NAPA, Calif. -- Reggie McKenzie walked through the lobby of the hotel adjacent to the Raiders training camp facilities and was immediately approached by a middle-aged man seeking an autograph. The freckle-faced general manager stopped a few moments later to talk with another group of fans eager to speak with him.What a difference a few years -- and a few more wins -- make.Four years after become the Raiders first general manager since Al Davis and inheriting a franchise laden with salary cap and personnel problems, McKenzie is more popular than ever.Hes got a team that many believe can be a legitimate playoff contender after more than a decade of futility; two franchise players in quarterback Derek Carr and defensive end Khalil Mack; and a roster filled with rising stars such as wide receiver Amari Cooper.McKenzie also has a contract extension after agreeing on a deal that will keep him with the Raiders through 2020.Thats a great feeling when you get a hand-pat on the back, McKenzie said Saturday before heading out to watch practice. Anytime people recognize the job youre doing, its a sense of accomplishment.The Raiders are coming off a 7-9 campaign, their best mark since consecutive 8-8 seasons in 2010 and 2011.That might not like seem like much of an achievement, but Oakland hasnt made the playoffs in 14 years, so its monumental when compared to what shape the team was in when McKenzie was hired by Mark Davis.The Raiders were in salary cap purgatory at the time and McKenzie had to painstakingly work his way through the mess while making sweeping changes. High-priced, underachieving players were let go. Replacements were bargain-buy veterans McKenzie had to sign just to keep the team running as he and his staff got the books back in order.Along the way the Raiders kept piling up the losses -- 37 in McKenzies first three years on the job. That led to critics and fans calling for Mark Davis to fire his general manager.Davis adamantly stuck by McKenzie. Now the owner is beginning to see the fruits of his faith.He was committed to my plan so a lot of credit goes to him, McKenzie said of Davis. Im sure he had a lot of phone calls, a lot of people talking to him saying, `Is Reggie the guy?The guys in the building, all the guys Im working with, they saw the plan. It wasnt going to be a quick fix and Im not into quick fixes. It was a process and it worked the way we kind of planned. I still havent had a winning season, lets get things straight. But we feel good about the direction its going and we feel good about this upcoming season.For McKenzie, the contract extension gives him more time to complete the plan he laid in place in 2012.I want to be a consistent, good football team, and thats what were trying to build, he said. We want to try to get on the other side of the .500 mark and just keep going. Our ultimate goal from Day 1 is I want to hold up the (Lombardi) trophy, and its a process to that. Theres not a quick fix to it.Game notes McKenzie said the Raiders remain supportive of suspended linebacker Aldon Smith. Smith signed an $11.5 million, two-year contract in the offseason, but recently checked himself into a rehab facility.Our deal is to support Aldon from a standpoint of the person, McKenzie said. Whether he comes back to us or not ... we told him from Day 1, `We care more about you than the player. Whatever he does to ensure his health, were going to stand by him. We know his situation. Its not like we had blinders.We knew going into last year a suspension was probable and its going to be an uphill battle for him. Hes going to have to fight the good fight. Were not going to bail on him. But he has to do his part.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Ian Kinsler Jersey . 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Blake Wood Jersey .C. -- Charlotte Bobcats coach Steve Clifford said after all of these years in the NBA hes still amazed at some of the things LeBron James does. Hobbled Melbourne City superstar Tim Cahill will struggle to back up for Saturday nights A-League clash with Brisbane Roar after the clubs historic FFA Cup win.The 36-year-old was limping around following full-time after a crunching tackle required his substitution in the 61st minute of the 1-0 win over Sydney FC at AAMI Park.Cahill, who scored the match winner with a deft header in the 53rd minute on Wednesday night, appeared to hyperextend his left knee when Josh Brillante came clattering into him from behind.(Its) not too bad ... I did a few hours work last night after the game, Cahill told reporters on Thursday.I watched the game again ... it wasnt the best tackle but it is what it is and we get on with it.There is a bit of swelling but Ill be doing everything possible to be available for Saturday.I dont know if Im confident but I think the main thing is always making sure you stay professional enough to at least start on the bench and come on and be a threat.Im definitely going to give myself a shout.Cahill was left out of the most recent Socceroos side that was held to a 2-2 draw by Thailand in Bangkok in November, with coach Ange Postecoglou keen for him to regain peak fitness.The former Everton star has also nursed a sore Achilles ttendon early in his first A-League campaign.ddddddddddddIve had a few other little knocks that I was carrying ... you dont want to miss many games and you want to be a part of the group, he said.I reckon I can make it onto the bench but Im not 100 per cent.City, currently second on the A-League ladder, will host fourth-placed Roar at AAMI Park.Cahill is hopeful the breakthrough FFA Cup win over the runaway league leaders can help spur his side on to a maiden A-League title.Its not just about winning silverware ... but this is definitely a big piece of the puzzle to move forward, he said.We beat the invincibles ... they came off two draws and there was a little chink in their armour there. I think were in a good place and were improving.Were not where we want to be but were improving week-in and week-out.Cahill revealed a bold pre-match prediction made by Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold had helped fire up City.They said We will win ... I asked the boys How does that feel?, he said.They (Sydney) said that it was just another game but for us if you think this is just another game we dont want you in this change room. Cheap Jerseys Store Cheap NFL T-shirts Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys China NFL Jerseys White Cheap NFL Jerseys Camo Wholesale Jerseys China NFL Jerseys Outlet Cheap Jerseys Wholesale China Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Hoodies Camo China NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Camo NFL Jerseys China ' ' '