Week 16

Football Academy · Cult Status

Week 16

Football Academy · Cult Status

Premiership Bolton are following fellow strugglers West Broms lead by expressing an interest in appointing Napoli manager Andy Fletcher.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Issue 7: Release -- Sunday 6th February 11pm.

Contents will include a first look ahead to the end of season run in.

-- Edited by Football Academy on Sunday 6th of February 2011 09:53:28 PM

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

Rollings set for Inter exit

Inter Milan look set to be on the look out for a new manager after rumours escalated that current boss Mark Rollings was in advanced stages of talks with an unnamed side. Rollings' tenure at Inter has been a mixed bag and speculation is that the manager has been tempted to end his short stint at Inter.

Jozz · Cult Status

Rumours are circulating from sunny Spain that Cadiz manager has met with West Brom officials who flew out to Cadiz to make an offer that would have boosted JD Jaques managerial wages significantly.

Cadiz fans are concerned that reports seem to indicate that their manager is on his way out.

JD Jaques has overseen the rebuilding of a team that had one of the bleakest outlooks in Europe, when he was appointed with a massive debt that was going to be difficult if not almost impossible to clear, and with a team that struggled at the bottom of the Segunda. He has worked away, out of the limelight, not making many press announcements compared to when he managed previous teams. Things at Cadiz have changed since JD Jaques took over and the team is now in a position where key players no longer have to be sold. The team are battling for 9th place, which is a major achievement compared to last season.

West Brom officials remained tight lipped when they left Cadiz, with no announcement from them to say that JD Jaques had been appointed.

The manager has not spoken to the press, and Chairman Luke Coakley has not commented on the situation.

Fletch · Cult Status

Fletcher denies Bolton Link.

Napoli manager Andy Fletcher has denied he is intent on making a switch to Premier League strugglers Bolton. Fletcher said " I love the job I am doing here at Napoli, weve taken the club from the bottom of Serie B to challenging for a promotion spot, In my opinion weve done it correctly, developing our own players and the club infrastructure. I have a great chairman, Ive learnt a lot from him on management as well as developing the club off the pitch and my aim is to stay and finish the job, Ive just signed a new contract and am not interested in a move to England."

-- Edited by Fletch on Monday 7th of February 2011 01:19:57 PM

pricey · Cult Status

(Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?

(A) Very We had a good week leading up o the game and a you all know it was a must win so i am happy with the win.

(Q) Were you pleased with the performance of your team?

(A) Yes i was i thought we bossed the midfield and i was really happy withthe amount of chances we created

(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?

(A) Nope nothing happening at the moment

(Q) How do you feel going into the end of season run in?

(A) All i am thinknig about is the next two league games if we win them then we can concentrate on the final run in.

(Q) What sort of targets are you setting the team for the final six weeks?

(A) Win the next two games no more no less

(Q) Will you still be here next season?

(A) Hopefully yes i am happy here at Rec and don't want to leave.

(Q) There has been talk about Steve Davies-Evans taking over at Southampton again can you shed any light on this?

(A) Yes i can and i can confirm that Steve contacted me to see if he could come back and join Southampton. I would like to put the Saints fans minds at rest and anounce that Steve will not be joining the club again.

Fletch · Cult Status

(Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?

(A) I was worried, I thought that we might have a hangover from some prior results, and we did, but a point away at Atalanta isnt a bad result.

(Q) Were you pleased with the performance of your team?

(A) Yes, we created chances and defended well

(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?

(A) Yes, we have a young player joining us from Valencia shortly

(Q) How do you feel going into the end of season run in?

(A) Slightly worried about the fitness of my players, with lots of cup games and perhaps play offs on the cards I need to make a decision about who's rested and who plays, its tough for all of us.

(Q) What sort of targets are you setting the team for the final six weeks?

(A) Simple, we have to win our final games, any less and we are staring at the play offs and perhaps another season in Siere B, we need to dig deep and provide results.

(Q) Will you still be here next season?

(A) I hope so, ultimately its down to the chairman, I'm under a new contract and fully intend to see this out.

-- Edited by Fletch on Monday 7th of February 2011 01:19:10 PM

Ashley-ccfc16' · Cult Status

(Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?

(A) Pretty confident actually. Chievo had drew a few recentley and we managed to get a point from them!

(Q) Were you pleased with the performance of your team?

(A) Yes, I played a pact mifdield and it paid off, creating a few opportunities.

(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?

(A) Nothing at all.

(Q) How do you feel going into the end of season run in?

(A) Hopefull that we can pull of something big!

(Q) What sort of targets are you setting the team for the final six weeks?

(A) Aim again for the playoffs! Most of the team are keeping fit, the strikers take a little bit of extra care but with everybody getting fitter hopefully we can press on in the final weeks!

(Q) Will you still be here next season?

(A) I hope so, we havent dont bad this season. I risked signing Palermo but its paid of so far!

Bluebird99 · Cult Status

DAVIES-EVANS LEAVES ROVERS AND RETIRES FROM FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Davies-Evans has left his role at Blackburn Rovers with immediate effect and has taken the decision to leave football management all together. Davies-Evans has stated that he's fallen out of love with football and would rather move on and allow someone else to come in and be more commited to the role. At a press conference at Ewood Park, Davies-Evans conceded that it was a tough decision....

"I've taken the decision to leave football management all together. I'm not going anywhere else or going for a different challenge but to leave the game once and for all. I've totally fallen out of love with the game in the last couple of months and I'd rather not carry on at all than to carry on half hearted. Alot of people will no doubt say "he'll be back when he's bored" or "it's just another Steve strop" but I can assure you, this is it. I've had some good times and I'd like to thank everyone at Blackburn and hopefully they will confirm that the side and squad I'm leaving is far better than the one I took over. I'd also like to thank my fellow managers, I've enjoyed working with a few of you, and a few that I haven't. I wish you all the best in the future."

With that, Davies-Evans thanked the media and left the room and football management for good.

-- Edited by Football Academy on Monday 7th of February 2011 07:07:40 PM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Blackburn Consider Options

The Blackburn chairman has quickly moved to react to the resignation of Steve Davies-Evans this evening. Blackburn sit just outside of the play-off places and obviously don't want to risk missing out by waiting too long before they try and replace their outgoing manager.

"We knew he wasn't enjoying himself. You can only bounce around for so long before you've done the same thing a hundred times. He was bored after 10 weeks here and if you're not willing to put the time in to stay longer and build anything, obviously repeating the first 10 weeks at different clubs will become tedious. We want to bring someone in quickly and obviously the heads up Steve gave us last week has given us time to consider candidates. Two names top our list and we can confirm an interest in Chievo manager Raymond Farnell and Udinese boss Ashley Davies. Neither has signed a new deal yet for next season so we are just testing the waters to see if there is interest from either party."

As yet, not comment has been made by Farnell or Davies.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Cadiz manager Johndaniel Jaques has rejected a move to West Brom but some bookies have him in line to become the new Blackburn manager.

Ashley-ccfc16' · Cult Status

Udinese manager dismisses reports linking him with the Blackburn Rovers job.

Ashley Davies has brushed aside reports linking him with a move to Blackburn Rovers vacant position, with their last manager only leaving a few hours ago Davies was quick to react.

However, Davies spoke to Italian TV Marco.

I have not received an approach from Blackburn Rovers, Iam currently committed to the challenge of pushing Udinese into the play offs.

He added, Yes no contract has been agreed but Id like to consider my options come the end of the season.

Liam · Cult Status

Sevilla manager Liam Riste has been somewhat quiet compared to his usual outspoken self as of late, but tonight he broke his recent silence as he gave an interview to Sevilla FC Television.

SFCTV: I believe the last time we heard from you was around the half-way mark, a lot has happened since then. How happy have you been with the results?

LR: We have been unbeaten which is extremely pleasing when you consider we have beaten both Madrid teams in this run. Both Madrid teams are strong and to get all 6 points stands us in a good position at this time. 9 games unbeaten with a 5 win streak which may be in jeopardy as we face Valladolid after our European Cup game against Chelsea, although we won't go down easily. Valladolid is a very important game for us, which is we can take all the points, puts us a single point behind them.

SFCTV: You managed to beat both Madrid teams, it wasn't easy but there were rumours that you were unhappy about one of the Madrid teams in particular?

LR: I was disappointed with Mr. Harrington's approach to the Valladolid game. He cleared fielded a team not worthy of Segunda football, with players out of position, just so his key players were fit for our clash! Now I'm not going to tell him what his team selection should be, that's why Atletico pay him, but as I also beat him, he has chucked away the chance to pick up bonus points and if every team in the league did this, they're effectively already conceding the league to Valladolid.

SFCTV: You have a dilemma ahead of you. No Miroslav Klose and a Quater-Final knock-out game against Chelsea before you take to the field for a first vs second league fixture.

LR: Well Valladolid have already suffered defeat in front of their own fans to us, and if we can repeat this in front of our own fans, we are right back in the race for the La Liga crown. I have come further in Europe than I have before which is satisfying for me. Chelsea are a strong team and we don't have access to our best team, which wasn't enough last time we met. The league race is my priority and Europe is just an added bonus, no doubt Chelsea will be out to batter us even with their Premiership position adding extra pressure. So if your asking me which of the two games I could pick to win, definitely the weekend fixture against Valladolid.

SFCTV: No contract offers as of yet? And a recent poll has put you a joint second favourite to replace good friend Jamie Best at his old Genoa side, any comments?

LR: I believe I have done enough to warrant a renewal of my contract, but if the board and chairman disagree, then I will be forced to look elsewhere. I have had no approach from Genoa and the poll is a vote of the managers, not their board, so I won't be relying on them too much.

SFCTV: Lastly, you said you were adopting an old approach to your management which will bring the best out of the team and David Villa, how do you believe that is working out for you?

LR: Look at the figures. Since my new approach we have torn up some contracts and brought in squad players on loan which weren't needed at their club for this season. The changes have made us stronger as a squad and the squad players are playing a key part in the games that they are given. We as a team are in a better position for this and I think if this approach were adopted sooner, we wouldn't have dropped as many silly points.

SFCTV: Okay, well it was nice to catch up with you again and shall look forward to next time.

LR: Cheers.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Ex-Nottingham Forest manager Ben Gregory has agreed a deal with Gimnastic.

Luke_C · Cult Status

Luke Coakley ICWales intierview

(Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?
(A) It was a big game and the pressure was on but I know we have a lot of quality and I felt confident we could get a result and as they have all season my lads didnt let me down.

(Q) Were you pleased with the performance of your team?
(A) Still plenty to work on, especially defensively but we got the three points and that was all that mattered today.

(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?
(A) I really dont see any deals being done this week but I did say the same last week and we managed to bring in Sito Riera who is a great addition to the club. We have had strong interest in Rodwell and Kuzamanovic but no deal has been agreed and I am more than happy to keep them here, both are quality players.

(Q) How do you feel going into the end of season run in?
(A) We are on a seven game winning run and undefeated all season so we have to feel confident. We do have some tired legs in the squad so we will need to rotate in the coming weeks and give the youngsters as much experience as possible.

(Q) What sort of targets are you setting the team for the final six weeks?
(A) Nothing other than six victories will be deemed good enough because that is the standards we have set.

(Q) Will you still be here next season?
(A) I would hope so, I am yet to receive a contract offer from Cardiff but im sure that will be sorted in due course. I am more than happy to sign a long term deal with the club.

(Q) As chairman of Cadiz you will be aware of the interest in your manager Johndaniel Jaques, Can you update us any further on his future?
(A) I can confirm that West Brom were given permission to speak with JD and that he turned down the offer. JD has been an excellent servant to the club so we felt it was only fair that he could speak with West Brom.

(Q) It has been suggested Blackburn are now interested in bringing in JD but may wait until the end of the season when he is out of contract?
(A) I have not heard from Blackburn and if they did want him they would have to pay compensation as set out in his contract. Waiting until the end of the season will have no effect as the club have the option to extend his contract by one year. I dont want him to leave as I believe he is doing a good job and can only thank him for the way he has conducted himself while speaking to West Brom but at the same time we have to be fair to JD and allow him to progress if he feels the time is right.

Besty · Cult Status

Newcastle manager Jamie Best spoke to the media following his sides weekend win over Bolton.

(Q) How confident were you feeling going into the game on Friday?

(A) I had every faith in the players that were on show this weekend, we had three key players missing for the game so to get the win was a pleasing result for me and the team, especially away from home. We have been on a good run of form lately so i felt that it was important for us to keep maintain this momentum going into the final stages of the season.

(Q) Were you pleased with the performance of your team?

(A) It wasn't a classic display but at the end of the day the three points is what mattered and so i am pleased, since i have come in we have been concentrating on keeping the ball much better and i think thats what won us the game at the weekend because we just outplayed them in the end.

(Q) Any transfer news you can confirm for the fans?

(A) We have one player definitely leaving us this week in Diaby, he has been a great servant to the club but we feel we need to push on next season and aim for the Uefa cup places so i want to bring in a few new faces and unfortunately this means some players leaving. We are also in negotiations with a Premier League club about a couple of their players but i cant comment any further on this as nothing has been confirmed yet. We have a couple of loan players joining us from a top Italian side which will strengthen us for the final few games aswell so i'm excited at how we are shaping up.

(Q) How do you feel going into the end of season run in?

(A) Well as i mentioned we have a couple of loan players joining which will allow us to rest some of our older players in preparation for the new season, the players coming in are also of very high quality so i am confident we can pick up some more points before the end of the season and hopefully secure our Premier League status.

(Q) What sort of targets are you setting the team for the final six weeks?

(A) Well with the exception of Man United we play everybody in the top 6, with the other game against West Ham who are just below us, i think realistically we could and maybe should win one of these games but i will be setting my team a target of 5 points, if we can spring a surprise result or two against some of the bigger clubs then this will be really pleasing from our point of view, especially as we want to push on into the Uefa Cup places next season.

(Q) Will you still be here next season?

(A) As long as the chairman wants me here then i will be, my contract is until the end of next season and the chairman has an optional one year extension so hopefully i will be here for longer than just next season, i like the club and there is a good buzz about the place so it's exciting for me to start a new challenge after parting company with Genoa. If we fail to achieve Premier League status this year however then there is a relegation release clause which could be activated by my chairman so lets hope it doesn't come to that!

Spartikus47 · Cult Status

ROLLINGS EXITS SAN SIRO

Welsh manager Mark Rollings has today resigned from his post at Inter Milan with immediate effect. Rumours have been circulating all week about the future of Rollings and he confirmed his departure in a brief press call this morning.

"I can confirm that I am no longer the manager at Inter Milan. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and am happy that the squad is in a significantly better position that when I arrived. There are now a number of talented youngster who will serve the next manager well, and provide a base for development."

Rollings also moved to fiercely refute claims that he was under pressure to depart.

"My departure from Inter had nothing to do with any internal or external pressure. I spoke to the club chairman and he knows the reasons behind it. I was very close to taking a long break from football but after speaking with some of my peers realised that was not the only option. Therefore I sincerely hope to be announcing my future plans in management over the coming days."

Ash · Cult Status

Espanyol 4-3 Inter Milan (AET)

Espanyol manager Ashley Harris spoke to the media following his sides thrilling extra time Uefa Cup quater final win over Inter Milan.

Media: A thrilling win for you in extra time, how pleased are you to get through?

AH: I'm delighted to be honest. The injuries we had before the game have been well documented and to be missing 5 first team players and still get through the tie was a fantastic effort from the players. Everybody in the side put a shift in and the players who came into the first eleven showed what they can do so i'm very happy with this result. Inter are a good side and with the injuries we had it left me fearing the worst about our chances in the Uefa Cup, whcih was a competition we are really keen to do well in so to get through is great and were looking forward to the semis now.

Media: What was the game like for you on the touch line in extra time?

AH: It's what your in football management for really. Great nights in Europe can't be matched and when it goes to extra time the tension really hots up, which leaves you on the edge of your seat. We fell behind 3-2 in extra time as well and at that stage with the players really feeling the effects you know it will be very difficult to come back, but thankfully the players found some energy from somewhere and we scored 2 fantastic goals to win 4-3, those last 4 minutes hanging on were unbearable i can tell you that.

Media: It will be Liverpool in the Semis so it only gets harder from here?

AH: Well yeah we know that if your in the Semi Finals of the Uefa Cup your not exactly going to get an easy game are you. The other 3 teams left in the competition are great sides and it will be a great game that were really looking forward to against Liverpool. However the game is quite a way off yet and we have some important league matches between now and then so were concentrating on that and when the time comes we will look at the game against Liverpool.

Media: In regards to the league, what do you hope to achieve this season/

AH: Our target is 6th place. The defeat against Real Madrid was gutting for our hopes of doing that. Still we have to keep going as we want to be in the Uefa Cup again next year and we will continue to plug away in the hope we can snatch it. Still Bilbao and Real are both doing well at the moment so we will see.

Media: It's Atletico this weekend, what are your hopes for that game?

AH: It will be tough for us. We will start the game as second favourites and the 120 minutes the players have played tonight won't exactly help our cause in causing an upset, so i will have to wait for the status report from our fitness coach in regards to who will be able to play another 90 minutes at the weekend. Still there are some positives as 4 of our injured players will be back for the game so we will do our best as we really need the points.

Media: Thanks for your time and congratulations on getting through.

AH: Thanks.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Re: Espanyol 4-3 Inter Milan (AET)

Espanyols chairman has hailed the continued UEFA Cup campaign as justification for the four and a half year contract agreed earlier this season. He praised the hunger shown by manager and team in extra time despite going behind.

pricey · Cult Status

Price hopeful for future.

Recreativo Huelva manager Dale Price spoke today ahead of what could be his last game in charge. I feel the whole team has played their socks off the last couple of weeks and I feel we are heading in the right direction, we are unbeaten in 4 games in the league now after starting the season very badly. Price watched his side crash out of Europe people have been questioning his selection for that match he responded by saying I have to be honest that I put this weekends games against Athletic Bilbao ahead of Europe as staying in the top flight is the most important thing to the club an on a selfish level keeping my job is very important to me Price was then quizzed if he thinks he will be given a second chance should he lose this weekend I hope they do as I really love this club and dont want to leave but if I do leave I will wish the club all the best in the future and give thanks to the fans for making me feel at home here.

Football Academy · Cult Status

Re: ROLLINGS EXITS SAN SIRO

The Inter Milan board have confirmed ex-manager Mark Rollings wasn't sacked but after discussions a mutual agreement was reached to see his contract terminated. After a poor run of results and a generally underwhelming season under Rollings, the fans seem unconcerned with the departure hoping a new manager with fresh ambitions to prove himself can come and move the club on to the next level now.

Adams · Top Flight Player

Pressure Off Us

Fans of little Athletic Bilbao have enjoyed the roller coaster ride this season in the top division and go in to the last set of games safe of relegation. This week they have to play Huelva who are fighting to survive and keep their job.

"We all were realistic at the start of the season and expected a relegation fight in the final weeks of the season. We set a target of 18 points for the season but we have 28 already. It is a great relief to go in to the final games with no pressure on us at all. It would be nice to finish in the top 6 to give the fans and chairman europe next season but that would just be the cherry on the top of a great season."

Dale Price has told fans he wants to be given an extra chance even if he can't meet the demands of his chairman. At the start of the season this game was 3 points for Huelva but now no one can be sure.

"I feel for their manager to be under that pressure but if I was doing bad I would expect my chairman to be unhappy with me. We have had a great season and with 2 players out he should be taking the points he needs to keep his job but the players I decide to pick will put up a fight. We don't want to gift him the win he needs. They have more seasons in this league and have spent more on wages and players but all of that doesn't win you points. I wish him luck on the pitch and off it."

-- Edited by Adams on Thursday 10th of February 2011 11:41:06 PM

Tezza · Cult Status

SIENA.

Siena knew they had been in a battle today, at home, to Messina. We had to wait until nearly half time before Messina took the lead with a superb goal from Grosso. Terry Manifold, the Siena manager, must have given them an inspiring half time talk because they hadnt been back on the pitch for 8 minutes before Aaron Doran came in off the right wing to level the score.

On 64 minutes Saviola struck for the visitors to clinch the three points.

"I think we shown them too much respect, which is my fault entirely, It is always clearer after the match but, we should have taken it to them."

I don't think Terry was too disappointed with the result he has always thought that Siena would scrape into the play-offs very late in the season. "We will be alright, Messina are a very good side and we played well today. ""It was the tactics that let us down, we have learned something today and it can only help the side to mature."

-- Edited by Tezza on Saturday 12th of February 2011 12:30:47 AM

Football Academy · Cult Status

Recreativo Huelva have called a press conference for 10pm tonight following their 4-4 draw with Athletic Bilbao.