GFA part ways with national manager Allen Bula

National manager Allen Bula has been fired from his position by the Gibraltar FA, less than a month before the upcoming qualifier with Scotland.

Bula, who has worked with the national team since 2010, was relieved of his duties in a statement released by the GFA this morning.
The GFA statement reads: “After a thorough and careful investigation, into internal matters, the Gibraltar FA has come to the decision that an immediate change was appropriate. It is not a decision that has been reached lightly or hastily.”

“The Gibraltar FA is committed to safeguarding football on the Rock and ensuring that the National Team remains the pinnacle of Gibraltarian football. Consequently the search for a new Gibraltar National Team Manager will begin immediately.”

There is no news yet as to who will succeed Bula, or if a new manager will be in place before the qualifier at Hampden Park on March 29. The big decision for the GFA will be whether they stay local with their new appointment, or look abroad for a potential coach, which may irk those who believe the role of the national manager should only go to a local.

Since joining UEFA in 2012, Bula oversaw nine official Gibraltar matches, earning a win against Malta and draws vs Slovakia and Estonia, all in friendly matches. Gibraltar’s four qualifiers have seen the team lose all four games, conceding 21 goals in the process,

Allen Bula signs new 3 year contract as Gibraltar national manager

Gibraltar manager Allen Bula officially confirmed that he has signed a 3 year contract to allow him to continue as Gibraltar national manager.

 

The deal, which should run until 2016, will see Allen lead Gibraltar through their first ever European Championship qualifiers, as Gibraltar gear up for the Euro 2016 qualifiers, which start in September 2014.

 

The announcement also ensures stability for the national team, who under Allen’s leadership as manager have been training as often as six times a week in preparation for the challenges that are coming up in the next couple of years.

 

Allen’s experience as a professional coach at Slovakian Super Liga side MFK Kosice will ensure that Gibraltar takes as much of a professional approach as possible, despite the fact that the vast majority of the players are officially amateurs.

 

The draw for Euro 2016 qualifiers takes place in Nice on 23rd February 2014.

 

Exclusive – 21 man squad announced for Faroe Islands match next week

I can reveal the 21 man squad that Allen Bula has announced for the match against the Faroe Islands on Friday.

 

As far as I am aware, this has not been published anywhere else (mainly due to the lack of local media on a Sunday),so, the following is an exclusive for the blog.

The message from Allen Bula is as follows:

“Squad of 21 players have been selected to face Faroe Island national team on the 11th March 2011. All players have been re-tested in fitness test and have reached the extra 20% we were lacking 3 weeks ago. R .Casciaro injury was not as serious as we first thought.
Only 2 players have remained in the injury list, and unfortunatly are not available. Both senior players M.Reoch & J.Chipol, and very important losses to the squad.

Main Squad:
Goalkeepers:

J. Perez Man Utd (Gib)
J.Robba Lynx FC
J.Borg Gib Utd

Defence:

A.Greene Glacis AFC
R.Chipolina Lincoln FC
Y.Santos Glacis AFC
R.Casciaro Lincoln AFC
B.Perez Glacis AFC
M.Casciaro Lincoln FC

Midfield:

D.Duarte (Capt) Lincoln FC
A.Payas Glacis AFC
R.Guilling Lincoln FC
W.Asquez Man Utd (Gib)
B.Perez Lincoln FC
K.Casciaro Lincoln FC
A. Hernandez Man Utd (Gib)
S. Garro Gib Pilots FC

Strikers:

L.Casciaro Lincoln FC
G.Lopez Man Utd (Gib)
M.Yome Lincoln FC
P.Podesta Gib Utd

Reserve Squad:

T.Charay Lincoln FC
J.Catania Gib Pilots FC
D.Hammond Man Utd (Gib)
E.Green Gib Pilots FC
K.Chipolina Gib Utd
P.Reyes Britannia FC
J.Buhajiar Gib Pilots FC

Injured Players:

M.Reoch Man Utd (Gib)
J.Chipol Glacis AFC

regards
Allen Bula
Head Coach / Manager
Gibraltar National Football Team”

 

So, the squad is entirely composed of local players, and has a mix of experienced players and youngsters breaking their way into the national game.  This is a very strong squad for Gibraltar, and one that should hopefully test the Faroes on Friday.

Bula faces injury worries for Faroese match

National Coach Allen Bula could be without a fair few of his normal national selection in preparation for Gibraltar’s clash with the Faroe Islands next Friday, according to the Gibraltar Chronicle.

 

The Chronicle reports that the following players are carrying some form of injury:

Gareth Lopez: Possible os trigonum syndrome to the ankle. In advanced recovery

Aaron Payas: Groin strain + hamstring strain. In advanced recovery

Robert Gulling: Groin strain. In advanced recovery

Matthew Reoch: Recovering from long term injury. In advanced recovery

Brian Perez: Groin strain +swollen wrist. In advanced recovery

Brendan Perez : Groin + Hamstring strain. In advanced recovery

Ryan Casciaro: Possible Gilmore’s Groin. Could be long term injury.

Joseph Chipol: Groin strain + possible small knee cartilage tear. In first phase of recovery.

Yogen Santos: Groin strain + possible os trigonum syndrome to the ankle. In advanced recovery

Daniel Duarte: Groin strain + hamstring strain. In advanced recovery.

 

Bula, alongside the GFA’s physio and osteopaph, held a ‘Fitness Re-Test’ last night to see who could be able to play next week.

 

In more positive injury news however, Wayne Asquez and Jordan Perez have shrugged off their injury issues, whilst Al Greene has also got rid of a long term injury he has been suffering from.  The combination of Al and Lee Casciaro could be key to unlocking the Faroese defence, as chances in the game will likely be far and few between for Gibraltar, therefore being wasteful is not an option.

Allen Bula criticises Victoria Stadium pitch

In an interview for GBC’s ‘Newswatch’ last Wednesday, Allen Bula condemned the state of the Victoria Stadium pitch, and suggested that any serious attempt to apply for FIFA membership would require the relaying of a new pitch.

 

In the interview, Bula said that after an inspection of the pitch by Faroe Islands manager Brian Kerr, the match scheduled between Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands was not certain, as he wasn’t happy with the state of the pitch, although the match will still go ahead.

 

He also went on to say that if Gibraltar wanted to progress from simply playing local Spanish teams once every so often, and attempted to get into proper competition such as the European Championships qualifiers, through membership of UEFA, that the stadium, in particular the pitch, would need a serious facelift.

 

The Gibraltar Sports Authority were quick to condemn Mr. Bula’s views, saying that the synthetic turf laid was the first of its kind in Europe, and that it was approved by technical advisors of UEFA and FIFA, and suggested that Mr Bula should look through all the facts before making ‘erroneous’ comments.

 

————–

My View:  Personally, I agree with Bula on this situation.  Having first hand experience of playing on the Victoria Stadium pitch, I feel that whilst it was a good idea at the time, and certainly an improvement on the previous old astro turf laid down, the fact is that Gibraltar is in an area capable of growing grass, and therefore the stadium should take advantage of this.

 

The Stadium itself isn’t in great shape and would need a good facelift if any new UEFA proposition was to be put forward by the GFA.  First I feel that actual permanent seating should be installed, instead of the current slabs of concrete used.  Although it allows for sitting down or standing up during a game, it isn’t acceptable for a national stadium, and the lick of paint given to it last year has done little to improve it.

 

Also, the general facilities of the stadium could do with a slight increase, notably the dressing rooms which are very basic.  There is also no proper place for cameras to film any action, something which will be noticeable when the Faroese are over for the friendly.  Finally, there should be some more protection from the elements for fans.  Being situated next to a runway notorious for strong cross winds, fans are continuously exposed to such conditions, and the roofing does not cover the entirety of the main stand, whilst the opposite stand has no protection whatsoever.

 

Whilst Gibraltar are making vast improvements – despite a 6-3 loss to San Roque on Thursday – on the pitch, off the pitch, they are still lacking behind seriously.

Bula appointed GFA Head Development Officer

Allen Bula has officially been announced as the individual who will take charge of the previously vacant position of GFA Head Development Officer. The news comes as little surprise, as this is a job that he already covers with MFK Kosice, and he is undoubtedly the most experienced person locally for the job. This news ties in well with the previous article, as it further helps towards improving the standard of football in the country.

Allen will still remain as national manager, as well as holding this position.

Recap of Wednesday’s sports report – highlights, interview with Bula and indication to potential new opponents

Sports report notes
team:perez
r casciaro chipolina santos k casciaro
duarte (capt)
Payas anes guilling
b perez
l casciaro
(played 4-1-3-1-1 allegedly, looked more like 4-5-1 at times)
aron payas goalscorer for gib, not r casciaro

l casciaro with goal line clearance in 87 min

interview with bula highlights:used reserves first half, first team second half

finding step up not too difficult

aims to play teams in higher divisions than segunda b

probably a spanish team next game

january/february when eastern european teams come over

shamrock rovers might come over in January.

5 minute package on junior leagues

Senior League recap:

Gib Utd move top of first division with 2-0 win over St Josephs

Lincoln beat Lynx 1-0

http://www.gbc.gi/television/tv-player.php?programme=69&episode=2184 (From start to around 8 minutes for international football, 13 minutes to 18 minutes for junior football, 22 minutes for senior league roundup.  Apologies for poor quality of the stream)

I have a guest article on Britski Belasi

I make this post to inform you that I have a guest article on the Slovakian football blog, Britski Belasi.  The blog is run by the excellent Dan Richardson, who also does pieces for In Bed With Maradona, and Just Football, and I wrote an article for his site on the link between MFK Kosice, and Gibraltar, through Gibraltar’s national manager, Allen Bula.

Here is a link to the guest article (hopefully the first of many guest articles I do for websites):

http://britskibelasi.footballunited.com/2010/10/03/kosice-and-gibraltar-a-little-known-link/

Gib manager banned for 2 years from Island Games, keeper also suspended

Manager Allen Bula and keeper Jordan Perez have both been banned from the Island Games due to incidents in the Yns Mon game at the last games. Bula has said he’ll stay on as manager, but was disappointed with the lack of support from the GFA in the case. Jordan Perez, or GFA president Gareth Latin have chosen not to comment. The ban means neither individual will be at the 2011 Island Games in the Isle of Wight.

More to come as it is made public.

Home friendlies to happen at least ‘once a month’, bigger opposition could play at Stadium

An interview in the Gibraltar Chronicle today with Allen Bula gave football in Gibraltar some promising news.  The coach has come to an agreement with the GFA council to hold at least one friendly a month, primarily against Tercera or Segunda B teams who are looking for mid-week friendlies.  However, between December and February, Bula has suggested that 1st division Eastern European teams could play games against the national team.   One of the teams will presumably be MFK Kosice of Slovakia, who Bula still works with, jetting from Slovakia to Gibraltar, and vice versa as part of his dedication to his club and country.

He also said that next years Festival Cup should have at least one team from the United Kingdom, and possibly a team from Eastern Europe.  This will be held in 2011, although with Gibraltar’s participation in the Island Games next year, it is currently unknown whether this will happen before or after the Games in the Isle of Wight.  Clearly Allen is using his connections in football, having worked with both Kosice and Bolton Wanderers, to get some higher quality opposition to play in Gibraltar, and the signs are all positive as far as progress for the local game goes.  More to follow as it is comes.

The planned review on the Stadium should be posted on Thursday or Friday.