Week 17

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 17

Luke_C · Cult Status

Milan 9 Roma 1

Luke a very good result in a week where in some quarters your commitment has been questioned?

Well I dont see how my commitment could ever be questioned; I have only ever managed two clubs and have given nothing short of 100 percent.It has been well publicised that this will be my last season at Milan but I think the players showed today that in my time here I have not only brought in players with great quality but of the right type and would great worth ethic.

They played well today?

Haha we always try to pass the ball well but we didnt do that as well as we have done previously today but we have such quality that we managed to almost bully them.We managed to rest one or two players but we now need to get a few of the younger players out on loan to get games. I was disappointed to concede today but how can I complain after scoring nine goals.

According to FA Milan Radio the fans were chanting your name in support today?

They did and I cant deny I had a lump in my throat, they appreciate good football and I think this is why we have had such a great rapport.I thought the fans at Manchester City were fantastic but they do not compare to Milan fans who are quite simply a credit to the Italian league and at the moment the most vocal in eurpoe without a doubt.

Rumours in the South Wales Echo say your signed, sealed delivered, and yours to be the new manager at Ninian Park?

If that was Terry Philips who wrote it, im pretty certain not to get it (Laughs). Well im certainly no Steve Wonder and can confirm I have had no approach what so ever from Cardiff City or Peter Ridsdale.I would expect some contact either this weekend or early next week, what sort of news that will be im unsure but Im pretty sure everyone is aware of my position.

Reginna manager Jonathan Petty has also applied for the job, any thoughts?

Not really, he had an interesting time at Sunderland previously in England and now doing very well at Reginna, he will be in there thoughts for sure. I have recently done some deals with him for Milan and think he come across very well .I can only say my personal experience in England of getting a team promoted from the championship to the premiership and continuously improving league position year on year.I hope to continue that would Cardiff given the chance.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Charlton 3-3 Southampton

Davies-Evans bemoans costly defensive errors as Saints claim impressive fightback.

Media - Steve, Mixed emotions after that?

SDE - Yeah, Exactly that. I ripped into the boys at half time because we were awful at the back and no better really after the break but to score 3 goals in 2 minutes coming back from 3-0 down shows that these boys care and they'vegot character and heart for all to see.

Media - No Ronaldinho again today, that's the last 3 games that he's missed. Many media sources are claiming that you have had a falling out with your midfielder, is this true?

SDE - No not at all! Yet again, the press have put two and two together and come up with a load of rubbish! I have clearly stated that Ronny will be used sparingly and we have identified the games that we want him to play in. He knows this and is totally fine with it. He's been working on his fitness and has been brilliant around the place. We have Reading next week and if I feel it's in the benefit of Southampton Fotball Club, I won't play him again.

Media - Despite you drawing your last two games, you still find yourselves in the playoffs. Is that a big positive?

SDE - Well Yes, we felt that we would be in there at this point so we are till on track. We've now got 4 very hard games coming up so if we are still in there after them, we will have deserved to be.

Media - You've been very quiet on the transfer front recently, are you finished for the season now?

SDE - More or less yes. We have one or two that may join us but it's largly the squad we have now and we are happy with that.

Media - Many have linked you with John Terry from AC Milan. Any truth in that?

SDE - None whatsoever. I think I know where he's going but it won't be St. Marys.

Ash · Cult Status

Real Zaragoza manager Ashley Harris spoke to the press following his side's 2-0 win over Almeria.

Press: Ashley, you must be very pleased to have won following the 5 consecutive draws your side have recorded?

AH: Yes i'm delighted to have won. Those 5 draws in a row were very frustrating for a team who are top of the league but we know this is a tough league so it was important that I made sure no one panicked and we maintained our confidence. I was always confident in the group of players that i have here and it was just a question of when we would return to winning ways.

Press: Many pundits say that every side has a blip in their season. Do you feel yours is out of the way?

AH: Well i hope so! It was a difficult period for us but if you look at the league table you will see that we are 4 points clear at the top and have a 9 point advantage inside the promotion zone, so were still in a very good position. I'm confident heading into the final 5 games that we can win all of those to secure the Segunda title, but we do have some difficult games to come, including a game against second placed Bilbao, so were keeping our feet on the ground.

Press: Santander lost 4-3 to an inform Getafe side, were you surpsied by this result?

AH: No not at all, Getafe seem to be the form side in the league at the moment, so it was always going to be a difficult game for them, were grateful to Getafe for doing us a favour, is shows how tight this league is though, as i have said to my players anyone can beat anyone on their day so we need to be at our best for the run in.

Press: Finally, your friend, the Sevilla manager Liam Riste seemed to take pleasure in commenting on your run of draws, what do have to say?

AH: Yes, he did seem to rather enjoy it didn't he! I'll just have to wait for him to have a run of draws, but as he's the Sevilla manager it doesn't look particuarly likely.

Press: Thanks for your time.
AH: Cheers.

Liam · Cult Status

Sevilla FC Television grabbed a live late night interview with manager Liam Riste after a tough away fixture saw Sevilla grab all three points from a strong Atletico Madrid side.

SFCTV: You beat Atletico Madrid who took a point off you at home earlier in the season, away from home in some fashion. How much did that win mean to you and the team?

LR: It was a big game for us as they took a point off us as you've said and Paul has done a great job there. Away from home made it slightly more difficult but the team pulled together and grabbed a fantastic 7-4 win which we we are delighted with. We are playing well as a team and getting the results we need, although Real Valladolid seem to be doing the same!

SFCTV: Last time round it was 4-4, what were your thoughts when the score hit 4-4 again?

LR: Well to go 2-0 down so early in the game, I was disappointed but optimistic still. We have a habit of coming from behind and I remained calm! We then took the lead 4-2 before they levelled again which was disappointing again to let slip a hard earned lead. My team though favour the last half hour of games and scored a magnificent three goals to walk the game out of sight.

SFCTV: You speak of many disappointing moments, so is it fair to suggest your not that pleased with the result?

LR: Not at all... There are a few disappointing moments which I have spoken of, but that's because I wish to work on them over the next week. There were many other positives like goals coming from all over the park for us! A goal from Wing-Back, Sagnol, Centre Half in Fazio, Winger in the form of Navas, a mighty two from Kaka in the Centre and another brace from Forward Klose! This is an awesome feat that we have achieved at least twice this season.

SFCTV: You earlier said that Valladolid seem to be doing what they need to as well. Do you still believe they will slip up enough for you to snatch the La Liga crown from them?

LR: I still have hard games in Real Madrid, Barcelona and Valladolid themselves. As much as I'd love to snatch the crown from under Simon's (Jenkins) nose, I can't really see it happening. However, I think I speak for all football fans that when our teams meet on the closing day of the season, it would add a lot more spice to the game if we were two points behind and the title on the line in a single game! However, that's ruling Barcelona out already which shouldn't be done...

SFCTV: Your friend Ash at Zaragoza spoke out about your apparent delight at seeing his blip, what do you make of his comments?

LR: Well... I was certainly not taking delight in the fact his results had slipped, but more in the fact that his pants were in danger of becoming stained! Speaking to him so regularly and listening to his reaction was comical but I assure you I want him to win the league and again, have faith that the lead he has won't slip. I did laugh at the fact he said he would like to see the tables turn so he could have a pop, but it's unlikely. I disagree, I have some big games left and it doesn't matter who you are, a blip in form hits even the biggest and best clubs! Although another comical side is that he has ducked his head from the media until he grabbed a win to end this blip.

SFCTV: Well it's past our bed-time so we will leave you now. Thanks again for the interview.

LR: Cheers, no problem.

-- Edited by Liam on Sunday 15th of August 2010 11:46:25 PM

-- Edited by Liam on Sunday 15th of August 2010 11:46:49 PM

Tezza · Cult Status

Atalanta News

This weekend will be a tough weekend for promotion chasing Atalanta.

They are away to top of the table Brescia and manager Terry Manifold is very confident of adding points to this years campagne.

"I intend to put out a very experienced side that will be very close to one of my Play Off teams," said Terry Manifold, "it will be an experiment on the top side in the division and I am very confident it will produce results." Another three points this week should fix the play off spot for Atalanta and then we can work at getting the best out of the team for the end of the season.

"I can also tell you that Jack Rodwell will be in the side," "Another development over last weekend could result in a young goalkeeper from Chelsea coming our way."

"Things are really taking off here, and we have never been in better shape to have a go at that move back into Serie A."

Looking back the current side bears no resemblance to the side that dropped a Division two years ago. It looks a much more even set up with everyone pulling together and no one player taking the honours. Terry has taken his time, with no money, and selected steady hard working individuals from across the continent in an effort to put Atalanta back in Serie A.

"If things work out and we get promotion we will of course need to add to this side," Terry said, "I see promotion as phase one." "Phase two is something we will need to address if it all goes to plan." "We have depended again on one or two loans this season, but, there was no other way to change things without their help."

When told it sounded as though he had accepted promotion already, Terry said, "I cant afford to think otherwise, my whole future is at stake over the next 5 weeks and if I cant be positive, then who can."

-- Edited by Tezza on Tuesday 17th of August 2010 07:06:17 AM

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Asier completes Everton deal, to step up Toffees promotion chase

Ex-Barcelona midfielder Asier today completed paperwork for his deal to Everton after protracted administration to signal the start of the Toffees run-in towards promotion. The spanish playmaker sat in the stands as his new side despatched of Leeds United 5-2 in a free flowing game which will serve to encourage the midfielder of the impact he can have in the English game.

After the match Rollings welcomed his latest signing and sent a warning shot to the rest of the league ahead of the title run-in.

"We have looked to experiment somewhat over the last month or so, with mixed results. What I will say is that we are now a lot more familiar with our strengths and weaknesses and the squad is a lot better equipped to deal with the rigors of a full season. Now however the experiments will stop and we will play a team which I am confident of going out and getting the results. There are some good sides in this league, but they should be worried about what we can do to them, not the other way around!"

Rollings handed a unexpected debut to 17-year old Marlon Jackson at Elland Road, a free transfer who has been given a contract til the end of the current season. Rollings offered words of encouragement to his low-profile recruit and suggested more opportunities for the youngster.

"Marlon showed a great attitude out there, especially given his age. We have given him til the end of the season to show us what he can do and to give him credit he put in a good performance this weekend. He will get another chance at some point over the next few weeks and it's all in his own hands. We have some great strikers at this squad and he needs to try to learn as much as he can from them."

Finally Rollings spoke about the coming fixtures, and his aspirations for a title winning season.

"The title is certainly our target. It will be difficult because we are not the only side who will have our eye on that. Everyone seems to be winning at the moment and currently Reading have pole position. It is in our own hands given we have to play them the last game of the season but we have to go out and win it. Promotion is a must, and all the pressure is on me to deliver that as a minimum. I understood that pressure when I took the job though and quite rightly if that isn't achieved the buck WILL stop with me. As I have said many times this club will be around long after my reign here ends but I am confident I am the man to take this club back to where it belongs. I am 100% committed to what we are trying to do here and the fans and chairman should know that!"

richj363 · Cult Status

Spurs Manager Richard Jefferies was ecstatic when revealing Robinho as a Totenham player this morning.

"We are delighted to have him here and it has given the whole squad a lift ahead of the run in, Rafaello has done a great job for us this season but when we heard Robinho wanted to come to London we made our move" " We lost some experience when selling Berbatov but I think Robinho will more than make up for that, He will give us that class that has been missing"

Robinho has gone straight into the squad for this weeks game as Jefferies tries a more attacking line up against lowly Sheff wed. He said " We need to find more goals to win games, we wont be relegated so now have to push on for a top 6 place, It will be hard but we are in there fighting"

Football Academy · Cult Status

Newcastle hope to tempt under fire Real Madrid manager Chris Hanton with Premiership football.

Peter Ridsdale is in Milan to secure the arrival of Luke Coakley tomorrow morning.

Atalanta boss Terry Manifold is in talks with Middlesbrough over their vacancy.

Huw Evans returned to his old club Brescia to enthusiastic fans lining the streets.

Louis Galeozzie is considering an approach from unmanaged Palermo.

Empoli have transfer listed want away striker Eder who is looking for a bigger club.

Dale Price wants to sign Iain Hume from his old club Sunderland.

Aythami is in contract negotiations with Juventus.

Blackburn are preparing to bring Amilcar Vasquez back to the club following his spell at Catania.

Steve Gibson is yet to approach Gareth Gardner over the vacant Middlesbrough job as he's unsure over his ability to live up to their demands.

Athletic Bilbao's Jonnie Adams and Cadiz's Johndaniel Jaques are being considered by the Middlesbrough board.

Middlesbrough are close to agreeing terms with ex-Inter Milan manager Gareth Gardner.

Espanyol midfielder Javi Marquez is close to a deal with Real Valladolid.

Steve Jenkins and the Leicester board are considering appointing Ashley Harris as their manager in the hunt for Championship football next season.

Sheffield United are tracking Villarreal boss Jackie Yeo.

Inter Milan are considering the new attacking manager Callum Ward at Getafe, the wise head of Jonny Sinclair at Parma, and impressive Serie B duo Andy Fletcher and Jonathan Petty in their manager hunt.

Meanwhile across the city AC Milan boss Luke Coakley has been snubbed by Cardiff City over player demands.

-- Edited by Football Academy on Tuesday 17th of August 2010 09:04:43 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Middlesbrough close in on new manager weeks after the sacking of Tony Woods.

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Jonathan Sinclair was a very depressed man a couple of days after Parma's crunch game with Lazio ended in a disappointing 1-0 loss.

'Incredibly disappointed, same old story really we just couldn't break them down and they nicked a goal and we couldn't recover from that it looks like we're preparing for Serie B next season, the good thing is that I think we have a squad very capable of performing well in Serie B. I would see no reason that we couldn't come straight back up we have a young squad so maybe a season in Serie B would be good for us it would get us back into the winning habit and my players would become better and stronger players for that howevere these are if's and but's the season isn't over just and we have to try and win as many points as we possibly can in the last few games of the season. Plus whilst I'm good friends with Raymond Farnell (Chievo's Manager) it would be nice to get one over him again after I beat him with Ascoli in the play-off final haha.

On rumours of Inter Milan interest:

'Well this was highly surprising when I read it and I don't know why I keep getting rumoured with different jobs at the minute more so because of the fact I'm not doing fantastic in the job I'm in at the moment to be honest if I were part of the Inter board I would probably make an approach for Jonathan Petty or Andy Flecther because they doing very well for their clubs at the moment Reggina wouldn't have dreamt of getting promoted until Petty took charge and Flecther is rebuilding Napoli into a youthful side and I can see them in Serie A again in the future indeed.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Middlesbrough representatives have arrived in Southern Italy and are in talks with an unnamed manager.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Middlesbrough representatives are in talks with Andy Fletcher over the vacant managers position.

tonymdf · Cult Status

FA Managers Association or FA Association....

Football Academy · Cult Status

RE: Week 17

Football Academy · Cult Status

Silvio Berlusconi has placed a transfer ban on his AC Milan club just 2 weeks from the close of the transfer window.

Luke_C · Cult Status

Luke Coakley Interview

Luke a tough game against a friend of yours Chris Bishop at Sampdoria this week?

Yes, a manager that not many talk about but who is doing a very very good job at Sampdoria. It will be a very tough test and of course we will go all out for the win as usual. We have our right back out so we will be playing three centre backs which isnt ideal but it gives us a different kind of shape to what we are used to but I think it can work well.

It has been reported that Silvio Berluscon has placed Milan under a transfer embargo until the end of the season?

I have an excellent working relationship with Silvio and he has not said anything to me so I am still planning transfers. Infact I have just got off the phone from a manager on a player. I have no reason to believe this is true so I will be working on deals until told otherwise. The squad needs that final push for the final part of the season to chase down Juventus. If I we cannot do any deals and I have not been told then clearly my position at Milan would have become untenable.

Could this be connected to your Cardiff City application?

If your suggesting my application has effected anything at this club then I suggest you look at last weeks scoreline.

And any news on your Cardiff application, some say Peter Ridsdale is in Milan for talks, and others said they are unhappy with your demands?

I have no comment on where Peter Ridsdale is, you can ask him that if or when you find him. As for my demands, ive not asked for anything and said I would initially work for a minimal wage so I think maybe the media are looking for some spin. Its all a dream from my point of view at the moment.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Reggina have given an unnamed club permission to speak to manager Jonathan Petty accepting they "couldn't stand in his way" after considering his ambitions and ability.

Fletch · Cult Status

Andy Fletcher Commits to Napoli

In a brief statement today, Napoli manager Andy Fletcher made certain that everyone got the message regarding the approach by Middlesborough regarding their vacant managerial position.

" I want to make it undoubtedly clear that I would like to continue the project I and Stuart Price have started at Napoli, we are totally on track and things have gone really well. Stuart and I have an understanding and he lets me get on with the job based on our plan for the club. We have substantially reduced the age of the playing staff, nurtured our own talent and developed the infrastructure of the club positively. Make no mistake, Napoli is a great club and our ambition to be fighting for honours in Serie A is a very realistic proposition, I have been given all the tools possible to achieve this and that is my aim, for as long as the chairman and the club want me here then I will continue to do my job."

-- Edited by Fletch on Thursday 19th of August 2010 11:22:52 AM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Reggina boss Jonathan Petty is attending talks with Inter Milan representatives.

JOP · Cult Status

JOP REJECTS TALKS WITH INTER

"Yes Inter has offered me their manager's position but I have turned down taks with them."

"As I explained to the Inter board, I am extremely happy at Reggina and have a great young taleneted squad that I believe can finish above Inter in the next few years. I have an amazing chairman who gives me the freedome to do what I want. There is only one club I would leave Reggina for and that my home town club of Cardiff City. My chairman knows this and are very good about it."

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Everton strike duo release kit teaser

Everton pair Mourane Chamakh and Kevin Doyle put goalscoring to one side for an afternoon and instead posed for the cameras to launch teasers for Everton's home and away kits for next season. Everton will announce a new kit sponsor to accompany the new release and the move to get their shirts and sponsorship sorted so in advance on any of their rivals represents a major demonstration of the Merseysiders business acumen.

Of the release Marketing Director Phil Twain was quoted:

"The kit pays homage to some great era's for this football club, and looks to bring back memories of days gone by in a new modern day feel. We now look forward to creating history with it on the field."

Jozz · Cult Status

Luke_C · Cult Status

RE: Week 17

Tezza · Cult Status

Atalanta Post Match Interview

Atalantas match against top of the table Brescia turned out to be a very exciting encounter. Huw Evans first game at the Club and the Clubs first defeat this season. It was a game not to miss with Atalanta taking the lead before halftime before Brescias Zambrella bringing the score back after 72 minutes. Atalanta must have thought it was all over but on 80 minutes a wonderful goal from Stead sealed the game.

Press.

Your earlier confidence has paid off?

TM.

Yes, today I could have fielded a weaker side and just taken it, but we are nearing the end of the season and with the help of a few new players I thought we would throw experience at them. I am thrilled for the lads, this gives us the power to really go for it.

Figueroa and Stead can still cause havoc and we will need the pair later on in the season. We only have a few matches left and I am afraid it will be resting some of the more mature players for the play-offs. We have shown we are capable of beating the best, I just cant wait. This must have sent a shot across the bows of Ascoli.

Press.

What did you think of Jack Rodwells game today?

TM.

I thought it took a little time for the lad to settle, but, we were treated with some real quality from the lad. There is no doubt in my mind that Jack will create opportunities and give Atatanta more goals.

Press.

I have never seen you so excited?

TM.

Football a funny old game. You can plan every week against the information you can obtain and things go wrong or players just dont keep to the plot. But, today it all went to plan. I knew we could get the points today. This is our biggest win this year.

It was a quality performance against a very good side.

Press.

What now?

TM.

We have the young goalkeeper from Chelsea coming in this weekend and Heaton will be sent there next week. That gives me a little more to play with. Then it is the play offs. We will take each match on the run in as time to try a few things out, let the new boys settle in and basically save the experience for the bigger matches at the end of the season. If we drop a position or two it may work in our favour. I have staked everything this year on promotion.

-- Edited by Tezza on Saturday 21st of August 2010 07:46:16 AM

-- Edited by Tezza on Saturday 21st of August 2010 07:46:44 AM

-- Edited by Tezza on Saturday 21st of August 2010 07:47:22 AM

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Southampton 5-2 Reading

Top of the table Royals downed by 5 Star Saints

Southampton got back to winning ways with a thumping win over then top of the table Reading. Manager Steve Davies-Evans was pleased to see his team getting back to their free scoring ways but still admitted that his defence need to step up if they are to be promoted.

Media - Steve that must feel a whole lot better after a tricky couple of weeks?

SDE - Indeed it does. We were more ruthless infront of goal today and we took our chances well.

Media - It must give your team a real lift by beating a team who were top of the league?

SDE - Well we had to work hard today, Reading were top for a reason so yeah, I'm happy that we can obviously compete with the likes of Reading etc.

Media - You have now paved the way for Everton and your good friend Mark Rollings to top the table. Has Mark spoken to you yet?

SDE- Yeah I had a text off him saying he was pleased with our result. God luck to them. I think Mark had his ambitions and hopefully our result has helped him take a step closer. However, we play them in the very near future so we'll be doing him no favoours then.

Media - Ronaldinho back in the team this week and he played very well. A case to keep him included?

SDE - Ronny is a class player and we know that. He will be used as and when. There are a potential 6 games left of the season, could he play all them? No, probably not so we have to look after him.