Back To Seven

Zephyr Rovers are set to continue with the seven man starting squad this week as the pace of the Division 1 games had demonstrated the benefits of an extra player. "These Division 1 teams are often young, fit and play two subs" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "so unless we get a good rotation going they get us stuffed in the last five". Hall said Rovers now needed to get the interchange working better so that big gaps didn't appear whilst the swaps were being made. "There is definitely a science to making the interchange in indoor as otherwise you can leave an opponent in the clear" said Hall "I is not uncommon for goals to be scored just as a change is being made". Hall said he knew other teams came up with quite complicated substitution rules but wanted Rovers to "keep it simple".

Smith Missing

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confirmed this afternoon that he hadn't heard from Charles Smith all week. "Charlie normally sends about ten e mails a day from Perth" admitted Hall "but has gone dead quiet ever since Chelski beat Pompey and Perth Glory failed to make an impression in their match". Hall said Smith had been talking Pompey up all last week but was certainly not communicating at present. "We know Charlie keeps in touch with the blog but he takes about six days to get over every Pompey defeat" said Hall "but he'll be bleating on again any time now". Hall said it was a small wonder he hadn't heard from Chris Riddle as "the Saints finally got off the bottom of the table".

Shapeshifting Working

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said this evening that the input of himself hand Chairman Nash had seen a turn around in the fortune of the Shapeshifters team. "I'd like to think the team has won two games in a row due to a little bit of Rovers wisdom" said Hall "the team had lost about ten straight before that so it shows that success can breed success". Chairman George Nash said he didn't put too much stock into the theory especially as Rovers were struggling a bit in the big time of Division 1. "The Shapeshifters is a Wednesday night romp" said Nash "but we play it for a bit of extra fitness and I'm more interested in improving the Rovers results". Nash denied that any of the Shapeshifter team had the ability to change their shape like in the Sci-fi movies. "It's not that sort of Shapeshifting" said Nash.

No Rovers Ticket Issues

Zephyr Rovers Chairman George Nash confirmed today that Zephyr Rovers were not suffering the same ticketing issues as the Wellington Phoenix. "We see they've had trouble getting people in the gates and touch wood it isn't a problem we've had so far" said Nash "in fact we're prepared to take on any disgruntled Phoenix season ticket holders and they can watch out games for the rest of the season for free". Nash indicated that a club like Rovers needed to look after its fan base and Rovers season ticket holders could expect a better deal than what Phoenix had provided so far. "We'll look after our season ticket holders and I'll personally welcome them to every game" said Nash "in fact the team will be personally introduced to all season ticket holders that sign up this week". Nash indicated Rovers season tickets were retailing at a little cheaper than Phoenix tickets. "I think our advantage is we're prepared to barter and supporters can pay in beer if they wish" informed Nash "they can even pay in installments".

No George

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said one unusual thing about the Phoenix game on Sunday was the non-selection of Brazilian George (pictured). "I think Ricky Herbert is setting a trend here for not selecting players called George and it is one I'm going to have to think about" confessed Hall "although whether the Phoenix George has the same level of ability as our George remains to be seen although I expect their one to be better at ball juggling". Hall said there were however similarities between both the Zephyr George and the Phoenix George. "They both speak in a foreign language" said Hall "and both would require sub-titles if they ever appeared in an American film". Hall said he had no immediate plans to drop his George from the squad. "George provides that x factor for the Zephyr faithful" said Hall "you don't see many players doing as many toe pokes as he does".

Oh What A Night

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall this evening that Wellington Indoor Sports could learn something from the Phoenix game at the Westpac Stadium. "I thought there was a bit of atmosphere and I think Shed 1 needs a bigger seating area to accommodate say 20000" said Hall "I'm sure the only thing stopping this sort of crowd for Rovers is the lack of a stand and the fact that we don't sell beer at highly inflated prices nor rock hard burgers with soggy chips". Hall said he did think that outdoor soccer at the stadium had proven far more entertaining in than rugby and proved that outdoor football and indoor football were the best games in town. "It was all pretty exciting with the Fever Boys going off and even the drums seemed to add to the occasion" said Hall "and if Phoenix had scored the winner then the stadium roof would have ended up at Shed 1". Phoenix drew with Melbourne 2 - 2.

Hussey Back For Next Match

Zephyr Rovers face an uphill battle to qualify for the top four after next weeks games. "We needed the top teams to keep beating our rivals after our close loss to the Gayes" said Hall "but unfortunately Mercer went down to Ten Left Feet so we really have to win our last two and hope results go our way". Hall said the return of Eddie Hussey would help and he would be rushed staright into the line up. "I had a beer with Eddie on Friday night and he confirmed he is back for the next fixture" said Hall " although I'm not as certain about Ben White and I'll have to follow up with him later and see if we'll ever see him again in a Rovers shirt". Hall said the impromptu Rovers drinks on Friday night had seen him minding Chopper McIntosh after a few quiets at the Occidental. "I have pictures of the event but I think we'll need to make sure the media never gets hold of them" confided Hall.

Phoenix Shirt Launch

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall conformed this afternoon that he attended the launch of the new Phoenix strip at a lunch time promotion. "There were a few TV cameras there and somehow I eneded up standing right next to the team" said Hall "an although I tried to get an interview with the One Auckland News reporter she didn't seem much interested in Indoor Football". Hall said that although he was standing next to Terry Serepiso he didn't use the opportunity to pitch a deal to the Phoenix backer. "I don't tink I should be talking to Serepiso without the Chairman Nash present" said Hall "and I couldn't spot George in the crowd so the opportunity went begging". Hall said the Phoenix squad were all young fit scrawny looking guys. "I was standing next to Cleberson who I'd heard was a big unit" said Hall "but I can now officially confirm that I'm a bigger unit than he is". Hall said he is in the official photo but slightly obsured.

Smith Calls For Boot Camp

Former Zephyr Rovers player Charlie Smith called today for the Zephyr Squad to be put through a boot camp before next season. “It seems self evident to me here in Perth that the team is suffering from fitness issues and losing games late in the piece” confided Smith “I’d have the lads climbing up and down the Rimutaka Hill road three times a day so that they can get their conditioning”. Smith said he was disappointed that England had not beaten Germany this morning. “Winston Churchill will be turning over in his grave at that result” said Smith “and frankly it is never acceptable to lose to the Germans and McClown should go”. Smith said he would at least get to see Pompey knock over Chelski this weekend. “You have to get over your disappointments and beating Chelsea will be worth a few pints” suggested Smith.

Heartbreak

Zephyr Rovers played an excellent first half today against defending champions El Gayes to go into the brak with a half time lead of five to three. "I don't really think the half time score reflects the dominance we had in that half and they sneaked a late goal to get closer" said Hall "but really we executed our pre-match plan perfectly and built our attack on solid defence". Hall said at half time he was confident Rovers would go with it but things soon fell apart early in the second half. "We lost our shape and I was trying to bark instructions to correct the situation but of course no one was listening to me" said Hall "as a result we didn't have the right people in the right positions and the marking dropped off on the first half effort". Hall said El Gayes scored 4 goals to nil over the first ten minutes of the second half before a late revival saw Rovers tie the match at 7 - 7. "I thought we'd done enough to win it and they missed a penalty that shouldn't have been given" said Hall "and we regained our composure and went at them". Hall said with ten seconds to go the El Gayes forward got near goal with two defenders on him. "The game ended with the last kick of the game when they got a wicked deflection that sailed into the top corner" said Hall "it was a complete fluke but as they say you've got to shoot to score". Hall said he was proud of the team and they ran the defending champions very close. "We're definitely getting close now" said Hall "and we're certainly looking competitive".

Final: Rovers 7 Gayes 8

Rematch

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall (pictured) said he was looking forward to an improvement in tomorrow's rematch against El's Gaye. "I think we can do better and as long as we defend in the first five minutes I think we can make a game of it" said Hall "as last time we were three goals down before anyone started marking". Hall said the last match was lost in the first five minutes with poor defence and in the last five minutes when the team ran out of puff. "So we'll be playing seven players tomorrow to help with the running out of puff problem" said Hall "and we'll be starting with a defensive formation to try and stop the early goals against". Hall said then it was a matter of scoring a few more goals. "I think team work and fast movement of the ball is the key there" suggested Hall "I've noted the good teams play a lot of one touch and we often hold the ball a bit much".

We Love Referees

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said today that the controversy surrounded the standards of refereeing in the English Premier league did not apply to the Wellington Indoor Football League. "It's well known we love the referees and we're talking to them all the time to try and help them with their skills" said Hall "I know I never miss the chance to give them some encouragement and I know Chopper likes to have a word or two as well". Hall said the standard of refereeing was improving and he was hoping a new softer approach to the referees by the team would pay dividends. "We want to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative" confessed Hall "so we're hoping we can achieve this by the referees giving more calls in our favour and ignoring any opposition nonsense". Hall said he wasn't in favour of introducing linesmen to indoor football as "the referees get in the way enough already without having another two officials on the floor".

Seven Goal Heaven

Whilst most New Zealand football supporters were watching in wonder as the Brazilian Under 17 team destroyed New Zealand 7 - 0, George Nash (pictured) was preparing for his own 7 goal celebration. On the other side of the world at Ibrox, Birthday boy Kris Boyd answered his critics by ending his much-publicised goal drought as Rangers thumped Falkirk 7-2. "Well it was roughly what I expected to happen" said a jubilant Nash "and needless to say Rangers are now top of the league and I expect will stay there for the rest of the season". Nash celebrated with seven pints and seven hotels and by late in the day was completely unavailable for comment. "It's not often the lad gets a chance to see his team score seven" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "and with Pompey winning as well I'm in for a week of e mail from Smith on how well Pompey are going". Hall would not comment on Port Vale's start other than to say they were well ahead of Leeds".

Take The Long Way Home

The new indoor stadium proposed by the council near Wellington Airport and some considerable distance from the central city. "I estimate if I start jogging over there on Monday morning I should just make the Wednesday lunch time game" said Hall "but my real concern is after a bit of a run around will I get back to the office by Friday evening". Hall said he had no concerns about adding to the indoor facilities out Kilbernie way as Cobham Park was hardly a pleasant outdoor venue. "Let's face it Cobham Park is a bit of a wind tunnel and you have to duck every ten seconds as a plane comes off the runaway" said Hall "but it is a bit far for your average office worker to get to at lunch time". Hall said the council needed to look at options on the waterfront and supposing that Kilbernie was enough was just not good enough. "I challenge the Mayor to run out there in her lunch break" said Hall "and if she can jog out there, play a game and be back in town in under an hour I'll eat my underpants".

Save Our Game

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall today confirmed he would be making a submission to the Wellington City Council next week to save sport on the waterfront. "The council has decided we need a Hilton Hotel on the waterfront and I have no issue with that" said Hall "but we want to see an alternative venue for sport on the waterfront as we sure can't jog to Kilbernie at lunch time to play in the new indoor facility out there". Hall said that the council had the opportunity to allow an indoor sports stadium as part of the development of the waterfront but at the moment didn't appear to have any interest in the thousands of people who play sport down there every week. "Let's face it your average council member doesn't play indoor sport" said Hall "so they're more concerned with getting the mix of swamp and lawn right up the other end of the waterfront than being concerned about the bit where real people go". Hall said the situation where the Events Centre was effectively closed to sport and Shed 1 was being demolished was nothing short of a scandal. "I think by this time next week they might have a better idea what the waterfront means to people who play sport down there" said Hall.

Beckham For Rovers

News that David Beckham may soon be coming to Wellington with the LA Galaxy to play against Wellington Phoenix has led to inevitable speculation that Zephyr Rovers are partly behind the deal. "We can't say at this stage if we've contributed to the million dollars fee to bring David out here" said Zephyr Chairman George Nash "and If I was overheard in a bar saying any different then that shouldn't be taken as confirmation that we are considering it". Nash said whilst he was confident that David would increase the crowd numbers at the Shed of Dreams he wasn't so sure that David was the right Beckham for Rovers. "We'd take a good look at Posh I think" said Nash "she could well be the answer to our recent striking problem as I'm told she is very striking". Nash said Rovers would certainly be prepared to go in with Terry Serepiso for a share of the million dollars but "would not be expecting to pay the lion's share".

Shapeshifters

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confessed this evening that he and Chairman Nash (pictured) have been moonlighting for another indoor football team the called the Shapeshifters. "The Shapeshifters had their first official game under their new branding last night and I'm pleased to say we won with some guidance from George and myself" said Hall "it provides the opportunity for a bit of extra fitness work and allows us to try out a few things in a less pressured environment than Division 1". Hall informed that neither himself nor Nash had any direct management role in the Shapeshifters. "We play and help out with a bit of advice" said Hall "but we're not expecting to bring the Shapeshifters into the Rovers franchise". Shapeshifters have no immediate plans to be the best team in Wellington.

Defence Not The Issue

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said today that the team had spent a lot of time recently navel casing at the defensive qualities of the team, especially after the nine goals hit past Rovers yesterday. "The truth is a simple glance at the table will show that we have the second best defence in the league after leaders Mercer but unfortunately we have the least goals". Hall said he certainly wasn't suggesting an all out attack policy and perhaps tightening the defence further and going for low scoring wins was a workable strategy. "Eddie is back but not available for the next match" said Hall "but we looking to field seven man teams from here on in and keep working at both attack and defence". Hall said there was still plenty of scope to sneak into the top four but said in the worst case scenario "winning the bottom four playoff is our Plan B if the worst come to the worst".

Gayes Have It

Zephyr Rovers lost their dress rehearsal for next week's fixture against El Gayes when a slow start saw Rovers down three - nil in less than three minutes. Rovers picked up the points though for the fixture which was a replacement for the defaulted match against Infinity. "We started like a dead slug commencing a marathon" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "but then we were pretty competitive right through to the last three minutes when we finally ran out of puff". Els Gayes themselves lost their actual game and Rovers are now one of four teams sitting in third equal place in 19 points. "We're expecting Eddie Hussey back for the next fixture" said Hall "and he might help close down a few of the opposition attacks". Hall said that if Rovers could find a little something extra they were still in with a shot at the top four. "We might end up contesting the bottom four yet in our first Division 1 season" confessed Hall "but we might as well go down guns blazing". Hall confessed that stand in second half keeper Chopper McIntosh (pictured) had played a blinder. "He gives us options in goal if we ever need them".

Final: Rovers 3 Gayes 9

Smith Disappointed

Pompey fanatic Charles Smith said his summer flit with the Saints would not be repeated just because Pompey didn't manage to win their first match. "Obviously I was picking Pompey to win the league this year by winning every match" said Smith from his Pert retreat "but I can cope with them merely going undefeated all season and winning by twenty points". Smith said his time as a Saints supported did not mean he was wishing them well. "I hope the get relegated as well as docked points for next season as well" said Smith "I'm hoping they'll do a Leeds and disappear from trace". Smith said he wasn't likely to support his local team Perth Glory as they had no idea how to play football outside of Portsmouth.

Silver Fever

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall did not agree with George Nash (pictured) that Phoenix were no better than his old pub team. "I was never in a pub team" said Hall "but I did see similarities between the finishing of Shane Smeltz on Friday night and George Nash (pictured)". Smeltz missed several sitters before missing a penalty in the shoot out at the end of the game. "I think even Charlie Smith would have finished one of those chances" said Hall "so it just proves even the professional players are able to miss the goal. Hall said apart from the lesson of getting Brazilians players he hadn't picked up much to apply to the indoor game. "it was freezing out there and it did occur to me that it was more comfortable for spectators in Shed 1" offered Hall "so I'm not really sure why we're not getting quite as big a crowd as they are". Hall said he might have to look at rebranding the supporters club. "I think Silver Fever has some appeal".

Unchanged Line Up

Zephyr Manager Steve Hall announced an unchanged line up for the friendly game on Monday at the Shed of Dreams. "I'm certainly going to have a run in the outfield so there will be a tweak or two" said Hall "but I think we'll start the first half with me in goal and see how we go by half time". Hall said that due to a default Rovers already had the three points for the win in the bag so it was a chance to have a run out without too much pressure. "I kind of imagine it will be like having a game for Toitu Te Whenua where they have no expectations" said Hall "except if we don't focus on this match then we'll quickly find twenty goals in our net just like the Infinity team who pulled out". Hall said there were a wealth of theories how the team could improve and he'd "need a computer to work out a common thread" in the suggestions he'd received.

Island Break Canned

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said plans for a surprise team break in the islands had been canned due to a lack of sponsorship for the trip. "Obviously we're thrilled with our team sponsor and we really value the support Zephyr provide us" said Hall "but they thought the idea of hiring a LearJet for a quick team tour of the South Pacific was just a bit out of the planned budget range". Hall said he thought the team need to freshen up and thought a few days playing beach football would have set the scene nicely as Rovers go into the business end of the season. "We'll have to settle for a friendly match next week now before we hit the top teams in the run in" indicated Hall "it will be all hard work from here on in".

Tevez Not Wanted

Carlos Tevez is not being considered for a role in the Zephyr Rovers team because his desired salary is too high. "We have to stay within our salary cap" said Zephyr Chairman George Nash today "and funnily enough Tevez asking price is several dollars more than what we're able to offer". Tevez has being trying to sign for Manchester United for what seems like several years but is still awaiting final clearance. "He seems to attract a bit of controversy and we're trying to keep away from negative media coverage ever since Charlie moved on" said Nash "we've cleaned up our act a bit and only now have Chopper as our designated hit man". Nash said that should Tevez ever come into the Rovers price range, he was welcome to contact the club. "I don't expect a call for about seventy years" said Nash.

Phoenix Friday Night

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said this afternoon that he looked forward to making his own assessment of the Wellington Phoenix on Friday night at the stadium. "I know George says the standard of the league is about the same as his old pub team" said Hall "but I thought I'd go and have a look for myself as I've heard more positive reports from everyone else who went to the first match". Hall said it was important to study other teams even in the eleven a side game as they might give pointers to how the Rovers could improve their performance. "They have four Brazilians and I have an inkling if Rovers had four Brazilians we'd be likely to be going quite well right now" confessed Hall "so I'm thinking of asking George to practice his Brazilian skills this week to add a bit of flair to our midfield".

Quiet Week

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said today that there was no competition game for Rovers now for two weeks but a friendly game would occur next Monday in lieu of the scheduled match against Infinity who have pulled out of the competition. "I'll tell the boys to keep up their regular exercise schedule this week and hopefully they'll run for an hour or so every evening and keep in shape" said Hall "and the club will consider paying for lettuce leaf if anyone wants to go on a full time salad diet". Hall said the dangers of a lengthy lay off were well known to the club and in many way it was handy that the friendly game will be occurring next week. "We will have a chance to get out and have a run" said Hall "and we might even try a bit of experimentation like me playing in the outfield". Hall said he had no plans to bring in a ring in but if a Brazilian approached him by next Monday he might reconsider.

Rangers For Title

Zephyr Rover Chairman George Nash today installed Glasgow Rangers as firm favourites to win the Scottish title this year after their 3 - 0 demolition of Inverness. "I've taken a look at the rival teams for the league and done a close analysis of their squads" said Nash "and my calculations are telling me that there is daylight between Rangers and the next team, who might well be Inverness". Nash said Rangers had been unlucky in some recent seasons but should now be firmly back in control of Scottish football. "I'm think East Stirling could be a threat in about fifty years but I don't really see anyone else to challenge us in either Scotland, or for that matter Europe". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he thought it would be a one horse race but declined to say if Rangers were his pick for the horse.

Smith Tranmere Trial Doubts

Doubts were expressed today by anonymous web sources about the validity of Charlie Smith's claims to have had a professional trial with Tranmere Rovers. "We can find no record of Smith having had a trial with Tranmere either on the Tranmere web site or in the authoritative source for all web user Wikipedia" said the source "so we have come to the conclusion that if Smith had a trial at Tranmere it must have been in the kitchen". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he'd always taken Smith's claims at face value. "The lad scored a wonder goal for us once from almost on the edge of our own area" said Hall "so there were sporadic glimpses that he night have had a talent for the game when he was younger". Hall said he didn't see Smith making a late come back in the professional game but thought that if he returned to Wellington then Toitu Te Whenua would likely take a look at him.

Top Three In Run In

Zephyr Rovers will get the three points for turning up in their next match against Infinity who withdrew from the league after a 20 - 2 thrashing. But the final three games will be against the current top three. "We get to play run away leaders Mercer as well as the second and third teams so there will be no easy run in" said Hall "but at least we should be battle hardened for the semi-finals". Hall said it was still not out of the question that Rovers could make the top half of the league. "Eddie (pictured) will be back shortly and I expect he will be straight into the team in a defensive role" said Hall "and really a small change in fortunes could see us right back in the running for a top four spot". Hall said several other teams had already got their points for playing Infinity and this the next round saw the top teams playing each other. "The default alone should see us climb a few places" indicated Hall.

Mental Frailty

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said today the team was showing signs of mental frailty after another loss in Division 1. "At last count we had four hundred and two theories on how we could do better which was up four hundred on when we were winning in Division 3" indicated Hall "but the fact is it is a tough league and we're still adapting to the standard of the game". Hall said he hadn't seen club psychologist Liz O'Brien for some time and the club might need to look at signing a full time shrink to get over the post match trauma and on-going self analysis and navel gazing. "I guess I could go out and look at the transfer market as that is what Sir Alex would be doing" confessed Hall "but at this stage I think this team can go further but we'll also have to work at it". Hall said perhaps the recruitment focus should go on hiring the long vacant masseuse position. "The lads need to work off that stress after the matches" suggested Hall.

Close Encounter of the Losing Kind

Zephyr Rovers today put up a good fight today at the Shed of Dreams but eventually went down 7 - 5 after a controversial penalty put Harp Shooters in the box seat with a few minutes to go. "I certainly thought we had our deficiencies today at times defensively but this is a league where little mistakes get punished and we are still new at the game at this level" said Hall "and we don't seem to get much change from the referees even though we get fouled our fair share". Hall said Rovers had possession and territory for large parts of the match but got hit with the opposition pushing up quickly and losing their markers. "I have to say looking at it from between the sticks I had too many one on ones for my liking" said Hall "which suggests we still have a bit of work to do in that department". Rovers were also finding it harder to break down opposition defences and weren't scoring as many as in Division 3. "Matty (pictured) scored a few today and I don't think we're too far off the pace" said Hall "but we must keep learning and Division 1 is the place to get an education.

Final: Rovers 5 Harps 7