[samsimmons]

The Crewes preseason

As the new manager of the Crewe, the first think i noticed in preseaon is the lack of talent. besides Ashton and Lunt, all i had were promising youngsters and some decent vets. My preference is to sign bosmans and tranfers player capable of playing in 1 division higher than the one im in. unfortunatly all i could muster was a goalie. there are some young foriegn talent im looking to plunder, but it seems my 1 million transfer budget wont be enough. the board and fans want me to battle to stay in the 1st division, but i have a feeling i will be comfortable safe from that.

After the initial downer i had from looking at my squad for the first time, i thought watching the cheerleaders practice would liven me up. to my shock and horror i learnt that Crewe doesnt have and cheerleaders. i mean what are the drunken fans going to watch durring the games we get killed in?!

I tried to loan a few players, but they all wanted nothing to do with the crewe. there are still a few thinking it over, but im not holding my breath hoping for them to join my squad. the first game of the season vs Burnly turned out to be quiet a suprise for me as we creamed burnly 5-0! now i have to figure out how it happened so we might do it again.

What i need is a good AMC, or a MR and have Lunt play whichever position i dont fill. Cochran did play a good first game at MC with 2 goals and 3 assist ( 10 rating) but hes still isnt good enough to be my everyday AMC. as for my defence, its hard to tell cause half were out with injuries in the first game, none of them seem bad, but any replacements are a priority this coming bosman season. Now comes the strikers. i have Dean Ashton and 5 bums. Ashton is a good Div 1 striker, but it is obvious that i need help here badly.

To summerize, i need team speed. its the halmark of my teams, always has been, always will be. and my current squad is marginal at best. must find a loaner AMC and striker or this will be a long and painfull season made worse without and cheerleaders to watch during games.

[retired_sindeydp]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I joined the online game after about 12 games where already played. First
I had to choose a club, not that many where available at this stage of the
game and most of them in the lower part of the table. But that was what
I expected anyway.

I choose Ipswich because this is one of the few English clubs I never managed
in my over 10 years of expierence with CM. And I didnt no anything about
this town, but now as I lived several month here, I am proud to say: I'm
from Switzerland, and I survived. You know anything about Ipswich? Like
that:

IPSWICH is in the heart of East Anglia and the heart of Europe. It is
the regional centre for business, shopping, sport and entertainment. Ipswich
is home to IP-City and is one pole of the Cambridge/Ipswich Hi-Tech Corridor.
It is proud of its 800-year Royal Charter and its long maritime tradition
and also possesses a magnificent heritage and fine parks.

Okay, thats from their website, but we do not want to know about the Hi-Tech
Corridor in the heart of Europe (strange position for a heart anyway...),
all we care is Ipswich Town.

http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk

but thats the reality, and we are talking about a game, which is way more
important, than Elton John playing in a football stadium.

I took over Ipwsich as manager as it was clear, this team has just one goal:
to avoid relegation. I found an interesting mix between some youngsters
(who didnt play first team) and some old farts, who playing all the time,
even if their stats would suggest to move them to a retirement home for
footballers and Elton Johns.

Normally I do a lot of research when I come in charge of a new club. Means:
Reading stats, stats, stats and making some conclusion. But there is no
time when you play together with some youngsters with no patience and I
am the old fart who thinks he is to old to rock'n'roll but too young to
Elton John. So I designed a tactic and played the first 3 games, very defensivly.
I lost 0-1 two times and got an 0-0 as the best result. And I had a red
card in every game. Therefore I named a old bottle Marc Vaughan and throw
and old football against it and smiled. But it took not that long for the
new patch and since than I had'nt any red cards again, so I can gathering
old bottles for the next release of the game.

I tried to make some transfers, but as everyone could imagine, all the good
players were already bought, so I got some young players like Dougie Ramsay
and Christian Fox and some olds like Robbie Winters. The best transfer I
did was Mikele Leigertwood from Wimbledon, a promising defender. Also very
important was the loan in Jonathan Blondel from Tottenham and Clyton Zane
from Antwerp.

I played a custom made 4-4-2 in a defensive and an attacking way and as
the game goes further I could become shure that I can compete with the teams
in the bottom part of the table, but not with the big shots.

I missed two sessions and in this two sessions Ipswich dropped to the 22th
place. And not that many games to play. But in the last 10 games I managed
a 4 win, 2 draw, 4 loose record and this was enough for becoming 20th.


I decided to stay with Ipswich, as they are satisfied with my managerial
performance, but I am sure they want a saved mid table place in the next
season. I hope some of my young players will become valuable members of
the first team. I hope also that Bosman transfer Taribo West will be a rock
in my defense and Leigertwood will stay, even if some newly promoted Premiership
clubs have already throw an eye on him. (ever seen a one-eye monkey, by
the way?)

I am looking forward into the new season, this online game rocks and I think
my Ipswich squad has enough potential to become a surprising team next
season. If not - there will be other teams, begging to become managed by
a Swiss, for sure. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[retired_footballyears]

As the last people filtered through the turnstiles on their way home, it was slowly sinking in. It was all over. 2003/04 season had come to an end. We had witnessed winners and we had witnessed loosers. Everyone had a story to tell. Some had a story of triumph and others, misery or heartache over what might have been. Everyone knew their place. They were firmly placed in the pecking order for the new season. A new season which I might add that was only just around the corner. So, how did it end? Who were these winners and loosers you ask?

How did our galant troopers fare? Well It has to be said, it was a mixed bag of fortune and blunder for the clan they call GQCM Online.

English Nationwide Division One

Bank Of Scotland Scottish Premier Division

Mixed Fortunes all round. From the subline, worthy of a proverbial pat on the back, to the shocking, head in hands moments.

Of course this is only the first chapter in a tale yet to have its story told, even with the ink still drying on the page before everyone knew it was time to move on. and onwards was where this merry band would go.

From its early beginnings to its present state its not always been a smoothe ride for thise lucky enough to be amoungst the select few. Indeed right from the off there were issues, issues which threatened the future of the clan. Yet we made it to June never the less. All geared up to do it all again.

So who are the faces that lined up Tuesday 10th Fevruary 2004for season 2 preparation?.

Dez Wilkins (aka DezMW)
Clan host and co-organiser. Currently managing Nottingham Forest. Wilkins led his Forest side to the First Division title, despite stiff opposition. Shrewd in the transfer market, never too keen to give any secrets away. He will have to proove last season wasn't a fluke and that he really can cut it with the big boys in the Premiership this season, otherwise egg will be on his face.

JediMonkey
Co-organiser of the Clan and currently in charge of Millwall. final position last season: 2nd. Clinched the other automatic promotion spot, but only after a nail biting last day of the season when lady luck shone and results went his way. With an eye for a bargain and wheeling and dealing skills 2nd to none, he has made several new signings that should stand him in good shape for the assault on the Premiership this season.

Jonathan Bentley (aka jonoJB)
Currently manager of Norwich. Relying heavily on his assistant manager for much of the season who knows what the season may have been like if he'd taken a more hands-on role in proceedings as as early signs were that the Cannaries would be a force to be reckoned with. Taking the risky route through the playoffs it paid off for Jono who finds himself the 3rd promoted side and in the Premiership too.

Rob Stone (aka RedRob)
Current manager of Wimbledon. Early season pace setter who swept all before him. That was until the turn of the year when it all fell to pieces. Faced with watching his best stars being taken from under his nose as administration took its toll. Their fall from grace was dramatic. 10 point leader at one point this gap was soon reduced and overtaken, then started to disappear into the disstance. A playoff finalist and Semi finalist in the FA Cup not enough for a team banking on promotion for salvation. Hopefully the new season will bring more cheer to Milton Keynes. Rob remains optimistic.

Mike Carnie (aka Chilliconcarnie)
Cardiff City Boss. Spent much of the season in the top half of the table, not threatening to break into the leader pack though. A terrific last third of the season changed all that and Cardiff, under Carnie's stewardship climbed into the playoff positions. The dream for promotion was cut short in the play off semi's however. loosing out to eventual winners, Norwich. Inactivity in the transfer market has prooved a slight concern. If City are to go one better in the coming season they may have to add to their squad more than the 2 loan signings brought in so far.

Ossi Saarinen (aka No TV for Me)
Home for this Fin, Preston North End. Current successes have not been in the league. Instead PNE found their home in the prestigious FA cup. Going all the way to the final. An accolade that has rewarded Saarinen with a place in the coming season's UEFA cup. Sadly they will be competing in Europe from the realms of the first division. Finishing an average 10th place the Fin was left wondering how he could recreate his sides cup form in the league. Extra cash from the European competition may help Preston build into a side that can push for promotion, so this season they could turn out to be someone to watch.

John Cropper (aka "Ziggy" Zigson)
Currently residing in the Red half of Sheffield. Joining the Blades midway through the season as replacement for the retired Franco Cataldo. Ziggy was unable to improve greatly on his predecessors achievements. Instead cementing their place in lower mid table. Zigson has quickly gained himself a rep of being somewhat of the Cheque book manager mould. Numerous incoming and outcoming deals have been struck in the close season and Sheffield United's team has changed drastically. For the better? for his sake, lets hope so.

KUBI
Ipswich manager and resident MAC user in the clan. His arrival in the clan was delayed for this reason. The season never seemed to take off for the Tractor Boys. able to mix it with some of the title contenders but also seen to struggle against the lesser teams. As a result their safety in the division wasn't confirmed until the last day of the season. Things look a bit brighter for Town and their Swiss manager for the coming season. A repeat performance will not be tolerated by manager or board I am sure you will agree.

Joe Finnigan (aka Who????)
Youngest manager in the Clan and faced with the task of keeping Burnley up. That was achieved but only by the skin of their teeth. Spending much of the season in the bottom three can't have been fun, but the reward for salvaging first division status for another year must have been all the more sweeter for this very same reason.

Rich Stevens II (aka Low_flying_Seagull)
Watford boss and first clan member to face the +1 humiliation after being given his cards earlier in the season by an unimpressed WBA chairman. Charged with turning fortunes around at Watford was not going to be an easy task, a task that was just out of reach from Rich's grasp. As a result of finishing 3rd from bottom, Watford find themselves starting the new season in the Second Division. Hopefully they will bounce back in this rebuilding period.

Anthony Dnachie (aka Stan Petrov)
Celtic through and through. Currently the only clan member residing in the SPL due to the demise of his fellow country based coaches due to one reason or another. SPL winners and focusing on improving fortunes on an impressive CL quarter final placing last season. Despite encouragment he is not tempted to join the ranks in England just yet. Maybe one day, if the right opportunity comes along, but till then he remains alone north of the boarder.


So we have met the existing managers and learnt of their ups and downs in the season just completed. But what of the future??? Well GQCM Online is pleased to announce that the new season also beckons in some new faces. These newly enroled clan members will hopefully bring a fresh approach to the clan as well as boost the competition between the co-conspiritors. Not much is known about these recent additions to the clan yet, but all seem to have settled in well and compliment the existing members personalities well so far. Here they are:-

specialk - West Ham
bulletsponge - Crewe Alexandra
Jan_Sorensan - W.B.A
ChaosCommand - Bradford City
Shaun_Kelly - Sunderland

Still unproven, but hell, everyone was once. Early signs are promising. These newcomers are adding, to the already multinational make-up of the clan, a Dane and 2 Americans to a collection that already contains a Swiss and a Fin as well as a Scot and several customary Englishmen. A truely Global clan that is embarking on season 04/05 in the coming weeks.

All that remains to be said is LET BATTLE COMMENCE.

[retired_pissykrise]

End of Season Report - Sheffield United

The Blades season was realistically over long before the final day, and no one was suprised to see them finish exactly where they had spend most of the campaign - 16th.

Unable to put together a sequence of results, pundits and rival managers have been largely unimpressed by Zigson's early tenure at Bramall Lane. A narrow win at the Priestfield, a daylight robbery at Portman Road including two red cards, a win, a loss, a win,a loss.

"It's football" Zigson grumbled into his thermos mug of Bovril. "One minute your down, the next you're up". Philosophical musings such as these have failed to endear him to the Sheffield United faithful, and expectations for the new season are fittingly low.

"We just want to see t'boss build the squad a bit, get some young 'uns in" said one rotund supporter. "We won't win owt".

[retired_pissykrise]

Preseason Build Up - Sheffield United

Against a backdrop of relegation worries, financial hardship, and a team built by football's answer to Erich von Falkenhayn, it's not been an enjoyable Summer.

All the more surprising, then, that United have stormed through their friendlies, rebuilt the squad with a host of well known players, and secured the club's financial future.

New faces at the club include ex-England internationals David Seaman and Chris Powell, Moroccan legend and world class midfielder Mustapha Hadji, England u21 Simon Johnson, Italy u21 Valerio Di Cesare, and two of the fastest English forwards of recent times, Darren Huckerby and Julian Joachim.
Other new faces include Mike Flynn, Tavlaridis, Paul Gerrard and Seb Svard.
"I feel like I've bought a job lot from a car boot sale. I don't recognise half of 'em, but I'm sure I saw a few good ones in there" drunged Ziggy Zigson, the club's anti-hero manager.
With no money spent at all, Zigson has started to show signs of producing a football team. What is more, the thread of administration has been assuaged by the exit of Michael Tonge for £1.6m to Man City.
"I didn't know anything about that. I got back from holiday to find him gone. I was gutted at first, but when the cheque cleared, we all went and had a good game of darts".
With their first win of the season, a 1-0 home defeat of Wimbledon things are finally starting to fall into place. The manner of the victory can be questioned, but with just 10 players for most of the game, there is some cause for optimism.
"I wouldn't know about that" said the club's diapasonically monikered Chairman, Derek Dooley. "Where there's muck there's brass".

[retired_staples]

WBA - new manager impresses in the league

The start of my 1div campaign and quest for the title couldnt have had a better start.

WBA-Biringham 2-0
A great win against a strong team and local/division rivals, fully deserved and the fans must have loved it. Goals from Koumas and Sean Gregan.

WBA-Crystal Palace 1-0
A narrow win, that should have been bigger, but 3 points it what counts. Goal from Burgess. Koumas missed 3 clear runs at goal, but the manager decided to give him another chance in the next match.

Sheffield Wednesday - WBA 0-7
Confident performance and well deserved win.
Goals from Koumas 2, Dobie 1, Burgess 2, Roberts 1 and og 1. Koumas showed that he can still find the net, and that he should be first choice for that ACM position.

Wimbledon - WBA 0-2
A strange match were both AI managers went on holiday just before the match, i made i back to the stadium though to watch 2 brilliant goals from Dobie, and my assitent did well in my absence.

So 4 wins out of 4 and 0 goals against, George Graham would have been proud, the many strong defensive players in my squad shows their value to the team. Unfortunately other of the human managers have made good start to the season aswell, so i am only 3rd in spite my 100% record.

The league cup though were a huge dissapointment, fielding some reserves wasnt a good decision, and i was punished. Bristol C - WBA 2-1.

Left back is sorted now as i bought in a loan player to cover for that position. Although interest is being shown from the premiership in my 1st choice left back Robinson, i might have to sell, leaving my squad short in that position.

The issue on the transfer market is still a target striker, Elliot now with Preston is the main target, but negotiations are though, so i might have to look elsewhere.

Fans are still not to confident with their new inexperienced manager, but i hope i can gain their trust in the future.

[retired_knineman]

Start of Season Report – Sunderland AFC

Transfers In

Sam Parkin – Swindon – £250k
Danny Pugh - Free
Matthew Williams - Free
Rami Shaaban - Free
David Jones - Free
Éderson – RS Futebol – £40k

Transfers Out

Michael Reddy – Free
Marcus Stewart – Wigan – £14k
Gerard Rowe – Free
George McCartney – Man City – £1.2m
Michael Ingham – Wimbledon – £0

Saturday 14th August 2004

Q.P.R. 0-4 Sunderland – Nationwide Division 1

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> McCartney 2 Parkin 8 Piper 12 Éderson 90</pre>

First game of the season, and the Black Cats got off to a real flyer. George McCartney opened the deadlock with a well placed 2nd minute free kick from the edge of the box that went hurtling past Rangers’ ‘keeper Colin Stewart. Five minutes later, Julio Arca played a tremendous pass down the left wing for Michael Proctor to get on the end of. Proctor then turned Denis Irwin and slotted a through ball into the centre for new striker Sam Parkin to score on his debut. In the 10th minute Julio Arca again played a long ball down the left wing for Danny Pugh to swing in what seemed a miss-hit cross, but when Clarke Carlisle’s attempts to clear failed, Matthew Piper was on hand to unleash a vicious shot on goal which Stewart was never going to reach. After only Eleven minutes, Sunderland had the match in the bag and could take their foot off the pedal for the remainder. In the dying minutes of the game, Colin Healy lofted a through ball to Piper, who nodded it down to Éderson, who in turn managed to get off a shot, which Stewart managed to parry, but the rebound again fell to Éderson just ahead of the defender who smashed the ball into a virtually open net to pick up his first goal for the club in his debut. That goal proved to be the last touch of the game, and the referee brought proceedings to an end with the score reading 4-0 to Sunderland in Shaun Kelly’s first game of his career.

Wednesday 18th August 2004

Sunderland 8-0 Port Vale - League Cup 1st Round

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Arca - 9Proctor - 12Pugh - 20Piper - 28Proctor - 32Healy - 38Piper - 52Éderson -54</pre>


This was manager Shaun Kelly’s first cup game in charge of Sunderland, and boy was it a biggy. The action started right from the word go, and the first goal came in the 9th minute when Éderson’s failed corner landed the ball at the edge of the box with Julio Arca, who then played a cool 1-2 pass with Éderson before striking a smashing effort from distance. The fans weren’t made to wait long for the second goal, and on the 12th minute Danny Pugh’s amazing cross field ball landed Proctor through on goal with plenty of time and space, however his first effort was saved by ‘keeper Dean Delaney but fortunately for him, the ball landed at the strikers feet again for a comfortable finish. On the 20th minute, Éderson was again in the middle of the action, with a nice cross in from the corner which Breen headed down at goal but the keeper saved again and parried the ball into the path of Danny Pugh, for his first for the club. Only seven minutes later, Matthew Piper hit a free kick into the box from deep in the right wing, but after a number of failed clearances, the ball finally rolled back to him, just outside the box and he took a perfect opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet. The next goal came in the 32nd minute, as full back Stephen Wright whipped a through ball to Piper on the wing, who’s inch perfect cross was finished by the head of Michael Proctor. In the 38th minute, Éderson’s 6th corner was played right onto the head of Colin Healy at the back post, who had no trouble at all converting it. Half time, and the score was 6-0 to Sunderland who didn’t need to put much effort into the second half, five minutes in Pugh hit a corner for Piper to smash into the net and then just two minutes after that, man of the moment Éderson got his goal when Serge Makofo played a lovely lobbed through ball for Éderson to latch onto, and smash into the far-top corner. A truly magnificent performance by Sunderland, who never really needed to leave 1st gear.

Saturday 21st August 2004

Wigan 3-5 Sunderland – Nationwide Division 1

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Parkin 6 Smith (inj) 24 Piper 28 Makofo 49Ellington 51Horsfield 70Ellington 74 Éderson 85 Makofo 89</pre>

After what proved to be an astonishing win at home to Port Vale in the League Cup, both the players and supporters of Sunderland AFC were hoping for big things, and they weren’t let down. Just 6 minutes into their second league game of the season, and Sunderland were already ahead. Éderson’s incisive pass to Djordjic on the left wing started a move that led to a great through ball by Djordjic to Parkin, who ran with the ball just into the box before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner of the net, past ‘keeper Mark Brown. In the 28th minute, a calm through ball by Arca for Djordjic to latch onto sparked the move for the second goal. Djordjic, again layed Parkin off, who was forced to cross, Piper caught onto the ball, and struck it through the crowd of players in the box and past the ‘keeper. In the 49th minute, Piper played a pin-point through ball into Makofo who beat the last defender and smashed the ball into the back of the net. Ellington replied two minutes later with what seemed like a consolation goal for Wigan, but then in the 70th minute when Horsfield scored another for Wigan, things looked different and the Sunderland defence had seemingly gone to sleep as Ellington struck the equalizer on the 74th minute. The game had slipped through Shaun Kelly’s fingers and all hope was lost. Until Éderson that is. McCartney gathered the ball right at the back of the left wing, and hit an astonishing ball forward, right into the path of Éderson who took a number of touches to control the ball before beating the ‘keeper and seemingly sealing the win for Shaun Kelly’s Black Cats. The match wasn’t over there, however, and Éderson’s long ball to the right wing which Matthew Piper latched onto and with all the space in the world, managed to bring the ball into the middle before striking the ball straight at the ‘keeper who could only parry, but Makofo was there to score his second for the club. Another eight goal thriller for the Black Cats, and the future certainly looked exciting for the Sunderland fans.

Wednesday 25th August 2004

Sunderland 6-1 Bristol City – Nationwide Division 1

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Breen 4Éderson 9Smith 30Parkin 32 Bart Williams 55Parkin 88Proctor 89</pre>

The Black Cats were riding high, and this was another fantabulous win for them, as they trounced division new boys Bristol City 6-1. The first came after only four minutes, when a Djordjic corner was nodded in by Gary Breen. Éderson got the second after nine minutes when a Piper diving header from Sam Parkin’s cross was saved, leaving Éderson with an open net. The third came after Matthew Piper intercepted a pass at the back, and was able to free Tommy Smith who smashed the ball into the back of the Bristol net. Colin Healy’s astonishing pass from the half way line all the way up to Parkin, created the fourth goal, as Parkin placed the ball round the ‘keeper on the 32nd minute. On the 55th minute, Mart Poom was forced into a diving save from a Foley-Sheridan strike, but could only push it clear, and Bart-Williams beat all the defenders to the ball to hit it into an open net. After 88 minutes, Djordjic played a great ball to Éderson who couldn’t manage to finish, but luckily the ball fell to Parkin who placed it round the ‘keeper. After a failed clearance only moments later, Djordjic managed to cut the defence in two with an incisive pass to Proctor who finished the game off, and sent Bristol packing.

Saturday 28th August 2004

Sunderland 2-3 Cardiff – Nationwide Division 1

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Lee 4 Kavanagh pen 9Proctor 46 Lee 61Éderson 88</pre>

The first defeat of Shaun Kelly’s career also brought the most exciting game of football of the new season. Although ultimately Sunderland took nothing but a learning lesson from the game, they cannot be faulted for the performance their players put out. Almost straight away, poor marking from Gary Breen and a great show of vision from Jason Bowen led to Alan Lee finding himself one on one with the keeper with acres of space all around him, he took a few good touches and managed to bend the ball around Mart Poom. Five minutes later, after a cool cross into the box, Gary Breen was adjudged to have tripped Alan Lee, and Referee Mick O’Sullivan gave a penalty, up stepped Graham Kavanagh who converted, whilst Mart Poom couldn’t even get close. Straight from kick-off for the second half Sunderland seemed desperate for a goal back, and they got one after Julio Arca’s intuitive ball forward to Proctor who only had Neil Alexander to beat, and he did with finesse. At 2-1, the game could’ve gone either way, Cardiff had started on top and dominated the majority of the second half but Sunderland had been pushing for an equalizer all second half. It wasn’t to be. Chris Barker’s pass forward accompanied by Jason Bowen’s volleyed through ball to Alan Lee created a fine team goal for Cardiff, when Alan Lee just smashed the ball past Black Cats ‘keeper Mart Poom to get his second of the game. In the dying moments, Julio Arca and Éderson created what can only be described as a contender for Goal of the Month. Another long ball forward was met by a fiery volley by Éderson, who smashed the net from outside of the area. A fine goal by the Black Cats, but it was too little, too late. Cardiff ran out deserved 3-2 winners after a game that was well worth every penny for the ticket.


Summary :- Éderson has been an amazing player, and could prove to be one of the most significant players of the season, he has already hit 5 goals and 3 assists in 4(1) appearances for the club, averaging 9.00 and picking up two MoM awards on his way. An exciting season lies before the Sunderland team, if they pick themselves up after their first set back and go for it full steam ahead.

[This message was edited by Shaun_Kelly on 14 February 2004 at 19:03.]

[This message was edited by Shaun_Kelly on 14 February 2004 at 19:04.]

[retired_footballyears]

Have Forest got the goods?

The English football league's have seen quite a frenzied preseason before the big kick-off in August. Many coming and goings in the transfer market. A few new faces have been brought into the newly promoted Nottingham Forest side. Lets have a look at who they are and get the opinions of the man who brought in these signings, Reds' boss, Dez Wilkins

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Richie Partridge (AMRL):
"Quick wide man that can be utilised on either flank. The Irishman should cause a few defences problems. Good dribbler of the ball, one that I hope will prove to be a real asset.(£1.3M compensation paid to Liverpool)

<LI>Christian Nerlinger (DMLC):
"A real coup for us to sign Christian, He's experienced at the highest level, having played for Bayern, Dortmund and, most recently, Rangers. Comes in to take the anchoring midfield role, but will also help give us a few more options going forward. Firstly a ball winner for the midfield but also has a nice range of passes that will hopefully help us unlock defences." (free transfer, unattached)

<LI>Carlos Arturo Marinelli (AMRLC):
"I'm full of admiration for the abilities that Carlos has, his time at 'Boro wasn't the happiest for him, but hopefully we can work well, honing the talent he has into a potent attacking threat.! (free transfer, unattached)

<LI> Robert Poulter (GK):
Robbie is a very promising keeper. Signed from Wednesday he's a product of their youth system and one for the future. As long as he is happy to wait for his chance, which I have no reason to believe he won't, I have every confidence that he will go on to be one of the best in the business." (£55K fee from Sheffield Wednesday)

<LI>Thomas Myhre (GK):
"Well this signing came out of necessity more than anything else. Injury to Dazza (Darren Ward). During the preseason tour. It became aparent that should he suffer a long term set back then we would struggle in that area of the team. Thomas was contacted and more than happy to sign for us. He has prooved himself in the early stages and currently keeps a now fit Ward on the bench." (free transfer, unattached)
</UL>

So, five signings in and no departures from the squad thus far, with exception to the loan signings from last season who's deals had ended, has left the Forest squad looking in better shape for the new season. Going into the new season everyone was fairly optimistic that the side was equiped to give the Premiership's established sides a run for their money.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Preseason is over, preparations have been made. Its time. The plans have been made and the new players recruited, but when it came to 3pm the team was on its own. Now was the time for the Forest players to show that last season wasn't a fluke, an accident or a mistake. This side really did belong in the Premiership. How would they fair? As usual Forest Focus will be on hand to bring you a round up of all the action, incident and controversy in Manager Dez Wilkins' maiden Premiership voyage at the helm of the good ship Forest.

********21st August 2004********
Nottm Forest 0-0 Newcastle Utd
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Johnson inj 20attendance: 30593</pre>

Talk about a baptism of fire. Games won't come much tougher than the visit of the Toon Army to The City Ground. If our boys could equip themselves well today then a message would be sent to the rest of the league, "This team mean business." The gane didn't get off to the best of starts, with top marksman of last season, David Johnson Stretchered off injured after 20 minutes. The visitors took the game to us and came close on a number of occasions. It was a credit to debutant Myhre in goal that the score line remained goalless at the break. A slight change around at half time put us more in the match. Marlon Harewood had a great chance to open the scoring on 75 minutes. His run into the box wasn't picked up and the delivery from the left by Andy Reid found him. The header was a good one with firm contact on the ball made, but it was off target, drifting wide of the near post. Newcastle regained control again in the closing stages, again coming close on a number of occasions. They couldn't break the deadlock so the maiden voyage finished with Forest picking up a point.

Sad news for Forest fans followed that game with the revellation that Xrays on Johnson's leg had revealed it was broken. Johnson will miss 5 months at least while he recovers from a similar injury as suffered by Forest Defender, Michael Dawson towards the end of last season.

********25th August 2004********
Bolton W'd'rs 2-3 Nottm Forest
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Djorkaeff 2 Invincible 26Moukouri 86 Harewood 63Radebe s/o 76 Westcarr 82attendance: 26696</pre>

First three points in the bag. What a delight that is. Bolton prooved to be a worth adversary in this five goal thriller. All three strikers that played bagged a goal for us. Craig Westcarr in particular had a great game. The teenager who earlier turned down a loan move to the cash-strapped Wimbledon outfit, scored the goal that prooved to be a winner eight minutes from time. An all round thrilling game that saw us edge out the home side. If we can win a few more of these tricky away ties then we should do ok. 4 points in the bag now and we've only played two games.

********28th August 2004********
Nottm Forest 2-3 Aston Villa
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Westcarr 6 Vassell 43Williams 52 Angel 45 Carew 81attendance: 30567</pre>

Another five goals for the Forest fans to witness, if nothing else this season, it seems our fans will witness some cracking games of football. Forest's first loss was recorded despite scoreing two goals. Craig Westcarr on target again with a rasping low drive after only 6 minutes. Scores were levelled and then turned on their head just before the half time interval. Vassell and Angel teaming up for both goals. Capitalising each time on some slack marking and poor defensive cover. Thomas Myhre, again in for the injured Ward, could do nothing but pick the ball out of the back of the net on both occasions. Captain for the afternoon, Gareth Williams levelled the scores up again, 7 minutes inside the 2nd half. It was a lovely move that saw Williams cap the move from a resulting corner, rising highest at the near post to head home. A share of the spoils was ripped away from the home side though by Villa new boy, John Carew 10 minutes from time. Varew picked up a clearance deep in the Forest half. He was wide on the left at the time, taking one touch to knock the ball inside. Striking the ball with venom from well outside the box. Myhre was again beaten and this saw the midlanders take all three points.

With August now behind us, and the season well on its way. Forest have themselves a win, a draw and a loss chalked up on the board. Sitting comfortably in 10th spot at the moment the first month has been a good one. Everyone at The Reds are confident that although much of the season may bring no joy, Come what the month of May there will be no side from Nottingham inside the bottom three.

Keep track of our boys progress, only here in your weekly Forest Focus

[This message was edited by DezMW on 14 February 2004 at 19:40.]

[This message was edited by DezMW on 14 February 2004 at 19:43.]

[retired_sindeydp]

Fortunes Favour The Brave

Having spent the last week lying in a bunker for charity, manager of Mr Monkey was delighted to speak with us, his favourite magazine 'Bi-Annual Weekly'.

Rp:- Firstly, may I just say a big welcome and hello to you, I'm sure our readers would join me in saying that to almost anyone they meet.

Rp:- On to the questions, your 2nd season in charge of Millwall FC and first in the Premiership started two weeks back now, how do you feel your squad has settled into the big time.

Jm:- Well, I cant be too disappointed, or I would look sad, do I look sad sonny?

Rp:- My name isnt sonny, and no you dont look sad.

Jm:- Thats because I'm not, I just spent a week in a glorified ditch for a week, David Blaine eat your heart out. Who wouldnt be happy.

Rp:- Quite, how was that btw?

Jm:- Better than expected, cant really say much at the moment. FBI you understand.

Rp:- That would explain the handcuffs

Jm:- Not really

Rp:- O-K. First game of the season, playing the mighty Chelsea, all that firepower all that wealth, how did you manage to put in a credible performance and win 2-0?

Jm:- Because we have the strength, the pace, the skill, the quailty to win the premiership this season, my boys are the best I've ever seen. They moved, they glided, it was beautiful to watch. Like poetry in motion. Johannnnnsssson scoring on his debut after moving from Charlton was a wondrous thing to behold. Everybody played thier part, cant see why we cant become the new dominat force in the premiership based solely on that performance.

Rp:- Full of praise I see, but you surely werent happy after your second game, a 3-1 loss away to former champions Blackburn.

Jm:- Oh, I'm mad, mad at my players, worst in the world I tells ya, if I had the money, they would all be out the door. I've seen better players on my shoe...We are going down, hell, just send us to the Conference now.

Rp:- And what of your final game in August, the 0-0 draw with Southampton?

Jm:- Meh

Rp:- Care to clarify?

Jm:- Ok

[retired_swanman1988]

Watford starting to hit form

After a very poor start to the season Watford have to started to hit form and are rising up the table. It has been a very hard pre-season for the club as they have had to try and cut down wages and sell off the main stars as well as building a squad that is strong enough to win the division.

After the first couple of games promotion looked very unlikely. There were very poor perfomances all round the pitch and the new signings were struggling to mould with the rest if the team. Danny Dichio who had been signed off W.B.A was looking the only promising player as he tried to run the front line on his own.

However after the League Cup defeat Watford have had 2 wins on the trot away to Grimsby and Rotheram who were both near the top. Not only have they won but completly outplayed them and scored 5 goals between the two games. This for many will be the turning pont in the season and a lot of pundits feel that promotion is a realistic aim.

There was some bad news for Watford fans after the victory against Rotheram that 2 players had been sold. Both Ashley Yong and Lee Cook who were important players for the team were sold for £100,000. Although this has helped the financial position of the club, they will both be missed on the pitch.