Good to see he’s getting himself back on his feet only 13 years after his last job at Le Ev.
Slimed down a bit as well.
Slimed down a bit as well.
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Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....
- Thread starter The Penalty Box Dancer
- Start date
wainy
Player Valuation: £35m
Likes to leave a wad in people’s shower gel as well the little scamp. Top notch banter from him.
Kinell, and here's me thinking Lynx had released a chlorine scented gel.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Granada vs Real Zaragoza
26th Jan 2036
Another must-win game for both teams as Zaragoza fight for promotion and Granada fight for safety. Toni Galindo was serving a match suspension and was replaced at right back for Emilio Alvarez. Jose Zubillaga was given a start in attack Zubillaga came close to getting his first goal since returning from injury when Richard Alonso done well to get down the right side and crossed for the near post and Zubillaga's header was a whisker wide of the post. Richard Donkor went down on 16 minutes with a hamstring injury so Ioseba Flano came on for him. Granada got the ball forward on 32 minutes with Abad picking it up inside his own half, his initial cross was headed away by Ormad and Sidibe done well to retrieve it and lay it off for Abad who lashed it into the top right corner giving Granada a surprising lead. The attacking football didn't stop from Zaragoza who despite being a goal down were still well on top. Granada were defending with their lives to hang on but with 30 minutes to go the onslaught on goal was too much and eventually the loose ball fell to Zubillaga in the box who knocked it on for Flano to curl into the top right corner, 1-1! Time was running out for Zaragoza in a match they should be winning to keep the pressure on. It was a frustrating end to the match as Granada held on to secure a point in their bid for survival but a point at the top just isn't good enough.
DF: It's the second time we've played Granada and it's a second draw. I give them credit yet again, they were solid in all areas of the pitch and really made it hard for our players to put two passes together.
Have you identified parts of the team where you need to strengthen? The window closes in less than a week.
DF: I'm happy with the squad I've got, we have enough players and quality in the right areas. Bringing somebody in now will not benefit us.
Finally, what do you make of Gus Poyet's comments about going with three up top?
DF: That's why he's had a successful management career isn't it? I respect him as a player but how I field my team is up to me and my staff. If I'm wrong come the end of the season, I'll be the first to admit it.
PLAYER RATINGS
26th Jan 2036
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Another must-win game for both teams as Zaragoza fight for promotion and Granada fight for safety. Toni Galindo was serving a match suspension and was replaced at right back for Emilio Alvarez. Jose Zubillaga was given a start in attack Zubillaga came close to getting his first goal since returning from injury when Richard Alonso done well to get down the right side and crossed for the near post and Zubillaga's header was a whisker wide of the post. Richard Donkor went down on 16 minutes with a hamstring injury so Ioseba Flano came on for him. Granada got the ball forward on 32 minutes with Abad picking it up inside his own half, his initial cross was headed away by Ormad and Sidibe done well to retrieve it and lay it off for Abad who lashed it into the top right corner giving Granada a surprising lead. The attacking football didn't stop from Zaragoza who despite being a goal down were still well on top. Granada were defending with their lives to hang on but with 30 minutes to go the onslaught on goal was too much and eventually the loose ball fell to Zubillaga in the box who knocked it on for Flano to curl into the top right corner, 1-1! Time was running out for Zaragoza in a match they should be winning to keep the pressure on. It was a frustrating end to the match as Granada held on to secure a point in their bid for survival but a point at the top just isn't good enough.
DF: It's the second time we've played Granada and it's a second draw. I give them credit yet again, they were solid in all areas of the pitch and really made it hard for our players to put two passes together.
Have you identified parts of the team where you need to strengthen? The window closes in less than a week.
DF: I'm happy with the squad I've got, we have enough players and quality in the right areas. Bringing somebody in now will not benefit us.
Finally, what do you make of Gus Poyet's comments about going with three up top?
DF: That's why he's had a successful management career isn't it? I respect him as a player but how I field my team is up to me and my staff. If I'm wrong come the end of the season, I'll be the first to admit it.
PLAYER RATINGS
JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW
There were no incomings in the window but three players went out on loan. Iban Garmendia who hasn't been registered in the first team squad joined Elche on loan until the end of the season. Paco Sanchez went to Guijuelo and Andrew Ledson was unhappy with his amount of first team football so he joined Albacete to help them escape relegation.
Numantia vs Real Zaragoza
3rd February 2036
There was good news for Zaragoza when Juan Perez retracted his transfer request confirming he wanted to stay at the club. Damiano Manzella and Israel Silva were close to full fitness but this match was too soon for them. Villarreal had drew 0-0 with Lugo in the day's early kick-off and Zaragoza had a chance to capitalise. Eibar still led the table but only two points separated them and Los Blanquillos. Romero done well in the tackle and passed to Ormad who sent it long for Zubillaga to chase down the left, he tried to cross for Alonso but it was cut out, Juan picked it up and had space to take the shot and what a strike it was into the top left corner! The lead didn't last long and three minutes later Galindo was caught napping when Andres left him at the post and he tapped in the cross from Farre. Farre looked a player and was capturing the eye when he took the ball forward and from range struck it into the top left corner giving Numantia a 2-1 lead a few minutes later. Richard Donkor was twice denied by the keeper, his first shot was destined for the top corner but the keeper pulled out a great save out of nowhere and his second shot almost found the bottom corner and the keeper saved brilliantly again. Zubillaga took the ball forward but he was surrounded by four players, he passed to Abadias and he found Juan arriving to the box in space, he held it well and laid it off for the run of Galindo inside the box and he slotted to equalise! Juan was playing very well and he played a nice ball to Abadias who cheekily chipped it over the defence to get him goal side and he finished to make it 3-2 on 58 minutes! Zaragoza turn the match around! Just as things were going well for Zaragoza, Numantia went route one and Andres tried his luck from 25 yards with a low drive and it beat Martinez to make it 3-3 with two minutes to go! It's a massive two points dropped in the title race with Eibar losing 2-0 to Cadiz. Ferguson will be kicking himself tonight after losing so late on.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Villarreal
9th February 2036
Damiano Manzella suffered a setback and was ruled out for another four weeks after turning in training. The right back has not played football since September and was hoping to be part of the team to take on fellow rivals Villarreal. Chus Abadias was also ruled out for a month after twisting his ankle in training. The first half was quiet with little action and was not the blockbuster many had anticipated. Romero misplaced his pass and it allowed Villarreal to break, Jacobo knocked it on for his partner Bueso and he slotted past Martinez to give Villarreal what could be the winner with ten minutes to go. Alvarado was on a second half sub for Zubillaga and his shot on 82 minutes saw the keeper tip it over the bar. It's the first defeat in 13 for Zaragoza as Villarreal go top of the table for the time being.
DF: I changed the tactics to be more expansive and we got caught out and conceded. I can't say anymore than that, the defeat is on me.
PLAYER RATINGS
3rd February 2036
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There was good news for Zaragoza when Juan Perez retracted his transfer request confirming he wanted to stay at the club. Damiano Manzella and Israel Silva were close to full fitness but this match was too soon for them. Villarreal had drew 0-0 with Lugo in the day's early kick-off and Zaragoza had a chance to capitalise. Eibar still led the table but only two points separated them and Los Blanquillos. Romero done well in the tackle and passed to Ormad who sent it long for Zubillaga to chase down the left, he tried to cross for Alonso but it was cut out, Juan picked it up and had space to take the shot and what a strike it was into the top left corner! The lead didn't last long and three minutes later Galindo was caught napping when Andres left him at the post and he tapped in the cross from Farre. Farre looked a player and was capturing the eye when he took the ball forward and from range struck it into the top left corner giving Numantia a 2-1 lead a few minutes later. Richard Donkor was twice denied by the keeper, his first shot was destined for the top corner but the keeper pulled out a great save out of nowhere and his second shot almost found the bottom corner and the keeper saved brilliantly again. Zubillaga took the ball forward but he was surrounded by four players, he passed to Abadias and he found Juan arriving to the box in space, he held it well and laid it off for the run of Galindo inside the box and he slotted to equalise! Juan was playing very well and he played a nice ball to Abadias who cheekily chipped it over the defence to get him goal side and he finished to make it 3-2 on 58 minutes! Zaragoza turn the match around! Just as things were going well for Zaragoza, Numantia went route one and Andres tried his luck from 25 yards with a low drive and it beat Martinez to make it 3-3 with two minutes to go! It's a massive two points dropped in the title race with Eibar losing 2-0 to Cadiz. Ferguson will be kicking himself tonight after losing so late on.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Villarreal
9th February 2036
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Damiano Manzella suffered a setback and was ruled out for another four weeks after turning in training. The right back has not played football since September and was hoping to be part of the team to take on fellow rivals Villarreal. Chus Abadias was also ruled out for a month after twisting his ankle in training. The first half was quiet with little action and was not the blockbuster many had anticipated. Romero misplaced his pass and it allowed Villarreal to break, Jacobo knocked it on for his partner Bueso and he slotted past Martinez to give Villarreal what could be the winner with ten minutes to go. Alvarado was on a second half sub for Zubillaga and his shot on 82 minutes saw the keeper tip it over the bar. It's the first defeat in 13 for Zaragoza as Villarreal go top of the table for the time being.
DF: I changed the tactics to be more expansive and we got caught out and conceded. I can't say anymore than that, the defeat is on me.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Zaragoza vs Girona
17th February 2036
Israel Silva returned from injury and was named on the bench this afternoon. Zaragoza got off to a good start and peppered the goal early on but the keeper done well to keep them out. Alonso was a constant threat down the right and found space easily, he kept the ball alive from Donkor's overhit free-kick ino the box, made space for a pass to Romero and he set-up Cobos who hit it on his weaker right foot past the keeper to give the home side the lead on 22 minutes! Zaragoza kept their position when not in possession which Girona struggled against, second balls were mostly won by Zaragoza and seemed a step above their opposition. Richard Donkor stunk the ground out and was replaced on 65 minutes for the return of Israel Silva who played part of a midfield three as the match went on with Ferguson opting for a 1-0 win. Girona couldn't beat the defence and it was Zaragoza who ran out worthy winners in this one.
PLAYER RATINGS
Athletico Madrid B vs Real Zaragoza
24th February 2036
Javi had picked up an injury and was unavailable for selection. Zaragoza also had Ormad and Juan serving a one match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards. It brought joy to two Zaragoza supporters who came through the academy and had their dreams come true when they were named on the subs bench. 16 year old Agustin Noya and 17 year old Hector Pujolar made the trip to Madrid. It was a tightly fought contest in the first half, Carlos Romero picked up his tenth booking of the season which means he misses the next match against Lugo. Athletico moved the ball around in style which made Zaragoza nervous, Emilio Alvarez left his leg out and brought down Rodriguez conceding a dangerous free-kick. Jorge played it short to Rodriguez and under no pressure curled the ball home into the bottom corner to give Athletico the lead on 53 minutes. Cobos was dispossessed on 62 minutes and Rodriguez ran forward with the ball, he played it to Arques in space and he found Mena just inside the box who drilled it low to make it 2-0. It was game, set and match just six minutes later when Rodriguez ducked from the goal kick which deceived Romero, Mena picked it up and played it left to Marqueta who placed it into the top right corner whilst the Zaragoza players stood around watching. A pathetic goal to concede and far too easy for Athletico. It was a heavy defeat for Zaragoza in a game where they looked like they had ran out of ideas.
PLAYER RATINGS
17th February 2036
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Israel Silva returned from injury and was named on the bench this afternoon. Zaragoza got off to a good start and peppered the goal early on but the keeper done well to keep them out. Alonso was a constant threat down the right and found space easily, he kept the ball alive from Donkor's overhit free-kick ino the box, made space for a pass to Romero and he set-up Cobos who hit it on his weaker right foot past the keeper to give the home side the lead on 22 minutes! Zaragoza kept their position when not in possession which Girona struggled against, second balls were mostly won by Zaragoza and seemed a step above their opposition. Richard Donkor stunk the ground out and was replaced on 65 minutes for the return of Israel Silva who played part of a midfield three as the match went on with Ferguson opting for a 1-0 win. Girona couldn't beat the defence and it was Zaragoza who ran out worthy winners in this one.
PLAYER RATINGS
Athletico Madrid B vs Real Zaragoza
24th February 2036
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Javi had picked up an injury and was unavailable for selection. Zaragoza also had Ormad and Juan serving a one match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards. It brought joy to two Zaragoza supporters who came through the academy and had their dreams come true when they were named on the subs bench. 16 year old Agustin Noya and 17 year old Hector Pujolar made the trip to Madrid. It was a tightly fought contest in the first half, Carlos Romero picked up his tenth booking of the season which means he misses the next match against Lugo. Athletico moved the ball around in style which made Zaragoza nervous, Emilio Alvarez left his leg out and brought down Rodriguez conceding a dangerous free-kick. Jorge played it short to Rodriguez and under no pressure curled the ball home into the bottom corner to give Athletico the lead on 53 minutes. Cobos was dispossessed on 62 minutes and Rodriguez ran forward with the ball, he played it to Arques in space and he found Mena just inside the box who drilled it low to make it 2-0. It was game, set and match just six minutes later when Rodriguez ducked from the goal kick which deceived Romero, Mena picked it up and played it left to Marqueta who placed it into the top right corner whilst the Zaragoza players stood around watching. A pathetic goal to concede and far too easy for Athletico. It was a heavy defeat for Zaragoza in a game where they looked like they had ran out of ideas.
PLAYER RATINGS
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
LEAGUE TABLE
JimmyJeffers
Player Valuation: £70m
It’s happening again!
Curtis
Player Valuation: £35m
was it supposed to be slimmed or slimed? because when talking benitez slimed down works to since he's sentient scum
JimmyJeffers
Player Valuation: £70m
We really need meth lion to rally the troops here
If meth lion doesn't score some meth soon, well it doesn't bare thinking about.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
SKY SPORTS: Duncan, what are your thoughts on Fylde parting company with Andrew Steeves?
DF: I thought Andrew was doing a good job despite facing the same issues of selling his better players and trying to build a team on a budget and loan deals. It doesn't surprise me how Kevin Ward acts, Fylde are in play-off contention and he's pulled the trigger after a couple of defeats. We both know what happened over players like John Jones a few years back and how the chairman made my position untenable. Barry is a capable man on an interim basis, he has been at the club a long time and understands the club. If he does well, give him the job full-time.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Real Zaragoza vs Lugo
2nd March 2036
Zaragoza had a number of players due to return from injury in time for next week's trip to Guijuelo but first they had to ensure they picked up the points against Lugo. Zubillaga picked up a knock in training and made the bench for this match with Xavier Alvarado leading the attack. Carlos Romero was suspended so the midfield lined up with Juan and Israel Silva. The same mistakes kept happening for Zaragoza and when Martinez wasn't closed down on the edge of the box, it only resulted in him getting the shot away and beating Igor Martinez in goal. 18 minutes on the clock and Cabrera was giving Ormad nightmares down the right, he crossed into the box, Martinez committed himself and Samu Martinez headed in his second goal of the day. Israel Silva played the ball to Richard Donkor a minute later and he smashed it into the roof of the net from outside the box, 2-1! Zaragoza get back into the match. Zaragoza got done again at the corner, Lobato played it to the far post and Cossu was there to nudge it over the line in what looked a dubious goal at first but replays showed it was perfectly legal. Eind played a short corner to the edge of the box on 50 minutes, Ghelardoni curled the ball towards the top corner and it went in! Where was the keeper? Lugo hit Zaragoza from another set piece. What a shocking display from Zaragoza, not one player looked interested on the pitch today. It's a well deserved win for Lugo and now Zaragoza sit ten points behind the league leaders.
DF: It was bad, as bad as it gets and now we have to move forward. We've conceded 7 goals in 2 games which is unacceptable. We have a lot of first team players available for next week and we need them to come in and step up.
PLAYER RATINGS
Guijuelo vs Real Zaragoza
9th March 2036
Damiano Manzella made his long awaited return to first team action and Francisco Gomez started at left back. Jose Zubillaga was keen to end his goal drought and made a vow to the fans his form will return sooner rather than later. Zaragoza made a fiery start and the tempo was quick with the team getting forward at every opportunity. Romero's shot looked destined for the top corner on 26 minutes but the keeper denied him with a great save and managed to get down low for Cobos' rebounded effort. Richard Alonso was unstoppable when he picked up the ball and inside first half stoppage time he came forward once again passing the ball left to Zubillaga who hit it on his left foot past the keeper to get his first goal since his return from injury! Guijuelo won a free-kick on the left side of the Zaragoza area, Burgos crossed the ball in but Manzella headed away at the near post, Martin fancied his chances with a volley and beat Martinez into the bottom the left corner to level just before the end of the first half! Carlos Romero was replaced at half-time for Israel Silva. It seemed he was struggling in the first half with a shin injury. 30 seconds into the second half, Alonso won the ball back for Zaragoza and played it forward to Zubillaga, he took the shot on and struck the bar. Damiano Manzella made a good return from injury getting 70 minutes under his belt before being replaced by Toni Galindo. Ferguson made another change for the last ten minutes, Zubillaga went on to the left wing and Alvarado replaced Cobos and went in attack. It was all Zaragoza today but they just could not find that winning goal. A much better performance but they didn't get the result to go with it.
DF: Where did the official get an extra four minutes from at the end of the first half? If you find out can you tell me because I'm lost with that one!
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Sociedad B vs Real Zaragoza
15th March 2036
In a bid to turn the season around, Ferguson went with 4-4-2 against Real Sociedad B. Zubillaga and Alvarado both started in attack for Los Blanquillos. Juan played the ball to Cobos who took it forward on 26 minutes, he got into the penalty area and was tripped by Garde. The referee gave the penalty! Jose Zubillaga from the spot, he went to the keepers left and he saved it! The best chance came early in the second half when Cobos got on Romero's cross and headed against the post. Time was running out for Zaragoza who were unable to find the net in a terrible match. Gomez tried a low cross into the box which caused disruption for the Sociedad defence and Alvarado kept his nerve to knock it over the line on 91 minutes! Sociedad had a free-kick which they swung into the box but it was headed clear, Zubillaga picked it up and sent the ball wide right to Alvarado, he took it to the byline and crossed in for Zubillaga who powered a header down and past the keeper to make it 2-0! The match ended and Xavier Alvarado saved his team in stoppage time!
DF: Xavier came to me again this week wanting more football. I admire his hunger and he should be getting more game time. Today he proved it and earned himself a start for next week. I'm proud of his effort but let's not leave it so late next time!
PLAYER RATINGS
XAVIER ALAVARDO SPEAKS OUT ON FERGUSON'S POST MATCH TEAMTALK
19 year old Striker Xavier Alvarado gave his story to the press about how Ferguson told the team they was not good enough in their match against Real Sociedad B and how Alvarado felt the manager was damaging morale at the club. "We've been on a run of poor results and finally ended that with a hard fought win, we came back into the dressing room pleased with ourselves but the manager comes in with this look on his face and tells us we need to perform better. He was not happy. I am 19 years old and I won us the game in the last minute, I wanted to hear some praise but instead I was told I must do better." There was no other teammates involved in the story and seems to be an isolated incident between Xavier Alvarado and Duncan Ferguson. Alvarado has been seen as hot property in Spanish football despite not living up to the hype this season and Duncan Ferguson seemingly not buying into it either. The player was known to be demanding his place in the team but Ferguson does not allow his players to get out of line and they usually end up losing out or apologising to the manager. Alvarado could have taken on more than he can handle challenging Ferguson in this manner.
Real Zaragoza vs Albacete
23rd March 2036
The big news coming out of Zaragoza this week was the press stories around the relationship between Xavier Alvarado and Duncan Ferguson. Ferguson dropped Alvarado to the bench this week despite the Striker winning the match for Zaragoza last week. When asked about his relationship with the Striker, Ferguson responded with "What's the issue? I've handled it my way, the player does not tell me how to conduct team talks or how I go about managing my football club. The boy has been told and he needs to respect who the manager of the club is." It was Chus Abadias lining up next to Zubillaga as Ferguson kept the same 4-4-2 formation. Carlos Romero was out with a fractured jaw after sustaining it in training this week. It took 31 minutes for it to happen but Manzella lobbed a hopeful ball into the box and Cobos headed towards goal and it took a lucky bounce and beat the keeper to make it 1-0! Silva switched the play to Manzella and he knocked it down the right for Alonso, he got the cross in and Zubillaga went to the ground after a shove in the back, the referee gave the penalty! It was to be Richard Alonso from the spot after Zubillaga missed his last kick. He planted it into the top right corner making it 2-0 before half-time! Albacete took the free-kick on 55 minutes playing it into the box, Jonathan timed his run brilliantly at the far post and knocked it past Martinez to claw a goal back. Ferguson made a change after the goal, Abadias came off for Eugenio Alvarez and he went into a midfield three with Silva and Juan. With ten minutes to go, Zaragoza were undone again by the same set-piece with the header from Abad beating Martinez to make it 2-2. The change we didn't expect to see happen came with seven minutes to play. Zubillaga being replaced by Alvarado in a bid to win the match. It's poor from Zaragoza to lose a two goal lead so easily at home. The result almost feels as bad as a loss.
PLAYER RATINGS
2nd March 2036
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Zaragoza had a number of players due to return from injury in time for next week's trip to Guijuelo but first they had to ensure they picked up the points against Lugo. Zubillaga picked up a knock in training and made the bench for this match with Xavier Alvarado leading the attack. Carlos Romero was suspended so the midfield lined up with Juan and Israel Silva. The same mistakes kept happening for Zaragoza and when Martinez wasn't closed down on the edge of the box, it only resulted in him getting the shot away and beating Igor Martinez in goal. 18 minutes on the clock and Cabrera was giving Ormad nightmares down the right, he crossed into the box, Martinez committed himself and Samu Martinez headed in his second goal of the day. Israel Silva played the ball to Richard Donkor a minute later and he smashed it into the roof of the net from outside the box, 2-1! Zaragoza get back into the match. Zaragoza got done again at the corner, Lobato played it to the far post and Cossu was there to nudge it over the line in what looked a dubious goal at first but replays showed it was perfectly legal. Eind played a short corner to the edge of the box on 50 minutes, Ghelardoni curled the ball towards the top corner and it went in! Where was the keeper? Lugo hit Zaragoza from another set piece. What a shocking display from Zaragoza, not one player looked interested on the pitch today. It's a well deserved win for Lugo and now Zaragoza sit ten points behind the league leaders.
DF: It was bad, as bad as it gets and now we have to move forward. We've conceded 7 goals in 2 games which is unacceptable. We have a lot of first team players available for next week and we need them to come in and step up.
PLAYER RATINGS
Guijuelo vs Real Zaragoza
9th March 2036
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Damiano Manzella made his long awaited return to first team action and Francisco Gomez started at left back. Jose Zubillaga was keen to end his goal drought and made a vow to the fans his form will return sooner rather than later. Zaragoza made a fiery start and the tempo was quick with the team getting forward at every opportunity. Romero's shot looked destined for the top corner on 26 minutes but the keeper denied him with a great save and managed to get down low for Cobos' rebounded effort. Richard Alonso was unstoppable when he picked up the ball and inside first half stoppage time he came forward once again passing the ball left to Zubillaga who hit it on his left foot past the keeper to get his first goal since his return from injury! Guijuelo won a free-kick on the left side of the Zaragoza area, Burgos crossed the ball in but Manzella headed away at the near post, Martin fancied his chances with a volley and beat Martinez into the bottom the left corner to level just before the end of the first half! Carlos Romero was replaced at half-time for Israel Silva. It seemed he was struggling in the first half with a shin injury. 30 seconds into the second half, Alonso won the ball back for Zaragoza and played it forward to Zubillaga, he took the shot on and struck the bar. Damiano Manzella made a good return from injury getting 70 minutes under his belt before being replaced by Toni Galindo. Ferguson made another change for the last ten minutes, Zubillaga went on to the left wing and Alvarado replaced Cobos and went in attack. It was all Zaragoza today but they just could not find that winning goal. A much better performance but they didn't get the result to go with it.
DF: Where did the official get an extra four minutes from at the end of the first half? If you find out can you tell me because I'm lost with that one!
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Sociedad B vs Real Zaragoza
15th March 2036
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In a bid to turn the season around, Ferguson went with 4-4-2 against Real Sociedad B. Zubillaga and Alvarado both started in attack for Los Blanquillos. Juan played the ball to Cobos who took it forward on 26 minutes, he got into the penalty area and was tripped by Garde. The referee gave the penalty! Jose Zubillaga from the spot, he went to the keepers left and he saved it! The best chance came early in the second half when Cobos got on Romero's cross and headed against the post. Time was running out for Zaragoza who were unable to find the net in a terrible match. Gomez tried a low cross into the box which caused disruption for the Sociedad defence and Alvarado kept his nerve to knock it over the line on 91 minutes! Sociedad had a free-kick which they swung into the box but it was headed clear, Zubillaga picked it up and sent the ball wide right to Alvarado, he took it to the byline and crossed in for Zubillaga who powered a header down and past the keeper to make it 2-0! The match ended and Xavier Alvarado saved his team in stoppage time!
DF: Xavier came to me again this week wanting more football. I admire his hunger and he should be getting more game time. Today he proved it and earned himself a start for next week. I'm proud of his effort but let's not leave it so late next time!
PLAYER RATINGS
XAVIER ALAVARDO SPEAKS OUT ON FERGUSON'S POST MATCH TEAMTALK
19 year old Striker Xavier Alvarado gave his story to the press about how Ferguson told the team they was not good enough in their match against Real Sociedad B and how Alvarado felt the manager was damaging morale at the club. "We've been on a run of poor results and finally ended that with a hard fought win, we came back into the dressing room pleased with ourselves but the manager comes in with this look on his face and tells us we need to perform better. He was not happy. I am 19 years old and I won us the game in the last minute, I wanted to hear some praise but instead I was told I must do better." There was no other teammates involved in the story and seems to be an isolated incident between Xavier Alvarado and Duncan Ferguson. Alvarado has been seen as hot property in Spanish football despite not living up to the hype this season and Duncan Ferguson seemingly not buying into it either. The player was known to be demanding his place in the team but Ferguson does not allow his players to get out of line and they usually end up losing out or apologising to the manager. Alvarado could have taken on more than he can handle challenging Ferguson in this manner.
Real Zaragoza vs Albacete
23rd March 2036
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The big news coming out of Zaragoza this week was the press stories around the relationship between Xavier Alvarado and Duncan Ferguson. Ferguson dropped Alvarado to the bench this week despite the Striker winning the match for Zaragoza last week. When asked about his relationship with the Striker, Ferguson responded with "What's the issue? I've handled it my way, the player does not tell me how to conduct team talks or how I go about managing my football club. The boy has been told and he needs to respect who the manager of the club is." It was Chus Abadias lining up next to Zubillaga as Ferguson kept the same 4-4-2 formation. Carlos Romero was out with a fractured jaw after sustaining it in training this week. It took 31 minutes for it to happen but Manzella lobbed a hopeful ball into the box and Cobos headed towards goal and it took a lucky bounce and beat the keeper to make it 1-0! Silva switched the play to Manzella and he knocked it down the right for Alonso, he got the cross in and Zubillaga went to the ground after a shove in the back, the referee gave the penalty! It was to be Richard Alonso from the spot after Zubillaga missed his last kick. He planted it into the top right corner making it 2-0 before half-time! Albacete took the free-kick on 55 minutes playing it into the box, Jonathan timed his run brilliantly at the far post and knocked it past Martinez to claw a goal back. Ferguson made a change after the goal, Abadias came off for Eugenio Alvarez and he went into a midfield three with Silva and Juan. With ten minutes to go, Zaragoza were undone again by the same set-piece with the header from Abad beating Martinez to make it 2-2. The change we didn't expect to see happen came with seven minutes to play. Zubillaga being replaced by Alvarado in a bid to win the match. It's poor from Zaragoza to lose a two goal lead so easily at home. The result almost feels as bad as a loss.
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Wardys had a massive weekend bender with the Zaragoza meth lion and got trigger happy on another manager.
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