[retired_zjx510]

During the summer we will only play on sunday unless other news comes from me. Hope you all understand it.

[retired_zjx510]

NEXT SESSION: Tomorrow (=sunday) 11am till 1.30pm UK time

Don't forget checking the updated website. Cya all tomorrow at 11

[retired_zjx510]

We wish our new member Woo-ky from Ljublijana (Slovenia) lots of luck in the World Clan with his team Sampdoria.

[retired_confal2]

Nice to see the site updated Koz :thup:
Saw you added more info to the profiles -a couple of things; I'm not sure what you mean by 'Manson tactic' but I play a 4-1-2-1-2, short passing, attacking-minded formation, which sometimes shifts to 4-1-3-2 if I need to be more defensive...Also, I noted that you make no mention of the FA Cup I won (think it was 03/04 or 04/05)...All of this purely for the sake of exactitude, of course... :p




Blackburn to make the grade at last?

After establishing themselves firmly amongst the top teams in Europe over the last few seasons, Blackburn Rovers will be hoping to go one further, and conquer the European Premiership title which has so far eluded them. With an essentially unchanged squad, manager Dave Spliff rests much of his hopes on the several talented youngsters coming up through the ranks.

"Last season we had players like Ted Lavie, Mick Jeffrey and Paul Swift break into the first team squad, and play an important role in securing a European place -albeit not the one we had hoped. [Blackburn finished 6th in the 08/09 season, with the team seemingly unable to maintain its consistency during Spliff's prolonged absences, and only managed a disappointing Inter-Toto spot] There are a few others I've been keeping my eye on for a while now, and I expect they will be given opportunities to show what they are capable of this year."

The need to cut the wage bill, as well as generate funds for future transfers, has seen several fringe players leave the squad. Most notably, Isaah Eliakwu, one of the heroes of promotion to the EuroPrem, was sold to First Division hopefuls Sampdoria. Celestine Babayaro and young Swedish goalkeeper Maenpaa were also allowed to leave. Earlier in the summer Stefan Moore and Paul Gallagher had been sold too, due to the plethora of strikers at the club. And so, as we head into the 2009/2010 European Premiership season, Blackburn's team looks like this:


Goalkeepers.

Christian Abbiati (ITA) Christian is currently first-choice, though it is rumoured manager Spliff is attempting to lure Chris Kirkland away from Anfield, in which case Abbiati would presumably be sold.

Florent Chaigneau (FRA) In his mid-twenties, Florent is a competent keeper and has been solid whenever called upon. It is unlikely, however, he will ever become first-choice keeper at Ewood Park.


Right-backs.

Mathias Doumbé (FRA) A regular member of the French first XI, Mathias has been a loyal and able servant on the right of Blackburn's defence for six full seasons, and he never gave Spliff any cause to regret buying him. A rock, and the lad can play, too.

N'Sia (FRA) Has developed into a remarkable defender and is improving every season. Doumbé's designated successor as right-back, he is perfectly capable of playing as a centre-back.


Left-backs.

James McEveley (ENG) Regular in the England side and Rovers through and through, Jamie has occupied the left-back spot from the first day Spliff was at the club. Excellent all-round player, who can also fill the centre-half role.

Patrice Evra (FRA) Versatile, attacking-minded fullback who has served Rovers well since being acquired as cover for McEveley. Has played further up on the left flank on occasion, and even in the holding midfielder's position.


Centre-halves.

Patrick Lüdwig (GER) Classy defender with a sharp footballing mind. Bought at the beginning of last season for an impressive sum, he has yet to prove the extent of his ability at this level. However Spliff firmly believes in him and has made him one of his two first-choice central defenders.

Matteo Melis (ITA) The twenty-year-old sensation, physically very imposing and technically improving all the time, will be the preferred partner for Lüdwig this year, supplanting Djimi Traoré. A player with a long and potentially brilliant career before him.

Djimi Traoré (FRA) Long-standing, emblematic player at the club. Still a very good defender as he enters the last phase of his career. A very consistent performer who has been at the root of much of Blackburn's success over the years.

Martin Taylor (ENG) Talk about 'emblematic'. Martin is the embodiment of Rovers, where he hopes to finish his career. Is said to be one of Spliff's closest aides during training sessions.

Joleon Lescott (ENG) Very competent back-up for central defence, has been at the club a few seasons now and usually gets at least fifteen games a season. Strong in the air, good defensive skills and pace, Joleon isn't the brightest of footballers but he knows his job inside out.


Defensive midfielders.

Ted Lavie (FRA) One of Spliff's shrewdest buys. A year ago, and despite his awesome passing and scoring record with the U-19s, and then the Reserves, it seemed that an impossible task lay ahead of him: to dislodge Sam Dalla Bona from his position as the lynchpin upon which Spliff's tactical set-up rested. But Lavie has taken chances with both hands (or rather, feet) and has displayed maturity beyond his young age. He still needs to improve the defensive aspects of his game, but his passing and vision are superb, and he possesses one of the cleanest, fiercest strikes in today's football.

Samuele Dalla Bona (ITA) A superb all-round midfielder who has run the Rovers midfield for several seasons and eraned immense respect amongst the club faithful. Will figure prominenty this season, despite no longer being first-choice, and he remains essential to Rovers' aspirations.

Félix Dja Ettien (IVO/FRA) Speedy wing-back, resolutely attack-minded and direct in his style of play. Has provided able cover on the right flank the past two seasons. Probably in his last year at the club as younger talents begin to push for a place.


Right midfield/wing.

Thomas Job (CAM/FRA) Archetypal winger who loves to cut inside and run at defences. Had a very good season last year, and hopes to continue in this vein. A real match-winner when he is on form, though he does tend to leave his flank rather exposed at times. Has a quasi-telepathic rapport with Mathias Doumbé, which is an added bonus.


Left midfield/wing.

Nery Alberto Castillo (URU) Last year's Player of the Year for Blackburn fans. Managed to dislodge another firm favourite, Spaniard Pablo Niño, from his place on the left of Rovers' midfield. A very quick player, with good feet and good crossing ability. An old-fashioned winger, one might say.

Pablo Niño (SPA) Once a Betis reject (and where are Betis now?...) this man has earned himself a privileged place in the hearts and minds of Blackburn supporters. For several seasons, his dazzling forays down the left touchline enchanted the Ewood Park faithful, and set the European Premiership alight. Having reached the 30s, Pablo agreed to stay another season as cover for Castillo. He is also likely to feature as the 'free electron' popping up behind the front two, when EstefanÃ*a is injured or being rested.

Central/attacking midfielder.

Oskitz EstefanÃ*a (SPA) 'The Basque Wizard' was one of the first major signings by Spliff during his tenure as Rovers' manager. One of the most skilful and creative players around, he has been invaluable to the club largely due to his exceptional accuracy in dead-ball situations. Many of the top European sides hope to lure him away from Ewood Park, but he has settled remarkably well in Lancashire and has often stated his affection for the club. When he purrs, the team roars...

Note: There is no set cover for this position, but Pablo Niño or youngsters Paul Swift and Mick Jeffrey, or perhaps the even younger David Kelly, are likely to feature in this position.


Forwards.

Nathan Ellington (ENG) First-choice for England since he has been doing the business for Blackburn, Nathan is the epitomy of the modern forward -very strong, very quick, deadly in the box, lethal in the air and capable of leaving opponents for dead. This guy has it all, and has terrorized defences in the Premiership for several seasons now -performances that earned him Player of the Year status a year ago.

Mike Hanke (GER) Signed for a large sum from Schalke at the beginning of last season, Mike has had teething problems at Ewood Park. Homesick and distrustful of his manager for much of the last year, it is hoped he can justify his reputation as a sharp-shooter this season.

Mick Jeffrey (ENG) Still only barely twenty, he has helped rejuvenate Rovers' attack, along with Paul Swift, and has now established himself as a first-team squad member. Powerful, intelligent forward who can also play on the left, or tucked behind the front two. Mick is also good in the air, and is known and respected for his sporting behaviour.

Paul Swift (ENG) An instant hit when he broke into the first team squad last season, Paul is -as his name suggests- very quick and sharp, a player capable of beating defenders and creating his own chances. Still needs to work on the mental side of his game, but his performances will be closely monitored by rival managers and England staff alike. Already a firm favourite with the fans, who have high hopes for the lad.


These will be the principal actors in Blackburn's bid to improve on last season's fortunes, though no doubt several new talents will emerge from the ranks of the Reserves and U-19 squads, where the likes of Ian Lawrence (GK, ENG), David Kelly (ENG, F C) and Filipe Moreira (POR, F R/C) have already attracted attention.

With bookmakers having quoted Rovers at 50/1 for the title, and amidst self-proclaimed pundits' predictions of a mid-table finish, manager Dave Spliff has kept faith in his players:

"Every year it's the same thing. But in a way I'm encouraged by this year's 'predictions'. When we were tipped for relegation, we made the top eight. When we were seen as 'may-just-about-stay-ups', we made the top six two seasons running. And now they see us finishing mid-table, which to me suggests two words: Champions' League. That will be our stated objective from the word go, though our first task is obviusly to qualify for the UEFA Cup."

In our next instalment, we shall review Rovers' Inter-Toto results in the run-up to the start of the 2009-2010 European Premiership season.

[retired_confal2]

Forgot to welcome Woo-ky, glad to have you on board mate :thup:

Also, as I'm sure some of you will have noted, Félix Dja Ettien should feature under 'Right midfield/wing', and not 'Defensive midfielders'. If one of the mods reads this and feels in a generous mood, any chance of editing that for me please? Wish I could do it myself, but...well, you know....bla bla bla eve is so ***** bla bla bla...I'm sure you've heard it all already, and from every possible angle, so I won't go on a rant...

[retired_trisha myette]

Marseille Escape from Relegation after Dismal Season
After a dismal start to the season, partly due to former manager Andy Jones not arranging any friendly matches to prepare the players physically, Marseille fans had only one thing to cheer about: safety from relegation. A poor start to the season undoubtedly had an impact on the players' morale, who never really recovered.
Marseille looked doomed from the start and were last in the league for most of the season. However, right at the end the sheer quality of the team helped the club heave itself onto a mid-table spot, thanks largely to an impressive last few games.
Alexis Manson was far from pleased about this performance and said it was the 'worst season I have had in my career, and I would like to apologise humbly to the fans and the board, but especially the fans, who expected us to win the title. I would like to add that it was my first season at the club after all, and the players had to be given time to fully understand my instructions and their place in the team, which some players despite being world class had trouble in following. We hope we can bounce back and learn from our mistakes, and with a few additions to the team, we should be able to compete for a Champions League place next season.'

Manson's priority was to sign a goalkeeper and and a left back. He has turned to star Agentinian goalkeeper Saja, considered one of the top goalkeepers in the world, and fullback Julio Arca. Saja is still awaiting a work permit but his 70 caps should be more than enough. Manson had been going on and on about the left back position having been neglected by Andy Jones, who otherwise had built a top-notch squad. Central defender Kolo Touré, former Arsenal star, has also signed on a free transfer, while Manson decided to part with ageing Legrottaglie, who was finding it difficult to finish games due to his ever decreasing stamina.
Once touted as the best German up and coming player, Sebastian Deisler joins the club on loan to provide cover in the middle of the field, or on the wing.
Cerci, the young Italian striker, has come back from a prolific loan spell, and has joined the team for the pre-season.He might be sent back on loan as soon as Pazzini recovers from his unlucky injury.
Another relatively 'new' face will be Argentinian starlet Bizzari, who plays in the middle of the park and has a deadly shot which reminds many pundits of Backburn player Ted Lavie. He only played a few games last season and has the tough task of replacing Grisales, who was released on a free transfer.

[retired_zjx510]

Can Atlético de Madrid become the first team that wins the Premiership twice in a row?

After FC Bayern, Udinese, Olympique Marseille and Anderlecht; Club Atlético de Madrid was the fifth different winner of the European Premiership in five years. This shows how hard it is to stay at the highest level in this extremely hard league with so much good teams.

The pre-season started quite bad for Atlético Madrid with two bad displays of their form. Sir Kozakedez told the hard physical training in the weeks of the practice games were a reason for the poor play.
The last week promised lots of goods as the team beat Benfica and Chelsea with 4-0 in two consecutive games. Good form seems to be found just in time for the league kick-off.

Pre-season results:

15.07.2009 Braga (Portugal) vs. Atletico Madrid 0-0
22.07.2009 Atletico B vs. Atletico Madrid 1-2 (goals: Valdés; T.Henry)
27.07.2009 Wisla (2nd div) vs. Atletico Madrid 0-2 (goals: Óskarsson; Toró)
01.08.2009 Atletico Madrid vs. Benfica (1st div) 4-0 (goals: Thompson; Óskarsson; Montolivo; T.Henry)

Charity Shield:

09.08.2009 Atletico Madrid vs. Chelsea (runner-up league & cup) 4-0
The Madrilena team looked fantastic driven. Atlético started with both their big signings Lúcio (Real Madrid) and Javier Mascherano (River).

[b] We will first review the current selection that must give Atlético the second championship in two years:

GOALKEEPER

* Tom Peters (Dutch, 22 caps)
Tom is the 27 year old national keeper of Holland. He will start to his 5th season as starting keeper at Madrid. Improving season after season and was the keeper with most clean sheets last season. He had a major input in the title win. Normally Peters will be the Atlético first goalie for at least 4 years.

* José Reina (Spanish, 5 caps)
Second goalie, who played about 15 games in the past three seasons. Is one of the best keepers of Spain behind Iker Casillas. No doubt this 26 year old is a secure back-up of Tom Peters. Probably just missing the “world class� ability to becomes first keeper at this time at this place

* Third keeper needed
With high talented third keeper Ousager on loan at first division team Sampdoria, we will certain look to get a decent and cheap third keeper before the transfer deadline closes. The past told us two injured keepers can happen fast enough to screw your season.

LEFT BACK DEFENDER

* Andriy Nesmaschniy (Ukrain, 61 caps)
Important player last season. Andriy took the responsibility after he joined us from Udinese and was the second captain behind Thompson. Nesmaschniy is respected in the players group inside and outside the pitch. His quality on this position is because he is an all-rounder with good attacking and defensive qualities. Dortmund offered 15million for him, but the chance is there that we reject that offer. Otherwise he will leave us what will be a big bloke.

* Michael Jakobsen (Danish, former U21 international)
Michael joined us 3 seasons ago from PSV Eindhoven. Came as a young man in a new country and couldn’t break through with the chances he got in first team. Was loaned to Benfica during a part of last season and is promised to get his chance in his last year of his contract. A possible Nesmaschniy leave would give him a starter’s position in the team of the defending champion.

* O’Hare, Ilic, Raven
This are three all-round players that are supposed to be available for transfer, but can eventually back-up on the left defensive role. Also a new signing will be a must if Nesmaschniy really leaves.

CENTRAL DEFENDERS (2 POSITIONS)

* Walter Samuel (Argentinian, 104 caps)
Samuel is known as a world-class defender these days. Joined the team as last seasons’ biggest transfer. Created from a weak defence a very strong powerhouse that played champion especially thanks to this defence. Samuel is almost sure of starting most games if he proves his World-class.

* Simone Padoin (Italian, former U21 international)
Padoin, a former Atalanta player, promised more than he showed yet in his four seasons at Madrid. Last season he just played 14 games (7subs included). He didn’t show a lot and wouldn’t play most of second season half. This season he will get his last chance to breakthrough.

* Lucimar da Silva Ferreira “Lúcio� (Brazilian, 97 caps)
The experienced Brazilian defender came from city rivals Real Madrid on a cheap 250.000,- Pound transfer. Couldn’t make a success at Real after the huge 24million transfer. An new chance for him to play for the championship. With Samuel he brings over 200 caps international experience to the team. Lucio will be made as second captain this season and we expect a lot from him.

* Anthony Vanden Borre (Belgium, 14 U21 caps)
Anthony is a young central defender who came from Anderlecht where he nearly never played for the first team. Both his managers at Anderlecht, Alexis Manson and Nicky Keirsmaekers didn’t give him the confidence he needs. We followed him for long time already and at the moment his contract ran out we were happy to close the deal. Vanden Borre will at least get some playing time in the different cups with the huge competition he has for the league games.

* Franco Montanari (Italian, 17 U21 caps)
Franco has a big talent. Strong defender who already won huge prizes in his small career so far. In 2008 he won the Olympic Games with Italy U23. He played as teams’ captain and was man of the match in the Olympic final against France U23 where he formed an awesome central duo with Matteo Melis from B’burn Rovers. In his first season at Atlético he was chosen as nr.3 Youth player of the year in Premier league. Last season he finished as runner up in this vote, just behind Rungratsamee from Udinese. In the 07/08 season he was also announced in the Premier Select at the age of 19. This guy will always play his games and is a gift for every manager.

RIGHT FULL BACK

* Daniel Alves da Silva “Daniel� (Brazilian, 22 caps)
Daniel joined the team halfway the 07/08 season when we struggled a lot, especially in defence. With his pace he created a fully new playing system for the team. Certainly the first choice on this position now, since captain Fredy William Thompson moved to defensive midfield. Can become part of a South American defensive army at the back of Madrid. :cool:

* Gilberto MartÃ*nez (Costa Rican, 57 caps)
Gilberto joined the team last season on a free transfer from Olympique Marseille. He took a bag full with prizes with him. He already won the Premiership, FA cup, Community Shield and Champions League at Marseille. This man won the league and FA cup at his current club however he didn’t play a lot, as he picked up different injuries. MartÃ*nez can play at the right side but also in central defense. He will certainly get playing time somewhere this season.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS (2 POSITIONS)

* Fredy William Thompson (Guatemalan, 57 caps)
Fredy captained the team to winning the European Premiership, FA Cup and Community Shield. This guy can also play at right or left position in defensive. But now he is 100% tireless midfielder whose dynamic play is important for the team. Ball recuperation and passing are his main qualities. I am proud to have this former Lyon player in my team.

* Johannes Djourou (Swiss, 11 caps)
Djourou joined the team when he was just 18 years old and made it directly to the starting eleven with some classy goals. Last season he started to play more and more egoistic with far too many poor long shots. Johannes is mature now on the age of 22, but must improve his mentality to stay a starter as the competition in the team becomes bigger and bigger. Djourou also seems to be popular with the teenage girls at Madrid. Not that the manager does care about that.

* Javier Mascherano (Argentinian, 1 cap)
Atlético paid their biggest transfer fee this season for this player. Manager Kozakedez was euphorically about landing this Argentinian 25 year old former River Plate player. This guy is what I call a real defensive midfielder. Javier’s main qualities are passing and ball recovery. Just the reason why we play with 2 defensive midfielders most of the time. 10 million Pound was a lot of money but I think he is worth it all. You can see him as the replacement for Stephan Appiah who left us on a free transfer to big team Anderlecht.

* Cees Keizer (Dutch, former U21 international)
Cees joined the team from Ajax Amsterdam two seasons ago. He came both seasons to just over 20 games. Keizer is not a regular starter yet, but this can become his season. Starter Appiah left and he can get his chance if others struggle. Also a selection for the Orange team will be one of his goals. Keizer is also a typically defensive midfielder in the mind of Kozakedez as the key to success for his team. No doubt every team needs this sort of players.

* Cesc Fabregas (Spanish), Ivan Bini (Italian), Olasunkanmi Ajide (Nigerian)
One or two of these big talents are available for loan this season, just like Spanish talent Ruano already did. If the players wont get loaned this year, they might get a few chances to break through in the league cup. If Atlético comes far in all cups they might be needed as stand in for the tired starters in midfield.

LEFT WINGER

* Riccardo Montolivo (Italian, 3 caps)
Italian Riccardo flight in after Rafael van der Vaart moved to rivals Real Madrid for a huge 30m fee. This made it possible for the manager to take Montolivo away under the hands from Lyonnais manager Arsènne Wenger. Montolivo is still the record high transfer from Atlético de Madrid. In his first season he didn’t impress too much. Hopes are there he is adjusted a bit more to the Spanish lifestyle. We expect and hope more dribbles from him in the future. An advantage of Riccardo is that he can also play in the not so strengthened central attacking midfield position

* Christian Fiel (German, 7 caps)
This German winger is a usefull member of the squad. However he didn’t play too much in the past two seasons at Madrid he never moaned. And when he had to play he did it quite decent. Don’t expect too much of him this season. Played in 27 games last season (18 as sub) and this probably will be a bit of the same this year.

* Jorge Pina (Spanish)
One of the few Spanish players that play at Atlético Madrid at the moment. The left wing is the only place he can play. An injury spoiled his pre-season. Might get his playing time. As mid-twenty player we expect some more games from him this season. With good dribbling and crossing qualities he can become a very good winger.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER

* José Valdés (Panamanian, 29 caps)
Manager Kozakedez bought this “unsporting� unknown midfielder for a huge ₤ 8.000.000,-- fee from Osasuna in the summer of 2006. He had to sell fans favourite Fernando Torres first for 10m to Manchester United to get the cash for this player. The press said it was an inexperienced move from the manager, but the last two seasons proved Valdés is the best central midfielder the club has. And it was enough to win the double. This guy looked good last season, and already impressed us all in pre-season. A certain starter for Kozakedez if no strange things appear.

* Rafael Ferreira Francisco “Toró� (Brazilian, former U21 international)
After a poor season full with injuries (he picked up two 3 months injuries) this is his last chance to prove he is good enough for the Premiership. He finished second in the Young Player of the Year award in the season 2006/2007 just behind Issah Eliakwu from Blackburn Rovers. Toró showed some improvements in preseason and chances will arise when the team gets far in different tournaments.

STRIKERS/FORWARDS (2 POSITIONS)

* Orri Freyr Óskarsson (Icelandic, 25 caps)
The Icelandic forward is the attack leader since Kozakedez took him with him from Paris-SG for ₤ 3.000.000,--. His psysical skills makes him one of the most dangerous strikers in the world. He is very important for the team, but now pushing 30. Óskarsson scored 29 goals in 47 games last season, but still isn’t a real killer what he will never be. Normally Orri Freyr will continue playing over 40 games this season combining with assists and goals.

* Tom de Mul (Belgium, former U21 international)
The former Ajax youth player joined the team during last seasons’ winter from European Conference team Club Brugge. It was a big step for the 23-year old Belgian. Manager Kozakedez will show more of his famous lobs (scored 2 in one Cup game last season). Hopes are there, that this guy can become a decent back-up and maybe more. But Óskarsson is a decent rival on his position.

* Miroslav Klose (German, 65 caps)
Miroslav is part of the quite old attack of Atlético (Klose, Oskarsson, Henry). Klose missed 8 months with a slipped disc last season. Before the season he was nominated for sale as his huge contract runs out in summer. But an extremely well played pre-season makes him still a usefull squad member. A choice as starter over French international Thierry Henry is still a possibility. Klose got the confidence in Charrity Shield and took advantage of that with two assists.

* Thierry Henry (French, 104 caps)
Henry proved himself as master of missing chances. Despite that he scored 16 goals in 37 games last season. So again no killer what the team lacks at the moment. At the end of last season he got great form and was an important part in the Cup final. Also Henry is already +30 and also his contract runs out in summer.

* AdaÃ*lson Pereira Coelho “Abudaâ€� (Brazilian), Björn Heller (German)
Both players are free to leave for around 4million. Abuda has no contract but can’t get a work permit in European leagues so stays at Madrid. Both also can be used when its needed.

Expectation from clubs’ management

We expect a tight league between different styles of play. The freewheeling teams like Parma & Blackburn and the more experienced squads from ourselves, Marseille, Manchester United and Anderlecht. FC Bayern is also a team full with stars but I expect some Real Madrid look-a-like things there. We will see and don’t underestimate Chelsea who finished one place under us whole last season.

We hope to strengthen our team the next weeks with a third keeper and a young attacking midfielder. And if Nesmaschniy leaves we might also get one there. We look forward to the season after the 4-0 show against Benfica and Chelsea. We must be ready!

[retired_confal2]

What exactly do you mean by freewheeling?...

And I resent being placed in the same category as Jay :p

Enjoyed that post -nice to actually have the time to read the info on someone else's team. Looks like you could well retain your title; Samuel and Lucio at the heart of the defence...*shivers*

Only wish I'd been around when Real Madrid players were being given away

[retired_zjx510]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by OMDave:

Only wish I'd been around when Real Madrid players were being given away <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Don't think you would ever been able to sign Lucio because his wage was even to high for the champion :cool:, but I offered him a high signing on fee so still costed around 3.5million. And.......if Lucio must choose between Intertoto and Champions League he chooses for ...... :p :p

NEXT SESSION: Sunday at 11am Hope to see a lot of you then.

[retired_zjx510]

Next session: SUNDAY 11am - 1.30/2.00pm UK time.