Foca Juniors

[nath_scfc]

Foca Juniors.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/kingegg/badge4.png

Manager:
http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/4922/pulissmilepj3.jpg
Tony Pulis.

Staff:
Lee Pitt,
Nathan Rhead,
Mickey Evans,
Mark Stein.

Home Kit:
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q319/nath_is_king/homefoc.jpg

Away:
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q319/nath_is_king/awayfoc.jpg

Kit manufacturer:
http://miaskateshop.com/newsimg/adidas_logo.gif
Adidas.

Shirt sponsor:
http://www.mark.norton.dsl.pipex.com/scrumpy.jpg
Scrumpy Jack Premium English Cider.

Stadium:
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q319/nath_is_king/stade-suisse_01-large.jpg
Wankdorf Stadium

Squad list:
Goalkeepers
-Guillermo Ochoa
-Nelson Dida

Defenders
-Kevin Hofland
-Roberto Hilbert
-Joris Mathijsen
-David Rozehnal
-Luciano Zauri
-Manuel Pasqual
-Oleh Husyev

Midfielders
-Royston Drenthe
-Angelo Palombo
-Christian Obodo
-Mikel Arteta
-Luis Jimenez
-Hedwiges Maduro
-Lorik Cana
-Abdul Kader Keita (Season long loan in)
-Giles Barnes

Strikers
-Edison Cavani
-Kenwyne Jones
-Peter Odemwingie (Season long loan in)
-Mirko Vucinic
-Rolando Bianchi (Season long loan in)

Notes:
*Nicklas Bendtner is spending a season on-loan at Real Lerida.
*Ryan Donk is spending halfthe season on-loan at Prohawks FC.

[nath_scfc]

Player profiles.

Goalkeepers
Nelson Dida
http://admin.thethao.dantri.com.vn/Uploaded/letruong1/milan240500720-2.jpg
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: October 7, 1973
Nationality: Brazilian


Guillermo Ochoa
http://www.paktribune.com/sports/imgfiles/G-Ochoa_maxico.jpg
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: July 13, 1985
Nationality: Mexican



Defenders
Kevin Hofland
http://www.fotbalportal.cz/obrazky/hraci/1391.jpg
Position: Centre-back
Date of Birth:June 7, 1979
Nationality: Dutch


Roberto Hilbert
http://www.fp-sport.de/images/Image/news/hilbert.jpg
Position: Right-back/Right-winger
Date of Birth: October 16, 1984
Nationality: German


Joris Mathijsen
http://files.datawire.nl/uploads/o8901cyyFFFsz0gM9JcMRQ/V4KqZcG8bPTLL76n5aCw8g/203-mathijsen.bmp.png
Position: Centre-back/Left-back
Date of Birth: 5 April 1980
Nationality: Dutch


Ryan Donk
http://files.datawire.nl/uploads/NbiCfpwdAG5EuAOfC3QR2Q/6Ot3JTKGf7PRYutsFAZtlw/203-Donk.jpg
Position: Centre-back
Date of Birth: March 30, 1986
Nationality: Dutch



David Rozehnal
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/sep2007/5/7/5027F5B0-9C10-1C66-093316C361D62ACC.jpg
Position: Centre-back
Date of Birth: July 5, 1980
Nationality: Czech



Luciano Zauri
http://www.goal.com/images/16928_news.jpg
Position: Full-back/wing-back (both flanks)
Date of Birth: January 20, 1978
Nationality: Italian


Manuel Pasqual - HSL from LSA Originale?
http://www.goal.com/resultsimg/7259.jpg
Position: Left-back/Left wing-back
Date of Birth: March 13, 1982
Nationality: Italian



Midfielders
Royston Drenthe
http://www.tiscali.nl/images/1/1/img-270407-241.jpg
Position: Left-midfield/Left-winger/Left-back
Date of Birth: April 8, 1987
Nationality:Dutch


Oleh Husyev
http://mediadb.kicker.de/2006/fussball/nationalspieler/l/30114.jpg
Position: Right-back/right-midfield/right-winger.
Date of Birth: April 25, 1983
Nationality: Ukrainian


Angelo Palombo
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/it/thumb/d/d3/AngeloPalombocapitano.jpg/200px-AngeloPalombocapitano.jpg
Position: Defensive-midfield/centre-midfield
Date of Birth: September 25, 1981
Nationality: Italian


Christian Obodo
http://www.goal.com/resultsimg/2725.jpg
Position: Defensive-midfield
Date of Birth: May 11, 1984
Nationality: Nigerian


Mikel Arteta
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/apr2005/9/0/0009C3B3-6971-1256-89CE80BFB6FA0000.jpg
Position: Centre-midfield
Date of Birth: March 26, 1982
Nationality: Spanish



Luis Jimenez
http://www.tercera.cl/showjpg/0,,1_277352766_246,00.jpg
Position: Winger/Midfielder/Striker
Date of Birth: June 17, 1984
Nationality: Chilean


Hedwiges Maduro
http://antilliaans.caribiana.nl/images/assets/11680819
Position: Defensive-midfield/centre-midfield
Date of Birth:February 13, 1985
Nationality: Dutch


Lorik Cana
http://www.goal.com/resultsimg/4374.jpg
Position: Defensive-midfield/centre-midfield
Date of Birth:July 27, 1983
Nationality: Albanian


Giles Barnes
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41570000/jpg/_41570662_barnes_em203.jpg
Position: Centre-midfield/Right-midfield/Attacking-midfield
Date of Birth:August 5, 1988
Nationality: English


Kader Keita - FSL from Charlie
http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/sports/photos/2006/12/07/keita-kader-cp-061206.jpg
Position: Right-winger/Right-midfield/Foward
Date of Birth: August 6, 1981
Nationality: Ivorian



Strikers
Edison Cavani
http://www.goal.com/images/16893_news.jpg
Position: Striker
Date of Birth: February 14, 1987
Nationality: Uruguayan


Kenwyne Jones
http://www.socawarriors.net/gallery/albums/seniorteam/player/j/jones_kenwyne/profile.jpg
Position: Striker
Date of Birth: October 5, 1984
Nationality: Trinidadian


Nicklas Bendtner
http://static.arsenal-mania.com/images/article_photos/eqvovLcsg.jpg
Position:Striker
Date of Birth: January 16, 1988
Nationality:Danish


Mirko Vučinić
http://digilander.libero.it/fotocalciatori/vucinic.jpg
Position:Striker
Date of Birth: October 1, 1983
Nationality: Montenegrin


Peter Odemwingie - FSL from MBV Arkestra
http://www.uefa.com/multimediafiles/photo/competitions/ucl/488077_mediumsquare.jpg
Position:Striker/Left-winger
Date of Birth: July 15, 1981
Nationality: Nigerian


Rolando Bianchi - FSL from LSA Originale?
http://www.sportal.it/sportal/immagini/imagelib/137265.jpg
Position: Striker
Date of Birth: February 15, 1983
Nationality: Italian

[Dragonfly]

I love the name. :laugh:

[greenegg]

Good work Nath. Our stadium makes me lol every time.

[nath_scfc]

THE LOAN RANGER!

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41796000/jpg/_41796368_keita_getty.jpg
Kader Keita points the way to Wankdorf.

In a dramatic coup, Ollie has managed to get Ivorian attacking midfielder and winger Abdul Kader Keita on a season long loan.

Born in Abdijan in the Ivory Coast, Keita, 25, plyed his trade in the Middle East and France becoming a prominent figure in both the leagues and his national side.

Known as 'Popito' by many, Keita is part of a footballing family with ex-international player and brother Fadel Keita also playing professional football. We caught up breifly with Abdul Kader and he told us how he is relishing playing for Foca.

"It's a new team so hopefully we can make an immediate impact. There is lots of young talent and the manager has assured me he is keen for me to play as much possible."

He continued, "It was a bit of a surprise to hear about the offer but after talking to my parent clubs manager, we felt it would be a good experience for me.

"Ollie, Lee and Nath have told me that theyhope for me to have creative licensce in the team, which is magnificent. Every player hopes to hear those words. They also hoped my experience of World Cups and playing in big competitions will help young players here."

With no less than twelve player arriving since the new era began for Foca, the new regime seem clear to not be scared to dabble in the transfer market and take risks alnog the way. It seems probable that Keita isn't going to be the last of the signings.

[-Rafa-]

Isn't Keita a forward :unsure:

[nath_scfc]

Isn't Keita a forward :unsure:

It's all subjective really, he can play as a forward. However, I'd say his best position is attacking right midfield.

[greenegg]

Some good work in here Nath keep it up.

Edit: I like how unintentionally our kits are apple coloured and we are sponsored by Cider. Made me smile.

[nath_scfc]

FOCA OFF!

http://www.bwfc24.co.uk/blogimg/igor_tudor_mugshot.jpghttp://www.4thegame.com/media/00/03/55/whufcavfc10090601.jpghttp://desportoaveiro.blogs.sapo.pt/arquivo/postiga.jpg

That's too the Tournoi de Mjolner of course! The draw has been made for the tournament also, plotting Foca against Wan Seattlewangsa FC, AFC Chelsea and Old London Town. Ollie has been very busy over past 72 hours too.

Minutes ago, the rumbling of Luciano Zauri joining the club has been confirmed in a deal worth around £4.5m. Zauri is yet to speak but his agent told of his delight at securing the deal.

Ollie also spoke at a press conference earlier today before the confirmation had arrived, "He's a lad I've watched and been impressed by. He can play on both wings and that means he'd be a great asset to this club."

Holloway went on to confirm that he'd made several players available and was hoping to get some deals sorted in the very near future. "There's palyers at this club who I inherited who couldn't cook my tea good enough let alone play football." Not one to mince his words, Ollie continued, "Postiga, Ridgewell and Tudor are those boys. They're not my kind of players and they're available to a good or bad home.

"There's one or two boys who may revel in being loaned out, but at the minute, Kev Mirallas would rate up there. He's got a bright future ahead of him, but I think he needs more regular games.

"Obviously we can still strengthen the squad, but our team is taking shape nicely. Many teams will be envious of some of our players."

How Postiga, Tudor and Ridgewell go about finding a new club and if Ollie can get some more troops in for the cause remains to be seen. We can just wish the team the best in the upcoming tournament which kicks off against Wan Seattlewangsa FC on Tuesday.

GOOD LUCK BOYS!

[nath_scfc]

GOALIE GUILLERMO JOINS JUNIORS!

http://u.univision.com/contentroot/uol/art/images/deportes/fmex/2006/07/060731_ochoa_3_mxp.jpg
Arriving to sign his contract at Wankdorf.

Mexican shot-stopper Francisco Guillermo Ochoa sealed his move to Foca Juniors today in trade deal seeing Ivan Helguera moving the opposite direction. A reported fee of around £1m also moved to the Menorcan side Real Verdadera.

Speaking breifly to exclusive Foca reporters Guillermo said, "It's exciting time for me. I hope to get many first-team chances and to keep clean sheets in whatever chances I get.

"I can see that there will be pressure as the team is expected to succeed, but I'm confident in my ability to build on my talent.

"I hope to repay the faith shown in me by the staff here. We have great young players here like Drenthe and Maduro so hopefully we will all develop to help Foca go up the leagues."

Mirko Vucinic also joined last week as Helder Postiga was released. Ollie spoke about this, "Mirko is a much hungrier player than Helder. And as nobody seemed interested in taking Helder from us, it was an easy decision to make."

The team were also knocked out of the Tournoi de Mjolner at the group stage. After picking up a 1-1 drew against Wan, they fell to a tough AFC Chelsea team. Needing a win and results to go their way, Foca got off to a bright start against London Town with Koller netting on 13 minutes. However London Town ran out 2-1 winners and progressed with AFC Chelsea.

[nath_scfc]

MATEJA MOVES!

http://www.sportinglife.com/pictures/general/kezmanstar.jpg

In a multi-million pound move, Serbian striker Mateja Kezman has left Foca Juniors for newboys Real Lerida as the new regime at both clubs endeavour to shape up for the new season.

Kezman's future had been speculated in the press over the past few days following a high number of strikers at the club. Rolando Bianchi's arrival on-loan had signalled the departure of atleast one striker. It remains to be seen whether any other deals will be brokered over the last few weeks of the window.

Kezman's fee is rumoured to be £7.5million which will feasibly put back into the team to strengthen the squad for what will no doubt be a hard slog of a season for the newcomers.

Holloway spoke breifly of the deal, "We wish Mateja all the best, but we couldn't guarantee him first team football, and squad sizes need to be considered."

He continued, "We've got an exceptional fee for someone of his age, and simply we couldn't refuse. I've already identified a couple of targets and I'll discuss these players with my staff. We've got some names. I'll just say to the supporters, this isn't the end of our activity in the market - there should be some players coming in and around to get bums on seats."

About players possibly leaving, Holloway was blunt, "Liam Ridgewell and Mark Schwarzer have been told to find new clubs because they're not needed here. Gary Cahill, Giles Barnes and Kevin Mirallas are players with bright futures, but I'd like them to get some epxerience on-loan. We also have a probable loan going out sometime soon."

Expect to find any transfer deals reported on the official club site.

[nath_scfc]

FOCA'S FIRST POINT!

http://www.thefa.com/NR/rdonlyres/D2D95781-42F8-4910-96C3-ED62B2735BF7/76012/QPR_Holloway_L.jpg
Ollie watches on.

Foca Juniors began their season this weekend, playing Rafa FC away and coming away with a sterling and hard-earned point. Joris Mathijsen, the appointed Foca captain, levelled after a goal just minutes earlier from John Utaka.

The game had begun steadily with both teams opening up cagey, understandably not wanting to concede an early goal. The lively Elano Blumer broke this trend however, with a fine through ball which Afonso Alves failed to convert after a comfortable save by the suprise inclusion Christian Abbiati.

This seemingly shook Foca up and they took they initiative with some neat passing leading Drenthe into an attacking position Yobo on several occassions. On the 34th minute one of these advances led Drenthe to skip past Basturk and swing a deep cross in and onto Bianchi's head which was was spectacularly tipped wide by Landreau.

On the stroke of half-time a deep corner by Rafa FC was missed by everyone and Kader Keita collected and broke with intense speed and acceleration. Hurdling a couple challenges Keita got into the box and squared it for the on-rushing Barton, but Keita's cross was a touch to hard and Barton's slide was futile as the ball flashed between him and the gaping net.

After half-time Rafa FC were bright and on the offensive. Several good efforts were blocked resolutely. Elano was lively again looking to create opportunities whenever on the ball. A lofted ball by him on the hour mark caught Glen Johnson napping and John Utaka found himself in the clear as his past left Johnson flagging behind and he fired an unstoppable effort past Abbiati.

Joris Mathijsen faced a tough task to rally the troops, but from the restart, Foca held the ball well and Arteta took a speculative effort which stung the fingers of Landreau and was pushed over.

http://www.marca.com/futbol/copauefa0405/rivales_liguilla/img/estrella_az.jpg
Captian's duty.

Royston Drenthe took the resulting corner from the right which he played to the near post and was flicked by Maduro and Mathijsen was on-hand at the back-post to nod him the equaliser just three minutes after going behind.

A long range effort from Bodmer took a deflection which fooled Abbiati, but luckily skipped wide. The lively Drenthe swung another cross in later which was headed away, but only as far as Joey Barton who volleyed the ball back towards goal, only to see the ball shake the upright.

The wrapped up Foca's onlsaught, however a last minute effort from Phil Jagielka left Abbiati rooted to the spot, thankfully for him however the ball whistled centi-metres past the post.

Ian Holloway spoke of his delight at getting a point as feeling like "An Aussie who just found a crate of Fosters." And lavished praise on his players grit to come back from a goal so quickly against a strong side.

Next up for Juniors is a second away trip of the season in the Big Apple against NY Calcio. They come off the back of an impressive 1-0 away win against Dial Square, however Foca will be looking to inflict a first defeat of the season upon them.

[nath_scfc]

AMAZING ARTETA SECURES FOCA'S WIN!

http://www.gazzetta.it/Hermes%20Foto/2007/06/28/0JK990CH--346x212.jpg
Goalscorer Bianchi.

Mikel Arteta was on the receiving end of lavish praise following his magnificent man-of-the-match performance. Having seen NY Calcio level through Eduardo da Silva after Rolando Bianchi had given Foca the lead, Spaniard Arteta scored a fantastic strike for the first three points of the season.

Ian Holloway rung in a few changes for the visit to New York, Peter Odemwingie and Guillermo Ochoa came in and Glen Johnson and Christian Abbiati missed out. Royston Drenthe slotted in at left-back and Luciano Zauri swapped flanks allowing Odemwingie to play the left-wing role.

After a steady start, it was Foca who created teh first opening. A piece of good linkup between Odemwingie and Drenthe meant a deep cross to the back post found the Kader Keita who pulled it back for an on-rushing Joey Barton to hammer. However, good pressure was applied by Sol Campbell and Barton's effort was always rising and found its way into the stand.

This seemed to spring both teams into life and it was NY's turn to go onto the offensive. Good play by Stephen Ireland in skipping past Joey Barton. He slipped Quagliarella in, however, the Italian's touch was heavy and Guillermo Ochoa rushed out and smothered the ball.

This was the last significant move of that half. After the break both sides were eager to get the first goal. Rolando Bianchi came close to getting off the mark for the season and his Foca career on the 55th minute. Kader Keita fed the ball into Bianchi's feet, and he rolled centre-half Cribari. Spying an opening, the on-loan Striker saw Andres Palop slightly off his line and went for an audacious lob. The exquisite play by Bianchi wasn't rewarded with teh deserved gaol however, as the ball bounced off the bar and over.

Four minutes later though, Bianchi got his earned goal. Tricky play from Royston Drenthe exhibiting some bewildering skills drew a rash lunge from Bosingwa. Arteta lined-up the ball to deliever from the left wing and whipped it in with pace and curl. Rolando Bianchi rose highest and his glancing flick saw the side netting bulge as the ball nestled in there past the flailing Palop.

NY seemed fired up by this and from the restart Bosingwa sought to make amends, charging down the flank and cutting in, he fed Eduardo the ball. The Croat from Rio used his accelteraton to show Hofland and Mathijsen his studs as he raced onto the beautifully weighted pass. As Ochoa raced out to meet Eduardo, the quick-thinking striker lifted the ball over the sliding 'keeper and the ball bounced into the net to cap a neat move.

The game tightened up here on and both teams looked unlikely to take many risks. The game was crying out for a creative spark or moment of genius to make something special happen and to give the boost the game so desired.

Thirteen minutes from the end, this came to fruition. A ball tossed in from Keita was nodded away seemingly from danger by Campbell as Foca looked for Bianchi to get his second of the game. The cleared ball fell for Mikel Arteta who trapped the ball and opened his body in one fluid touch and, having seen a few sighters go wide and over, arched a thrity-yard effort over the crowded penatly area and left the hapless Palop rooted tot he spot.

http://www.sport.es/vivo/recursos/fotos/foto_194822_CAS.jpg
Jubilant goal-scorer Mikel Arteta.

It was an exquisite finish and Arteta, throwing his fists in the air with joy, galloped over to celebrate with his slightly awe-struck coaching staff. Their was a stunned silence about the stadium, apart from a small corner of travelling away fans who were a sea of disorientated yet blissful red and green.

Foca stood firm against the predictable on-slaught from their now sparked-into-life opponents and defended their goal resolutely. A very weak penalty claim from Robert Pires was flatly turned down by the referee who was proved right from later video evidence. The final whistle came and brought the first ever three points for Foca Juniors after just their second game.

A delighted Ian Holloway spoke of his joy at his players performance, "Fantastic, everyone of those lads in there has done their job and done it well. Mikel Arteta deserves special praise because he's just gone, 'Hello, I think I fancy doing something brilliant here' and knocked a cracking ball into the danger zone for the first, which the Roland has got his head onto. Then for Mik's I nearly fell off my chair, it's was a sight to behold."

An understandably chuffed Ian Holloway will have to consider his tactics for the visit to Real Lerida, as Foca face the fellow newboys this weekend. The dangerous attack of Milito and Yakubu could hand a return for Abbiati or a debut for Dutch centre-back Ryan Donk. As expected however, Holloway is keeping his cards close to his chest.

[nath_scfc]

FOCA FIRE THREE!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41018000/jpg/_41018253_arteta_pa.jpg
Centre of speculation/Captain fantastic.

Before Foca Juniors struck an overdue win, it was events off-the-field which no doubt struck fear into some of their faithful fans. After a leak in the Spanish media, it seemed Real Verdadera were set to test the resolve of the purse-strings of Foca.

However, the post-match press conference sent a ferocious swipe at any preying eyes looking to steal the diminutive midfielder - both from Ian Holloway and Arteta himself.

The game started brightly with Seattlewangsa taking an eleven minute lead through Egyptian Mohammed Zidan. However, Foca ended up over-running Seattlewangsa in the midfield much to the dismay of the hapless and lonely Dudu.

Keita and Bianchi struck before the half-hour mark. Many more chances flew Foca's way and passed until the 87th minute when Giles Barnes used some neat footwork to glide past the defenders and stroke the ball into the net on just his second start.

Sparks flew in the post-match press conference when Ollie spoke out about the speculation, "We made Mikel captain today and he was delighted about that. There's been a disgusting attempt to unsettle him to get him away from here."

Holloway fumed, "We've had lots of approaches for a few of our players, but all of them are happy here and are enjoying the way we play. Mikel is an integral part of our plan.

"It seems people think we're a little club who will roll over as soon as big club comes sniffing around. No chance. We want these good players to develop into players who are going to get us up the leagues. Give us a season or three, and we'll be beating the team he's been linked with, it'd be little more than a sideways step. Daft."

Arteta then came out to speak, "I love it here. If the manager wants me to stay then I am delighted to stay. I hope to bring promotion for these fans before I even consider a move.

"It was good result today, and we got our second win which we hoped to get sooner than now. Hopefully this is the foundation for us to progress and get the ball rolling and then we can take the momentum into the secondhalf of the season. Where I hope to be scoring a few goals for Foca!" The flamboyant Spaniard winked.

It seems as though Foca have poured ice-cold water on these flames of transfer rumours.

[nath_scfc]

OLLIE: 'WINDOW IS CRUCIAL'

http://shinymedia.headshift.com/images/images/ian_holloway.jpg
Ollie doing his bit for Children in Need.

Ian Holloway came out today and stated his intentions by claiming the Division Three chasing pack will largely be relying on a successful transfer window to follow probable promotion-winners LSA Originale? into Division Two.

Foca's triumph last weekend left them in fourth, behind 2nd placed MBV Arkestra and Dial Square in third. NY Calcio are not to be ruled out also, in fifth place.

Holloway chatted, "We've picked up a bit towards the end which I expected as we had a tough middle section to our first half. Now the dust has settled I can see a few errors on my part in certain games we ought to have won.

"Thankfully we're still within touching distance of 2nd place and are looking at an exciting chance of going up in the new regime's first season in-charge."

He continued, "I can't see too much setting the "Chasing Four" apart from one another at the moment. So for me the window is going to be pivotal. If someone can get some top players moving into their side then they're going to have a great chance of going up."

Holloway refused to name any targets or confess whether any deals had been done, "We're not going to put any names out there for obvious reasons. There's been talk of us linked with certain players but I can't say whether these have been finalised or have any truth. All I can say is expect some activity this window, possibly early into it too."

Holloway had been linked with making a move for LSA Originale's experienced striker Hernan Crespo, although reports from Italy suggest the deal has hit the buffers.

Sign up to the clubs premium text service for all the tranfer news as it happens by sending FOCA NEWS to 87070!

[greenegg]

Some top work once more Nathy, who are you targetting?

[Dragonfly]

"Holloway chatted". :laugh:

Good article.

[nath_scfc]

Some top work once more Nathy, who are you targetting?

I can't say with these crafty buggers circling teh Wankdorf Stadium, but I'll PM you in a bit.

[wan109]

You don't eye on Mr. Bean?

[nath_scfc]

TRANSFER UPDATE!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/tx/weekinpictures/media/ap_african_cup_405.jpg
New-boy Obodo, not shy of get stuck in obviously.

A frantic weekend of transfer activity saw some targets slip through the net, some Juniors find pastures new and some new faces find their home at Wankdorf.

Long-term target Hernan Crespo made the switch to MBV Arkestra from LSA Originale. Despite flying in for talks, German startlet Toni Kroos couldn't agree terms and wound up agreeing to sign for top-flight Midnight Riders. Similar circumstances led to Angel di Maria joining Bonzo FC.

Obviously, there wasn't a grudge from the latter deal as Holloway swooped to sign the powerful Nigerian midfielder Christian Obodo for a fee of around £5.5 million.

Earlier however, Leroy Lita said his farewells and Edison Cavani linked up with Foca. The Uruguayan's talent is undoubted, shown by the strong interest from Barcelona last year. The Foca fans will be hoping Edison can fulfill the early promise in his career and net a few goals in the process.

A deal taking Gary Cahill East to Seattlewangsa for £4.5million seemed to have been brokered. However, the deal fell through as Seattlewangsa's 'Care In The Community' programme meant that a mis-understanding had occurred and the deal had to be cancelled. Cahill moves on-loan to Seattlewangsa though.

Goalkeeper Dida joins Foca also, with Abbiati leaving his position for the Brazilian to fill. The last of the transfers were a simple two-out and two-in. Free agents Roberto Hilbert and Kenwyne Jones have signed up, with Jan Koller and Glen Johnson leaving. With the deals combined, £1.5m left Foca with the two players.

Holloway is supposedly eager to arrange some friendlies to give his new players time to gel together. He and his backroom staff likely to be working extra hour shifts through the coming weeks in order to get the right players into the side to push for promotion.

[greenegg]

Ian Hollowhead looks all set to quit Foca. HE claimed in todays papers that he is defeinitely staying and he has no intention of leaving whilst the club are in this position. Here is a statement from the man:

Oy loves Foca I dus and Oy will never leave. Oy love the fans and love the area and in just two days time Oy won't leave for better money.

He has filled the fans with optimism and now they think he will stay. But will this happen?

[wan109]

Good results in the 2nd half of the season will make it happens.

[nath_scfc]

PULIS TAKES THE REIGNS!

http://www.users.totalise.co.uk/~tbpointon/pulis_smile.jpg

The dawn of a new season and the birth of a new regime at Foca Juniors, as Tony Pulis laid claim to the managerial throne following Ian Holloway departng as Foca manager by mutual consent. Welshman Pulis takes over with immediate effect and is already weighing up his options ahead of the impending transfer window.

With current uncertainty amongst League chiefs about the future of and the direction towards which the league is going, Pulis was keen to give his opinion, "I've taken over a cracking club here, with massive potential for the future. I think the league may need a bit of fine-tuning but we'll be prepared for that. I've already drawn up a comprehensive list of targets and presented them to the Chairman and fellas upstairs. I told them I want to be given a good say in moves and these players I've written down would all improve the squad."

The announcement comes as little shock to many supporters who were infact surprised Holloway hadn't moved on earlier. Rumours of frictions between Holloway and a member of the coaching staff were rife, and some of Holloway's transfer moves were contested amongst the fans, although many concede Holloway wasn't wholly involved with every transfer and as such it would be unfair to fully blame him for any wrong choice.

The ultimate irony about the appointments, of course, is that Pulis and Holloway are very close friends with Pulis godfather to one of Holloway's children and Holloway godfather to Pulis' son, Stoke midfielder Anthony. Pulis spoke with affection for Holloway "Ollie's a top bloke, and ok maybe things haven't worked out for him but I still have the utmost respect for him as a man and would like to wish him all the best in the future - both in and out of football."

One of Holloway's mid-season signings, Kenwyne Jones, gave his views on the re-shuffle, "It's great for me personally to link up with him [Pulis] again. He took me on-loan to Stoke when Southampton were in the England League and I was still very young. I learnt a lot there and from him, but it's been quite a while since then so I hope I can impress him with how much further I've come." Jones also discussed re-formatting of the league and how it would relate to Foca, "If we are told we're in division three next year we'll work with that and I think we'll be amongst the favourites to go up. If they decide to just have the two leagues then I'm sure we'd be targetting mid-table and above. This manager will push us though to try and break into the highest possible position."

Pulis angrily refuted claims of his teams being thugs and long-ball merchants, "I don't really care all that much what people think of me. I've got broad shoulders from the rubbish I've gone through with owners and amount of times my names been dragged through the mud. However, this is something I'll argue. I build teams who will compete well and get the results. I want a committed side. Alongside that though, I hope my side wil play good football that the supporters enjoy. People say we have thugs who can't play, but I say to them to look at the last centre-half I bought, he wasn't booked all season and hasn't been for well over 100 games. Does he sound a thug or a bully to you? A lot of my football's classification has come from lazy journalism and snobs who don't want to see teams and cities like Stoke [previous club] in their little party."

News of the new roles and staff appointments and departures will be released shortly, as will friendly news.

[greenegg]

Sterling work Nath.

Free neck braces with every Season Ticket sale. :shifty:

[nath_scfc]

"Rumours of frictions between Holloway and a member of the coaching staff were rife..."

That was you :shifty:

[greenegg]

I didn't know I was a coach or did you mean the size of? I thought I was a big cheese upstairs.

[nath_scfc]

Whatever man. You hate him and had beef. :smug:

[nath_scfc]

Foca Focus: Lorik Cana.

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/9339/250226836992057ac656xo8.jpg

With a sharp turn Royston Drenthe thinks he's away down the line to whip in a cross. What he hadn't bargained for, however, was the raking tackle from Albanian midfielder Lorik Cana. Some onlookers winced as Cana approached the dreadlocked Dutchman, a perfect case in point of how Cana's approach has impacted upon them.

Right, so picture your typical East European defensive-midfielder. Tough in the tackle? Yep. A natural leader? Sure. Could run all day? Probably so. Strong enough to last a few rounds with Mayweather? Seemingly. Lorik Cana ticks all these boxes, but what he has over the rest is that this boy can play as well as get stuck in.

"Sometimes I go in hard, for sure." Cana mused. "I don't go in recklessly though, I assess each tackle in my mind first and sometimes think 'Hold back, that's stupid to go in like that' and I put my tackle in differently. I will admit I've made some rash and crazy decisions though, but that's all to do with learning."

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/1571/610xlx5.jpg

Cana's begun to appear more frequently as former-manager Ian Holloway tended to opt for Hedwiges Maduro in the role Cana was fighting for early in the season. This fight, Cana believes, has been one of his toughest yet "Hedwiges is a great player and we'll do brilliantly to keep him. That'll be tough because he's a great player and big teams want people like him. Would I be glad to see him go? Not at all, he's a good man. We battle for the same spot but we're still friends. This fight was really tough and we've both gained things from it, but we get on regardless of who plays."

"I like what's going on here. At Marseille I learnt lots, but here I've learnt a lot more. My heading and tackling were always my strongest points, but my technique and passing abilities have improved greatly." And they have. Opta's stats indicate that Lorik Cana's pass completion had improved almost 15% in his last three games, in contrast to his first three. Furthermore his shots were more often than not hitting the target, and his tackles had become much more effective as well as ferocious.

"What I want from next season? Maybe a goal or two so I can get some bonuses!" Lorik Cana wants to be the complete player. And my word he could be it.