retired_confal2

Thanks SI and rocheyuk -and aussient, whose post I hadn't responded to earlier.

Diary entry (Source: David Le Spliff's personal diary) - dated from 30th July 2003.

Got back from Belgrade a few hours ago, a bit the worse for wear but otherwise on a real high. The team behaved impeccably throughout the tour, both on and off the pitch, and after the last game I was able to spend a couple of days with some good friends from a few years back, when I was working in Kosovo. The reunion involved unhealthy amounts of slivovica and the local domacija, but you only live once...I hope...

Recruitment is proceeding apace, the final touches being applied to a squad that's been entirely transformed, far more so than I ever thought possible in so short a space of time. I suspect Oncle Bébert's agent friends have been working overtime, yet I've given him my word I wouldn't ask any more questions about it, and besides I'm the last person who should be complaining about the recent influx of quality at the club...

Another important aspect was to replace those coaches whom I knew would never come to terms with working under a twenty-nine-year-old upstart. We need staff who look forward to showing up every morning at La Bocca, and who can communicate their enthusiasm and knowledge to the players. The thing is, everyone at the club can see it's working, and the changes take place on an almost daily basis. All very encouraging, and there's a great atmosphere during the sessions -that guy from France Football (my first nationwide written press interview) even remarked upon it, after he'd spent a couple of afternoons watching our run-outs.

Anyway, the main satisfaction for me is the improvement of my relations with both the players and the coaching staff. Big Mike and Bernadette are a great help, and they've already started telling anyone who'll listen what a great job I'm doing for Cannes. Bless them both...

The first league game is just two days away, when we go to Nîmes, which at least won't be a long drive. I'm not really sure what to expect in terms of the opposition in general in the National, but after the way the team performed during the friendlies, I'm quietly confident that we've got what it takes to challenge for promotion, or even the title. Then again, what would I know?...

And now for the warrior's prize: a large mug of scalding Bewley's Irish Breakfast Tea, a big fat joint of local hydroponic Jack Herrer, and a long hot bath -simultaneously!...Methinks tomorrow's sessions will include much video analysis...

[This message was edited by OMDave on 17 April 2004 at 1:24.]

[This message was edited by OMDave on 17 April 2004 at 1:25.]

[This message was edited by OMDave on 17 April 2004 at 1:26.]

retired_confal2

What I was trying to fit in, before being cut short by the ten-minute editing limit (yes, I'm hopeless......) was that the encouragement received is a great incentive to post regularly, something I've not been very good at so far. All much appreciated :thup:

retired_gopanthers15

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Massilia Victrix - tremble before her, you Geordie muppets<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

:thup:

retired_confal2

Are you a Marseille aficionado too SI, or just an indulgent Geordie?...

Transcript of recording from surveillance equipment (Source: Organized Crime Unit, Criminal Investigations Unit, DAT audio file no. KB/5294-13, recording dated 30th July 2003, 23:17 local time).

Attached note: “No visuals were available to accompany what the mike picked up. Unidentified voices have been numbered, along with possible inferences where appropriate. Conversation recorded at ‘Le Belphégore’ restaurant in downtown Cannes. (Detective Inspector Laurent Giacomelli, OCU)”

Albert ‘Bébert’ Labourdette* : Well, gentlemen; here’s to the success of our venture. Salùd!

Two other voices: Salùd!

(clinking of glasses)

Voice One** : I do not wish to spoil the moment, my friend, but do you not foresee any problems with our competitors? After all, they may well consider that you are trespassing on their territory.

A.L. : That we are trespassing, my friend …It is a little late to be having doubts, and frankly I must say that you are rather spoiling the moment…

Voice Two*** : Please forgive my nephew, Albert –he is too rash for his own good, and he will now speak only when spoken to.

Voice One : Forg…

Voice Two : Not a word!

A.L. : Gentlemen, let us forget this altogether. It would be wise for us not to meet again for some time, but rest assured I will keep you informed of the progress every step of the way. Now, about our competitors, as you call them: let me worry about that side of things. I’ve involved my own nephew in this, just like you do, but I wish I had found some other way. In short, my motivations are very strong in this instance, and I’ve dealt with much more significant threats at times when I wasn’t so motivated –as your uncle here can tell you, son…

Voice Two : That I can, old friend. Those were the days….

A.L. : This is the day! It will take a while for this to take off, but I can guarantee you that when it does, it’ll make the flesh-and-dope market look like a poor excuse for a profit. Besides, I know that with the recent problems you’ve had with the Shiptars**** and the Russkoffs you’re looking to move into something less…hectic. I sympathize with that, and as your friend I want to help you. And it so happens I’ll also be able to help my nephew and myself, though the poor lad is hardly aware of just how much is at stake…

Voice Two : Albert…you know I ask this because I have to, but….can we rely on him if things get a little…well…messy?

A.L. : Thirty years ago, when we were still young and pretty, we stood side to side while our company was torn to shreds in some godforsaken corner of the Laotian jungle, ambushed by those Green Beret ****ers and their nasty little friends, pumped up to the gills with amphetamines and the latest Yank war toys. You saved my life that day.

Voice Two : Many times have we saved each other’s life, over the years.

A.L. : My point exactly. And that’s why I haven’t taken offence –the boy is family, which should be plenty enough reassurance for your bosses. Don’t worry, I understand your position, let’s not mention this again…

Voice Two : It is kind of you to provide me with an honourable way out. You have always been a man of honour, Albert.

A.L. : I like to think so. Incidentally, that’s why I never use your name, my friend. Our porcine friends have a sharp sense of hearing, far more so than one would surmise from their imbecilic appearance….

(laughter)


* : Cf. CIU File No. AL-5937/b97
** : Unidentified male, slight Hispanic accent, probably Latin American, possibly Bolivian or Peruvian.
*** : Same characteristics as 'Voice One'.
**** : From the Albanian word for 'Albanian', 'Sqiptari' (pronouned 'sheep-tahr').


Here ends the Prologue...

retired_gopanthers15

Impressive writing style :thup:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by OMDave:
_Are you a Marseille aficionado too SI, or just an indulgent Geordie?..._
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wouldn't say aficionado, but i do have a huge soft spot for L'OM

retired_confal2

Nice one SI...Quite like Depor myself as over the last decade they often spelt trouble for Fergie's Uglies...I hear Galicia is a great place -fellow Celts and all that... :cool:

Just noticed that in the previous story post I shouldn't have used *s for footnotes, as it's a bit confusing with the 'doctored' words further down...oh well... ... done it again...

Hopefully over the next few days I'll get Chapter One running along -a good start in the league would be nice...Time to play a little solo CM again...

retired_confal2

CHAPTER ONE: STORMY WEATHER.



Player files (Source: David Le Spliff's personal notes, entry dated 1.8.2003)

This is what the team looks like on the eve of our first league game, the core of twenty-two players I'm likely to call upon, ordered by their allocated shirt number.



1. Alexandr Filimonov - GK, 29 yrs old, Russian.

Capped sixteen times for his country, he lost his place at Spartak Moscow in 2001 and was shipped off to another Russian club, Uralan Elista. Joined on a free transfer in the summer. Very eccentric and a little uneasy with high balls, he is an otherwise competent all-round keeper, very explosive and physical. He is the first-choice goalkeeper.


2. Djibril Diawara - D/DM R/C, 28, French.

Formed at Le Havre, he had unsuccessful spells at Monaco and Torino, who released him this year. Joined on a free transfer. Quick, strong and commanding in the air. Lacks tactical sense and skill, but should prove a real asset to the team as an explosive full-back at this level. First-choice right-back.


3. Victor Manuel Torres Mestre - D L, 32, Spanish.

Strong full-back in the twilight of his career. Was unemployed and joined on a free transfer in June. His experience should be very helpful to the younger players, and besides he has played in France before, at Bordeaux during the 1998/99 season.


4. Jean Dika - D C, 24, Cameroonian (holder of Portuguese passport).

Strong and quick, good man-marker and works hard on the pitch. His main weakness as a defender is in coping with aerial threats, and in the long-run I'll probably be looking to replace him. Right now, however, he is an obvious starter despite the fact that he has not played competitive football since his days in the Atletico Madrid reserves four seasons back. He hopes to kickstart his career back into life by starting over at a lower level, and we're happy to give him the opportunity.


5. Jorge Vargas - SW/D C, 27, Chilean.

Capped eight times for Chile. Jorge's arrival on a free transfer was one of the several major surprises that cropped up during our 'recruitment frenzy'. An intelligent player with good defensive awareness and skills, Jorge was released by Reggina after four seasons of loyal services. At 27 he is bound to attract the attention of bigger clubs if the team performs well, and I've already had to reassure him that I wouldn't stand in the way of his career if this turned out to be the case.


6. Suleiman Mohammed - DM C, 19, Nigerian.

Young Nigerian recommended by head scout Jean Varraud. Has great potential but needs to work hard on technique and tactical intelligence. Not a playmaker or creator, but a very bright prospect as the anchor in an otherwise adventurous midfield. He will be starting in that position, despite his young age. One to watch closely.


7. Toledo Robson - AM/F R/C, 21, Brazilian.

By far the most surprising and exciting acquisition we have made. Lazio and Corinthians were on the ranks, but didn't guarantee him first-team football. Chose Cannes against all odds and is bound to set the National alight. It's very unlikely we'll be able to hang on to him very long. Signed from Catanzaro for an initial 400.000 £, financed by the sale of Marsiglia. He will start up front, though in my mind his true position is on the wing. I'm expecting a lot from his partnership with Mutiu.


8. Youssef Moustaïd - AM R/L/C, 26, French.

Formed at Nancy, where he played his entire career before being released. Difficult to understand why, as he has the profile of a very decent attacking midfielder, being sharp, skilful and an excellent dribbler of the ball. Will start on the right side of midfield, and should make a big impression at the club if he maintains his pre-season form.


9. Mutiu Adepoju - F R/C, 32, Nigerian.

Another wise head firmly planted on solid shoulders. Played most of his career in Spain before moving to the lucrative Saudi Arabian league. Had an unsuccessful spell in Turkey last season and was released upon expiry of his contract. Capped 54 times for Nigeria, Mutiu is an intelligent player whose lethal ability in the air and keen eye for goal should serve the club very well.


10. Federico Magallanes - F C, 26, Uruguayan.

A product of mythical Peñarol Montevideo's youth system, he was singled out for greatness but ended up drifting from club to club, never able to impose himself in Europe. Released by Torino at the end of last season, he joined on a free transfer. A pacy attacking midfielder with flair and skill, he will be the team's playmaker and will have license to roam, providing what I hope will be an effective counterpoint to Mohammed's graft and strength in the middle of the park.


11. Gnahoua Zéphirin Zoko - S C, 25, Ivorian.

Formed at ASEC Abidjan, still a little-known figure in French football. Pacy and a decent finisher, he is an excellent set-piece taker and can hold his own in the air most of the time. Needs to show he can bring his game to a higher level and improve his overall ability. Will probably start most games, though this will also be determined by the quality of his performances.



[squad list continues below]

retired_confal2

12. Urby Emanuelson - M C, 17, Dutch.

Deemed surplus at Ajax, where he came up through the ranks, this talented young playmaker needs to work hard on his fitness and on the physical aspects of his game. Should get games both in the reserves and in the first team, where he will provide cover for Magallanes. I'll be monitoring his progress closely all season, as I believe he has the potential to become an excellent player.


13. Laurent Charvet - D R/C, 30, French.

The prodigal son. A member of the 'Zidane generation' at the club, he then plied his trade in the English Premiership and First Division with Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester City. Spent last season warming the Sochaux bench, and was released in the summer. Laurent is delighted to take up this final challenge, as he sees it, with the club he had started out at. His value is most apparent on the training grounds, where he is a great help to the coaching staff. He also provides the team with experienced cover for the centre-back and right-back positions. Will probably be called upon quite a number of times this season.


14. Garba Lawal - AM L/C, 29, Nigerian.

Capped 35 times for his country. Third member of the Nigerian trio who joined the club on free transfers. Initially I thought he would be a definite starter, but given the luck we've had in recruiting quality players, he will be used as cover for the left side of midfield. He has played very little competitive football since leaving Roda JC in 2002.


15. Siramana Dembelé - AM R/C, 26, French.

With Zoko and Padovani he is one of the three initial squad members still in the first-team set-up. Has good pace and decent skills, makes intelligent runs and can cross the ball. Good cover on the right of midfield.


16. Laurent Mohellebi - DM L/C, 19, French (on loan from Monaco).

Formed at Monaco, versatile defensive midfielder with a good left foot and an impressive tactical sense, in a player so young. Will provide good cover for the left-back spot as well as for the anchor role in midfield. We'll be looking to sign him permanently if we can afford to.


17. Bruce Inkango - F C, 19, French.

In the reserves at the moment to gain playing experience. Formed at the club, has a great turn of pace and promising technical ability, as well as the potential to become a very good finisher. Could get a few first-team games under his belt before long, and turn quite a few heads in the process.


18. Ludovic Viltard - F L/C, 19, French.

Surplus at Lorient, signed for 20.000 £. Skilful forward, in the reserve team to get some game time. Head scout Jean Varraud recommended him highly, so I'm very hopeful he'll be a useful member of the squad pretty soon.


19. Michel Gafour - AM L/C, 21, French.

In the reserves to get a regular game. Same profile as Lawal but has less experience and maturity. Reasonable back-up in case we're really hit hard by injuries.


20. Julien Faubert - D R/C, 19, French.

Decent prospect formed at the club. In the reserves for now, but might come to play a part later on as extra cover for the defence. Fit and hard-working, very focused during training.


21. Badr El Kadouri - AM L, 22, Moroccan (on loan from Dinamo Kiev).

Very pomising winger with lightning pace and good skills. A starter on the left of midfield, he should play a big part in providing service to the front two. Could well end up at a much bigger club, and frankly I am unable to comprehend how he fails to command a place at Kiev. The lad is dynamite, and seems to be enjoying himself tremendously since he got here. Obviously he missed the Mediterranean, and he's fitting right in with the other lads so far.


22. Jean-Daniel Padovani - GK, 23, French.

Cover for Filimonov, a decent all-round keeper with no obvious weakness nor outstanding quality. Solid, and should do the job well at this level when he is called upon.



Overall, the quality of this team seems well in excess of the level required to succeed at this level. In any case, most of these players will lose interest rapidly if we are not pushing for honours, and we can ill-afford a hesitant start to the campaign. Still, the mood is confident, and when we travel to Nîmes tomorrow we'll be given a much clearer idea of where we stand in relation to our most dangerous rivals. Don't think I'll be getting much sleep tonight...

Raptor

Congratulations, this is the new Story of the Week :thup:

retired_destiny1124

Congrats OMDave-- very good story going