Week 22

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Week 22

SebC4 · Non-League Player

Ascoli 2 Empoli 3

Empoli came out on top in a tough match against one of the favourites in the league to show they will be no pushovers in the play off matches in two weeks time. Both teams were going into the match after two wins but it was Ascoli who were tipped to take the points placed third in the table and only recently losing the race for automatic promotion.

It was Empoli who started the strongest. After just four minutes Tim Cahill lobbed a stranded Antonio Di Matteo in the Ascoli goal. Some weak protests by the defence were ignored by the referee and Empoli had a surprise lead that only lasted a minute. From the kickoff the ball found Ricardo Vaz Te who struck a low drive from the edge of the box into the corner and Empoli reserve goalkeeper Roberto coudl do little to stop it.

Borja Rubiato who had set up the first Ascoli goal added a second just before the interval. Finding space in the box he lashed in a half volley from close range punishing the poor defending and giving the Empoli manager something to think about in his half time team talk.

Whatever was said in the changing rooms it was Empoli who came out in the second half all fired up. Taking the game to the home team Dani spun his marker showing electric speed and slotted home the equaliser like the natural goalscorer he is. That goal took him to six for the season as part of the new strike partnership under manager Seb Carter.

Empoli continued to shine in the second half and stunned the home fans with a winner just ten minutes from the final whistel. A lovely flick from Clint Dempsey into the middle set the ball to the leftback Simone Iacoponi who had cut in from his wing. A beautiful one two on the edge of the box broke the Ascoli back line who looked fragile under the mounting pressure and his placed finish silenced the home support.

Empoli boss Seb Carter said: "It was a battling display. They were winning at the break and deserved it. I just told the players we had to get back to the basics. The gaps were there but we were finding it hard to get that final pass to feet. I was proud with how they responded and it shows teams will underestimate us at their peril in the play offs."

Liam · Cult Status

Sevilla manager Liam Riste caught up with Sevilla FC Television for an interview on the penultimate game of the seasons' action, here's what he had to say:

SFCTV: Some may question your selection against Levante and it nearly cost you, what do you make of these critics?

LR: You've summed it up there yourself, 'nearly' doesn't mean we actually lost out anything from the game. We gave a solid performance and it just so happened that with their only shot on target, they managed to score.

SFCTV: But surely you see the point being made that your 90th minute winner kept the game closer than predicted?

LR: Not really, we have Valladolid last game of the season and I rested key players to give us the best chance of snatching 2nd back from Barcelona. Although we picked up two injuries, I'm still looking forward to Simon's visit and maintain high expectations. Anyway, the goal was deserved if you look at the stats, however harsh it may be on Levante.

SFCTV: Harsh is one way of describing your 90th minute goal to condemn Levante to Segunda football next season, what are your feelings on this?

LR: Well it's not the first time I've relegated a team as I believe I relegated Fulham from the Championship in the same season I won it. It's just an inevitable thing, I was never going to lie down for anyone, especially when we had our own interests to consider.

SFCTV: So what do you make of your chances to reach 2nd place ahead of Barcelona, considering Real Madrid lost this week to Atletico Madrid?

LR: Well first of all, we need to beat Valladolid which is no easy feat. Barcelona then have to lose to Real Madrid which is possible! I'm just hoping Podolski is leading the charge still as he should be Barcelona's biggest fear. The form the man has been in is World Class and he's certainly frightening to any defence. I think we have done enough to deserve our top 3 finish which is guaranteed, but second wouldn't be undeserved by any means! We'll have to wait for what promises to be a big finale to the season with the top 4 teams playing off in the league.

SFCTV: Lastly, is there any transfer news you can enlighten us with for next season?

LR: I have enquired about a few players, but we will have to review our options at the beginning of next season when we are more aware of what equipment we have at our disposal. So for now, my plans are roughly drawn and will remain hush hush.

SFCTV: Okay, well thanks for your time once again.

LR: Cheers, no problem!

richj363 · Cult Status

Spurs manager Richard Jefferies spoke to Sky Sports News today.

SSN So a 7th place finish for your team then, how do you feel.

RJ Well i am very disappointed to be fair but proud of our achievements and I couldn't have asked any more of my group of players. We once again have improved this year and although not making Europe we have had a higher finish.

SSN So do you expect to be here next season ?

RJ Well obviously that is down to the Chairman and the board, I'm sure they can see we are making progress but whether thats enough i just don't know. I would love to stay and finish the job but lets wait and see.

SSN Do you feel your squad is stronger now ?

RJ Without a doubt we now a squad that is the strongest since i have been here, and I'm sure they will be even better next season, I just hope I am here to guide them.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Record night in Italy

In what was the stand out result of the night, on a night of high profile matches across Europe on Cup final night, Juventus set a footballing record scoring 11 goals past a dismal Fiorentina. In 7 seasons the record for a teams goals in one match has been 10 goals, a record joint held by a prestigious few. However in what was deemed a spectacle of Italian football, Fiorentina's tiny squad finally collapsed under the pressure of another promising season. 2-1 at half time to Juventus seemed like a close, nail biting second half was pending, but Juventus put another 6 past the hapless Fiorentina defence before 80 minutes were on the clock. With Fiorentina fans piling out the stadium they pulled a goal back which might have enticed a few disgruntled fans to return to their seats for the final 3 minutes, only to see Juventus score in each of those minutes. The humiliating defeat will go down in FA record books.

At the final whistle Italian TV coverage captured the head of the Italian FA, with his head in his hands. On leaving the ground reporters questioned him on the nights events and he was brief and to the point. "A cup final should be a highlight of the season. It should be our best two teams fighting it out in a match of class of expression of the beauty and depth of Italian football. Does anyone think that was the case tonight? Maybe there is no depth to our football. Maybe Fiorentina didn't deserve to be in the final. Maybe the whole competition needs restructuring in this country to pull us level with the English and Spanish games?! The Italian managers were very vocal last season when we spoke of our fears. The likes of Luke Coakley have since jumped ship to the leagues they stated were our equals, and a team like Fiorentina who are appreciated as a good team in our league can be beat worse than a scrambled egg on such a prestigious stage. I despair tonight."

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Parma Boss Jonny Sinclair was left to consider the what if's after a stalement against Chievo finishing 1-1 thanks to Chus Herrera's leveller of which was his first goal for Parma with 11 minutes remaining after a terrible back pass and excellent pressure from Chus and Pietro Arnulfo resulted in the goal.

'We deserved at least a point I was happy we went one down and I didn't think we'd be able to recover but my players really gave it their all and I'm delighted we got a point. Pietro was superb today the only thing missing was his name on the score sheet our last game of the season is to Inter Milan and we try and get something from that game as well. We really want to put this season to bed now and get ready for next season we have a lot of injuries we is to be expected towards the end of a long hard season and I can't fault my player's commitment we've just lacked that quality that some of the other teams have in this division.'

We heard you have a new line of kits for next season is this true?

Yes this is true we have got a two year sponsorship deal with navigare. We have gone for the classic white and black home kit and blue and yellow away strip but also we have made a third kit just for this season which is likely to be wore in cup games they look fantastic the players really like them as the one at the minute look rather dated to be honest.

Parma fans have flocked to the stadium this season, how do you plan on keeping them coming despite relegation?

Well first of all I want to thank the supporters again they have been outstanding this season. Firstly we plan on reducing ticket prices from £12 to £8 we also plan on building an extra 2,500 seats and finally we have an initative going where if Parma fans buy new season tickets early they get the new Parma third kit for £1 it's a bargain and me and the chairmen both think this is a great idea on keeping fans wanting to come back to the club and we want to show our gratitude to our fans by this gesture.

With that Sinclair drove off after another hard training session in prepartion for the final game of the season.

paulh_85 · Cult Status

Harrington Delighted with Derby win

Well done on your first victory against your Madrid neighbours, it was a fantastic match and a really good advert for derby day football! The result has led many of your own fans to declare your team the number 1 in the city, is that a fair assessment?

Not really, though i can understand the fans point of view, we were fantastic all over the pitch and i feel we deserved the win, it also puts us in pole position for 4th place with one very tough game to go against Espanyol. However Real Madrid have been a top team for many years. We are most certainly catching up, and finishing above them in the league would go a long way towards helping, but we are not there yet, there is a lot more work that needs to be done.

As stated, the result saw you leapfrog Real Madrid into 4th place with one game remaining, your side play Espanyol while Real Madrid play Barcelona. Two tough matches but with the point advantage your team have to be favorites right?

I'd agree with that, this position is now ours to lose really, Espanyol are missing a few players, including the dangerous Morten Gamst Pedersen, but will still be a tough prospect as they have quality all over the pitch. Barcelona will want to finish the season in second place so im sure will be gunning for victory, it makes for an exciting end to the season thats for sure!

What would a top 4 finish, and qualification into the Euro Cup, mean to this club?

From our point of view, breaking into that top 4 would be massive for this club.
The chairman has shown incredible patients with what ive been trying to do here, although there have been signs of disappointment with the speed of which we have been improving, it would be a great honour for me to repay the faith he has shown in me and the team with a top 4 finish, but we still have a lot of work to do in the final match! As far as Europe goes, i took this team there a few seasons ago, and although we didnt progress past the group stages, we put up a good fight and remained competitive, getting past the group would be the aim if we get there, but there are many good sides in Europe so its a tough ask.

Lastly, are there any plans to move players in/out in the close season?

there have been a few developments, we have signed a right winger who i have been after for a while. He will help with a new shape our team is going to adopt next season, and the deal will be agreed at the start of the season. We are closing in on a goalkeeper too, however we wont know more about that till next week. In terms of players leaving, i dont want to sell any of my squad, Kodro will be returning to us and going on loan to a Premier league club next season, its a step up in class for him but its one he needs to make and everyone at this club thinks he is capable of performing at a higher level

-- Edited by paulh_85 on Tuesday 21st of September 2010 12:14:24 PM

Rhino · Cult Status

Hanton in Shock

Real Madrid boss Chris Hanton is still in shock after his side threw away a 3-0 lead to arch rivals Atletico, The Boss never spoke to press after the game as he wanted to watch the game back before making any comment, We caught up with him today after his training session.

Press...Well Mr Hanton what game ?

Ch.." Yes Indeed a fantastic game for La Liga but not for us i just cant see how we lost that game at all after being 3-0 up and hitting the post at least 4 times which really cost us, but no team should lose a 3-0 head start"

Press...There are claims that Atletico have over taken you as the No1 team in the city what are your thoughts on that ?

Ch..." They are above us by 1 point, but does that mean they have over taken us as the best team in the City???? i think they have to answer that by winning things and the head to head count doesnt tell lies does it"

Press... You have Barcelona in your last game of the season do you think you can beat them ?

Ch."Yes of course we can beat them we can beat anyone in this league we gave the Champions a scare in the cup a couple of weeks back"

Press.. Whats the goal for next season ?

Ch..." Well we will have to wait and see what happens wont we, im happy with the squad that im building with have a much younger side than when i took over and have some talented young footballers out on loan so i think we can challenge next season for sure, its upp to the board to give me that chance its there call"

Mr Hanton leaves the room

-- Edited by Rhino on Tuesday 21st of September 2010 03:38:12 PM

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Everton makes official investment invitation

In an official press release this morning Everton FC have issued an open invitation to potential investors around the football world to attend this weeks game away at Norwich in a bid to entice moneymen from around the globe to cast their eye over the potential of the merseyside club.

It is the latest twist in the Everton boardroom discussions which previously saw the club vigorously deny that menu choices away at Elland Road earlier in the season were 'tailored to the needs of potential Chinese investors'.

Manager Mark Rollings has been in discussions with his board for weeks, as he plots a path towards Premier League football. He is said to understand the need for funds to enhance his squad for next year but it is peripheral board members who are believed to be leading a bid to entice fresh investment in the sleeping giants, whether it be alongside current chairman Bill Kenwright or in the form of a full buyout. When asked to provide a reaction to the release Rollings remained tight lipped;

"It's not a matter I need to speak on. I am lucky in that I have a boardroom which is open and honest about the challenges that we face as a football club. I have been given strict and incredibly challenging targets, and it is only right that every member of the board sets themselves similar challenges to push this club forwards. Without that commitment they may aswell have just given me a contract and told me they were going to sack me after three seasons! It doesn't take a genius to realise that the investment potential at Everton is massive!"

Tezza · Cult Status

Atalanta News

Atalanta are away to Empoli this weekend and the Atalanta manager, Terry Manifold continues to concentrate on promotion. The more senior players will still be on the bench and hopefully take no part in the match.

PRESS,

Any comments before this weeks match?

TM,

I dont have a lot to add to my earlier statements. Empoli have a new manager and I am sure the players will be out to impress Seb Carter and make it 2 wins in a row, but, whilst my mind is on other matches we havent lost the desire to win. The only problem is that without putting out my best side, the opposition will always have a chance. Empoli will be without Carhill this week and I am sure they will miss him.

PRESS,

How would you like the other results to go?

TM,

I am not really too bothered to be interested but, I am aware that if we were to lose this week and Ascoli won, the first play-off match, for us, could be Empoli and not Ascoli. That situation would I feel be an advantage.

PRESS,

You seem to have given a lot of thought to the combinations in the play-offs?

TM,

I have done nothing else recently; it is a huge period in the life of this club. The last 22 weeks has all been about the next two weeks.

PRESS,

Will you still be here next season?

TM,

I am not going to say one thing or the other. A decision on my future will be made after we know which league Atalanta will be playing in next season. Life is short and in football, every season has to be reasonable successful or you could be out of work.

-- Edited by Tezza on Wednesday 22nd of September 2010 11:00:05 AM

-- Edited by Tezza on Wednesday 22nd of September 2010 10:28:56 PM

Adams · Top Flight Player

Bilbao must win!

Manager Jonnie Adams has told his players to go out and earn celebrations as champions and not settle for just a promotion party this weekend.

Athletic Bilbao have closed down Real Zaragoza in the last month and overtook them this week thanks to a win in the head to head match followed by another loss for the Zaragoza team who have led the league for much of the season. Playing Gimnastic in the last game of the season as long as Bilbao equal Zaragozas score they will now be the champions of the league.

We know there are bigger teams in this league and we had to accept that. The loan players have been fantastic and we made a few good transfers to add to the team. Every player has done their job and we now have the chance to get the ultimate reward for the season. It will be hard for Ashley Harris this week knowing a win might not be enough. Our team have a lot of players out this week but we have the ability to finish what we started I just hope we see it out now.

Adams has told fans he is committed to the team for the rest of the season and admitted he had been approached by another team. Asked to move to West Brom in the premier division he refused to consider the offer.

West Brom made a good offer. They have the chance this week to secure top flight football for next season. It is a big week for them and I appreciate being approached but it would be a wrong move. I have ambitions to manage at a high level like anyone but I have the chance to win a division not just a promotion and I would never walk out before knowing if I can do it. Better wages and a team with more history isn't everything so I backed my players to reward my loyalty and win the title.

Ash · Cult Status

Zaragoza still believe

Spanish media spoke to Real Zaragoza manager Ashley Harris ahead of his teams final game of the season against Real Betis.

Press: Ashley, it comes down to the final game, can you still win it?

AH: Of course we can. We know were relying on a slip up from Bilbao but i have told the players we just need to focus on our game as we would be gutted if we found out Bilbao have slipped up, but had failed to win our own game because we didn't believe they would drop points. It's gonna be an interesting day i'm sure, i will be kept informed of events at Gimnastic, but as i stated we will be entirely focused on finishing our season with a win. Were playing at home and we hope the fans can give us a good send off in preparation for La Liga football next season, Segunda title or not.

Press: Can you really see Bilbao throwing it away now though?

AH: Gimnastic are a good side. They have no pressure on themselves, all the pressure will be on Bilbao, who have a few injuries at the back which will hopefully hamper them slightly and as we know anything is possible in football. Bilbao are massive favourites now to win the Segunda and Jonnie has down a great job there but i'll be interested to see how their defense holds up without their best centre back and only left back, so hopefully Gimnastic will get them creaking slightly, get a few tackles in and we will see what happens. Bilbao shoudn't be counting their chickens just yet.

Press: You had a comfortable lead a few weeks ago, what's happenned?

AH: Unltimately, the injuries and age of our squad has seen us tale of in the last couple of weeks. Thankfully this week we only have Tcheco out and we have an adequate replacement so were confident of getting 3 points. It's 3 of our players last games in professional football so it will be emotional for them, but i have stated previously that the main aim was to achieve promotion and we have achieved that very comfortably, so i will be delighted with our season whatever the outcome at the weekend and all of the players have performed superbly in getting this club back into La Liga where it belongs.

Press: Rumours continue about your future, will you still be here next season?

AH: This is a great club and i have a great relationship with the fans and board. I'm enjoying my time here but i am ambitious as i'm sure everyone is, so we will have to wait and see. You never know in football what might be around the corner but as i said i'm really enjoying my time here and am currently planning for next season in La Liga.

Press: Thanks for your time.
AH: No problem.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs have announced a date to take an English club to court over allegations of mismanagement of finances. The decision to take the unnamed club to court over the issue has come as a result of further investigations into the clubs finances specific to its chairman. The English FA had previously confirmed they had been contacted and initial discussions had revealed "significant concerns". The date, set to be Friday 24th September at 7.30pm could yet have important effects on the season for teams as administration would bring a 3 point immediate deduction, with a possible further 3 points being deducted should that team fail to emerge from its debts under the administrators. Even the initial 3 points off the seasons total could be enough to turn a promotion into a missed opportunity, or turn a survival into a relegation season.

Either way, with the end of the transfer window looming and teams anticipating end of season winnings and investment, the vultures could be circling sooner rather than later over one unlucky club this time tomorrow evening. Be here at 7.30pm Friday as ESN Live reveal whose representatives arrive at the court hearing.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs open case against Manchester City. The English champions have flourished in recent seasons and finally this season have toppled the dominant Chelsea. Chairman Thaksin Shinawatra has invested the fifth most of any chairmen in the leagues but without being one of the extreme investors he has had claims of mismanagement of finances in his accountings and as such, his representatives have today arrived at court to defend the chairman. As a result, Manchester City will immediately have a 3 point deduction as Thaksin Shinawatra will be forced to step down pushing the club into administration with the loss of his financial support. Despite a further 3 point deduction looming should they fail to sell enough assets to clear the administration, Manchester City will still be champions as they hold a 7 point lead of 2nd placed Chelsea. No comment has been released by the club yet but the future of manager Stuart Price must now be in doubt, just days ahead of the European Cup final against Real Valladolid.

Rumour Mill

Atananta boss Terry Manifold has told the owner he will quit the club at the end of the season.

AC Milan want to appoint Chris Bishop after Sampdoria's impressive season this year.

Chelsea are considering replacing successful John Brady with rival manager Criag Radford after failing to win any trophies this season.

The future of Genoa manager Jamie Best is still in doubt following another season of failing to compete for trophies.

Real Madrid are monitoring the situation of Genoa manager Jamie Best as they consider the future of their own manager Chris Hanton.

Inter Milan want Stuart Price to move to Italy following the breaking new regarding the Manchester clubs chairman.

The FA have agreed contracts with at least ten training camps across the world to allow managers the chance of pre-season preparation as of this summer.

Barcelona want Paul Harrington to take over ready for the new season in the hope he can turn around their fortunes.

Chinese tycoon Zhu Jun's negotiations over buying Reggina have broken down.

Palermo are monitoring the title race between Ashley Harris of Real Zaragoza and Jonnie Adams of Athletic Bilbao with a view to approach the winner.

Ex-Coventry owner Ray Ranson is interested in buying Everton after manager Mark Rollings, the man he fell out with at Coventry, touted new investment opportunities.

Atalanta are interested in Cadiz manager Johndaniel Jaques as replacement for their own manager who has his foot half out the door already.

Inter Milan want Louis Galeozzie to move to Italy following an impressive season in La Liga.

Igor Akinfeev is refusing to train under manager Luke Coakley after he was transfer listed by the recently appointed manager.

The Italian FA are considering a new Scotland style Serie A with the top half playing each other an extra time but with only 8 teams in following recent criticism of Italian football.

The FA have released a teaser for next seasons training camp options. The image can be seen > here <