English Championship 106 - Transfer/Gossip thread

[drseanfitz]

Ronaldo arrives at Gresty Road
(not the fat one, or the diver, but another one)

Crewe today confirmed the arrivals of 3 new players.

Luiz Alves Ronaldo

The young Brazilian defender has arrived following a tip off from brazilian superscout MsF. He is a relative unknown outside of Brazil but has convinced Cree boss Sean that he is worth a gamble.

Ivan Perisic

Perisic becomes yet another Croatian to join the club, signing a 5 year deal.

Perisic is a product of the Hajduk Split youth academy and joined French side Sochaux at the age of 17. He failed to make an impact at les Lionceaux and joined Belgian giants Club Brugge this summer.

Prior to his move to Crewe he has been gaining some Europa league experience at Club Brugge, and although he is never going to be a hearthrob, the club are hoping he can team up with Modric and Sharbini to create a tremendous attacking threesome.

Mark Bunn

Having tipped fellow EC106 managers of 4 weeks ago regarding a 77 rated goalie who is getting regular championship football, and available for just over a million, Crewe manager Sean was surprised when no-one took a gamble on him. So decided to invest himself.

Former Northampton keeper Bunn has signed on a 3 year deal.

[ExiledScotInTheUSA]

OXFORD UTD TRANSFER NEWS

Tomasz Hajto said farewell to the Oxford Utd faithful after six seasons and 171 appearances for the club. He went back to his native Poland when he signed for Lodzki KS for just under 1.250.000 million in what was a shrewd negotiation for the Oxford Utd Coach. He signed for Oxford Utd as a 31 year old for 600,000 so Oxford Utd have done well out of the player. Oxford Utd manager David Belkevitz spoke earlier today, "Tomasz has been a very good servant to the club and it's with regret that he has to move on, but he has returned to his native Poland and at 37 years old, has been a model player during his long playing career. I couldn't guarantee him first team football and he knows the score, he's in the twilight of his career and things move on. I have my eye on a few players but money is the governing force so I will have to be prudent in a replacement for Tomasz. Nikkari and Nordvik are playing well in defence when asked and perhaps it's time to blood them fully into the first team. Things are looking up for us at the moment, although relegation is always just over your shoulders, we have been playing well and I'm very pleased with the improvement of my younger players. After being criticised earlier by another manager, I can say that Oxford Utd are slightly in the black and we have a surplus of about 5 million profit on the players I brought in during the summer, but I have no intention of being a feeder club, I will watch them closely and see how things pan out, but things are looking good for us at the moment."

[HOLTY]

WEEKLY GOSSIP COLUMN

Rochdales Fabien Delph has told pals that he wishes to move to a bigger club when his transfer ban expires. Fabien is unhappy with the training facilitys at the Dale and dislikes Elliot Sutcliffe.
The Sun

James Burrows has turned down a £10m bid from Cardiff for an unnamed Player. Speculation is that it could have been for Preston's back up keeper Joe Hart who is on the list for £15m.
The Sun

Cardiff has accepted a bid of £13m for Germany frontman Lukas Padolski from West Brom. The German International is unhappy in the Welsh Capital and is looking forward playing for the current best team in Great Britain.
The Sun

Peter Crouch is set for show down talks with Preston manager James Burrows after the impending arrival of Brazilian striker Nilmar. Nilmar will sign from Charlton for £14m and Crouch is unhappy with the fresh competition.
The Sun

Charlton will use the money from Nilmars departure to sign Bordeaux striker Danko Lazovic. Dean will also swap Jean Alain Boumsong with Monaco's defender Sebastien Puygrenier. Boumsong has already turned down a move to Lyon.
The Sun

Monaco will also offload their Argentine midfielder Alejandro Alonso with both Leyton Orient and Oxford Utd interested.
The Sun

Walsall are chasing Steven Gerrard's cousin Anthony Gerrard who currently plays for Division 3 side Crewe. Sean Fitzpatrick will not do a deal unless Lee Cattermole is part of the deal.
The Star

Crewe's Elijero Elia is wanted by Darlington, Notts County, Northampton Town and Cardiff City. But Elia has told his agent that he wants to play for either Sunderland or Newcastle.
The Star

Sean Fitzpatrick will bid £11m to capture Brazil star Toloi. The Northampton board may sell Toloi in order to raise the £22m to capture their long term target Jean Pierre Gignac from Crystal Palace.
The Star

Tranmere will offer Bafetimbi Gomis to Preston in exchange for Montenegrin wonderkid Stevan Jovetic.
The Star

Arsenal have offered Toni Kroos and £19m to Tranmere for Bafetimbi Gomis but Tranmere are after more for the France star.
The Daily Mail

Sunderlands French winger Hatem Ben Arfa has demanded a move to Newcastle after revealing to close friends that he is not happy with new manager Craig Johnsons training techniques. Arsenal and Tranmere are also watching his situation.
The Daily Mail

Ex Sunderland duo Raul and Guiza have also hit out at Craig Johnson for pushing them both out of the Stadium of Light. Raul labelled Johnson as disrespectful while Guiza said Craig was out of touch with the real World. Although both players are happy to have left the City of Sunderland and labelled it "even worse than Middlesbrough but slightly nicer than Preston".
The Daily Mail

Crystal Palace are in the market for a new central defender and will rekindle their interest in Millwall defender Bassong. Bassong may put in a transfer request this week.
The Express

Jermaine Pennant will end his Spanish hell by signing for Leyton Orient. The Real Betis winger is looking forward in moving back to the Capital although would only use Orient as a stepping stone to a bigger club.
The Express

Crystal Palace will fight it out with South London rivals Charlton for Dynamo Moscow's former England International Kieran Richardson.
The Express

After hearing Sean Fitzpatrick's comments on how he should be called up by Turkey, Sercan Yildrim has informed Gillingham that he wishes to leave for a bigger club so he can have a better chance of catching the eye of David Belkevich the current boss of Turkey. Bochum and Koln are interested in his signature.
Teamtalk.com

Yildirim wants to leave for a bigger club?

Swansea are interested in signing an unnamed England striker. Both Kevin Davies and Craig Beattie are both rumoured to be on Swansea's shortlist.
Teamtalk.com

Martina's David McGoldrick has issued a come and get me plea to English clubs. Millwall and Fulham are rumoured to be interested but he would prefer a move to his old club Southampton.
Correire dello sport

----------------------------------------------------------------

And finally.........

Scunthorpe manager Jonathan Crawford has been branded a dirty drunk by an unnamed fellow manager. The source claims Jonathan still enjoys a typical students lifestyle and he has seen a mountain of empty pizza boxes and cans of Fosters in his office. It is also understood that JC still uses his NUS card to get a discount at the Club bar.
A South London Source

Charlton players have not been paid this month and will go on strike unless they are paid. Charlton, who are in financial difficulties have already sold Nilmar to Preston in order to pay their stars but may not be able to pay their youth team players.
A Kent Source

Preston manager James Burrows has threatened to quit in order to concentrate on his studies. James, who is currently studying to become a midwife at a top University, said that it is impossible to both manage a Division 2 team and study at Uni and if he was to pick one to quit, it would be the Preston job.
A South London Source

The players of Millwall are planning to egg Mr Izods car after revealing their hatred for the South London native. Mr Izod does not have a good relationship with his playing staff and he has previously been targeted before when a former player placed his soiled underpants on top of a stick and placed it into the Millwall training pitch and referred to the area as "camp skidmark". The former player is now at Crystal Palace.
A South London Source

[Dean89]

Originally Posted by Holt

Charlton players have not been paid this month and will go on strike unless they are paid. Charlton, who are in financial difficulties have already sold Nilmar to Preston in order to pay their stars but may not be able to pay their youth team players.
A Kent Source

Dean denied any Charlton players unhappy with their wages

Charlton Athletic manager Dean Bryant has denied reports that Charlton players have not received their wages this month and also claim that the club is in strong position with their current balance. "It's definately not true that the players have not been paid this month," Dean told The Soccer Manager Times. "I believe we are in strong position with our current financial. They are fully paid in every week and I don't see the reason why they are not happy with their wages. The reason why I sold Nilmar was because he has not been performing well for the team and he may need to settle at other club to get back to on track."

[KopStar]

Jared: "Hart is not good enough!"


Joe Hart in Manchester City days: labellled not good enough to play for Cardiff

Cardiff manager Jared has laughed off speculation from The Sun linking Cardiff to a £10 million bid for Preston 'keeper Joe Hart. The article is seen below:

Originally Posted by Holt

James Burrows has turned down a £10m bid from Cardiff for an unnamed Player. Speculation is that it could have been for Preston's back up keeper Joe Hart who is on the list for £15m.
The Sun

Jared said this, "Personaly I laughed when I saw this article. Hart is a good promising keeper but due to England's limited goalkeeping stocks his potential has been immensely blown up by the media in hope of him becoming a keeping sensation. Personally I would not buy him- Rost is a brilliant first choice keeper as shown recently. We are on the look-out to maybe sign a young keeper but we first want to improve other areas of our squad.'

'I do feel sorry for Hart- he has had heaps of pressure to become a great keeper but I can never see him reaching his hyped potential. Yes he is a good young keeper but he will never be a great keeper.'

[KopStar]

Nene and Traore to Cardiff


Nene (left) celebrates after scoring a goal

Cardiff City have made two major additions to their squad. AS Monaco's star winger, Anderson Nene, who has scored 9 times in 10 games to be Ligue 1's top scorer to date, has completed his 7 million pound move to Wales. He has been a confirmed starter against Charlton tonight. Manager Jared will be hoping he has the same effect as past signings Lafita and Liedson.

Also signed by Cardiff was Argentinos Juniors based defender Sammy Traore. The Malian who made a name for himself while playing for French heavy weights Paris Saint Germain, played fro Bradford City at the back end of season 7 also featured in season 8. However he was sold before season 9 started. Traore will not play against Charlton as his move is still subject to a medical.

Manager Jared who earlier made headlines about his opinion on Joe Hart said this about the transfers, 'I am thrilled with both these signings. Nene has been in blistering form and is a real chance of a rating rise. Traore, who was a regular at PSG, is also an exciting signing as he adds depth to a defence that was weakened due to the sale of Dragutinovic.'

[Campbell]

Campbell Dismisses Toloi Claims

Cobblers manager Sean Campbell has laughed off suggestions that Brilliant-Brazilian
Rafael Toloi will leave he club.The Brazil u21 international has been solid at the back
for Northampton Town with 13 apperances with 2 goals.Chairman David Cardoza has
admitted Crewe among others are interested but the club will not be selling him anytime
in the foreseeable future. He was bought for a mere 750k of Wolverhampton Wanderers
and was Campbell's first signing.

Originally Posted by Holt

Sean Fitzpatrick will bid £11m to capture Brazil star Toloi. The Northampton board may sell Toloi in order to raise the £22m to capture their long term target Jean Pierre Gignac from Crystal Palace.
The Star

He had this to say in response to the Star's Article:

Utter,utter garbage there's no truth in the matter whatsoever.He is our Rock and I wouldn't sell him for any less than 15m at least.The lad is a great player and if anyone ever feels down he always comes and lifts their spirits.Rafa's form has been great this season and that's why I'm appointing him captain of Northampton Town F.C for the rest of the season.

Toloi seen training for Northampton early this morning.

[craigjohnson]

Johnson Hits Back At Outgoing Stars

Sunderland manager Craig Johnson was quick to quash any idea of dressing room upset following the departure of both key men Raul and Guiza. The Mackem's gaffer was quick to point out the reasons why the disgruntled Spanish duo were booted from the club in a frank press conference ahead of tonight's game at Arsenal.

Johnson said of the sales:

"Look, their attitudes stunk. It only took a couple of days working with them to see that they were so far removed from reality, thinking they were the be all and end all at this club while picking up massive wages for poor performances that I had to act.

They spent more time grooming than training, and it was probably best for the club as a whole if we got rid of the prima donnas and concentrate on players who are in it for the long haul with us.

Anyways, we recouped about 40m and I'm in negotiations to bring in 4/5 players who will help the depth and balance of the squad, as opposed to relying on 2 oily Spaniards who play when they fancy it"

When pushed on the names of the potential targets Johnson was quick to dampen the spirits of the gathered journalists looking for a scoop

"Well we're close on 4 or 5 as I've said, but the 3 we're closest to are all Japanese internationals - Ba-Ta'd Feesh, Moo-shee Pees and So-gee Chips. A deal for Vee-na Gar fell through."

Johnson has been quick to try and revamp the squad he took over 4 days ago, lots of swap deals going on with teams all over the world in order to try and find the right formula to lift Sunderland from 14th in the table.

Johnson's signings so far include Michael Rensing, which raised a few eyebrows, but Johnson is in no doubt the stopper is just in a temporary dip in form, and will be an excellent signing in the long run.

Rensing: Johnson has high hopes for the stopper.

"Michael is an excellent 'keeper who I'm overjoyed to have here. He's a long-term investment, and one I feel will come good in time"

Johnson is a self-confessed advocate of competition for places, as well as a good young feel to the side. His other signings to date are:

Radek Sirl - £1.7m + Fabricio Fuentes
Humberto Rever - 0 + Tomasso Rocchi
Mate Junior Simao - £6m + Elderson Echiejile

The next topic involved the comments attributed to Hatem Ben-Arfa, wha has apparently told close friends he wants a move away from Sunderland, mainly because of Johnson's supposed "questionable" training methods. Johnson was quick to dismiss the claims as rubbish.

"The boy hasn't said anything to me. I told the lads when I came in that there'd be changes in the setup and I fully intend to see that through. I operate an open door policy, anyone can come and speak to me about anything they are unhappy with, and as of yet no-one has come to see me with concerns"

When asked about the game tonight against an Arsenal side currently languishing in 15th, one place below Johnson's side, he had this to say.

"I'm not gonna sit here and say I expect a win because I don't. They are at home, they've got an excellent squad, and how they are where they are defies belief. My side will go there and give 100%, and that's all I can ask for while I'm still in the process of changing the system, tactics and personnel here. We're a work in progress, we have got a chance if we stick to the game plan but only time will tell."

[x Burrow x]

Preston break the bank for Brazilian ace

Preston North End have completed the club record signing of Brazilian striker Nilmar from Charlton.

The 25 year old moved to Deepdale for a fee of £14m, surpassing the £10m paid to Parma for full-back Glen Johnson.

Manager James Burrow was absolutely delighted with the capture of Nilmar:

"Nilmar is a gifted player who I was shocked to see on the market for so cheap. We have needed a marquee signing for a while now, and I think Nilmar is just that player. He will provide cover for Jovetic who seems to have lost his goalscoring touch since the whole footballing world is looking at him."

Nilmar is on the bench for tonight's game with Aston Villa, with veteran defender Sami Hyypia also set to make his debut.

In other transfer news, Preston have been refused permission to speak to Fulham midfielder Michael Ballack, after the club rejected a fee believed to be around £18m.

[Dean89]

Striker Lazovic completes his move to Charlton


Danko Lazovic: Nilmar's replacement

Bordeaux striker Danko Lazovic has completed his move to Charlton Athletic after passing his medical and signing a four-season deal. The 26-year-old striker will provide another option for manager Dean Bryant in Addicks frontline. It is understood that the signing of Lazovic will be the replacement for departed Honorato Nilmar who joined Preston in a £14m deal. Several hundred Addicks fans were at the stadium to welcome Lazovic, who hopes to help the ambitious club with the goals which they failed with Nilmar. Nilmar has failed to impress in his second season with Charlton as he failed to find the net in his thirteen league appearances this season.

"There are a lot of expectation from the fans and club but I am ready with the new challenge," Lazovic told the club's website. "They signed me because they want a striker who are proven goalscorer and I want to repay them with the goals."

Charlton sign Puygrenier as Monaco sign Boumsong


Sébastien Puygrenier: Completes move to Charlton

Jean-Alain Boumsong's dreadful season with Charlton Athletic has finally come to an end after his swap deal with Monaco's Sébastien Puygrenier was completed this afternoon. The 29-year-old Frenchman and his French counterpart, 27, have switched clubs, with the French side - in addition - receiving an undisclosed cash sum, understood to be in excess of £600k.

Boumsong's departure comes days after he has turned down a move to Lyon. Puygrenier becomes Charlton's second defender to arrive this season after Daniele Gastaldello. Addicks boss Dean Bryant is confident he can make a big impression at The Valley. Dean told the club's website: "I think Puygrenier can be a really good player for us. He's strong in the air and has the physical to play in this competitive league."

[1CapWonder]

Sutcliffe Demands A Fight


Lambert is still missing whilst Boyd is suspended

Rochdale boss Sutcliffe today demanded that his players scrap for results in what is turning out to be a bumpy middle period of the season for his team. Early on, Rochdale were scoring goals for fun with Lambert and Kitson firing on all cylinders. However, Lambert has been out long term and now their main provided George Boyd, is serving a suspension and Dale have been finding it extremely difficult to cope.

The problem is, we have a very small squad. None of our Youth Team players have been ready to make the step up yet, which is understandable. I trust my backup players immensely. Players such as Tom Kennedy and Gary Jones would walk into any other club in this division, however they have not been part of a settled side this year. I have identified my best XI early on and we have been settled and solid. Now we have had a couple of knock backs and we are having to draft players in. It is up to them to go and get a result. Right now, I don't care how we do it. If we can keep playing football, great. If we have to role up our sleeves and get our hands dirty than I am more than prepared to do that.

And it seems Dale might just have to. They play against a very good Wycombe side, managed by the quite reserved yet excellent Mister Malcolm. Though his team have been shaky as of late, and lie 11th, they got their first win in a long time last Saturday and will be looking to build on that away to Dale. Sutcliffe's team are 2nd, 2 points off the top. Scunthorpe are away to playoff hopefuls Grimsby, leaving a chance of an upset. Dale will certainly hope so...

[JakeMCFC]

Gillingham set to splash out on un-named Defender


(Gillingham are in need of a CB to strengthen their back 3.)

Earlier this hour new is coming out of Division 3 side Gillingham that they are in line to snap up an un-named defender from an external club. It is thought that Gillingham have around £7.8 million pound in their bank after letting several youths leave back to their preferred club where they started their carreer. No name has been given to our resources on who the player is and where he is coming from but he is said to be a very experienced play that will strengthen the Gillingham defence alot. It is thought that the Gillingham defence is needed after they conceded 3 against Hull City on the weekend but still come out winners 4-3. Their is no news on wether the unknown CB will complete he's medical at the club before tonights game against Swansea at Priestfield.

[Chewett]

Gomis Leaves For Arsenal

Tranmere have sold their main man Bafetimbi Gomis to arsenal for a fee of 17million pounds with German 18 year Toni Kroos old swapping the Emirates for the promise of Prenton Park. This season Gomis has not been recreating the heights of last season where he hit the back of the net 20 times in 35 appearences, only managing 3 goals in 18 appearences. This was thought to be the main factor of Tranmere gaffer chewett deciding to sell the french international. Now the search is on for a new striker with Chamakh, Dzeko, Jovetic and pastore all on Tranmere's rader. Some of the transfer fee will also be used to strenghan in other area's with a new CB, Midfielder and a RB on top of the list.
In other news the poor table posistion of Tranmere has got to change with the chairman demanding results soon or the managers post could be under scrutiny. To build on the recent 4-1 victory over ipswich Tranmere travel to Port Vale in a must-win game if Tranmere are to get the promotion they crave.

[x Burrow x]

Swindon Town subject of SMFA enquiry

Preston North End have reported Swindon Town to the SMFA after the club breached transfer regulations over the sale of Ranieri Sandro.

The Brazilian signed a contract with Swindon only last year, but included a £10m release clause into the deal, meaning that if another club are willing to pay that amount, the club must accept and give the player permission to talk to the club. Swindon have rejected the offer, falling foul of this rule:

"We will take this to the courts if needs be. We have made a perfectly legitimate offer which is equal to the players minimum fee, which means that Swindon cannot reject the offer, it has to be considered by the player. We are confident that the SMFA can enforce this rule and we can sign Sandro soon."

Preston are no stranger to the SMFA, earlier this season allegations that the Lilywhites had tried to tap-up Birmingham's Marouane Chamakh were proved false, and after a fierce legal battle, the club managed to secure the free transfer of Mark Noble to Preston from West Ham using the 'Steven Pressley' ruling.

[drseanfitz]

Yeovil Town 1-2 Crewe Alexandra

S.LÉONI 58

M.FRIEDRICH 12
B.RUIZ 79

Possession
41% 59%
Total Shots
17 15
Shots On Target
8 6
Corners
6 8
Yellow Cards
0 0
Red Cards
0 0

12: GOAL!! - Receiving the ball on the right Manuel FRIEDRICH skips inside his marker and curls in a shot from 25 yards!

58: GOAL!! - A foraging run and strike by Stéphane LÉONI sends the crowd wild! One for the scrapbook!

79: GOAL!! - The ball is played square to Bryan RUIZ on the edge of the box who rasps home a screamer!

An out of sorts Crewe gained a hard fought victory against a Yeovil side that has somehow managed to lose 15 games on the trot.

Manuel Friedrich and Bryan Ruiz both scored their first Crewe goals to help the away side to a much needed away win.

3 outstanding goals lit up an exciting, good natured game, that saw no bookings, and both teams received a standing ovation from the 4,683 crowd.

Match winner Ruiz