retired_brianrt

Sir Bobby Robson is one of the most respected people in football at the present. Sir Bobby returned to his native North-East in September 1999 for Newcastle with he said would be his last job.

A Newcastle supporter since childhood, County Durham-born Robson started out as a player with Fulham, whom he joined from his local club Langley Park Juniors in 1950, and as an inside forward he scored 68 goals in 152 games.

In March 1956, Robson joined West Bromwich Albion, where he played 239 times, netting 56 goals, before returning to Fulham 10 years later, where he played a further 192 games, scoring nine goals. With West Bromwich, Robson made his England debut against France at Wembley in November 1957, scoring twice in a 4-0 win.

Despite that success, he had to wait six months for his second cap and it came against Russia in Moscow. He played well and made the 1958 World Cup squad and went on to collect 20 caps in the next four years.

In 1967 Robson left Fulham to become player-coach of Vancouver Royals in Canada, but the job fell through and he returned to take over as full time manager at Fulham, in January 1968, leaving behind his playing days. Fulham were already bottom of the old First Division, but Robson carried on into the 1968-69 Second Division season and was sacked in November 1968 after a poor start.

Two months he was appointed manager of Ipswich Town and after two difficult years he embarked on a magnificent run of success which catapulted Ipswich into the top realms of English football. Playing stylish football, Ipswich took the 1978 FA Cup and the 1981 UEFA Cup under Robson.

After the poor England 1982 World Cup campaign, Robson was the FA's choice to replace Ron Greenwood as the England manager and in 1986 he led them to the World Cup quarter-finals. Four years later, in Italy, he steered England to the semi-final, where they were beaten only on penalties by West Germany.

Robson left England and went back into club managment. By now he was known throught the globe, and PSV Eindhoven snapped him up. Sir Bobby won the 1991 and 1992 Dutch Championships before going to Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. However, he was sacked controversially in December 1993, even when Lisbon were top of the league.

A few weeks later, Robson was appointed head coach at FC Porto - and masterminded that season's Portuguese Cup Final victory over Sporting Lisbon. He then led Porto to two League Championships before leaving to take over at mighty Barcelona. Robson won a Spanish Cup and the 1997 European Cup-Winners Cup, and finished runners up in La Liga.

But Robson had to concede his role as coach to Louis van Gaal and was appointed Technical Director in charge of transfers. He then proved his loyalty in Barcelona, by refusing to take over as boss of Newcastle in January 1997 when Kevin Keegan left the club.

At the end of the season, Robson returned to PSV Eindhoven on a one-year contract, but then left to take over the job he wanted so much all his life, Newcastle United. Aged 66, Sir Bobby took the hotseat at struggling Toon, and steered then off the bottom of the table to an 11th place finish in 1999-00. He also took them to the FA Cup semi final, but lost against Chelsea.

He carried on working hard at Newcastle, and he then took Newcastle back into Europe via a 4th place position and a Champions League spot for 2001-02. He was finally given a long awaited knighthood from the Queen in June 2002 in her Birthday Honour's List.

Sir Bobby continued to re-structure Newcastle, and sure enough they improved on the placing in 2001-02 to finish third in the table, after challenging Manchester United and Arsenal for the title all the way through the season. Sir Bobby finally retired in 2004, at 71 years of age. Robson proved to be one of the most successful and popular English managers in the history of the game, and it will take a long time for anybody to follow in his footsteps...

---

In a bar in Vancouver, four men sat round the table, poker chips in hand and Southern Comfort sitting in their glasses. Smoke encased the room, with the two men left in the hand intently trying to work out whether the other was bluffing.

"I'll see your hundred, and I'll raise you another two"

The big, gruff Canadian spoke in his thick accent, obviously confident in his hand. He sat there, calm and collected, flicking the tops of his cards with his fingers

His opponent was rather more nervous, sweat was beginning to pour off his brow and as he wiped it away he made his decision

"All in. Three thousand, one hundred and 65. I'll see you"

A twisted smile formed across the Canadian's face. He lifted his cards, and as he was about to throw them on the table, he said...

"It was such a pleasure to play against you Simon. We should do it again sometime"

The crowd let out gasps, as he revealed three kings. The Englishman's expression never changed, he just responded in kind with his own comment

"No, no, no Glenn. The pleasure was all mine"

Stunned silence. Four Aces. The crowd could not believe it. Their champion, their leader, had been beaten by a foreigner. What would transpire, what would he do? The Canadian rose from his seat, and he extended his hand to his adversary

"Good game my friend. Very well played indeed"

"Thankyou. Same to you too. Now, shall we have a drink? I have a business proposition for you"

And they headed to the far corner of the room for what be a long and detailed discussion. Shouting was heard, laughing and joking took place, but when they emerged more than four hours later, a deal had been struck. The joy both men expressed that night was merely shown at the bottom of many empty glasses and bottles

retired_brianrt

Simon Bleasdale was unknown in Canada. He had been a small-time, albeit successful, professional footballer, plying his trade with Aston Villa, graduating through their academy, before stints with Darlington, Birmingham and Wolves. His move across the Midlands to play for the Molineux team was controversial, but it proved to be a good thing for him, as he played over 250 times for the 'Wanderers', scoring 12 goals. He was a strong, physical and commanding centre back, but he never quite made the grade at the top level. His playing career ended in 1997, with a car accident and a broken leg in 4 places. This was not the end of his footballing education though, and once he had gained his UEFA standard coaching badges he travelled to Canada to continue his coaching with the Vancouver Royals. That was two years ago, and now, Simon had his dream opportunity. The managerial position had become vacant at his old club Wolves, and due to his love for the club, and the clubs love for him, he had been given the job. Just 48 hours in though, controversy struck. Club Chairman Jack Hayward had fallen foul of the fans, and he and his fellow board members had resigned. This left Simon without any backing, and in a desperate turn he called on the only man he knew would get him out of this sticky situation.

Glenn Farrah was a Canadian hard man, a 6'6 former American Footballer who had built a multi million dollar business empire after his playing career was cut short through personal reasons. He also bought the Vancouver Royals, and that is how he formed a great friendship with Simon Bleasdale. They kept in touch when Simon gained himself the Wolves job, and when the offer from Simon came, he just couldn't refuse it. Wolves, and Simon, found themselves without a chairman, and Glenn's vast riches meant that Simon came calling, as a friend and as a businessman.

...

"So where are we going again? Wolverhampet?"

"It's Wolverhampton Glenn. Wolverhampton. It's in the Midlands. You really must get that right, especially if you are going to be chairman of the football club"

"Don't worry, I will. They'll love me. I'm just that sort of guy"

"Really? Well we shall soon find out. Your first chance to impress them is tomorrow"

The fans of Wolves were notoriously impatient, and they wanted success straightaway. Promotion to the Premiership had happened once before, and they wanted it again. To do that though, it would need the right manager. A man who had the board's backing, the financial clout and a squad of players who's respect he instantly commanded. Simon felt that he could do that, especially as some of the current crop of players were at the club in his playing days, even if they were youngsters trying to break into the first team. He knew that Glenn would be behind him, it was just a case of doing the business on the pitch

retired_brianrt

The first days of the new regime went well, the press and the fans seemed to love Glenn's enthusiasm. He was a charmer, always had been, and he knew the way to charm the Wolves fans. His predictions weren't too bold, and they weren't rash, he just said that he was confident in the teams ability to get back into the promised land, the English Premiership.

If we are going to do that, the squad would need to be at their best throughout the season. Between the sticks, there were three choices, with Matt Murray, Michael Oakes and Paul Jones fighting it out. In defence, there was quality but not much depth. Mark Clyde and Rob Edwards were competing for the right back spot, while Jody Craddock, Joleon Lescott and Joachim Bjorklund were the centre halves. On the left, we had just one option, Lee Naylor the certainty for the left back spot.

The midfield had a touch of class about it, but the best players tended to be the wrong side of thirty. Colin Cameron and Paul Ince both had experience of top flights in different countries, and would add depth to the centre of midfield. Seol Ki-Hyeon and Mark Kennedy were the main contenders for the left wing berth, although Kevin Cooper would run them close. Shaun Newton was the only possible candidate for the right wing, so bringing in midfield options was a priority. On the striking front, there shouldn't be any problems, both Kenny Miller and Ioan Viorel Ganea were proven scorers, with able back up from Dean Sturridge and Carl Cort

..

It took just 24 hours to secure my first signing for the club, Viking's midfielder Brede Paulsen Hangeland quickly agreeing terms and joining for a fee of £150,000, a move which I felt would add more depth to the centre of midfield to help our two ageing pro's out. Another midfielder agreed terms the next day, Richard Witschge signing a one year contract to bolster our options further. He wasn't registered in time to play in the sides opening pre-season game, away at MK Dons, but he took to the stands to watch as the lads ran out comfortable 4-0 winners. A 6 minute brace from Scotsman Kenny Miller, and his fellow countryman Colin Cameron put us three up at the break, with Seol Ki-Hyeon wrapping up an easy run-out in the last minute. Mark Kennedy was star of the show though, bagging three assists and a man of the match performance, giving Witschge the sign that competition for places would be fierce, never a bad thing in any side.

retired_brianrt

The days leading up to our next pre-season game had seen me take several forays into the transfer market, and in doing this I had secured three more signatures for the squad. Another Dutchman joined on a one year contract, Arthur Numan providing extra cover on the left for Naylor, while Tuomas Aho gave us another option at centre back, joining from AaB for £65,000. The most exciting signing though came from Italy. 16 year old striker Alejandro Sanchez Fernandez had put pen to paper, and despite his tender years, he would see some first team action in the coming season. He had all the attributes needed to be a top striker, with pace, power, quick feet and an incredibly springy jump. I was delighted to see him join the ranks at Molinuex, and I was sure he would become an instant hit with the fans.

All three new signings went straight into the squad for the match with Hull, Aho starting alongside Lescott while Fernandez and Numan took their place on the bench. The game had very little incident of note, just three clear-cut chances were created, and at the final whistle a 0-0 draw was the imminent result. However, the good news is that Aho looked very good in the centre of defence, and when Fernandez came on for the final fifteen minutes he injected a real spark into the game. The players are slowly gaining their fitness, and with more transfers still in my mind I wanted to get them all in before the season starts, giving them maximum chance to gel together as a team.

---

West Brom had been sniffing around our centre back Jody Craddock, as well as a couple of other clubs, and when they enquired how much I would offload him for, I mentioned the £750,000 mark, although really I didn't want Jody to leave. Wigan were the side with the financial clout in the division, chairman Dave Whelan willing to put his money where his mouth is, and they made a £500,000 offer for our young Spaniard Fernandez. The Northerners were politely told where to put their money, as would any other club who came hot on the trail of the youngster.

We had to wait nearly a week for our third friendly, a time in which two more players were added to the ranks, as well as an assistant manager. Jack Van T' Schip was the candidate that stood out for me, his knowledge and experience of the European and English game enough to make him my number two. It was on his advice that I made my 6th summer signing, French Under 21 midfielder Lassana Diarra joining from Le Havre for what I felt was a paltry sum of £325,000 crisp English pounds. Also, my mood had been lifted even more by news that my main target all summer had finally agreed on terms with us, rejecting several other clubs, including Premiership sides. Miel Mans was a hard working, box-to-box midfield player who oozed quality, and I had noo hesitation in forking out £1,500,000 to land the Dutchman (our third so far) from AZ Alkmaar. Mans went straight into the team for the visit to Molioneux of Dundee Utd, while Hangeland started his first game in Wolves colours. It was two of our other new signings that caught the eye though, with Tuomas Aho's powerful header giving us the lead, and Alejandro Sanchez Fernandez securing the win with a second half brace after being introduced as a half time substitute. Even Colin Samuel's 48th minute strike couldn't put the dampeners on an excellent performance by the side.

retired_bbcarr

Good luck with this, sherm I've had some fun times managing Wolves, hopefully you can take them up quickly :thup:

retired_manragh

Yeah good luck, i think thats 4 BRC challenges going at the moment should be interesting to compare everyone and see how they're going, hopefully your first 3 seasons are a bit better than mine!

retired_brianrt

Thanks a lot chaps. I've never managed Wolves before, and apart from Wigan and West Ham I felt they would be the best option to take on the challenge with

---

There was ten days before our next pre-season game, so I took the opportunity to have a few days down South with my parents. I even managed to see a game, travelling down to Vicarage Road with my old man to watch Watford entertain Sporting Lisbon. Despite the home side suffering a heavy defeat, there was one young lad who really caught my eye. Ashley Young came on after 34 minutes, and he paraded up and down the right hand side non-stop. He caused the Portuguese side all sorts of problems, and I made a mental note to enquire to the Hornets about his availability.

I got back to the ground three days later, and as I checked my messages I was dissapointed to hear one from Lassana Diarra's agent, pointing out that the midfielder was having problems settling into the area, and may be looking to move away from the club in the near future. I left a message with Jeanette, my P.A, to ask Lassana to come into my office when the players arrived for training. It was 45 minutes later that there came a knock on my door, and the Frenchman popped his head through

"You wanted to see my boss?"

"Yes I did Lassana. Please, take a seat"

Diarra sat in the seat I had motioned to, facing me on the other side of the desk

"I got the message you left on my answer machine. So what's the problem?"

"I'm homesick boss. I miss my friends, I miss my family. I miss France. I wanted to prove myself at a higher level, and when the offer came in I thought it was a great opportunity. But I want to go back home"

"Hmm. OK, I can understand that. Tell you what I'll do Lassana. I will grant you 2 weeks compassionate leave. Go back to France, spend a bit of time with them, see your friends, and then come back in two weeks and we will discuss the situation again when you get back. That sound OK?"

"That's brilliant boss. Thankyou very much, I appreciate it. I shall see you in two weeks or so"

...

So with Lassana flying out to France, Seyi George Olofinjana was drafted into the first team squad for the friendly with Cliftonville. It was yet another easy game, with goals from Tuomas Aho and Richard Witschge in the first half enough to give us a comfortable 2-0 victory. Olofinjana was impressive, dominating the midfield for the half an hour he was on the pitch, and he put himself firmly into my plans with his performance

retired_brianrt

Macclesfield provided our final pre-season opposition, and the changes were made, a total of seven altogether. Olofinjana, after his impressive cameo in the previous game, started in the holding role, and after 25 he had made a goal and scored one. He layed the ball through for Dean Sturridge after just 34 seconds, and our experienced striker slotted home, and Seyi himself scored with a sweet 25 yard shot that drilled in of the inside of the post. Come half time, we had put the seal on the game, Keith Lowe heading home from Seol's corner after 38 minutes to send us three clear at the break. The home side pulled one back with a John Miles penalty three minutes from time, but after 5 pre-season games we ended up unbeaten, the match firness of the players was as high as it needed to be, and they were playing some nice football. Overall, I couldn't be happier going into the opening day of the season.

...

I also managed to complete the signing of Watford's winger Ashley Young on a season long loan. Ashley was quick, sharp, could beat defenders, and I was delighted to have him at my disposal. The opening game of the Championship season was just 72 hours away, and I must admit, I was getting slightly nervous. I wasn't worried, just nervous. Glenn however, was his usual calm self, telling me not to worry and just do what he knows I can do with the players I have

---

On the eve of the game, I had a visit from the Wolverhampton Daily Record to conduct an interview with me. The reporter, a bloke called Andrew Mariner, seemed a friendly guy, and I was quite surprised by that. The impression of the press were that they were out to get stories, not the truth. Still, I always give people the benefit of the doubt first time I meet them

"Simon, we are less than 24 hours away from your first competitive game as Wolves manager. How are you feeling about it?"

"Well Andrew, although I am nervous, I am confident in the boys. I feel that we can put the disappointment of relegation behind us and boune straight back up. We have the ability, and the confidence of the players is high at the minute"

"Well you certainly looked good in pre-season, can you carry that form on?"

"I believe so yes. For me, the key is making Molineux a fortress. Any team needs proven goalscorers, and we have several. We have a mixture of experience and youth in midfield, and the new signings have gelled in well together. We look good, and I am very happy at the moment"

"The fans are, maybe understandably, a little sceptical about your appointment. Do you have a message for those supporters?"

"Well I'm not into making rash promises, but the one thing I will say is that they have to get behind the team. If they don't like me, or don't feel I'm up to the job, then that's fine. But support the players out there on the pitch. They need the support, and with your support I know they will deliver results"

"OK, just one last question. Do you believe that the friendship between yourself and the chairman will affect your performance as manager?"

"No not at all. I think it will help, not hinder. I went to Glenn because he is a friend, but he is also an astute businessman. I know that with his backing, and his wit and charm, the success will come back to this great town. Wolves holds a special place in my heart, and Glenn knows that. He knows how much success means to me and these fans, and he is determined to bring it back to the town"

"OK, thankyou very much Simon, and I wish you the best of look for the game tomorrow and with the rest of the season"

retired_brianrt

It was finally here. Our opening Championship game saw us visit the North East, Sunderland were our hosts, and it was a game that would provide a tough test. They were fellow promotion contenders, and one of the favourites for the automatic promotion spots. It was us however, that got off to a flying start, Seol Ki-Hyeon firing a low left foot shot past Mart Poom after just 5 minutes. We could, and maybe should have doubled that lead ten minutes later, Kenny Miller beating the offside trap before shooting straight at the big Estonian 'keeper. The first half was ours, and to pnly be going in at half time 1-0 in front was a blow, as we had three or four good chances to be further ahead. This lack of finishing continued in the second half, Miller and Seol both culprits, before Miller's replacement Ganea missed with a header from no more than four yards out. We paid dearly for the poor finishing, as Stephen Elliott headed his side level fifteen minutes from time, to give them an undeserved point. They could have snatched all three at the death, Kevin Kyle rounding Matt Murray but just hitting the wrong side of the goal. In the end, although a 1-1 draw wasn't a disaster, we should have won the match.

...

I was expecting Lassana Diarra back for training on the Monday after his two weeks absence, but the Frenchman didn't show. Numerous attempts at contacting him left me frustrated, and the midfielder could expect a backlash unless he had a damn good excuse for being late. He finally strolled in on the Wednesday morning just as the team were preparing for that nights game. He just walked up, muttered something along the lines of an apology and wanting a transfer. Naturally, I was furious, and stormed into my office with Lassana behind me.

"What the f**k is all this about? I grant you leave and you turn up late back, then say you want a transfer? What's going on Lassana?"

"I'm sorry boss. I made a mistake. I should never have moved to England. I want to go back to France"

"Oh you do? Well I'll tell you something, I will grant you that transfer request. Not becuase you want it, but because you took the ****. Nobody takes the **** out of me Lassana, you hear? Now get out of my sight. I'll deal with you tomorrow after the game"

...

As we travelled to our second successive away game, a trip to Stoke, I was still furious at the seemingly nonchalant manner in which Diarra had abused my granting him leave. However, come the end of the game, my mood had been heightened somewhat by a scintillating performance from the team. Ioan Viorel Ganea started in place of Kenny Miller, and after twelve minutes his brace had put us 2-0 ahead. It stayed that way until three minutes into the second half, Colin Cameron latching onto Hangeland's pass and firing low past Ed De Goey. Joleon Lescott headed home a fourth just past the hour, towering above everybody and powering his header past the stranded De Goey. Ade Akinbiyi did pull one back for his side, but they were never going to get back into the game. A shocking tackle from Chris Swift in the 83rd minute saw him recieve a second booking and his marhing orders, and we ran out comfortable winners

retired_brianrt

After a good win against Stoke, the lads were on a high going into training. Diarra was training with the reserves following his little game, and he was also £1,100 down after being fined a weeks wages by myself and Glenn. Fortunately though, once news of his availability filtered through there were three clubs who showed some interest, including Lassana's old club Le Havre. The best offer we recieved was £650,000 with another £350,000 after he won 20 French caps, that offer coming from Montpellier in France. It was accepted, Lassana quickly agreed terms and his short lived reign at Molineux was over, having never played a competitive game.

Our first home game of the season saw us entertain Plymouth, with Ashley Young and Miel Mans both coming into the starting line-up. Miel was instrumental in the midfield, cutting out anything that the visitors started, aswell as being at the heart of our creative output. It was the Dutchman's cross that set up the opening goal, Jody Craddock rising highest to head home into the roof of the Plymouth net five minutes before the interval. The visitors did get back into the match through Steven Milne, as he capitalised on Lee Naylor's mistake to slide the ball underneath Murray and draw his team level. We did get ourselves back in front fifteen minutes later, Seol Ki-Hyeon being fouled in the box and Colin Cameron duly converting the resulting spot-kick. Our South Korean striker wrapped up the points soon after, as he volleyed home from the edge of the area to secure three points

...

Following Ashley's man of the match performance, he kept his place in the team for the visit of promotion favourites West Ham to Molineux. Once again, we showed the rest of the division that we meant business, brushing aside the bookmakers favourites. We had three good chances in the opening twenty minutes, Miller, Ganea and Mans all the guilty culprits, but it was left to our midfield veteran, Scottish international Colin Cameron to open the scoring, latching onto Ganea's pass and curling the ball into the corner of the West Ham goal. The visitors never really got into the game, their creativity was never at one hundred percent, and when substitute Shaun Newton volleyed home twelve minutes from time it was purely academic. It was our third successive win in the League, and it sent us to the top of the Championship, albeit for a couple of hours.