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.