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INTERVIEW 55: Gabe Frail |
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Predictions of the
Kick Off Cup Semi-Final were certain. Liverpool, who had been the
first side to hand Arsenal a loss earlier this season in their first
League meeting, and who were pre-season favourites for the
improbable double, were a cert into the Cup Final. On the other side
of the draw, Newcastle United looked like walking into the Final
over a broken down Manchester United. However, what transpired
Tuesday evening was quite the opposite from expectation.
Arsenal boss, Gabe Frail, showed why he is regarded by many as the
best game manager in the League. Abandoning a tried a true staple
formation and tactic that has see the Gunners to the top of the
Premiership table and make a return trip to the Kick Off Cup Semis,
Frail sought to throw a curve. In fact, there will be many who
scratch their heads at his ploy, in spite of the victory.
"We knew coming in that Liverpool are dominant when they are able to
pass the ball efficiently, which is no great shock with that vaunted
midfield. However, in scouting and in reviewing video from our loss
to the Reds earlier this season, it appeared that Simon Walton was
not comfortable allowing his supremely talented mids to lead the
attack. In matches against tougher opponent, Walton had Liverpool
extremely withdrawn and defensive, hoping that a long service would
free up a striker. Our plan was to prepare for that, and thankfully,
we were successful."
Liverpool did choose to come out in the fashion that Frail has
predicted, and he was ready. Arsenal, well known for using an
overbearing defence pinned back, coupled with strikers firing from
all angles on the pitch in the vain hope to slip a few prayers past
the opposing keeper, instead found a different way to win, although
the defensive unit was once again the key component.
"I was fully prepared to revert to our heretofore standard of play
if I had anticipated Liverpool's strategy. I had Landon Donovan up
and ready to go on the pitch from the opening whistle. Although I am
certain he would have liked to have stretched his consecutive match
scoring streak in this big match, I think he is just as thankful
that we are once again into the Final."
Rather than Donovan, Frail used familiar faces, but asked his
players to play different roles than they have for the Gunners this
season, although perfectively capable. Wilfred Bouma and Wayne
Bridge played up wingback, and played it so effectively that it may
raise questions as to why this has not been tried before. As much
midfielders as defenders, Bouma and Bridge showed their range and
kept the flow of the ball fluid. This choice may have prevented
Arsenal from being hurt by the early exit of superstar Patrick
Vieira to injury.
"Well, how do you replace an injured Patrick Vieira or Michael
Owen...you just don't. But I do think that between our wingbacks and
midfielders that we had the midfield covered enough to survive
without Patrick. Losing a striker is another story, especially when
your strategy is predicated on him break free from a defensive
juggernaut to slot home a score."
Owen was an early casualty, but Liverpool had already been stunned
by an early goal from the soon to carted off French midfielder
himself. Already down that early goal, Owen's knee injury 2 minutes
later piled injury onto insult. Liverpool never really threatened
surprise-starter Stuart Taylor, barring on tricky little shot from
distance by Steven Gerrard. Jerzy Dudek watched pensively on the
sidelines as his understudy claimed the clean sheet, but deserves
much credit for getting the defence fired up to protect the young
keeper. In particular, mid-season transfer from Wolverhampton Jolien
Lescott was magnificent on the big stage.
"Although I'm sure there is a bit of luck in everything, I think the
driving force of this match from several of our players was to prove
themselves and gain some revenge. I think Taylor and Lescott were
both on a mission to stake their places and give notice that
Jermaine Pennant and Landon Donovan are not the only young stars on
this team. I am pleased beyond relating."
In the other match, it was Frail's mate Matthew Birch, in contrast
well-known for trickeration in his strategy, who possibly was his
own undoing. Possibly not taking Manchester United as seriously as
he would have due to the unavailability of several Red Devil
starters, the Toon boss allowed ace Dutch striker, Rudd van
Nistlerooy to get a few decent cracks at net and found the back
netting with one. Newcastle's performance was similar in many ways
that of Liverpool. With neither side really taking the initiative,
the aces for both Arsenal and Manchester United made them pay.
Now with the two League matches preceding the Final, it is
impossible to determine who really will have the edge. The easy tip
would have to go to Manchester United and the striking pair that has
torn the Premiership to shreds when both have been fit. But that is
clearly the issue, and time will tell. |
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INTERVIEW 56: Matt Birch |
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BBCi: "Welcome to the
last in this seasons BBCi live web chats, this time with Newcastle
United manager Matt Birch. Good to see you again Matt."
Birch: "It's good to be here again."
BBCi: "The questions are coming in thick and fast so let's kick off
with a question from Bobby in Newcastle"
Bobby: "Matt, it's been an interesting season if not a succesful
one, what have been the highs and lows this year?"
Birch: "Well there have been a number of good results, the
highlights being the victory at Anfield and the thrashing of Spurs,
as well as having a decent cup run. Maintaining our position in the
elite has been a plus, though we'd have preferred to have gone
closer in both league and cup. The biggest dissapointment this
season has to be not taking anything from our two league games
against Man Utd and especially losing to a weakened Man Utd in the
cup semi. Three losses from three games against one of our bigger
rivals really hurts and is one of the main reasons I'm staying put
at Newcastle for the new season."
BBCi: "We now have a question from Mac in Sunderland"
Mac: "Howay Matt man. After a depresingly good season for you last
term, things have gone pretty tits up like this season. What's
changed since last time roond?"
Birch: "I take full responsibility for the way things have
transpired this season. I sacrificed a solid back line in order to
gain attacking flair and that has backfired on me big time. The lads
at the back have been allowing the opposition too much time on the
ball and not only has this attributed to the opposition scoring more
goals, it has also meant we have less time to create our own
chances. But I'm taking steps to put right what went wrong this
season and with Lebouef joining us next week and Rio Ferdinand
looking likely to join from Leeds during the post season, I should
hopefully have a back line to be proud of again. I'm also aiming to
get all my trasfer moves completed before next season starts as I
feel we've been undone a bit by having no consistency in the
starting line-up."
BBCi: "Let's hope so, there's nothing worse than a happy Mackem!
Right, next we have a question from Matty in Barnsley"
Matty: "Having seen the success of a couple of your sales this
season, namely Rooney and Makongo, do you regret any of your
transfer decisions?"
Birch: "I have to admit that young Calvin is looking very promising
and Rooney is verging on being awesome but if I were to be honest,
all the transfers I have done this season have been of benefit to
the grand plan. While I've not had any outstanding deals this
season, I've also not made any cock ups and the squad has steadily
progressed. The big deal I did at the start of the season was in
selling Makongo to Barnsley and while the deal looks very good for
them now, especially after they landed Lee Pidgeley from Chelsea, I
could not have afforded Calvin as much game time to progress so I
stand by my decision and good luck to Mr Walling."
BBCi: "Finally we come to a question from Dennis in Islington"
Dennis: "Now that you are not in the race for the Premiership title,
which of your rivals do you expect or hope to win it?"
Birch: "Well myself and Gabe of Arsenal have always had a lot of
rivalry between us but we've always been on the same side when it
comes to trying to put the brakes on Man Utd and Liverpool who have
the biggest resources in the game. Winning the title brings with it
huge rewards and I'd much rather Arsenal claim the honours than
either of the two big boys. I also think it would be a crying shame
were Arsenal to lose the title at this stage, having had the
pressure of leading the way all season. But as for who actually WILL
win the title? I'm not going to make any bets on that one I'm
afraid, it's just too close to call. As is the up-coming cup final."
BBCi: "Thanks Matt."
Birch: "Cheers." |
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INTERVIEW 57: Jim Ford |
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PB: welcome to the
playboy mansion where Mr ford signed an exclusive interview rights
to Mr ford.
PB: was it a shock that you managed to gain promotion for Rotherham?
JF: Very much so the fact that the season before Rotherham had
finished bottom I was just looking at another season of a fight at
the bottom of the league but when we started to pick up points it
became clear that we weren't the lowly league club we had all been
made out to be by the rest of the mangers in kick-off.
PB: How did you manage to pull it off with such a little squad?
JF: Well hard work and a big cheque book there have been a few
signing this season that I could only have dreamed of like the fact
Alan shearer has joined Rotherham has to be one of the biggest and
best deals that I have pulled off and he with the likes of Jensen
which has come into his own last season being the top goal scorer in
the league and well the squad has bonded and the fact I was able to
play a consistent team really helped, and also the rest of the
managers under estimated Rotherham and well all guns blazing
approach meant the others weren't ready for it.
PB: would you say there was one player that helped you achieve
promotion?
JF: Not at all the whole team packed in really well but a big
mention has to go to the defence they just where solid the whole
downfall last season was the fact we leaked too many goals and they
just stood tall as well as the attack the whole team just played
there heads off and this is there gain.
PB: How do you think you will fair in division 1?
JF: well only time can tell really the pre-season training has been
good and the lads are ready to go, I expect us to be fighting at the
bottom as a few of the other teams promoted last season came
straight back down so I'm hoping to strengthen the squad and give it
the same as last season and who knows where we might finish.
PB: Talk about strengthening, We hear you have been busy on the
transfer
market?
JF: Yes very I knew with the squad alone we wouldn't last 2 minutes
so I went out and bought hitzlesberger the lad is a young talent who
has tasted div 1 with Notts Forest last year and hopefully can add
something different to our
midfield, and I was hoping to keep it quiet but I have managed to
secure a pre-window opening deal with arsenal for pope and postma
and for 13mill it is a steel pope will add much experience needed
with premiership background and ease pressure on perry and postma
well he is much needed back up for Rotherham clearly the best
goalkeeper in England Sullivan although I wish him to go injury and
suspension free but back up is good for him with a challenge for
places.
PB: wish you all the best for the forth coming season and for
talking to us please enjoy the rest of the mansion and the girls of
course
JF: no thank you and I will. |
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INTERVIEW 58: Terry
Leighton |
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Late yesterday
afternoon after a rigorous training session before the big cup game
against Newcastle, Sheffield United manager Terry Leighton was
interviewed by ex football star Mitt Barch.
MB - "So Terry, how do you feel your side has taken shape since you
took them over late last season?"
TL - "I'm pretty happy with the way the squad is going. I was lucky
enough to snare the great Gianfranco Zola in my earlier Sheffield
United days, from a dazed and confused Newcastle manager who really
didn't know what hit him.
MB - "A lot of players who have joined Sheffield United this season,
have also left after only a matter of weeks. Did something go
wrong?"
TL - "Basically they smelt. Quedrue, Keane, Brown, the lot of the
imports, just stank. We attempted many different things to stop this
problem but when suggesting deodarant to the players there was an
uproar and many demanded to be placed on the transfer list.
MB - "Your side seems to be taking a bit of younger look, apart from
your older defence. Are you planning to look for promotion in 5 or
so seasons time?"
TL - "No. Next season we will be division one champions and promoted
to the premiership. Our young fellas like Ogden, Emanuel, Pennant
are all coming along nicely and the less skilled fella's such as
Tansley, Ross and recent acqusitions Wood and Malcolm, should all
turn into nicely rounded players
with the world-class training ability of myself. I really am great.
Actually, we didn't purposely go for youth.We just realised they
were the ones who didn't smell. There bodies had not matured enough
thus the smell wasn't anything to worry about. Our defence trains
seperate to the main team."
MB - "Ahead of your big game against Newcastle this week, are there
any specific tactics or defensive measures you'll be using to stop
the likes of Raul and Ortega?"
TL - "No. Raul and Ortega are both passed there used by dates and
would struggle to get a game in the Sheffield United reserves. This
is the biggest game for Sheffield United since I've taken charge as
we here at Sheffield have a specific task of never losing to
suspected homosexual managed sides. A loss could cause outrage
amongst the supporters."
MB - "Last game you came out with a very attacking 4-3-3 and beat
Coventry, will we see something similiar?"
TL - "The side we put out against Newcastle will be very similiar
that side yes. Zola is coming back so we may sacrifice a defender
for him. We aren't scared of the Toon.
MB - "Thanks for your time great one. It's been an absolute
privilage to talk to one of the greats of the game both in the
playing and managerial sense. You are a ideal role-model for our
community and only senseless cheating and bribing of the referee
could see you lose to Newcastle.
TL - "Exactly. Thankyou."
Thought it was about time I sent one of these in Jamie... Seemed
like a good time ahead of the Newcastle showdown!
Cheers
Terry
Sheffield United |
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INTERVIEW 59: Adam Pyke |
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KO - 11 games
unbeaten Adam, I take it that you are pleased.
AP - I'm very pleased with our form and 11 games unbeaten is a
fantastic achievement for any club, we have had some good wins over
the likes of Ipswich, Barnsley, Birmingham and an amazing draw at
home to Manchester United.
KO - Indeed, Adrian Mutu converted a late penalty deep into injury
time, thats happend a few times this season hasn't it.
AP - Yeah, Lukey Chadwick scored a late winner against Barnsley
after getting us back into the game with a superb free kick, and we
scored a late goal to put the game out of Ipswich's reach near the
start of the season.
KO - You face Ipswich at the City Ground this week, have you any new
injuries from the United game?
AP - Not at all, Nicky (Montgomery) had a tight calf after picking
up a knock but he will be fit, he's had an ice pack on it and he
resumed training today.
KO - Forest fans have praised your knowledge in the transfer market
for bringing in A_Shevchenko on a 2 week loan, why did you make this
move?
AP - Well, it's getting to that point in the season where a change
is needed to stir things up and Shevvy will add a whole new
dimension to the squad, his all round play is brilliant and he can
fizz a 50 yard pass onto the head of a 2 pence piece.
KO - James Beattie has gone to Manchester City in a similar deal
also for 2 weeks, can Forest fans read anything into this?
AP - No, not at all, James needs to be training with some more
experienced players and we have a relatively inexperienced side
here, we are a young team and James can get some invalueable advice
from some of the coaches up there, there is no plan to sell him or
any other of out first team players as our finances are very
healthy, we are only looking to add to the side.
KO - ok, you are 3 points clear in the league after your 1-3 win at
St. Andrews last weekend, do you think you can win the division?
AP - Well I hope so, we were hotly tipped to win the league but just
because we have a good team doesn't mean we will walk it, we will
lose sooner or later and then it's up to the lads to forget about it
and move on.
KO - Reports have linked you with a move for Liverpools D_Ginola,
can you make a comment on this at all?
AP - I can indeed, Daveed is a player i'd love to bring to the club
but Liverpool aren't interested in cash alone, they also require a
midfielder to go to Anfield as part of the deal and at this moment
in time we can't allow another player to leave the club with a large
amount of cash as well, we'll review the situation at the end of the
season and I'll have a chat to the chairman and set out a few
guidelines on the kind of players we want to attract to the club.
KO - ok, Simon Francis has finally tied up a lucrative move to
Newcastle, will you miss him at all?
AP - Well of course we'll miss him but it's for the greater good,
£35 million is far too good an offer to turn down and that amount of
cash could get us 2 defenders, Franny has asked to stay with us
until the end of the season as he is desperate to help us get
promotion to the first division.
KO - When he joined the club you said he had all the attributes to
be the next club captain, can you see him taking the armband at St.
James Park?
AP - Well I've always said Franny has good leadership abilities and
I wouldn't be surprised if he does take the armband there, Newcastle
will vastly improve his game and I can see him making an appearance
for the England Under 21's in the near future.
KO - one last thing then, you've been voted Manager of the Month for
April, do you think you can win it again in May?
AP - It would be nice but what is most important for me is that the
team keep winning.
KO - Thanks Adam.
AP - Cheers. |
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INTERVIEW 60: Matt Birch |
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bbci have not spoken
to Newcastle boss Matt Birch for quite some time so we returned to
St James Park this week to get the latest gossip.
bbci "Hi Matt, top of the premiership but out of the cup at the
first hurdle. Mixed emotions on the season so far?"
Matt "Most definitely. Our priority this season was to go one better
than the last three seasons and at least make the final of the cup,
preferably win it. That was the number one aim and in the league we
were just hoping to keep hold of a top four finish. So obviously we
are gutted to be knocked out of the cup and we can point to the
shock reverse against Sunderland as the reason we did not qualify…
but on the other hand being three points clear at the top of the
premiership is far better than we had hoped for this time in the
season."
bbci "So can we assume Newcastle are favorites to re-capture the
premiership crown from Liverpool?"
Matt "We are in top spot and have the advantage of three points and
a healthy goal difference. But that has to be counter balanced with
the pressures at the top as Arsenal showed last season. I don't see
Wimbledon being a serious threat for the title, they have a good
squad these days and a top half finish would be thoroughly deserved
but their inconsistency of performance is not championship winning
material. As for us winning the title. I think not. Only one team
can win it and that is Liverpool. They were strong in season 1,
stagnated a little in season 2 but in season 3 they leapt ahead of
the rest and have never looked back. They are an awesome squad and
should be winning the title by a clear six to ten points each
season. They look like doing exactly what they did last season, by
just nestling in behind the leaders and romping home at the end of
the season when their squad strength pays real dividends. We will be
happy to win second place this term so the pressure is all on the
'Pool."
bbci "Er, right. Now we've seen you back on the transfer trail again
this month. It's always a positive sign to see comings and goings at
St James."
Matt "Yes, and I'm delighted with the players we've actually managed
to sign. Barry, Dyer, Bouma, Ortega and Kewell have all been long
term targets of ours and to land the lot is incredible. And the only
thing we've sacrificed is a little depth. But with teams like
Sheffield United buying up our reserves for inflated prices, I'm
sure we'll be able to add to the squad when the time comes."
bbci "So what do you make of your competitors this season?"
Matt "Well after a slow start, Wimbledon have been most impressive.
They've finally shown they can mix it with the big boys in the
premiership after a couple of struggling seasons since they first
got promoted. Liverpool are doing exactly what they need to do,
though I'd have expected them to be well clear of us by now. Man Utd
are still in with a shout, though they seem to still be reeling from
the poor end to Andrew Waltons reign at the helm. At the bottom you
would expect to see Man City but they are really putting up a good
fight and if they can continue the way they are going, they could
even stay up. Sheffield Wednesday are I suppose where we would have
expected them come the start of the season. They are very hard to
beat, but seem to lack the firepower to turn draws into wins. And
over the course of a season that can really be costly. The biggest
disappointments of the season however are at Arsenal and Spurs.
Arsenal have silverware in the cabinets and almost shocked us all
last season in the league, but they seem to still be in transition
following the departure of the weird and wonderful Mr Frail. As for
Spurs, they looked like they were making real progress last season
but the old problem of a leaky defence is even more of a problem
this season. They are scoring freely but seem to give every team a
five goal head start. Continue that way and relegation looks a
certainty."
bbci "So what do you make of the lower league movers and shakers?"
Matt "Well Chelsea have been given a lot of publicity but despite
bringing in a new manager, who has improved results, I fear their
chance of dominating the game has been and gone. They are still a
decent side but they could have been something really special. It's
a big shame and a big waste. The surprise package in Division 1 has
been Rotherham. Young Jim Ford has been very shrewd this term and
has obviously learned and improved over the course of his reign and
his Rotherham side will be a welcome addition to the premiership
next season. Down in the bottom division, Barnsley continue to
improve as a squad but the temporary absence of the manager has
meant another struggle to fulfill their potential. Bradford are once
again struggling but at least now they have a manager in place who
is looking towards the future for the club and I can see good things
for the club in seasons to come. Ipswich meanwhile are again
surprising me as their manager has really revived them from the
dead. Finally what is there to say about Forest? I just don't know…
Adam Pyke seems to have a plan but it is one that might well back
fire on him if he's not careful."
bbci "That's about all the time we have for today Matt, thanks for
coming." |
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