No Christmas Cheers for Hibs

Nothing very cheery round Easter Road at the moment as Hibs bad run of results continues.

Away defeats to Aberdeen (3-1), Inverness (2-0) and Kilmarnock (2-1) came either side of two draws against Celtic (1-1) and Falkirk (1-1). Out of these games the only one that saw Hibs play to their potential was the match against Celtic.

Hibs next match has been cancelled due to the death of a Motherwell player during their game on Saturday. Phil O'Donnell started his career with Motherwell before signing for Celtic, he then spent a few years with Sheffield Wednesday before returning to Motherwell this season. There have been loads of tributes from all in Scottish football and he will be missed by all.

Hibbee Kanka

A MESSAGE FROM THE ROUND BALL IN ANKARA

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL FOOTIE FANATIKS AROUND THE WORLD FROM ALL OF US ON THE ROUND BALL IN ANKARA, ie, SUPPORTERS OF ANKARAGUCU AND GENCLERBIRLIGI.

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

An olde funny shaped ball photo from last month with Cherry Kanka Rob and Eski Kanka Jim showing how diverse our sporting lives and interests can be !! Incidentally, Gloucester were lucky on this occasion by narrowly defeating Ulster in the 1st half before Ulster finally woke up and had Gloucester hanging on for a narrow victory.

Let's hope that 2008 can bring some success to the footie teams in Turkey's First City, Ankara, and the only two teams that matter !

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

THE TURKISH CUP - MATCH DETAILS

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

The details for the next 2 rounds of the Turkish Cup have been announced.

Saturday 5 January KO 1.30pm - Ankaraspor v ANKARAGUCU

Sunday 6 January KO 1.30pm - Gencler v Manisa

Wednesday 9 January KO 1.30pm - Kirikkale v Gencler

At this time, I am not sure if we will be going out to `The Stadium from Hell` on the 5th of January. Maniac Kanka and I will be working, but if anyone is going then please let me know so that we can tie up travel arrangements.

Oz Kanka or Flying Dutchman Kanka will probably send out details of meeting arrangements for the match on the 6th of January nearer the time.

Details of `The Big One` between ANKARAGUCU and Sekiztrash (provisionally scheduled for 16 January) will be given when KO time and date have been confirmed.

Koooopayeaaaaa Kooooopayeaaaaa ANKARAGUCU Koooopayeaaaaaaaa !!!!

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

We get read

Every now and then this blog actually gets read by someone out there in the wide world of football. In the last few days that someone was a supporter of Sydney FC who then posted my report on their loss to Perth.

The comments afterwards are interesting to read... a few complementary, a few questioning my judgement. Still, fun stuff, and then on page 2 of the comments it just gets bizarre with the following photo posted.



Check it all out at: www.sfcu.com.au

First page of comments

Second page of comments

THE ANKARAGUCU `IMPROMPTU` BOXING DAY PARTY !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Firstly, my apologies to all those who were unable to attend our party on Boxing Day. However, as I said, it was an impromptu affair which was arranged by telephone same day !

The three `stalwarts` attended - Maniac Kanka Harun, Battle Damaged Kanka Damon and Eski Kanka Jim.

We met in The Cappadokia Bar for an exchange of Christmas presents. Eski Kanka received the new ANKARAGUCU all yellow top from Maniac Kanka - my wife started to call me a `canary` when she saw it, that was until I explained the meaning of this in Turkey !!

Maniac Kanka received two Scotland tops from Eski Kanka. One had a Lion rampant motif and the other the Scottish Saltire (the Saint Andrew's Cross of the Scottish flag). Two happy kankas !

What about Battle Damaged Kanka who was almost in tears having apparently been forgotten in all the festivities ?!

Well, knowing how much effort Battle Damaged Kanka puts into his dress code (you know his fetish for gloves !!!), Eski Kanka offered him his new black and green Hibernian gloves. However, this kind offer was rejected on the grounds that he might be mistaken for a Denizli supporter ! A poor excuse me thinks !

So, I have decided to get him a new up-to-date ANKARAGUCU scarf NEXT Christmas !! He could be mistaken for a Fenerbahce supporter in the one he is wearing at present. Shock Horror !!!

We then decampted to a new pub on the same street which has recently opened. No ordinary pub this one !

The name is `Lacivert` and it is run by some of the guys from the infamous ANKARAGUCU group Anti-X.

`Lacivert` may well become a new meeting place if you all agree ?!

The Kankies in particular will be happier in `Lacivert` I reckon. It has TWO real, clean, sweet smelling toilets and one of them is for ladies !

Eski Kanka is particulary happy with it for 2 reasons.....

1. It is an EFES pub !! and..... 2. The music is modern and none of the weirdo modern jazz rubbish served up in the Cappadokia !!

There was also lots of singing going on between the kankas and the Anti-X boys. We may have been outnumbered, but we were not outsung ! Another important point is that Battle Damaged Kanka's repertoire of ANKARAGUCU songs is now pretty impressive !

So, we poured ourselves out of there...... late....... a wee bit under the influence ! Who said that Tuborg was stronger than EFES ? Maniac, defo not !!!

Roll on the 6th of January and Turkish Cup footie yesssssss.

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

LET'S KISS AND MAKE UP !!

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Further to the ANKARAGUCU v Kayseri report on last Saturday's match, you will recall that I mentioned that Serkan received `lots of stick` from the Gecikondu Boys after Kayseri equalised.

Well, Maniac Kanka informed me that after we had left the Stadium at the end of the match and while Kirita was still doing his `lap of honour`, the Gecikondu Boys wouldn't leave the Stadium until the whole team reappeared to be applauded.

Serkan was with the team and was in tears. He was called to the fence to speak to the leader of Gecikondu and he apologised for his mistake the week before against Sekiztrash. He also explained that the goal conceded against Kayseri was also down to the defence (I totally agree with him on that as I explained in my match report).

Well..... a few more tears were shed and lots of kisses exchanged and the Gecikondu Boys started singing his name again....... Serrrrrkaaaan..... Serrrrrkaaaaan !! Not a dry eye in the Stadium !!!

A happy ending to the story ? Perhaps. We shall see who plays in goal in the Cup match in a few weeks time against Ankaraspor !!!

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

ANKARAGUCU - SOME TRANSFER NEWS HOT OFF THE PRESS

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

An all time first for Hurriyet this morning when they mentioned some news of an Ankara footie team in their main sports section. Life if full of surprises !

It has now been officially confirmed that Ahmet Dursun and Mustafa Ozkan are on their way out of ANKARAGUCU. About bloody time me says ! I think both will qualify for their free bus passes !!!

I know Battle Damaged Kanka is an admirer of Mustafa, but he never impressed me in all the matches in which I have seen him in the Blue and Yellow. I honestly believe that even I could beat him to the finishing line of a 200 yards sprint !!!

Ahmet Dursun never really settled down in Antalyaspor or ANKARAGUCU after he left Sekiztrash, and he never delivered on the midfield general's role which he was supposed to assume after the departure of Ceyhun.

Coming in, we have Kaba Diawara which was reported on this Blog a few weeks ago. Also, a Lithuanian stopper, Gediminas Paulauskas. Never heard of him, but we shall see how he shapes up in January. If he does the biz alongside ElYasa and DaSilva, then perhaps it will allow Kirita to move into midfield where he will be more useful and creative for the team.

I also think that it is time for Gencler to plunge into the transfer market. Over to you Mr Cavcav !! The alarm bells are sounding !!

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Not even a red card can save us

Not much from me this week as I just cannot be bothered. Part of that is because the weather is too nice were I am and the second being that Genclerbirligi are playing like complete idiots.

Sivasspor 2 - 0 Genclerbirligi

Sivas are flying high at the moment they have played well all season and are now atop the league table (which hopefully I'll get updated soon) and so a match away to them was never going to be easy. No surprise then when Sivas went 1-0 up after just eight minutes.

But then we were given a lifeline in the form of one of their players being sent off in the 36th minute.

But what do we do... nothing. And then just towards the end we concede another.

Dear, oh bloody dear.

ANKARAGUCU - AT THE LEAGUE HALF-WAY STAGE - STILL UNDEFEATED AT HOME !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

After being served lots of helpings of disappointment during the past few years, I suppose it is not a bad record for ANKARAGUCU to boast an undefeated home record in the League and Cup at the half-way stage. Tucked comfortably into 8th position in the league this morning only 3 points behind 5th placed Kayseri gives hope for the 2nd half of the season. Yesterday……

ANKARAGUCU 1 Kayserispor 1

On a crispy cold Anatolian December afternoon, Eski Kanka was first into the Chopin Bar for tuzlu fistik (salted peanuts) washed down with luvvlie luvvlie EFES ! Joining him soon after was Dan the Man (Kirita’s buddy) and the 3 Yanks (Giant Doug who plays darts for Those Damn Yanks in the Red Lion Club League, Mini Doug and Jeff). Latecomers were Kaleci Kanka Tansu and Oz Kanka’s old OZ buddy Jason visiting from Istan…spit…bul (a closet Gencler fan !).

Where was Maniac Kanka and Battle Damaged Kanka I can hear you all asking ? Well, firstly, Maniac phoned in `sick` with a toothache !! This being unacceptable to Eski Kanka, I left him to ponder some words of wisdom…..

Pain is nothing…….. ANKARAGUCU is everything !!!

Surprise surprise…. It did the trick !! He was waiting at the Stadium with his entourage, Yankee Kanka and Rip Off Kanka !

As far as Battle Damaged Kanka is concerned let’s just use the expression……

He’s a `Light Man` ...... and wait for his response !!!

Kirita led the team out again to the usual chorus of lie..lie…lie…lie… lie …lie … lie…. Ankaragoooooooogooooo ! It seems as though Club Captain Emre will be leaving the Club soon and so Kirita may well be installed as the new Club Captain. Good news ! From what I saw yesterday he is doing a fine job in the motivation department and he seems to have settled quite well into his new position as sweeper/stopper !

The referee, Mr Simsek, lived up to `his name` and gave Kirita an early Christmas present after only one minute of the match gone. First tackle of the match – Kirita went in hard but it was an innocuous looking tackle and whoooosh…. out came a yellow card in `Lightning` fashion !!

Kayseri is not the type of team to play defensively and so that’s the way it was yesterday. End to end stuff, but Kayseri’s attacks were breaking down more often than not and Serkan was never seriously troubled in the 1st half. However, their close passing game in midfield was pretty nice to watch, even if it was breaking down.

15 minutes into the match and the impressive Murat Dueuer took the ball down the left wing, avoiding a few tackles on the way to the corner flag. He looked up, saw the incoming Bebbe, fired in an inch perfect cross for Bebbe to bullet a header in for the opening goal. The cheer went up…….. Olay Olay Olay…. etc etc and BehBeh, BehBeh, and we were all in party mood.

Jaba was having `one of these days` again. Put through a few times, he either lost his footing, was out-jumped (not difficult), or out-thought. Kayseri’s defence was dealing comfortably with him. The sooner Diawara comes into the reckoning for a place up front the better !!!

Kirita, ElYasa and Da Silva were looking good at the back and I was dreaming of 3 points !

Half-time came and went, and sad to say, (using the old cliché…. it was a game of two halves !!) the match degenerated into a hoofing it up in the air affair. Jason compared it to an Aussie Rules Footie match !! I was screaming at ANKARAGUCU to play footie, and to use Murat’s speed down the wings, but nobody was listening to me !!!

10 minutes to go and we were hanging on, but then it happened ! A Kayseri attack and the ball was swung in from the right wing. With 3 Kayseri attackers in the box, they decided to play `ping-pong` heading the ball to each other. Serkan and the ANKARAGUCU defence did everthing but applaud as they stood mesmerised admiring their skill. Thank you very much said Toledo as he headed into an empty net to equalise !

Eski Kanka had his head in his hands (in tears) and then the cries of derision rang out from Gecikondu towards Serkan (they still haven’t forgiven him for his `howler` last week !). Serkan was clearly upset, but all credit to him for pointing to his ANKARAGUCU badge on his shirt and kissing it ! However, it may well be time to bring Zafer off the bench and give Serkan some respite from the Gecikondu boys ?!

Into time added on, and it was all ANKARAGUCU as Kirita drove them forward looking for the winner. He took a free kick which was scrambled away in a panic, only for another to be given a few yards closer to the penatly area line. Up steps Kirita and what a screamer. Up we all jumped shouting…… `Goal`…… only to see the ball come ricochetting back off the upright. Shit !! It would have been a cracker of a finish if it had gone in !

On the subject of Kirita, he is now becoming a `cult figure` in much the same way as Yilmaz was a few years ago. The fans love a player who not only plays with skill, but also with his heart !

So, off to The Cappadokia Bar for some more amber nectar and Belpinar Kofte……. ….mmmmm…. yummy and scrummy !

Time also to watch Hibs ALMOST beat Celtic live on TV, but that is probably another story from Hibbie Kanka ?!

As I said, the league winter break is now upon us. However, we still have Cup footie to look forward to in January –

6th - Ankaraspor v ANKARAGUCU
Gencler v Manisa

9th - Kirikkale v Gencler

16th - ANKARAGUCU v Sekiztrash
Gencler v Adana Demir

23rd - Rize v ANKARAGUCU
Trabzon v Gencler

A Happy New Year to all my readers for 2008.

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Blog problems

For some reason I'm unable to update the upcoming matches on the right of this post. I blame Google Australia... So... here are this week's matches.

Ankaragucu v Kayserispor
Saturday 2pm
At the 19 Mayis Stadium

Sivas v Genclerbirligi
Sunday 3:30 pm
In Sivas

I hope heaps of yo lot will be able to make it for Ankaragucu's last home match of the first half of the season. As for me... I'll be on the beach....

THE KANKALAR GROUP - ANOTHER FIRST !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

They say that when you copy the actions of others it can be referred to as the best form of flattery. Well, it seems that ANKARAGUCU’s Gecikondu Boys are copying the Kankarlar Group !

As everyone is well aware, our group is famous for the beautiful babes who are part of our group, and I’m not just referring to Mountaineering Kanka’s `Bilkent Babes` who have joined us recently. We can boast the most beautiful ladies of any of the ANKARAGUCU or Gencler groups. They are too numerous to name, but you all know exactly who I am referring to !!

So, it was with surprise and a smirk on my face this morning when I opened the Ankara Section of Hurriyet (Page 2) and saw the Gecikondu Boys photographed in the Stadium with 3 beautiful babes in the front all decked out in ANKARAGUCU kit.

So, as I said, where we lead……. others follow !!!

Another first for The Kankalar Group. What next ? Keep watching this space because there will always be surprises around the corner ! Our group is full of innovation, real characters, and some would say…… crazy guys !!

See you ALL on Saturday at The Chopin Bar.

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

ANKARAGUCU - NO CHRISTMAS CHEER ON THE BANKS OF THE BOSPHOROS !!

Greetings Kankas and Kankies

There was no Christmas Cheer flowing in Istanbul last night, but we made up for it in The Cappadokia Bar !!

Besiktas 3 ANKARAGUCU 1

Maniac Kanka, Battle Damaged Kanka and I were settled down to watch the pre-match hype and were joined by the `shivering` Gencler Kankas on their return from the Stadium where Gencler were unluckily undone by Lighthousegarden.

Flying Dutchman Kanka and his beautiful lady Legal Kankie Saadet, Alpine Kanka and Mini Alpine Kanka. Alpine Kanka Wolfgang won the award of the Best Dressed Man with his outfit of Gencler Top and Ankaragucu scarf !!

Club Captain Emre was an absentee from the team and so the captain’s armband was worn by Kirita. A sensible choice in view of his experience of captaining Dinamo Bucharest a few years ago.

The match kicked off and both teams came out of their starting blocks like an express train ! Lots of chances were being created with both teams committed to attack and ANKARAGUCU went close a few times with counter attacks. However, both goalkeepers were in fine form and were putting up the shutters. It was breathless stuff from both teams.

It continued at this fast pace until 10 minutes from the break and I was beginning to think of going in at 0-0 and the posibility of Hakan Kutlu devising a change of tactics to 4-3-3, when….. it happened. Another fast break from defence by Besiktas with the ANKARAGUCU defence on back-pedal and Tello stabbed in the opening goal.

I suppose it was inevitable that a goal would come from one of the teams with both teams committed to attack, but unfortunately the wrong team scored ! Kirita was having a great game in defence and it was a sore goal to concede with the ANKARAGUCU defence having dealt with everything that Besiktas threw at them.

The goal must have dealt a blow to ANKARAGUCU’s confidence and Besiktas took control for the last 10 minutes of the half with ANKARAGUCU on the back foot and content to ride the match out until the half time whistle. However, Besiktas put the sword in just on the half time whistle with another excellent goal from Serdar.

Doom and gloom in The Cappadokia, but the amber nectar was flowing and yours truly livened things up with some half time singing of ANKARAGUCU songs to put some smiles back on the kankas faces !! Eski Kanka is not renowed for his singing voice !!

ANKARAGUCU came out for the 2nd half in the same formation, ie, 4-4-2 much to my disgust, but the smiles were back on the faces when Bebbe headed in a great goal 10 minutes into the 2nd half to give us some hope of a final onslaught for an equaliser.

It has to be said that Bebbe was his usual self this week with lots of running up front and tracking back to help out the defence. However, Jaba will not want to remember this match after missing at least 2 great chances to put the ball in the net.

Then disaster. Half was through the 2nd half, a long speculative shot from Delgado which under normal circumstances would have been `bread and butter` for Serkan and……. Goal ! Serkan had misjudged the flight of the ball, dived too early, and the ball went sailing into the net above his body ! OK, mistakes will be made, but this one was a real howler !!

All credit to ANKARAGUCU for the remainder of the match for chasing the 2nd goal. Their heads never went down, and also all credit to Kirita for continuing to motivate the players to greater efforts.

Lots of positives to take from this match which we will need for the visit of a strong Kayseri team next Saturday. If ANKARAGUCU can play for `90 Minutes` against Besiktas then the same must be said for the Kayseri match !!

With only 1 match remaining till the winter break the standings are –

Galatasaray 35
Sivas 34
F’bahce 34
Besiktas 31

ANKARAGUCU is in 8th position on 22 points.
Genclerbirligi is still 3rd bottom on 14 points.

Still much work to be done after the winter break if the UEFA Cup dream is to be realised. However, Gencler will have other matters on their mind, ie, mid-table security !

Meeting at the Chopin Bar next Saturday at 11.30am. Maniac Kanka and I will definitely be there !!

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

So who actually got to use my season ticket

I was thinking how I could write a cool post about me heading off to a Turkish restaurant in Auburn, Sydney, to watch the Genclerbirligi - Fenerbahce match where I would call all the emigrants from Ankara traitors for supporting an Istanbul team but in the end it proved to be too late at night (the match kicked off at 12:30 a.m.) and I had had too much to drink anyway.

So instead I found a TRT radio feed on my mum's computer and was jumping up and down when Genclerbirligi went ahead in the ninth minute thanks to a goal from Burhan.

Actually I thought Burhan must have missed because the radio announcer announced the goal in the sort of way that Turkish commentators react to goals scored by the Milli takim's opponents. Admittedly he didn't say "maalesef gol", nor were there many "touch bizim"s but it is still pretty clear which team the announcer is supporting tonight.

The rest of the first half was a bit of a blur for me but I think we had a couple more chances.

Still, 1-0 up at half time and I'm feeling slightly optimistic.

The time here is 1:30 a.m. and I'll be back again for the second half soon, as long as I don't collapse. Hopefully my final report (pending some lines I'm expecting from one of the kankas at the match) will be as upbeat as this one.

Second Half

Sorry about this, but I'm dieing here. Even though Genclerbirligi seem to be attacking again I simply cannot stay awake. And so I must go to bed. I know what I'll be dreaming for tonight.

Sir Eski Kanka, if you see this please at least edit this piece and put the final score here.

Not quite asleep

Well, actually I didn't crash... but there is no way I can describe what happened. My brain is just not working.

Oh shit. Fener have scored. 1-1 with about 25 minutes left.

Off to bed

86th minute: Fener go ahead. 1-2

Nick Carle comes on... about time!

"Pip, pip, pip" and that's it, Fener win it. How bloody depressing.

Actually if you want a better report, and you really can't get much worse, I suggest you head off to Nathan's Fenerbahce Worldwide site where I'm sure there will be a post up soonish. Or wait for one of the kankas who actually went to the match to give their report.

Good night.

This is how fans are supposed to be treated

For not spending enough time with the family my wife sentenced me to one-month's transportation to the colonies and so she wasn't impressed when I decided to spend my second night downunder at the football.

My excuse was that I was spending time with the family, namely my brother.

So after spending a day pottering around Sydney harbour and getting strange looks for carrying a Genclerbirligi scarf on a bloody hot day my brother and I met up at a pub and headed off for the Sydney Football Stadium.




Sydney 2 - 4 Perth

Now this was how football fans are supposed to be treated. A crowd of 12,000 were policed by about 20 officers and most of those were dealing with stopping traffic so we could cross the road.

Getting in composed of opening my camera bag so they could check to see if I was smuggling beer into the match. Outside the ground Sydney FC were doing a roaring trade in scarves, shirts and other paraphernalia. Just inside the kiddies were being entertained trying to score goals against some bloke dressed in a mascot uniform.

It was then through the gates, a quick barcode check and we were in. Actually inside the stadium my brother didn't have money so he found an automatic teller machine, we then lined up and within a minute we were served our beers and then down to our seats.

It certainly was a pleasure to be treated as a "guest" and not as a potential hooligan.





As for the football, Perth started up well but it wasn't until almost before half-time when they scored. And then a minute later extended their lead to 2-0. I thought this might have silenced the local fans but no, just lie the fans back in Turkey the hard-core supporters behind the goal, "The Cove" continued singing away.

Second-half, a meat pie and more beers in, and Sydney clawed one back, before bottom of the table Perth went crazy again, with the match ending 2-4, boos from the crowd but no calls for the management to resign.

I was impressed with the quality of football, the individual skills on show were pretty good and clearly going by the scoreline they know how to score goals. One deficiency I noticed though was a reluctance to go in hard in tackles. The referee hardly had to blow his whistle at all.

"The Cove" singing all match was impressive, including their version of Ankaragucu's "ole ole ole". The only hassle being that the main section, where we were seated, was extremely quiet. What they need is a few "amigos" to get the crowd singing.

One thing that was similar to games in Ankara was the handful of away supporters at the match, excusable really as Perth is a four-hour flight from Sydney.

All up a great night which was capped by my brother and I then heading off to check out whether the beer still tasted the same at various pubs that I used to haunt in my university days.







If you cannot see the above video just check out the blog a bit later. Youtube are currently processing the video, whatever that means.

KABA DIAWARA - THE ROUND BALL IN ANKARA KNEW FIRST !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Good news...... for a change !!

The Hurriyet reported today that Kaba Diawara is joining ANKARAGUCU. However, we in The Round Ball in Ankara knew about it on Monday night but we delayed reporting it to give the Hurriyet their `scoop` !!

Kirita received a phone call from Diawara on Monday night during the interview with the news ! They are old buddies from their Gaziantep playing days, and also Diawara is a buddy of Bebbe.

Diawara is a `big name` and he will be welcomed here in the same way as Kirita was. He is much travelled, having played for PSG, Marsilya, Arsenal, Blackburn and recently Gaziantep. I'm sure Bebbe is also as overjoyed as I am now that he has another partner to share the striking role up front.

So, a message for Cemal Aydin and Hakan Kutlu from Eski Kanka......

`Will you now start playing 4-3-3 with Diawara, Bebbe and Jaba up front pleeeeeeeezzzzzz !!!

Let's make teams `frightened` to come to 19 Mayis Stadium and also let's attack teams when we go `away` !!

Welcome to Ankara ...... Diawara !

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Time to ask some questions... no matter how lame

First up, some definitions:
RBIA: The Round Ball in Ankara
Kirita: Stelian Kirita, midfielder for Anakargucu

I'm sure you can figure the rest out.

The Scene: The Red Lion Club, Monday Jan. 10, 2007.



RBIA: Can we get you a drink?

Kirita: A diet coke thanks.

RBIA: In the Turkish press, sometimes your name is spelt Kirita, other times it is spelt Krita. What the hell is the right spelling?

Kirita: With an I.

RBIA: So Sir Eski Kanka Jim wins and Damon is wrong!

Battle-Damaged Kanka Damon: I was only going by the Ankaragucu website!,

RBIA: Will you lot shut up! So, Mr. Kirita, the Ankaragucu site is wrong. The proper spelling is Kirita (there are lots of weird Romanian accents on letters by the way).

Eski Kanka Jim: So what do the players call out when you are playing?

Kirita: Kirita, Kirita.

RBIA: Can we now end the conversation on how the hell we spell this guys' name?

RBIA: For the last two years you were in Gaziantep, how would you compare the two cities?

Kirata: No you cannot compare. It is unbelievable. The Ankaragucu supporters are amazing. The way they go up and down and ...

RBIA: Sure... I've got the idea... When you look at the leagues, the Romanian and Turkish leagues, which would you consider the toughest?

Kirata: I was at Dynamo Bucherest. The Turkish league is different... here you have to be strong. If you are not strong you are out. In Romania (where he was capped 12 times) it is a little bit slower. Here you must run, you must fight. It is not so easy to play here. I think that in England or Spain it is much easier to play.

How did you come to Turkey?

(Much misunderstanding) and then -

Kirata : The coach of Samsun, he was the Romanian coach. He liked me and he said to me "Kirita do you want to play in Turkey?"And I said "why not". I had played for Dynamo for seven years...

RBIA: And how exactly do you approach each match? (did I really ask such a lame question?)

"I played agressive in Samsun, in Gaziantep and in Ankaragucu. In Romania I'm more agressive than this. Over there I was captain and over there you must play like a leader..."

"When I'm outside the game I like to make many jokes. I like to have fun... but when I'm in the game ... finished... there are no friends".

"All I do is I try to be professional and then I go home".


RBIA: How long do you plan on staying at Ankaragucu for?

Kirata: I don't know.

RBIA: How long is your contract?

Kirata: I'm contracted for two years (ie one year after this season).

RBIA: So what of the future... Who would you like to play for?

Kirata: Of course, an Istanbul team... Fenerbahce.

RBIA: My Turkish is rubbish but how do you survive at Ankaragucu with your Turkish? For example at half-time how do you talk to the coach?

Kirata: I talk to him in Turkish. Not very, very well, not 100 percent. But 70 percent I understand.

RBIA: In regards to Ankara: What is the best and worst thing about Ankara?

Kirata: Everything is fine with Ankara. I have nothing to say. Everything for me is perfect. I'm a professional football player. Come to Romania and you will see... Then it is time to drink... to smoke

Alpine Kanka Wolfgang: Do you think you will play at the European Championsips in Austria?

Kirata: I don't know. It will be difficult.


RBAI: Okay sure, but who would win in a fight between a tiger and lion?

Kirata: Because of my tattoo I very much like tigers. But because I like tigers I think lions will win.

RBAI: Ahhh... right... What was the last CD you bought?

Kirata: The last CD I bought?

RBAI: As I said, this is a real football interview.

Kirata: DMX, I'm sure you don't know it.

RBAI: I guess I'll have to google it. Hip hop you say. I'll have to take your word for it.

RBAI: Cheese or chocolate?

Kirata: (emphatically) Chocolate.

RBAI: Monica Bârlădeanu or Sabina Cojocar

Kirata: (with no hesitation at all) Monica Bârlădeanu.

RBIA: You are prime minister of Turkey, what is the first thing you will do?

BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP

And so ends the formal interview... which wasn't all that formal at all. Kirita was one hell of a cool bloke who we wish all the best in the future.

And then the questions that should have been asked... were asked, well sort of.

RBIA: From what I understand in regard to Briegal being sacked is that the chairman of the team was backing certain Turkish players at the club, against the coach. From where I come from the chairman always backs the coach in situations like this.

Kirita: In Turkey everything ,is possible, everything... I have seen everything...

Alpine Kanka: So what do you think of Turkish referees.

Kirita: Unbelievable! Unbelievable. Against us their have been many many many big mistakes... When you look at the English league you can see that the referee gives a warning "be carefull, next time you attack the man I'll give you yellow"... but in Turkey it is just .... "yellow". Jim then sprouted on about referee's infallibility for a while.

RBIA: So your advice to the young players such as the Alpine Kanka youth?

Kirita: Be serious, be tough... do not go half in. If you do you will lose. My Mother says, "go to work". I say,"shut up". I worked, worked, worked at football. I'm now very proud.

Oh God, Jim at this stage goes on about some sort of Wales match...

My tape finishes.

And so end an epic interview. I must say it was the most difficult of my life.

Thanks very much to Alpine Kanka Wolgang for sorting out the interview. And thanks to all those who contributed, Battle-Damaged Kanka Harun, to Rory and Vedat for taking photos. To everyone, well, it was hell.

ANKARAGUCU v KASIMPASA - MATCH REPORT

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

The following is the promised match report from Battle Damaged Kanka Damon......

Depression was not the only emotion that was felt Saturday at 19 May Stadium in chilly Ankara; Merthan's hand had the blue and yellow seeing red.

Although Kasımpaşa is the lowest ranked team in the league, given the way Gücü has been playing lately, I knew enough before the match to brace myself for anything. In turned out that "anything" was worse than I had been hoping for--but not as bad as it might have been.

The first half of the match our boys clearly did not have their hearts in it. The play was lacklustre at best with El-Yasa, Emre, Burak, Yasın, and Bebbe looking particularly bad. Mountaineering Kanka Robbie pointed out that one heading tactic used over and over again by Bebbe was actually never effective and resulted a hundred percent of the time in merely handing possession of the ball to our opponent's keeper. Mountaineering Kankie Judy, being less technically inclined, merely said that El-Yasa was playing as if he had been up late drinking the night before. (Eski Kanka's comment...... Ankaragucu players are model professionals and therefore abstain from drinking alcohol !!!).

Then at around the 16 minute mark, Faruk of Kasımpasa's free kick from the right found teammate Merthan coming in along the left side of the penalty box. Merthan then tucked the ball neatly into the right corner of the goal as our keeper Serkan was already moving to the left.

The question is what part of his body did Merthan use to do the tucking. I did not notice anything odd about the goal while watching the match from our position in Marathon, but the Gücü players immediately declared it to be a hand ball. Judging by some of the comments on Ankaragücü fansites, supporters of the team are majorly pissssssed offfff with the ref. Selçuk Dereli and his failure to notice the handling. Upon inspection of the video, it appears likely that it was indeed a hand ball, but I would prefer to leave the call to our very own Eski Kanka Jim who, owing to his former career as a referee, has much more experience with hand balls than do I (If you would like to judge for yourself, check out the video replay at Ankaragücülerin Sesi: http://www.ankaragucluyuz.biz/haberdetay.asp?id=563) . Regardless of whether the laws of the game were infringed or not, KP were up 0-1.

At the 22nd and the 30th minute marks Jaba attempted to equalize, but failed. A mere two minutes after Jaba's second attempt, Kasımpaşa's Özgür launched a hard shot off a pass from Yekta making it 0-2 going into half-time.

I was bracing myself for more of the same in the second half, but Alpine Kanka Wolfgang assured us that we would score three goals. During half-time I discussed strategy with both Alpine Kanka Wolfgang and Mountaineering Kanka Robbie while drinking tea graciously provided by Alpine Kanka. Wolfgang was convinced that Gücü needed to bring the ball up along the sides instead of only bringing it up the middle. Robbie felt that the major problem was that there was a gap between the forwards and the mid-field that was being effectively filled up by Kasımpaşa players.

I don't know what Hakan Kutlu said to the guys during half-time, but with the beginning of the second half, the team had rectified both of these problems, and it took a mere two minutes for Murat Erdoğan to capitalize on a loose ball in front of the Kasımpaşa goal to make the score 1-2. About 12 minutes later Mustafa took a shot which was punched away by Kasımpaşa keeper Tolga, and 16 minutes into the half Murat crossed the ball from the left into the penalty area where a waiting Jaba was able to head it in. The match was now tied up at 2-2. The big question was now whether Alpine Kanka's prediction would come true.

Let me save you the suspense (oh, wait there is no suspense. Jim already told you the score in yesterday's post.): Alpine Kanka had to be satisfied with his prediction being two-thirds correct. Yes, after being shown about twenty minutes of absolutely beautiful football by Ankaragücü, the level of play sunk back down, and despite two shots on goal by Jaba we had to be satisfied with a tie and one piddly little point. Given Beşiktaş's win over our brothers in Bursa, that puts us six points behind BJK going into our match this coming wknd. at the Eagle's nest. Let's wish our team the best of luck in Istanbul. Maybe we can pull a Liverpool on them.


Thanks Damon for another excellent report, even if it was all negative stuff from Ankaragucu for 70 minutes of the match !

Concerning the alledged `handball`, I have to repeat that, unlike cricket or the funny shaped ball games, the referee in footie doesn't have the luxury of a video replay facility. Therefore, for this reason, all the laws of the game are couched in his favour by stating....... `it will be a blah blah blah, if in the referee's opinion blah blah blah occurred`. I accept that it is difficult for the players and the punters like us to accept this, but the referee can only see incidents on the field of play from one angle and then he makes his call in a split second ! Also, if the Linesman happens to be on the other side of the field then he can only go on what he actually sees and not what the crowd or players are baying for !

As for Saturday's referee, Selcuk Dereli, I know him personally and can assure you all that as well as being an honest man, he is also one of Turkey's best referees on the FIFA list. I have a feeling that we shall be seeing more of him in high profile YooRo club and country matches in the future.

Sunday's match against Sekiztrash can't come quick enough for me. I remain optimistic in the belief that Ankaragucu always seem to raise their game for the big ones. Bring it on !

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Mid-winter blues

Just to give you a feeling for the atmosphere at the match... A couple of photos taken by Gencler fan Onur Aydogan which were posted on the Alkaralar website.

After last week's brilliant victory over Trabzonspor this week we had a clear opportunity to get out of the relegation zone but instead let our chances go by.

Istanbul BBS 0 - 0 Genclerbirligi

I listened to part of the match on the radio but with the scores at 0-0 near the end of the half I decided to head off with the rest of the family to some Christmas carols. It is some measure of how depressed I am with Genclerbirligi this season that I didn't urge the taxi driver to turn on the radio and nor did I rush home to find out the result.

Not many other people could be bothered with this match either. The radio announcer said he could count six (yes, six) fans at the match being played in the 80,000 capacity Beyaz Fil Olympic Stadium. Although he did admit that he could hear singing and that anyway the lower stands can't actually be seen from the radio booth.

Still, what the hell is the point of Istanbul BBS playing their games at an enormous stadium a million miles away from the heart of Istanbul.

Football-wise... well, no exciting goals to describe, no red cards, no fans... hiç, zip, nothin'.

One thing though it looks like Aussie Nicky Carle is on his way out. He is apparently looking for a transfer and hasn't played in the last two matches.

All is not looking good at Genclerbirligi. So it is lucky that we have an easy match next week at home... Versus Fenerbahce.

ANKARAGUCU - DEPRESSION AND ....TOO LITTLE..... TOO LATE !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

On the face of it, a pretty depressing result against the bottom team in the league.....

ANKARAGUCU 2 Kasimpasa 2

and `depressing` is how it must have felt to the kankas in the Stadium at half time with ANKARAGUCU facing a mountain of depression and 0-2 down. Battle Damaged Kanka, Rip-Off Kanka, Mountaineering Kanka and Kankie were there, with a few other loyal souls. (Battle Damaged will give a full match report which will be added as an EDIT tomorrow).

However, it was not all doom and gloom with the 2nd half being ignited with 2 ANKARAGUCU goals from Battle Damaged Kanka's `Man of the Match`, Murat Erdogan, and he thinks it was Jaba who scored the 2nd (to be confirmed tomorrow).

Under normal circumstances, fighting back from 0-2 down would be hailed as an excellent result and I have to admit that my first reaction was relief that we didn't lose our undefeated home record. On reflection though, and in hindsight, it has to be said that it was 2 points lost for ANKARAGUCU and yet another step backwards in the UEFA Cup qualification scramble !

Meeting up in the Cappadokia post-match was Battle Damaged, Rip-Off, Maniac, Yankee and Eski Kankas and it was not a celebration meeting tonight ! All eyes were on next week's match against the hated Sekiztrash and the hope that we can raise our game and play for 90 minutes, and not for the 15 minutes in today's match which will be reported by Battle Damaged Kanka tomorrow !!!

Watch this space for his report. In the meantime, all the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Aberdeen 3-1 Hibs

Hibs turned in there worst performance of the season at Aberdeen last Sunday, despite taking an early lead they let Aberdeen draw level by half time and were then deservedly beaten in the second half.

After Aberdeens hard match against Athletico Madrid the previous midweek we all hoped Hibs would come out and play a fast high tempo game. Unfortunately it was Aberdeen who turned the tables on Hibs and out fought and outplayed Hibs.

A very depressing match to watch, lets hope Hibs perform better at Inverness this weekend.

A little bit of good news that was announced this week was that Hibs striker Steven Fletcher has signed an extension to his contract. He is now contracted till 2013 so when he goes Hibs should be in for another big pay day.

ANKARAGUCU - ONE STEP FORWARD AND THEN...... OH SHIT !!

Greeting Kankas and Kankies.

Sometimes I wonder if ANKARAGUCU mirrors our lives ? Just when we think everything is `rosy` in the garden, along comes a swarm of locusts to spoil the pretty picture !

So, it transpired today when Eski Kanka's dream of UEFA Cup glory received a set-back in Konya.

Konyaspor 1 ANKARAGUCU 0

It is typical of the Ankara teams to flatter to deceive, but the least we could have expected today, taking into account the present form of both teams, was one point.

However, it proves yet again, if proof be needed, that you under-estimate the underdog at your peril !

When you consider that 2,000 ANKARAGUCU supporters made the journey to Konya (Maniac Kanka confirmed this) you can understand how much it means to the supporters to qualify for YooRo Footie (this writer is no exception) ! The supporters of ANKARAGUCU are `hungry` for success and beating teams like Konya (no disrespect to them !) is paramount to that aim. After all, don't we have a God given right as Turkey's 1st city to be in YooRo Footie?! (No answer is required to this question !!!).

So, what to do ? Good question !

I said in a post a few months ago that we had 7 matches which were `must win` matches. However, on only 3 have been won (Rize, Antep and Manisa) and 3 have been lost (OFTAS, Bursa and Konya). This is not the way forward ! The 7th is coming next weekend against Kasimpasa and dare we under-estimate them ?!

The solution is clear, as has been proved time and time again, we must WIN our home matches (which we have done) and take something from the away matches (which we have not). Simple philosophy me thinks !!

All is not lost ........ yet ! The acid test comes after the Winter Break when we must prove that we are good enough to represent Turkey !

If Maniac Kanka gives me more information about today's match I will post it as an EDIT. Battle Damaged Kanka sent me an email a few minutes ago to say that he listened to the match on the radio and that ANKARAGUCU missed a `sitter` in the dying minutes to tie the match up. I rest my case !!!

In the meantime, let's drown our sorrows in some luvvlie luvvle EFES and dream of picking up 3 points next week, and..... staying undefeated at home !

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim


EDIT No 1.....

Maniac Kanka hasn't reported back to me because he is still nursing a hangover from last night's non-celebrations, and tonight he is back in The Cappadokia for more `medicine` !!

What I can say about the match though is that Konya scored in the 39th minute and the damage was done by olde Veysel (remember him from many travelled footie teams ??!!).

It is sad to report that the man of the match (according to Hurriyet) was the Konya goalie, Oguzhan, who was the only player to receive 8 points. Konya also had another 3 players on 7 points, but..... ANKARAGUCU could only manage 6 players on 6 and 5 players on 5. Seems to paint a picture me thinks ?!

Incidentally, the referee and his 2 assistants only scored 4 points. Perhaps they were being hosted after the match at one of the many pubs in Konya after the match ??!! No comment please !!!

So, with only one more match `away` before the winter break (to Sekiztash !!) it would appear that ANKARAGUCU's record of only winning ONE match `on the road` will follow them into the 2nd half of the league season. Don't shout too loud, but, it was in `The Stadium from Hell` !!!

OK, that's about it. Roll on next Saturday and the visit of bottom team, Kasimpasa. Will we be hearing rousing coruses of the `Olay Olay Olay` song me wonders ??!! Watch this space kankas !

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

About bloody time - A Genclerbirligi victory

Having paid the shit out of Turkish English-language newspapers for being slow with the news it is my duty to report the results as soon as they happen, as soon as the goals go in... ah... as soon as I get home.

Unfortunately, after tonight's match I went to the pub... and well.. I think you can guess the consequences. So here I am at 1:03 a.m. trying to write a report on Gencler's match tonight. Let's see what time I will finish, and how stupid I will seem. But first let me grab a another beer.

Bloody freezing in the capital of this great land can be the only excuse for various "fair weather" Kankas not showing up at the Chopin.

I had already assumed as such and so armoured myself with a copy of Radikal newspaper, got a beer and I was having a delightfully relaxing evening until Flying Dutchman Kanka showed up.

Now I always enjoy a conversation with FD Kanka but still had my eye on the door when a very strange fellow walked in.

Going by the yellow jacket and the tea-pot hat, this bloke could only be a foreigner. He walked in, walked out, and then a few minutes later walked in again. By the level of the bloke's Turkish it was clear he was a foreigner and after an awkward interlude he ended up sitting with us.

It turned out that Paul, and two of his mates, are on their way to the Beijing Olympics. In what is obviously a mission to see whether the human rights abuses of China stack up to those of various Turkic countries the three of them are bicycling their way to Beijing.

I once used buses when I went on a pub crawl from Sydney to Brisbane but these Irish blokes are clearly mad.

Whatever, Alpine Kanka joined us soon after and just as we were leaving the Chopin, Irish Bicycling Kanka Paul's mates showed up as well. Off to the stadium and finally on to the match.

Genclerbirligi 2 - 1 Trabzonspor

At the stadium was the usual rigmarole of convincing PC Plod that our Irish friends were not terrorists and that they were not planning on using the batteries of their cameras as projectile items. Luckily for all at the match the police did manage to confiscate a couple of coins and a pen from our Irish friends.

Match-wise.... oh dear.

The first few minutes were dire. Trabzon were passing well and looking dangerous but couldn't penetrate. As for Gencler's tactics, well let just say that the English style of "give a roost" was absolutely rubbish.

Mehmet Cakir though did get a good shot on which came off the post, but I'd say the run of play was Trabzon's, perhaps only just, when a bunch of Temels converged around the referee calling for a foul that never was. While Temel was arguing away Mehmet Cakir took a kick, it went over the attackers and defenders but found Burhan at the far post... he slotted it in. If the idiots from Trabzon had been defending instead of arguing they may well have stopped the goal from being scored. 1-0

Trabzon now went onto the attack. Luckily they couldn't find a way past Jesus in goal. I thought Jesus had a pretty good game although someone should tell him that at times he is allowed to pick up the ball.

Off to the loo at halftime and the riot police decided to frisk me again. Lucky I didn't have any illicit batteries on me.

Second half was fun, fun, fun, in the sun. There were no brilliant moments, just a succession of excellent attacking play by both sides.

Gencler were all over Trabzon for long, long periods. At the same time though we couldn't convert our advantage. Last passes were going astray and Cakir in particular was guilty of too many 40-yard strikes that were perfectly aimed -- if only he was an Aussie Rules player.

Then we had it. Hand ball in the box. Penalty to Gencler. Cakir steps up... and saved.

On we went though and after attack after attack we finally scored our second goal. As if in ignorance of all they had ever done together until this point Isaac Promise and Kahe worked well together, pass here, pass there and eventually Isaac was left with a simple push in to score. As I have always said, this is a simple game for simple people. 2-0

The simple people of Gencler seemed to be getting it right. A good 40 minutes to play and it was Gencler which made all the good moves. This was the best football I've seen them play for a long time. If it wasn't for a bit of bad-luck, a few billion miles away shots from Cakir and if only Engin had backed himself we could easily have scored another.

Then with about 20 minutes to go Temel sent a ball into the box which another Temel managed to head it in (admittedly it was an excellent goal). 2-1

From then on Gencler were on the defensive but we had about 328 counterattacking chances, of which each and every one was thwarted without their goalkeeper even having to make a save.

Ninety-minutes up and the referee decided to play 17 minutes of extra time. Well, I am exaggerating slightly... but the bloke clearly needs a new stopwatch.

So that's it. A victory against Temel of Trabzon. I'm bloody happy. I'm also bloody drunk. And the time, by the way, is 2:03 am. Hooray, it only took me an hour to write. Admittedly I did take a cigarette break, or two...