Hussey On Euro Scouting Mission

Eddie Hussey (pictured) today advised Zephyr Rovers Manager he would miss much of the coming season due to a trip to Europe. "Eddie said he'll be back for the semi-finals so that's good enough for me" said Hall "and there is always the possibility he can do a bit of scouting over there for new talent". Hall said with Ben White still out for a few weeks a rethink of the defensive strategy might be required. "I think there is no doubt that we play our best when Eddie and Ben are both in the team" said Hall "but I'm told the female population of Wellington will probably be missing Eddie even more than Rovers, he's been a celebrity ever since that chest hair shaving stunt". Hall said he was still looking confidently at a top four spot in Division 3.

Rovers Draw

A slow start and some soft early G Shots contributed to a 7 - 7 draw today in the third place play off in the Shed of Dreams. "I dropped myself to the bench for the first ten minutes and I thought we lacked my yelling and screaming skills at the back" said Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall "and when I finally came on I banged in a couple of quick goals to help us catch up". Hall said Rovers didn't take this one too seriously as you can't peak for every game. "We didn't go all out for it and we wouldn't normally let in seven goals to a side like this" said Hall "but I think we all know we could have done better today although a draw was a fair result really". Hall said he was looking forward to the grading games now as it was a chance to have a few matches against different teams. "We want another campaign in Division 3 - so we'll be looking to maintain our position without being too good and getting promoted" said Hall "it's consolidation time".

Final: Rovers 7 G Shots 7

Hall Makes Surprise Return

The absence of Steve Boxall on a trip to the mainland has seen the surprise return of Zephyr Rovers manager Steve Hall (pictured) for the third/fourth play off tomorrow. "I'm carrying a bit of an injury to be honest" said Hall "so I'll probably start myself on the bench and not come on until I'm needed". Hall said he might have a stint in goal but would probably start George Nash there and see how it goes. "Nobody really wants to play in a play off for third as it is a meaningless fixture" said Hall "so we're really just treating it as a grading game at this point". Hall is also without his contact lenses as he broke one accidentally late last week. "I played outdoor on Saturday and scored a cracker goal without being able to see much" said Hall "so there is a school of thinking I play better when I can't see than when I can".

Nash In Charge

Zephyr Chairman George Nash confirmed today that he would be taking the helm for the third fourth play-off against the G Shots at the Shed of Dreams on Wednesday. "I've been working out the tactics using beer bottles for goals" said Nash "and I've discovered I'm quite good between the sticks". Nash said he understood Hall would be attending an important business meeting at some swanky restaurant. "I know he's got an eye to next season" said Nash "but we've got to secure third place now as our benchmark for next season". Nash predicted Rovers would be too good for the G Shots. "We'll be fired up after that penalty shoot out loss" said Nash "and we don't think G Shots have the firepower to stay with us"

Hall Says Six More Years

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said today that he was heartened by Glen Hoddle's comments that David Beckham could play on for another six or seven years. "I know Glen (pictured) isn't exactly famous for his wisdom but I think he is on to something here" said Hall "if a slower player like Beckham can play on then I must have another six years in me yet". Hall said he realised he'd have to eventually move from player manager to full time football management as his fiftieth birthday was looming. Hall said he wanted to continue at least as long as the late Sir Stanley Mathews who always said he retired "too early" at the age of 50. Hall reacted to comments that great players don't make good managers. "I agree with Roy Keene's comments when asked about whether he'd make a great manager" said Hall "he said he'd never been a great player".

Smith Sees Recall For Himself

Zephyr Rovers Australian Scout Charlie Smith said he was certain the return of David Beckham to the England team would influence the selections of indoor teams like Zephyr Rovers. "I know many people think I have an uncanny resemblance to David Beckham with my suave good looks" said Smith "and like him I often feel my abilities on the field are underestimated by management". Smith said he could see himself recalled from Australia to play on the Rovers right side. "I know the goal I scored from inside my own half a few seasons back lives on in the memories" said Smith "and like Beckham I rate my right foot as a weapon that opposition teams have difficulty comprehending". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he had no immediate plans to recall Smith from Australia. "Smith certainly has attributes that aren't found in our current squad" said Hall "and hopefully we can keep it that way".

Thistle Knees Up

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he had a few quiets this evening at the Thistle establishment in the company of several Wellington Phoenix luminaries including Terry Seripisos (pictured). "It's a very nice spot for a quiet beer on a Friday night and I can see why it is the official Yellow Fever pub" said Hall "and if Terry wants to bung us a wad of spare cash then I'm sure the boys could find creative ways to spend it". Hall said he didn't approach Seripisos about sponsorship as the team was fiercely loyal to Zephyr. "We're pleased to be under the Zephyr banner" said Hall "and we hope Zephyr will be sticking with us as official sponsor". Hall said he was prepared to nominate the Thistle as an official Rovers bar but admitted that the Black Harp would always be considered favourably as it was "about halfway back from Shed 1 at lunch time".