retired_brittni10

Thank you again Amaroq, that's a very kind thing of you to say. I just hope the rest of the story lives up to the expectations

retired_brittni10

The sun was bright and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Serravalle was looking pleasant. The home of San Marino Calcio is at Via Rancaglia – 47899 Serravalle. The Stadio di Olimpico Serravalle. It’s set slightly back against the road with a main entrance down one side. One of the goals backs onto a small hillside and the other can be seen from the road as the small mesh perimeter fence keeps unwanted visitors out and the players in so it’s not hard to miss. The floodlights tower over the two stands from each corner of the pitch and are on the horizon for miles, around peering through the trees and housing that surrounds it like iron giants from some frightening future.

Today the stands are empty. There are but a few cars in the small car-park, scattered about the spaces with no sense of pattern or co-ordination. The pitch gleamed as the sun reflected off it’s lush green surface, freshly laid and lovingly prepared during the off season. As far as manager Jamie Waggett was concerned, today, Friday the 14th of July was the start of the new season. The players had been back for a few weeks now, mainly working on their fitness under the watch of assistant manager Antonio Gespi and coach Marco Ragini, but today would see them start properly under the watchful eye of their new boss.

A door swung open and fifty-two players, all in sparkling clean new black training kit slowly walked out onto the pitch. Thirty of the fifty-two soon separated from the main group and made their way to the far end of the pitch. This was the under twenty squad, they waited a little, making small talk, doing stretches and generally warming up before coaches Gianluca Lucchetti, a thirty-eight year-old who had previously done the job of fitness coach at the club, and Stefano Neri, a thirty-nine year-old born in Catanzaro, joined them to take their session for the day.

The rest of the players, the twenty-two who made up the current first-team squad, waited patiently at the other end of the pitch in one of the penalty areas, for the rest of the coaches to appear. The ten of those who knew each other talked amongst themselves in little groups while the other twelve who had been at the club for just a short waited nervously, looking a little rough around the edges compared to those who had already settled into the life at club and were used to the surroundings. First out was assistant manager Antonio Gespi, followed shortly afterwards by coaches Marco Ragini and Ermes Moroni. Gespi and Ragini instructed the players to run around the track surrounding the pitch while the lithe figure of Moroni would take all the clubs goalkeepers away for some position specific training. The players lingered slightly as they waited in hope that new manager Waggett would make an appearance, they’d each been introduced to him upon his arrival and had brief interviews with him about the season ahead but none of the players were quite sure what to expect, after some gentle persuasion by the abrasive Gespi, who decided to elect himself pacesetter, they eventually began their first exercise of the morning.

Midway through the run the new man made his way onto the pitch, the players noticed immediately and slowed their pace slightly. Everybody eyeing the manager up but trying not to make it noticeable. Waggett could have been mistaken for a player had it not been for the training shirt he had on with Allenatore printed on it’s back. He was short, around five foot eight inches, but relatively slim and his twenty-seven year-old body was still clearly toned from the years of training he himself had gone through before his horrific injury and subsequent retirement. His hair was closely cropped short in an attempt to disguise a thinning widows peak which he’d had since he entered his twenties and he wore tracksuit bottoms despite the hot weather to cover up his scarred legs. He moved to the centre of the half and waited for the players to finish their run, chatting briefly with Ermes Moroni and Marco Ragini who had been preparing grids on the pitch with cones and other apparatus ready for the rest of the training session that lay ahead.

The players stood, some breathless, all perspiring and glistening in the sunlight, waiting for the mister (the manager/coach of a side is often called this by the players, apparently this stems from the British introduction of football to the country at the turn of the century) to say something. Although Waggett had already spoken to every member of his squad he felt it necessary to give a little talk, welcoming everyone to the training and setting out the aims of the season to come as well as the need to develop a culture within the club. He wanted them to do a series of exercises with the ball, intricate team games and passing moves. They did this for some time before breaking for lunch, the afternoon session would involve a couple of practice matches between the first-team and the under twenty squad. It had been a gentle introduction but the new manager was pleased with how it had gone and eager for the season to start although he realised times would be tougher than they were now.

retired_brittni10

Friday 14th July 2006
La Tribuna Sammarinese

Titani to trial two

San Marino Calcio manager Jamie Waggett has wasted no time in getting to work at the Stadio Olimpico with the news that he is set to run the rule over two potential new signings in the coming week after inviting a goalkeeper and a striker to join the club for training.

Goalkeeper Omar Saponi, twenty-seven years-old, and striker Manuele Muraccini, thirty years-old, are both from San Marino and are currently playing for amateur sides in the capital.

Waggett said:“They’ve both been recommended to me by scout Massimiliano Righi so I felt it only right to have a look at the pair. I’m looking to bring in players who will improve the squad and they are just one of a number of options.”

Another player Waggett is thought to be looking at is Campianato Sammarinese side Folgore’s San Marino under-twenty-one international defender Andrea Ottaviani. Although his side have refused to comment on the speculation Ottaviani himself reacted positively to the link:

“I’m flattered to be linked and hope it comes true, the opportunity to play for a team of San Marino’s stature doesn’t come along too often and if the chance did arise then I would definitely give it serious consideration.”

Ottaviani previously played for San Marino Calcio between 2002 and 2004, making just one appearance.

retired_brittni10

Saturday 15th July 2006
La Tribuna Sammarinese

Titani restructure coaching staff

San Marino have moved quickly to follow up their recent statement about staff restructuring with the appointment of four coaches.

The most high profile name of the four is that of Marco Macina, thirty-seven years-old, who was the first San Marino born player to appear in Serie A whilst with Bologna. Macina, who was capped six times by his country and also played for Arezzo, Parma, AC Milan, Reggiana and Ancona, said:

“I'm quite happy to come and work at Serie C level. It’s harder because of the financial constraints but it's the same at all levels; if you do the right groundwork, get on the training field and work hard then you‘ll get the results you want. I‘m here to be part of something very special and want to be part of developing future Sammarinese footballers.”

Also arriving are Ivan Guerra and Marino Righi,, forty-four and forty-one years-old respectively. Guerra is principally a fitness coach whilst Righi, who was formerly with S.P. Libertas will look after some tactical areas of coaching. The final appointment is that of Stefano Marinelli who at thirty-nine years-old will combine his job working for the FSGC (Fedarazione Sammarinese Giucco Calcio) as an Accompagnatore Ufficiale (Official Companion) for the Nazionale “B” team with a technical coaching role at the club.

Manager Jamie Waggett said: “These appointments mark just the start of my restructuring of the coaching hierarchy at the club. We’ve bought in four very different personalities who each specialise in certain aspects of training as well as bringing a wealth of experience to the club.”

Leaving the club is thirty-eight year-old coach Gianluca Lucchetti who spent two years with Titani. It’s not known if others will follow but it has been confirmed that Antonio Gespi, a recent contender for the position of manager at the club, will continues in his role as assistant manager, as will coach Stefano Neri, for at least the time being.

The club also announced a restructure of their academy staff for the new season with thirty-eight year-old Fabio Fantini, who has arrived from the Federazione Sammarinese Giuoco Calcio, taking on the dual role of youth team coach and academy manager.

Fantini said “I'm looking forward to getting stuck in and helping develop players for this club. There's an aura about the place at the moment, everyone's buzzing and looking forward to the coming season.”

Manager Jamie Waggett said of the change: "I'm delighted with the new youth structure, Fabio is an excellent coach as well as tutor and is definitely the right man to help the clubs young players progress.”

It was also revealed that San Marinese scout Massimiliano Righi, thirty-seven years-old, had signed a new contract with the club until June 2010.

“I’m very pleased Massimiliano has agreed to stay on at the club, he’s got a wealth of experience and his knowledge of football in Italy and San Marino are second to none. If we’re to succeed on the pitch I need to be sure that my scouting network is solid and I feel he is someone I can count on to not only give me important feedback on opposition teams but also find potential gems for the club.” Waggett revealed.

Also arriving at the club is Stefano Conti. The thirty-five year-old San Marinese scout has spent time in France and Spain in recent seasons and was recommended to the club by Righi.

retired_brittni10

Alex Gasperoni was indeed someone I wanted to sign. I remembered watching him play for the San Marino national team at all levels and had followed his career with interest when my own ended. He possessed good pace, an excellent left foot and above all was determined to make his mark on the training field as well as the pitch. He was also versatile and could play virtually anywhere in midfield and I felt he’d be a vital asset to my side. I just hoped I’d be able to convince him to sign.

retired_brittni10

Saturday 15th July 2006
Friendly
Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle

San Marino Calcio came back from a goal drawn to draw one-one with Belgian Second Division side KAS Eupen in Jamie Waggett’s first came in charge of the Titani.

After near continuous first-half pressure Eupen opened the scoring when striker Marc Keller met a right-wing cross from Stefano Bongard in the twenty-third minute with a header from ten yards out that looped over Emiliano Dei and in.

The home side didn’t have to wait long for an equaliser though as they hit back less than twenty minutes later. Right back Simone Berardi picked up the ball on the right flank and played a deep cross into the area ahead of Giovanni Abate, the lone striker took a touch then struck the ball firmly into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box for a fine goal.

Eupen 1-1 (Giovanni Abate 41)
Attendance: 366
MotM: Giovanni Abate (San Marino)

San Marino Calcio:
Emiliano Dei, Simone Berardi, Roberto Di Maio, Luca D’Angelo, Devis Nossa, Nicola Napolitano ©, Davide Tedoldi, Alessandro Turchetta, Francesco Giorgetti, Davide Faieta, Giovanni Abate

Having only taken half a days training session I was pleased with the performance of the players in what had been little more than a training match.

retired_brittni10

Monday 17th July 2006
La Tribuna Sammarinese

Gespi sacked!

Long-serving San Marino Calcio assistant manager Antonio Gespi has been sensational sacked by the club just days after being told his position was safe.

General Manager Pierluigi Gambarara read a prepared statement: “Following the recent appointment of Jamie Waggett and our agreement that the best way to move the club forward would be to review and then restructure the clubs coaching staff an internal decision was made to terminate the contract of Antonio Gespi with immediate effect. We wish Antonio all the best for the future.”

Gespi, thirty-nine years-old, had been with the club for six years and was assistant to both Francesco Buglio and Roberto Alberti in recent seasons having previously served as a scout and a coach for the club under the previous regimes. He was unavailable for comment but is understood to be furious with the club for going back on their word, he had been in the running for the managerial position following Walter Nicoletti’s unexpected change of heart and was said to have been disappointed not be appointed.

In other news the club also revealed that it had offered a week long trial to Manuel Molinari, a nineteen year-old striker and that talks with San Marino international Alex Gasperoni were on-going despite reports that the midfielder had turned down an approach by the club.

retired_brittni10

Tuesday 18th July 2006
Friendly
Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle

An almost capacity crowd of 6,971 saw San Marino Calcio fall to a two-one defeat against French Ligue 2 side Ajaccio.

The game started slowly but the French side took the lead after just ten minutes when Czech attacking midfielder Martin Kolar found some space in the area and struck a powerful shot passed Emiliano Dei.

Ajaccio then doubled their lead in the thirty-second minute when San Marino defensive midfielder Nicola Napolitano planted what was surely meant to be a defensive header behind firmly into the bottom left hand corner of the net from a Kolar cross from the left.

Two goals down the home side began to enjoy some better possession but didn’t make their mark on the game until the closing stages and were eventually rewarded for some persistent attacking with a goal in the ninetieth minute. Giovanni Abate netting his second goal in two pre-season games as he cleverly flicked a right wing cross from Napolitano beyond a stranded goalkeeper from four yards out.

Ajaccio 1-2 (Giovanni Abate 90)
Attendance: 6,971
MotM: Martin Kolar (Ajaccio)

San Marino Calcio:
Emiliano Dei, Simone Berardi, Roberto Di Maio, Luca D’Angelo, Devis Nossa, Nicola Napolitano ©, Davide Tedoldi, Alessandro Turchetta, Francesco Giorgetti, Davide Faieta, Giovanni Abate

retired_brittni10

Thursday 20th July 2006
La Tribuna Sammarinese

One In, One Out at Olimpico

San Marino have completed the signing of San Marinese midfielder Alex Gasperoni on a free transfer.

Gasperoni, twenty-two years-old, spent last season with Tolentino and will be looking to break back into the national team, and add to his thirteen caps and one goal, having signed a four-year contract with Titani.

Jamie Waggett said: “Alex is a tenacious midfielder, who can also play on either wing as well as in the centre of midfield. He’s got the ability and talent to be a star at this level if not further up the chain and I thoroughly believe he will be an asset to our squad”

Gasperoni said: “It took a little longer than expected to thrash out the contract but when everything was finally given to me I was delighted to sign. My previous time with San Marino Calcio wasn’t the happiest but I was younger then and didn’t have as much mental and physical strength as I now possess.”

The arrival of Gasperoni has seen Tiziano Mottola return to Roma following the termination of his loan contract. The twenty year-old had been set to spend the entire season at the Stadio Olimpico but with his chances of regular football looking limited it was felt in the best interests of all parties involved to let the player return to his parent club and seek opportunities elsewhere. The left winger is thought to be considering an offer from Serie C2/C Cassino about a loan move.

The club also confirmed that it had agreed to a request from Marco Ragini that he be allowed to move from coaching goalkeepers, something he also does and will continue to do for the senior San Marino national team, to taking on more of a role with outfield players. The thirty-nine year-old was reportedly pleased with the opportunity to progress as he wishes to one day become a manager.

retired_brittni10

Saturday 22nd July 2006
La Tribuna Sammarinese

Titani name assistant manager

San Marino Calcio have appointed Mauro Mancini as their assistant manager.

Mancini, forty years-old, worked with new Titani manager Jamie Waggett during his time at the FSGC and reportedly jumped at the chance to renew his working relationship when he was approached.

"I know what Mauro can bring to this club and that's why I'm delighted to have him on board, he is a tremendous person to have around, whether in the dressing room or on training ground. No matter what level of football the club is at it is very important to have the right amount of hands on deck. It is very important to get the staffing structure at the club right and I think I‘m beginning to move in the right direction." said Waggett.

Waggett also revealed that a young San Marinese defender Nicolò Tamagnini had been offered youth contract with the club but that goalkeeper Omar Saponi and striker Manuele Muraccini would not be approached to join his squad on a permanent basis following their time training with the club.