From our football correspondent
Steady
Market2 Sep 2030
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Akron 2 can pretend not to have heard.
Squad2 Sep 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings2 Sep 2030
Successful dribbles: 15. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Back issues
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market26 Aug 2030
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Akron 2 can pretend not to have heard.
Squad26 Aug 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad26 Aug 2030
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad19 Aug 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Market19 Aug 2030
Akron 2 have made Liubomyr Kuzyk available for transfer. A career at this club is over in all but paperwork.
Squad19 Aug 2030
A manager forgives a bad Saturday far more readily than a bad Tuesday, because one of them he can explain and the other one he chose. The reports this week have not been good.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad12 Aug 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings12 Aug 2030
Successful dribbles: 16. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad12 Aug 2030
Alexandr Popov asks for a word with the manager
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market5 Aug 2030
“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Akron 2, and it is not being withdrawn.
Squad5 Aug 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad5 Aug 2030
39 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market29 Jul 2030
“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.
Squad29 Jul 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad29 Jul 2030
“Some mornings you wake up and you are still a long way from everything you know.” It is not the football and it never was; Akron 2 are dealing with a man who wants a different country.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad22 Jul 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad22 Jul 2030
Andrey Pisarev knocks on the manager’s door
“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Andrey Pisarev trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.
Player ratings22 Jul 2030
Successful dribbles: 10. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad15 Jul 2030
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Semyon Zelenov and Akron 2 agree another 4 years.
Squad15 Jul 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad15 Jul 2030
The medical room confirms 34 days on the sidelines for Said Seidov, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad8 Jul 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad8 Jul 2030
The medical room confirms 67 days on the sidelines for Maxim Kondakov, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.
Squad8 Jul 2030
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Kirill Simonov commits to Akron 2 for another 3 years.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad1 Jul 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad1 Jul 2030
“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Akron 2 will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.
Squad1 Jul 2030
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad24 Jun 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad24 Jun 2030
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Batyrby Chermit and Akron 2 agree another 3 years.
Squad24 Jun 2030
Kirill Dudarin knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad17 Jun 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad17 Jun 2030
Kirill Dudarin asks for a word with the manager
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
Squad17 Jun 2030
Arseny Dmitriev is not doing himself any favours
A manager forgives a bad Saturday far more readily than a bad Tuesday, because one of them he can explain and the other one he chose. The reports this week have not been good.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market10 Jun 2030
Only the photograph left for Christian Gray
Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. Christian Gray will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Akron 2 the goodbyes have quietly begun.
Squad10 Jun 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad10 Jun 2030
Ivan Mokshin knocks on the manager’s door
“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Ivan Mokshin trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad3 Jun 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad3 Jun 2030
Ivan Mokshin knocks on the manager’s door
“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Ivan Mokshin trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.
Squad3 Jun 2030
A new face in his position, and Labazan Labazanov suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Akron 2 have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad27 May 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad27 May 2030
“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Mauricio Machuca trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.
Squad27 May 2030
A manager forgives a bad Saturday far more readily than a bad Tuesday, because one of them he can explain and the other one he chose. The reports this week have not been good.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad20 May 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad20 May 2030
Batyrby Chermit asks for a word with the manager
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
Squad20 May 2030
Andrey Pisarev is not doing himself any favours
A manager forgives a bad Saturday far more readily than a bad Tuesday, because one of them he can explain and the other one he chose. The reports this week have not been good.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market13 May 2030
Christian Gray has one foot out of the door
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad13 May 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad13 May 2030
“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Vyacheslav Vinnikov trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad6 May 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad6 May 2030
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Squad6 May 2030
“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad29 Apr 2030
Stilyan Rusenov: that is not what I was promised
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Akron 2 have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Squad29 Apr 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad29 Apr 2030
Roman Volochay knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad22 Apr 2030
Ivan Mokshin: that is not what I was promised
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Akron 2 have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Squad22 Apr 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad22 Apr 2030
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad15 Apr 2030
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Market15 Apr 2030
The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Akron 2 is pretending he will be back in the shirt.
Squad15 Apr 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad8 Apr 2030
“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Akron 2 may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.
Squad8 Apr 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad8 Apr 2030
“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Akron 2 will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad1 Apr 2030
“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Akron 2 may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.
Squad1 Apr 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad1 Apr 2030
“I have given this everything, but my family is not here and neither am I, not really.” A footballer can be coached out of bad form. Nobody has ever been coached out of this, and Akron 2 know it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad25 Mar 2030
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Squad25 Mar 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad25 Mar 2030
Semyon Zelenov knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad18 Mar 2030
“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Akron 2 may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.
Market18 Mar 2030
Christian Gray has one foot out of the door
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad18 Mar 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad11 Mar 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings11 Mar 2030
Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Market11 Mar 2030
Everyone has stopped pretending: Shinnik will make the call about Roman Volochay this week. Akron 2 have a number in mind, and the number is not shy.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad4 Mar 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings4 Mar 2030
Successful dribbles: 17. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad4 Mar 2030
The manager makes an example of Alexandr Popov
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad25 Feb 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Market25 Feb 2030
Add another name to the list: Shinnik have asked the question everybody in the game has been asking about Roman Volochay. The answer from Akron 2 has not changed — yet.
Squad25 Feb 2030
“The easiest signature of my career.” Said Seidov and Akron 2 agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market18 Feb 2030
Christian Gray has one foot out of the door
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad18 Feb 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings18 Feb 2030
Successful dribbles: 15. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad11 Feb 2030
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Squad11 Feb 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad11 Feb 2030
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Ivan Kozhokin and Akron 2 agree another 3 years.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad4 Feb 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad4 Feb 2030
The manager makes an example of Semyon Zelenov
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Squad4 Feb 2030
“The easiest signature of my career.” Mauricio Machuca and Akron 2 agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market28 Jan 2030
“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Akron 2, and it is not being withdrawn.
Squad28 Jan 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Market28 Jan 2030
The interest is real enough to have reached print. Akron 2 have said nothing, which in a transfer window is its own kind of answer.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad21 Jan 2030
“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Akron 2 may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.
Market21 Jan 2030
The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Akron 2 is pretending he will be back in the shirt.
Squad21 Jan 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad14 Jan 2030
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad14 Jan 2030
“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.
Squad14 Jan 2030
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Kirill Bazhukhin, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad7 Jan 2030
“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Akron 2 may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.
Market7 Jan 2030
Roman Volochay has one foot out of the door
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad7 Jan 2030
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad31 Dec 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad31 Dec 2029
The competition arrived without a word said to him about it. Semyon Zelenov keeps the shirt for now, at Akron 2's convenience rather than his own.
Squad31 Dec 2029
Kirill Simonov knocks on the manager’s door
“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Kirill Simonov trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market24 Dec 2029
Christian Gray has one foot out of the door
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad24 Dec 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad24 Dec 2029
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Alexandr Popov commits to Akron 2 for another 3 years.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad17 Dec 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad17 Dec 2029
The medical room confirms 27 days on the sidelines for Vyacheslav Vinnikov, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.
Squad17 Dec 2029
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Alexandr Popov, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market10 Dec 2029
The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Akron 2 is pretending he will be back in the shirt.
Squad10 Dec 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad10 Dec 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad3 Dec 2029
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Akron 2 have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Squad3 Dec 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad3 Dec 2029
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Danil Shatalov, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad26 Nov 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings26 Nov 2029
Successful dribbles: 17. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad26 Nov 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad19 Nov 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad19 Nov 2029
The medical room confirms 55 days on the sidelines for Vyacheslav Vinnikov, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.
Squad19 Nov 2029
The manager makes an example of Batyrby Chermit
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad12 Nov 2029
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Market12 Nov 2029
Only the photograph left for Roman Volochay
Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. Roman Volochay will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Akron 2 the goodbyes have quietly begun.
Squad12 Nov 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad5 Nov 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings5 Nov 2029
Successful dribbles: 11. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad5 Nov 2029
Semyon Zelenov wants a proper job in this side
Shifted about, taken off before the hour, asked to do somebody else's running — Semyon Zelenov has had enough of being useful and would like to be picked. Akron 2 know, and have known for weeks.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad29 Oct 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings29 Oct 2029
A performance of 8.17 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.
Squad29 Oct 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad22 Oct 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad22 Oct 2029
85 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.
Squad22 Oct 2029
The manager makes an example of Batyrby Chermit
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market15 Oct 2029
The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Akron 2 is pretending he will be back in the shirt.
Squad15 Oct 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad15 Oct 2029
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Player ratings8 Oct 2029
Successful dribbles: 29. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad8 Oct 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings8 Oct 2029
Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 19 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.
Player ratings8 Oct 2029
Twelve yards, a goalkeeper guessing, and it still did not go in. He will take the next one, and every soul in the ground will hold their breath.
Squad8 Oct 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Squad8 Oct 2029
“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad1 Oct 2029
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Squad1 Oct 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad1 Oct 2029
“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Akron 2 will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad24 Sep 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad24 Sep 2029
113 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.
Player ratings24 Sep 2029
Successful dribbles: 11. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market17 Sep 2029
Only the photograph left for Roman Volochay
Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. Roman Volochay will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Akron 2 the goodbyes have quietly begun.
Squad17 Sep 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings17 Sep 2029
Marked 9.16 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad10 Sep 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad10 Sep 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Squad10 Sep 2029
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Roman Volochay and Akron 2 agree another 5 years.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market3 Sep 2029
“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.
Squad3 Sep 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings3 Sep 2029
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.11, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad27 Aug 2029
The medical room confirms 142 days on the sidelines for Vyacheslav Vinnikov, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.
Squad27 Aug 2029
Kirill Simonov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad27 Aug 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad20 Aug 2029
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Market20 Aug 2029
So close: Sergey Volkov’s move dies late
The fee was agreed and the flight was looked at — and then the phone stopped ringing. Sokol moved on, Sergey Volkov reports back to Akron 2, and everybody pretends Monday is just Monday.
Squad20 Aug 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad13 Aug 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad13 Aug 2029
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Maxim Kondakov, and the manager let it.
Squad13 Aug 2029
“The easiest signature of my career.” Arseny Dmitriev and Akron 2 agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad6 Aug 2029
“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Akron 2 may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.
Market6 Aug 2029
The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Akron 2 is pretending he will be back in the shirt.
Squad6 Aug 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad30 Jul 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad30 Jul 2029
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Batyrby Chermit, and the manager let it.
Player ratings30 Jul 2029
Successful dribbles: 12. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad23 Jul 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings23 Jul 2029
Successful dribbles: 10. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad23 Jul 2029
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad16 Jul 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad16 Jul 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Squad16 Jul 2029
The manager plants his flag on Maxim Kondakov
“Judge me on him.” Managers do not say that kind of thing by accident — it moves the pressure from Maxim Kondakov’s shoulders onto his own, and both of them know it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market9 Jul 2029
The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Akron 2 is pretending he will be back in the shirt.
Squad9 Jul 2029
Kirill Dudarin was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad9 Jul 2029
“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad2 Jul 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad2 Jul 2029
Kirill Bazhukhin asks for a word with the manager
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
Squad2 Jul 2029
“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad25 Jun 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad25 Jun 2029
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Kirill Dudarin and Akron 2 agree another 4 years.
Squad25 Jun 2029
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad18 Jun 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad18 Jun 2029
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Kirill Dudarin commits to Akron 2 for another 4 years.
Market18 Jun 2029
Everyone has stopped pretending: Irkutsk will make the call about Kirill Bazhukhin this week. Akron 2 have a number in mind, and the number is not shy.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market11 Jun 2029
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad11 Jun 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad11 Jun 2029
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Maxim Kondakov commits to Akron 2 for another 3 years.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad4 Jun 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad4 Jun 2029
“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.
Squad4 Jun 2029
Maxim Kondakov knocks on the manager’s door
“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Maxim Kondakov trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad28 May 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Market28 May 2029
The clock does Jonathan Cerruti’s negotiating for him
2 months left, and both sides know what that means: every week without a signature, the fee Akron 2 could ask drops and the wages Jonathan Cerruti can ask rise.
Squad28 May 2029
The manager plants his flag on Alexandr Popov
“Judge me on him.” Managers do not say that kind of thing by accident — it moves the pressure from Alexandr Popov’s shoulders onto his own, and both of them know it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad21 May 2029
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Squad21 May 2029
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Squad21 May 2029
The message was aimed at the stands as much as the dressing room: Tamerlan Kuzmenko plays, and the argument is closed until the manager decides otherwise.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market14 May 2029
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad14 May 2029
53 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.
Squad14 May 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad7 May 2029
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Market7 May 2029
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad7 May 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad30 Apr 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad30 Apr 2029
The manager makes an example of Danil Shatalov
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Squad30 Apr 2029
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad23 Apr 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad23 Apr 2029
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Matvey Bezrogov and Akron 2 agree another 4 years.
Squad23 Apr 2029
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Batyrby Chermit, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad16 Apr 2029
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Market16 Apr 2029
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad16 Apr 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market9 Apr 2029
Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. Jonathan Cerruti will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Akron 2 the goodbyes have quietly begun.
Squad9 Apr 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad9 Apr 2029
“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Akron 2 will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad2 Apr 2029
“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.
Market2 Apr 2029
4 months left and the two sides are nowhere near each other. Every week this drags on takes money off what Akron 2 could get for him.
Squad2 Apr 2029
Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Maxim Mamashev has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad26 Mar 2029
Alexey Solovjov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad26 Mar 2029
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Squad26 Mar 2029
The manager plants his flag on Semyon Zelenov
“Judge me on him.” Managers do not say that kind of thing by accident — it moves the pressure from Semyon Zelenov’s shoulders onto his own, and both of them know it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad19 Mar 2029
Kirill Simonov: that is not what I was promised
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Akron 2 have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Market19 Mar 2029
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad19 Mar 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market12 Mar 2029
The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Akron 2 is pretending he will be back in the shirt.
Squad12 Mar 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad12 Mar 2029
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad5 Mar 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings5 Mar 2029
Successful dribbles: 14. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad5 Mar 2029
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Danil Shatalov, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market26 Feb 2029
The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.
Squad26 Feb 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad26 Feb 2029
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Alexandr Popov, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad19 Feb 2029
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Market19 Feb 2029
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad19 Feb 2029
140 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.
Squad19 Feb 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings19 Feb 2029
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.98, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Squad19 Feb 2029
Alexandr Popov knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad12 Feb 2029
Danil Shatalov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings12 Feb 2029
There was no pressure on him and nowhere he had to be. Akron 2 lost a goal to a decision that took half a second and will be discussed all week.
Squad12 Feb 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market5 Feb 2029
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Akron 2 can pretend not to have heard.
Squad5 Feb 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad5 Feb 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market29 Jan 2029
“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.
Squad29 Jan 2029
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Squad29 Jan 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market22 Jan 2029
Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. Tamerlan Kuzmenko will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Akron 2 the goodbyes have quietly begun.
Squad22 Jan 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad22 Jan 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad15 Jan 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad15 Jan 2029
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Tamerlan Kuzmenko, and the manager let it.
Squad15 Jan 2029
“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Akron 2 will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad8 Jan 2029
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Semyon Zelenov commits to Akron 2 for another 4 years.
Squad8 Jan 2029
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad8 Jan 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad1 Jan 2029
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad1 Jan 2029
“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Akron 2 will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.
Squad1 Jan 2029
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market25 Dec 2028
Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. Tamerlan Kuzmenko will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Akron 2 the goodbyes have quietly begun.
Squad25 Dec 2028
Maxim Mamashev knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Akron 2, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Squad25 Dec 2028
“Nobody outside is coming to save us.” It was short, it was not comfortable, and by all accounts the Akron 2 squad were quieter afterwards than they had been all season.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad18 Dec 2028
Alexey Solovjov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings18 Dec 2028
Successful dribbles: 10. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad18 Dec 2028
“If we are going to be beaten, let it not be because somebody in here could not be bothered.” He stood up and said it in front of everybody, which is a thing a squad remembers about a man for years.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad11 Dec 2028
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Squad11 Dec 2028
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad11 Dec 2028
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Jonathan Cerruti, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad4 Dec 2028
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad4 Dec 2028
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Alexey Solovjov, and the manager let it.
Squad4 Dec 2028
The captaincy has been taken off Jonathan Cerruti. Akron 2 will call it a decision about the team; a dressing room reads it as a verdict on a man.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad27 Nov 2028
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Market27 Nov 2028
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Akron 2 they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad27 Nov 2028
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad20 Nov 2028
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad20 Nov 2028
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Alexandr Popov, and the manager let it.
Player ratings20 Nov 2028
Successful dribbles: 8. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad13 Nov 2028
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad13 Nov 2028
The manager makes an example of Maxim Kondakov
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Squad13 Nov 2028
“I respect the manager and I am not going to sit here and pretend I am happy.” It is the most common sentence in football and it has never once been the end of a story.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad6 Nov 2028
“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Akron 2 will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.
Squad6 Nov 2028
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Tamerlan Kuzmenko, and the manager let it.
Squad6 Nov 2028
The captaincy goes to Jonathan Cerruti. It is not a job that wins matches, but a dressing room always notices who is given it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market30 Oct 2028
Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. Tamerlan Kuzmenko will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Akron 2 the goodbyes have quietly begun.
Player ratings30 Oct 2028
A performance of 9.17 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.
Squad30 Oct 2028
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad23 Oct 2028
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings23 Oct 2028
A performance of 9.40 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.
Squad23 Oct 2028
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad16 Oct 2028
Semyon Zelenov was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad16 Oct 2028
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Squad16 Oct 2028
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad9 Oct 2028
Matvey Bezrogov: that is not what I was promised
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Akron 2 have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Player ratings9 Oct 2028
Defensive actions: 25, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.
Squad9 Oct 2028
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Akron 2 this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings9 Oct 2028
Defensive actions: 18. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.
Player ratings9 Oct 2028
Defensive actions: 16, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.
Squad9 Oct 2028
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.