International Retirement

Zephyr Manager Steve Hall declared his international retirement today after failing to be called up for the New Zealand team to play New Caledonia. "Fortunately I'm still able to consider representative honours as I played today in the Town versus Country at North Wellington club" said Hall "and you'll find my name on the card for the second team on the same day although I never got on the field, in fact I never even put my kit on". Hall said he had not phoned Rikki Herbert for an explanation but he knew Herbert had a lot on his mind with the recent form of the Phoenix. "I'm tempted to give Rikki a few pointers again" said Hall "but I've got every confidence New Zealand will beat New Caledonia this evening but disappointed I won't see any of the million for qualifying for the Confederations Cup. Hall would not say what his fee for playing for Country was over the weekend but said "I love football and will play for free if I have to". Hall played no international games for either his birth country or his adopted country but always felt he was close to a call up.

FNZ Soundly Beaten

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said that Zephyr Rovers had had no problems disposing of lower league opposition today at the Shed of Dreams, despite George Nash (pictured) being full of the flu. "We were five goals to nil up when I decided to have a run in the outfield""said Hall "but when it got back to 5 - 2 I scurried back into the goals for fear of them getting back in it". Hall said Rovers stabilised after his return to goal and Rovers went on to score another four goals unanswered. "I actually had a clean sheet when I was in goal but the stand ins let a couple in" said Hall "and the distribution went from excellent to very poor, which explains why I couldn't buy a goal in the outfield". Hall said the fear was the teams Rovers were playing were not close to the standard of Division 1 so the Rover would have to lift their game several notches if another Div 1 campaign was to be contemplated. "We still need to strengthen the squad" said Hall "unless we end up in Div 2 where we'd be ok".

Final: Rovers 9 FNZ 2

Phoenix Horrible

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he had made a mistake in watching the Wellingto Phoenix game against Adelaide in the hope pf gainimg managerial inspiration for the forthcoming Division 1 campaign. "The Phoenix lost 3 - 0 and were shocking" said Hall "and frankly I could have subbed on and made a bigger impact". Hall said the game showed the pressure of being a football manager and getting a team motivated. "I'm lucky really with Rovers that some of the players come naturally hyped up"said Hall "it doesn't usually take much to get a discussion going between me and George during a game, and he's lucky I don't usually understand a word of what he says in the heat of the moment". Hall said if the Phoenix neded a pre-match pep talk before their next match he'd be happy to send his Chairman down to say a few words. "I'm sure Goerge would put a bomb under them"" said Hall "they wouldn't want to come back to the dressing room having lost three nil that is for sure".

Moss Shocker

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confirmed he was available for immediate call up after watching a shocking performance from Glen Moss as the Phoenix went down to Melbourne at the Ring of Fire. "They seemed to have a bit more water on the pitch than we do down at the Shed of Dreams and Moss made a few errors"said Hall "perhaps he needs to come down and watch Rovers and see what diving around on concrete feels like". Hall said that carpet on concrete was the perfect way to harden Moss up for the remaining A League fixtures. "What I find interesting about indoor keeping is that if you survive the fall onto the concrete floor then you forget about the carpet burns you get whilst doing it" explained Hall "and once in a while when you bend your finger back, you can at least have the joy of the carpet turning from red to green so you can see it". Hall said Rovers would welcome Moss coming down for a bit if toughening up. "We will give anone advice in this team"said Hall "no one is too big to be brought down to earth".

Rovers Outclassed

The return of Pete Roberts to the Rovers line up did not prevent a loss to Harp Shooters at the Shed of dreams. ""We have no excuses for this one"said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "we had a pretty strong line up out for the game, we had a lot of possession and territory, but we weren't good enough to put them away". Hall said Harp Shooters play a defensive quick break style that proved highly effective against Rovers. "We need a few more goals for all our efforts, but we tried to get too close and didn't shoot enough from distance" said Hall "perhaps Ben White would have made a difference but most likely it was the lack of a stable line up that is impacting on us the most". Hall said there was no doubt the teams at the bottom half of Division 1 had improved a lot over the second half of the season. "There are no easy game in Division 1 now"said Hall "we just got beaten by all the teams in the lower half after beating two of them in the first round".

Final: Rovers 3 Harp Shooters 6

Rovers Return

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confirmed this afternoon that Pete Roberts would be one of several players to return for the rematch against Harp Shooters for the wooden spoon. "We've suddenly got Matty (pictured) and Pete back, and John, Eddie and Dan are all available"said Hall "so we probably have the strongest line up for some weeks". Hall said it wasn't exactly a case of revenge over Harp Shooters, he was treating it as a pre-season friendly. "Ok so it will be sweet if we can get one back over them and I assure everyone I'll be playing in goal" said Hall "but it is the grading games now that matter more and we need to win those to stay in Division 1 for next season". Hall said he was looking forward as well to the Phoenix game later today for inspiration. "I think you can get recharged watching a bit of football"said Hall "I've already watched three Premier League games and the highlights, so the world doesn't seem such a bleak place today".

Punished

"I don't want to talk about it" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall as Rovers were today whipped by Ten Left Feet. "We would go a long way to find a worse game than that" said Hall "we started brightly enough but we didn't build from the back very well and the distribution wasn't too flash". Hall said playing himself out field hadn't worked that well. ""I was a bit knackered from lack of recent outfield experience" said Hall "but I don't think I got a ball to feet from the back all day, so I appreciated that I need to get back into goal so that we can get some quality ball delivered up front". Hall said it was interesting that the defence thought the attacking was at fault. "Everyone is entitled to their opinion but as manager I know I'm right" said Hall "at the end of the day we need to get back to positions we know and I know this squad has it in them to beat Ten Left Feet again, but full credit today as they took us to the cleaners". Hall said he needed to rebuild the squad to ensure more depth was available. "I'll be taking a look at Robbie Keene (pictured)" said Hall "on the tele".

Final: Rovers 2 Ten Left Feet 10

Scraping For Left Feet

Zephyr Rovers Manager conceded this evening that Rovers wouldn't be launching a serious attempt to win the Division 1 plate. "We've won in before and unfortunately we've loss a bit of enthusiasm in recent weeks and will have to rebuild for next season" said Hall "we only have three squad players members available for the match against Ten Left Feet and we're even short of rings ins at this point". Hall said he decided to use the play offs as part of the pre-season build up and would try new players out as he identified potential new squad members. "Pete Roberts says he's only a week away from a come back" said Hall "but we're going to be hit with no recognised goal scorer this week and with Matty (pictured), George, John, Ben all out, I'm not giving us much of a chance". Hall said he would take the unusual step of playing outfield for the match. "I know I'm best at keeper because I can organise the team best from back there" said Hall "but these are desperate days so I'll give it a crack". Hall said it was a short term change as "the team will miss my distribution from the back". Hall said keeper was by no means as easy as it looked.

No Time To Revisit Goals

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall (pictured) rubbished media speculation that Rovers would review its ambition to be the best club in Wellington by 30 June 2030. "I've talked to the Chairman and we think it is a goal we can not only achieve, but which with better luck on the availability front we might have got close to this season" said Hall "we certainly learnt it is a squad game and you can't win the season with five or even seven players". Hall said Rovers had had a tough season with keeping consistent starting line ups. "We've been forced to blood new players and there is no doubt we could use a bit more goal scoring grunt right now"said Hall "Matty is currently taking too much on himself and he needs a foil to both take the heat off him as well as score a few goals themselves".
Hall said first class strikers with proven goal scoring records could approach the club and would be given a trial in the new season.

Close But No Cigar

Zephyr Rovers disappointingly bowed out of this seasons Division one semi-finals after a loss to lowly Harp Shooters. "We had the team to do the business but we didn't do it" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "we had a really off day with our shooting and I think about seven shots went narrowly over the bar". Hall said with so many players having missed chunks of the season, it was hardly surprising that Rovers had a disjointed look to them for the match. "We needed support for Matty and with John just having come back from overseas, and the likes of Pete Roberts still out injured, we just didn't have the usual spring in our step". Rovers were 5 - 2 down before a late come back which almost saw a draw rescued. "We would have got through with one more goal so that is how fine a point it is" said Hall "there was so little in it in the end and we went out on goal differential which is bitterly disappointing". Hall said all that was left for the season it seemed was character building. "I don't mind admitting I hate losing" said Hall "and this was gutting in the circustances".

Phoenix Final

Zephyr Rovers Chairman George Nash (pictured) and Manager Steve Hall attended the final of the A League pre-season tournament at the stadium tonight. "We had a pre-match conference at the Thistle "said Nash "and of course we talked about our chance of taking three points of Harp Shooters to qualify for the finals". Rovers are looking short of players for the match but should be able to field five regulars. "We know Harp Shooters play a defensive formation"said Nash "they never seem to score many but they have a very solid defence who can frustrate you". Nash said he learnt little from the Phoenix match but was impressed by the penalty taking. "If Rangers ever need specialist penalty takers then these guys might get a game" said Nash "and of course I want to take the penalties for Rovers if we ever get one".

Cao Kid Returns

John Cao (pictured) will be back from his northern hemisphere trip for the game this Friday against Harp Shooters. "We'll have all of the contingent that went overseas back for this one" said Hall "but funnily a lot of the guys who played the middle part of the season won't be". Hall said that he was looking into permanent recruitment of new players but with a busy schedule he hadn't had time to do the usual scouting to see who was available on the market. Ï must admit I've watched a few lower league indoor teams and thought about flogging some of their players" said Hall "but usually we pick up players who are known already to the team". Hall said he wasn't that concerned how players arrived at the club. " If I get an e mail from the Internet to say someone wants a trial then we'll take a look at them for sure" said Hall "providing they have a track record that suggests they'll fit into the team and be able to play at Division 1 standard". Hall said a goal scorer had to be the priority. "We're pretty good defensively when we have our best line up"suggested Hall "but we need to get more goals in the net".

Thumped

Zephyr Rovers were soundly beaten today by an in form Don Logan team at the Shed of Dreams. "We had two players on debut and George coming back from surgery" said Hall "but they turned out a strong team and simply took us to the cleaners". Hall made the rare move of bringing himself out into the outfield in the second half but the goals kept coming. Ï thought they played very well and would have been a handful for our best line up" said Hall "but the reality is you can't afford to debut two new players in the same game and expect to have team cohesion". Hall said with injuries and unavailability it was getting hard to maintain continuity. "You'd think a squad of ten for five starting positions would be enough"bemoaned Hall "but the reality this season is we needed more". Hall said the result meant a win in the last match would be needed to steer Rovers through to a semi-final. "We missed Matty and John today (both pictured)" said Hall "and even with themback we still need a Jamie like replacement to put some goals in".

Final: Rovers 5 Don Logan 13

Tough Road Ahead

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said today that one more win should see Rovers through to the final but warned that notwithstanding Rovers had beaten Harp Shooters and Don Logan in the first round, both teams were tough opponents. "We won't be able to sleep walk to the finals, Don Logan has been in good form and Harp Shooters tend to play a defensive pattern and can be very hard to break down". Hall said Rovers were particularly short for this weeks fixture against Don Logan. "It is starting to look like we'll have to bring in two or three new players and we've lost all our recognised strikers for this one so it will be a hard ask". Hall said the departure of Jamie Johnstone and the absence of Matty Cantwell (pictured) might make goals hard to come by. "We may have to play it very tight and hope we can sneak it 4 -3"confessed Hall "but we won't know how our new players will fit in so that is the great unknown".

Bellies Down

Zephyr Rovers sent of Jamie Johnston today in style by beating Jimmie Five Bellies at the Shed of Dreams. "We had six for this match and it was one of our stronger line ups of recent times" said Hall ""only problem for Jimmies was that they were up against it because they only had four players". Hal said if it was difficult to play against ten players in eleven aside then it wasn't that easy to break down four players in five aside. Understandably they played deep in their half and tried to get breaks to score against us"said Hall "and whilst we looked comfortable for the whole match we couldn't break them down that easily so a big score was never going to eventuate". Hall said it was only at the end that Rovers slackened off and gave Jimmies a few cheap goals. "This result puts us firmly in second place"said Hall "but you could see enough to know we have to find another level to be competitive in a semi-final or final against them". Hall said Eddie Hussey would be back in the country next week and it was a case of goodye Jamie and hello Eddie. "An Irishman for a Scotsman" chuckled Hall "I'm not sure if that is a good deal or not".

Final: Rovers 10 Jimmies 5

Back Home Laddie

Zephyr Rovers Chairman George Nash (pictured) and Manager Steve Hall attended a farewell function for Jamie Johnston last evening. "Jamie has been a good servant to Rovers and whilst we were hoping he'd be around for another thirty years or so, we understand that family comes first and Jamie needs to return home at this point" said Nash "I understand this all too well and we wish Jamie well and hope he will return to the Rovers fold should he return to New Zealand further down the track". Manager Hall said it was unusual to be drinking before a big match so whilst he had appeared to have been drinking beer, he had in fact not swallowed. "Not everyone can make a drink disappear without drinking it"said Hall "but with a big game coming up I knew we had to go to the function and give the appearance of enjoying ourselves" said Hall and I was particularly impressed with Jamie who really did look like he was drinking that scotch, it certainly fooled me". Hall denied media speculation that he had booked a seat for Nash on the same flight.

Fire In Their Bellies

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said Zephyr Rovers would have to play with "fire in their bellies"" if they were to get a result against Jimmy Five Bellies. Ï don't think there is much doubt that when these guys play their strongest line up they are the class act of the division" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "they are the team that we measure ourselves against in our desire to win this league by 2030". Hall said whilst he acknowledged that Rovers had the opportunity to consolidate second place if they could win the match, he knew that this match would be a chance to have a peak at possibly the strongest team in the league. "We know Els Gaye is currently top but that won't mean a thing at semi-final time"said Hall "we know these guys have the fire power and fortunately this week we'll have a good line up out to test them". Hall said Matty Cantwell (pictured) would be forming a potent strike force with Jamie Johnston who would be playing his last match for the Rovers before returning to Scotland.

Feet Second

Zephyr Rovers never looked in much danger today at the Shed of Dreams as they dispatched Ten Left Feet 7 - 2. "We resorted to using Tim Hall again this week due to so many players being unavailable"said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "" and he managed to score a goal which makes him the youngest player in the team and quite possibly the league to do so". Hall said he had planned to bring his son Tim into the squad as part of the youth development programme about 2027. "We're looking to win this league by 30 June 2030 and obviously I'd be amiss as a manager if I didn't have a long term plan to strengthen the squad"said Hall "so yes I am looking ahead to see when we can draft in new players and you can be sure we'll be keeping an eye on other players to make the step up to play for Rovers". Hall said a solid defensive effort backed by the twinkle toes of Matty Cantwell had seen the team through. "We were the only team playing with our right feet"said Hall "so it helped us win this one".
Final: Rovers 7 Ten Left Feet 2

More Left Feet

Zephyr Rovers would again be playing old enemy Ten Left Feet this Friday at the Shed of Dreams. "We've been playing these guys since our Division 7 days and they're always a tough nut to crack, especially as they seem to have large squad an you never know who will turn up" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall and that's why we may no heed whatsoever to the popular press who I'm sure are thinking we will walk away with this one". Rovers have been struggling with absences and injuries this season and have tried a few new players to get make up the numbers. "My son will be playing again this week a sit is still school holidays and we're not confident yet we'll get our five players"said hall "but getting a team on the park is a big consideration in this league and no team is able to play their strongest line up week in week out". Hall said he had considered dragging Colin "Chopper"Mc Intosh out of retirement again but hadn't had the opportunity to see if his zimmer frame could get through the court doors. "There was also the question of what would happen if Chopper saved a goal with the zimmer frame"said Hall ""I don't think they've formulated a rule on that eventuality yet".

Aberdeen Calls

Jamie Johnston has announced today that he will be returning to Scotland for family reasons and is unsure when or if he will return to New Zealand. "I've tried to get him a transfer to a Scottish club" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "but apparently he thinks there is another team up there besides Glasgow Rangers, which George Nash assures me there isn't". Hall said Johnston had been a useful acquisition with his speed and handy left boot and the team would miss him. "We'll be looking to get a few of the lads along to his send off, of that I think we can be sure" said Hall "we'll probably end up with George getting the kilt out and doing a few of those highland jigs around the bar". Hall said Johnston would play two more games for Rovers before his departure".

Mercy Mercy Mercer

A depleted Zephyr Rovers today took on fellow leaders Mercer at the Shed of Dreams. "We got a mate of Ben's Kenny and my son to play for us and George was back for another run" said Hall "so we cobbled together a team although we looked a bit shaky at the start". Mercer got out to an early lead and were 4 - 1 up before Rovers started to knit it together. "We knuckled down and I thought we were getting the better of them midway through the second half when we got back to 4 - 3 down" said Hall "but unfortunately we then made two subs and lost the pattern, which handed the initiative back to Mercer". Hall said a bad throw out from the back saw it all fall apart. "I was trying to get them on a quick break but they intercepted and at 5 - 3 we didn't have the time to come back" said Hall "they got one more and it ended 6 - 3". Hall said that was probably Mercers strongest line up so their wasn't that much to fear if Rovers could put out a full line up. "We're not at full strength this week although Ben White (pictured) is starting to return to his old form which is good" said Hall "but we can improve and as long as we make the top four we can beat anyone".

Rovers 3 Mercer 6

Holidays In The Sun

Zephyr Rovers will be without a "galaxy of stars" for their match against Mercer this Thursday at the Shed of Dreams. "Remarkably we have three players out of the country, either swanning around Europe or putting their feet up on the Sunshine Coast" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "so we've not only had to draft George (pictured) back in but we'll have two players making their debut for Rovers including my son who is on his school holidays". Hall said it was difficult to plan holidays in a league that never had an off-season. "I can understand people wanting to get away from Wellington at this time of the year as the weather is less than optimal" said Hall "but just because it has been raining for three weeks doesn't mean they all had to go at the same time". Mercer and Rovers are currently two of the four teams that are first equal in the league. "They got thrashed a few weeks ago fielding an understrength team so I'm sure there best line up will be out there" said Hall "but we'll give them a game and you never know we might steal the points if we're lucky".

Back On Form

The return of Matty Cantwell (pictured) and Jamie Johnston provided firepower for Rovers in a return to form at the Shed of Dreams. "I probably should confess it also saw the return of Player Chariman George Nash who played part of both halves up front" said Hall "but he looked a bit underdone and struggled to find both the net and his breath". Rovers dominated the match and Ben White was also back to form showing his ability to hit the net from a defensive position. "It's always good to have a number of threats as the opposition find it hard to close everyone down" said Hall "so with Matty and Jamie doing the damage up front and Ben, John and Dan capable of scoring as well we had plenty of options". Hall said the game was largely over by half time against a team that had one two out of three like Rovers. "After today we are in second place and their are four teams all on 19 points" said Hall "It's going to be a great race and we play Mercer next week who knocked of Els Gaye this afternoon".

Final: Rovers 11 Datacom 5

Spanish Stroll

Zephy Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he thought Rovers were more like the Spanish than the Germans after watching the Euro 2008 final this morning. "Clearly the Germans are methodicial and the Spanish have more flair" said Hall "and I think we're more a flair team than a bunch of robots". Hall admitted that he had considered robots for the team but had found they weren't quite up to scratch. "I got hold of one of those Lost In Space DVD's and watched the robot in going on about danger danger" said Hall "I tend to think we don't need a defender who flpas his arms and yells stuff out without doing anything". Hall said he thought Torres had showed a lot of pace. "He reminded me a lot of myself when I was his age" said Hall "the only difference is he earns a lot of money and I was somehow overlooked".

Gaye Old Time

Zephyr Rovers had three players shortly before kick off today against defending Division 1 Chapions Els Gaye. "We eventually got there will the help of a Mercer player and we played really well for most of the match" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "but whilst we had more territory and more shots, we lacked players like Jamie and Matt to put them away". Hall said the game was very close until the last few minutes. "It was 4 - 4 at one point but I went in the outfield for the last five minutes" said Hall "and I opened up quite a few gaps in my own defence and Ben (pictured) in goal got to experience what is like to give the opposition free shots on goal". Hall said it was encouraging though with an understrength team to run the champions close. "We know we can beat them on our day and as long as we make the top four we'll get our chance" said hall "we'll have to get on the winning track again next week".

Rovers 4 Els Gaye 7

Rovers Versus Champions

Zephyr Rovers have been hit by injuries and unavailability ahead of their match on Friday against current Division 1 champions Els Gaye. "We're playing the current best team in town, a position we aim to be in by 30 June 2030" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall (pictured) "and although we have a squad of ten, we currently haven't got five players for kick off due to injuries and overseas commitments". Hall said at least part of winning an indoor championship was actually finding people who could play the difficult kick off times like 2 pm on a Friday. "It's not the most sort after kick off time in town" said Hall "but with the current injury woes we can barely field a team at any time". Hall said Rovers faced an uphill battle but would put up a fight. "We're not going to roll over and I think it will be tight" predicted Hall "but I think if we had all our players available we'd have a good chance of toppling them".

Heroic Effort Sees Rovers Through

Zephyr Rovers were reduced to four men for the fixture today at the Shed of Dreams before picking up a passer by and putting him straight into the midfield. "We got Joe from Els Gaye to play for us and he did pretty well considering he always waers jeans when he plays" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "and we certainly needed the extra player as harp Shooters looked a bit strong than the team we played a fortnight ago". Hall said it was a fairly even fixture although Rovers stayed ahead for much of the match. "We were going pretty well until the last five minutes when we ran out of a bit of puff from having no subs" said Hall "I know I had to make quite a few saves in the end and they sneaked two or three goals to make the score respectable". Hall said it was good to get in some keeping practice but with champions Els Gaye coming up next week he was hoping to muster a stronger team. "It's one of the features of this time of the year that football players get injured" said Hall "so we might yet be looking to find some extra talent to boost the squad in coming weeks". Hall said Rovers were definitely looking for a top four place and he thought they would get there as long as they could keep putting five players on the pitch. "We were lucky today as even with injures we had a solid defence and we still have players like Jamie (pictured) who can bang them in the net" said Hall "but a couple more useful guys to call up in a crisis wouldn't go astray".

Final: Rovers 7 Harp Shooters 5

Injuries and Unavailability

Zephyr Rovers were tonight reeling ahead of their match with Harp Shooter tomorrow at the Shed of Dreams. "We've built up a strong squad of ten to cover us for injuries and unavailability" said Rovers manager Steve Hall "but we've currently got only four of the regular squad available for tomorrow so we're struggling". Hall said injuries had hit Mystery Matt, Peter Perfect and Nigel and Eddie had now played his last game for over a month as he was off on an overseas trip for several weeks. "I'm thinking of renaming us the globetrotters" said Hall "we've got Eddie in Ireland, John in Italy and Matty in Oz in coming weeks, and if I go to Palmy North for the weekend then we can say we've gone to the four corners of the Earth". Hall said many underestimated the value of Palmerston North as a holiday venue. "You can get away from the big smoke, watch wheelies outside of Maccas and still be back in time to play your indoor footy during the week" confessed Hall "and I'm told it even has a Warehouse for shopping". Hall said he expected Rovers to account for Harp Shooters as long as five players were available.

Go Tiger

Zephyr Rovers manager Steve Hall said this morning he was always willing to learn from other sports in his bid to get Zephyr Rovers to the top of Wellington indoor sports by 30 June 2030. "I was watching Tiger Woods this morning winning the US Open and it reminded me a bit of George Nash (pictured), and a little bit about myself" said Hall. Hall claimed that Tiger was obviously playing with an injury and that reminded him of George. "Playing on whilst not a 100% is certainly something that George would do" said Hall "whilst what I recognised about myself is the fierce drive to win". Hall said the never say die attitude of Woods was something Rovers needed in the big games. "I think the big thing in indoor football is to be able to come from behind and win" said Hall "we're not going to win every game from scoring first and staying ahead". Hall said he had had no report on when Nash would be back in the team but it would "no doubt be before he is 100%".

Italian Interest

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said this evening that he was at a loss to explain the sudden interest in Zephyr Rovers from Italy. "I'm told by our web master that we've had well over two hundred hits from Italy in the last two days" said Hall "I'm guessing it has something to do with John Cao (pictured) although even he can't know that many people surely". Hall said he would be happy to accept offers from Italian players to play in the tough and competitive Wellington lunch time five a side league. "I'm not sure their national team is going so well lately and they may have a few people wanting to leave the country shortly" said Hall "we're prepared to pay at least twice what we pay John for the right player". Hall said he felt Rovers should cash in on the Italian interest. "I'm happy to take Rovers on tour to Italy if the right finance is offered".

Black Friday

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall (pictured) today advised the entire Rovers squad to lie low for twenty four hours to ensure that there were no mishaps to the squad resulting from Black Friday bad luck. "We don't want to see Pete Roberts twisting his neck to match is stuffed knees" said Hall "and George needs to be careful he doesn't over extend his delicate bits or he'll never make a come back". Hall said a bit of reverse psychology was needed on these sort of days. "The obvious way to ward of any bad karma is to go to the Black Harp and have a beer or three" said Hall "let's face it you're never going to have bad luck in an Irish pub on a black Friday, what are the chances of that?". No points have yet been entered in yet in the Division 1 League table apart from those for paying fees on time. "I suppose you could say that is bad luck" said Hall "we were outside of the top four before we'd even played a game".

Stunning Start

Zephyr Rovers opened their Division 1 campaign with a thrashing of Don Logan FC at the Shed of Dreams this afternoon. "I think it is stunning that with so many players out we can still field a strong team and beat a team that has previously given us a lesson or two" said Hall "we took them to the cleaners in the first spell and it was amazing to be 7 - 0 up at half time, even though Pete Roberts (pictured) had a gammy leg". Hall said Dan Lee slotted in very well at left back and scored a few long range goals in the first half. "We had threat all over the park from Matt and Pete up front to John and Dan at the back" said Hall "but we also looked very steady at the back and they didn't get much of a look in". Hall said Rovers kept the heat on for the first part of the second half and were at one point and got out to 10 - 0. "We then brought Glen on for a run and with the chnages in position we lost a bit of tempo" said Hall "but we were going well until the last two minutes when we let them have three unanswered goals". Hall said it didn't matter due to the lead but Rovers would have to go to the end if they were to beat the top teams. "One win doesn't amke a season" said Hall "and if the boys don't pay up we're not going to get the ten competition points either which will make it tough".

Final: Rovers 12 Don Logan FC 5

Burn Out

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said several players including Nigel Burn (pictured) were unavailable for the opening fixture of the Division 1 season against Don Logan FC at the Shed of Dreams. "We've lost Nigel, Eddie, Jamie, George and possibly Ben" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "those guys would make a pretty strong team all by themselves so we're going to see how good our squad depth is right from the first match". Hall said with Pete Roberts also having a dodgy knee, Rovers would be down to the bare five. "I might have to get Glen back in as cover as he did pretty well last week" said Hall " and we can always use Pete in goal if it gets really desperate". Hall said he hadn't forgotten that Don Logan FC beat Rovers 9 - 4 last season before Rovers beat them in the final by 9 - 6. "We've had two very good tussles against them and I guess you could say they're winning on aggregate" said Hall "but also we won the one that mattered so they're the ones who have something to prove".

Mystery Out Of His Shell

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall indicated this afternoon that bringing Mystery Matt Cantwell out of his shell would be a key to doing well in the coming season. "He can be a bit shy and reserved although I think he likes his football to do the talking" said Hall "but really we don't want him wearing his shirt over his head too often as he might forget where the goal is and who knows hew might fire goals past me". Hall said it was important to use the skills of Cantwell in the opposing half off the field. "I saw Matty play for two or three minutes in goal last week and I can tell you he is no Gordan Banks" said Hall "and just quietly he won't be regularly at the heart of our defence even if he does play sweeper for his eleven a side team". Organisation is all important in this league and putting Matty up front is one of the easier team selections I make each week" explained Hall "he makes me nervous when he gets the ball right in front of my goal".

Squad Rotation

With Zephyr Rovers now confirmed as a Division 1 side again, manager Steve Hall says Rovers are better placed than previously to do well in the big time. "We have a bigger stronger squad than last time around" said Hall "but we're going to need a bit of squad rotation as several players are heading off overseas for stints and ensuring we have a team out some weeks will be a challenge". Hall said four Friday games would be interesting as we know Friday lunch time is a popular networking time. "It's not uncommon for a football manager to go scouting on a Friday" said Hall "and it is certainly and opportunity to discuss tactics with interested parties although there not as many interested parties as I'd like". Hall said ensuring you get a squad on the park is an important dimension of of indoor football. "You could have the best five players in New Zealand in your squad but if they can never play you're stuffed" said Hall "we have a good talent base and the two key factors this season in doing well will be playing to our potential and getting a team to the game".

Harp Shooters Shot Down

The late arrival of Mystery Matt Cantwell at half time did not dent the enthusiasm of the Rovers team as they took on the Harp Shooters in the Shed of Dreams today. "We drafted in Glen Rhodes (pictured) for the first half and he did pretty well scoring two of our goals" said Hall "and we were looking very strong defensively with both Eddie and Ben in the line up, although we gave Eddie a treat and played him up the park for quite a bit of the half". Hal said Rovers controlled the game defensively and he had very little to do in goal for the whole match. "It's great when the defence in front of you gives virtually no chances" said Hall "so it was just a matter of time before we found a way through their defence although it was never going to be a high scoring game". Hall said the arrival of Cantwell added another dimension and he performed his usual section of mazey dribbles. "He dribbles so much I worry they'll never be able to clean the court up later" said Hall "but we're getting him trained to a pass it every now and again and it provides that nice little surprise element" Hall said it was his third ever clean sheet in this match and going into a Division 1 campaign with the defence operating so well was a bonus. "We've tightened up ever since we got a lesson by Hayden's" said hall "although we'll no doubt see those guys in the guise of Els Gaye before long".

Final: Rovers 5 Harp Shooters 0

White Back In The Fold

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said it would be great to have Ben White back in the team for the fixture tomorrow against Harp Shooters at the Shed of Dreams. "Ben was a stalwart of this team for several seasons before getting injured and having all of last season off" said Hall "and I'm sure we'll benefit not only from his defensive qualities this season but his ability to get forward and ping a hard shot in from distance". Hall said beating Harp Shooters would certainly confirm a return to Division 1 for Rovers. "If we can beat three Division 1 team in the grading game than I'm pretty sure we'll be a threat in Division 1" said Hall "not withstanding you can't afford to have too many off days in that division". Hall said several players would rest tomorrow due to niggling injuries but Rovers now had a squad that could cope with some key players being rested. "We've got strength across the whole squad and having depth is a key to consistency in Division 1" said Hall "so I think with the balance we have now and the experience we'll be competitive".

No Comment On Nash Voice Change

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall would neither confirm nor deny media reports the Chairman George Nash was speaking in a very high voice after his operation yesterday. "I always thought he spoke a bit funny anyway" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "but we're not going to let the media dine out on what is essentially a private matter and George will be back even if he does squeak like a mouse or a squirrel". Hall was confident Nash would make a full recovery. "He told me a few days back he was expecting to play better after he was fixed up" said Hall "but we're taking that one cautiously and I'm not expecting the second coming Maradona or anything at this stage". Hall said was certain that if Nash could squeak for the ball then he'd still have a chance Matty Cantwell would pass it to him but "he shouldn't expect to much over the first few months back".

Sacrifice for Hall

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confirmed today he had nothing special planned for the weekend other than studying the form guide for Euro 2008 and planning where to watch the games. "I went out and bought the FourFourTwo guide and I'll have to study the form guide over the next week so I know which teams to watch" said Hall "it is not often appreciated the hours of dedication needed to watch a tournament like this so that I can glean the latest football trends to pass on to the Rover squad". Hall said it was a long and tiring job but he was prepared to make the sacrifice to get Rovers further ahead. "We don't want to leave any stone unturned in our quest to win Division 1 by 30 June 2030" said Hall "and if I can accelarate the process and win it by 2029 you know I'm going to go all out for it".

Whites Trounced

With a host of players away and Mystery Matt Cantwell (pictured) turning up a good ten minutes late, Zephyr Rovers still had too much firepower for first division Whites winning 11 goals to 3. "We hardly broke into a sweat really and I didn't even realise it was Whites until after the match" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "they looked more like a tenth division side to me". In another shock result, a new team Accme Strikers toppled Ten Left Feet with w 4 - 3 win. "I have to admit Jamie and I were playing in that one as well so it had a Zephyr flavour to it" said Hall "but it was still pretty awesome to beat them again with a different team". Hall said he couldn't see anything standing in the way now of Zephyr Rovers first division status. "We know there are some good teams up there" said Hall "but we fear no one at present and we certainly are worth a bet for top four if we confirm our place in the league".

Final: Rovers 11 Whites 3

Under The Kosh

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said Zephyr Rovers would be under the kosh tomorrow against mystery opponents at the Shed of Dreams. "We seem to have most of our players away either injured, ill or needing to be elsewhere" said Hall "so we might have to draft in a new player or two for this match". Hall said being under the kosh wasn't quite as bad as being under the knife. "George has a date with the surgeon this week and wouldn't you know all the newspaper has reported on all week is minor surgery that has gone wrong" said Hall "so whilst we'll be feeling the heat on the pitch poor old George will also be at the sharp end of a result". Hall said Rovers would certainly be competitive. "We'll be relying on Mystery Matt to show up" said Hall "and then it is just a matter of the five selcted players not getting injured until after full time".

Burn Off

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall denied this afternoon that Nigel Burn was set to leave the club. "Nigel was a major contributor to our championship winning season and the partnership he had at the back with Eddie Hussey in those play off games was a key part of our success" said Hall "but the truth is Nigel wants to rest his knees a bit so we might have to pick and choose which matches he actually plays in". Hall said team management would be trickier this season with a number of absences expected through injury, overseas trips and surgical operations. "We've not got the planner out yet to see when we might need extra players" said Hall "but if Graeme Little want a game then this would be a good time to get in touch with me". Hall said Rovers would always be keen to talk to quality players who would fit in to a Division 1 side. "We're not precious about who we sign" said Hall "we'd even sign a Welshmen if he could score five time a game, especially if his name was Giggs".

Chelski Slip Up

Zephyr Rovers manager Steve Hall declared the morning a success after he booking a table for ten to watch the Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea on Thursday morning. "After we beat Ten Left Feet the day before I thought it would be the perfect week if Manyoo won the title" said Hall "but I was counting on it being so close and it was fabulous when Terry missed that penalty". Hall said that it was rare to get a penalty in indoor and unheard of to import artificial turf for the surface. "We play indoor on concrete" said Hall "and even though it is covered with some sort of mat, it feels like sand paper on concrete when you fall over on it". Hall said Terry was paid more in a year than the entire Rovers squad. "It shows you can still miss an opportunity even when you're paid millions of dollars a year" said Hall "it makes my misses look quite cheap really".

Mystery Out Of His Shell

Zephyr Rovers comfortably beat Ten Left Feet today at the Shed of Dreams in the first grading game of the new season. "We knew drawing a top four Division 1 team from last season would be a big test" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "so we were quite pleased to find ourselves out to a 4 - 0 lead at half time without the opposition firing so much as a pop gun". Hall said the first half was quiet in goal and he'd kept himself busy studying the Euro 2008 draw. "They came out fighting in the second half and out a little pressure on us early on" said Hall "I think I made two saves before late in the game they sneaked on following a deflection to ruin my clean sheet". Hall said that it was a good match with Rovers dominant. "I feel Mystery Matty Cantwell (pictured) is coming out of his shell" said Hall "we saw half his face at one point today". Hall said Rovers had provided Ten Left Feet with a lesson in football and "we must be in Division 1 after that".

Final: Rovers 6 Ten Left Feet 1

Season In Review

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he had to be pleased with the Division 2 title win and he was looking forward to returning to Division 1. "We were a bit hairy at the end of the Division 1 season the one before last" said Hall "so despite the odd poor performance in Division 2, we restored some faith in ourselves by winning the league". Hall said adding Jamie Johnson (pictured) had made a difference. "I was a bit concerned about adding a second Scotsmen to the squad but it has turned out alright" said Hall "Jamie seems to quite like his shirt and we've promised to give him the shorts and socks if he stays with the team". Pete Roberts also went from an occasional player to a regular. "Once Pete got that step over out of his system he really started to perform well consistently" said Hall "I think he has been spending hours watching video of Stevie Gerrard, although we had to confiscate the Cristiano Ronaldo tapes as they'd give him the wrong idea".

Black Eyed Smith

Former Rovers player Charlie Smith made the long trek from Perth to Wembley to see Portsmouth win the FA Cup against Cardiff. "This was a once in a life time opportunity and I just had to be there" said Smith "it was well worth the trip and I'll be back next year if when they defend it". Smith didn't get to get his mits on the trophy but got a take away reminder of his own. "I git a bit of a shiner after the match" said Smith "the result of some exuberant post-match celebrations". Smith not known for keeping his trap shut was nonetheless happy to have been their for the big occasion "and a black eye or three isn't going to stop be celebrating in the stlye the occasion deserves". It was unclear at the time of writing if Smith would make the return flight to Perth on time due to him being disoreinetated following excessive alcohol intake.

Celebrate

Zephyr Rovers celebrated the Division 2 Championship win this evening with a function at sponsor Zephyr Rovers. "We've been sponsored now for several seasons by Zephyr Consulting and we're very happy to have added the Division 2 trophy to their trophy cabinet" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "and we certainly we hope to be adding the Division 1 trophy by 30 June 2030, if not before". Hall said it was important to celebrate winning championships and winning Division 2 was an important milestone on the way to a Division 1 title. "We've been away and regrouped and now we're ready to have a crack at the big time again" said Hall "but we'll have to do well in the grading games otherwise we might find our win doesn't count for much". Hall said several players would be away on overseas jaunts in the coming season as well as Goerge Nash going under the surgeons knife. "You know when you've got players away on overseas trips and getting medical procedures that you're starting to compete with the big boys" said Hall "now all we need is five physiotherapists like Man Yoo".

Division 2 Champions

Zephyr Rovers were crowned Division 2 Champions this morning at the Shed of Dreams after the skillfully dismantled the Don Logan FC team in a competitive final. "I knew we'd be up for the match because we didn't play them at full throttle last time when they beat us 9 -5" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "but we've learnt to adjust our game to the opposition in the last few weeks and I knew we'd be at our best for this one". Rovers controlled the game from the start and good passing and tough defense made it very hard for the Don Logan team to get a look in. "I admit I wasn't too concerned about the earlier game we lost because if anything it would make them over confident" said Hall "and we were only up 3 - 2 at half time but it is always the second half in these games where the good teams gain traction".

Hall said Rovers had grown over the season and were now looking like they could push on to the next level. We were shaky at the end of the last season but we've got a very solid team after this campaign and I think we're ready for another crack at Division 1 next season". Hall said he didn't want to single out any player as the whole team had put in a good performance. "That's our third divisional trophy and we also have a Division 1 plate trophy as well" indicated Hall "but I think that was the sweetest yet because we're one step away now from our goal of winning Division 1 by 30 June 2030". Hall said he'd expect to see Don Logan in Division 1 next season and thought Rovers could push on and challenge for a Division 1 top four place.

Final: Rovers 9 Don Logan FC 6

It's United

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall was still digesting what he had learnt from watching Manchester United win the Premiership this morning. "I think what I learnt was if you stay up all night you get tired" said Hall "and if I stay up all night before our final on Wednesday I won't play very well and will be grumpy with everyone". Hall said it was however good to see United win the first leg of the double. "It was great to see Chelsea pipped at the post and next week they'll hopefully lose the Champions League final" said Hall "by then Rovers should also have the trophy in the cabinet". Hall said he'd be taking more from Manchester United than he would be from Manchester City. "City got an 8 - 1 hiding and I think they were trying to get an indoor football score to see off their manager" quipped Hall "it's a tough job being at the helm and if we lose the final 8 - 1 then I'll cry". Hall said it had been a long day as he'd also watch Waitakere win the O league with a five nil win in horrible conditions in Auckland and had observed "it was better to play indoors on a crap day".

Don Logan In Final

Zephyr Rovers will face top qualifier Don Logan FC in the grand final of Division next Wednesday at the Shed of Dreams. "This is a really tough assignment as these guys only were beaten once in the round robin and gave us a hiding" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "so we'll really be up against it and we'll have to be on top of our game to be in the running". Hall said he'd be getting up in the small hours of the morning to watch Manchester United and Chelsea battle out the Premiership. "I think we know about pressure games at Rovers" said Hall "but we're not getting paid squillions like these guys so I'll be interested to see what I can learn from how the top players react to pressure". Hall said he had developed a way to deal with the pressure of big games. "We all feel pressure in these big games and it can be nerve jangling playing in the goal" said Hall "so I've found a really useful way for me to dissipate it is to scream and yell at George". Hall said this might not initially seem a good leadership approach it had worked quite well. "Scotsman are used to being screamed at" said Hall "it reminds them of Glasgow (pictured)".