International News -

The Second Coming - Valladolid's new Manager

For the third year running, all at about the same stage in the season, and after another run of bad results Valladolid have sacked another manager last weekend. I'm not sure how they can afford to pay the compensation for all these terminated contracts so we'll probably find that they are still being chased through the courts for the next few years.

As reported earlier, no expense has therefore been spared in promoting Alfredo Merino who used to run the 'B' team. The local rag have got hold of a picture of him complete with what looks to be a club scarf and heavy overcoat. ( Contrary to many views it can get pretty cold over here, especially in Valladolid.)

With only 17 games remaining and with a 9 point gap to make up on 3rd placed Levante ( there's no play-off's over here for promotion to the Premier 'La Liga' ) its not surprising that his first quote was ' there's little margin for error' in the coming games. Unfortunately, he did also add that 'logically he knew nothing much of the rival teams but he is going to watch all the videos'. Thats OK then. But he did also add that he was more concerned with his players. Not surprising as they have not won at home since October 23rd and after 1 win in the last 10 games have now slumped from 3rd place at the turn of the year to 9th.

His first test comes on Saturday away to bottom of the table Malaga 'B'. Another Spanish oddity, there's no reserve league over here, so all the big teams have their second string in a lower league. I'm not sure what happens if the reserves finish top of the second division. Presumably they're fined heavily and told to play the next season in the third division.

We can only hope that Merino really is the spanish spelling for Mourinho, although with no russian roubles currently available, my hopes are not high.