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.