FM08 [EUC Clan]: The Spanish Inquistion Returns (8.0.1)

Introduction. “We don’t need no stinking introductionâ€

Well we’ve been around since the dark days; yes I do mean CM04! Last time around we managed to play to the finish of season 2028-29, and I do mean play…..some late nights were involved. We have made Spain our spiritual home with its fantastic wealth of talent. We start at the top with a Random Draw….but we all know once we get the Glory Hunting, Splash the cash days behind us its back to the lower Divisions ala the Sav rule. What’s that you ask – Rule:1338 (just when you feel everything is going well you get sacked and thrown down to the lower divisions)

So who’s earned there rightful place on here

Davie "Stabwest" Orr

Mainstay in the clan having joined way back yonder, now hosting the sister game of the Scots on a Sunday. He won everything last season after working his way back to the top with Sevilla. Can he keep up the standard!

Emir "Azmodai" Karakurt

A Turk that does all our banners….A bit of a Glory hunter but we loving him for that. An adopted Scot and always provides strong competition. Faded out last term but he’ll be back looking for blood.

Stewart "Sav112" Robertson

Host for all his sins. Still getting sacked far too many times but works hard to build his teams up. Got promotion last game and figured in so many Clubs that it was hard to keep track.

Jonny “Jonny†Kaufman

Jonny a welcome young member to the clan, a solid player and always there ready on Clan nights. Fondly remembered for taking so long to get past the playoffs with his team.

Tim “Timmy†Prescott

Another welcome addition to the clan game. Done well last outing and hoping to show the rest what he can do this time with a good start.

Ferg “Old Gitâ€

What can we say he supports Liverpool, but let’s not hold that against him. Solid player from last game who missed out as he came in late and pulled down to the lower divisions. Ferg with Money no there is a thought!

Gary “Gaz†Toner

Been around the clan since the early days with the Scots, sure to challenge and scout the hell out of the new game. Official Glasgow Rangers Researcher so committed to the game.

Powlay

Been around the block and back in the fold once again. Sure to add something to the clan. A welcome addition and a seasoned player.

More poor souls to be added.

Andy “Pricey†Price

New to our Clan game but played before in an other Clan game.

More souls will no doubt be added.

The madness begins again and this time its personal…..who could forget the stealing of staff from last game

Please do not post in this thread asking to join the game, all places are taken at the moment and if we have a spot available we will advertise in the 'Clan Advertisments' thread.

more will be added soon.

We felt it best to re-start due to the amount of bugs the Spanish game

Introduction. “We don’t need no stinking introductionâ€

Well we’ve been around since the dark days; yes I do mean CM04! Last time around we managed to play to the finish of season 2028-29, and I do mean play…..some late nights were involved. We have made Spain our spiritual home with its fantastic wealth of talent. We start at the top with a Random Draw….but we all know once we get the Glory Hunting, Splash the cash days behind us its back to the lower Divisions ala the Sav rule. What’s that you ask – Rule:1338 (just when you feel everything is going well you get sacked and thrown down to the lower divisions)

So who’s earned there rightful place on here

Davie "Stabwest" Orr

Mainstay in the clan having joined way back yonder, now hosting the sister game of the Scots on a Sunday. He won everything last season after working his way back to the top with Sevilla. Can he keep up the standard!

Emir "Azmodai" Karakurt

A Turk that does all our banners….A bit of a Glory hunter but we loving him for that. An adopted Scot and always provides strong competition. Faded out last term but he’ll be back looking for blood.

Stewart "Sav112" Robertson

Host for all his sins. Still getting sacked far too many times but works hard to build his teams up. Got promotion last game and figured in so many Clubs that it was hard to keep track.

Jonny “Jonny†Kaufman

Jonny a welcome young member to the clan, a solid player and always there ready on Clan nights. Fondly remembered for taking so long to get past the playoffs with his team.

Tim “Timmy†Prescott

Another welcome addition to the clan game. Done well last outing and hoping to show the rest what he can do this time with a good start.

Ferg “Old Gitâ€

What can we say he supports Liverpool, but let’s not hold that against him. Solid player from last game who missed out as he came in late and pulled down to the lower divisions. Ferg with Money no there is a thought!

Gary “Gaz†Toner

Been around the clan since the early days with the Scots, sure to challenge and scout the hell out of the new game. Official Glasgow Rangers Researcher so committed to the game.

Powlay

Been around the block and back in the fold once again. Sure to add something to the clan. A welcome addition and a seasoned player.

More poor souls to be added.

Andy “Pricey†Price

New to our Clan game but played before in an other Clan game.

More souls will no doubt be added.

The madness begins again and this time its personal…..who could forget the stealing of staff from last game

Please do not post in this thread asking to join the game, all places are taken at the moment and if we have a spot available we will advertise in the 'Clan Advertisments' thread.

more will be added soon.

We felt it best to re-start due to the amount of bugs the Spanish game

13th Jan 2008<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Barcelona | | 19 | 16 | 0 | 3 | 54 | 11 | +43 | 48 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Betis | | 19 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 31 | 11 | +20 | 45 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Valencia | Sav | 19 | 11 | 3 | 5 | 33 | 19 | +14 | 36 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | R. Madrid | | 19 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 21 | 10 | +11 | 34 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Zaragoza | Ferg | 19 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 25 | 22 | +3 | 33 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Villarreal | | 19 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 25 | 17 | +8 | 33 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Athletic | Tim | 19 | 9 | 4 | 6 | 21 | 16 | +5 | 31 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Getafe | AndyP | 19 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 23 | 17 | +6 | 31 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Murcia | | 19 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 25 | 22 | +3 | 30 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | At. Madrid | | 19 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 22 | 16 | +6 | 29 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Sevilla | | 19 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 25 | 21 | +4 | 29 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Recreativo | Grant| 19 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 23 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Deportivo | Jonny| 19 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 20 | 22 | -2 | 21 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Mallorca | | 19 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 15 | 24 | -9 | 19 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Racing | | 19 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 19 | 33 | -14 | 17 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Valladolid | Davie | 19 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 28 | 47 | -19 | 16 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Levante | | 19 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 7 | 18 | -11 | 15 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Espanyol | | 19 | 4 | 2 | 13 | 15 | 29 | -14 | 14 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Almería | | 19 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 17 | 46 | -29 | 12 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Osasuna | | 19 | 2 | 3 | 14 | 16 | 36 | -20 | 9 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|</pre>

Gaz and Powlay yet to re-start, Az has left the clan.

next session Monday t+t 18:30 k/o 19:00

Good luck guys

Missed Young Git off the players list Dave. Bad You. Ten press-ups and run round the block!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Old Git:

Missed Young Git off the players list Dave. Bad You. Ten press-ups and run round the block! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

nah I copied Savs orginal post, blame Sav.

Valladolid are enough punishment nevermind the run around the block

Liga BBVA winners Real Valladolid have parted with manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, the now departed boss has been quoted to say "after 3 clubs in 2 years, I've had enough and to be honest the sacking from Athletic Bilbao still hurts"

Carlos Suarez was quick off the mark to bring in former Espanyol D striker Juan Ibanez who's been coaching the kids at Espanyol to great success.

Juan Ibanez who is half Scottish and half Catalan will be giving the unlikely task of keeping Real Valladolid in La Liga and to build a squad that will be pushing for top half finishes in the upcoming seasons.

Juan Ibanez "A hivna got a scooby whit am daing, only lest week aw wis knockin back the commotion lotion, noo am ta run a fitba club.(speaking to the Glasgow Evening Times

With Valladolid already heavily tipped to go straight back down mainly due to lack of funds, its going to be interesting to see how Ibanez deals with the transfer market, with no knowing players being linked to the club just before the close of the window, its really hard to see who within the current squad will grab this team by the scruff of the neck and lead them to safely.

Media prediction 17th

players to watch <UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>Joseba Llorente<LI>Fabian Estoyanoff<LI>Bartholomew Ogbeche

The La liga winners from not 7 years ago, had quickly descended in to mid table obsecurity, and a disappointing 13th finish last time out saw the end to the short reign of Joaquin Caparros and then came shortest reign in deportivo history, as Miguel Angel Lotina was sacked not a month after he was hired.

The Deportivo board were quoted as saying, we've found our messiah. In stepped Jony 'Jesus' Fernandez, the man who has no previous footballing experience, except two games when he was 5 when he claims he scored 7 goals in each and was asked to join Real Madrid but he said no as thats the only word he could say up until he was 14. But he claimed he would push these players to the limit and hope that his pevious managerial career on an unnamed football managemnet game.

Fernandez hoped to bring the former glories of the champions league back to Coruna, howver this was before he met his team. The was no doubt in the quality in this team, unfortnetly this quality was future quality. Nevertheless Fernandez made light of this and quickly made his first and only pernament signing, the Russian captain, Iganaveeshch..., we'll just leave it at Russian captain. Edu and Cheventon were also brought in on loan from Valencia and Sevilla repectively, And it looked like Sunny was going to join them but the Valencia manger cancelled the deal at the final hour as he said "oh we need him", yeah like thats likely, obvisouly he saw the threat of Deportivo and wanted to limit them as much as possible.

Despite these signings a poor run of 8 win less games saw Deportivo langusihing just 3 places above the relegation places, but that was all to change as 2 wins on the bounce saw Deportivo bounce back up to 13th, only 2 places from their media predicted finish, and with still 19 games to go who knows...

With the quality of future spanish star striker Adrian, future spanish right back Antonio Barragán, Mexican star Andrés Guardado and former spanish star Juan Carlos Valerón how can they fail...Next week how Deportivo failed.

The managerial hotseat at Zaragoza continued with the hiring of the highly talented (in his own lunchtime) Sergio Martinez. Martinez inherits a squad which contains the mercurial Pablo Aimar, Alessandro and the ever dependable Robert Ayala in defence. With no initial transfer budget, Martinez scoured continental Europe before persuading the board to part with 5.5m. for a Brazilian 19 yr old Renato Augusto.

The team started slowly but began to put some impressive displays together, so much so that the manager felt it was safe to go to Wales and try and persuade Ryan Giggs that his future was in Spain. Sitting within the boards expected comfort zone after 19 games (Euro qualification), can Zaragoza push on and make a fist of the title race?

Tune in next week for the next exciting episode!

Quick pointer. Check the bugs thread lads. Seems there's still a problem with registrations.

Lovly banners guys.

All the best with the new start!

Savio walked into the Mestalla Stadium, his first job was to freshen up the coaching staff with Bert van Lingen joining the Club, a few more coaches followed but more worryingly no new players. With a zero budget, well 600K for a club of this size and with the class of the playing staff already onboard the Manager could do nothing but wait till there was more Cash to splash.

The Manager was against it with a new formation being deployed and the squad getting used to new things they faltered in Champions League Qualification – unforgiving by the looks of it…… but reasonable progression in the league could save the day with only qualification to Europe expected this season.

So it’s fine-tuning time and easy does it for now! Players have been Scouted and plans are in the making…… If only David Villa would actually score it would be a start.

Famous last words B division here we come……

Game up 18:30

A few more players in tonight would be nice....or a we might be having some new blood in soon.

Young Git at that stupid stick game again, be on around 1930hrs.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sav112:

Game up 18:30

A few more players in tonight would be nice....or a we might be having some new blood in soon. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

so you got it then

Powlay back tonight.

The heady days of optimism were soon blown away as Martinez returned to find the team in tatters. The treatment room looked like an advert for "El Casualty". Alessandro, Matuzalem, Augusto, Aimar, Juanfran and Gabi (Not Logan, but its a thought for the morning) all crocked. Zapater and Diogo suspended!

Worse was to follow, with a makeshift line-up the boys from La Romareda suffered a 7-2 aggregate Spanish Cup loss to Sevilla. Going out this early was not in the boards plans. An aggregate defeat to Trabonzspor in the EUFA cup followed. A winless run of 7 games saw the team drop from within the Euro slots to 8th, with the board and fans becoming increasingly frustrated by results. (Never mind the manager, who on more than one occassion had to return to the surgeons for replacement hair transplants)

A moment of brief relief came in what was billed as an easy victory for all conquering Valencia, as Zaragoza for 45 mins played like champions, cruising to a 3-0 HT scoreline. This was not to last as Valencia battered at the door, broke it down, took it away, then promptly decided to gift another couple of goals to Zaragoza. A 5-5 scoreline, 3 penalties, one missed, and another visit to the barber. There were signs of revival.

Thats all they were, signs, as Zaragoza struggled in their next couple of matches before battering Almeria 5-1. Was this the turning point, Murcia at home turned into a turgid 1-0 win, and a very poor 1-0 loss to struggling Reacreatavo followed. Well, as the season closes, Deportivo visiting in the next game, Euro qualification may be a step too far, and then it all depends on the board.

Same time, same channel, stay tuned!

Sorry about dissappearing for those last few games yesterday, my internet died and i just couldnt get it back working again for ages and now im probably back to to 4th.

Nah Tim you won both Games after you left...Dam!

Holders - R. Madrid

31st MARCH 2009<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Barcelona | | 30 | 20 | 3 | 7 | 65 | 22 | +43 | 63 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Athletic | Tim | 30 | 19 | 5 | 6 | 48 | 24 | +24 | 62 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Valencia | Sav | 30 | 19 | 5 | 6 | 61 | 29 | +32 | 62 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Betis | | 30 | 18 | 7 | 5 | 41 | 21 | +20 | 61 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | R. Madrid | | 30 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 39 | 19 | +20 | 54 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Villarreal | | 30 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 40 | 25 | +15 | 54 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | At. Madrid | | 30 | 13 | 11 | 6 | 33 | 19 | +14 | 50 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Zaragoza | Ferg | 30 | 14 | 6 | 10 | 45 | 39 | +6 | 48 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Sevilla | | 30 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 35 | 30 | +5 | 48 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Murcia | | 30 | 12 | 9 | 9 | 35 | 34 | +1 | 45 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Getafe | Andy | 30 | 12 | 9 | 9 | 34 | 31 | +3 | 45 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Deportivo | Jonny | 30 | 11 | 6 | 13 | 39 | 38 | +1 | 39 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Racing | | 30 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 30 | 43 | -13 | 36 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Recreativo | Grant | 30 | 8 | 6 | 16 | 26 | 41 | -15 | 30 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Levante | | 30 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 14 | 27 | -13 | 29 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Mallorca | | 30 | 7 | 5 | 18 | 26 | 53 | -27 | 26 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Espanyol | | 30 | 7 | 3 | 20 | 29 | 49 | -20 | 24 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Osasuna | | 30 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 28 | 49 | -21 | 23 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Almería |Powlay | 30 | 5 | 3 | 22 | 23 | 63 | -40 | 18 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Valladolid | | 30 | 4 | 5 | 21 | 39 | 74 | -35 | 17 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

Davie slammed the door on Valladolid and said hello to Burgos in B2……..

Gaz still to re-start

I didn't set it to apply

Juan Ibanez walked from Valladolid seconds after the final whistle in game against Espanyol.

after setting a clubs record of 16 games without a win I guess the pressure got to him, we caught up with him about 2 miles down the road from the stadium as he was still walking away.

here what he had to say:

"I knew the game was over when they scored there 3rd, at that point I had decided that it was best to leave"

"The chairman believed the sky was the limit, well lets be honest the **** on the sole of my shoe was the real limit"

"If history is going to repeat itself I should think we can expect the same thing again."

"League games usually last 90 minutes and I'm sure the rest of Valladolid won't be any different."

"I am a firm believer that if you score one goal, the other team have to score two to win, only problem was the other teams did score two"

"As for Burgos I ain't been in touch with anyone from the club nor do I wish to take a postion within the club"

so whats next for Ibanez:

"prob just take the job at Burgos"

Game up 18:30

Powlay

Davie

Ten days and out!!!

23rd March 2008 Juan Ibanez was spotted sitting with Domingo Novoa at the Burgos game, 60mins after the full time whistle he was named as there new manager.

7 days later Burgos took on Sestao at the El Plantio in front of a crowd of 2381.

A much undecided crowd booed and cheered Ibanez, his brief spell with Valladolid being the reasons as these clubs are bitter rivals.

After 17mins Ibanez was the man around El Plantio with Burgos leading 3-0, but this feeling of ecstasy was soon to be short-lived as Ibanez left the club on the 2nd of April 2008, reason given is still unknown.

Well, the exciting fightback and climax the fans were all waiting to see failed to happen, Zaragoza finishing in a pitiful 9th position in the league. The last few games were played with an available squad of 15 - 17 players, and the back-ups proved why they are back-ups struggling to make the grade.

Aragon Radio caught up with Martinez, as he left to go on holiday where he appeared frustrated, confused and under pressure.

"Some fantastic players with huge reputations and they just did not perform to the standards I expect. They have undoubtedly put the team under sever pressure to start the campaign strongly, otherwise, you know, em, it's like, dog eat dog, and I, er don't want be a spaniel supper."

Aragon Radio's roving reporter seemed bemused by this, likening it to the famous Cantona quote concerning seagulls. All very esoteric and off the wall, but we believe that the manager feels that the board might not give him long after the summer to turn things around.

After months of non movement, Deportivio didn't move. Spending all of 2008 at 12th place, which meant that the Depor board were happy with the perfomace of manager Jony Fernandez, and with the recent speculation that Zaragoza are set to sack their manager, and Fernanadez openly suggesting that he would accept the job would it be offered to him, the board will hope that Fernandez chooses to stick with the team from Deportivio.

It was the final third of the season that proved to be the most intresting part of the Deportivio season, in a run where they would meet 3 of the top 4, Depor took 6 points, the first game was against top of the league Real Betis, and by half time it was 5-0 to Deportivio, and despite a 10 minute mini revival by betis it finished 5-3 to Deportivio. Next up was 7th placed Atletico Madrid, and a single goal was enough to win the game for Deportivio. Valenica who had propelled themselves up in to 3rd place were the next challenge, and despite a stubborn display by Deportivio they succeumbed to a single goal, 1-0 to Valencia. Finally it was back to face top of the league Barcelona, and a single deflected free kick from Ronaldiniho was enough to see off Depor. This was a very promising display in this 4 week period and what proved to be utterley pointless.

The final two games saw two more big boys face once big boy Deportivio, Sevilla travelled to the Rizor and lost 2-1 with Adrian and Riki bagging the goals for Deportivio. Finaly Real Madrid faced Deportivio in the Bernebeau, and a 0-0 draw was enough for the Depor manager.

At the end of the year it was Cheventon who took the top scorer award at Depor finishing with 14 goals, he also was the best performer at the club, with Guardado coming in a close second.

And it would be the last time Guardado would be seen in a depor shirt as he packed his bags and left to Arsenal form the sum of £20 million. Although it seemed a good deal for Fernandez, he was only given £5m of this to spend by the tight fisted wankers on the Depor Board.

After also losing Cheventon, Edu and Latifa who all went back to their respective clubs after their loan contracts had expired. Despite Fernandez's best efforts to get £1.7m out of his board so that he could sign Latifa, who the current (probably soon to be ex) Zaragoza, claims will be an important part of the team. Two new players will be coming in, Rilimque and Rothen both accepted contracts as their current contracts were expiring. With more signings expected in the Coruna town, things are looking horizontal as Deportivio look to cement their 12th place in the league.

Next week how Deportivo lost everything and finsihed 20th place.

Final Tables 2nd July 08

Primera División<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Holders - Barcelona

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | C | Barcelona | | 38 | 25 | 4 | 9 | 78 | 29 | +49 | 79 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Valencia | Sav | 38 | 23 | 7 | 8 | 72 | 35 | +37 | 76 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Betis | | 38 | 21 | 12 | 5 | 50 | 27 | +23 | 75 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | R. Madrid | | 38 | 21 | 10 | 7 | 53 | 22 | +31 | 73 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | At. Madrid | | 38 | 19 | 12 | 7 | 47 | 25 | +22 | 69 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Athletic | Tim | 38 | 20 | 9 | 9 | 57 | 37 | +20 | 69 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Getafe | Andy | 38 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 48 | 38 | +10 | 60 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Villarreal | | 38 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 46 | 38 | +8 | 60 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Sevilla | | 38 | 15 | 11 | 12 | 43 | 41 | +2 | 56 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Zaragoza | Ferg | 38 | 15 | 10 | 13 | 49 | 47 | +2 | 55 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Murcia | | 38 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 43 | 41 | +2 | 55 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Deportivo | Jonny | 38 | 14 | 9 | 15 | 48 | 48 | 0 | 51 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Racing | | 38 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 40 | 54 | -14 | 45 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Recreativo | Grant | 38 | 11 | 8 | 19 | 37 | 47 | -10 | 41 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Mallorca | | 38 | 11 | 6 | 21 | 41 | 68 | -27 | 39 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Levante | | 38 | 9 | 10 | 19 | 18 | 36 | -18 | 37 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Espanyol | | 38 | 10 | 5 | 23 | 40 | 62 | -22 | 35 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | R | Osasuna | | 38 | 7 | 8 | 23 | 40 | 68 | -28 | 29 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | R | Valladolid | | 38 | 6 | 7 | 25 | 46 | 85 | -39 | 25 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | R | Almería |Powlay | 38 | 5 | 5 | 28 | 32 | 80 | -48 | 20 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

Segunda División B4<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Holders - Lorca

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Lorca | | 38 | 22 | 10 | 6 | 75 | 41 | +34 | 76 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Talavera | | 38 | 21 | 10 | 7 | 65 | 42 | +23 | 73 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Ãguilas | | 38 | 20 | 8 | 10 | 65 | 43 | +22 | 68 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | P | Cartagena | | 38 | 19 | 10 | 9 | 63 | 42 | +21 | 67 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Melilla | | 38 | 18 | 10 | 10 | 59 | 51 | +8 | 64 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Jaén | | 38 | 18 | 9 | 11 | 62 | 46 | +16 | 63 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Portuense | | 38 | 18 | 9 | 11 | 60 | 44 | +16 | 63 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | U.D. Mérida | | 38 | 17 | 7 | 14 | 59 | 61 | -2 | 58 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Linares | | 38 | 16 | 9 | 13 | 52 | 46 | +6 | 57 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Ceuta | | 38 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 54 | 53 | +1 | 53 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Baza | | 38 | 14 | 10 | 14 | 57 | 53 | +4 | 52 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Écija | | 38 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 55 | 56 | -1 | 49 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Marbella | Davie | 38 | 14 | 7 | 17 | 55 | 53 | +2 | 49 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Alcalá C.D. | | 38 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 53 | 56 | -3 | 45 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Granada C.F. | | 38 | 10 | 9 | 19 | 43 | 58 | -15 | 39 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Puertollano | | 38 | 11 | 6 | 21 | 46 | 68 | -22 | 39 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | R | Algeciras | | 38 | 10 | 8 | 20 | 39 | 56 | -17 | 38 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | R | Betis B | | 38 | 8 | 9 | 21 | 45 | 70 | -25 | 33 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | R | Mazarrón | | 38 | 7 | 8 | 23 | 38 | 79 | -41 | 29 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | R | Lucena | | 38 | 5 | 14 | 19 | 49 | 76 | -27 | 29 |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

So Davie on the move and will start rebuilding and aiming for promotion.

Powlay aiming to try and get back up after relegation.

Gaz still to re-start.

It was a painful end to the season, finishing second to Barca, but still a good start to improve on. Only way to improve is to win the Title now…. Finishing runners up in the Uefa Cup was even more painful as we really expected to win it. The Manager was aggravated when it took Twenty Minutes to Sub a player when the game seemed to pass by like a strobe light. It finally went to penalty’s and we lost after the first four players on Both sides missed…So Everton win it for the first time in there one hundred and fifty years of history.

So it’s back to Champions League business and trying to improve the squad for next season. The Manager Who has a wealth of great players, just not world class will again be open for loan deals. With some excellent young players available to loan the Manager aims for them to get as much experience as they can.

The Manager Aims to hold on to the best players with repeated approaches respectfully turned down, Villa will have to improve on his offering along with his pal Silva.

Ok so it wasnt the best of finishes that I have ever had with a team in this game.

14th and the media prediction was 10th not good on that front

14th and I am very secure and the board expect to be established in the league after 2 years so by not being relegated I have achieved this.

There was a bonus in all of this. The last 5 or 6 games of same showed some real potential from the Recreativo team and hopefully they can use that form to continue into the next season and begin to push for Europe in the coming years.

I reckon as long as El Decano don't get relegated I'll be fine and will get offered a new contract with the club.

Well thats plans and hoe the season finished.

The future is Bright

The future is Blue and White.

Alright guys I'll be back next week sometime, Still in Canada

Game up 18:00 and a rolling start with it being a new season!

New Season, new challenge and a new back line by the looks of it. Thieving Athletic stole Del Horno and Real Madrid took advantage of the 20 Million clause in Raul Albiol. The Manager had to find a quality replacement and Vincent Kompany from Everton the very player who impressed in last seasons Uefa cup final was the one.

The Manager was brave enough to knock back a 32 million bid, he knows his forward is a wanted man and when the time is right he’ll sell. He sent Fernandes a player he rates on loan to Porto, he’ll get games there and quality training along with left winger Mata to Betis.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Players In.....

| Date | Person | From | Fee |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 21.8.2008 | Kompany, Vincent | Everton | £15M |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | Total | | £15M |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Players Out.....

| Date | Person | To | Fee |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1.7.2008 | Sisi | Valladolid | Free |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2.7.2008 | Del Horno, Asier | Athletic | £2.1M |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4.7.2008 | Mora, Juan Luis | Free Transfer | Free |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9.7.2008 | Aarón | Gimnàstic | Loan |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10.7.2008 | Fernandes, Manuel | Porto | Loan |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14.7.2008 | Mata, Juan Manuel | Betis | Loan |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 28.8.2008 | Albiol, Raúl | R. Madrid | £20M |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | Total | | £22M |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

Me a thief?

Who would of thought it.

Got the Chelsea – Valencia game on and the first thing I thought when Villa came up was “ You’re the Prat who misses all my goals!â€

After a few years of midtable mediocrity and near relegation things have finally improved with a 6th place finish in La Liga and a place in the uefa cup.

At the start of the season Athletic were one of the clubs expected to be battling for their survial in La Liga but an outstanding season for Los Leones saw them battling for the title and a Champions league place until only a few games left when a unfortunate run of form saw them drop to 6th and into a uefa cup spot which left the new Bilabo Manager Tim Prescott slightly annoyed as his side really deserved a CL spot after how well they had performed this season to even be up there challenging was a fantastic achievement for them.

The up coming season was always going to be tough following on from last season and it didnt help that the Athletic Board announced their would be a transfervbudget of just £450k. No new signings were added to the squad except that of on loan Asier Del Horno who decided to make his loan move permanent but the return of drugs cheat Carlos Curpegi after his two year suspension will be like a brand new player for the club.

Things looked even tougher for Bilbao once the fixture list was released as there first 3 games included to trips to Sevilla and Real Madrid as well as a home game against Barcelona.

Despite this tough looking start to the season Athletic currently sit in 5th position in the league after taking maximum points against Sevilla and Barcelona as well as a draw with Levante and if there forwards could start scoring then who would bet against them being there at the end of the season.

The Martinez reign continues, for now. A dissapointing second half of the season swathe team struggle to 10th in the end, with the board understandably upset. Attempts to rebuild the side were frustrated by limited dunds and spiralling costs. A few older (and expensive) players were shed, with a couple of young bucks coming, notably Vertonghen, a promising Belgian U-21 and full international, in on frees. Ruben Ayala's days look numbered at the age of 35, he may be asked to move on, however Martinez has signed Gokhan, the Turkish International CB, who when he finally gets out of his sick bed, will provide some experience and pace at the back. Midfield was further strengthened with the addition of Thiago Motta on a free from Athletic, allowing a couple of younger Spanish prospects to go out on loan.

A bright start has seen Los Blancquillos take 7 pts from the first nine, however the team faces a couple of big tests (Barca and Real) over the next few matches, which may, or may not, seal Martinez's fate. Good results will see the club maintain momentum, however the opposite could see a long walk of the end of the nearest pier!

Game up 18:30

The team from A. Coruna has seen a revitlised look with a one way revolving door at the front door, which by definition is the only door which actually raises more debates than it finishes, basically Fernandez brought in alot of players.

In total the deportivo manager spent a combined 8.5 million on 10 players while reciving 25.5 million on 8 players, only two were important players who brought in any money, Guardado 20m and Coloccini 5m.

The first two in Riquelme and Rothen both came in for free, reluctantly, it was like watching Lady Jane Grey being taken to the throne after Edward VI, or was it the Duke of Northumbalandwe just don't know, left her in charge of the country after his death, where she lasted for 9 whole days.

Guti came in from a free transfer, Cygan 230K, Mista 1m, Cheventon, Lafita and Kucas all came in on season long loans.

Two other signings were made, one being the nest Eto'o, Gael Etock for 3.5m, although because of complecations, i.e the idiots at the spanish imigration office, i.e si, he is not registered for the opening half of the season.

And the other being a former Deportivo mastermind, Roy Makaay returned for a measley 3.7m and will look to pick up where he left off. The start of the season went horibble wrong for Fernandez, about as wrong as it could get, except for being Recreativo manager, losing 2-1 to Numancia, 1-0 to Levante and 3-1 to Zaragoza, before finally picking up their first points with a 2-0 win over Murcia.

Now Deportivio are starting to see the team blend and look like the outfit they do on paper, and things are looking up.

Next week how there was a massive bust up in the Deportivio camp and they failed worse than the US did in Vietnam.

OMG what am I doing

Overview and brief History

Unión Deportiva Marbella is a football team based in Marbella in the autonomous community of Andalusia.

Founded in 1997

The predecessor team of UD Marbella was Club Atlético Marbella that was founded in 1974. CA Marbella disappear in 1997 due a serious economic problems. In 1997 is founded UD Marbella and becomes the principal team of Marbella[i/]

Status Semi-Professional

Reputation Regional

Chairman Status Loves the club always a bad sign when your poor

Star Players None there all crap

Favoured Personnel Ãvila, Apoño, Christian, Dani, Loren

Fierce Rivals None, cause no-one fears the crap

Other Rivals None

Finances Okay

Estimated Value £700K

Stadium Municipal de Marbella, Marbella

Planned Expansion best we get the fans 1st

Stadium Capacity 9000

Pitch Dimensions Length: 105m, Width: 72m

Maximum Pitch Dimensions Length: 113m, Width: 75m

Reserve Stadium

Training Facilities Average training facilities

Youth Facilities Basic youth facilities

Continental Competition None

Media Prediction 9th

Squad Average Age 29

Squad Personality Very Determined

Personnel<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Job / Role Name

Chairman Antonio Pérez Ramos

Gen Mgr Jorge Rodríguez de Cózar

Manager Juăn Ibanéz (that's me)

Asst Mgr Juan Gambero

Coach Albert Toribio

Coach Xavier Escaich

Coach Francisco Javier Castro

Gk Coach Manolo López

Fitness C Juan Giménez

Youth C José Antonio Pascual

Physio Rubén Reñones

Physio Joan Molera

Scout Javier Panadero

Scout Alberto Escorial

Scout Juan Castro

Captain Ãvila

VCaptain Carlos Rivera </pre>

on looking at the squad I knew they where a bit thin, but with the lack of funds at the club and the closure of the transfer window I was a bit stumped on bring in new blood. So working with the lads from the tail end of season 07/08 was my only option and making notes on who was in and who was out.

We finished 13th, 11points clear of the drop. I knew the team had some potential so I re-signed the lads whose deals where up, giving them an one year or two year contact, only two players where released.

after many meetings with the board, mainly discussing the future and how youth will be Marbella key, they failed to see the bigger picture and demanded success now, now giving that we're bloody skint I thou this is a tall order and called on my scouts to dig up as many players as they could barr the Málaga players(as I knew I could get there players, since am there feeder club) that would join us on loan.

before the 1st ball was kicked of the new season we had loaned in 35+ players to help in the cause of Marbella, most of these players will be shipped straight back in the winter window, loaning them in would give us a more indepth look at them before deciding on there Marbella future.

will the board give me the time to settle down or will there demands see me walk(again)

Tables 7th Dec 08

Primera División<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Holders - Barcelona

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Barcelona | | 15 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 43 | 11 | +32 | 34 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Zaragoza | Ferg | 15 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 31 | 14 | +17 | 32 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Valencia | Sav | 15 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 26 | 10 | +16 | 29 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Sevilla | | 15 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 23 | 12 | +11 | 28 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Getafe | Andy | 15 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 17 | 18 | -1 | 25 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Levante | | 15 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 12 | 9 | +3 | 24 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Athletic | Tim | 15 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 15 | +2 | 23 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Betis | | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 20 | 19 | +1 | 22 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | At. Madrid | | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 16 | +2 | 22 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Mallorca | | 15 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 17 | 15 | +2 | 21 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Deportivo | Jonny | 15 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 20 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | R. Madrid | | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 16 | +2 | 19 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Celta | | 15 | 6 | 1 | 8 | 16 | 23 | -7 | 19 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Villarreal | | 15 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 18 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Recreativo | Grant | 15 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 13 | 31 | -18 | 18 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | R. Sociedad | | 15 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 21 | -11 | 16 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Racing | | 15 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 15 | -7 | 12 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Espanyol | | 15 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 15 | 23 | -8 | 12 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Murcia | | 15 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 10 | 26 | -16 | 10 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Numancia | | 15 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 25 | -20 | 8 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

Segunda División B4<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Holders - Lorca

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Granada | | 17 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 34 | 13 | +21 | 42 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Jaén | | 17 | 13 | 1 | 3 | 36 | 18 | +18 | 40 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Granada C.F. | | 17 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 37 | 15 | +22 | 39 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Écija | | 17 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 34 | 11 | +23 | 39 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Portuense | | 17 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 32 | 18 | +14 | 33 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Sevilla Atlético | | 17 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 27 | 16 | +11 | 33 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Ceuta | | 17 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 24 | 13 | +11 | 30 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Melilla | | 17 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 21 | 18 | +3 | 27 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Lorca | | 17 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 35 | 29 | +6 | 27 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Linares | | 17 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 21 | 15 | +6 | 25 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Ãguilas | | 17 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 15 | 19 | -4 | 19 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | U.D. Mérida | | 17 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 22 | 31 | -9 | 19 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Badajoz | | 17 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 19 | 26 | -7 | 19 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Alcalá C.D. | | 17 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 15 | 23 | -8 | 16 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Marbella | Davie | 17 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 20 | 32 | -12 | 15 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Baza | | 17 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 29 | 37 | -8 | 14 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Díter Zafra | | 17 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 15 | 29 | -14 | 13 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Linense | | 17 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 11 | 26 | -15 | 13 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | San Fernando | | 17 | 1 | 3 | 13 | 15 | 41 | -26 | 6 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Cacereño | | 17 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 11 | 43 | -32 | 5 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

Andy is 5th without even taking a seat in the dugout!

Powlay are 6th in Liga BBVA he’ll get a table when he’s earned it, ie actually managed the team.

Hey guys, the usual tonight, hockey until 7 so will not be in until later on in the evening

Cheers

Game up 18:30

Ferg - The Motherwell of Spain......

More like the Hamilton, do so well for so long, you know its gonna end in tears!

I'll be in just after 10 tonight.

Sorry about that last night lads, Bang only the downstream flashing on the Modem. woke up to two solid sync and ready lights so knew it was back up. The game is Saved ok just before the cup games.

Ticket Number: 616024

Time Stamp: 17/12/2007 22:09

Priority MSO

Status Opened

Department: Outage Surveillence Team

Estimated Time Fix: 4 Hours

Customers Affected: Broadband Internet, Digital TV

Raised By: Ben Appleton

Detailed Description:

Some customers Nationally may currently be experiencing a loss all Digital & Broadband services. Our engineers are aware of the issue and are working to restore normal service as quickly as possible.

Virgin Media apologise for any inconvenience caused.

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/12/33625681-national-broadband-outage.html

Virgin Media as popular as chick young in suspenders and as usefulsas Walter Smith’s playing one up front tactic………….

"So, how do we get here?"

"Well Mr Chairman, we took points out of the Barca/Real/Sevilla triumvarate, and contunued to plunder points from the others around us, hence 2nd in the league."

"Pity about that Recreativo result though!"

"Don't know what happened there Guv, the boys will bounce back though"

As predicted, Ayala's days as playing captain are almost over with Gokhan now firmly installed as No 1 CB beside Pavon/Herrero. Gianni Zuiverloon continues to show promise, and Vertonghen has been brought up to the squad for the second half of the season. Motta hasn't had the opportunity to shine with Zapater and Matuzalem holding a solid midfield line, whilst Renato Augusto continues his explosive development from the bench. And up front, well there is only one Diego Milito!

So all going well so far over at La Romereda, however the board have long memories, and last seasons disappointment is never far from the surface. The top of the table is pretty tight, with some big games on the horizon, the picture could change dramatically.

Some of the older wasters have been offloaded during the xmas window, further reducing an extortionately extravagant wage budget, and there may yet be more exits, with clubs eyeing up Diogo, Matuzalem and Zapater.

Rumours from the Aragon Media.

The Aragon Radio Sports Desk has received a tip that Zaragoza manager has flown to Glasgow inorder to secure the signature of the not needed forward Nacho Novo. Novo is believed to be interested in the move, however like the Rangers manager Walter Smith, Martinez is unlikely to offer anything other than squad football for the hard working forward.

La Bugle de l'Aragona reports that Martinez will also be travelling to the little town of Blairgowrie, where the much sought after talent, 11 year old Euan Martin, is strutting his stuff.

"Got a meet this afternoon, then it's xmas performance time. Should be in around 6, but going out again about 7. Back about half 9."

Game up 18:30

All hail Virgin BB

Tables 22nd Feb 09

Primera División<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Holders - Barcelona

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Barcelona | | 25 | 20 | 2 | 3 | 64 | 16 | +48 | 62 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Valencia | Sav | 25 | 17 | 5 | 3 | 47 | 15 | +32 | 56 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Zaragoza | Ferg | 25 | 16 | 4 | 5 | 44 | 22 | +22 | 52 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Sevilla | | 25 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 32 | 25 | +7 | 40 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Betis | | 25 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 31 | 27 | +4 | 40 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Getafe | Andy | 24 | 12 | 3 | 9 | 26 | 24 | +2 | 39 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | R. Madrid | | 25 | 11 | 5 | 9 | 36 | 21 | +15 | 38 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Levante | | 25 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 20 | 21 | -1 | 38 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | At. Madrid | | 24 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 31 | 24 | +7 | 36 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Deportivo | Jonny | 25 | 10 | 4 | 11 | 31 | 27 | +4 | 34 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Villarreal | | 24 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 27 | 24 | +3 | 34 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Athletic | Tim | 25 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 28 | 33 | -5 | 32 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Mallorca | | 25 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 30 | 31 | -1 | 30 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | R. Sociedad | | 25 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 17 | 31 | -14 | 28 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Racing | | 25 | 4 | 12 | 9 | 18 | 24 | -6 | 24 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Celta | | 25 | 7 | 3 | 15 | 22 | 40 | -18 | 24 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Murcia | | 24 | 6 | 5 | 13 | 20 | 42 | -22 | 23 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Recreativo | Grant | 25 | 6 | 4 | 15 | 18 | 50 | -32 | 22 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Espanyol | | 25 | 4 | 7 | 14 | 23 | 35 | -12 | 19 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Numancia | | 25 | 1 | 9 | 15 | 14 | 47 | -33 | 12 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

Surprised Andy is not back after that fairly decent injection of cash of 10 Million for his forward!

Powlays 7th in LIGA BBVA

Segunda División B4<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Holders - Lorca

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Granada | | 27 | 21 | 4 | 2 | 53 | 16 | +37 | 67 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Jaén | | 27 | 20 | 1 | 6 | 59 | 32 | +27 | 61 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Granada C.F. | | 27 | 18 | 5 | 4 | 50 | 22 | +28 | 59 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Écija | | 27 | 16 | 6 | 5 | 46 | 17 | +29 | 54 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Lorca | | 27 | 16 | 4 | 7 | 64 | 41 | +23 | 52 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Portuense | | 27 | 14 | 7 | 6 | 45 | 26 | +19 | 49 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Sevilla Atlético | | 27 | 14 | 4 | 9 | 39 | 33 | +6 | 46 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Ceuta | | 27 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 33 | 25 | +8 | 43 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Linares | | 27 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 27 | 23 | +4 | 39 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Melilla | | 27 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 32 | 29 | +3 | 37 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Alcalá C.D. | | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 31 | 34 | -3 | 33 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Badajoz | | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 28 | 35 | -7 | 33 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | U.D. Mérida | | 27 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 40 | 44 | -4 | 32 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Ãguilas | | 27 | 8 | 6 | 13 | 31 | 42 | -11 | 30 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Baza | | 27 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 43 | 51 | -8 | 29 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Marbella | Davie | 27 | 6 | 7 | 14 | 28 | 46 | -18 | 25 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Díter Zafra | | 27 | 5 | 6 | 16 | 22 | 45 | -23 | 21 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Linense | | 27 | 5 | 6 | 16 | 20 | 45 | -25 | 21 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Cacereño | | 27 | 2 | 4 | 21 | 17 | 61 | -44 | 10 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | San Fernando | | 27 | 1 | 6 | 20 | 19 | 60 | -41 | 9 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

Thinking next Thursday to get the season done the 27th 18:00……..

The Boss looked down at his team sheet and even with him reverting to his favoured 4-4-2 from his 4-4-1-1 he still was not a happy bunny. The two players he had brought in Kompany and Uche has slotted in better then he had hoped even if eyebrows had been raised with the signing of Uche. The Manager has three more targets in mind but at this level its hard.

Villa has hit form with 23 goals from 29 appearances, just as well with Eto who gives Barca a two goal advantage most games. At least Valencia are a young team with Miguel and Hildebrand in goal being the oldest first eleven at twenty nine.

Disappointment in failing after Barca beat us on the away goal rule in the Qtr final of the Spanish cup. Unfortunately Liverpool owned us at home in the CL 1st Knockout Round 1st leg so its only three goals we need when we visit them next round.

So what’s the plan! Try and take the title if not take at least second place with only Zaragoza any threat to that – Dam them.

Next season we will be stronger!

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

GK

T.Hildebrand

DL DC DC DR

Miguel V.Kompany Alexis E.Moretti

ML MC AM MR

Joaquin Sunny Silva Vicente

ST ST

D.Villa I.Uche

</pre>

As the season closes, Martinez looks around the dressing room and sees the determined faces of Los Blanquillos. Disappointment in losing at home 3-0 to Valencia, was turned to joy at whupping Real Madrid 2-0.

Further dropped points when the Spanish FA demanded that games be replayed resulted in Valencia slipping past Los Blanquillos in the league. A number of clubs in La Liga are consideration legal action against the FA, if only they could find some evidence of tapping up by Valencia, who surprisingly won their re-arranged match!

Injuries to Milito and Zapater meant that the engine room and the firing line spluttered, however both ar back, fit and raring to chase down the top two. If only Barca and Sevilla were not the next two matches, and Pablo Aimar would stop getting sent off!

We have a couple of signings lined up, further strengthening the back line, and hopefully taking the goalscoring burden off Diego.

Now if we can beat Barca (lmao) and keep the pressure up on the over-rich superstars at Valencia, they may just mess up their eye-liner and let us sneak past them.