week 14

pricey · Cult Status

week 14

Jozz · Cult Status

Tezza · Cult Status

week 14

Luke_C · Cult Status

Coakley wants player 'reaction'

Luke a poor run of results of late and now a tough test against Newcastle?
We have been on a tough run but can bounce back, we are in touching distance of a euro place in the league having already played Liverpool and Arsenal in the second half of the season and progressed in Europe. The weather hasnt been ideal for our type of football but we will learn, adapt and in turn hopefully results will pick up. Newcastle are a good team and we expect a very tough match and im looking for a reaction from my players.

The squad has looked a little thin in recent weeks, is that a problem?
I had a choice at the start of the season to either bring in an extra two or three quality players or continue to build this club for the long term. Instead of the players we invested twenty million in the youth academy and five million on increasing the club shop. I have never asked the chairman for funds and I dont believe the club has those funds anyway so all this has been money gained through previous player sales. This was totally my choice though so I will not moan, the chairman has thankfully allowed me to do things my way and I believe it is the right way for longevity.

But do you think those players are needed?
Ask any manager if they need an extra two or three quality players and they will say yes. Of course we are a little short but we go with what we got and see where that takes us. I certainly believe the squad needs freshening up and that will be done over the next two weeks with players coming in and going out. We certainly need another striker and that will be a priority.

An article in The Sun claims Phil Jones was out drinking into the early hours before the Liverpool game, any comments?
I have no comment to make on the article, The Sun is hardly known for great journalism and that this never happened. I can confirm though that Phil Jones has broken the rules of the club and fined the maximum 2 weeks wages. He has been transfer listed and will not play for Cardiff City under me again.

Also if you dont mind a quick comment on the club you are chairman of Cadiz. They seem to be hitting some good form of late?
Yes its very pleasing, they have won 3 of the last 5 games in which they are undefeated and Iain is settling in very well now he has had a chance to bring in some of his own players.

The club currently just outside the play/offs on goal difference, would it be disappointing if you dont make the top six?
I would be disappointed for the fans and Iain because I know how hard they have been working but the play/offs was never a target set by me. Cadiz is a small family club with a small ground and while I invest all the money I have its still a minimal amount compared to other clubs so we will be patient. My target for Iain was to build the squad up so we have something to move forward with over time and its work in progress but so far so good. I let Iain get on with things at the club and like any manager he does somethings I would and some things I wouldnt but that to be expected in this business. Im sure if Iain had a bit more money he would like to make other changes but we will look to next seasons transfer budget and target players. I think Hernandez last week was a clever signing at this level and will be an asset.

So is the plan to invest heavily in youth to build the club up?
Not really, we bought Ciancio who is 30 but he offers something that the younger lads couldnt as well as quality. We have Millan who will be a star in the game, no doubt about that at all. Also Delfouneso who is still only 24 and a good talent. Also with Cardiff City now having the maximum youth academy it allows Cadiz to bring through further young players, those that are not quite good enough for top end of the premiership may be ideal for Cadiz so its something we will look at.

He is out of contract at the end of the season so will Iain be staying beyond that?
To be honest I hadnt really thought about a contract for next season. At this point it isnt a priority for because its all about the football at the moment. If Iain wishes to discuss a new deal then of course that is something we can look to do and hopefully extend.

-- Edited by Luke_C on Tuesday 10th of January 2012 03:40:11 PM

Sinky2707 · Cult Status

Referee 2 - 0 Parma

Jonny Sinclair didn't look a happy man after a 2-0 defeat again relegation rivals Fiorentina.

'Not a great day for your Parma side what was the problem today?'

'We didn't play badly but the referee was terrible today and Cisse is to put simply a cheat, the ref gave them a penalty when Cisse clearly dived and rightly put it wide from the spot. Then if the ref and Cisse couldn't have got worse Cisse goes in two footed on one of my players the ref doesn't give anything! Not a free kick and no sending off is just unbelievable and they go and score from it just disgraceful. Just to compound our misery Cisse who should have been sent off then scores it was a joke the ref just helped Fiorentina get a win we can better than that but the ref affected and ruined the whole game'

Would it be safe to say Jonathan Howson has had a poor season with only 4 goals in 19 games?

I think that is unfair yes we have struggled for goals but to blame Howson entirely is harsh. he has played well this season just he hasn't scored as many he would like but he is still very important for us and our midfield and defence need to start scoring some more goals because goals have been an issue all season.

So Francseco Pambianchi surprisingly moved to Barcelona this week how are you going to cope defensively now?

'Well first of all Francesco has been a great servant to the club but Barcelona came in and tabled a very decent offer that was suitable for the club and Francesco wants to try his hand at a big club and he deserves it however Adam (Goble) has kindly allowed us to loan him back for the remainder of the season so we can look for another CB'

Will you be looking to sign anyone soon?

'We are hoping to sign a couple of players that our scouts have reported on they would certainly add to our squad and i really hope we can 1 or 2 of them to join us but a lot of other clubs will be after them as well'

You've got another big game against Catania next week your thoughts?

It is an important game we're at home so we have to look to gain control of the game early on and take it to Catania hopefully with the crowd behind us it will spur the players on to victory'

Jozz · Cult Status

The Copa Del Rey has reached the Quarter Final stage and Johndaniel Jaques previews the games.

Deportivo - Bilbao

Kenny Nicholson's Deportivo face unmanaged Athletico Bilbao. Deportivo are the favourites being in form with 3 wins in the league recently. However, Kenny may decide to rest some players for this one, but will he risk leaving out hat trick hero from the last round Fernandillo?

Prediction: Easy win for Deportivo 3-1

Sevilla - Real Valladolid

Simon Jenkin's cup holders Valladolid travel to Liam Riste's Sevilla. Riste's Sevilla scraped through the last round in a tight game against unfancied Almeria. They are unlikely to get any further and anything but a win for Valladolid will be a massive shock.

Prediction: Valladolid breeze through anything between 4 and 8 to nil.

Valencia - Getafe

Stuart Price may take this tie as an opportunity to rest his star players, but when you look at his strikeforce, it is difficult to choose a weak player. Zarate and Roman both have scored an average of at least a goal a game and Hernandez and Iarrusso are not far behind.

Valencia put 10 past Espanyol this week, and Getafe will be lucky if they dont concede more.

Prediction: Valencia 8 Getafe 0

Real Madrid - Barca

Jonnie Adams welcomes Adam Goble's side in what is likely to be the closest of the Quarter Finals in the Copa this year. It's certainly the tie of the Cup so far. Both teams went out at this stage last year, so will be hoping to make it to the Semis. Both sides are in good form, with Barca possibly being the more tired after their recent league fixture against Sevilla which they won 2-1. Given this and the fact that Real are at home they are slight favourites, but Adam Goble is not someone to write off.

Prediciton: A close fight probably with a few goals - Real 4 Barca 2

-- Edited by Jozz on Monday 16th of January 2012 09:04:55 PM

pricey · Cult Status

Fiorentina comeback on

This week Fiorentina came up against Parma in a game that before new manager Daniel Robertson took over would have had a Parma win written all over it. But with 2 wins in his first 3 games Mr Robertson, who has done much better than anyone would have thought, came away with the win for Fiorentina. Survival is now very much on the cards. Next week Fiorentina play Palermo away in a very hard game that if they win could see them out of the drop zone for this first time this season.

Inter get result of the week

Inter Milan came up against 3rd place Roma this week and despite their lowly position in the league gave a good account of themselves as they held them to a 0-0 draw which took them closer to safety. Many had predicted inter to go down after the first few games but recent form has made them look like they could survive. Next week they face another team from the capital as they travel to Lazio. The Inter fans will be hoping they can come back home with all 3 points.

Must win for Siena

Siena, managed by Terry Manifold, face a must win game next week against Chievo. Win and they will be right back in the play off mix but lose the game and it could almost end their chances of a play off place. This week they came up against play off favourites Reggina. The game went the way most people thought it would in a very convincing victory for Reggina but I would guess Terry would have had this game down as a loss and his thoughts would have been firmly set on next weeks game.

Besty · Cult Status

English Cup Quarter Final Preview
with Jamie Best

Liverpool V Chelsea
This tie would be worthy of the final but the Premier League Champions play host to the Champions elect in this quarter final tie. Chelsea manager John Brady will be confident his side can continue their good run of form and book their place in the semi finals but Mark Galeozzi's men will provide a stiff test especially with home advantage. Both managers have full squads to choose from and the difference could be who is more clinical in front of goal.

My Prediction: Liverpool to win 4-3 after extra time.

Spurs V Arsenal
In this London derby Arsenal will be the favourites, Jamie Walker has developed a squad full of talented youngsters and with Spurs' squad struggling for fitness they could be easy pickings for the Gunners despite being away from home.

My Prediction: Arsenal to win 3-1.

Sheff Weds V Aston Villa
Rob Holden's side are flying at the top of the Championship and are on a club record 43 game unbeaten run, and 36 consecutive wins which will undoubtedly see them go into the game as odds on favourites. Villa currently sit 3rd in the Championship 10 points behind Wednesday but with 'keeper Daniele Capriotti suspended for the tie Villa may sense an opportunity to move on to the semi's.

My Prediction: Sheff Wednesday to win 4-1.

Portsmouth V Blackpool
Surprise package Portsmouth have the easiest draw on paper with a home tie against League One side Blackpool. Pompey currently sit 3rd in the Premier League and manager Alex Wilson surely has to be a candidate for manager of the year, but he has the opportunity to enhance his reputation further by reaching a cup semi final should they ease past Blackpool.

My Prediction: Portsmouth to win 4-0.

Tezza · Cult Status

Siena News

The Siena manager, Terry Manifold, is looking forward to a change in the fortunes of the club. Over the weekend there have been a few changes to the team. Emanuele Oriandi has moved to Roma in a deal worth more than 8 million for Renato Silva. Also moving into the Club is a young striker on loan from Crystal Palace, Mario Sanchez Bertil. This loan move is just part of a deal that Terry is very pleased to secure. Another youngster, Cipriano Fontana will also join the Club in a couple of weeks. This hopefully will give Siena a little more up front for the run in to the season.

PRESS

You do need to do something after this week's match against Reggina?

TERRY

Yes I have known that for some while now. We can hold our own in most matches but we definitely lack that punch up front. When the front line is complete I am sure we will be much sharper in front of goal. I have discussed this with my Chairman and we both appreciate that there are some very good sides in this league. The teams dropping down each season seem to be strong enough to be able to bounce back. We need that little extra to get into the play offs and rely on the fitness of youth to get through.

PRESS

Will that push start this week?

TERRY

Here again Chievo are no pushover and it is unfortunate that Silva won't be available this week because the game will be vital. I would think we will get something out of the contest.

PRESS

If you did manage to get through to Serie A this season, on paper, you would surely not be good enough to stay up?

TERRY

On paper I would have to agree. We will cross that bridge when we get there but you are right a considerable amount of investment would be needed to establish this Club in the higher league.

PRESS

Would that money be made available?

TERRY

The Chairman is as committed as I am and he knows if we were to be successful it would only be the start. We need to get into the play offs yet. I want at least a point this week and then a run of good wins.

It can be done. Let's see what a difference the new player makes.

-- Edited by Tezza on Tuesday 17th of January 2012 10:32:36 PM

Fletch · Cult Status

Napoli Manager Andy Fletcher Hints at Fresh Faces

Andy Fletcher gave his clearest hint yet that Napoli are looking to strengthen the squad in specific areas when a scout was seen in Brazil running the rule over a number of players. Fletcher admitted that he was looking at a few names.

"Unfortunately we don't have the financial clout to just throw big money at big names, and anyway thats not the way we work, the first place we look for talent is through our youth ranks and we try to get players on loan at other clubs to give them playing time and experience, I'm always looking 5 years ahead. However there are always gaps and although we have two outstanding keepers and a world class left midfielder they are not getting any younger so we are looking at who can fill those places, next year or the year after, hence the scouting in Brazil."

"All clubs need to keep fresh, bring in fresh faces and continually evolve and improve the playing staff and thats what we have done the last three seasons, in all posiitons we have real quality and we are now fighting for the top 6 places in Serie A instead of looking down and worrying."

Tezza · Cult Status

Siena News

Siena looked good today and benefited from the new loans on display. Hoyles presence was definitely an influence at the back whilst the young striker Berbil dropped straight into the front line and was electric.

PRESS.

I would think you were very pleased with that performance?

Terry.

I certainly was. To be honest I did think that a point today would be all that we could get, Chievo are still a good side and you can see from their goal difference that they don't give much away. I was very impressed with Berbil and I really look forward to his team mate Fontana joining us. I think we can push on from here.

You have to remember that I couldn't play Silva today because of suspension. Getting him fit and on the pitch can only add to our chances.

PRESS.

I am beginning to think that you may be right about your chances.

Terry.

I know I am right, we just need to hang in the play-off zone and it will all go down to pushing out Atalanta and Reggina. Reggina as you know are still in the Italian Cup and fitness may prove to be a problem later on.

PRESS.

I wish you the very best of luck.

Terry.

We wont need it, I think we are cruising.

-- Edited by Tezza on Sunday 22nd of January 2012 04:48:55 PM