Rafalutionary: JEF United

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Transfer Budget: 15 million

Goalkeepers
Hans-Jorg Butt
Guillermo Ochoa

Defenders
Urby Emanuelson
David Rozehnal
Phil Jagielka
Daniel Agger (Loanee - Jamster)
Ronald Zubar
Curtis Davies(on loan - Charlie)
Dwight Tiendalli


Midfielders

Ricardo Montolivo
Claudio Reyna
Nicky Hofs
Alberto Aquilani
Mavuba (Loanee - nikos)
Robbie Savage
Gary O'Neil
Andoni Iraola

Strikers
Vagner Love
Lenny
Rafael Sobis
Alexander Kerzhakov
Kader Keita


A team in crisis has turned to Rafalutionary to give them some kind of hope and restore a modicum of pride. Rafalutionarys first move was to bring in a former World Cup winner in the form of Jean Tigana.

Rafalutionary: Team spirited is something the players have to form themselves but beautiful football is something I know that Jean can and will provide.


In: Lenny
Rafael Sobis
Iraola
Jagielka
Nicky Hofs
Aquilani
Ricardo Montolivo
Savage
Ron Zubar - 1.5m
Alexander Kerzhakov - 4.5m
(loan) Agger - 2m
(loan) Mavuba - 2m
Dwight Tiendalli - 500k.
Borja Oubina - 1.5m
Tiendalli - 500k
McGeady - 2.5m
Morais -2m

Logo:http://www.soccerway.com/images/logos/teams/1321.gif

Stadium: Ichihara Seaside Stadium
http://www.wldcup.com/Asia/stadia/ichihara/pict7.jpg

Capacity: 15,338

Home Kit: http://www.wldcup.com/Asia/jleague/jef/home.gif

Away Kit:http://www.wldcup.com/Asia/jleague/jef/away.gif


Manager - Jean Tigana
http://www.habervitrini.com/haber_resim/Jean%20Tigana.jpg

GK'S
Guillermo Ochoa
http://u.univision.com/contentroot/uol/art/images/deportes/fmex/2004/04/080404ntx_guillermo_ochoa_3.jp g

Hans Jorg Butt

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1950000/images/_1952434_butt150.jpg



DEFENDERS

Urby Emanuelson
http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics05_06/holland/ajax/Emanuelson_look.jpg


David Rozenhal
http://www.football365.fr/mediastore/foot/photos_football365/europe/REPTCHEQUE_ROZEHNAL_130605.jpg

Ronald Zubar
http://malherbeismagic.oldiblog.com/sites/images/articles/618/article_618452.jpg

Phil Jagielka
http://www.givemefootball.com/images/jagielka_phil_i_engU21.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcl4oDiZjMs

Curtis Davies
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icbirmingham/jul2006/1/4/C3E1735A-A648-75F3-E2BBFF005B8D69DB.jpg




MIDFIELDERS


Riccardo Montilivo
http://static.blogo.it/calcioblog/montolivo.jpg


Robbie Savage
http://www.football.co.uk/shared/images/news/robbiesavage.jpg

Rio Mavuba
http://www.football365.fr/resultats/photos/bordeaux_mavuba_0405.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOeW8NaCroc

Claudio Reyna
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39455000/jpg/_39455723_reyna203.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMtM_mNkGYw

Nicky Hofs
http://www.voetbal4u.com/nieuws/uploads/image-437.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjrhN4NmGL8

Borja Oubina
http://www.vieiros.com/imxd/selfutbol_xogadores/imx/1132322240oubinha.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBL9n_FAqQ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CWkiMAZS80

Alberto Aquillani
http://www.datasport.it/immagini/aquilani.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qgAr4Fvybg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2tGZTb8vAU

Gary O'Neil
http://www.4thegame.com/media/00/02/80/oneil_gary_pfc_profile_2005.jp g

Andoni Iraola
http://www1.sportal.it/sportal/immagini/imagelib/795795.jpg

STRIKERS

Alexander Kerzhakov
http://www.footballguru.org/news_images/play_30.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF7sy9vTNR0

Wagner Love
http://sports.voila.fr/fr/images/200518/love_crop.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1ZBiI_3PO4
Rafael Sobis
http://www.sportal.it/sportal/immagini/imagelib/726134.jpg


Lenny

http://e.i.uol.com.br/futebol/060412lenny.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-gTTSe211k

Keita

http://www.sport-ivoire.ci/images/14-02-2006-17-45kader_keita.gif


IN

Lenny
Rafael Sobis
Iraola
Jagielka
Aquilani
Ricardo Montolivo
Savage
Ochoa - 500k
Keita - 2 mill
Agger - (2 mill loan)
Borja Oubina - 1.5m
Tiendalli - 500k
McGeady - 2.5m
Morais -2m

OUT

Owomyela
Rui Costa
Eddie Johnson
Ernst
Maxi Lopez (2mill) (vacant)
Routledge (2mill) (Rafa)
Richards (8m) (Charlie)
Davies (FSL -2M) (Charlie)

[-Rafa-]

Well done on getting a team mate :)

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Cheers fella.

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/2003/photos2004/1109/m_ochoa_ht.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezAuP_dsYaA - Small video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpYU-VKzLgk - Large video (7 mins)

Guillermo Ochoa aka Memo has been snapped up by Jean Tigana for the bargain price of 500k.

Ochoa now 20 was given his first start in 2004 by the eccentric Leo Beenhakker at the tender age of 18, he was soon labelled the heir to the goalkeeping throne of the soon to be retiring Adolf Rios. However new coach Oscar Ruggeri had other ideas and brought with him his own keeper. He was sacked after a mere six games and Ochoa was instated as the new number one, a position he has held ever since under Mario Carrillo and was instrumental in Club Americas record breaking 28 game unbeaten run in the Claussura which ended in title glory.

Although yet to break into the Mexican national side he is regarded as the most talented keeper in South America by many and it is surely only a matter of time before he is given the coverted number one jersey.

When asked what he thought of his new signing Tigana simply replied "We have signed one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He is not well known but I have a feeling he soon will be."

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Under21/412660_MEDIUMSQUARE.jpg

From the city that brought us such talent as Zidane, Micoud, Frey, Vieira, Boksic, Oman Biyek (remember him?) to name but a few we find yet another rough diamond in the form of Ronald Zubar. It is not often you find a tall, strong, quick centre back who is good in the air and comfortable on the ground but in Ronaldo Zubar JEF United look to have found exactly that.

The 20 year old has been recieving rave reviews from fans and pundits alike for his dominant performances and has turned down a whole host of likely suitors to make his move to the lowly Ichihara outfit.

The talented French U21 drew praise from UEFA.COM:

Impressive defender
Centre-back Zubar has impressed enormously this season at second division SM Caen. Physically imposing, at 1.86m and 80kg, the 20-year-old hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow Guadeloupe-born defenders William Gallas and Lilian Thuram, his role modeal. His primary target this term has been to lead Caen back to Ligue 1 after relegation last year, although he looks destined for the top flight in 2006/07 whether they are promoted or not: Lyon offered €4m for him in January, and plenty of other clubs are keeping tabs.

Splendid clearance
International scouts also took note when he was paired with Jean-Michel Badiane during France's two-legged U21 play-off defeat of England. In London on 11 November, he showed his desire and athleticism by racing 20 metres to clear Darren Bent's header off his goalline. "To give my best is the most important thing for me in every game," said Zubar, who scored his only U21 goal against Israel, a fine long-range shot. "I know only dedication will bring me the very highest honour in football - representing my country."

[greenegg]

Nice team here mate and I look forward to our season. I am just about to get my team thread up and running and wondered where the kit maker yu used is from?

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Nice team here mate and I look forward to our season. I am just about to get my team thread up and running and wondered where the kit maker yu used is from?

Cheers. Fancy a friendly ? Sorry but I can't take any credit for the kit I am just good at searching websites. :p.

Good luck in the upcoming season.

P.S When does it start ?

[greenegg]

No idea when we start but yeah I will have a friendly soon let me get my thread up and see what formation and players I will use then we can have a little friendly. Love scored tonight mate.

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

No idea when we start but yeah I will have a friendly soon let me get my thread up and see what formation and players I will use then we can have a little friendly. Love scored tonight mate.

Aye I know he is a very underrated striker for me.

[nikos24]

Zubar! Great signing there Rafa, very good talent and has a long and bright future ahead of him. France are tipping and expectings lots of things from him, really excellet signing. ;)

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Zubar! Great signing there Rafa, very good talent and has a long and bright future ahead of him. France are tipping and expectings lots of things from him, really excellet signing. ;)

Cheers saw him the other day in Marseilles 3-0 win over Auxerre and the only word that comes to mind is immense. I think as you say he has a very bright future ahead of him!

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/UEFACup/347788_MEDIUMSQUARE.jpg

The much saught after Russian player of the year 23 year old Alexander Kerzhakov has joined JEF United turning down a whole host of admirers. Kerzhakov a strong quick goalscorer has been drawing comparissons with the great Andriy Shevchnko.

Having scored 13 goals in 27 games and winning the Russian Premier league in 2003 and also scoring 3 in 3 in the Russian cup which Zenit also won that season he went on to score 18 goals in 28 games the season after which confirmed him as the countrys deadliest marksman. He also scored 6 goals in 7 games in the Uefa cup that same season.

Last season he was voted the Russian player of the year (managers choice), scoring 5 in 5 in the Russian cup, 7 in 14 in the UEFA Cup, most notable were his performances against Sevilla and Marseille which had fans and pundits alike singing his praises.

His overall record for his club is ...Played in official matches for Zenit - 198, goals scored - 95.

Kerzhakov said: "I am flattered to be compared to the great Shevchenko but one thing at a time please. I am pleased at how I have performed up to this point but now is my chance to prove that I can be a great player for my new club."

At a mere 4 million pound Kerzhakov could prove to be another bargain for JEF United and another excellent find by Jean Tigana.

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

JEF United have purchased what must surely be their laast young talent striker in the form of Kader Keita. The precocious youngster who plyed his trade formerly at Lille had been subject to much interest from some of the top clubs in Europe and it did seem as if Inter Milan were favourites but in a shock coup JEF United struck early and have brought him to Ichihara Stadium.

Keita has draw comparissons with Kanu for his skilful play however his manager believes he is far more direct than the veteran Nigerian ever was and believes his pace and power will frighten even the most stead fast of defences.

In other news JEF United have also taken young cultured Danish defender Daniel Agger on loan (2m) for the season with a first option should he be available in the future. The calm and gifted Dane will surely add another dimension to JEF Uniteds play and from a side in real crisis it would seem that this year they could make a real push for promotion.

Curtis Davies seems the one likely to make way if only for a season long loan but with the exceptional ability he posses it would take a mammoth offer to see the England u21 go anywhere.

Finally it looks likely that either Nicky Hofs or Alberto Aquilani will be going out on loan or should a reasonable offer come in for either the may even leave the club. Lenny is also available for loan but his manager has said that he is not for sale at any price.

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

http://www.mundoceleste.ch/pics/borja2.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBL9n_FAqQ4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CWkiMAZS80

Jean Tigana has long been an admirer of Xabi Alonso and has searched the globe to find a player similar to him and many experts agree he has found him.

Borja Oubina is a defensive midfield playmaker very much in the Pirlo/Alono role in that he will win the ball deep and either play a clever short pass or rake an outlandish long pass on to the head of a pin.

Courted by many of Europes top sides including most notably Liverpool, Real, Valencia and Arsenal, the 23 year old is widely regarded as one of the biggest prospects in Spanish football and has been key to Celta Vigos re emergence as a side to be reckoned with within La Liga.

His hardwork and improvement has not gone unmissed by Luis Aragones who recently gave the midfield maestro his first Spanish cap and had nothing but praise for his display.

For 1.5m this could be the best piece of business that JEF Utd have done this season and the expectation levels around the club have risen dramatically.

In other news Micah Richards has left the club by mutual consent. Richards declared that he needed guarenteed first team football week in week out which was something Tigana was not prepared to guarentee. Tigana was quick to praise the young RB saying that he hopes he moves on with his career and achieves great things but he also said that the offer recieved was simply too good to turn down.

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Tigana of JEF Utd has used his contacts in France to land the crucial loan signing of another of Frances biggest prospects. Rio Mavuba has set the french league alight with some blinding performances last season and has earned himself the French u-21 captaincy, so good is the young Midfielder that he is not being compared to modern day players but the GREAT Jean Tigana himself!

The Fifa webpage has this to say about a player who will surely become a great of the game himself for Alizee Lyonnais:

Still only 21 years of age, Rio Antonio Mavuba is already a veteran of every French Ligue 1 stadium.On the pitch, the 1.71m and 64kg Mavuba is not the most striking of figures. He has no particular distinctive trademark like Carlos Valderrama's hair, Jorge Campos' gaudy shirts or Edgar Davids' glasses. But he stands out nonetheless, courtesy of his running, tackling, passing and movement. During the full 90 minutes, the Bordeaux midfielder is literally everywhere.

'Jean Tigana's successor'
As Mavuba was kicking his first football, Jean Tigana, part of Les Bleus' talented midfield of the 1980s, was retiring from the game. Twenty years later, Mavuba is generally regarded as the new Jeannot. "Everyone who's seen him play says he's Jean Tigana's successor. He has the same ability to win the ball, accelerate away, and be permanently in motion and working for the team," explained Domenech at the time of the player's first cap.

After making 20 appearances in his first season, he followed it up with an exceptionally consistent 2004/05 campaign in which he featured in all 38 league matches. The subsequent arrival of the Brazilian Ricardo in September 2005 changed nothing: Mavuba remained the linchpin of the Bordeaux midfield. The young defensive anchorman's impressive run continued until 11 January, when he dropped to the substitutes' bench for the league match against Monaco. He had just completed 79 consecutive Ligue 1 matches.

Tigana was quick to thank his friend and colleague for the loan opportunity and said: "I am good friends with Paul he is an excellent manager and has a side that I very much admire, I hope that one day soon we can play each other in a competitive match." With the squad that Tigana is putting together it would be hard to see it not happening.