Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of former player Ray Wilkins as their new assistant first-team coach.
Wilkins, 52, has joined manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's backroom staff with immediate effect following former first-team coach Steve Clarke's decision to move to West Ham United.
The former England international midfielder is no stranger to working with the Chelsea players having been part of ex-manager Gianluca Vialla's coaching team in the late 1990s.
While working with the Italian, he helped Chelsea win the FA Cup and Charity Shield in 2000.
Wilkins, who has also spent time as the manager of Fulham and QPR plus a spell as number two to Peter Taylor in the England Under-21 set-up, also spent six years as a player at Stamford Bridge.
He made 198 appearances for the Blues, scoring 34 goals, and remains the club's youngest ever captain after being handed the armband during the 1974/75 season.
joi, 18 septembrie 2008
Wilkins back with Chelsea
Rosicky agent slams quit talk
Tomas Rosicky's agent has rubbished reports that the Czech Republic international's career is threatened by a long-running hamstring problem.
Rosicky, 27, has not made an appearance for the Gunners since January and surgery towards the end of the last campaign forced him to miss Euro 2008.
However, agent Pavel Paska has angrily denied rumours that the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder could be forced to call time on his career.
"It is nonsense," he claimed.
Rosicky recently admitted that he does not know when he will be able to return to action.
Earlier in the month, he said: "My return is still going to take some time.
"Each treatment runs the risk of bringing complications."
Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has revealed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tried to lure him to the Emirates Stadium during the summer.
Yaya in the younger brother of current Gunners defender Kolo Toure.
"Wenger, as well as my brother, asked me if I would join Arsenal during the summer, but I told them that I was very happy at Barcelona," revealed the Ivory Coast international.
Pompey make winning start
Portsmouth beat Guimaraes 2-0 in their first European game in their history to boost their chances of reaching the group stage of the UEFA Cup.
Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe both found the net and there were also two penalty misses in an entertaining clash at Fratton Park.
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp named the same side that had finished Saturday's victory against Middlesbrough after John Utaka passed a fitness test on his injured knee.
Guimaraes, third in the Portuguese League last season behind champions FC Porto and second-placed Sporting Lisbon, moved into the UEFA Cup after losing to Basel in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
Portsmouth dominated the first half and almost took the lead when Peter Crouch found Defoe whose right-foot shot was superbly tipped over the bar by Correia Junior Nilson.
Utaka also went close before Pompey broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Diarra and Defoe combined well before the former lashed the ball home.
The visitors had a great chance to draw level three minutes later when Sol Campbell was harshly adjudged to have brought down Calmon Felix Roberto but Joao Fajardo blasted the resulting penalty over the crossbar.
Shortly after half-time Defoe's own spot-kick was saved by Nilson after the former West Ham United and Tottenham striker had been brought down by Joao Moreno.
However, Defoe was soon on the scoresheet volleying home the impressive Nadir Belhadj's 60th-minute cross to give Portsmouth a two-goal advantage to take to Portugal for next month's second leg.
Jo brace sinks Omonia
Manchester City once again failed to impress in Europe as they scrambled to a 2-1 victory against Omonia Nicosia in their UEFA Cup first-round first-leg match in Cyprus.
Having laboured to an unimpressive Intertoto Cup win against EB Streymur in July, Mark Hughes' side had required penalties before seeing off Midtylland to reach this stage of the UEFA Cup.
But they were forced to come from behind to secure a narrow win in Cyprus against a side that had finished third in their domestic league last season.
Hughes opted to start with Jo, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Robinho and Elano and it was £32.5million Brazilian Robinho who almost netted after only two minutes when his fierce shot was parried by Omonia goalkeeper Antonis Georgallides.
Stephen Ireland and Wright-Phillips also went close to breaking the deadlock in the opening stages but it was Jo who wasted the clearest first-half chance in the 27th minute.
Ireland squared the ball to the Brazilian who somehow managed to slice the ball wide with the goal gaping.
Thirteen minutes later Jo's shot hit the post and, just before the break, Ireland's effort also came back off the woodwork.
After dominating the first period, City were shocked to fall behind early in the second half when Klodian Duro's superb free-kick beat Joe Hart.
After Ireland had wasted another excellent chance, City finally equalised when Jo turned home Wright-Phillips' pinpoint cross.
After 72 minutes Jo was on target again as he gave City the lead after showing good skill to control Pablo Zabaleta's cross before firing his low shot home.
Omonia almost hit back immediately when Klodian Duor's long-range effort came back off the crossbar with Hart beaten.
However, City deserved their victory which should have been comprehensive but for some wayward finishing.
luni, 15 septembrie 2008
Brittle Bolton upset Megson
Livid Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson has slammed some of his fringe first-team players who he believes have let the club down in the last few weeks.
Megson had hoped that injuries to Johan Elmander and Matt Taylor, along with Gary Cahill's suspension, would give other players the chance to shine.
However, since beating Stoke City on the opening day of the campaign, the Trotters have lost at Newcastle United and Fulham, and drawn with West Brom.
The 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage on Saturday was particularly galling for Megson, who told the Bolton News: "It rankles a little bit when people come telling me what they can do, or what they used to do, and yet it isn't happening now.
"It annoys me when people come knocking on my door and say they should be in the team and then don't take the opportunity.
"I don't expect everyone to play well every week, but I'd certainly expect them to go about things in a better manner."
Clarke wins Lamps backing
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes the Blues should allow assistant manager Steve Clarke to join West Ham United.
Clarke had his resignation turned down on Friday and has been placed on gardening leave while the two clubs argue about compensation for the 45-year-old's services.
It has been reported that the current Premier League leaders are demanding £4.8million for Clarke, who still has two years left on his Stamford Bridge contract.
However, the Hammers are only willing to pay out £500,000 in compensation.
Lampard told the Evening Standard: "If he goes to West Ham it will be a loss, but I don't think you can ever take away a man's right to do what he wants to do.
"I think Clarkey has been an unbelievable servant for Chelsea for many years as a player and as a coach.
"He has been an important member of the back-room staff for what we've done over the last few years.
"But if he feels he wants to go and do something different - I know he has intentions to be a manager in his own right - you can only wish him all the best."
Southgate waits on Digard
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate fears that three of his midfielders could miss Saturday's Premier League clash against Sunderland after Didier Digard picked up a knee injury in the 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth.
The 22-year-old Frenchman suffered a twisted knee at Fratton Park to join Mohamed Shawky and Julio Arca on the sidelines.
Gary O'Neil is now Boro's only recognised experienced midfielder and Southgate faces the prospect of fielding full-back Andrew Taylor in midfield against the Black Cats.
He said: "Digard twisted his knee a bit and we'll be assessing him this week. At this moment it's impossible to say whether he'll miss games or how long he'll be out.
"But you expect to pick up injuries. As a manager you have to deal with them.
"I had no problems asking Andrew Taylor to play in midfield on Saturday. It's something we know that he can do."
Meanwhile, Southgate is investigating the possibility of claiming compensation from the Egyptian and Turkish FAs after Shawky and Tuncay returned to Teesside from international duty with injuries.
Hodgson keeps feet on ground
Despite making an encouraging start to the season, Fulham manager Roy Hodgson insists his only target this term is to avoid relegation.
The weekend win against Bolton Wanderers lifted the Cottagers up to sixth in the Premier League table with six points from only three matches.
However, Hodgson still has not forgotten last term's problems when his side only avoided the drop on the last day of the season.
He said: "We're not going to get carried away. My job is to keep our feet on the ground.
"We know that our job in the league is to survive. That's where we've set out our stall and we'll be grateful for every point we take."
Meanwhile, midfielder Jimmy Bullard was impressed by the new attacking partnership of Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson which was seen for the first team against Bolton.
The former West Ham and Wigan Athletic star said: "You've got a classic number nine in Bobby, who is a big, strong physical boy who holds up play. And you've got Andy who gets in behind and stretches defences.
"Andy wasn't 100 per cent fit, but I felt he and Bobby were the difference for us."
Vote of confidence for Carlo
Under-pressure AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has been backed to improve the club's fortunes by vice-president Adriano Galliani.
The Rossoneri have lost their first two games of the Serie A season - against Bologna and Genoa - and are one of only two teams to still be pointless.
However, Galliani insisted: "Ancelotti will remain the coach of AC Milan.
"I will not say it again and not because I will change my mind about this, but rather because it becomes repetitive.
"I don't want to hand out any excuses, but up to now we haven't had time to train together as a team."
Ancelloti has been in charge of AC Milan since November 2001 and has guided the club to two Champions League successes and one Serie A title.
joi, 11 septembrie 2008
City ensure Robinho return
Manchester City have pulled out all the stops to ensure their South American contingent are back in time to face Chelsea on Saturday.
The club's new owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, have made their private jet available to fly Brazil trio Robinho, Jo and Elano plus Argentina's Pablo Zabaleta back to the UK.
Zabaleta was part of the Argentina side that drew 1-1 in the Peruvian capital Lima on Wednesday, while the three other South Americans were in the Brazil side that was held to a goalless stalemate by Bolivia in Rio de Janeiro.
British transfer record signing Robinho is expected to make his debut in Saturday evening's clash with the club he was set to join on deadline day before a dramatic late twist.
"We couldn't have got the lads back in time on scheduled flights so we've had to make other arrangements," said manager Mark Hughes.
"I'll make a judgement on what I see, but it's fair to say that there will be a reasonable chance Robinho will be involved.
"The great thing about him is he offers us options as to where he can play and that kind of flexibility is something I'm always looking for in players.
"He can play wide on the left, behind a striker or alongside a target man and that will be invaluable.
"He is the sort of player who can affect the game whenever he is on the pitch."
Anelka dismisses PSG link
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has rubbished reports in the French press which claimed he was considering making a return to former club Paris St Germain.
The France international has already spent two spells at the Parc des Princes during his nomadic career.
But despite struggling to find the net since his £15million move from Bolton Wanderers to the Blues, Anelka claims he is determined to remain at Stamford Bridge.
The 29-year-old has netted just three times in 27 appearances for the London club.
"There are some rumours circulating about a possible return to PSG. They're all nonsense," he said.
"It's true that I know a lot of people at the club. I'm friends with Papus Camara and Claude Makelele.
"I know the new leadership team well but from there to a return? It will never happen.
"I've signed for three years at Chelsea, and then even if I had to leave London, I would go to the United States or a country in the Gulf, but not to Paris."
Keeper reveals Latics deal
Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson has revealed he is hopeful of rejoining Steve Bruce at Wigan Athletic.
Bruce initially brought the 30-year-old shot-stopper to English football when he was manager of Birmingham City.
The Blues handed the keeper a free transfer last month after he had made only three first-team appearances, but now Kingson claims he is close to sealing a move to the JJB Stadium.
He would compete with veteran Mike Pollitt to provide back-up for regular number one Chris Kirkland with the Latics.
"Very soon I will be back in action. I am hoping the move goes through to Wigan Athletic," Kingson revealed.
"Steve Bruce has shown a lot of faith in me. At Birmingham he was good to me maybe because I showed him I am a true professional. But I made mistakes in England and have learned from them.
"I am in no doubt that if I get my chance again I will prove the first was just a minor dip and not the real me."
duminică, 7 septembrie 2008
Cole double rescues England
Two goals from substitute Joe Cole inside six second-half minutes saved England the embarrassment of dropping points in their opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra.
Much like when the sides last met 18 months ago in a Euro 2008 qualifier at the same venue in Barcelona, England failed to find a way through a tightly packed defence and were booed off the pitch at half-time.
Fabio Capello's side were expected to comfortably roll over a nation ranked 171 places below them in the Italian's first competitive game since he replaced Steve McClaren as England manager.
Capello's side were again jeered at half-time, but his decision to send on Joe Cole and Emile Heskey for the ineffective Stewart Downing and Jermain Defoe had the desired effect.
Cole volleyed home a Frank Lampard free-kick which was helped on by Joleon Lescott after 49 minutes.
The Chelsea midfielder was then played in by a superbly disguised pass from Wayne Rooney soon after to stab the ball home underneath the advancing goalkeeper from 12 yards.
The goals brought relief to Capello, but the fiery coach was far from happy with the overall display as he barked out orders to his players for the duration of the 90 minutes.
Without several regular players due to injury and perhaps with half an eye on next Wednesday's much tougher trip to Croatia, Capello has handed starts to Theo Walcott and Downing.
England started brightly with Walcott in particular looking lively down the right flank and the Arsenal man was at the centre of all of England's most promising first-half moves.
Firstly he fired over the bar from a tight angle after just three minutes, before teeing up Rooney with a cushioned lay-off only for the Manchester United striker to slice a left-foot shot high and wide from 15 yards.
Lampard went close on 22 minutes with a shot from the edge of the penalty area, but that was to be as good as it would get for a frustrated England, who resorted to long ambitious passes as the half drew to a close amid unrest on the terraces.
However, the arrival of Joe Cole and Heskey seemed to pep up the England attack and Cole finally broke the deadlock with virtually his first touch of the ball.
After his second strike, the Andorra heads visibly dropped and Glen Johnson could have claimed his first international goal had his low 18-yard drive not been flicked into the net by the clearly offside Joe Cole.
John Terry came close to converting Lampard's driven free-kick in the closing stages as England finished the game in complete control, having produced a workmanlike if far from convincing performance ahead of next week's crunch qualifier against Croatia.
Dirty tricks dismay Croatia
Croatia FA president Vlatko Markovic has accused West Ham United of dirty tricks after the Premier League club were linked with Slaven Bilic.
The current Croatia boss and former Hammers star is one of the favourites to replace Alan Curbshley in the Upton Park hot-seat, but Markovic is dismayed by the timing of the story, just before his country's World Cup qualifier against England.
He said in the Sunday Express: "This is another dirty trick by the English. They obviously want to cause trouble for us before we play.
"It's typical of the sleaze in English football. For the story about West Ham wanting Bilic to come out now is very poor.
"We are very suspicious and unhappy as it is not the first time something like this has happened with England.
"There is no chance events at West Ham will damage us either this time."
Keegan row intensifies
The fall-out from Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United departure has continued with the club criticising their former manager for making his thought on his exit public.
Keegan had said he was unhappy that the club's director of football, Dennis Wise, had "imposed a player on the manager that he did not want."
The Magpies sold James Milner last month while Michael Owen and Joey Barton were linked with St James' Park exits before eventually staying with the club, while only Xisco and Ignacio Gonzalez were signed on transfer deadline day.
However, Newcastle have hit back at Keegan's claims, with a statement from the club reading: "Newcastle United wished, at all times, to keep any dispute that it had with Kevin Keegan private.
"It is therefore disappointing that information has reached the media through unnamed sources and a briefing has been given by the League Managers' Association that could give rise to a misleading impression amongst the club's fans.
"Newcastle United have no desire to engage in a war of words, but inaccurate reporting of factual matters and inaccurate allegations have to be corrected.
"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan, on appointment on January 16, 2008, agreed to report to a director of football and to the board.
"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan worked within that structure from January 16, 2008 until his resignation.
"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan, as manager, had specific duties in that he was responsible for the training, coaching, selection and motivation of the team.
"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan was allowed to manage his specific duties without any interference from any board member.
"It is a fact that Kevin Keegan agreed only to deal with the media in relation to club matters relating to the team and not to communicate with the media in relation to the acquisition or disposal of players.
"It is a fact that NUFC is a business and operates, like all businesses, with financial constraints.
"It is a fact that NUFC's financial constraints inform its transfer dealings."
Gerrard voices concerns
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard believes his versatility may be hampering his progress as a footballer.
The England international rarely plays in his preferred central midfield position, usually being used on the left or right with both club and country.
Gerrard told the Sunday Times: "I've paid the price for being able to do a decent job in other positions.
"Other players don't get shunted around because they can't do it. I can't go and play on the right or the left and become Kaka or Robinho. I just go out there, give 100 per cent and do a steady job.
"I'll work hard, do my bit defensively and help the team. That's why managers do it to me, but it is affecting me.
"My game suffers when my position is changed. I'm a central midfielder and in the big games I want to play in the middle and show that I'm one of the very best in that position.
"I've played in my favourite position for England five times in 68 games. What can you do? I go into training with England and try to prove myself every day.
"Every England manager I've worked under knows where I want to play, but they pick the formations and I play where I'm told."
joi, 4 septembrie 2008
Rio misses England training
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is coach Fabio Capello's only injury concern ahead of England's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia.
Ferdinand missed training on Wednesday ahead of Saturday's opening clash with Andorra with a stiff back.
Elsewhere, Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole resumed training after the Chelsea trio all sat out Tuesday's session.
England captain Terry was troubled by a bug and Cole a slight knee problem, but even a dead leg suffered by Lampard looks to have healed in time to face Andorra in Barcelona's Olympic Stadium.
Meanwhile, Jermain Defoe is confident he can deliver with the Portsmouth striker expected to feature significantly in the double-header following Capello's decision to overlook Michael Owen.
Defoe has netted five times in his 29 international appearances to date.
"I accept there is more pressure on me to deliver," he said.
"As a professional, you want to play in massive games. It is what you dream about as a kid. You want to play for your country and play in massive tournaments.
"I am ready and really looking forward to the challenge."
Podolski admits move error
Lukas Podolski has risked the wrath of Bayern Munich after claiming his move to the Allianz Arena has been bad for his career.
Podolski, 23, joined the Bavarian giants from FC Koln after his starring role in Germany's march to the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup on home soil.
But after two seasons in which he has seen his starting opportunities limited, Podolski has questioned the wisdom of joining Bayern ahead of a host of other interested suitors.
He said: "I wouldn't have (joined) had I known that things were going to turn out like this.
"I'm not complaining though. I'm just not happy with the situation."
However, Podolski has again hinted that he would be open to a transfer away from the Allianz Arena.
"I would be a bad footballer if I contented myself by sitting on the bench," he continued.
"I could tolerate it if it was a case of two or three weeks, but there comes a point when one has to draw the line and say: 'This is too much. I'm not making any progress here'."
Roeder takes Magpies swipe
Former boss Glenn Roeder has labelled Newcastle United 'a tragedy' following the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of manager Kevin Keegan.
The Magpies have yet to officially clarify the future of Keegan following a statement that the unsettled manager has neither resigned or being sacked.
Roeder spent 15 months in the St James' Park hot-seat before being sacked in March 2007.
But after being one of 11 either full-time or caretaker managers in the 11 years between Keegan's first and second spells at the helm, the now Norwich City chief has offered a damning verdict on his former employers.
"The club is a tragedy and it goes from one disaster to another," he told BBC Radio Five Live. "There's no stability at the club and I don't think there has been for a long time.
"They go from one manager to another and the people who suffer the most are the most important people, the supporters.
"When they talk about Newcastle being a great club, it's only great for one reason, because it has great supporters."
Colantuono axed by Palermo
Stefano Colantuono has become the first managerial casualty of the fledgling Serie A season after being fired by Palermo.
Colantuono was only appointed coach of the Rosanero for the second time in March, but has been axed after just one game of the new season.
Palermo lost their season-opener 3-1 at Udinese following a surprise Coppa Italia defeat to Ravenna.
"Obviously I hope Stefano Colantuono can stay at the helm for a long time, but after seeing the friendly defeat to Portogruaro, the Coppa exit to Ravenna and this loss to Udinese, obviously we have to evaluate our position after the Roma game," said president Maurizio Zamparini ominously earlier in the week.
Davide Ballardini, who was previously linked with West Ham United, has already been named as Colantuono's replacement.
Corluka has no Spurs regrets
The Croatia international left Eastlands on the same day the club announced an impeding takeover and massive cash injection from a Middle East consortium.
They also secured the signing of Brazil star Robinho for a British record transfer fee of £33.5million.
But despite heading out of the Premier League's latest financial powerhouse when a previous deal was resurrected on deadline day, Corluka claims he is happy with his new surroundings.
"It was a big relief because lots of things happened in the last two or three weeks," he said.
"First the club decided to sell me, but then they stopped the transfer.
"I didn't expect that City would let me go, but they did and to a good club, a big club, so I am happy.
"Everything is not just money. Tottenham is a great team and we have the squad to get into the Champions League.
Rovers still keen on Fowler
Blackburn Rovers are still hopeful of agreeing a contract with veteran striker Robbie Fowler.
Rovers boss Paul Ince invited his former Liverpool and England team-mate to train with the Premier League club at the beginning of the summer.
Fowler left Cardiff City in a bid to resurrect his career in the top-flight, but has yet to agree terms at Ewood Park amid reports that he has also been in talks with the Championship side about a return to their ranks.
However, Rovers chairman John Williams insists a deal for the 33-year-old striker remains a possibility.
"He can be signed outside the window and it's something we are looking at," he told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.
"We are edging to a solution, it's just finding the correct deal, but discussions are ongoing."
Meanwhile, Williams has denied reports that Blackburn are poised to snap up former Internazionale and Uruguay forward Alvaro Recoba on a free transfer.
"We are looking at a number of players," he added. "We start the process now ready for January, but there is nothing imminent."
marți, 2 septembrie 2008
Tigers capture Cousin
Cousin has agreed a three-year deal with the Tigers and moves to the KC Stadium for a reported transfer fee of £1.5million.
Zayatte arrives at the club on a season-long loan deal from Young Boys.
The 23-year-old had been on trial with both Everton and Newcastle last month.
However, City chairman Paul Duffen believes Campbell, who scored 15 goals during a loan spell with the club last term, is set to join Tottenham.
Magpies swoop for new duo
Newcastle United added two new players to their ranks before Monday's transfer deadline after raiding La Liga to sign Xisco and Ignacio Gonzalez.
The Magpies agreed an undisclosed fee with Deportivo Coruna for Spain Under-21 striker Xisco.
The 22-year-old, who was also linked with a move to Aston Villa, has agreed a five-year contract at St James' Park where he will link up with fellow recent signing and former Depor team-mate Fabricio Coloccini.
Meanwhile, manager Kevin Keegan also swooped for Uruguay international midfielder Gonzalez.
The 26-year-old arrives on Tyneside on a season-long loan basis from Spanish side Valencia.
Gonzalez has won 15 international caps for the South Americans and spent last season on loan at AS Monaco.
Elsewhere, troubled midfielder Joey Barton has vowed to stay at Newcastle after admitting he 'owes it to the club and the fans' following his off-field troubles.
Fellaini seals Toffees switch
Everton have broken their transfer record to sign Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini for an initial fee of £15million.
The Toffees sealed the deal just minutes before the transfer window closed on Monday, with the 20-year-old agreeing a five-year contract at Goodison Park.
Everton's previous record transfer was the £11.25million they paid Middlesbrough to sign Ayegbeni Yakubu last summer.
Fellaini made 84 appearances during two seasons in the first team at the current champions of Belgium.
He also featured for his country at the Beijing Olympics, but was sent off in the opening game against Brazil.
"This is fantastic news for everyone connected with the club," acting chief executive Robert Elstone told the club's official website.
"We have signed one of European football's most exciting prospects, who will have a huge part to play at Everton over the next five years.
"I spoke with (chairman) Bill Kenwright and (manager) David Moyes shortly after concluding the deal and they are delighted we have managed to secure his services.
"It came late on, like a lot of the big deals in the Premier League, but he's with us and we look forward to welcoming him to Goodison."
Two more arrive at Potters
Stoke City beat the transfer deadline to tie up a double swoop for midfielders Tom Soares and Michael Tonge.
The Potters agreed to pay Crystal Palace an initial fee of £1.25million for Soares, while Tonge arrived from Sheffield United in a deal that could rise to £2million.
Both players put pen to paper on four-year contracts at the Britannia Stadium.
Earlier on transfer deadline day, manager Tony Pulis also secured the return of former defender Danny Higginbotham from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.
"We are delighted to have captured a very talented young English player like Tom," chief executive Tony Scholes told the club's official website.
"Despite being just 22 years old, he has amassed over 150 league appearances and also has Premier League experience.
"He is a player the manager rates extremely highly and we believe he will prove to be an excellent signing for the club."
On the signing of Tonge, Pulis added: "I have been a long-time admirer of him and he will bring a lot to our squad.
"He can play in a number of positions, which is important, and he will add some balance to the squad."
luni, 1 septembrie 2008
Southgate rules out Mido exit
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has ruled out allowing Egyptian striker Mido to leave the club on transfer deadline day.
The 25-year-old has already scored three goals this season, but hinted at a move away from Boro after tossing his shirt into the home fans after the 2-1 weekend win over Stoke City.
However, Southgate late stated: "Mido's definitely on board. I had a very good chat with him on Friday. He's a very emotional lad and he wants to play.
"He obviously feels that having scored three goals in three games, he deserves the right to start.
"He's made his case and his attitude has been excellent. He tries very hard to disguise his feelings, but we love him to bits.
"There weren't any real inquiries for him anyway. There was a call from Steve Bruce at Wigan, but it was all a bit tentative and dependent on other things happening.
"I made it very clear to Mido I wanted him here and as a club we weren't prepared to let him go.
"Mido's performances have been excellent, so it wouldn't make any sense for us as a club to lose a player of that ability."
Inler commits to Udinese
Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler has ended any doubts over his future with the club by signing an extended contract running until the summer of 2013.
The 24-year-old Switzerland midfielder had been heavily linked with a move to England to join Arsenal in recent weeks, but Inler has now committed his long-term future to Udine.
He told the club's official website: "I never had any doubts and from the first day I always said I was sure of staying at Udine.
"I want to go all the way with this club and play a great season.
"Our objective is to improve upon last year and I feel the team is stronger, while we are certainly not lacking enthusiasm."
Inler only joined Udine a year ago, having previously impressed in his homeland with FC Aarau and FC FC FC Zurich and scored in the 3-1 win over Palermo on the opening day of the new season.
City under new ownership
Manchester City are reported to have been taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment.
The new investors are believed to have sealed a deal at the weekend, following intensive negotiations with current City owner Dr Thaksin Shinawatra.
ADUG representative, Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, told Arabian Business: "This is a great event for both the club and Abu Dhabi.
"Our goal is very simple, to make Manchester City the biggest club in the Premier League and to begin with, to finish in the top four this season.
"We will adopt marketing plans that reflect positively on the club and the company from investments in all sectors of television marketing and purchasing of the stars players, as well as development of infrastructure facilities at the club."
Former prime minister of Thailand Shinawatra's continued involvement with the Citizens had been called into question after his assets had been frozen in his homeland.
He had previously fled the country to avoid facing charges of corruption.
Ajax keep hold of Huntelaar
Dutch giants Ajax have ruled out any possibility of selling star striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on transfer deadline day.
The 25-year-old Holland international has been linked with a number of top clubs across Europe this summer, but technical manager Danny Blind says that the time to do business has already passed.
He told De Telegraaf: "Selling such an important player on the last day of the transfer deadline is impossible.
"For every other player we would like to sign in return, we would then have to pay the highest price.
"So we have agreed within the club that we won't reply to any offer we get on Monday."
Huntelaar has scored 61 goals in 79 appearances for Ajax in domestic league and European competitions.
duminică, 31 august 2008
Moyes still keen to sign
Everton boss David Moyes is still trying to add more players to his squad before the transfer window closes at midnight on Monday.
Moyes was particularly unhappy with his side's defending in the 3-0 home defeat to Portsmouth that left sections of the Goodison Park faithful booing the players at the final whistle.
But the Toffees boss is only too aware that his squad lacks depth in most areas of the pitch.
He said: "I'm going to try and see if there are still people out there to bring in. I think we've been lacking some quality in the first three games.
"Louis Saha had his medical on Saturday and I think we'll have the final results on Monday.
"You don't expect the players we've got to concede goals but they are and they take a big responsibility for what happened against Portsmouth.
"It was a poor penalty by Yakubu, no doubting that - but it was a good save as well.
"People can miss them and you've got to be brave enough to take them. I thought Yak was going to score when he went up to take it."
Tulio ponders Palermo exit
Palermo new boy Tulio De Melo is set to make quickfire exit from the club, having failed to impress coach Stefano Colantuono.
The 23-year-old Brazilian was the subject of a tug-of-war with Parma before he joined Palermo from Le Mans, but he could be heading back to France within a matter of weeks.
Palermo president, Maurizio Zamparini, said: "He wants a guaranteed starting place and we cannot assure him of that. I really think he's on his way out.
De Melo's agent, Paolo Busardo, added: "In the first few games he realised he didn't have the space he thought he did and has taken two days to consider whether or not to continue this adventure with Palermo.
"There is certainly an offer from Lille, along with other clubs, but at this moment the player hasn't signed anything.
"If Lille should raise the bid and convince everyone involved, then there could be a big development."
Osasuna move suits Ezquerro
Forward Santiago Ezquerro is looking forward to starting his second spell with Osasuna, having left Barcelona to head back to Pamplona this summer.
The 31-year-old has also played for Atletico Madrid, Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao, but is excited by the challenge ahead at Osasuna.
He said ahead of the clash with Villarreal: "It's my competitive debut with Osasuna after my return to Pamplona and my debut with Osasuna in the Primera Division.
"I have a lot of enthusiasm and desire to play again and because it is the start of the season.
"I like to enjoy playing football because it is what I most like to do."
"I'm grateful for the affection that I've received since I arrived here. I want to return this affection by helping Osasuna to do as well as possible."
Mowbray waits on Meite
West Brom boss Tony Mowbray confirmed after the goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers that Abdoulaye Meite could be set for a spell out of action after the defender picked up a calf injury.
The former Bolton player had to be substituted at half-time, but Mowbray was pleased with the way his side coped with the loss of the Ivory Coast international in the second half at the Reebok Stadium.
"Meite has got a calf injury and we'll have to see if he's got a pull, strain or a tear," Mowbray said after the stalemate.
"To lose him at half-time was a big blow for us. Yet we stood up to Bolton's bombardment and threatened their goal.
"I think it was a game where we could easily have got three points but we could just as easily have lost three points.
"The pleasing aspect is that we stood up to the bombardment that came our way.
"That's what we've worked on in the summer and there are hopefully some more additions to come to help us against teams like that.
"We were all disappointed to come in 0-0 at half-time because we threatened their goal on numerous occasions and showed our quality on the break.
"The effort off the underside of the bar and the follow-up could have given us all three points."
joi, 28 august 2008
Bilic stands by as Curbishley fights for future at Upton Park
Alan Curbishley is under increasing pressure at West Ham United, with the Croatia coach, Slaven Bilic, understood to be interested in succeeding him at Upton Park should he be sacked. No final decision has been taken on whether to dispense with Curbishley, and he may yet salvage his career with a string of positive results, but there is a growing sense of frustration over what is perceived to be his negative attitude, given the apparent strength of his squad.
Part of the reason for the growing scrutiny over Curbishley is a lack of knowledge of the foreign transfer market. He has himself admitted to a weakness in this area in the past, which helps to explain why West Ham have employed the Italian Gianluca Nani as the club's technical director.
The squad should be enhanced further today with another Nani recruit as West Ham hope to announce the signing of the powerful midfielder Stephen Appiah from Fenerbahce for £5m, although they were last night dealing with late interest from the Ghanaian's former club Juventus. Two more Nani signings are expected before the transfer window closes at midnight on Monday – a striker and a defender – with the leading candidates including Henrik Larsson and Pegguy Luyindula for the attacking role and Gaël Givet in defence. The latter two would be season-long loans with an option to buy.
West Ham believe the arrivals would complete one of the most impressive squads in the Premier League, including a strong spine to the team and several experienced internationals, and would take the number of players with first-team squad numbers to 35. That includes eight young players but, with an accent on youth, all such as Freddie Sears and James Tomkins have bright first-team futures. Despite that there is a hysteria now surrounding the club and fans are chanting that they want Curbishley out while bookmakers have made him the favourite to be the first Premier League manager sacked. Those chants reached a crescendo on Wednesday evening during the Carling Cup encounter with Macclesfield Town.
The League Two club were beaten only after being reduced to 10 men and the tie going into extra time at Upton Park, which was barely a third full for the fixture. After the match Curbishley was in defiant mood, declaring that he had the full backing of the board and said he was "disappointed" over the speculation surrounding his future.
Much of the hysteria has been blamed on Curbishley and his own behaviour – not least the way he handled the £7m departure of Anton Ferdinand to Sunderland, suggesting the sale was beyond his control. However, it appears he accepted that losing the defender, who had turned down the offer of a five-year contract, would not hurt the first team. Beyond that there is the questioning of tactics, his coaching methods and, also, his demeanour. It has been a difficult summer at West Ham which, given that they have appointed Nani, and overhauled their infra-structure should not have been the case. The medical department has been revamped to deal with the chronic injury crisis at the club while plans for a new training ground are progressing. Curbishley, who has one more season after this one on his contract having succeeded Alan Pardew in 2006, would be eligible for a pay-off of around £1m if he is sacked.
If West Ham were to lose against Blackburn Rovers at home tomorrow, and produce another poor performance, then Curbishley's position could become untenable even this early into the season. Curbishley will be relieved to know that Craig Bellamy, who has been the subject of a rebuffed bid by Manchester City, is fit and is expected to partner Dean Ashton in attack which increases the chances of securing a victory. West Ham's next match after tomorrow is away to newly promoted West Bromwich Albion and, at present, Curbishley should be in charge for that game, although the situation is now, according to sources, being reviewed on a match-by-match basis.
West Ham have made no secret that, after the spending spree overseen by the former chairman Eggert Magnusson, and wages he offered to players, they have to be more fiscally aware. The owner and chairman, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, has demanded more financial accountability and a balancing of the books.
If Curbishley is sacked, Bilic would be the outstanding candidate to replace him, although West Ham would undoubtedly consider other options as they search for a more charismatic, dynamic manager. According to sources in Croatia, the 39-year-old is closely following developments at West Ham and would want to take the job if it was offered to him even though, before this summer's European Championship, he signed a new two-year deal to coach his country for the World Cup campaign.
There are, however, believed to be get-out clauses in his contract and the compensation payable to the Croatian Football Association would be minimal for the former defender, who became a cult hero at West Ham even though he only made 48 appearances, in 1996-97, before joining Everton. Bilic insisted, however, that he did not move before West Ham were safe from relegation.
Yesterday's completed moves:
Keith Andrews (Milton Keynes Dons) to Blackburn Rovers; Undisclosed
Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea) to Manchester City; Undisclosed
Liam Hatch (Peterborough United) to Darlington United; Loan
Stephen O'Leary (Luton Town) to Hereford Town; Loan
Linvoy Primus (Portsmouth) to Charlton Athletic; Loan
Moritz Volz (Fulham) to Ipswich Town; Loan
Primus primed for Addicks loan
Robinson signs Baggies deal
Ince brings Andrews to Ewood
Blackburn Rovers have completed the signing of Milton Keynes Dons midfielder Keith Andrews on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 27-year-old captained the Dons to both the League Two title and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season under Rovers manager Paul Ince and will be reunited with the former England international at Ewood Park.
"He is going to be a big loss," Dons manager Roberto Di Matteo said of Andrews, who could make his debut at West Ham tomorrow. "He has been fantastic here and it is a bit of a shame. But it is the player's wish and we wish him good luck."
Transfer news and speculation
Everton have completed the signing of Ecuadorian midfielder Segundo Castillo on a season-long loan from Red Star Belgrade. The 26-year-old passed a medical at the club yesterday and becomes the club's second signing of the summer following the arrival of the Danish defender Lars Christian Jacobsen earlier this week. Castillo is a defensive midfielder who played for El Nacional and El Deportivo Espoli in Ecuador before heading for Eastern Europe.
Everton now await international clearance for the player ahead of tomorrow's visit of Portsmouth. "I know that Everton are a big club who have a history of playing in important competitions like the Uefa Cup," Castillo said. "I hope I can do my best for the team."
Everton are also monitoring the Internazionale midfielder Victor Obinna with a view to a loan move. Obinna is a Nigerian international colleague of Goodison Park forward Victor Anichebe and only joined Inter earlier this week, but the Italian champions have decided to send him out immediately on loan.
United handed Bhoys clash
Holders Manchester United will face Scottish champions Celtic in the group stages of the Champions League, with Villarreal and Danish club Aalborg BK completing Group E.
The two British giants clashed in the Champions League two seasons ago, with United coming out on top at Old Trafford by a 3-2 scoreline, while the Bhoys edged a 1-0 victory at Parkhead.
Last season's runners-up Chelsea, have been paired with AS Roma, Bordeaux and CFR Cluj in Group A.
Liverpool have been drawn alongside Marseille, PSV Eindhoven and Fernando Torres' former club Atletico Madrid in Group D.
The Reds edged through to the group stages with a highly unconvincing 1-0 aggregate success over Belgian champions Standard Liege.
Arsene Wenger's Arsenal are in Group G, along with FC Porto, Fenerbahce and Dynamo Kyiv.
The Gunners powered through to the group stages with a commanding 6-0 aggregate victory over Dutch outfit Twente.
Group A: Chelsea, AS Roma, Bordeaux, CFR Cluj.
Group B: Internazionale, Werder Bremen, Panathinaikos, Anorthosis Famagusta.
Group C: Barcelona, Sp Lisbon, FC Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk.
Group D: Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven, Marseille, Atletico Madrid.
Group E: Manchester United, Villarreal, Celtic, Aalborg BK.
Group F: Lyon, Bayern Munich, Steaua Bucharest, Fiorentina.
Group G: Arsenal, FC Porto, Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kyiv.
Group H: Real Madrid, Juventus, Zenit St Petersburg, BATE Borisov.
Fergie enjoys United victory
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased with his side's display in their hard-fought 1-0 victory at Portsmouth on Monday evening.
A scrappy Darren Fletcher goal in the first half decided the game at Fratton Park, with Ferguson content that his side had done their job well against the FA Cup holders.
He told MUTV: "We wanted to play a system in which the players we had would be comfortable in their positions and I think we used our players the right way.
"Anderson wanted to play and I think he showed it was a very good decision, he was fantastic.
"Paul Scholes looked to control the game and I think he did that. We also had the energy and the qualities that both John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher bring to the team.
"I think we played some excellent football with really good periods of passing and moving and I hope we can keep that going."
Surgery to sideline Gerrard
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will miss up to two Premier League games and England's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers after being sent for groin surgery.
The midfielder was part of the side that laboured to a 1-0 Champions League qualifying win over Standard Liege on Wednesday but, speaking after the extra-time success, Reds boss Rafael Benitez revealed his skipper was set to go under the knife.
Gerrard will now miss Liverpool's trip to Aston Villa on Sunday and possibly the visit of bitter rivals Manchester United to Anfield on September 13.
He will also sit out England's clashes with Andorra and Croatia in between the two league fixtures.
"We decided that Steven would play through the pain against Liege and then have the operation," revealed Benitez.
"He may not be fit for the Manchester United game, but he certainly will be okay for the first (Champions League) group stage match next month.
"He has been playing some games in pain, not being 100 per cent fit, and we decided that this was the best moment for the operation.
"He had a problem for the first game with Liege and also when he went away to play for England in their friendly last week against the Czech Republic.
"We talked with the doctor yesterday and today and it was decided that Steven would play in this match with the pain, but now we will have to get the situation solved."
Meanwhile, Benitez admitted he was relieved after Dirk Kuyt's extra-time winner secured their place in the group stages.
"Obviously there is some relief with the result. We knew it would be a difficult game against a quick, well-organised team," he added.
"The positive was that we played a little better than recently. We want to win trophies but we also understand the need for money."
Puyol: Real are title favourites
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol claims Real Madrid should be considered overwhelming favourites to win La Liga this season.
The back-to-back Spanish champions have been relatively quiet in the summer transfer market unlike big-spending Barca.
But speaking on the eve of the new season, Puyol claims the Bernabeu club are still the team to beat.
"Real Madrid have a great team, they are the champions and they deserve all our respect," he said.
"Whether or not they sign any more new players, they are still favourites for the title."
Southgate: Mido is staying
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate insists Mido will remain at the Riverside Stadium despite reported interest from Wigan Athletic.
The 25-year-old Egypt striker has scored three goals in his first three games this year following his return from long-term injury last season.
Mido has started both of Boro's Premier League games this term on the bench which has led to reports that the former Spurs striker is unhappy on Teesside.
However, Southgate is confident the nomadic striker, who started just eight league games during an injury-ravaged first season with the club, will remain in the north east.
"Mido enjoys it here," he said. "The only thing he wants is to play football and he wants to be first choice, but he's also aware no club can guarantee him that.
"The reason he joined is he believes in what we're trying to do here and I think he can still play a big part in that.
"He's a big crowd favourite despite all the difficulties he had last season.
"He's a good player and we want those here. He's a talent and you want all your players to fulfil their talent.
"It's time he had a more settled period in his career and was at a club for a bit longer."
Hodgson admits cup relief
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson admitted he was relieved to see off the challenge of Leicester City and book a place in the third round of the Carling Cup.
Danny Murphy and Jimmy Bullard scored twice in the last seven minutes to secure a 3-2 success and save the Cottagers from a humiliating exit against League One opposition.
Zoltan Gera had opened the scoring for the Premier League side, but they trailed 2-1 heading into the closing stages after strikes from Paul Dickov and Andy King.
"We were playing a very good team with their tails up and they gave us an awful lot of problems," admitted Hodgson.
"Thank goodness we re-found our tempo in the last 20 minutes and got through with two wonderful strikes.
"We were not guilty of complacency. It was just that our game went to pieces with those two goals Leicester scored, but we have come out of it with a couple of positives.
"One is that we were able to find our game again and two is that we learned a lot of lessons without paying the full price."
Defiant Curbs vows to fight
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley has vowed to ignore the criticism and fight on despite being jeered during his side's Carling Cup victory over Macclesfield Town.
Hammers fans turned on the already under-pressure manager after their side needed extra-time to overcome League Two opposition at Upton Park on Wednesday to book their place in the third round of the competition.
Carlton Cole, debutant Zavon Hines and Kyel Reid scored the goals that sealed their 4-1 passage after the scores were level at 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Referring to his hostile treatment from the crowd of just 10,055, a defiant Curbishley said: "What can I do about it apart from win games and keep going?
"I've had this now for a little while. I'll get on with it, I'm a big boy as I've said before.
"I understand the responsibility of being West Ham manager. I've watched games at Upton Park and other managers here have had similar criticism.
"You have to get on with it, it's part and parcel that fans let you know when they are not happy.
"The disappointing thing is the players are the ones that have to go out and perform.
"The fans are brilliant when they are behind us and they have to realise the effect it has when they are not behind us."
Rovers depth pleases Ince
Paul Ince claims he will have no concerns about pitching some of his second string players into Premier League action after Wednesday's 4-1 Carling Cup success over Grimsby Town.
The Rovers boss made eight changes to the side that started their last league game, but a new-look line-up coasted to a second round victory at Ewood Park in which new Chile midfielder Carlos Villanueva caught the eye.
"When you win at Everton and draw at home to pick up four points, you don't change your side around a bit," said Ince when asked if the performance of his second string had left him with a selection dilemma.
"But there are certainly one or two that have shown that if it's not going well on Saturday, which I hope is not the case, then I can put them on and they could change the game.
"We started off very slow, but it was always a game that could potentially have been a banana skin.
"After 20 minutes we looked out of sorts until Carlos created a bit of magic and got us back to 1-1.
"When that one went in, I felt more at ease then. The whole lads played well in the second half.
"We could have had eight or nine to be honest and that's not being disrespectful to Grimsby because they've come here and had a go and, at times, caused us problems."
Toffees agree Castillo deal
Everton have agreed a deal with Red Star Belgrade to sign Ecuador international Segundo Castillo.
The 26-year-old midfielder will officially join the Toffees subject to passing a medical and the club acquiring a work permit.
Castillo has won 33 international caps for Ecuador and was a member of their 2006 World Cup squad which faced England in Germany.
"He is primarily a defensive midfield player but he has a willingness to join in the attack when the opportunity arises," read a club statement.
His arrival follows the signing of Denmark international defender Lars Jacobsen earlier in the week.
Speaking over the weekend, Toffees boss David Moyes revealed his frustration that he had been unable to add to his squad during the summer.
"There is no way we will be able to survive at our current level if it continues like this," he warned.
"It will be impossible to have any improvement this season if we do not improve the numbers greatly.
"We cannot sustain what we did last season, finishing fifth and having a good European run.
"We could not really sustain it when we were short of players from January onwards last season.
"Now we are more players short than then, so if we are in a worse position there is no way we can achieve again what we did last season."
Brown desperate for striker
Hull City boss Phil Brown has revealed Tuesday's Carling Cup exit to Swansea City has highlighted the need to sign a new striker before the transfer window closes.
The Tigers slipped to a 2-1 second round defeat at the hands of Championship opposition and Brown was unhappy with his side's lack of cutting edge.
Marlon King has already joined the Premier League newcomers this summer on loan from Wigan Athletic.
However, a move for former loan star Fraizer Campbell has stalled as the youngster is now part of the first team at Manchester United.
"The defeat highlighted our need for a lot more strength in depth, and hopefully that will come before September 1," revealed Brown.
"We don't want to get past the deadline having not signed anyone and then get sucked into a fight at the wrong end of the table."
City close in on Zabaleta
Manchester City are set to complete the signing of Espanyol's Pablo Zabaleta, according to reports in Spain.
The £5million-rated right-back or defensive midfielder is believed to be in talks with City officials and is expected to join the club ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.
The 23-year-old has won a handful of caps for Argentina and was part of their gold medal winning squad at the Beijing Olympics.
Zabaleta has also been linked with a move to Juventus this summer following three seasons with Espanyol.
Meanwhile, City boss Mark Hughes remains hopeful of landing Shaun Wright-Phillips in a £9million deal with Chelsea.
"We're obviously keen to bring him to the club if we can," he revealed. "It is a possibility. We're very hopeful.
"If it doesn't happen it won't be for want of trying."
However, Hughes appears to have ended his interest in Craig Bellamy after the striker's current club, West Ham United, warned City off making a firm bid for the Wales international.
Blues confident over Robinho
Chelsea are confident of signing Robinho, but chief executive Peter Kenyon believes their pursuit of the Real Madrid star will 'go to the wire'.
Kenyon has spoken of his belief that the £30million-rated Brazil international will be a Blues player before the transfer window closes on Monday following a pursuit that has stretched back to the appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari as the club's new manager on July 1.
Scolari earmarked Robinho and Deco as players he wished to sign and the former Portugal coach is close to welcoming both players to Stamford Bridge following the previous acquisition of the latter.
Real Madrid insist they have not given up hope of keeping Robinho in Spain, but Kenyon is confident of completing a deal for the 24-year-old forward.
He said: "We are ever confident that it will get done, but we have always said it will go to the wire.
"We will keep moving it on and we hope that he will be joining us here at Chelsea.
"There were two players Luiz Felipe Scolari identified. One was Deco and one was Robinho and we have already seen the impact Deco has made on the Premier League.
"What we're doing is supporting Scolari in terms of how he wants to change the style and therefore we're very comfortable it will turn out to be a good investment.
"The manager is absolutely confident of the player's ability and that his mentality will fit in with Chelsea.
"He is different to what we had and I think it will be exciting for all Chelsea fans and the Premier League."
PFA hit back over Milner
The Professional Footballers' Association has hit back at Newcastle United's criticism of their unsettled midfielder James Milner.
The Magpies spoke of their disappointment on Wednesday that the 22-year-old midfielder had submitted a transfer request just 12 months after signing a long-term contract.
However, the PFA who represent Milner claim the criticism is unwarranted as the England Under-21 international had kept his position at the club and contract situation private over a period of time.
Milner has been linked with moves to both Aston Villa and Liverpool this summer.
"The PFA, who represent James Milner, are disappointed that information regarding his request for a move, and the circumstances surrounding it, have come to the public's attention, and we feel we have no option but to respond," deputy chief executive Mick McGuire told the association's official website.
"The facts are that James' transfer request was actually handed in on Wednesday, August 20, at which point it was asked by Newcastle to keep the matter private.
"The request was given because the player was looking for an improvement on his contract that reflected his development and his value to the club.
"To clarify the situation, James did sign a contract 12 months ago. However, this agreement was reached with the club nearly 12 months previous at the point at which Newcastle had agreed to sell James to Aston Villa on transfer deadline day 2006 before cancelling the agreement at the 11th hour.
"Since then he has played over 80 games for Newcastle. All James wanted was a deal that reflected his development and that was in line with Newcastle's transfer valuation of him."
West Ham United Football Club - Just Like My Dreams They Fade And Die
- West Ham United Football Club - Just Like My Dreams They Fade And Die
The straw that broke the camel's back has arrived neatly packaged and with a nice bright ribbon on top.
I have been very vocal over the years about my love of traditionalist values and the way my club, West Ham United, have conducted themselves. Our history is over flowing with local heroes and tight knit squads of players that have graced the Internationl stage all the while representing the claret and blue and always being indebted to the teachings of 'the West Ham way'. We have had the least amount of managers in our history, choosing loyalty and commitment over knee-jerk reactions and always sticking with our roots when choosing managers, local people who have dedicated large chunks of their lives to the club. We have only had one non-English manager, the jock Lou Macari who didnt last long anyway unsuprisingly given his poor results and his lack of affiliation with the club.
It's these kind of details that make me proud of the club. Proud we are traditional, proud we promote local talent and by and large 'look after our own'. Not many clubs do this nowadays.
Recently I have become pretty disillusioned with the club, coincidentally since the arrival of the Icelandic owners. They began by talking the talk but they are most certainly not walking the walk. All the signs point to a downward spiral and general raping of everything the club is about to people like me. Ticket prices have increased massively, investment in the club is minimal, information coming out of the club is minimal, shirts are changing every year, the manager is being publicly humiliated by the owners at every turn, players are leaving in droves and no replacements are being bought, players appear increasingly unhappy, everything is about getting that extra pound note from my pocket.
If I were Alan Curbishley I would walk away from it all. I would quit without a seconds thought. There is some backstabbing going on at board room level and Curbishley is being treated with massive disrespect and he simply deserves better. Nobody gives a damn what he is saying within the club. The board will do as they like. There is an exodus of players to fund god knows what. Ferdinand, Bellamy, Ashton, Upson and Green have all been actively touted around. I was told this a while ago and did not believe it, thought it was a wind up but it is true and accurate. Ferdinand has pretty much gone, Bellamy may well be off, nobody would pay the money we were looking for to get Ashton and Upson and Green are still hovering in purgatory (the Arsenal rumours persist for both of them from within UP).
Selling players is part and parcel of the game, I dont mind that. It's the complete lack of ambition and intent in investing in the squad. I feel we will struggle this year. Around 15th place is what I am expecting. I've mainly been keeping my negative thoughts away from here because it leads to the inevitable but I just dont give a damn anymore. I've seen the signs before and I have been here before. The same will happen. We will fall flat on our face and we will be sold on within 5 years. I would be amazed if that does not happen.
t=The undermining of a manager, our manager, a local bloke, one of us, is wholly unnaccaeptable and I will do the only thing I can do which is stay away from Upton Park for the foreseeable future while these idiots are in charge. I have not even bothered with a membership let alone my old season ticket for this season and I am glad I didn't. It's convenient the player sales have gone on after the season ticket renewal deadline date also. Convenient, but not suprising.
The whole Tevez balls up was left alone because it was not the Icelandic's doing but they have kept Terry Brown on board with executive perks for some ridiculously dodgy reason and also Kia Joorabchian is involved behind the scenes having struck a deal out of court with West Ham over the funds he claimed he was owned. Something somewhere is not right.
I hope Curbishley does quit because he is looking increasingly stupid on the back of all this and I dont think he deserves it. The media are stirring it up even more as they clearly have a slight inside idea of the things I have been hearing and the best thing Curbishley can do is walk away with his dignity and pride intact and reveal to everybody exactly what he has had to contend with.
These are ruthless business men with zero interest in football. The footballing side of the investment, Eggert Magnusson was thrown out a long time ago and all whispers from people on the inside are increasingly worrying. If and when those players go, Ferdinand certainly and probably 1 more of the others I mentioned I would be amazed, gobsmacked, if we get any sort of quality replacement. The only way is down.
A Beleaguered Bulgarian
Over the commentary of a Spurs match when Berbatov is playing is often quite predictable with the phrases, ‘class act’ and ‘oozes talent’ being ten a penny but Berbatov has shown that with his apparent ‘dream’ to join Man Utd class is something he severely lacks.
Berbatov has always been credited with being an outstanding player but with an extremely temperamental attitude but as long as he performed the way he did in the past two seasons he could be as petulant as he liked. Ranging from tantrums when a teammate didn’t spot a run he made to making himself completely anonymous for a majority of a game he has been a true professional at having an arrogant mind-set.
It has seemed ever since Alex Ferguson decided not to sign him during his Leverkusen days Berbatov has been linked in the media with joining up with Man Utd. This seems that he has made it his own vendetta to prove doubters wrong and make it to the top and eventually be a Man Utd player. Perhaps he thought that when Spurs became interested in his services he had a chance to impress in front of Ferguson’s own eyes and show how much he misjudged his abilities. This leads to the ‘dream’ comments that were made by Berbatov in which he stated that it was his dream to be a Man Utd player. This was laughed off by most Spurs fans and media pundits but perhaps there is some truth in it.
Throughout Berbatov’s career at Spurs I have always been torn between the awe of his often brilliance and the frustration of his often nonchalance so having him on the verge of a move had left me again undecided but having a quiet hope that he would stay. However after a number of poor performances pre-season, a complete lack of interest against Middlesbrough and the total unwillingness to play at all against Sunderland has left me distraught that the arrogant and selfish side of his conscience has finally seemed to has devoured the side which motivated the true performer which had all of us forever optimists on the edge of our seats.
I just hope that regardless of where his career lies the Berbatov of old is resurrected and the magic returns.