[RedForceRising]

Keane off in Sunderland win
Black Cats leave it late to seal win
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...846466,00.html

Sunderland boss Roy Keane was sent off as he saw his side overcome Sporting Lisbon 3-1 in Portugal.



Two late goals in two minutes by Nyron Nosworthy and Anthony Stokes saw Sunderland claim a morale-boosting win.

Sporting went ahead in the first half when Ronny fired the hosts into the lead with a 25-yard free-kick.

Sunderland drew level seven minutes after the break when Roy O'Donovan converted Stokes' corner.

Tempers boiled over ten minutes from time when Michael Chopra was sent off for a late tackle and Keane was banished to the stands for remonstrating with the fourth official about the striker's dismissal.

Nosworthy headed the Black Cats into the lead with his first goal for the club after 84 minutes before Stokes sealed victory with a shot from 10 yards a minute later.

Keane's sending off could mean he is banned from the dug-out for the start of the Premier League next month, while Chopra could face a three-match ban for violent conduct.


Other tasty slivers of gossip....

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told striker Theo Walcott to establish himself in the first team this season. (Daily Star)

Former Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer will be back in training on this week, a year after breaking his leg on his second appearance for West Ham. (Times)

Blackburn's imminent new signing Carlos Villanueva is nicknamed 'pineapple head' in Chile. (Independent)

[carlyluvsunited]

You need to talk to zuco about having this put on the
forum blog - and assigning it's own RSS feed to it !!

I think it will attract regular readers to be honest.

Have a talk with him and see what the two of you
can come up with.

[RedForceRising]

Originally Posted by carlyluvsunited

You need to talk to zuco about having this put on the
forum blog - and assigning it's own RSS feed to it !!

I think it will attract regular readers to be honest.

Have a talk with him and see what the two of you
can come up with.

I'll pass it along to him, but isn't there some hassle regarding copyrights?
At the moment, I am merely copying and pasting the news from other sites.

Let's see what he says.

thanks for the idea.

[RedForceRising]

JULY 22nd 2008
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John Terry still haunted by penalty miss
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/spo...cle4379179.ece

John Terry says that achieving success with Chelsea under the leadership of Luis Felipe Scolari would help him forget his penalty miss in the Champions League final defeat to Manchester United.

"Every morning I wake up and it's the first thing on my mind," Terry, the Chelsea captain, said. "I still think of it. I'm still very disappointed by it, but I'm a big man and have a big character and it's down for me to deal with it.

"Having the England games straight afterwards helped flush it away a tiny bit, but hopefully we will be successful with the new manager and players this season and flush away all those bad memories."

Terry believes Luiz Felipe Scolari's new philosophy will be the difference between success and failure for the club this season. "The team are determined to win the Premier League and as many trophies as possible," he said. "When you see the hunger of the new management and the team he has brought in, it's on their minds to do exactly the same."

Scolari has been pleased with his first three weeks at the helm and is looking forward to the club's opening fixture on their tour to China against Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals. "Our players are in a good condition, but not in the condition to win the title," the Brazilian said. "They have been training very well over the last ten days.

"We have started a new job with Chelsea, a new philosophy, different training. We have some little problems but this is normal at this stage. But I have good players and they will not be in the same condition in three weeks. It is my first game in charge and it is a process for the players to get to know me and what I want on the pitch."


Englishman set to buy out Mallorca
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...851824,00.html

English businessman Paul Davidson has fought off competition from Freddy Shepherd to buy a controlling stake in Spanish side Real Mallorca.



DRAC, the company which owned the club, announced on Mallorca's website that a pre-agreement had been reached for Davidson - who is known as "the Plumber" - to buy the controlling share in the club.

However, the Englishman will not take over as president of the Barralets, with DRAC owner Vicente Grande remaining in the role.

"DRAC has reached agreement in principle with the business and investment group presided over by Mr Paul Davidson for the aforementioned person to become the majority shareholder of Real Club Deportivo Mallorca SAD, with the firm desire to maintain and improve the position of the entity among the elite of Spanish and European football," the statement read on Mallorca's official website.

"The pre-agreement, which must be formalised in the coming weeks and which is subject to a period of due diligence, assumes, among other clauses, that the current president, Vicente Grande, will remain on and preside over the club board for at least the next five years."

The pipe-fitting company owned by Davidson, Fluid Leader, was recently floated on the Plus Market, earning the Englishman a reported £40million.

It is believed Davidson paid £50million to gain a 96 per cent share in Mallorca, and in the process saw off competition from ex-Newcastle chairman Shepherd as well as an unnamed Russian investor.

The English businessman has admitted he knows little about the sport he is buying into, revealing instead that he hopes to use the club to promote his business activities in Spain.

"I don't know much about football but I will use the club to promote my other business interests," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"We will operate our other businesses from the club, but I will not be taking decisions about football. I will leave that to the current management."

Mallorca have announced Grande will hold a press conference at 7pm local time on Wednesday.


ADEBAYOR REFUSES TO COMMIT TO ARSENAL
http://www.football365.com/story/0,1...850761,00.html

Emmanuel Adebayor has reportedly refused to assure Arsene Wenger that he intends to stay at Arsenal for the forthcoming season.

The Togo striker reported back for training yesterday and afterwards held talks with Wenger. It was the first time the pair had spoken since Adebayor indicated he would be happy to leave North London.

According to The Guardian, 'The Togo international did not ask for a transfer but, having been told by Wenger that Arsenal will not stretch their wage structure to keep him - he currently earns £35,000 a week and is believed to want closer to three times that to remain at the London club - Adebayor did not commit his future to the Gunners either.'

Further discussions are expected to be held over the coming week during the Gunners' tour of Hungary and Austria - the squad, including Adebayor, flew out of England last night.


SPURS COUNT COST OF BOSTOCK DEAL

Tottenham could eventually pay more than £2million to Crystal Palace for promising midfielder John Bostock, it has emerged.

Palace chairman Simon Jordan was angered by a Football League tribunal ordering Spurs to give a £700,000 downpayment on the 16-year-old but there are other clauses that could see the total rise.

The Premier League club will pay an extra £1.45million if Bostock makes 40 appearances for his new club and a full international debut.

Palace will also get a 15 per cent cut of any future deal to take the youngster away from White Hart Lane, with the fresh details emerging from a letter to a Palace supporters' group from the league.

Bostock has been earmarked for the future but could make appearances next season following changes in the rules to allow seven substitutes.

Luka Modric and Giovani dos Santos have also arrived at Spurs this summer but strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane want to leave, for Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

It means head coach Juande Ramos will be required to bring in another striker if they depart, and Zenit St Petersburg have claimed Spurs are interested in Andrei Arshavin but need to raise their valuation of him over the £20million mark.

They have also been linked with his Russia team-mate Roman Pavlyuchenko, and are in the hunt for Blackburn winger David Bentley.

Steed Malbranque, Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda and Younes Kaboul are among the players Ramos has allowed to leave, with Sunderland bidding for the quartet.

Tainio and Chimbonda have been responsive to the proposal of playing under Roy Keane, while Portsmouth and Aston Villa are both thought to also be interested in Kaboul.



TOFFEES MAY FACE EGM


Everton could be forced to call an extraordinary general meeting by fans opposed to their move to a new stadium in Kirkby.

The club have confirmed receipt of a petition from shareholders calling for an EGM over the 55,000-seater ground, which could be shelved in any case if the Government elect to 'call in' the project for further review.

Under Everton's articles of association, a mandate from 20% of shareholders is required for an EGM to be called.

Mark Rowan, Everton's head of media and communications, said: "The club can confirm that we did receive a petition from shareholders.

"There will now be a process of authentication and validation of the names on petition against the share register.

"Once we ascertain the accuracy of the names then we have 21 days from receipt to announce a date for an EGM."

There has been growing opposition to the Kirkby plans from a section of fans who do not want to see the club move outside Liverpool's city boundaries.

Knowsley Council have approved the scheme - which sees the club link up with Tesco - and are also now waiting for Government approval.

If the Government do call it in, the planning process could be extended by more than a year and kill off the £400million project.

Such a situation would severely damage Everton's dreams of moving the club forward to be able to compete with the big four of English football.

They would be forced to reconsider schemes to extend Goodison, previously dismissed as unworkable.

Attempts to find another site inside the city boundaries have also been abandoned by the club.

Sharing Liverpool's proposed new stadium in Stanley Park has also failed to win the approval of both sets of fans as well as the two clubs.

Shareholders spokesman Mark Grayson wants a debate on the issue regardless of whether the plans are 'called in' or not.

He said: "Our primary concern is that we feel that the club promised a world-class and effectively free stadium with the best transport links in the UK.

"We now know through the Tesco-led planning application that the stadium will only be of 'mid-level quality' that could add a further £78million to the club's existing debt. It is our intention to have a debate regardless of whether it gets called in or not."

[RedForceRising]

JULY 23rd 2008
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Fergie draws first blood...


FERGUSON'S JOSE TAUNT FOR SCOLARI
By Peter Edwards

SIR Alex Ferguson has fired the first salvo of the Premier League war of words by telling Luiz Felipe Scolari: “You can’t better Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.”

Manchester United boss Ferguson suggested Scolari will find it impossible to improve on Mourinho’s two titles, and claimed Chelsea’s squad is too old to take another step up. “I’m not concerned about Chelsea,” he said. “Mourinho won the title two years in a row and beat us in the FA Cup final.

“Avram Grant did a good job, but no one can improve on Mourinho’s record.

“Yes, it will be a challenge with the players they’ve got and the players they’ve added. They’ve got a lot of experience and that was the one thing I was a bit concerned about.

“The likes of Ballack had big-game experience. But I don’t know how far that team has got to go.”

Scolari got under Ferguson’s skin last season when he was accused of over-using Cristiano Ronaldo in friendly matches for Portugal. Scolari hit back by wading into the Ronaldo transfer saga.

“Scolari is fortunate. He is joining a big club and he is joining a team of internationals,” said Ferguson. “But it’s hard to see where there’s going to be a big improvement with a team that’s really very experienced. Maybe they’ve plateaued.

“How can they accelerate beyond what they’ve done up to now, when you see the ages they’ve got in their squad, apart from Kalou and Obi, who are young.

“I’m not saying they’re old, with modern-day training methods you should be playing in your 30s. But I don’t see outstanding progress in a team in their 30s.”

Ferguson has seen off many managerial rivals in his 22 years at Old Trafford, including Mourinho.

His clashes with Scolari are sure to be a feature of this season – the first one comes at Stamford Bridge in September – and for now, Ferguson remains dismissive.

“I don’t know him,” he added. “We played against him when we won the world club championship against Palmeiras in 1999.

“I don’t think he speaks English, does he? He has managed a lot of clubs so he is experienced and that’s one thing in his favour.”

Ferguson also feels with 17 titles in the bag United have nothing further to prove to record-holders Liverpool.

As United bid for a third successive Premier League success to join Liverpool at the top of the winners’ list, he said: “I don’t think it’s a motivation for me. We proved the point about overcoming Liverpool when I came. That was the time to do something about it.

“The four at the top will be at the top again. I’m trying to see whether someone can break in and I just can’t.

“As for us equalling Liverpool’s 18 titles, it’s sure to happen.”

"You can’t better Jose Mourinho at Chelsea"
-Sir Alex Ferguson


Barry booed as Villa beat Saddlers
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...853806,00.html

Wantaway midfielder Gareth Barry was booed throughout the hour he played in Aston Villa's 3-2 win over Walsall at Bescot Stadium on Tuesday.



The England international has made it clear he wants to leave the club, with Liverpool his preferred destination, and he was fined and told to stay away from training earlier this month for criticising manager Martin O'Neill.

Barry has since returned for pre-season preparations and was included from the start against Walsall, who took the lead through Alex Nicholls in the 42nd minute.

Shaun Maloney equalised with a 62nd-minute free-kick but trialist Patrick Suffo, the former Sheffield United striker, made it 2-1 to the home side with a low drive.

Maloney levelled again from close range with 10 minutes remaining before Wayne Routledge volleyed home the winner four minutes from time.



Toffees triumph without missing Johnson...

In-demand striker Andy Johnson was not involved as Everton enjoyed a 1-0 friendly win at Preston North End on Tuesday evening.


Voronin back to his usual ways...

Andriy Voronin had a penalty saved but Liverpool maintained their unbeaten record so far in pre-season with a 0-0 draw against Hertha Berlin.


Walcott scores in Gunners draw

Theo Walcott responded to Arsene Wenger's call to arms but Arsenal could only draw 1-1 with Szombathelyi Haladas at the Haladas VSE Stadium.


Essien defends the Chelsea old brigade after Ferguson attack on squad
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/...o?ito=newsnow&

By Simon Cass

Michael Essien has rejected Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that Chelsea will struggle to progress this season because of the age of some players in their squad.

The 25-year-old Ghana midfielder, who signed a new five-year deal on Tuesday, insisted the experience of the Stamford Bridge old guard will help them seize the title back from Manchester United.

Essien believes the influence of Chelsea's '30 and over' brigade can only help their chances. Asked who will win the league, Essien replied: 'For me, only Chelsea. Chelsea will win the title this year. Players like Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Deco are world class. As you can see in training and in matches, they can always change a game.'



'They're not the same kind of player. Everybody has his own style of play and they help the team a lot. We've got this mentality of winning. They've had it already. That'll be good for us. They're bad losers, like me. Everybody wants to win.'

Countering Ferguson's argument that Chelsea will struggle to develop given the average age of their squad, Essien added: 'To train and play alongside that kind of player, you improve a lot. We have a lot of world-class players and it's a privilege for me to work under them and improve with them every day.'


Fergie puts faith in Foster
United boss backs keeper to return to international fold

Sir Alex Ferguson is tipping Ben Foster to break back into the England squad following his return to fitness.



The Manchester United goalkeeper collected his sole England cap to date in a friendly against Spain in early 2007 while on loan at Watford.

He missed the bulk of last season due to a knee injury, but is now pushing for a starting spot at United and produced a solid show in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates.

And United boss Ferguson expects Foster to challenge for the No.1 jersey at both club and international level during the coming season.

Opportunity

"I still believe Ben will be England's goalkeeper for the next few years," said Ferguson.

"We did not expect him to get fit so quickly last season and I did not include him in our European squad.

"When I saw his performance against Derby there was maybe some regret on my part.

"The ability he has he is going to be challenging for a first-team place next season. That can only be good news for England.

"With an experienced goalkeeper like David James coming back in the squad it tells you there is an opportunity for someone like Ben."

No need to panic

However, Ferguson acknowledged that Foster faces a battle to dislodge the evergreen Edwin van der Sar from the United starting line-up.

He added: "It will be difficult for Ben only because he is in competition with one of the best goalkeepers of all time.

"Edwin is a man of great experience and consistency and has looked after himself so well.

"He can play until he is 40. Ben is 24, so can play for the next 14 to 15 years. There is no need for the boy to panic. His time will come."


Other delicious dollops of gossip...

Hull striker Dean Windass will not be moving to Leeds as he wants "another crack at the Premier League". (PA, 1332 BST)

AC Milan deny receiving a 150 million euros (£120m) offer from Chelsea or any other club for Kaka. (AC Milan website, 1220 BST)

The Italian giants have revealed that Real Madrid are also interested in Brazilian playmaker Kaka. (Spanish newspaper Marca, 1220 BST)

Chelsea deny making a bid for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o - despite the Cameroon international's claims otherwise. (PA, 1217 BST)

Reading boss Steve Coppell has warned he will raise the prices of his players the nearer it gets to the transfer deadline because he would not be able to find replacements. (The Sun)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has backed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's stance against Real Madrid over winger Cristiano Ronaldo, accusing the Spanish club of being "irresponsible". (Daily Mirror)

Old Trafford boss Ferguson has warned Michael Carrick he faces a battle to win a place in the England team. (Daily Mirror)

AND FINALLY

Former Colombia keeper Rene Higuita's 'scorpion kick' has been voted football's greatest trick in an online poll. His audacious effort in a friendly against England at Wembley beat Ronaldinho's 'elastic dribble' into second place. Cristiano Ronaldo's step-overs tied for third. (Daily Mirror)

Younes Kaboul's move from Tottenham to Sunderland is poised to go through - despite the player's agent saying Kaboul wouldn't join the Black Cats "even if there was an earthquake". (The Guardian)

[RedForceRising]

JULY 25th 2008
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All-stars record Hammers victory

West Ham failed to become the first English side to beat the Major League Soccer All-Stars after losing 3-2 at BMO Field in Toronto.



The MLS All-Stars, driven by impressive first-half goals from Argentinian Christian Gomez and Mexico's Cuauhtemoc Blanco and a second-half penalty from Canada's Dwayne De Rosario, turned on the style in front of a stadium record sell-out crowd of 20,844 to cancel out two goals from England striker Dean Ashton.

Thursday night's victory continued the All-Stars' winning run against foreign opposition since the introduction of the format in 2003, with Fulham, Chelsea and Celtic among their previous victims.

MLS coach Steve Nicol started with England star David Beckham on the right wing and Blanco up front alongside Kenny Cooper.

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley deployed 19-year-old Joe Widdowson at left-back, handing the teenager the job of marking Beckham, while midfielder Matthew Etherington was recalled after missing Sunday's 3-1 win over Columbus Crew.

The Hammers opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Ashton ran onto a through ball from strike partner Carlton Cole before rifling home right-footed.

The lead lasted less than a minute, however, as MLS hit straight back, Beckham playing the ball to Blanco, who backheeled it into the path of Gomez to slot home right footed past Robert Green.

Read the full report here


Beckham hails MLS team spirit

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...863742,00.html

David Beckham hailed the collective spirit of the Major League Soccer All-Stars after they beat West Ham 3-2 at BMO Field on Thursday night.

The MLS side extended their unbeaten All-Star Game record against overseas opposition to 5-0 in front of a stadium-record sell-out crowd of 20,844, with impressive first-half goals from Christian Gomez and Mexico's Cuauhtemoc Blanco and a second-half penalty by Canada's Dwayne De Rosario.

Striker Dean Ashton netted both goals for West Ham as the Londoners took the lead in the 26th minute and then levelled 2-2 in the 67th in a competitive match.

"Any good player that's passionate about soccer is committed in every game that we play," Beckham said. "And every player out there was committed to winning the game.

"We said we were going to take it seriously and we wanted to win the game and we did that.

"We also wanted to put in a good team performance because we are a bunch of players that play against each other every week and haven't played with each other.

"But we proved tonight that we can come together and we played as a team, we worked as a team and we won as a team.

"So, overall, it was a very good performance."

MLS coach and former Liverpool player Steve Nicol was delighted with the victory, hailing it as a great boost for the MLS' standing in world football.

"It's always a pleasure to be involved with good players and I think we showed tonight that not only do we have good players in this league but great players," Nicol said.

"It was a fantastic performance, we thoroughly deserved to win and it was a pleasure for me."


PLAYERS CLEARED OF MATCH-FIXING
http://www.football365.com/story/0,1...862170,00.html

The four players from Livorno and one from Atalanta referred to the Italian football federation's disciplinary commission on suspicion of match-fixing have been cleared.


Bellini: Cleared of match-fixing

However, former Livorno player David Balleri has been banned for four months and his former club fined 25,000 euros after the 39-year-old was found guilty of the lesser charge of "sporting disloyalty".

Livorno's Balleri, brothers Emanuele and Antonio Filippini, and Alessandro Grandoni, as well as Atalanta captain Gian Paolo Bellini and the two clubs themselves were accused of trying to fix last season's Serie A clashes between the two teams, with the first game in December ending 1-1 while the return fixture in May resulted in a 3-2 victory for Atalanta.

A statement on the FIGC website on Thursday afternoon read: "The evidence against the aforementioned Balleri and Bellini (the two captains) is insufficient to conclude that an alleged agreement was met to alter the result of a match as forbidden by the Sporting Code of Justice (CGS).

"The disloyal and inappropriate behaviour of Balleri, in absence of the evidence of an agreement being reached for the alteration of the result of the competitions, is more correctly in violation of article. 1, subsection 1 of the CGS (Sporting Disloyalty)."

Upon hearing the verdict Balleri, who now plays for Serie C2 side Como, told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport: "I'll appeal. I don't deserve it."


SIX OF THE BEST FOR BARCA

Hibernian's dented confidence was dealt another blow when they were beaten 6-0 by a rampant Barcelona in Thursday's friendly at Murrayfield.

While Josep Guardiola cruised to victory in his first game as Barca boss, Hibs counterpart Mixu Paatelainen was left facing the prospect of lifting his players for a second time with the start of the new season still several weeks away.

A 4-0 aggregate defeat to Swedish outfit Elfsborg saw the Edinburgh side crash out of the Intertoto Cup earlier this month - and on Thursday Barca racked up as many goals in the opening 26 minutes.

An Eidur Gudjohnsen double and goals from Lionel Messi and Pedro in the first half were followed by further breakthroughs from Bojan and Yaya Toure after the break as Hibs were outclassed.

Daniel Alves and Gerard Pique made their debuts for Barcelona from the start, while fellow summer signings Martin Caceres, Alexander Hleb and Seydou Keita started on the bench.

Dimitar Berbatov played the full 90 minutes of Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Spanish second division side Hercules, but there was not even a place on the bench for Robbie Keane.

While Spurs' star strike duo continue to be the subject of intense transfer speculation, Darren Bent took the chance to show Juande Ramos his worth by levelling the scores from an Aaron Lennon corner after Addison had given the hosts an early lead.

Middlesbrough slumped to a late 1-0 pre-season defeat to Vitoria Guimaraes in the Algarve Challenge Cup.

Vitoria struck in the final minutes of the match as Dinis curled a free-kick past helpless Boro goalkeeper Ross Turnbull.

Leroy Lita ran riot as Reading cruised to a 4-1 victory over Swedish side Trollhatten.

The Royals could not break down Trollhatten's defence in the first half but Lita was in superb form after the break as he scored all four of his side's goals, while Martin Scherdin netted for the home team.

On a night for goalscoring heroics, Bristol Rovers forward Josh Klein-Davies emulated Lita and fired his team to a 4-0 success against MABI in Malmo.

Aberdeen opened their tour of Holland with a convincing 5-0 win against DZC 68.

Chris Maguire was the star for the Dons with a first-half hat-trick (13, 22 and 39), while Lee Miller (43) and Jamie Smith (75) also struck.

Elsewhere, Leicester were involved in a 12-goal thriller as they defeated Unibond Division One South outfit Quorn 8-4.

A Sheffield United XI beat local rivals Sheffield 4-0, while Ipswich thumped Tiptree 5-0

Kaizer Chiefs saw off Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the Vodacom Challenge to set up a final clash with Manchester United.


Harry: No more sales after Sulley
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...863818,00.html

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed he will sell Sulley Muntari to Inter Milan, but admitted he will not be selling anyone else.



Redknapp's comments appear to kill off Rangers' chances of signing Pedro Mendes with midfielder Muntari reportedly bringing Pompey £12.7million as the 23-year-old Ghanaian joins Jose Mourinho at Inter.

Rangers boss Walter Smith has enquired about Mendes, whose salary might have prohibited a move to the Ibrox club.

Redknapp told the Daily Record: "I did speak to Walter about a couple of players and he said he liked Mendes.

"I think his wages might have been an issue for Rangers but the biggest problem is that with Muntari going I will need Pedro in my team.

"Because of the Muntari deal I don't need to sell anyone else so it would take a big offer for me to consider letting Pedro go."

Thursday night's Champions League transfer deadline passed without Rangers adding a midfielder to their squad, meaning they will go into next week's second qualifying round first leg against Kaunas with their current squad.

They are still hopeful of signing Fulham midfielder Steven Davis, who was left behind as his club travelled on a pre-season tour of South Korea, but only if the Cottagers drop their £4million asking price.

Smith has also been linked with Sunderland midfielder Dickson Etuhu.

[RedForceRising]

Neville pens fresh Everton contract
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...on/7524964.stm

Everton captain Phil Neville has signed a new four-year deal that will extend his stay at the club until 2012.

Utility player Neville, 31, had two years remaining on his current contract but says he wants to finish his career at Goodison Park.

"I've been here three seasons now and I have to say that I've loved every minute of it," he told evertonTV.

"I found when I came here that the spirit and the togetherness of the club is fantastic."

Former Manchester United player Neville, mainly a full-back at Old Trafford, has been used primarily as a defensive midfielder by Everton manager David Moyes and helped the club to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League last season and Uefa Cup qualification.

"I wouldn't have signed if the club wasn't moving forward," he said.

"We've just got to trust the manager and let him do his job. He's not going to let this club take a backward step after the last few seasons."

Since joining Everton in the summer of 2005 for £3.5m - a move Neville described at the time as "the most difficult decision I have ever had to make" - the England international has secured two top-five finishes with the club and played in Europe.

"Loyalty is a big thing in my life and this is the only club that I want to play for," he added.

"When you've got two parties who want the same deal and are happy with each other these things only take a couple of hours.

"I can't understand players who go into negotiations for six months because that tells me that one party involved isn't happy about things.

"But that wasn't the case with us. It took one meeting and one telephone call and it was as easy as that."


OTHER YUMMY SLICES OF SCINTILLATING GOSSIP

Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is set to miss the start of the season after his mother died in a blaze horror in Nigeria. (The Sun)

Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson, 20, has been offered a new deal by boss Mark Hughes after recently being linked with Liverpool, Everton and Spurs. (The Sun)

England defender Rio Ferdinand has flown home early from Manchester United's tour of South Africa for the birth of his second child after his fiancee Rebecca Ellison went into labour. (Daily Star)

Sir Alex Ferguson is the hot favourite to manage a Great Britain football team at the 2012 Olympics in London as the prospect of an entry grows. (Various)

AND FINALLY

Newly promoted to the Premier League, West Bromwich Albion are scheduled to kick off the season without a shirt sponsor - although the club are in talks with several companies to replace former sponsor T-Mobile. Fans buying replica shirts have been promised that a sponsor's logo will be put on free of charge at a later date. (The Times)

Middlesbrough striker Mido reckons he is fitter than ever after forgoing a summer holiday in an effort to lose weight for the new season. (The Times)

Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic has denied that he left Everton only an hour after arriving for a trial last week. "I'm not a troublemaker," he said. (The Times)

England's Italian boss Fabio Capello will allow himself to be submerged into the culture of his adopted country after agreeing to sample a genuine English boozer as part of a new TV show called 'Off the Bar' by Sky Sports. (Daily Express)
Manchester United are considering offers to play in India next summer after being approached to become the first leading Premier League club to visit the world's emerging financial powerhouse. (Various)


- My thoughts and prayers are with Obafemi Martins and his loved ones. May his mother's soul rest in peace.

Banks backs Foster for England number one

England's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks believes Manchester United stopper Ben Foster is the best candidate for the England number one jersey.

Speaking exclusively to inthenews.co.uk at the launch of the new Football Pools, Banks said Foster should be Fabio Capello's preferred choice in goal for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign - as long he is getting regular first-team football in the top flight.

"When he's played for England, Ben Foster, he's played well and looked very composed," Banks said.

"He's going to be the one that [Capello] might be looking towards shoving in and giving him the experience, provided he's a regular in one of the Premier League sides."

The former England custodian also talked up the possibility of Wigan Athletic starter Chris Kirkland competing for the national team jersey, saying he had "a good season" in 2007/08.

And he said either man would be preferable to incumbent starter David James, who turns 38 next week, because of the Portsmouth player's age.

"If these two guys are on form and playing regularly then they should be in the England team ahead of James," he continued.

"At the moment you have to play David James because of his experience.

"But the problem with David is that you never know whether he's likely to make that odd mistake, which he does. You wouldn't want him to cost you a game by doing that."

Banks continued: "Experience counts for a lot, knowing where to be and what to do in certain situations.

"But I look at David and sometimes I think he's a bit lacking - he's a little bit dodgy at times. He's got to be more decisive about things."

Whoever Capello selects in goal, Banks believes it will be important for the England manager to give the younger shot-stoppers the opportunity to experience international football before a big tournament.

The 1966 World Cup winner said he is a great believer in giving players – particularly goalkeepers – time to adjust to the international game.

"You need eight or ten internationals appearances under your belt to settle down and give you that experience of playing for your country in front of big crowds and in big stadiums," Banks explained.

"For the next World Cup, I would think David James will be too old.

"But these two other younger guys, given the experience they've already got, they'll be just right when 2010 comes around."

[RedForceRising]

JULY 26th 2008
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OWEN TO LEAVE ON A FREE?
http://www.football365.com/story/0,1...868246,00.html




Michael Owen has reportedly warned Newcastle that he could leave the club on a free transfer if his contract demands are not met.

Owen's current contract expires next summer, and is in talks to extend his deal at St James' Park.

However, The Guardian reports that Newcastle are reluctant to match or increase his current £105,000-a-week wage as they look to cut costs.

Owen and his representatives know that he could get a better deal elsewhere should he not sign a fresh contract, and could begin negotiations with other clubs from January.

The paper claims Owen would rather stay at Newcastle, but is negotiating from a position of considerable strength considering the offers he might receive from elsewhere.


Toure's Defense Too Good For Malaria
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=792067

Arsenal defender Kolo Toure has made an astonishingly rapid recovery from malaria and according to reports he could be back in training as early as the beginning of next week.

There had been concerns about whether the Ivory Coast star would even be back for the beginning as the season as well, more importantly, for his greater well being after he contracted the disease on a visit to his home country.

Now, thankfully, the latest tests show that he is almost already fully recovered from the mild malaria strain, though playing any part of Monday’s friendly against Burgenland in Germany would almost certainly be asking too much.

Gunners defender Gael Clichy, in the meanwhile, has stressed the importance of being back amongst the trophies this season.

“For me personally the championship is really important,” Clichy said to Arsenal's official website. “I think it is the same for the boss, and I know we have the quality to do it. We can’t go through another season without winning something.

“[Pre-season success] is important in terms of progressing well before the actual campaign starts, but you see from last season we won both tournaments we entered, then come the end we had no trophies.

“If I could swap and avoid winning those cups and win something during the season that would be fantastic.

“But of course to win those [pre-season] tournaments would be great, especially against the great teams like Real and Juve, and in Amsterdam.”

Derek Wanner, Goal.com


Chelsea Stars Irked By Exhausting Tour
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=792135

Reports from China suggest that Chelsea’s Asian-Russian tour - seen by many as a goodwill and marketing exercise as much as a footballing one - is leaving some of their stars decidedly hot under the collar.

The Sun declares in this morning’s edition that manager Luiz Felipe Scolari “is facing his first test as Chelsea boss - with dressing-room unrest over the club’s globetrotting pre-season tour.”

The newspaper claims that “several senior players are angry at trekking to China, Malaysia and Russia in sweltering conditions just a few weeks ahead of the Premier League’s August 16 kick-off.”

Tonight, Chelsea play the second game of a 15-day trip when they take on Cheng Du Blades in Macau, seven hours ahead of UK time.

Next week they fly to Malaysia and then on to Moscow, where they will compete in the four-team Railways Cup.

With temperatures at Chelsea’s current base close to 100F, players have apparently been complaining of jet-lag and exhaustion.

One source told The Sun the tour was “the worst possible preparations for the season” and added: “Some players have been unable to sleep and don’t know if they are coming or going.

“It’s only going to get worse with long flights coming to Malaysia then Moscow before everyone packs up again for a four-hour flight back to London. It’s incredible.”

The tour, which was set up before Scolari took over, is not just about the players, however. It has generated much goodwill, the Chinese leg having been designed to raise money for victims of the devastating earthquake that caused mass death and destruction in May. The Chelsea squad have been ecstatically received throughout the tour.

Mark Hinton, Goal.com


Hargreaves backs Rooney
http://www.loughboroughecho.net/loug...3871-21410342/

Owen Hargreaves has tipped Wayne Rooney to show his true talent this season.



Rooney's form has been slightly disappointing over the last couple of seasons even though he collected two Premier League titles and a Champions League winners' medal but Hargreaves has no doubt the England striker will silence his critics this term.

"This will be a massive season for Wayne Rooney," said Hargreaves. "Ability-wise I believe he is the best in England and I am confident he will be one of the most influential in the Premier League this year."

He added: "I am really looking forward to seeing him explode because it is rare to come across someone with so much talent who is so unselfish."

It is Rooney's unselfish nature that has caused some of his problems. A willingness to sacrifice himself for the team has seen the 22-year-old carry out duties far removed from a striker's role. It is something Fabio Capello was quick to spot and Hargreaves can see the problem as well.

"Technically, he is out of this world but maybe he could look out for himself a little bit more," said the midfielder.

"When we played Aston Villa in the FA Cup last season, he was only on the field for 20 minutes and he won the game.

"Not many players can do that and it is no coincidence we were so successful last year with Wayne and Carlos Tevez working so hard up front.

"Without doubt, he is still improving. He can do more this season, score more goals and be more effective.

"It is a natural process that just takes a bit of time."

[RedForceRising]

Sir Alex Ferguson wants third Champions League
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-new...5578-21408784/

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to win a third European Cup.

The clock may be ticking down on the 66-year-old Scot’s remarkable Old Trafford career but he remains driven.

He wants United to build on a marvellous season last term, when they ended a nine-year wait by winning the Champions League and retained their Premier League title.

Chelsea were defeated on penalties in Moscow, and Ferguson’s blood pressure also went through the roof in 1999 when they overcame Bayern Munich thanks to two late goals.

Ferguson said: “It is the greatest club tournament in the world and to win it elevates you into a different level altogether.

“When we won it in 1999 I said at the time I hoped we would win it again but I wanted to enjoy it a bit more as we scored two goals in the last two minutes.

“This time I had to wait until the last penalty kick had been taken. Therefore, once again I had to go through all that intensity and tension.

“Being a nervous wreck is not good for you. But it was a fantastic game and a fantastic achievement.

“We do not want to wait nine years again. I will be up in that big penalty box in the sky by then.”

Ferguson also dismissed speculation he could take charge of the 2012 Great Britain Olympic team.

He said: “I will be 70 years of age then. I’ve not made any commitment to anything like that. I would not, in any way, shape or form, try and commit myself to something that is four

years ahead. There is nothing I can add to that.”

Ferguson also believes the idea of the home nations coming together in the World Cup as team Great Britain is a non-starter.

He said: “Other countries have their own identities, their own patriotism.

“It’s been mooted for many years from Fifa that Great Britain should have a team in the World Cup. That would be impractical as far as I am concerned.

“Scotland, Ireland and Wales wouldn’t want to be part of a Great Britain team, I don’t think, and also England. I don’t think it’s a starter.”

Ferguson has called on the referee to be strong when United face Kaizer Chiefs in today’s Vodacom Challenge final.

The Chiefs, who drew with United in the opening game last week, secured their passage after defeating Orlando Pirates in what was a physical game.

Ferguson said: “It was a very aggressive game and I think it’s important we see a good match tomorrow.

“The referee has a responsibility and a role to play in making sure it’s a good game.

“There will be plenty of good footballers on the field and that’s why spectators are here.”

United then move on to Nigeria after the game as they face Portsmouth in a friendly the following day.

Ferguson will mix up his sides because of the quick turnaround.

He said: “I will make some changes to my team – that’s the nature of the business at the moment.

“I want to give them enough time on the field and to make sure everyone’s fitness and the tempo of their game is improving. Hopefully by this time next week we’ll be really ready for the season.”


Rooney - Belief is sky high
Striker warns rivals as Hargreaves tips team-mate to 'explode'
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...868287,00.html

Wayne Rooney has warned Manchester United's rivals the squad will begin the new season believing they are 'the best in the world'.

United were in outstanding form last term, lifting the Premier League and UEFA Champions League trophies.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has yet to bolster his side this summer, but Rooney feels their memorable double will hand United an unrivalled boost when they begin their new search for silverware.

Rooney, 22, said in The Sun: "After our success last year, there will be high expectations but we've got a good enough squad and hopefully we can emulate last season.

"Of course, winning trophies brings you confidence and we're a confident team anyway. But it's given us that bit extra and belief that we're the best in the world.

"Hopefully we can prove that again this season."

Explode

Meanwhile, midfielder Owen Hargeaves is tipping Rooney to have his best campaign at Old Trafford since signing from Everton in 2004.

"This will be a massive season for Wayne Rooney," said Hargreaves.

"Ability-wise I believe he is the best in England and I am confident he will be one of the most influential in the Premier League this year.

"I am really looking forward to seeing him explode because it is rare to come across someone with so much talent who is so unselfish."


Other tantalizing tidbits of gossip

he Football Association are set to sanction a new rule that will mean only team captains will be permitted to talk to referees next season. (Daily Express)

The FA have moved to clarify comments by England coach Fabio Capello - who has a contract until 2012 - to stress he does not intend to quit after the 2010 World Cup. (Various)

Chelsea have dumped popular physio Dave Han**** despite an attempt by captain John Terry to keep him in his job. (Daily Mail)

Gabriel Tamas' agent says the defender's transfer from Auxerre to Celtic did not collapse because of the Romanian's wage demands. (Various)

Rangers are still unwilling to meet the valuation of Steven Davis despite Fulham lowering their demands for the midfielder. (The Scotsman)

Motherwell's failure to fund the loan signing of Celtic's John Kennedy has angered Fir Park boss Mark McGhee. (Daily Record)

Motherwell will step up their attempt to sign Celtic winger Jim O'Brien after he impressed on trial. (The Times)

AND FINALLY

Manchester United will travel 3,000 miles to play Portsmouth in Nigeria less than 24 hours after playing Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa - so they can bank an extra £1.5m. (Various)

Chelsea players have complained of exhaustion and jet-lag on their globe-trotting pre-season tour. (The Sun)

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has told out-of-favour Thomas Gravesen and Derek Riordan they will never play for the club again. (Various)

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique thinks Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher can one day play for Real Madrid. (Daily Record)

[RedForceRising]

Berbatov has it all, says Les
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....t_all_says_les

DIMITAR Berbatov has the credentials to ensure European and Premier League winners United stay ahead of the pack in the new season.



Strike legend Les Ferdinand has added his name to a packed list of luminaries backing the Bulgarian to be the man to keep the Reds accelerator firmly to the floor.

Cousin of United defender Rio, Les has a Premiership CV as a hitman to know exactly what he's talking about, having starred for six clubs in the English top flight.

"Berbatov is absolute class," said Ferdinand. "He is definitely up there with the best strikers I have played with or those I have watched as a fan playing for Spurs.

"For me he is the complete centre forward. He has a sensational touch, the ability to bring other players into play, creates chances for others and scores goals. You cannot ask for more.

"He has been fantastic at Spurs and deserves all the accolades that have come his way. He hit the ground running in the Premier League and not many can do that.

"United, though, is a world stage but I have no doubt that he would thrive on the Old Trafford platform.

"Sounds like I am doing a great job of selling him aren't I? But as a Spurs fan that is the last thing I want to do!

"However, I have to admit he is one of the few around who would enhance United after what they did last season."

United and Tottenham are currently engaged in a `tapping up' row over Berbatov and an initial Old Trafford bid was rejected. But the 27-year-old remains Fergie's priority this summer.

"People might say why do you need to add Berbatov or anyone when you have won the Champions League and the Premiership?" Ferdinand added.

Momentum

"But you have to keep that momentum going. As soon as there is any sign of complacency or resting on laurels then opponents would be quick to take advantage of it.

"But Sir Alex doesn't let that happen. He also wants to push on and keep his club on the front foot all the time. That is why he has identified a talent like Dimitar. He can do that."

The sale of Giuseppe Rossi, the retirement of Ole Solskjaer and the injury-wrecked season of Louis Saha saw United walk a striker tightrope last term.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 42 goals and 18 apiece from Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez saw them navigate the campaign successfully. But restoring a four-strong strike force is paramount.

"Sir Alex pioneered the four senior strikers situation and everyone has followed," Les added. "But he got away with it a bit last season not having the full complement. You need depth up front and he would be lucky to get away with it two seasons running. He was fortunate last season.

"Nobody knows what is going to happen about Ronaldo. If he stays will he score another 40-odd goals? Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney contributed but you need someone else to take the pressure off them.

"So United need another centre-forward and Berbatov fits the bill.

"He ticks a lot of boxes for United. He can keep everyone on their toes because he is good enough to go in and do it for them straight away. He is proven in England now and he can add a new and extra dimension to United's attack.

"They have not really had the option of a big man up front who can hold the ball up since Ruud van Nistelrooy left. Although they have won the title twice since he left it is still something they have missed.

"If you add that to what they have already got it makes them an even more formidable force up front."

-Stuart Mathieson


Pompey Squad In Plane Scare
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=792295

The Portsmouth squad endured an airline drama on their arrival in Nigeria ahead of a pre-season tour. The FA Cup holders’ Airbus 319 aborted its landing just before touch-down.

Pompey arrived in Nigeria ahead of a pair of friendly matches his weekend. Today, Kano Pillars will be the opponents today, before tomorrow’s glamour tie against Community Shield rivals Manchester United.

However, the tour almost got off to the worst of starts as a drama unfolded just before the team’s aeroplane landed on the runway.

The pilot failed to gain clearance from the airport’s control tower to land, and abandoned his descent. The Pompey team, packed with internationals, had to endure a stormy 30 minutes as the plane circled and waited for permission to descend. A successful landing was eventually made.

Defender Linvoy Primus told the club’s official website: "We were just above the runway when the pilot suddenly pulled the plane out of the landing and back up in the sky.

"We were all shocked. No-one knew what was happening. There had been no warning that there was a problem. But credit to the pilot who soon told us that he had been unable to establish contact with the tower and had decided not to land.

"After circling for half-an-hour in lightning he then managed to get us down safely."

Peter Staunton

Bosingwa blow for Blues
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...868693,00.html

Chelsea right-back ruled out for three weeks

Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa faces a race to be fit for the start of the season after the club confirmed he has suffered a small tear in his thigh.

Bosingwa sustained the injury in Blues' 4-0 pre-season friendly victory against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical.

A scan on Friday revealed he had torn a thigh muscle and the club have announced that he is expected to return to action in around three weeks.

Chelsea's first game of the new season sees them take on Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge, live on Sky Sports 1, on 17th August.

Portugal international Bosingwa signed for The Blues in May for Porto for a fee of £16.2million.