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In a statement released by OAP management, the owners declare a new horizon ahead:

"We have given the coaching staff a week to turn this ship around. If we do not start getting results indicative of our team's caliber, we will start making some radical changes. Call it a threat, call it whatever. It is what it is. We are a franchise set on winning a championship and this type of play is strictly unacceptable" said owner canucks357 to a reporter outside the pitch. Rumour is he was taking part in practice with the team - striving for a more hands-on approach with the club.

"I agree with his comments" Aleko Kalinkov said, head coach of OAP. "I want to win, and we have the right pieces to win. The execution isn't there and I take responsibility. In Bulgaria, if you lose, you return to being shoemaker, or butcher whatever. And you don't want that!" chuckled Aleko. "I've been with the team for over a month now and it's clear this is where I want to finish my career. In order to do so we need to win. Once I've been here for a few seasons I can get my family here too. I would like that very much. We just need to win."

Keeper Zachariah Pemberton was also questioned on the matter. "Well... we haven't been performing up to par. Look at seasons past. We were the best defensive team around. Look at us this year. We've got gaps in the back line. I can't describe it. As the captain and quarterback of the defence I need to be better. I need to bark orders without hesitation. We have experienced guys back there and it's time for us to play as such. This isn't like our first season anymore where you could have a bad game and still win. The league is full of 22 solid teams now. Anyone can beat anyone. Just look at how the results have gone. The good thing is, we're still within striking distance of a top-4 finish... which is always our goal. And... we're still in the Champions' tournament and a goal up heading into the second leg. So all is not lost. But we do need to figure it out and soon."

"The Prophet" as he is referred to is right. Time is running out as there are only 15 games left and OAP are 8 points back of 4th place and a birth in next year's Champions' League tournament. So what now? Management has promised new experimental formations to find something that provides the spark they need. If that doesn't work? Look for some massive face changes happening at OAP as management consider this season in the bag and new prospects are inserted into the lineup to gain experience in the push for a title next season.

"We don't want to comment either way. However, if the price is right virtually nobody would be safe. As I told my players... If you want to play here... show me!" said canucks357.

There is clearly some turmoil in the OAP franchise right now, and it's not something they are immune to. Looking back, OAP have had a slump in each of their first 3 seasons. That being said, never this big, and never with so much on the line.

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