retired_celest

So the training session went pretty well, Mike and myself spoke afterwards with regards to the players. We decided we needed to be brutal and get rid of the dead wood, no questions asked!

Mike and myself both agreed that 6 of the players where to be released on free transfers and transfer list 7 players, these players may turn into back up players, depending on summer signings and where also to expensive to release. Those who we decide to release where:-

Danny Cadamarteri
Alan Sheehan
Elvis Hammond
Alex Cisak
Scott Lycett and
Kraig Rochester

The players transfer listed where:-

Max Gradel
Levi Porter
Rab Douglas
Andy Johnson
Paul Henderson
Gareth McAuley
Darren Kenton

I was suprised to find that there was no problems with this, these showed me we had picked the players correctly, they had shown no passion or commitment at all.

As soon as i got back to the office, i checked my answer phone message and found we had offers on the following:

Conrad Logan - Watford 75k, i was happy to accept this offer as i felt the lad had no future.
Patrick Kisnorbo - Napoli 1m, This offer tested me, Patrick was my best defender and the club captain, i called Napoli to inform them that i would need far more then this to part with Patrick and that was that.
Loui Dodd - Torquay Loan - The lad wouldnt be in the first team this season, but looked a decent propect, a loan would be a good thing for him, i accepted.

All the friendlies came back accepted, which meant i could concentrate on getting some players in. I promote Ashley Chambers, a good quick striker, and Joe mattock and solid left back, to the 1st team, i wanted to watch these two more closely, they had potential.

Next up, i contacted Martin Jol..

"Martin, its Barry Osborn, Leicester manager, listen, iam interested in taking Phil Ifil on loan, is this something that we could make happen?"

Philip was a very good right back, someone i wanted to sign, but knew Spurs didnt want to sell him, so a season loan was a good option.

"Barry, Yesh, i would like very much for Phil to be loaned out, one Sheashon loan, you pay the wages?"

"Thats fine Martin, how soon can he be here?" I asked

"He will be there tomorrow!"

Fantastic, that was a right back in, next up was Dong Fangzhuo, a young chinese striker from Man utd, Sir Alex was equally happy to let me have the youngster for the season. Also, Peter Enckelman signed from Blackburn on a one month trail.

I also emailed enquiries for Kenny Pavey, an english winger who found himself stock over in Sweden, also, Tony Capaldi from Plymouth, it would be a case of wait and see with these lads.

The final task of the day was to call my nemisis, Peter Taylor, i wanted two off his players, Danny Granville, a solid left back with bags of experience and Julian Speroni, an Argie keeper, he didnt get to play for Palace to often, but had bags of talent. I dialed that number...

"Hello, Peter talking?"

"Peter, its Barry Osborn, Leicester manager, remember me?"

"Oh yeah, hello Barry, hows life treating you?"

I ignored this comment, i didnt want to talk chit chat with this man,

"Peter, iam checking the avaliabilty of two of your lads, Danny Granville and Julian Speroni" i demended

"Well Julian listed, you can have him for 300k, and Danny, his a back up, but i could let him go for 500K"

"500k, your having a laugh, il give you 325k max for him, Julian, 300k, yeah we would like to make that offer!" i tried to be as tough as possible with Peter, and he know i was playing hard ball.

"Since its you and you asked so nicely, we will accept both offers, il speak to the lads and get there agents to call you to organise contracts"

"Okay, thanks, bye" with that i hung up.

I felt chuffed with my dealing with Peter, and felt these two lads would add some spice to the squad. Just before i left i recieved an email from AIK, they wanted 180k for Kenny Pavey, i gladly accepted, i felt he was a quality winger, and this was a snip!

I popped my head round the door to Penny, told her to have a good trip, and whistled off down the corridor and out to my car, it had been a good productive day!!

retired_MikeMcC

I feel violated, me, a Forest fan, liking a story about Leicester, how dare you!

retired_celest

3rd july

I arrived at the office at 8 this morning to fantastic news. Julian Speroni and Kenny Pavey had both succesfully negioated contracts and would join us tomorrow, and Danny Granville was considering his. This put me in the best mood.

I checked the application info for the coaches and scouts, 3 scouts and 4 coaches caught my eye. I offered contracts to Graham Brown, Phil compton and Romeo Zonderven, all scouts with excellent knowledge. I also offered contracts to 4 coaches, John Powell, Simon morgon, Leighton James and Vicenzo Chiarenza. I hoped we would have these in with in days.

Next up was to have a look at my trimmed down squad, and judge further on who and what position i need to bring in..The team currently:

GK Peter Enckelman - On Trail for a month, i player id like to sign, providing he performs well in the trail and we can afford it.
DR Alan Maybury - Not a favourite for me, but a player that can do a job to a fair standard, he will be a back up.
DRC Richard Stearman - Again, he can do the job to a fair standard, still a little unexperienced, most likely will be sent on loan as wont see much first team action.
DLC Nils-Eric Johansson - Once again, a fair player, but nothing fancy, will be a back up if i can bring in new blood, if not, he may well start the season.
DLC WBL Joe Mattock - Not ready yet for a starting place, but will get a few sub apperences, although he may go out on loan to gain some football.
DL MLC Danny Tiatto - A player i wanted to transfer list, however, Mike pointed out he was a leader and liked amongst the squad, so for morale his been kept on, may play MC as iam thin on the ground in that position.
DC Patrick Kisnorbo - My star defender, will be a starter, if i can keep hold of him!
DC Patrick McCarthy - A good honest player, if i dont get a new DC in, he and Nils will challenge for the 2nd DC place.
D/WBR - Phil Ifil - On loan from Spurs, a starter at DR no question.
DM James Wesolowski - Sidelined with a serious injury, has potential, will reasses when he returns.
MRC Stephen Hughes - Not the greatest MC in the world, but due to lack of players in this position, may well start if new players arent brought in.
AMR FC Iain Hume, a fast quick player, i prefer him playing upfront, but i dont have any other options as yet at MR, so may well start - This will depend if the Kenny Pavey deal goes through, if so Iain will be back up, but a good solid one.
AMLC Mark Yeates - youngster on loan from spurs, a good solid player, will challenge for the ML all season, althoug, i will need a further ML or two to challenge.
ST Geoff horsfield - Sheff United loaney, good experience, will be a starter as he has a good influence on the team.
ST Matty Fryatt - The best prospect on the team, will be a starter.
ST Ashley chambers - 16 year old striker, good potential, not a starter, but will get sub apperences, although in case of injuries etc, he will stay with the club rather then loaning out.
ST Dong Fangzhuo - Another Loanie, from Man United, a solid player, will be a sub.

So my assesment is that my defence needs a serious remodling, as does my midfield, the impending signings of Julain Speroni and Kenny Pavey will help in the respected positions!

My task for the rest of the day was to look for players i want my future scouts to watch!

retired_celest

Wow, a compliment from a forest fan! now i feel special lol, all i need is a cov fan and a rams fan to compliment me. Seriously though, thanks for the praise, i wasnt sure about todays writing to be honest! Glad you like it!

retired_hea75

Good story mate..Word of advice though, don't sell Levi Porter, send him out on loan for a couple of seasons. I am in my 3rd season with Leicester, 1st season lost in playoff final to Leeds. 2nd season won the championship and i'm now in the prem. Levi and ashley chambers are now immense for me down the wings, we are fifth halfway through the season.