2016
Division 5 - The season so far
Anderlecht – Stealing girlfriends, topping the league. It seems that Anderlecht, and their playboy boss PMW are in the headlines for one reason or another almost every day. The Royal one has assembled a very good squad however, and I see no reason to think that Anderlecht will finish outside of the top 3. How he gets on with Parfitt & his Lana Del Rey stealing antics however, is open to discussion.
Olympiacos – The Legend and its collection of geriatrics made a slow start. Alex McLean however has clearly taken advantage of the low cost prescriptions for the elderly and started putting something in the pre match fry ups. Olympiacos are now second, and as with Anderlecht, I would expect them to take an automatic spot come seasons end.
Standard Liege – The second of division 5’s Belgian gang. Liege have been at the top of the league, and look strong challengers for promotion. For me, they could come third, but I feel they may end up in the play offs.
Dynamo Kiev – Kiev have been in and around the sharp end of the table all season. They have a good squad, and are consistently picking up results. Currently they sit in 4thspot. I feel they will finish a shade higher however, and make it up automatically.
Flamengo – Mark Phelps side have lost four games so far this season, but three were against Anderlecht, Olympiacos and Kiev. Failure to beat the sides around them is likely to see them miss out on an automatic promotion spot. This form could also hinder them in a playoff scenario, although the all Brazilian squad should lend to a national set up feel to the squad, and this spirit could help through the second half of the season.
Club Brugge – The last of division fives Belgian sides. Davy V has assembled another good side, and again they are having a great season so far. There is still a long way to go, but Brugge don’t give too much away.
Santos – Along with Vigo, Santos are equal top scorers so far this season with 25 goals. The 18 conceded is however the largest number for any side currently in the top 7. Stopping the flow against would see Santos flying, but they are certainly involved in entertaining matches.
Celtic – The Bhoys flew out of the gates early on, but like a housewife who has been nagging for 3 hours straight, they finally seem to be running out of steam. Will Ruts be able to reinvigorate them for the remainder of the season, or will it be mid table obscurity come seasons end?
Dinamo Zagreb – Three wins from their opening four fixtures was a strong start for Zagreb. A poor run of six consecutive defeats in all competitions in late June / early July however seemed to sap the confidence somewhat. They are now struggling a bit for consistency. If they can find that early season form again however, don’t rule them out.
Hertha – The German side seem to be adopting to a lesser degree the Olympiacos tactic of employing the bus pass brigade. Nine of the squad are 30 or over, but the likes of everyone’s favourite scum bag John Terry, know how to win competitions and titles.
Espanyol – Pre-season, Doug Earle’s side were my fancy to win the league. They were in the end unlucky to go down last season, but will now be lucky to go up this season. A potential play off challenger, but will they have the stamina as the season wears on?
Celta Vigo – Ryan has had a slow start at Vigo. Relegated in his first season, and swimming around in mid table this season. The smart money says that if he stopped listening to his cuz, and adopted something that is not Beddows football, he’d have a shot at a run for the playoffs in the second half of the season. The squad is certainly strong enough, with the likes of Iturbe, Fernandez, Holtby and Capoue capable of playing for any side in the division.
FC Twente – Norman Little has made huge changes at Twente, with only three members of his first team squad not currently TB’d. The squad has good players, but they will need time to settle and the benefits may not be reaped until next season.
Independiente – Independiente have a total squad size of 47. Of these, only 17 are first team players, including three loanees. He rest are all youth team starlets. As with Twente, but for a completely different reason, the benefits may not be reaped this season.
FC Augsburg – Last season’s bottom side have had a better season so far this time around. They were bottom for a while, but a 2-0 win at Levante saw the Spanish side replace them at the foot of the table. Currently the German side sit 15th, but with only three points separating the bottom seven sides, anything could yet happen.
Rubin Kazan – Antonia Alves has brought in a strong contingent of Portuguese players to help with his quest of getting the Russian side up the table. Unfortunately they seem to be lacking a bit of quality at the moment, but as with Augsburg, they could finish anywhere in the lower half of the table.
FK Partizan – Just 11 goals scored for Partizan so far this season. The second lowest total in the whole division. This makes it easy to see which area needs improving, but it isn’t easy to go and get a 20 goal a season striker. That said, Vagner Love is still a dangerous proposition at this level, and maybe the Belgrade sides fortunes will improve once the Brazilian returns to action.
Levante – Finished rock bottom in division 4 last season, and have been on the bottom of division 5 on and off for the majority of this season too. Parfitt will however be hoping to see a turnaround in fortunes over the second half of the season, and will be looking for some of the youth team diamonds to come on and make a challenge to get into the first team.
Werder Bremen – Another German side currently struggling at the wrong end of the table. 25 conceded in just 15 games is the worst of any side in the bottom six. Add that to an attack that has scored only 12 and you have a mixture for trouble. Bremen have a large squad, but lack a little quality. That said, if they can keep hold of players like Andre Gray, Benik Afobe, and Duncan Watmore, then there is light at the end of the tunnel.
West Brom – This season has been a massive disappointment so far for the Baggies. Pre-season, they were thought of as playoff hopefuls, and top 10 as a worst case scenario. To see them rooted at the bottom is a huge disappointment. Mark Deadman will be looking to make changes before he becomes a dead man walking in his job. Boom tish, I’m here all week……
End of season predictions…..
Top 3
1. Anderlecht
2. Olympiacos
3. Kiev
Play off winners - Santos
Gino Kinnearo Q&A With David Senior
At the blunt end of investigative journalism as always Gino Kinnearo ventured outside of his Italian stomping ground and posed a series of questions to myself with the request that I post my answers on the Blog.
1) There was a recent article in the Marca entitled "The Rise of the Failure" which was an article based on an unnamed SM T100 manager who got given a big job despite a lack of success and has failed miserably. Your cross-city rival Tom Parfitt has claimed that it was about you? What are your thoughts?
Tom should probably concentrate more on developing his team to a position where they would warrant being called rivals rather than reading gutter journalism articles and worrying about whether another manager is bashing his supposed girlfriends front and back doors in.
Can’t say I’ve read the article you’re referring to in all honesty, more of a Whippet & Ferret Weekly reader myself, but as I was appointed with the sole remit of keeping Valencia in the top flight last season and as that objective was achieved I think it would be more accurate, if it is referring to me, if it read “succeeded miserably”.
2) Some say that your boot-room style of manager is stifling the creativity of some of your players and that you shouldn't be allowed near such levels of talent. Is this true? Or again do you think that this statement is not directed at yourself or rather an alternative manager.
It’s probably a fair comment, I’m old school & believe in breaking the game down to basics & playing it simply, which suits most of the players because to a man they are basic & simple.
If they want to be more creative they can take up painting, writing or basket weaving in their own time, but I won’t hold my breath, half of em can’t even tie their own bootlaces.
3) We all have seen the pictures of you and DP sipping ice tea working out deals - Is DP really a nice man? The Italian managers can't stand him... always interfering, irritating all and sundry - is this a true reflection on the man?
It’s Dan that drinks the ice tea, twatish drink if you ask me, I’ll stick to my builders brew.
Despite our different philosophies on how the game should be played we have a lot in common, we both think you’re a prick to start off with but other than that Dan was a great help in finding a decent plumber to disconnect the hot water supply to the showers.
Would I call him nice? If nice means I don’t want to smack him every time he opens his mouth then I guess so. As for interfering & irritating there was that time when he called round & I caught him ironing the training bibs, wasn’t a problem though as it made it easier to stitch the wire wool inside em.
4) What do you make of Genoa and Frank Hirst's seemingly rapid rise up the Divisions? Do you like many suspect that it is all fixed?
I’d hardly call it rapid, after all you’ve managed as many relegations as he has promotions in the same time.
In all honesty I’m too busy here checking the lads aren’t replacing the Izal toilet paper with that namby pamby Andrex stuff to worry about what other managers are up to but I think “the many” should either put up some evidence to support their conspiracy theory or stop tittle tattling like fish wives.
5) You are currently taking part in the Youth Cup with Valencia? How are you finding the whole experience? Going well and how far can you go? And what of the World Club Cup?
Have to admit I’ve been enjoying working with the Youth team, had to take over from Phil as he was insisting on doing it the “Fergie way”, if I’ve told him once I’ve told him a hundred times that you’ll never win anything with kids. Anyway didn’t take long before they grasped that one 70 yard punt up field is far more efficient than 9 or 10 tippy tap passes.
They’ve been doing well & if they qualify I may buy them a new toothbrush for cleaning out the shitters.
As for the World Club Cup I’m looking for a good showing against Bremen to see us through, it’s been a good opportunity to try out a few new fangled things, like passing.
6) You used to manage Olympiacos. Recently there was a poll of the greatest ever Olympiacos manager in all of history and you received only 5% of the vote with Alex McClean getting 94% and some guy called Watson getting 1%... are you offended by the fans view of your work there?
Not at all, I’m well aware of the accuracy of your “Fan Polls” but I know replacing Fruitopolis with Longley Farm yoghurt at the snack counters didn’t go down well with the majority.
I really enjoyed my time in Piraeus, until that unfortunate incident at the Blue Oyster club. Alex has finally got them motoring & deserves the plaudits, fair play & good luck to him.
7) And finally we all know that the Valencia fans expect a Top 4 finish but what is your aim? what is really realistic?
A bit disappointed that the fans don’t expect us to finish top to be honest, but at least it shows I’m doing a half decent job in driving down expectations.
Our primary aim for the season has to be to avoid the drop, I’ve stated publicly that I will resign if we get relegated, as I believe that is what any decent, self respecting manager should do & I will stand by my word.
Beyond that I’d like to think we have an outside chance of making the SMFA Shield for next season, oh & I’d finally like to get rid of the Neville Breville.
Brilliance in Barcelona!
Top 100 Shield
Round 3
Game of the Night
Last night saw Espanyol welcome the mighty Bayern Munich in the third round of the Top 100 Shield. A disappointing 25,282 turn out at Estadi Cornella-El Prat showed what Espanyol fans expected from their side with around 10,000 of the fans being away supporters hoping to witness a thumping victory for their side. Having recorded a solid victory over Augsburg in round 1 and a surprise win on penalties over Liverpool in round 2, Espanyol came into the game in good form. Bayern progressed to the third round with a bye in round 1 and a shaky win on penalties against Standard Liege in round 2. When drawn against each other both managers had different reactions. Earle was excited for his players but knew that it was one of the hardest challenges they'd face, despite this he displayed confidence in his squad and made very few changes. At Bayern Brar was very happy with the draw. An easy lower division side with not much to offer against their all star B team seemed a perfect break from Division 1 fixtures.
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| Captain and Keeper |
The gulf in class showed when the line ups were released. For Espanyol, veteran Volkan Demirel wore the Captains armband in goal with new signings Aytac Sulu and Alexand Epureanu lining up in defence. Atiba Hutchinson and Jony Rodriguez played along side them in the full back positions. Fernando Bob held the centre of midfield with Nathan Redmond and Aatif Chahechouhe playing on the wings. Samuel Eto'o completed the diamond in midfield offering support to Sandro Wagner and Andy Delort up front. The squad was backed up by subs such as Eloy Room, Christian Kabasele, Marios Oikonomou, Lukas Rupp, Salvador Agra, Sofiane Hanni and Michiel Kramer. When a Bayern fan was asked about this line up this is what was said;
"Who? Demicheles in goal? I though he was a defender, although he never was any good. Don't know any of those defenders, not one. Eto'o? He still plays, you're kidding? He must be at least 40, no? I know Wagner, doesn't offer much on the ball, he's slow and has no control, just big is all, should be easy to handle I expect a comfortable 4-0 win".
A contrasting side lined up for Bayern with 22-year-old Sergio Rico starting in goal. Youth star Fortuna Wallace lined up with Javi Martinez in the centre of defence with Seamus Coleman and Abdul Baba completing the defence. Luiz Danilo paired with Ilkal Gundogan in midfield with Alcantara Thiago in a more forward role. Christian Eriksen and Douglas Costa provided the width with Harry Kane playing solo up front. Names such as Mario Gotze, Andres Iniesta, Blaise Matuidi and Kostas Manolas all lined the bench for the Germans. Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen all tipped Bayern to win by at least 3 goals while Emile Heskey went against them and joked about an Espanyol victory. Bookies also had Bayern the strong favourites at 2/19 while Espanyol had odds of 12/1.
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| First half hero |
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| Last minute goal scorer |
Following the match Earle and several players took part in interviews. Earle said the following;
"Well what a result, who would have thought that? Especially after that start. Bayern were unlucky I must say but Volkan (Demirel) was outstanding tonight in goal. I'm very happy with Sandro (Wagner) who now has 3 goals in 3 games in the shield. I think Sergio (Rico) has had a tough night, he's not been given an easy job with some of the goals we scored where he was left helpless, but you know that's football, I'm delighted as are the players and I'm sure the fans are too. Now we get back to training and prepare for our next game". Captain Volkan Demirel and double goalscorer Sandro Wagner were also asked about their reactions. Demirel had this to say; "A great performance and a great result. We were on the back foot for a lot of it and despite conceding 2 I'm happy with my contribution today". Wagner had a similar reaction; "We played as a team, we knew they had a strong team and it would be hard to break them down, by playing in the air we took a lot of their defensive ability out of them and it clearly payed off. I'm happy with my performance but its even better that we got the win". Man of the Match also provided an interview; "Thank you for the award but it's tough to properly appreciate. It's not what we expected and I think we'll have to have a look at our performance and break down our mistakes. Well done to Espanyol, we wish them the best of luck in the next round".
Other Results
Chievo Verona beat Swiss side Basel 5-2 in a high scoring thriller, Juventus won 5-1 against Leicester with Napoli defeating Fiorentina 3-0 and and Roma beat Chelsea with the same score. Tottenham and Barcelona both won 1-0 against Dnipro and Hoffenheim respectively. Everton also beat Schalke 1-0. River Plate, Porto, Arsenal, Feynoord, Torino and Rubin Kazan all progressed after winning on penalties. Next round will see 7 Italian sides progress with the most anticipated matches being Napoli hosting Tottenham and Lazio facing Arsenal. Favourites Barcelona face Torino with Juventus taking on a tough Porto side. Feynoord will host Everton and Roma travel to Argentina to play River Plate. Inter will take on Rubin Kazan while Espanyol travel to Chievo Verona.
Top100 Gossip Edition 3
Doug Earle of Espanyol is keen to move on some underperforming youth players. As much as he tried to train them to steal from tourists in Barcelona city centre, they kept failing miserably as they were distracted by the Tibidabo Amusement Park. Ntim, Zejnullahu, Spierings, Gonzalez and Labra are thought to be the first to leave after they spent a full morning on the Waltzers.
In a throwback to the Didier Drogba days, Villa manager Rahul is attempting to recreate that saga again, this time with Portuguese striker Eder. Eder is thought to be annoyed at Rahul's insistence on making him leave the club after finally getting to grips with the local past time of Karaoke.
Hertha BSC are willing to trade Vladimir Darida for an 88 rated CM and 87 rated CB, or 1 great part ex plus cash. Valentin Stocker remains on the transfer list and is available for part ex plus cash, but not for rubbish older players, as the club make a push to move on from mid table mediocrity.
Having moved on some youth players who never stopped playing on their iPhones long enough to realise a match was underway, Sao Paolo are looking to strengthen their midfield with a bid for Michael Bradley. Rumours abound however, that manager Nick Wheels has made the bid in local currency, 11,000 spoons, and
It’s a revolving door in Liverpool this morning, Gino Kinnear has agreed to sell Josh McEachran to Brentford for £3m after failing to adapt to not winning trophies with the correct technique, whilst Junior Fernandes has been told to find a new club after falling to 17th in the striker pecking order, just behind Khedira's mum. Caktas may also leave the club after falling out with youth team captain Castagne. One player not leaving Anfield however is Sofiane Feghouli, he has been the subject of a bid from Sevilla that is likely to be rejected.
Alex McLean at Olympiakos is thought to be chasing an aging right back in Vanderlei Jean, however, the proposed 2 for 1 offer is unlikely to go through due to the large squad already at Villarreal. In another 2 for 1 deal, McLean is looking for a particular set of skills, skills that have been acquired over a very long career, skills that make his Olympiakos side a nightmare for teams like yours... he'd like to sign a CM, AM of F (C) for 2 of Conca, Nilmar and Diego.
Manolo Gabbiadini’s transfer ban is due to end on Sunday, and Sampdoria are rumoured to be sniffing around. In true Italian style, Marco De Angelis is expected to make Frank Hirst an offer he can’t refuse… Should a move go through it’s expected that an investigation will be launched to identify if any Mafia persuasion has been involved, and then the subsequent investigation is expected to be cancelled and forgotten about after the lead investigator goes on an extended fishing trip, never to return.
Greg Bilboa has stolen a march on Borussia Monchengladbach and Chievo Verona by agreeing a £4million fee for Yura Movsisyan of Tom Tomsk. Greg will be hoping he scores plenty of goals goals at Malaga Malaga. Best I could think of, sorry I’ve let you down gents…
Down in Verona town, Chievo’s Argentinian striker Ezequiel Ponce has been seen dining with both Juventus and Levante, it’s thought he ordered a nice salad, avoided the bread and dessert, whilst sipping a nice glass of Rose wine. Like name like nature I suppose.
And finally, in managerial gossip, it’s been reported by sources within WWE that Stephen Beddows, Tom Parfitt and PMW will be fighting it out in the ring to settle their differences once and for all. Secret training footage has shown each of the coaches working on their new patented finishing moves, the Balotelli Bomb, the Facial Follicle Fling and the Marshmallow Mangle. It remains to be seen when the fight will take place, and who will come out on top in the mind games.
The After Party
Levante boss Tom Parfitt this evening hit back at claims made in the Belgian press this morning regarding himself, and his beau, Lana Del Rey.
The Belgian press ran a story suggesting that the Princess of Pop was stepping out with the Prince of Belgium, and was also beardist.
When questioned this evening on the allegations, Parfitt went on the attack. PMW stealing my girlfriend? Unlikely. He couldn’t handle the pressure in Milan, so he’s not going to be able to handle the pressure of looking after one of the prettiest girls on the planet. This photo is me and her this morning. She has a much bigger copy on her bedroom wall for when Levante are away.
The picture of PMW, or Princess Marshmallow Wonderbra as I call him, with Lana on the back of his bike in the Belgian press was simply him bringing her over to my pad.
Look at him, swanning around like Billy Big Balls while Anderlecht are top of the league. Thinking he’s stolen my girl. Ive kept quiet about it, but I’ll tell you something. He went down in my estimations when he said that. I have not resorted to that. You can tell him now, we’re still fighting for this title and he’s got to Augsburg and get something. And I’ll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it.
Oh, and while I’m at it. Beddows on SMTV the other night suggesting he’d give me a few tips. I’ll tell you what, the last tip he gave me is still running. He couldn’t tip a waitress.
Last seen serving Stephen Beddows in a Milan pizzeria
These managers with over inflated egos. They want to try real football with a little club. Pound for pound, we are the most over achieving club in the whole of Top 100, and by quite some distance I am the best manager.
Top100 Transfer Gossip
Miller Bolanos has asked to leave Hamburger SV after deciding to go vegan, Levante are rumoured to be interested, with Cotan and Rabiu expected to be shown the door to make way.
David Senior forgot to buy Yaya Toure a cake to celebrate the fact it’s Tuesday, so he’s spat his dummy out and is looking to move on. Meanwhile Alvaro Morata has continued offers but will not leave unless the deal benefits the first eleven.
Sources also indicate that Senior has been linked with a mystery top player, offering Morata and Mina for the star.
Sampdoria chief Marco has provided his chairman with a list of targets, Pavoletti, Lapadula, Sportiello, Milk, Bacon and Eggs, showing that he doesn’t really know what he wants for his team, except a nice brew and some breakfast…
A new midfielder is required over in Liege, Belgium. Foster has been accused of having a scatter gun approach after declaring he has no set target, just better than existing players. Kostic of Athletic Club is rumoured to be an option, however Crisp has declared that he ‘wouldn’t sell that Flemish sod Ali Dia, never mind an actual footballer…’
Will Grigg is also expected to be made available after the clubs fire extinguisher bill has escalated dramatically since his signing.
Joe Allen is the subject of a bid from Crystal Palace. The Welsh Pirlo, and let’s be honest he’s a half decent midfielder with a beard, not Pirlo, is desperate to leave City having been displaced by another Welshman, Aaron Ramsey.
Chievo Verona are looking to reap the benefits by selling Moussa Sow. The Senegal striker is similar to Gervinho only with better hair. Olympiakos, Celta and Spartak have all been linked.
Spartak have also been linked with a move for Jamaican prodigy Leon Bailey. It’s thought that the exact same weather conditions between Glasgow and Moscow would make the transition much easier.
Feyenoord manager Zaid Griffin has refused to acknowledge transfer offers for his players, with many rumoured to be targets of other sides. It’s been reported that he’s currently hiding from police for making children and chickens smoke against their will.
After moving on Jordan Veretout, Aston Villa are looking to bring in Valentin Stocker as his replacement. Valentin is thought to be worried that he won’t be a permanent fixture in Birmingham however, and is concerned he may be nothing more than a Stock(ing)er Villa. Terrible. I know.
Over at Lazio, Andrea Favilli has been scouted by fellow Italians, Sampdoria and Sassuolo, whilst Emanuele Giaccherini has been fondled, sorry, touched up, sorry tapped up by Crystal Palace and some lower division teams. It’s thought that one of the offers included his very own pub when the stalwart retires but he’s so far resisted the chance to pour his own Peroni’s.
Lets get the party started
There were sensational scenes in Valencia last night, the likes of which have never been seen before in Spain. So what were they for? Had Shakira decided to play a gig dressed only in a sun dress made of clingfilm?
Had Fernando Alonso won the World Championship, become leader of the country and immidiately decied to make every citizen in the city incredibally rich? Had there been a spate of locals being photobombed by Khaleesi’s dragons? Oh know, something much more memorable. Much more important, and far more amazing had happened. Levante won a match. Not only was it a win, it was also a clean sheet. Just when you think it gets no better, think again. Nit only did Levante win 1-0 last night, they also beat West Brom 1-0 on Thursday. This equals the club record of two successive victories, and should the side become history makers next Thursday, it is expected that Parfitt will be given the freedom of Levante’s ground, the keys to the city, the a knighthood, the freedom of Spain, become eligable to work tax free anywhere in Europe, and beyond, and also recieve a voucher for a night of pleasure and passion with Sticky Vicky on the strip in Teneriefe.
The prize on offer Thursday night
Parfitt, along with most of the playing staff woke up this morning in various bars, pubs, tavernas, strange hotel bedrooms, and hospital beds following the celebrations. The main man was at the centre of some controversy however, as claims were made via the Celta Vigo website that their players were unable to perform to their full potential as they had suffered from a severe case of constipation throughout the camp. The club claim that as a direct result of not being able to go to the toilet, each player was carrying around excessice weight and suffering severe discomfort. Parfitt simply said that Vigo are full of shite, and offered them an invite to the party which will continue right through to kick off on Thursday. And should they win, who knows what else will happen…..
Outside the ground last night
The scenes on the streets this morning
Parfitt paraded through the streets this afternoon
[www.youtube.com/watch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQJnxWdFdOs)
Top100 Gossip Column
Top100 Transfer Gossip Column
In unsurprising news, Jordan Veretout wants out of Rahul’s Aston Villa side. Linked to everyman and his dog, he’s issued a come and get me plea after declaring he is unable to understand the local dialect.
Michael Bowes is rumoured to be overseeing a clear out at The Emirates. Enzo Perez, Gio Dos Santos, Marcos Rojo and Willian have all been linked with moves away after Bowes declared he hates South America. Carl Jenkinson has also been linked with a move to Schalke after becoming as confused as he does on the pitch, thinking that he will no longer be able to dine at Fazenda.
Manchester City have a bid in place for Cristiano Ronaldo, however there is no guarantee that should the bid be accepted he would join the blue side of Manchester. It’s thought that he has concerns about the width of the clubs door frames and the ability to get his head through them.
Marouane Fellaini could be moving to Moscow to join Jason Hines red revolution. It’s thought that both managers are keen on a deal, with United’s defence looking forward to moving the visual obstruction that is Fellaini’s hair, allowing them to see oncoming attackers, and Hines happy that Fellaini comes with an inbuilt head warmer for the colder climate in Russia.
Roy Keane is looking to improve his youth policy at Real Madrid, both Renato Sanches and Dele Alli meet the galactico criteria. Offers of 2 bags of Haribo and a go on Roy’s tricycle have so far been rebuffed by the kids.
DP is desperate to bring in a young striker at Juventus and has recently been linked with moves for both Alvaro Morata and Mauro Icardi, both of whom are thought to be open to a move back to Italy, and would be happy to squeeze into an opening of an old lady…
Both Aston Villa and Liege are attempting to work out a deal for Manchester City’s Jese. Out on the sidelines at the Etihad it’s thought he could be keen on a move that would guarantee him first team football, without realising he’s not actually as good as he thinks he is.
Espanyol gaffer Doug Earle failed in a bid for Celta Vigo’s Fontas, the offer of £3m plus Demir and Schoofs was rejected on the basis of it being ‘a bit shit’.
Meanwhile over in Milan, Beddows has been rumoured to be stalking Gigi Buffon making daily offers to the legendary stopper. He’s also been linked with a dodgy move for Celta’s Ceballos, citing ‘family first innit’. Ceballos himself has been designated as a makeweight for a striker, could a deal for Villa’s Eder be on the cards?
Youth Cup Update
Apoliogies for the lack of Youth Cup Team of the week over the last two weekends but ive been snowed under. However I will today attempt to shed light on the potential route for the Youth Cup moving forward with only 3 weeks of group games remaining.
2nd round onwards aside from the final (and possibly semi-final) will be over 1 leg and fictional extra time will be used. (For those of you that are unsure of fictional extra time I will explain nearer to the time).
The 2nd Round won’t be an “open” draw but will be pre-determined and will look like this.
| Best Group Winner | v | 8th Best 3rd Place |
| 2nd Best Group Winner | v | 7th Best 3rd Place |
| 3rd Best Group Winner | v | 6th Best 3rd Place |
| 4th Best Group Winner | v | 5th Best 3rd Place |
| 5th Best Group Winner | v | 4th Best 3rd Place |
| 6th Best Group Winner | v | 3rd Best 3rd Place |
| 7th Best Group Winner | v | 2nd Best 3rd Place |
| 8th Best Group Winner | v | 1st Best 3rd Place |
| 9th Best Group Winner | v | 12th Best Runner Up |
| 10th Best Group Winner | v | 11th Best Runner Up |
| 11th Best Group Winner | v | 10th Best Runner Up |
| 12th Best Group Winner | v | 9th Best Runner Up |
| 1st Best Runner Up | v | 8th Best Runner Up |
| 2nd Best Runner Up | v | 7th Best Runner Up |
| 3rd Best Runner Up | v | 6th Best Runner Up |
| 4th Best Runner Up | v | 5th Best Runner Up |
The following teams have definitely secured a place in Round Two:
Galatasaray, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sassuolo *, Chelsea *, Dortmund, Udinese, Milan, ACF Fiorentina, Lokomotiv Moscow, Hamburg
Most of those teams can still finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd but even if they were to finish 3rd mathmatically I am certain it would be one of the top 8 best 3rd places.
The following team are definitely out:
Beskitas, Basel, Sporting,
So that means that everyone still has a decent chance of progressing. PLEASE PLEASE continue setting your teams if you crash out as you can see how much effort goes into the YOUTH CUP... Not just from me but all of the 12 admins and everyone who shares their results etc...
Thanks and good luck in the last 3 game weeks.
An outline of schedule moving forwards.
| Gameday 7 | Saturday 23rd July |
| Gameday 8 | Saturday 30th July |
| Gameday 9 | Saturday 6th August |
| Gameday 10 | Saturday 13th August |
| 2nd round | Saturday 20th August |
| 3rd round | Saturday 27th August |
| Quarter-Final | Saturday 3rd September |
SM Top 100 TV (Episode 11)
After a decent break SM Top 100 TV has returned with Beddows and Payne discussing all 5 Divisions in brief and also a request for help in regard to a question and answer session with Steven Gore on Monday.
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