A Logo is a No Go
Unfortunately, we could not get a logo made for our club in time for the deadline, which 'by coincidence' was brought to a week earlier by the FA. The new man in charge is definitely not in favour of having us in this league and I think he wants to get us out as soon as next year, but that won't happen on my watch. The logo therefore chosen for this season is that of the continent of Africa, at least we're sticking to our roots.
African Allstars Acquire Amazing Amount of Season Ticket Holders
It has also been confirmed this week we managed to sell out our season tickets and 40,000 have been sold. Personally I believe it is down to the hard work of many employees I sent out in various parts of Africa to promote our club. Now we know week in week out we'll have at least 40,000 proud Africans following the team in our new Stadium, called The Plateau Stadium, located in Central Cairo where there are good transport links and great technology advances. That's why we see this as a perfect venue. The current stadium holds 60,000 spectators all-seated and boasts a retractable roof and under-soil heating. Plans are also in place to increase the capacity to 80,000 after Christmas and the stadium itself has the potential to expand to 100,000 but that many spectators seems a long way off.
The name of the stadium was chosen by a poll on the clubs website, this was the most popular choice over the other three which were;
- The Pyramid
- Allstars Stadium
- Roger Milla Stadium
The Plateau Stadium in all it's glory, with the colour inspired by Pepsi
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Players and Manager Confirmed
I was delighted to announce this week all players who I requested to be in the squad confirmed and many undisclosed fees were accepted by various clubs around the world. The amount of season ticket holders and good sponsorship deals were a slight help but most of this money came straight out of my pocket; which I am not unhappy about, rather proud of. How many other people have made enough money to fulfil a whole continents wildest dreams?
The Squad given to the manager is as follows:
Goalkeepers
If I am honest the amount of goalkeepers available was not so big but I am happy we bagged Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria) who will certainly be our first choice. Providing healthy competition to Enyeama will be Tony Sylva (Senegal) who, although not the best goalkeeper in the world will provide essential experience to this position.
Vincent Enyeama - "I'm Number 1"
Defenders
For our right back position I am relatively pleased with the option of either Habib Beye (Senegal) who is experienced in the premier league or Michaël Chrétien (Morocco) who offers a more attack-minded approach but also being able to play in the heart of the defence.
Habib Beye and Michaël Chrétien Are in Direct Competition for the Right Back Position
At the heart of defence we have managed to provide many options to the manager including Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast) who has vast experience of the Premier League and will be our vice-captain. John Mensah (Ghana) has also played in the top competitions and will be a certain contender for the centre back position. But with Joseph Yobo (Nigeria) also in the team, the player who will hold down the position is far from a foregone conclusion. To provide even more healthy competition for places is Sébastien Bassong (Cameroon) who will be looking to gain experience from his older counterparts.
Three Men, Two Places. You Do The Maths.
The players that could fill the left back position are Taye Taiwo (Nigeria) and Benoît Assou-Ekotto (Cameroon). This position once again is too tough to call and this can only be good for the manager. Both players have reasonable experience and the two will be eager to learn from each other.
More Healthy Competition For The Manager To Deal With.
Midfielders
The right wing position is one which will also be hotly contested. With Chinedu Obasi (Nigeria) and Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast) in hunt of the place. Competition for this position will also be bolstered by the versatile midfielder Stéphane Sessègnon (Benin).
It's a Straight Sprint to The Right Midfield Position
Central Midfield is possibly our strongest position with world-class players galore. Michael Essien (Ghana) is one of the various contenders for the central midfield positions, which includes John Obi Mikel (Nigeria) and Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast). Another player eager to break into the first team will be Sulley Muntari (Ghana) who will provide a defensive and attacking incentive to the team. Throw into this mix, once again the versatile Stéphane Sessègnon and youngster Alex Song (Cameroon) and the midfield battle for places begins.
World Class Players Battling for The Midfield Position
Left Midfield is a position in which players who can play here can play in various positions. Nadir Belhadj (Algeria) can play all down the left side and Demba Ba (Senegal) can also play as a front man. Other options include Salomon Kalou and Stéphane Sessègnon.
Two of the Manager's Various Options on the Left Wing.
Strikers
The list of strikers available is, like the central midfield position, world class. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) will captain the side but even his position is not written in stone as competition comes from Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo) and Obafemi Martins (Nigeria). Not forgetting the prolific Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon) and promising Marouane Chamakh (Morocco) the forward position is sure to be a hot contest.
The Men Given The Task of Firing The African Allstars to Future Glory
Noticable Absentee
Emmanuel Eboué of Arsenal and Ivory Coast turned down a move, saying he is too good for our team. This came as a shock as the fans at Arsenal don't even seem to have warmed to him much. Maybe it is for the best; he could have sparked booing from our fans. He'll see when we play Arsenal who is 'too good for our team'.
Unknown Englishman Appointed as African Allstars Manager
quote Georgie Thompson
Andrew McGovern has been appointed the manager of the African Allstars today, on the same week their star studded line-up was too. McGovern has no experience whatsoever in football management apart from, as written on his CV, 'guiding Sunderland to Champions League Glory on Football Manager'. Andrew Mandela has been heavily criticized for this appointment and it is sure to be a talking point for many weeks to come.
I'm being slaughtered by the press for my appointment but I'm confident he'll succeed. They'll see...