Yank The Boro: An American Up Teesside
 

SUNDAY, July 6, 2003

Boro Stun Fans, Football World

An Unknown American Is Handed The Interim Head Job at Middlesborough

MIDDLESBOROUGH-- One mystery, that of "who", is now over. Now begins the next question of "why"?

Middlesborough shocked local supporters and football observers alike when they announced that former American college coach Matthew Kieta would be hired as the interim manager of the Premiership side FC Middlesborough Football Club.

Kieta, 30, will handle the job once held by Steve McLaren, the well-regarded manager of the Boro the past two seasons, who recently announced his intention to go on holiday to recuperate from a serious illness. It is not known how soon McLaren would need before returning to the club.

Club board chairman Steve Gibson said he expected surprise, even anger, from fans at the move, but said they would "quickly warm to Mr. Kieta's sharp and fresh take on the game."

Kieta himself said very little at the press conference announcing his appointment.

"I am happy to get this opportunity to bring my skills to this level of this great game," Kieta, dressed in a blue suit with a Boro red tie, said to gathered reporters. "Everyone knows the best players play here, in the League, the top league in the world."

Even reporters whom had long covered the team could barely contain their urge to fire heated inquiries at the new coach. Gibson, however, fielded most of the questions and kept the new head man from having to respond too often.

The identity of the new head man had been kept secret for the past week, and was the subject of numerous reports, which, as it turns out, were all erroneous.

Kieta is the former football, or soccer, as the game is known in the United States, coach at California Polytechnic State University in Pomona, or Cal Poly Pomona for short. He coached three conference-winning, or table-topping, teams there, after being hired from an assistant's position at the more well known Univeristy of California at Los Angeles.

Kieta developed a rapport with Boro management when he brought his collegiate team to England for a friendly tour last summer. Gibson said Kieta's sharp handling of a young group of players against a serious set of men's sides in that tour played a large role in the club's determination to give him this opportunity.

It was suggested that Kieta's small contract, £350,000 per annum, was also a factor, although Gibson denied it.

Observers were surprised that assistant manager and reputed McLaren toadie Steve Harrison wasn't just promoted to the job, but it has been suggested since before McLaren's surprise decision that Harrison isn't entirely comfortable running an organization as large as that of the Boro.

The Boro, who are expected to begin training under the new manager immediately, are thought to be a likely mid-table side this year in the English Premiership League, but no threat to contend for a title or any of the cups. The side did not perform well enough last season to gain entry to any of the prestigious international competitions.

The hiring of a heretofore unknown manager might bode poorly in the future for a side that needs to be on its game to avoid relegation in the always tough EPL this upcoming season.

Captain Gareth Southgate refused to comment on the announcement, other than to say he was "anxious to meet Kieta and begin work on a new season."

Southgate will receive some help in fellow national team defender Danny Mills from Chelsea, Spanish international midfielder Gaizka Medienta by way of Italian club Lazio, and "Bolo" Zenden, a Dutch forward with 50 caps under his belt from Leeds, all on loan. Keeper Carlo Nash was also brought in from Manchester City to compete with incumbent netminder and Aussie Mark Schwarzer.

Their contributions will be needed to help overcome the loss of several key players, including the previously approved loan of halfback Robbie Stockdale to Sheffield United, the injuries of strong centerback Igu Ehiogu and winger Allan Johnston, and the departure of Croation striker Alen Bostic and Brazilian midfielder Geremi.

The Boro travel to Scotland next Sunday to play Scottish First Division squad Brechin City to open their friendly preseason fixture. Later on this month, the side will take a four-match tour of Portugal.

Good luck on Teeside Chief!

Just a minor point - Boro have gotten Mills from Leeds and Zenden from Chelsea, not the other way round. Quibbles aside, I'm looking forward to this.

ice: Thanks. :)

Katon: Damn, I even switched them around from the correct way to the incorrect way. I thought I had that one down. Oh well...even as a growing English footy fan, I am still picking things up slowly. :) But at the rate things are going, soon all EPL goalkeepers will be American, so I'll have a further reason to get into it. :)

CR

Woohooo!! Another CR dynasty to look forward to.

Just some specs questions. Is this using CM 03/04? Why the EPL? I figured you as the small club manager type. :)

So everyone knows what is going on, I am running this dyansty using CM03/04 (just received), and the Calcio update (also just released). I am running Middlesborough in the EPL, one of the sides you DON'T usually hear about. I even joined the Middlesborough online supporter club or whatever, so I can follow the real club some. I actually started following them a little last year when I played a season of CM4 with the Boro.

This dynasty will be similar to the Kettering dynasty I started that ended when I became upset with the flaws I saw in CM4. From what I understand, most to all of these concerns have been eliminated from CM0304, with the only subtraction I abhor being the loss of the MLS (although the Calcio update has done somewhat of a good job of working players back in).

Just like the Kettering dynasty, this will by and large be done through the media. You will be viewing it not as I view it, but as a fan or reporter or observer from afar might. I won't talk about ratings, I'll talk about personalities. Not every little thing will be exposed, some you will merely have to guess from the articles and reports that show up.

I will also report general footy news in this dynasty, that the average resident of Middlesborough would likely know and care about. So even, though, Middlesborough is not involved (this year at least), you will hear about the top clubs in the European competitions, you will hear about the World Cup and Olympics and Euro Championshiops, you will hear major transfer news from both England and all over Europe.

Do You Want To Participate?

I have found that the best dynasties find a way to include the readers in the dynasty. X-Com, of course, is unmatched in this manner, and I have yet to find a way to truly include everyone in that manner. But I would like to view you all as potential reporters and what not.

Each game week I will hold a "press conference" where pertinent questions will be asked. If no one asks a question, I will simply write up an article about what was asked and said (in my imagination of such a conference).

If questions are posed by you all, the readers, I will endeavour to answer them within the press confereence context, as Matthew Kieta, manager of Middlesborough, whenever the next press conference is. So if you would like to participate in this or simply discover something I haven't said yet, just post in this thread "Question: ", followed by the question. The "Question: " beginning will allow me to know the difference between just a poster asking me, Chief Rum, a question, and one being asked of my in-game alter ego, Mr. Kieta.

These questions are meant for insights or plans or rumors or attitudes or other things like that. If you want to know who the leading goal scorer is or where a player is from or other information that would normally be available to anyone who simply looked at a club Web Site or read the sport papers, i.e. basic facts and the like, just post regularly here and I will get that information to you as soon as possible.

For instance, in a real press conference, you wouldn't have to ask Mr. Kieta where Arsenal was standing in the current table. That would be a time to post "Chief Rum, you dolt, post the damn table so we know who's in first place", etc.

I encourage you guys to take on reporting personalities as well, if you like, or even ask as if you're fans. Or you can pass up all that nonsense and just ask me questions. Whatever you like.

The first press conference will be after next Sunday's (in-game) preseason friendly match with Brechin City. The press conference will always happen on Tuesday of a given week (the first being on the Tuesday immediately following the Brechin City match).

And, of course, you are welcome to not say a word and just read the articles.

Thanks in advance for those who read or even choose to participate.

Chief Rum

Some of those I just answered. Good timing, GoldenEagle. :)

I am a small club manager type, and I might return to that someday. But when I ran a solo game in the EPL last year on CM4, I had a blast, even with the game flaws. There's just something really exciting about playing sides like Man U and Arsenel and Liverpool, not to mention all the heightened media attention, and the glorified player personalities you don't get so much at the lower levels. I thought this would be fun for a change.


One of my favorite moments in CM ever was when I managed to hold a table-topping Liverpool squad to one goal and beat them 2-1 at Riverside. Very exciting game to watch, too.

Maybe I will find a way to work in screen captures, although I'm not too good at that nor do I have any hosting I can use (that I am aware of, maybe some comes with my broadband account...).

CR

MONDAY, July 7, 2003

Has Gibson Lost It?

Commentary by Evening Gazette columnist Anthony Vickers

The football world is wondering why. The supporters are up in arms. The players are wondering what's going on, even as the go to their first meeting with the mystery kman who is now their new manager.

Could the answer be that our Chairman Steve Gibson has simply gone bonkers? How else can you justify the appointment of an absolute nobody to one of the 22 top jobs in the sport?

I am certain that Matthew Kieta, named Sunday to head the Middlesborough Football Club in an interim status, is a swell guy. He seems likely to know a thing or two about the game of football. His credentiasls show that enough.

But managing isn't just about kicking the ball around ont he pitch. It's about man management. Kieta has never handled a group of professionals making millions, several of whom are, indeed, older than him (on top of being wealthier). He knows how to whip some kids in shape, but he's never handled hardened thirty-something vets or willful primadoonas, and this is certainly not the Boro's U-19 team he will be watching over.

Managing isn't just running the engine room either. It's also playing the transfer market and knowing when to call in the right loan. In America, players are given scholarships to play for the universities where Kieta coached. Moving about was relatively rare and included harsh penalites, among which was the loss of a year of eligibility. American collegiate players only get four of those.

Here, transfers are the lifeblood of change in English and European football. Bringing in the right player for the right price, especailly for a small-budget club like the Boro, can be the key to a whole season. Kieta does not have the experience to know what that right price is, and until he attunes himself to the talent level of the EPL, he won't know who the right player is either.

But managing isn't just player movement either. It's also about the media--yes, me--and the fans--yeah, you. Can Kieta handle pressure on this level? This isn't the local paper and an occasional video clip on a cable television station. This is full on day-to-day media coverage from national and international reporters. This is highlights on every sports broadcast, full telecast games with thousands, even millions of viewers, and this is Riverside Stadium, seating 65,000 rabid Boro fans, not the half-filled seats of 700-seat Bronco Stadium in Pomona, California.

But it's not just the media and the fans either. It's the season length. The team is in preseason training now--just two months and change since the end of last season. And this will run from here until May, 2004, with a span of likely 50-60 games, depending on how successful the Boro are in the cups (hint, aim low end). In America, the collegiate "soccer" season lasts three months, four if the team gets into the playoffs.

Finally, Kieta won't be matching wits with some other American bloke who thinks he knows the game. Here in England, he will be looking across at Sir Alex. Or Arsene Wenger. Some of the true greats will march to the sidelines at Riverside to face off with us, and this is the guy we will counter with?

So, yes, I think it's fair to say Gibson is truly bonkers for making this hire. Or Kieta has some illicit photos of the man. Okay, maybe not...

The English journalist who wrote this article needs to do better research. :D

I think the journalist did a fair job considering he was writing from across the pond. ;)

CR

TUESDAY, July 8, 2003

Kieta To Take Things Slow

Boro Manager Will Wait Before Spending Transfer Funds

MIDDLESBOROUGH-- Interim Boro manager Matthew Kieta is new on the job, so he's playing it cautious.

"I really feel I need to get a better feel for the talent on this team and in this league before I start looking outside the club for answers," Kieta said. "At this point, I can't say I don't have everything I need right now."

Most observers believe Kieta will eventually change his tune when he sees what they see--a team that is at best a mid-table side, and could be fighting against relegation this season if things don't click right away.

Prior to the holiday resignation of Steve McLaren, chairman Steve Gibson said the team would make around £5 M available for transfers, and set a wage bill ceiling of some £22.5 M. None of those funds have been spent yet, and the current payroll sits at £20.8 M, leaving £1.7 M worth of salary room for loans and transfers.

On Monday, Gibson said those amounts had not changed significantly and would remain available when Kieta needed them.

Gibson also said Kieta could expect to have available to him any funds he received from selling off players. As a part of his cautious approach, though, Kieta took the opposite road, removing several players that had been listed by McLaren in the offseason.

"I don't know who needs to be shipped at this point, or even if anyone does, so for now, everyone is off the market, at least via transfer," Kieta said.

Although several reserves were on the list, the most significant name was Slovakian striker Szilard Németh, who has not made quite the splash that was expected when he was signed away from Inter Bratislava, one of the top clubs in Slovakia. Németh scored 39 goals in two seasons with Inter Bratislava but has only tallied 10 in the same time with Middlesborough.

Kieta said Németh would have the same chance to prove himself this preseason that everyone else does.

Kieta did say he would honor the continuing loan agreements the club had transacted in the past few months, including the current loan-ins of forward Bolo Zenden from Chelsea, midfielder Gaizka Mendieta from Lazio, and defender Danny Mills from Leeds United. The Boro have already sent out defender Robbie Stockdale on loan to First Division West Ham.

A number of reserves and Under-19 Boro players remain available for loan, including backup midfielder Mark Wilson.

Kieta was noncommittal on what timeframe he was looking at to get familiar with the team.

"We'll just have to see how long it take," Kieta said. "It could be soon, or it could take some time."

Until then, the roster appears to be set.

WEDNESDAY, July 9, 2003

Players Feeling Out New Boss

Reaction To First Team Workout Positive

MIDDLESBOROUGH-- For all the upheaval at the head of the organization, you couldn't tell from the practice facilities outside Riverside Stadium Tuesday.

The familiar sounds of players grunting through their first exercises rang through the air as the squad officially began to prepare for the upcoming season.

The exercises were preceded by a team-only meeting in which the side was introduced to new interim manager Matthew Kieta. The players came out cautiously optimistic.

"He seems to know he's stuff," defender and captain Gareth Southgate said. "He acknowledged he would be coming from behind on things, and could use the help the veteran players to help him ge6t aclcimated."

The team's emotional leader and most popular player, Brazillian midfielder Juninho, agreed.

"He knows enough not to rush into this," Juninho said. "That's always a good sign. It's better to be careful when you're in unfamiliar territory."

Kieta displayed that cautious approach Monday, when he removed several players from the transfer list, including striker Szilard Németh and injured winger Allan Johnston.

"I'm his biggest fan," Németh said with a grin.

Németh said he felt the tension that had been around the club since the surprise holiday by former manager Steve McLaren eased somewhat with the announcement about the transfer list removals.

"People are a little more sure of where they will be in the next month or so," the Slovakian striker said. "Two months? Who knows? But for now, it feels okay."

Longtime vets defender Colin Cooper and incumbent goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer were guardedly positive, but admitted they missed the popular McLaren.

"I'm sure [Kieta] is going to do a fine job here," Cooper said, "but Steve really had a handle on things. I hope he will return to us at some point."

McLaren has not been available for comment.

THURSDAY, July 10, 2003

Arsenal Looking To Maldini

Web Report Says Club Interested In Italian Defender

LONDON-- Arsenal is looking to bring aboard longtime Italian international and AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini, according to soccer.net.

The site devoted to football news said officials in Highbury were inquiring about Maldini's availability. The report says Maldini, 35, would be used to help with quality depth on Arsenal's backline.

Maldini is a household name for any Italian and worldwide football fan. He has racked up 126 caps and 7 international goals in 19 seasons of professional soccer. The stout defender is considered to be an ideal veteran leader and steadfastly loyal. Maldini has played every single one of his professional seasons with AC Milan.

The report said that the transfer fee, were it to come to pass, would be around £1.7 M.

Neither manager Arsene Wenger nor any other officials with Arsenal

Leicester City Looking To American Striker

LEICESTER-- Premiership side Leicester City has reportedly offered £220,000 to the Cleveland River Fire for the rights to striker Kevin King.

The 26-year-old American striker has already racked up 21 goals in international competition, to go along with his 56 caps. Given his international history, he would not face problems getting a work permit for the move.

Leicester is reportedly not the only club interested, as a laundry list of other clubs, including fellow EPL sides Blackburn and Southampton, have also expressed interest.

King himself said he currently has no interest in leaving the Fire right now, though.

"I am really enjoying my time here in Cleveland," King said. "I am American and I love playing my game in the States. I'm not sure the prestige of Europe will be enough for me to pick up and leave."

FRIDAY, July 11, 2003

Ancelotti: Maldini Stays

AC Milan Manager Denies Rumors Of Arsenal Transfer

MILAN, Italy-- Manager Carlo Ancelotti strongly denied that veteran star defender Paolo Maldini would be going anywhere, much less to Arsenal, as was reported by soccer.net Wednesday.

"Under no circumstances would I choose to move Paolo from the only side he has ever known," Ancelotti said. "He remains an integral part of my plans for the club."

Maldini, a 35-year-old star of Italy's internastional team, and a 19-year-veteran whom has never played for anyone but AC Milan, has 126 caps and has scored 7 international goals.

Ancelotti refused to speculate on the level of interest he thinks Maldini would receive were he to make himself available.

Officials at soccer.net did not back down, releasing a new report in which Deportivo of La Ligua might also be interested in Maldini's services.

Neither Arsenal nor Deportivo officials would comment for the report.

Calcio update? Ehwha? Linky Linky? :)

Do you have access to the SIGames forums?

Just go to the Training & Tactics forum. You should find a thread or two there dedicated to the Calcio update, including a large 11-page (or maybe larger now) thread.

The updater is a poster by the name of Arsenal71 (gee, I wonder who he roots for...). If you look at the small type under his name by his posts, you will see the URL.

He seems pretty dedicated to a realistic update, although he admitted some of his updates outside of Europe, particularly in South America and in the U.S. aren't fully up to speed yet (for instance, Adu hasn't been added yet, and not all of the MLS teams have been converted from their CM0304 names or even added at all).

But overall it's a very solid update and the guy who did it seems intent to keep it up. Apparently he did updates in the past for other CMs, too.

CR

SUNDAY, July 13, 2003

Wilson Headed Back To Stoke?

Stoke Area Media Reporting Loan Deal For Midfielder Done

MIDDLESBOROUGH-- Rumors swirled around Riverside Stadium Saturday when reports surfaced linking once promising midfielder Mark Wilson with a move back to Stoke City.

Media in Stoke City are reporting that Wilson will be loaned back to the First Division club, where Wilson spent a couple months of the 2002-03 season. Wilson played in four matches for Stoke City, going scoreless. No other specific details of the proposed deal have been made public.

Neither Stoke City nor Middlesborough officials chose to comment on the rumors, although neither side denied them either.

Interim Boro manager Matthew Kieta refused to comment Saturday before taking his team up to Brechin, Scotland. The club will be opening its preseason friendly fixture today with a match against Scottish First Division Brechin City. Wilson went with the club and no indication has been given as to what playing time, if any, he might see today.

Wilson was acquired in a much publicized deal from Manchester United, along with forward Jonathon Greening, just prior to the 2001-02 season. Both players played internationally for England's U-21 squad and were thought to have huge upside.

While Greening has solidified a role in the first team rotation, Wilson has not progressed as well. He has been mostly relegated to a role on the reserve squad, and has only appeared in 16 games the past two seasons for the Boro. He has yet to score a goal for Middlesborough.

A loan back to Stoke City would likely give Wilson first team experience he isn't likely to see this year in Middlesborough.

SUNDAY, July 13, 2003

MIDDLESBROUGH PRESEASON PREVIEW

New Faces Key To Boro Season

MIDDLESBROUGH-- The usual cast of characters got the Boro a middle of the table finish last season, good for 49 points and an 11th-place finish.

The question this year was going to be about that group taking the next step into the upper end of the Premiership table, with some help from some key new additions.

As it turns out, that improvement might be needed just to overcome the surprise addition of a heretofore unknown interim manager in Matthew Kieta.

While Boro management remains upbeat and positive about the upcoming season, observers outside of the club maintain that it could be very difficult for the club to even meet last year's mid-level placing if Kieta--whom has never coached in English football--needs anything but a very short adjustment period to play in England's top league.

If Kieta makes the transition quickly, this team might have just as much potential as any of the lower end Premiership sides to make the jump to a top ten finish and a future in the European competitions. If he doesn't, they might find themselves fighting relegation.

Forwards

Kieta said last week that he is going into this season with no preconceived notions about his players. Anyone can play their way into a major role for this squad.

Given that, Kieta has the nice dilemma of having a wealth of forwards to consider for the front line spots.

While the Boro don't have a true striker star in the mold of a Thierry Henry or Ruud van Nistelrooy, they do have an up and coming star in the young Italian Massimo Maccarone. In his first season with the Boro, Maccarone quickly became the club's leading offensive power in front of the net, leading the Boro with nine goals. He should be a lock for the top striker spot.

The sheer depth at the position likely ensures that Kieta will employ more than one striker, although he has given no indication of what tactics he would consider.

Last season, former manager Steve McLaren employed a 4-4-2, but the second striker spot was in a constant state of flux. Croation striker Alen Boksic was a huge disappointment, tallying just two goals before being replaced on the first team. While Boksic's replacement, Slovakian forward Szilard Némethm finished with a second-best seven goals, he was very inconsistent and eventually earned his way into McLaren's doghouse and a trip to the transfer list that wasn't removed until Kieta arrived ont he scene last week.

Németh is just one of several potential candidates for the second spot. Young Malcolm Christie scored four goals in 12 appearances and has the potential to produce far more, assuming his excellent sideline skills don't instead earn him a trip to the Boro's depleted wing position. Cameroonian international Joseph-Désiré Job (four goals) also contributed in spot time and is a smart player in front of the net.

Should any of those candidates falter or get hurt, Kieta might turn to a wealth of attacking midfielders, the club's deepest position, to provide more answers.

Midfielders

The two key names to remember here are newcomers Bolo Zenden, on loan from Chelsea, and Gaizka Mendieta, from Lazio in Italy.

Both effective innovators in and around the box, they could provide a boost to the club's sagging midfield, which boasts several excellent forwards, but very little true ball-movers or effective wingers.

Mendieta and Zenden both have something to prove.

The Dutch Zenden has always been more flash than results. He has logged a lot of time as an effective passer, but he won't ascend to the next level until he manages to push a few more past the netminders. He scored just one goal in 21 matches with Chelsea last season. He is very good crossing the ball, though, which may earn him time on the right wing.

Mendieta is the closest thing the Boro have to a traditional midfielder. When he played with Valencia in Spain in the late 90s, he was among the better offensive eprformers in the league. His time at Lazio has been nightmarish, however, where he has yet to score a goal in two seasons, and didn't even appear in a first team match with the Italian power last season. He has the inside track on the midle of the Riverside pitch.

The attention Mendieta and Zenden will liekly command will only help free up the always dangerous Juninho. The flamboyant Brazillian attack midfielder returns to lend his superior touch to the Boro's offensive engine. He remains the first name coaches consider when they are seeking to stop the Boro, which makes the blossoming of help from elsewhere all the more important.

Wing could be a problem, where key left winger Allan Johnston is recuperating from a serious knee injury. He won't be ready to return until early 2004 at the soonest. Christie and Zenden will certainly be looked at here, as will Jonathon Greening and maybe Németh, should he be beat out up front. French wingback Franck Queudreu will likely get serious time at the left wing, where he is one of the few effective sideline operators who can work the left side.

Defenders

What was a strength is now somewhat in flux.

Ugo Ehiogu, the punishing centre back, hurt his knee near the end of the season last year, and like Johnston, will liekly be out of action until well past the half point of the season.

Captain Gareth Southgate will have to man the box without the security blanket of Ehiogu, who's presence allowed Southgate to roam further out of zone and make use of his excellent man-marking skills.

Now the Boro will likely have to turn to the young Chris Riggott. One of the more exciting defensive youngsters on the rise, Riggott saw serious time at right wingback and as Ehiogu's replacement at teh end of last season, but it will take another full season to know if he is ready to handle this much responsibility.

With Riggott back in centre and Queudreu likely resuming his role ont he wing, the Boro aren't very deep at wingback. They do get a big boost from the acquisition of Leeds' halfback Danny Mills, an exciting and versatile defender with midfielder skills. He is strong in his own end, but the urge to use Mills more forward, perhaps at defensive midfielder, might be too strong for Kieta to ignore.

Irish halfback Brian Close and Andrew Davies will also have to step into larger roles to fill in the gaps. While both have serious talent, they aren't as far along as Riggott, and the Boro will need strong efforts on their parts to disrupt some of the powerful crossing games of many Premiership teams.

Mills will see time somewhere. If he doesn't land in the defensive midfield, the position will likely come down to a battle between steady George Boateng and the more exciting, but inconsistent Doriva.

Goalkeepers

The one significant transfer the Boro took on was the acquisition of Manchester City's Carlo Nash. While Nash was unable to establish himself as the top netminder at City, he showed enought o be regarded as a player just waiting for a chance. This could be it.

With Welsh backup keeper Mark Crossley departed from the club, Nash will see serious time behind longtime starter Australian Mark Schwarzer. Indeed, many observers think Nash might be better than Schwarzer and the two could have a bitter battle for the net in the preseason. Schwarzer is a team leader and has some of the most seniority on the squad, but his play was inconsistent last year.

The quest to see how the pieces fit begins today at Glebe Park in Brechin, Scotland. With so many questions unanswered and starting spots up for grabs, this could be one of the most critical preseasons in Boro history.

Good lord. I thought I was over my CM addiction. I haven't purchased CM 03/04 yet, but I am going to have to now. Herion has nothing on this.

Marc Vaughan, send my game promotion check to 917 Sutter Creek Road...

;)

CR

SUNDAY, July 13, 2003

Maldini Denies Arsenal Rumors

MILAN, Italy-- Longtime international veteran defender Paolo Maldini denied the rumors that he was on his way to Arsenal in a transfer, in an interview with soccer.net.

Maldini said he "appreciated [Arsenal's] interest", but that he had no interest in leaving AC Milan, the Italian power for whom he had played all of his 19 years of professional soccer.

Last week, soccer.net reported that Arsenal was looking at Maldini, a 35-year-old veteran of 126 international matches for Italy, to help out along the English power's back line. The rumored move was reportedly going to cost Arsenal £1.7 M.

Arsenal never officially commented ont he deal, although they did not deny interest either.

Last Thursday, Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti adamantly denied that Maldini was going anywhere, and indicated the defender was still an integral part of the squad.

English Football Notes

Two lower division sides have made or are about to make managerial moves.

Third Division Cheltenham Town named former international player Chris Waddle as the new player-manager of the club.

Waddle, a 42-year-old midfielder whom has appeared in 62 international matches for England, hasn't played in the higher leagues since he did a short stint with another Third Division club in Torquay in the 1998-99 season. He played with lower division club Worksop after Torquay for the past couple seasons, but has since been out of football.

Waddle is best known as a top offensive performer for Newcastle United and Tottenham in the early 80s. His best year was 1983-84, when he scored 18 goals for Newcastle.

Today, Peterborough of the Second Division is expected to name Paul Ashworth their new manager. Ashworth, at the tender age of 29, is a surprising hire, given his age, but he is considered to be a bright up-and-comer by some observers.

Chief.. you are one of the few people here I would LOVE to play a full multiplayer game against ;)

I hope that's because you think it would be fun to do so, and not because you would wipe the pitch with me. ;)

Too bad I have never really gotten into multiplayer CM. I guess I'm more of a single shooter.

CR

Er... yeah. the first. Whatever you say.
'
No seriously, it's fun to read this and the other CM dynasties here ;)

MONDAY, July 14, 2003

Boro Drop Preseason Opener

Brechin Striker Gibson Scores Hat Trick

BRECHIN, Scotland-- Sure, it's just a preseason friendly. But no one from Middlesbrough is going to be saving the tape of this one for highlights.

Scottish First Division squad Brechin City embarrassed the Premiership squad, 3-1, at Glebe Park Sunday afternoon. Reserve striker Graham Gibson notched three quick goals early in the second half to score the hattrcik and doom the Boro to a miserable opening to the 2003-04 season.

Interim manager Matthew Kieta, who took over the Boro just last week, had a rough start to his coaching career in England. It was clear--even in the scoreless first half--that Middlesbrough was being strongly outplayed by host Brechin City.

The hosts outshot the Boro 15-5, with 12 of those shots on target. By and large, Brechin City controlled the flow of play, keeping the ball in Middlebrough's defensive zone for much of the game, and allowing few good runs by the visiting squad. The Boro would have been shut out entirely except for a penalty scored by striker Joseph-Désiré Job in extra time.

Kieta took the blame for the loss, saying he should have pressed the team farther early on.

"I instructed the team to lay back and play this one easy," Kieta said. "I didn't want to turn a preseason friendly into a hard-hitting match, when we're both just trying to round our sides into form. Apparently, that took the edge out of the guys. They just didn't put out the effort we need to see to play this game, much less win against a determined opponent like Brechin today."

Kieta said he turned the pressure on after Gibson scored his third goal just 16 minutes into the second half. The Boro, by then playing all reserves, were more consistent in the later going, making some runs on offense and keeping Brechin City scoreless from that point on. But it was too little, too late.

In the first half, shots were few for either side. Despite playing stand off ball, the Boro backline played very well. Chris Riggott and Gareth Southgate were very solid in front of the box, with Riggott playing a very effective defensive air game. When Brechin did get shots to the net--they got five--Mark Schwarzer was up to the task, stopping all shots.

It was on offense that the Boro first team did the most poorly. Neither striker, Massimo Maccarone or Malcolm Christie, played well. Both were dominated by Brechin City defenders in the air, and the side as a whole failed to connect even a single crossing pass, despite that being a staple of Kieta's intricate five-tiered tactic.

Midfielder Gaizka Mendieta got the Boro's only shot on goal in the first half, a shot that barely tested Brechin keeper Derek Soutar.

"I thought the first team defense played very well, even playing light," Kieta said. "I was especially encouraged by how strong we are in the air and how well we moved the ball away from danger. That will be key when the real matches start up."

He had less positive comments for the wingers and strikers.

"Other than Juninho, who had some great runs to try and get something going, no one in our first team front half showed anything resembling what we're going to need to get it done," Kieta said. "This is a new tactic and these guys are learning. But we should have a better grasp of things by now."

The second team defense had more than they could handle in Gibson and his cohorts. The pressure was on reserve keeper Carlo Nash from the get-go. Gibson's first goal came in the 48th minute after very strong pressure by Brechin. Nash turned away three shots, and the Boro defense cleared out a couple more opportunities before Gibson managed to pounce on a Nash rebound and blast it over the keeper's shoulder, into the upper right corner of the net.

It took just five minutes for Gibson to get on the board again. Gibson received a pass into the box from winger Chris Templeman and hit it high and hard. Nash was able to block that off, but once again his rebound fell to Gibson's feet and the striker quickly applied the finish to a wide open net.

Gibson finsihed off the hat in the 61st minute when Gibson got to an errant long pass that bounced off of Boro defender David Murphy. The ball had taken a surprise bounce and Nash was unable to react in time before Gibson was able to finish it off.

The Boro's only score came in extra time when Brechin City midfielder Kevin McLeish pushed Job down as they fought for a Michael Ricketts pass in the box from the byline. Given the penalty, Job shot the ball past reserve keeper Steven van der Deyl with ease. Van der Deyl guessed wrong as Job put a sharp low shot into the lower left corner.

Kieta said Job and winger Stuart Downing played very well, and he also said that Nash was very solid considering the poor defense that was played in front of him.

"Carlo needs to work on those rebounds a bit," Kieta said, "but I thought he did rather well with all the pressure. He faced a 10-shot attack in the second half, and almost all of them were on-goal."

Nash and Shwarzer are expected be battling out for the top keeper position this preseason.

The Boro will now be off until they begin a four-match tour of Portugal on July 23 against Nacional da Madeira of the Portueguese Superleague.

I'm glad you enjoy it. I hope others follow suit. It's always fun to write for a captive audience. :)

Now go get the new coaches situated in FOFC FBCB so we can move on to scheduling! ;)

CR

MONDAY, July 14, 2003

[English Football blurb...]

* Totenham Hotspur have arranged for a free transfer of young Danish striker Martin Andersen. The Premiership side will receive the striker from Dabish First Division Vejle Boldklub on January 1, 2004. Andersen, an 18-year-old Veije reserve, has never played in an official first team match in Denmark.

[other sports news...]

TUESDAY, July 15, 2003

Wilson Agrees To Stoke Loan

Boro Midfielder Hopes To Get First Team Experience

MIDDLESBROUGH-- Midfielder Mark Wilson will be sent on a three-month loan with First Division Stoke City, club officials announced Monday.

The release confirms reports circulated Saturday about the move. Neither Middlesbroguh nor Stoke City would confirm the reports, and Wilson actually played for the Boro in their preseason opening loss to Scottish First Division side Brechin City on Sunday.

"{Middlesbrough officials] feel that Mark Wilson will gain invaluable experience from returning to Stoke City for another stint this season," read a press release announcing the move. Other than the release, the club refused to comment.

As Monday was the day after the Brechin City match, Wilson had the day off with the rest of the club, and was unable to be reached. The club release said Wilson has agreed to the move.

The deal, which is expected to be completed today, would last for three months, with Stoke City picking up £220,000 of Wilson's £725,000 contract for the duration of the lone.

Wilson was not expected to earn a first team spot with the Boro, and was likely going to be playing for the club reserves this season.

Wilson has been the subject of some disappointment for Boro followers. The once promising midfielder was acquired in a much ballyhooed transfer with attacking midfielder Jonathon Greening from Premiership power Manchester United. While Greening has established himself as a first team regular, Wilson has yet to find his niche. Both are former members of England's Under-21 national side.

Wilson is expected to see regular time with Stoke City, with the loan running out in October.

English Football Notes

*...French Ligue One side FC Nantes Atlantique manager Loïc Amisse may have ignited a firestorm on his own club by inquiring about the availability of veteran French-Armenian midfielder Youri Djorkaeff, currently playing with the Premiership's Bolton Wanderers.

Asked about rumors of his interest, Amisse confirmed that he was looking at the veteran French international to provide needed experience for his club.

The report triggered a furious response from current Nantes' first team midfielder Stéphane Ziani, who believes the inquiry on Djorkaeff is an attempt to replace him.

"I find this to be very underhanded of [Amisse]", Ziani said. "I have given three seasons of my career to this club and believe I deserve better."

Neither officials from Bolton nor Djorkaeff himself could be reached for comment. Djorkaeff is thought by football observers to be likely to draw around £400,000 in transfer fees, were a move to come to pass.

The 35-year-old attacking midfielder has been playing with the Wanderers for just a season and a half after being transferred from German Bundesliga side Kaiserslautern late in the 2001-02 season. He has scored 11 goals in 48 matches with Bolton.

Djorkaeff has collected 82 caps for France, scoring 26 goals in international appearances. Djorkaeff was once considered one of the best midfielders in the French leagues when he played with Monaco and Paris-SG from 1990-1995. He hasn't reached double digits in goals in a season since his first year with Kaiserslautern in 1999-00.

The 30-year-old Ziani, also French, has never been capped at the international level. He scored two goals in 30 appearances last season.

*...Aston Villa has worked out a future free transfer for Norwegian centreback Pål Steffen Andresen. Andresen, 21, is currently playing with Norway's Premier Division side Lillestrom. The transfer to the Premiership side is expected to go through on December 2, after the completion of the Norwegian Premier Dviision season. Andresen has two goals and two assists in 18 matches with Lillestrom so far this year.

Oh no, Rum started a dynasty. There goes any free time I had.

WEDNESDAY, July 16, 2003

Kieta Meets With Press

New Boro Manager Faces Onslaught Of Questions

MIDDLESBROUGH-- New Boro interim manager Matthew Kieta said he would meet with the press every Tuesday in season.

He got more than he bargained for at his first such press conference Tuesday.

Kieta tiptoed through a minefield of questions on issues ranging from his lack of experience in English football to Middlesbrough FC's bad showing against Brechin City Sunday.

Kieta lost his debut to the Scottish First Division club, 3-1, after being a surprise hire for the Premiership club last week.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Kieta quipped at one point.

For the most part, Kieta seemed to manage the questions well, but none of his answers are likely to put at ease the concerns of both supporters and football observers over the American's shocking appointment to one of the premier jobs in English football.

Kieta also spoke about the loan of midfielder Mark Wilson, noting that the key reserve was already on his way to Stoke City for a three-month loan Tuesday.

"[Sunday's game] was just a bad set of circumstances for these guys," Kieta said. "I don't want to make excuses, but the fact of the matter is we're not in seasoned condition yet and the side was learning a new tactic and how to play for a new manager."

Kieta said Sunday that he was to blame for the loss, after he instructed the team to lay off Brechin City's players.

"I'm still learning, too, you know," Kieta said. "I thought it was the right thing to do at the time. We want to see hard play out there, but I didn't see any sense in getting any of our players--or theirs--hurt in a preseason friendly like this. By the time I realized that might have taken some spirit out of the boys, we were down big."

Kieta said he freed up the reins quite a bit in the second half, after Brechin striker Graham Gibson put across a quick second half hat trick.

"The match was revealing about this squad as well," Kieta said. "I have a much better feel now for what kind of talent I have on this team."

The manager said he was happy with the play of the defense and with both goalkeepers, but that the offense had a long way to go. He refused to speculate on the actual composition of the first team when the Boro open the Premiership season against Tottenham at Riverside Stadium on August 16.

Kieta said he doesn't expect his inexperience to be an issue when the Premiership season begins in August.

"Football is football, whether it is played here or in the States or in Khazakhstan," Kieta said. "I need to get to know this team, and I need to get to know the league. Neither should take me long."

Kieta said the Wilson deal might not be the only move the club moves before the season starts.

"We have our scouts out looking at potential players, especially on the right wing and in backline depth," Kieta said. "We're looking at more loans and Bosmans, too. I have the go ahead to get anyone whom I think will help this team, within reason."

Club chairman Steve Gibson has made about £5 M in transfer funds available to Kieta, and the club is currently £1.7 M under its wage budget for the season.

The club returns to preseason training in anticipation of the remainder of its friendly schedule. The club wiull embark on a four-match tour of Portugal on July 23.

lol...your free time?!? You're just reading it. Think what I am going through (albeit willfully)! ;)

CR

WEDNESDAY, July 16, 2003

Arsenal, Man U Battling For Cruzeiro's Alex

MINEIRAO, Brazil-- Reports in Brazil are circulating that England powers Arsenal and Manchester United might be duking it out for the rights to Brazilian left winger Alex of Cruzeiro FC.

Neither of the two wealthy clubs are expected to balk at Alex's likely transfer fee, which is estimated to end up at around some £15 M.

Alex, born Alexsandro de Souza, has dominated play in Brazil's first division, with 10 goals and 12 assists in 30 matches so far this season.

The winger, just 25 years old, has already appeared in 30 matches for the powerful Brazil national team, the current holder of the World Cup. He has scored 10 goals in international competition.

Neither Alex nor officials at Cruzeiro would comment on the rumors Tuesday. Moving Alex might be very difficult for Cruzeiro to do, as they are currently second in the First Division, just a point behind Santos.

Platt Signed On By Crystal Palace

Officials at Selhurst Park in London announced the hiring of former international star David Platt to become the new manager of First Divison Crystal Palace.

Platt, 37, appeared in 62 international matches for England, scoring 27 goals in those appearances. He starred in the Premiership with Arsenal and Aston Villa.

THURSDAY, July 17, 2003

Mallberg Drawing Interest From Spain

Two La Liga Teams Are Looking At The Villa Defender

BIRMINGHAM-- Spanish clubs Mallorca and Sevilla are reportedly looking at adding Aston Villa's Swedish centreback Olaf Mellberg, according to Planetfootball.com.

Both Spanish clubs confirmed the interest, although neither Aston Villa officials nor Mellberg were available for comment.

Mellberg's agent, David Vichny, however, indicated to the football Web site that Mellberg would be tempted by a move back to Spain.

Mellberg, a star of Sweden's international team, played in La Liga One with Racing Santander from 1998-2000, and speaks fluent Spanish.

The defender, 25, has been with Aston Villa for two seasons now. He appeared in 38 matches with the Premiership side last season, scoring one goal.

Mellberg has been capped 35 times for Sweden. Any transfer fee is likely to number at least at £3 M.

Allardyce Says Djorkaeff Stays

BOLTON-- Responding to a French La Ligue One manager's interest in one of his players, Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce warned clubs to stay away from French midfielder Youri Djorkaeff.

Allardyce said he had no interest in moving the star French midfielder, recently revealed as a target of FC Nantes Atlantique and their manager Loïc Amisse.

Amisse told French media Monday that he was considering a run at Djorkaeff to add experience to his club's midfield.

Allardyce said he had no interest at all in moving the 35-year-old veteran international midfielder.

Djorkaeff has scored 11 goals in 48 matches in just over a season with the Wanderes. He is a veteran of 82 international matches with France, including 26 goals in those matches.

Were Djorkeaff to return to La Ligue One, it would be his first time back playing in the division in which he first became a star since he left Paris-SG in 1996.

Amisse's announcement has backfired on his own team, where he has inspired the ire of current Nantes midfielder Stéphane Ziani, who thinks that Amisse wants to bring Djorkaeff in to replace him.

FRIDAY, July 18, 2003

Boro To Loan Murphy

MIDDLESBROUGH-- Well-regarded up-and-coming defender and defensive midfielder David Murphy looks likely to be on his way off Teesside for a little while.

First Division Watford and Second Division Barnsley are both interested in loaning the 19-year-old halfback's services for anywhere from three months to a year.

"I have been available on loan since last season," Murphy said. "I know I will only get sporadic play here, so I am looking forward to a loan and a chance to prove myself."

Interim manager Matthew Kieta refused to comment for the story. Murphy said something could be doen by the end of the weekend.

No details of the loan offers have gotten out, although both lower division sides confirmed their interest.

The Boro loaned out midfielder Mark Wilson earlier this week to First Division Stoke City.

SATURDAY, July 19, 2003

Transfer Moves Rebuffed

BIRMINGHAM-- Aston Villa manager David O'Leary denied that his star Swedish defender Olaf Mellberg would not be going anywhere, and in Brazil, Cruzeiro manager Vanderley Luxemburgo echoed those thoughts in regard to his star midfielder Alex.

Mellberg, 25, has been the target of interest by Spanish La Liga One clubs Mallorca and Sevilla. Mallorca was reportedly leading the way for the services of the veteran of 35 Swedish international matches.

O'Leary said he wasn't go to sell Mellberg to anyone, so "you might as well leave us alone."

Arsenal was reportedly leading a hot race for the services of Alex, whom has dominated play in Brazil's National First Division with 10 goals and 12 assist in 30 matches.

Luxemburgo put the kibosh on that, though, saying he could think of no circumstances under which he would be compelled to move the exciting Brazilian winger.

A move for Alex, already a veteran of 30 Brazil international matches despite being just 25, was thought to be int he range of £15 M, and Manchester United was interested as well.

SUNDAY, July 20, 2003

Djorkaeff Staying, Alex Still Coming?

BOLTON-- Veteran French star midfielder Youri Djarkaeff says he is happy at Bolton and wants to stay.

Djorkaeff told Planetfootball.com that he wants to stay with the Premiership's Wanderers for the foreseeable future, and has no interest right now in returning to the French La Ligue One.

That league's FC Nantes Atlantique manager Loïc Amisse triggered responses in both Nantes and Bolton when told reporters Monday that he was looking to bring Djorkaeff on to add experience to his midfield.

The move caused negative reactions from both starting Nantes midfielder Stéphane Ziani and Bolton boss Sam Allardyce.

Ziani said he felt the inquiry into Djorkaeff was an attempt to replace him. Allardyce said on Thursday he has no intentions of moving the attacking midfielder to any clubs, much less Nantes.

Djorkaeff, 35, is a veteran of 82 French international matches, with 26 goals. He has scored 11 goals in 48 matches with Bolton over the past season and change.

In other news, Alex told local media in Brazil that he wasn't as locked into staying at Cruzeiro as his manager was. Alex said he would be "very tempted" by a move that have him choosing between staying in Cruzeiro or taking the opportunity to play with a world power like Arsenal in the English Premiership League.

Rumors have swirled for days around the star winger, whom has dominated play in Brazil's National First Division with 10 goals and 12 assists in 30 matches this season.

Reports had interest from heavyweights like Arsenal and Macnhester United, and transfer fees approaching a mammoth £15 M.

Friday, Cruzeiro manager Vanderley Luxemburgo said he has no interest in moving Alex, whom at 25 has already appeared in 30 matches for the powerful Brazil international squad.

Other English Football Notes

The Nationwide Conference's Hereford Bulls went around the world for their new manager.

Mal Donaghy, 40, the former Irish international has been hired away from his current employ, Geylang United of the Second Division Singaporean league, to be the new boss of the Bulls.

Donaghy appeared in 91 matches for Northern Ireland in his playing days.

(Press Conference Question from the Daily Times)

Mr. Kieta...everyone is wondering about your future plans for the team. Other than loans, you have been very quiet in the transfer market. Usually when a new owner is hired he has players that he is worked with in the past that he brings to the club. I know you are inexperinced but certianly you have some players in mind?

Good start so far.

I signed Danny Murphy for Benfica from Boro in CM4 and he did a pretty solid job for me, but this was a few years down the line, 2007 maybe.

GE: Cool, my first question. :) Next press conference is Tuesday (in game).

ice: Yeah, Murphy seems to have some good upside. I just don't think he's ready to be guarding EPL-level strikers, though, right now, even on a backup basis. I am hoping he gets some good experience there.

The only downer to my loans of players he won't play first team for me is that they won't benefit from my training schedule, which I think is a good one (I stole it from the Tactics & Training forum ;) ).

CR

MONDAY, July 21, 2003

Murphy Heads To Watford

MIDDLESBROUGH-- Two lower division sides vied for the services of Boro reserve defender David Murphy, and Watford won out.

Murphy has agreed to the loan move to the First Division Hornets, where he will play for the next three months.

Interim manager Matthew Kieta said the fact Watford was willing to pick up more than half of Murphy's salary was a primary factor in them being selected over the other bidding side, Second Division Barnsley. The manager also said he wanted Murphy to get experience at the first division level of play, which Barnsley can't provide.

Murphy, 19, will head to Watford immediately, where he will stay until October.

Murphy, a well-regarded defender and defensive midfielder, was not expected to see significant first team playing time, and might not have even made the team. Murphy appeared in eight matches last season for Middlesbrough.

MONDAY, July 21, 2003

Arsenal Brings In Perrotta

Starting Midfielder Edu Concerned About Transfer

LONDON-- After trying to bring in top AC Milan Italian defender Paolo Maldini and then Brazilian star winger Alex from Cruzeiro, Arsenal finally struck gold when they negotiated the transfer of midfielder SImone Perrotta from Chievos Verona of Serie A.

The Italian 25-year-old midfielder is capped at the international level and was starting for a side in one of the world's top leagues in Italy's Serie A.

Arsenal paid Chievos £8 M for a transfer fee. Perotta signed a 3-year, £4.5 M deal with the English superpower.

The midfielder scored one goal in 32 appearances last season with Chievos.

Perrotta, whom has appeared in nine matches for Italy's national squad, is not unknown in England. The midfielder was born in Ashton-under-Lyne and enjoys dual citzenship with both the United Kingdom and Italy.

Not everyone was happy with the move, though.

Part timer Edu, the well-regarded 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder, said he is concerned that Perrotta's arrival might mean there's too much competition at his position.

"There are just too many players competing for first team spots here," Edu said. "I'm not afraid to fight for my time on this club, but this move was not needed."

Edu, never a quiet person, has been known to make irreverant and heated off-the-cuff remarks. Manager Arsen Wenger refused to comment on his or Perrotta's status with the club, other than to say they would both see plenty of time on the pitch.

In addition to Edu and Perrotta, Arsenal also has star French midfielder Patrick Vieira and Brazilian midfielder Gilberto, with whom Edu is close.

Edu scored two goals in 18 appearances with Arsenal last season.

English Football Notes

*...Planetfootball.com is reporting that Primera Liga squad Deportivo is very interested in Fulham's star French attack midfielder Steed Malbranque.

Malbranque, 23, is one of the Premiership club's best offensive options. He scored six goals last season and eight goals the year before that. Malbranque has been with Fulham since 2001, after he was transferred from French La Ligue One side Lyon.

Malbranque, who is also part Belgian, is thought to draw at least a £4 M price tag in trasnfer fees.

Fulham officials were not available for comment.

*...The transfer of Brazilian halfback star Lùcio to Newcastle United is one more step to happening.

Lùcio, 25, only requires a work permit to complete the move from German Bundesliga power Leverkusen, where he has played for the past three seasons.

The well-regarded defender has been capped with Brazil's powerful national side in 29 matches, and he scores an unusual amount of goals for a backline player, with 12 goals in 65 matches in the Bundesliga since 2000.

The English Football Asscoiation has scheduled the work permit hearing for Lùcio, nee Lucimar de Silva Ferreira, on August 3.

A world class talent, Lùcio would likely be a huge addition for Newcastle.

*...Manchester City's loan out of attacking midfielder Lee Croft to First Division Coventry City fell through because of an odd mix up in loan limits.

"I take the blame myself," Coventry manager Eric Black said. "I thought we could have more loaned-in players than we can."

Coventry is limited to four loan players in their squad, and they already have Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, Newcastle midfielder Jamie McClen, Le Havre defensive midfielder Yazid Mansouri, and Tottenham attacking midfielder Johnnie Jackson on their roster.

TUESDAY, July 22, 2003

Coleman: Malbranque Stays

LONDON-- Reacting to a weekend report that Primera Liga side Deportivo was interested in his star attacking midfielder Steed Malbranque, Fulham boss Chris Coleman said he wouldn't sell the French player at any price.

"[Malbranque] is far too important to this squad to move him out," Coleman said. "He is a key to our season, and is unavailable at any cost."

Malbranque could not be reached for comment.

Planetfootball.com reported Deportivo's interest Sunday. Deportivo officials could not be reached for comment.

Malbranque, 23, scored six goals with Fulham last season, and eight in 2001-02.

Mellberg Intrigued By Mallorca's Interest

...Aston Villa's Swedish star centreback Olaf Mellberg admitted that he was "intrigued" by the interest being shown him by Primera Liga power Mallorca.

He said it would be very difficult to turn that opportunity down, were it to come his way, despite the fact he feels very attached to Villa Park and the fans in Birmingham.

Mellberg, 25, has appeared in 35 matches for Team Sweden, and has played ont he club level with Aston Villa for the past two seasons. Prior to that, he played with Racing Santander, which happens to also be a Primera Liga club.

Aston Villa manager David O'Leary said over the weekend that he had no desire to move Mellberg and that he was an integral part of the Premiership squad. In addition to Mallorca, fellow Spanish club Sevilla was also reportedly interested in the defender.

(cut to a crowded press conference sometime in the future)

"Mr. Kieta, what can be expected from you in terms of tactics. Are you seeking to build a team to fit your preferred style or would you take your current squad as-is and let their qualities decide how you're going to play?"

WEDNESDAY, July 23, 2003

Position Battles To Mark Portugal Trip

Key First Team Spots Still Open

MIDDLESBROUGH-- The four-game tour of Portugal which begins today will play a key role in determining the composition of the first team, interim Boro manager Matthew Kieta said at his weekly press conference.

"We have quite a few interesting decisions to make," Kieta said.

The club embarks on a four match tour of Portugal today, starting with a match against Portuguese Superleague club Nacional de Madeira in Funchal, Portugal, today. They will follow that up with matches against lower division Esposende (Saturday), Superleague squad Braga (Monday) and another SUperleague club in Alverca (July 31).

All together, the Boro will play four matches in nine days.

The goalkeeper spot has been a known battle from the beginning of preseason. Incumbent and fan favorite Mark Schwarzer is trying to fend off transfer Carlo Nash for the number one jersey.

Kieta also said few others are locked into spots at this point. The manager said he could say with some certainty that attacking midfielder Juninho and defender Gareth Southgate would be on the pitch with the first team. That was about all he would guarantee.

"Some positions that seemed settled now don't," Kieta admitted. "The forward spots, for instance. Both wings. And we came into preseason knowing we weren't sure who Gareth [Southgate] would be playign next to in the backfield."

Anticipated starting forwards Massimo Maccarone and Malcolm Christie both played very poorly against Brechin City last week, while reserve forward Joseph Désiré Job played well and scored the side's only goal, on a penalty in injury time. That and Job's noted consistency and veteran status might have opened the door for the Cameroonian to get first team status.

Neither Franck Queudreu nor Szilard Németh played very well on the wing at Brechin. Anticipated reserve Stuart Downing, though, played a very strong game, with four tackles, two headers and three good runs and may have thrust himself into the wing picture. Loan Bolo Zenden also played well.

Kieta said Németh may not have the physical ability to handle the demanding wing position, and that he may switch Christie and Németh at their positions, so Christie can use his physical skills and good crossing ability, while Németh can return to his more natural striker position. At striker, Németh's speed becomes less important than his savvy and nose for the net.

Backup midfielders Doriva and Mark Wilson both stood out in the Brechin game, but Wilson has been loaned to Stoke City until October. Doriva would face a stiff challenge in well-regarded Spaniard loan Gaizka Mendieta and the very steady George Boateng.

Kieta said Chris Riggott's strong performance against Brechin--six headers, four tackles and two interceptions--likely solidifies him as one of Southgate's partners on the backline. No one else stood out, though, so the competition for the one or two other first team spots is still wide open.

The manager was noncommital on what tactics he would end up employing. He used an intricate 3-1-3-1-2 against Brechin City.

"That's a tactic I used sometimes in the States," Kieta said. "It emphasizes crosses and strong positional defense. It can be hard to learn, though, and I am not sure my players are suited for it."

Kieta said he was very open about what tactics he would use and trained the side regualrly and several different basic formations, so that switching as needed would be possible.

"I like midfielders that can run with the ball, particularly on the wing," the manager said. "My forwards need to be versatile, able to reach the crosses and make something happen themselves. And everyone needs to be well-conditiioned, because I encourage my teams to tackle hard and take chances and play in the face of the opponent."

Kieta said he wasn't sure yet if this Boro team could play that way, but he was going to give it a good long shot before he abandoned his favored tactics for simpler formations.

When the issue of team additions came up, Kieta was very tight-lipped.

"We're still settling on first team memebrs and even what sort of tactics we'll need to use," Kieta said. "With those issues still to be determined, it makes it harder for us to pinpoint what we need ont he transfer market and go after it."

Kieta did admit he had scouts looking at backline help.

"We just don't have the quality depth there right now, especially with Ugo [Ehiogu] out until January at least," he said.

He refused to name candidates, saying the staff had yet to even begin to narrow candidates nor complete their scouting sessions.

Kieta saiid that, due to the club's tour in Portugal, he would not hold a press conference next Tuesday, but would pick up the practice again on August 5.

Thanks for the questions, guys. You'll notice, of course, that they were answered at the press conference, but the article phrased the responses as such an article covering a press conference would. I hope the answers they gave you helped a bit.

CR

THURSDAY, July 24, 2003

Christie Goal Propels Boro Win

Club Wins It On Forward's Goal, 1-0

FUNCHAL, Portugal-- Just over a week ago, striker Malcolm Christie played a poor match against Brechin City, so bad that interim manager Matthew Kieta moved him to right wing for this one.

So all he did was get the key--and only--score in tight defensive match with Portuguese Superleague squad Nacional da Madeira on Wednesday.

The forward rose up above Nacional defender Rossato for a Gaizka Mendieta free kick and headed it high past Brazilian keeper Hilário. Christie was only a few feet from the net as Mendieta laced a perfect floater from near the right sideline right into the six-yard box.

The scoring free kick was set up when Nacional defensive midfielder Ivo dragged down Szilard Németh on a run near the byline.

Despite the low-scoring 1-0 affair, the match was filled with close calls by both sides. The two clubs combined for 17 shots, 10 on goal.

The Boro's chances mostly came early in the match, when the first team was on the pitch. Mendieta curled two close post shots in separate free kicks. Striker Massimo Maccarone split two defenders on a run into the box in the 9th minute but blasted the ball over the bar. A nice near post cross by Christie was instead put into the side netting by fellow winger Stuart Downing.

The only scoring chance of note for the Boro with the second team came when forward Joseph-Désiré Job got on a goal kick header and ran the ball back through three defenders, falling short when his scoring kick attempt flew over the right post.

Goalkeeper Carlo Nash tipped a couple long but direct Nacional shots over the bar, and Mark Schwarzer had to survive a couple of second half flurries directly in front of him before a defender could get the ball to safety.

"I think we had our offense flowing much better today," Kieta said. "We didn't score much, but the opportunities were there. These guys seem to be picking it up some."

Kieta said Tuesday he might have to switch to simpler tactics if the side couldn't grasp the five-tiered tactic he brought over from the United States.

Boro defender Chris Riggott got the Man of the Match nod for an impressive display in the box in the first half. He dominated the defensive air with 14 headers, and also had four interceptions. Mendieta also stood out, with three shots on goal and an assist on Christie's score.

The Nacional da Madeira match was the first in a four-contest tour of Portugal. The next match is Saturday at lower division Esposende.

THURSDAY, July 24, 2003

Nantes Looking For Help From England Again

Now French Side Is After Birmingham's Cissé

NANTES, France-- One week after failing to land Bolton midfielder Youri Djorkaeff, La Ligue One side FC Nantes Atlantique is at it again with reported interest in midfielder Aliou Cissé of Birmingham.

Last week, Nantes manager Loïc Amisse told local reporters he was interested in acquiring the veteran forward Dkorkaeff, but was rebuffed by the Premiership's Bolton manager Sam Allardyce. Now he is looking to bring in Cissé, according to a Football365.com report.

The tenacious 27-year-old Senegalese defender and midfielder played in La Ligue One for four seasons before moving to Birmingham last season. Last year, he appeared in 21 Birmingham matches.

Cissé is capped with Senegal 23 times, and has scored one goal in international competition.

The report said Cissé might be allowed to leave the club for £3 M.

Nantes is looking to bolster their midfield for a run in the Inter-Toto Cup, in which they are currently matched up in a third round leg with Croatian First Division side Cibalia. Nantes defeated Cibalia, 2-0, at home, and will go to Vinkovci on Saturday to finish the two-leg round. The winner advances to the semifinals of the Cup, which has three coveted tie-ins to the Champions Cup.

When Amisse mentioned pursuing Djorkaeff last week, he got blistered by a media attack by current Nantes midfield starter Stéphane Ziani. Ziani could not be reached for comment on the Cissé rumors.

Malbranque Flattered by Deportivo Interest

Two days after his manager said he wasn't going anywhere, Fulham's attacking midfielder Steed Malbranque said he was flattered at the interest shown him by Primera Liga side Deportivo.

"I would be foolish to not consider such a move," Malbranque told Football365.com in an exclusive interview. "I would have to consider just about any offer from them."

The French forward has played in 74 matches with Fulham the past two seasons, scoring 14 goals, including six last season. At 23, he is considered an up-and-coming player with great upside.

Fulham manager Chris Coleman refused to comment for the story. On Monday, Coleman warned clubs away from Malbranque, saying he was not available under any circumstances.

It is thought that Malbranque would draw at least a £4 M transfer fee from any successful bidder.

THURSDAY, July 24, 2003

Other Football Notes

KANSAS CITY, United States-- The United States and Brazil will meet Saturday in the final for the Gold Cup after winning in the semifinals Wednesday.

The United States defeated Canada, 2-0, while Brazil beat South Korea, 2-1.

Canada and South Korea will meet in the third place match.

The Gold Cup competition includes 11 national teams from North and South America, and one Asian region national team.

FRIDAY, July 25, 2003

Manager: Cissé Is Available

BIRMINGHAM-- The club is willing to listen to offers for defnesive midfielder Aliou Cissé, Birmingham manager Steve Bruce said Thursday.

Bruce's announcement comes on the heels of a Football365.com report that FC Nantes Atlantique of La Ligue One was looking at Cissé as a possibility to lend depth to their midfield for a run in the Inter-Toto Cup.

Cissé, a 27-year-old Senegalese veteran of 23 international matches, appeared in just 21 matches for Birmingham City last season, his first in the Premiership. Prior to moving to Birmingham, Cissé played four seasons in France's top league.

Cissé is currently considered to be heading for the Birmingham reserves, so his move is unlikely to have an effect on Birmingham's first team.

The midfielder is likely to draw a £3 M transfer fee.

Leicester City Nabs American Forward

Premiership side Leicester City completed the transfer of American forward Stanley Spencer Thursday.

The lower division Detroit Bullets sold the veteran international forward for £190,000.

Spencer, 27, has been capped for the U.S. 92 times, and scored 13 goals in international competition.

With his extensive international experience, Spencer did not have any trouble qualifying for a work permit.

SATURDAY, July 26, 2003

Two Clubs Name Managers

NOTTINGHAM, England-- The First Division Reds named former English international Stuart Pearce as their new manager Friday.

Pearce, 41, was a veteran of 78 international matches in his career with England, scoring 5 goals.

In Carlisle, the Third Division Cumbrians selected Scotsman Lou Macari to lead them.

Macari, 54, appeared in 24 international matches with Scotland in his playing days.

Aston Villa Loans Addo

Bundesliga power Dortmund sent attacking midfielder Otto Addo on loan to the Premiership's Aston Villa on Friday.

The Ghanaian forward played on Dortmund's reserves last season, appearing in only one match for the first team.

The 28-year-old has appeared in 12 international matches for Ghana, with two goals. Addo has played for Dortmund since 1999, and in German leagues his entire career.

SUNDAY, July 27, 2003

The Heat Is On

Boro Embarrass Themselves With Loss At Esposende

ESPOSENDE, Portugal-- The temperature on the pitch at kickoff was a sweltering 33 degrees Celsius. The seat of interim Boro manager Matthew Kieta's pants might get hotter, though, if his squad keeps playing this way.

The Boro lost 2-1 to a team with much less talent than them Saturday before a thriving 5000-fan-filled Campo Padre Sá Pereira stadium, wacthing as a second half score propelled the home team to a stunning come from behind victory.

Esposende, a lower division Portuguese club, got the key score from defensive midfielder Mário in the 65th minute. Mário pounced on a rebound from Boro keeper Carlo Nash and blasted it into the lower right corner.

The rebound came off of a corner kick in which winger Carlos Viana beat out defensive midfielder Franck Queudreu in the air and headed a close shot at the goal. Nash interposed himself in front of it, but was unable to recover after giving up the rebound.

"It was a tough break for Carlo," Kieta said. "That was just a tough shot to stop. He made a great step on the header. Our defense needs to work on keeping our guys in the net out of those situations. Beat out that header, clear out that rebound. They have a long way to go."

The two sides traded a goal apiece in the first half.

The Boro got on the board first in the 31st minute. Forward Malcolm Christie and defender Gareth Southgate played keep away along the left sideline before Southgate sent in a centering pass near the outside of the box. Defensive midfielder Danny Mills beat out Esposende forward Rossi in the air and headed it on to left winger Stewart Downing standing at the corner fo the box. Virtually unchecked, Downing charged into the penalty area and blasted the ball past young goalkeeper Nuno.

It didn't take long for Esposende to respond. In the 36th minute, defender Filipe Edgar got a header off of a corner kick. The ball bounced off of Mark Schwarzer's hands and over his head into the net for the equaliser.

Neither offense set records today, with 11 total shots recorded. The Boro had just five, although all five were on goal.

Downing got the Man of the Match award, despite being on the losing end.

"Stuart has really thrust himself into the picture right now at wing," Kieta said. "I would be foolish not to play him more often. At this point, I would say it would be very difficult to send him back to the reserves."

Esposende lost their starting goalkeeper early in the match. In the 8th minute, Filipe, 19, landed awkwardly on his leg and hurt his knee. After the match, it was revealed Filipe had torn knee ligaments and would miss three months. Nuno came in to replace Filipe.

Middlesbrough gets just a short break. They play Portuguese Superleague club Braga on Monday.

Other Boro Notes

The English Football Association deadline for submitting squad numbers was Saturday.

Kieta said there were no conflicts of note, and the numbers were sent off on time.

The manager said Schwarzer received the Number One jersey, but that that should not be taken as an indication of which goalkeeper will be the starter when the regular season begins.

"I still haven't come anywhere close to making up my mind," Kieta said of the preseason battle between inclumbent Schwarzer and Machester City transfer Carlo Nash.

SUNDAY, July 27, 2003

Gold Cup Shakes Up U.S. Team

Team Manager Arena Gets Canned After Loss To Brazil

KANSAS CITY, United States-- United States national team manager Bruce Arena was removed from his position Saturday after his team lost in the Gold Cup final to world power Brazil.

"Coach Arena has not moved the team forward as much as we feel they should be at this point," read one portion of a United States Soccer Federation press release announcing the move.

The move is particularly shocking given Arena's success in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, and in a solid run in the Gold Cup.

Last year under Arena's leadership, the United States reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup, the most prestigious international competition in football. They were considered one of the four best sides in the Gold Cup competition and did not finish lower than expected in reaching the final.

The United States, ranked 10th in the world by FIFA, hasn't been so well-regarded as it is now since prior to World War Two.

Last year's World Cup run ended with a tough loss to Germany, while Saturday, the United States fell to the current World Cup holder in Brazil, 2-1.

"I am shocked," Arena said. "I had no idea my job was on the line here. You would like to think our great play in the Cup last season would have given me some leeway."

Arena said he had no hard feelings, and that he wished his players and his country well in future football endeavors.

The USSF said it will begin searching for a replacement immediately.

Moving the entire situation into the sublime, the United States lost the Gold Cup final on a bizarre scoring play from Brazil's defender Roberto Carlos--who scored from the other side of the pitch!

With the score knotted up at 1-1, Brazilian keeper Rogério Ceni of Brazil's National First Division Sâo Paolo moved the ball short on a goal kick to defender Alex of Santos. Alex moved it on to Carlos, who plays for Primera Liga power Real Madrid. Carlos was near the right sideline and a good 25 feet from the half line when he unleashed a sharp pass toward Sâo Paolo striker Luìs Fabiano, who was charging toward the box. He and Chicago Fire defender C.J. Brown both fought for the high pass, but missed it. The ball bounded on untouched toward the American net, catching American goalkeeper Kasey Keller offguard near the front endge of the box. The Tottenham keeper rushed back to try to reach the pass, but fell just short before the ball bounced in for one of the odder scores in recent international memory.

The score proved to be critical, as Brazil held on for a tough 2-1 victory.

Both Brazil and the United States got off to fast starts in the final Saturday.

In the 4th minute, midfielder John O'Brien, who is contracted to Dutch power Ajax, took a strong run down the right sideline before making a nice pass toward the box and forward Eddie Lewis. Lewis, who plays for the First Division's Preston North End, sent a nice corner over to the left of the box, where midfielder Robbie Russel of Norway's Sagndal blasted the shot in before Ceni could cover the length of the net.

Brazil got it right back, though. In the 6th minute, winger Mancini of Serie A power Roma dispossessed O'Brien near the right sideline and had a nearly clear bead in on the American goal. Mancini rode in hard toward the right of the box, drawing out Keller. Mancini struck a precise high angle shot that caught the far side of the net, just past the hard charging Keller.

Keller was still almost speechless after the match about the bizarre deciding goal.

"I can't believe it," he said. "You have to be kidding me."

He refused to comment further.

Arena, who had yet to be terminated, defended Keller by saying it was one of the "quirkiest" plays he has ever seen in the sport.

"[Keller] was right where he needed to be to defend a possible run by Fabiano," Arena said. "That play was just ridiculous. They say when you're good, luck tends to help you. Well, Brazil is the best in the world, and they certainly got lucky today."

(Out of character)

CM has never got the algorithms right on the firing of national team managers. The Gold Cup is not an important cup and no US manager would ever be fired right after losing 2-1 to Brazil.

Arena has been the best manager in U.S. history and probably could never get himself. It does not seem like a complicated formula to write. Maybe I am wrong though.

SUNDAY, July 27, 2003

Stanic To Retire After Season

ALDERSHOT, England-- Croatian forward Mario Stanic announced Saturday that this season will be his last in football.

The 31-year-old Chelsea winger's announcement comes as a mild surprise given his relatively young age. He is already retired from international football, though, and many believe he will be playing for the Chelsea reserves this season, an ignomious end for a formerly well-regarded player.

"I have had a good, long career," Stanic said. "It is time. I don't feel I can accomplish much more than I have, and there are good, young players waiting to start their careers in my place."

Stanic appeared in 18 matches with Chelsea last year, scoring four goals. In three seasons, Stanic's play with the first team has been sproadic. He has scored seven total goals in 57 matches since he came over to the Premiership squad from Serie A club Parma.

Stanic has scored 87 goals in 321 matches in his 15-year career. His best season came in 1995-96 with Belgian bpower Club Brugge. He scored a career-high 20 goals in 30 matches that season.

Stanic also appeared in 49 matches for his native Croatia, scoring seven goals in international play.

Stanic, born in Zagreb, Yugoslavia in 1972, played his first professional football with then Yugoslavian club Zeljeznicar Sarajevo, now located in Bosnia & Herzegovina, in 1988-89, when he was just 15 years old.

He stayed with Zeljeznicar for four seasons, finishing off with his best season there in 1991-92, scoring 11 goals in 21 matches.

Following the 91-92 season, Stanic began to bounce around Europe, playing with Croatian First Division Dinamo, Spain's La Liga Two side Sporting Gijón, and Portuguese power Benfica in successive seasons.

Stanic came into his own in 1995 with Club Brugge, and had seven goals in seven matches in his second season with the Belgian club before he was bought by Serie A side Parma.

In four seasons with Parma, the forward scored 19 goals in 76 matches of rotation duty. He joined Chelsea in 2000.

English Football Notes

Southampton has succeeded where Leicester City had failed.

The Premiership side has come to a transfer agreement with American striker Kenny King of the Cleveland River Fire, two weeks after the striker spurned Leicester's interest.

Southampton has applied for a work permit for King, 26. The English Football Association said it would consider the matter on August 9.

Two weeks ago, Leicester City approached the River Fire about King but were rebuffed by the striker. At the time, King said he was too content to leave the lower division American club, even for a shot in one of the world's top leagues.

King could not be reached for comment Sunday.

King was not on Sunday's Gold Cup finalist squad for the United States, but has appeared in 56 games already for the national side. He has scored 21 goals in those matches, making him one of the top American goal scorers in the world.

His absence from the Gold Cup team might not bode well for his permit application.

Terms of the transfer were not announced. It is anticipated King would draw at most a £500,000 transfer fee.

I know. It struct me as weird, too. Oh well, go with the flow. Even the weird decisions still happen in this game and are real in this dynasty. :)

How about that goal, eh? Man, I wish I could show you guys that one. Just weird. Despite what I put down for Arena's quote on the play, Keller should have been much closer to the net. They should have started Howard or Friedel. :)

CR

MONDAY, July 28, 2003

European Competition Heats Up

Inter-Toto Cup Reaches Critical Round

One of the top prestigious cup competitions in the world reached a point where fans will begin to pay attention on Sunday.

The Inter-Toto Cup, which is a feeder competition for the Champions Cup, has reached the semifinal stage.

The competition has 12 remaining clubs vying for the three tie-in spots into the Champions Cup. The semifinal round has two legs, with the first matches being held on Wednesday, and the second leg the following week on August 6.

Although no teams from the United Kingdom will be playing in the final legs of the Inter-Toto Cup, some top clubs from Germany's Bundesliga, France's La Ligue One, Italy's Serie A, and Spain's Primera Liga will be fighting for those three seeds.

Bundesliga club Schalke 04 will play Greek National A Division side Algaleo; Belgian squad Sint-Truiden will go up against the Primera Liga's Villareal; Serie A's Perugia will meet the Netherland's Willem II of the Dutch Premier Division; Germany's Werder Bremin will meet Italian club Brescia, in probably the highest profile clash; La Ligue One clubs Nantes and Guingamp will ensure at least one French club makes it to the finals; and the Czech Republic also features two sides facing off, with Brno challenging traditional First Division power Slovan Liberec.

Nantes has made headlines in England recently with announced pursuits of Premiership midfielders Youri Djorkaeff of Bolton and Alliou Cissé of Birmingham City. The stated purpose of that interest was for this cup competition.

MONDAY, July 28, 2003

Wimbledon In Receivers

First Division Side Goes Bankrupt

MILTON KEYNES, England-- Financiers for First Division side Wimbledon were called in Sunday when the club failed to meet an English Football Association deadline for meeting certain debt reduction requirements.

"We have made all of our books available for persual and given over direct control of our finances to our many creditors," Wimbledon chairman Charles Koppel said. Koppel will continue to advise on any efforts to reduce the club debt.

Under directives from the association, the club has retracted its entire transfer budget and announced that it will consider reasonable transfer offers.

"This is a sad day for Wimbledon fans," manager Stuart Murdoch said.

It is often the case that when a club goes in receivers, it is a virtual certainty to be relegated the following season. Wimbledon is now threatened by that possibility, although with the end of the season still almost a year away, it is possible relegation can be avoided.

Of course, that is relegation off the pitch. Even if Wimbledon survives that, the club may get relegated just as a natural course of the season, as it will certainly have to sell off several of its best players to regain financial control of club operations. Selling off players is not, of course, historically beneficial to a club's season.

No clubs, national or local have yet announced any interest in Wimbledon players, but it is thought it won't be long before that comes to pass.

The players most likely to draw interest are Jamaican midfielder Jobi McAnuff, striker Patrick Agyemang, midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and forward Lionel Morgan.

Cissé: Not Leaving

Birmingham City midfielder Aliou Cissé said he does not want to leave St. Andrews.

The Senegalese midfielder was reacting to continuing rumors that French La Ligue One side FC Nantes Atlantique was hot on his tail.

"I don't want to leave Birmingham," Cissé said. "I like playing here. I like the fans. I want them to know that I enjoy playing them and want the opportunity to continue to do so."

Cissé, 27, was linked to Nantes by a Football365.com report last week. The rumors were furthered along when Cissé's manager Steve Bruce said he would consider offers for the midfielder late last week.

Nantes has been trying to bring in midfield help for two weeks, in an effort to bolster itself for a run in the Inter-Toto Cup. The French side has reached the semifinals and begins a two-leg round with Greek side Algaleo on Wednesday.

Cissé has seen just limited time in his one season with Birmingham. He appeared in 21 matches last year with the Premiership squad, and didn't score any goals. At the moment, it seems likely Cissé will struggle to make the first team.

The Senegalese international has appeared in 23 matches for his native country, with one international goal.

It has been speculated that a transfer fee around £4 M would be needed to entice Birmingham to transfer the player.

TUESDAY, July 29, 2003

Nightmare In Portugal

Boro Suffer Another Lackluster Defeat

BRAGA, Portugal-- The Boro are taking this friendly thing way too far, because they are being way too friendly to their opponents.

The club lost its second straight match, and its third friendly in four preseason contests when it fell, 2-1, to Portuguese Superleague side Braga on Monday.

And the club looked as bad--or even worse-- than they did against Brechin City in the preseason opener.

"I really need to light a fire under these guys," interim manager Matthew Kieta said. "They need to find something here and go with it. Sure, this is just the preseason, but I really feel that how you approach the exhibitions and practice is an indicator of your real attitude toward team football and improving your game."

The Boro managed just three shots in the match against Braga, and they got their only goal off of a penalty, much like their first match against Brechin City.

Braga controlled the ball for most of the match, and kept the pressure on both Mark Schwarzer and Carlo Nash, the Boro's two goalkeepers. The Portuguese club finished with nine shots, five on goal.

Still, the Boro kept the match close until halfway through the second half, when young striker Angelo finally broke a scoreless tie.

Angelo tallied twice in six minutes to finally give Braga some benefits from a long match controlling the pitch. Boro supporters aren't likely to be calmed down by the fact Angelo is just a U-19 player for the Portuguese side.

In the 68th minute, forward Paolo Sérgio went on a run toward the byline and then sent a quick pass down toward the six yard box. Angelo beat out Doriva in an aerial challenge and headed the ball past Schwarzer for the first score.

Just a few minutes later, in the 74th minute, after Boro winger Stuart Downing had cleared a Braga corner kick, striker Dominic Foley got to the ball near the right sideline and rushed back toward the box. He launched a crossing pass into the box from far out on the right. Sérgio this time went up for it, beating out veteran wingback Colin Cooper for the header. Schwarzer was ready for it and deflected it back out, but that left him out of position when Angelo jumped on the rebound and blasted it over Schwarzer's shoulder for his second tally of the match.

The Boro got their only goal in the 80th minute when Downing drew a penalty by Braga defender Pedro Costa. Downing had been about to receive a centering pass from forward Michael Ricketts when Costa took out his legs in the box.

Ricketts took the penalty and converted it by blasting a low shot to the left corner, past Braga's keeper Marco. It was the Boro's only goal of the match.

"I think it's time to try some other tactics," Kieta said after the match. "We need to get these comfortable again. The season is just around the corner, and we have to be ready for it."

He gave no hints about what tactics he might consider.

The Boro wrap up their four-match tour of Portugal with a contest against another Portuguese Superleague squad, Alverca, on Thursday.

TUESDAY, July 29, 2003

Real Madrid Buys Malbranque

MADRID-- Last week, Steed Malbranque said he was flattered by interest from Primera Liga side Deportivio. Imagine how he must have felt when powerful superclub Real Madrid came calling?

That is exactly what happened Monday, as Real Madrid negotiated a £5.25 M transfer fee for the Fulham forward star-in-the-making.

"This is like a dream come true," said the 23-year-old Frenchman. "I can hardly believe a club like Real Madrid wants to have me play for them."

Malbranque said he is particularly looking forward to playing with superstar French forward Zinedine Zidane.

"He is so skilled," Malbranque said. "I really want to see what I can learn from him, to make myself a better player."

Just last week, it appeared that Malbranque wasn't going anywhere. Despite Deportivo's interest and Malbranque's own stated desire to consider such a move, Fulham boss Chris Coleman said he would not sell the attacking midfielder "for any price."

The forward has played with Fulham for two seasons, scoring 14 goals in 74 career matches with the Premiership squad. With star midfielders like Zidane, Figo and David Beckham on the squad, Malbranque will likely see much less playing time with the superpower.

"He's a guy we want for depth and for the future," Real Madrid manager Carlos Queiroz said. "He has a great future ahead of him."

Officials from Deprotivo, who were apaprently outbid for the forward's services, refused to comment.

WEDNESDAY, July 30, 2003

Danny Mills Hurt

ALVERCA, Portugal-- Boro defensive midfielder Danny Mills tweaked his ankle in practice Tuesday, and had to be helped off the pitch.

Interim manager Matthew Kieta said the sprain was "light", but that Mills would be kept out of the match against Portuguese Superleague squad Alverce tomorrow.

Kieta said he did not expect the injury to keep Mills out beyond that. The Boro wrap up their friendly schedule Sunday with a match against Third Division Carlisle United.

The defender, 26, is on loan with Middlesbrough from fellow Premiership side Leeds United. He has been a regular in the Boro's four friendlies so far, with an assist and 6.75 rating in those matches while splitting time between the backline and defensive midfielder.

Kieta said the injury would delay Mill's try out on the right wing, where he had been slotted to start against Alverca. The position has given the club problems this offseason, with neither Szilard Németh nor Malcolm Chrisitie really nailing the position down.

WEDNESDAY, July 30, 2003

United States Gets New Manager

NEW YORK CITY-- The United States Soccer Federation announced the hiring of Don Francis as the new national team coach Tuesday.

Francis replaces Bruce Arena, who was unexpectedly let go after Saturday's 2-1 loss to Brazil in the Gold Cup competition.

What made the move so unexpected was because Arena had led the U.S. team to heights in international football that it had not enjoyed in decades.

Arena led the team to a quarterfinal appearance in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, and also took the team to the final in the Gold Cup. FIFA currently has the American team ranked 10th in the world.

Francis, the coach of the California Clippers, is a veteran of past American national teams. He appeared in 60 matches for the U.S. team in his playing days, scoring three international goals.

Francis, 43, is well-regarded in football circles, although it could take some time for him to overcome the odd removal of Arena, a very popular manager.

THURSDAY, July 31, 2003

Chelsea Brings In Mellberg

LONDON-- It must be in vogue for managers to say one thing and do quite another a week or two later.

Aston Villa defender Olaf Mellberg was shipped to Chelsea on Wednesday for £4.4 M, just two weeks after Villa manager David O'Leary told two Primera Liga clubs to "leave him alone" about the Swedish centreback.

The about-face on Mellberg is particularly interesting given that another Premiership boss, Fulham's Chris Coleman, made similar statements about his star forward Steed Malbranque before shipping him to Real Madrid Monday.

Mellberg drew interest from Mallorca and Sevilla of Primera Liga ealier this month. After O'Leary denied that he had any interest in selling the 25-year-old defender, the rumors went away. Chelsea was never mentioned as a potential destination for Mellberg.

The Swedish player has been capped internationally 35 times. He appeared in 38 matches with Aston Villa last season, scoring one goal. Mellberg played with Villa for two seasons, after coming over from Primera Liga side Racing Santander.

English Football Notes

Nationwide Conference side Leigh RMI appointed Phil Chapple to be their new manager.

Chapple, 36, is not well-regarded in football circles. The opportunity with the Railwaymen will likely be a new opportunity for him to re-establish his managing career.

FRIDAY, August 1, 2003

Return To Form

The Boro Play Like Premiership Side In Win Over Alverca

ALVERCA, Portugal-- It's about time they looked this good. It only took a month and five friendlies.

The Boro defeated Portuguese Superleague club Alverca Thursday, 2-1, in a match that wasn't nearly as close as it seemed to be.

From the midway point of the first half, Middlesbrough dominated the play on the pitch, and ALverca was fortunate to only fall by one goal.

"That was a little closer to the kind of talent we have on this squad," interim manager Matthew Kieta said after the match.

Kieta credited a mid-match tactics switch for the sudden burst of quality play from the Boro players. He said he made the switch around the 30th minute, because it appeared that the side was still struggling with one of his more complicated schemes.

"It was time to go simple," Kieta said. "I went with a base 4-4-2, with some attacking runs. The players have been handling it well in practice, but it was always a backup plan. I remain confident my multi-faceted tactics can work if the players get used to them, but it was time to try something else."

Kieta said he would "go with what works" in future matches, which, for now, appears to be the second tactic his side employed Thursday.

The Boro seemed to be struggling to keep control of the ball in the early going Thursday, similar to other recent matches on this four-contest tour of Portugal. They were down 1-0 after Alverca forward Manú put in a header in the 5th minute. On the whole, several of the goals allowed by the Boro on this trip have come through passes in the air and either headers or rebounds off of head shots.

Around the 30th minute, Kieta made the tactics change and things seemed to look up for the squad right away. They immediately began to put good pressure on Alverca goalkeeper Yannick. Midfielder Gaizka Mendieta in particular played fantastic, with play reminescent of his top turn against Nacional da Madeira a week earlier.

Mendieta kicked a curving shot on Yannick that the keeper barely knocked away. It was cleared before another Boro player could pounce on it. Then Mendieta sent another sharp freekick at the bnetminder late in the first half.

For allt he renewed enthusiasm, though, the Boro went into half time still down 1-0.

They finally broke through in the 58th minute. Forward Michael Ricketts drew a push from Alverca centreback Marco Almeida, setting up a freekick from 25 yards out. Mendieta's shot was pure beauty, a sharp curving line drive that just skipped on the edge of the right post. Yannick had no chance with such a well-placed shot.

The Boro continued to press, breaking Joseph-Désiré Job and Ricketss wide open on two separate breakways that Yannick and his backup, Ernesto, barely got their hands in on. With plenty of runs and crosses into the box, the Boro's match-clinching score was a typical effort.

In the 82nd minute, midfielder Jonathon Greening collected an errant clear out pass and went on a run down toward the left side of Alverca's penalty area. He reached the byline and lofted a soft pass over into the six yard box and Szilard Németh. Forward Zeferino moved to block, but Németh collected the ball ont he bounce and blasted it at Ernesto from up close. Ernesto barely fended off the shot, and the ball bounced to the right nearly parallel to the goal line. Németh bounded on the ball and made a beauty of a tight shot past a closing Ernesto for the go ahead goal.

In the last minutes of the game, Boro keeper Carlo Nash got in the way of some tough shots to preserve a victory that was needed as much for the morale of the coach, as for the players and supporters.

"Yeah, it's a relief to finally break through with a nice game like this," Kieta said. "Not that I am worried. Everyone with the club knows that it isn't going to happen overnight."

The Boro actually got outshot by Alverca, 12-10, but that was including a flurry of shots by the Portuguese side early in the match, prior to the tactics change. Plus, Alverca only put five of those shots on goal, next to nine for Middlesbrough.

In fact, Alverca was forced into 14 fouls and two yellow cards in their attempt to keep the hard charging Boro from scoring more. The visiting side had six orners to ALverca's three, and 14 free kicks to 10 for the hosts.

Not all the news was good, thoigh. After playing so brilliantly that he garnered a Man of the Match award, Mednieta had to leave the pitch in the 69th minute after he took a false step and tweaked his knee.

Kieta said Mendieta had sprained some knee ligaments and would be held out of practice for a week. He will also miss Sunday's preseason finale against Third Division Carlisle United.

The Boro will get the services of defender Danny Mills against Carlisle. The Leeds loanee missed Thursday's game with a sprained ankle.

The Boro finished their four-match tour of Portugal at 2-2-0, and sit at 2-3-0 for the preseason.

Just one OOC Thing:

The Inter-Toto Cup (fondly known as the InterTwoBob in the UK), feeds into the UEFA Cup, not the Champions League.

Oh pish! Bugger off! :D

I actually knew that. I painstakingly figured all that out in my Kettering dynasty. I guess my memory got a little fuzzy over the past half year or so.

CR

SATURDAY, August 2, 2003

Wenger: Edu Not For Sale

LONDON-- Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger told reporters Friday that Brazilian midfielder Edu was not available.

"Hands off, everyone," Wenger said in warning. "He's not available. He remains an important part of the Gunner squad."

Edu has been at the center of a behind-the-scenes storm of transfer rumors since he spoke out against his club's decision to bring in Italian-English midfielder Simon Perrotta from Serie A club Chievos Verona last week.

The well-regarded 25-year-old winger might be looking at part time play with Perrotta's arrival. Also, in early July, Arsenal was linked to brilliant Brazilian winger Alex, although they were not able to pull off the deal. Some observers saw this as dissatisfaction with the temepramental Edu, and clubs came calling for a shot at his services.

The leading contender of those clubs was Primera Liga power Valencia.

Edu, were Wenger to change his mind about a move, would draw around a £4 M transfer fee. The midfielder scored two goals in 18 matches with Arsenal last season.

Edu is entering his fourth season with Arsenal and has yet to achieve regular first team status, with just 37 first team matches in two and a half seasons.

Other Football Notes

Striker Bashar Abdullah of the United Arab Emirates received the Asian Player of the Month award for July. The 25-year-old Kuwaiti forward, who plays for Al Ahli in the U.A.E.'s Emirian First Class League, scored two goals in two matches, to go along with an 8.00 rating.

Abdullah has appeared in 60 matches for Kuwait and has notched up an impressive 44 goals in international competition.

Serbian manager Milorad Kosanovic won the Asian Manager of the Month award for July for his work with China's Dalian Shide squad, currently leading the Chinese Superleague.

Kosanovic, 52, led his club to four Superleague victories in July, none of which were closer than two goal victories.

Asian football tends to run from the beginning of the year until the fall, similar to the Scandinavian leagues.

OOC question -

Chief, how many leagues are you running?

Every single darn one of them. Slowly, of course. But then I play CM slow, so I don't mind the speed. I will run the game int he background while I do other stuff.

I only have the English leagues on full detail, but every league is selected and pushed out to its maximum levels. Also large database. I'ma glutton. :)

CR

MONDAY, August 4, 2003

Boro Wrap Up Preseason On A High

Middlesbrough Finish Preseason With 2-0 Win Over Carlisle

CARLISLE, England-- This preseason has been filled with ups and downs for Middlesbrough, but interim manager Matthew Kieta seems to have the team playing well at the right time.

Sunday, the Boro completed their preseason friendly schedule with a solid 2-0 shellacking of Third Division Carlisle United. The Boro limited Carlisle to just three shots, with two on goal.

Kieta cautioned against optimism at the win, though.

"Carlisle is game to try and put up a great effort," Kieta said, "but let's face it. They are a Third Division squad. They shouldn't be testing us, even in a friendly."

The manager said he was glad to see the side work together so well, though, and that the new tactic that keyed a win over Portuguese Superleague club Alverca on Thursday continued to pay dividends Sunday.

The Boro received a scare early on, though. Forward Malcolm Chrisite had to leave the pitch after Carlisle midfielder Mark Summerbell stepped on his foot while they fought for the ball. Christie, who was replaced by Michael Ricketts, was later determined to have justa s tubbed toe whichwill only keep him out for a couple days.

The Boro were also missing the services of midfielder Gaizka Mendieta, who missed the match with strained knee ligaments suffered in the Alverca victory.

Ricketts paid off right away. In the 16th minute, defensive midfielder Danny Mills, who was being tried out on the right wing, stole the ball from forward Adam Rundle and made a nice long pass to Ricketts, who foudn a break in the defense. Ricketts got to Mills' pass with a step on the defenders as he charged toward the middle of the penalty area. Carlisle keeper Robbie Byrne moved forward to intercept, but Ricketss hit a hard, high shot that just blew past the keeper and into the net for the Boro's first score.

Mills also played a key role in the Boro's second goal. In the 28th minute, the defender-turned-winger executed a superb sliding tackle on wingback Tom Cowan, and pushed the ball forward on a run along the right sideline. Halfway to the byline, Mills shot a low pass to Ricketss charging toward the penalty area. Ricketts barely adjusted the pass, moving it forward to striker Massimo Maccarone, who had split two defenders. Byrne came up to get Maccarone, but the striker put the ball just inside the left post for the two-goal lead.

Carlisle would dodge some other bullets the rest of the match, preventing the score from getting out of hand. Midfielder Doriva had a free kick that bounced off the right post. Forward Joseph-Désiré Job took two long, but direct shots at Byrne as well.

Altogether, the Boro had seven shots, with five on goal.

With the win, the Boro finished the preseason 3-3-0, which seemed unthinkable after falling to 1-3 with a loss to Portuguese Superleague squad Braga last week.

The club will now go into two-a-day practices as they prepare for the Premier League season opener against Tottenham on August 16 at Riverside Stadium.

MONDAY, August 4, 2003

Lúcio Permit Denied

Newcastle Will Re-Apply

NEWCASTLE, England-- Brazilian centreback Lúcio failed to get a work permit from the English Football Association Sunday, dashing Newcastle United's hopes of having the well-regarded defender in the lienup for their Premier League opener next week.

The Premiership side has re-applied for a permit for the 25-year-old defender, who is currently playing with Bundesliga power Leverkusen. The Football Association will reconsider the application on August 17.

The English Football Association requires non-European Union players to apply for a work permit to play in the English professional leagues. The player must have appeared in 70% of his nation's last 16 international matches, or be a particularly skilled or well-known player.

Lúcio has appeared in 29 matches for his native Brazil, but as a citizen of such a powerful national side, he has not been on the team in recent international matches.

Lúcio has been with Leverkusen for three seasons. He has been unusually successful as a goal-scoring defender in his time in the Bundesliga, with 12 goals in 65 matches.

What kind of specs are you working with?

XP Home
AMD AthlonXP 1600 (about 1.3 GHz)
768 mb RAM
40 GB hard drive

I am guessing that is what you need to know as it relates to CM speed anyway. :)

CR

MONDAY, August 4, 2003

One More Superstar

Superpower Manchester United Shakes English Football Up By Buying Anelka

MANCHESTER-- What, Scholes, Forlán and van Nistlerooy weren't enough?

Super club Manchester United put a little more distance between it and the rest of the world Sunday when it pulled off the shocker of the offseason by signing away Manchester City;s explosive striker Nicolas Anelka.

"I can't say enough about this young man," Man U manager Sir Alex Ferguson said. "He's just brilliant, and everyone knows it. We had the opportunity and I couldn't pass it up."

Premiership clubs will have to go into matches with the most powerful club in England now with the goal of stopping not just super Dutch scorer Nistlerooy but Anelka as well, after they bought the French striker for £13.0 M.

The addition of the 24-year-old superstar striker gives Man U one of the top pairs of strikers in the world. Anelka scored 14 goals in 38 matches for Man City last season. He could increase that total next to the Premiership's returning goal score leader in Nistlerooy (25 goals last year).

Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan said he couldn't pass the deal up.

"We can really use that cash to improve this team," the manager said. "Sure, we don't have another Anelka waiting in the engine room, but I think we'll be fine with [Robbie] Fowler and [Antoine] Sibierski up front."

Keegan passed on comments regarding what effect the transfer would have on competitiveness in the Premiership.

"What do I care?" asked the manager. "I am charged with improving this squad. It doesn't matter who else benefits from me doing so."

Anelka, 24, is already capped at the international level with France in 28 matches. He has scored six goals in international play.

Last season was Anelka's best since he exploded on the scene with Arsenal in 1998-99. That season, the striker--just 18 years old--scored a career high 17 goals in 35 matches.

Anelka, who is known to have somewhat of a volatile personality, has already played for some of the top clubs in the world, including Arsenal, Paris-SG, Liverpool, and Real Madrid.

The striker could not be reached for comment. His contract is reportedly in the area of £2.1 M per season through the 2006-07 season.

Other Football Notes

Two of Italy's top powers met Sunday in the Italian Super Cup. AC Milan defeated Juventus, 3-0, to win one of Italy's most coveted trophies.

TUESDAY, August 5, 2003

Premiership Transfers Heating Up

Cissé, Davis Move To New Clubs, Edu Next?

LONDON-- Perhaps responding to Manchester United's acquisition of Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea made its own big move for a striker Monday, acquiring one of the top French goal scorers in La Ligue One in Djibril Cssé.

Cissé, 21, is one of the most exciting young strikers in football right now. Despite his tender age, the striker has already played in 15 matches for his homeland France and Chelsea put out a heavy £8.75 M to bring him over from French Ligue One power Auxerre.

That fee could rise to £9.5 M if Cissé meets certain apperance requirements, which few doubt he will reach if healthy.

"I think Djibril is better than Anelka," Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri said. "He has proven himself better in these past couple years, and he's younger and cheaper, too."

Cissé will draw a £1.0 M wage from his new club, which keeps him under contract until the 2006-07 season.

Cissé is just the cherry on top of a smorgasborg of forward shopping by Chelsea this past offseason. In addition to Cissé and popular incumbent striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, Chelsea have also brought aboard Inter's Hernán Crespo, Parma's Adrian Mutu, West Ham's Joe Cole, Manchester United's Juan Sebastián Verón and Blackburn's Damien Duffy.

Ranieri's challenge will be to make them all happy.

Gudjohnsen shrugged off the competition.

"If it helps the squad, it is fine by me," said the Icelandic striker, who led Chelsea with 10 goals last season. "Depth like this is just incredible. I'm willing to take part tiem if it gets us to the top of the table."

Cissé scored 14 goals for Auxerre last season after exploding on the Ligue One scene with 22 goals in 29 appearances in 2001-02. In the past three seasons, the striker has 44 goals in 87 matches.

Newcastle United made a celebrated move as well, bringing in Fulham's well-regarded young midfielder Sean Davis for £2.6 M on Monday.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder made a name for himself with Fulham as a tireless and determined player on the pitch. He is thought to have tremendous upside.

Davis scored three goals last season in 28 appearances. Until now, Davis had never played for any club except Fulham. His best season came in 2000-01, when he scored six goals in 40 appearances.

Davis signed a £475,000 contract through 2005-06 with Newcastle. The move is anticpated as a buffer move in case Newcastle fails to get star Brazilian defender Lúcio a work permit. The English Football Association turned down the goal-scoring centreback's application on Sunday, and Newcastle has re-applied in an attempt to get him active.

At Highbury, disgruntled midfielder Edu told soccer.net he hoped that the rumored move to Valencia will come "to a speedy resolution, whichever way it turns out."

The Primera Liga power has reportedly been pursuing the well-regarded Brazilian midfielder since he lashed out at Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger in July over the club's decision to buy Chievo's well-rounded midfielder Simon Perrotta.

Edu said at the time that there were too many players at his position with the club, and that there could be playing time issues.

Last week, Wenger said Edu would not be made available under any circumstances. Despite that, rumors of a move to valencia have not ceased.

Edu told soocer.net that he would "consider his options", in light of the media speculation surrounding his rumored transfer.

Edu, 25, scored two goals last season in 18 matches with Arsenal.

Boro Notes

Reserve centreback Phil Gulliver injured his knee in training Monday, and will mis two weeks with a sprain. The 20-year-old Gulliver is currently available for loan, but any moves involving him will liekoly have to wait until late August now. Gulliver is not in the running for a first team spot or even a rotation hole.

By the way Chief - your doing a great job with dynasty. I am really enjoying reading it. I am kind of jelaous that you are running all the leagues and well, I am not. I am hoping to upgrade my RAM when I get some extra spending money and upgrade to the new version as well.

I think running all the leagues provides a much more fun experience. It also seems media involvement has picked up in this version. Can you confirm?

WEDNESDAY, August 6, 2003

He Came Bearing Gifts

Kieta Announces Moves In Making For Squad

MIDDLESBROUGH-- When interim manager Matthew Kieta resumed his weekly press conference schedule Tuesday, he opened with some news.

The manager said he had reached transfer agreements with Juventus for central defender Salvatore Fresi, and with troubled First Division side Wilmbledon for a couple key young talents.

"Fresi is just the guy we're looking for," Kieta said. "He's strong, aggressive and tackles well. He plays very tall, and can handle both positional and man-on defense. He is the perfect guy to fill that key third spot on the back line."

Fresi's arrival and Chris Riggott's development in a strong preseason should combine with versatile Leeds loanee Danny Mills and captain and top defender Gareth Southgate for a very solid last line of defense in front of the goal. Fresi will also help hold the defence over until pwoerful centreback Ugo Ehiogu can return from his knee injury, sometime in January of next year.

Kieta said he and his staff were working on a contract with Fresi. The 30-year-old Italian player doesn't speak English, so Kieta said he will be relying on the help of striker Massimo Maccarone to help Fresi adapt to English culture.

Fresi has bounced around some the past few seasons. He appeared in nine matches with Juventus last season, scoring one goal. He had a very strong 2001-02, when he scored eight goals in 25 matches for Bologna, an unusually high number for a sweeper. He has scored 16 goals in 233 career appearances across 13 seasons, all of which were played in the Italian leagues. He started for Inter from 1995-1997.

As one would think from his goal numbers, Fresi is also versatile enough to move forward into defensive midfielder if needed.

Kieta also said he had worked out transfer agreements for two of Wibledon's young players, and a third might be on the way. The most notable player is Lionel Morgan, a 20-year-old winger with tremendous upside and the skills to see first team action this season.

"Morgan is one of the best crossing passers in England, no matter what level he's on," Kieta said. "He is also very pacey and is excellent controlling the ball, both of which are key attributes int he system I like to play."

Morgan suffered a knee injury in early July and still will be healing up for another four weeks. Kieta said head physio Grant Downie had checked Morgan out and wasn't concerned about lingering effects from the injury.

Once healthy, Morgan should help out depth on the wing, which Kieta has noted as a glaring weakness of the Boro at the moment. The Boropaid £230,000 for the rights to Morgan.

In addition to Morgan, Kieta said the club had also acquired the rights to talkented young defender Dean Lewington, and had made an offer on a third, as yet unnamed, Wilbledon player.

Wimbledon, wich fell into receivers last week, is motivated to sell quickly at the moment.

Kieta said Lewington would play with the reserves this season, and that if the club reaches agreement on the third player, that one will also liekly be on the reserve squad.

"They are all tremendous talents, and will give our youth a healthy kick in the butt," Kieta said.

The Boro squad might need that kick. Skybet set the side at long 150-to-1 odds Tuesday to win the Premiership this year. Most observers seem to believe Middlesbrough can at best finish high in the mid-table area this season, and could do even worse, should Kieta not adapt quickly enough to play in the EPL.

"I don't concern myself with gamblers or odds," Kieta said of the Skybet betting lines. He refused to comment further on that.

Kieta said the team is getting healthier, with forward Malcolm Christie returning to practice Tuesday after suffering a stubbed toe, and midfielder Gaizka Mendieta set to return today from a sprained knee. Reserve central defender Phil Gulliver went down with a knee injury Monday that will likely keep him out of competition for a couple weeks, but he wasn't expected to make the first team in any case.

Coming off of a strong finish to an uneven preseason, the side's "spirits are high", the manager said.

"We didn't start off too hot, but the guys got it together in the end," Kieta said. "I think we have the talent to surprise, but these guys are going to have to keep working for it, just like they did in Alverca and in Carlisle."

Middlesbrough finished off its preseason with victories over Portuguese Superleague squad Alverca and Third Division Carlisle United. In those matches, the side used a simpler base 4-4-2 tactic that seemed to be more effective than the complicated tactic Kieta tried to install early on in camp.

The club finished the preseason 3-3-0 overall, with eight goals each for and against, and two clean sheets.

Kieta was noncommital on what the actual composition of the first team would be, saying he still wanted to take another week of hard practice before making any announcements.

The Boro open their season at home against Tottenham on August 16.

Thanks, GE. I just hope I am not overwhelming anyone. I tend to do that in my dynasties (not that anyone has yet complained :) ).

Heh heh, sorry about making you jealous. :) RAM makes so much difference. I can't begin to tell you. First of all, though, I wanted to say that, as it is now, this runs extremely slow. We're talking a day every 15-20 minutes--if I am lucky. This is what I mean by just letting it run int he background. I have even saved the game, continued, and gone to sleep, only to wake up and check how far it has come along before starting the new day. That's how slow it runs.

But, yeah, RAM makes a huge difference. I switched from 256 MB to 768 MB while playing CM4. In fact, it was the awful speed of that version that really convinved me to do it. Not only did it make CM4 run really fast, it just improved the overall operation of my computerten fold. I highly recommend getting more RAM if you can afford it, even without writing a dynsaty.

I don't know if the increased media is a cause and effect of having all the leagues running or if it's just the way they have designed CM03/04, but, yeah, it's terrific. It really helps you get into the world of football. I am getting a ton of media messages, on average two a day (although it goes in spurts, sometimes just one or, more rarely, zero, and sometimes a bunch, four or five or more). That is, of course, above and beyon dhte little messages I get myself about ym team (with scouting and transfers and injruies and what not).

It's been a lot of fun. I can't wait to start the EPL season. :)

CR

WEDNESDAY, August 6, 2003

Skybet Tabs Man Utd To Win Table

Oddsmakers Put Arsenal A Close Second In Premiership

LONDON-- Football betting firm Skybet announced their English Premier League odds Tuedsay, installing superpwer Manchester United as the favorite to win it all.

The oddsmakers put Manchester United at 6-4 odds to win the EPL this season. The superpower club, led by such stars as defender Rio Ferdinand, striker Ruud Van Nistlerooy, and midfielders Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, recently added star striker Nicolas Anelka from Manchester City.

Arsenal is right on Man U's tail, though. Skybet puts the London power at 7-4 odds. Arsenal brought in winger Simon Perrotta to go along with such stars as superstar striker Thierry Henry, midfielder Patrick Vieira and forwards Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp.

Skybet picks the rich Chelsea squad to vie with Newcastle United for the third spot, putting both at 8-1 odds for the title. Chelsea made news recently by purchasing French star striker Djibril Cissé, just one in several high profile moves the club has made since new ownership flooded the team with cash. Forwards Hernán Crespo and Juan Sebastián Verón are two others in a star studded frontline and midfield.

Newcastle hasn't managed to bring in well-regarded Brazilian defender Lúcio yet--he is still awaiting a work permit--, but they have plenty left to make a run. Forwards Craig Bellamy, Kieran Dyer and Alan Shearer will help key the attack for the club.

Liverpool has fallen a little from its exalted status of two years ago, when it won the EPL, but it remains a very dangerous side. Skybet puts Liverpool at 10-1 odds for a title, just behind Chelsea and Newcastle. Liverpool once again brings its array of talent that only Arsenal and Manchester United can really boast right now, including striker Michael Owen, forward Harry Kewell, midfielder John Arne Riise and wingback Steven Gerrard.

There appears to be a sharp drop after the top five. Skybet sets Everton as side leading the pack, setting them up at 40-1 odds to win a title. Young forwards Wayne Rooney, James McFadden and Arsenal import Francis Jeffers will lead the way.

WEDNESDAY, August 6, 2003

Barthez Feuds With Ferguson

MANCHESTER-- Not all was rosey ont he day Manchester United was installed as the favroites to win this year's English premier League table.

Longtime star goalkeeper Fabien Barthez said he is unhappy with the club and with its celebrated manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I'm not happy here," Barthez said. "I don't know. Maybe I have just been here too long and worn out my welcome. I don't feel like Alex and I are gettinbg along anymore."

Freguson said he was surprised byt he French goalkeeper's comments.

"I feel that Fabien and I get along fine," said the 61-year-old manager. "Quite frankly, though, it's none of your business, and I am a little disappointed he decided to talk to you guys about it."

Ferguson is considered one of the greatest managers in football history, but he is also famous for a red hot temper, including flare ups in the engine room with midfielder Rio Ferdinand and former winger David Beckham, now with Real Madrid of the Primera Liga.

Barthez might be looking over his shoulder, though, as much as angry at his manager.

Manchester United brought in highly-regarded American goalkeeper Tim Howard in the offseason, and Barthez has been thought to be under pressure to preserve his first team spot, some football observers say.

Barthez, 32, has played with Man U for three seasons, starting 30, 32, and 30 matches in those years. Priot to that, he starred in France's La Ligue One with Monaco and Marseille. Barthez has also racked up 59 appearances for France and was on the pitch when his country won the World Cup in 1998.

Howard, 24, has played the last five seasons with the New York-New Jersey Metro Stars of the United States' Major League Soccer league. He has appeared in nine matches for the American national squad.

Villa Applies For Permit For Nam-Il

Aston Villa has worked out a transfer agreement for star South Korean midfielder Kim Nam-Il of the Chunnam Dragons in the Korean K-League.

They have applied to the English Football Association for a permit for the 26-year-old veteran of 42 international matches for Korea, including the team's run int he 2002 World Cup.

Nam-Il has scored one goal in international duty. Nam-Il scored two goals and collected 3 assists and a 7.39 rating in 23 appearances with Chunnam earlier this year, and then went on lean with Dutch First Division side Excelsior, with whom he has played seven macthes.

The association will decide the matter on August 19.

Liverpool won the FA Cup, Carling Cup, and UEFA Cup 2 years ago, but not the EPL.


Edit: Crap, that was 3 years ago :(
/suffering Reds supporter

Sheesh, you guys are always ready to kick the man when he's down, eh? :)

Thought I had that down. Oh well.

Question for anyone, BTW: I have seen the Carling Cup talked about, but they don't list it int he game. Is it simply listed without the Carling moniker, or is this a cup that's not represented in the game?

One reason I ask is that, thanks to my earlier game with Middlesbrough (the one you guys don't know about that I played with CM4), I have become somewhat of a closet Boro fan myself, and the club is currently in the running for that very Cup.

Thanks for the help (asked for or not ;) ).

CR

No problem ;)

The Carling Cup is the English League Cup. It changes its sponsers every couple of years, and hence the name change. It used to be the Worthington Cup and I think Coca-Cola Cup at one point.

THURSDAY, August 7, 2003

Euro Cups Move To Next Round

The Inter-Toto Finals And Final Champions League Qualifying Rounds Are Set

Six clubs reached the Inter-Toto Cup finals Wednesday and a shot at the three UEFA Cup spots available to the top finalists, while 14 second round qualifiers in the Champions League earned a shot in the final qualifying round, usually the first round int he prestigious competition to feature some of the best clubs in the world.

Scottish power Celtic was one of the 14 sides to win their way into the third round of qualifying of the Champions League. There they join, among others, United Kingdom clubs Newcastle, Chelsea and Scotland's Rangers. In the final qualifying round, 32 teams will compete in two-leg matches for one of the coveted final 16 spots to the Champions League group stage.

Celtic overpowered Cypriot squad Omonia Nicosia 8-0 to get to this round. Other notable teams to win through were Ireland's Bohemians, defeating Macedonian side FC Vardar Skopje 7-4; Norwegian power Rosenborg, beating Croatia's Dinamo 4-0; and Belgian First Division squad Club Brugge, which just held on 1-0 against MTK Hungária.

In addition to the three United Kingdom squads waiting to join the fray, some of the top clubs in the world, including the Bundesliga's Dortmund, Belgium's Anderlecht, Greek power AEK Athens, Dutch supersquad Ajax, La Ligue One side Olympique Marsellie, Serie A's Lazio, Portugal superpower Benfica, and Deportivo and Celta of the Primera Liga.

As in the second round, the third round will be played in two home-and-home legs. The best aggregate score will determine the winner. The opening matches will be held on August 13, and the second legs will take place on August 27.

The Rangers drew Club Brugge, in one of the more intriguing matchups. Celtic will go up against Turkish power Galatasaray. Chelsea might have gotten away easier with a matchup against lighter-regarded Icelandic side Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur (KR for short). Newcastle drew one of Denmark's top clubs in FC Copenhagen of the Eredivisie.

The only two matches that don't involve a side from the second round of qualifying are Ajax versus Swiss club Grasshopper-Club Zurich, and Czech side Sparta Prague against Lazio.

The other ten matchups are: Ukrainian High League side Shakhtar and Dinamo Kiev; Sweden's Djurgàrden against Russian Premier Division power Lokomotiv Moscow; Dortmund against another Moscovite RPD side in CSKA Moscow; the Bohemians versus Anderlecht; Bulgaria's CSKA Sofia against AEK Athens; Marseille and Rosenborg; Deportivo and Slovenian side NK Maribor; Lithuanian club Kaunas versus Austria Vienna; Benfica against Partizan Belgrade of Serbia & Montenegro; and Celta versus Grazer AK of the Austrian Premier Division.

The Inter-Toto Cup also took another step forward when it reached the finals stage, in which six clubs will compete for three spots in the UEFA Cup later this year.

Primera Liga side Villareal will face off with Bundesliga squad Werder Bremen. The Spanish club defeated Belgian First Division club Sint-Truiden, 3-1, while the German side edged out Serie A squad Brescia 1-0.

Another Serie A team, Perugia, will meet Czech Republic squad Slovan Liberic. Perugia beat Dutch Premier Division club Willem II Tilburg 6-3, while Slovan Liberec beat fellow Czech First Division side Brno, 7-3.

In the final matchup, France's Guingamp will face off with the Bundesliga's Schalke 04. Guingamp defeated fellow La Ligue One side FC Nantes Atlantique to a tough 2-2 draw, winning out on away goals, 1-0. Schalke 04 defeated Greek team AO Aigeaeo, 5-1.

The winners of the three two-leg matchups will be inserted into the UEFA Cup first round. Similar to the Champions League qualifying, the two final legs will take place in home-and-homes on August 13 and August 27.

Ah, yes, I do know the English League Cup. I think I will adopt the Carling Cup name for now, but maybe I will have some fun with that and "change sponsors" every few years. :)

CR

THURSDAY, August 7, 2003

Boro To Get Third Wimbledon Player

MIDDLESBROUGH-- As interim manager Matthew Kieta suggested Tuesday, the Boro weren't done picking at the carcass of bankrupt First Division club Wimbledon.

The financially troubled club accepted Middlesbrough's offer for centreback Mikele Leigertwood, another well-regarded youthful prospect for the reserve team. Wimbledon accepted a £110,000 offer for the 20-year-old defender.

As Kieta suggested Tuesday, Liegertwood does not appear ready to make the first team, but could be a fine prospect for the future. The Boro have been given permission to approach Leigertwood with a contract offer.

Middlesbrough, which had been silent on the transfer market since Kieta took over last month, has now pulled off the transfers of three Wimbledon players, including winger Lionel Morgan and defender Dean Lewington in addition to Leigertwood, and Italian sweeper Salvatore Fresi of Juventus. The other three players are also considering contract offers from Middlesbrough.

SATURDAY, August 9, 2003

Morgan, Lewington Sign With Boro

Former Wimbledon Players Agree To Terms For Transfer

MIDDLESBROUGH-- Interim Boro manager Matthew Kieta officially completed his first transfers with the club Friday when he inked Wimbledon winger Lionel Morgan and defensive midfielder Dean Lewington to contracts.

Morgan and Lewington are two of three players for the financially struggling First Division squad that Middlesbrough targeted in transfers this week. Wimbledon and the Boro have also come to agreement on a transfer of centreback Mikele Leigertwood, and the club is working on a deal with the defender.

The most important of the three was Morgan, 20, who has the skills to play on the first team now. The popular winger is regarded as a great crosser with far above average physical skills.

Morgan scored one goal in 11 matches with Wimbledon last season. The Boro bought his rights from Wiblemdon for £230,000, and on Friday, came to terms with the winger on a £70,000 per year contract through 2006.

Morgan is also currently rehabilitating from a injury to his knee cartilage suffered in early July. He's expected to be at full strength by the end of the month.

"We're going to ease Morgan into the squad's schemes," Kieta said. "It's a big leap to Premiership football, especially given his youth and injury."

Morgan is expected to be a priamry backup for the Boro on the wing, a notable weakness of the side.

Lewington, 19, isn't as advanced as Morgan, and is expected to join the Boro reserve squad this season.

Lewington agreed to a £24,000 per annum deal through 2006, completing a transfer which saw Middlesbrough send £35,000 to Wimbledon, currently trying to dig itself out from receivership.

Like Morgan, Lewington is regarded as a player with a bright future. The defensive midfielder is strong and agressive, and plays tall. He is also already very advanced in zonal marking.

"Lewington still has some growing to do, but I think he will come along fine with our reserves," Kieta said.

The club might have a deal done with Leigertwood as soon as today. The Boro also have come to an agreement with Italian power Juventus for the rights to defender Salvatore Fresi, but the player and club are still working out details of a contract.

SUNDAY, August 10, 2003

Fresi Deal Hits Snag

TORINO, Italy-- Boro transfer target Salvatore Fresi has turned down the club's first contract offer, according to reports in Italy.

Fresi's agent Marco Devorini said his cleint was looking for a stronger definition of his role from interim manager Matthew Kieta.

"[Kieta] would only guarantee my client part time status," Devorini said. "Salvatori and I believe he can do better than that."

Devorini said money is not an issue, and that the Boro contract offer was in the area his client needs to come to terms.

Kieta wasn't concerned about the rejection.

"We're still in negotiations," Kieta said. "This is a process, and it's early. I know we'll get something done."

Kieta said he would look into offering Fresi a more defined role with the club.

Fresi is expected to end up with a two or three year contract around £800,000 per year. Kieta said Tuesday that Fresi would play a key part in the Boro's backline.

The 30-year-old sweeper-defender-midfielder has never played outside of the Italian leagues. He has been with Juventus for one season, scoring one goal in nine appearances last season. His best season came the year before, when he scored a surprising eight goals in 25 appearances for fellow Serie A side Bologna.

Fresi has played 14 seasons of professional ball, including a two-season stint in which he started for Italian super power Internazionale.

Fresi could not be reached for comment.

Other English Football Notes

...Southampton transfer target striker Kenny King was denied a work permit by the English Football Association Saturday.

The American striker will get another shot at it on August 23, after Southampton reapplied following Saturday's decision.

The Premiership side reportedly made a £300,000 transfer offer to King's American side, the Cleveland River Fire, and all sides have come to agreement on the trasnfer and contract.

Before King can join Southampton, though, he must be granted a work permit, as is needed by any non-European Union player.

Permits are only given to players which have appeared in 70% of their national team's last 16 matches, or whom are particularly well-known or skilled.

King, 26, already has an extensive history with the United States team, with 56 international matches under his belt, but he has not been playing with the team recently, which has hurt his ability to get a permit. The striker has scored 21 international goals.

...Third Division Bristol Rovers appointed Steve Pollack as their new manager Saturday. Pollack, 42, is a veteran of both English and Finnish football.

MONDAY, August 11, 2003

Boro Sign Leigertwood

MIDDLESBROUGH-- The Boro came to agreement on a contract with transfer target Mikele Leigertwood Sunday, the club announced.

Leigertwood, a 20-year-old centreback with Wimbledon, becomes the third player from the financially troubled First Division squad to move over to the Boro.

The defender signed a £45,000 per year contract through 2007. The signing completes a transfer deal that has Middlesbrough sending £110,000 to Wimbledon for the young player.

As with recent Wimbledon transfers winger Lionel Morgan and defensive midfielder Dean Lewington, Leigertwood is more a move toward the future. All three are considered good talents and young prospects.

Leigertwood is expected to join Lewington on the Boro reserve team, while Morgan is likely to have a backup role with the first team this season.

Leigertwood is a physical specimen, with excellent speed. He is also already very advanced defensively and, like Lewington, plays a particularly tall game.

"I am really excited about Leigertwood's future," interim Boro manager Matthew Kieta said. "I think he's an exciting young player who the supporters are really going to like."

The three transfers aren't all the Boro are doing in the trasnfer market. They are also still working ona deal to bring in Juventus sweeper Salvatore Fresi. Fresi rejected a Boro contract offer Saturday, but the two sides are still working toward an agreement.

MONDAY, August 11, 2003

Liverpool Signs Away Grisales

LIVERPOOL-- The one major English power that has been quiet the past couple months finally woke up.

Liverpool signed star Colombian attacking midfielder Freddy Indurley Grisales on Sunday, buying him from Colombian First Division club Atlético Nacional for £4.2 M.

The speedy and heady winger brings a well-rounded set of skills to the pitch at Anfield.

"Grisales is a tremendous talent," Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier said. "He is really going to allow us to put the pressure on in front of the net."

The 27-year-old Colombian playmaker has been capped for Colombia 29 times, scoring four goals in international play.

In 26 appearances with Atlético Nacional this season, Grisales has scored eight goals and received four assists. He was named a Man of the Match five times, and has a 7.73 rating.

Grisales signed a £725,000 per annum contract through 2007.

English Football Notes

...Nationwide Conference side Farnborough Town hired Ian Scott to be their new manager on Sunday.

The 58-year-old Scotsman will need to do well wioth the Boro to build up a lackluster reputation.

MONDAY, August 11, 2003

Arsenal Stuns Man U With Late Score

Bergkamp's 90th Minute Score Caps Comeback

CARDIFF, Wales-- Archrivals Arsenal and Manchester United showed once again that it doesn't get much better than this rivalry.

In English football's annual season opener, Arsenal star forward Dennis Bergkamp scored on a breakaway in the 90th minute to pull off an amazing comeback and 2-1 victory in the English Community Shield match Sunday.

Arsenal overcame a 1-0 deficit with less than 25 minutes to go to shock Manchester United in front of 72,473 at Millenium Stadium.

The comeback began in the 68th minute when Gunners midfielder Mikel Arteta collected an errant Red Devils forward David Bellion pass and shot a long pass forward to Robert Pires, charging ahead of the pack on the right sideline. Pires got to the right of the penalty area and dropped a high pass to striker Jérémie Alliadière right near the six yard box. United defender John O'Shea took Alliadière's legs out from under him, and the referee signalled for the penalty.

Defensive midfielder Lauren shot penalty kick the into the far left corner of the net, with Red Devil keeper Fabien Barthez never coming near it, to tie it up at 1-1.

The winning score was set up by a left sideline run by Gunner forward Silvain Wiltord. Wiltord charged along the sideline parallel to the penalty area when Bergkamp suddenly appeared free near the box. Wiltord passed it down to Bergkamp, who lofted a high shot over a charging Barthez that fell softly into the right corner of the net.

"It was my fault," admitted centreback Rio Ferdinand. "I left Bergkamp alone. I never should have done that. I was hanging back, playing the pass. I didn't realize how far Bergkamp had drifted away from me."

United may have deserved better. They outshot the Gunners 12-5, and kept the ball away from their defensive zone far more effectively than Arsenal did.

The Red Devils got their score in the 35th minute. Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann hit a goalkick to the kickoff circle that Ferdinand headed back into the Gunner zone. Striker Nicolas Anelka got to the ball first and danced his away among three different Arsenal defenders before giving a short pass up to star striker Ruud Van Nistlerooy near the left corner of the penalty area. Nistlerooy stepped around a charging Arteta and blasted a sharp-angled line drive shot past a frozen Lehmann that just caught the inside of the right post for the first score of the match.

As one might expect in a match between these two teams, the tackling was hard and yellows were plentiful. Five were handed out, four to the Gunners.

One of the Gunners to get a card was Pires, but his worst hit didn't draw an infraction at all. The winger upended United wingback Gary Neville in the 5th minute. Neville sprained his groin on the play and had to leave the pitch, where he was replaced by his brother Phil Neville. The injured Neville is expected to be out for a week and might miss United's Premiership opener this weekend.

The Community Shield matches the defending English Premier Division champion against the winner of the FA Cup from the previous season.

Other European Super Cups

PSV defeated Ajax on penalty kicks, 2-2, in the Dutch Super Cup Sunday, and Leiria defeated Potuguese Superleague power Porto, 1-0, in the Portuguese Super Cup.

TUESDAY, August 12, 2003

Fresi Signs, Hasselbaink On Way

Kieta Wraps Up Big Day Of Transfers For Boro

MIDDLESBROUGH-- Interim manager Matthew Kieta was saving the best for last for his new club the Boro.

Hours after Kieta secured the signature of Juventus defender Salvatore Fresi to a multi-year contract, fellow Premiership side Chelsea accepted his offer for listed star striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

The Dutch striker is easily the highest profile player the new Boro manager has targeted in his young career as a Premiership manager. Hasselbaink has been one of the more celebrated scorers in the EPL in recent seasons.

Hasselbaink, 31, has been playing with Chelsea for three seasons, scoring 57 goals in 107 matches. Before he played with Chelsea, he also turned in starring turns with Leeds United, Primera Liga side Atlético Madrid, and Portuguese Superleague squad Boavista.

Regardless of the league he was in, Hasselbaink has scored in double digits in eight straight seasons, including four with 20 or more goals.

Last season, though, the veteran of 23 matches for the Netherlands looked a step slower, and his goals dropped to 11, his lowest total since 1994. In the offseason, Hasselbaink found himself being forced out of Stamford Bridge by Chelsea's forward-buying frenzy, in which they brought in such stars as Manchester United's Juan Sebastián Verón, Inter's Hernán Crespo, and Auxerre's Djibril Cissé.

Hasselbaink, who has said he was hoping to stay with Chelsea, was not available for comment.

"This is another chance for Hasselbaink," Kieta said. "It's clear Chelsea has decided to go in another direction. Here in Middlesbrough, Hasselbaink will see regular time with the first team."

Chelsea accepted a £1 M transfer bid from the Boro, reportedly beating out a slightly lesser offer from Dutch power Ajax.

Kieta will now begin to work on a contract with Hasselbaink. The manager said he is hopeful he can have the forward under contract by this weekend's Premiership opener against Tottenham.

Middlesbrough forwards have been inconsistent this preseason, with few standout performances by the frontline.

Meanwhile, the Boro finally reached agreement with Fresi on Monday. The Italian sweeper had turned down a contract offer over the weekend over playing time issues, but Kieta apparently reassured him enought o accept a new offer.

Fresi, who was also bought from Juventus for £1 M, agreed to a £850,000 per year deal through 2006. The 30-year-old defender and midfielder scored one goal in nine appearances with Juventus last season.

Fresi is expected to see first team time on the backline with Chris Riggott and Gareth Southgate.

WEDNESDAY, August 13, 2003

Schwarzer To Start Opener

MIDDLESBROUGH-- Incumbent goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will start for the Boro when they take the pitch in their Premiership opener against Tottenham on Saturday, interim manager Matthew Kieta said Tuesday.

"I honestly still don't know if either Mark or Carlo [Nash] is the best keeper on this team," Kieta said. "They are very even. So I decided to go with the guy who has proven it for our fans before, and that's Mark."

Kieta said Schwarzer's first team start was for this match only, and that Nash may start the next match or the next five. The manager said he would adopt a practice from one of his favorite other sports.

"We're going to go with the hot goaltender," Kieta said. "In hockey, when you have two good netminders, it's common for both to see a lot of playing time, and who plays is based on who's practicing and playign well. I see no reason why that can't apply here."

Kieta said he spoke with both Schwarzer and Nash about the goalkeeper-by-committee approach and that they fully supported his decision.

The first team goalkeeper wasn't the only issue Kieta addressed at his weekly press conference Tuesday. There was still a lot of buzz about the Boro's transfer signings in the past week.

Middlesbrough brought in veteran Italian defender Salvatore Fresi from Juventus, and three young prospects from bankrupt First Division Wimbledon, including winger Lionel Morgan. Both Morgan and Fresi are expected to see time on the pitch with the Boro this season.

Additionally, the Boro are the leading candidates for Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Chelsea has accepted the club's transfer offer, and Middlesbrough is trying to work out a deal with the Dutch striker.

Kieta said he wasn't counting on having Hasselbaink for this weekend.

"We're just in the contract stage," Kieta said. "Really, we're not alone in this. It's still possible for someone else to come in and sign him."

The Boro's offer was reportedly just a little higher than an offer by Dutch power Ajax. Some observers think Ajax may come back with a matching offer and seek to steal Hasselbaink away from Middlesbrough.

Kieta said Fresi was picking up the club tactics quickly and would likely be on the pitch for Saturday's opener. Morgan, though, was still recovering from a knee cartilage injury and wouldn't be available until the end of the month.

The manager stopped short of naming the first team for the Tottenham match, saying that while he had a good idea of who would play, he wasn't ready to name them publically.

"Practice over the next couple days, injuries, plenty of things could come into play," Kieta said. "So I am going to let that one [question] go for a bit."

THURSDAY, August 14, 2003

Ajax Get In On Hasselbaink

LONDON-- It's not going to be so easy for Boro manager Matthew Kieta after all.

As Kieta suggested Tuesday, Dutch power Ajax stepped up its offer to Chelsea for trasnfer-listed striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, matching Middlesbrough's £1 M transfer offer.

Chelsea has agreed to the transfer offer and allowed Ajax to begin contact negotiations with the Dutch striker, pitting Ajax and Middlesbrough at odds to sign the same player.

Hasselbaink said he still wants to remain with Chelsea, but is resigned to the fact the club has listed him and intends to move him.

"At this point, I have no idea who I am going to go with," Hasselbaink said. "We're comparing contract terms and seeing how things come out."

Observers aren't sure what direction Hasselbaink will go either. Middlesbrough would give him the chance to stay in the Premiership and get a good deal of first team time, while Ajax would allow him to return to his homeland and play for one of the top clubs in the Netherlands and Europe.

If it comes down to money, Ajax is likely in a better position to make a competitive offer for Hasselbaink's services, as the club is well-supported.

Hasselbaink, 31, scored 11 goals in 36 appearances last season. He has scored 57 goals in three seasons at Stamford Bridge. He scored a goal in his debut for Chelsea Wednesday night in the first leg of the club's Champions League qualifying matchup with Icelandic club Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur, which Chelsea won 4-2.

Kieta said he thinks the Boro can make a good offer for Hasselbaink.

"This is a good place for a guy like Hasselbaink," Kieta said. "He can be the main guy here. I don't think he's going to get that shot with Ajax."

English Football Notes

FC Nantes Atlantique finally wrapped up its interest in Birmingham midfielder Aliou Cissé, although it's too late to help them in the Inter-Toto Cup, from which the French La Ligue One club was eliminated last week by fellow French side Guingamp.

Nantes reportedly paid £2.7 M in transfer fees for the 27-year-old Senegalese defensive midfielder, and signing him to a £425,000 per year contract through 2006.

Nantes first announced its interest in Cissé last month, but was unable to complete the transfer until Wednesday.

Cissé is a veteran of 23 international matches with Senegal, and he has one goal in international play. He appeared in 21 matches for Birmingham last season.

The return to Nantes is also a return to La Ligue One, where he played from 1998-2002.

THURSDAY, August 13, 2003

Newcastle, Chelsea Win In Champions Qualifying

Both Newcastle and Chelsea handled the home legs of their third round qualifying for the Champions League with ease Wednesday.

Newcastle thrashed Denmark club FC Copenhagen 5-1, while Chelsea beat Icelandic squad Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur, or KR for short, by 4-2.

Both scores will be difficult for Copenhagen or KR to overcome, even with the next matches at their homes.

Scottish Premier Division sides faired just as well. Celtic handled tough Turkish power Galatsaray, 3-0, while the Rangers defeated Belgian side Club Brugge, 3-0. Both were at home for this leg.

There were few surprises in the other 12 matches, but Swiss Super League club Grasshopper did manage to stun Dutch power Ajax 2-1 in Switzerland.

Italian power Lazio and Austrian side Austria Vienna took strong control of their matches with Sparta Prague of the Czech First Division and Lithuanian side Kaunus, respectively, by winning convincingly on the road, 4-0 and 3-0.

There were three draws. Norwegian power Rosenborg tied Marseille 1-1 in France. CSKA Moscow also tied Bundesliga squad Dortmund 1-1, and, in a mild surprise, Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia tied AEK Athens.

Ireland's Bohemians beat Belgium's Anderlecht 1-0 at home, giving the United Kingdom's five entrants at this point a clean sweep.

The other legs played out as follows: Portugal's Benfica beat Serbia & Montenegro side Partizan, 2-0; Primera Liga side Celta defeated Austrian Premier Division club Grazxer AK 2-0; another Primera Liga club in Deportivo crushed Slovenian squad NK Maribor; Russian Premier Division power Lokomotiv Moscow beat Swedish side Djurgården, 2-0; and Shakhtar edged out Dinamo Kiev, 1-0, in a matchup of Ukrainian High League powers.

The second leg of the qualifying round will be held on August 27, at the home venues of the squads which were on the road Wednesday.

Inter-Toto Cup Finalists Play First Leg

As with the Champions League final qualifying round, the Inter-Toto Cup also played the first leg of its latest, and last, round.

Bundesliga squad Wereder Bremen surprised Primera Liga club Villarreal, 2-0 in Spain. Serie A side Perugia had little problem with Czech First Division club Slovan Liberec, 3-1, at home. And La Ligue One club Guingamp drew Schalke 04 of Germany, 2-2, in France.

The second leg of the home-and-home round will be played on August 27.

The three winners will earn spots in the UEFA Cup competition.

KUTGW.. fun reading :)

THURSDAY, August 14, 2003

Carling Cup Launches In Lower Leagues

Even as some Premiership squads played in European competition or honed their skills for the regular season in practice, the lower leagues were kicking off the season as they usually do--with the first round of the Carling Cup.

The first round features the 72 First, Second and Third Division sides in a single-match elimination. The winners move on to the second round, at which point the worst 12 Premiership sides from last season are added to the mix.

As is often the case, there were a number of surprising upsets in the first round yesterday.

The most notable was the disappointing effort on the part of recently relegated West Ham. The former Premier side fell 1-0 at home to Third Division Cheltenham, in extra time.

Financially troubled Wimbledon not surprisingly fell at home, 3-0, to Second Division Rushden.

There were four high profile matchups of First Division squads. Nottingham Forest beat Rotterham, 3-0, on the road. Burnley shut out Preston, 3-0, at home. Gillingham edged out Millwall, 1-0, on the road. Former Premier side Sunderland beat Derby 4-0 at home.

Several other First Division sides had the ignomious result of having lost to lower division teams in the first round--even at home. These include Bradford City (0-2 at D3 Swansea), Coventry (0-3 vs D3 Oxford), Ipswich (0-5 at D2 Sheffield Wednesday), Norwich (1-2 at D2 Brighton), Reading (1-2 in extra time vs D3 Northampton), Walsall (1-2 in extra time at D2 Wycombe), and Wigan (0-1 at D2 Bristol City).

Altogether, the First Division has already been pared won from 24 clubs to just 11 left in the field.

The draw for the second round will be held Saturday.

Here are all the scores in the Carling Cup first round held Wednesday:

D3 Leyton Orient won 4-1 versus D3 Kidderminster
D1 West Bromich Albion won 2-0 at D2 Plymouth
D3 Swansea won 2-0 versus D1 Bradford City
D3 York won 2-1 versus D3 Bury (extra time)

D1 Watford won 4-0 versus D3 Macclesfield
D2 Chesterfield won 2-1 versus D2 Colchester
D3 Bristol Rovers won 3-0 versus D3 Cambridge
D1 Crystal Palace won 3-0 versus D2 Swindon

D3 Lincoln won 3-0 versus D3 Carlisle
D3 Oxford won 3-0 at D1 Coventry
D1 Sunderland won 4-0 versus D1 Derby
D1 Sheffield United won 5-0 versus D2 Oldham

D3 Cheltenham won 1-0 at D1 West Ham (extra time)
D3 Southend won 2-0 versus D2 Blackpool
D1 Cardiff won 3-1 at D2 Brentford
D2 Sheffield Wednesday won 5-0 versus D1 Ipswich

D2 Notts County won 3-0 versus D2 Hartlepool
D2 Bournemouth won 3-1 at D3 Boston United
D2 Stockport won 2-0 at D3 Darlington
D2 Tranmere won 2-0 at D3 Torquay

D1 Crewe won 1-0 versus D3 Mansfield
D1 Stoke won 3-0 versus D3 Yeovil
D3 Scunthorpe won 4-1 at D2 Wrexham
D1 Gillingham won 1-0 at D1 Millwall

D1 Burnley won 3-1 versus D1 Preston
D2 Brighton won 2-1 versus D1 Norwich
D2 Rushden won 3-0 at D1 Wimbledon
D3 Northampton won 2-1 at D1 Reading (extra time)

D2 Queens Park Rangers won 2-1 at D2 Port Vale
D2 Wycombe won 2-1 versus Walsall (extra time)
D1 Nottingham Forest won 3-0 at D1 Rotherham
D3 Hull won 2-0 at D2 Luton

D2 Barnsley won 2-0 versus D3 Huddersfield (extra time)
D3 Doncaster won 1-0 at D2 Peterborough
D3 Rochdale won 3-1 at D2 Grimsby
D2 Bristol City won 1-0 versus D1 Wigan

I actually had to think of that one for a sec before I got it. :)

And thanks. I'll try.

CR

FRIDAY, August 15, 2003

UEFA Cup Qualifying Opens

The two-leg qualifying round for the UEFA Cup played its first leg in cities across Europe Thursday night.

Eighty-two clubs are vying for 41 of the spots in the first round of Europe's second most prestigious club competition. The winners in this round will join the losers from the Champions League qualifying third round and the three Inter-Toto Cup champions and, finally, the 36 clubs that have already clinched spots in the competition's first round, based on last season's performances.

The British Isles were well-represented in the qualifying round that began Wednesday, including Premiership squad Manchester City and Scottish side Dundee United.

In addition to those two, Wales' Cwmbran Town and Total Network Solutions; Northern Ireland's Colerain and Portadown; and Ireland's Derry City and Shelbourne were also a part of the round.

Manchester City didn't start off so well. The Premiership side took away just a draw from a home visit from Denmark's Brondby of the Eredivisie.

Dundee United defeated Armenian squad Banants Yerevan 3-2 at home.

Cwmbran fell 3-1 on the road to Slovenian squad Olimpija, while TNS played to a 1-1 road draw against Czech First Division side Telpice.

Bosnia & Herzegovina side Zeljeznicar beat Northern Ireland's Colerain 2-1 in Sarajevo, while Portadown forced a 2-2 draw with Ireland's Derry City in Derry.

Shelbourne also got a draw, finishing 1-1 on the road against Maltese team Valletta.

The second leg will be played on August 28.

English Football Notes

Hours after stunning First Division Bradford City 3-1 at home in the first round of the Carling Cup, Swansea finally named a manager.

Irishman Pat Byrne, 47, takes over the squad. Byrne played eight times for Ireland in his playing days with Irish Premier Division club Shelbourne.

Bump.

Nothing new to add at the moment. Just didn't want you guys to forget me.

The reason nothing new has gone up is because we have reached the beginning of the EPL season and I have been preparing a EPL season preview of each team, just like they would do in the papers.

Of course, I am personally working from a lot of ignorance about the general roster composition in the Barclaycard Premiership, so it's taken me some time. Still, I'm down to just studying Tottenham and Wolverhampton, and I will be ready to begin writing the article. I hope to have ti up by Thursday. Wish me luck. :)

CR

Luck!