Week 3

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 3

Football Academy · Cult Status

Calderon sacks Hanton

Real Madrid this afternoon have confirmed that experienced manager Chris Hanton has parted company with the Spanish giants. Last season the ex-Manchester City manager faced huge pressure after losing the race to finish inside of the top three, with Real Valladolid, Sevilla and Barcelona claiming the top spots. Hanton had begun changing the look of the squad bringing the age down however results of the pitch suffered and while many expected him to be sacked at the end of the season, Ramon Calderon backed him to turn it around. Last week Real Madrid managed to scrape a narrow 3-2 away win to newly promoted Getafe but this week faced the champions Real Valladolid and while expected to lose, the 5-1 margin shows the gulf still needed to challenge in the league.

"We have been having discussions with Chris over the last week and felt our ambitions and aims for the club no longer match his. He is an experienced manager who we're sure can find a team to call his own very quickly but it is time both us and him look to move in new different directions. The fans were unhappy with last season and with two bad performances this season the board now feel if no action is taken, the situation will deteriorate and the gap we need to close will get bigger."

Speculation is now growing about his replacement. Paul Harrington who manages Real Madrid's city rivals is known to have signed a new deal with his club in the summer but is one of the hot favourites to take the prestigious jobs. Also in the early running is the experienced Simon Newcombe currently in Spanish Segunda with Racing Santander, Jamie Walker also highly experienced currently managing Arsenal in the English Premiership, and Steve Jenkins manager of Italian champions Juventus. Outside runners being mentioned early on are Rob O'Brien (Fiorentina), Jonathan Petty (Reggina), Jamie Best (Genoa), and John Brady (Chelsea).

Chris Hanton has so far not commented on where he may go now, but some have suggested he may return to his old club Manchester City, now under new ownership to when he left.

Adams · Top Flight Player

Bilbao true underdogs!

Manager Jonnie Adams has told his players this will be the toughest challenge they will ever face in their playing careers this season.

Athletic Bilbao finished the celebrations of winning their league last season gaining entry into la liga just one week ago and had to play Atletico Madrid in their debut match in the top league. Bilbao were strong for the first half but caved in the end to the more superior team.

We played well and took the lead twice in the first half. Fernandillo showed again he is worth every penny we spent on him and I believe he will become one of the greats in world football at his best. Atletico Madrid have such a good team that 2-6 is respectable in my eyes. We are still just a segunda team playing in la liga so it was hard to do anything before we have the chance to make changes.

This week Bilbao lined up against another top team. Barcelona at home is not what you want to see on the fixture list but another brave performance kept the score to 3-1.

Today I still find positives. We had two very hard matches and score three goals. Yes we conceded nine but our attack is our main attribute and we have to play to that to survive. It was the debut for their new boy Aaron Ramsey so we knew it would be hard and I wasn't surprised when he scored.

Bilbao don't just face a struggle because they are new boys in the league. They have the lowest wage bill in the whole league and amazingly the fifth lowest wage bill in the whole of Spain.

The new promoted teams will always have a hard job. Getafe and Zaragoza both have more expensive squads than us so we should be expected to finish last in this league. What make us truely Spains underdogs is our team expenditure is only bigger than four other teams in all of Spain. Cadiz Gimnastic Real Betis and Real Murcia are the only teams who spend less on player wages in week one than us. With respect to them they are all bottom half teams in the bottom league.

Every point we manage to get this season will be a big deal to us. We can all see the facts and we will do all that is in our power to cause the biggest upset in football this season and stay up.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Southampton 2-2 Wigan

Saints fightback to deny pluck Athletic!

Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans stated that his side needs to learn quickly in the Championship if they are to carry on progressing. Saints found themselves two down within 20 minutes but foughtback through goals from Jay Bothroyd and Santafe Vivo to gain a point. After the game, Davies-Evans spoke to the waiting press room.

Press: Steve, how pleased are you with that comeback?

SDE: Delighted with the character the boys showed to get back level but obviously we need to work on a few things defensively. We didn't really turn up til 43 minutes and we can't do that in this league. You can get away with it abit more in League 1 but in the Championship, you are up against top players and top leagues so we need to be focused from the off.

Press: Javier Santafe Vivo got the equaliser for you today, how pleased were you with his game?

SDE: He played really well and on another day, he might have got one or two more for us. I hope to see the same from him next week if picked.

Press: I know it's not England but Chris Hanton has lost his job at Real Madrid today and has already been snapped up by AC Milan. What did you make of todays goings on?

SDE: Well Chris will be the first to admit that things weren't really going the way that he wanted them to and when a big rival like Valladolid gives you a going over, it's always hard to take. Chris is exactly the sort of manager than Milan need and he will do really well there. I've already sent him a message to wish him all the best and if there are any surplus players that fancy a part in the Southampton revelution, to send them over.

Press: Sheff Utd come to St Marys next week, how important is a win now?

SDE: Well we will always try and win but we need to keep going and try and pick up as much as possible from each win. I will never put massive pressure on the players to win every single game as I don't work like that. We will have to work as hard as normal in training and hopefully execute our plan against Sheffield Utd next weekend.

Ash · Cult Status

Espanyol 3-2 Real Mallorca

Espanyol manager Ashley Harris spoke to the assembled media following his first game in charge.

Press: Ashley, you started with a 3-2 win, are you pleased with this result?

AH: Yes, it's always important at a new club to start with getting the 3 points. I havn't had long to train with the players and get my ideas across, so it's going to take a bit of time for us to really start perfroming at the optimum level. I am pleased overall with the performance, Real Mallorca are a good side and put up a good fight and in La Liga I don't think there are any easy games so when you win it is always pleasing. I think we deserved the result and i am looking forward to our next game against West Ham now with even more optimism.

Press: It was 2-2 at half time, what did you say to the players to try and get the winning goal?

AH: I just said to the players that we need to try and move the ball quicker. We knew that Mallorca would tire as the game went on and that there would be more space available for us, which proved to be the case. I am delighted that Javi Marquez scored the winning goal and i'm sure that will improve his confidence massively. The players didn't need to much to be said to be honest as i felt we played well in the first half and i was always confident that we would win the game.

Press: The Celta Vigo manager and friend Dan Reed said that you would hold the fact that you got Zaragoza promoted over his head if he fails to achieve the same feat with Celta Vigo. Will you?

AH: Ha! Well i might give him a bit of stick, if only because Celta Vigo relegated my Zaragoza team in the first place, which took some getting over. But seriously i really hope that Dan can get Celta Vigo promoted as he is really building a great team for the future there at Celta Vigo and they might be one's to watch in a season or two's time. I know how tough the Segunda is as a league and there are some good teams in there, but i really believe that Dan has enough to get them back to La Liga and then i won't be able to say anything!

Press: It's West Ham next in the newly formed Uefa Cup, what does it mean to the club to be competing?

AH: Well, it will be a great night for the club to take part in the Uefa Cup. Everybody here is really looking forward to the game and i'm sure the fans are aswell. West Ham are a very good side who have held their own in the premiership for a number of years, so it will be tough for us but hopefully we can make it a night to remember for Espanyol and deliver a good start as i really feel we have the potential to go far in this competition.

Press: Thanks Ashley

AH: Cheers guys.

Ashley-ccfc16' · Cult Status

Udinese unveil shock signing

(new signing Martin Palermo meeting his new team at training today)

Udinese has boosted its strike force with Argetine striker Martin Palermo putting pen to paper. The former Real Mallorca player has certainly beefed up the striking department.

The strike force last season was poor explained manager Ashley Davies. The defence held out the teams and Davies knew he had to adress the attacking options. After the transfer of Siequira to AC Milan the funds became avaliable to the manager. The striker has joined for a fee of £6.5 Million which has raised eyebrows in Italy. Manager Ashley Davies explained he is taking a big risk with the ammount of money involved but its more than likely to pay off. Martin Palermo has bags of ability that is used in higher leagues, now playing in the Serie B theirs no doubting he is going to rock this league and make a massive impact.

-- Edited by Ashley-ccfc16' on Sunday 24th of October 2010 10:38:56 PM

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans to "Has" to consider Saints future

With the shock news that broke late last night that Southampton Chairman Simon Newcombe was looking to sell the club, manager Steve Davies-Evans has confirmed tht due to these events, he may have to consider whether to stay on or not. Speaking at a hastily arranged press conference this morning, Davies-Evans wanted the Southampton fans to know that he would still be doing everything possible to get three points this weekend.

Press: Steve, the obvious questions this morning are going to be regarding your charmans decision to look to sell the club. What can you tell us about the events of last night?

SDE: Well to be honest, I can't tell you too much but I had a meeting very late last night with Simon [Newcombe] when he told me that he may well be looking to sell the club for personal reasons. After having an in-depth conversation with him, I fully understand why he has come to this decision but I'd like to clear one thing up, despite the club being up for sale, there is no certainty that it will be sold or that Simon will actually leave.

Press: So what actually brought this decision about?

SDE: Well I can't answer that to be honest. That will be something that Simon may choose to answer in the future but for now, I will respect his decision and keep quiet.

Press: And what of your position? Are you likely to stay on if the club is sold?

SDE: To be honest, I haven't really had much time to reflect on things as it happened so late last night but the one thing I will say is that I will definately have to consider a few things now. Football is a funny old world and this time last week, I was completely happy but this game has a funny way of turning things upside down. IF I were to leave though, it would be the hardest decision to date as I love this club and everything we have achieved. In an ideal world, I would stay on and carry on everything that I started. However, we need to see what unfolds over the next week or so. There is no guarantee that a new chairman would want me to stay on.

Press: The Southampton fans will be shocked to hear that within 24 hours, they risk losing their chairman and manager. After a brillaitn 12 months, how do you expect them to take this news?

SDE: Well this is why I have come out to clear this up. Communication is key here and we would like to keep them in the loop. There will be no rash decison making and everything will be done with the nbest interests of the club but at this moment in time, I am commited to this club and helping them go forward. Until something changes, I am Southampton manager and hope to continue in this role.

Liam · Cult Status

After a dominant win against Real Zaragoza 5-1 at the weekend, Liam Riste was on hand to give an interview to Sevilla FC Television on all the action.

SFCTV: So a 5-1 win over the team your friend Ashley Harris left last week, what did you make of the game?
LR: I had rested players for the Madrid game this coming weekend so it was nice to see the squad playing exceptionally well and dominating the game. The young talent I fielded played well with a couple of players playing important parts to the result. I would have liked it if Ash was still in charge as the win would have been all the sweeter, but as we frightened him away, we now play him 7 weeks later in the season.

SFCTV: You have rested players for the Madrid game and now the board have sacked Chris Hanton. What are your expectations now?
LR: There must be something frightening about Sevilla... Ash left as we were about to play them, now Hanton has done a runner! In all seriousness though, the timing of his departure won't help the club much as I do believe he still had the players' support. We shall be looking to test their bounce-back-ability after suffering such a heavy defeat to Valladolid. I will be looking to please the fans with a win over the number 2 team in Madrid before playing the Madrid finest in a few weeks' time, however, the game is still going to be a tough one!

SFCTV: Is this again another game where some of the spice has been removed with the departure of Chris Hanton?
LR: Not this game! I mean I would love to get one over on Chris and continue the banter, but even so, Real Madrid are a team we want and need to beat if we are to challenge for the title. I wish Chris the best of luck in the future though.

SFCTV: Whilst we are on the topic of Real Madrid, who would you like to seee appointed as new manager there?
LR: Simples. Jamie Best. He is a good friend and it would bring an added edge to the league having him here! I think he would do a great job and can see why his name has been thrown in the hat, whether he wants it or not though would be a different story, however, I do think he needs to work on his tan and in that case, Spain over Italy!

SFCTV: Rumours are circulating around the club that a deal has been agreed and a player will put pen-to -paper this weekend, is this true?
LR: I can confirm a deal has been struck between another manager and myself. After a long negotiation period where I registered an interest in this player, we finally put the finishing touches to the deal just before kick-off this weekend!

SFCTV: Can we have a clue as to who it is?
LR: As always, that's a big negative! I will however give you some details of the deal...
As a result of the finite funds at my disposal, the type and class of player I am bringing in to the club has cost us a long-time servant to the club as well as cash. So as well as the ecstacy of the new signing, there is a little part of me sad to see a player leave the club. No more further questions on the matter will be taken now.

SFCTV: We shall be even more eager for match-day now, thank you for your time.
LR: Cheers.

pricey · Cult Status

SPANISH SPORTS NEWS CAUGHT UP WITH RECREATIVO MANAGER DALE PRICE AS HIS SIDE FACES THEIR FIRST EUROPEAN GAME AT ANFIELD AGAINST LIVERPOOL

SSN Hi Mr Price thanks for taking time out to chat to us. How are you and your team feeling ahead of tonights game with Liverpool?

DP Thats ok its no problem. We are looking forward to it to be honest it is a massive game and day for the club and its fans I just hope that we are not made fools of.

SSN Are you saying you cant see your side winning tonight?

DP Tonight we are very much the underdogs and on paper we should be beaten but football is a funny old game and you never know what will happen. I will tell the players to go out there and give it their best.

SSN You lost on the weekend that must have hurt.

DP It hurt like a kick between the legs from a fat bird I honestly thought we were going to win that one after a good performance against Sevilla its my job to pick the players up now and get them going for the next league game against Espanyol which even at this early stage at the season is a massive game for us.

SSN Talking about your ability to manage you have applied for the job at Real Madrid and allot of people are thinking you have no chance in getting the job what was your thinking in going for it?

DP My thinking in it is that I want to be the manager of Real Madrid what other motivation does anyone want? I feel I have the ability to do well at Real and get them to the place that they belong
.
SSN How do you think the fans feel about you wanting a new job?

DP I have already spoken to a few fans and they understand why I have gone for it they along with me thought that the chairman would be backing me with a investment that would be able to push us up the league and unfortunately we got allot less than we thought we would but that is neither here nor there as I knew the size of the club when I took over and if I fail to get the job at Madrid I will be happy to carry on here and hopefully get the team into the top 6

SSN Are there any incoming players that we should know about?

DP Well Im not going to name names but I have just this moment sorted a deal that will bring a very good striker that I have worked with before to the club I am very excited about this deal and hopefully he can do well and kick us on to the next level

SSN Thanks for your time tonight Mr Price good luck for tonight.

DP Thanks

Jozz · Cult Status

Jozz · Cult Status

Cadiz Takeover

It is understood that Mark Galeozzie is going to be leaving his position as Chairman of Cadiz, but who is to take the reigns is unclear.

Manager JD Jaques has confirmed that he is going to be staying at the club, but would not be drawn on who the replacement Chairman is.

"It is not for me to name the new Chairman. When the time is right I am sure that he will make the news known. What I can say is that we have spoken and I will be remaining as manager at Cadiz."

When asked about his comments regarding whether the "vulture" has landed he said "The new Chairman has obviously come in at a good time for the club. It is a time when we are looking to press on after having cleared what was a massive debt. I am sure that the new Chairman has the best interests of the club at heart, and that is what is important."

"Obviously I would like to wish Mark all the best in the future. He is a very good Chairman and whatever happens in the future I wish him all the very best. Whilst it is sad to see him go I feel the future for the club is bright."

Whether new investment is going to be available is unclear at this time, but Cadiz are known to already have a few deals in the pipeline.

Tezza · Cult Status

RE: Week 3

Luke_C · Cult Status

Luke Coakley releases short statement.

I am delighted to announce that after negotiations with Mark Galeozzie that I have now finalised a deal to purchase Cadiz.

The recent history of this club is astounding, crippled with mass debts and seemingly with no way back the club now finds itself debt free thanks to previous chairman Mark Galeozzie and current manager JD who deserve praise above and beyond. With the great work previously done, I now hope I can push this club further once again, it will not be an easy job or a quick job but it will be one done in the correct manner so the club has a long term future which I hope in time will be in the top Spanish league.

We will be looking to invest in players slowly but surely and build on the foundations we have at the club however to me the main asset to the club is its loyal fans who we ask to continue to attend games in there numbers as without them the club is nothing.

JD will remain as manager and has my backing while I see progress being made at the club.I have already spoke to the manager and he is looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Luke Coakley Cadiz chairman

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans commited to Saints!

Southampton manager Steve Davies-Evans has released a statement to confirm that he will be remaining with the club. He does howeer conceed that chairman Simon Newcombe is unlikely to stay and a deal to complete a take over is "imminent". Davies-Evans refused to confirm the name of the new chairman but has stayed that he has had the assurances needed to remain at the helm and finsh the job he started.

"I would like to take this oppertunty to thank the Southampton fans for being patient whilst the talk of a takeover gathered speed. It is true that when I heard that there was a chance of Simin leaving, I did want to reflect and consider my own position but after speaking to a couple of potential new chairman that are looking to purchase the club, I am mee than happy to remain and complete the job I set out to do. This is a fantastic job and a fantastic team and I am looking forward to staying with the team and continuing to go forward. In an ideal world, the current chairman would stay and we could just carry on as normal but that is starting to become apparent that this isn't a possibility but I do believe the new chairmen could still do a fantastic job for this club. There will be alot of change over the next few days but Id ask the supporters to be patient and trust me when I say that this club will still continue to move forward.

I would also like to take a few moments to reflect on out-going chairman Simon Newcombe. Simon brought me here from Lazio after selling te club to me and it's been a great 12 months to be honest. He was a great chairman and gave me the freedom to do my job and because of it, the club flourished! I wish Simon all the best in the future and if he goes onto become chairman of another club, they will no doubtedly be stronger for it.

Our attentions now turn to Sheff Utd this week in what is likely to be a very tough game.

-- Edited by Bluebird99 on Wednesday 27th of October 2010 03:48:51 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

The takeover of Southampton by Recreativo Huelva manager Dale Price has been completed this morning for £8 million, with ex-owner Simon Newcombe making a reported £5 million loss on the club.

pricey · Cult Status

Price meets media

New Southampton chairman Dale Price today met with the media hours after completing the takeover of the club Mr Price had this to say I am delighted to have this chance to own a great club like this I thank former owner Mr Newcombe for the foundations that he has left me. I am also looking forward to working with the manager Steve. I feel he has and is doing a great job and I am pleased that he has agreed to stay on at the club. Being friends already I think we will be a good team. Mr Price was then asked if he had a chance to speak to Steve. Yes on my way home from a family trip to Wales yesterday we spoke on the phone from the time I left my house until we were over the Severn bridge we had a good chat on what we both would like to do with the club and I am pleased that we both have the same ambition. As Mr Price left to go and meet his new players and the rest of the board the Saints fans sang out his name.

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

Davies-Evans: "Time to move forward"

On the news that the take-over at Southampton has been completed, manager Steve Davies-Evans has stated that the club need to use this as a massive positive and move forward.

Press; Steve, a new chairman and a friend too in Dale Price. How does that feel?

SDE: Well when I heard that Simon [Newcombe] was set to leave and that Dale was looking to purchase the club, I was hoping that the deal would go through and now it has.

Press: Will it make any difference that Dale is a friend of yours?

SDE: Well no not really. Simon Newcombe was a good friend of mine too and I think that our time as a team was very successful. I'm looking forward to working with Dale and hopefully making Southampton bigger and better than ever.

Press: Had Dale informed you what type of involvement he would like?

SDE: Well I think he recognises that we are in the middle of a transition to the next stage and hopefully cementing ourselves as a Championship team. I have spoken to him in great lengths already about where I want us to go as a team and thankfully he shares that vision. The early stages of talks have been very positive and hopefully we can enjoy even more success with him at the helm.

Press: What of Simon Newcombe now, are you still friends?

SDE: Yes of course! Simon is a great guy and away from football, we're good mates. Simon had to do what he had to do and I think over the next 24-48 hours, people will see why. I wish Simon all the best and know that he will be a huge success in his next role.

paulh_85 · Cult Status

Valladolid Test Excites Harrington

After a good start to the season, with 2 wins from 2, you now face a tough test against league champions Valladolid. Your tactic was "containment" last season, how will you approach this fixture?

Well firstly, your right, it has been a good start to the season. Altough they have been two matches we were expected to win, i was happy with the manner in which we won them. My players have the confidence that they can give them a good game this weekend, and that is what we will be looking to do. They are a fantastic side with quality all over the pitch, but we have some quality of our own and i hope its a game the fans enjoy.

You have signed Luke Wilkshire and Igor Akinfeev this week, will these players be making their debut?

Jaakkola is going out on loan this week, so Akinfeev will be stepping between the posts, Our other keeper, De Gea is also going out on loan next week, and at only 17 years old we thought it wasnt the right game to make a debut for him. I havent decided on the left back position yet, we will be picking the team closer to the time.

There has been a lot of activity with your local neighbours sacking manager Chris Hanton after two matches, and a rush of applications for the job. Do you have any views on this and your other rivals for a top 4 place?

I was upset that Chirs got the sack really, it seemed a bit harsh and a bit rushed to me. Whoever takes over doesnt really concern me, my job and target will be the same regardless, we want to finish in the top 4 like we managed last season, and to do that we have to finish above at least one of Barcelona, Sevilla or Real Madrid. Its going to be another difficult season, but the sucess of doing it last year is giving us the confidence that we can, once again, compete on a level footing with these teams.

-- Edited by paulh_85 on Thursday 28th of October 2010 12:28:15 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

The takeover of Cadiz by Cardiff manager Luke Coakley has been completed this afternoon for £9 million, with ex-owner Mark Galeozzi making a loss believed to be in excess of £5 million.

pricey · Cult Status

make the 8mil for southampton seam like a real bargain on't it ;) lol

Rhino · Cult Status

Hanton Takes over at Eastlands

Chris Hanton has completed the purchase of Manchester City in record 20 million pound deal.Hanton who has had a spell in charge at Fulham has brought the club who entered Administration at the end of last season with debts of over a 100 million, Players like Podolski,Ramsey have already left and its likely that Aguero and Love will follow this week to get the club out of a massive mass...Hanton who held a press conference this afternoon had this to say.

Ch - " Well firstly im very proud to be at Manchester City a club I managed and I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead, Its not going to be easy to re build after all the sales of star players but the club needed to raise the money to get out of a mess and as from Friday I can confirm the club will be out of Administration and have money in the account to spend to re build a new team

Press - Fantastic news Mr Hanton we understand a manager has been appointed is that correct ?

Ch - "Yes I can confirm that Simon Newcombe has agreed to become Manchester City new manager and im over the moon he has decided to take up the Challenge of turning this club around, I have known Simon for many years now and he had built a great squad at Arsenal before losing his job and has started it all again in the Lower leagues in Spain..he also was a favourite for the Real Madrid job so I am well happy he has taken on this role and im sure the City fans will be pleased that I have got a manger in that they can trust"

Press - Did many people apply for the managers position ?

Ch -" Im not going into names but I had a list of 3 managers that I would like to take over the club and all 3 applied plus a couple of others but Simon was my 1st choice"

Press - What's your goals for the future and has Simon been set a target ?

Ch - " Listen Simon has been set no target the club will be in a mess when he takes over and its going to take time so I have gave my word to Simon that there is no pressure we both agree on what needs to be done and looking at the past I know what im getting with Simon he likes to build a team and wont waste money, I would love to say were going for the title and Europe but you need a decent size squad for that and quality, we might have enough players to play next week so that's where we are"

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Sinclair Berates Parma Team After Dismal Showing

Jonny Sinclair was not in best moods after yet another poor performance resulted in a 1-0 lose at home to managerless Atalanta.

'We deserved to lose yet again we didn't play ell we haven't in any game so far and finally we properly punished its ridiculous we look worse than we did last season defence giving soft goals away yet again midfield not creating enough chances and strikers not putting away the chance when they have them.

We are at home and are fans have had enough, I've had enough of us not playing well we have a quality sqad that at this minute probably couldn't beat a sunday pub league team I think some of my players are happy to just pick up their cheque every week some are just not performing whether due to lack of confidence or weight of expectation which of course should be high because of our relegation last season.

I think during this week we're going to have a bowling session and try and get the players learning to have fun and enjoy themselves again, because I don't think they are enjoying themselves at all at the minute.

We had pre season in Cameroon away from anyway so we focus solely on the football and yet still we aren't performing maybe it is me and I'm not getting the best out of the players however I honestly think I can do a job here and I believe the squad I have we should be getting automatic promotion no question but losing at home to a managerless team no disrespect to Atalanta just underlines major problems we have.

I can't strengthen the team due to littles finances but I really shouldn't need to strengthen the team I have little tweaks maybe, however I feel like I need to make wholesale changes if I'm ever going to get my team to produce our target this season and in the long term become a Serie A team capable of the top 6 but we are a long way away from that at the minute.

We are signing another Left midfielder this week on loan and trying to sign a free agent again I'm trying my very best to make this squad as good as it can to try and beat the other teams in this league I'm desperate for Parma to be a huge force again and I would love to be a part of it and it has to start next week where we have an incredibly difficult game against Chievo but I know we can do it but can isn't good enough anymore.'

Jonny Sinclair walked off clearly still angry and desperate to turn Parma's fortune's around.

Tezza · Cult Status

Siena News

Siena could only manage a draw yesterday against Naploi in a game that was full of missed chances for both sides. Kevin Smith got away to a good start at Siena with a cleverly taken goal in the second half. "It was a good result and what is more important is that we are still unbeaten this season," Terry said, "The side is undergoing real changes and we haven't finished yet."

PRESS.

What the news on the transfer front?

TM.

We continue to add to the side this week with Andrea Costa coming in from Reggina and next week completes the early season shuffle with a very exiting young CD joining the team from an English side.

PRESS.

What do you think of Atalantas start to the season?

TM.

They have had a great start. Obviously benefiting from my absence. They will be there at the end of the season, but as I said when I left, they just need that little extra bit of quality if they are to really progress.

I suppose my first target is to pass them in this league but thats not going to be easy. This league seems to have evened out since last season with what would appear to be some very tight games with few scoring chances coming up.

Besty · Cult Status

Milan end Genoa's 100% start

FA news caught up with Genoa manager Jamie Best after his sides away defeat to AC Milan.

Jamie, you have lost your 100% record start to the season, you must be disappointed?

Yes of course i think any manager is disappointed when his side loses, especially when the team is on form but its not about how we respond and move on from this. We can take a number of positives from the game and we will try to build on this in our forthcoming games and erase the mistakes so hopefully we can bounce back from this. It's only our first defeat and it's a long season so there is plenty of time for us to break into that top 2 or 3.

Chris would have been happy after starting his AC Milan term with a win, did you speak to him after the game?

Me and Chris shared a drink afterwards, i think we both enjoyed the challenge of pitting our teams against each other but he has got one over on me this time so i need to even it up when we play them at our place! I spoke with him a lot when he was at Real Madrid with regards to deals and players etc and so i have been in contact with him a lot this season, i think Madrid's loss is Milan's gain as he is a top manager and he will do well here in Italy, i just wished he left it a week later as i think we would have fancied our chances a bit more if their assistant was still in charge!

Last season was obviously a disappointment, how do you feel you will measure up this year?

Well i was obviously disappointed overall with the performance last year but we pulled things together towards the end and i think we have developed as a team since then, the squad is big and with us being involved in Europe this year it needs to be so hopefully we can juggle the competitions ok and rest players at the right times. I am very happy with the squad i have and this will be strengthened again in the next couple of weeks so i am confident we can achieve our target this year.

You were linked to the Real Madrid job by a couple of sources, is there any truth in this?

I am not interested in managing in Spain, i am very happy and settled here and i am not sure it would suit me. I am committed to Genoa and the players and fans, the chairman has been loyal to me by letting me build again this year so i want to repay that faith by bringing in some success to the club. It's obviously flattering to be linked and i would never rule it out but for the time being and hopefully the future i will remain very happy in my role here and continue building a squad the Genoa fans and chairman can be proud of.

Thanks for your time Jamie