Hibs 1-4 Rangers

Hibs 12 match unbeaten run came to an end at home to Rangers last Sunday to leave us trailing the Gers by 8 points in the SPL.

Despite scoring in just 12 seconds Hibs were eventually out classed even if some of the goals can be put down to poor defending rather than great outfield play. That is not to take away from the clinical finishing the Rangers forwards showed.

In an entertaining first half which both teams had set out an attacking formation, an end to end encounter gave the fans plenty to shout about. For the first 20 minutes Hibs looked like they were going to make the SPL a close affair through the turn of the year but as soon as Rangers equalised the tide started to turn.

Rangers took the lead shortly before half time thanks mainly to sloppy defending which gave Boyd the opportunity to score from close range. More slack play allowed Rangers to make it three early in the second half, this time the Hibs keeper looked at fault being beaten at his near post.

The fourth came just after the hour and really killed the game off. To be fair to Rangers (which really hurts), they played very well and left us Hibees in no doubt about how far we have to improve to become title contenders.

Hibs play St Johnstone on Wednesday, hopefully we can see the start of another long unbeaten run which should see at least the European place come Hibs way. Four days later brings the Edinburgh derby, this is a sell out and gives Hibs a chance to ease some of the pain inflicted by Rangers.

Happy Xmas

ANKARAGUCU - ROGER LEMERRE AND UMIT OZAT

Greetings Kankas and Kankies on this sunny and mild Christmas day in Ankara.

As most of you know by now, Ankaragucu has a new management/coaching team.

Some information about Roger Lemerre -

In his playing career he played for Nantes, Nancy and Lens. He also won 6 caps for the French National Team.

As a manager/coach he has been involved with Red Star, Lens, Paris FC, Strasbourg and the French National Team.

Umit Ozat has been appointed as his assistant and he is well known in recent times in Turkey. He played for Gencler, Fenerbahce and FC Koln. He also won 40 something caps for the Turkish National Team.

Pretty impressive CVs I'm sure you will agree. However, it remains to be seen if they can turn things around in the second half of the season with the players at their disposal.

Of course, sometimes miracles do happen and perhaps they will be given some dosh by Baby Gokcek to bring some 'names' in during January. Let's play the wait and see game and give them a chance to show their worth.

Their contract is only for 6 months but with options for extensions to be made after the 6 months period, ie, if Ankaragucu don't suffer the 'Big Drop' !!

As always ...... watch this space for further details.

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

ANKARAGUCU - TOP OF THE LEAGUE !!

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

The Hurriyet's headline this morning was .... 'Welcome Lemerre', but I much prefer mine. After all, when have I ever had the opportunity of writing such a headline ?!!

OK, so Ankaragucu is only top of Group B of the Turkish Cup, and only on goal difference, but please humour me while I enjoy the moment, at least until the 9th of January !

Denizli BBS 0 ANKARAGUCU 2

It was a 'Second String' starting line-up yesterday -

Serkan
El-Yasa, Ediz, Mehmet and Koray
Hurriyet, Ilhan, Ozgur and Adem
Bebbe and Murat Duruer

2nd Half substitutes used - Weeks, Broggi and Volkan

As Bellshill Kanka Nadeem and Battle Damaged Kanka Damon commented in the previous post, Bebbe scored the first on the half hour mark and Murat popped in the second near the end with 20 minutes to go.

Good to see Bebbe back in the team and it is to be hoped that new coach, Lemerre, saw enough to give him an extended run in the team alongside Vassell.

In the other Group B match last night, Galatasaray beat Trabzon 2-1. So, with Ankaragucu having a 'by' on the 9th of January and Galatasaray away to Ordu, it should mean that Galatasaray will top the Group then.

Ankaragucu's next challenge is at home to Trabzon on Thursday 14th January and that will be a MUST WIN match to put Trabzon at the bottom of the table alongside Denizli BBS and Ordu !

Are we really going to have a serious Cup run ? An emphatic .... yessssssss !!!

On behalf of webmaster Oz Kanka Chris and I, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers.

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

THE TURKISH CUP - ANKARAGUCU

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

News just in ...........

Denizli BBS 0 ANKARAGUCU 2

Details of goalscorers tomorrow (but little else), so watch this space. 2-0 may sound a bit of a let-down against a 2nd division side, but let's look on the bright side ....... at least we avoided slipping on the 'banana skin match' !!!

In the other Group B match, it is Galatasaray v Trabzon tonight. Details of that match also tomorrow.

Are we going to have a good Cup Run in our Centenery Year ??

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Hibs March On

Hibs are now clear in third place in the SPL after beating Aberdeen 2-0 on Saturday. Two goals from Anthony Stokes was the difference as Aberdeen failed to convert their greater percentage of possession.

This was an important three points as last weeks draw away to Kilmarnock allowed both halves of the old firm to streatch their advantage over Hibs.

Hibs host Rangers next Saturday at Easter Road, it is a huge match for both teams and a full attendance is certain. Rangers have hit a bit of form since loosing to Aberdeen so Hibs will have to be at their best.

Celtic allowed Rangers to open a gap of four points at the top when they lost to Hearts at Tyncastle this afternoon. Celtic were one up and cruising when Gary Caldwell gave a penalty away and collected a red card to allow Hearts an equaliser. Hearts then rode their luck in the second half before snatching all the points late on.

Hibs are now only one point behind Celtic and all us Hibees are wondering how long we can keep this going for. That is now 12 games undefeated.

Hopefully I can provide another victory post next weekend.

Merry Xmas

Gencler fail to convert

It was off to the Beer Bus Saturday night where I found a small group of Ankaragucu kankas - Sir Eski, Connect, Philly, Kaleci - as well as Gencler supporter Flying Dutchman, who were all recovering from Ankaragucu's devastating loss.

Hopes weren't that high but the beer was cold and the pub started to fill up with Gencler fans such as Spine and a whole heap of Alkaralar people for a game of two very distinctive halves.

Galatasaray 1 - 0 Genclerbirligi

First half.... crap. We could easily have been down 3-0 with our defence in tatters. Galatasarary actually had two goals disallowed. One for handball and the other for offside. The least said about the half the better. The only good thing was that it ended 0 - 0.

Second half... much better. This should have gone at least 2-0 but for some crappy shooting from Kahe and a bit of bad luck.

Kahe twice found himself unmarked with the goal in front of him but both times sent the ball wide. Orhan later had a great header which hit the post. The game was all Gencler when Galatasaray made their break in the 77th minute with Keita sending in a short cross to Kewell who merely had to tap it in, much to the annoyance of Gencler coach Thomas Doll who seemed to be dressed up like Darth Vader, or possibly a Michelin Man.

That was that. A bit depressive but we played nicely in the second half. Now for the winter break and a month of weekends in which we curl up and freeze. Happy Christmas everyone.

LENTIL 'SOUP' IS OFF THE MENU IN ANKARA !!

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Grrrrrrr..... I was going to open with a strong adjective, but Phillie Kanka has already been there, and I'm sure Maniac Kanka will not be long in following !

I used to like a big dish of steaming hot lentil soup on a cold winter's night, but ..... no more ! Lentils are defo off the menu, as is Mr Lentil, who gifted TWO effin goals to Sivas yesterday.

Calling Santos ..... for God's sake, please mame a miraculous recovery and come back soon ........ we need you !

ANKARAGUCU 2 Sivasspor 3

I went to our new meeting place, The Beer Bus Bar, where I met up with Costacurta Kanka Caner and his two buddies Mustafa and Bugra (loyal Gecikondu boys). Then came Flying Dutchman Kanka Carlo. Off to the Stadium where we were joined by Connect Kanka Steve, Phillie Kanka Jamie, Yankee Kanka and Huso Kanka.

Only one surprise in the starting line-up with Captain Hurriyet missing (injured ?) - El-Yasa took the armband.

Senecky
El-Yasa, Ediz, Baki Lentil and Broggi
Konate, Weeks and Adem
Aydin
Vassell and Meye

2nd half substitutes used - Metin, Mehmet and Volkan

Lots of razamataz pre-kick off with hundreds (well .... at lot) of flag wavers on the peri-track and the tribunes in full voice as usual.

If we thought that relegation threatened Sivas was going to be whipping-dogs we were sadly mistaken ! They came out of their traps like greyhounds and were dominating the opening exchanges.

However, what was to come took the smiles off our faces and even the tribunes turned down the volume.

Just 12 minutes into the match and a Sivas corner comes over. Played to the back post where full back Sedat was lurking unmarked. Thank you very much he says to the Ankaragucu 'defence' and then coolly chooses his spot to blast the ball in with Senecky helpless.

As if that wasn't bad enough, two minutes later in another Sivas attack, Mr Lentil attempted a simple back pass to Senecky which was an aberration. Thank you very much says Ibrahim and in it goes with Senecky again left exposed and helpless to rectify Mr Lentil's mistake.

At this stage of the match Sivas was in total control and threatening to add another. Mutterings of discontent in the tribunes became violent with fights breaking out in Left Kapali and Maraton. Cue .... steel helmeted Police reinforcements called in to quell the fighting, especially in Kapali where the ambulance was required for an unfortunate few.

During all this nonsense, Mr Lentil was being booed every time he touched the ball !

The half time whistle came as a relief. Time to re-group and change tactics I was hoping.

Sure enough. Metin and Mehmet replaced Konte and the ineffective Meye for the start of the 2nd half and that tactic seemed to be working. Ankaragucu looked a different team and started to play footie at last and attack Sivas full-on. However, we had to wait until halfway through the 2nd half for the breakthrough.

It was a goalmouth melee from a corner which wasn't cleared by the (up to that point) effective Sivas defence, and Metin was on hand to blast the loose ball in. Was this the turning point I wondered ? Hmmmmmm ..... I wasn't convinced because Sivas was still looking dangerous when they broke out of defence.

Then came the equaliser with one minute left. Another scrappy finish with Metin getting the final touch. A fair reward after all the 2nd half Ankaragucu pressure. OK, I thought, one point is not a bad return after being 0-2 down, and to be unbiased, a fair result after a brave fight back.

Then, straight from the re-start, with everyone still celebrating Metin's equaliser, the ball was played into the Ankaragucu penalty box. Senecky ran out to clear, but either Mr Lentil is deaf (as well as dumb !) or Senecky didn't shout, so Mr Lentil decided to have a backheader which looped over Senecky and into the empty goal ! Very clever trick ...... I don't think !!!

Stunned silence !

Still, there was time for Ankaragucu to equalise in time added-on but a great effort was missed by Mehmet when the cross-bar prevented what would have been another equaliser and .... justice.

Off we trudged out of the Stadium with long faces, shaking heads and foreboding of what's in store in the 2nd half of the season !! Ankaragucu has been sucked into the relegation zone again and now have the winter break to prepare to put things right in this their Centenery Year.

What to do about the defence is what will no doubt be troubling the new coach ! Broggi continues to impress, but, I would say that even the performances of El-Yasa and Ediz were not up to scratch yesterday. The less said about Mr Lentil the better - I'm sure there will be lots of comments flooding in on this 'gentleman's' performance !!!

In the meatime, there is a trip to Denizli to negotiate on Wednesday when Denizli BBS play host in the first group match of the Turkish Cup.

Hopefully I will have some good news to report on Thursday.

All the best from an almost despairing Eski Kanka Jim

No happy Christmas for Ankaragucu

Just to allow you lot a space to scream obscenities before Eski Kanka sobers up and posts a report.

Ankaragucu 2 - 3 Sivasspor

And in other news, Ankaragucu have apparently come to an agreement for the Frenchman Roger Lemerre to take over as coach. He was also seen at the match taking copious notes.

Full report later.

PS: If you are a Mr. Lentil fan you had better not check out the comments that will be coming in soon.

Compulsory beauty

French Kanka Hande sent me an e-mail last night which I feel I must share with you all.

"I think he should be training instead of giving teammates a hair cut and talking crap about women..." the militant feminist wrote concerning a story run by the semi-official Anatolia news agency on Genclerbirligi midfielder Kerem Savaş opening a beauty salon.

In the Anatolia piece that French Kanka probably found whilst googling "top class hairdressers in Ankara", Kerem said it was his first investment since starting football and that he did so in order to further the cause of women's rights. Asked by a top hack "why a salon?", Kerem replied:

"Because it is compulsory that women at all times must look beautiful they choose these type of salons," Savaş said.

What a kind fellow.

And here is Kahe, hopefully just half-way through a haircut.



For those Kanka women out there who are finding it difficult to look beautiful at all times, you can find Kerem's place in Cayyolu - Trio Bay, Bayan Kuaför ve Güzellik Salonu.

Sıhhatler olsun.

Genclerbirligi-Ankaragucu rivalry

I just found a very weird clip from a Fox TV (Turkey) soap called Deniz Yıdızı. To see the clip, click on the link and scroll down past the comments and click on the youtube type thingy.

Cringe worthy... but brilliant.

Click here

ANKARA AWAITS THE VIP VISIT OF KIRKCALDY KANKA

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

In answer to Kirkaldy Kanka Martyn's comments in the post 'He's Back', I am giving Ankaragucu's home fixtures for the 2nd half of the season for his forward planning. Of course, they may be subject to change, and if so, I will give details here if necessary.

23/24 January - Ankaragucu v Diyabakir
6/7 February - Ankaragucu v Bursa
20/21 February - Ankaragucu v Antalya
27/28 February - Gencler v Ankaragucu
6/7 March - Ankaragucu v Gaziantep
20/21 March - Ankaragucu v Kayseri
2/3/4 April - Ankaragucu v Besiktas
17/18 April - Ankaragucu v Eskisehir
30/1/2 May - Ankaragucu v Trabzon
7/8/9 May - Ankaragucu v Fenerbahce

We await details of your visit dates Kirkcaldy Kanka, and can assure you, Kirkcaldy Kankie Sinead and your two Ankaragucu Kanka Boys a VIP welcome !!

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

CHANGE OF KANKAS MEETING VENUE

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

As I mentioned in my previous match post, the time has come to change our meeting venue.

It has become quite clear recently that the Head Waiter of The Chopin Bar, Ali Bey, (a cantankerous bassa at the best of times !) doesn't want us in his establishment when Ankaragucu or Gencler are playing any of the Istanbul teams. However, he is quite happy to take our hard earned money on other occasions (maybe he has some Jewish blood in his veins - with apologies to Battle Damaged Kanka and Connect Kanka ho ho ho !!).

Last Saturday night was the defining moment as far as I was concerned, when if it hadn't been for Ismail (the waiter, and a very nice guy) shepherding me to a table I would have left the premises in view of Ali Bey's comments that he didn't want any Ankaragucu supporters in his pub.

Therefore, having discussed this with Oz Kanka Chris, we have decided to move next door to The Beer Bus Bar which is a regular haunt for Gencler fans and where we will be made more welcome than the Chopin.

To answer Phillie Kanka's question, the prospect of moving back to Genclik Park is a dead duck. There is only one 'restaurant' open (Pinar), and quite frankly, it looks more like an 'effin transport cafe' than a place which we could use.

Looking forward to this weekend's match against Sivas, we will meet in The Beer Bus Bar on Saturday from 1.30pm, and go to the Stadium at 2.45pm for the 4pm KO. Remember, this is the last league match before the winter break, so the Stadium will probably be full.

We will then return to The Beer Bus Bar after the match to watch Gencler stuff CimBom in Istanbul KO 8pm. btw, perhaps Gencler were pacing themselves at the Antep match for this one ??!!

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Cold and distracted as Gencler draw with Antep

In the end a draw was probably the right result. just annoying that Gencler failed to score a winner. Off the field, there was a bit of excitement when someone in the stands unfurled a MHP banner. The silly boy was promptly beaten up by the Gencler fans and had to be rescued by the security guards.

Genclerbirligi 1 - 1 Gaziantepspor

The weather didn't seem so bad when I left home but by the time Justin Paul and myself joined Ambo Kanka Peter and his son Patrick it had changed big time. It was bloody cold. The rain was coming down to annoy the players but for us under the stadium roof it was a biting wind that it was taken me some six hours to thaw out my fingers in order to write this report.

The pitch was crap and very waterlogged in places but Gencler started very nicely indeed. We were making good moves done the flanks and were creating chances, one of which was converted in the 18th minute when Burhan sent a ball in to Sandro who somehow managed to get it past the keeper. I'm not exactly sure what happened but will hopefully have a youtube clip up soon.

The rest of the first half Gencler seemed to be attempting to find another goal but didn't really look as if they were in top form.

The second half though saw us have a number of chances but none which would be put away. Kahe seemed as if Aylin is back as the Gencler dietician. In fact Ambo Kanka made the point after the match that at times Gencler seem to be the slowest team in Turkey. I'd have to agree, we do some good stuff in midfield but so often we slow it down as if to allow the opposition defenders to get back.

It wasn't just that though, our pssing today was pretty woeful as well. Although I guess some of the blame for that can be attributed to the waterlogged pitch.

It was about half-way through the second half when Antep got the equaliser. No one to blame really. Well, at least I don't think so. As I said before, I'll put up a video as soon as one becomes available. In the meantime I'm off to soak my toes in some warm water in an attempt to get some feeling back into them.

DISHONEST OR INEFFICIENT

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Only Messrs Ozkahya, Narinc and Kan know the real answer ! The kankas watching the match know it is the former !! Was Ankaragucu's '3rd goal' over the line when it was cleared ? Everyone, except the referee and his assistant 'linesman' could see it was ! All I can say is ..... may they burn in Hell !!!

Fenerbahce 3 ANKARAGUCU 2

The kankas met up in The Chopin Bar. I was first in and didn't receive the normal warm welcome. Apparently the manager didn't want any Ankaragucu supporters in the pub, but Fener supporters were made welcome ! However, one of the waiter's found me a table 'in the corner'. This after being regulars for about 4 years ! Time to review our loyalties me thinks, but more of that in another post next week.

I was joined by Oz Kanka, Maniac Kanka and his buddy Nurer, Connect Kanka and his beautiful lady Ayisha, Venezuela Kanka Rom and Celtic Kanka Joe.

The match was played to an empty stadium as a punishment to Fener's fans behaviour during the Kasimpasa match a couple of weeks ago.

Ankaragucu's starting line up was -

Senecky
El-Yasa, Brabec, Baki Lentil and Broggi
Hurriyet, Adem, Cihan
Metin and Aydin
Vassell

2nd half substitues used were Meye, Konate and Volkan

Fener dominated the opening exchanges but the Ankaragucu defence, Senecky in particular, held firm, and after the initial flurry had subsided, Ankaragucu started to come more into the match.

However, I wasn't too happy that Vassell was being asked to plough a lone furrow up front with support coming from Aydin, Metin, Cihan and Hurriyet from the midfield.

The first goal arrived on the half hour mark and surprise surprise ..... it was from a defensive blunder. Mr Lentil and Brabec got themselves into a tangle going for the same ball and the breakaway was on with Alex slotting it in with Senecky left exposed and helpless.

Ankaragucu to their credit got stuck in and were chasing every ball - sometimes shadows ! It was all end to end stuff now, and to be honest, Fener was looking like adding another.

Then, just before the half time whistle a truly fantastic goal fashioned by Metin and Vassell. A breakaway attack, a through ball from Aydin to Metin. Without hesitating, he backheeled the ball into the path of Vassell and .... whooosh ..... goal ! Defo a candidate for goal of the season.

Into the 2nd half then and what a start. In Ankaragucu's first attack, Vassell this time turned provider with a cut back on the left for Aydin to sidefoot it in.

Fener were wobbling for a few minutes but Ankaragucu couldn't find the killer touch to put the match out of their reach. Half way through the 2nd half that man Alex again pounced to score the equaliser. I was thinking at this stage ....well, I suppose on the balance of play it was a fair result.

But ..... that irritating bassa Guiza pops up near the end to score the winner (I thought it looked offside but I can't be 100% certain). Grrrrrrrr !!!

In the closing minutes, Meye had two shots on goal which on any other day would have gone in. One rebounded off the bar and the other went just past the post.

Then came the '3rd goal' incident. No doubt Ankaragucu was robbed of a share of the spoils. As I said earlier, it was defo over the line when the ball was hoofed clear. Now we can understand how the Irish players felt when Henry scored 'that goal' !!

So, a very good performance from Ankaragucu with Senecky taking the Man of the Match award from me. More performances like this will see Ankaragucu winning, as long as they don't have to play against 14 !!!

Next weekend Ankaragucu will be at home to Sivas in the last match before the winter shut-down. This becomes a MUST WIN match if ever there was one !

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

HE'S BACK !!

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Who's back ?

Our long lost kanka, Apple Kanka Erman, now to be re-named Avea Kanka !

However, it was not a job change that forced his temporary absence from the ranks of the kanka group, but his little 'bundle of joy' Ece Duru (sometime referred to as Cemile by Eski !!).

To view the latest photos of Cemile Kankie (the youngest Ankaragucu Kankie on the planet) please visit her blog at ........

http://eceduruyuksel.blogspot.com/

Is she beautiful, or ....... is she beautiful ??

Look forward to seeing Avea Kanka Erman soon - perhaps on Saturday night ?

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Gencler grab the three points

Pretty miserable weather in Ankara but all up not a bad game of football.

Genclerbirligi 2 - 0 Denizlispor

I was enjoying my pre-midday beer when Aussie Ambo Kanka Peter and his son Patrick showed up at the Chopin, soon to be joined by Spine. But that was it. Where was everyone else? No idea. But it was their loss as Gencler won a hard fought match.

The first half was quite a bit of fun, with Gencler probably the better team but with the best chance of the half falling to Denizli who had our defenders at sixes and sevens but could only manage to hit the side bar. Phew.

Second half and Denizli stepped up their attacks and we were lucky to keep them out.

Finally Mustafa Pektemek had a shot and GOOOOOOOOAAAALLLL.

It was pretty much Gencler for the rest of the match but it was Bilal who won our hearts with a great run from about the half-way line, he jigged in and then sent the ball over the Denizli keeper's head. Lovely stuff.

That's it. 2-0 and I was a happy boy.

PS: The reason that this report is rather short is because afterwards I went back to the Chopin Bar to watch the Trabzon-Ankaragucu match.

PPS: I'll put the youtube videos of the goals up as soon as I see them. Don't forget to check out the second one from Bilal, a real beauty.

ANKARAGUCU - PISSING INTO A BLACK SEA STORM

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Tonight will not go down in history as one of Ankaragucu's memorable performances !!

Trabzonspor 3 ANKARAGUCU 0

Ankaragucu was blown away (especially in the 2nd half) by a Black Sea Storm bordering on Hurricane strength.

If you only want to read positive reports on this blog about Ankaragucu then do NOT come back in and read the full report tomorrow.

For what it's worth, I now understand why Trabzonspor are called 'The Black Sea Storm' !!

All the best from 'Blown Away' Eski Kanka Jim


MONDAY 7 DECEMBER 2009

The Three Muskateers (Oz Kanka, Spine and Eski) met up in The Chopin Bar to see if Ankaragucu could string a couple of wins together. Mmmmmmm ...... reminder ..... I must visit my Chemist this week and get another supply of optimism pills !!

Oz and Spine had just returned from the Stadium having watched Gencler stay on the winning track with two late goals.

Ankaragucu started with the same line-up as last week, ie,

Senecky
El-Yasa, Ediz, Mr Lentil, Broggi
Hurriyet, Adem, Mehmet, Aydin
Vassell and Meye

2nd half substitutes used - Weeks, Emre and Ilhan

As expected, Trabzon came out with all guns blazing and for the first 10 minutes it was panic-stations in the Ankaragucu defence with the ball being hoofed anywhere to safety.

However, just as I was thinking that the storm had been weathered, the worst scenario happened.

Last week's hero, Mr Lentil, became this weeks's villain. Attempting to make a routine clearance he gave the ball away with a weak header (unusual for him). It was gratefully accepted and played out to Serkan on the right who took the ball almost to the corner flag and made a perfect cross into the box. 'Olde Boy', Umut Bulut, came powering in between Ediz and Mr Lentil to head the ball into the opposite corner of the goal with Senecky having no chance to save Mr Lentil's blushes.

Was this to be the beginning of the storm ? No, not yet !

All credit to Ankaragucu, they got their act together and started to press forward and create some chances. Similar to last week, Meye was caught offside a few times, but on his only serious shot on goal, Onur, in goal, pulled off a great save.

Vassell was trying to make some headway, but was running into a resolute defence.

No futher scoring and I was hoping that new coach, Nazmi Bey, would wave his magic wand during the half time team talk and send his charges out to turn the match around. Wrong ! It was the other new coach, Senol Gunes, who's magic wand was working !

The Black Sea Storm was in full force now and it hit Ankaragucu time and again in the 2nd half when Trabzon were rampant. Ankaragucu were chasing shadows for most, if not all, of the 2nd half.

Actually, I couldn't quite decide if Trabzon stepped up a gear or if Ankaragucu just lost the plot or if Ankaragucu were just blown away by the storm. Suffice to say that Ankaragucu's 2nd half performance was ..... to use a polite word .... pathetic !

2nd half goals were scored by Gabric on 63 minutes (a screamer which left Senecky clawing thin air) and Colman near the end. The least said the better !

The only Ankaragucu player who takes any credit for their performance yesterday was Senecky. Even though he conceded 3 goals, it could easily have been more but for some of his reflex saves.

New coach, Nazmi Bey, now has a monumental task on his hands to build some confidence back into the team for next week's visit to Kadikoy, and .... to adopt a 90 minutes plan of action that might emulate the performances of Kasimpasa and Eskisehirspor in recent weeks !!!

We will be watching the Ankaragucu v Fener match in The Chopin next Saturday night KO 8pm. Come early and reserve your seat !

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

PS ..... Fatih Tekke was at the match. I wonder which team he was supporting ??!!

We interrogate Gencler coach Thomas Doll

From left to right: Zakumi, Oz Kanka, Thomas Doll, Ralf Zumdick and Lanky Kanka Jorg.

Last night I managed to corner Genclerbirligi coach Thomas Doll between a wall and the mascot of the World Cup to be held in South Africa. It was the sort of knock 'em down drag 'em out interview that only "The round ball in Ankara" can be subjected to. I'm sure it was supposed to be the other way around.

Oz Kanka: I wrote these questions a couple of weeks ago on the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Where were you and how did you feel?

Doll: I was in Leipzig, in preparation for a World Cup game against Austria.

Oz Kanka: And how did you feel when the wall fell?

Doll: At first I couldn't believe what happened. I called my family and I was very, very happy at what happened.

Oz Kanka: You later played for the united German team, were there any problems between the west and east German players in the team.

Doll: (not quite understanding the question but nonetheless offering an interesting insight) The difference the both leagues were that the Bundesliga was much more public. The system was that in the Bundesliga it was much more quicker, on much more a higher level.

Oz Kanka: Fast forward to six months ago when you became Genclerbirligi's coach. Weren't you scared because Gencler had gone through so many coaches over the last few years.

Doll: We spoke together (with Doll's assistant coach and obvious good mate Ralf Zumdick) for this situation because it is not normal for there to be so many trainers. It is not an easy job. It is a challenge.

Oz Kanka: How different is it to train a team here in Turkey as compared to Germany.

Doll: We make the same training here in Turkey as we did in Germany. Now the boys have adapted very good. I think they have made a step forward. I think there is still a difference between the the German Bundesliga and the Super Lig but this is a challenge for us.

Oz Kanka: And where do you want to see Genclerbirligi at the end of the season?

Doll: This is the first season for us and last year Gencler were lucky to stay in the Super Lig. We are happy now that the boys are confident with us and we are in a safe place at the moment.

Oz Kanka: In the next couple of weeks we will be into the transfer season. Have the management given you money for more players?

Doll: We are in discussions now ... but there are lots of players who are under contract. We can't send away players who are under contract . So we have to look at getting some new players... but it is not easy.

Oz Kanka: Now for the serious questions.... Cheese, or chocolate?

Doll: (without hesitation) Chocolate.

Oz Kanka: What is your favourite drink?

Doll: Apple juice with water.

Oz Kanka: Apple juice with water?

Doll: You mean drink at a bar?

Oz Kanka: Obviously.

Doll: Ah, red wine.

Oz Kanka: Your favourite footballer?

Doll: Ahh.. Messi

Oz Kanka: Finally, Heidi Klum or Claudia Schiffer?

Doll: None of them.

Oz Kanka: Are you a man?

A slight discussion in German between Ralf and Thomas then ensues and then Thomas goes for the host of tonight's World Cup draw

Doll: Charlize Theron.

Oz Kanka: Thank you very much Mr. Doll and the very best of luck on Sunday against Denizlispor.

Doll: Thank you. And who are you?

Breaking news: Reaction to World Cup draw

It was just a few balls drawn out of some punch bowls but we at "The round ball in Ankara" took tonight's World Cup draw very seriously. At the German Embassy tonight after a few wiessbiers it was all friendly banter between the Aussies and the Germans but my, oh my... are they cocky.

Oz Kanka to German Ambassador Eckart Cuntz : Ambassador, what do you think of the draw and are you scared you are going to play Australia.

Kuntz: I'm not at all scared.

Oz Kanka: Your not!

Kuntz: Because Germany is the best. But Australia can be happy to be with Germany. This is the top group.

It's not just the German ambassador who was happy to get Australia in the draw. I also spoke to Genclerbirligi coach Thomas Doll (the full interview will be published tomorrow).

Oz Kanka: What do you think of the draw? Is it good for Germany?

Doll: Yes, I think we have a good draw. Serbia and Ghana I think ... ah Australia is not a favourite in the group. I think it is clear Germany will pass the group.

Oz Kanka: Do you realise that I'm from Australia?

Doll: It is quite difficult that Australia will pass from this group.

Ralf Zumdick (Gencler assistant coach): He is quite honest.

So that's it then. The Germans have already written us off. I can't wait until the kick-off.

A very big thank you to Lanky Kanka Jorg for inviting us to the German Embassy tonight. The full interview with Thomas Doll will be published tomorrow.

The reason Genclerbirligi are doing better this season

It isn't a classic season for Genclerbirligi but we are doing a hell of a lot better than last year. One of the main reasons for this is thanks to our Brazilian striker Kahe who is scoring at the rate of one every two matches. Last season he wasn't able to hit a barn door.

The reason for his amazing turn around appears to have been the brilliant decision at the end of last season to sack the club's dietitian as we reported here.

As you can see in the image below that was supplied by to The round ball in Ankara by someone who preferred to remain anonymous, five months after Aylin was sacked an unsourced story on sporyolu claims it was Aylin's policy of feeding Kahe purely on Big Macs and steroids that was the reason for him being overweight. This year and on the Atkin's diet Kahe has lost 10 kilogrammes and is now at his perfect match weight.*



Unfortunately the story doesn't explain how the sacking of cleaners and waiters at the end of last season has improved the club. No doubt we will learn that sometime soon.

* I may have slightly mistranslated the article slightly, so please don't sue.