My Life In Yours (Sign-Up Story)

[Gennaro08]

Within days of putting defensive midfielder Giuseppe Montano and winger Beniamino Liberti up for sale, bids were made at the required asking price. Both players had not featured for the first team and were on a wage that San Potito simply couldn't afford for non-first teamers and once the players realised that they were surplus to requirements at the Sant'Abruzzese them and their agents struck deals with an interested party and were to move on New Year's Day. Montano for £20k to Tolentino in Serie D and Liberti to Teramo in Serie C1/A for £30k. Stefano hoped he had not missed the young winger who would be moving up a division.

Whilst in Liechtenstein watching his son play, Stefano also had the opportunity to watch over defender Cosenza who was called up for the first time to the U19 setup. On top of that he would partake in a bit of a scouting mission to check out the rest of the squad, they'll all be far too good for San Potito he told himself and wouldn't be interested in us he reasoned with himself, but there's no harm in looking.

It turned out to be a bit of a wasted journey as Gennaro Melisi was dropped to the bench for the Liechtenstein match - which they only won 2-0 - and Cosenza sat in the stands of the small ground. Had Stefano stayed the extra two days he would had witnessed both players start in the 0-0 draw with Scotland, Cosenza winning his first cap and both players turning in decent performances.

[Gennaro08]

The round-up of players, yields Club goals, International goals and red cards.

Scottinho of Porto, back in the Portugese setup but at U19 level in attacking midfield role behind the lone striker. 2 League appearances including scoring his first Porto goal - the third in a 3-0 home win over Estrela da Amadora off the bench. £900k (17 AM/F C)

Conrad Rowden of Marseille, sat on the bench for the Norwegian full squad and sustained a bruised shin in injury, back inside two weeks though. 6 Games, 1 Goal. £2.8m (17 AM R, Str)

Smithaldo of Portsmouth. English. Played 12 non-competitive games with one assist and one booking, in their U18's. £1m (17 AM R)

Borge Eian of Bochum, America nationalised the half-Norwegian and he came off the bench to score for the full side, 1 cap, 1 goal. £275k (19 AM RC)

Tobes of Antwerp, came off the bench to score the winner for Australia against Jamaica in a friendly for the full side. 1 cap, 1 goal. 7 League appearances and 2 goals. £110k (19 AM/F C) Happy Birthday!!

Rod Davies of Sporting. No French recall at all but 8 club appearances (3 in the Champions League, Chelsea up next) and 1 League goal - the first equaliser in a 3-2 home win over Braga. £2.1m (20 D/WB/AM L)

HD - unattached with no interest at present. Sint Maarten yet to play. (14 AM/F C)

Gennaro Melisi of Modena. 8 League appearances, two goals and a booking. £2.6m (18 DM)

Terkaldinho of Aston Villa, recalled to the Scottish national side at centre-back, now with 3 caps. 9 club appearances to date, left-back with two bookings. £1.9m (22 D LC)

Hick of Lugano. Dropped by Northern Ireland so reamins on 3 caps. 6 League appearances, conceding 9 with 1 clean sheet. £1.7m (25 GK) Happy Birthday!!

Pan Panpardus of Gremio, capped 5 times by South Africa. 9 League appearances with 2 assists. £1.2m (20 DM, M LC)

Diego Della Rosa of Lille, capped four times at Italian U21 level, scoring once. 14 club appearances (two in the Champions League, Liverpool up next) four goals - including two in the 3-2 away win over Toulouse - one assist, two MOMs and three bookings. £2.8m (21 AM LC, Forward)

Mikkel Kristensen of Bari. Still in the Danish full-squad but not in the playing 18. 5 League appearances. £675k (19 Sw, D C)

Leo Allen of Aston Villa. English with 3 League appearances with one goal - in his return match, 1-1 away draw with Wigan - one assist and one booking leaving Villa bottom. £2.8m (30 Striker)

James Bradbury - unattached with no interest at present. Welsh (19 D R, DM)

Luna of Juventude, still in the Nigerian full International squad but yet to feature. 7 League appearances, one assist and a sending off. £850k (18 D/WB/M RL)

Harleqin of Portsmouth, four Danish U21 caps. 8 club appearances. £2m (20 D/WB R)

Jude Alderson of Portsmouth. Capped once for Ireland U21's but called up to the full squad, only to sit on the bench. Still just the 2 League appearances for the 12th place south-coast club. £1.8m (17 WB/AM L)

Sam Cox - unattached at present with no interest. English/Irish (16 AM/F C)

Dave Solomon - unattached with no interest at present. English (16 DM, M RC) Happy Birthday!! I hope it's Happy

Steve al-Jazeera - unattached at present with no interest. Kuwait/English (20 D/WB RL, DM)

Ty of Portsmouth. 6 League appearances which includes a dismissal, however he had been capped once at England U19 level. £1.2m (18 D C, DM)

Willy - unattached with no interest at present. English/Irish (27 AM C) Again I hope it's a Happy Birthday!!

Portsmouth 3-1 Aston Villa - (17/09/05).

Leo Allen as expected missed the game for the Midlands club with a fractured arm whilst Smithaldo and Jude Alderson played no part for the hosts. Ty started centre-half and was dismissed after 25 minutes for Portsmouth, who were 3-0 up at this stage, a change of shape saw Harleqin introduced. Terkaldinho played left-back for Villa.

[AndreTheShadow]

Swish. 1 Cap, 1 Goal

I guess one shouldn't complain about the German second div, and being worth £275 ain't bad.

KUTGW

[AndreTheShadow]

Oh, and the code for the 'ø' is Alt-0248

[Gennaro08]

Cheers Andre.

Cosenza's Italian call-up meant the first change in defence in this the 11th competitive fixture for San Potito, Michele Franco his replacement. His presence was looking like it wasn't going to be missed when they visited Vigor Lamezia as San Potito set about their hosts early on. In the end they were stung by a 90th minute winner from substitute Miani, scoring his first goal for the club. To say Stefano was disappointed didn't quite cut it, they dominated the early exchanges and were even still the best team despire Cammarota's 18th minute sending off for a needless yet cynical trip. He thought the decision was harsh as it didn't look for all the world a professional foul. Langiotti then had the ball in the net just before half-time but it was ruled out for offside, half a yard was all it took. The San Potito players tired as the match wore on and were hit at the death.

It appeared as if it wasn't San Potito's day all round, Italy U19's beat Norway 3-0 but Cosenza saw his penalty saved. Again the defender and Gennaro Melisi played well for their country.

*** *** ***

Thursday's papers made for some light reading as Lille were defeated 2-0 despite a good performance from Diego Della Rosa up front, at home to Liverpool, Harry Kewell and Xabi Alonso with the goals. Chelsea with goals for Hernan Crespo and Shaun Wright-Phillips twice, beat Sporting 3-0 at home, Rod Davies put in a good shift on the left flank.

*** *** ***

Jorg Stiel and Francesco Cosenza returned in goal and at centre-back respectively and Gianmarco Rodio replaced the suspended Cammarota in midfield for the visit of fourth place Pro Vasto. It looked like Stefano's side would cruise into half-time but Morante scored to give the away team hope and alter the half-time talks of both managers. He just hoped that the goal wouldn't come back and ruin his day after Gravante scored his third of the season and Alessio Carteni his first for the club. In truth it could and should have been more, some poor finishing when in good positions and some fantastic saves from MOM Domenico Liccardi in the Pro Vasto.

[Gennaro08]

"What is it Francesco?" Stefano called out

"Groin boss," Francesco Cosenza squeeled out in between the gasps of pain.

"Ok, well we had better get you inside, Nino give us a hand with him."

{Five minutes later.}

"Ok, Rijat?" Jorg Stiel asked.

"No, it's my heel, I felt a tweek as I stretched for the ball," Rijat Shala replied.

"Someone let the physios know, we got another one on his way inside."

Luca Patarini came in for the injured Cosenza, who according to the physio report could be out for up to a month, for the visit of Viterbo. The other change was the return of Cammarota from suspension for Rodio in centre midfield. After the match Stefano sat and thought about the positives and negatives of what he had just seen, on one hand his defence minus the ever increasing rock that was Cosenza didn't allow their opponents a shot on target but San Potito were poor in front of goal themselves despite a 2-0 victory. One of those days he consolled himself. Pandolfi again got them off and running whilst Carteni scored their second and his second in two weeks, hopefully he's got a taste for this whole scoring thing.

[Gennaro08]

October 2005 Review:

San Potito 5 - Pandolfi (10, 13, 23) Cosenza (30 pen) Avolio (84)

Nocerina 0

Man of the Match: Pandolfi (Str)

Att: 2,079

Vigor Lamezia 1 - Miani (90)

San Potito 0

Action: Cammarota (s/o 18)

Man of the Match: Cerra (Vigor Lamezia - Str)

San Potito 2 - Gravante (16) Carteni (40)

Pro Vasto 1 - Morante (44)

Man of the Match: Liccardi (Pro Vasto - GK)

Att: 2,061

San Potito 2 - Pandolfi (4) Carteni (23)

Viterbo 0

Man of the Match: Avolio (LB)

Att: 2,491

League Position: 3rd

[Rarebit Nutter]

Dismissed after 25 mins

6 apperances at prem level and an U19 cap, not to shoddy

[Gennaro08]

"That was...different," Stefano offered shaking the hand of Sauro Trillini, the Martina manager, who no doubt would have been looking to use the Cup as a healthy distraction from their poor league form, which saw them sit in 15th place in Serie C1/B. San Potito made only the one change Piero Balistreri replacing Stefano Pandolfi up front but unfortunately his game only lasted 26 minutes, leaving the pitch in a considerable amount of pain with a hip injury, which later was decided that he would need to see a specialist. Alessio Carteni fell awkwardly just before half-time and was diagnosed with a fractured arm. Luigi Rana and Carmine Gaeta were their replacements, both of whom would get on the scoresheet along with two Martina players in a 5-0 victory. Vincenzo Silvestri had a day to forget, as did most of the side from the province of Taranto to be fair, his backpass beat his own goalkeeper and he gave away a free-kick getting cautioned that led to the own goal by Cardinale heading passed Avitabile, who lasted 76 minutes before being subbed. Luigi Rana scored twice and Gaeta once from the spot to claim a heavy first leg lead.

"Got more bad news for you Gaffer," Salvatore Valvano said as he walked in to the office.

"Who's injured this time?" Stefano replied with a sigh.

"Andrea Langiotti, hamstring this morning in training, it might be torn."

"He's the fourth on-loan player to go down injured in a week."

"It must be the San Potito curse..."

"The what now?"

Salvatore said no more and left.

After consulting with his coaches, Stefano re-evaluated his players, in particular those with eight months left on their contracts, renegotiating an extra year or two or looking to offload those that they felt wouldn't make the grade, in January and securing a (little) much needed cash. Further tests revealed that Langiotti's hamstring was torn and it would be New Year's at the earliest before he was back training.

San Potito travlled to the south coast of Sicily to face struggling Vittoria. Patarini, Antonio La Porta and Carmine Gaeta were given the opportunity to stake a claim for a regular starting shirt and none of them took it, in fact Luca Patarini gifted the hosts the opening when he played a sloppy backpass, which Sergi snapped up to score. MOM but in a dull draw Gravante finished off a fine team goal to equalise as both managers went home content with one point each and neither side having played at all well.

MELISI GETS SAN POTITO FIRING

Three months into life at Sant'Abruzzese, Stefano Melisi has made San Potito a force in Serie C2/C. Currently sitting in third spot, a point off league leaders Gallipoli and Cisco Roma - the latter they beat 2-1 away - the start to the season has eclipsed all expectations after being promoted in the place of Melfi, for financial irregulations. They also look to have secured safe passage to the First Round of the Serie C Cup, having defeated Serie C1/B side Martina 5-0 away in the first leg, the return leg taking place on Wednesday.

Despite fielding a 451 formation, once regarding as a defensive formation, I Leoni have scored 30 goals and conceded only 13 in 15 competitive games so far. Ten of those have come from Lazio's on-loan striker Stefano Pandolfi and fans will be hoping that Melisi and Pandolfi can continue their good work for the rest of the season.

Off the field things don't seem to be as rosey, if reports are to be believed the club from the province of Caserta are falling further into debt, deals taking midfielders Giuseppe Montano and Beniamino Liberti have been completed and Domenico Tursi appears to be the latest man leaving as San Potito have accepted a dozen offers or more for the Lanzo-born 21-year-old.

[Gennaro08]

Only Luigi Cuomo kept his place for the second leg of the Serie C Cup at home to Martina. Stefano watched on as his fringe and youth players put in a decent performance and Martina's right-back Vincenzo Silvestri claimed MOM (remember him from the first-leg?!) in a goalless draw.

At midday the next day, the whole squad gathered in the large room at Sant'Abruzzese, 'Il Tutto Stanza' to hear the Cup Draw on radio, San Potito were 18th out of the hat, first leg to be away, to Massese also of Serie C1/B. Due to Internationals at the weekend, there were no games, so in a weeks time, they would travel north to Tuscany for the first leg.

Jorg Stiel was recalled to the Swiss national side for the friendlies against Austria and Liechtenstein, ruling him out of the First Round first leg against Massese, Stefano knew that it wouldn't be like the Martina away leg and they would have to be on top form in both legs against the team sitting 5th in Serie C1/B. Massese missed a hatful of good chances in the first half as the teams went in level but promptly went about setting things right after the break and scored twice inside the opening five minutes.

"It's no more than we deserve, let's be honest," Stefano said to his assistant.

"You can't legislate for their second though."

Tiziano was referring to Gaeta's backpass from the halfway line, which forced Fumagalli ten yards outside of his box and a poor first touch was punished gleefully by Apicella for his second of the game. The same incident happened again with ten minutes later when Luigi Rana punished a mistake by Bassi in the Massese goal but his curling effort clipped the outside of the post as Stefano was on his feet but was quickly down again with his head in his hands. San Potito had to settle for the one away goal, Antonio La Porta giving them a foothold in the tie with a fantastic curling free-kick midway through the second half.

Jorg Stiel had come off the bench for both friendlies to win his 22nd and 23rd caps for Switzerland but Stefano couldn't help but feel it was a pointless exercise to cap a 37-year-old and deprive his side of by far their best player for the Cup match.

"Stefano, devils here," Alessandria said standing in the doorway.

"Cheers, which one?" he replied.

"Michele's agent."

"Send him in, you didn't offer them refreshments did you?"

"No, should I have?"

"Hell no."

Stefano had a deep-rooted dislike, nay, hatred for football agents, they never seem to act in the best of interests of the players or the clubs but themselves and their deep, fat pockets. When playing for Rushden & Diamonds back in the mid-nineties, his home club Norwich City had come a calling but his then agent, he lasted about two seconds after, had negotiated everything behind his back "acting in his best intentions" in an attempt to get him the best deal but blew it by demanding too much. Martin O'Neill left to take over Leicester City a week later and when Gary Megson was put in temporary charge any chance of reigniting the deal was gone.

"You don't have to sign you know, Michele is happy here, doesn't want to leave," Gianluca Catteffi offered.

"He'll be 22 in a few months, too old for youth team and I don't see him making the first team, he's a decent athlete but lacks some of the fundamentals. I gave him the options, told him where he stood and he decided it was best for all to move on."

"You've been here three months and think you own the place because of a few lucky wins."

"Just give me the damn paperwork to sign and get to f***."

Stefano signed the paperwork and centre-back Michele Schettino was off to non-league Morro d'Oro.

The injury suffered to Carmine Gaeta against Massese meant a reshuffle to the midfield, Rodio coming into the centre, Gravante to the left and La Porta to the right, however there was better news with Cosenza and Shala taking the bench for the first time since injury and Stiel back in between the sticks, for the home match against Rieti. Pandolfi fell awkwardly inside the first ten minutes and Salvatore Valvano ran on, with his kitbag under arm to assess the damage. It was a dangerous and potentially silly move to leave him out there - with Balistreri potentially out for the season - but he convinced them he was ok and when he was faced one-on-one with Groppioni five minutes later he dithered and eventually fired his shot out for a throw-in.

"He doesn't look right, I'm pulling him, bring Luigi back here for his instructions," Stefano said to his Tiziano.

Pandolfi was again beaten to a cross and was clearly not fit, the clearance sailing into touch allowing the change to be made. The former Bari-trainee didn't disappoint, as within seven minutes of his introduction made space for himself to get on the end of an Avolio cross and spectacularly volleyed home from six yards to give San Potito the lead. Despite their dominance they couldn't find the all important second, Stefano had been in football long enough, maybe only as a manager for a short few months but knew that the second goal was crucial to kill off any lingering hopes Rieti might have brewing inside. It took until the 81st minute for Rieti to register a shot, a wayward one at that, Cosenza had already been introduced at that stage. Substitute Giovanni Lorusso failed to add the finishing touch to a nice team move and it was left to captain Stiel to secure the three points when he parried a header away deep into stoppage time.

[mark wilson27]

someones got to be intrested in me lol, maybe its the nick name willy,,,,lol

[Gennaro08]

Mark, it's not looking good for the six of you. The straw poll posted above was tied between letting them rot and signing them up when someone gets sacked, but heading into December, hopefully they will get signed in the January window when players are sold and gaps appear in squads.

There was more paperwork to sign when goalkeeper Raffaele Coscia agreed terms with non-league Solofra and Domenico Tursi joined him becoming the fifth player to be leaving San Potito in January, having agreed to join non-league Montebelluna for £10k. That would knock £1,630 off the weekly wage bill, a £85k a year saving.

"We are top of the league, were unlucky to lose the away leg, so let's go out there and show everyone what we're all about." Stefano hoped with the return of Cosezna in defence that they wouldn't allow Massese easy chances like in the first half of the first leg.

"Great game, good luck in the next round," Stefano said shaking the hand of Massese coach Francesco D'Arrigo. The casting blow had been dealt by Santagata just after the restart, Massese's second on the night meant that San Potito required five on aggregate, four on the night. Pandolfi had given them the lead and got I Leoni off to exactly the start they had been looking for but Dobrijevic levelled ten minutes before half-time. La Porta struck with another fantastic curling free-kick to level on the night two minutes after going behind. Stefano changed things around remembering the Cheiti game and switching to 442 and pilled on the pressure, which eventually paid dividends when Rodio struck from 12 yards in the 83th minute. Stefano kept looking at his watch, knowing they would go out on away goals and threw men forward in search of winner but it never came, Davide Bassi in the Massese goal had been outstanding all night, pulling off some top draw saves but somehow wasn't rewarded with the MOM award, instead Pandolfi picked it up. What was disappointing was to see some of the fans leave with ten, fifteen minutes left in the tie, had Stefano raised expectations so much so quickly? Coming off the pitch a lot of the players had their heads down and some choice words of encouragement were required in the changing rooms afterwards.

"Ok, so we're out, but we beat them tonight and were by far the better side, over two legs were matched them and they have ambitions of Serie B next season but you did yourselves, the club and the town proud tonight and all this season, now heads up boys. Let's channel this disappointment into a positive performance and a win at the weekend."

*** *** ***

He opened the papers the next morning and dived straight into round five of the Champions League, where Lille lost again despite a goal from Diego Della Rosa, while Sporting beat Rangers 1-0, Rod Davies taking up his now familiar position on the left-wing. Neither team could qualify from their respective groups to the knockout stages but both could for the UEFA Cup with victories.

*** *** ***

San Potito made the short trip to Giugliano looking to maintain their fantastic league form and when Gravante tapped home a rebound after five minutes that looked set to continue and Stefano grinned as the players had heeded his words from midweek. Despite dominating the elusive second goal didn't come again and San Potito instead pressed the self-destruct button, a big punt upfield wasn't cut out by Cosenza and Diamanti raced clear to confidently smash past Stiel. Not to be outshone by his partner's mistake Cuomo pushed the goalscorer just inside the box and he dusted himself off to give the hosts the lead. Stefano rubbed his eyes and scratched his head in disbelief, is this really the same team from midweek? Encouraged from midweek, he pulled out ye olde 442, Rana off the bench and it took 11 minutes from the change to draw level, subsitute Gaeta looping one over Mezzacapo with the aid of a deflection from full-back Gaveglia. Giugliano were surviving the pressure from the visitors but eventually caved when MOM Pandolfi rifled home from the edge of the box as the clock struck 90 for only San Potito's second away league win in six.

[Gennaro08]

Stefano joined the youth team on the coach for the journey eastwards across Italy for the away game against Andria Bat. San Potito U20's dominated the match as a whole and despite goalkeeper Del Sole twisting his knee and being stretched off and Fennino missing a penalty, they still won 4-0, with 17-year-old striker Rubino scoring all four, he couldn't help but be impressed, especially his lob that gave him his hat-trick.

"Stefano you may want to read this," Tiziano said handing a folded-over newspaper.

Stefano started to read the article.

"Should we release a statement ourselves?"

"Give me a moment to read the damn thing first."

He read on through the article and Andria Bat's manager Rosario Foti had spoken of the confidence at Degli Ulivi, which was a strange comment considering they hadn't won in five, a smokescreen he thought.

"So they'll beat us will they?" Stefano asked.

"That's what Foti reckons." Tiziano replied.

"Let's leave it and depending on how the game goes we might release something to those lovely journalistic folk. Do you mind if I keep this copy, I didn't seem to get mine this morning?"

"Yeah of course it is."

He read through the rest of the interesting bits of the paper, finding that promising English midfielder Dave Solomon looked set to join AFC Wimbledon.

*** *** ***

November 2005 Review:

Serie C Cup Qualifying Round 1st Leg

Martina 0

San Potito 5 - Silvestri (36 og) Rana (39, 54) Cardinale (43 og) Gaeta (53 pen)

Action: Balistreri (26 inj) Carteni (45 inj)

Man of the Match: Rana (Str)

Vittoria 1 - Sergi (38)

San Potito 1 - Gravante (51)

Man of the Match: Gravante (CM)

Serie C Cup Qualifying Round 2nd Leg

San Potito 0

Martina 0

Man of the Match: Silvestri (Martina - RB)

Att: 1,020

Serie C Cup First Round 1st Leg

Massese 2 - Apicella (47, 49)

San Potito 1 - La Porta (63)

Man of the Match: Apicella (Massese - Str)

San Potito 1 - Rana (30)

Rieti 0

Man of the Match: Servi (Rieti- CB)

Att: 2,632

Serie C Cup First Round 2nd Leg

San Potito 3 - Pandolfi (11) La Porta (48) Rodio (83)

Massese 2 - Dobrijevic (35) Santagat (46)

Aggregate: San Potito 4-4 Massese (win on away goals)

Man of the Match: Pandolfi (Str)

Att: 2,521

Giugliano 2 - Diamanti (54, 67 pen)

San Potito 3 - Gravante (5) Gaeta (83) Pandolfi (90)

Man of the Match: Pandolfi (Str)

League Position: 1st

[Gennaro08]

After his four goals in midweek Rubino was rewarded with a place on the bench and got on for the last 15 minutes. Whether it was Foti's words before the game or just a game between two sides near the top of the table, there was a lot of needle in it. Referee Michele Pisani didn't produce any cards but the tackles that went in weren't exactly timid. Cosenza was the first to go and Salvatore Valvano was quickly on the seen as the youngster was struggling for breathe, which at first might have just been down to being winded, but the signal to the bench was that he couldn't continue. Marciano came on to take his place but it was his partner Cuomo who really put the challenges in, legally though and both Andria Bat strikers required treatment and were struggling, Suriano would later be diagnosed with a damaged elbow, after one hefty challenge left him in a heap on the ground. Antonio La Porta struck a free-kick from around 30 yards, which Cosimo saved well. Right on half-time and right on cue, La Porta crossed from the left and Stefano Pandolfi evaded his marker to volley home and subsequently skidded across the wet turf at Sant'Abruzzese towards to the corner flag and the home fans. Stefano was delighted and thumped the air with his right fist and glanced quickly over towards Rosario Foti who was out of the dugout and at the edge of his technical area shouting at his players, whether he was heard over the roar of the majority of the 3,237 was another matter. The second half and the San Potito players again were showing more determination and aggression in the challenge, La Porta flooring full-back Medda who required treatment and was later substituted, substitute striker Cunzi also went down after a heavy legit challenge from Cuomo. The clock ticked on and San Potito made it seven wins from seven in the league, in fact the only time I Leoni had failed to win was the 0-0 second leg Qualifying Round Cup game against Martina.

Stefano's after-match comments were reported out of context by the press the following morning. They attributed his "confidence is high at the moment" comment to Foti's previous comments about them being confident of beating San Potito. Hacks, finding stories where there isn't any, he said to himself.

"They're write anything to sell newspapers," Alessandria said stepping into his office.

Did I say that out loud, he thought to himself.

"Sorry, am I interrupting, I just read the reports from the newspapers."

"No, no, come in, yeah I just read that myself."

"Sorry about my performance lately, I've been a bit sloppy."

"Really, can't say I have noticed."

"I keep forgotting to bring you the newspapers, offer you coffee, little things that I pride myself on. I'm getting married soon so I am a little pre-occupied."

"Well that's understandable, would you like some time off to prepare."

"Oh thank you but no, it's months away yet but I like to get a head start on things, make sure I'm prepared."

"Quite right too, proper preparation and all that. Well congratulations."

Elsewhere Dave Solomon completed his move to AFC Wimbledon.

[mark wilson27]

I cant be left to rot, ive got kids to feed and a girlfriend to look after lol

[Gennaro08]

Stefano would love to sign you for San Potito but you or rather your kids and girlfriend don't want to move to Italy, it'll be AFC Wimbledon for you yet.

[mark wilson27]

lol bring on the crazy gang lol, or I could leave the kids and girlfriend .mmmmmmm decisions decisions........

[Gennaro08]

Stefano watched Inter beat Shakhtar 2-0 at home with goals from the enigma was that Alvaro Recoba and Dejan Stankovic. Elsewhere, Sporting drew at the Nou Camp, Rod Davies playing well at left-back and nullifying the threat of one Leo Messi but unfortunately thus ended their European football for this season. Lille could only draw at home to 10-men Ajax, when a victory was required to progress to the UEFA Cup. Diego Della Rosa was quiet throughout the 90 minutes. Scottinho made his second (first start) Champions League appearance in the away trip to Sparta Prague and crossed for Pepe to tap home Porto's second, unfortunately the hosts hit four and Cesar Delgado's injury-time goal wasn't enough on the night. However, it didn't matter as Porto qualified second from Group G and progressed to face Manchester United in the first Knockout Round.

*** *** ***

Gallipoli came out the traps a lot faster than Stefano's San Potito and Cuomo gave away another needless penalty for shirt-pulling just inside the area, Alfarano in front of the visiting fans opted for power down the middle and to the delight of those fans saw Stiel palmed away to safety. The attacks kept coming and Stefano changed things around early-on, protecting the vunerable flanks with the 4321 Christmas tree formation and counter-attacked superbly, Pandolfi advancing down the left before cutting in and a perfectly weighted pass found the advancing Nicola Caldarola who slotted passed Lafuenti in the Gallipoli for his first San Potito goal since arriving on loan from Bari. One became two as Pandolfi and Rodio exchanged passes and the on-loan striker finsihed nicely. "Concentrate! Focus!" he yelled just before Innocenti has reduced the deficit to one on the stroke of half-time, Stiel parrying the first shot but straight into the path of the striker. San Potito soaked up the possession and pressure in the second and broke well, Pandolfi holding the ball up well and found Rodio making strides into the box but his effort grazed the outside of the post. Cammarota's last action of the game was to flick the ball forward for Pandolfi in the box but again his effort struck the post. Stiel was commanding between the sticks as San Potito beat third place Gallipoli to maintain top spot and their two point lead over Cisco Roma.

Straight from kick-off, away to Taranto, San Potito drove through the centre and Rodio thundered a drive over the bar inside 45 seconds. A fastly developing La Porta trademark free-kick brought the best out of Pier Graziano Gori. An 80-yard run from Pandolfi ended in his shot rebounding off the base of the post. But it was first blood to the hosts as Marchsean scored from a free-kick, after Cuomo had given away a needless free-kick on the edge of the area. Midway through the second half, substitute Rana failed to punish Raggi's missed interception and Gori's dithering on the ball. San Potito broke after defending a free-kick and Rana played in La Porta but he lashed at the shot with seven minutes to play. The equaliser came courtesy on substitute Vinicio Paris' first ever San Potito goal. Jorg Stiel had to be alert in injury-time to tip a header over his bar and claim MOM (not for that one save mind).

San Potito remained top of the table despite only drawing at home to Igea Virtus as Cisco Roma got a taste of their own medicine with a heavy defeat. Top scorer Stefano Pandolfi put the hosts ahead inside five minutes and they allowed full-back Francesco Tondo too much room up the left and his cross surprised all and delighted some of the three thousand strong crowd at Sant'Abruzzese, when it nestled in the top-hand corner of the net. Ten minutes into the second half it was Stefano's chance to benefit from a slice or hunk of luck when Pandolfi's free-kick destined for the far corner took a deflection off the wall and found it's way into the near corner to restore the lead. Further chances fell to Rodio, Cammarota and Caldarola to extend the lead but the shooting was again off colour and the price was to be paid with eight minutes left and Dell'Orzo ran off his marker, Patarini - in for Cuomo who had disappointed lately - and slotted nicely past Stiel much to the disappointment of the home crowd.

[Gennaro08]

December 2005 Review:

San Potito 1 - Pandolfi (45)

Andria Bat 0

Action: Cosenza (6 inj)

Man of the Match: De Silvestri (RB)

Att: 3,237

Gallipoli 1 - Innocenti (45)

San Potito 2 - Caldarola (20) Pandolfi (33)

Action: Alfarano (Gallipoli - 6 m/pen)

Man of the Match: Stiel (GK)

Taranto 1 - Marchesan (36)

San Potito 1 - Paris (83)

Man of the Match: Stiel (GK)

San Potito 2 - Pandolfi (6, 54)

Igea Virtus 2 - Tondo (32) Dell'Orzo (82)

Man of the Match: Pandolfi (Str)

Att: 3,086

League Position: 1st

[Gennaro08]

The Igea Virtus draw had been nagging away at him ever since Michele Gallo blew the full-time whistle two days ago but Stefano knew that he couldn't let that bother him over Christmas, Gennaro had come down from Modena and no doubt the topic of conversation would be football, at least until his mum got fed up and insisted they changed the conversation.

They got up late on Boxing Day and had left-overs, as festive and traditional in the Melisi home as the Christmas Day meal itself. Mid-afternoon they all put their coats, hats, scarfs and gloves on and ventured out into the cold, no sign of snow though. Stefano knew in his heart-of-hearts that he had put it off for too long and used his management job as an excuse but he hadn't visited since his first weeks at San Potito.

"Hi Dad, I'm sorry it's been awhile," Stefano offered.

"I'm well and San Potito are top of the league at Christmas."

"Mum's well and Gennaro's getting on good at Modena, chance of promotion to Serie A and has already won an Under-21 cap. I'm proud of him, just like I was...am of you dad."

After Christmas they got back training, after having four days off, they had 16 days between the Igea Virtus match and the Modica match next up on the 8th of January.

"Are we okay for the Annual San Potito New Year Shindig?" Tiziano said after training

"First season remember, so not quite saw what you are talking about."

"Oh sorry, it seems like you've been here for ages."

"Cheers," he replied sarcasticly.

"Not like that."

"I know what you mean, don't worry, so what's it all about?"

"New Year's Eve, players and their families gather at the Club and we ring in the New Year, a touch of alcohol flows but nothing stupid. It brings everyone together and the Chairman himself pays for it all."

"Sounds like a great idea, old moneybags himself pays eh, who organises?"

"Alessandria did it last year and it was the best ever."

"Let her loose on the Chairman's wallet."

[mark wilson27]

first in league looking good Gennaro

[Gennaro08]

Cheers Mark, with only one team winning automatic promotion and four going into a Playoff, I very much hope to be in the hunt come May.

Nobody except Stefano came in to work on Sunday, January 1 and even that wasn't until midday. Tiziano was right, the New Year's celebrations had been fantastic and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves, players, families and even Chairman Maglione, who found the time to congratulate him on his "fantastic performance, you're a star, a born winner," it was 2am at that time and his glass of red wine had been routinely topped up throughout the night, the cheeks were a little rosey, so he chalked that up to over-exuberance and moved on. The night before he had pawed over youth teams players with his assistant and would again later tonight. Stefano hadn't got drunk but he knew he'd had a drink or two.

Tiziano rolled in at 6pm and his first words were, "Do we have to?"

"It's ok mate, I've got it. Same rules as last night?"

"Yep," and Tiziano turned and headed back straight through the door to his car.

Leave the Serie A boys for now and the youngsters at B, but the older ones not getting a game are worth approaching. Serie C might be worth a punt if they aren't playing much. he reminded himself. The computer had all the notes and reminders of what they thought were the player contracts and a few names came out at him for the youth system, calls were made and agents contacted.[/i]

Did I say too much last night? Is it too early to tell him your stories? Maybe he won't remember, look at the state of him today. Stefano was always a private person but last night he upon request of the rather blunt question of, "You've got a son, but where's his mum?" had told Tiziano all about the story of Emma.

*cue flashback, apologies for the 70's and 80's fashion and hairstyles (that was style)*

It began in his playing days at Rushden & Diamonds, women were impressed when you said you were a footballler, but say the words, semi-pro and Rushden & Diamonds and boy do they turn and move on to the next guy. There had always been a girl though that he had his eye on Emma Lindstrup was her name, Danish name from generations past. They had eventually got together and got engaged shortly after she had "fallen" pregnant and had planned to get married. Gennaro was born and the relationship started to crack shortly after. He must have been the only one not to have known that she was sleeping with one of his teammate and supposed friend from Irthlingborough Diamonds (before the merger with Rushden Town to form Rushden & Diamonds). It had apparently been going on for two-and-a-half years before "his friend" was transferred and Emma went with him, Stefano left with a 4-year-old son. His parents had come over to England to stay and help raise Gennaro.

That's quite enough of that and with January rang-in, it's time for a player update featuring screenshots.

[Gennaro08]

January 2007 - Player Updates

Scottinho of Porto, running away with the Portugese title. 2 in 5 for the U21's and a regular starting in the league with 3 in 11. £1.8m (17 AM/F C)

Conrad Rowden of Marseille, three points clear of Lyon at the top. Still no Norwegian cap despite all his efforts. 4 in 9 in the league. £3m (18 AM R, Str)

Smithaldo of Portsmouth, helping the U18 squad to fifth. In the English U19 squad but not yet capped. Scored 3 in 21 non-competitive games with one assist and one booking. £1.1m (17 AM R)

Borge Eian of Bochum. Capped 3 time by America scoring once. Scored 4 in 11 in the German second-tier. £325k (19 AM RC)

Tobes of Antwerp. 1 in 2 for Australia. 6 in 14 in the League. £110k (19 AM/F C)

Rod Davies of Sporting, third in the League, 13 points off leaders Porto. Twice capped at U21 level for France. Scored 3 times in 13 league appearances. £1.8m (20 D/WB/AM L)

HD - unattached with no interest at present. Of Sint Maarten nationality. (15 AM/F C)

Gennaro Melisi of Modena, 4th in Serie B. 18 League appearances, two goals, one assist and two bookings. £2.4m (19 DM)

Terkaldinho of Aston Villa, 13th in the Premiership. Capped 5 times by Scotland. 15 League appearances to date, 1 assist, 1 booking and 1 red card. £2m (22 D LC)

Hick of Lugano. Capped 3 times by Northern Ireland. 10 League appearances, conceding 15 with 3 clean sheets in second-tier Switzerland. £1.7m (25 GK)

Pan Panpardus of Gremio, capped 7 times by South Africa scoring once. 11 League appearances with 2 assists. £1.2m (21 DM, M LC)

Diego Della Rosa of Lille, 16th in the league. Capped six times at Italian U21 level, scoring three times. 18 League appearances scoring six goals, one assist, two MOMs and three bookings. £2.8m (21 AM LC, Forward)

Mikkel Kristensen of Bari, 6th in Serie B. Two Danish U21 caps. 17 League appearances, one assist and one MOM. £600k (19 Sw, D C)

Leo Allen of Aston Villa, 13th in the Premiership. English with 7 League appearances, one goal, two assists and one booking. £3m (30 Striker)

James Bradbury - unattached with no interest at present. Welsh (19 D R, DM)

Luna of Juventude, capped once by Nigeria. 8 League appearances, one assist and a sending off. £850k (18 D/WB/M RL)

Harleqin of Portsmouth, 10th in the Premiership. six Danish U21 caps, scoring once. 13 League appearances. £1.6m (20 D/WB R)

Jude Alderson of Portsmouth, 10th in the Premiership. Capped five times for Ireland U21's scoring once. Only the 4 League appearances. £1.8m (17 WB/AM L)

Sam Cox - unattached at present but with interest from AFC Wimbledon. English/Irish (17 AM/F C)

Dave Solomon of non-league AFC Wimbledon. Six League appearances. English. £70k in compensation to sign as has no value due to age, on youth forms. (16 DM, M RC)

Steve al-Jazeera - unattached at present with no interest. Kuwait/English (20 D/WB RL, DM)

Ty of Portsmouth, 10th in the Premiership. Capped for England U19. 14 League appearances which includes a dismissal. £1.2m (18 D C, DM)

Willy - unattached with no interest at present. English/Irish (27 AM C)

[mark wilson27]

damn still noone wants me

[Gennaro08]

Unfortunately not Mark, still undecided about what to should anyone be unattached come the summer, before the change to the next season.

Be better for those such as yourself that take a keen interest in the story and would like to follow the development of their created player.

Serie C2/C League Table - January 2006

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | San Potito | | 16 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 26 | 15 | +11 | 33 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Cisco Roma | | 16 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 34 | 17 | +17 | 32 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Gallipoli | | 16 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 19 | +7 | 29 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Pro Vasto | | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 16 | +3 | 28 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Igea Virtus | | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 33 | 29 | +4 | 26 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Nocerina | | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 20 | +2 | 26 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Andria Bat | | 16 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 15 | 12 | +3 | 24 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Latina | | 16 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 22 | 16 | +6 | 24 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Real Marcianise | | 16 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 19 | +4 | 23 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Taranto | | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 23 | 14 | +9 | 22 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Giugliano | | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 16 | 19 | -3 | 22 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Potenza | | 16 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 20 | 26 | -6 | 18 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Vittoria | | 16 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 12 | 24 | -12 | 17 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Rieti | | 16 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 18 | -5 | 16 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Viterbo | | 16 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 15 | 20 | -5 | 16 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Vigor Lamezia | | 16 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 14 | 22 | -8 | 15 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Modica | | 16 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 31 | -17 | 15 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Rende | | 16 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 11 | 21 | -10 | 10 | </pre>

The five players with pre-arranged transfers were completed and moved on. Stefano set about recruiting new players for the summer and next season but having performed so well in the season so far was unsure at what level. Hold out for if we win promotion?

The fax machine didn't stop whirling, agreements were reached for Santarcangelo's 18-year-old striker Cristian Toma, Nantes' 17-year-old defender Morgan Suric, Castelnuovo's 18-year-old midfield Giordano Togneri and Feyenoord's 18-year-old midfielder Frank de Haan to arrive at Sant'Abruzzese in the summer, all on free transfers. Suric and de Haan would go straight into the first team whilst Toma and Togneri would join the youth setup and hopefully develop into decent players in a couple of years time.

Negotiations started with Mohamed Fofana, a 20-year-old in the Cittadella Under 20 side. The French/Malian striker wanted to take a starring role at the club but Stefano wasn't ready to acknowledge that and would not guarantee that to the striker and his agent but the talks continued.

On the eve of the resumption of the league, Stefano had assessed his goalkeeping situation and called Jorg Stiel in to his office.

"You wanted to see me Stefano?"

"Indeed I did Jorg, have you given any thought to beyond this season?"

"Not really, I'm more focused on the here and now to be honest."

"That's fine, no problems with that at all. You are obviously our best goalkeeper here at the Club and have performed fantastically all season, hell you are even back in the Swiss set-up. You declared upon signing that this was to be your last season as a player, is that still the case?"

"Erm...I don't know."

"Well Jorg, could I ask that you reconsider your position and look to stay on as player/coach next season as first choice goalkeeper naturally?"

"I'll think about for you Boss."

Stefano allowed himself a little wry smile.

He was both anxious and excited to resume the league action and remained positive, The Wheels Won't Fall Off and the home match against Modica was exactly what was required. Stefano Pandolfi had again been the star of the show, scoring twice and claiming MOM, he had aggravated his ankle and was withdrawn with 20 minutes left. Martino Gravante had gone close to adding to his tally with a header that hit the side-netting.

"How bad is it?" Stefano asked.

"At least two weeks, could be a month or more though," Salvatore replied.

"B*ll*cks."

[mark wilson27]

Dont worry i'll be keeping an eye on my player, I want him to at least manage one game....lol.

Hopefully he wont get sent off or injured as quick as i did lol

[Harleqin]

Go me! Even better than my real life hometown who just had one of their players awarded the Second Division Player of the Year award, then sold him and, finally, signed a new record sponsorship with Nike.

And the mighty Spurs will win again tonight. Things are going well indeed.

[Gennaro08]

Let's try that again.

Be better for those such as yourself that take a keen interest in the story and would like to follow the development of their created player, if they were not, shall we say, decommissioned and remained in the game.

This is my second attempt at writing this update, so please bear with me as I am half trying to remember what I wrote before and half just trying to write the damn thing and move on.

ROMA FOR REVENGE

Today see's Cisco Roma travel to Sant'Abruzzese to meet San Potito as the top two meet in a mid-season clash. The side from Caserta won the reverse of this fixture 2-1 earlier in the season and the Capital club will be looking for revenge and to claim back the top spot in Serie C2/C. A victory would see them move two points clear at the top of the table, whilst a home win would give them breathing space at the top with a four point gap.

Whoever the victors today, it is sure to be an action packed and exciting match as between them they have scored 66 goals in their 17 respective games this season. That said Stefano Melisi, the San Potito manager - who has made an excellent start to his managerial career - will be without top goalscorer and on-loan striker Stefano Pandolfi who twisted his ankle against Modica last week and is not due back until mid-February. The Lazio striker joins the on-loan Palermo striker Piero Balistreri on the sidelines, who has been out of action with a hip injury since early November. We understand Melisi is likely to favour Luigi Rana, who will make his first league start this season, having appeared from the bench eight times, scoring once in the league and twice in the Serie C Cup.

Cisco Roma will favour their attacking 3-4-3 formation, whilst Rana will play as the lone-striker in the fluid 4-5-1 formation that San Potito have adopted this season under the 37-year-old's guidance.

If I was a betting man, I would favour a high-scoring draw, 3-3.

How very wrong the journalist was, the visit of Cisco Roma failed to produce any goals, despite the Romans starting brightly and Rana's repose being tipped over the bar. It was a drab goalless draw with not many chances as the sides spent most of the match 'feeling each other out'.

Mohamed Fofana's agent called to inform Stefano that negotiations were off as the latest offer was still not to the Cittadella striker's liking and there was further bad news as Jorg Stiel knocked on the office door.

"Come In," What I am, a bloody Head Master

"I've come to my decision Boss, which is not to extend my playing career beyond this season."

"I can't say that I'm not disappointed."

"The body just can't take it anymore, I'm 37 and the time is right to call an end. I would like to stay on as a coach though."

"OK Jorg, that's fine, we'll look to extend your coaching contract soon."

Salvatore Valvano stopped by the office and Stefano knew that everytime he entered, it was never good news. The news was that left-back Gaetano Avolio had injured his back in training and was looking at a month on the sidelines.

[Gennaro08]

I'll second that Spurs victory tonight. I'll be watching the first half round a mates before going football training.

ESPOSITO WANTS MOVE

Young San Potito midfielder Vincenzo Esposito exclusively revealed to us that he is upset with manager Stefano Melisi for rejecting an offer from Fiorentina for his services. The offer believed to be in the region of £10,000 for a co-ownership deal was turned down by Melisi just days after their goalless against second-placed Cisco Roma.

17-year-old Esposito is yet to feature in Serie C2/C this season and his only appearance in the first team was a Serie C Cup match at home to Martina, after winning the first leg 5-0. He has impressed in the youth team, where they sit atop Group 7 after 21 games played.

"Fiorentina are a great side with a proud history and tradition and it would be an honour to play Serie A football."

Stefano went on to read that Sam Cox had joined Dave Solomon in signing for English non-leauge outfit AFC Wimbledon.

San Potito made the short trip up the western coast line of Italy to Latina where they succumbed to their first defeat in 12 matches. It wasn't the defeat that disappointed Stefano - who knew his side had to lose sooner or later and was just pleased it wasn't against Cisco Roma - it was the abject performance and the fact that they didn't create anything or even look like creating anything to trouble the hosts defence. Upon reviewing the other results it coincided with a home defeat for Cisco Roma at the hands of Giugliano and now in-form Igea Virtus took up the running as hunting down Stefano's San Potito in second place, two points behind and a point ahead of the Romans.

Where's Tears for Fears or Gary Jules when you need them, he mused.

"And I find it kind of funny

I find it kind of sad

The dreams in which I'm dying

Are the best I've ever had"

Get a grip man, you're top of table, above all expectations, you're got to take the rough with the smooth. As a player, Stefano had a will-to-win, which just seemed to have grown since becoming a manager, he put it down to the fact that you can't directly affect a game, play the killer ball to split the defence, head home the winner in injury-time or make a last ditch goal-saving tackle. You do your best during the week, pick the formation and team and send them out there to do the job and ultimately it is the players' that dictate the result, well sometimes the referee but there was a sense of lose of control. His phone rang shaking him out of his dejected state.

"Urbain, what can I do for you so late?"

.....

"Of course it's not a problem, so what's up?"

.....

"Ajax, hey."

.....

"Do you have his agent's details?"

.....

"Really, that good, you were very impressed with de Haan? It'd be good to have two Dutchman at the Club, that might stop them getting homesick and lonely, language barrier and all to start off with."

.....

"Well that's good news, if the club aren't interested in offering him a new deal then go see the club tomorrow, I'll give them a heads up, and state our intentions, hopefully they can provide a club representative rather than a greedy fat agent."

.....

"Give me a call when you're there and I'll give you precise figures to offer. Good work mate."

With that Stefano clicked off the phone and replayed Marco van Basten's stunning volley against the Soviet Union in the Euro Championships in 1988 in his head. Calm down, he thought, they might be good for San Potito, but steady, so it's Rende at the weekend, we owe them one.

Stefano was referring to the opening day of the season 3-0 away defeat. This time though at Sant'Abruzzese Rende had no answer and Rodio headed against the bar and then shot wide as San Potito set about the visitors. La Porta had a free-kick tipped wide before Rana put pressure on the goalkeeper, who made a gaff, allowing Gravante the easy task of tapping into an empty net. Just before their second, the self-destruct button was in evidence as Cammarota's poor back pass was intercepted but Riolo's shot went wide. The missed opportunity was duly punished, Rana picking the ball up and turning and spotting the run of La Porta down the left played a great ball into his path for the winger to cut across the last man before slotting home from twelve yards to secure the match.

[Gennaro08]

January 2006 Review:

San Potito 2 - Pandolfi (36, 69)

Modica 0

Man of the Match: Pandolfi (Str)

Att: 3,084

San Potito 0

Cisco Roma 0

Man of the Match: Russo (Cisco Roma - CM)

Att: 3,091

Latina 1 - Artistico (74)

San Potito 0

Man of the Match: Pietrella (Latina - CM)

San Potito 2 - Gravante (40) La Porta (75)

Rende 0

Man of the Match: Caldari (Rende - RB)

Att: 2,627

League Position: 1st

[flipsix3]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Gennaro08:

He read through the rest of the interesting bits of the paper, promising English midfielder Dave Solomon looked set to join AFC Wimbledon.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Woot! time for me to hit the big time

[Gennaro08]

Flipsix3, just be careful and don't go mad with your £160 per week wage, you've quickly racked up 15 League appearances and Mr Solomon believes he will learn a lot at AFC Wimbledon, who are sponsored by SI Games I think, or were at the time of the game (FM 2006). -Xenon- must be pleased with Mr Cox who has scored four in eight and has even made his way in AFC Wimbledon's favoured personnel and wants to impress his new manager, Dave Anderson.

Stefano took his side on the very short journey to Real Marcianise in early February and was pleased with the performance. Central defender Luca Patarini earned MOM - and was looking very solid alongside Cosenza - since his inclusion at the expense of Luigi Cuomo. Left-back Marciano - in for the injured Gaetano Avolio headed against the bar from a corner early on and he followed it up with a long searching ball that found La Porta in behind his full-back and his shot across the keeper found the far corner to give the visitors the lead. The lead lasted just over ten minutes, a cross to the near post was flicked on and Corsale beat three defenders to the ball and tapped in at the far post. It took three mintues for a response and it was La Porta again getting in behind his full-back from De Silvestri pass this time and Armellini was beaten at his near post this time. Luigi Rana put La Porta in again for his hat-trick but Armellini wasn't beaten at his near post on this occasion.

Stefano knew the next goal was going to be crucial in this match and it looked like it would be San Potito who would get it going close through Rodio who was set up after good hold up play by Rana. Straight up the other end, Stiel had to be alert to save well from a header. Shala looked like he would extend the lead as did Stefano who was on his feet, sprung and ready to celebrate but after the Swiss rounded the keeper he saw his shot hit the side-netting. A minute later though and Stefano was celebrating, the pressure had finally told as Gravante slipped Rana in and he scored his first goal since deputising for the injured Pandolfi. Rana went in search of a second and ran at the defence late on but shot wide.

PORTA SAYS NOT THIS YEAR FOR SAN POTITO

Potenza manager Antonio Porta has spoken of his desire for Stefano Melisi and San Potito to not win promotion to Serie C this season. He claimed there were better teams currently in Serie C2/C who would be more deserving of promotion, especially since the Caserta club didn't earn promotion last season but rather were awarded it after Melfi's financial irregularities.

Porta hoped that his team could dent Melisi's chances of promotion with a win at Sant'Abruzzese tomorrow and was confident of doing so with his attacking 3-4-3 formation against a San Potito defence that has only conceded 17 goals in 21 league matches this season, the best in the league.

Stefano was pleased, especially with the attitude of Jorg Stiel who had been geeing up the players for the forthcoming match, with his positive and professional attitude and wanting to demonstrate to Porta how very wrong his words were. The same could not be said for defender Cosenza who was worried that Porta might be right and that San Potito were not destined for promotion this season. A quiet word in the ear of the youngster soon set him straight on how things stood in Caserta.

San Potito v Potenza - Serie C2/C

Welcome to the Serie C's live match action from Sant'Abruzzese on this dry day in San Potito Sannitico, Caserta.

Let's start with the team news and San Potito's starting XI is unchanged from last weekend's away victory over Real Marcianise, however there are bench places for the returning Nicola Caldarola and Andrea Langiotti, on loan from Bari and Lazio respectively. A lot will be expected from 19-year-old striker Luigi Rana after his fine performance in that match, as he continues to stand in for on-loan strikers Stefano Pandolfi and Pieri Balistreri.

San Potito: Stiel; Marciano, Cosenza, Patarini, De Silvestri; Gravante, Rodi, Cammarota, Shala, La Porta; Rana.

Subs: Fumagalli, Cuomo, Caldarola, Langiotti, Gaeta, Rubino, Paris.

Potenza: Balli; Nocentini, Carnevali, Vallefuoco; Gona, Ribeiro, Troise, Talarico; Morello, Delgado, Di Roberto.

Subs: Iuliano, Lisi, Russo, Zanotti, Grimaldi, Platone, D'Agostino.

Referee: Salvatore Natale (Cesena)

The match gets underway with Potenza kicking-off from left-to-right in this first half.

1 - Shala plays in Rana but he shots wide.

8 - Rana picks up the ball on the half-way line and runs at Tiziano Carnevali (Carnivals, really though, no wonder Roma released him as a youngster, may as well just call him Titus Bramble), his fantastic run takes him into box but his shot hits the side-netting.

16 - Rana completed his hat-trick of misses by shooting over from the edge of the area after being played in by Rodio.

40 - The first shot on target of the match arrives, although its the visitors with it, Talarico's header is palmed away by Jorg Stiel in the San Potito goal.

42 - GOAL!! GOAL!! GOAL!! Rana breaks the deadline just before half-time, what a time to score, is that a bad time to score though? His fifth goal of the season arrives after Cosenza sent La Porta away down the left, exposing the gaps left by Potenza's 3-4-3 formation, his cross was neatly tucked away by Rana.

1-0

45+1 - There's the half-time whistle, hardly a classic, but shirley, sorry surely the second half will be much better due to Rana's goal.

HALF TIME

46 - Rana is sent clear by his shot is well parried by Balli in the Potenza goal and La Porta is agonising close to getting the reboung before it is hacked clear.

49 - Rana again involved in the thick of the action, a sublime cross field ball picks out La Porta, who has switched to the left, he gets to the byline and cuts it back for the onrushing Cammarota, but he shots narrowly wide. Should have done better with that one I'm afraid.

61 - GOAL!! GOAL!! GOAL!! Rana again involved, exposing the space down the flanks and crossing for the advancing midfielder, that is Rodio this time and his thunderous striker almost takes the net off it's frame but it takes the roof off Sant'Abruzzese with the home crowd on it's feet in rapturous applause. That's Rodio's first league goal for San Potito.

2-0

66 - GOAL!! GOAL!! GOAL!! San Potito switching off and looking a little laboured after the second goal, Delgado gets to the byline and his cut back is stuck in by Talarico.

2-1

69 - GOAL!! GOAL!! GOAL!! Shala plays in Rana, again exposing the space on the flanks, he crosses and it's Rodio again breaking from midfield and he heads in passed Balli unmarked.

3-1

71 - San Potito substitution, Rubino on for the excellent Rana, who has scored once and has two assists, a MOM candidate for sure.

77 - San Potito substitution, double change with Gravante and Cammarota being replaced by the returning Langiotti and Caldarola.

79 - Potenza substitution, double change in response by the visitors, Ribeiro and Morello off for Grimaldi and D'Agostino.

83 - Free-kick for Potenza, 25 yards out, struck by Troise but well saved by Stiel, D'Agostino offside on the rebound, which Stiel saved anyway.

85 - Potenza substitution, the last of the game now, Platone on for the goalscorer Talarico.

89 - De Silvestri crosses from the right and La Porta's header is parried away by Balli.

90+3 - De Silvestri takes a quick throw-in to Shala, in field to Rodio, who feeds Rubino with a first-time shot from 20 yards that is tipped over by Balli, who has been busy in the Potenza goal today.

90+4 - La Porta this time in behind in the right channel, his shot from a tight angle is tipped over and referee Natale (Christmas, oh how very festive) blows the full-time whistle hear at Sant'Abruzzese on a convincing home win for leaders San Potito.

FULL TIME

Thanks for joining us for coverage on this match at Serie C online, match stats to follow:

15 Shots 8

5 On Target 4

10 Off Target 4

51% Possession 49%

2 Corners 1

18 Free Kicks 25

9 Offsides 6

70% Passes Completed 69%

0 Yellow Cards 0

0 Red Cards 0

Attendance: 3,269

After the victory over Potenza, Stefano received a call from scout Urbain Haesaert.

"You heard about that already."

.....

"Modern technology hey, so what you been up to?"

.....

"Yeah, if you think he is worth it, then proceed like before, speak to the club and offer a deal tomorrow morning. Same terms as before yeah?"

.....

"Good work mate, let me know how it goes."

Stefano was kitted out for training Monday morning and was warming up with the lads when he was given a greeting.

"Watch the hair," Stefano (Melisi) said.

"Sorry Boss, just good to be back trainig properly with the lads, y'know."

"Stefano (Pandolfi), welcome back son, so Salvatore give you the ok to step up training?"

"Yeah, with no reactions during the week, I should be ready for the weekend."

"How do you fancy a run out for the youth team Friday night then, match sharpness?"

"Yeah, yeah."

During the week, Urbain called and confirmed that PSV's Argentine 18-year-old attacking midfielder Juan Carlos Carrizo has accepted the contract offer and would be joining up in the summer. Stefano waited for the fax to click into gear and receive the forms for him to sign and return.

[Gennaro08]

Let's take a tour of the Cups and League positions from around the World, well at least the Leagues I have running.

FA Cup 5th Round

Chelsea beat Aston Villa 2-0 with Leo Allen being subbed on 62 minutes and Terkaldinho entering the match as a half-time sub for the injured Wilfred Bouma. The Villans had beaten Blackpool 2-0 in the previous round and Cardiff by the same scoreline in the 3rd round with a goal from striker Leo Allen.

Portsmouth went out in the 3rd round thanks to a 2-1 away defeat to Crystal Palace. Harleqin came on as a sub but Ty remained on the bench all day and all he got was splinters. Smithaldo and Jude Alderson played no part.

English League Cup

Aston Villa lost to Arsenal in the Semi-Finals despite a Leo Allen goal in the home leg. 2-1 on aggregate.

Portsmouth went out in Round 2 to Plymouth 2-1.

Aston Villa - 8th, one point off sixth-placed Newcastle.

Portsmouth - 16th, five points clear of relegation.

French Cup

Marseille are through to the 11th round, having beat Amiens (Round 9) 2-0, Conrad Rowden on as a sub and AJ Saint-Georges (Round 10) by the same scoreline, Rowden shall we say rested.

Lille went out in Round 9 to Grenoble, 1-0.

French League Cup

Marseille went out in the Quarter-Finals 1-0 to Toulouse, having beat Angers on penalties in the round before and Bastia before that.

Lille went out in Round 1 to Sochaux also 1-0, Diego Della Rosa played a full 90 in both.

Marseille - five points behind leaders Lyon.

Lille - 17th, five points clear of relegation.

German Cup

Bochum went out in Round 1 to St.Pauli on penalties. Irronically Bochum II (Reserves) are still going strong into the Quarter Finals.

Coppa Italia

Modena long since crashed out at the hands of Serie C2/C side Martina but are currently 9th in the league.

Bari did likewise crashing out in the 1st Qualifying round to Lucchese and are in 15th in Serie B.

Portugese Cup

Porto went out in Round 4 to Canelas Gaia, Scottinho playing up front as Porto dominated but failed to score in the 1-0 defeat. Sporting went a round further but lost 2-1 to Ovarense, Rod Davies back in his familiar left-wing slot after playing left-back in Round 4.

Porto - six points clear at the top from...

...Sporting - who are four points clear in second from Benfica.

[Gennaro08]

Igea Virtus were leading the chasing pack, after taking over the mantle from Cisco Roma but as Stefano read through the other results from the weekend he saw that they had lost their unbeaten run that stretched to 11 games at the hands of Gallipoli.

Stefano was pleased with the response from the team after the awful showing in the defeat to Latina and would be looking to extend that when Vigor Lamezia came to Sant'Abruzzese. It wasn't be to though as De Felice - the vistors goalkeeper - walked away with the MOM award. It had been an awful start, clocked at 47 seconds when Pasca scored, Stiel was the first San Potito player to touch the ball and that was picking it out of his net. The rest of the match turned into an assault, referee Paolo Pellicano had considered calling the police and if this was a boxing match it would have long been declared a San Potito win. Vigor Lamezia only managed one other chance of note, when right on the stroke of half-time goalscorer Pasca headed against the bar. Between the goal and the chance, Rana and Cosenza had headed over and Rodio's header was tipped over. If the first half was ABH, the second was attempted murder, lacking the penetrative weapon, if you are still following the analogy, then I'm talking about punch, fire power, Gary Lineker, a goalscorer. So Stefano Pandolfi was introduced at half-time to partner Rana and Langiotti also came on. And it was the latter who scored from De Silvestri's cross, the home fans would have been hoping that, that was the moment that changed the game but it was more of the same from there in, Rana capitalising on a mistake straight from the kick-off but shot wide, if that boy could finish he would be deadly to the opposition, rather than just Stefano's health. A Langiotti cross was taken down superbly by the boy but he shot wide and if that chance was, to use the term, a sitter then when he got a touch lucky with a deflected cross falling at his feet he missed an unmissable from six yards. Another chance fell to Rana, didn't they all and his shot was parried, at least we're making progress here people, shot on target and Pandolfi lashed the rebound wide, Shala had the last decent chance of the match when he span and shot over from 12 yards and it was a hugely frustrating day at the office, well at the pitch more like for Stefano.

After the game Stefano got another call on his mobile, it was Urbain Haesaert again, who had been to watch the PSV youth team again at the manager's request and was particularly impressed with 21-year-old Australian goalkeeper Nathan Coe and the instructions were the same as before to visit the club and offer a contract to the player.

During the week, Stefano sat down to take in the UEFA Champions League 1st Knockout Round, he spent his time flicking between the three Italian games and no matter which one he watched, there were no goals to be had, two injuries, a sending off for Andriy Shevchenko and a missed penalty but three goalless draws. Porto missing the injured Scottinho with a damaged foot and who was a doubt for the return leg, drew 2-2 at home to Manchester United.

Urbain called again with the good news that PSV goalkeeper Nathan Coe had signed the contract and would join in the summer and also received a call that Jorg Stiel had been called up to the Swiss squad - despite making his intentions clear to retire in the summer - for the friendly match at the start of March in Scotland, lucky chap.

Cisco Roma play all their home matches on a Saturday, probably due to not wanting to have two matches being played in Rome on a Sunday afternoon with Lazio or AS Roma playing at the Stadio Olimpico every weekend. To this end, every other week, Stefano would know what their once biggest threat to the Championship had done that weekend, this they drew at home to Taranto, leaving San Potito with the opportunity to move six points clear at the top of the table when they visited Viterbo, the northern most province of Lazio. San Potito again struggled on the road, despite having Pandolfi back spearheading the attack and it was he who created the first opportunity of the match turning his marker but before he could get his shot off was robbed by the recovering defender, the loose ball fell to the supporting Langiotti and his shot was well saved by Servili. He was again extended when he tipped over La Porta's free-kick.

Pandolfi only managed the first half as he was replaced by Rana at half-time. Three minutes into the second half and Iadresta headed the hosts ahead from a free-kick and Stefano urged his players forward in search of an equaliser. Avolio made his return from injury, as Marciano, his replacement at left-back had an awful game, perhaps the pressure to perform with Avolio was too much for him and he was withdrawn. A quick breakaway produced San Potito's best chance in the second half as Rana fed it inside to Rodio, who drew defenders and played in Carteni who cut in from the left but disappointingly shot over.

Their away form was starting to worry Stefano, it was only the eighth best in the league and the defeat to Viterbo was the first of three in a row, the last being against Pro Vasto, now currently occuping second spot, three points behind. Seventh place Nocerina, had had a very good home record, the third best in fact, were where Stefano was next to take his San Potito side.

In customary fashion, scout Urbain Haesaert called Sunday evening with his recommendation(s) from his weekends viewing and it was Cambuur's 20-year-old attacking midfielder Arnold Herder who caught the Belgique's eye. In customary fashion, Urbain visited the club the following morning to discuss terms with the player with a Club's representative and while the Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord players had been more than reasonable with their demands, the Cambuur midfielder was far from. Urbain called Stefano as per usual.

"He wants what?" Stefano balked.

.....

"**** that sh*t, offer him £900 per week, assist and goal bonus and a 10% wage rise if we get promoted."

.....

"Tell them that offers come back to me."

Stefano clicked off his phone and let out a blaspheme or two.

During training there were murmurings going round about discontent from second choice goalkeeper Ermanno Fumagalli who was unhappy about not being a first team regular.

Cambuur's player representative called and described the contract offer as "laughable", Stefano counted with a raised offer but a day later received another call from them.

"So it's a pittance is it?"

.....

"I'm sorry we have wage caps here, we can't just go around offering him anything you know, we haven't and don't break the one thousand mark for anyone at present, so if that's his attitude then I'm afraid I'm calling off negotiations, good day to you."

[Gennaro08]

February 2006 Review:

Real Marcianise 1 - Corsale (21)

San Potito 3 - La Porta (9, 24) Rana (70)

Man of the Match: Patarini (CB)

San Potito 3 - Rana (42) Rodio (61, 69)

Potenza 1 - Talarico (66)

Man of the Match: La Porta (LM)

Att: 3,269

San Potito 1 - Langiotti (56)

Vigor Lamezia 1 - Pasca (1)

Man of the Match: De Felice (Vigor Lamezia - GK)

Att: 3,239

Viterbo 1 - Iadresta

San Potito 0

Man of the Match: Rodio (CM)

League Position: 1st

[mark wilson27]

still 1st looking good Gennaro, not like my career lol

[Gennaro08]

Jorg Stiel sat on the bench at Hampden Park for the friendly match between Scotland and Switzerland where Terkaldinho played left-back in his 7th cap for the Scots.

Stefano took his San Potito side on the short trip to the Salerno province of Caserta to face Nocerina and old boy Federico Lauria, who was sold for a total fee, once all collected of £26k. I got a bad feeling about Lauria, he thought to himself as Nocerina kicked off. Within two minutes his thoughts looked to be confounded as a long 'punt' forward caught the defence square and cold and Lauria was in the clear but Stiel saved.

"Anyone but him," Stefano said to Tiziano.

Di Franco gave the hosts the lead as the first half started to turn into the stuff of nightmares for Stefano as just before half-time the impressive centre-half Luca Patarini kicked out and was dismissed. From the resulting free-kick the nightmare was complete as Lauria made it two. San Potito started off the second half fired up after Stefano's words and set out making amends, a La Porta free-kick was tipped round the post and then a Pandolfi cross was put through his own net by Luca Policastro. Pandolfi missed a couple of chances to level the scores before space opened up at the back as Stefano threw men forward, Stiel reacting quickly to deny De Luca and Ramora, with five minutes left it was 10-aside as Quinto limped off injury, having used all the substitutions and Sguera flicked a header wide.

"They seem to take pleasure in this stuff."

SAN POTITO'S POOR FORM CONTINUES

San Potito lost 2-1 to Nocerina and extend their run to three games without a win, as they surprisingly top the table of Serie C2/C. A disappointing recent set of performances adds weight to the credible view that the Caserta club just simply aren't good enough to hold their position for the remainder of the season. The chasing pack of Cisco Roma, Igea Virtus, Pro Vasto and Latina now sense that this is the time to overthrow San Potito who have topped the table since matchday 15.

It looks as if the fans will have to settle for a finish that will still be considered more than satisfactory in light of the early season predictions and can still win promotion through the play-off season, but the Serie C2/C Championship trophy won't be heading to Sant'Abruzzese this season anyway.

The news from the Disciplinary Committee confirmed exactly what Stefano expected that Patarini will serve a three-match ban for violent conduct. Back to Cuomo or does someone else get the chance? as he sat down to watch the 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions League 1st Knockout Round and if the first legs involving Italian clubs haven't provided any goals the second leg matches more than made up for it with the three matches yielding thirteen goals, two red cards and a missed penalty, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus all progressing. Manchester United joined them but did have their scares, Ruud van Nistelrooy scored twice to put them in command but goals from Scottinho pouncing on a rebound and on-loan Italian defender Cesare Natali quickly meant that Porto were now going through but van Nistelrooy and Scholes scored and they was no response this time from the Portugese club that saw Scottinho stretched off late on with a head injury.

Scout Urbain Haesaert had again been rifling through the youth acadamies in Holland and picked out young left-back Ruud Jong as San Potito's next target but upon discussing terms rejected the offer stating that he didn't want to step down to such a level and wasn't sure whether moving to Italy would be a good idea at this stage in his career. Stefano respected the decision of the youngster as moving abroad at aged 19 is not for everyone and rather that than make the move and then regret it asking to move back home.

San Potito came a calling to Aragona in Vasto, which was a short trip north to the province of Chieti in southern Abruzzo on the east coast of Italy. Stefano was looking for his team to start quickly and get amongst the hosts and not let them settle as both teams were bound to be nervy coming into this fixture off the back of defeats, in Pro Vasto's case a 3-0 defeat to Taranto, which had seem them slip back to 3rd. It had been a fantastic start as San Potito overwhelmed Pro Vasto in the opening 20 minutes and were unfortunate to only be one goal in front, Caldarola, Rodio and Pandolfi all going close before Rodio - enjoying the freedom of the attacking of the three central midfields role - played in Pandolfi who lashed it passed Liccardi for his 15th league goal of the season. A La Porta free-kick was saved well shortly after and just before half-time Rodio flicked the ball on for the goalscorer Pandolfi who made room for himself expertly but he fired straight at Liccardi.

The work-rate of San Potito paid off for the second goal as they hassled Pro Vasto out of possession and play was switched where Avolio found Langiotti hugging the touchline and getting chalk on his boots, not that it showed up on white boots, I dunno whatever happened to good old black football boots, rigid, sturdy and dependable, no broken metatarsals to speak off, any we've got a goal coming folks, Langiotti inside to Caldarola, can you feel it coming? and he played in Rodio getting beyond the striker and slotted it home for the second. Pro Vasto posed a threat and Stiel saved from Esposito and with the game peetering out Cammarota went down lame and Salvatore Valvano signalled he couldn't continue so San Potito had to play out the last ten minutes with ten men having made all three subs. It didn't matter as Stefano guided San Potito back on track with a very good away win with Rodio shinning as MOM.

"That's the kind of stuff that makes me proud to be a San Potito fan as much as being Chairman of this club."

"Thank you Chairman Maglione."

"Isn't it about time you called me Giuseppe?"

"Sorry."

"You've nothing to be sorry about Stefano, you and the players have been superb this season and eclipsing all expectations of merely surviving in this division. Keep it up."

[Gennaro08]

Urbain had been on the phone again, not sure if he's just lonely over there in Holland, he shouldn't be 33-year-old Alfred Schreuder from Feyenoord was the latest result of his every eager eye, an fantastic defensive midfielder if not a little short of pace. His contract demands were high but Stefano was merely impressed that such a high calibre player was interested in discussing terms and a potential move. The lone forgotten scout, his name's Massimo Costantini for those like myself that couldn't remember his name managed to take a moment from sunning himself in the south of France to spot Bordeaux's 21-year-old attacking midfielder Steeve Gustan, illegible hand writing on the birth certificate and the administration staff spelt his first name with two "e"'s on the birth certificate and thus he is "Steeve". As Gustan was deemed surplus to requirements at Bordeaux, Massimo visited the club the following day to discuss a move to San Potito.

Wednesday evening saw the resumption of the Serie C Cup and Massese, who defeated San Potito on away goals were drawn against the once great Napoli, former club of Roberto Ayala, Diego Armando Maradona, Careca, Edmundo, Fabio Cannavaro, Ciro Ferrara, Gianfranco Zola, Paolo Di Canio and Dino Zoff to name but a few. We could have played Napoli, Stefano sighed. Massesse beat Napoli 2-0 at home in the first leg.

For the Saturday afternoon match, there was a more than interested spectactor in the stands at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome, Stefano sat and watched as 2nd placed Cisco Roma and 3rd place Pro Vasto slugged it out. The Romans took a two goal lead but Pro Vasto pulled it back to two a piece and in the 89th minute a goal from Sergio Piave sealed his hat-trick and the win for Cisco Roma, the young striker has been courting attention from the likes of Napoli and Leece of late.

Vittoria came to Sant'Abruzzese in mid-March and were the catalysts of their own downfall as Pandolfi latched onto a poor backpass and fired into the top corner and just into the second half Avolio crossed for Rodio to head home. Again Pandolfi latched onto a poor backpass, possibly the longest in history, from all of 70 yards but fired straight at Ioime in the Vittoria goal. Late on Langiotti and Gaeta brought saves from Ioime.

[Gennaro08]

Stefano had begun to strike up something resembling a friendship with his assistant manager Tiziano Cunico and the latter accepted the formers invitation to join him at San Paolo stadium, a huge oval stadium with a running track between the pitch and the stands - holding just shy of 80,000 - for the return leg of the Serie C Cup.

"Imagine what this game would have done to our finances," Stefano said taking his seat amongst the twenty-two thousand odd fans.

"How bad has it got?" Tiziano asked.

"Around a quarter of a million in the red and unless we get a substantial amount of money from next year's TV deal we might have to sell off someone. The big earners that aren't regulars have gone and a couple of others have been earmarked to leave in the summer."

"Who are they then?"

"Possibly Fumagalli, he's not happy about playing back-up but frankly he isn't good enough for first choice. Lorusso I've been trying to ditch since January but no one will take him and Colantoni turns 21 soon and he hasn't come along in the way I maybe hoped. Of course the seven on loan players will all go back in late June but as we're only paying 50% wages, then between them that make up one players wage."

"Any chance of retaining them on permanent deals as I heard some of them in training saying they are in their last year of their contracts and haven't heard anything from the chiefs back at their respective teams."

"They're all quality young players and not sure if they are going to drop down to Serie C2 or C1 should we get promoted."

"You mentioned selling off someone big, you mean Cosenza?"

"Yeah, he's the only one worth any significant value, could maybe do a co-ownership deal for about what our debts worth at the moment, which means we can retain his services for a couple of years before a decision is made and he'll inevitably leave after that and hopefully for nearer half a million."

"What about Jorg?"

"Jorg, hmm, well I spoke to him a while back and couldn't be persuaded to stay on and to honest if he wants to stay on as a coach he'll have to take a big wage cut, half those wages."

Napoli won the game 1-0 on the night but went out 2-1 on aggregate as Massese progressed to the last eight.

"It's sad what's happened here recently?" said Tiziano.

"Yeah, I was speaking to someone here before the game and they reckon they only have about thirty-five thousand here regularly and for a stadium this big and with their history, still they top Serie C1/B so maybe they can get back in the top flight soon and be a force again."

"You reckon they can do it though?"

"Yeah they got the stadium, the fan base, the prestige and reputation to attract players. The ingredients are all there and Reja is an experienced man and can guide them there."

Back to the league action and Stefano took his players on a short trip north to the centre of Italy as they faced Rieti. The game started slow but on the half hour mark tensions rose, Stefano was up out of his seat and the technical area gesticulating at the officials, whilst Salvatore Valvano raced on to the pitch to assess Stefano Pandolfi who lay prone on the floor clutching his left elbow.

"Take a seat please Mr. Melisi," pleaded referee Paolo Pellicano.

"A seat, a *****ng seat, you ought to take a *****ng seat, that number four at the back has been all over him all game the animal."

"Please back off, calm down and take a seat."

Stefano shook his head, "You're telling me that that was a legal tackle? That was assault."

"Calm down and take a seat, we only need one referee and that's me."

"Only one, where is he? We haven't even got one, where's he hiding?"

"That's enough from you, to the stands, don't make me get the card out and make it official," Paolo said pointing to the empty stands.

"You'd just love that wouldn't you, dish the cards out for verbals but not for that thug over there."

"OK, here we go," pulling out the red card and pointing to the stands.

Stefano was made to watch out the remaining hour from the stands amongst the paltry 185 fans, whilst Stefano Pandolfi was helped from the pitch with his arm strapped to his chest. Ten minutes later and the substitute Luigi Rana had Stefano on his feet in delight latching on to Caldarola's through ball beating goalkeeper Aridita to the ball. At half-time Stefano caught up with Salvatore.

"I've assessed him best I can here, it's his elbow, he landed on it awkwardly, I'm gonna take him to the hospital for a precautionary x-ray, let me know how it goes here."

Rieti had the ball in the net on the hour mark but the officials came to Stefano and San Potito's aid as the assistant on the near side had his flag raised for offside. Rana twice forced Aridita in good saves before he sealed the match deep into injury time flicking a De Silvestri cross over Aridita. Stefano was pleased with the away victory and with Rana's performance - in their third successive 2-0 - who had deputised ably again when called upon and showing his talent if not a little raw.

The news was that Pandolfi haven't sustained any major damage but would be out of action for a couple of weeks to let the swelling and bruising die down.

The customary newspaper read the following day was dominated by Modica's 8-2 record breaking victory over Potenza and Christian Iannelli's six goals, taking the young on-loan Catania striker's tally to 16 for the season.

AFC Wimbledon also snapped up another unattached player, Kuwait/English 20-year-old Steve al-Jazeera joining Sam Cox and Dave Solomon at The Fans' Stadium.

[Gennaro08]

March 2006 Review:

Nocerina 2 - Di Franco (25) Lauria (45)

San Potito 1 - Policastro (53 og)

Action: Patarini (45 s/o)

Man of the Match: Sessa (Nocerina - RB)

Pro Vasto 0

San Potito 2 - Pandolfi (17) Rodio (57)

Action: Cammarota (81 inj)

Man of the Match: Rodio (CM)

San Potito 2 - Pandolfi (19) Rodio (54)

Vittoria 0

Man of the Match: Pandolfi (Str)

Att: 2,784

Rieti 0

San Potito 2 - Rana (39, 90)

Action: Pandolfi (29 inj)

Man of the Match: Rana (Str)

League Position: 1st

[Gennaro08]

The Chairman called Stefano into his offices at his company, 'Castello Ducale', a wine production company, rising above Castel Campagnano, set amongst the Caiatine Hills that stretch from Capua to the ancient land of Sannio are the cellars of Castello Ducale. The Castello Ducale estate covers some 12 hectares of organic hillside land situated in Castel Campagnano and Solopaca. A Palaeo Christian Church dating from the XI century and adorned by late Byzantine frescoes was discovered in 1980 in the vaults of this ancient castle, that since 1600 has been used as a cellar for conserving wine. And still today, the superlative wines of the Castello Ducale Estate are laid down to mature and age in the castle vaults made from volcanic rock where a constant temperature of 13% is maintained throughout the year. Barriques brimming with Aglianico and other local wines from Campania are laid down in the hallowed silence of the cellars, wines that satisfy the most discerning connoisseurs.

Stefano had never been to the Chairman's company offices before and was apprehensive about the forthcoming meeting. He went into reception and asked for Mr. Maglione, stating his name and was shown towards the office. The tension was really getting to Stefano and his nervous energetic twitch from childhood returned, the bouncing of the leg turning into legs against the ground as he sat opposite the Chairman.

"Right to business shall we?"

"Please can we?"

"As you are probably aware your contract only runs until the summer and since we all at the Club have been impressed with your first season here, I was wondering whether you fancied staying with us?"

Stefano let out a huge breath of relief.

"Yes I would be very interested in extending my stay here."

The discussions continued before Maglione announced that there would be no money available for transfer fees due to the "perilous financial situation" and worsen slightly every month. Stefano was hardly in a position to start making demands with this being his first year in management and not having achieved anything, well Serie C survival was secured for another season at least.

Pen was put to paper on a three-year contract and would be announced after the home match with Giugliano, on the day of his 38th birthday, which saw the fourth consecutive two to nothing victory. Rana and Rodio came close before Caldarola found the bottom corner with a low drive and La Porta doubled seven minutes later with a trademark curling free-kick. Piero Balistreri came on for the final 20 minutes for his first appearance in five months, returning from a groin injury.

THREE MORE YEARS FOR MELSI

After their fourth consecutive 2-0 victory, San Potito Chairman Giuseppe Maglione announced that manager Stefano Melisi had signed a new contract with the club until 2009. Giuseppe Maglione spoke at the press conference of his delight of securing the services of Melisi, who has taken I Leoni to the summit of Serie C2/C in his first season at the club and with only five games left of the season barring a complete collapse will take a play-off place at worst.

Fans and players alike are delighted that the 38-year-old has shown his commitment to the club by penning a new contract on his birthday and are looking forward to the future at Sant'Abruzzese. Midfielder Gianmarco Rodio who has become a fixture in the starting XI of late expressed his delight.

"Stefano has been great for this club, instilled a real work-ethic and togetherness to the club as well as getting us organisation and playing good football. The signing of Jorg (Stiel) and the loan signings have been fantastic this season and we are now looking to go on and win the title."

Stefano's next game, after the contract announcement away to Andria Bat was a frustrating affair, with a touch of hope. Luigi Rana fired over early on but San Potito then lost him to a dead leg. His replacement 19-year-old Francesco Roberto making only his second league appearance scored within four minutes on his arrival, latching onto a long clearance to score his first senior goal for the club, having netted 11 in 15 for the youth team. San Potito had chances to extend the lead through Rodio and Cammarota before being punished for not doing so. Andria Bat broke after defending a corner and Librizzi levelled the scores. Stefano held his wrist aloft tapping his watch as the clock ticked well passed the four allocated minutes of injury time. Cosimo restarted play and Andria Bat launched one last attack, Stefano looked round for the presence of Moses as his defence parted, Picozzi in particular or maybe he should have been looking out for *Bruce Grobbelaar and Malaysian businessman as Cunzi waltzed and I think at one stage did a little jig through the vacant central defence and placed his shot out of the reach of the despairing dive of Stiel as the clock clicked over to five minutes of injury time, just in time for referee Michele D'Iasio to blow the full-time whistle, not even enough time to restart the match.

*Bruce Grobbelaar and his co-defendants were found not guilty of the match-fixing allegations brought against them

Castello Ducale is not owned or in any way related to the Chairman, Giuseppe Maglione

[Gennaro08]

A new star was emerging as Francesco Roberto started in the absence of Rana and with Pandolfi and Balistreri only fit enough for the bench. It took him longer than four minutes to score at home to Gallipoli, nine minutes longer in fact as he met a La Porta cross on thirteen minutes to give Stefano and San Potito the lead. With his confidence up, Roberto overruled La Porta for free-kick duties but it struck the wall but Cosenza poked it home for his first San Potito goal from open play. More sloppy defending from Picozzi, as Alfarano peeled off him and slotted passed Stiel. The two-goal cushion was restored eight minutes later as Rodio put Roberto in and he lobbed Petrocco in the Gallipoli goal. Stefano introduced Stefano Pandolfi and Piero Balistreri with a half hour left to regain some match fitness and form, in case they would be required to help secure the title or for the play-offs. It took only 14 minutes for Pandolfi to mark his return with a goal with a great strike from the edge of the area. Balistreri gallantly tried to not be outdone and eyed the keeper off his line but his lob went agonishingly wide as he looked to score his first league goal since mid-September, seven months ago.

That result ensured that San Potito had secured a play-off spot from Serie C2/C, but Stefano was more interested in winning the title and avoiding such an event.

Stefano and San Potito travelled to the south of Sicily to face Modica and again it was Roberto who opened the scoring, clocked at 20 seconds, as Cammarota slipped him it between the centre-halfs to him to slot home. It then turned into the supporting Rodio show as he met La Porta's cross for the second and De Silvestri's cross for his second as San Potito were crowned Champions of Serie C2/C.

The post-match press conference was dominated by questions regarding the future and life in Serie C1.

"Obviously we will have to look to replace the loan signings or the clubs and they are willing get them back next season. The core contracted San Potito players will remain and we will look at what else is available beyond what we have already lined up for the summer. We will be looking to take this form into the start of next season and obviously we aren't going to get carried away and know that survival next season will be our aim."

The fan's were in jubilant mood inside and outside of Stadio della Caitina in Modica as they celebrated promotion and the title victory. The fan's spokeperson announced that it had been a remarkable achievement and that Stefano was undoubtedly one of the best young managers around.

Stefano read the newspapers and the locals focussed on very little else apart from the title win and even the nationals ran a page article featuring words of praise from Chairman Maglione about the performance of him and the squad. Buried deep was the news that James Bradbury had signed for English Premiership side West Ham United.

With the title settled, Stefano used the last two matches as an opportunity to try out the youngsters and lesser used players, dropping all the loan players. The first of those saw them return to Sicily, the northern province of Messina this time to take on Igea Virtus and the goalless draw, which despite the youngsters involved was dominated by San Potito, playing in their change strip of green. Rodio had the best chances for the visitors with 19-year-old left-back Vincenzo Marciano picking up MOM.

Midweek and Stefano accompanied a strengthened San Potito under 20's side east to play their respective Taranto side. He sat reading the newspaper for part of the coach journey, which reported that Willy had accepted the contract offer of West Ham United over that of Wigan. The 4-1 victory for I Leoni under 20's secured their ninth consecutive victory and the Under 20's Group 7 title.

San Potito finished off the season with a home match against Taranto, which saw Jorg Stiel sign off but not in fashion, 19-year-old Agostino Roma and Martino Gravante flashed efforts over the bar and Carmine Gaeta smacked the woodwork from a free-kick but it was Michele Cossato that grabbed the only goal of the game as Stefano and San Potito ended the season with a one-nil defeat.

Stefano settled down to read the newspapers and the locals ran a nice feature about Jorg Stiel, an integral part of the season's triumphs both on and off the field. The last of the 23 'created' players was snapped up, HD being snapped up by an already relegated Mainz from the German Bundesliga. They had also picked up on the latest deal he had done, capturing Ravenna's 20-year-old central defender Alan Fusconi, who would spend the first season or two with the youth team and that Foggia had a bid rejected for midfielder Gianmarco Rodio.

[Gennaro08]

April & May 2006 Review:

San Potito 2 - Caldarola (57) La Porta (64)

Giugliano 0

Man of the Match: Avolio (LB)

Att: 3,317

Andria Bat 2 - Librizzi (68) Cunzi (90)

San Potito 1 - Roberto (19)

Action: Rana (15 inj)

Man of the Match: Cunzi (Andria Bat - Str)

San Potito 4 - Roberto (13, 38) Cosenza (23) Pandolfi (76)

Gallipoli 1 - Alfarano (30)

Man of the Match: Roberto (Str)

Att: 2,780

Modica 0

San Potito 3 - Roberto (1) Rodio (46, 53)

Man of the Match: De Silvestri (RB)

Igea Virtus 0

San Potito 0

Man of the Match: Marciano (LB)

San Potito 0

Taranto 1 - Cossato (37)

Man of the Match: Di Domenico (Taranto - Str)

Att: 2,478

League Position: 1st

[AndreTheShadow]

This story is quite interesting, indeed...

[Gennaro08]

The World Cup squads were announced and Jorg Stiel was named in the Swiss squad as back-up to Luzern goalkeeper David Zibung, who in all honestly is a far worse player. Unfortunately, none of the 23 'created' player were named in the World Cup squads, those that made the full squads, their countries didn't make the trip to Germany.

AUSTRALIA

Tobes - Full Squad

Lost 2-1 on aggregate to Colombia in Ocenia v South America Playoff Qualifier

DENMARK

Harleqin - Full Squad

Mikkel Kristensen - U19

4th in Qualifying Group

ENGLAND

Leo Allen - Nowhere (Aged 31)

Willy - Nowhere (27)

Sam Cox - U19

Smithaldo - U19

Dave Solomon - U19

Ty - U19

FRANCE

Rod Davies - U21

IRELAND

Jude Alderson - U19

ITALY

Diego Della Rosa - Nowhere (22)

Gennaro Melisi - U19

KUWAIT

Steve al-Jazeera (Half-English) - Nowhere (20)

NORTHERN IRELAND

Hick - Full Squad

5th in Qualifying Group

NIGERIA

Luna - Full Squad

2nd in 2nd Round Qualifying Group behind Angola

NORWAY

Conrad Rowden - Full Squad

Finished 3rd in their group, behind Italy and Slovenia

PORTUGAL

Scottinho - U21

SCOTLAND

Terkaldinho - Full Squad

5th in Qualifying Group

SINT MAARTEN

HD - Nowhere (15)

SOUTH AFRICA

Pan Panpardus - Full Squad

2nd in 2nd Round Qualifying Group behind Ghana

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Borge Eian - Full Squad

Lost 3-1 on aggregate to Uzbekistan in North America v Asian Playoff Qualifier

WALES

James Bradbury - Nowhere (20)

As of the last squads named

[haze.13]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Gennaro08:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Børge Eian - Full Squad

Lost 3-1 on aggregate to Uzbekistan in North America v Asian Playoff Qualifier

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ouch! Darn those pesky Uzbekis.

I resent the fact that Diego is listed as 'nowhere' he's just in between national sides right now okay! Come on.

Btw great story etc...

[HD]

If u16 football were in FM, I'm sure I'd be involved!

Nice to get a club, and not a minnow at that!

[Gennaro08]

Cheers for the comments guys.

HD Steve al-Jazeera are suffering Internationally at Sint Maarten and Kuwait respectively because they don't have any players in the squad (not even grey ones), despite recently playing matches, not sure if it is too do with the Game Engine not processing a squad due to low FIFA ranking or reputations of the countries but hopefully that will change and caps can be won now they have club sides. James Bradbury of Wales I think is purely down to not having a club side.

I am slightly ahead in terms of game date to postings and have taken end/start of season screenshots and appearances and such, which should get posted soon.

Serie C2/C - Season 2005/06 - League Table

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | C | San Potito | | 34 | 20 | 6 | 8 | 54 | 26 | +28 | 66 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Latina | | 34 | 18 | 7 | 9 | 47 | 29 | +18 | 61 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Cisco Roma | | 34 | 17 | 7 | 10 | 61 | 40 | +21 | 58 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | P | Real Marcianise | | 34 | 15 | 11 | 8 | 52 | 37 | +15 | 56 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Taranto | | 34 | 14 | 13 | 7 | 49 | 29 | +20 | 55 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Nocerina | | 34 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 44 | 39 | +5 | 54 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Igea Virtus | | 34 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 58 | 49 | +9 | 52 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Pro Vasto | | 34 | 15 | 6 | 13 | 42 | 44 | -2 | 51 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Viterbo | | 34 | 14 | 9 | 11 | 55 | 45 | +10 | 51 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Gallipoli | | 34 | 14 | 5 | 15 | 49 | 48 | +1 | 47 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Giugliano | | 34 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 38 | 43 | -5 | 45 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Andria Bat | | 34 | 11 | 9 | 14 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 42 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Vittoria | | 34 | 10 | 9 | 15 | 33 | 47 | -14 | 39 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | R | Modica | | 34 | 10 | 9 | 15 | 46 | 57 | -11 | 39 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Potenza | | 34 | 9 | 9 | 16 | 47 | 63 | -16 | 36 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | R | Vigor Lamezia | | 34 | 9 | 9 | 16 | 35 | 53 | -18 | 36 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Rieti | | 34 | 9 | 6 | 19 | 29 | 51 | -22 | 33 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | R | Rende | | 34 | 4 | 8 | 22 | 29 | 64 | -35 | 20 |

| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

[mark wilson27]

very nice 1st in the league,,,,,keep up the greta story.

[-Xenon-]

\o/ AFC Wimbledon how apt! Just up the road from me.