they sit 1 point clear of Reggina in second but an impressive 12 points ahead of 3rd placed Atalanta. However Luigi Corioni today revealed they had approached out of contract Tony Wood but had been 'snubbed'.
"We are a big club, bigger than Middlesbrough. We are very disappointed with Tony's attitude towards our proposition. We believe Serie A survival is a certainty next season and greater things could be achieved with the players we already have, but there would be no pressure for such greater achievements. He talks about wanting a non pressure job at a good team, but turns us down. Managers sacked by teams stuck in Championship obscurity don't go walking into Real Madrid or Chelsea. We hope future managers respect that good jobs have to be earned, and also that when a manager states their desires in terms of the type of job they are after, that this isn't just lip service to the fans as it wastes our time."
Brescia have refused to comment on reports they have already approached Terry Manifold to take over at the end of the season.
Deportivo released a brief statement on their website in which the owner Augusto Lendoiro admitted he was 'disappointed' with Wood's comments in the media. "We contacted Tony in private because we believed a personal response was appropriate. To suggest we have blanked his application is a lie, ironic in the same interview he criticises his former employers for similar actions. Maybe something in the Boro' waters is causing this sort of lies. We told Tony we are allowing the assistant to build the squad and are not currently searching to fill the vacant managers seat until the squad building is complete. This hasn't changed."
A leading betting agency have held "formative talks" with the Football Association with regard to betting patterns concerning the future of Huw Evans at Cardiff. It has been reported that a large amount of money has been placed at a unnamed Milan agency on Evans being sacked within the next 7 days. Speculation is rife at present and managers have already begun to position themselves for the Cardiff City vacancy before the club have even commented on the future of its manager.
In response to suggestions an insider had tipped a potential candidate about when was the best time to apply for the job, the betting agency spokesman had this to say. "We will advise the FA on what went on in Milan and, as the sports governing body, its entirely up to them if they see a need to investigate. We can only confirm a large bet was placed in an Italian branch."
Southampton officials have strenuously denied that their manager is set to open his own agency as a side project to managing the Saints. Steve Davies-Evans has recently become involved in the much discussed position at Cardiff and despite removing himself from the running has remained close to the debate. Reports from one South coast paper claims Steve has been in talks with brother Dave and AC Milan boss Luke about representing them. Football agency might be a lucrative business but it would bring added strains of having to manage peoples movement around Europe at a time where top contracts could potentially exceed £15 million a year.
Reggina go Chinese?
Reports are breaking in Italy that a Chinese consortium is interested in investing in Reggina. A Chinese internet gaming tycoon has confirmed he is interested in buying an Italian football club.
Zhu Jun, chairman of the online game company said he had been approached by the Reggina chairman Pasquale Foti and offered the chance to view a match. "I will be attending this weekends match as a guest of Foti. I love football, and I'm looking forward to the match."
Officials at the Shanghai based company said they could not immediately confirm the comments. It is however known that Foti lacks the sort of funding to have any real impact on the club and many fans believe manager Jonathan Petty could walk in favour of a bigger club should he achieve success and promotion with Reggina.
The Italian media were already writing the Napoli obituary as Atalanta slammed home their first goal in a routine home match.
But twice Napoli came from behind to level the scores at 2-2, goals from the ever present Lavezzi and a much needed Tuni strike.
In the final minutes, young midfielder Cosmo Palumbo popped up with a cheeky lob and secured he 3 points for Napoli.
Andy Fletcher said "Terry has built a tough team at Atalanta on limited resources, Scott Sinclair gave us problems all day but I thought Tonelli was outstanding and the type of player I would like here."
"We were tenacious today and at times fed off scraps but our youngsters again showed their developing maturity in not lying down and pushing for 3 points, we havent had many wins this season so its very welcome and certainly very handy to keep us in the play offs."
"I'm excited about next season and adding some pieces to the jigsaw, weve got interest in a quality striker and I need that little Gem in defence to secure the squad. Our chairman has given us a plan to follow and I think the staff are doing a decent job, he has provided funds when he said he would and helped the club turn a corner, we hope to repay him with success on and off the field."
-- Edited by Fletch on Saturday 7th of August 2010 07:26:38 AM
-- Edited by Fletch on Saturday 7th of August 2010 07:27:02 AM
Todays match was played out in gale force winds and did lack the entertainment factor. At times it was hard for the players to keep on their feet never mind scoring goals. In the end Napoli walk away with the points and Atlanta are left wondering why
they lost what looked like an opportunity to increase the gap between Ascoli in the play off spots.
Press.
That must have been very disappointing?
TM.
Yes, we seemed to sit back and let them dictate the pace. I know we are in a good position for the play offs but it is not the time to relax. I didnt expect Andy to come here and defend but they just seem to adapt to the conditions far better. Our defence today was a little slack and they know it, but I was very pleased for Ryan Jarvis that was his first goal for the club. I only brought him in as a reserve striker and he is doing very well.
Press.
Did you know that Ascoli lost today?
TM.
No I havent heard any results and thats a let off if its true. I would like to retain the third spot if only for the confidence it will give the team later in the season.
Press.
You have mentioned bringing in two more players?
TM.
I think on our performance today you can see my point that we just lack that little bit more drive in the middle. If the two deals come off I will have thrown my last dice and it will be down to pulling it all together.
Press.
What have you to say about the rumours that Brescia have you on their wanted list?
TM.
As you said, it is just a rumour. I have some serious work to do here, to keep this job, I view that as more important at this time. This season is not over yet and I will be working towards maintaining our position in the league whilst saving some of the players for a real tilt at promotion. What with Napoli picking up and other sides settling, it will not be plain sailing. As I said, over the next two weeks the line up should change slightly and see us in a better position for that challenge. On a personal level it is very important that I prove I have the ability to go one better that a play off spot. Losing today has not changed that, it has just made me even more keen to get on with the job.
following a statement from Brecia chairman Corioni yesterday ex Valencia and Middlesboro manager Tony wood responded to comments made ....
Yes I did turn Down Brecia and appreciate the chairman's comments but he would try and talk up his club wouldn't he!!! Maybe they should play Middlesboro in an end of season friendly :)
The facts are their best players are approaching retirement so if thats the platform they are building for their future good luck to them but they will never be a stable Seria A team and will be back among the elite of Seria B
I based my decision on potential youth products, current squad, back-room staff and finally financial backing, and although it might be an attractive job for somebody it wasn't right for me so declined the opportunity, if they are so good I wonder why nobody has applied for the vacancy!!
I have never nor am i holding out for an approach from the likes of Real Madrid or Chelsea - and with respects to Deportivo who currently sit 9th in Segunda (16 places below Real) its hard to see how that comment has been made. I repeat I never heard from Deportive direct, however I was informed that there are currently teams that are unmanageable and I respect that decision.
When Wood was asked about his future he reiterated he would await further approaches for his services and would consider any vacancies on their merits, but that the right things have to be in place or be able to improve the infastructure, I like the pressure of improving a club but will not go back on my values that if sacked then the club will be better off then when i was appointed.
Wood seemed in good spirits as he left to go and support his home town club in their big match today