[retired_jasonkt]

Cardiff's Promotion Hopes dashed

Mike Carnie's Cardiff finished their season in an exciting Fourth place following a fantastic season.

At the tail end of the season, Cardiff were due to play 2nd placed Millwall, and expecting a tough match, Carnie played his best squad. A tough match it was when in the early stages, Millwall scored a beautiful goal. But that was all the effort Millwall woudl show. A clumsy back header left Lee out in the Clear to score, and then their defense was demorilised, leading on to Cardiff routing the title contenders and demolishing them 5-1.

In the end though, it was all down to the playoffs, as 4th played 6th in the Semi-Final. At Ninian Park it was 0-0. Back at wherever Norwich stick their jumpers for goal posts, Norwich took an early lead, and all that cardiff woudl need is a Goal to go through on the away goals rule. Youngster Ben May nearly pulled it off, but the Keeper tipped it over. But it had been a long season for the boys from ninian park. The season had taken its toll and Norwich went on to score 2 more goals before the final whistle. Cardiff will have to play First Division Football next season.....

[retired_dalilatrb]

Wimbledons dream falls apart

Despite being 14 points clear of the third place with 19 game of the season to go Wimbledon fell apart spectacularly and missed out on second place by a single point to JediMonkeys Millwall. On the last day of the season Wimbledon travelled to Norwich a point behind Millwall, who went on to draw there last match. So basically, after getting 19 points from the last 18 games, Wimbledon had to beat Norwich, but only managed a heart renching 2-1 loss.

A 6-1 aggregate win in the play-off semi finals against W.B.A. was a great result, and once again Norwich were between the financial saviour of the premiership, and another season in Division one.

Unfortunately for Wimbledon, it just wasn't there day, and as manager Rob Stone threw everything forward his team collapsed, and lost 4-0.

The end of the season had been a disaster, and Rob Stones plans for the premiership had been ruined, and several deals that were in the pipeline had to be switly removed.

Another season it was in division 1 for the Dons, which Rob Stone has assured fans he will be in charge for.

[retired_sindeydp]

Lions Flying High

After the exploits of January in the cup, the boys at Millwall were flying high, moving thier good form into the league. 3 wins and 3 draws in the next 6 matches (including a 3-1 victory over Bristol City in the FA Cup 5th Round) saw them slowly start to reduce the gap from 3rd to 2nd. It also included a 2-0 victory over then championship contenders Wimbledon, but that result seemed to spell the beginning of the end for thier season, with loss coming after loss, defeat after defeat, Millwall were catching up.

March again was pretty similar to February, 3 wins and 2 draws in the league, meant once more they go undefeated for the month in Division One. It included some thrilling matches the 6-2 thrashing of Playoff hopefuls Norwich, where total ownage was secured. Also the two games at Old Trafford, for once more Millwall were drawn against a premiership big boy for the Quarter of the FA Cup.

Breaking on the counter at the New Den gave Millwall a extremely good chance of stealing something from Man Utd, but it finally ended 1-1. The replay was again a close affair, but only managing to score right at the death wasnt enough for JM's boys, losing on the night 2-1.

Moving on to the final 7 games in the league, Weatherson was on fire, Osbourne was keeping the retiring Wise out of the team, Whelan was excited about moving to Blackburn at the end of the season, so much so, he was outstanding week in week out.

Two losses out of the seven really hurt Millwall's chance of automatic promotion, the complete collapse against Carnie's Cardiff, losing 5-1, was the worst result of the season. But strangely it didnt seem to effect morale in the camp, everyone was on a high, knowing that was a one-off, and full-credit to Cardiff for exploiting it.

And so the season drew to a close, Millwall one point ahead of arch-ex-London rivals Wimbledon, all that was needed was a win and the premiership beckoned for the new season. Luckily they didnt even need that with Rob Stone's side going down 4-0 and sending Millwall to Money heaven. Symbolically Millwall were also playing Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, once the home of Wimbledon, who in Mr Monkey's own words said they had now sold out and moved abroad.

We confronted him about these strange claims:-

Rp: Firstly, congratulations on getting Millwall to the premiership, its quite a achievement.

JM: Yes, yes it is, I like to compare it to when I first learnt to walk, there was waddling at first, and falling over, which did infact hurt my bum, had to hold on to things for balance, lost a few pounds in the process, but soon it all fell into place and running about like a nutter beckoned.

Rp: Well, uh....quite. Moving on, you seem to have formed a special bond with Nottm Forest manager Dez Wilkins, whats the nature of this friendship?

JM: Its quite simple, he let me beat him both times this season when we played, and I let him win the league, give and take, give and take. Also he likes to bake cookies, dont tell him, but they are scrummy.

Rp: What are your plans for the new season? Any new faces?

JM: Well, we have a few transfers planned, Mads Timm, Ryan Garry and Guilherme, should all help bolster our squad for the new season, I'm expecting it to be tough but I know my players have grit and determination to pull it off. Would be delighted with fourth bottom next season.

Rp: I cant be arsed to speak to you anymore, have you any final words to someone.

JM: Nope.

And so he left, closing the door on the way out, very polite.

[retired_christinelrivera]

Celtic are Champions of Scotland again

Celtic have won the SPL convincingly and had a succesfull season overall.Here is the season summed up:

Bank of Scotland premier league
Celtic were top throughout the season despite sticky patches.For four months of the year,they missed Henrik Larsson,but the rest of the strikeforce,and Larsson's deputy Shaun Maloney,made sure he was not missed goals-wise.
Manager Anthony Donnachie built up a 9 point lead at the top with 5 games to go and with the league sewn up,and went to scout for fresh talent for next years assault on the champions league,and left his backroom staff in charge for the 5 games that remained.They managed NOT to win any of the games but Celtic still won the league by 3 points.

UEFA Champions league
Celtic had a very succesful champions league campaign last year,both financially and on the park.They finished top of a group that contained Manchester united and Galatasaray,and made a lot of money for the club through TV money and revenue.They were then drawn against Marseille in the 2nd round and lost 1-0 in the first leg at the Veledrome,but won 3-1 in the second leg at parkhead,progressing with a 3-2 aggregate score.Next up was Abramovich's Chelsea,first leg at the bridge.1-0 was the score,even though Celtic went down to ten men early on,and were forced to revert to a defensive formation.At Parkhead,Celtic won 1-0 with 90 minutes of domination,and it went into extra time.Chelsea dramatically snatched a goal and won on the away goal ruling at the end of time.

CIS insurance cup

Celtic went out in the quarter final stage to second division leaders Morton.Celtic fielded a weakened team but nevertheless,lost the penalty shootout,and deserved to lose,albeit so cruelly.

Tennents Scottish cup

Celtic flew through the rounds,and then met Hibs in the semi-final of the cup.Hibs got the goal against a high-flying Celtic team,and were the deserved winners.Hibs eventually won the cup.

Celtic Fans' player of the year-Alan Thompson

Top Goalscorer-Henrik Larsson-20 goals
Chris Sutton-19 goals
Shaun Maloney-12 goals

Finally,an interview with Celtic manager Anthony Donnachie:


Reporter-Anthony,how do you feel at this moment in time

Anthony-I'm ecstatic.We have won the league and triumphed,in my opinion,in the Champions league.Despite not winning the league cup,or Scottish cup,I feel we have acheived succes over the season.

Reporter-Who do you feel was the best player for you?

Anthony-EVERY player deserves credit,but Stillian Petrov continually scored when others didnt,winning games for us,and was a major success in midfield.Henrik Larsson was also at his best and was our top goalscorer,despite being out for four months.I feel Bobo Balde was sensational at the back,and he will be a key player next year.

Reporter-speaking of next year,what are your aspirations?

Anthony-I hope to get to ,at least,the quarter finals of the Champions league again,and we hope to win the league.The Celtic board have given me a fair budget,but it will have to be much higher next year,or I may look elsewhere for a real crack at the champions league

Reporter-Are you saying you'll leave if you dont get oney?

Anthony-It depends on how good I do with my current squad,and how much money I feel I need next year.It will take,at least,a regular european team,to prise me away anyway.

Reporter-Thank you and I wish you all the best next year

Anthony-Thank you

More updates next season

[retired_footballyears]

Forest Charge to the top
PART TWO

In the last issue we plotted the first few games of Nottingham Forest's rise to the top of the table. We will also see how the side progressed in the FA Cup with the outcome of the City Ground side travelling down to London for the replay against Charlton. There were trips to fellow promotion hopefuls West Brom and league leaders Wimbledon.

10th January 2004
West Brom 1-2 Forest
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Hughes 89 Johnson 27Dobie s/o 49 Rugrat 90Attendance: 27972</pre>
A must win game for both sides, it was very cagey for the first 20 or so minutes, neither side willing to give much away until a routine throw in, just inside the WBA half, Davey Oyen took the throw down the line to Andy Reid, The Forest winger flicked the ball inside, into the path of Andy Johnson. AJ took the ball in his stride and advanced into the penalty area. A low drive at Hoult's near post was parried, but the rebound fell to the Forest striker's feet. He fired home into the far corner. Forest led. The game resumed its cagey to-ing and fro-ing. Again neither side wanting to give much away. The last ten minutes of the game saw WBA adopt a 'now or never' approach as they went forward in search of an equaliser. The home side, down to ten men as a result of his 49th minute push on Andy Reid, pushed forward. A long punted kick from Hould was flicked on by Jason Koumas, into the path of Lee Hughes. Hughes slotted home at the 2nd attempt. It was 1-1. That might have been a fair way for the game to end, but the cisitors had differet ideas. They surged down the other end, winning a corner. In the ensuing confusion in the box the ball dropped to Rugrat who managed to turn and and get a shot away that found the back of the net with virtually the last kick of the game. The teenaged sensation had scored his first league goal of the season and Forest took all three points that afternoon.

14th January 2004
Charlton 2-0 Forest FA Cup 3rd round replay
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Lisbie 7, pen 65Attendance: 26157</pre>
Charlton proved to be too strong for the Nationwide outfit. The two goals from Charlton's Kevin Lisbie signified the difference on the day. Forest manager Wilkins spoke of how his side froze on the premiership side's ground. He congratulated Charlton on a very disciplined performance that had ensured they were worthy winners. The big adventure was over almost as soon as it had began for the Reds.

17th January 2004
Forest 4- 0 Norwich
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Harewood 2Invincible 25, 36Bopp pen 90Attendance: 30089</pre>
Forest bounced back to winning ways after the FA cup disappointment. Avenging the 2-0 defeat at Carrow Road early in the season. Right from the off Norwich werre over run and goals in the first half killed off any resistance the East Anglia side may have put up.

21st January 2004
Forest 2-1 Crewe
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Johnson 2, 57 Lunt 50Invincinble 10Attendance: 16326</pre>
With Marlon Harewood sidelined it fell to Danny Invincible to partner DJ up front. The Australian-Jamaican partnership was too much for a crewe side lacking the strength to cope at the back. Another convincing result was witnessed by a lower than average City Ground crowd in this midweek fixture.

28th January 2004
Burnley 0-1 Forest
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Invincible 13Attendance: 11247</pre>
It was expected that that Burnley would suffer yet another defeat, in a league campaign that has gone from bad to worse for the lancashire side, when Forest came to town. Invincible carried on his spell in the first team with yet another goal. Heading home at the near post from an Oliveira corner. Burnley had the best of the chances in the remainder of the game, but luck, like much of the rest of the season, deserted them. Forest were lucky to come away with the three points, but thats what its all about, isn't it? Digging out results when the game isn't going your way.

31st January 2004
Forest 2-0 Reading
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Johnson 31 Gardner 49 Attendance: 21912</pre>
Newly appointed Reading manager, Neil Warnock had a tough game for his 2nd match in charge. Travelling to highflying Nottm Forest. They were dispatched effectively by a side that don't seem to put a foot wrong of late. David Johnson on target again in the 1st half. A rebound from a Johnson shot fell kindly to Ross Gardner in the 2nd half and it was 2-0. The tie was affectively over

7th February 2004
Cardiff 0-0 Forest
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Attendance 20578</pre>
Cardiff manager Mike Carnie talked the talk before the match and all though they put up a sterling defensive display, they did little to convince us here at Forest Focus that they could be considered real title contenders. They defended well, but for many it was just a matter of time before the chance count would take its toll on the Ninian Park side, this didn't happen, despite numerous openings for the cisitors. The points were shared.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Wed, 18.2.2004 | 19:30 | H | Rotherham | First Division | | 2 : 1 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sat, 21.2.2004 | 15:00 | A | Crystal Palace | First Division | | 1 : 1 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>
25th February 2004
Forest 1-0 Wimbledon
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Invincible 14Attendance 22764</pre>
The top two met in what could be a crucial game, level on points at the start of the evening. All eyes were on the City Ground. The match had been rearranged from the 14th of Feb due to Wimbledon's participation in the FA Cup 5th round. A small turn out witnessed a close game with few real chances. Forest always looked in control from the off. On 14 minutes, a poor goal kick from the Don's keeper put the visitors in trouble when the defence failed to tidy up. The ball was played short back to the keeper, but before Heald could clear the Chorley back pass, Danny Invincible chased in between the defender and keeper and slotted the ball home. Other than that moment the tie was mainly fought out in midfield, few real chances were created. And so, as the final whistle blew, The points were in the bag, Forest were top of the table by 3 clear points.

28th February 2004
Sheffield Utd 0-1 Forest
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Mowéné inj 24 Johnson 35 Johnson m/pen 16Attendance 16195</pre>
Ziggy Zigson's Sheffield side went into this game on the back of some mixed results. The week before they had triumphed against then league leaders, Wimbledon, but only a couple of games before that had seen themselves throw points away against relegation contenders, Burnley. David johnson's saved penalty on the quarter hour might have given hope to the Bramall Lane outfit, thankfully they couldn't capitalise on the oppertunity to take control of the game. While The Reds goal was somewhat fortuitous, it was yet another sign that we were watching potential champions at work. Michael Stewart hit a low, long range effort at the Blades goal. it deflected off a defender on its way to goal, this directed the ball away from the keeper and onto the post. DJ as always, was in the right place at the right time to tap the ball home from two yards. The sides were evenly matched throughout the remainder of the game, but Our Nottingham side seemed to have that little extra needed to stave off any of United's attacks.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sat, 6.3.2004 | 15:00 | H | Bradford City | First Division | | 1 : 0 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Wed, 10.3.2004 | 19:30 | H | Preston | First Division | | 0 : 0 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sat, 13.3.2004 | 15:00 | A | Gillingham | First Division | | 3 : 0 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sat, 20.3.2004 | 15:00 | H | Coventry | First Division | | 0 : 1 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Wed, 31.3.2004 | 19:30 | A | Ipswich | First Division | | 1 : 1 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sat, 3.4.2004 | 15:00 | H | Watford | First Division | | 1 : 0 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sat, 10.4.2004 | 15:00 | A | Walsall | First Division | | 0 : 0 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>
18th April 2004
Forest 1-2 Millwall
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Stewart 29 Weatherson 9 Sweeney 31Attendance 27304</pre>
Having seen the unbeaten run come to an end 3 weeks before they met Millwall for the second time this season, Forest faithfull were unable to look at this game as revenge over the last side to beat them, instead they were just looking at as revenge. A closely contested game that meant a great deal toboth sides, For Forest it was to help them edge their way closer to the dream of the league championship, it was a similar story for Millwall too. Having leap-frogged the flailing Wimbledon, they now held 2nd, also an automatic promotion spot, 9 points behind us. A win would put then just 2 wins behind The Reds going into the final 4 games. And a win was what they got. Edging in front from a near post weatherson header in the 8th minute. 20 minutes later and Michael Stewart speculative effort was deflected, sending the Millwall keeper the wrong way. The keeper could only stand and stare, stranded as the ball trickled over the line. The deflection had taken all the power off the shot, so much so that it only just managed to keep momentum and cross the lime. Millwall heads didn't go down and were back infront two minutes later. Gareth Sweeney pouncing on a fumbled ball by keeper Stekelenberg, who being slow to recover, allowed Sweeney the easy chance to fire home. This was a game full of chances, totally different to when the two sides first met, back in December. No more goals were scored though, so once again the side form South-East London took all 3 points. The title race wasn't over yet.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Wed, 21.4.2004 | 19:30 | A | Wigan | First Division | | 4 : 2 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sat, 24.4.2004 | 15:00 | H | Sunderland | First Division | | 2 : 2 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sat, 1.5.2004 | 15:00 | A | Derby | First Division | | 3 : 0 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sun, 9.5.2004 | 15:00 | H | West Ham | First Division | | 1 : 5 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

Championes.... Championes....

Thats right, while others around were loosing their heads, Wilkins and our troops in Red kept their's. The Red army was heading into the premiership once again. Just like 1998 we are going back to the big time as Division One Champions. Despite a late surge from Millwall, we ran out winners by 8 clear points. "We owe a lot to our travelling support" boasted Wilkins. And indeed our fans have been fantastic, all must have played a big part in helping Forest away from home. At the City Ground the results had bee respectabley good. Away from home though, Forest only lost twice and in Wilkins' eyes it is this that has helped them win the league. "We knew we would be hard to beat at home, which we were. We may have lost five times there, but fourteen wins meant we weren't giving many teams points to take on their trip home". Away from home was even better, "Yes indeed. On our travels we only failed to take something from the game twice, once was early on in the season, Away to Norwich City and the other was in December away to Millwall.". When asked about fellow automatic promotion place Millwall, Wilkins had this to say, "Ah yes, the Cheeky Monkey... Yes, he has installed a work horse ethic into his er... work-horse like side, Only team to take maximum 6 points from us this season. He's got himself and his side promoted through sheer determination and I believe he has already started adding new faces to the side in preparation for the Premiership campaign. I wish him all the best, but... and this is a big but. I cincerely hope the allegations that have been flying around about hime are untrue. I'm as baffled as the next man as to how he managed it, but if the Home Office don't object well, we can't really do anything about it, can we?" He was of course talking about the imminaent arrival of Brazilian Guilherme at the New Den. The 30 year old has only been capped 7 times by his national side, and under the footballing laws for Non-EU sides is not normally considered enough to be entitled to a work permit, something that has raised a few eye-brows around the country. "30 years old and capped 7 times?? Not really falling into the 'player of exceptional talent' category, if you ask me. But. hey, I'm not part of the commitee that hands out Work permitts so I can only guess at went on at the hearing."

When asked about any new faces arriving at The City Ground, the gaffer was cagey. "Well you all know Richie Partridge has joined the ranks already this summer. This will give Andy (Andy Reid) something to think about. He had no competition for his position last season. Now in the top flight I feel the squad certainly needed bolstering in that department.". Will he be dipping into the transfer market any further? Over to Wilkins for and heads up about future signings. "Well Michael (Michael Stewart) has gone back to Manchester so we are definitely short in that area at the moment, also with the big man (Moarten Stekelenberg) returning to Ajax after his loan spell last season, we need t olook at bringing in a defensive minded midfielder and possibly another Goalkeeper, there's plenty of time till the season starts for us to look at these areas. It possibly won't be permanant deals, more likely loaning someone in on similar terms to last season," Wilkins was reluctant to name names although he did hint that some deals were already on the tables.

All eyes in Nottingham are on the coming season, Can Forest stay up? Will the Premiership be too much for them? Or Can they go on to achieve bigger and better things in the coming season's????? As always your favourite Forest Focus will be no more than a step behind, bringing you all the news at and when it happens.

COME ONE THE REDS

[retired_swanman1988]

Watford down but proud

Despite battling to the very end, Watford have been relegated from Division 1. There fate was confirmed after an own goal meant there was a defeat in there last game of the season against already relegated Gillingham.
They have already begun to prepare for division 2 by putting up Marcus Gayle on the transfer list for financial reasons. It was reported that Danny Webber would also be on his way, but he has signed a new contract with the club and has reportedly taken a large decrease in his wages. Fans hope that many players follow suit as the club battles against administration. Magenger Rich has told repoerters that "He does not intend to sell his best players", however he added that "Every player has their price".

Fans were unsure about there managers future but he has confirmed that he won't be going anywhere and has vowed to get Watford "Back where they belong". Altough he has confirmed that he does not have the funds to bring any new players to the club.

[retired_cprincess221]

Roll out the barrels....

Journalists gathered at the Boleyn Ground as West Ham United unveiled Matthew Kingston as there new manager. At the press conference Kingston expressed his desire to return the club to the top flight but his immediate concern would be addressing the huge wage bill.

Fans outside the ground indicated they were pleased a local(ish) lad had been appointed but more than a few questioned the decision to bring in someone with so little experience. Time as always will tell.

[Random_Student]

Preston NE - the season review and the future

The season started very badly. Couple of stupid losses in the league and out of the Carling cup in the first round. No money to spend, no quick fix for the relegation battle. PNE made one good move and they loaned Chris Bart-Williams from Charlton. He was the backbone of the midfield for the rest of the season. The acquisition of Bart-Williams and Ricardo Fullers coming back from the injury list were the turning points of the season. Fuller played well together with Richard Creswell in the attack. Preston strengthened the defense by bringing Matthew Killgallon from Leeds. “Killy” and Chris Lucketti were unpassable in the latter part of the season. With out the fumble early in the season Preston would have challenged the play-off spot. The season was capped by a great run in the FA Cup. Bolton, Charlton and Tottenham had no answer to Preston. Manure was too good in the final, but Preston secured a place in the Uefa Cup for the following season.

What will the future bring for PNE? The aim is to achieve promotion of course. European competition is a big plus but the nationwide will come first. Preston needs couple of new players because in the last season the team wasn’t wide enough and injuries really hurt the team. Defense and midfield are the key points were re-enforcements are needed. It’s going to be a busy summer ahead.

[retired_staples]

WBA do we have what it takes to challenge for the title...

The squad looks ok, only 1 player is "missing"; Neil Clement the left back, sold to Blackburn for 600k. That leave me very short on the left side, so i need to bring in a LB and DML before the new season, but loan deals should solve those problems. Finances are ok at the moment but i am well above my wage limit, so i might offload a couple of the high earners, to avoid red numbers in the future.
Looking forward to my 1st season, but i am not to confident with the bord expectations; challenge for the title is a though 1 with so many good managers around.

[retired_zamzam]

Burnley survive the drop

Burnley have managed to finish narrowly above the relegation zone in Division 1, and they lived to fight another day after finishing 21st, and two points above the danger zone.

Burnley ended the season on a fairly good note, with Millwall loan signing Serge Makofo proving a key part of Burnley's survival in the second half of the season. That loan deal was ended at the end of the season, but it is expected that the Clarets will attempt to loan Makofo for the 2004/05 season as well.

Now that midfielder Luke Chadwick's loan deal has also ended, Burnley may need a new midfielder on a temporary or permament basis before the season starts, and manager Joe Finnigan has confirmed that he will attempt to sign a couple of players in the pre-season period even though his club has no money available for him to use.