retired_destiny1124

Allye Owen entered the large church hesitantly. She was immediately accosted by a Priest muttering words in French to her.

"Sorry, Sir- but I can not understand what you are saying. No parlez vou Francais."

He seemed to puff up at her comments in English and began what sounded like a rant against her.

She was relieved when another slight Priest came hurrying along and said in heavily accented English, "How may I be of assistance young lady?" As the older Priest continued to bluster, the younger one cast a wary eye upon him and the older one quieted and then scuffled off after a moment to collect his dignity.

Allye wasn't sure quite how to begin, but said, "I am searching for some records of quite some time ago. I asked at several other churches- but when nothing could be found at them- they all suggested I come here to research. You apparently have the oldest and most complete records in the area."

The Priest inclined his head, "Yes, that is probably true. Our records have survived much more than many other of God's houses in this part of the country. What manner of records might you be seeking? A person?"

Allye shrugged, "Not a person, but a thing. I have reason to believe there was a crystal shard that came to Calais from Scotland. From the little I have discovered since arriving, there is some discussion of a magnificent artifact being shown about that time."

The Priest regarded her, "I will show you to the archives. There may or may not be something to help you there. I would caution you to touch nothing without seeking the approval of myself or one of the others here."

***

Allye bent excitedly to peer at the quickly sketched illustration.

The Priest noticed her excitement, "Is that what you seek child?"

"I am not certain. It looks like what I was told it would."

The Priest looked more closely at to what Allye's eyes saw as undecipherable writing, "It states that this crystal decoration was shown at an influential trader's house. It mentions his desire to safeguard the artifact, but there is nothing further mentioned."

"Does it say where this trader's house was?"

"Yes, I believe it was located on the bluff overlooking the channel." He paused a moment in thoughtful deliberation, "I think that would be about 7 kilometers up the coast from here."

Allye smiled, "Thank you kind sir for your assistance."

The Priest simply nodded, "As God wills."

retired_destiny1124

"We knew more changes would have to come- it surprised me that so many clubs wanted Antti (Makela)," offered a calm Faramir.

"I think you managed the replacement of him very well actually," grinned Gond.

"Mike (Zonneveld) wasn't getting to play at Arbroath after we left- it was easy to sign him once we found a transfer price we could agree on."

Calais Moves Makela, Brings in Help
Calais today announced the transfer sale of star leftback Antti Makela to Sedan for his minimum release fee of 450K. Sedan outpaced several other prominent Division 1 clubs in trying to gain the services of Makela. In related news, Calais announced the transfer purchase of Dutch leftback Mike Zonneveld from Arbroath for a reported 550K. Zonneveld was pleased to be reunited with his previous manager at the Scot side. Calais also announced the signing on free transfer of leftback Martin Barnard. Barnard is a 22 yr old English DL who had been released after coming through the Hearts youth program.

***

"Are you sure you want to sell him? He doesn't have a minimum fee release..." questioned Gond.

"He will be very unhappy if we turn him down. I think we can adequately replace him for the amount of money Sedan is offering us for him."

Sedan Tags Tiago Mota
Sedan landed a prize when their 1.7 Million transfer bid on Portugese forward Tiago Mota was accepted by newly promoted Calais. Tiago Mota was one of the top scorers in the National last season and had been expected to be the key forward in Calais' attempt to stay up in Division 2, but the Sedan offer was too good for the small underfinanced French side to ignore.

***

Faramir smiled as he hung up the phone, "That completes the signings for now. The fruits of the Tiago Mota sale are actually quite sweet."

Gond smiled, the cheerfulness of his tone infectious, "Ok, who did we get?"

"Not just one who Barry...several. We have signed on free Marc-Vivien Foe, Adriano, Loic Pailleres, Zyad Jusic, Omar Zongo and Daisuke Matsui. We also landed promising forward Dulee Johnson on minimum fee release from Hacken."

"Quite an esteemed collection there. We should be much better with all their additions, even losing Tiago Mota."

Calais Readies for Division 2
In preparing for their entry into Division 2 play, Calais has been very active on the free transfer market. With the funds in hand from the sale of Hugo Viana, Thomas Heed and Tiago Mota- Calais was able to attract some substantial players. Signing on free with Calais were Marc-Vivien Foe (33 yr old DMC, released by Nantes), Adriano (30 yr old AMC, released by Marseille), Loic Pailleres (28 yr old DMC, Bosman signing from Lens), Zyad Jusic (28 yr old AML, released by Willem II), Omar Zongo (30 yr old AML, released by Orebro) and Daisuke Matsui (27 yr old Japanese FRC, released by Purple Sanga). Calais also announced the transfer purchase of 23 yr old SC Dulee Johnson for his minimum fee release of 475K from Swedish side Hacken. Reportedly, there may be several other moves in the offing for the busy French club.

retired_destiny1124

"These should be the last couple signings to help the club- at least until we clear out the roster more," stated Faramir.

"They both help with depth...and quality. I think we have a solid club going into Division 2," replied Gond.

Calais Catches Alm and Coly
Calais made two more additions to their roster on the eve of the Division 2 campaign. They announced the transfer purchase of Gueugnon's unhappy forward Alexander Alm for 60K and also announced the signing on free of veteran defender Ferdinand Coly. Coly is a 34 yr old DC who was recently released by Nantes.

***

"I was wrong," smiled Faramir.

"Ok, what now?" asked Gond with a hint of laughter in his tone.

"We have a new coach and another forward to replace Predrag."

"Who is the Coach?"

"Well, actually he will be a player coach..."

Calais Cheers Signings
The fans of Calais were elated with the news that Calais had added 33 yr old Alessandro Pistone as a player/coach. The venerated Italian backliner had been released by Crystal Palace after the two sides could not agree on a contract continuation. Calais also announced the free transfer signing of 32 yr old Yoann Tapella. Tapella, who owns 124 French League goals- mostly while at Louhans- will likely replace recently departed forward Predrag Sikimic, who was sold to Yugoslavian side Rad for 675K.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * Calais Racing UFC - Monday 28th July 2008********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== Squad============================================= ================================================== =No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls Wages Expires Value-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 Adriano AM C BRA 11.8.77 30 8 3 £5.5K 24.6.11 £500K 10 Alkhatib, Mounir F RLC FRA 30.8.81 26 - - £1.6K 1.6.14 £300K 31 Alm, Alexander F LC SWE 23.5.82 26 - - £4.1K 17.6.13 £450K 39 Barnard, Martin D L ENG 27.1.86 22 - - £1K 28.6.11 £170K - Baudouin, Johann D R FRA 2.2.90 18 - - £975 Rolling £45K 36 Blanc, Guillaume F C FRA 8.7.85 23 - - £2.2K 28.6.10 £170K 14 Brown, Kevin D/DM RLC SCO 12.7.86 22 - - £1.1K 17.6.13 £250K 42 Cameron, Colin D C SCO 3.3.88 20 - - £250 12.6.11 £65K 32 Carmo, Ricardo SW/D C POR 15.8.82 25 - - £1.2K 26.6.13 £300K 29 Cedric D RL POR 28.7.81 27 - - £400 21.6.11 £100K 9 Ceschi, Fabio F LC ITA 19.1.82 26 - - £900 22.6.12 £550K 4 Colinet, Guillaume M/S C FRA 5.12.85 22 - - £2.2K 19.6.14 £250K 6 Colinet, Philippe D C FRA 27.10.87 20 - - £400 16.6.10 £300K 38 Coly, Ferdinand D C SEN 10.9.73 34 32 - £4.8K 18.6.11 £160K 27 El-Bawi, Durgham DM C NOR 1.6.81 27 - - £375 5.6.11 £120K 44 Faure, Sébastien GK FRA 1.5.85 23 - - £130 12.6.10 £18K 40 Ferro, Julien AM RC FRA 29.9.86 21 - - £160 27.6.10 £80K 8 Foé, Marc-Vivien DM C CMR 1.5.75 33 47 1 £6.25K 4.6.10 £190K 3 Gauthier, Christian D LC FRA 16.8.79 28 - - £425 21.6.10 £200K - Gautier, Cyril S C FRA 4.11.85 22 - - £170 21.6.09 £170K 47 Guillou, Sébastien AM RL FRA 30.6.91 17 - - £180 12.6.11 £100K 15 Johnson, Dulee F C LBR 12.8.84 23 17 7 £5K 19.6.11 £625K 35 Joly, Laurent D R FRA 16.6.85 23 - - £475 17.6.12 £110K 26 Jordi Prats AM R ESP 28.5.81 27 - - £1.2K 6.6.12 £80K 24 Jusic, Zyad AM L BOS 1.3.80 28 15 - £5.75K 27.6.12 £625K 30 Kim Jung-Woo DM C KOR 9.5.82 26 - - £4.1K 24.6.10 £500K 5 Kleine, Thomas D C GER 28.12.77 30 - - £1.7K 11.6.12 £200K 28 Lafleuriel, Baptiste AM/F RL FRA 2.7.81 27 - - £4.5K 16.6.13 £325K 21 Macdonald, Billy DM C SCO 17.9.76 31 - - £375 27.6.10 £170K 25 Matsui, Daisuke F RC JPN 11.5.81 27 - - £5.25K 20.6.13 £600K 2 Mofid, Kevin D RC CAN 30.7.82 25 2 - £1.2K 20.6.13 £275K 23 Morais, Filipe AM RC POR 26.2.80 28 - - £3.2K 15.6.13 £300K 43 Moreau, Richard D/DM LC FRA 26.5.88 20 - - £275 17.6.12 £95K 18 Nuno Sousa D C POR 30.1.80 28 - - £475 13.6.11 £120K 13 Paauwe, Cees GK HOL 11.3.77 31 - - £1.8K 27.6.11 £180K 17 Paillères, Loïc DM C FRA 20.5.80 28 - - £3.9K 21.6.11 £675K 7 Paralta, João F RC POR 26.10.82 25 - - £3.6K 12.6.10 £600K 16 Perrin, Cyrille S C FRA 15.11.88 19 - - £110 26.6.11 £140K 37 Phillips, Justin M C ENG 16.10.85 22 - - £825 9.6.12 £170K - Pistone, Alessandro D LC ITA 27.7.75 33 1 - £7K 24.6.12 £1M 20 Primus, Linvoy D C ENG 14.9.73 34 - - £3.6K 11.6.10 Free 1 Ritchie, Ian GK SCO 27.1.82 26 - - £2.6K 15.6.12 £110K 48 Rodrigues, Thomas M C FRA 19.11.91 16 - - £100 28.6.11 £60K 45 Sandjak, Jérémy AM R FRA 26.1.89 19 - - £350 17.6.12 £100K 41 Schmitt, Olivier SW C FRA 26.11.87 20 - - £925 13.6.10 £70K - Tapella, Yoann S C FRA 2.10.75 32 - - £6.5K 23.6.11 £425K 34 Tomás, Carlos GK ESP 10.6.88 20 - - £1.4K 17.6.13 £65K 33 Vincent, Arnaud D/DM C FRA 14.8.84 23 - - £300 17.6.09 £55K 22 Zongo, Omar AM L CIV 1.7.78 30 10 2 £5.25K 28.6.11 £500K 11 Zonneveld, Mike D/M L HOL 27.10.80 27 - - £3.9K 2.6.11 £700K </pre>

retired_destiny1124

2.8.08
Sochaux (0) Calais (3)
Sochaux- None
Calais- Loic Pailleres 51 Yoann Tapella 62 Joao Paralta 87
MOM- Loic Pailleres, Calais

"That was certainly a pleasing start to things," offered a happy Barry Gond.

"We looked like a squad that fit well together- despite this being the first match. It helps a lot to have veterans like Pistone, Coly and Foe anchoring the defense. It made life appreciably easier for Cees (Paauwe) today."

"Once Loic subbed on after Omar's (Zongo) injury- he really showed me a lot today. I think we may have a difficult time keeping him out of the starting lineup."

"You're right Barry. I am rethinking how to work the lineup after seeing him play so well today. Yoann (Tapella) managed to do well also- despite the minimal training time with us."

***

9.8.08
Calais (3) Nancy (1)
Calais- Mounir Alkhatib 10 Yoann Tapella 47,70
Nancy- Park Yong-Ho 13
MOM- Yoann Tapella, Calais

"I wondered about signing Tapella- with the other forwards we had- but he looks like a game breaker to me now," said Gond admiringly.

"He's better than I thought. I was hoping that he would provide the same consistent scoring that he had done, instead he seems to be really flourishing in our offense."

"It was another match where our 2nd half conditioning helped us- all those friendlies have helped us get a quick start in Division 2."

retired_destiny1124

15.8.08
Lorient (1) Calais (3)
Lorient- Cyrille Muller 28
Calais- Filipe Morais 10 Yoann Tapella 42 Alexander Alm 47
MOM- Mounir Alkhatib, Calais

"Another splendid debut- Alexander's (Alm) goal really helped break their spirit to open the second half," observed Gond.

"It was another good match for every element of the club. Offensively and defensively we are playing at a very high level for so early in the season."

"How bad was the injury to Thomas (Kleine)?"

"Not too bad- just a gash that required several stitches. He will be out a week or so."

***

19.8.08
Calais (3) Reims (1)
Calais- Loic Pailleres 57 Joao Paralta 82 Marc-Vivien Foe 87
Reims- Ludovic Pallier 52
MOM- Marc-Vivien Foe, Calais

"I thought we were in trouble when Ian (Ritchie) went walkabout on Pallier's goal. He completely lost track of where he was in the play," said Gond as he shook his head.

"Well, he righted himself after that and made a couple key saves down the stretch. MV (Foe) got the MOM honours, but I thought Joao Paralta was the one who actually deserved them- he jump started us on offense to get us the win."

"Great managing to bring him in," said Gond teasingly.

Faramir looked at him with a grin, "Better to be forced into things- Mounir's (Alkhatib) leg was troubling him, I brought Joao in for him because I had to."

retired_destiny1124

23.8.08
Grenoble (0) Calais (1)
Grenoble- None
Calais- Daisuke Matsui 88
MOM- Cees Paauwe, Calais

"We stole that win," smiled Faramir.

"Daisuke (Matsui) picked a great time to get his first goal, but you're right we shouldn't have won that match."

"They outplayed us by quite a stretch, but Cees (Paauwe) had a great match. He made up for the backline mistakes."

***

5.9.08
Istres (0) Calais (2)
Istres- None
Calais- Loic Pailleres 50 Filipe Morais 67
MOM- Loic Pailleres, Calais

"Another strong second half for us," stated a content Gond.

"We are off to an unbelievable start- none of our clubs have started the season off this well before," said Faramir wonderingly. "The veteran leadership we have helps a lot. We haven't had to worry about player problems, since the elder statesmen on the club take care of those problems."

"I think the thing that impresses me the most is the toughness of the club at this point. We are playing like it is midseason in terms of determination, committment and execution- it really is impressive to see."

retired_destiny1124

9.9.08
Calais (4) Metz (3)
Calais- Mounir Alkhatib 28,47 Cacapa-Own Goal 64 Ferdinand Coly 70
Metz- Arnaud Henry 11,87 Jean-Pierre Royer 20
MOM- Mounir Alkhatib, Calais

"That was an excellent recovery for us- I was worried when we went down 2-0," groused Faramir.

"Mounir's (Alkhatib) first goal really stirred us- it was a pretty shot from 30 yards."

"Once we got that goal, the defense did a pretty good job of clamping down on them, well at least until that last goal."

"Cees (Paauwe) wasn't as sharp today as his other matches- but still, we managed to find a way to win."

***

13.9.08
Calais (4) Caen (1)
Calais- Joao Paralta 11 Fabio Ceschi 30-P Christian Gauthier 47 Zyad Jusic 71
Caen- Mathieu Bodmer 50
MOM- Joao Paralta, Calais

"We caught a break when the referee redcarded Stephane Porato in the first half- I didn't think the call really even warranted a penalty being called," commented Faramir.

"Once Fabio (Ceschi) converted the penalty kick, it gave us a lot of breathing room. I was pleased with Christian Gauthier's debut in place of Pistone today- he gave us really solid play."

"He and Olivier (Schmitt) played well together in the middle. It certainly helps knowing that we have depth there- given Coly and Pistone's recent injury history."

retired_destiny1124

20.9.08
Valence (0) Calais (1)
Valence- None
Calais- Loic Pailleres 44
MOM- Loic Pailleres

"Loic (Pailleres) really seems to have the knack for the big goal," observed Gond.

"He is excellent in the air- and we have been giving him good chances on our corners and crosses," answered Faramir. "The thing that pleased me most though is how well we shut them down in the second half. Only allowing them one shot for the half was really encouraging."

"Kim's (Jung-Woo) injury looked bad. How long is he out?"

"Likely close to a month, though they don't think he needs surgery- just a bit of therapy."

***

24.9.08
Calais (3) Clermont (0)
Calais- Joao Paralta 5 Yoann Tapella 26 Dulee Johnson 48
Clermont- None
MOM- Yoann Tapella, Calais

"It's too bad for Christian Gourcuff- Clermont played really well, but with Cees (Paauwe) playing so well in net and getting great support from our backline- it was a bad loss for them," commented Faramir.

"Rumours are that the loss may cost him his job- the Clermont fans are up in arms over their dip in performance this season."

"It was nice to see Dulee (Johnson) finally score- he had been coming so close all season."

"No matter who we are slotting into the lineup right now- they are stepping up and playing well. There is a feeling of confidence through the entire club right now."

***

"You sold him to Clermont?" asked Gond.

"Yes. He was really unhappy about not starting and I couldn't see things getting any better..."

Calais Sells Colinet to Clermont
Calais announced the transfer sale of unhappy M/SC Guillaume Colinet to Clermont today. The agreed price for the promising 25 yr old was reportedly 350K.

retired_destiny1124

27.9.08
Calais (4) Toulouse (2)
Calais- Mounir Alkhatib 10 Yoann Tapella 18,31 Daisuke Matsui 59
Toulouse- Yoann Bigne 37 Karim Dahou 45
MOM- Mounir Alkhatib, Calais

"When Mounir (Alkhatib) is playing well- he can just dominate a match," said Gond admiringly.

"He was on today- that was a spectacular effort. Yoann (Tapella) also told me after the match that he had told his agent to accept our offer- so unless some club comes forth with his large minimum fee release- he will be staying here."

"The fans really like him here, he has been an instant sensation."

***

"Well, at least he finally gets to go home," offered Gond.

"And we are shed of his large salary," replied Faramir.

Primus Back to England
Unhappy Linvoy Primus finally got his wish, as he will move back to English side Northampton to finish out his career. Primus was let go by Calais to Northampton on free transfer with both sides pleased with the deal that was worked out.

***

10.10.08
Calais (3) Racing CP (1)
Calais- Billy Macdonald 8 Yoann Tapella 35 Dulee Johnson 81
Racing CP- Francois Rigaux 45
MOM- Billy Macdonald, Calais

"Billy (Macdonald) stepped up and provided a lot of leadership out there today," stated Gond.

"He did a great job in marshalling our defense- and that helped Cees (Paauwe) out a lot today. This match could easily have been very close."

"Our efforts up front weren't as good as some other matches, but both Yoann (Tapella) and Dulee (Johnson) took great advantage of their opportunities."

retired_destiny1124

18.10.08
Beauvais (2) Calais (3)
Beauvais- Jeremy Toulalan 15 Clayton 34
Calais- Mike Zonneveld 24 Mounir Alkhatib 69 Loic Pailleres 80
MOM- Loic Pailleres, Calais

"Another clutch goal for Loic (Pailleres)!" happily exclaimed Barry Gond.

"The telly audience certainly got their money's worth today. That was as poor a first half as we have played."

"We really didn't have much going in the first half- if it wasn't for Mike's (Zonneveld) brilliant solo run- we wouldn't have even been close at halftime."

"Still, we recovered and played a gritty second half. We worked hard and earned a good result with our determination."

***

25.10.08
Calais (2) Nimes (1)
Calais- Dulee Johnson 10 Yoann Tapella 35
Nimes- Moukoko 68
MOM- Thomas Kleine, Calais

"We were fortunate in that win as well," said a relieved Gond.

"Thomas (Kleine) did a great job in shutting down Armindo Ferreira. Ferdinand (Coly) only let Moukoko have that one good chance- but he proved what a scorer he was. That shot of his was piece of precision to fly past Cees (Paauwe)."

"At least we already had the 2-0 lead at the time- because they didn't allow us any offense in the late stages of the match."

"It really looked like Hoalid Regragui had the equalizer at the end, but his header just skimmed the bar..."