LIFE AWARD FOR PRATS

Real Betis Balompie have awarded long serving goalkeeping Prats a life time award at the club as he enjoys his first season away from the playing side of the game. The goalkeeper has been at Betis for his entire PBEMFF career and retiring at the age of 40 and a magnificent 28 rated, he has been arguably the best player the fans have ever seen. He will now move into his coaching role for the new club, where he is thought to be working with new number 1 Ben Foster and deputy Scott Loach. The club have also hinted that they are looking for another keeper to challenge Foster's number 1 spot at the club. Manager Oliver Doyle said:

"We like to have two keepers really pushing each other for the spot, the past few seasons have worked well with Foster improving with every match and keeping Prats at the very top of his game. I have never worked with such a dedicateted professional as Prats during my time in management and his desire and enthusiasm at the age of 39 last year was a pleasure to witness. He can only be a good thing for the club and the fans love him. He is a role model for all young keepers aiming to take up the game."

Prats has won the prestigious goalkeeper of the year in division 2 an amazing 3 times and has often frustrated other clubs in their bid for promotion by pulling off some spectacular saves. Such keepers are hard to come by and it will be sad to witness one of the games finest keepers hanging up his boots. The big Spanish goalkeeper was never one to let success get to his head however and he remains as philosophical on his career:

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my playing time here at Real Betis. In this modern day world of footballers changing clubs every year, it gives me great satisfaction to be able to say that Betis is and was the only club for me. I would like to think I have been an integral part of the side for many seasons now but I am sure that my understudy Ben Foster can live up to the job for the club in Division 1 for this forthcoming season. It is a big part of the clubs future to succeed in Division 1 and to keep their status, we are fast earning the reputation as the 'yo-yo' club of PBEMFF, however following last years league crown and a fantastic run in the EFA Cup, I think we have proved that we play football in the right manner to earn our status in Division 1."

On his new role at the club, Prats was thoroughly looking foward to casting an eye over future goalkeepers and helping out with the general training sessions:

"Like myself, the gaffa seems to be tied to the club in a romantic love affair. I am looking foward to working with him and the other coaches next season. I shall be working with the goalkeepers mainly but it is also my duty to help out with the youth team. I shall be working alongside former player and idol L_Fernandez, who also hung up his boots last season. It is great to have him back and I'm sure we can train the players to better standards and to continue the footballing education of our young prospects."

The Balompie News would like to congratulate Prats on such a fine career and wish the club the best of luck in their quest for Division 1 safety next season!

BALOMPIE 'S NEW BOYS!

Real Betis manager Oliver Doyle has dipped into the transfer market this week by concluding deals for three players very early in the transfer window. The experienced manager believes that it is important the new lads are brought in as quickly as possible in order for them to settle in and get used to the new climate:

"I am delighted to have secured the signing fo three players already, and there will be more to come. Squad depth is going to be crucial this year, and that is why it was imperative that I signed all of these players who will add competition for places in the side."

The new buys include Lewis Emmanuel from Manchester City for 1m. The 33 year old 18 rated defender isn't expected to feature heavily in the starting line up but a bench place could be a realistic aim. His experience from the British side of the game could stand him in good stead against the brutality of the experienced campaigners in Division 1. Emmanuel claimed:

"The move was too good to turn down. Man City needed the money and I hope to be a part of Oliver Doyle's plans to improve Betis as a Division 1 side. It is my aim to push for a place in the side and I cannot lie that the financial security of this deal has secured the future for my family and kids."

It could be thought that signings such as himself and new boy Benni McCarthy up front won't impress the Betis faithful that much; who could consider it a step backwards. The Balompie supporters spokesman said:

"I don't think many of the fans would have predicted the signings of two elederly players, although we were lacking in squad depth, espeically up front. McCarthy could have the ability to help turn a game and allow us to field a stronger side in the cup competitions that what we did last year."

The 33 year old striker McCarthy has been at Sporting Lisbon for many a season now, yet the experienced campaigner brings more competition to the front line of Santa Cruz and Babel who did extremely well to avoid injury last season. His cover has come at a cost with Division 2 new boys Lev Tallinn offering competition for his signature. The 5.5m price is expected to alert Betis fans but Doyle claimed it was "imperative" that comeptition was added to the front two.

Finally the goalkeeping situation was addressed with Rene Adler bought in from German giants Bayer Leverkusen for 20m. The 23 year old 24 statted keeper is one for the future and his stature has significantly risen over the past few seasons. He is a very able keeper and the race for the number 1 jersey between him and Foster could be highly competitive according to goalkeeping coach Prats:

"Rene Adler is a terrific signing. He is so young for a keeper and has many years ahead of him. It's great to have three goalkeepers in the squad and we hope that Adler can make the progression that was seen in Foster last season and possibly even play for the first team this season. His signature comes at a relatively cheap amount for a keeper of his age and class. It's great news!"

With the transfer activity well over 25m now, Betis manager Oliver Doyle has other targets in sight:

"These three signings mean that we are ready for the new season in terms of squad depth. That was my number 1 aim before the season started. This side can compete in Division 1 this season, unlike our previous attempt two seasons ago. However I am looking at the foward places and if anything can be done to secure the signing of a top striker it will be looked at. There has been a lot of intrest in young starlet Adrian Mariappa as well. His future is destined for the highest level of comeptition and we are determined to hold on to him. However, some ridiculous prices are being touted and we will have to consider them very closely if it is to benefit our side in the long term and immeiately this season."

Whilst Betis fans would be disappointed to see such a talent leave, the possible replacements and additions to the team make it an intresting pre-season for the Balompie faithful. Some crucial decisions await the management team at Betis over the next few weeks.

AJAX TIE UP SKOKO FOR SEASON 15

Ajax have today aquired the services of Fulhams promising youngster Josip Skoko. The Australian under 21 international has caught the eye of the travelling ajax scouts and has been earmarked for great things in the coming season for Ajax. Kellett stated that with the loss of a few central midfielders this season he would be looking for Josip to step up to the plate in the coming years.

"WE'RE NOT FINISHED YET"

Despite an active pre-season in the transfer market, Betis manager Oliver Doyle has promised fans the arrival of more players in the next few weeks:

"We're tracking many players at the moment in a bid to make the side stronger for the fortchoming season. We have been knocked back on many players which is disappointed but there are so many good players out there that our scouting network has found we have plenty of targets yet."

Whilst the Real Betis squad as it stands does appear to have a chance of survival it can be said to be extremely inferior to the likes of Juventus, Valencia, Basle and AC Milan who are to be met this year. We are aware that the positions possibly in question are up front and possibly more changes at the back, however the club would not speculate as to the positions they wish to fill.

"I feel the squad depth is fine at the moment, and we can always dip into the loan market if we have a sudden injury or suspension crisis through the season. I am not one for relying upon the loan market as I think it is bad for the team in the future, but as an emergency facility I think we could very well use it through the season if the right player becomes available. Teams such as Lev Tallinn that rely on the loan market are a disgrace to the game as the players never build up a reputation at the club before they are off again and in years to come the team will suffer when it has no players to call its own. I would like a little more quality in the Betis first team and I will be trying my hardest to adress that before the second league game. I think it might be too late before our opener against Basle to make changes; espeically as the side has been very promising in early training. I am delighted with their fitness levels."

The opening game of the season will see Betis take a strong following to FC Basle who appear to have hit a rich vein of form over the past few seasons under Welsh manager Nelly:

"We missed them last time round in division 1 as they were just getting promoted from Division 2. They have a very good scouting network and I am envious of the players that their manager has been able to bring in. The financial strength of the club also seems to be in good health judging by their spending in the pre-season window. They have a lot of match winners that we need to be aware of; however you can't plan to keep a team totally shut out as we will never end up winning, which is, of course, what we need to do!"

Doyle has also warned fans to be patient as the team gets use to the division and not to expect too much from a difficult opener to the season. Come Round 14 if Betis have failed to secure their future in Division 1 it will be intresting to see whether the board will stick by the manager that has so far failed to keep the side in a Division the club really should be a part of by now

Valencia kicked off their season with a point against Juventus. The Italian team played to stereotype with a solid defensive display, mainly relying on the counter attack. A late goal from Valencias English striker Michael Malcolm sealed the points after Juventus took an undeserrved lead. A dull and drab game to kick off the season but Tom Morgan refused to let his Valencia team take the blame for the, frankly, boring game.

"We came to play and they came to stop us playing. Simple as. I have known Job Dalling for a long time, he just doesn't like entertaining football. He like to pump it long, just look at that midfield of his, terrible. They play to their strengths, no midfield, which bypassed our strong team. I shook his hand after the game, but I washed instantly, hes dirty."

Sour grapes from Mr Morgan? Possibly, but he summed it up right when he said that Juventus didn't have a midfield, 5 at the back pumping it long meant that chance for both teams were few and far between.

The first match of the season ends in a draw but Valencia will hope that it isn't an indication of what the season will bring, promotion must be a minimum target

Ajax Reinvent

This pre season has been one of the busiest and suprising in the way of transfers for the amsterdam outfit.
In shock transfer news Jason Bourne leaves the club after only a year. In that year he was top scorer with 14 goals but rumours of a rift between him and Adebayor are rife and the player leaves for Basle mid February. Whether he will feature for Ajax in the first 2 league games remains to Be seen. Kellett's full transfer moves for the season so far include :

IN

Richie_Hope 25 eng 1 25 10 8 27 300 984 374 751 (from york)
E_Abidal 28 fra 1 22 13 10 20 300 313 390 345 (from basle)
P_Skjelbred 21 saf 1 9 22 11 27 600 450 497 346 (from basle)
R_Cooper 32 eng 2 9 22 7 30 500 368 648 52 (from york)
Dani_Alves 20 bra 1 6 20 9 19 400 400 400 400 (from scout mission)
K_Sarkies 23 aus 1 11 11 22 27 300 305 122 459 (from basle)
G_Leremi 26 saf 1 15 19 6 21 300 240 785 889 (loan from CDC)
Josip_Skoko16 19 aus 1 8 10 8 39 300 717 767 642 (youth at fulham being played)

OUT

Leon_Hylton 29 eng 1 23 11 9 32 800 676 996 835 (york)
S_Barisic 19 cro 1 20 8 7 35 500 248 508 332 (york)
V_P_Conceicao 32 aus 2 4 26 6 28 300 752 587 895 (york)
Jason_Bourne 28 usa 1 8 9 25 19 800 286 191 14 (basle)
M_Boorgaart 29 hol 1 21 8 10 26 500 401 478 143 (basle)
J_E_M_Junior 34 bra 1 7 20 9 15 300 798 664 662 (basle)
L_Quinteros 31 chi 1 9 12 20 27 300 912 716 32 (fulham)
J_Sarpong 20 hol 1 8 21 9 44 300 968 253 98 (on loan to CDC)

with more to follow if the funds can be raised

BALOMPIE BALOMPIFIED

Fans of Real Betis were reminded of just how painful life in Division 1 can be after a 4-0 crushing at the hands of FC Basle in the opening game of the season. Whilst the side is likely to encounter sides who aren't as blessed as Basle in the season, the start could barely have gone any worse. Manager Doyle pinpointed the first minute of the encounter as the end of it:

"When Chiriani rightfully got sent off in the first minute we were never going to stand a chance against their powerful play. We have curbed the aggression of the Italian and I only picked him last minute ahead of Yokoyama because of his eye for goal. I will be having stern words with him as he has cost the team from the first minute here. I can only be grateful this hasn't happened at a more meaningful time of the season. As I explained last time round the fans will have to be patient with us. It will take a few games to adapt to the league and Basle followed by Juventus was never going to be an easy start. Players like Birley and Helguera still need to get used to their team mates."

Another interesting decision was the managers continous attemps to pit a youth in a division every season. With the Betis side looking as good as they ever have with regards to quality it can be questioned as to whether it is righ to pit another youth into the team at such a crucial point in the sides history. Whilst the success of Mariappa and Williamson can be pointed to, there have been many more poor players to emerge from the academy than good ones. The young Brazilian defender Lima did look reasonably assured and did get stuck in and fans can only hope that this gamble pays off through the season.

Although the 4-0 scoreline shows Betis to have been well and truly beaten the side did defend reasonably well and keeper Ben Foster will be disappointed to let in 4 goals following many last minute challenged from Sanchez and Helguera in particular. The two classy defenders both looked like they could compete with the tempo of the divison and with Yokoyama to come back in things aren't looking too bad at the back. The decision to play 5 in midfield may need to be looked at if the club has any aspirations to stay in Division 1

"I thought we needed a little more in midfield for the first game against Basle, its as simple as that. I won't be playing that formation every week but we know Bluenose has a good eye for goal so I asked him to play behind Babel for the first game. It was just an experiment and I may return to a more traditional style of play this week. We have some very good midfielders at this club and I need to find out how to get the best out of all of them."

Atletico Madrid manager Stephen Gordon spoke to the press at the Vicente Calderon the day after the match against Monaco.

(On the performance and result): “The result was fantastic, Monaco are no pushovers and to hit four against them is a good showing from the team. Scoring has been our problem in recent seasons so hopefully this isn’t a blip! The whole team played well, and on another day Pazzini may well have added to his tally, but at least he got into the right positions.”
(On why Burke was purchased): “Burke is a precocious talent, and given that our midfield is a little on the old side I felt we need an injection of youth, given that Thomson on loan for this season. Burke had a quiet game yesterday, but we all expect him to contribute his fair share this season and hold down a place in the starting line-up. He represents our future midfield alongside Fernandez, Thomson and Fleck at the same time.”
(On Pazzini opening his account so early): “I am happy that he has the goal under his belt, as the pressure is on him to perform after mis-firing so badly last season. Wanchope was kept quiet and it was good to see Pazzini get more chances and show what he can do. He has a target of double figures for this season, if he hits it then we should be in a good position to challenge for honours.”
(On preparations for Feyenoord): “We fly out to Rotterdam on Wednesday so that the players have time to acclimatise and train at a normal level. This will be a tough game, they have a new manager who will want to get off to a good start and we have to be careful to not give them any more encouragement. I have got an idea of the team to play but will talk it over with the coaches on the flight over. We are confident going into the match, and these are the games we need to get something from if we are to challenge for promotion.”

Atletico Madrid manager Stephen Gordon addressed the press conference following the teams return from Rotterdam.

(On the result against Feyenoord): “We knew that Feyenoord would be a tough match, they are at home and with a new manager in charge to fire them up. We are delighted to have come back with all three points given that I would have been happy with taking a point from the match.”

(On the performance by the players): “The players did well in a tight match, Feyenoord might feel that they deserved something from it. The defence did well and getting a clean sheet is always nice for their confidence. Burke had a very good game and deserved the man of the match award, his flick for Wanchope’s goal was sublime and he contributed everywhere on the pitch. Pazzini had a quiet game but Wanchope is now off the mark, the two of them have a good understanding and I am looking forward to seeing the partnership develop.”

(On the choice of tactics): “I was thinking of going more defensive than the first match, but the scout and coaching reports suggested that Feyenoord could be vulnerable to sustained attacking pressure. Once we went in front and Feyenoord came at us more then it was natural to sit back and hit them on the break, we could and probably should have scored on at least one of the breaks we had late on in the match.”

(On the upcoming IW match): “We get a little break from league duty now and we might make a couple of changes just to freshen things up and give some fringe players some game time. We will get back to training and take things from there.”

(On Rojas leaving the club): “It does look like Jorge will get his wish and leave the club. He put in a request and Feyenoord are currently the highest bidders. We have Streete in the reserves who can cover Rojas’ departure and the cash from this move will be used to bring in a talented young defender that our scouting system has produced, so the numbers in the squad will stay the same.”

"Mariappa and Williamson Destined For Great Careers"

The often misfiring Betis youth academy has produced some distinctly average players over the years, however the latest two to emerge from the club are expected to be a central part of the side next season. The success of Adrian Mariappa and Lee Williamson was astonishing last year as they helped the team win the title and produce a few cup upsets along the way. The tough tackling and elegant defender Mariappa is expected to have his suitors next season, yet both he and Williamson are expected to stay at the club for a very long time according to manager Oliver Doyle:

"I was absolutely delighted with the progress of both Mariappa and Williamson last season, it is clear to see that they are both exceptionally talented footballers. We haven't been that successfully in the youth department since the progression of Carlos Alberto in my very first season in charge and it was refreshing to be able to work with such gifted youngsters last season."

Both Mariappa and Williamson are reknown for their elegancy in their play. Apart from sticking to their main positions it is though that they are both crucial in the teams play when going foward:

"What I like most about these two lads is their class in general. Mariappa is a great, strong centre back, yet his ability to bring the ball out of defense and to build up the play with the midfield is crucial to our side. He and Sanchez are both exceptionally talented at this and with Chiriani always after a goal, our defense is a real danger going foward as well as being so solid in keeping the opposition out. Yokoyama has a great calming effect on their flare sometimes and I know that we are in fine health at the back with the emergence of Viegneau last year who made great progress in the reserves and cup runs.

In midfield Williamson has an eye for a goal, and alongside Bluenose I'm sure they will get their fair share of goals next year. Williamson worked tirelessly last year in every area of the pitch and his work rate his absolutely crucial to the side. He has the ability to find space and score the odd goal to, which is exactly what a side needs. The more people that chip in with goals is great as it relieves our strike duo off their pressures to score the goals."

When asked the question whether any youth players would be playing this year, manager Oliver Doyle was unsure yet insisted that the youth system had improved considerably and that bringing youth players through to the squad was a big part for a club like Betis:

"I do think that it is crucial for the smaller structure clubs to be able to bring through their own youth players; it can only be for the good of the game. We are not a selling club however and these players are for us and I can promise the fans no players will be leaving that we don't want to leave. I am considering 1 youth players this season, probably at the back, although it is possible that a midfielder could be chosen as we have some fine youngsters in this department. We have been given some cash for this season though, so I would like to strengthen the team in terms of ability now, espeically up front so we shall have to see on that front. We could also do with a few squad players as well and then I'm pretty much happy with the squad. We don't need that many changes. Probably a little more depth in defence and another striker wouldn't go a miss. We have our eyes on a few targets and at least 6 bids have been made this week for individual players and multiple player swaps!"

Such news must surely excite the Betis faithful who can look foward to Division 1 football once again following the sides fine season just gone!

Division 1 Fixtures

The fixtures for the new season are out and it has made viewing of a very difficult start for Real Betis. An away tie against a fancied promotion side FC Basle is an extremely difficult start for them and that isn't made any easier with a home tie against Juventus to follow the week after. Both sides share a wealth of financial clout and international players and will be looking towards promotion. Whilst it isn't an easy start it does allow Betis to test the strength of the side out against these two powerhouses. It could be a good thing in the long run to get these two out of the way nice and early as well, with an easier run in at the crucial stage of the season. Real Betis manager Oliver Doyle did admit the two sides were difficult openers, yet was delighted to be able to test his new side out against the experienced higher level terms early on in the season:

"I'd be lying if I said the opening two games were easy. They are very good sides, but we are in Division 1 and there are no 'easy' games this season. There's no point in heading into the games with the mentality that we are going to lose. We are on a role from last seasons division winning side and the great cup run. If they underestimate us then it will be Real Betis going home with an easy three points."

The campaign sees Betis finish with Brondby away and finally PSG at home. These fixtures could determine the way the season pans out for the Spanish side and it will make for an interesting end to the season:

"We know PSG inside out following our clashes against them over the years. It would be fair to say that neither side can claim a superior advantage with us constantly exchanging points over the past few seasons. It was effectively us that caused PSG's relegation from Division 1 last time as we had the advantage over them then, yet they stifled us last season. Brondby are a side that I can see weaknesses in, there's rumours that the managerial position is unsafe at the Danish club and these final two fixtures make for an exciting finale."

Mid-season excitement sees the likes of the mighty AC Milan visit Betis, and the fans are looking foward to seeing the Italian giants in Spain:

"We started last season optimistic of a season of consolidation in Division 2 yet we find ourselves looking at a fixture against AC Milan for the forthcoming season! It's a credit to the way the club has performed over the last year. It's sure to be an excellent atmosphere for the visit of such a fine side."

The most feared side in the division seems to be Valencia by some way and they lead the way as pre-season favourites to take the Divison 1 title. Other promotion rivals seem to be Basle, AC and Juventus according to the bookmakers. With Dortmund, Betis, PSG and Brondby expected to contest the other half of the table. The set of fixtures and managerial activity makes Divison 1 look an exciting prospect for the forthcoming season!

AJAX FIND HOPE FOR SEASON 14

Ajax have splashed out on long time transfer target Richie Hope from York City in a multi player deal that sees Richard Cooper also join the club.
Kellett showed the door to long term disciplinary problem player Leon Hylton after a scything attack on the player's mental state saying that any player who spends more games suspended than available does not represent the true values of the club. Hylton left along with old boy Conceicao and promising youth star Slavko Barisic.
Ajax hope to add 2 more players to the squad and lose some others before the start of the league campaign next weekend.

STARLET JOINS SPANISH RIVALS

Fans of Real Betis will be disappointed with the news that the club has decided to sell a defender with aspirations of being an England international. 23 year old centre back or right back Adrian Mariappa has parted ways with Balompie after just 1 season. The young defenders emergence was a key factor in their promotion campaign last year and many scouts flooded to Betis in order to see him play. With many offers rejected it appears that the players desire to move, coupled with the offer itself proved too much for the club to turn down. Manager Doyle was disappointed to be losing the class defender but was optimistic following the deal:

"Whilst it is a blow to lose such a fantastic player who could compete with the very best in the game in his position, I think we have gained from the deal. In return we are getting Ivan Helguera and Mathew Birley. Birley is as good as it gets in Division 1 and at 25 I believe we will see the midfielder become a fixture in the side. We have got two class players for just one; which can surely only be good for the team."

Indeed it is expected that the midfielder Birley will be key in the battle to stay up for Betis with the talented midfielder expected to create the chances for the Betis fowards to put away. At just 23 a bright future is expected of Helguera as well as he joins up with another player who will be new to many Betis fans. 21 year old Brazilian defender is the latest talent to arrive from the Betis academy and much is expected of the defender after the prominance of Williamson and Mariappa last season.

With McCarthy, Emmanuel, Ardler, Birley and Helguera all arriving this season it will be intresting to see how long it takes the new players to settle into the club; however fans will be praying that they hit the ground running as time is of the essence in the battle to stay up.

Atletico Madrid manager Stephen Gordon spoke to the press from the clubs pre-season training camp in the Ukrainian capital Kiev.

(On how pre-season has been for the players): “The players have worked hard and I sense a determination to prove the critics wrong that I haven’t seen too often. Yet again we came close to promotion last season but couldn’t finish the job. The chairman has even spoken to them and the goal this season is clear – promotion.”

(On why Thomson and MacGregor were loaned out): “MacGregor will take over from Imhof when he retires and he wont learn anything from playing in the reserves, so in order to get him first-team action he has been loaned to PSG. Thomson was a tight call, but the plan is for him to come in next season and start with the younger players like Burke and Fernandez.”

(On other transfer moves so far): “Burke was a late signing from our scouting system that has produced a few starters for us in the last few seasons, and is one for the present as well as the future, I anticipate him starting every available game. Logan is an investment for the future, at only 16 he has plenty to learn and hopefully he can do well and improve in the reserves. Tsuboi and Krasse were sold because they do not fit into the system I plan on playing, and the funds raised helped to bring in Burke and maybe another player in the near future.”

(On the opening match against Monaco): “Starting off at home will be a help and we know we have to get three points to give the fans an early boost. Monaco are a decent side and the players cannot afford to make any silly mistakes or we will be punished. We need to show more consistency this season if we are to challenge for promotion and that needs to start from match day one.”

Valencia are closing in on a player swap that would see their midfield improve and surely win them promotion. Although no exact details have been given on who the starlet is, it is thought to be close to becoming a reality after the last few sets of negotiations. They hope this new man will be here before the next league game against Borrusia Dortmund. There was rumours they were interested in Mario Veloso of Catolica but Mr Morgan and the Valencia board were put off by transfer fee, which they felt was too much for an unproven player.

Also in Valencia transfer news their scouts have been seen at six Boca Junior Matches in the past month. Their target is believed to be young whizzkid Ever Banega. At the moment details are sketchy but the youngster is believed to be close to agreeing personal terms with just the transfer fee the only stumbling block.

That is all from the Mestalla Mail

Opening day nerves for Ajax boss

Ajax start their league campaign today away in spain to Premiership new boys Real Sociadad. The pressure is on the runners up from last season and this will be by no means a walk in the park.
If Ajax are to challenge for the title this season it's important that they don't slip up at this early stage.. Rumours of a huge cash bonus for the away win have been circulated in this mornings press conference and when asked how he thought the game would pan out Kellett said. " The players are ready, we have focused intently this pre season on closing up at the back. Babaic is now the keeper we hoped for and has grown in confidence over the last season and with Richie (Hope) now partnering Messias as centre back we can expect more focus on man marking without the discipline problems we have had for the last few seasons. I am confident Adebayor will come good again this season but we are still awaiting clearence on 3 other players arriving from Switzerland to really show the league what we can do this season."

The Gossage Story

Sam Gossage has gone through different emotions while being at Tallinn and Bolton and a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs. After Lev Tallinn’s promotion last season we have decided to do a run through of the events that went on with Bolton and the fall-out that led to Gossage’s two year break from PBeMFF.

Sam Gossage was first appointed a manager within PBeMFF half way through Season 8 with Bolton Wanderers. Gossage pulled off a shock, first season promotion with Division 3 side Bolton in the last game of the season with 3 – 1 win over Tottenham. Gossage went on to achieve a respectful position of 5th in his first season within division 2 and all looked well, but as time grew chairman Phil Gartside and manager Sam Gossage’s relationship was deteriorating and with lack of funds Gossage became extremely frustrated.

The players and Gossage seemed to have a very good relationship and Gossage was well known for his good man-management skills and being able to keep the big ‘ego players’ under control.

When we look back now, we can see that all was not well behind closed doors and with the constant wear and tear of the relationship with Gartside the downfall of Gossage was sure to happen.

At the start of season 10 Gossage was tipped with a mid season finish but with the lack of time for team Bolton due to personal reasons meant Bolton started to slip down the league into the relegation zone. Gartside came out saying he was extremely frustrated with Gossage and questioned his passion for the game and his management skills.

Gossage was angered at how his chairmen handled the media and eventually Gartside and Gossage parted ways mid way through the season after an overheated ‘bust-up’.

Gossage was quoted at the time saying, ‘I have enjoyed my time at Bolton and Mr Gartside and I have decided it was time for me to leave. Due to personal reasons I am leaving Bolton and PBeMFF for a long term break. I do not know when or even if I’ll be back.’

With these comments being made by Gossage the media and the general public were keen to hear more from Gossage, but he refused to comment on his time at Bolton and his personal problems.

After two seasons out of PBeMFF the media and the footballing world had forgotten Gossage and where wondering if he would ever make a return.

At the end of season 12 Euro Wing side Lev Tallinn became manageress and after the 1st game of season 13, Lev Tallinn’s chairmen pulled off one of a shock appointment in Sam Gossage.

When Gossage was appointed in season 13 the fans where unsure whether Gossage could succeed after such a long time out of the game, but a strong promotion season has shown he is still an extremely capable manager while also winning over the fans.

Season 14 has just begun and with the new season brings a fresh new challenge to Gossage, that of staying within Division 2. He has done his fair share of transfer deals and even brought in a few loans to strengthen the squad as he looks to bring some stability into the Estonian team for the relegation battle ahead.

BYE BYE BABEL!! JAZIRI ARRIVES

Dutch foward Ryan Babel has left Real Betis after just a year at the club. The foward who netted 7 times last season has moved to British strugglers Bolton along with utility player Gavin Mahon. In return the powerful foward Jaziri has joined after already scoring his first goal of the season. The 23 rated striker will have the hopes of the Balompie faithful on his backs to fire them to safety this season. The experienced Tunisian international who has recently turned 30 years old is a good foward and at 23 rated he appears to have the class to match Division 1 and he was over the moon at having signed for Real Betis:

"What a great moment in my career! I felt that Bolton wasn't where I should be following my striking record. I am an international player, not a Division 3 player. Real Betis have their sights set on great things in the future and Division 1 football in the European conditions should suit my style of play well. I cannot wait to meet those green and white shirts of the fans away at Juventus on Saturday and then at home against Dortmund. I will prove to them that I can keep Betis up and we can aim a lot higher than that!"

Manager Doyle was of the belief that the foward line at the club needed improving if it was to match those of the other clubs around Betis in Division 1:

"Whilst Babel and Santa Cruz are both very good fowards, I felt we needed that little bit more in terms of finishing. Babel and Santa did terrificly well last season, yet we are in a stage of change at the club and I have little doubt that Jaziri has the class to improve our team. At 30 he is just hitting the peak of his career and I hope he can take the side to new scales. He is a very exciting player, he knows how to appeal to the fans and lets his peformances on the pitch be his inspiration to the fans. I am delighted to be able to call him the golden boy of Betis."

Both Ryan Babel and Gavin Mahon were very complimentary about the club after their departure and Mahon hopes that he will be able to command more first team football at Bolton than he could whilst being stuck in the reserves at Real Betis, however Babel felt that his manager had lost confidence in his ability to keep them up and fancied a new challenge in England. He has hopes to fire Bolton up the league table and possibly look for a new move once again in the Summer if he fails to settle in Bolton.

With another new player arriving it will be interesting to see when manager Doyle stops and is finally settled on a squad to take on Division 1!

Atletico Madrid manager Stephen Gordon spoke to the gathered press following the Inter-Wing Cup match vs. FC Zamalek

(On the result and performance): “Obviously we are all delighted to have come away with a 4-0 victory, even if Zamalek are the weakest team in the group. We made some changes in both personnel and tactics and they paid off very well. I doubt we will use these tactics very often but at least it shows the players can adapt. The midfield held the game together well and a big game from Vicente certainly strengthened his case for a first-team place in the future.”

(On the changes to tactics and personnel): “I have made no secret that our top priority is the league this season, so I will be using the cups to give game time to fringe players and protect our big names. We have no youth minutes to consider this season and I want to see what our squad can do should they be needed later on in the season. The more attacking tactics were brought in due to Zamalek being a weak team and our scouting reports showed their defence to be vulnerable to sustained pressure.”

(On Pazzini and Wanchope up front): “This has been quite a reversal of fortunes up front I’ll admit. Wanchope has had two very quiet games and at times has been double marked, so it’s not surprising that his productivity is down. Pazzini on the other hand has started like a man on a mission to prove something. He is finding more space and getting more chances so hopefully he can keep it up until Wanchope gets back into his goal scoring form.”

(On recent squad movements): “We are bringing De_Pedro in on loan from Tallinn to cover Streete’s suspension and to allow Cuellar to develop in the reserves. Carlos had a good debut against Zamalek but I am keen not to push him too far before he is ready. Apart from that I don’t see any more squad changes in the foreseeable future unless some sort of swap deal is offered, we don’t really have the cash to go out and strengthen just now.”