Week 23

Luke_C · Cult Status

Week 23

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Norwich City v Southampton - Playoff Semi Final Preview

Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans has spoken to Sky Sports news about his sides win in the final game of the normal season and looks ahead to a tough playoff game against Norwich on Monday night.

Press: Steve, a 2-1 win against Preston with a make-shift side. Is that what the team needed going into the playoffs?

SDE: Well it's a nice boost as everyone goes into this game in a happy and relaxed frame of mind. I thought the boys showed superb character and kept plugging away and the winner late on was nothing less than they deserved.

Press: I imagine you may have been planning to play Reading in the playoffs but due to goal difference, you now play Norwich. Has this distrupted your plans at all?

SDE: No not really. I planned for alot of situations and one of them was that we would play Reading first and if we got through, we'd probably play Norwich so we will use the same plans, just in a different order.

Press: Many bookmakers have made you the clear favourites for the playoffs, does that add extra pressure on you?

SDE: Listen, we don't look at any of that stuff. If we manage to win the next two games then we will have done very well because believe me, there are some excellent teams in this playoff. Nowrich have plenty of players that can hurt us and we ourselves need to make sure that we can keep everyone fit.

Press: How is everyone at the moment?

SDE: Yeah everyone is fit for us as it stands so I will have a full team to pick from which is pleasing because we worked hard to get to this point with a fully fit squad but we hope that if we do win this next game, we can keep everyone fit so we have a fit squad to choose from the final.

Press: It's been a remarkable second half of the season that's seen you pick up 23 points with seven wins, two draws and two losses. How did you manage to turn it around after a dreadful start?

SDE: Well we worked hard to bring in abit of extra quality into the side but we just had to change our mentality into a winning one and when you look at the sides that we dropped points to, it's been a good season.

Press: You have beaten Wolves, Norwich, Reading and Everton recently so does that give you confidence that you can beat Norwich and whoever you may play in the final if you get there?

SDE: It does abit but we can't think about it too much. These are totally different games and we have to take them one at a time. if we work hard then I am confident that we can get through this one and we will then see where we are but the fans can rest assured that the players are chomping at the bit to get out there and give everything they have to win these games.

Stu · Cult Status

Sad

Price Considers Future

With the double in the bag and the European Cup around the corner how have you coped with the news this week about the owner?
"I'm devastated. A lot of hard work has gone in to turning the squad I took over in to a team capable of winning some thing. Chelsea were dominant and the board had big ambitions to over throw them. I'm very proud of my achievement in doing that because the Chelsea squad and especially the manager are top notch"

Can your team go on and win the treble on Monday?
"Real Valladolid are a very good team and I have a lot of time for the Spanish league from my time with Sevilla. They have had a great season and we can't over look the fact they are chasing a treble this season also. Both teams have been attack minded in the league but I think they might be in for a surprise on Monday. We are going to make it difficult for their creative players and really test them. It should be a good match for the neutrals and I hope our fans really enjoy the occasion. On a personal note Chelsea have thwarted me at this stage before so to have got them out of the way earlier is a great relief. If we lose this final at least I can throw darts at a different persons face for the next month, my picture of John Brady is worn out"

The owner has gone and the administrators will move in this week with the transfer window opening. Does this raise questions about your future?
"I came to this club with ambitions and promises were made. I have delivered what the board wanted and achieved my own personal aims. Monday night could top off a perfect season in my eyes. I have finally scored one over John and I have helped Manchester City topple Chelsea and United in the same season. I promised the fans I would build for the future and the here and now and we have some top young players on our books. Looking at all of this I feel I have done my part of the deal. What ever has happened at the board room level at this club it is a big disappointment to me and the fans. The squad I have carefully built will be torn apart and while I am confident I could keep them in the Premier League next season with what ever the administrators leave behind that is not the mission I was handed when I joined and that is not some thing that interests me very much at this club"

Are you telling fans you feel your position as manager has become untenable?
"[pause].......yes"

Will the match on Monday be your last in charge?
"The next 24hrs are about Manchester City achieving the dream. It is about the players and I delivering for the fans now. They will have hard times ahead and a win tomorrow would go down in history for the fans to say I was there when we won the treble. After the final whistle I will talk to what is left of the board and discuss my future but it doesn't look good"

Would you consider a move to Italy the one country you have never managed in?
"I have been in English football some years now. If I did leave I would seriously consider a change of scenery. I don't want to talk any more about it until after this next game"

Thanks for your time

Stu

-- Edited by Stu on Sunday 26th of September 2010 04:24:08 PM

mg1 · Cult Status

Galeozzie please with return to European Competition

A 5-3 loss in the final games of the season. you must be disappointed ending the season with a defeat.

Any loss is obviously a big disappointment especially as a win today would have seen us move up a place to 5th. The lads looked a little a tired out there today and although they battled hard we seemed to run out of steam in the final third of the game.

You mentioned losing out on the chance to finish 5th, however 6th place means a return to Europe next season.

When I first meet with the chairman to the discuss the job he made it clear to me that getting back into European competition was imperative for the club, so I am pleased that we can look forward to some more great European nights here at Anfield.

This season has seen a lot of changes at the club, are you happy with how the season went?

This season was always going to be a transitional period at the club. I inherited a talented but old squad. It was important that we brought some younger fresher players to the club with many of the more experienced players having past their peak and close to retirement. I also felt the squad lacked balance and that whilst we were strong in midfield we were weak in both defence and attack. I feel we still have some work to do and need a few players in certain positions but I am pleased that we are starting get the core of a good team here and we have succeeded in lowering the average age of the team.

So can we expect there to be more changes next season?

Well I hope to bring in a few more players. I have already agreed a deal to bring a very exciting young RB from Cardiff. Adam Matthews has the potential to be a world class right back and we are very pleased to be able to confirm that he will be joining us. We also in advanced talks regarding an experienced midfielder from Spain and hope to be in a position to confirm this signing shortly.

We have agreed to let Baird leave the club to join up with Cardiff for next season. We have Tiago Pires returning from his loan spell at Recreativo and Adobati returning from Chievo which means I can't guarantee Chris the amount of games he is looking for at this stage of his career. We would like to wish him all the best and I am sure he will prove to be an important signing for Cardiff.

We are also looking to let a couple of our wingers go. We have Rafaello and Donadel returning to club after loan spells as well Keita and Ribery who have both been tremendous for the club this season. All four players are top class but unfortunately only two can play at any given time therefore I will be offering Rafaello and Donadel the opportunity to find a new club.

Any further changes planned?

Not at the moment, Ideally I would still like to bring in a few experienced players in to enable me to send Rodwell, Matthews and Delfouneso out on loan for parts of the season to ensure they get plenty of game time enabling them to continue to improve. However this requires funds, I will need to sit down with the chairman to see what or if investment is available to me before we can decide what we are are going with regards to further signings.

Are you optimistic for next season and what do you hope to achieve?

Well as I have said I am pleased with the core of the team and I am confident that we can achieve qualification for Europe again next season.

It has been a number of years since this club has challenged for the title and the fans are anxious for you to challenge again. Do you think they will be happy with your target of just qualifying for Europe?

We have a young team and our players will only improve the more games they get so I have no doubt that season after season we can slowly close the gap to the top three. I am also very keen to make the step up to the next level, however the club and fans need to be realistic the gap between the top three and the rest of the division is big at the moment so it will take time and good planning.

Unless the club can match the investment that the biggest teams not just in England but in Europe currently receive then we are always going to find it difficult to compete for the top players when they become available. Therefore we need to patient and buy players who are going to improve over time.

So you don't think Liverpool can any longer hope to compete with the signing of the top players?

I have no doubt that Liverpool can attract the very best players in the world just look at a recent signing such as Frank Ribery. What I am saying is that when clubs such Genoa, Barcelona, Levante, Sheffield Wednesday etc....receive the large levels of investment as they have over recent seasons it becomes increasingly hard to compete with the prices they can pay for the top players.

-- Edited by mg1 on Sunday 26th of September 2010 05:36:05 PM

Tezza · Cult Status

Atalanta News

Atalanta are playing Empoli again tomorrow but this time in the first of the Play-Off matches.

Atalanta manager, Terry Manifold is very pleased with the pairings this week and is already looking at the fitness of the Ascoli side in readiness for the possible match on Friday.

PRESS,

Are you dismissing Empolis chances altogether?

TM,

No I would never underestimate what Seb Carter has achieved at Empoli. I know they beat us last week but this is a different match altogether. I will be putting out a much stronger side. There will be 6 changes to the team for Monday night and I think that the outcome will be very different. Empoli will again be without Carhill. Sebs front line is suffering fitness problems and I am sure we can get through to the final.

PRESS,

There has been a lot of talk about you leaving the Club, is there any truth in the story?

TM,

It is a real morale booster to think that a rumour like that gets published. When you cant get in the news, then you have a problem.

PRESS,

You have not really answered the question.

TM,

I have said all I am going to say on the subject the most important thing, at the moment, is to win through to Friday.

PRESS,

Anything to add?

TM,

Yes bring on Ascoli, who are also looking a little tired.

-- Edited by Tezza on Sunday 26th of September 2010 09:43:29 PM

-- Edited by Tezza on Sunday 26th of September 2010 10:32:07 PM

pricey · Cult Status

PRICE HAPPY WITH EUROPEAN QUALIFACATION

Spanish Sports News caught up with Recreativo Huelva manager Dale Price after seeing his side win their final game 1-0 against Levante

SSN Mr Price you finish 7th this season that has to be a good result yeah?

DP Yes we are very pleased to finish where we have finished and get in to the new European competition. A lot of people in the media said that we would struggle to stay up this season but I am glad that we have more than proved them wrong

SSN Talking about Europe how do you feel that will go for you next season?

DP I am under no illusions that it is going to be very tough to get far in the competition but we will give it a good shot. There are quite a few good teams in there and that will make it very hard for us teams like Arsenal and Liverpool are very good sides that will do well next season

SSN So on to next season do you have any players in mind that you want to bring in?

DP Yes we do we already have a deal in place but that depends on what my youth coach has for me there are a few areas that I want to get more quality in but again that depends on how much of a good job my Charmin thinks I have done and how far he wants to take this club. I feel with the right backing we can brake into the top six next season we may need a little luck to get there but my players are up for it and willing to play out of their skin to achieve this

SSN thanks for taking the time to speak to us Mr Price

DP No problem any time

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

South coast buzzing as Saints head for Suffolk

Sky Sports News reporter Bryn Law managed to grab a few quick words with Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans as the Saints team got on the team bus and headed for their Playoff semi-final against Norwich this evening.

BL: Steve, Steve....Sky Sports News....Can we have a few quick words??

SDE: Yeah go on....

BL: Are the team ready and rearing to go for the game tonight?

SDE: Yeah the boys can't wait to get going now but we need to remain focused and just keep a clear head ready for tonight.

BL: Any Injuries at all now?

SDE: No, we're in a good position going into the game tonight. Fitness isn't an issue. We've just been working on making sure the players are in the right frame of mind and ready to fight til the final whistle.

BL: How tough is this game?

SDE: Very tough! Norwich are a very good team and they will fancy their chances against us tonight. They've got home advantage so will have the backing of the Norwich fans who we know are very vocal in their support. We need to be on our game.

BL: You're literally just leavng now, have all the preperations been taken care of?It's unusual for a team not to travel the night before?

SDE: We didn't really see a need to go up the night before as the trip isn't that far for us. The players had the afternoon off yesterday and were able to sleep in their own beds last night and came in for training this morning where they looked very sharp.

BL: Revelations this week on the 606 phone in when Robbie Savage claimed that alot of football teams buy in Pizzas and the occasional beers for players after games. Will a certain pizza chain be getting a call tonight after the full time whistle?

SDE: No that's not something that we do here. Robbis is totally correct in that if you are going to have a pizza, on the bus home is the time to do it and it refills the protein lost during games but we tend to stick to high energy drinks and fruit.

BL: Lastly Steve before the bus leaves you behind, what message have you got for the Southampton fans who might not be making the trip tonight?

SDE: Well to the fans that are going....Make yourselves heard, sing loud and sing proud! To the guys that aren't going.....we'll be doing everything possible to progress to the final and hopefully give the rest of the fans a great day out at Wembley on Friday.

BL: Thanks Steve and good luck.

SDE: Thanks guys, cheers.

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Monday 27th of September 2010 02:22:24 PM

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

you mean Norfolk ;) suffolk would be where you find the scum :D haha

pricey · Cult Status

doh lol

-- Edited by pricey on Monday 27th of September 2010 04:51:51 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Well turning up in the wrong county won't help them, maybe they should have travelled down the night before after all!!

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Sinky2707 wrote:

you mean Norfolk ;) suffolk would be where you find the scum :D haha

Oh yeah, the bigger team in that area lol. Minor complication anyway, we had a de-tour through Suffolk before arriving at Cabbage Road

Tezza · Cult Status

Atalanta Manager resigns.

News is coming out of Atalanta that their quiet English manager has resigned. Terrys hopes of getting promotion were dashed this evening with Atalanta going down to Empoli 5-4 after extra time.

For the second year running Atalanta were in the play-offs but once again the team did not make it past the first game. Terry has set his sights on the Play-offs for a long time now and the strategy he adopted has clearly failed.

When confronted this evening, Terry said, "I am gutted, we played our heart out tonight." "Empoli started very well and all credit to them it was a tremendous struggle, but we did however manage to pull level by the end of normal time." "They were just better on the ball, " Terry said , "I wish them and Seb all the best for Friday.

"My plan was always to leave, win or lose by the end of the season," Terry said, "The Chairmans policy of bringing youngsters through has failed." " Over the past 2 seasons a player of real quality has not made it through to the first team. We have been totally reliant on loans and I must say some of those have been exceptional. " "The lads I have assembled here are like family and the decision to resign has been a very difficult one to make." " I wish them all the best for the future." Terry said " The fans deserve more, they have stuck with this club through the last two years and I hope for their sake that a new manager can deliver the promotion they seek. "

During his time at Atalanta Terry has watched the quality of the team falling by the enforced internal fund generation

It was noticeable that the usual up-beat manager was clearly upset and despondent as he walked away.................

-- Edited by Tezza on Monday 27th of September 2010 09:15:29 PM

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Saints smash canaries to reach final

Norwich City 1 - 7 Southampton (Playoff Semi Final, Carrow Road)

Southampton easily saved their best performance of the season until last night as they dominated a game start to finish as they hit seven past a bemused Norwich City. Southampton will now play Reading in the final on Friday for a place in The Championship next season. It isn't all good news though as manager Steve Davies-Evans has confirmed that influential players Ronaldinho and Nathan Tyson will miss the game after picking up injuries in the game. It's bound to be a massive blow for the South Coast side but Davies-Evans still has faith in the squad he has to choose from. Speaking to Sky Sports News after the game, the Welshman remained up-beat about his sides chances.

SSN: Steve, I guess it couldn't have gone any better as far as the game is concerned?

SDE: That's right yeah. I thought the lads were magnificent tonight and did everything that we have worked on in training and they deserve to feel very happy at the moment.

SSN: You did go 1-0 down though, were you fearing the worst at that point?

SDE: Well nobody likes to give goals away but I actually think it helped us. We were slightly slow out of the traps and got punished by a sloppy goal. That made one or teo of my players wake up and realise they would have to work hard to get the win and we never looked back from that point.

SSN: Not many people will have expected a scoreline like that, what was your approach to this game?

SDE: Well we have good attacking players here and I don't think there is any better way of keeping your opponent on the back foot than to attack them. We kept them in their half for long periods of time and created a number of good chances. Obviously tonight was our night because we not only created them but took most of them too.

SSN: Ronaldinho and Nathan Tyson looked like they took knocks and had to come off, will they be ok fr Friday?

SDE: I'm affraid not no. Ronnie [Ronaldinho] has broken his second metertarsal so will miss the game and Nathan [Tyson] has pulled his amstring so is out for atleast a week.

SSN: How big a miss will they be?

SDE: Ah of course they will be a huge miss. They both scored tonight and obviously help us going forward but we have other players here and two of them will now get their chance to shine. We tried to build a squad here that is capeable of promotion and that will be tested now.

SSN: Will Ronaldinho missing the final, that obviously means that he has now played his last ever game in football. What sort of player has he been for you?

SDE: He's been fantastic. Despite his age, he's brought energy and a desire to win with him and my squad have been better for learining and playing with him. He's a top guy that has done everything in his career and we wish him all the best for whatever he does in the future. I think that when he looks back on his career he can be proud and I don't think there's a more fitting way of ending a career than a game like that.

SSN: How do you prepare the guys for the game on Friday now?

SDE: Well the same as we always have. They are another top, top side so we have to be ready. We will enjoy the result tonight but ultimately it will mean nothing if we aren't ready fr the game on Friday. The lads will be back in training tomorrow and we'll be woring on things that feel will give us the best chance of getting a win just like we have the past few days.

SSN: How big is this game for the football club in general?

SDE: Ah it's huge, but then this football club has always been used to big occasions and so have the fans. It's important that we take as many saints fans down to Wembley as possible and that they have a great day there.

SSN: Have you heard from the chairman [Simon Newcombe] yet?

SDE: Yeah he knows the score and is obviously delighted. He's been in action tonight in his own playoff with Racing Santander and they have reached the final to so he's even more happy.

SSN: Lastly Steve, How important has Simon Newcombe been to the football club this season?

SDE: He's probably been the biggest factor to be honest. He's a great guy and when he bought the club, he had big plans for them. When spoke to him, I could tell straight away that he was hungry for success and wanted bog things for this football club. He's given me the backing with a transfer kitty that has allowed us to go out and get some very good players this season. It's a shame that he won't be able to be there on Friday but we'll be looking to win just as much for him as everyone else.

SSN: Thanks Steve.

SDE: No problems.

Ash · Cult Status

Zaragoza finish 2nd.

Spanish media caught up with Real Zaragoza manager Ashley Harris to speak about his side's season.

Media: Zaragoza finished 2nd, failing to claim the Segunda title on the last day, has it been a successful season?

AH: Absolutely, i said at the start of the season that the main aim of this club was to return to La Liga and i'm delighted that we have been able to achieve that. It was important to secure automatic promotion as the Play-offs are very difficult and can come down to little things, we secured promotion with 3 weeks to go and although we didn't win the Segunda title, this will go down as a successfull season in the clubs history.

Media: Bilbao won the league, which could be seen as somewhat of a surprise, are you surprised?

AH: No, I have spoken to Jonnie and passed on my congratulations, as it was fully deserved on there part. He did a fantastic job there and although at the start of the season they woudn't have been seen as favourites for the top 3, they achieved it comfortably and in the end have proved themselves to be a top side.

Media: Any players that have stood out for you this season?

AH: To be honest all of my players have been fantastic, it's been a long hard season and everyone has put a tremendous amount of work to get this club back to where it belongs, we will miss the players who are retiring and hopefully we can find suitable replacements, we wish Cris, Kutujov and Shay Given all the best, they have been great servants for the club. All of the players are aware of the step up in class they now face and are prepared to face the challenges head on as they come up against the superstars of Valladolid, Sevilla and Barcelona.

Media: We asked you last week about about your future, anything new to add?

AH: My meeting with the chairmen is coming up in the next couple of days and we will discuss where this club is heading and what kind of budget we will receive for next season, if a big club came in it would be impossible to refuse, but as i have stated previously i am happy at Zaragoza and enjoying my work here.

Media: Thanks for your time.

AH: No problem.

Tezza · Cult Status

Siena News

Siena released a short statement this evening concerning the appointment of a new manager.

We are pleased to announce that Terry Manifold has signed for the Club on a one year contract with an option to stay for two.

Terry only resigned from Atalanta yesterday but was keen to work with John Brady.

"This is a real opportunity, not only to start the rebuilding of this very old established Club, but to work for a Chairman who knows the game and has pledged to support me in my efforts to lift Siena out of this league."

"I must admit I love the rebuilding process and I am looking forward to my first signing." With that Terry pulled out his mobile phone and the process started.

What a difference a day makes

-- Edited by Tezza on Tuesday 28th of September 2010 10:35:07 PM

Fletch · Cult Status

ahaha

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Saints fans queue over night for Wembley ticket

As part of our feature on Southampton FC this week, Sky Sports News have been down at St. Marys where tickets for Fridays playoff final at Wembley have gone on sale. Almost 1,000 Saints fans camped out over night to make sure that they got their ticket. We caught up with a few of the fans and also manager Steve Davies-Evans as he went down to speak to a few season ticket holders who had braved the chilly weather.

Doreen Adams (57 years, Christchurch)
"It's been a great season. The boys have done brilliantly now and hopefully we'll go on to do the business on Friday."

Peter Thompson (42 years, Bournmouth)
"It's great for the club to be back involved with big games like this, it's been too long. We had a good run under Paul Harrington but it looks like we're back on the up again."

Danny Wislow (18 years, Southampton)
"It'll be my first trip to Wembley so I hope we win. We've been in real good form in the second half of the season so I reckon we'll do it!"

Clive Edwards (79 years, Southampton)
"I'm delighted! I'm here with my son today and we've been coming to watch Southampton for over 40 years and these are the matches that mean everything. If we can get promotion again on Friday then I think it'll be the start of Southampton becomming a big club again."

We also managed to catch a few words with manager Steve Davies-Evans who went out to meet a few of the fans and even arranged for the club to open the gates and allow the fans to queue inside the stadium when the weather took a turn for the worse.

SSN: Steve, You've come down to meet a few of the fans. What is the mood like?

SDE: Ah it's great to be fair. I love doing things like this because you don't get that many oppertunities to have words with the fans and what they think as soon as I heard about the queues, I wanted to come down.

SSN: You're allocated 32,000 tickets for the game and the ticket office expect them to be sold by the end of play tomorrow. How big an impact will this have on say future fans?

SDE: Well I hope a big one. We obviously don't get 32,000 fans every week so there will be fans coming for the first time or maybe coming for the first time in a number of years so hopefully we will keep a few of these fans and get them to start coming to home games too.

SSN: It must be pleasing to be involved with a club like this who clearly has great support?

SDE: Yeah of course it is. You only have to speak to a few of these guys [fans] to see what it means to them. I think in football, you lose track sometimes of who you are doing it for so this will give us a nice little reminder that we want Friday to be a great day for us and all these fans.

Join us tomorrow when we will be at Steve Dvies-Evans pre match press conference and also hopefully speaking to chairman Simon Newcombe.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Pre-Playoff Final Press Conference

In our penultimate report on Southampton Football Club, We today find ourselves at St. Marys Stadium to witness the pre match press conference with manager Steve Davies-Evans and chairman Simon Newcombe. With the game just over 24 hours away, The duo are excited but cautious ahead of the clubs huge tie at Wembley. Sky Sports News Chief Football Reporter Bryan Swanson put the questions to the Southampton management.

B Swanson: Steve, We're almost there....how are the team ahead of the game?

SDE: Yeah the boys are in good spirits. Their obviously looking forward to the game but they seem very relaxed and focused on getting into their stride early on.

B Swanson: Are the team fully fit other than the obvious injuries?

SDE: Yeah their all fit other than Ronaldinho and Nathan [Tyson], we've put the guys through their final paces and they've come through it well.

B Swanson: Take us through your day tomorrow and what you have planned.

SDE: Well the boys will get up and have some breakfast. We'll then have a small training session in the morning around 11am before going off and having some light lunch. The boys will be back in a very light training session around1.30pm which will be more about stretching than anything else. We'll then go back to the hotel and have a meeting before making our way down to Wembley around an hour and half before the game. We'll let the lads soak up the atmosphere before the game and let them takie in their surroundings before getting into their pre match training.

Sat next to Steve Davies-Evans was his chairman Simon Newcombe and was more than happy to answer questions.

B Swanson: Simon, it's you're first year at the helm of Southampton Football Club, How pleased are you with reaching the Playoff Final?

SN: Extremely. Especially considering the start we have - but I never lost faith in the manager we fought hard to get back into the game and if anything its a testament to sticking to your guns and having a long term plan. It would have been only too easy to get rid of Steve, and at one point several members of my executive board were pushing for that very outcome. I said the same to them as I said to Steve, "A bad start does'nt make you anything less than the manager I hired you for so stick at it and turn it around". To say he has repaid that faith with bells on is an understatement. The Southampton faithful now have a cup final at Wembley to look forward to, and a host of up and coming youngsters to blood for the future

B Swanson: You brought in manager Steve Davies-Evans at the start of the season which was seen as something of a controversial decision, how do you rate the job he's done?

SN: He has exceeded his target by reaching the playoff final. Realistically I charged him with reaching the playoffs but in order to win it, wholesale squad changes are needed. I backed him with the purchase of Ronaldinho when the playoffs looked likely - but make no mistake - all other efforts with the team are down to him and he has done very well indeed. Steve has learnt hard lessons from previous large budgets at other clubs and every transfer in and out of the club was done shrewdly and methodically with a game plan governing all actions. It may be this that I have been most impressed with this season. I also have to say, it may have been a controversial choice to some - but I approached Steve before I have even put pen to paper on the contract to purchase the club to see if we would accept the role - so make no mistake - it was not controversial to me

B Swanson: The fans will want to know what kind of money, if any will be available to the manager should the team gain promotion?

SN: We will have to see what kind of state the club finances are in when the executives come back to me with a wage breakdown at season end, but Steve will have money to play with from the off next season. What league we are in will obviously affect the amount - but we will also approach key investors for a share option to further add to this. We will also look to supplement this with key loan players from Racing and other clubs as agreed with the management team. I also expect the investment in the youth setup to bear fruit in the off season so that will be another option. i will finally look to improve the stadium as the long term view of both Chairman and Manager is that this club is currently in the wrong league for its ambition and that will be a key revenue stream for us. What does this translate to in terms of hard cash? I would expect to be able to offer Steve somewhere between £2m - £10m dependant on circumstance

B Swanson: Lastly Simon, how do you see the game going?

SN: Not as easy as some may be expecting, and the loss of key players is a worry. But Steve had proven his man management skills all season long - and will have the boys fired up long before a ball is kicked. Come what may, these days dont come around very often - so I will be enjoying it - even with the rushing around between airports as Racing are playing their own cup final that day! Win or lose, Steve is still the boss - but we will go into the game as slight favourites and im cautiously optimistic that ill be toasting a great relationship that delivered a title that same evening. I have the same level of faith in the manager as the day i approached him for the role - some things in football change, Steve's effort all season long - meant that is not one of them!!

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Thursday 30th of September 2010 12:45:11 PM

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Sky Sports News: Final Report - Southampton FC

In our final look at Southampton Football Club, we have joined manager Steve Davies-Evans just minutes before they set off for Wembley.

SSN: Steve, How's the nerves?

SDE: Getting fraid [laughs]. Nah we're all in good spirits. We just want the kick off to come now so that we can start playing football.

SSN: How's the team?

SDE: Great, they have been in really good spirits all day. We've had a couple of light training sessions in this beautiful wet weather so the boys just want to get to the ground and start soaking up the atmosphere.

SSN: 32,000 Sold tickets for the game, how much will that support mean to you and the team?

SDE: Ah it'll mean everything. The fans have been great all season and we're looking forward to hearing them in top voice again later.

SSN: Will you celebrate if you win?

SDE: We have no idea. Any talk of celebratory drinks, open top busses etc have been banned from the training ground or the club. If it's organised, I don't want to know and I certainly don't want the players knowing. They have to be focused on what is going to be a very tough game for us. If we win it, I want it to be because we have deserved it and then we can look at celebrating. It's going to be a tough night and I'm sure there will be a fer twists and turns. Here's to a good night, hopefully.

SSN: Steve, Thanks and good luck tonight!

SDE: Cheers guys!

GarethGardner · Cult Status

Middlesboro Promoted under Gardner !!!

Wild celebrations along Teeside as Gareth Gardner famously left Inter and guided Boro back to where they belong.

Gardner said on the win -

" I left Inter to do a job at Boro. The job is now half done. Tonight the players and fans and myself will party. But a cautious word for myself is the hard work starts next week. I had the opportunity to bring in players on loan but decided to stick with the players i had and gave 100% faith in them. Today is their today as they proved me right. Im hoping i can keep the majority of the team together now and hopefully improve in certain places to sustain us in the Premiership next season.
Iv proved a lot of doubters wrong who said it was the wrong move for me leaving Inter. I enjoy managing in England more than anywhere else in the world and hopefully have another great season next year. I managed to keep West Brom in the Premiership so know what is required. Hopefully a litle backing of my close friend the chairman will see us sustain ourselves"
" All thats left to say is a big thankyou to the fans who turned up today and the players who have done the crowd and whole of Teeside proud. And for everyone to enjoy the night. Stay safe and get ruined !!! see you all next season "

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Southampton 3-2 Reading (League One Playoff Final)

Southampton scored a dramatic 90th minute winner through on-loan Rob Davies to clinch promotion to the Championship infront over a packed Wembley on Friday evening. Sky Sports News managed to speak to an elated Steve Davies-Evans a few minutes after the final whistle.

SSN: Steve, you must be thrilled with that?

SDE: WOW! What a game! I imagine it was great for the nutural to watch but not so much for the old ticker thats for sure. I'm delighted for the boys and of course the fans who really deserve this.

SSN: It was certainly a roller-coaster of a game. What did you make of it?

SDE: Well we gave ourselves a great chance with the early goal from Santa [Javier Santafe Vivo] but then switched off and allowed them to score two goals and suddenly become in control. I thought we did brilliantly to go again and was delighted to see Santa score his second and then of course the momentum was with us and we managed to steal a win but it really could have gone either way. Reading were supeb today and all the best goes to Eugene [Clarke] and his team who I'm sure will be a major force next season in that league.

SSN: It's turned out to be 3rd time lucky for you in the playoffs too?

SDE: Yeah it has. I've tasted the disappointment of failed playoffs and playoff finals before and that has driven me on to focus more on gaining promotion this time. It's been a long time coming so from a selfish point of view, it's a great feeling.

SSN: Abit of mixed feeling though with your brother missing out with Ascoli and your chairman Simon Newcombe losing his playoff final?

SDE: Yeah I'm obviously happy that my team have gained promotion but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't gutted for those guys. Dave is a fantastic manager and is probably too good for that league so I'm sure that he will turn Ascoli into a major team next season and I can't imagine any team will look forward to playing them next season thats fr sure. Simon too is a great manager and an even better person who has the experience to get through this and build on it. What doesn't kill us...and all that.

SSN: After two loan players scored the goals for you today, the fans will want to know if they can expect to see them playing for Southampton again

SDE: Well we have agreed a deal to bring in Vivo from Roma and that will go through next week. Rob Davies is a different situation. We enquired about his availability last week and have been given a price. We'll have to see what happens from here on in now. I'm sure that we will be going back to Jonathan again and start negotiations.

SSN: Will Southampton be celebrating now?

SDE: Yes! Yes we will [laughs]. The players deserve a couple of days now to enjoy this and to let off some steam. We have a tough season ahead of us so we will need to work hard in pre season to get ourselves right but tonight is all about the teams and the fans. I am looking forward to getting back to Southampton and enjoying a few beers with these brilliant fans.

With that, Nathan Tyson rushed over and emptied a whole magnum of champaigne of the head of Davies-Evans before maing a quick run for it.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Hall of Fame

The FA have announced the new intake following season 7. Dale Price was given Recreativo Huelva "fans hero" status for taking Recreativo up to 7th in La Liga and preparing to lead them into the clubs first foray into European football. Reggina have awarded Jonathan Petty "club hero" status for rebuilding the middling Serie B club into runaway division champions since his arrival from Sunderland, as they now ready themselves for Serie A football. Walter Hsu has been named a "club favourite" for turning the yo-yo Birmingham team stuck between League One and the Championship into a side narrowly missing out on Championship play-offs by just a point, and in recognition of his long serving loyalty to the club. Finally Liam Riste has been named a "fans favourite" for seeing off the challenges of the two Madrid sides as well as upcoming teams such as Espanyol, to claim a 3rd place finish in La Liga, but for much of the season very much in the title race with Barcelona and Real Valladolid.

Football Academy · Cult Status

English League One Team of the year....

GK - Sebastian Viera (Leicester)

DF - Robert Huth (Everton)

DF - Joseph Yobo (Reading)

DF - Jason Shackell (Fulham)

DF - Adrian Mariapa (Leeds)

MF - Aaron Ramsey (Leicester)

MF - Ronaldinho (Southampton)

MF - Alhassan Bangura (Leicester)

MF - Rodrigo Taddei (Southampton)

ST - Giovana Dos Santos (Leicester)

ST - Alejandro Torres Ramon (Everton)

Most Goals

1st - Giovani Dos Santos (Leicester) 25 in 23 Games

2nd - Alejandro Torres Ramon (Everton) 24 in 19 Games

3rd - Jonathan Hayes (Reading) 14 in 18 Games

Most Assists

1st - Giovani Dos Santos (Leicester) 15 in 23 Games

2nd - Jay Bothroyd (Southampton) 13 in 20 Games

3rd - Reginaldo Ferreira (Norwich) 12 in 24 Games

Most Yellows

1st - Kris Gate (Charlton) 10 in 16 games

2nd - Nir Mantsur (Southampton) 10 in 17 Games

3rd - Billy Jones (Preston) 10 in 18 Games

Most Reds

1st- Matthew Halliday (Norwich) 3 in 10 Games

2nd - Paddy Gamble (Nottm Forest) 2 in 5 Games

3rd - Jani Tankska (Charlton) 2 in 14 Games

Top Player Senior Player 22+

Giovani Dos Santos (Leicester)

Top Youth Player

Aaron Ramsey (Leicester)

Thanks to Steve Davies-Evans for this league. If you want to pick for another league (based on stats, no bias will be put up!!) email me with your selections in same format.

Football Academy · Cult Status

English Premiership Team of the year....

GK - Casillas (Man City)

RB - Alves (Chelsea)

CB - Vidic (Man City)

CB - Agger (Man Utd)

LB - Chellini (Man Utd)

RM - Ronaldo ( Man Utd)

CM- Messi (Chelsea)

CM - Mikel (Chelsea)

LM- Robben (Chelsea)

ST - Eto (Watford)

ST - Martins (Chelsea)

Most Goals

1st - Love (Man City) 30 in 30 Games

2nd - Caturano (Man Utd) 28 in 21 Games

3rd - Aguerro (Man City) 27 in 21 Games

Most Assists

1st - Martins (Chelsea) 25 in 20 Games

2nd - Aguerro (Man City) 25 in 21 Games

3rd - Love (Man City) 24 in 30 Games

Most Yellows

1st - James Wilson (Man City) 13 in 17 Games

2nd - Danilo Russo (Liverpool) 12 in 17 Games

3rd - Vazzana (Liverpool) 12 in 18 Games

Most Reds

1st- Akinfeev (Cardiff) 3 in 16 Games

2nd - Marino (Cardiff) 2 in 7 Games

3rd - Wilson (Man City) 2 in 17 Games

Top Player Senior Player 22+

Robben (Chelsea)

Top Youth Player

Pato (Chelsea)

Thanks to Mark Galeozzie for this league. If you want to pick for another league (based on stats, no bias will be put up!!) email me with your selections in same format.

-- Edited by Football Academy on Saturday 9th of October 2010 07:47:46 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Italian Serie A Team of the year....

GK - Sebastien Frey - Fiorentina
RB - Aleksandr Anyukov - AC Milan
CB - Jonathan Woodgate - Sampdoria
CB - Daniel Van Buyten - AC Milan
LB - Phillip Lahm - Juventus
RM - James Milner - Juventus
CM - Pirlo - Fiorentina
CM - Fabregas - Juventus
LM - Yuri Zhirkov - Juventus
ST - Maxi Lopez - AC Milan
ST - FernandoTorres - Fiorentina

Most goals
Maxi Lopez - 38 in 25 - AC Milan
Antonio Montella - 36 in 29 - Juventus
Juan Antonio - 34 in 31 - Fiorentina

Most Assists
Juan Antonio - 38 in 31 - Fiorentina
Antonio Montella - 33 in 29 - Juventus
Aiyegbeni Yakubu - 24 in 18 - Sampdoria

Most Yellow Cards
Gorka Elustondo 13 in 20 - Parma
Ioime Raffaele - 15 in 22 - Parma
Pietro Marino - 12 in 24 - Juventus

Most Red Cards
Disegni - 4 in 11 - Messina
Francesco Pambianchi - 2 in 19 - Parma
Karl Darlow 2 in 3 - Parma

Top Senior Player (22+)
Antonio Montella - Juventus

Top Youth Player
Stevan Jovetic - Fiorentina

Thanks to Ashley Davies for this league. If you want to pick for another league (based on stats, no bias will be put up!!) email me with your selections in same format.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Italian Serie B Team of the year....

GK - Emliano Viviano - Brescia
RB - Georgios Seitaridis - Atalanta
CB - Fabio Aurelio - Ascoli
CB - Gabriel Milito - Udinese
LB - Asier Del Horno - Atalanta
RM - Adewade Wahab - Brescia
CM - Ruben Olivera - Siena
CM - Sergio Gontan Gallardo - Reggina
LM - Cristobal Marquez Crespo - Brescia
ST- Raffaele Palladino - Ascoli
ST - Diomansy Kamara - Brescia

Most goals
Ezequiel Lavezzi - 17 in 24 - Napoli
Adama Fofana - 17 in 25 - Brescia
Raffaele Palladino - 13 in 24 - Ascoli

Most Assist
Kenan Kodro - 15 in 23 - Reggina
Diomansy Kamara - 14 in 19 - Brescia
Raffaele Palladino - 13 in 24 - Ascoli

Most Yellow Cards
Trevor Carson - 12 in 18 - Reggina
Andrew Cave-Brown - 12 in 18 - Siena
Christian Caccio - 12 in 19 - Livorno

Most Red Cards
Bradley Jones - 3 in 11 - Napoli
Alessio Arfe - 3 in 16 - Siena
Alessandro De Vitis - 2 in 8 - Udinese

Top Senior Player (22+)
Raffaele Palladino - Ascoli

Top Youth Player
Scott Sinclair - Atalanta

Thanks to Ashley Davies for this league. If you want to pick for another league (based on stats, no bias will be put up!!) email me with your selections in same format.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Sneak Preview

Football lives off the youth academy productions across the globe and coming up to the start of the new season, every manager will be waiting for their staff to hand over the final reports of any youth prospects being promoted into the first team at this point. As usual, the media get a collection of videos of the best prospects from across England, Italy and Spain.

Bradley Edwin "Brad" Guzan: Aston Villa

American goalkeeper player who currently plays for Aston Villa of the Premier League and the United States national team. Guzan a previous MLS Goalkeeper of the Year looks set to make the step up to the first team after impressing both in the reserves and on international duty

Christopher Lloyd "Chris" Smalling: Fulham

Born in Greenich London, Smalling started playing football at the age of nine for Walderslade Boys. After failing to settle at any football league academy, Smalling opted to continue his education at Chatam Grammer School for Boys. . Smalling is a talented centre back tipped as a future England captain.

Bradley Paul Johnson: Leeds

Versatile midfielder who is comfortable playing both centrally and on the left wing.

Sebastián Eduardo Leto Lées : Liverpool

Argentinian midfielder who has finally overcome visa problems allowing him to join the Liverpool after being out on loans. Leto is a skillful player with an eye for goal.

Nilos "Nile" Ranger: Newcastle

His career was almost over before it began, whilst playing for the club he was sentenced to 11 weeks in a Young Offender's Institute for his part in an armed street robbery. Ranger has been given the chance to resurrect his career after some impressive display whilst on trial at Newscatle.

Gylfi Þór Sigurðsson: Reading

He is renowned for his penalties and long-range shooting ability.

John Joseph "John-Joe" O'Toole: Watford

Midfielder born in Harrow England who represents Ireland at International Level

Samuel Michael "Sam" Vokes: Wolves

Welsh forward who has already represented Wales at U21 and Senior level

Luca Siligardi: Inter

The talented Italian atacking midfield is a native from the province of Reggio Emilia.

David de Gea: Atletico Madrid

A product of Atletico's youth teams De Gea spent his first season as a professional playing for Atletico B in Segunda.

Pedro Mosquera Parada: Real Madird

The Spanish midfielder has been in the Real Madrid youth set up since the age of 12

Éver Maximiliano David Banega: Valencia

The Argentine midfielder was an integral part of the 2007 U20 World up winners.

Fabrice Ndala Muamba: Bolton

As a naturalised British citizen, Muamba is eligible to play for any of the Home Nations. He has represented England at all under-age levels

Julio Eduardo Santa Cruz Cantero: Blackburn

The Paraguyan striker hopes to follow in his brothers footsteps and became a fan favorite at Ewood Park.

All the rest will be available when team sheets are updated following the mid-season update.

Thanks to Mark Galeozzie for finding the extra info on the players.

Football Academy · Cult Status

AC Milan and Valencia have both called press conferences for around midday tomorrow. Speculation is rife around both clubs with their managerial seats currently vacant going into the new season, and with managers expressing interest in both positions in recent days.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Valencia have released a statement confirming that the Real Valladolid manager Simon Jenkins has rejected the vacant position in charge of the club. Since their relegation from La Liga they have gone about looking for a new manager and had been waiting on a response from the man in charge of the champions of Spain. However their ambitious proposition was rejected late last night officials have confirmed. The club also confirmed they would now look at potential candidates over the next few days before hopefully confirming a new manager before the first game of the new season.

AC Milan have today announced the application Chris Bishop has been rejected. The Italian runners up have been unmanaged since Luke Coakley left to join Cardiff prior to their relegation, and many accept they will need new leadership to challenge Juventus this season. However a statement from the club confirmed interested Sampdoria manager has had his application rejected. "We appreciate the application and Chris Bishop is obviously an upcoming manager after his success last season. However we have looked at his qualities and we feel his team building skills wouldn't be suited to the age of the players we should be looking at to move forwards, so are graciously rejecting and look forward to playing Sampdoria this season."

Managerial Merry-Go-Round

Which managers are currently on the managerial merry-go-round that always happens come the end of the season? Here's a brief look at the potential movers.

Dale Price Has risen to prominence at Recreativo Huelva moving the newly promoted side into a 7th place finish and a qualification for European football.

Simon Newcombe Many believe his wealth of experience is wasted at Racing Santander and if chairmen believe he has redeemed the mistakes that put him there in the first place, he could be a great asset.

Chris Bishop Led an aging Sampdoria club to a top 3 finish in Italy ahead of high spending teams like Genoa and has expressed an interest in moving to a team capable of challenging for titles.

Raymond Farnell Has been at Chievo for some time now but failed to establish them in Serie A last season.

Mark Rollings Following promotion with Everton many expected him to stay for the long haul however recently he has expressed desires to manage at the top flight.

Chris Hanton Under masses of pressure at Real Madrid its believed he's already rejected moves away this summer, although pundits believe he is on borrowed time unless he can deliver a trophy.

Adam Goble Another highly pressured Spanish giants manager, Barcelona failed to deliver a trophy again last season and fans are beginning to wonder whether the two giant Spanish clubs need a fresh approach from a new head man.

Ashley Harris Led his Real Zaragoza side to promotion to La Liga but some believe he could be tempted to quit the club before they started their anticipated relegation fight this season.

Jonathan Petty Built a highly attacking and entertaining Reggina side who blitzed Serie B last season and some have tipped him for a big move or, to keep tiny Reggina up next season against some of the aging giants in Serie A.

John Brady Could be tempted into a move from Chelsea after his 6 season domination of European football was finally broken on all three fronts last season, especially if Chelsea decide a new manager is required to rediscover trophy winning ways.

Stuart Price After Manchester City hit administration at the end of last season he has admitted doubts about staying despite winning the treble last season.

Jamie Best High spending Genoa are thought to have been considering his position for some months, after another season of failing to challenge for titles and he may decide to jump if a good offer comes in, before he gets pushed and left with whatever club wants him then.

Recreativo Huelva are in a fight to keep manager Dale Price after an unnamed European club tried to poach him in the early hours of today.

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Leading football publication FourFourTwo have released a new feature which focuses on the talent in the next generation of footballers. Fans from clubs throughout Europe will be excited to see what gems their youth systems have developed.

-----------------------

Name: Brad Guzan

Position: Goalkeeper

Club: Aston Villa

Touted as the next: Brad Friedel

Bio: Brad played college football on scholarship for Chicago (PDL) and from an early age typified the archetypal American goalkeeper. His athletic style and aeriel presence quickly impressed, earning him a draft selection to MLS franchise Chivas USA, where he continued his youth progression. A move to Europe seemed inevitable, and Aston Villas North American scouts recommended him to club hierarchy. Brad is expected to continue his progression at the midlands club and is tipped for big things by academy bosses.

Scout clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzzC1VMothI

-----------------------

Name: Julio Eduardo Santa Cruz

Position: Striker

Club: Blackburn Rovers

Touted as the next: Roque Santa Cruz

Bio: Strong, powerful, and very direct, Santa Cruz typified the bustling South American striking style. The younger brother to established pro Roque Santa Cruz Blackburn scouts picked up on his talents when playing for Paraguayan domestic side C Cerro Porteno and recommended him to academy managers at the club. Head of scouting at Blackburn recommended club officials to offer Julio a contract at the club based on video evidence alone and subsequently they beat off competition from several Premier League clubs to secure his services.

Scout clip: UNRELEASED BY CLUB

-----------------------

Name: Fabrice Muamba

Position: Midfield

Club: Arsenal

Touted as the next: Paul Ince

Bio: Fabrice was born in the Congolese city of Kinshasha where the difficult political situation of the country encouraged his family to uproot and move to the UK. Amid testing early circumstances in the country Fabrice set about carving himself a career in the most difficult and cut throat profession of all, football. Arsenal scouts spotted his powerful and abrasive qualities quickly and introduced him into the clubs scholarship scheme. Fabrice has gone from strength to strength since then, and is expected to make his first team bow in the coming months.

Scout clip: UNRELEASED BY CLUB

-----------------------

Name: Chris Smalling

Position: Defender

Club: Fulham

Touted as the next: Rio Ferdinand

Bio: Chris found his way into football the more unconventional route, after being released at an early age by London club West Ham, and opting for a short term deal at non-league outfit Maidstone. Revelling in regular football, the then 17 year old Smalling took 12 games to show watching Fulham scouts he was something special, the club offering him academy terms in 2008. Chris is expected to earn England honors and fits the new breed of athletic and pacey centre backs.

Scout Clip: UNRELEASED BY CLUB

-----------------------

Name: Bradley Johnson

Position: Midfield

Club: Leeds United

Touted as the next: James Milner

Bio: Bradley, born in Cambridge, began his youth career at Northampton Town where he earned acclaim for his committed and physical displays. A quality left foot and intelligent football brain quickly alerted Leeds scouts and academy forms were signed early 2007. Bradley has plied his trade in academy level commendably and is now tipped to make the step to first team football.

Scout clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El7T7ClHvPM

-----------------------

Name: Sebastien Leto

Position: Midfield

Club: Liverpool

Touted as the next: Jonas Guittierez

Bio: The typical Argentine winger, Leto is direct and quick and looks to run past the full backs. A educated left foot provide quality delivery to match! Liverpool scouts plucked Sebastien from Argentine club Lanus and offered him academy terms at the club. A professional contract quickly followed and club officials have given exciting previews of the players talent.

Scout clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAlbjprln68

-----------------------

Name: Nile Ranger

Position: Striker

Club: Newcastle

Touted as the next: Darren Bent

Bio: Southampton academy bosses will want to look away now, especially if this young protégé fulfills his talent. Nile played almost half a season under the Saints academy structure, while club scouts tried to decide whether he was worthy of full scholarship status. Newcastle scouts were in no mood to follow the Saints lead and quickly offered Nile the chance to impress at the club. Signing pro-terms last season, Nile will look to utilise his poacher style of striking to prove he has what it takes at the top level.

Scout clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=com552gl2HA

-----------------------

Name: Gylfi Sigurdsson

Position: Midfield

Club: Reading

Touted as the next: Kim Kallstrom

Bio: Gylfi began his career back in his native Iceland for hometown club Breioablik, where he quickly encourage scouts from across Europe to cast their eye over his technical attributes and passing excellence. Typically, Reading, who have a strong Scandanavia scouting network, took a keen interest and offered Gylfi academy terms at the club. After three strong seasons in the Royals academy club coaching staff have recommended that he make the move to first team football.

Scout clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLVQrxWbmuA

-----------------------

Name: John-Joe OToole

Position: Midfield

Club: Watford

Touted as the next: Kevin Nolan

Bio: John-Joe boasts a committed and bustling midfield blueprint which has typified British midfielders over the years. Although Irish in descent OToole was born in Harrow, London, an area in which Watford run numerous development programs. Watford scouts presented a special dossier on OToole to the clubs hierarchy, such was his impact in the development programs and John-Joe has been fast tracked through the academy system at the club and now looks set to make his first team bow.

Scout clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ3xphC1vwU

-----------------------

Name: Sam Vokes

Position: Striker

Club: Wolves

Touted as the next: John Hartson

Bio: The latest striking powerhouse from Wales, following legends such as Mark Hughes, Ian Rush and John Hartson, Vokes offers a physical style which is suited to the English game. Wolves scouting network identified Vokes as a category 1 talent (The highest rank in a system employed to rank players spotted through the clubs network) when playing for lower league club Bournemouth. The clubs hierarchy quickly acted on the recommendation and academy contracts followed for Vokes. After just one season in the midlands as a YTS, Vokes looks set to explode onto the League One scene.

Scout Clip: UNRELEASED BY CLUB

-----------------------

Name: Luca Siligardi

Position: Midfielder

Club: Inter Milan

Touted as the next: Marco Camaronesi

Bio: Luca has been described by Inter Milan head scout Marco Monti as a truly special talent after agreeing terms in the clubs Inter of the future program which is charged with identifying and grooming local talent. His pace and ability to beat a man make him the typical Italian winger. Inter Milan, a club in desperate need of youthful additions, may well have found a new hero!

Scout Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0xoJNL1TD0

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Name: David De Gea

Position: Goalkeeper

Club: Athletico Madrid

Touted as the next: Iker Cassilas

Bio: It says something that academy bosses at Athletico broke the clubs policy YTS wages to fend of competition from La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona to secure the services of young stopper De Gea. At 6,2" the athletic frame of De Gea is representative of the Spanish style of keeping. Obvious comparisons have been made with legend Iker Cassilas and club bosses at the red side of Madrid are not shy in communicating their excitement about his potential.

Scout clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89ZeQKG7O1k

-----------------------

Name: Pedro Mosquera

Position: Midfield

Club: Real Madrid

Touted as the next: David Silva

Bio: As if not to be outdone by their city rivals, Real Madrid feel they have one of the hottest young properties in Europe in Mosquera. A creative attacking minded playmaker with tricky footwork the youngster is the archetypal Spanish midfielder who constantly buzzes around the edges of the penalty area. A club famed for producing some of Spains brightest stars, have Real Madrid done it again???

Scout clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOby6UG86aE&feature=related

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Name: Ever Banega

Position: Midfield

Club: Valencia

Touted as the next: Diego Simeone

Bio: Plucked from the famed Boca Juniors academy at just 16 Banega demonstrates all the qualities of a box-to-box midfielder. Not surprisingly academy bosses at Boca drew comparisons with the great Diego Simeone and Valencias excitement at the South Americans potential would appear to back that up. A season in Segunda with Valencia seems the perfect introduction and will be looking to make an instant impact!

Scout clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJIhjzahZ4Y

-- Edited by Spartikus47 on Sunday 10th of October 2010 01:19:26 PM

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings keen on Spanish return

Current Everton manager Mark Rollings has spoken out about his desire to take the managers role at relegated Spanish side Valencia, following revelations Simon Jenkins, Real Valldolid manager, had rejected an approach from the club. Rollings made an official application for the post last-week, and suggested he would be keen to talk to the board at Los Che.

"Valencia are a massive, massive club, who have the potential to challenge for honors domestically and in Europe. They have a rich heritage, fantastic fan base, and from what I can see are run well by a committed board of directors. They have all the ingredients in place to achieve that, and I hope I get the chance to explain to the board why I believe my qualities match that natural ambition of such an illustrious club."

Rollings is know to be an ambitious manager, and seems willing to drop down into Segunda with a team like Valencia for the chance to work at what is undoubtedly a club with massive potential. The young welshman explained that he saw a longevity in the Valencia position, which he felt made it an extremely appealing role.

"Valencia's potential doesn't stop at competing and surviving in La Liga, but extends to challenging for honors. In that respect the long term goals for a managerial project like that are extremely exciting. Success this season isn't really viable, as anything less than Champions will represent failure. A winning culture is crucial, and for a club like Valencia you also have to consider how you win. If given the chance I will commit to delivering the whole club, fans and city a team which justifies the Valencia brand!"

Turney · Cult Status

Aston Villa Manager refuses to rule at return to Valencia

Sky Sports spoke exclusively to Aston Villa Manager Martin Turney who refuses to rule out returning to Valenica. Turney said " I am very happy at Aston Villa and I am focused on getting Aston Villa back into the premier league but I can not completing rule out returning to Valencia. Valencia our a big club with some quality players and its been a bit of a struggle so far at Aston Villa after inheriting an old squad and having limited cash to improve the team. Although I do feel that with an injection of cash this season I could get Aston Villa back into the big time where they belong"

-- Edited by Turney on Sunday 10th of October 2010 03:06:51 PM