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22nd May 2003

The fingerprints have yet to cleaned from the Kick Off Cup trophy and Arsenal manager Gabe Frail is already feeling the pressure of expectations from the press and the Arsenal Football Club board. Frail's admission in his last interview that he had his sights set on league supremecy and had to settle for a Cup title, while angering fellow club manager have only turned up the heat from the AFC board for Frail to lead the Gunners to the unlikely double next season.

"Well, for starters, they are clearly mad," said Frail. "Many fotunate things had to happen for us to manage either of the titles that we could have attained, so to reach one of them again is extremely unlikely. To vie for both is uttter nonsense. We hope to contend in both competitions to be sure, but realistically we feel a top 4 finish in league play and advancing out of the knock stage of the Cup is a job well done."

Frail has been the source of media criticism for personnel dicesions of late, or rather lack of. While Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United have all closed deals to hopefully improve their sides, Frail has done not, preferring to await the reopening of the transfer window following off-season administration. Frail has said this is due to verifying the actual value of all resources at his disposal.

"There has already been at least one incident involving a player that was awarded for performance that has been involved in an irreversible deal, that gives the receiving team the benefits of the reward and the selling team that earned the the point via the player loses out. I need every advantage, so the prospect of wasting anything is not an option. I may be perceived as being too conservative, but I'd rather be thought a prude than a fool."

Even with Frail seeming to handle the pressure from his own board, he has been the subject of mass critisism from his fellow managers for comments made about Chelsea's cheeky approach to the Kick Off Cup Final. To his credit, Frail has not followed up his victory by making a grand stand about being justified but he is quite concerned that the perception his fellow managers have of him will affect his ability to negotiate deals and perhaps receive heralds for his accomplishments.

"What they think of me as a person is of no concern to me unless that is carried over to the bargaining table and the voting booth. It is my belief that a player, manager or team should be evaluated based on merits, not on being popular. But that's me, I could be wrong.

11th May 2003

**************MCFC 1ST DIVISION CHAMPIONS****************

"It's been a great season for us. I'm well proud of all the lads at the club who've played their part in getting the first piece of silverware at the club. It was a nail biting finish to the season and Joe and Rohan/Jamie ensured that this title would be fought to the last kick of the season. Hopefully we can build on this success for next season and I look forward to renewing these rivalries in the new division.

**************MCFC 1ST DIVISION CHAMPIONS****************

10th May 2003

Gunner's manager Gabe Frail was oddly quiet following the Highbury side's capture of the Kick Off Cup. When asked why, Frail gave a wry smile, "I can sit here and pretend not to enjoy this, pretend that not winning this is made all the more sweet by the fact that not many managers thought we could win and even less wanted us to win, but the real reason I'm not glorious about this triumph is that it wasn't my goal at the beginning of the season. I understand that Arsenal will now forever be a Kick Off Cup winner, but I had my sights set on league victory, and I had it attained and let it slip away."

Rubbing his hands through his Gatorade-soaked mop of hair Frail got that glimmer in his eye again.

"Always good to know that there is something more to keep playing for. Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow the board and I convene to determine our needs wants and excesses to try and trim the fat off this team before the kick off of next season. This is more complicated matter due to the Cup victory. It's hard to separate a championship winning squad without feeling like you're taking apart something special. But facts are that Stuart Taylor of Stefan Postma are going to hit the bricks, and uncertainty looms over the status of the midfield. Harry Kewell was a terrific acquisition but in the games that he started since joining the club from Manchester City he's featured mainly as a striker, and I rather see him playing more of a midfield role. Depth is not a problem, even with Nigel Winterburn and Roger Nilsson deciding to end their careers in style as Cup champions. Talent, on the other hand, is very much an issue, especially along the defensive backline. Basically to make a line-up with Harry Kewell in it work, we need a player of almost the exact opposite skills, a defender/defensive-mid. However, I plan to savour this through the awards ceremonies. The lads deserve to enjoy these moments together before being milled out to other teams. Rather glad it's over and done with to be honest. Dudek finally had a game I knew he was capable of having, which is why I signed him last season. I would say it was a superb contest but after looking at some of the statistics I expected more of a challenge from Chelsea, especially as they banked so much on this one game. So I'm quite happy and proud, but there is a little lack lustre feel as well as one of, 'Now what?'"

Frail is particularly interested in signing back Martin Keown, but says he may not now fit the teams needs. One can't help notice the contrast of the conquering manager in an almost melancholy state while the players and supporters raise holy hell just a block away.

"I'll never be satisfied, says Frail," and turns to join the celebration, still looking very much more like a witness to this jubilation than it's mastermind.

10th May 2003

Chelsea manger Paul Rice was scathing in his criticism of the referee in the Kick off cup final.

"I don't want it to sound like sour grapes, but the referee spoiled what should have been a tremendous occasion. He stopped the game far to often, there wasn't a bad tackle in the game. I think referee's have to understand that on big occasions such as today players are under pressure, and will make mistakes, mistimed challenges etc, but there wasn't a bad challenge in the game, by either side.

There wasn't anything wrong with Jimmy's disallowed goal either. It was a stunning finish, and I can't see what reason there was to disallow it. All in all I feel hard done by, I don't think we deserved to loose. we dominated the game, and I want to salute the achievement of my team, it was a hell of a ride getting here, and we enjoyed loosing as much as is possible, even in the circumstances. I can't fault my players on any aspect of their performance today, they gave it everything. We were good for at least a draw, we dominated the game in truth, but all credit to Arsenal on their achievement. They have a good manager, a good team, and I expect them to progress from this.

9th May 2003

Newcastle continued their end of season spending this week. No sooner had Andy Cole joined, was he sold to Sheff Utd.
Birch "Andy knew the score... he wanted to leave Old Trafford after his chances of first team football became even more remote as Peter Nish signed Shevcenco. We have let Cole and McCallister join the Blades and we gain the return of prodigal son, Big Al. Shearer always wanted to end his career at Newcastle and I am delighted to have him back."
On the other end of the scale, A_Stolcers signs for Newcastle reserves for 100k from Sheff Wed.
Birch "Joe made a major miscalculation and has been forced to offload a whole bunch of fringe players for less than he had hoped. For us Stolcers is here to make up the numbers after Graham Hyde announced his retirement. Hyde has been a great servant to the club and though he hadn't managed to take to the field for the 1st's or reserves, he was a fantastic tea lady. The lads will certainly miss his cracking cuppa earl grey but are hoping Stolcers' promise of extra-strong Latvian coffee will be an adequate replacement"

2nd May 2003

After a few weeks rest from the normal routine of Kick Off, Wednesday boss Joe Davies, joined this week by top striker Henrik Larsson had this to say...
Joe 'This weeks game is most definitely the biggest game I have played in at my time here. the boys have had a rest up here in our secret location of St. James' Park, thanks Matt. I thought here would be appropriate for us to use with this weeks opponents just a stones throw away. I know I'm up for this game, how bout u henrik my boy?'
Henrik 'Well yes, obviously me and the boys are more than ready for this fixture. I am already over the moon with my season and hopefully I can continue my form into next season but more importantly at the moment, this game!! just one more thing id like to say though, I have been asked to pay tribute to Joe by the lads and I'm happy they chose me to do so. he is a great manager and we all get along like one big family here, I will never leave this club, I'm here for life, and we all hope Joe is as well!!
one FINAL thing, I speak for myself and Joe here when I say, we all want David Beckham to be playing for us next year and we know Joe I doing his best to bring him in, come on David!'

2nd May 2003

Newcastle continued their squad building today with the signing of Weir of Wimbledon, following earlier captures of Andy Cole and Gary Neville from Man United.
Birch "Don't think we are any where near finished. We have submitted a couple of other offers, one for another defender we have been tracking for a fair while now. Hopefully we can bring in two more new faces before next season as we aim to retain the premiership crown."

1st May 2003

Newcastle are closing in on want away United striker Andy Cole. After weeks of negotiations between the two clubs, a deal has finally been struck, seeing Gilberto Silva join Man Utd's already world class midfield, whilst Gary Neville, Andy Cole and an undisclosed fee heads to Newcastle.
Newcastle boss Matt Birch "The deal is not yet signed and sealed, but we are confident that a deal has finally been found that both parties are satisfied with. Landing a partner for the Goat has been a priority over the past few weeks as we are now preparing for next season's title defence. Gary Neville has also been brought in as backup for the defence, although I feel there are still one or two defensive changes to be made before I am totally comfortable with the defence.
Magnus Hedman is also now staying with the club after months of speculation linking him with moves away. He is settled in the NorthEast and we are more than happy to keep him playing for us.
Our midfield is now looking a little bare, but that is something we are likely to address pre-season or in the early part of season 3."

27th April 2003

Nottingham Forest began preparations for next season this evening by agreeing the sale of J_Hjelde to rivals Barnsley. The fee has been agreed by both parties and is said to be 7 million. Adam Pyke made a short statement from his condo in the south of France. "I'm sorry to see Jon leave but there will be no place in the side for him next season, he didn't want to sit on the bench so I said he could leave, I'm delighted he has found another club." The transfer is expected to be completed at the end of the current season.

27th April 2003

Young superstar Lionel Morgan seems to be on the verge of completing a loan move to Premier club and cup-finalists, Chelsea. " I'm looking to how Lionel can cope with the step up in quality. This provides a good opportunity to see his true potential. I have very high hopes for him next season and he could go on to play an integral part of this club's drive next season."

27th April 2003

The Man City boss paid tribute to veteran Italian defender Fran Galli. " He's been a terrific influence for us on the pitch, he's led the team by example and has rarely put a foot wrong. I'm hoping to keep him on as part of the back-room staff here but we'll sit down at the end of the season to discuss further his options. However, we will definitely be very sad to see him retiring from his playing days. His is a position I will try and reinforce in the close season."

27th April 2003

The Man City boss issued the following press statement. " There's no doubt that the league is in the hands of Wednesday, it's there for them to win. Joe D. has built a great team and if they beat Sunderland than they will have their reward. Here at City, we have only ourselves to blame for not having consolidated our top placing. With 3 minutes to go in our last match against Sunderland we were out of the title race, Karlsson's crucial equalising goal ended Sunderland's hopes. Everything changed inside a minute. That's the cruelty of football. To be honest, what has hurt us the most this season is not being able to convert draws into wins."

27th April 2003

Hornets manager has spoken to the press about his teams current form. In an interview with "The Premiership's" Andy Townsend, he said, "Andy, these are not acceptable results from a team that should be in the upper half of the league if not the top 3. We have now lost 4 games on the trot and our final game is against the team I think is the best in the league."
Andy : - Juan Pablo Angel has been your saving grace since moving from Sheffield Wednesday, What are your feelings on him saying he wants to stay at the club for life?
Tim :- "Juan has been great since joining the club from Wednesday, He has scored in every game since joining and I really cannot believe the price we got him for, What a bargain, (Andy nods agreeing) I bet Wednesday wish the had asked for more, And he is welcome to stay at the club for life, but if I leave for whatever reason, I would like Juan to join me if I move to a new club, because he is truly a great player.
Andy :- "Tim can you let us no of any interest in any players that are available before the transfer window closes?"
Tim :- "Well Andy, Obviously I cannot tell you all of our plans but I will say that we are looking at several players to bring in before the transfer window or maybe into next season."
Andy :- "Well Tim, Its been a pleasure meeting you and good luck on Saturday and for next season.
Tim :- "Thanks Andy, Now could you please leave

27th April 2003

Joe Davies spoke at his delight at taking the top spot away from great Div 1 rivals, Man City coming into the last week and the deciding week of the footballing season. He had this to say,
'Before the game against Rotherham at the weekend I explained to the lads what was at stake this year. We could end up being crowned Division 1 champions if my boys can keep their heads screwed on. Big Kev came back into the team for that game and he showed why he shouldn't be on the transfer list at just £8million. And as always I knew I could count on Henrik to come up with the goods when it was most needed. Of a big pat on the back has to go out to the rest of my boys for putting one hell of a fine performance together yet again!!!
Now just one game to go and its against one of the 'big' three, Sunderland who just drew with City on Saturday. they have a new manager so I hope he is still getting to grips with Kick Off. I can assure Sheffield that our boys will be playing their hearts out come the weekend, I have taken Matt B's advice in going into the title decider and we are now training in a private facility in the north.
David has wished us good luck and again pleaded that I buy him!!
Good luck JP!'

14th April 2003

Joe Davies spoke at his delight at taking the top spot away from great Div 1 rivals, Man City coming into the last week and the deciding week of the footballing season. He had this to say,
'Before the game against Rotherham at the weekend I explained to the lads what was at stake this year. We could end up being crowned Division 1 champions if my boys can keep their heads screwed on. Big Kev came back into the team for that game and he showed why he shouldn't be on the transfer list at just £8million. And as always I knew I could count on Henrik to come up with the goods when it was most needed. Of a big pat on the back has to go out to the rest of my boys for putting one hell of a fine performance together yet again!!!
Now just one game to go and its against one of the 'big' three, Sunderland who just drew with City on Saturday. they have a new manager so I hope he is still getting to grips with Kick Off. I can assure Sheffield that our boys will be playing their hearts out come the weekend, I have taken Matt B's advice in going into the title decider and we are now training in a private facility in the north.
David has wished us good luck and again pleaded that I buy him!!
Good luck JP!'

12th April 2003

Coventry Manager Sean Mckeown praised his teams efforts against an in-form Ipswich after the game today. "We showed allot of spirit today, against a side, that are going to do well under New Manager Andrew Archer, but we showed that on our day we are as good as anyone. I was impressed with Darren Ambrose's contribution today, against his old team and he was unlucky not to score with his first kick of the game. My midfield played well, and at times dominated the game. My aim, when I took over, was to build a team that will next season be able to challenge for things, and I believe I'm close to achieving that. It was good to see all the boys from my previous team, although there have been some wholesale changes from the side that I left behind. The travelling fans still made me feel welcome and Ipswich Town F.c will always be the side I will hold dear in my heart. Looking ahead to next weekend games, I could do my mate Adam Pyke a big favour, by beating Barnsley. I will be speaking to Adam, an old team mate from our days at playing for Ipswich, and finding out what sort of team they put out against him on Saturday. And if I manage to beat them, find myself above them in the table. I never play football to lose, and will be putting everything into winning this weekend. Matt's style of Management, is not a style I would ever use myself, but it works for him. His team, how shall I say this, is very experienced, he has a lot of older players, who have seen their better days, and I feel that my young strike force of Crouch and Baros will easily exploit their slow back four. With Tristan being injured, I'm sure Matt would love to rush him back, because I just can't see Neilson scoring against my much improved defence." All eyes will be on this game, as so much depends on it, and with it being Beamed on SKY, an estimated 12 million are expected to tune in.

11th April 2003

Tykes chief Matt Walling has today expressed his delight in beating rivals Nottingham Forest and taking it right to the last game of the season. Barnsley are now 1 point behind Forest in the table and are still looking in good shape:
"Obviously we're all delighted at winning the six pointer and at least if Forest are to finish 4th then we will be making them work for it. We know that they are in the driving seat but that also puts pressure on them. They've got a tough game against Birmingham next week and hopefully they could do us a favour, but we are under no illusions of the difficulty of our task against Coventry who are in good form at present."
Walling also had commiserations for Spanish star Diego Tristan after he twisted his ankle and ruled him out of next weeks game but he had massive praise for how his season has panned out and he has a lot to build on for next season.

11th April 2003

The streets of Newcastle were awash with delirious fans welcoming home their hero's as the Toon Army claimed the Premiership title with a week to go. Boss Matt Birch had only a brief moment to talk to the press before being carried away by hordes of naked Geordie lasses for a night of wicked indulgence.
He managed to explain that the team will be off training for the rest of the week and will just be playing an exhibition match in the final game, although Shaun Goater and a couple of other players had decided to go out on loan for the rest of the season to do some insider scouting for Birch.

10th April 2003

Newcastle boss Matt Birch, the rest of the staff and his team surprised the press over the last week or so by their notable absence from public exposure. It is rumoured that Birch has taken the whole club to a secret training facility in the midlands in preparation for the last 2 games of the season. The Daily Mirror in desperation decided to hunt down ex Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan for his views on the title run in.
KK "I think Birch has done the right thing by going into hiding. The team needs just one win from the last 2 games in order to complete the almost unthinkable task of winning the league for Newcastle. At the end of last season we saw glimpses of the Birch magic. Having won the division 1 championship for Sheff Utd, he came to Newcastle with the team in relegation trouble. An impressive last few games and they climbed clear of danger, but nobody game them a chance in hell for this season. But now they are so close, he must keep the players heads on the task ahead. Two games is not much and two slip ups could see the dream shattered.
"Personally I'd love it if they won the title, LOVE IT. I would be very surprised if they threw it away at this late stage.
"The only thing that worries me now is if Matt does what he did last season. Maybe he'll decide to take on another challenge if he wins the title?"

10th April 2003

After finally arriving in the north east new Sunderland manager explained his delayed take over of the helm as being a nightmare introduction to life up north. In an exclusive interview he had this to say.
" Well I was on my way up here to meet the players and do the press conference when I got lost and ended up in the red light area of Tyneside, (Middlesbrough), when I stopped for directions. A lovely young lady obliged to get in the motor and show me the way to the stadium, when two of Tyneside's finest upstanding constables pulled me over and took me down the station. They didn't believe my story and also took offence to my new private plate which I tried to explain the FTM stood for "follow the mackems" and was not meant to offend any of the toon's supporters. After finally being released on bail I arrived here yesterday and had a good look at the squad and backroom staff and will be holding the put off news conference after our next game on Friday night away to Man City. One thing I will say is that I expect to be playing top flight football next season and not to be slumming it in the lower leagues with the likes of Bradford Shitty."

9th April 2003

Chelsea have announced that they will be releasing a cup final songs. The track, a cover of Queens "We will Rock You", is expected to be terrible. Brian May has agreed to play guitar for the track.
Paul Rice said, "Brian May has agreed to play guitar, which is great, but we were left with the task of replacing Freddy Mercury. Unfortunately Graeme Le Saux left last season, so we had to find a few of the players who could sing. John Terry, Frank Lampard and Micheal Carrick have the best English, so they were lined up for the main vocals. As it turns out John Terry is possibly the worst singer I have ever heard, so it is down to the other two lands.
Marcel Desailly plays drums, and Jimmy Hasselbaink plays guitar, so they will do a bit of the music, and I will play a bit of bass."
The producers of Top of the Pops have not commented on whether or not Chelsea will appear on the weekly music show, though Rice said "to be honest most of the lads would prefer to do CD-UK, I think they want a crack at that Cat Deeley"

8th April 2003

Although it is well known that Tykes boss Matt Walling is a keen admirer of the managerial ability of Adam Pyke, he has today come out and said that he has taken the club as far as they are going to go, and he also says that this will be proved at the weekend when his side take on the might of Barnsley.
Forest are currently holding the 4th spot with Barnsley closely behind, and a win for Barnsley would take it right to the last hurdle in a gripping finale.
Walling simply had this to say in his pre-match notes:
"Bring it on sucka!!!!!"
Also, speaking for the first time since his side went down battling to lowly Ipswich Walling says he was proud of the way his side fought despite losing:
"We had a lot of suspensions to key players, but most of them are now eligible to play again."
The game will also see the return of inform striker David Nielsen to the city ground. The powerful forward recently completed a 2 month loan spell at the club before returning and Nielsen says that even though he enjoyed his time at Forest it's now back to business. He also mentioned that he will show Forest just how much they are going to miss him when they watch him again on Saturday.

7th April 2003

Wednesday gaffer Joe Davies spoke to media again after this weeks game, proving he never lets his fans down! 'I really thought that I would be top of the league after 90 minutes had gone on Saturday but no, that just wouldn't be right for my club, they like to make me sweat. Shay gave away a penalty just as half the team were about to hit the showers, they scored it of course. it turns out it was a 'prank' played by the lads on me because they seem to want me to worry my ass off until the final whistle of the last game of the season. very funny, I'm sure! they all seem confident that they can win this league, or maybe they are just content with a top two finish, if they aren't careful we could end up in third place!!!! the boys have been in for extra training and me good old mate Mr. Beckham has been on the phone again telling me how much he wants to join us. he really does want to play for this club and I want him to as well!!!!'

6th April 2003

Coventry looked to bolstering their side this week, with the capture of two very exciting signings from Ipswich. "There is no secret that Ipswich were in a finance crisis, and knowing that they had to find some funds, I felt I was in a position to negotiate a good deal for Coventry City" said Manager Sean Mckeown at a press conference. "I've always been a big fan of Darren Ambrose, whilst at Ipswich as Manager, and when the opportunity came for me to purchase him and partner him in the midfield with Bonvin, I took it. I see Ambrose and Bonvin as the future of out Attacking Midfield at the club, and I'm sure there are a lot of teams out there, that are jealous at the position, I now find myself in. And with the signing of Jamie Clapham, I know I've got a reliable defensive player, who is more than capable of giving us options on the wing. I was sad to see Y Chipo go the other way in the deal, he's been a loyal player and a player who I know will be able to do a good job at Ipswich, and everyone at the club, including the fan's, I know wish him all the best".

5th April 2003

Ipswich have finally cleared the debt that's been threatening to put them in administration, the sales of J_Clapham and D_Ambrose put to rest fears that star midfielder G_Torrado may be forced to leave
Speaking on the subject town manager Archer claimed it was a relief to finally see the debt gone

3rd April 2003

Nottingham Forest have bolstered their side for the promotion run in with the loan captures of Leeds Italian stopper Francesco Toldo and Birminghams Isreali playmaker Eyal Berkovic.
Toldo has joined until the end of the season while Berkovic will only be available for the next two league games as Forest play Birmingham on the last day of the season.
Manager Adam Pyke was forced to take Toldo on loan because of an injury to first choice 'keeper L_Harper. "We really needed a back-up 'keeper as our physio confirmed Harps is out for 5 weeks, it's a devastating blow especially at a crucial part of the season but we have to get on with it and cope the best way we can." It is reported that Berkovic was brought in as last minute cover in case a Forest midfielder was injured. "Well, we did try to take young Jermaine Jenas on loan from Jim Ford at Rotherham but before we had the chance to get in contact, he'd already sealed a loan move to our biggest threat Barnsley." "We then got in touch with Owen at Birmingham who was only to happy to help and I thank him for his genorosity in letting us borrow Eyal for the next two games.
Forest face at tough run in and any slip up could let Barnsley overtake them to qualify for the play-offs.

3rd April 2003

After Man Utd mad made inquiries about R_VanDeVaart, Wednesday boss Joe Davies had thos to say.
'Rafael is a top player and by next season he will be level with the top midfielders in the game if he keeps up his recent form for us. Man Utd came along and as you may know, I'm always open for offers, but this time, for a player of Rafaels quality, I'm probably going to have to say a big fat no! even if my close friend David Beckham was offered to me, on a number of occasions he has told me over the phone and down our local how he wishes to play for me and my boys but when ur as big a player as he is, its not that easy to bring him in. Although id would indeed love him to work on my team not only as a player but on the coaching staff and behind the scenes upstairs as well. After his heroics AGAIN for England no doubt ill be receiving a call from him any minute now.
So I best be off mate. bye!'

2nd April 2003

Newcastle boss Matt Birch was full of praise for Chelsea after they knocked his team out of the cup.
Birch "Obviously I'm gutted about losing on penalties, pissed off at the red card that allowed Chelsea to get their equaliser (was the ref looking at the same match?), but all in all the match was fairly even and my boys just let themselves down when push came to shove.
"I wish Chelsea all the best, they have come a long way over the past month and have now had three amazing results on the bounce and fully deserve to be in the final.
"As for this Friday, I'm looking forward to a close game with my old Sheff Utd team, but hopefully we can snatch a sneaky win to keep us top. A repeat performance from Arsenal against Liverpool would be even greater !"

1st April 2003

You have been linked with Fulham’s Mexes in the press, any truth??
I think he would be perfect for Chelsea, and the lad has told me he wants to be a Chelsea player, but Alex at Fulham is as tight as a ducks arse.
I think I speak for a lot of people if I begin by wishing you the best of luck in your cup semi-final, whoever you face.
Well thank you, I think we are defiantly the underdogs now, but we will still be going out to win, whoever we get. You can’t afford to hold anything at this stage in the season, especially after the league programme we have had. We are 90 minutes from Wembley after all and…
…Err, the knocked it down..
Knocked what down?
Wembley.
They knocked Wembley down!!
Yes
Well what did they go and do a silly thing like that for. It’s a good thing you told me, I could have made a right idiot out of myself. So where is the cup final going to be now, I take it it must be at Twickenham.
No, its in the millennium stadium.
But isn’t that in Wales?!?!
Yes
The cup final outside of England?? This gets worse.
Well back to the football, have the lads been looking beyond the semi?
Well, I won’t lie to you, when they started discussing what song to cover for the cup final song, I had to stamp down on it, so all mention of the final is banned, unless they want to make a substantial donation to a charity of my choice. We are entirely focused on the next game now though, this is our cup final. We go in without injuries or suspensions, which is crucial, so we will see what happens. We are defiantly second favourites, but we will put up a fight, I think at this stage it comes down to who wants it most, and with the other 3 sides neck and neck at the top of the league, who knows what might happen.
Well, form has picked up as late.
It certainly has, about time to; we have finally clicked as a side, started playing the football we are capable of. We had a sticky patch last season, but this season was unreal, we have really struggled until recently, hopefully we can get up the league and if the gods are with us, have a cup final to show for what has been a dismal season, by any standards
Well, I hope we can speak again soon, hopefully on the road to Cardiff.
One game at a time. One game at a time!

1st April 2003

Nottingham Forest manager Adam Pyke blasted Barnsley boss Matt Walling after comments made to the Kick Off press.
Pyke said "Mr. Walling is trying to play Ferguson like mind games on us and it will not work."
"I have always held Matthew in high regard but after todays comments, I think I may have to reconsider."
Forest kept up the pressure in the promotion race after a superb 4-2 mauling of league leaders Sunderland to close the gap on the top 3.
David Johnson grabbed a well taken hat-trick on his return to the first team with forgotten man Jack Lester grabbing the other.
Forest's only worry is a 5 week injury to top stopper L_Harper who was carried off in agony after back spasms 15 minutes into the game.
Mr. Pyke is now getting in touch with a number of premiership clubs in the hope of securing a back up keeper until the end of the season.
The form Nottingham Forest have shown in recent weeks must merit a manager of the month nomination for supremo Adam Pyke.