retired_lydiadiebolt

Rufete (27 y/o, ESP 1 cap, AM R): 32(1) apps, 11 goals, 8 assists, 2 MoMs, av. rate: 7.30: Ten goals in the league is slightly more than one goal per game he served in his suspension early in the season that robbed us of a highly talented winger. That loss of temperament saw him miss almost a quarter of the season, and he could have been a devastating winger if we had him available for the entire season. But boy is he worth the signing on fee we paid him, because again this man was a complete steal on a Bosman free transfer. Plus he possesses a very accurate shot – averaging 85% accuracy, which is better than anybody else in the league. If he can curb his temper, he will go close to adding to his international cap collection, I’m sure.<P>Jofre (24 y/o, ESP, AM/F L): 1 app, av. rate: 6.00: His development is beginning to stall and though he is still happy to commit his future to the club, I’m beginning to think Jofre’s career may be better served away from Cartagonova. Michel, O’Neill and Oliver are all ahead of him for that coveted left wing position and unless Jofre can improve key areas like passing, he will find himself remaining second or third choice. That wouldn’t be fair to him, I think.<P>Michel (28 y/o, ESP, AM L): 35(2) apps, 3 goals, 8 assists, av. rate: 7.11: Still a very handy contributor on that left flank and I’m sure there would a few other clubs in the league that would like to have him in their ranks. Despite definite interest from Espanyol, however, I’m not willing to let him leave just yet. I still consider him to be my first-choice winger and he will have every opportunity next season to repay my faith in him. Didn’t quite turn it on this season as he has done previously, but I think my judgment in him when I signed him two seasons ago has to a certain extent been vindicated. Next season will see if he can go the entire way.<P>Keith O’Neill (28 y/o, IRE 23 caps, 4 goals, AM/F LC): 3(7) apps, 1 goal, av. rate: 6.80: His first season in Spain was a difficult one for the former Norwich and Boro man, but he struggled on manfully and managed by the end of the season to earn my respect. I considered seriously putting him up for sale since he appeared to be so miserable – he still has considerable difficulty stringing together more than a few words of Spanish, so he needs to work on that next season. I actually am struggling to find the right place for him to fit the formation, because he doesn’t seem a natural left winger. Perhaps his best place is the bench, at least with us, and he won’t be too happy about that shortly, I’m sure.

retired_lydiadiebolt

Oliver (25 y/o, ESP, AM L): 6(2) apps, 2 assists, av. rate: 7.13: A good addition to the squad, he slotted in nicely to his back-up role to Michel. Should Michel stumble next season, I think Oliver will be there with his hat in the ring to take his spot. He certainly has all the credentials in the important areas a good winger needs to be successful and if he could have a long run in the league, I’m sure he would be a good player. It’s just that Michel got there first.<P>Cristian �lvarez (24 y/o, SLV 11 caps, 6 goals, AM C): 0(3) apps, 1 assist, av. rate: 7.00: Definitely a player of the future, given the way he has improved everything over the season. Unfortunately, his contract is up next season and he doesn’t want to negotiate a new one. Hopefully the new season will change his mind, because I definitely want him to play for the club. Each day he comes to resemble Paul Scholes more and more and he is already beginning to turn it on for his country – in his last match, he scored a hat-trick from midfield. Not bad! [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="big grin[/IMG]<P>Juan Eduardo Esnáider (31 y/o, ARG 2 caps, 1 goal, AM/F C): 16(6) apps, 5 goals, 6 assists, 3 MoMs, av. rate: 7.50: Excellent pick-up for the club and did very well from fairly limited opportunities. Usually played behind the front two strikers and on occasion was the difference between victory and draw, draw and loss. Getting on in years, but I’m sure he has plenty to contribute next season and I’m sure he will be looking forward to showcasing his skills in the Champions’ League.

retired_lydiadiebolt

Strikers<P>Stan Collymore (33 y/o, ENG 2 caps, S C): 40(2) apps, 21 goals, 5 assists, 7 MoMs, av. rate: 7.50: Why, Stan? Why? Going to Sporting Gijón is like stabbing every fan in the chest. He then twisted the knife by marking his final Cartagonova appearance with a hat-trick. But he will be remembered fondly by each Cartagonova fan who saw him in action, but he shouldn’t expect charity when we play his new team next season. I really could have done with his services for another season, but it’s not to be. Hopefully somebody out of Sosa, Esposito or Gabrich will stand up and take his spot next to Redondo. Still it’s going to be difficult filling his shoes. He will be missed, but I’m sure that each Cartagonova fan will feel more than a little betrayed by his impending transfer. Yet, his contribution to the club’s success should never be underestimated by anybody.<P>Iván César Gabrich (31 y/o, ARG, S C): 1(10) apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, av. rate: 6.91: Performed quite well when given the opportunity but I can’t see him being the player to take up the slack left by Collymore’s impending departure. Still, he is worth having around the club so I won’t be in a hurry to move him on.<P>José Manuel Redondo (28 y/o, ESP, S C): 46 apps, 28 goals, 15 assists, 8 MoMs, av. rate: 7.89: This man is the club’s hero, unquestionably. He improved his performance from the previous season and managed to score 25 league goals to finish second behind Patrick Kluivert. Plus he was creative and unselfish enough to create fifteen further goals. He must have been unlucky to miss out on a call-up to the Spanish squad in time for Euro 2004. I am quite unabashedly a fan of the striker and I’m sure Real Zaragoza must be kicking themselves for letting him go. He has been one of the best players I’ve ever had the privilege of managing. I’m sure he is learning a lot from Enzo Francescoli and Romário, but he is putting all that knowledge that augments his excellent technique and talent to good use on the pitch. The club’s first real talisman and every weekend we see more and more fans bearing his name and number proudly on their backs. There is no way in hell I’m letting him go, no matter the price. Quite simply, the odds-on favourite to be named Supporters’ Player of the Year.<P>Romário (38 y/o, BRA 76 caps, 54 goals, S C): 0 apps: No appearances in a competitive fixture for the legendary Brazilian as we decided to concentrate on his coaching duties at the club. Undoubtedly, Redondo and Collymore have benefited from his knowledge and expertise.<P>Roberto Sosa (29 y/o, ARG, S C): 4(2) apps, 5 goals, 1 assist, 1 MoM, av. rate: 7.67: Did well from limited opportunities, but his sheer lack of pace still holds me back from playing him regularly. Will be joined by ex-teammate Mauro Esposito next season for the race to partner Redondo up front for us, but he is certainly a contender for that job.<P>Iván Zamorano (37 y/o, CHI 70 caps, 36 goals, S C): 0 apps: Didn’t make an appearance for the club this season and I hope that he will go quietly into retirement next season. I have no further need for the Chilean, harsh that may be.

retired_lydiadiebolt

And there you go! The entire Cartagonova roster with my thoughts on their performances and chances to remain at the club next season! [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="big grin[/IMG]<P><P>Keep smiling! [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG] [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="big grin[/IMG]
Dixie Flatline

retired_lydiadiebolt

5th of June 2004<P>The European Championships of 2004 kicks off with the host nation, Portugal defeating the Ukraine 1-0 thanks to a goal to evergreen João Pinto in the first half. Our very own Fernando Couto participated in the defence.<P>On the advice of my scout Yves Baré, I offer Sabadell £100,000 for the nineteen year old full-back César Cabrera. I discuss his future with former coach Dunga, who is still assistant manager at Sabadell, and he tells me that the young Spaniard will have a great future. But his only possible downfall is his comparative lack of pace – which seems to characterise many of my full-backs! [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG] Otherwise, he seems to have all the skills in the right place.<P>6th of June 2004<P>Norway defeats Germany 1-0 in Lisbon thanks to a goal from captain, Christer George, in the 66th minute. The Germans dominated the match but couldn’t find that important breakthrough and were eventually caught on the counter-attack. In Vila do Conde, Holland comfortably defeated Poland 3-0 with goals to Michael Reiziger, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Patrick Kluivert. Roy Makaay, who was on the bench for the victory, completed a move from Deportivo La Coruña to Feyenoord in the morning for £8.5 million.<P>As expected, Sabadell rejects my £100,000 bid for Cabrera, but my interest in the player hasn’t gone away just yet. I’ll reconsider my approach over the next day or two and then approach his club again with another bid. Canny, aren’t I? [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="smile[/IMG]<P>My scouts recommend John Carew of Norway and Valencia as a good purchase. Well, I think he is too, but somehow I can’t see me affording the transfer fee or his wages.<P>In Oporto, the evening match sees Italy replicate the Dutch’s effort by defeating Bulgaria 3-0. Roma’s Vincenzo Montella scored a brace while Filippo Inzaghi of Juventus opened the scoring. The Italians could have had plenty more, with 17 shots at Zdravko Zravkov’s goal.<P>Giovane Élber of Bayern München is named FIFA’s World Player of the Year ahead of Roma’s Gabriel Batistuta and Juventus’ Matteo Brighi. Patrick Kluivert of Barcelona wins the Footballer of the Year award, securing the award ahead of Roma’s Vincenzo Montella and Fiorentina’s Cristian Bardaro. Bardaro takes out the Serie A Player of the Year and the Serie A Top Goalscorer awards.

retired_lydiadiebolt

7th of June 2004<P>Keith O’Neill appeared for about half an hour as the Czech Republic defeated his Ireland 1-0 in Setúbal. HSV’s Marek Heinz grabbed the winner in the second half. In the most exciting match of the championship so far, Georgia triumphed 3-2 over Denmark from Lisbon. Iaschwili and Kobiaschwili put the Georgians 2-0 ahead by the hour mark, but two goals from Martin Laursen and Mads Timm brought the Danes level. But Iaschwili had the last word, scoring the winner in the 89th minute.<P>8th of June 2004<P>Here is something interesting from the back-pages in your national paper. Apparently we’re being linked with £3.5 million move for John Carew. It is well known that the lanky Norwegian is unhappy with his lot at Valencia and since I’m about to lose Stan Collymore, I must be looking for another striker to partner Redondo. Further, throw in two scouts at Norway’s first match of Euro 2004, and everybody is adding two plus two together and getting four. It’s all very interesting… but it’s all very hypothetical, because I don’t have that money, and I still think he wouldn’t be interested.<P>Veteran Valery Karpin scored the only goal of the match to guide Russia to a 1-0 victory over Turkey in the afternoon game played in Lisbon. But if that match was boring, then Spain’s 7-1 demolition of Finland was anything but. Almost 40,000 fans crammed into Braga’s stadium saw the Spaniards run amok in the second half. Vicente and EtxeberrÃ*a had Spain 2-0 up at half-time, but three further goals to the Basque player plus a brace to Barcelona’s Alfonso tilted the scoreline heavily in Spain’s favour. William Hill and Ladbrokes moved Spain into joint favourites with Italy to lift the trophy on the back of this extraordinary performance. Surprisingly, Spain had just eight shots on target all match – hands up if you think that Peter Enckelman will get another game in goal for the Finns? [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="big grin[/IMG]

retired_lydiadiebolt

9th of June 2004<P>Portugal and Georgia shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw in Lisbon this evening. Cartagonova’s Fernando Couto played the first hour before being substituted. Luis Figo gave Portugal a 2-0 lead with a first-half brace, but Empoli’s Shota Arveladze gave the Georgians some hope with a goal just before half-time. Hertha Berlin’s Alexander Iaschwili completed the comeback with his goal in the second half.<P>10th of June 2004<P>Norway and the Czech Republic drew 1-1 in Lisbon. Chelsea’s Tore Andre Flo scored first for Norway in the second half, but Tottenham’s Patrik Berger equalised ten minutes later. In the evening match, a brace from Bayern München’s Sergei Rebrov allowed the Ukraine to sink Denmark 2-0 in Lisbon. It leaves the Danes unable to qualify from their group with no points from their first two matches and therefore, the Danish Football Association relieves Bo Johansson of his job as manager of the country.<P>11th of June 2004<P>Russia prevailed over Eastern European cousins, Bulgaria 3-2 in front of almost 50,000 spectators in Oporto. Lokomotiv’s Dmitry Bulykin gave the Russians the lead on 13 minutes, but Liteks’ Svetoslav Todorov equalised on 35 minutes. Then Vladimir Bestchastnych of Borussia Dortmund scored twice inside seven minutes to close out the first half and Newcastle’s Milen Petkov’s goal in the second half wasn’t enough to close the gap. In the evening, Spain again did it easily against Poland, winning the game 3-0 at Vila do Conde.

retired_lydiadiebolt

12th of June 2004<P>Ireland and Germany do battle in Setúbal and it is the Germans who come up trumps thanks to a last minute penalty earned by Sean Dundee and converted by Stefan Beinlich. Before that, Germany got off to a quick start with Oliver Neuville scoring after 8 minutes, but Arsenal’s Graham Barrett had the Irish on level terms on 35 minutes. But Shay Given was adjudged to have brought down Dundee in injury time at the end of the match, and the Germans took the points.<P>13th of June 2004<P>Juventus’ Matteo Brighi was the match-winner for Italy as his goal was enough to sink a gallant Turkey in front of 42,000 spectators in Lisbon. In the meantime, Finland will be returning home soon as Holland triumphed 4-2 in an exciting match played in Braga. Feyenoord’s Clarence Seedorf put the Dutch on the board after 20 minutes, while PSV’s Mark van Bommel added Holland’s second on 33 minutes. But Atlético Miniero’s Henri Scheweleff scored a penalty when Lurling fouled Kujala inside the box on half-time. However, van Bommel scored his second goal of the game to make the game comfortable for the Dutch. Three minutes later, Dortmund’s Marc Overmars made it 4-1, and Scheweleff’s second goal was merely a consolation for the Finns.<P>Keep smiling!
Dixie Flatline

retired_lydiadiebolt

The Cartagonova saga continues<P>15th of June 2004<P>Portugal concedes a late, late equaliser to drop two points in its match against Denmark. Valencia’s Hugo Leal gave the host nation the lead on 39 minutes, but deep into injury time, Peter Madsen equalised for the Danes who at least go home with a point on the board. Our very own Fernando Couto plays the entire 90 minutes in a good performance in defence. In the other group match, the Ukraine and Georgia played out a 1-1 draw. Shota Arveladse opened the scoring on 25 minutes, but Yuri Dmytrulin of Dinamo Kiev rescued the point for the disappointing Ukrainians, who along with Denmark will depart the tournament on the next flights out of Portugal.<P>In the evening, the Czech Republic ensured they would advance to the next stage with a 1-1 draw against Germany. Gigantic PSG striker, Jan Koller, opened his championship account on 22 minutes, and Sean Dundee’s 70th minute equaliser wasn’t enough for the Germans to overtake the Czechs. In the other group match, Norway claimed top spot from Group 2 with a come-from-behind victory over Ireland. Leeds United’s Alan Cawley scored after 6 minutes in front of 92,300 spectators, but Tore Andre Flo equalised on the stroke of half-time and Christer George scored the winner on 57 minutes. Norway topped the group ahead of the Czech Republic, while the Germans and Irish will return home.<P>Later in the evening, the German Football Association sacks Jupp Heynckes.<P>16th of June 2004<P>In two matches that did not affect the final standings in Group 4, Spain and Holland drew blanks in a 0-0 draw in Braga. Holland did have de Windt sent off after 56 minutes and he will miss the Dutch’s next match. In a match that had no bearing, Poland overcame the early setback of a Finnish goal by Charlton’s Matti Santahuhta to triumph 3-1 thanks to a hat-trick to Nante’s Tomasz Frankowski. Spain and Holland finished one-two in the group.<P>Group 3 is settled in the evening with comfortable 2-0 victories to Italy and Bulgaria over Russia and Turkey respectively. Almost 42,000 fans saw the Italians play it comfortably against a second-best Russia, with goals to Torino’s Vincenzo Sommese and Juventus’ Filippo Inzaghi securing victory and top spot. Bulgaria’s 2-0 victory ensured that the Turks left the competition without a point as almost 50,000 spectators saw Hongta’s Gonzo and F.C. Köln’s Marian Hristov score the winning goals in the second half.<P>The quarter-finals pit Norway versus Portugal, Italy versus Holland, Georgia versus the Czech Republic and Spain versus Russia.<P>More individual awards this evening as:
* Barcelona’s Patrick Kluivert is named European Footballer of the Year;
* Giovane Élber of Bayern München is the South American Footballer of the Year;
* Edwin van der Sar of Juventus is named European Goalkeeper of the Year;
* Barcelona’s Lilian Thuram is the European Defender of the Year;
* Roma’s Francesco Totti wins the European Midfielder of the Year award;
* Patrick Kluivert scoops the European Striker of the Year award;
* Lorenzo Serra Ferrer is the Spanish Manager of the Year;
* Kluivert is the Primera Liga top goalscorer of the season for the fourth season in succession. Cartagonova’s José Manuel Redondo was second, eleven goals behind Kluivert’s total of 36.
* Antonio Prats of Barcelona is the Spanish Goalkeeper of the Year;
* Kluivert is also named the Spanish Player of the Year.

retired_lydiadiebolt

17th of June 2004<P>The Spanish transfer window opens for the new season and Kevin Gibbons walks through my office door to introduce himself. He doesn’t speak a word of Spanish, so I have the part-time language teacher we employ alongside me. The teacher takes the young defensive midfielder under his wing while I listen with a heavy heart to the money being splashed around by my rival clubs – Javier Saviola moves from River Plate to Valencia for £17.75 million and Barcelona purchases Fabio Cannavaro from Parma for £12.75 million.<P>18th of June 2004<P>Alan Stubbs is the latest Englishman to walk through my door this morning. He is only 32, so I’m sure he will be challenging Filipescu and �lvarez for their positions during the season. Hopefully he can get along with O’Neill and Gibbons to ensure that they don’t get homesick.<P>19th of June 2004<P>Euro 2004’s quarter-finals begin this afternoon as Norway and Portugal slug it out in front of 92,000 spectators at Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz. And they will be going home happy as the host country prevailed in a tight contest 1-0 thanks to an 86th minute winner from Nuno Gomes. Cartagonova’s Fernando Couto played well in defence.<P>After watching the exciting match, I am contacted by the agent of Jaén’s young defender Juan Carlos Castro who has agreed terms with my club and wants to finalise his £60,000 transfer from the lower division club to Cartagonova. I apparently beat off competition from Liverpool, amongst other clubs, for his signature.<P>Pre-tournament favourite, Italy crashed out of the competition at the hands of Holland 2-1. The Dutch vice-captain, Ruud van Nistelrooy, opened the scoring on 26 minutes and then Marc Overmars added the second on 40 minutes. Matteo Brighi managed to pull one back on half-time from the penalty spot, but the Dutch defended well in the second half to move into the semi-final stage. Almost 51,000 were in attendance at the Estádio Nacional in Lisbon.<P>As I expected and for the second season in succession, José Manuel Redondo captures the Supporters’ Player of the Year award for 2003/04 at a black-tie gala event hosted by the club and attended by most members of the social club.<P>Italy removes its national manager Luciano Spalletti – who intriguingly doubled as coach at Monza ( [IMG]/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif" alt="eek[/IMG] ) – for failing to move past the quarter-final stage.