Inexperienced English gaffer unveiled as top Turkish club’s new manager.

34-year-old Raphaël Scott, who has spend his twelve years long playing career as a semi-professional in English lower leagues, was introduced to Trabzonspor’s fans and journalists this morning. The club have announced that a one year deal has been agreed and that Scott shares the board’s high ambition.


It will be Raphaël Scott first experience in management.
Following the departure of Mustafa Akçay three weeks ago, Attila Gunes and Carlos Queiroz were widely tipped to fill the vacant role. So Scott’s appointment comes as surprise to most viewers. However Trabzonspor’s director of football Ünal Karaman states that the club have been working on the case for weeks, and they have no doubt that the right choice has been made.

“Raphaël is an incredible tactician. He really loves and lives the game. When he speaks of football you feel the passion as well as the knowledge. And he shares our ambitions. We’ve agreed on all the targets we should set to ourselves this season”

Raphaël Scott ended his career two years ago at his hometown’s club Dartford. Since then he has passed many coaching qualifications and has obtained a continental pro license.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for me – it’s a massive football club in my opinion and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s a challenge that’s going to be difficult – wherever you go it’s always difficult – but it’s a challenge that I’m really up for and really excited about.

A very tough league, with some very good clubs which can potentially do very well in European competition. I believe we are one of them.

“We are going to play in many competitions and we want to win them all. The board is very ambitious and so am I. I believe this club and the fans deserve more than what they got during the past few seasons.
“I’m really excited about managing in Turkey, it’s an incredible country with some of the best fans in Europe. And it’s a very tough league, there are some very good players and some very good clubs which can potentially do very well in European competition. I believe we are one of them.”

Scott’s playing career started and ended at Dartford. He was a close friend to long standing manager Tony Burman which he describes as a mentor to him.
The former left back also played for Sunday League club Malvern Town FC and in France, his mother’s native country, for amateur clubs Fécamp FC and US Quevilly.

A statement posted on the Trabzonspor A.?. website today said: “Trabzonspor A.?. is pleased to announce the appointment of Raphaël Scott as the club’s new manager on a one-year rolling deal.
“Scott, 34, will experience his first steps as a football manager. Nonetheless he is the holder of a UEFA Pro Licence and the board are fully confident that he will bring back success and glory at the Hüseyin Avni Aker stadium.”

Reactions and schedules.

A day after the nomination of Raphaël Scott as the new Trabzonspor manager, medias and fans reactions are filled with surprise and doubt. The appointment of an unknown and inexperienced manager has not been overwhelmingly welcomed by Trazbon's supporters, although the less pessimistic one have hastily whished good luck to the new manager via social medias.

"A lack of ambition"

The Turkish press has published mixed reviews about the Trabzon based club’s choice. Whilst some ask to wait until he has the opportunity to display his managerial abilities, others have not lost any time to write him off, as for Istanbul based Hürriyet Daily who criticises the club’s “evident lack of ambition”.

However the players who have meet Scott yesterday have spoken positively of the new boss. Captain Onur Kivrak has declared that he felt Scott could lead them to new glory.
“He seems to be quite a man-leader, he challenged the team to do much better than last season and he got the squad really motivated, said the Turkish international. I look forward to working with a lesser-known manager who can bring new ideas into his side.”

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Kivrak, goalkeeper and skipper, looks forward at working with Scott

This afternoon, Raphaël Scott will have a first opportunity to show his qualities and to silence his detractors as Trabzonspor hosts Hertha Berlin. Whilst being managerless, the Turkish club has had a fine start to its preseason (2 draws and a win), therefore Scott will have to carry on the good work against the Bundesliga side. He will benefit of a close to full squad, with the only absence being Austrian striker Marc Janko, sidelined for a thigh strain.

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Janko is not expected to return before the end of pre-season

A busy month

Scott will meet the press for the first time following the match. The team will then fly for Scotland where they play against Inverness. Although there are still five weeks to go until the Turkish league kicks off, the fans will have plenty of football to enjoy in the upcoming month with no less than seven friendlies scheduled. Without mentioning the EURO Cup which Trabzonspor will enter in the second round against Georgian club Dila Gori. The high number of matches will allow Scott to get many opportunities to test players and tactics before his first league game. It will take place on the 18th August against last season third placed Besiktas.

We will keep you updated on all pre-season scores until then.

Real nice start, good luck!

Trabzonspor 3 - Herta Berlin 1

Paulo Henrique, the scorer, and Florent Malouda, the passer, celebrates their team's first goal

Raphaël Scott only had to wait 28 seconds in his first match as a manager to celebrate his team’s first goal. For the event Trabzonspor ensured a superb performance and dominated with ease their German vistors: Herta Berlin.

Former Chelsea man Florent Malouda, who joined his new club a week prior to Scott, delivered a superb assist to Paulo Henrique, scoring with a well executed finish immediatly after kick-off. Olcan Aldin came on at half-time and the winger doubled Trabzonspor’s lead with a free-kick from 21 metres on 62 minutes. He then assisted Sahin Aygünes who rounded of their victory on 83 minutes with an effort from close range. In between Adrian Ramos had given the few travelling Germans fans a glimmer of hope by sizing a rare gape in the Turkish defence and firing a shoot under the crossbar.

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Olcan Adin was awarded man of the mach for his superb second half display

Scott satisfied by his team's display

Berlin will not take too much notice of this result being their first game of the preseason. On the other hand their opponents are looking forward to carrying their form into competitive football. They are unbeaten after their first four friendlies and this is their most accomplished performance so far.

The manager is indeed very pleased with his team. He declared after the game: “We enjoyed most of the possession and we defended well. There is still work to do but I retain lots of positives from today.”

In his press conference which took place later in order to introduce him he added “Some of the players were not concerned enough in the first half. I had to make some change at half-time and I’m satisfied with how the team delivered afterwards.
“I want all my players to give their maximum in every game, even in preseason. They will have to because I won’t hesitate of getting rid of deadwood in the upcoming weeks.”

Transfers and Revival

The manager was then asked about transfers and his signing targets. He replied: “I have a squad full of good players, but we will play in several competitions and I regard them all as important. Therefore we will buy players to add rotation options.
“I have already assigned my scouts to look for a handful of players corresponding to several profiles. I can’t tell you much more, but we are willing to add at least another striker and a winger to the team.”
“However as you know the financial situation at the club is not the best, which means we will have to sell in order to get the required talent for the team in.”

Other topics which were treated during the conference included the ambitions and expectations. Scott notably declared “I feel I can be the catalytic to spark a revival”.

2015-08-11 17:09#218253 Tallery : Real nice start, good luck!

Thanks mate!

Scott can’t assure the club will make desired deals

Scott fears he will be unable to add players to his Trazbonspor side

The very poor financial state at the club is seen by many as serious stumbling block, and as Scott tries to ensure his first deals as a manager he is discovering the harsh reality.
“It is frustrating that there is nothing to spend, declared the English manager. I’m not even able to work loan deals.
“I am worried because I had been promised that I could bring some players in, but now that I’m trying to make deals, I’m not getting the required support from the board.
“The staff team and I had targeted a French striker playing in Ligue 1. I asked for a few thousand of Euros to be added to the transfer budget but my request was turned down without allowing any discussion.
“I understand that the club is in a bad situation, but I can’t accept that promises which have been made when I signed the deal are now ignored. I hope that the situation will quickly evolve.
“Nonetheless I stay fully committed to my role and will do my best to ensure success to this club.”

As transfer targets are dropped, Scott turns towards free agents

English U-21 internationals Berahino (left) and Wickham (right) will seemingly not be continuing their progress in Turkey next season

A source within the club reveals that the striker mentioned by Raphaël Scott is Valenciennes’ Gregory Pujol. The 33 year old player counts 71 league goals to his record. Other transfer targets who will not finally join the Turkish club include English strikers Saido Berahino and Connor Wickham for whom loan offers were made, as well as several Ligue 1 players (Mavuba, Mounier, Monnet-Paquet, Ecule Manga...).

The manager is now supervising several free agents. Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon has been offered a trial according to some sources, but the information as yet to be confirmed and he will not be part of the squad playing against Inverness later this afternoon.

According to some sources, Scottish international Gordon and Raphaël Scott have meet and engaged talks in Inverness.

The club has not confirmed any player signing since Scott’s appointment five days ago, they have however announced the arrival of two new staff members. Ahmet Canatan joins the scouts team. The 59 year old previously had spells with Hacettepe Spor and Gençlerbirligi SK. 44 year old Serdar Dayat, who also worked for Gençlerbirligi as well as many other clubs (Samsunspor, Kasimpasa, Denizlispor...), signed as a coach.

Elsewhere, Raphaël Scott as announced that goalkeeper Onur Kirvak keeps the armband and skipper role, whilst Didier Zokora replaces Gustavo Colman with the vice-captain duty.
“He is an impressive character; a real fighter on the pitch. I believe he is the right man to fulfil this role”, the manager declared.

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Fans favourite Didier Zokora is Trabzonspor's new vice-captain

Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2 - 4 Trabzonspor

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Striker Paulo Henrique has now scored two goals in two matches

Although they quickly trailed to Inverness because of a Billy Mckay goal, Trabzonspor fought back and won the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium battle, preserving their unbeaten record five games into the preseason.

It was an entertaining game for the 1,408 fans who were present as Inverness hosted Trabzonspor. However the home fans will be disappointed that their team could not hold on their early lead, finally loosing the contest by four goals to two.

Goals from Yusuf Erdogan and Paulo Henrique answered McKay’s 4th minutes strike. The striker equalised with his second goal of the game, all under 20 minutes. Trabzonspor regained their lead just before half-time thanks to Aykut Demir.

Young striker Hüseyin Yahyoglu sized is second half opportunity to play in the first team and scored the final goal of the game, securing the Turkish’s club result.

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Scott praised his team for an efficient collective performance

It was Raphaël Scott’s second game in charge, and there were plenty of positives for the Englishman to take. The manager who complained earlier this week about the impossibility for him to complete transfer deals, will maybe be reassured by the performances of his younger players.

He declared “Overall it is a great performance. McKay scored too very good goals but otherwise we’ve contained Inverness’ attack and played well when going forward.
“I’m happy that the players who are not usually involved in first team actions have lived up to expectations. We have quality youngsters, and some of them may be implicated in first team actions no later than this season
“Hüseyin (Yahyoglu) has particularly impressed. He scored a very good goal and he is full of confidence.”

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Goalscorer today, Yahyoglu will hope to get his competitive debut this season

Trabzonspor will now host Russian outfit Krasnodar. The game will be played on the 10th on July, a week before the travel to Dila for Scott’s first competitive contest in the EURO Cup.

Trabzonspor 2 - Krasnodar 5

Trabzonspor were close to producing a superb comeback from two goals down against Krasnodar, but they ultimately lost 5-2 courtesy of two late goals by their Russian opponents. Brazilian striker Ari was the star of the show as he scored a hat-trick and delivered an assist to end the Turkish club’s unbeaten run.


Raphaël Scott changed his formation from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 and experienced Florent Malouda as a striker. He also included several players from the youth team in his starting eleven, leaving out key elements such as Paulo Henrique, Sol Bamba and José Bosingwa.

The tactical test never proved successful and, as his team were 2-0 down at half time, Scott reconducted his classic 4-5-1. It had an immediate effect and Ozdëmir pulled one back seven minutes after the break. Ari scored his second to make it 3-1 and Yusuf Ergodan replied for Trabzonspor.

Adrian Mierzejewski was close to get an equaliser but his finish went just wide. In the final ten minutes, Ari completed his hat-trick before delivering a sublime assist to Wanderson, allowing him to fire in an open goal.

"Not a worrying game" says the manager

Here is what Scott had to say following the game: “It’s a disappointing but not worrying game. We faced a strong opposition and I rested several players so we expected it to be a tough game.
“The first half was not good enough, but there were much more positives in the last 45 minutes. We nearly came back and we forced them to level up their game.
“We innovated tactically in the first half. Obviously it did not work as planned but I’ll have to test it again when I have all my players available. Today I had to rest several of them.
“Since my arrival I have to deal with an exhausted squad, and I want my team to be fully fit for our EURO Cup entry next week.”

Before the team’s double encounter with Georgian side Dila, they’ll make a trip to Croatia to play NK Rovinij in a friendly.

Transfer Buisness

Elsewhere Trabzonspor are on the verge of signing Ivan Obradovic. The 24 year old left back is Raphaël Scott’s main priority.

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Former Partizan Belgrad player Obradovic has been without a club since leaving Zaragoza earlier this summer

The manager has also reportedly engaged contract talks with Greek defender Sotiris Kygrios, who played for Rangers, Liverpool and Sunderland amongst others. The two players are free agents.

The club registered two loan departures. 22 year old GokhanYazici and 19 year old Hüseyin Yahyoglu join Pazarspor and Kirklarelispor respectively.

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Yusuf Erdogan found the back of the net on two occasions and was awarded MotM

Trabzonspor once again treated their fans with goals as the club immediately went back to winning ways. Scott continued handing chances for youngsters to impress as he rotated his squad prior to their Europa league debut. His team comfortably dominated NK Rovinj who were a considerably weaker opposition.

Winger Yusuf Erdogan was the key performer as he scored a brace. He put Trabzonspor in the lead after 12 minutes with a super volley just inside the box. Teammate Yuskel Sisman then scored a similar type of goal to double the club’s advantage at 24 minutes.

The players then got complacent, according to Scott, which allowed Rovinj to come back before the break thanks to Koscevic and Pavlicic. However Trabzonspor immediately restored their lead in the second half, Alsan scoring with a nice effort from 16 meters.


The team then ensured that their opponent would not produce another comeback and Erdogan got his second goal of the match at the 85th minute.

European Quest

In four days time, the Turkish club will travel to Georgia for the EURO Cup second qualifying round match against Dila Gori. Although the club was founded in 1949, they have won their first trophy only a year ago by triumphing in the national cup.

Trabzonspor are firm favourites for this round and it will be a massive upset for them to go out. Raphaël Scott has set high aims for his team, but the board would be satisfied with a group stage participation.

Trabzonspor sign Ivan Obradovic

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Obradovic arrived at Trabzon this morning

Serbian left back joins Trabzonspor on a free transfer. The 24 years old has been available since leaving Zaragoza earlier this summer. He fell out of favour in his last season, making only one La Liga appearance.

The player previously played for Partizan Belgrad with whom he won the Serbian SuperLeague as well as the Serbian Cup in 2008 and 2009. In 2009 he joined Zaragoza for €3.7M .

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Obradovic has only featured 47 times in 4 seasons in LIGA

Scott "still looking to complete a couple of signings"
Upon his first signing’s arrival, Raphaël Scott has declared “He is a great young talent – he's got a fantastic future ahead of him. I'm glad that he has come to the club because he has the ability to take this team one step further.

“We’re still looking to complete a couple of signings but it should not happen before the Euro Cup game. Obradovic won’t be available for this game because we could not register him in time”

The player has declared that he looks forward to play in a fantastic league and he hope he will deliver success to the Trabzon fans.

Dila 0 - Trabzonspor 2

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Trabzonspor hit the ground running in Georgia

Trabzonspor outclasses Dila but Scott expects a better performance from second leg. Paulo Henrique scored his team two goals.

He took advantage of an error by Ushangi Kerdzevadz to put Trabzonspor ahead from close range on 36 minute. Olcan Adin then lead a superb counter attack from the right wing and provided a beautiful cross which sizzled across the face of goal, leaving Henrique to pounce.
Trabzonspor dominated the match overall and their Georgian opponents only managed two clear cut chances. They were denied by captain Kivrak who otherwise had a calm evening. However Raphaël Scott expects improvement for the home game.

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Kivrak was not worried much today

"I expect a much better performance next week"

The manager declared: “It’s a good result. When you play in these competitions, getting two goals away and not conceding any is always good. But I want my team to be more dangerous upfront. Today we lacked creativity.
“I didn't like my team character because I thought they were not giving all they had and in my team you can't do that. It was concerning that some players were not making enough efforts, I expect a much better performance next week.
“It will be the first home game of the season and we must clearly state our intentions from the beginning. We are entering the season to win trophies, and we must attack better. We will have to work on this aspect of the game”

The Trabzonspor line-up included several players making their first competitive appearance for the club. Florent Malouda, José Bosingwa and Aykut Demir all started the game, whilst Alexandru Bourceanu and Abdulkadir Ozdemir came in during the second half.
New signee Ivan Obradovic was not available today but he could feature during the friendly against Alavés on Sunday.

Finally there were suggestions that 37 year old striker and free agent Nuno Gomes would join Trabzonspor. However the former Portuguese international (77 caps, 28 goals) has finally agreed a deal with Premier League club Crystal Palace.

"I am a winner, I want to be the best" - Obradovic presents himself

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Ivan Obradovic has joined Trabzonspor as Raphaël Scott’s first recruit. The Serbian defender took part to his presentation interview after meeting the fans on Friday morning.
Having made 20 appearances for his country since debuting against Faroe Islands in September 2008, he is no stranger to success and won 4 major trophies with Partizan Belgrade. Obradovic wants to add to his collection with Trabzonspor.

“I decided to come here because of the big project. The manager wants to bring back success to a club with an incredible history, which has won a lot of titles in the past.
“He told me that I had to have a winning mentality in order to get into the team. I think I am a winner. I like challenges; I want to play every game and to be the best.
“The move will also give me an opportunity to play again in the European cups, which was one of the reasons for me to join.
“I can’t wait for the new season to begin and I believe we are in for an exciting campaign.”

"My best years are still to come"

Obradovic describes himself as a quiet person and a brave player.
“I think tackling is my best ability. I like to move forward, to support the attacking moves, but I always respect the manager’s tactics. I believe my best years are still to come”

The left back will compete with academy product Kadir Keles for a place in the starting line-up.
"By signing here I know my place isn't guaranteed” he said. “But I’m ready to face the challenge and I'm here to give 100%.
“I’ve been signed to be a starter, yet I know I’ll have to perform if I want to earn my place. I’m not going to take it for granted that I will always be in the team.”

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Ivan is all smiles during his first training session

Obradovic stated that Scott has really convinced him about the club’s project.
“He wants to win every competition we’re in. He said that at the end of the season we must have won at least one. And we will grow bigger in the following years.

"I feel that we will do very well"

“It’s only preseason but I’m really excited by the football he gets his team to play. There are very good players in the squad. Paulo Henrique, Florent Malouda, they are player with whom I always would have liked playing with.
"We have a lot of quality players, it shows that its a big club. I feel that we will do very well. I want to thanks the fans who have already welcomed me at the club.

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Obradovic admires former French star Florent Malouda

“The Turkish league is not easy. The teams are very good. I’m looking forward to play against Galatasaray or Trabzonspor amongst others.
“I can’t wait to start. I’m not going to be able to play competitive football before a couple of weeks because of Europa League’s squad registrations but the manager told me I’ll play the friendly against Alavés tomorrow”


We’ll keep you updated on Obradovic’s debut and the following EURO Cup results, so stay tuned!

D. Alavés SAD 2 - Trabzonspor 2

Obradovic’s first apparence for Trabzonspor was cut short as he was forced to come out having spent only 15 minutes on the pitch. He was the only non-Turkish player to feature in Scott’s starting line-up as the manager left out all the players who took part to the EURO Cup trip against Dila earlier this week.
The rotated team was not able to snatch a win against Liga Adelante side Alavès. However the team showed great character to fight back after falling down on two occasions, and goals by Yusuf Erdogan and second half sub Ozer Hurmaci means that Trabzonspor are unbeaten in eight games out of nine in pre-season.

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Zeki Yavru's own-goal gave the lead to Alavés

The first goal of the game was an own-goal by unlucky Zeki Yavru on 15th minute. Trabzonspor were then one man down because of Ivan Obradovic’s injury. The player was substituted Yusuf Bayram. “We had to make the change, declared Scott. It was to prevent from further damage. But I can now confirm that Ivan is fine and he’ll be back in training tomorrow”

On the other hand it’s not so positive for Yuskel Sisman. The winger has sustained a bruised rib following a collision with Juanma on 63 minutes. He will be out for one to two weeks.
Before the unfortunate event, Erdogan had leveled up on 20 minutes with an accurate finish, and Borja Viguera put back Alavés in the lead on 35 minutes with a towering header from close range.
As time was ticking by, Trabzonspor rescued a late draw courtesy of Hurmaci taking advantage of a rebound from a corner on 88 minute.

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Ozer Hurmaci got a last minute equalizer for Trabzonspor

The next fixture is the EURO Cup second leg against Dila on Thursday. Trabzonspor won 2-0 the away game and they now hope to be boosted by home advantage into the third qualifying round. The winner of the tie will meet Danish cup runner-up; Randers FC.