[RedForceRising]

..... is exactly what it says on the label.

I come across a lot of stuff that seems interesting to me and that I would like to share, but not everything is worthy of its own thread.

So voila. Enjoy reading and feel free to contribute.

Yes, you!

July 9th 2008

SCOLARI SPARKS LAMPARD ROW
http://www.football365.com/story/0,1...796573,00.html

Luiz Felipe Scolari's claim during his introductory press conference that Frank Lampard would stay at Chelsea is reported to have sparked an extraordinary confrontation between the midfielder and chief executive Peter Kenyon that has seemingly made his departure to Inter Milan inevitable.

While Scolari's debut performance in front of the press was composed and confident, his announcement that Lampard would be staying at the club may prove a terrible error of judgement.

Far from settling the issue, the repercussions of Scolari's claim saw Inter Milan table a £8m bid for the midfielder last night and his departure is now depicted as merely a matter of time.

"He wants to stay and to play for Chelsea for many years. I was very happy because I think Chelsea needs Lampard and Lampard likes Chelsea. Now it's a minimum of questions to solve it and Lampard will be with us more time than one year," Scolari declared.

The announcement was immediately countered by Lampard's agent, Steve Kutner, stressing that while his client 'wanted' to stay, that didn't mean he would be staying. "He made it categorically clear that although he would love to finish his career at Chelsea, with the deal he has been offered that is not possible," Kutner's statement read.

Yet while Kutner was issuing his statement, Lampard's reaction is reported to have been even less restrained. According to the Times, 'Lampard, who watched the press conference at the training ground in Cobham, Surrey, between double sessions, confronted Peter Kenyon in the canteen when the chief executive returned from the nearby Hilton Hotel, where Scolari had been speaking.'

An irretrievable breach has apparently opened between Lampard and the club's hierachy, with Chelsea unwilling to meet his demand for a five-year contract worth approximately £135,000 a week. No doubt delighted at the unexpected turn of events, Inter Milan, now under the management of Jose Mourinho, made their first formal bid for Lampard's services last night and saw the odds on the player moving to Italy tumble.


SCOLARI PROMISES CHELSEA EXODUS
http://www.football365.com/story/0,1...796665,00.html

Luiz Felipe Scolari has promised a massive overhaul of Chelsea's bloated first-team squad that is likely to see around ten players leave before the start of the new season.

While Scolari's assurances during his introductory press conference that Frank Lampard would remain at the club have seemingly rebounded to the extent of making the midfielder's departure inevitable, a host of other established names are expected to be told they can leave after Scolari indicated he wanted to radically trim the size of his squad.

"I want to work with 23, 24, or a maximum of 25 players," the new Chelsea boss confirmed. "Now I have 32 players. But now is the time to change the team. If I have 30 players I can't bring them in from the youth side, which is what I have always done and always will do.

"The players know this. When I spoke to them, I said this: 'There will be 23, 24 or 25 who will stay with me. That is the maximum I will need'."

Scolari is not short of candidates for the cull. Among those set to depart in the next few weeks are Steve Sidwell and Shaun Wright-Phillips, as well as Lampard. However, his remarks could also signal the exit of Andriy Shevchenko, Juliano Belletti, Carlo Cudicini and Claudio Pizarro. Claude Makelele, meanwhile, is thought to be interested in a switch to Paris St Germain.


O`NEILL MAKES BARRY PROPOSAL

http://www.football365.com/story/0,1...796437,00.html

Martin O'Neill says Aston Villa have written to Liverpool to propose a deal for Gareth Barry.

Liverpool are desperate to sign the Villa captain and last week saw a new bid of £15million rejected.

Villa have already turned down multiple offers from their Premier League rivals, with manager O'Neill valuing his skipper in the £18million bracket.

Reports suggest that O'Neill would be willing to accept £17million, plus Reds full-back Steve Finnan in part exchange.

O'Neill has not confirmed his interest in Finnan, but has revealed that a proposal has been put to his Liverpool counterpart Rafa Benitez.

"Liverpool have come back to us and we have responded to their proposal with a letter," O'Neill told the Birmingham Mail.

"We're still waiting to hear back from Liverpool after putting that proposal to them.

"It's really up to Liverpool. I really don't know how it's going to work out at the moment.

"I'm sure there will be some sort of resolution at some stage or another."

Meanwhile, Villa striker John Carew is 'sad' about the prospect of Barry leaving, but is hoping the club bring in a quality replacement.

"What is happening with Gareth is part of football," said Carew. "I don't think anyone is shocked, although you don't want to lose someone who was one of our best players last year and for all the seasons he has been at Villa.

"That is football and that's the way things work and now we are just waiting to see who comes in to replace him - but I think it will be a good player coming in.

"It is sad that Gareth is going, but I don't use much energy on it. I am focusing on the team we have here, the players we have here, and not all the surroundings."


Crouch agrees Pompey terms
Striker to undergo medical before transfer is sealed

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...796809,00.html

Portsmouth have announced that Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has agreed personal terms with the club.

The Premier League duo struck an agreement over the England international's fee - believed to be in the region of £10million - on Monday.

Crouch is set to undergo a medical at Fratton Park in the next 48 hours before the transfer is sealed.

Manager Harry Redknapp worked with Crouch during a previous spell at Pompey and at Southampton, and will be hopeful that the towering forward will add firepower to his frontline for the forthcoming season.
Regular football

Crouch endured a frustrating last term at Anfield after he recorded just nine Premier League starts.

The 27-year-old joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2005 and initially struggled for goals.

However, in his second season on Merseyside he finished the club's top goalscorer in all competitions.

Crouch is likely to form a striking partnership with fellow England forward Jermain Defoe next campaign as Portsmouth look to continue their fine form that saw the club land the FA Cup trophy last season.


BENITEZ SORRY TO SEE CROUCH GO

http://www.football365.com/story/0,1...795851,00.html



Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has admitted he wanted to keep Peter Crouch as the England striker prepares to complete his move to Portsmouth.

Crouch has completed a medical at Fratton Park and the finer points of his £11million move back to the south coast are almost complete with Pompey set to formally confirm the move soon.

But Benitez has pre-empted Crouch's final departure from Merseyside by saying: "He is a good professional and a nice person, and we would have wanted him to stay. We offered him a new contract.

"But sometimes you have to understand the player. He wanted to play a lot more, and with Fernando Torres now first choice, that was always going to be difficult.

"I can understand Peter's situation. But he did very well for this club and we always supported him when people doubted the decision to bring him to Anfield."

Benitez made it clear that he will now try to sign a replacement striker, and refused to rule out a possible move for Spanish star David Villa.

He said: "We have Torres, Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker.

"But we will try to bring in another option. Villa is a player we know all about and he is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult."

Benitez now hopes to complete the drawn-out saga of Gareth Barry's move from Aston Villa, which the club still hope to have sealed by the weekend.

Whether that will be in time for Liverpool's first pre-season friendly at Tranmere on Saturday is debatable.

But Benitez would wish to have the midfielder on board for the training camp in Switzerland which starts on Sunday and includes three matches before a return to the UK ahead of the trip to play Rangers in Glasgow on July 26.

[RedForceRising]

Benitez targets Villa
Liverpool boss sets sights on Crouch replacement

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...796210,00.html

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has hinted he may target Valencia striker David Villa as a replacement for Portsmouth-bound Peter Crouch.

Crouch is poised to complete his summer transfer to Fratton Park after Pompey agreed a fee with Liverpool on Monday.

Spain's Villa has reportedly attracted strong interest from several leading European clubs after he finished top scorer at Euro 2008.

The 26-year-old has since insisted he is happy at the Mestalla; however Benitez could be set to test the forward's resolve.

Difficult

Benitez, who brought fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres to Anfield from Atletico Madrid last summer, said: "We have Torres, Andrei Voronin, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker.

"But we will try to bring in another option. Villa is a player we know all about and he is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult."

On Crouch's expected departure, Benitez praised the England international's professionalism and character after he endured a difficult beginning to his career on Merseyside.

Stay

"He is a good professional and a nice person, and we would have wanted him to stay. We offered him a new contract," said Benitez.

"But sometimes you have to understand the player. He wanted to play a lot more, and with Fernando Torres now first choice, that was always going to be difficult.

"I can understand Peter's situation. But he did very well for this club and we always supported him when people doubted the decision to bring him to Anfield."


Real chief tells Wimbledon champ Nadal that Cristiano deal is 'done and dusted'

Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal was reportedly told that his beloved Real Madrid has signed Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real president Ramon Calderon, who watched Nadal's thrilling five-set victory over Roger Federer on Centre Court, told the 22-year-old tennis ace that the deal for the Manchester United ace was 'done and dusted'.

It confirms Real are not ending their £70million pursuit of Ronaldo despite the Premier League champions’ insistence they will not sell.

Nadal met Calderon in the grounds of the All England Club on Sunday night and a Spanish-speaking onlooker, according to The Sun, heard him ask: 'OK, president, where’s this Cristiano Ronaldo we’re supposed to be signing?'

The Real chief replied: 'Relax, Rafa, everything’s under control and we’ve got him done and dusted.'

Real are now hoping Ronaldo will bring the saga to an end by publicly saying he intends to quit Old Trafford.

The tabloid newspaper also reports that a fan who got to see the star in hospital as he recovered from an ankle op said Ronaldo told him: 'I hope I’ll be as good in Spain as I was in England.'


Bell earns a shot to win over Sir Alex

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/Be...-to.4268982.jp

A Havant teenager has booked himself a training session with Sir Alex Ferguson after topping a nationwide talent hunt.
Louis Bell scooped the honours at the London trials for Nike's Most Wanted on Saturday.

The UK and Ireland search has been launched in association with the Premier League to uncover 22 young talents capable of playing at a higher level.

And the 19-year-old, who last month joined Gosport Borough and was once on Pompey's books, beat off competition from more than 100 players at Westway Sports Centre, west London, to emerge as one of the stars.

As part of the challenge, players were tested on their shooting, ball skills, speed, passing and mental agility.

Bell amassed more points then any other player in his heat to qualify, while a Brighton competitor finished as runner-up.

The pair now head to Manchester next month for the finals, where all 22 regional champions will be coached by legendary Manchester United manager Ferguson.

The attacking midfielder was released from Pompey a season ago after 11 years at Fratton Park.

But now he's dreaming of the big time once again.

Bell said: 'I remember sitting in the car and watching all these players walking past.

'They all looked as though they could play.

'Most of them were from pro clubs like Fulham, Brentford, Charlton, Watford and the London area – so you can say I was surprised to win it.

'We had to do all sorts of tests. For the shot drills, if you hit the ball into the top corner you got 10 points while the bottom corner was five points.

'The top 25 scorers went through to the next round plus five wildcards – and I had the top score.

'They then added three goalkeepers and put us in three teams of 11 for three 15 -minute matches with the coaches assessing.

'Fortunately, I was one of the two to go through. The other lad came 11th in the tests but they liked the look of him. It's fantastic. Now I'm going to train under Sir Alex Ferguson.'

West Ham stars Craig Bellamy, Mark Noble and Anton Ferdinand were all on hand to watch Bell's triumph on Saturday.

Footage will be broadcast tomorrow night at 7.30pm in Premier League World on Sky Sports 1.

And he is hoping to catch the eye.

He added: 'Obviously I was a bit down after being released from Portsmouth. I had been there since I was seven and then was not kept on.

'I played at Newport IOW last season and have now joined Gosport, who are a really good club, but I really want to get back into the football league.

'The opportunity is there to train with Sir Alex Ferguson and hopefully impress a few people and get noticed.

'I'm keeping my fingers cross this can now kick me on.'


Keegan's Nephew Found Dead
Kevin Keegan's family have been hit by tragedy as the Newcastle manager's nephew has been found dead in a hotel room...

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan and his family are coming to terms with the death of 27-year-old Craig Keegan, who was discovered dead by Metro Inns staff last Wednesday.

The office worker booked a three-night stay in the Doncaster hotel and reports suggest that the man died of a drugs overdose between checking in on Monday and the discovery on his body Wednesday morning.

Staff were concerned after a cleaner failed to gain access to Room 220 and manageress Melanie Butcher was the first on the scene, having intended to wake Craig Keegan. The Mirror reports that Butcher "immediately thought that [Keegan] looked dead".

However, it must be noted that the cause of death has not been officially determined and coroner Fred Curtis is still awaiting the results of the routine toxicology tests.

Craig's father is Michael Keegan, the younger brother of Newcastle boss Kevin. Michael said his son suffered from agoraphobia and was largely housebound. In fact, the man hadn't left his house for five months before the doomed hotel stay.

The inquest has been adjourned until a later date.

Liam Black, Goal.com

[manutd004]

Originally Posted by RedForceRising

Keegan's Nephew Found Dead
Kevin Keegan's family have been hit by tragedy as the Newcastle manager's nephew has been found dead in a hotel room...

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan and his family are coming to terms with the death of 27-year-old Craig Keegan, who was discovered dead by Metro Inns staff last Wednesday.

The office worker booked a three-night stay in the Doncaster hotel and reports suggest that the man died of a drugs overdose between checking in on Monday and the discovery on his body Wednesday morning.

Staff were concerned after a cleaner failed to gain access to Room 220 and manageress Melanie Butcher was the first on the scene, having intended to wake Craig Keegan. The Mirror reports that Butcher "immediately thought that [Keegan] looked dead".

However, it must be noted that the cause of death has not been officially determined and coroner Fred Curtis is still awaiting the results of the routine toxicology tests.

Craig's father is Michael Keegan, the younger brother of Newcastle boss Kevin. Michael said his son suffered from agoraphobia and was largely housebound. In fact, the man hadn't left his house for five months before the doomed hotel stay.

The inquest has been adjourned until a later date.

Liam Black, Goal.com

I don't like the guy, but I would never something like this on ANYBODY I disliked.

RIP to him.

But back to happier matters, great thread rfr. Looking forward to reading more

[RedForceRising]

Originally Posted by manutd004

I don't like the guy, but I would never something like this on ANYBODY I disliked.

RIP to him.

But back to happier matters, great thread rfr. Looking forward to reading more

Thanks fot the encouragement and I too hope that the all souls may rest in peace.
.
.
.
.




Rooney agent to appeal
Stretford maintains his innocence and brands verdicts 'a travesty'

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...798956,00.html

Wayne Rooney's agent Paul Stretford is to launch an immediate appeal against his 18-month ban and £300,000 fine for breaking regulations when he signed the England striker.

Stretford continues to maintain his innocence after being found guilty by a disciplinary commission of seven out of nine charges brought by the Football Association.

The commission ruled the founder of Proactive Sports Management - which became the Formation Group four years ago - "muscled in" to persuade Rooney to breach his representation contract with previous agents Pro-Form in 2002, but a charge he had enticed the player to do so was not proven.

Some of the charges were for improper conduct, in relation to Stretford "making of false and/or misleading witness statements to police and giving false and/or misleading testimony to Warrington Crown Court" about the circumstances of how he came to represent Rooney.

The ban will not come into force until after the appeal or move to go to arbitration by Stretford. The second nine months of the suspension will not be invoked so long as he is not found to have not broken any other regulations.

But the agent has branded the ruling as 'a travesty' and confirmed he is set to appeal.

He said: "I believe the verdicts of the disciplinary panel against me are a travesty of the facts heard by its members during the hearing.
Immediate appeal

"I will be lodging an immediate appeal against the verdicts and continue to maintain my complete innocence of the charges brought against me.

"These charges came about as a result of my appearance at a criminal trial as a witness for the prosecution against men accused of blackmailing me with menaces.

"In pursuing their case against me, the FA seems almost wilfully to have cast me as the accused in the trial rather than a prosecution witness acting properly in the interests of justice."

He added: "It has always been my contention that the FA case against me should have been heard in public and by an independent panel. Had that been the case, I believe the verdicts would have been very different."

Italian Press: Casillas & Torres Favourites For Ballon D’Or
According to reports in the Italian press, Spain stars Iker Casillas and Fernando Torres are the two favourites for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=769786



Prior to Euro 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo was believed to be the frontrunner to win the prestigious prize following a prolific season for Manchester United, during which he scored 42 goals in all competitions.

However, Ronaldo may have harmed his chances of winning the prize after a relatively poor Euro 2008. The Portuguese attacker has also faced constant criticism that he fails to perform in the big games.

As a result, sections of the Italian press claim that Iker Casillas and Fernando Torres are the two main favourites ahead of Ronaldo.

Casillas had a stunning club campaign for Real Madrid, playing a key part in their La Liga success. He was also a major protagonist in Spain’s historic Euro 2008 triumph, particularly in the quarter final penalty shootout win over Italy.

Torres was also decisive in Austria and Switzerland, scoring the winner in the 1-0 final victory over Germany. The 24-year-old had a superb debut season for his club Liverpool, scoring 33 goals in all competitions.

Beneath Casillas and Torres, the three other players who are said to be in with a chance of winning the Golden Ball are Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Russia star Andrei Arhsavin.

The last Spaniard to win the Ballon d’Or was former Inter and Barcelona legend Luis Suarez, way back in 1960.

Anthony Sormani


Ronaldo's Girlfriend To Prevent Madrid Move?



Rumour has it that Cristiano Ronaldo's special lady, one Nereida Gallardo, could prevent his move to Real Madrid. Not only is the Mallorcan said to be eager to remain in England, but there may also be a nasty surprise awaiting them if they move to Spain...

Britain's classiest newspaper, the News of the World, claims that tensions could be immediately high if Ronaldo moves to the Bernabéu due to the presence of Sergio Ramos, with whom Nereida enjoyed a brief fling.

The paper gleefully squealed, "Cristiano doesn’t know Nereida’s already slept with one of Real Madrid’s top players.

"He’s a jealous guy and she’s kept it a secret from him because it’s something in her past. Sergio [Ramos is] a bit of a joker and the last thing she wants is him welcoming Cristiano to Madrid by announcing he’s already tackled his girlfriend."

Apparently the tryst took place after the two hooked up at the glitzy Madrid nitespot Joy Eslava.

"Sergio was there with two friends and they and Nereida’s mates all ended up back at his house. Sergio was all over Nereida and ended up leading her by the hand into his bedroom," concluded the article.

How much importance is actually to be placed on such gossip, even if true, is another matter entirely. As Cristiano and Nereida were not an item back then it hardly seems to be a make-or-break factor.

Ms. Gallardo's craving for the limelight, though, could be a considerably greater influence.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

[ManUtd19]

Lol some interesting stuff there. Nice thread.

In summary:

• Lamps on his way out
• Ronaldo has his mother, sister and girlfriend indicating a stay in Manchester
• Ronaldo might actually lose the Ballen d'Or again!
• Louis Bell stands a chance at stardom with Sir Alex
• Rooney's agent might not be a tosser

[RedForceRising]

July 10th 2008

Blatter says United should let Ronaldo go to Real

Alternative title:
Fat Swiss **** diverts attention away from the corruption charges FIFA are facing by stepping into the Ronaldo transfer saga

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...rss&feed=sport

Sepp Blatter has said Cristiano Ronaldo should be allowed to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid if he wants. "If the player wants to play somewhere else, then a solution should be found because if he stays in a club where he does not feel comfortable to play then it's not good for the player and for the club," said the president of Fifa, football's world governing body.

"There's too much modern slavery, in transferring players or buying players. We are trying now to intervene in such cases. The reaction to the Bosman law is to make long-lasting contracts to keep the players, and then if he wants to leave there is only one solution, he has to pay his contract."

When asked about the protracted wrangle over the 23-year-old Portugal winger's future, Blatter insisted players should be allowed to leave with impunity when they want to move clubs. "The important thing is, we should also protect the player," he said. "I'm always in favour of protecting the player, and if the player he wants to leave, let him leave."



Sagna Dismisses Gunners' Premier League Chances

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=770319

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has admitted his side’s title dreams may be dashed before the season even starts, but hopes last season’s experience will give them an edge…

Arsene Wenger’s men appeared odds on to secure the Premier League crown going into February, a string of indifferent results against average teams saw them concede the lead to eventual champions Manchester United.

The Gunners look likely to be without at least three key players from the last campaign, as both Aliaksandr Hleb and Emmanuel Adebayor look set to follow Mathieu Flamini out the Emirates’ exit.

Combined with the injury concerns of Eduardo da Silva and Robin van Persie, the waning form of veteran Gilberto Silva (who could also leave) and the supposed lack of leadership within the squad, the north London club could start the new season in a worse state than they finished the last one.

And Sagna confessed there are big problems that need to be addressed before Arsenal can even contemplate the idea of challenging for their 14th league title.

“There is no point in planning ahead for next March because we cannot be certain that we will still be in the hunt for the title by then,” the French full-back said in The Sun.

“Obviously, we all have regrets about last season and are hoping to improve on third place.

“But we need to learn from those lessons and that is why I don’t think it is a good idea to set ourselves a definite target for the new season.”

Mike Maguire


United admit defeat as Queiroz prepares to exit
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...nchesterunited

Manchester United will receive around £1m in compensation after reluctantly informing Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant, Carlos Queiroz, that he is free to leave the club and replace Luiz Felipe Scolari as Portugal's coach.

The deal was hammered out last night by United's chief executive, David Gill, and the president of the Portuguese football federation, Gilberto Madail, after Queiroz rejected a pay rise at Old Trafford and made it clear he could not turn down the chance to take Portugal to the next World Cup.

Queiroz, who has agreed a four-year contract, has been in Lisbon finalising the arrangements but is expected to fly to Manchester today to complete the formalities and say his goodbyes to the staff.

His departure presents Ferguson with an unwanted problem ahead of the forthcoming season, not least because Queiroz was supposed to play a major part in persuading Cristiano Ronaldo to resist Real Madrid's advances. Ferguson hopes to appoint a replacement before the start of the season, the likelihood being that he will headhunt someone from outside.




Other bits of juicy gossip courtesy of the Beeb

Middlesbrough striker Mido is determined to make his critics eat their words. The striker has lost two stone thanks to a gruelling summer fitness regime in a bid to be in tip-top shape for the start of the new season. (Various)

- Finally trying to earn his keep.

Phil Brown is in line for a 100% pay rise at Hull after the Tigers offered him a new three-year deal worth an annual £500,000. (Daily Mirror)

- Good for him. That would put him in the top 0.2% top earning people in the world.

Paul Ince's transfer kitty has received a £3m boost after Jack Walker's family, who still own the club, renewed their backing. (Daily Mirror)

Billionaire businessman Peter Cullum is in talks with Norwich owner Delia Smith to buy the club for £20m. (Daily Star)

The former Sunderland and Manchester City manager Peter Reid is to be appointed the new coach of Thailand at the end of July on a four-year deal, according to reports in Bangkok. (The Guardian)

Blackburn Rovers could be the next Premier League club to come under American ownership after a consortium from the United States registered its interest in buying the club. (The Times)



Blatter comments 'inappropriate'
PFA deputy chief executive McGuire questions Fifa president
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...802166,00.html

PFA deputy chief executive Mick McGuire believes Fifa president Sepp Blatter should operate in a 'more measured and controlled way'.

McGuire's comments follow Blatter's controversial comments on 'modern slavery' in football.

Speaking of Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo's future, amid interest from Real Madrid, Blatter said that no player should be held against his will.

McGuire feels that the Swiss' 'inappropriate' use of the word slavery rids his argument of all credibility.
Responsibility

"It is so inappropriate that he loses any credibility in his argument," McGuire told Sky Sports News.

"There are some words that should never be used in such a context. The word 'slavery' gets people wound up and destroys any argument that he has.

"I think he does it for effect. By focusing on the Ronaldo's future it creates the greatest interest.

"But I believe he does have a responsibility, considering his position, to look at things in a more measured and controlled way."



Ronaldo Shocker: Blatter Is Right
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=771321

Cristiano Ronaldo is said to have told Portuguese station TVI that he agrees with Sepp Blatter's comments regarding the treatment of modern footballers, adding that he has not yet come to an agreement with Real Madrid...

The winger is reported to have said that he agrees with FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who earlier controversially claimed that footballers were treated as modern day slaves, adding that Ronaldo should be allowed to leave if it is his personal desire.

The full TVI interview in which Ronaldo made this declaration, along with his desire to play for Real Madrid, was aired on Thursday evening during the 2000 BST bulletin.

Update: The interview was broadcast at 21:28 local time.

The Manchester United ace said, "I am optimistic - things have been going well, I have been undergoing treatments, everything is going ok.

"I have been progressing well, I am now focused on recovery.

"I will be back in 10-12 weeks. Training with the ball? That will start in around two months."

Talk moved towards the player's future.

"I am optimistic and tranquil about what's to come," he said.

"Blatter's comments? I agree with him. I have nothing else to say about that. What he (Blatter) said is correct.

"Have I already made a deal with Real Madrid? No - that's not true. There is no deal.

"I hope that my future will be decided as soon as possible but I do not know where I will start the season."

In conclusion he discussed Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz's chances of becoming Portugal manager.

"He is a great coach and would be a great solution for the Portugal squad," said Cristiano. "He'd be a great bet."

Deal Or No Deal

Meanwhile, Madrid-based sports daily As claims that Ronaldo himself is confident that his move to the Spanish capital will be completed sooner rather than later.

Apparently Ronaldo sought to allay the blancos' fears that his ankle operation and plans to return to Manchester would see to it that a move is in jeopardy.

The paper states that the player has communicated to Madrid his thoughts via his agent, Jorge Mendes, and an SMS text message. Translated, the text read: "Relax: I've taken care of everything."

(Additional reporting by Ewan Macdonald, editing by Sulmaan Ahmad, translation by Luis Mira)

[ManUtd19]

Some days I hate Blatter more than others.

[RedForceRising]

Barça's Henrique Move Smells Bad - Minguella
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=770889

Former Barcelona presidential candidate and football agent, Josep María Minguella, has questioned the Catalan club's reasons for wanting to sign Henrique from Palmeiras.
The man who was mainly responsible for taking Diego Maradona to Camp Nou cannot understand why the Blaugrana would spend €10m on such an inexperienced player.

Barça have been in talks to sign the Brazilian, but Minguella hinted that there was something wrong with the whole deal without acutally making any accusations.

His statements on Catalunya Radio come at a delicate time for the club's hierarchy as they struggle to hold on to power after a vote of no confidence last weekend.

"It smells bad," Minguella said when asked about the move for Henrique. "It is very unusual that you would sign a player for €10m when he has played only five games for his team."

It is reported that if Barça were to sign the 21-year-old this summer, then he would be offered to other top flight clubs in Spain for a season-long loan spell and that also concerns Minguella.

"Villarreal signed Martín Cáceres just over a year ago for €1.5m and then loaned him out. If you pay €10m for Henrique, it would not make any sense if he were not to play in the first team," he added.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

[RedForceRising]

JULY 11th 2008

Eight board members at Barca resign
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...803250,00.html

Eight members of the Barcelona board have resigned following a meeting on Thursday, but president Joan Laporta will remain in charge.

However, Vice presidents Albert Vicens, Marc Ingla and Ferran Soriano along with club secretary Xavier Cambra and directors Antoni Rovira, Claudia Vives-Fierro, Evarist Murtra and Josep Lluis Vilaseca all tendered their resignations over what they deemed "differences in opinion over the best way to act following the result of the vote of confidence on Sunday".

Laporta lost the vote but was not forced from office as 60.6% of fans - short of the required two-thirds - voted against him.

The 46-year-old president insisted after the vote that he would not resign and was forced to reiterate his position on Tuesday after reports in the Spanish media suggested he would hand in his notice at Thursday's board meeting.

"We have to reveal to you that all my colleagues here present, Marc Ingla, Ferran Soriano, Xavier Cambra, Antoni Rovira, Claudia Vives-Fierro, Evarist Murtra, Josep Lluis Vilaseca and I have resigned from our posts on the FC Barcelona board," Vicens told a press conference following the meeting.

"The motives which have led us to this decision are borne out of the differences in opinion over the best way to act following the result of the vote of confidence on Sunday.

"For us, the result on Sunday expressed that the majority were unhappy with this board and, given that the motion (to oust the board) was unsuccessful, this result warned that a substantial and immediate change was needed in the governing of this club.

"This idea is not shared by the president nor the directors who have decided to continue with the board. We understand our proposal offers the club stability and tranquility immediately as well as in the medium term.

"We want to make it clear that we absolutely respect the legitimate decision made by the president and the members of the board that continue alongside him.

"We respect that and at the same time we wish them the best of luck in their task."

The resignation of the eight directors means that four more new board members will have to be appointed in order for the board to meet the requirements of the club statute.

This is the biggest resignation en masse during Laporta's reign, after five members of the board quit in one day in 2005 - among them former vice president Sandro Rosell who said he would stand in opposition to Laporta in the next presidential elections.

It also takes the total number of people to have walked out on Laporta during his five-year reign to 14.

However, despite the obvious problems the club has, Vicens asked the Barca support not to continue rocking an already unsteady ship.

"The members and fans of FC Barcelona have to be sure that the club is in an optimal and solid sporting, economic and social situation," he continued.

"We ask the Barcelona supporters that, above any differing opinions, they contribute to the stability and calm which are needed in order to govern FC Barcelona."


Beckham: Tough choice for Ronaldo
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...804815,00.html

David Beckham believes Cristiano Ronaldo has a "difficult choice" to make between staying at Manchester United or joining Real Madrid.

Ronaldo, who has this summer spelt out his "dream" of playing for the Spanish giants, has agreed with Sepp Blatter's claim that there is "modern slavery" in the transfer market.

"I agree with the comments of the president of FIFA. What he said is right," the 23-year-old winger told Portuguese channel TVI.

Beckham, who swapped the North-West for the Spanish capital in 2003, believes United are every inch the equals of Real.

"When I left Manchester United the only other club I wanted to play for was Real Madrid," the England midfielder told Sky Sports News.

"Living in Madrid and playing for Madrid - there's not many better clubs than that apart from Manchester United, which is equal.

"But to have those two choices is good for him."

Beckham added in The Sun: "Playing for Manchester United was my dream but so was playing for Real. It was an incredibly difficult choice to make and I'm sure it is the same for Cristiano."


Beckham voted into MLS All-Star eleven
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ec=mls&cc=4716

England's David Beckham is one of five players to make the Major League Soccer All-Stars for the first time after voting results were announced by the league on Thursday.

The first-eleven will be joined by seven other players to make up the squad for the July 24 match against English Premier League club West Ham United in Toronto.

Beckham's L.A. Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan, was top of the selection, which was based on voting by fans, players, officials and the media, with Beckham and Chicago Fire's Mexican international Cuauhtemoc Blanco.

New England Revolution's Scottish coach Steve Nicol will be in charge of the All-Star team and has three of his club's players in the All-Star eleven.

All Star 'first eleven': Goalkeeper: Matt Reis (New England Revolution).

Defenders: Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution)

Midfielders: David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago Fire), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

Forwards: Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)


Other Juicy Bits of Gossip

Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon says players look forward to five-a-sides as boss Roy Keane joins in and the squad see it as a "chance to kick the manager". (Daily Mirror)

[RedForceRising]

Crouch deal proves Redknapp's quality
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnul...mouths_ri.html



Harry Redknapp may be in the autumn of his career as a manager - but it is about time his achievements at Portsmouth started to be taken more seriously outside Fratton Park.

The revelation today that Portsmouth have had an offer of around £9m accepted by Liverpool for Peter Crouch, and he is desperate to go there, says everything about the job Redknapp has done.

Any critique of Redknapp's career is usually prefaced by a patronising "good old 'Arry" or a simple description of his ability as a "wheeler dealer" in the transfer market.

In other words, call him what you like, but don't call him an outstanding manager.

There is so much more to Redknapp the manager than that and it is time it was acknowledged on a wider scale.

Just look at the team he has assembled at Fratton Park - and look at the players he is adding to it.

Redknapp is a manager who targets good players, has the powers of persuasion to bring them to Portsmouth, and then - rather importantly - gets them to play for him.

Crouch would have been a credible target for plenty of Premier League clubs, but the word on the grapevine since it became clear his days at Liverpool were numbered was that there was only one club and one manager he wanted to play for.

He is now going to get his wish in another statement of intent by Redknapp and Portsmouth - with more high-profile players to join him if other whispers are to be believed.

Redknapp's love affair with Pompey has been chequered, from resigning in November 2004 after the appointment of Velimir Zajec as executive director to an ill-fated spell in charge of rivals Southampton.

He was at Saints when they were relegated - not exactly something designed to hit hard at his popularity in Portsmouth admittedly - and was not welcomed by every supporter when he was re-appointed as manager in December 2005.

Redknapp showed his magic by guiding Portsmouth out of a seemingly doomed position - and since then it has been onwards and upwards, culminating in their FA Cup final win against Cardiff at Wembley in May.

Portsmouth's renaissance under Redknapp has been one of the Premier League's great hidden stories.

Redknapp has rejuvenated the careers of David James and Sol Campbell. He has attracted players of the calibre of Lassana Diarra to Portsmouth and pulled off a real coup by tempting Jermain Defoe away from Spurs.

There have been mistakes along the way - £6m for David Nugent anyone? - but the approach from Newcastle last season was an indicator of the respect Redknapp has among his peers in football.

Redknapp's latest foray into the market means he will have a likely front pairing of Crouch and Defoe next season - and this will be the envy of plenty of Premier League clubs.

Add to this a new 36,000-seater stadium overlooking Portsmouth harbour and Redknapp is going to leave a very healthy legacy.

Redknapp actually rates Pompey's Premier League survival in 2006 as a greater feat than winning the FA Cup - but now he has power to add.

Crouch is another top signing by Redknapp, a player who was under-used by Liverpool and arrives with a point to prove working with a manager who will put an arm around his shoulder and coax the best out of him.

Redknapp will have a few more new faces in place by the start of the season - just in time to make more of his critics eat their words.



Jordan warns Spurs-bound Bostock
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...ce/7499205.stm

Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has warned John Bostock he could be making a mistake by joining Tottenham.

Jordan is furious after the 16-year-old midfielder was allowed to leave the club for just £700,000 - a fee decided by a Football League tribunal hearing.

"I use the word scandalous. It's a panel of halfwits," he told BBC London. "And while I wouldn't want to waste my breath giving advice to John, look at Wayne Routledge. He took the chance to join Spurs, but where is he now?"

Routledge left Palace to move to White Hart Lane in 2005 for a fee of £1.25m, but made just five appearances in two-and-a-half years at Tottenham.

Since then, spells at Portsmouth and Fulham proved only marginally more successful, while he has made just one substitute appearance since joining Aston Villa from Spurs for £1.25m in January.

"When Spurs came knocking I told Wayne to stay and learn his trade at Palace," said Jordan.

"But he went, he grabbed the money, and now he's at Villa not getting in the first team, just like he didn't get in the Spurs team, just like he didn't get in the Portsmouth team and just like he didn't get in the Fulham team."

However, Bostock appears to be a different proposition entirely.

The midfielder made his Palace debut aged 15 and, according to Jordan, has been tracked by Barcelona "for a long, long time," while Chelsea had a bid of £900,000 for him rejected when he was just 14.

And Jordan revealed he had asked Tottenham for up to £4.5m for Bostock: "We thought about a valuation - a reasonable one in our eyes, having looked at the benchmarks - of £2m up front, £500,000 more when he signed his first professional contract, and another £2m when he had made 40 first-team appearances.

"If you make 40 first-team appearances for Spurs in midfield, you are a £15m-£20m player, not £4.5m so we were extremely reasonable and far from over-zealous.

"Look at Aaron Ramsey. He is 17, played 17 games for Cardiff last season, and Arsenal have just paid £5m for him.

"The tribunal valuation clearly doesn't reflect the transfer market. Their reasoning was that their previous highest valuation was £400,000 for Jermain Defoe seven years ago so, in terms of inflation, this is a decent fee.

"Well football doesn't run like inflation does it? The market now is 10-fold or 20-fold of what it was then.

"What this does is send out a message that academies and youth development policies are not worth investing in because perceived bigger clubs can come along at any time and do what the hell they like.

"It really is making me consider my position in football because the one thing that kept me focused in my time at Palace is producing my own players - but what's the point?"

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Queiroz set to be confirmed as Portugal manager today

Search for Ferguson's new assistant to begin
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...nchesterunited



Portugal are expected to announce this evening that Carlos Queiroz has agreed to become their new manager. Manchester United have reluctantly allowed the club's assistant manager to leave Old Trafford, giving Sir Alex Ferguson little more than a month to bring in a replacement before the new season starts. The news will be a further blow to United's hopes of keeping Cristiano Ronaldo at the club, with Queiroz regarded as a father figure to the Portugal winger.

Queiroz joined the club in 2002 and, even though United won the title in his first season, was widely criticised by fans, blamed for persuading Ferguson to deploy a seemingly negative 4-5-1 formation. However, in the past season his increasing influence over the team - in terms of coaching and style of play - has been recognised as United revelled in a thrilling brand of fluid attacking football, winning the Premier League and Champions League in the process.

Indeed, the significance of his role alongside Ferguson was felt when he left to manage Real Madrid in the 2003-04 season. While he failed to win a trophy in Spain before returning to Manchester, United underwent a similarly barren year, finishing third as Ferguson struggled without an assistant until he brought Walter Smith in for the final two months of the season.

United fans will therefore be eager to find out who Ferguson will bring in to help him, with Swansea City having already ruled out this week that their manager, Roberto Martinez, would leave for Old Trafford.

Queiroz had been one of the favourites to replace Ferguson as United boss, but the lure of managing his country for a second time was too much for him to refuse. His first stint between 1991 and 1994 was unsuccessful, with Portugal failing to qualify for the World Cup, but his stock has always been high in his homeland, having coached the so-called golden generation of Luis Figo and Rui Costa and the rest of Portugal's Under-20s to two world titles in 1989 and 1991.