Englisher Fussball Bund - EFB FM06 Clan Thread Mrk III

[Andy H]

The Saints Sun - Still going strong for second place!!!!!

We enter into February and Hepburn's Southampton are still very much in the hunt for second place. Wolves have fallen out of the race but Tony Hall's Reading are still up there fighting with the Saints for that all important second place and automatic promotion to the Premiership. February has been full of goals and brilliant football from the Saints as they try to maintain this unbelievable unbeaten that they are on. Here is a rundown of the latest games.........

Championship

Sheffield Utd v Southampton - (A) Sat 4th February 2006

The month started with an away game at Steff Browning's inconsistent Sheffield Utd team. An open, attacking game of football for the fans and a game that the Saints came out on top in. The Saints started well and Belmadi had them in front in fourteen minutes. They continued to dominate but could not add to their lead. Right on half time supposed dud Clinton Morrison grabbed the equaliser much to the displeasure of Hepburn as he berated his defence as they left the pitch at half time. The Blades came out in the second half a different team as they started to get on top of the Saints and Morrison scored again to give them some what of a shock lead. This seemed to bring the Saints to life and Naismith had them level inside three minutes and then who else but Kenwyne Jones grabbed the winner seven minutes from the end. It was harsh on Utd who put up a great fight in the second half but just not enough as the Saints continued to march on.

Final Score - Sheffield Utd 2 v 3 Southampton

Goals - Sheffield Utd - Morrison (45,63)

Goals - Southampton - Belmadi (14), Naismith (66), Jones (83)

Att - 25104

MOTM - Michael Svensson (Southampton)

Championship

Watford v Southampton - (A) Sat 11th February 2006

Another tough away fixture for the Saints but they knew they had to keep grinding out results to stay ahead of Reading and they did so again against Watford, although in truth they should have scored a few more goals. They dominated the first half without finding a breakthrough but they found a way through in the second half as Richard Chaplow starting his first game for the Saints scored a stunning opener. Watford who showed nothing in attack equalised from the penalty spot but again it was that man Jones who saved the Saints with a goal that again proved to be the winner. The game should have been over and done with by half time but the Saints do not seem to do things the easy way!!!!

Final Score - Watford 1 v 2 Southampton

Goals - Watford - Keene (pen,72)

Goals - Southampton - Chaplow (54), Jones (76)

Att - 13989

MOTM - Kamil Kosowski

Championship

Southampton v Cardiff - (H) Tues 14th February 2006

It was back to St Marys next for the visit of Rob Perry's Cardiff, who have turned their season around with their own excellent run of form. It was a highly entertaining game that Hepburn was glad to take three points from. Their were chances for both sides but the Saints again made hard work of it. They started well with Pahars giving the Saints the lead in ten minutes but Cardiff were soon level through Roberts. Then Jones got in on the act and scored to put the Saints ahead just before half time and then added another soon after half time. Southampton should have went on to win the game easily but Cardiff fought back and pulled a goal back through Sodje to set up a brilliant last twenty five minutes or so. It was tense and nervy towards the end for the Saints but they held on well for another three points.

Final Score - Southampton 3 v 2 Cardiff

Goals - Southampton - Pahars (10), Jones (40,59)

Goals - Cardiff - Roberts (18), Sodje (62)

Att - 18155

MOTM - Zizi Roberts (Cardiff)

FA Cup 5th Round

Southampton v Tottenham - (H) Sat 18th February 2006

A huge game for Southampton as they entertained Tottenham in the FA Cup. It was a fantastic game as Southampton put everything they had into it. At times it looked as if Paul Robinson would not be beaten as he pulled off save after save but he could do nothing to prevent Belmadi curling in a free kick from twenty five yards that had everyone in the stadium on their feet. Tottenham came back strongly after the goal as the Saints started to tire and right at the death they broke from a Southampton corner and Robbie Keane scored a dramatic equaliser to keep Tottenham in the competition. It left the Saints heartbroken as the full time whistle went soon after and the players just slumped down on the pitch, absolutely dejected as they thought they had done more than enough to get through.

Final Score - Southampton 1 v 1 Tottenham

Goals - Southampton - Belmadi (59)

Goals - Tottenham - Keane (90)

Att - 16757

MOTM - Djamel Belmadi (Southampton)

Championship

Hull v Southampton - (A) Wed 22nd February 2006

After the huge disappointment in the cup, Hepburn had to pick his players up and get them focussed on beating Hull at The Circle. The Saints produced again for their manager, an effiecent performance and a clean sheet as well. Dexter Blackstock, another youngster from the academy was pitched in for this game and repaid the manager's faith by hitting a double. It could have and should have been more but again Boaz Myhill produced some outstanding saves to deny the Saints more goals. The unbeaten run was still intact and the Saints were going strong.

Final Score - Hull 0 v 2 Southampton

Goals - Southampton - Blackstock (58,90)

Sent Off - Damien Delaney (Hull)

Att - 17970

MOTM - Dexter Blackstock (Southampton)

Championship

Crewe v Southampton - (A) Sat 25th February

After the good win at Hull it was off to whipping boys Crewe in search of another feast of goals just like in the match at St Marys between the two. It proved hard work again as for the first twenty minutes the Saints were non exsistent as Crewe were all over them and could have been a couple of goals up. Luckily Paul Smith was on good form and they were only one behind. Hepburn was livid and fired up his players and they soon got back into the game through that man Jones who was scoring for fun. Matthew Oakley put them ahead with a great strike and then in the second half Jones got his second of the game and Southampton's third. They were dominating the game at this point and should sealed the game with the amount of chances they were creating. Crewe pulled a goal back tweo minutes from time but it was not enough as the Saints left with yet another three points.

Final Score - Crewe 2 v 3 Southampton

Goals - Crewe - Rix (13), Suhaj (88)

Goals - Southampton - Jones (18,63), Oakley (36)

Att - 7363

MOTM - Kenwyne Jones (Southampton)

It has been another brilliant month for the Saints who have maintained their unbeaten run in the league and almost beat Tottenham in the FA Cup. The Saints are doing superbly and remain on course for automatic promotion to the Premiership.

[rouchie]

Where Eagles dare

Despite being knocked out of the League cup at the semifinal stage, Palace fans are still feeling “Glad All Over†as they still top the Championship by some marguin and are progressing well in the FA Cup

Crystal Palace Vs Coventry

4th February 2006

A tight game for the first 45 minutes exploded in to life in the second 45 when Jon Macken stroked the ball home for the home side, swiftly followed by a goal from AJ to give a 2 goal buffer for the home side. Adebola sparked a brief revival for the visitors but McAnuff sealed the win in some style with a superb goal to round off agreat game for the Eagles, and Andy Johnsons already overloaded shelves will have to accommodate yet another Man of the Match award

Palace 3 Coventry 1

Palace Scorers : Macken (67) Johnson (70) McAnuff (90)

Coventry Scorers : Adebola (85)

Att : 24179

MOM : Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace Vs Norwich

11th February 2006

Sandy Pettigrewand his merry band of Delia’s drunkards were next to visit Selhurst Park, so the Palace bar was well and truly stocked! Some of the spirit being supped by Sandy and Delia was obviously the teams spirit because it was a poor display from the so called promotion challengers as they slumped to a heavy defeat at the hands of the league leaders! Johnson struck first, with a double salvo of two goals in less than 60 seconds! Jobi McAnuff made it three nil before we reached the halfway point of the halfway point! McAnuff grabbed another after the restart before McDonald pulled a forlorn one back for Pettigrews Protégé’s, but it was nowhere near enough as Johnson immediately upped his game and grabbed another 2 goals to heap humiliation on the fellow EFB manager, secure another MOM award and ensure full bragging rights for The Palace Manager in the EFB forum!!

Palace 6 Norwich 1

Palace Scorers : Johnson (16, 17, 84, 90) McAnuff (22, 53)

Norwich Scorers : McDonald (65)

Att : 25961

MOM : Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace)

Sheff Weds Vs Crystal Palace

14th February 2006

Palace were again in top form for this trip to Hillsborough, Gottwald banged in a scorcher mid way through the first half top give the Eagles the deserved lead. AJ followed up his 4 goals against Sandy Pettigrews Norwich with a brace against the Owls in the second 45 to seal a comfortable win and another MOM for Johnson

Sheff Weds 0 Palace 3

Palace Scorers : Gottwald (18) Johnson (59, 75)

Att : 28254

MOM : Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace

Lincoln Vs Crystal Palace

18th February 2006 – FA Cup 5th Round

A man of the match performance from Alan Marriott kept the League 2 outfit in the draw for the 6th round of the FA Cup, just! Palace were unlucky not to turn their dominance into goals and will feel sorely hard done by! They will certainly be feeling confident about the replay at Selhurst Park though

Lincoln 0 Palace 0

Att : 8159

MOM : Alan Marriott (Lincoln)

Crystal Palace Vs Derby

22nd February 2006

Despite derby taking the lead on the half hour mark with a fine goal from Idiakez, Palace were rarely troubled and were back on level terms when Jon Macken equalised just before the break. Andy Johnson put the Eagles ahead in the second half and Derby were unable to respond leaving the home side to pick up all the points as they close in on securing automatic promotion.

Palace 2 Derby 1

Palace Scorers : Macken (43) Johnson (51)

Derby Scorers : Idiakez (30)

Att : 23998

MOM : Jon Macken (Crystal Palace)

Wolves Vs Crystal Palace

25th February 2006

A very close fought game with no goals from open play and 2 goals from hotly disputed penalties failing to separate the two sides. Wolves own Sicknote struck home their penalty in the first half and Richie Foran equalised in similar fashion late in the second half to keep the promotion bid on track for the Eagles and earn a share of the points

Wolves 1 Palace 1

Palace Scorers : Foran (pen 86)

Wolves Scorers : Anderton (Pen 45)

Att : 29132

MOM : Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace)

Awards

Andy Johnson seured a runner up spot in the Player of the month award after his recent run of Man of the match performances and high scoring! Billy Jones picked up the runner up award for the young player of the month award. Paul Rouch came 3rd in an all EFB managerof the month award

Position

Top

Top Scorer

Andy Johnson – 33

Top rated player

Peter Ramage – 7.80

[Andy H]

The Saints Sun - Oh when the Saints go marching on!!!!!!!

In the month of March, Hepburn and his Saints are still going strong and second place is looking more and more likely by the game. They are still unbeaten and playing some absolutely superb football. Palace are far to far ahead and it's only a matter of time before they are crowned champions. Here is a rundown of the latest games from the Saints.............

FA Cup 5th Round Replay

Tottenham v Southampton - (A) Wed 1st March 2006

The Saints travelled to London to face Tottenham in the FA Cup replay and in all honesty were robbed of a sixth round slot. A Mido wondergoal separated the sides but the Saints found Paul Robinson in superman like form and just could not score. They had put in such a great effort over the two games that they did deserve to go through but in the end Tottenham's clinical finishing earned them that sixth round slot.

Final Score - Tottenham 1 v 0 Southampton

Goals - Tottenham - Mido (13)

Att - 36216

MOTM - Claus Lundekvam (Southampton)

Championship

Southampton v QPR - (H) Sat 4th March 2006

After the disappointment of going out the FA Cup, Hepburn fired his players up and they took their frustrations out on a poor QPR side. The Saints tore them apart with some superb finishing. They were 3-0 up inside half an hour and then just toyed with QPR for the rest of the game bearly getting out of second gear. Potter opened the scoring fromt he penalty spot, Cranie then scored a great header to make it 2-0 and then up popped Steven Naismith for number three only two minutes later. QPR were deflated but managed to pull a goal back right on half time through Paul Furlong. In the second half the Saints again dominated the game, with Steven Naismith scoring number four and then it was party time for the Saints as they coasted to victory.

Final Score - Southampton 4 v 1 QPR

Goals - Southampton - Potter (pen,15), Cranie (19), Naismith (21,58)

Goals - QPR - Furlong - (45)

Att - 19635

MOTM - Steven Naismith (Southampton)

Championship

Leeds v Southampton - (A) Sat 11th March 2006

Next up for the Saints was a tough trip to Ellend road to face play off hopefuls Leeds. The Saints were playing with some much confidence and an air of we cannot be beaten they started the game as if they were the home side and had Leeds chasing shadows for much of the opening half hour or so. Kenwyne Jones got them off to a brilliant start by scoring after only three minutes and they just continued to dominate and Prutton scored a superb second for the Saints. Leeds came back into the game and pulled a goal back through Robbie Blake but it was the Saints who looked the more likely to increase their lead in the second half as opposed to Leeds equalising. It was another very good win for Southampton and they remain unbeaten!!!!!

Final Score - Leeds 1 v 2 Southampton

Goals - Leeds - Blake (33)

Goals - Southampton - Jones (3), Prutton (30)

Att - 19499

MOTM - Steven Naismith (Southampton)

Championship

Preston v Southampton - (A) Sat 18th March 2006

This was supposedly another tough game for the Saints on paper as they travelled to face Preston who were also in the play off spots. The Saints however simply brushed them aside with another fantastic performance. They hardly let Preston settle and they were all over them as they dominated possession and created chance after chance. Steven Naismith was the star man for the Saints as he grabbed an impressive hat trick to leave Preston devestated. It should have been a lot more such was the Saints superiority throughout this game but Hepburn was delighted with the the three goals and performance.

Final Score - Preston 1 v 3 Southampton

Goals - Preston - Nugent (24)

Goals - Southampton - Naismith (23,45,62)

Att - 19499

MOTM - Steven Naismith (Southampton)

Championship

Southampton v Norwich - (H) Sat 25th March 2006

It seemed the Saints were doing the rounds of the play off hopefuls as they entertained Sandy Pettigrew's Norwich to St Marys. The game turned out to be a bit of a rout in the end with the Saints scoring two goals in either half but the Norich strikers passed up so many opporuntities to get back into the game Hepburn and the Saints must have had lady luck smiling on them. The scoreline was harsh on Norwich but Hepburn was not caring at full time as it was another good performance from his team. A Rasiak double in the first half and then further goals from Kosowski and Prutton in the second half gave the Saints the victory. Pettigrew needs to get himself a set of new strikers as his team's finishing was shocking!!!!

Final Score - Southampton 4 v 0 Norwich

Goals - Southampton - Rasiak (15,25), Kosowski (70), Prutton (79)

Att - 25455

MOTM - Grzegorz Rasiak (Southampton)

It has been yet another great month for the Saints who just keep on winning and winning and that runners up spot is becoming more of a reality by the game. Reading are still hot on their heels though so they need to keep this up for the remainder of the season and they do have some tough games coming up so lets see how they get on....

[rouchie]

Where Eagles dare

We enter March, famously described as squeaky bum time by a redfaced knight of the realm, and this is when the spectacular season to date could bear fruit for the Palace fans, a return to the Premiership!

Crystal Palace Vs Lincoln

1st March 2006 – FA Cup 5th Round Replay

After a goalless draw at Lincoln, thanks to some goalkeeping heroics it was back to Selhurst Park for the replay. Richie Foran opened the scoring and followed up 7 minutes later to make it 2-0. A goal from Macken in the second half secure safe passage to the quarter finals

Palace 3 Lincoln 0

Palace Scorers : Foran (14, 38) Macken (73)

Att : 11586

MOM : Richie Foran (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace Vs Plymouth

4th March 2006

Another home game and another stroll in the park! Tom Soares opened the scoring midway through the first half swiftly followed by AJ netting to make it 2-0. A converted penalty from Michal Gottwald in the second half was enough to seal the win as Palace canter toward automatic promotion

Palace 3 Plymouth 0

Palace Scorers : Soares (27) Johnson (34) Gottwald (Pen 50)

Norwich Scorers : McDonald (65)

Att : 25961

MOM : Emmerson Boyce (Crystal Palace)

Millwall Vs Crystal Palace

11th March 2006

A trip to the New Den, home of the Pikeys was next up and 2 goals in 60 seconds midaway through the first half effectively killed this game off.Fisrt Macken, then the leagues top scorer, AJ, slotted home to give the Palace a double edged lead. A Michal Gottwald strike in the second half secured yet another win on the road for the Eagles to secure the points in what is looking increasingly like a solitary championship season.

Millwall 0 Palace 3

Palace Scorers : Macken (24) ) Johnson (25) Gottwald (66)

Att : 17871

MOM : Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace Vs Brighton

18th March 2006

A visit from the gay boy club did little to get the blood racing for any one! A nil nil bore darw as both sides failed to shine

Palace 0 Brighton 0

Att : 26478

MOM : Michael Turner (Brighton)

Liverpool Vs Crystal Palace

22nd March 2006 – FA Cup Quarter Finals

Well what can I say? Already a historical season for the Eagle, for their league performances and also cup exploits. A number of high profile scalps like Arsenal and Man Utd already taken and now a trip to Anfield for a spot in the FA cup Semi Final! A very tightly contested first half saw both sides drawing a blank but the travelling Palace fans, already accustomed to the extraordinary this season, were driven to elation in the second half when Defender Emmerson Boyce made a mockery of the Liverpool defence and slid one past the keeper to give the underdogs the lead! 20 Minutes later Richie Foran etched his name in to Eagles folk lore when he stroked home the decisive second to put the Palace through to their second semi finals of the season!!

Liverpool 0 Palace 2

Palace Scorers : Boyce (63) Foran (83)

Att : 34902

MOM : Marco Reich (Crystal Palace)

]Reading Vs Crystal Palace

25th March 2006

A trip to the Madjeski stadium and Tony Hall’s Reading in a crucial game! If Palace win then they are guaranteed promotion! This match swung both ways throughout the game (ehh hem) with the Eagles striking first when Jobi McAnuff nodded home. Reading struck back with a Gunnarsson equaliser shortly after then shortly after the second half kicked off took the lead through Sidwells fine goal. This was a brief lead though as 2 minutes later Marcus Reich equalised for Palace. The Eagles soared in to the lead when Readings Murty put one past his own keeper with only minutes on the clock but in the last minute of normal time Leroy Lita levelled it up yet again in this seesaw game!! But there was a final twist as in the dying seconds of injury time Tom Soares scored the goal that would ensure Palace were playing in the premiership next season! 3-4 the final score in one of the most thrilling games of the season!

.

Reading 3 Palace 4

Palace Scorers : McAnuff (33) Reich (54) Murty (OG 83) Soares (90)

Reading Scorers : Gunnarsson (42) Sidwell (52) Lita (89)

Att : 29132

MOM : Jobi McAnuff (Crystal Palace)

Awards

Tom Soares was the runner up in the Player of the month award after another batch of fine performances in a superb season After securing promotion Paul Rouch came was a runner up in the manager of the month award after another unbeaten month and reaching the FA Cup Semi Finals

Position

Top

Top Scorer

Andy Johnson – 35

Top rated player

Tom Soares – 7.76

[Jambo4eva]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Pettigrew needs to get himself a set of new strikers as his team's finishing was shocking!!!!

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

In the process of doing say bye bye to Earnshaw and Mcdonald !

[ChefRobGaming]

Vs

Cardiff looking to climb up the table past Sheff Utd did so in style in this one Pettersson scored for City on 9mins,Pierre FanFan opened his City account on 18mins, Gallen got one back for QPR before 2 later goals from Roberts on 88 and Hrgovic on 92mins gave Cardiff 3 well earned points

Attendance 21980

MOM Zizi Roberts 9

Ref Chris McDonald

Vs

Leeds Utd 1 Cardiff City 5

With sky cameras present Cardiff went on the rampage again it took Pettersson only 7mins to open the scoring here 4mins later Wright added no2 and on 18mins his scored again to make it 3-0 Hrgovic made it 4-0 on 31mins and it would stay that way until 46mins when Blake would score from the spot for Leeds but Pettersson wasnt finished and he scored the final goal on 51mins in a man of the match performance

Attendance 33495

MOM Jorgen Pettersson 10

Referee Kevin Friend

Vs

Cardiff City 1 Burnley 1

Micah Hyde opened the scoring on 15mins from the penalty spot after Sodje pulled him down in the area Silva made it 1-1 on 22mins and thats how it would stay until the 53mins when Sodje missed a pen which would have given Cardiff the 3points, Ricketts was sent off late on for a bad challenge on Wright but Cardiff couldnt break down the 5 man defence

Attendance 19110

MOM Epi Silva 7

Referee Jarnail Singh

Vs

Preston North End 3 Cardiff City 0

Preston came out firing on all cylinders Agyemeng got the first on 16mins McKenna added a second on 39mins and a minute before halftime Agyemeng scored his second and Prestons final goal in what was a very fast 1st half but boring 2nd half

Attendance 19151

MOM Chris Sedgwick 10

Referee Jarnail Singh

Vs

Luton Town 1 Cardiff City 4

Cardiff get back to there scoring ways in this one Roberts scored a hatrick in the 1st half 38,44 and 45 min, Wayne Feeney added nothing more than a consilation goal for Luton on 59mins before Roberts added a 4th on 83mins

Attendance 9035

MOM Zizi Roberts 10

Referee Phil Prosser

Vs

Cardiff City 2 Coventry 0

2 very very late goals in this one gave Cardiff the win, Coventry will feel very unhappy how the goals came Hrgovic got the first in injury time after 92mins and Roberts added a quick fire 2nd on 94mins, Coventry manager was sent from the dugout for arguing with 4th offical after the first goal and now faces a Fa investigation

Attendance 18739

MOM Zizi Roberts 9

Referee Paul Robinson

Vs

Cardiff City 2 Norwich City 1

Cardiff manager said before this one that Sandy would pay for knocking him out of the cup, he would try to end Norwich's play off aspirations, Earnshaw gave Norwich the lead after only 16mins but Wright would make it 1-1 on 37mins, at half time Unsworth would come on for Cardiff and he turned out to be the hero on 66mins he slotted home a pen after some great work by Zizi and he was pulled down in the area, Perry didnt shake hands with Sandy at the end of this one as he went straight down the tunnel

Attendance 19041

MOM Aythani 8

Referee Lee Mason

Vs

Sheff Wed 2 Cardiff City 1

The up and down season of Cardiff continues here Silva gave Cardiff the lead on 49mins but then there defence went to sleep allowing 2 easy goals by Wednesday on 52mins by Brunt and 60mins by Tudgay, Richard Wood was sent off on 61mins for Sheff Wed but Cardiff just didnt look up for this one and couldnt score

Attendance 28982

MOM Chris Barker 8

Referee Trevor Parkes

Vs

Cardiff City 3 Derby Co 0

Great performance here from Cardiff Silva made it 1-1 in injury time on the first half 2nd half started just as the 1st half ended Roberts scored on 47mins, Wright would scored the best and final goal on 75mins with a 35yard lob of the Derby keeper

Attendance 19190

MOM Chris Barker 9

Referee Iain Williamson

Vs

Wolves 1 Cardiff City 1

Very exciting start in this one Sodje opened for the visitors after only 3mins,Jackie McNamara would see red after on 24mins for a 2footed tackle on Hrgovic, Paul Wotton would scored for Wolves on 41mins and thats how this one ended

Attendance 28876

MOM Mirko Hrgovic 8

Referee Chris McDonald

Vs

Cardiff City 5 Plymouth Argyle 2

Sky sports cameras here again and again another wonderful performance by Cardiff, Roberts got Cardiff off and running after only 6mins Silva added the 2nd on 25mins Pupalovic would score his first for City on 36mins,Hoyles then added one for Plymouth and then Buzaksy made it 3-2 on 45mins,Lawson would put Cardiff further ahead on 49mins before Hrgovic added the final nail in the coffin on 54mins

Attendance 14239

MOM Ben Wright 9

Referee Iain Williamson

Vs

Millwall 2 Cardiff City 1

Cardiff would either need to win or home Sheff Utd lose in order to keep 9th spot Hayles missed a early pen for Millwall after only 4mins Pettersson gave the travelling fans hope after 39mins with a lovely strike from 25yards out May would make it 1-1 on 51mins and Jody Morris would score on 69mins to give Millwall the 3points

Attendance 11119

MOM Barry Powell 8

Referee Keith Hill

So with the season over and 9th place secured Sam Hammam has said he is very please with how the team has performed,In other news Zizi Roberts has been named Fans player of the year after a great first season at Ninian Park he seems to have settle wonderfully

Season's Top Goalscorers for Cardiff

Zizi Roberts 29

Ben Wright 15

Epi Silva 8

Ebiede 7

Mirko Hrgovic 6

Stay tuned for more from Ninian Park.......... TWEET TWEET!!!!! haha

[Jambo4eva]

Norwich results.

Vs

Very exciting game which saw 6 goals all in the second halfwith the first from Mcdonald in the 45th minute then Etuhu followed after on the 48th minute with a hard driven shot from outside the box. On loan striker Rocardo Vaz Te scored for Sheffield Wednesday in the 65th minute to make it 2-1. The game was quiet until young Ian Henderson scored in the 82nd minute with Tudgay relying straight away for Wednesday in the 84 and not long after substuitute Ryan Jarvis kiled the game off in the 90th minute.

Score : Norwich 4 - 2 Sheff Wed

MoM: Ian Henderson

Vs

A game against promotion contenders Wolves , it was not expecrted to be a footballing match with both teams scraping for points. There was only 1 goal in the game and ity was a superb free kick from Barry Robson struck from 30 yards in the 37tgh minute . Norwich saw the remainder of the match out and were happy with the 1-0 win.

Score : Norwich 1 - 0 Wolves

MoM: Ian Henderson

Vs

Norwich expected to win this one and win it they did with 3 goals in the first half with the first coming from Scott McDonald in the 6th minute when he passed the ball in from a Robson through ball. Barry Robson then took part in a move which started in their own half as he finished it off to make it 2-0 after 26 minutes. Scott McDonald then made it 3 after 29 minutes with a lovely striker from the edge of the box from a corner. In the second half Derby took the game to Norwich but the defence handled it really well until Malcolm Christie broke the offside trap to sneak through and score a consolation goal for Derby in the 59th minute.

Score : Derby 1 - 3 Norwich

MoM: Barry Robson

FA CUP

Vs

Controversial striker Vincent Pericard put in a good performance as he scored 2 of Readings 3 goals in this match . He scored just before half time to make it 1-0 to Reading. Reading star James HArper scored in the 61st minute to make it 2-0 and then Pericard added insult to injury to make it 3-0.

Score : Norwich 0 - 3 Reading

MoM: Pericard

Vs

Goaless draw and not much to say about this match except Dickson Etuhu uit in a good solid performance in the middle of midfield creating chances for the front two who could not finish.

Score : Plymouth 0 - 0 Norwich

MoM: Etuhu

Vs

Thrilling 2-2 draw which saw 2 goals from Milwall's in-form striker May in the 2nd and 7th minute to make it 2-0 to Millwall , Norwich's captain Carlos Garcia spurred the team on when Earnshaw scored after 34 minutes with a lovely half volley just inside the box and the Mark Viduka scoring in the 41st minute placing it in the corner. the game ended this way with not much happening in the 2nd half.

Score : Norwich 2 - 2 Millwall

MoM: Earnshaw

Vs

An easy win for Nowich with the first goal coming from a fantactic solo effort from Dickson Etuhu when he jinked past 2 players and hammered the ball home in the 47th minute. Rob Earnshaw then scored from a corner in the 67th minute with Jarvis rounding it off in the 86 minute with a well struck penalty.

Score: Norwich 3 - 0 Brighton

MoM: Etuhu

Vs

A game which saw referee's bad decisions ruin the game when he sent off Norwich's Dickson Etuhu in the eight minute which saw Pettigrew move to a 4-4-1 formation but still attacking at every oppertunity. Reading took advantage of the referees bias decision and scored a goal which could of been offside in the 9th minute from Pericard but ressiliant Norwich pulled it back after 20 minutes with a goal from young star Ryan Jarvis. The game ended like this and neither side had many chances after the first half.

Score : Reading 1 - 1 Norwich

MoM: Jurgen Colin

Vs

Note to self: never put 4 up front against Palace

NO COMMENT ON THIS GAME

Score : Palace 6 - 1 Norwich

MoM:Andy Johnson

Scorers : Johnson (16.17,83,90) McAnuff(22,52) Mcdnald (64)

Vs

A very poor performance from Norwich which saw Stoke win 1-0 with a goal from Hamilton in the 9th minute.

Score : Norwich 0 - 1 Stoke

MoM: Hamilton

Vs

Norwich bounced back from their last defeat to win this one with goals from Franklin Salas in the 20th minute and Robert Earnshaw on the stroker of half time.

Score: Ipswich 0 - 2 Norwich

MoM: Adam Drury

[rouchie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

Vs

Note to self: never put 4 up front against Palace

NO COMMENT ON THIS GAME

Score : Palace 6 - 1 Norwich

MoM:Andy Johnson

Scorers : Johnson (16.17,83,90) McAnuff(22,52) Mcdnald (64)

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

LOL

[Jambo4eva]

Norwich Results PART 2

Vs

Norwich were going into this game full of confidence and that helped them towards a 3-0 win with a goal from Mcdonald in the 29th minute which saw Norwich go in 1-0 up at half time . Robert Earnshaw then scored in the 69th minute to make it 2-0. McDonald added to his tally of goals to make it 3-0 and end the game in the 90th minute.

Score: Norwich 3 - 0 Watford

MoM: McDonald

Vs

Leicester took a 2 goal lead after 10 minutes with Elvis Hammond getting both and then Earnshaw replied instatly in the 10th minute to make it 2-1 . Viduka then scoredin the 78th minute to make it level then Joe Hamill finished Norwich off scoring in the 82nd minute.

Score: Leicester 3 - 2 Norwich

MoM: Hammond

Vs

Norwich strolled this game against Steff Browning Sheffield United . Scott McDonald got the first goal for Norwich in the 41st minute with a lovely striker from the edge of the areaand then just before half time Earnshaw put one in to make it 2-0. After the break Clinton Morrison scored from a spot kick to make it 2-1 . Wonderkid Sergey Kisliy scored in the 83rd minute and then dirsty Neil Lennin got sent off in the 75th minute and Dickson Etuhu made it 4-1 in the 94th minute .

Score : Norwich 4 - 1 Sheff Utd

MoM: Earnshaw

Vs

This game was a dull 1-1 draw with not many chances going either way , the game was played in the middle of the park both midfields on form getting to the ball. Earnshaw scored a easy tap in after 28 minutes and France for Hull scored in the 77th minute to make it 1 each

Score : Norwich 1 - 1 Hull

MoM: Earnshaw

Vs

Poor finishing cost Norwich this game as Southampton ran away winners with the first two goals coming from Rasiak on the 15th and 24th minute. Kosowki then scored in the 70th minute with Prutton finishing the game on the 79tgh minute to make it 4-0!

Score : Southampton 4 - 0 Norwich

Rasiak scored after 15 minutes to make it 1-0 to the saints and Norwich just could not finish with both strikers missing chances all the time . Rasiak then made it 2-0 in the 24th minute with Koswski in the 70th minute and Prutton in the 79th finishing the game off to make it 4-0.

Score : Southampton 4 - 0 Norwich

MoM: Rasiak

Vs

Robert Earnshaw put the Canaries 1-0 up after 15 minutes. Ben Wright then made it 1-1 after 36 minutes as the teams went in at 1-1. After half time Cardiff got a "soft" penalty and David Unsworth put it past Robert Green. Game ended with this scoreline

Score : Norwich 1 - 2 Cardiff

MoM: Aythami

Vs

This was to be the start of Norwich's good run in for a play off positionSergey Kisliy got a first half hatrick scoring goals in the 12th 30th and 43rd minute. QPR then got a consolation goal after 86 minutes from Marc Birchim

Score : Norwich 3 - 1 QPR

MoM: Kisliy

Vs

Most important game of the season for Norwich as it decided weather they would get into the play off postion and knock Leeds out of them. Norwich won this game far more easily than expected Viduka notched up a hatrick in the first half with goals in the 23rd 27th and 43rd minute , Dickson Etuhu also scored in the 34th minute . Norwich walked this game as Leeds did not even put up a fight.

Score : Leeds 0 - 4 Norwich

MoM: Viduka

Vs

Another easy voctory for Norwich in the run in as they won 3-0 with goals from 3 strikers Earnshaw (35) Kisliy (78) McDonald (66) . Norwich are going in strong and looking good for a play off place with 2 games to go.

Score : Norwich 3 - 0 Burnley

MoM: Nik Besagno

Vs

Another easy win for Norwich as they hammered Preston 4-0 with goals from Viduka (13,48) Kisliy((27) and Eanrshaw with an absolute screamer in the 47th minute.

Score : Preston 0 - 4 Norwich

MoM:Rab Green

Vs

Yet again Norwich strolled this match with Sergey Kisliy scoring after 14 minutes and then McDonald scored in the 50th minute with a 3rd from Dybutant Scorza in the 67th minute.

Score : Norwich 3 - 0 Crewe

MoM: Besagno

PLAY OFF SEMI FINAL

Vs

Well this was a start of a play off nightmare for Sandy Pettigrew and Norwich. Tomas Frankowski broke free in the 19th minute and ran the length of the pitch and slotted the ball past Robert Green . Sergey Kisliy then pulled one back in the 28th minute to make it 1-1 but Olofinjana scored an absolute wonder goal from well outside the box in the 29th minute. Frankowski then scored 10 minutes later to make it 3-1 and thats how the game ended.

Vs

Well this will be short and quick before i contemplate taking my life. Jurgen Colin sent off. Wotten scores free kick 1-0. Seol 2-0 and another Wolves sending off . treble substitution at half time. 48 mins - Jarvis injured and goes off wolves 3 men down. Alidieri scored 2 more and Frankowski scored 1 and Calr Cort also scored in the 91st minute . Barry Robson got a consolation goal in this game as it ended 6-1. The ony opsitive that Pettigrew had to the end of the season was fellow play off manager Tony Halls' comments of his opponents Preston "We've already beat them twice before and will win easily". Pettigrew had a slight smile as he watched Hall fail to beat Preston and go to the play off finals.

[Andy H]

LOL good updates Sandy.

[Jambo4eva]

Latest Transfer News From Carrow Road !

Transfers out !

Scott McDonald - 2.7 million - Heerenveen

Dickson Etuhu - 1 million - Youngboys

Paul Gallagher - FREE - Bournmouth

Robert Earnshaw - 4.2 million - Portsmouth

Andy Hughes - FREE - Nottingham Forest

Franklin Salas - 400k - Laval

Josh Clarke - FREE - Cardiff

Transfers In !

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - FREE - Man Utd

Chris Baird - FREE - Southampton

Njazi Kuqi - 850k - Birmingham

Bruno Agiuar - 120k - FC Kaunas

Bartholomew Ogbeche - FREE - Aljazeera

Darijo Srna - 3.4 million - Shakhtar

Nicky Butt - 275k - Newcastle

Danny Murphy - 1.6 million - Tottenham

Belozoglu Emre - 3.9 million - Newcastle

Pettigrew has also brought a big number of coaches into the club that he hopes will bring high spirit , grit and determination to his team. The most high profile of his coahces are Gabriele Batistuta and Luis Enrique.

Pettigrew is also extremely happy with his signings and is confident in the squad he has got to get Norwich promoted this season . Pettigrew will not be involved in any more transfer dealing this summer.

[Andy H]

Aye right Pettigrew won't be involved in more transfer dealing!!!! You won't be able to help yourself, you'll withdrawl symptoms and the shakes and everything!!!!

[Jambo4eva]

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

Aye right Pettigrew won't be involved in more transfer dealing!!!! You won't be able to help yourself, you'll withdrawl symptoms and the shakes and everything!!!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was waiting for someone to post something like that , trust me ive been going to TA(Transfer addicts) sessions and they are really helping me !

[Jambo4eva]

Hope everyone gets there reports up to date before the start of the new season !

[RedStar101]

Reading Report

Session Dates: 18th & 20th April 2006

Players Signed: 1

Javi Garcia AM C Real Madrid – Free (Arrives 1-7-06)

Results

Sheff Wed 1 vs 4 Reading

Sheff Wed Scorer: Marcus Tudgay (8)

Reading Scorers: Dave Kitson (1, 24 & pen 32) & Vincent Pericard (28)

Attendance: 28,664

MOM: Dave Kitson (Reading)

Good win with both strikers getting on the score sheet, Dave Kitson deserved to get his hat trick. This game was over in the first half.

Reading 1 vs 0 Derby

Reading Scorer: Dave Kitson (43)

Attendance: 24,100

MOM: Marcus Hahnemann (Reading)

Close match with Dave Kitson scoring the only goal. My goal keeper deserves the Man of the Match award as he kept Derby out.

Wolves 1 vs 0 Reading

Wolves Scorer: Jeremie Aliadiere (40)

Attendance: 29,246

MOM: Michael Oakes (Wolves)

Wolves have definitely been my bogey side this season and with this 1-0 defeat they have completed the double over reading.

Millwall 1 vs 1 Reading

Millwall Scorer: David Livermore (42)

Reading Scorer: Leroy Lita (69)

Attendance: 10,428

MOM: David Livermore (Millwall)

Seems like Reading are beginning to suffer a blip in form and from the 1-1 draw I can now only hope to confirm a playoff spot. Leroy made a scoring return to fitness in this match aswell.

Reading 3 vs 4 Crystal Palace

Reading Scorers: Brynjar Gunnarsson (42), Steve Sidwell (52) & Leroy Lita (89)

Crystal Palace Scorers: Jobi McAnuff (33), Marco Reich (54) & Graeme Murty OG (83) & Tom Soares (90)

Attendance: 24,090

MOM: Jobi McAnuff (Crystal Palace)

Red Cards: Aaron Brown (Reading) (84)

I didn’t expect to win this match as Palace are by far the superior side of the Championship this season and perhaps will be a good side in the premiership next season. What I didn’t expect was my side to score three goals against Rouchie and I would have been satisfied with a draw but that idiot Aaron Brown got himself sent off enabling Crystal Palace to force Murty to score a silly own goal and then Palace scored the winner in added time.

Reading 3 vs 0 Plymouth

Reading Scorers: Dave Kitson (14) & Leroy Lita (20 & 63)

Attendance: 23,470

MOM: Leroy Lita (Reading)

Reading Injuries: Vincent Pericard (11)

Easy match this one although I lost Pericard in the eleventh minute but Kitson and Sub Leroy Lita made up for the loss with 3 goals between them.

Brighton 1 vs 4 Reading

Brighton Scorers: Dean Hammond (5)

Reading Scorers: Leroy Lita (12), Dave Kitson (Pen 43) & Vincent Pericard (46 & 62)

Attendance: 8,064

MOM: John Halls (Reading)

Reading is back to winning ways in a big way with this win, all 3 strikers scored and this win cemented our place in the Playoffs.

Reading 2 vs 0 Crewe

Reading Scorers: Glen Little (42) & Vincent Pericard (70)

Attendance: 20,118

MOM: Marcus Hahnemann (Reading)

Red Cards: Madgid Bougherra (Crewe) (46)

Another win, another 3 points and it came from a rare Glen Little goal and another Pericard Goal.

Reading 3 vs 0 Stoke

Reading Scorers: Vincent Pericard (18, 78) & Dave Kitson (64)

Attendance: 19,526

MOM: Vincent Pericard (Reading)

Reading Injuries: Brynjar Gunnarsson (23)

Stoke were put to the sword in this match and were never really a threat against the strong Reading defence, losing Gunnarsson was a big blow as the injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Ipswich 0 vs 2 Reading

Reading Scorers: Vincent Pericard (11) & John Oster (68)

Attendance: 21,067

MOM: Ibrahima Sonko (Reading)

A goal from Pericard and a goal from the unlikeliest sources of John Oster was enough to complete my revenge against the club that sacked me in my very first season in EFB.

Reading 2 vs 0 Watford

Reading Scorers: Steve Sidwell (20) & Dave Kitson (26)

Attendance: 24,077

MOM: Ibrahima Sonko (Reading)

Match was won in the first half and Watford didn’t really have many chances for the entire match.

Playoff 1st Leg

Preston 3 vs 0 Reading

Preston Scorers: Brian O’Neil (61), Patrick Agyemang (73) & Dave Nugent (83)

Attendance: 20,477

MOM: Chris Sedgwick (Preston)

Extremely disappointed in my side in this match, they have virtually thrown away their chance of playing Premiership football next season. They played rubbish in both halves and the substitutes did not help save the side from a 3-0 defeat leaving them a mountain to climb in the 2nd leg.

Playoff 2nd Leg

Reading (1) 1 vs 0 (3) Preston

Reading Scorer: Vincent Pericard (16)

Attendance: 24,079

MOM: Brian O’Neil (Preston)

Preston win 3-1 on Aggregate

Side won 1-0 in the second leg with a Pericard goal but they couldn’t get the 2 goals to get extra time and they failed to convert the rest of the chances that came to them.

Championship Position at end of season: 3rd

Overall I am very disappointed at not being promoted after my best season in EFB. However there is always next season and with Southampton and Palace going up that gives me more chance of gaining Automatic promotion next season. In the meantime I have a lot of rebuilding to do and a few players to sell.

[Andy H]

You must feel like a right tit for saying you would beat Preston so easily Tony!!!!

[RedStar101]

No Comment

[Andy H]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RedStar101:

No Comment </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

LOL brilliant

[Jambo4eva]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RedStar101:

No Comment </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That was a classic EFB moment

[ChefRobGaming]

Transfers so far

In

Out

Perry is said to be very please with the players coming in at Ninian Park, A lot of change this season for the bluebirds and they look to strengthen the squad for a push towards the premiership.

[steff]

Season End with The Blades stranded in mid-table obscurity

After a long hard struggle this season, mostly with inconsistant performances we finally managed to end the season in a

decent 10th position (decent in the eyes of the board and the fans that is).

Here is a brief look at our last 12 games of the season :

Sunday 19th February 2006: Sheff Utd v Leeds : Coca-Cola Championship : 2-0 loss

We really needed 3 points in this one, and it didn't take very long at all for things to go spectacularly wrong as

Richard Cresswell fired Leeds into the lead inside of the first minute

In all honesty this game should have been well and truely over at half time but by some miracle Leeds were unable to take advantage of the chances that fell their way.

Rob Hulse made no mistake in the 81st minute though as he headed home from close range to make it 2-0.

Saturday 25th February 2006: Burnley v Sheff Utd : Coca-Cola Championship : 3-0 win

Burnley got off to a really bad start here as Leigh Rosier was sent off in the 3rd minute for serious foul play, Clinton Morrison stepped up to convered the resulting penalty to give the Blades a 4th minute 1-0 lead.

Three minutes later Steven Kabba doubled the advantage with a well placed shot that left the Burnley keeper helpless.

After this both teams seemed to be simply going through the motions and the gave lost most if not all of its spark until the 74th minute when Steven Kabba scored his second and Sheff Utd's third of the game. Garreth O'Connor had a chance in the 90th minute to grab a consolation goal for Burnley but he blasted his spot kick straight at Paddy Kenny who collected the ball with ease.

Saturday 4th March 2006: Sheff Utd v Preston : Coca-Cola Championship: 1-0 loss

Bah!

We dominated this match from start to finish but still managed to lose

Had we take advantage of our chances before Preston scored we would have been 4 or 5 nil up, but nooooooooooo! poor finishing cost us greatly here, as the score was 0-0 when sloppy defending allowed Adam Nowland in to steal the only goal of the game in the 34th minute, After the goal Preston went back to their defending ways and my sloppy strikers weren't in the mood to do anything about it.

Saturday 11th March 2006: Norwich v Sheff Utd : Coca-Cola Championship : 4-1 loss

Played off the park here

Things were looking good as we approached half time with the score still at 0-0 before Motherwell reject Scott McDonald broke free of the defence and fired Norwich into the lead in the 42nd minute, before my defence had a chance to regroup Robert Earnshaw had doubled the advantage right on the stroke of half time. Two minutes into the second half we were given a ray of hope as Clinton Morrison converted a penalty after a foul on Steven Kabba to make the score 2-1, Neil Lennon didn't do our cause any favours has he got himself sent off in the 76th minute, cue more goals from Norwich, with Sergey Kisliy scoring in the 84th minute and Dickson Etuhu finishing the scoring right on the stroke of full time.

Saturday 18th March 2006 : Coventry v Sheff Utd : Coca-Cola Championship : 4-0 win

Two words sum up with impressive performance "Steven Kabba", the striker was in leathal form grabbing all four goals in this match, his first game in the 23rd minute after some clever play out wide by Clinton Morrison, his second came in the 48th minute and was a magnificant individual effort, he secured his hat trick in the 68th minute after some slack defending the coventry back line allowed him to break clear and he rounded off a wonderful personal display with an audacious lob over the standred Coventry keeper in the 74th minute.

Saturday 25th March 2006 : Sheff Utd v Sheff Wed : Coca-Cola Championship : 1-1 draw

The local derby!

Sadly neither set of fans went home totally happy was a dull 1-1 draw was played out at Bramall Lane.

Chris Brunt gave Wednesday the lead with a 9th minute penalty, Alan Wright had the chance to draw United level with a spot kick of his own in the 23rd minute but blasted wide .

Brunt's goal looked to have been enough to secure all three points for the visitors until the 81st minute when Steven Kabba's brilliant diving header grabbed a point for the home side \o/

Saturday 1st April 2006 : Sheff Utd v Luton : Coca-Cola Championship : 4-0 win

It might have been April fools day but sheff Utd were no fools here as they brushed Luton aside with relative ease, Gary Flitcroft opened the scoring the 34th minute, against the run of play it has to be said, Alan Quinn made it 2-0 in the 58th minute and Clinton Morrison all but secured the points the 68th minute, Steven Kabba rounded off the rout with a strike in the 86th minute.

Saturday 8th April 2006 : Derby v Sheff Utd : Coca-Cola Championship : 2-1 loss

Derby County may be nicknamed the Rams but some Moroccan goat herder done the damage here!

Mounir El Hamdaoui grabbed two quick fire goals in the 2nd minute and 6th minute to undo our game plan before it got going By the time we managed to get our own game going there was only going to be one winner and there weren't wearing red and white , Clinton Morrision did manage to pull one back for us in the 69th minute but the result was never in doubt, and on a more sour note Steven Kabba went off injured in the 90th minute with an injury that is feared could keep him out for the rest of the season.

Saturday 15th April 2006 : Sheff Utd v Wolves : Coca-Cola Championship : 3-1 loss

Worst possible start here as Cesar "soon to be transfer listed" Jimenez was red carded in the 3rd minute for a shocking tackle on Jeremie Aliadiere, Paul Wotton make no mistake wtih the resulting spot kick as he fired Wolves into the lead.

This being said we battled hard dispite our numerical disadvantage and were rewarded for our hard work in the 21st minute as Michael Tonge pulled as level \o/ Sadly in the second half the pace began to catch up with my players and Wolves were able to take advantage of tirdness in our ranks, first through Jeremie Aliadiere in the 54th minute and then through Ki-Hyeon Seol in the 67th minute.

Monday 17th April 2006 : Plymouth v Sheff Utd : Coca-Cola Championship : 2-0 win

A pretty dull game here, but still we won nonetheless!

Ade Akinbiyi got us on our way with a goal in the 6th minute and Clinton Morrison followed up half an hour later with the second of the match.

In all honesty the ref should have just stopped the game and half time and declared us the winner as the second half was a total non event

Wednesday 26th April 2006: Sheff Utd v Millwall : Coca-Cola Championship : 1-1 draw

A fecking boring draw at the lane! I suppose I shouldn't complain too much as with the way our season has been going we could have easily lost this match 6-0 (as i believe we lost to Millwall earlier in the season by that very scorline).

Little to get excited about in this match except for both goals the first of which came for us through clinton Morrison three minutes before half time. As usual though we couldn't hold our lead and ten minutes after the restart Barry Hayles pulled Millwall level and that was pretty much that.

Sunday 30th April 2006: Crystal Palace v Sheff Utd : Coca-Cola Championship: 3-1 loss

The final game of this godforsaken season \o/

And guess what!?

We lost........again!

It took Marcus Berg all of 4mins to break through my useless ****ing defence to give Palace the lead

Ade Akinbiyi gave us hope (however misguided it may have been) in the 31st minute as he pulled the game level, in the second half however Palace merely stepped up a gear and blew us away with goals from Berg again (52mins) and Jon MacKen 7mins later

Goodbye rubbish season \o/

[Jambo4eva]

Transfer News !

Transfers in

Henrik Larsson - Free

Geert De Vlieger - 300k - Man City

Transfers Out

Jeff Jarrett - 130k - Preston

Pre-Season Friendlys !

Norwich 0 - 1 Arsenal

Norwich 0 - 3 Liverpool

Norwich 0 - 1 Man Utd

Norwich 1 - 1 Inter

Norwich 0 - 2 Lyon

Norwich 5 - 0 Harchester

Norwich 0 - 0 Bayern

Norwich Results !

Vs

Fantastic start for Norwich as they welcome Nottm Forest to the championship with Henrik Larsson getting the first goal in the 33rd minute with a cool finish from inside the box, Danny Murphy then made it 2-0 by scoring a drilled shot from outside the area. In the second half Larsson yet again scored straight after the kick off in the 46th minute to make it 3-0. Norwich then breezed throught the rest of the game but when debutant Ole Gunnar Sjolskaer came on he scored immediately after in the 84th minute to finish the game off and make it 4-0.

Score : Nottm Forest 0 - 4 Norwich

MoM: Henrik Larsson

Vs

A tough game for Norwich against newly relagated Fulham who are looking to get straight up into the premiership once again . Fulham took the lead with a goal from Collins John in the 33rd minute to go 1-0 up but their lead did not even last a minute as Henrik Larsson went striaght up the other end and made it 1-1 . Larsson then made it 2-1 in the 34th minute and that is how the game ended at half time. In the second half John scored again to make it 2-2 in the 54th minute witha bullet from a header , Larsson yet again scored to get his hatrick in the 57th minute with a lovely chip over the goalkeeper. In the 74th minute the one and only Henrik Larsson scored to make it 4 for himself and 4 for Norwich . Norwich and Larsson walked through a harmless Fulham defence.

Score: Fulham 2 - 4 Norwich

MoM: Larsson

Vs

A tough game for both teams as they both aim for the automatic promotion spots , Norwich took the lead from a Henrik Larsson super goal after just 10 minutes to go 1-0 up . Norwich had many chances to score more goals before half time but failed to do so . In the second half Sergey Kisliy who started the game scored after 47 minutes with a nicely placed shot put the the right of the keeper. Norwich were steaming through this game and decided to bring on a few subs . Bartholomew Ogbeche came on and his pace beat the Leeds defence as he scored in the 78th minute . David Healy then scored what could be only called a consolation goal in the 86th minute and in the dieing minutes sub Danny Szetela scored his first goal for the season to make it 4-1.

Score : Norwich 4 - 1 Leeds

MoM: Darijo Srna

Vs

Another great game for Norwich as they strolled past Leicester. Henrik Larsson was again centre of attention as he scored a wonderful striker from outside the box in the 32nd minute to put Norwich 1-0 up. Norwich then came out in the 2nd half looking very comfortable as Larsson scored again in the 52nd minute with a header from a Srna cross. Pettigrew and his band of multi million pound signings are taking the league by storm this season .

Score : Norwich 2 - 0 Leicster

MoM : Darijo Srna

Fantastic Start for Norwich !

Sandy Pettigrew has bounced back from play off dissapointment at the end of last season by winning the first 4 league games of the season all very easily. Henrik Larsson has been the main star in all of this as he has notched up 9 goals so far in the campaign. Norwich fans are extremely happy with Pettigrew's summer signings who have all made an immediate impact like Emre , Srna and Henrik Larsson .Great start by Norwich and hopefully they get promotion

[ChefRobGaming]

bit premature saying you gonna get promotion sandy only played a few game but then again thats what your girlfriend said about you too............

[ChefRobGaming]

IN

Steven Finnan Free from Liverpool

Lee Wallace 160k from Hearts

Johnathan Evans 90k from Man Utd

Cameron Jerome 120k from Gretna

Ben Foster 900k from Man Utd 900k over 24months

Chris Cohen 140k from West Ham

OUT

Robbie Fowler to Sheff Utd 725k

Danny Phillips to Aberdeen 50k

Mladen Dabanovic to Watford 35k

Bryon Anthony to Hartlepool 35k

Rhys Weston to Barnsley Free

Fatmir Pupalovic to Doncaster 130k

Vs

Fulham 3 Cardiff City 1

Relegated Fulham where the first game of the new season and they showed why they are favourites to bounce right back up with a great performance in this one, Collins John opened on 6mins and Keenan got his first for Cardiff after 16mins to level the scores but that didnt last very long as Michael Brown put Fulham ahead on 34mins and they just turned on the style and kept attacking Cardiff.Collins John showed why premiership clubs are tracking him when he killed of Cardiff on 60mins with many scouts here he did himself alot of favours in this one

Craven Cottage

Attendance 21424

MOM Michael Brown 9

Referee Graham Salisbury

Vs

Plymouth Argyle 1 Cardiff City 1

Ebiede got Cardiff off the mark in this on on 49mins when he struck from 25yards out beating the keeper with easy,Buzsky scored for Plymouth on 66mins and that ended a boring game for the fans in this one

Home Farm

Attendance 20507

MOM Ben Foster 8

Referee Trevor Kettle

Vs

Cardiff City 1 Q.P.R 1

Sky cameras where at Ninian Park for the first time this season and it really wasnt a good game for either side involved Gary Doherty got QPR off the mark on 18mins but couldnt build on the lead Korzym made it 1-1 on 35mins and he also had a goal dissallowed on 77mins and this one ended in a bore draw

Ninian Park

Attendance 21992

MOM Maciej Korzym 7

Referee Steve Tomlinson

Vs

Leeds United 1 Cardiff City 1

Kevin Phillips got his first for Leeds after only 5mins and Ben Wright got his account opened for the season on 29mins and yet again Cardiff on tv ends in a bore draw

Elland Road

Attendance 21987

MOM Ben Foster 8

Referee Graham Salisbury

So far the seasons not going as expected but hopefully the birds with start singing again soon TWEET TWEET!!!

[Andy H]

Looks like I missed quite a lot and only missed one session!!!!

Was worth it though, was a good night on the **** last night!!!

[Jambo4eva]

i never said i WOULD get promotion i said HOPEFULLY i get promotion

[steff]

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

bit premature saying you gonna get promotion sandy only played a few game but then again thats what your girlfriend said about you too............ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

She's probably now his ex girlfriend

[rouchie]

Where Eagles dare

With promotion and the Championship already in the bag, Paul Rouch was looking for his team tyo sign off with style in the final games.

Crystal Palace Vs Crewe

1st April 2006

Palace outplayed Crewe but did not convert the dominance to goals until the second half when both Reich and Foran got their names on the scoresheet. A fine display from Jobi McAnuff earned him the MOM award

Palace 2 Crewe 0

Palace Scorers : Reich (48) Foran (Pen 66)

Att : 19424

MOM : Jobi McAnuff (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace Vs Stoke

4th March 2006

Jobi McAnuff was again instrumental in orchestrating another Palace win, earning a second successive Man of the Match award in the process but Michal Gottwald got the headlines with his two spectacular goals that eventually sealed the win late in the second half!

Palace 2 Stoke 0

Palace Scorers : Gottwald (79, 90)

Att : 18696

MOM : Jobi McAnuff (Crystal Palace)

Ipswichl Vs Crystal Palace

8th April 2006

A trip to the tractor boys and a number of key players rested. Naylor opened the scoring for Ipswich but Richie Foran levelled midway through the half. Dougie Freedman made the most of his rare first team appearance with 2 goals in 2 minutes just before the interval to seal the win and a man of the match magnum

Ipswich 1 Palace 3

Palace Scorers : Foran (24) ) Freedman (40, 42)

Ipswich Scorers : Naylor (8)

Att : 17007

MOM : Dougie Freedman (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace Vs Watford

18th March 2006

Rouch has obviously taken the opportunity to rest as many of the first team a spossible ahead of the semi final game, and despite taking a lead through Tommy Black, ended up drawing 1-1 after Young equalised for the Hornets.

Palace 1 Watford 1

Palace Scorers : Black (43)

Ipswich Scorers : Young (70)

Att : 16848

MOM James Chambers (Watford)

Spurs Vs Crystal Palace

23rd April 2006 – FA Cup Semi Finals

The Semi Finals were held at the newly built Wembley (FFS SI Sort it out ) for this all london encounter.. With the team well rested, there was still the gulf of a division to overcome, and despite taking some pretty major scalps this season with Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool all falling to Palace, they were just unable to carry out the same magic on this Spurs side. It was a very close game with a solitary goal being enough to send the Palace fans home disappointed but proud.

Spurs 1 Palace 0

Spurs Scorers : Little Judas **** face (28)

Att : 77975

MOM : Little Judas **** face (Spurs)

Leicester Vs Crystal Palace

26th April 2006

The youngsters were given a run out for this one but it was men against boys as Leicester filled their boots! Elvis is alive and well and living at Filbert Street, proved by the hatrick he scored in Palace’s heaviest defeat of the season! I think Rouch will be looking for a stronger finish top the season than that to be honest .

Leicester 3 Palace 0

Leicester Scorers : Hammond (2, 24, 54)

Att : 24268

MOM : Elvis Hammond (Leicester)

Crystal Palace Vs Sheffield United

30th April 2006

The final game of the season and an opportunity to claim another EFB manager scalp when Steff Browning and his blades popped in to a sold out Selhurst Park! Things started well for the home side when Marcus Berg opened the scoring just 4 minutes in to the game. Ade Akinbiyi gave the visitors some hope when he equalised just after the half hour but all hope was dashed once Berg and Jon Macken scored one each within 7 minute of each other in the second half. Berg secured his Man of the Match award and Palace finished top of the league with a monumental 110 points

Palace 3 Steff Utd 1

Palace Scorers : Berg (4, 52) Macken (59)

Leicester Scorers : Akinbiyi (31)

Att : 26457

MOM : Marcu Berg (Palace)

Awards

Danny Granville, Mikele Leigterwood, Jobi McAnuff, Tom Soares and Andy Johnson all made it into the first 11 of the players team of the year for 2005-2006

Position

Top

Top Scorer

Andy Johnson - 35

Top rated player

Tom Soares – 7.76

Overall a very successful seasson with two domestic cup semi finals, winning the Chamopionship and the overall style of the team. Palace fans can only wait and see what the return to the Premiership will bring, but for now they are glad all over !

[rouchie]

Glad all over! Back in the Premiership!

So a year after the bold appointment of an unknown rookie manager, Simon Jordan now has manager with a National reputation plying his trade and his teams trade in the premier division Along the way a number of memorable scalps were taken in the cups as Palace reached the semi finals of both domestic cups. ormer Palace front man Ian Wrightwas forced to eat his words after being quoted as saying that “Its madness, Simon Jordan has lost the plot, who the feck is this Paul Rouch fella? What has he done in professional football before this eh? Its like giving the keys of your Ferrari to a 15 year old kid!†on hearing of Paul Rouch’s appointment and has congratulated the Palace team on their promotion, and publicly apologised to Paul Rouch when they appeared on and end of season review Sky Sports special together.

Preseason friendlies

15-7-06 (Away) Santa Eulalia – 2-0 WIN

17-7-06 (Away) Cultural Leonessa 2-0 WIN

20-7-06 (Away) Sporting Gijon 2-0 WIN

26-7-06 (Home) Hannover 2-0 WIN

30-7-06 (Away) Kidderminster 2-0 WIN

4-8-06 (Home) Lokeren 2-0 WIN

Transfers In

The long awaited transfer of the talented defensive midfielder Freddy Guarin for 1 million was finally completed on 1st July along with Michael Chopra who was signed for 1.3 million to bolster the strike force. Alvaro Recoba was snapped up on a free just in time for the start of the season. More players were targeted but not signed in time for the season kick off, but news will follow as sooon as anything is confirmed.

Transfers Out

A number of youths were. Blackburn signed promising youth Tom Lyons on a free transfer and experienced veteran Michael Hughes signed for Bradford, again on a free transfer.

[Andy H]

The Saints Sun - We've reached the millionaire's paradise!!!!!

After a long hard season the Saints have finally made it back to the Premiership in the runners up spot behind runaway winners Crystal Palace. They were pushed all the way to the end by Reading but in the end they managed to gain promotion by two points from them. A fanatastic performance from Hepburn in his first season as a manager and lets hope he gets the finanacial backing to lead this great club onto better things. Here is a rundown of the last games from St Marys.................

Championship

Southampton v Burnley - (H) Sat 1st April 2006

An easy win in the end but Burnley always make it really difficult for teams to break them down. In the end end a Steven Naismith goal proved to be decisive but it should have been a lot more and their were a few nerves towards the end of this one as the Saints could not score a killer second goal. A good three points in the end.

Final Score - Southampton 1 v 0 Burnley

Goals - Southampton - Naismith (38)

Att - 18862

MOTM - Steven Naismith (Southampton)

Championship

Luton v Southampton - (A) Sat 8th April 2006

Hepburn was called away in an emergency so it was left to his assistant to take over and continue Southampton's push for promotion and keep this incredible unbeaten run intact. Unfortunately the pressure got Mr Hunt and the Saints were beaten for the first time in twenty six games!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hepburn was shcoked when he heard the result on the radio, but Luton were the better team. Another shocking display of finishing proved costly for the Saints on this occasion.

Final Score - Luton 3 v 2 Southampton

Goals - Luton - Brkovic (18), Morgan (42), Feeney (89)

Goals - Southampton - Oakley (13,90)

Att - 10253

MOTM - Leon Barnett (Luton)

Championship

Southampton v Coventry - (H) Sat 15th April 2006

This game was sealed for the Saints in the first eleven minutes as the Saints scored twice through Prutton and a penalty from Higginbotham has the Saints coasting to an easy win. they were never really in much trouble at the back and unfortunately could not add any more goals to their tally. A professional and efficent performance from the Saints.

Final Score - Southampton 2 v 0 Coventry

Goals - Southampton - Prutton (6), Higginbotham (pen,11)

Att - 19282

MOTM - Kenwyne Jones (Southampton)

Championship

Sheffield Wednesday v Southampton - (A) Mon 17th April 2006

A game that could have been won ten times over by the Saints as they bombarded the Owls for almost the whole game and yet only came away with a 1-1 draw much to the annoyance of Hepburn. Potter put the Saints ahead but the Owls equalised through Deon Burton. From then on the Saints passed up chance after chance and Hepburn was tearing his hair out wondering what they had to do to score.

Final Score - Sheffield Wednesday 1 v 1 Southampton

Goals - Sheffield Wednesday - Burton (32)

Goals - Southampton - Potter (18)

Att - 28176

MOTM - Darren Potter (Southampton)

Championship

Southampton v Derby - (H) Sat 22nd April 2006

In their last home game of the season the Saints put on a real show for their fans. Poor Derby did not know what had hit them as they were just bombarded with chances and possession. For long spells though the Saints could not find a killer second goal after Darren Potter had given them the lead in the second half. Then big Dexter Blackstock came on and scored twice to put some icing on the cake. The next time the fans would see the Saints at home it would be in the Premiership!!!!!!!

Final Score - Southampton 3 v 0 Derby

Goals - Southampton - Potter (67), Blackstock (73,85)

[b}Att[/b] - 19293

MOTM - Paul Smith (Southampton)

Championship

Wolves v Southampton - (A) Sun 30th April 2006

With nothing really to play for for either team they produced an amazing game of football that saw eight goals fly in. The star of the show was Wolves' Aliadiere who could not be stopped as he scored an incredible four times. Besides that it was a topsy turvy game of football. Jones gaves the Saints the lead, that man Aliadiere equalised then in the second half put Wolves ahead. Blackstock equalised for the Saints and then Higginbotham put the Saints ahead with a penalty only minutes later. Wolves were not done and Kenny Miller equalised and then two goals in five minutes from Aliadiere gave Wolves an incredible win and boosted their hopes for the play offs.

Final Score - Wolves 5 v 3 Southampton

Goals - Wolves - Aliadiere (33,51,85,89), Miller (76)

Goals - Southampton - Jones (14), Blackstock (57), Higginbotham (69)

Att - 24946

MOTM - Jerome Aliadiere (Wolves)

It has been a fantastic performance this season from the Saints in the league as they embarked on a magnificent 25 game unbeaten run. A great cup run in the FA Cup and were unlucky to go out to Tottenham, who the Saints pushed all the way. So it is onto next season and Hepburn will be asking the chairman Mr Lowe for a substantial amount of cash to try and add to this squad and take them to the next level and compete in the Premiership.

[Andy H]

The Saints Sun - Hepburn is no more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After a pre season where Hepburn went missing, reportedly away boozing around the world he came back to manage the Saints for only three games in the Premiership. A defeat against Chelsea, a draw against West Ham and a great win over over south coast rivals Portsmouth. Rupert Lowe was said to be livid with Hepburn's behaviour during pre season and fined Hepburn. He was given a last warning over his partying and Hepburn did accept that.

However, on Hepburn's return according to reports Hepburn was becoming increasly frustrated at the lack of financial support he was given to buy new players from Rupert Lowe, who had only given him £1.4 million to spend on building a team capable of competing in the Premiership. Hepburn described this amount as 'laughable'. The fans backed this claim made by Hepburn but Rupert Lowe in reply said Hepburn had more than enough money to compete in the Premiership.

After serious talks as Hepburn demanded a meeting with Rupert Lowe, Hepburn was sensationally sacked as manager of Southampton and told to clean his desk immediately and never to be seen again inside St Marys.

Hepburn said this on his sacking, " Yes it's true I went a bit overboard with my celebrations and yes I missed all of pre season due to my partying. The fine Mr Lowe handed out to me was accpeted by myself and I promised him it would never happen and I was fully focussed on Southampton competing in the Premiership.

What I think is disgraceful is the way Rupert Lowe handles his club. The club are extremely wealthy after I managed to get them back to the Premiership at the first time of asking. To be given a transfer budget of £1.4 million to buy players that will add to our squad is just 'laughable' and a huge kick in the teeth to me for all the hard work I put in last season. It shows this club or rather Mr Lowe has no ambition whatsoever in getting this club to the top level in domestic football and in all honesty I am glad I was sacked. I can now go looking for a club that matches my ambition of trying to be the best they can be. I feel sorry for the fans as I loved them and they do love their club. Mr Lowe really is cheating the fans asking them to pay money and none of it seems to be going to help move Southampton forward. I mean for crying out loud some of the Championship teams had more money to spend than Southampton. It's just a joke it really is!!!!!!! Who could I buy that would imporve my squad for £1 million??? Yeah no one. I would like to thank the players, staff and fans for giving everything last season and I hope they enjoy some success but with Mr Lowe in charge I doubt it".

This looks like a saga that may continue for some time as Rupert Lowe was quoted as saying it was not a question of tension between him and Hepburn, all he wanted was a fresh approach to the team and thought Hepburn was no longer experienced enough to handle the Premiership.

[RedStar101]

Official Nomination for FM 2006 worst manager of the Year for 2007: Andy Hepburn

All start voting!!

[rouchie]

Can't believe you have been sacked again Andy! What's going on!!

[Jambo4eva]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RedStar101:

Official Nomination for FM 2006 worst manager of the Year for 2007: Andy Hepburn

All start voting!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

shhhhhhhh

[Andy H]

I got sacked not for doing sh!te but for trying to get extra money to challenge in the Premiership!!!!

Stupidest manager yes, but not worst!!!

rouchie I need a club that matches my ambition of getting to the top and old Rupert wasn't up for it.

[rouchie]

Glad all over! Back in the Premiership!

At last the opening day of the season arrives ad the team are raring to go after a faultless series of preseason friendlies, and Rouch is conflicted on the opening day as he faces his beloved West Ham Palace fans will be interested to see how some of the new faces fit in.

Crystal Palace Vs West Ham

12th August 2006

A visit from the Hammers to open the season at Selhurst Park and dominating performance from the home side meant that the West Ham defence had to be in top form! They held together well in the first half but by the latter part of the second half discipline started to sleep and Michael Chopra, on for the injured Andy Johnson, pounced to score the first premiership goal of the season for the Eagles. Marcus Berg missed a last minute penalty but again Chopra was alert and pounced on the rebound and slotted home the ball to give the team the perfect start to the season. Tom Soares was the player to pick up the Man of the Match champagne

Palace 2 West Ham 0

Palace Scorers : Chopra (70, 90)

Att : 26477

MOM : Tom Soares – 9 (Crystal Palace)

*****TRANSFER NEWS*****

14th August 2006 - Paul Rouch today paraded his latest recruit, Collins John signed from recently relegated Fulham for £3,4 million. Rouch said this of his latest signing “John is one of the most exciting prospects I’ve seen and I have been tracking him since the beginning of last season. Although it was sad to see Fulham go down, it did give me the opportunity to make this signing, so in a strange way, you could say I was pleased they got relegated!â€

Portsmouth VsCrystal Palace

16th August 2006

A quick start from the pompey boys saw Kevin Beattie slip one past Kiraly to give the south coast club an early lead. Palace poked and prodded but were unable to penetrate in the first half but eventually made headway right after the restart when Peter Ramage headed home to equalise. Portsmouth seemed to have the majority of play from then on and Palace stole the lead completely against the run of play when the new signing and debutant Collins John made maximum use of the opportunity to score and put the Eagles in the driving seat! It still took a man of the match performance from Gabor Kiraly to seal the win and send the relegation favourites home with 2 wins in 2

Portsmouth 1 Palace 2

Palace Scorers : Ramage (48) John (76)

Portsmouth Scorers : Beattie (3)

Att : 20990

MOM : Gabor Kiraly - 9 (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace Vs Birmingham

20th August 2006

Selhurst Park was buzzing before this game with rumours of another signing being imminent but no announcement was made before the game. In truth a lack lustre display from both teams lifted only briefly by Andy Johnsons 16th minute goal which was enough to secure both the win and the man of the match award.

Palace 1 Brum 0

Palace Scorers : Johnson (16)

Att : 26481

MOM : Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace)

*****TRANSFER NEWS*****

21st August 2006 – Leighton Baines the much fancied left back, has signed for Crystal Palace today in a deal worth £4.7 million. Baines was understandably unhappy after Wigan had been relegated form the top tier and jumped at the opportunity to continue his football education in the top flight under Paul Rouch.

22nd August 2006 – Jorge Wagner today received his work permit and completed his free transfer move to Crystal Palace. Rouchwas quoted as saying that he is happy now that he has the squad that he believes willl keep the newly promoted side in the premiership, and does not envisage needing to get his cheque book out again until the January window.

Sunderland Vs Crystal Palace

23rd August 2006

Palace fans , team and staff are all on a high at the moment after a faultless start to the season, winning all three of their opening fixtures has ensured the confidence is high. A Collins John strike of pure brilliance set the Eagles flying after only 4 minutes. Despite the early goal this was a hard fought match against Sunderland at the stadium of light but things became much easier for the visitors once Sunderland were reduced to 10 men when Stephen Caldwell got himself needlessly sent off. Sunderland were in a generous mood because even though they had already been reduced to 10 men, given away an early goal, they felt the need to throw an own goal in the pot as well! Lars Kristian Eriksen putting the ball into his own net in the 50th minute The bad news was an injury picked up by loan signing Geremi . Collins John was awarded the man of the match champagne for his sparkling performance.

Sunderland 0 Palace 2

Palace Scorers : John (4) Eriksen (OG 50)

Att : 29750

MOM : Collins John (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace Vs Arsenal

26th August 2006

The toughest opposition to date this season were next to play at Selhurst Park. Having knocked Arsenal out of the league cup last season. the gooners were looking for some payback! Unfortunately for them Collins John was in no mood to roll over and he opened the scoring mid way through the first half. Although Arsenals Sivok levelled 20 minutes in to the second it was only a man of the match performance from the goners keeper that kept them in the game and slowed Palace’s perfect start down

Palace 1 Arsenal 1

Palace Scorers : John (28)

Arsenal Scorers :Sivok (66)

Att : 26489

MOM : Mart Poom (Arsenal)

Monthly Awards

Collins John proved what an astute signing he was picking up the young player of the month award, and Freddy Guarin[/] picked up the runners up award.Paul Rouch was runner up in the Manager of the Month award pipped at the post by Jose Mourinho.

Position

2nd

Top Scorer

Collins John - 3

Top rated player

Collins John

[Andy H]

Hepburn joins Forest!!!!!

In sensational news, it has emerged that Gary Megson has been relieved of his duties as manager of Nottingham Forest to let a new and improved manager take over and take Forest to a new level and stay there unlike that ginger twat Megson.

New manager Hepburn, just sacked as manager of Southampton after a huge bust up with chairman Rupert Lowe is said to be absolutely delighted to be given the chance to manage such a prestigous club who have had greats such as Brian Clough and Martin O'Neill managing them in the past.

Hepburn takes over Forest lying mid table in the Championship with high hopes of back to back promotions. Lets hope the chairman is fully behind Hepburn and gives him the financial backing he deserves if he gets Forest into the Premiership. It's a tall order but Hepburn will be giving it his all.

[rouchie]

Good luck Andy

[wi11iams]

Ich bin ein EFBer.......Dirty Dirty Leeds .......

Yes it's true, not since the days of Judas Iscariot has has such news shocked the nation (don't you just love an understatement ) Yes it's been confirmed lifelong Liverpool Fan and ex Inter Milan Manager David Williams has made a shock exit from Serie A to return to Coldland to take over the scummers, Leeds Utd FC. In a move akin to a Red Dwarf episode Williams has jumped into the alternate reality that is EFB. Alas unlile R.D,. Rimmer hasnt turned into Ace Rimmer and things are grim up North. More of that later (when I get some notes together ) But now "It's time for the news from your region."

DA DI DI DAAAAAAAAAA

Hello and welcome to Yorkshire news, Im your host Geoffery Trueman. Shocking News has just reached us that Leeds FC have terminated Kevin Blackwells contract and put a Midlander in charge. What impact this will have on unemployment levels in t'North is yet to be seen, but lets get some views from t'streets of Leeds....... "Tis bloomin terrible, it were bad enough having to put up with that Blackwell let alone t'new guy Williams, I mean they don't speak proper down there do they!.........."Aye, tis a grey day in't Leeds, but we've not seen t'sun since 1974 so nowt new there"..... "I guess he'll be bringing in more foreigners from Wales and Scotland, and even Kent, t'is shocking,well thats what you get for having a cosmopolitan Chairmen eh!!"...Back to the studio.... "So there we have it things are not looking too good down at Elland Road which just goes to show yet another example that change is not good, Goodbye"

Well there you have it, not the most auspicious of appointments but, I reckon with a bit of luck and some cash from Ken Bates (which is yet forthcomming) we've got a chance of getting back into the Prem and once again bringing a glimmer of light into a drab and lackluster Leeds

[Jambo4eva]

Great start to the clan

Yorkshire news !!!

[Andy H]

Brilliant start to EFB Dave.

[ChefRobGaming]

bloody brilliant intro mate well done and welcome to EFB

[wi11iams]

Thanks guys, unfortunately my managerial skills are a little way below my creative talents

[Jambo4eva]

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

bloody brilliant intro mate well done and welcome to EFB </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Get on msn if you can Rob

[BelfastNiall]

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

bloody brilliant intro mate well done and welcome to EFB </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You get that every week in Epl.

[RedStar101]

Reading Report

Session Dates: 25th & 27th April 2006

Players Signed:

Chris Riggott D C Middlesbrough £975K

Cesar Arzo D C/DM Free Agent Free

Emile Heskey ST Birmingham £1.2m

Stephen Wright D/WB R Sunderland £450K

Peter Enckelman GK Blackburn £1m

Players Sold:

Aaron Brown D C Nott Forest £16K

Kevin Doyle AM R/ST Wycombe £725K

John Halls D/WB R Derby £375K

Scott Golbourne D/WB/AM L Fulham £850K Initial Fee

Friendly Results

Barnet 0 vs 2 Reading

Reading Scorers: Dave Kitson (20) & Leroy Lita (90)

Attendance: 5,393

MOM: Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Reading 3 vs 0 West Ham

Reading Scorers: Emile Heskey (14) & Dave Kitson (23 & 60)

Attendance: 1,885

MOM: Marcus Hahnemann (Reading)

Walsall 2 vs 5 Reading

Walsall Scorer: Andy Kinsey (16 & 45)

Reading Scorers: Steve Sidwell (5), Leroy Lita (12), Glen Little (22), Dave Kitson (62) & Emile Heskey (87)

Attendance: 539

MOM: Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Northwich 0 vs 4 Reading

Reading Scorers: Leroy Lita (2), Glen Little (7) & Dave Kitson (48 & 58)

Attendance: 5,224

MOM: Stephen Hunt (Reading)

MK Dons 1 vs 2 Reading

MK Dons Scorer: Serge Makofo (71)

Reading Scorers: Steve Sidwell (23) & Chris Riggott (79)

Attendance: 1,358

MOM: Steve Sidwell (Reading)

Season Begins

Reading 0 vs 0 Huddersfield

Attendance: 16,600

MOM: Lewis Neal (Huddersfield)

Dull start to the season with a 0-0 draw. Not many opportunites for either side.

Reading 3 vs 0 Hartlepool

Reading Scorers: Dave Kitson (3 & 77) & Emile Heskey (18)

Attendance: 15,499

MOM: Dave Kitson (Reading)

Great match this with my new signing Emile Heskey scoring on his league debut. Dave Kitson score two lovely goals to start and finish this 3-0 drubbing of Hartlepool.

Stoke 1 vs 2 Reading

Stoke Scorer: Jim Hamilton (37)

Reading Scorers: Brynjar Gunnarsson (3) & Leroy Lita (77)

Attendance: 13,656

MOM: Ibrahima Sonko (Reading)

Reading Injuries: Javi Garcia (70)

Good match, Reading were the btter side and were up and running 3 minutes in with a Gunnarsson goal and Leroy Lita returned to score his first goal of the season.

Coventry 1 vs 4 Reading

Coventry Scorer: James Scowcroft (22)

Reading Scorers: Dave Kitson (37 & 45), Emile Heskey (39) & Leroy Lita (83)

Attendance: 25,421

MOM: Steve Sidwell (Reading)

Coventry were really no match for a fully strength Reading side as it was constant barrages from the Readings midfield and strikers. Dave Kitson scored a double salvo and Emile Heskey added the third followed by a Leroy Lita Goal.

Reading 3 vs 0 Oxford

Reading Scorers: Glen Little (15), Leroy Lita (50) & Emile Heskey (67)

Attendance: 5,828

MOM: Glen Little (Reading)

The match was just a formality as Oxford never really stood a chance at beating Reading. Glen Little, Leroy Lita and Emile Heskey the providers of the goals.

Reading 2 vs 0 Watford

Reading Scorers: Emile Heskey (33), Stephen Hunt (71)

Attendance: 18,122

MOM: Chris Riggott (Reading)

Reading Injuries: Dave Kitson (39)

Another win to add to my tally, another goal from Heskey and a Stephen Hunt goal completed the scoring in a match that Reading played well in.

Sheff Utd 1 vs 1 Reading

Sheff Utd Scorer: Robbie Fowler (76)

Reading Scorer: Nicky Shorey (Pen 65)

Attendance: 25,820

MOM: Brynjar Gunnarsson (Reading)

Both sides played well in this match and being a Liverpool supporter I truly hope Rafa renews Fowlers contract. Nicky Shorey opened the scoring in the match with a goal scored from the spot before Fowler equalised for Steff’s side.

Reading 3 vs 0 Ipswich

Reading Scorers: Emile Heskey (34 & 45) & Leroy Lita (49)

Attendance: 24,105

MOM: Emile Heskey (Reading)

I will always find pleasure in beating Ipswich who sacked me in the first game after only 5 months in charge. A Emile Heskey double salvo and a Leroy Lita goal sealed the three points for Reading.

Wigan 1 vs 2 Reading

Wigan Scorer: Henri Camara (68)

Reading Scorer: Leroy Lita (59 & 65)

Attendance: 19,299

MOM: Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Reading Injuries: Stephen Hunt (84)

A good win against relegated Wigan in a closely fought battle at the JJB Stadium. Leroy Lita scored a couple of good goals and Camara scored a good goal for Wigan. I might actually consider buy Camara from Wigan for next season.

Plymouth 2 vs 1 Reading

Plymouth Scorers: Bojan Djordjic (32) & Kelvin Wilson (pen 37)

Reading Scorer: Leroy Lita (10)

Attendance: 15,295

MOM: David Wright (Plymouth)

Reading Injuries: Brynjar Gunnarsson (19) & Steve Sidwell (41)

First loss of the season in a match we did not play at all well. The only player who seemed to be trying was Leroy Lita and he managed to get the ball in the back of the net before Plymouth scored their winning two goals.

Championship Position at end of sessions: 2nd

Good start to the season overall and to start us all off here are my predictions :~

Reading: Hopefully Automatic Promotion if not Playoffs again.

Sheff Utd: Possibly the playoffs if Steff can get some consistency in their results.

Nottingham Forest: Andy is going to have a very tough season and will have to rebuild the side to make it capable to stay in the Championship this season. Hopefully he and the chairman will stay on friendly terms.

Cardiff: Mid Table at the very best but hey Rob may get them up to the Playoffs he just needs to keep an eye on the non-performing players.

Norwich: Automatic Promotion at the very least. Larsson was a good signing on the short term but I find that he tends to retired after this season but he will be good in helping them up to the Premiership.

Leeds: Welcome to EFB Dave, you might have a good chance at getting Leeds to the playoffs this season.

Crystal Palace: Definitely going to be a tough season back in the Premiership for Rouchie, he might be able to escape relegation and secure a safe position in the bottom half, that’s if he shows the kind of form that took them to the Premiership last season.

[Andy H]

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

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

bloody brilliant intro mate well done and welcome to EFB </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You get that every week in Epl. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

*yawns*

[Goldy]

Shocker! Pool Sack Promoting Manager!

In sensational style, Hartlepool have sacked their manager who got them promoted to the Championship! No one exactly knows whats going on at Pool right now as this astounding news came out of the blue!

Pool fans were said to be confused by the boards decision to let the manager go this early in the season without proving himself at the Championship level!

Even Bigger Shock!!

WOW!!! Unbelievable!! Who would have thought this would happen! An unknown German manager has been giving the reigns as Hartlepool manager! The board of directors have announced they needed a man to take the club to the next level and know that despite the steep learning curve that the new manager will have, they reckon its the best decision they have made in years!

Who the Hell is He!!

Well, Hartlepool have acquired the services of an unknown German manager known by the name of Steve Gold, largely unknown to these parts of the world Gold said he is going to try his best to bring some more success to the town of Hartlepool following on from their previous season.

The Interview!

Andy Townsend : Well you got the job out of the blue, no one expected this for sure, so what are your plans for Hartlepool FC.

Steve : Vell I zink zat ze squad is very gud, zum vethy gud playas in zis team and also vethy young.

Andy Townsend: I certainly agree with you on that, will you be aiming to bring more faces immediately??

Steve: Vell, zis is not a easy queston ja, I vill hava to luk at ze playas more in training.

Andy Townsend: Do you think the players will have problems understanding with your accent and understand your training methods?

Steve: To be perfectly honest, I dont really speak like that at all, I just thought I'd have some fun with you! I'm hoping to take this club further than they have ever been before, I know its going to be a very difficult task to do this and I'm going to have to learn fast.

Andy Townsend: heh, very funny! So what do you think are your chances are like in this league?

Steve: Well, we are tipped for promotion, oh no sorry, I mean relegation! Its not going to be easy fighting against all odds but at least the pressure will be off for us in most games apart from them vital six pointers, there are a lot of good clubs in this league, it isnt going to be easy I know that much.

Andy Townsend: Well thanks for that exclusive interview, we wish you all the best and hope to see a lot more of you on the Championship.

Steve: Thanks a lot, hopefully this is the start of a successful era!

Hartlepool FC

Well, its the beginning of a new era for Pool, they have got some good young players which will help in the growth of the club for which i'm hopefully still here for. I need to bring in some new faces just to bolster the squad up as its a little on the thin side, though this wont be an easy task!

We havnt got much money to spend and our wage budget is probably the lowest in the league as its virtually non existant, so I will be looking at bringing in some freebies if I can and also a few loan signings. If possible, I might be able to broker some deals for some of those unwanted players from my fellow managers too!

So, here's to Hartlepool! The only way is..........we'll see

[RedStar101]

Wow welcome to EFB Goldy!!

[ChefRobGaming]

1st Round

Vs

Southend 1 Cardiff City 3

Roots Hall

This one took its time getting going but when it finally did it turned out to be a very good

game Southend showed they where no pushovers until 62mins when Ben Wright opened for the visitors from

40yards out catching the keeper off his line,McCormack would restore some pride for the Southend on 87mins

slotting home from close range and that would be extra time was needed 2mins into the restart Silva scored

from the spot to put Cardiff 2-1 up and Southend really never got back into it Silva would add his 2nd of

the game on 115mins and kill off Southend Shaun Goater saw red right on the full time whistle

Attendance 5889

MOM Joe Keenan 9

Referee Paul Robinson

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Robbie Stockdale has left Ninian Park to join up with new Leeds manager David Williams,he only played

a few games for Cardiff but we wish him well in his future.His family didnt settle well in the area which

made it hard for him to enjoy his football and he went to see Perry who arranged for talks with Leeds United </pre>

Vs

Nottm Forest 1 Cardiff City 0

The City Ground

Marlon Harewood back at the City Ground on loan from West Ham scored the only goal in this one to give newly

promoted Forest the spoils in this encounter

Attendance 26004

MOM Chris Cohen 8

Referee Graham Laws

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Jonathan Evans has joined Yeovil Town 5months loan

Jorgen Pettersson has joined Colombus Crew for 130k </pre>

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Brazilian Kelly has joined Cardiff from UAE side Al-Ain for 675k the former Cruzerio player expressed

his desire to try out the english league and Cardiff snapped him up </pre>

Vs

Cardiff City 1 Leicester City 0

Ninian Park

Paul Dickov scored the only goal of this game after only 6mins neither side looked up for this one

really Williams recieved a straight red for a bad tackle on Zizi Roberts after 24mins but Cardiff couldnt

make use of the extra man

Attendance 12021

MOM Johannes Djourou 9

Referee Richard Beeby

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Simone Masini joined Cardiff for 3months on loan from Newcastle initially but Perry has been so

impressed already that a deal looks likely to keep him at Ninian Park </pre>

Vs

Luton Town 2 Cardiff City 4

Kenilworth Road

Masini became a fan favourite instantly opening the scoring after 11mins, Howard pulled 1 back for Luton

on 14mins and Morgan gave the home fans something to cheer when he put them ahead on 37mins but then it became

the Simone Masini show 38mins he scored again Dickov made in 31 on 42mins before Masini sealed a debut hatrick

on 71mins

Attendance 7596

MOM Simone Masini 9 who else ?!

Referee Scott Mathiesson

Vs

Cardiff City 1 Sheffield Wednesday 1

Ninian Park

Ben Wright was easily the best player on the park today and he showed it in his opener on 64mins, Graham

scored for Wednesday on 70mins to make it 1-1 and thats how this one ended

Attendance 15928

MOM Ben Wright 8

Referee Andy Woolmer

Vs

Cardiff City 5 Wigan Athletic 1

Ninian Park

All I can say is WOW what a game for Cardiff, Wigan looked like the relegated side that they are poor

display by them even though they easily had the better quality players Masini opened for Cardiff after 15mins

Sodje added no2 from the spot on 44mins McCulloch would pull one back for Wigan from the spot 5mins from the

restart then Sodje would score 2more pens on on 53mins and one on 89mins Kelly would also open his City account

on 65mins great performance by Cardiff well earned 3points

Attendance 16704

MOM Sam Sodje 10

Referee Eddie Idelton

So not such a bad session really for the bluebirds after all what a finish vs wigan stay tuned for more

from the birds TWEET TWEET!!!