Montpellier - Hello France

"Before he losses his touch." Nicollin stated as the news came in about Girards departure from the Stade de La Mosson. Many fans were skeptical of the owners approach, especially when a no name Englishman took the reigns at La Paillade. Sam Ward, the new manager of Montpellier signed a one year deal with the French club yesturday. In a press conference Ward expressed his delight after being hired. Sam said that the job as a manager of a top club like Montpellier is "Anyones dream!" Later in the interview Ward gave appreciation to Nicollin after a meeting addressing, where they both want the club to go. Both looked utterly chuffed post the meeting.

http://u.goal.com/244800/244877hp2.jpg

Nicollin taking questions on the movement within the club

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Not what you expect. Born an only child in North London to two Tottenham supporters John and Katie Ward. John a successful business man, and Katie a stay at home mum. Both quickly got Sam into the wonderful sport of football. Yet although surrounded by football fanatics Sam never established a knack for footie unlike his friends. Sam went on through his life becoming an associate in his fathers company. When at the age of 29 he attended one of his fathers notorious 'get togethers' where he met Nicollin a longtime friend of John's. Sam left an everlasting impression on Nicollin as a leader at heart. That is how he landed the job at Montpellier. Although rumours say that some potential managers of La Paillade could not handle Nicollin's extravagant ways.

http://www.thistrend.com/files/thumbnails/3/picture_49a2909af823c34bdf52d1020b34118ad9f3d7c2_XL.jpg

At least he has heart, right? Right?

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The start of the pre-season brings change to many clubs. New managers, new players, new homes, so much to add to the hectic and stressful life of a manager. Sam Ward invited France24 to take a quick peak into the managers ideas and thoughts about his new life as the manager of Montpellier.

http://i.smimg.net/12/50/300x225/younes-belhanda-montpellier.jpg
The beast ~ Belhanda

A summarization from the new manager: "This club has obviously got some immense quality about it. Winning the Ligue last was an extremely eventful piece of history. That being said many believe it was just a fluke that this club made it to that height. Well I don't believe that. I believe we can take this club to the next level. To compete with riches of PSG and the skill of Lyon. Beyond that even I believe we can bring a title in the Champions League home soon!" Ward commented enthusiastically. Going onto say "If you look at the squad there is a lot of talent there. Belhanda what can you say? He's a beast. The wingers and midfield are amazing. The defence could be tightened up and little along with the addition of a striker but, other than that I can't see many other places that will need bolstering."

(From Sam Wards view)
Will post formations soon

Transfers In and Out - So far

http://u.goal.com/152900/152937hp2.jpg
Santander and Suso

Liverpool -> Suso -> Montpellier; on a season long loan 75k p/m 100% wages
Adds the depth we need in the center
Tigre -> Federico Santander -> Montpellier; 5m
Replaces the gap in our striking options

Fixtures

Montpellier 3-0 Montpellier Reserves (Friendly)
- Camara, Sylla, Cabella

Montpellier 0-0 Dinamo Moscow (Friendly)

Montpellier 2-2 Besiktas (Friendly)
- Congre, Sylla

Echallens 1-1 Montpellier (Friendly)
- Fana

Besancon RC 1-3 Montpellier (Friendly)
- Congre, Charbonnier, Utaka

Montpellier 2-2p Olymipique Lyonnais (Champions Trophy)
- Mournier, Fana

Aviron Bayonnais 0-2 Montpellier (Friendly)
- Cabella, Santander

Montpellier 4-0 Toulouse FC (Ligue 1)
- Cabella, Belhanda, Charbonnier, Fana

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/SPORT/Pix/pictures/2010/11/27/1290874657048/Louis-Nicollin-007.jpg

Happy Jabba the hut

Summary of games

The reserves game was nothing less than I expected, a good solid win to start off the pre-season. The next three games I wasn't too disappointed the squad were still getting used to the new style of play I was introducing but, the progress was undeniable. The only game that really offended me was the Echallens game. We hammered them shot after shot but we just couldn't get one past the keeper. The Besancon game nothing more than I expected a good win. The game against Lyon. Was a suspenseful match Lyon got off to a good start but we instantly replied. It was a shame we lost in penalties but I told myself not to be too disappointed and rightly so. Aviron and Toulose crumbled beneath us. It was great to see Santander get his first goal and what great start to the season

Formations

Formation #1
http://oi50.tinypic.com/2ainew0.jpg
This will be my main formation but dependent on the opposition it will be rotated with formation #2. Looking for a more fluid counter-attack with this formation utilizing Belhanda in the CAM position

Formation #2
http://oi50.tinypic.com/t0g5si.jpg
Number 2 will be used on attacking teams bringing the DM to help the back four out when needed. When either Belhanda or Cabella are playing one the CM position they will be asked to get the ball rolling and create chances for the wingers and striker.

Formation #3 - Backup
http://oi47.tinypic.com/11gncyb.jpg
This formation is my backup. Probably will only be used once or twice mainly for when we desperately need giving us two attacking options up front.