Etter 40 sider, 782 postinger og 10.097 treff var det på tide å avslutte Part I-tråden og erstatte den!
Her er den Part I, med de meste om tidligere spillere og manager fra november 2006: http://www.luscos.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6926
DONCASTER want Danny Cadamarteri, 27, on a permanent basis. (The Sun)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Cadamarteri
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/leicester/content/images/2006/12/29/danny_cadamarteri_headshot_203x152.jpg)
WORTHY RALLIES HIS FOXES
New Leicester boss Nigel Worthington has called for 'passion and honesty' from his players as he begins his reign at the Walkers Stadium.
The former Norwich boss has taken over until the end of the season and even though he is initially only in the job for a month he still knows exactly what he wants from his troops.
He said: "I want the players to relax and enjoy the last month of the season. The only way we can do that is by winning games.
"All we need to do now is get the performance and the results right on the football pitch. We have got the players to do that and it is up to them to come to the fore with passion and honesty. They need to go out there and express themselves.
"I know the chairman and the supporters are up for it. It is now my job to make sure the players are."
Sportinglife.com
----
WORTHY SUCCESSOR AS KELLY GOES
Leicester have turned to former Norwich manager Nigel Worthington to help steer them to Coca-Cola Championship safety after sacking Rob Kelly.
Worthington, who was axed by Norwich in October and will face his former team at the Walkers Stadium on Saturday, has been placed in temporary charge until the end of the season by the Foxes' new owner Milan Mandaric.
(...)
"I have taken a decision to appoint Nigel Worthington as temporary caretaker manager with immediate effect and Nigel will be joined by Doug Livermore as his assistant.
"They have agreed to take charge for the remaining five games of the season at which time I will review and address the managerial situation."
Sportinglife.com
Også:
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_2052068,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2054551,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leicester_city/6544431.stm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=447893&in_page_id=1779
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/championship/article1640802.ece
RITCHIE: I CAN HELP TERRIERS BITE BACK
(http://images.sportinglife.com/06/09/330/Ritchie_162326.jpg)
Newly-appointed Huddersfield boss Andy Ritchie has promised the club's fans "attractive, attacking football" in his attempt to revive the team's fortunes and win promotion to the Coca-Cola Championship next season.
Ritchie has signed a two-year deal at the Galpharm Stadium, just one week after Phil Parkinson had a last-minute change of heart in order to remain part of Alan Pardew's coaching set-up at Charlton.
Coincidentally, it was Ritchie's Barnsley side which knocked the Terriers out of last season's Coca-Coca League One play-off semi-finals.
The Yorkshire club have struggled to recreate similar success this season and currently lie eight points above the relegation zone, but the former Manchester United and Oldham striker has seen enough potential to believe they are not too far away from where they want to be.
He said: "Huddersfield are a massive club. You only have to look at the facilities, the backing, the infrastructure and the crowd to see their potential.
"They need to be higher than they are and my goal is to get them into the Championship as soon as possible.
"They have underachieved this year and I want to reignite the spark, reignite their enthusiasm and really go for it.
"I want to play attractive, attacking football, I believe that's the way forward.
"You have got to have a spark about the place to get the whole club wanting success, and I think that's achievable.
"But that has to start with the players and filter onto the pitch, which will in turn bring a lot more to the supporters and the town."
Ritchie, who replaces Peter Jackson after he was sacked by the club in March following a dismal run of results, will meet up with his new squad of players on Thursday.
However, caretaker boss Gerry Murphy will take charge for Saturday's daunting trip to league leaders Scunthorpe, who will gain promotion with a victory.
"It's a baptism of fire but a great game to go into as new team manager," added Ritchie.
"I'll take a back seat for the clash and just express what I want from the players beforehand.
"After that I'll be working with John Dungworth (first-team coach) and Gerry, both of whom know the club inside out.
"There are a lot of good players here who obviously haven't performed as they can do. But hopefully we can change that by making it a fun place to be."
Sportinglife.com
Også:
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1811_2051937,00.html
http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=460211&CPID=11&clid=38&lid=2&title=Ritchie+takes+Terriers+post
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2054525,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/huddersfield_town/6538535.stm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=447906&in_page_id=1779
Carlisle happy to be back
(http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Premiership/Watford/carlisle_clarke.jpg)
Clarke Carlisle has explained how a positive outlook helped him overcome a serious thigh injury.
The Watford defender made his first Premiership appearance of the season in the 4-2 win over Portsmouth on Monday, after fighting back from surgery.
Carlisle's last serious injury was five years ago, when a problem with his cruciate knee ligament kept him on the sidelines for 18 months.
He admits he had problems coming to terms with that injury, and ended up having to be booked in to the Sporting Chance clinic.
"When I did my cruciate I went off the rails. I didn't handle it well at all," Carlisle told the Daily Star.
"You live and learn and hopefully grow up. I was determined to come through an injury problem better this time.
"When I went to the rehab clinic, there were people who helped me a great deal and gave me some values to live my life by.
"It's been extremely frustrating to be out for so long but you can't let it make you lose sight of real life and real priorities."
Carlisle could be selected for Watford's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United this weekend, but is unsure if he will be called upon.
"It would be disrespectful to the other lads who have worked hard all season to start thinking about that," he said.
"I wouldn't want to take away anything from what they have done.
"But if the chance was offered to me, of course I would not turn it down."
SkySports.com
--------------
Carlisle delighted with winning Watford comeback
Watford fullback Clark Carlisle was delighted to make his comeback in Monday's victory over Portsmouth.
Carlisle had not played since coming off against Queen's Park Rangers at Loftus Road on April 22nd last season after tearing a thigh muscle.
"Its frightening to think that you're out with a torn thigh muscle and it's a year before you play again," Carlisle told Watford's website. "But it was absolutely fantastic to be back playing competitive football in the Premiership. It's a dream come true, it was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it."
Tribalfootball.com
BIRTHDAYS - APRIL 12:
1969: Former Leeds and South Africa defender Lucas Radebe is born. (Celebrates 38th birthday).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Radebe
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/de/Radebe_lucas.jpg)
I grew up in a rough area
AARON LENNON grew up on a gritty council estate called Little London.
And that makes it all the more ironic how England’s little dynamo admits he struggled to settle in the big city after being forced to join Tottenham.
London seemed far more than the 160 miles or so back home to the Leeds suburbs he loved so much.
While the terrier-like winger appeared comfortable on the wing in the lillywhite shirt of Spurs from day one, on the inside he was desperately homesick.
A near £4million price tag on an 18-year-old’s shoulders and the pressure to prove his worth for a club in the shadows of Arsenal and Chelsea is not easy to carry off.
Even though you will find more ASBOs than Aston Martins in Little London, this tough patch of Yorkshire was home and offered a safe haven for Lennon, who admits he was desperate to go back.
Now aged 19 and with eight England caps, the winger said: “I was very homesick when I first joined Spurs. I was only just 18. I was happy at Leeds and at home and didn’t think anything was happening in the summer regarding a move.
“But Leeds were having money troubles and they told me you have to go. I didn’t have any choice in it.
“I didn’t want to go to London. I didn’t know anyone here, had no friends or family and was really struggling.
“It was my first time away from home. On a day off it was certain I would be back in Leeds. My bag would be packed the day before.
"And even sometimes after a normal training day, if I thought there was a chance I could be back in Leeds by six o’clock that night I would be straight in my car and up the M1.
“I would go home just to see my family and friends. It was the routine I missed.
“People on the outside dismiss it by saying ‘he’s being paid a lot of money and playing every week’ but it’s not that simple. I was missing home so badly.
“Little London is not far from Chapeltown in Leeds. It’s quite a rough area, made up of council estates.
“It was not the best place to grow up but it made me what I am.
“Most of my friends are from that area and come down to watch me play even now or they travel across the country if we have a game up north.†Family is important to Lennon. Tottenham tried to make him feel at home after his £3.9m move in the summer of 2005 but it took time and patience from boss Martin Jol to coax the best out of his young star.
The street-style razor-cut eyebrows mark him out with the ‘gangsta’ look but he’s no hardman. On the inside what matters most are his nearest and dearest.
Ahead of tonight’s UEFA Cup clash with Seville, he added: “The manager gave me a break to go home â€" but not to Leeds. My dad and big brother came to see me and eventually I just started to enjoy it down in London.
“Those few days off did the trick. My dad has done everything for me and seeing him at my place really helped.
“He is my hero. If it wasn’t for him I would not be where I am today.
“He devoted his life to me and my brothers, making sure we didn’t miss a training session and that we were all playing as much football as possible.
“I can’t thank him enough. Now I go up to Leeds maybe once every three months. My family come down to visit but I feel fine and am enjoying my life.
“I feel such a part of it now. We have so many young lads coming through in this Spurs team. If we keep going like this we have a great chance of breaking into the top four.â€
Spurs will need Lennon at his electrifying best to have any chance of overturning Seville’s 2-1 advantage.
Yet the pacy winger has a taste for the big occasion, not least when he scored the winner against Chelsea in November to cement his place in the affections of Spurs fans. A thrilling 3-3 draw in the FA Cup quarter-finals was followed by Chelsea’s 2-1 win in the replay three weeks ago.
At the end of that game Lennon’s young eyes were really opened when a fan ran on to the pitch and tried to punch Blues midfielder Frank Lampard.
Lennon recalled: “I couldn’t believe it. I was walking off the pitch and I could hear all the noise. I actually thought a few of the lads were having a fight! And then I saw a couple of fans on the pitch.
“It’s crazy when things like that happen. I was speaking to Lamps and he said it was crazy, he turned around and a fan was taking a swing at him.â€
The Sun
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
“I was happy at Leeds and at home and didn’t think anything was happening in the summer regarding a move.
“But Leeds were having money troubles and they told me you have to go. I didn’t have any choice in it.
Skulle selvsagt aldri reist fra Leeds...!
Southgate keen to keep star duo
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate feels keeping hold of Jonathan Woodgate and Mark Viduka this summer is "key" to the future of the club.
With six games still to play, Southgate is yet to turn his attention fully towards his summer recruitment programme, but two hugely important issues remain at the forefront of his mind.
England defender Woodgate returns to the squad after a hamstring injury for Saturday's game against Aston Villa with his future, like that of striker Viduka, still undecided.
Southgate has vowed not to rush either man into a decision with Woodgate's year-long loan deal from Real Madrid due to expire at the end of the season and Viduka in talks over a new contract.
However, he remains hopeful of securing both men and with them, the opportunity to attract other targets to Teesside.
He said: "I do not know if we can compete with huge offers, but we hope we can compete and impress upon people what we are trying to do here.
"We hope we are building something the players want to be a part of, and if we can keep those sort of players, it sends a signal out to other players who might be thinking about coming here that we are doing some things right.
"That is another reason it is key for us to try to keep hold of those guys.
"Players today will earn money whatever they do. They are in a very fortunate and privileged position in that respect.
"But the top guys want to have success and they want to be part of something they enjoy and that they feel is going in the right direction.
"At the moment, I think those two lads feel that way. But I respect the fact they have lots to think about."
TeamTalk
The following players celebrate their birthday on April 14;
1981: Real Madrid's Spanish international defender Raul Bravo, previously on loan at Leeds United, is born. (Celebrates 26th birthday)
(http://futbal.zoznam.sk/userfiles/Image/.raul%20bravo_b.jpg)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra%C3%BAl_Bravo
Livermore fires Hull drop shot
David Livermore admits the pain of getting relegated with Millwall last season is driving him on to avoid the same fate with strugglers Hull.
Livermore says captaining a Millwall side which dropped out of the Championship with a whimper was the lowest point of his career.
He could suffer the same experience with Hull, who face Colchester at the KC Stadium just two points above the drop zone.
Livermore said: "Relegation is a horrible feeling and I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. But we’ve shown on plenty of occasions this season we can mix it with the best sides in the league."
Robbie Blake reckons Leeds can kiss goodbye to the Championship if they fail to beat his former club Burnley.
The striker says United need seven points from their last four games and beating mid-table Burnley at Elland Road is crucial.
He said: "Our two home games are must-win and if we can get a point away from home, I’m sure that will be enough. I fancy us at home against any team."
The Daily Mail
I farta 14/4
FA:
Watford - Man. U. 1-4.
Clarke Carlisle hele kampen for Watford, mens Marlon King kom inn i 77. mins. Judas Ferdinand og Alan Smith spilte hele kampen for Man.Yoo.
PL:
Middlesbrough - Aston Villa 0-3.
Jon Woodgate spilte hele kampen for Boro, mens Adam Johnson ble byttet ut (tactical) i 53. mins.
Arsenal - Bolton 2-1.
Gary Speed spilte hele kampen for Bolton.
Sheff. U - West Ham 3-0.
Lee Bowyer (gult kort i 21. mins, unsporting behaviour) starter for Hammers, men ble byttet ut (tactical) i 65. mins.
Reading - Fulham 1-0.
John Oyster byttet inn i 70 mins. for Reading.
Portsmouth - Newcastle 2-1.
James Milner hele kampen for Newcastle.
Man. C - Liverpool 0-0.
Jermaine Pennent startet for Pool, men ble byttet ut (tactical) i 75. mins.
CCC:
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/hampshire/content/images/2005/09/27/brett_ormrerod_203_203x152.jpg)
Coventry - Preston 0-4: 0-3 Brett Ormerod (49), 0-4 Ormerod (56).
Brett Ormerod og Danny Pugh (gult kort i 44. mins, time wasting) spilte hele kampen for NE, som hadde Michael Ricketts som ubenyttet reserve.
Birmingham - Southampton 2-1.
Jermaine Wright startet for Saints, men ble byttet ut (tactical) i 75. mins.
Cardiff - Stoke 1-1.
Stephen McPhail spilte hele kampen for Cardiff, som hadde Warren Feeney som ubenyttet reserve. Dom Matteo startet for Stoke, men ble byttet ut (tactical) i 86. mins.
Luton - Plymouth 1-2.
Matthew Spring startet for Hatters, men ble byttet ut (injured) i 46. mins.
Leicester - Norwich 1-2.
Geoff Horsfield byttet inn i 65. mins for Leicester. Tony Warner og Darren Huckerby hele kampen for Norwich.
Leeds - Burnley 1-0.
Steven Caldwell og Andy Gray hele kampen for Burnley
Ipswich - Derby 2-1.
Dan Harding (gult kort i 86. mins - unsporting behaviour) byttet inn i 31. mins for Ipswich. Seth Johnsen byttet ut (tactical) i 46. mins for Rams.
** Totalt 2 røde og 10 gule i kampen, ett rødt og seks gule til Derby.
Hull - Colchester 1-1.
David Livermore startet for Hull, mens ble byttet ut (injured) i 68. mins.
Crystal Palace - Wolves 2-2.
Andy Keogh spilte hele kampen for Wolves.
Div. 1:
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39215000/jpg/_39215018_sheriff_emp203.jpg)
Millwall - Tranmere 2-2: 0-1 Shane Sherriff (9).
Shane Sherriff (gult kort i 89. mins., unsporting behaviour) spilte hele kampen for Reading.
Scunthorpe - Huddersfield: 2-0.
Andy Crosby og Jermaine Beckford hele kampen for Irons.
** Scunthorpe sikret opprykk!
Rotherham - Carlisle 0-1.
Martin Woods hele kampen for Rotherham, mens Danny Graham spilte hele kampen for Carlisle.
** Rotherham rykket ned!
Port Vale - Crewe 3-0.
Nathan Lowndes inn i 46. mins for Vale.
Oldham - Celtenham 0-2.
Sean Gregan spilte hele kampen for Oldham.
Leyton Orient - Doncaster 1-1.
Neil Sullivan og Danny Cadamateri spilte hele kampen for Donny, som hadde Sam Hird som ubenyttet reserve.
Brighton - Bradford 0-1.
David Wetherall og Danny Rose (gult kort 81. mins, dissent) spilte hele kampen for City.
Brentford - Nott. Forest 2-4.
Alan Wright startet for Forest, men ble byttet ut (tactical) i 84. mins.
Div. 1:
MK Dons - Darlington 1-0.
Julian Joachim spilte hele kampen for Darlington, hvor Simon Johnson kom inn i 59. mins.
Lincoln - Wrexham 0-3.
Jamie Forrester startet for City, men ble byttet ut (tactical) i 76. mins.
Sky Sports: Premiership player ratings
4-->10
Gary Speed: 6 (Nothing special)
Jermaine Pennent: 5 (Disappointing)
Jon Woodgate: 7 (Missed Huth)
Adam Johnson: 6 (Promising)
James Milner: 7 (Tried hard)
John Oyster: 6 (Sub: Unable to cause problems)
Lee Bowyer: 6 (Tried his best)
Sydney set their sights on Fowler
Sydney FC have set their sights on a summer swoop for Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler as they believe he is "out of the top drawer".
Sydney pondered an approach for West Ham veteran Teddy Sheringham but felt he was too old, so have now targeted a move for former England hitman Fowler.
The 32-year-old is out of contract at Anfield this summer, and Sydney chief executive George Perry has confirmed he is the biggest name on the club's shopping list for Version Three of the A-League.
"He's been discussed at board room level and it shows just how determined we are to set the benchmarks in Australian football that we are serious about targeting a player of his calibre," Perry told Fox Sports.
"He's out of the top drawer and although an official approach has not yet been made, it goes without saying that if he did come to Australia it would be a huge signing for us."
Fowler has started just seven games for the Reds this season - making a further 12 appearances off the bench - for a total of seven goals.
TeamTalk
Huff....
En oppfølgertråd til den tråden jeg hater mest her inne!
Det grøsser gjennom marg og bein!
"Why settle for more, when you can settle for less"
Middlesbrough have agreed an £8m fee with Real Madrid for Jonathan Woodgate (Mail on Sunday).
Micky Adams could be in line for a second spell as Brentford manager (News of the World).
The following players celebrate their birthday on April 15:
1973: Swedish international Teddy Lucic, who represented his country at the World Cup in the summer, is born. (Celebrates 34th birthday).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Lu%C4%8Di%C4%87
(http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics05_06/WorldCup2006/Sweden/lucic-teddy.jpg)
Har du en peil på hva Mark Tinkler har gjort etter Leeds, Kjelvi?
Hartelpool
Fatter ikke at dere gidder å bruke tid og energi på
spillere som en gang har spilt for oss [:0]
Bryr meg nå stort sett bare om de vi har i klubben i dag [:)]
quote:
Originally posted by Budda
Har du en peil på hva Mark Tinkler har gjort etter Leeds, Kjelvi?
Som Runar skriver: i Hartlepool siden 2001.
Her er det meste: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Tinkler
Sliter med skader og er helt på slutten av sin karriere. Sliter spesielt med akillelsen. Bare fire kamper så langt denne sesongen - tre fra start og en som innbytter.
'Den nye Batty' slo dessverre aldri til, men har en respektabel karriere i de lavere divisjoner med York, Southend og Hartlepool. Høgt verdsatt alle plasser hvor han har vært, bl.a. som kaptein i alle tre klubbene.
Må korigerer deg (elsker å korrigere når det gjedler Leeds)
Men Tinkler var ikke den "nye Batty" det var det Mark Ford som hadde den tittelen...
Tinkler var en litt mer elegant og playmaker aktigtype...Dog spilte han sentralt litt dypt på midtbanen:-)
quote:
Originally posted by Runar
Må korigerer deg (elsker å korrigere når det gjedler Leeds)
Men Tinkler var ikke den "nye Batty" det var det Mark Ford som hadde den tittelen...
du har helt rett!
I farta 15/4
PL:
Everton - Charlton 2-1.
Scott Carson spilte hele kampen for Charlton, mens Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (gult i 90., dissent)ble byttet inn i 83. mins.
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42803000/jpg/_42803341_footy4.jpg)
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42803000/jpg/_42803569_footy6.jpg)
Wigan - Tottenham 3-3: 2-2 Robbie Keane (str. 35), 3-3 Keane (68).
Caleb Folan byttet inn i 66. mins. for Wigan. Paul Robinson og Robbie Keane hele kampen for Spurs, hvor Aaron Lennon startet og ble byttet ut (tactical) i 75. mins.
Tippeligaen:
(http://www.sandefjordfotball.no/admin/images/view.asp?id=1286)
Sandefjord - Aalesund 3-0: 3-0 Tommy Knarvik (86).
Tommy Knarvik spilte hele kampen for Sandefjord.
Smith: I'm your man Sir Alex
Alan Smith believes he has shown Sir Alex Ferguson why he is the man to lead from the front, as Manchester United attempt to emulate their treble-winning antics of 1999.
Having spent much of the campaign recovering from a broken leg sustained 13 months ago against Liverpool, Smith for the most part has cut a forlorn figure but against Roma was surprisingly given opportunity to impress.
In place of the injured Louis Saha the Leeds-born striker put in a typically robust shift that delighted everyone at Old Trafford, and he is eager to keep his place as United hunt for glory.
The majority of Smith's games for United have seen him employed as a defensive midfielder, but it is back in his more natural position that he is bidding to establish himself at the Premiership leaders.
Hele saken: http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=461039&CPID=8&clid=1&lid=2&title=Smith:+I'm+your+man+Sir+Alex
Greedy bastard:
EXCLUSIVE: KOP CONTRACT SECRETS REVEALED
We name winners and losers in Liverpool pay lottery
Andy Dunn
HARRY KEWELL has not kicked a ball in anger this season.
Some may say that he has NEVER kicked a ball in anger.
But at least he is still collecting his £2million a year ... and taking advantage of the six business class flights to Australia that Liverpool kindly fund.
Not only that - if another club is of a mind to bid more than £6million for the injuryprone Aussie, he gets 50 per cent of everything over that mark.
[xx(]
In detail:
HARRY KEWELL
BASIC SALARY
Contrary to popular rumour, the injuryprone Aussie does not get £80,000 a week - he has to make do with £40,000 for the duration of his five-year deal.
BONUSES
Kewell has shunned the performance-related bonuses (just as well, probably) but he is the only player at Liverpool to have an image-rights clause. Also has a deal that will give him a slice of any transfer fee over £6million.
ADDED PERKS
Liverpool pick up the tab for six business class flights back to Australia.
[:D] Laughing all the way to the bank, again....
PFA's Young Player of the Year award:
Kandidat: Aaron Lennon (Spurs).
Andre: Ronaldo (Man.Yoo), Cesc Fabregas (Arse), Wayne Rooney (Man.Yoo) (looking for a hat-trick, having won the accolade in both 2005 and 2006), Kevin Doyle (Reading) og Micah Richards (Manchester City).
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/04/16/SOCCER_PFA.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6559685.stm
http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=461241&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=2&title=PFA+Player+of+Year+nominees
King coy on future
Marlon King has revealed he will not consider his future until Watford's Premiership fate has been sealed.
The Hornets are almost certain to slip out of the top flight, as they are 11 points adrift of safety with only five games remaining.
Their Premiership challenge was not helped by the long-term knee injury King suffered last year, but he made a surprise return in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United.
King admitted he was happy to make a return to action, but the talk quickly moved to the powerful forward's future.
He has been linked with a move to Aston Villa and although admitting to being flattered by the transfer talk, King claims his focus is on Watford's final five games of the season.
"It's a big club; nice surroundings," King told The Times upon his exit from Villa Park after the defeat to United. "It's nice speculation but I just want to focus on getting fit and scoring goals."
Asked whether he should remain at Watford next term following a season of injury torment, King said: "I can't comment on that because we're not down yet so you'll have to ask me again once we are relegated.
"I've scored [almost] 25 goals in 50 games for Watford so as much as Watford have been good for me, I've been good for Watford. We've been good for each other. I get on well with the gaffer and the fans."
SkySport
The following players celebrate their birthday on April 16:
1987: Tottenham Hotspur's rising England international winger Aaron Lennon (pictured) is born. (Celebrates 20th birthday)
(http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Premiership/Tottenham/lennon_braga.jpg)
http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~1012332,00.html
Og neste år skal vi forhåpentligvis spille i samme liga for siste gang[8D] MOT
AIDY VOWS TO KEEP VULTURES AT BAY
(http://images.sportinglife.com/06/11/330/MarlonKing_172542.jpg)
Adrian Boothroyd is ready to stubbornly reject bids for players such as Marlon King when Watford's Barclays Premiership campaign finishes next month.
Even victory at Blackburn tomorrow night would leave the Hornets facing a mountain to climb to stay in the top flight, and Boothroyd would want to keep the men who have impressed this season for another promotion push.
Striker King has been out for six months but showed enough prior to his knee injury to suggest others would be interested, although his manager has warned teams they would be wasting their time with an offer.
And Boothroyd wants his club to emulate sides that have been relegated in past years when it comes to transfer approaches.
"He won't go," Boothroyd said of King. "One of the things I admire about West Brom is the fact that when you try to get their players they just say 'no'.
"Then you try and try and they just say 'no'. That's exactly what is going to happen here. We don't have to sell anybody."
Boothroyd will take the same approach if his other players attract interest, with Hameur Bouazza and Jay DeMerit impressing despite Watford's struggles leaving them at the foot of the table.
He added: "I'm sure there's one or two looking at teams that may possibly go down and thinking 'Hwow can we raid them?'
"Whatever happens to us, I want to keep the players together that I want to keep. Nobody will leave that I don't want to leave, especially those that have done so well this year.
"It will be very difficult if a player says they want to leave, but that's where I'll earn my money.
"I've chatted with the people I think I need to chat to, those that may get tapped-up if that were ever to happen, because it is my job to be pro-active."
King's situation appears the most intriguing. The 26-year-old has had a controversial career in which he has spent time in jail for handling a stolen car but under Boothroyd has developed the potential he showed at Gillingham and Nottingham Forest.
"Marlon in particular has proved himself in the Championship, is well on the way to proving himself in the Premiership and he's still young enough to play in the Premiership again," said Boothroyd. "If we were to go down he could play in it (the Premiership) with us."
Boothroyd is confident there will not be a repeat of the January transfer window when Ashley Young left for Aston Villa.
The £9.5million deal for the England Under-21 forward saw Boothroyd lose an attacking option but also put the club in a position of financial strength which means selling players is no longer essential to balancing the books.
"Ashley Young was different," Boothroyd added. "He was an awful lot of money at the right time in the season. But now, if we do go down we want to get straight back up, so nobody will be leaving."
King could be on the bench at Ewood Park after making his comeback with a brief appearance in the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester United at the weekend.
PA Sport
SMITH TIPPED FOR ENGLAND AS OWEN IS WITHDRAWN
(http://images.teamtalk.com/07/04/190/AlanSmith_214973.jpg)
The scenario was inconceivable just ten days ago but Michael Owen and Alan Smith are being tipped to spearhead England's attack in June's must-win Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia.
Hele saken: http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_2069979,00.html
Også: http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_2069933,00.html
Matteo backs Leeds escape bid
(http://images.teamtalk.com/06/09/190/75074_160595.jpg)
Dominic Matteo admits he finds it depressing to consider how far Leeds have fallen since the glory days at Elland Road.
But the former Leeds defender, whose opening goal at the San Siro against AC Milan in the Champions League will forever be remembered by fans, is convinced Dennis Wise's struggling side will escape relegation.
Matteo said: "Leeds are finding it tough in a physical league. They've not been able to name a settled side all season which doesn't help.
"I'm sure they'll scrape out of it though this season, I really hope they do. I try not to think about that goal in the San Siro too much now as it gets me down to see where they are now.
"It's a massive club and they shouldn't be in the predicament they are in. Somehow they've got to get out of it.
"I had good times there and a special rapport with the fans. If it wasn't for the relegation and the club having to sell me for certain financial issues I'd still be there. I had no choice but to leave."
TeamTalk
Horsfield targets Foxes stay
Leicester striker Geoff Horsfield hopes to win a permanent move to the club by shooting the Foxes to victory over his former club Birmingham.
Hele saken: http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1786_2069577,00.html
Lowndes wary over his future
(http://images.teamtalk.com/07/01/190/NathanLowndes02_85154.jpg)
Port Vale striker Nathan Lowndes has admitted that his future "is out of my hands."
Hele saken: http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1828_2070837,00.html
I was glad I was so stubborn, says Smith
The closest Alan Smith has been to glory in his twoand- a-half years at Manchester United came when his teammates dedicated last year’s Carling Cup win over Wigan to their injured team-mate.
A nice touch, but hardly what Smith moved from Leeds United to Old Trafford for.
A year or so on, Smith is back in the limelight for all the right reasons. He has recovered from the broken ankle that threatened his career in January 2006 and the 26-year- old has suddenly found himself at the apex of United’s attack as they push for glory on three fronts.
Given what he has been through, Smith is optimistic but cautious. "It has only been two games so I’m not going to get carried away," he said ahead of tonight’s Premiership clash with Sheffield United at Old Trafford.
"I’ve got a fair bit to do to get back to my best. But there’s a job to be done in the team and hopefully I’m doing well. It helps that everyone’s playing with great confidence since I’ve come back. I’m playing up front, my normal role for the team. I love playing there. You’re always involved. You’re pivotal.
"This time last year, it was a totally different thing for me, mentally as well as physically, getting over my injury and getting back playing. It has been hard."
Smith’s time at Old Trafford has been far from straightforward.
Signed with the promise from manager Sir Alex Ferguson that he would be used only as a traditional striker, Smith found himself converted to central midfield last season. He was playing there when he broke his ankle at Liverpool.
This season has had its issues, too. The suggestion he went out on loan to speed up his recovery was met with a flat rejection from the Yorkshireman and a verbal altercation with assistant manager Carlos Queiroz followed.
Has Smith’s stubbornness been vindicated? He believes so. "I was nowhere near going out on loan," he said. "The gaffer called me in and said I would have a list of clubs wanting to take me on loan. I said I wasn’t going. It was as simple as that.
"People say it was a chance to play regularly in the Premiership but I’ve done that before and I know I can do it. It’s games like the FA Cup semi-final and last week against Roma that you want to be involved in. You can’t get that anywhere other than the top three clubs.
"There was no need to see the list of clubs because I wasn’t going, so it didn’t matter.
"At the time, a lot of people questioned it and said I needed first-team football. I knew that training with the best players, day after day, couldn’t compare with playing in matches, but it was the closest I was going to get to knowing how fit I would be when I could play."
It is clear that Ferguson wanted Smith to go out on loan. It is known that every Premiership club apart from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City approaches in January.
It would be wrong, however, to feel that the manager-player relationship has suffered. Ferguson admires Smith’s spirit, respects his obstinacy. And his role between now and the end of the season will be significant. Smith said: ‘The injury itself was the low point. I never really thought about days like this. My main role was to get back in this team, whether it’s playing at Portsmouth, against Roma or in the FA Cup Final.
"The biggest thing over the last week has been the gaffer’s belief in me. To put me in against Roma, and have faith in me to do well in a massive game, was everything that I’d hoped for. He’d seen the work that I’d put in. Hopefully it will pay off."
dailymail.co.uk
I farta 17/4
PL:
Man. U - Sheff. U 2-0.
Alan Smith (gult kort i 29. mins.) hele kampen for Man.Yoo, mens Matt Kilgallon spilte hele kampen for Sheff. U.
CCC:
Leicester - Birmingham 1-2.
Alan Maybury starter for Leicester, men ble byttet ut i 75. mins for Geoff Horsfield. Danny Cadamarteri var tilbake etter Doncaster-lån, startet på benken og ble byttet inn i 65. mins.
Burnley - Norwich 3-0: 2-0 Andy Gray (86).
Steven Caldwell (gult i 56. mins., unsporting behaviour) spilte hele kampen, mens Andy Gray ble byttet ut (tactical) i 90. mins. Tony Warner spilte hele kampen for Norwich.
I farta 18/4
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42819000/jpg/_42819109_adi_pa.jpg)
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd appears to be resigned to relegation as he sees his side slide towards defeat
PL:
Blackburn - Watford 3-1.
Clarke Carlisle hele kampen for Watford, mens Marlon King ble byttet inn i 49. mins.
Liverpool - Midlesbrough 2-0.
Jermaine Pennent hele kampen for Pool, mens Robbie Fowler var ubenyttet reserve. Jon Woodgate spilte hele kampen for Boro, hvor Mark Viduka kom inn i 66. mins.
I flg. denne linken er Blackwell fortvilet & forbannet over det tilgjengelig spillemateriellet i Luton for tiden. Han mener at styret nærmest har ført klubben ned i L1 med viten og vilje.
http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2aspx?sectionid=542&articleid=2713250
Stakkars KB. Han blir jo bare satt til å lede klubber i krise.
Change is the constant that cannot be changed.
quote:
Originally posted by RoarG
I flg. denne linken er Blackwell fortvilet & forbannet over det tilgjengelig spillemateriellet i Luton for tiden. Han mener at styret nærmest har ført klubben ned i L1 med viten og vilje.
http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2aspx?sectionid=542&articleid=2713250
Stakkars KB. Han blir jo bare satt til å lede klubber i krise.
Change is the constant that cannot be changed.
Det kan da umulig være noen overraskelse for KB. Dette har jo ethvert normalt tenkende (fotball)menneske visst siden januar-salget til Luton Town Football Club.
Aidy tipped to lead Hornets revival
Keith Burkinshaw insists that Watford's probable relegation from the Premiership will make Adrian Boothroyd a better manager.
Boothroyd's team will be condemned to the Championship next season if they lose to Manchester City at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which would bring an effective end to a very difficult campaign in the top flight for the Hornets.
Boothroyd's assistant Burkinshaw was Tottenham manager when they were relegated from the old Division One in 1977 - but went on to win two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup during his eight-year spell in charge at White Hart Lane.
"You have to have been at the bottom to know how good it is to be near the top," said Burkinshaw, 71. "It is awful at the bottom, but you have to lose to appreciate what winning is about.
"This will hurt Aidy (Boothroyd), but I think it will be useful for his development. He has a fantastic attitude. He is always bubbly and full of life."
Hele saken: http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_2074850,00.html
Middlesbrough boss promises Woodgate big changes
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has promised Jonathan Woodgate big signings as he tries to convince the on-loan Real Madrid defender to sign permanently.
Woodgate's future is in doubt, and boss Southgate admits: "We can only do what we have been doing all season with him. He was excellent against Liverpool and he has enjoyed working with us.
"But he knows the situation, we are not one of the top four and we do not have the resources to compete with those teams.
"But there will be a lot of change at Middlesbrough in the summer and we hope he wants to be a part of that.
"We speak all the time, and he needs time to think about things. At the moment we are in the middle of a busy period of matches and everyone wants to focus on that, the other side of things will take care of itself."
tribalfootball.com
Middlesbrough's Viduka would jump at Genoa offer
Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka would jump at the chance of a move to Genoa, says a former agent.
Andrea D'Amico revealed: "Mark loves Italy. If an offer came that matched his aspirations then I'm sure he would come to our country without any problems."
Genoa president Enrico Preziosi is keen to land Bosman prospect Viduka at the end of this season.
Tribalfootball.com
Pennant enjoying Reds run
Jermaine Pennant believes he is beginning to reach the standards expected of him by Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.
The winger has started to force his way into The Reds' line-up on a regular basis, but insists he is still on the learning curve.
Pennant's run in the team has brought with it improved confidence and the 24-year-old is determined to continue flying.
"I'm in good form at the moment, but that's as part of the team isn't it?" Pennant told the Liverpool Echo.
Hele saken: http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=462045&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=2&title=Pennant+enjoying+Reds+run
Blair signs up Ferdinand as anti-gun crime ambassador
Rio Ferdinand has been signed up as the first of a potential string of Premiership "ambassadors" to lure vulnerable young people away from street gangs and knife crime.
The Manchester United defender met Tony Blair in Downing Street yesterday to take on the role. Other top-flight footballers may follow his example.
The idea came out of a "gun summit" in Moss Side, Manchester, earlier this year, when the prime minister met Ferdinand to discuss the problem.
Hele saken: http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2061242,00.html
Enig. Det var jo p.g.a. løsmunnethet ang. styrets disposisjoner Newell fikk sparken. Virker mer som Blackwell toer sine hender ved å legge ansvaret for nedrykket over på andre. Det er sikkert mye rett, men det er aldri lurt å kritisere arbeidsgiver offentlig. Sparken kan da være et faktum, men det er kanskje det han vil? Blackwell greier sikkert å organisere Luton på en slik måte at de greier seg bra i League One.
quote:
Originally posted by berlin
quote:
Originally posted by RoarG
I flg. denne linken er Blackwell fortvilet & forbannet over det tilgjengelig spillemateriellet i Luton for tiden. Han mener at styret nærmest har ført klubben ned i L1 med viten og vilje.
http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2aspx?sectionid=542&articleid=2713250
Stakkars KB. Han blir jo bare satt til å lede klubber i krise.
Change is the constant that cannot be changed.
Det kan da umulig være noen overraskelse for KB. Dette har jo ethvert normalt tenkende (fotball)menneske visst siden januar-salget til Luton Town Football Club.
Change is the constant that cannot be changed.
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd is ready to offload Clarke Carlisle and Steve Kabba. (Daily Mirror)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Alan Smith should be recalled to the England squad. (The Sun)
Warnock failed to lure Smith from Old Trafford
NEIL WARNOCK has admitted trying to bring Alan Smith to Sheffield United on loan during the January transfer window, ahead of tonight's daunting Premiership trip to leaders Manchester United.
The former Leeds United striker was out of the Old Trafford side at the time after suffering a horrific broken leg during the FA Cup exit to Liverpool in February last year.
Smith's only two starts on the road to recovery had come in the Carling Cup against Crewe and Southend, and by the start of 2007 he was well down the pecking order of strikers.
Warnock duly tried to bring the Rothwell-born forward to Bramall Lane on loan but was left frustrated by Smith's desire to win back his place at Old Trafford.
Hele saken: http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/sheffield-utd?articleid=2707009
Beesley puts his faith in Blades
FORMER Sheffield United defender Paul Beesley passed a unique test of character when keeping the Blades in the Premier League 14 years ago. (....)
Until three months ago, Beesley, 41, was a regular at Bramall Lane on matchdays, but he now works as a youth coach for Yorkshire neighbours Leeds United.
He spent five years with the Blades between 1990-95 and made nearly 200 appearances before extending his career with Leeds, Manchester City, Port Vale and Chester City.
He started his professional career at Wigan Athletic â€" another of the clubs involved in the battle for survival â€" but his children have been raised as Blades supporters.
Should they stay up, Beesley thinks the Blades will go from strength to strength over the next few seasons.
"There's great potential at the club and everyone knows how important it will be financially to stay up. I know Reading have been the success story this season but, if they survive, I think the Blades will be more successful next season as they will know what it is all about.(....)
Hele saken: http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/sheffield-utd?ArticleID=2718042
I farta 20/4
CCC:
Derby - Luton 1-0.
Matthew Spring hele kampen for Luton.
Div. 2:
Hartlepool - Notts Co. 1-1.
Mark Tinkler kom inn i 81. mins for Pool.
Ferguson waxes lyrical over Smith
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42829000/jpg/_42829471_smith203.jpg)
Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Alan Smith's "unbelievable" return to duty which may carry Manchester United to treble glory this season.
Fourteen months and two aborted comebacks after suffering horrific leg injuries in an FA Cup tie at Liverpool, Smith has wasted no time in making his presence felt with three superb individual displays in a week.
The former Leeds star responded to his surprise inclusion for the Champions League quarter-final second-leg meeting with Roma by getting his name on the scoresheet.
And, by following up with equally effective displays against Watford and Sheffield United, Smith has proved to be an influence Ferguson barely thought possible and is virtually guaranteed a starting spot against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
"Alan has been absolutely unbelievable," the United boss said.
"He has brought a freshness and an infectious enthusiasm which is spreading right throughout the team. I cannot speak more highly of him than that.
Hele saken: http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_2077916,00.html
Se også: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6578587.stm
Clarke booster for Hornets
CLARKE CARLISLE aims to help Watford cope with their relegation heartache if they go down today.
The Hornets will drop out of the Premiership should they fail to beat Manchester City at Vicarage Road.
Defender Carlisle hit rock-bottom at QPR in 2003 as he was admitted to Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic with booze problems.
A year later he joined Leeds and started to put his life in order.
Carlisle, 27, said: “Losing in football is not like losing a leg.
“I go in with a smile on my face and try to keep the lads upbeat.
“There are more important things than relegation but you don’t want it on your CV.
“Coming through my problems has given me the tools to deal with situations like the one we’re in.â€
Carlisle was crowned Britain’s Brainiest Footballer on a quiz show and the only thing he is addicted to these days is a daily dose of Carol Vorderman.
He added: “I love Countdown. Carol Vorderman’s the thinking man’s crumpet â€" but don’t tell my wife!â€
The Sun
--------
Carlisle a bright spark after defeating demons
Clarke Carlisle, the Watford defender, will not let relegation affect him if his side’s fate is decided this afternoon. Failure to win their home game against Manchester City will consign the Hertfordshire club to the Coca-Cola Championship next season.
However, Carlisle has suffered far more difficult issues in his personal life and is able to keep his career in perspective. In August 2003, while playing for Queens Park Rangers, Carlisle was admitted to the Sporting Chance Clinic because of alcohol problems.
Three and a half years on, his dream to play in the Barclays Premiership has been achieved and although he may not tally more than six top-flight matches by the end of this campaign, he is still happy. “I could be doing a million jobs,†he said. “But I’m not, I have played Premiership football and an FA Cup semi-final this season. I thank God for that. There are lots of incidents in life that help you keep things in perspective. Losing in football is not like losing a leg. I go into work with a smile on my face.â€
During his spare time, Carlisle, 27, enjoys watching quiz programmes and is an avid viewer of Countdown. Four years ago, just before his alcohol problems began, he won the television show, Britain’s Brainiest Footballer, against the likes of Alan Brazil and Malcolm MacDonald, the former players.
But the most impressive thing about him is his gratitude towards those who have helped him. “I still work for Sporting Chance and I offer my time to them as much as possible,†he said. “It resurrected me and my football career, so for me not to give anything back would be arrogant and disrespectful.
The Times
Watford to cut loose Kabba, Carlisle
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd is set to perform a clearout at the end of this season.
Boothroyd is ready to wield the axe - with defender Clarke Carlisle and Steve Kabba under threat.
Carlisle made a late start in the Hornets relegation campaign, but now he could be dumped at the end of the season.
And striker Kabba can definitely leave, with others facing an uncertain future as Boothroyd plans for life in the Championship.
Tribalfootball.com
--
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd is ready to offload Clarke Carlisle and Steve Kabba. (Daily Mirror)
Carson proving point in Charlton's cause
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/graphics/2007/04/21/sfnsmi21.jpg)
It's lunchtime at Charlton's training ground and the first-team players are finished for the day. One by one they pass through the small reception, stopping to check for messages before heading home. Luke Young appears. "Who you here to see?" the club captain asks. When I answer Scott Carson, the right-back thinks for a moment before coming up with his verdict: "If it hadn't been for him we'd be dead and buried by now."
As compliments go, it is pretty emphatic for a goalkeeper on a season-long loan from Liverpool. Carson has done everything in his power to help Charlton's cause in their ongoing struggle to avoid relegation. In maintaining high standards over the past eight months, he has confirmed his reputation as one of England's brightest young keepers.
Yet, never before have Alan Pardew's side needed him more than they do today when the mother of all six-pointers visits the Valley. With only three games left after this, the clash with Sheffield United could make or break either team.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Championship football, and all its financial implications, hangs over both clubs like a very dark cloud.
For Carson, of course, the situation is slightly different. Whatever happens over the next three weeks, the 21-year-old Cumbrian is due to return to Anfield this summer. As long as he has given Charlton his best, he can head back up the M1 with a clear conscience, turning his thoughts instead to his position at Liverpool and whether Rafa Benitez deems him part of his plans.
So can that fact, in any way, take the heat off? Does Carson feel slightly detached from the mad scramble? Once he appears and we take a seat in the sunshine, the query is answered in the way you'd expect. "No, I've felt like a Charlton player from day one," he says. "Everyone helped me settle in straightaway. The last thing I want is to leave here with Charlton getting relegated. It's not something I want on my CV."
Actually, Young had already confirmed the goalie's total commitment by recalling a moment that made the squad laugh.
During what was supposed to be a light training session the night before playing at Manchester City recently, Carson pushed a shot on to a post, only to see it bounce back along the line. Clambering to his feet, he sprinted across, diving into a sliding tackle to hack the ball away. In doing that, though, he crashed into the post, his shinbone connecting with metal in a hefty collision.
Mention of the incident brings out a smile. "Yeah, everyone was saying, calm down, calm down, we don't want you getting injured. I just got up and shouted, 'See, everyone thinks I'm just here on loan, that it doesn't matter so much!' I was trying to say that I'm just as committed as anyone else.
"That's the way I like to train. I've seen some people who aren't really interested. They come in at five to ten and are out the door as soon as training's finished. I like to work hard on the training ground, and that way you're ready for Saturday."
Yes, Saturday. It is easy to forget that Carson hadn't actually experienced too many of those before coming south. Sixteen first-team games, in fact, comprised his entire professional career, one that started at Leeds, moved on to Liverpool and included a short spell on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
Consequently, this season has been as much about getting his head around performing every week as dealing with Charlton's nail-biting plight. "I've never had that before," he says. "At Liverpool I might play in one game and then, two or three months later, I might get a cup match or something. I didn't feel comfortable with that. I felt a bit out of place. It was probably down to a lack of experience. I hadn't played in front of those kinds of crowds before. But after five or six games here it felt more natural. Coming here, I wanted to get as many games under my belt as possible but, you never know, if the first few games hadn't gone well I might have dropped out. Fortunately, I had a bit to do early on and that gave me confidence. Thankfully, that's stayed with me right through."
There are sure to be one or two moments this afternoon when Carson's confidence and ability are tested to the full as Neil Warnock's side go for the jugular. Too many matches these days are described as 'massive' but this one, surely, falls into that category. Carson agrees. "Everything depends on this game," he says. "The outcome will decide our fate, I think. We definitely can't afford to lose, but, hopefully, we can get the three points and that'll put us right in the mix.
"The gaffer was just saying today that he doesn't want people to be afraid because he thinks that we've stopped doing the things that got us results before. He thinks we've been a bit too conservative instead of going full out for the win. He wants us to go out and play like we did against West Ham - with no fear.
"We've got to start well. We haven't done that lately and we've ended up chasing the game. So if we can get a good start and maybe Benty [Darren Bent] can nick us a goal, then we can carry on from there."
Yet, with the sun beating down, with the groundsman's lawnmower humming away in the background, the end-of-season feel is only too evident. It's only natural to wonder what might happen next season.
"After playing a full season here, I don't really want to be going back to Liverpool and being forgotten again," he says. "I'd be taking a step back. Hopefully, I can keep the momentum going and show him [Benitez] I'm good enough to play there.
"If I was to go back to Liverpool and play in a Champions League game next season I think I'd be a lot better off after what I've been through here.
Hopefully, I'd have the nerve to deal with it."
The nerve, the commitment and the crucial saves - none of which have been missing during his loan spell. Think back to Young's words. If it wasn't for Carson, Charlton would already be down.
www.telegraph.co.uk
I farta 21/4
PL:
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42830000/jpg/_42830093_keane_pa416.jpg)
Tottenham - Arsenal 2-2: 1-0 Robbie Keane (30)
Paul Robinson og Robbie Keane spilte hele kampen for Spurs, mens Aaron Lennon ble byttet ut i 77. mins.
Watford - Man. C. 1-1.
Clarke Carlisle (gult kort i 90., unsporting behaviour) og Marlon King hele kampen for Watford.
** Watford rykker ned!
Liverpool - Wigan 2-0.
Jermaine Pennent hele for Pool, mens Caleb Folan kom inn i 64. mins for Wigan.
Charlton - Sheffield U. 1-1.
Matt Kilgallon hele kampen for Blades og Scott Carson hele kampen for Charlton, hvor Jimmy Floyd Haselbaink kom inn i 73. mins.
Bolton - Reading 1-3.
Gary Speed hele kampen for Bolton, mens Lubomir Michalik ble byttet inn i 21. mins. Mike Buberry hele kampen for Reading, hvor John Oster ble byttet ut i 73. mins (tactical).
CCC:
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40327000/jpg/_40327071_barmby203.jpg)
Stoke - Hull 1-1: 1-1 Nick Barmby (90).
Dom Matteo (gult 84., unsporting behaviour) hele kampen for Stoke, mens Nick Barmby (Gult 88., dissent) kom inn i 66. mins. for Hull.
QPR - Cardiff 1-0.
Stephen McPhail hele kampen for Cardiff, Warren Feeney kom inn i 72. mins.
Preston - Leicester 0-1.
Danny Pugh hele kampen for Preston, mens Brett Ormerod ble byttet ut (tactical) i 72. mins til fordel for Michaell Ricketts på benken. Geoff Horsfield og Danny Cadamarteri ble byttet inn for Leicester i henholdsvis 67. og 61. mins. Alan Maybury var ubenyttet for Foxes.
Colchester - Sunderland 3-1.
Liam Miller på benken for Sunderland.
Div. 1:
Tranmere - Scunthorpe 0-2.
Shane Sherriff hele kampen for Tranmere. Jermaine Beckford hele kampen for Scunthorpe, mens Ian Morris kom inn i 90. mins.
Nottingham - Bournemouth 3-0.
Alan Wright hele kampen for Forest.
Gillingham - Port Vale 3-2.
Nathan Lowndes ubenyttet reserve for Vale.
Doncaster - Brentford 3-0.
Neil Sullivan hele kampen for Donny, hvor Sam Hird kom inn i 81. mins.
Crewe - Oldham 2-1.
Sean Gregan (gult kort 17. mins, unsporting behaviour) hele kampen for Oldham.
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40909000/jpg/_40909039_graham203.jpg)
Carlisle - Bristol C. 1-3: 1-0 Danny Graham (5)
Danny Graham byttet ut (tactical) i 70. mins. for Carlisle.
Bradford - Leyton Orient 0-2.
David Wetherall og Ben Parker hele kampen for Bradford.
Div. 2:
Darlington - Wycombe 3-2.
Julian Joachim hele kampen for Darlington, som hadde Simon Johnson på benken.
Bristol R. - Lincoln 0-0.
Jamie Forrester hele kampen for Lincoln.
Premiership player ratings
Gary Speed 7
Lubomir Michalik 6
Mike Duberry 6
John Oster 6
Scott Carson (No chance with goal) 7
Matthew Kilgallon (Solid outing) 8
Jimmy Hasselbaink (Sub: No impact) 6
Jermaine Pennant (Lively) 7
Caleb Folan (Sub; A presence in attack) 7
Rio Ferdinand (Injured in first half) 6
Alan Smith (No real chances) 6
Jonathan Woodgate (Defended well) 7
Mark Viduka (A handful) 8
Paul Robinson (Not at fault) 6
Aaron Lennon (Quieter than usual) 6
Robbie Keane (Busy) 7
Clarke Carlisle (Solid) 6
Marlon King (Looked bright) 7
SkySports
Kilgallon på Sky's rundens lag: http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=462419&lid=1490&clid=&channel=&title=Team+of+the+Weekend
Nå er det ikke lenge til første spark på ballen i 2007 skjer på Guldbergaunet Stadion , og da med en god del nye fjes på banen, en av disse er vår nye keeper Robert Carrol.
Trives i byen :
Etter noen samtaler med keeper Robert Carrol så får vi bekreftet at Robert er veldig glad i Steinkjer og at han nærmest elsker klubben sin Steinkjer. Han er veldig overbegeistret over hvor bra det egentlig var i Steinkjer i forhold til der han kom fra altså Leeds United.
†Forskjellen på norsk og engelsk fotball slik som jeg er vant til det er at i England er det litt tøffere â€mer voldelig†sier han og smiler bredt. Men faktisk så går norsk fotball litt fortere , litt høyere tempo i Norge i forhold til England.â€
Er det noen forskjell på hvordan klubbene drives i forhold til Steinkjer, hvis du ser på Leeds?
†Litt vanskelig å si egentlig , gjør man en feil i Leeds for eksempel så blir det veldig surt, mens her i Steinkjer og Norge godtas en feil i ny og ned og det er et mer avslappa forhold til dette her, man lærer av og gjøre feil. Og som keeper gjør man ofte feil men det er nok den viktigste jobben på en fotballbane etter min mening, alle gjør sin jobb og Stuart gjør oss også bedre fra vær trening som gårâ€
link til hele intervjuet med bilde av den staute karen(jeg er rubbish på slikt) her: http://www.guldberget.com/intervju%20med%20robert%20carrol.htm
quote:
Originally posted by Lexmark
Han er veldig overbegeistret over hvor bra det egentlig var i Steinkjer i forhold til der han kom fra altså Leeds United.
"Carroll kommer fra amerikansk collage-fotball etter at han ikke fikk lærlingkontrakt i Leeds og Barnsley."
Hmm, skrytt på seg, altså.
quote:
Originally posted by Lexmark
Hmm, skrytt på seg, altså.
Trolig. Finner ikke noe formell tilknytning til Leeds Utd. Sitatet var hentet fra en chattegruppe.
I farta 22/4
CCC:
Norwich - Ipswich 1-1
Tony Warner og Darren Huckerby spilte hele kampen for Norwich, mens Dan Harding hele kampen for Ipswich.
Wolves - Birmingham 2-3.
Andrew Keogh hele kampen for Wolves.
PL:
Newcastle - Chelsea 0-0.
James Milner hele kampen for Newcastle.
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Premiership player ratings
Gary Speed 7
Lubomir Michalik 6
Mike Duberry 6
John Oster 6
Scott Carson (No chance with goal) 7
Matthew Kilgallon (Solid outing) 8
Jimmy Hasselbaink (Sub: No impact) 6
Jermaine Pennant (Lively) 7
Caleb Folan (Sub; A presence in attack) 7
Rio Ferdinand (Injured in first half) 6
Alan Smith (No real chances) 6
Jonathan Woodgate (Defended well) 7
Mark Viduka (A handful) 8
Paul Robinson (Not at fault) 6
Aaron Lennon (Quieter than usual) 6
Robbie Keane (Busy) 7
Clarke Carlisle (Solid) 6
Marlon King (Looked bright) 7
SkySports
Kilgallon på Sky's rundens lag: http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=462419&lid=1490&clid=&channel=&title=Team+of+the+Weekend
Jeg så Sheff Utd kampen på Tv i går og Killa var meget god....Slik som han var på sitt beste den første CCC sesongen i Leeds....Den gutten kan nå langt om han forsetter slik
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has put Craig Bellamy and Jonathan Woodgate at the top of his summer shopping list. (News of the World)
Spurs are lining up French goalkeeper Gregory Coupet as back-up to Paul Robinson. (The People)
Carson warning for Liverpool
Scott Carson has warned Liverpool he doesn't want a bench role when he returns in the summer from his loan with Charlton Athletic.
"After playing a full season here, I don't really want to be going back to Liverpool and being forgotten again," Carson told the Daily Telegraph.
"I'd be taking a step back," he added.
Carson, who is due to return to Anfield in the summer, admits he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at The Valley, adding: "I've felt like a Charlton player from day one.
"Everyone helped me settle in straightaway. The last thing I want is to leave here with Charlton getting relegated."
With more experience behind him, Carson is now looking forward to the prospect of European football upon his return to Anfield.
"If I was to go back to Liverpool and play in a Champions League game next season I think I'd be a lot better off after what I've been through here.
"Hopefully I'd have the nerve to deal with it."
Tribalfootball.com
Tears in my eyes....
The Leeds glory men
Here is the Leeds side that faced Valencia in the Champions League semi-final, first leg at Elland Road - but where are they now?
Nigel Martyn: Retired after stint with Everton
Danny Mills: Outcast at Manchester City
Ian Harte: In his third season with Spanish side Levante
Rio Ferdinand: Joined Man United for British record £30m
Dominic Matteo: Playing with Stoke in the Championship
Lee Bowyer: Braced for a second relegation with West Ham
Olivier Dacourt: Serie A title winner with Inter Milan
David Batty: Retired in 2004 after series of injuries
Harry Kewell: Struggling with injuries at Liverpool
Mark Viduka: Set to leave Middlesbrough this summer
Alan Smith: Back to his best at Manchester United
Subs: Paul Robinson (now at Tottenham), Gary Kelly (Leeds), Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough), Stephen McPhail (Cardiff), Jason Wilcox (retired), Eirik Bakke (SK Brann), Jacob Burns (Wisla Krakow).
Les hele saken på: http://www.luscos.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8012
Keeper targets exit
Fulham goalkeeper Tony Warner has confirmed he would like to stay at Norwich on a permanent basis after settling in at Carrow Road.
Warner has impressed during his time at Carrow Road and is delighted to be finally getting some first-team football after being frozen out at Craven Cottage.
Canaries boss Peter Grant is on the look out for a new goalkeeper and Warner says although there is plenty of talking to be done, he would like to stay with City.
"I've not spoken to the manager here yet, but I'd like to stay if there was a possibility," Warner revealed. "This is a great club. You only have to look at the set-up and the manager is working to get them into the Premiership.
"I've not had a chat with anyone at Fulham yet. I popped back just after Chris Coleman left, but I guess it will be the summer before I get the time to do it."
EatSleepFootball
Middlesbrough boss Southgate: No Woody decision
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate admits he's still unsure if Jonathan Woodgate will sign permanently on Teesside.
"I have no idea what the situation is at Real Madrid but Jonathan knows what we want to do," said Southgate.
"He is enjoying his time with us. He is ambitious and we have to show him we are as ambitious as he is.
"He knows the changes I want to make to take this club forward.
"We are fortunate to have him and we would like to keep him but he has lots to think about."
tribalfooball.com
New England Revolution move for Fowler, Sheringham
New England Revolution are eyeing West Ham veteran Teddy Sheringham.
The Revs may consider an attempt to lure him across the Atlantic if they do not succeed in signing Robbie Fowler from Liverpool.
tribalfooball.com
Ja,ja Scott, det spørs om du greier å prate deg inn på Liverpool-laget. Men det er kanskje en anmodning om å bli solgt? Nei, Scott, du skulle ikke forlatt de grønne gressgangene i Leeds U.! Ta nå til vettet: dra tilbake til oss! Du er svært velkommen, du bortkomne sønn, lokket som du ble av griske agenter som ville fråtse i et fett transferfee.
PS! Noen her på forumet som vet om vi har en resell-clause på hr. Carson, eller "glemte" vi det denne gangen også?
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Carson warning for Liverpool
Scott Carson has warned Liverpool he doesn't want a bench role when he returns in the summer from his loan with Charlton Athletic.
"After playing a full season here, I don't really want to be going back to Liverpool and being forgotten again," Carson told the Daily Telegraph.
"I'd be taking a step back," he added.
Carson, who is due to return to Anfield in the summer, admits he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at The Valley, adding: "I've felt like a Charlton player from day one.
"Everyone helped me settle in straightaway. The last thing I want is to leave here with Charlton getting relegated."
With more experience behind him, Carson is now looking forward to the prospect of European football upon his return to Anfield.
"If I was to go back to Liverpool and play in a Champions League game next season I think I'd be a lot better off after what I've been through here.
"Hopefully I'd have the nerve to deal with it."
Tribalfootball.com
Change is the constant that cannot be changed.
quote:
Originally posted by RoarG
Ja,ja Scott, det spørs om du greier å prate deg inn på Liverpool-laget. Men det er kanskje en anmodning om å bli solgt? Nei, Scott, du skulle ikke forlatt de grønne gressgangene i Leeds U.! Ta nå til vettet: dra tilbake til oss! Du er svært velkommen, du bortkomne sønn, lokket som du ble av griske agenter som ville fråtse i et fett transferfee.
PS! Noen her på forumet som vet om vi har en resell-clause på hr. Carson, eller "glemte" vi det denne gangen også?quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Carson warning for Liverpool
Scott Carson has warned Liverpool he doesn't want a bench role when he returns in the summer from his loan with Charlton Athletic.
"After playing a full season here, I don't really want to be going back to Liverpool and being forgotten again," Carson told the Daily Telegraph.
"I'd be taking a step back," he added.
Carson, who is due to return to Anfield in the summer, admits he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at The Valley, adding: "I've felt like a Charlton player from day one.
"Everyone helped me settle in straightaway. The last thing I want is to leave here with Charlton getting relegated."
With more experience behind him, Carson is now looking forward to the prospect of European football upon his return to Anfield.
"If I was to go back to Liverpool and play in a Champions League game next season I think I'd be a lot better off after what I've been through here.
"Hopefully I'd have the nerve to deal with it."
Tribalfootball.com
Change is the constant that cannot be changed.
Apropos resell-clause, her er hva Everton fikk for Rooney;
£20.mill (opprinnelig salgspris)
I tillegg:
£1mill om United vinner CL
£500.000 om de taper CL finalen
£500.000 om de vinner PL
£250.000 om de blir nummer to i PL
£150.000 om de vinner FA-cupen
£500.000 om Rooney spiller 20 landskamper mens han er United-spiller
£500.000 om Rooney spiller enda 20 landskamper mens han er United-spiller
Alt dette gjelder i 5 år (men utbetales trolig bare en gang...)
Om ikke noe av dette skjer vil Everton alikevel motta £3mill fordelt over 3 år.
Som om ikke det var nok, om Rooney selges skal Everton ha 25% av overskuddet (etter at de andre beløpene her er fratrukket)
Det er forhandlere det tenker jeg!
flynn,
som innser at dette hadde lite å gjøre med Ex-players å gjøre, og trolig i feil forum også, sorry!
Worthington in line for job
Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric has confirmed that caretaker boss Nigel Worthington is in contention to be the club's next manager.
Worthington is in temporary charge at the Walkers Stadium until the end of the season following the dismissal of Rob Kelly earlier this month.
Hele saken: http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=462935&CPID=10&clid=13&lid=2&title=Worthington+in+line+for+job
Nicky Barmby is close to agreeing a new contract that will keep him at Hull City for the rest of his career. (The Mirror)
ROEDER PRAISES STITCHED UP MILNER
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has paid tribute to James Milner after watching him put the club before his own comfort.
The 21-year-old winger had several stitches put into an ankle wound halfway through Sunday's 0-0 Barclays Premiership draw with champions Chelsea and returned to give Portugal defender Paulo Ferreira a stern examination.
Roeder said: "James had three or four stitches inserted into his ankle at half-time on Sunday and it took a lot of courage for him to do what he did and go out there for the second half - and he gave Paulo Ferreira a very difficult afternoon.
"I have to say young James has come on leaps and bounds in the past couple of months and he has reaped the rewards for the amount of hard work he has done.
Hele saken: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/transfer_centre/nw_story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=nonwire_soccer/07/04/25/manual_100051.html
The following happened on April 25 over the years:
2003: Leeds sign Robbie Keane from Internazionale.
DERBY are expected to release Paul Peschisolido, Seth Johnson, Adam Bolder, Paul Boertien and Richard Jackson.
The Sun
Bolton defender Lubomir Michalik may be given his first start in Saturday's game at Chelsea as the club have injury problems at the back. (The Times)
Worthy 'will be considered' - Milan
Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric has revealed that caretaker boss Nigel Worthington "will be considered" as the club's next permanent manager.
Hele saken: http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1796_2084467,00.html
Må bare dra frem denne topicen igjen etter å ha smugtittet aldri så lite på Kjell si Liverpool. Av Chelseas mest avbildede var jo vår gamle venn Dave Hancock, og selvfølgelig skal han ha æren for at både Drogba & kjære Mikel reiste seg igjen...
PS! Så nå, Kjell, må du forandre topic-overskriften igjen, NYHETER: EX-PLAYER/MANAGER/FYSIOTERAPAUTER/GULLFISK ETC NEWS, part II
I can hear the turning of the key
I've been deceived by the clown inside of me
I thought that he was rightous but he's vain
Oh, something's a-tellin' me I wear the ball and chain
B.Dylan
Skulle ønske dette gjaldt oss, men det er vel å drøye den litt langt[;)]http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/
NOLAN BLAST FOR DUBERRY
Bolton midfielder Kevin Nolan has criticised Reading defender Michael Duberry for not apologising after injuring him last weekend.
Duberry appeared to go in late on Nolan, who was replaced by Stelios Giannakopoulos for the second half at the Reebok Stadium, but the challenge went unpunished by referee Howard Webb.
Hele saken: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/04/26/SOCCER_Bolton_Nolan.html
BORO CLINCH WOODGATE SIGNING
England defender Jonathan Woodgate committed his future to Middlesbrough after finding happiness back at home.
The 27-year-old has completed a £7million permanent transfer from Real Madrid after signing a four-year-deal with the club he supported as a boy.
Woodgate, who joined Real in a £13.4million move from Newcastle in August 2004 but played only a handful of games for the Spanish aristocrats because of injury, has made a huge impact during a season-long loan on Teesside and knew instinctively the Riverside Stadium was where he wanted to be.
He said: "I was really enjoying myself and really enjoying the football with playing and the way I was playing.
"Obviously, the manager has a lot to do with that. I just thought to myself, 'I am really happy, let's get it done, let's get it signed'.
"Something you cannot always get in life is happiness, and that is what I have got.
"With this club now and the manager and the chairman, we can strive for bigger and better things."
Woodgate revealed he actually made his decision three months ago and knocked on manager Gareth Southgate's door to tell him.
The club kept the agreement quiet - to the extent they denied Real's claims in February that Woodgate had made his move - but revealed the details at a press conference.
Woodgate said: "I made my mind up about three months ago, to be honest, but we could not really say anything.
"I went into the manager's office and told him I wanted to sign. I think he was caught unexpectedly when I told him I wanted to sign.
"I am extremely happy. It has been an ambition of mine to play for the club and I am doing that now - I am going to do that for the next four years.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here working with the manager and all the other players. I am just really happy."
Woodgate has started 33 of the 41 games Boro have played since his arrival last August to put his injury problems firmly behind him.
That has helped to revive his England career - he made his return to the international stage in a friendly against Spain at Old Trafford earlier this year.
However, his is adamant his decision to leave Real does not reflect a lack of ambition, but rather his belief he can achieve his dreams closer to home.
Woodgate said: "It was a shame that it obviously did not happen for me over there. I was injured a lot, so I could not do an awful lot about that.
"But I have moved on from there now and I want to try to build things at Middlesbrough.
"While I have been a supporter of Middlesbrough, they have always brought big players in and always tried to do something.
"Now we have the right manager in charge, hopefully he can start bringing success to Middlesbrough."
Southgate, who played alongside Woodgate when he made his England debut as a teenager, was thrilled to have won the battle for his signature amid speculation that one of the big guns would lure him away from Teesside.
He said: "But you are always conscious that the way he has played, there will be any number of top clubs around Europe who will be wanting to take him.
"I said all along, we had to try to prove to him what our ambitions were, that it was an environment in which he could feel comfortable, that he could work in.
"But as I said to him when he came to see me and said he would like to stay, I see it as very much the starting point.
"We want to build the club up from this point. It is not a case of him coming here just because it is easy for him and it is comfortable for him.
"He is driven, he is the sort of lad who comes in and watches every game that he plays back to see the mistakes he has made and try to correct them.
"He is still driven to achieve things and he wants to do it with his home-town club."
Meanwhile, Boro remain in talks with 31-year-old Australian striker Mark Viduka as he approached the end of his current deal.
Southgate said: "We are in talks with Mark and we have made it clear we would like him to stay.
"We have spoken about building your team from the back, but you need top strikers in your side as well, and Mark has been outstanding for us this season.
"Again, we hope what we are trying to do and what he is seeing us try to do - and securing Jonathan's signature will hopefully be a good signal to him of what we are trying to do - will encourage him to stay."
The announcement of Woodgate's capture came on the same day as Boro revealed season ticket prices for the new campaign will be frozen for the third successive year.
PA Sport
Rørende, hadde vi hatt denne karen med oss i år ville vi ikke vært i denne f**kings smørja[V] http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,982_2089968,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6644497.stm
Carson, Killa og Milner i troppen.
WE'RE LEEDS AND PROUD!!!
Ser at Walton ikke har gjort det så bra i Cardiff. Er uønsket av fansen:
Ex-Leeds Man Walton 'Not Wanted'
(http://www.cardiff.vitalfootball.co.uk/resource/teams/leeds/8_b.jpg)
Charlton Athletic's bad-boy midfielder Simon Walton has been at the centre of controversy in recent weeks.
Following a poor loan stint in South Wales, in which Walton failed to contribute and picked up 2 red cards, alledged comments by the player on networking website MySpace upset Cardiff fans.
The comments were abusive and offensive but Walton denied he was the source to manager Dave Jones, and also to local press.
Following the incident, Walton vowed to curb his temper and stated his thanks and admiration for the Bluebirds whilst also quoting that he would love a return to Cardiff City in the future.
A poll on this site ran following the incident, to find out whether Cardiff City fans would welcome the former Leeds United man back:
A majority 74% did NOT want to see Walton back, while 26% would have been happy.
The reasons Cardiff City fans wouldn't want to see him back could have been the alledged comments made - but more likely is that the lumbering midfielder was largely disappointing and failed to add anything to the team.
Kanskje var det like greit at han dro?
Tidligere Leedsmanager Kevin Blackwell ute med "skarpe" uttalelser igjen. I flg. denne linken
http://www.clubcall.com/index.jsp?storyID=316466
anser Blackwells Luton Towns forholdsvis ferske styreformanns manglende erfaring i fotball som et pluss (!), og at han ser frem til å samarbeide med han. Og da ønsker vi på LUSCOS-forumet deg lykke til med å føre Luton Town ned i League Two, Blackwell.
Change is the constant that cannot be changed.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nq6q95YJ3Sc
Kanskje ikke rette tråden ,men det er mange kjente fjes her
Mark Viduka will give Middlesbrough an answer on their contract offer by the end of next week. (Daily Express)
ARMFIELD IN THROAT CANCER BATTLE
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39071000/jpg/_39071511_jimmyarmfield203.jpg)
Former England captain Jimmy Armfield is battling throat cancer.
Armfield, 71, revealed he has undergone chemotherapy for non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Armfield, a BBC Radio Five Live pundit, told BBC Radio Lancashire: "The prognosis is good, although I'm suffering from the side-affects of chemo and I'm not able to work.
"Generally, I'm very positive about the future."
Armfield, awarded an OBE in 2000, managed Bolton and Leeds, guiding the Yorkshire club to the European Cup final in 1975 when they lost out to Bayern Munich.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Armfield
PA Sport
WOODGATE NEEDS OPERATION
Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate will undergo an exploratory operation on his left knee on Monday which will rule him out of England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia next month.
The 27-year-old, who has been hampered by a problem in his left knee for several months, is available for Sunday's final Barclays Premiership fixture against Fulham, but will then have surgery to assess the extent of any damage.
Manager Gareth Southgate said: "Jonathan is going to have an exploratory operation on his left knee on Monday.
Hele saken: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/05/11/SOCCER_Middlebrough_Woodgate_Snap.html
FOWLER CONFIRMS REDS EXIT
Rafael Benitez described striker Robbie Fowler as "an inspiration" as he began the process of ushering the old out of Anfield, while bringing in the new.
Fowler, 32, has been given the expected news that his contract will not be renewed in the summer, but boss Benitez has told the local hero that he will start the match on Sunday at home to Charlton, to allow him to say an emotional farewell to the Kop.
But the chance of goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek being able to do the same have been hit by injury with the Polish 'keeper, who also leaves Anfield this summer when his contract runs out, having picked up a groin injury in training.
As Jose Reina is ruled out by a shoulder injury, Benitez will almost certainly give young Italian 'keeper Daniele Padelli his debut, with reserve team youngster Dave Roberts on the bench.
But with Fowler and Dudek beginning the exodus from Anfield, Benitez was able to announce the signing of 20-year-old Brazilian Under-20 international Lucas Leiva from Gremio.
Leiva will join Liverpool in the summer. An attacking midfielder, Benitez has beaten off a string of Spanish and English clubs for the youngster.
The fee has not been disclosed but it is around £5million and the player could go straight into the first-team squad next season.
But as another South American prepares to say hello to Merseyside, Fowler will bid a tearful goodbye to Anfield this weekend.
Benitez said: "Robbie understands. He has experience and he knows he has not played a lot of games. But I want to give him the chance to say goodbye to the fans.
"Obviously he wants to stay, but I have had to decide. He is a very good professional and he has contributed so much. He has always been training hard and ready when I want to use him, I can only say 'thank you' to him for what he has given the club."
Benitez would not be drawn on speculation that he may well be interested in Michael Owen again.
But he was happy to talk about Leiva. He said: "He has won the golden boot in Brazil last season, he is an U20 international and he will play in the U20 World Cup.
"He is a fantastic midfielder for the present as well as the future."
But Sunday will clearly be Fowler's day.
Benitez said: "I have been watching him in training this week and you can see how good he is in front of goal.
"He will play against Charlton and maybe he will score the winner in the Champions League final, that would be a fitting way to go."
Benitez added: "I hope to still see some more goals from Robbie. It is always difficult to tell a player his contract will not be renewed, but even more so because it is Robbie.
"But he is experienced and he understands the situation. He has great quality as a finisher.
"When you see him working with the rest of the strikers you can see what an inspiration he is to them. He has something to offer because young players can learn so much.
"Maybe there should be a DVD of his goals and finishing ability for youngsters to watch. They would really learn.
"We will need to replace him, to bring in someone who can score more goals. We would like someone who can score 20 goals in a season.
"I did not talk about his future to him because his future now is to play against Charlton and be involved against Milan."
Fowler, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, said: "Obviously it will be an emotional day for me but I want everyone to know I am still completely focused on what I see as two very important games ahead for the club.
"Firstly I want to play well and win against Charlton to help us finish third, and then there is the preparation for and hopefully playing a part in the Champions League final.
"I will think about everything else after that because I don't want anything to interfere with such an important match.
"I also want people to know I have not even thought about my future beyond Liverpool."
He added: "The manager explained the situation to me this week and I wasn't a bit surprised to be honest.
"But everyone knows I've treated every game back at Liverpool in exactly the same way and given all I could for the team, and that's going to be the case in the last two matches as well."
"At least this time I will get a chance to say goodbye properly because I was gutted the way it happened last time."
Fowler first left Anfield under a cloud to join Leeds when Gerard Houllier was manager.
He added: "Since I've been back the support I have had from the fans has been tremendous. It's been even better than it was first time around.
"Maybe you appreciate it even more when you've been away and missed it so much, but I'll never forget the reception they gave me and will always be thankful for it.
"I just hope I can finish with a few goals and a Champions League final win. That will be the perfect way to end the season for me."
PA Sport
FORRESTER AIMS FOR FIFTH-TIME LUCKY
Lincoln striker Jamie Forrester is determined to fire the club into Coca-Cola League One after four successful failures in the play-offs.
The Imps take on Bristol Rovers in a two-legged semi-final, with the first clash taking place at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday evening before the return at Sincil Bank next Thursday.
(....)
Forrester has netted 18 goals this term and Stallard has rattled in 16 and the much-travelled striker, 32, told the Racing Post: "It was nice to score again but the main thing was we secured the play-off spot.
"It's now even more important Mark and I perform over the next couple of games.
"It's two games rather than one so it won't be won or lost down there. We need to make sure we don't get over-confident, make sure we perform to our very best and come away with a positive result to take back to our place."
Hele saken: http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8921_2120541,00.html
Liverpool boss Benitez ready to sell Carson
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is inviting offers for goalkeeper Scott Carson.
The Independent says Benitez is prepared to sanction the keeper's departure but it will require an offer of around £4m before Carson, who attracted interest from Arsenal earlier this season, is allowed to leave.
Graham leaving Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have announced striker Danny Graham will leave at the end of this season.
Graham, 21, made only two senior starts for the club and 19 appearances as a substitute, scoring two goals, and has had loan spells with Derby, Leeds and Carlisle.
tribalfooball.com
BBC nevner ex-player Nigel Worthington og ex-palyer/manager David O'Leary som to av kandidatene til den ledige jobben som trener for Nord-Irland.
Hele saken: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6647361.stm
Kewell feeling fit and ready
Liverpool ace Harry Kewell has declared himself fit for the UEFA Champions League final.
Kewell made his long awaited return from injury as a substitute in last weekend's defeat at Fulham.
The former Leeds man has seen this season blighted by injury after returning from the World Cup with groin and foot problems.
Kewell was delighted to return to action against Fulham and he believes he is close to full fitness.
"I've been working hard over the last eight weeks," Kewell told ESPN.
"We did testing the other day, everything went well.
"The manager's happy, the assistant manager's happy, the fitness coaches are happy, so it's literally down to the manager.
"I'm feeling as close to 100 per cent as I've ever felt before in my life, the only thing I'm missing is competitive games."
SkySports
Portsmouth have won the race to sign Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka. They have beaten off competition from Everton, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Sunderland and Newcastle.
Daily Express
I farta 12/5
CCC, playoff-semi, 1. kamp:
Southampton - Derby 1-2.
Seth Johnson fra start for Rams, byttet ut i 90. mins. (tactical). Gult kort i 32. mins. (unsporting behaviour).
Spain? I wanna go to Wembley
ANDY KEOGH could have been sitting on a Spanish beach this week, sinking the beers and celebrating promotion.
Instead it has been early nights and a few frames of snooker down the local pool hall.
Not that the Wolves striker is complaining.
Keogh, 20, will be more than delighted to delay the sun tan while his former Scunthorpe team-mates hit the Costa.
Hele storyen her: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007210901,00.html
SMITH CAN BE ENGLAND SAVIOUR
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Alan Smith can provide the answer to England's striker crisis.
Smith has been called into Steve McClaren's squad for the B game against Albania at Burnley on May 25.
With Wayne Rooney suspended for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with Estonia on June 6 and Andrew Johnson injured, McClaren's lack of options has been heightened.
Hele saken: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/05/12/SOCCER_Man_Utd_Smith.html
------
MILNER USED TO MANAGERIAL MERRY-GO-ROUND
James Milner will set about the process of proving himself all over again at Watford on Sunday as Newcastle prepare to appoint their latest manager.
The 21-year-old midfielder has experienced a lot in his fledgling career, moving from crisis club Leeds to St James' Park under Sir Bobby Robson in July 2004 and seeing the former England boss depart just weeks later.
Hele saken: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/05/12/SOCCER_Newcastle_Nightlead.html
---
ROBBO IS A KEEPER OF THE FAITH
Paul Robinson has targeted a fifth-placed Barclays Premiership finish and feels the club will progress even further with the right investment this summer.
Spurs have a real chance of matching last season's efforts and must get a better result against Manchester City than Everton do at Chelsea.
Hele saken: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/05/12/SOCCER_Tottenham_Nightlead.html
---
HORNETS HEALTHIER THAN EVER - BOOTHROYD
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd insists his club are in a healthier state than ever - despite their relegation from the Barclays Premiership.
The Hornets face Newcastle at Vicarage Road on Sunday in their final Premiership fixture of the campaign, but they were condemned to an instant return to the Coca-Cola Championship when they could manage only a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City late last month.
But Boothroyd's men will benefit from the 'parachute' payment - of about £11million and granted to clubs in their first two years after relegation from the top flight - and the club also have a substantial chunk of the £9.65million Aston Villa agreed to pay them to sign Ashley Young in January.
Hele saken: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/05/12/SOCCER_Watford_Boothroyd.html
Har virkelig Portsmouth vunnet Viduka?.
Ser at Manchester United er inrtessert :)
Faktisk flere spillere som nevnes på denne lenken som kunne gjort en ok jobb for Leeds :)
BLADES TO NAME NEW BOSS ¨
Sheffield United have called a press conference for Tuesday morning to unveil their new manager.
Former Middlesbrough and West Brom boss Bryan Robson has been hotly tipped to take over at Bramall Lame, with Brian Kidd moving up from coach to be assistant manager.
The Blades have moved quickly to replace Neil Warnock, who quit last week, after the team were relegated from the Premiership on the final day of the season after a 2-1 home defeat to Wigan.
Hele saken: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/05/21/SOCCER_Sheff_Utd.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Kidd
Sullivan transfer put on hold
Goalkeeper Neil Sullivan's pending return to Doncaster will not be finalised until next month.
The former Scotland international made 17 appearances for Rovers during two spells on loan from Leeds in 2006-07.
And after Sullivan's release by the Elland Road club following their relegation into League One, Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll is in talks to sign the 37-year-old on a permanent basis.
Sullivan was due to undergo a standard scan as part of his Doncaster medical this week but a suitable time proved impossible to finalise and instead the tests have been arranged for Thursday, May 31.
Sullivan is then due at the Keepmoat to complete the rest of his medical on Tuesday, June 5.
A club spokesman said: "The club were unable to book the scan at a time suitable for the player."
Kilde: TeamTalk
Wetherall: My life is on hold
Bradford caretaker David Wetherall has admitted "life is on hold" as he awaits a decision on who will take charge of the club permanently.
Sheffield United assistant Stuart McCall is expected to take over at Valley Parade, where City will play League Two football next season following their relegation.
But Wetherall could yet land the role should chairman Julian Rhodes fail to lure McCall back to West Yorkshire.
Wetherall told the Bradford Telegraph & Argus: "My life is on hold, but that is part of the situation at this club at the moment.
"Everything is on ice and nothing can happen or will happen until the club appoint a manager and the player budget is sorted out.
"But I understand the reasons - Julian has to make sure everything is put in place, so he is not delaying just to be awkward."
Cumbrians closing in on Graham
Carlisle manager Neil McDonald insists he is "getting closer" to securing the signature of former Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham.
Graham scored seven goals in 11 appearances during a loan spell at Brunton Park this season and he has now been released by Boro.
A host of clubs are watching the 21-year-old but McDonald told the News and Star: "We are still in good dialogue with his representatives and we are getting closer every time we speak."
FOXES FIVE HEAD FOR EXIT DOOR
Leicester have released five members of their first-team squad - but the club has also offered young striker Louis Dodds a new one-year deal.
(...) striker Danny Cadamarteri will not be offered new contracts.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/transfer_centre/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=nonwire_soccer/07/05/21/manual_201540.html
Paul Robinson's future at Spurs is in doubt after Martin Jol joined the race for Hearts keeper Craig Gordon. (The Sun)
Xabi Alonso, Bolo Zenden, Sami Hyypia, Scott Carson, Mark Gonzalez and one of Craig Bellamy and Peter Crouch could be victims of Rafa Benitez's Anfield cull. Only Steve Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Dirk Kuyt are sure of their places in the squad next season. (Daily Mirror)
Birmingham are chasing Liverpool keeper Scott Carson on a season long loan deal. (Daily Mirror)
Doncaster will snap up veteran keeper Neil Sullivan. (Daily Star)
Rovers keeping tabs on Leeds' Hird
Doncaster's assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has confirmed the club's interest in Leeds defender Sam Hird.
Hird, who spent three months on loan with Rovers from February last season, is expected to join former Leeds team-mate and goalkeeper Neil Sullivan and Bournemouth striker James Hayter at the Keepmoat Stadium this summer.
O'Kelly told the club's official website: "Sam Hird is a player who is a Doncaster boy.
"He came into the football club and ticked a lot of the boxes, as we hoped he would.
"He is a Leeds United player until July 31, as is Neil Sullivan, so we will have to see how it goes with those two.
"But I would imagine we would be one of the clubs that would be interested in talking to them both."
PHIL BROWN has been rewarded with a new deal for keeping Hull in the Championship.
The Tigers boss, 48, agreed to a 12-month rolling contract and will sign later today.
Chairman Adam Pearson said: “It is great news for us and I’m delighted.â€
Brown’s assistant Steve Parkin is expected to be replaced by ex-Leeds caretaker boss John Carver.
SkySports.com
Craig Bellamy, Sami Hyypia, Bolo Zenden, Harry Kewell and Mark Gonzalez are heading for the exit. (Independent)
Portugal chance for Johnson
Former Leeds United and Darlington striker Simon Johnson is training with Portuguese club Maritimo.
(http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/LeagueTwo/Darlington/johnson_simon.jpg)
The 24-year-old has been released by Darlington and has headed to Portugal in search of a new club.
He admits he knows little about Portuguese football, but is determined to make the most of his opportunity with Maritimo.
"I do not know a lot about Portugal, but it is a chance to be in the top flight and I wish for success," Johnson told the Portuguese media.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world and (Jose) Mourinho is a phenomenal coach.
"I am versatile, and would like to play as a midfielder or in attack."
Johnson scored just three goals for The Quakers this season and came close to joining Wycombe Wanderers in January.
However, after agreeing to sign for Wycombe, he performed a U-turn to return to Darlington, only to be released by manager Dave Penney.
Han har ikke blitt noen hit etter at han forlot Leeds, akkurat. Synes han virker som en skikkelig rotekopp.
quote:
Originally posted by Budda
Portugal chance for Johnson
Former Leeds United and Darlington striker Simon Johnson is training with Portuguese club Maritimo.
(http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/LeagueTwo/Darlington/johnson_simon.jpg)
The 24-year-old has been released by Darlington and has headed to Portugal in search of a new club.
He admits he knows little about Portuguese football, but is determined to make the most of his opportunity with Maritimo.
"I do not know a lot about Portugal, but it is a chance to be in the top flight and I wish for success," Johnson told the Portuguese media.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world and (Jose) Mourinho is a phenomenal coach.
"I am versatile, and would like to play as a midfielder or in attack."
Johnson scored just three goals for The Quakers this season and came close to joining Wycombe Wanderers in January.
However, after agreeing to sign for Wycombe, he performed a U-turn to return to Darlington, only to be released by manager Dave Penney.
Change is the constant that cannot be changed.
quote:
Originally posted by RoarG
Han har ikke blitt noen hit etter at han forlot Leeds, akkurat. Synes han virker som en skikkelig rotekopp
Ja, han har ikke gjort det så bra nei. Og jeg som hadde så store forhåpningen om Johnson. Han var jo stortalent på CM [:)]
Pennant keen to be Jermaine man
Jermaine Pennant's Liverpool future could have been cemented after earning rave reviews for his performance in the Champions League final.
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_2149207,00.html
--
JERMAINE PENNANT has vowed to be a big part of the new Liverpool, writes PHIL THOMAS (The Sun).
Anfield boss Rafa Benitez has targeted a host of new signings, including Carlos Tevez and Gabriel Milito.
But Pennant will fight to join the new men, rather than be replaced by any of them.
Winger Pennant said: “I want to be an important part of this club and I’ve shown what I am capable of.
“Starting in the Champions League final proves that I’m doing something right in the boss’ eyes.
“I have self-belief and wanted to show it at the highest level.
“You want to prove yourself in those kind of games and, hopefully, I’m starting to prove myself."
England B win with Downing double
(http://images.teamtalk.com/07/05/190/Smith_226229.jpg)
Alan Smith scored and Stewart Downing grabbed two goals as England B beat Albania 3-1 in Friday night's friendly international at Turf Moor
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_2148846,00.html
Portsmouth are confident of pulling off a double swoop for Middlesbrough's Mark Viduka and Aiyegbeni Yakubu. (Daily Mail)
Rovers keep tabs on Leeds' Hird
Doncaster's assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has confirmed the club's interest in Leeds defender Sam Hird.
Hird, who spent three months on loan with Rovers from February last season, is expected to join former Leeds team-mate and goalkeeper Neil Sullivan and Bournemouth striker James Hayter at the Keepmoat Stadium this summer.
O'Kelly told the club's official website: "Sam Hird is a player who is a Doncaster boy.
"He came into the football club and ticked a lot of the boxes, as we hoped he would.
"He is a Leeds United player until July 31, as is Neil Sullivan, so we will have to see how it goes with those two.
"But I would imagine we would be one of the clubs that would be interested in talking to them both."
ROTHERHAM midfielder Martin Woods, 21, is in talks with Scunthorpe. (The Sun)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Woods
Og der var Bakke skadet igjen[:0]
Men Mjelde sier det ikke er noe alvorlig, bare et lite tilbakeslag. Har vi hørt den før eller?[:p]
Robinson's got to raise it
PAUL ROBINSON has failed to nail down the England No1 shirt and now the position is up for grabs.
That is the verdict of former goalkeeping giant Peter Shilton, England’s most-capped player.
Shilts has not been impressed by Robinson’s recent performances and believes the Tottenham keeper has not progressed in international football.
Even Spurs boss Martin Jol is not convinced â€" and is eyeing £8million-rated Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Shilts declared: “Robinson has had an up and down season with Spurs and conceded quite a few goals.
“He also had the misfortune to suffer that high-profile error in Croatia.
“Even though he wasn’t to blame for that fluke goal, it was still an incident that people will always refer to when they’re discussing Paul.
“And at the World Cup last year he did some very good things in terms of the saves he made but at the same time looked quite shaky dealing with crosses.
“He didn’t dominate his penalty area enough and that surprised me.
“I don’t think he’s gone on and totally established the position as his own. I’m not sure many people would now say he’s definitely our No 1.
“At the moment he probably edges it because of his international experience. But I’m sure Ben Foster and Scott Carson will be looking to get ahead of him.
“Foster didn’t have a lot to do in the one game he played for England against Spain but he certainly looked the part.â€
Shilton won a record 125 England caps between 1970 and 1990 and knows more about the demands of international football than anyone in the country.
And he reckons there are question marks against all the contenders.
He added: “Foster, Carson, Robert Green, Chris Kirkland and Stephen Bywater are in the frame but none have proved themselves at international level.
“If you are talking about an in-form, experienced goalkeeper the best choice right now is probably David James. But there is a feeling he had his chance and made too many high-profile mistakes.â€
England are struggling to qualify for next year’s European Championships and face a crunch qualifier in Estonia on June 6.
Shilton said: “Manager Steve McClaren has to show more confidence in his ability and not be so defensive.
“The team hasn’t played well for a long time and we’re not getting the best out of players.â€
The Sun
Micky Adams will take the helm at MK Dons after Martin Allen left the club to join Leicester. (Daily Star)
Mark Viduka (31) er klar for Newcastle, melder fleire engelske medium.
http://www.nettavisen.no/sport/fotball/england/article1090169.ece
Martin Woods (21) har signert ei treårs-kontrakt med vår rival Doncaster. Barnsley, Norwich, Scunthorpe og Nottingham viste interesse for vår eks-spelar.
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/football?articleid=2927787
Smith er usikker på framtida. Et år til i scum, så tilbake til gladklubben som da er på full fart tilbake.[;)]
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_2285800,00.html
CARSON FEARS FOR INTERNATIONAL FUTURE
Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson admits he needs to be playing regular first-team football to keep his place in the England squad next season.
The 21-year-old spent the season on loan at Charlton and, despite getting relegated from the Premier League, played well enough to earn a place in Steve McClaren's squad for the recent matches against Brazil and Estonia.
He is still uncapped but fears losing his place without regular action, meaning either overtaking Jose Reina as first choice at Anfield or going out on loan again.
"I think you can only get in the England squad when you are playing games regularly but we'll have to wait and see what happens next season and take it from there," he said.
Hele storyen: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/06/16/SOCCER_England_Under-21_Carson.html
Tommo til Hull Shitty?
TIGERS LOOK TO POUNCE ON DUO
Hull chairman Paul Duffen has admitted Alan Thompson and Jamie Cureton are high on manager Phil Brown's summer wish list and he will step up his efforts to land the duo next week.
Thompson, a former team-mate of Brown at Bolton, is a free agent after leaving Leeds, while Cureton has asked for a transfer from Colchester after top-scoring in the Championship last season.
"Alan Thompson is someone with a big reputation and he's obviously a high-quality player," Duffen told the Hull Daily Mail.
"I'd like to think he was hungry enough to play a role at this football club. It's certainly something that we've been talking about.
Hele storyen: http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8669_2412890,00.html
Premiership Shockers XI
The Sun har laget en liste over de dårligste kjøpene/låneavtalene i Premier League.
Ikke overraskende er vår egen kjære klubb inne på lista.
To rekrutteringer til Leeds er nevnt: Tomas Brolin fra Parma og lånespilleren Roque Junior (fra Real Madrid).
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007270015,00.html
Middlesbrough ask Man Utd for Smith
Middlesbrough have approached Manchester United for striker Alan Smith.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate is monitoring Smith's situation at Old Trafford and has made an enquiry about the England man's availability. (tribalfootball.com)
Alan Smith, who looks like he could indeed quit Old Trafford, is a number one target for Middlesbrough. (Sunday Sun)
Everton are poised to make a £2.5m bid for Manchester United striker Alan Smith. (News of the World)
McAllister urges Fowler to choose Rangers over LA Galaxy
Gary McAllister has urged ex-Liverpool teammate Robbie Fowler to drop thoughts of joining LA Galaxy and play for his boyhood heroes Rangers.
Galaxy supremo Alexi Lalas is keen for the Liverpool striking legend to link up with former England team-mate David Beckham in the United States this season.
But McAllister told the Evening Times: "Robbie needs to move to a club of similar stature to Liverpool at this stage in his life. Rangers fit the bill perfectly.
"Robbie has for most of his career played at Anfield where there is an expectation among the fans to win every game, home and away.
"It would be the same for him at Ibrox. Rangers is a massive institution. In fact, I can't see him getting the same level of intensity anywhere else.
"Robbie is an unbelievable talent who has enjoyed an incredibly successful career in football. But he needs the same sort of stimulus he has always had.
"If he were to drop down a level to a lesser club, without the same level of pressure on him every week, then I would wonder how it would affect him."
McAllister added: "It is well known that he is an ardent Rangers fan. Over the years he has been up to watch Old Firm matches and other games.
"I knew he was a Rangers fan when I was at Liverpool and we talked about the Scottish game.
"Fans at all clubs really take to anybody they know supports as well as plays for their team. There would be a nice affinity between Robbie and the Rangers fans because of that."
Wigan are keen on Rob Hulse but have been put off by Sheffield United's £4million valuation. Daily Star Sunday
Money rejects Ricketts talk
Walsall boss Richard Money has denied The Saddlers have made a move for former England striker Michael Ricketts.
The 28-year-old is a free agent after being released by Preston North End at the end of last season.
However, Money has dismissed speculation linking the front man with a return to the club which presented him with his first professional contract back in 1996.
"I don't know where these rumours come from, but we've certainly had no contact with Michael or his representatives," Money told Skysports.com.
"Yes, we are looking for a striker as most clubs are at this time of the year, and to have experience mixed in with a good collection of young players would certainly be beneficial for the squad, but the Ricketts rumour is nothing more than that."
hadde ricketts vært noe i L1..? eller er han a lost case...?
quote:
Originally posted by Sydhagen
hadde ricketts vært noe i L1..? eller er han a lost case...?
Glem det! Ricketts er søppel. Vi må bygge med litt tidsperspektiv, ikke hente en gammel spiller helt på tampen eller på overtid i sin karriere.
Manchester City defender Danny Mills is attracting the attention of Rangers. (News of the World)
---
Rangers in for Man City's Mills
Rangers are chasing Manchester City fullback Danny Mills.
The News of the World says the ex-England defender, 30, who was on loan at Hull last term, wants to quit Eastlands to resurrect his career.
With two years left on his contract, City are believed to be ready to let him go for around £1million, which will suit cash-strapped Gers as they bid to catch up SPL champs Celtic.
Mills' advisor, Neil Featherby, said: "we've had plenty of interest in Danny but are keeping our options open."
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
quote:
Originally posted by Sydhagen
hadde ricketts vært noe i L1..? eller er han a lost case...?
Glem det! Ricketts er søppel. Vi må bygge med litt tidsperspektiv, ikke hente en gammel spiller helt på tampen eller på overtid i sin karriere.
han er vel ikke på tampen når han er 28 år..? [:D]
men forstår hva du mener med søppel, han var vel ikke akkurat en suksess forrige gang han var i leeds [V]
Gordon til City?
Ex-Juve boss Didier Deschamps could fetch up, Evian in hand, at Manchester City next season, after becoming the latest coach to be linked with the club. Other names bandied about with reckless abandon include Wee Gordon Strachan, Ronald Koeman, Chris Coleman, Mark Hughes, Barry Chuckle and Hamburglar. (Guardian)
Rio's parade at Entebbe
'Crazy, overwhelming and humbling,' was Rio Ferdinand's description of the welcome he received on landing in Uganda yesterday. The Manchester United defender is in East Africa to meet President Yoweri Museveni, who has offered Ferdinand - backed by Nike, West Ham and Manchester United - land on which to build a Proline Soccer Academy.
'I thought there might be the odd fan and a couple of workers from the football school at the airport,' Ferdinand said of the throng that jammed the 10-mile route from Entebbe airport to the capital, Kampala. 'I was waving out of the window but then was told that I should really acknowledge it so I stood out of the roof. At one point I welled up.'
Hele saken: http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2105015,00.html
Everton are eyeing a double striker swoop for West Ham's Bobby Zamora and Manchester United's Alan Smith. Fulham, Blackburn and Middlesbrough also want Zamora. (News of the World)
Sherriff relishing Leeds meeting
Tranmere defender Shane Sherriff is relishing the prospect of facing former club Leeds United in League One next season.
The 24-year-old Australian's first club in England was United, where he spent two years without making a breakthrough into the first team.
Rovers will be facing Dennis Wise's team on the opening day of the season and Sherriff is already looking forward to it.
He said: "It's a very big match. Leeds are a great side and have been unfortunate in the last few years. It's certainly going to be an exciting start to the season.
"There will be a lot of pressure on them and it's important they get off to a good start. But it's important we get off to a good start as well and we'll be hoping for a good match.
"It will be strange playing against my old club. I think there will only be one player still there from when I was there but it will still be great to play against them."
MACCA TIL MODERKLUBBEN?
Well on the way to naming new boss
Motherwell have announced they will name their new manager at a press conference on Tuesday.
The Fir Park club are close to making a final decision on who will succeed Maurice Malpas, who left the Lanarkshire club in June.
Motherwell's majority shareholder John Boyle said: "We are meeting tomorrow and we will make an announcement on Tuesday."
Mark McGhee, Gary McAllister, Owen Coyle and Tommy McLean, who led the club to Scottish Cup glory in 1991, have all been linked with the vacancy, although McGhee and McAllister have emerged as front runners.
Former Clyde player-manager Joe Miller and Luc Nijholt have expressed their interest in the post.
However, the next Fir Park boss, whoever it is, will have Scott Leitch as their assistant.
It was reported that Malpas' departure came after he refused to accept the decision to replace his assistant Paul Hegarty with the former Motherwell captain who is currently in charge of playing matters.
The following players celebrate their birthday on June 18:
1962: Former Arsenal and Crystal Palace defender Andy Linighan is born. (Celebrates 45th birthday)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Linighan
http://www.leedsfans.org.uk/leeds/players/232.html
(http://www.sacfc.co.uk/tpl/images/136.jpg)
Andy i St. Albans-trøya
Old boys to compete for charity
Mick Couzens is organising a match between former Avenue v Leeds players
Bradford Park Avenue are organising a former players match against Leeds United as part of their centenary celebrations.
The charity event will take place at Horsfall Stadium on a date to be arranged in September.
Mick Couzens, Avenue's community development manager, said: "I met Brendan Ormsby at Elland Road and he has been superb in helping us to organise this game.
"Brendan told me that a lot of former Leeds players work for the Youth Academy and Centre of Excellence teams, so we are waiting to confirm what fixtures they will be involved in before finalising the actual date.
"Last year we played Bradford City former players and the attendance was short due to the fact that an important Premiership match was being televised.
"So we are also monitoring who Sky will broadcast live in September before confirming the date of our match."
thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
Birmingham, Sunderland eyeing Liverpool keeper Carson
A host of Premiership rivals are monitoring Scott Carson's situation at Liverpool.
The Liverpool Daily Post says Carson has been targeted by Birmingham City, Sunderland and Middlesbrough as he chases the number one slot which, due to Pepe Reina, is out of his reach at Liverpool.
Sam backs Viduka to fire
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce believes Mark Viduka will flourish under his stewardship, amid reported criticism from the big Australian's former club Middlesbrough.
Although Boro offered Viduka lucrative terms in a bid to tempt the 31-year-old to stay at The Riverside, it has been reported that club chairman Steve Gibson shed no tears on his departure.
Hele storyen: http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=472333&CPID=8&clid=4&lid=2&title=Sam+backs+Viduka+to+fire
quote:
Originally posted by Sydhagen
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
quote:
Originally posted by Sydhagen
hadde ricketts vært noe i L1..? eller er han a lost case...?
Glem det! Ricketts er søppel. Vi må bygge med litt tidsperspektiv, ikke hente en gammel spiller helt på tampen eller på overtid i sin karriere.
han er vel ikke på tampen når han er 28 år..? [:D]
men forstår hva du mener med søppel, han var vel ikke akkurat en suksess forrige gang han var i leeds [V]
Michael Ricketts var dessverre "på tampen" av sin karriere før han fylte 25. [V]
Jon R.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/06/19/manual_082706.html
Det hadde vært veldig greit med denne karen tilbake i klubben vår[;)]
FOXES WIN KISH CHASE
Leicester City have signed Bulgaria midfielder Radostin Kishishev from Charlton Athletic.
The 31-year-old, who has 59 caps for his country, becomes boss Martin Allen's sixth capture of the close season.
Kishishev joined Charlton in 2000 and made 149 Premiership appearances for the club before joining Leeds United on loan towards the end of the 2006-07 campaign.
The player has signed a two-year-contract with Leicester, keeping him at the Walkers Stadium until at least the end of the 2009-10 campaign.
City manager Allen said: "I went out to Bulgaria to watch him play against Belarus recently. I just wanted to check him over for myself to make sure that he still had energy and he still had enthusiasm. He played very well in that game.
"He has had other clubs after him, so it has been a bit of a nervy wait. But I delighted that he has agreed to come here.
"He's down to earth and he's not big time. He's a solid citizen and he will be good for this club.
"He gives us some steel in the centre of midfield. He knows what the game is about and he will be a good player for this club."
Kishishev was part of the Bulgaria side that gained a 2-1 victory over Belarus in Sofia a fortnight ago.
The player will now join up with his new Leicester team-mates when the players return to Belvoir Drive to begin their pre-season training campaign on July 2.
Ian Harte is being linked with a return to England with Boro
Dette og mange andre rykter på: http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8671_2420137,00.html
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Middlesbrough are keeping tabs on former Leeds defender Ian Harte - The Mirror.
McCall makes Wetherall skipper
David Wetherall has been reappointed club captain at Bradford by new manager Stuart McCall ahead of the new League Two season
Veteran centre-half Wetherall passed the captain's armband to fellow defender Mark Bower when installed as caretaker-manager in February, but McCall has no doubts as to who he wants leading out the side next season.
McCall told the club's official website: "Wethers has got two years left on his deal and he can be one of our leading players next year, without a doubt.
"That's why he will be our club captain because I know what a big influence he can have."
McCall added: "I'd like to thank Wethers for all the work he has done before I came in.
"He got pre-season sorted out and contacted players and the time and effort he put in has been greatly appreciated and if he wants to do some coaching then that's great. If he wants to do some work with the reserves, that's great."
Doncaster Rovers have completed the signing of former Scotland goalkeeper Neil Sullivan and young defender Sam Hird from League One rivals Leeds United.
Sullivan, 37, has agreed a two-year deal after spending three months on loan last season.
Hird, 19, also spent three months on loan with Rovers last season, but has yet to start a league game.
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/football?articleid=2963421
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1786_2420275,00.html
Kish til Læstår
Enjoy you sick bastard:)
TROTTERS EYE UP JUSSI REPLACEMENT
Bolton are reportedly lining up Liverpool keeper Scott Carson or Sheffield United stopper Paddy Kenny as a replacement for Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Hele storyen: http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8668_2429389,00.html
Middlesbrough, Sunderland battle for Man Utd's Smith
Middlesbrough and Sunderland are battling for Manchester United striker Alan Smith.
The 26-year-old England international is currently on holiday as speculation over his future continues with the north-east duo heavily tipped to fight it out for his signature.
He will return to seek assurances over his future at Old Trafford, where he still has two years remaining on his contract.
tribalfootball.com
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Middlesbrough to offer £6M for Man Utd's Smith
Middlesbrough are preparing a £6 million bid for Manchester United striker Alan Smith.
Southgate is hoping to persuade Smith to the north east after losing fellow striker Mark Viduka to Newcastle and Yakubu Aiyegbeni set to join Portsmouth for £12m.
Smith has been told he will not be offered a new deal at Old Trafford but Boro face a fight to land the former Leeds striker.
But Southgate is confident of a deal as Smith's good friend Jonathan Woodgate - another ex-Elland Road employee - joined Boro last season from Real Madrid.
tribalfootball.com
Middlesbrough move for Levante's Harte
Middlesbrough are eyeing Levante fullback Ian Harte.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate has made a surprise move for the Irish left-back having struggled to fill that position last season.
Harte, 29, who got to the Champions League semi-finals with Leeds in 2001, has been in Spain with Levante since 2004.
tribalfootball.com
http://footballcommentator.blogspot.com/2007/06/for-some-reason-newcastle-buy-smith.html
Jaja, så blei det ikkje oss denna gangen[V]
SMITH SAYS NO TO BORO
There's similar contradiction - if contradiction can be similar - in the papers about the future of Alan Smith.
Although The Daily Telegraph and Guardian believe that the ManYoo forward will make a decision on a proposed move to Middlesbrough when he returns on holiday later this week, The Sun says that he has already decided to say no.
'Gareth Southgate will fail to lure Alan Smith to Middlesbrough,' it reports. 'Smith, 26, wants European football and is set to snub Boro. Spurs are favourites with Sunderland, Everton and Portsmouth also keen.'
The Daily Mail agrees with the Spurs angle, announcing on its back page that 'Tottenham have joined the race for £6million-rated Manchester United forward Alan Smith.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris, 29, will train with Charlton in a bid to earn a permanent deal at The Valley. (The Sun)
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris, 29, will train with Charlton in a bid to earn a permanent deal at The Valley. (The Sun)
Hva i all verden er det Charlton tenker på! Ingen ambisjoner om å komme tilbake skjønner jeg!
SMITH INCLUDED IN FAR EAST SQUAD
Alan Smith has been handed a place in Manchester United's Far East tour squad as speculation over his Red Devils career rumbles on.
The former Leeds star has reportedly been seeking assurances over his future after failing to land a new contract offer from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Reports of a £6million bid from Middlesbrough being accepted for Smith have done little to quell the rumours surrounding his long-term future and with United attempting to push through a deal for Carlos Tevez this week, the England international's time at Old Trafford does appear limited.
But, with Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer injured and Giuseppe Rossi missing out due to his European Under-21 Championship commitments with Italy this summer, Smith found himself alongside Wayne Rooney as one of only two front-line strikers in Ferguson's squad.
Kilde: PA Sport
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=468386&in_page_id=1779
Bravo on the move.
WE'RE LEEDS AND PROUD!!!
Pulis laughs off Fowler reports
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has laughed off speculation linking Robbie Fowler with a move to the Britannia Stadium.
The former England striker is a free agent after being released by Liverpool at the end of last season and Pulis told the club's official club website: "No, Robbie Fowler is out of the question.
"If Port Vale are interested then we can't compete with the likes of them."
Pulis then joked: "I've actually made an offer for Raul though, but he's got to come within our wage structure and if he's prepared to do that then we'll take him."
Buckley dismisses Joachim talk
Alan Buckley has rubbished speculation linking former Aston Villa and Leicester striker Julian Joachim with a move to Blundell Park.
Joachim, 32, has been at the Mariners' League Two rivals Darlington since last August but is rumoured to be unhappy in the north-east.
According to Buckley, however, there is no prospect of the former Premier League star joining Grimsby.
Buckley said: "It's another one of those rumours that somebody has dreamt up. I can assure you that it isn't true.
"I think it is another one of those rumours that maybe comes from the docks or somewhere like that."
Cardiff confident of Fowler turning blue
CARDIFF CITY HAVE APPROACHED Robbie Fowler, right, whose contract with Liverpool expired last season. “We have offered an attractive package and are hopeful Robbie will decide to come,†Peter Ridsdale, the chairman, said. “The calibre of players the club is approaching shows how much we’ve progressed.â€
Cardiff will face competition form Sydney FC, with reports in Australia claiming the player has opened talks with the club. Sources close to the A-League club are reported to be happy at the way their discussions have progressed.
(http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00186/Robbie_Fowler_186021a.jpg)
Fowler + Ridsdale + Cardiff Shitty = Katastrofe!
The 50 worst footballers
Times Online presents the players who had no rightful place in England’s elite division in the modern era
Mange kjente Leeds-fjes på Time's liste...
47 Jody Morris (Chelsea, Leeds)
Grew up at Chelsea with Dennis Wise as his mentor, and turned into the snidey kid brother everyone hates. Had all of Wise’s sly tendencies and penchant for a scrape, but none of the skill. Perfect acquisition for Leeds in 2003, then.
(http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00184/roque-junior-385_184458a.jpg)
45 Roque Junior (Leeds)
The execrable Brazilian arrived on loan for a few months from AC Milan in 2003, and did as much as anybody to shove Leeds towards destruction.
40 Carlton Palmer (Southampton)
“He covers every blade of grass out there,†said Saints manager, Dave Jones. “But that’s only because his first touch is so crap.â€
32 Gary Sprake (Leeds)
The Kop serenaded the hapless Welshman with “Careless Hands†when he threw another one into the back of his own net, hardly a unique moment for the accident-prone Inspector Clouseau of international goalkeeping.
16 Chris Kamara (Leeds)
For more than two decades Kammy has sported the perma-frizzed coiff of a 60s soul legend, but it failed to distract from a playing style long on effort, short on elegance.
10 Vinnie Jones (Wimbledon and more)
Told Kenny Dalglish he intended to bite off his ear and spit in the whole. And they said there were no characters left in the game.
2 Tomas Brolin (Leeds, Crystal Palace)
Hard to imagine that Leeds United, normally a model of fiscal probity, paid £4.5m for the Swedish meatball in 1995. A good footballer treats his body like a temple. Brolin’s was a bouncy castle.
Her er hele lista: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2025420.ece
Robbie Fowler is ready to snub a move to Leicester after agreeing to join Cardiff. (Daily Star)
SHERIDAN ESCAPES TOUCHLINE BAN
(http://clientimages.teamtalk.com/07/03/240/Sheridan_210403.jpg)
Oldham manager John Sheridan has escaped another touchline ban after being found guilty of improper conduct.
Sheridan was charged following an incident during the Latics' 1-1 draw at Bradford on April 9 while already banned from the dugout for a previous offence. He has been fined £250.
The former Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Oldham midfielder was at the time serving a three-match suspension after being fined £600 following an altercation with referee Richard Beeby at Port Vale in February.
TeamTalk
Cardiff are closing in on Robbie Fowler after chairman Peter Ridsdale improved his offer. (Daily Mail)
Fowler turns down move to Sydney
Sydney FC have revealed that Robbie Fowler has rejected their audacious bid to take him to Australia's A-League.
Cardiff City are now favourites to land him after the 32-year-old was released by Liverpool at the end of last season.
Sydney chief executive George Perry said: "We're bitterly disappointed but we're satisfied we did everything we could to persuade Robbie to come.
"Robbie was tremendously impressed by what he saw in Sydney but he's chosen to go elsewhere."
Fowler travelled to Sydney for talks and admitted he had been hugely impressed with the set-up.
The former England striker's representative George Scott said: "He was incredibly impressed with them and the city. The only thing against them is that Robbie is a Premiership player and he is used to Premiership money.
"The Premiership is unique in terms of the crazy money it generates and there is nothing in the world that replicates it, not even Spain. That money is well beyond Sydney and the Australian league and we know that.
"It is really a battle between money and quality of life and believe me, quality of life counts for a lot of money. All the money in the world is not going to buy your family's happiness."
Leicester have also joined the race to sign Fowler and have been in touch with his representatives.
"We'd be right for someone looking for the right challenge," chairman Milan Mandaric told the Leicester Mercury.
"Our rebuilding is not completed yet. We are still looking for more power up front and Fowler could give us that.
"I have been talking with his representatives and we know there is competition for him but it is not always about money," added Mandaric.
Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale was quoted on Liverpool's website as saying: "We have offered an attractive package and are hopeful Robbie will decide to come."
Fowler's adviser Scott also said Cardiff could be an option for Fowler.
He said: "I think Cardiff, if they have the ambition, is the sort of place Robbie would thrive at."
Fowler is likely to be taking a big wage cut if he moves to Cardiff, unless the Bluebirds shattered their wage structure - which is unlikely given the financial constraints caused by building a new stadium at Leckwith.
The alternative would be to put together a huge sponsorship package.
Ridsdale, who said he was surprised to hear that comments attributed to him had appeared on Liverpool's website, told BBC Sport Wales: "There's been a lot of press speculation.
"Obviously I know Robbie from his days at Leeds and he's an outstanding finisher and outstanding footballer.
"Were we ever in a position where we could attract him, I think our supporters would realise our talk of ambition is more than just talk.
"If and when we're in a position to announce the arrival of a player of that stature we will do so, but in the meantime I don't like talking about speculation."
Fowler made his Liverpool debut as an 18-year-old in 1993, scoring 171 goals in 330 games before joining Leeds for £11m in 2001 and then Manchester City for £6m in 2003.
Fowler returned for a second spell at Anfield in January 2006, although his starting appearances were limited.
BBC Sport
Everton have stepped up their bid for Manchester United's Alan Smith after seeing James Vaughan ruled out for three months. (Various)
Middlesbrough have had a £6m bid for Smith accepted but the player is reluctant to move there. (Daily Star)
Everton are ready to make a move for Alan Smith after young striker James Vaughan dislocated his shoulder. (Daily Star)
Middlesbrough will block Yakubu's £10 million move to Manchester City until they find a replacement. Alan Smith is boss Gareth Southgate's first choice, but Everton's James Beattie could be another option. (Daily Star)
THE RUMOUR MILL (fra dagens The Guardian):
Harry Kewell's last trip to the Olympic Stadium went so well that he now wants to sign for AEK Athens.
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Olympiacos are willing to pay £1.5 million for Liverpool winger Harry Kewell. (THE TIMES)
Walton klar for QPR:
http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=479105&CPID=10&clid=33&lid=2&title=Walton+makes+Rangers+move
Mariners out to net Bridges
Grimsby have expressed an interest in signing Hull striker Michael Bridges.
Mariners boss Alan Buckley is keen to bring in the former Sunderland and Leeds striker to bolster his squad.
The League Two outfit are waiting to see if Hull will be willing to do a deal for Bridges.
"He is somebody we have asked about, and we are waiting for Hull to get back to us," Buckley told the club's official website.
"There's a lot of work going on in the background and we are waiting for players and clubs to get back to us." (Sky Sports)
Carson til City?
Eight players have already shuffled through the entrance of the Citeh of Manchester Stadium, but Sven isn't done just yet.
After both Andreas Isaksson and youngster Joe Hart picked up injuries at the end of last week, he now needs a goalkeeper, and the general consensus among the tabs is that the £5million-rated Palermo stopper Marco Amelia is his man.
Eriksson still wants Liverpool's Scott Carson, but the Times reports that Rafa Benitez is unlikely to let him go.
BLACKWELL FELT THE HEAT
Former Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell has revealed how the pressure of managing a club in rapid decline affected himself and his players during his ill-fated spell in charge at Elland Road.
Blackwell took Leeds to within a whisker of a return to the Premiership in May last year before being sacked by chairman Ken Bates the following September.
The 48-year-old, now manager at Luton, has looked on with sadness at another calamitous relegation and a subsequent summer-long battle for survival.
Blackwell said: "I've used the time to assess myself, things that I might have done right and wrong, and hopefully put them back into fruition now with Luton.
"I've learned to be a bit more ruthless. Hopefully what people tell you is the truth, but I think you have to be a bit more circumspect in how you deal with that.
"I don't think I was too nice at Leeds, I think sometimes you just accept things people say to you at face value.
"History will show that wasn't quite the case, so you have to learn.
"Sometimes football has a habit of destroying your confidence in human beings at times because you take people at face value - and want to - and sometimes that doesn't come off.
"Therefore you have to have a less-than-trusting attitude next time around. If that's ruthless than that's maybe what I've added."
Blackwell, a former goalkeeper with Scarborough and Huddersfield, ended a 17-year partnership with Neil Warnock at Sheffield United to become number two to former Leeds boss Peter Reid in June 2003.
When Reid was sacked after just eight months at the helm in November 2003, Eddie Gray stepped in as caretaker-manager, but Leeds were relegated from the top flight the following May.
Blackwell was named permanent boss later that summer. He was the club's fifth manager in under two years following David O'Leary's dismissal in June 2002.
In hindsight Blackwell claims he always knew the club had cash problems, but had not been made aware they were heading for financial meltdown.
He said: "I did know it was a critical situation, but I didn't realise the state of the club because obviously things weren't always told to me.
"But I was aware it was bad and I was aware when I started that first season that I had to try and get 10 points clear of relegation so that if we did take administration, at least whoever came in could put us into administration and it wouldn't see Leeds get relegated."
When asked exactly how much pressure he was under during his bid to get Leeds back into the Premier League, Blackwell revealed it was not just him who had suffered under the strain.
He added: "In the job we're in, you come across situations that the average man in the street won't come across.
"You have to deal with players' problems. It was well documented that at Leeds we had players that had been attempted to be drugged, broken legs possibly on people, and you had people coming to speak to you.
"I had two or three players crying in the office because things weren't right. The pressure at Leeds was phenomenal. I don't think anyone that hasn't worked in that situation would understand it."
Blackwell, currently locked in a legal battle with Leeds for compensation following his dismissal, insists he is still a huge fan of the club.
He added: "I've never said a bad word about Leeds United Football Club since I've left.
"I've got nothing but admiration for Leeds. It's one of the biggest football clubs in the country and, please God it will start.
"I think football needs Leeds United. There's no doubt that in the division we are in this season, in League One, wherever Leeds go it will be a full house because the mighty Leeds United are turning up."
CRESSWELL DENIES MEDICAL TALK
Richard Cresswell has denied his move to Hull City fell through due to a failed medical, and says it was his decision to opt for a switch to Stoke.
The former Leeds striker saw his move to Hull collapse before securing a three-year-deal at the Britannia Stadium.
And though his spell at Leeds was plagued with injuries, he insists his decision to join the Potters rather than Hull was a "footballing" one.
He told the club's official website: "It's a fantastic club with a lot of very good players. I believe this is a club that is going somewhere.
"A lot of things happened with Hull, but it was nothing to do with what has been said.
"My decision to come here was purely a footballing decision and I wanted to be part of the future here.
"There is a better chance of promotion here and that's what I want."
SMITH SALUTES FANS` RESPONSE
Newcastle new-boy Alan Smith has saluted the Magpies faithful for their response to his debut performance in a pre-season friendly with Sampdoria.
The former Manchester United striker bagged the only goal of the game, and says his first performance and goal for his new side was capped off by the superb reception he received.
Smith's debut came days after his £6 million switch to St. James' Park, and the 26-year-old is targeting a successful start to the season.
"I thank the fans for the reception they gave me, it was incredible," he told the club's official website.
"This is a massive club with fantastic support and I'm delighted to be here.
"I couldn't wait for the game and it was great to get 90 minutes under my belt.
"I was trying to time my runs to get on the end of things and thankfully I managed to score.
"I just can't wait for Bolton now and it's important we get a good start to the season."
Smith: Leaving Leeds tougher than Man Utd
Newcastle United striker Alan Smith says it was tougher leaving Leeds than Manchester United last week.
The England international told the Evening Chronicle: “Leaving Leeds United was more difficult for me than leaving Manchester United because of the connection I had with the club.
“The time for me to leave Manchester United had come.
“It wasn’t because they asked me to go or because I wasn’t good enough to perform at that level but because the chances that I was going to get were going to be limited.
“I am 26 now and I have been around for a few years.
“I wanted to go somewhere where I was starting afresh and where there was a new manager in place. There are also new staff here and new players coming in. (....)
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY hope to lure striker Geoff Horsfield, 33, from city rivals United with a £400,000 bid.
Alan Wright, the former Aston Villa full back, could join Oldham Athletic in the coming days after impressing on trial.
Liverpool boss Benitez plays down Kewell injury scare
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says winger Harry Kewell should be fit for the new season.
The Aussie star hobbled off during the second half against Feyenoord, sparking fears that he had aggravated the foot injury which restricted him to just three games as a sub last season.
But Benitez insists the 28-year-old will be ready for Saturday's league opener at Aston Villa.
He said: "We were protecting him by taking him off against Feyenoord. He'll be fine for Saturday."
Fiorentina keen on Spurs winger Lennon
Fiorentina are considering a move for Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon.
La Nazione says Fiorentina sports director Pantaleo Corvino has sounded out his trusted contacts in London about the England international.
The stumbling block for Fiorentina is Lennon's asking price, with Spurs unlikely to consider selling for anything less than £17 million.
FARSLEY CELTIC have added to their summer recruits after signing five players who have impressed in pre-season outings: (...) former Leeds United youngster Bailey Camfield.
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Farsley's Wilberforce ruled out for a month
(http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/images/3071951//TH1_E4-3107-45-3107-082602.jpg)
NEW Farsley Celtic signing Mark Wilberforce is set to miss the start of the season after fracturing a finger.
The injury was sustained duiring the warm-up for Saturday's pre-season friendly at North Ferriby United when the former Scarborough stopper caught his fingers in the turf.
"Mark went to the hospital yesterday and has been told it will be a three or four week job, so it's relatively straightforward.
"It's something we could do without but that's why we have a big squad. I am philosophical about these things and it doesn't go plain sailing for ever.
"Mark will be disappointed, of course he will.
"He's just come to the club and wants to make an impression, but he will pick up injuries and you have to get on with it.
"Hopefully, it will be as straightforward as they are expecting and three to four weeks isn't bad."
Speed: Yoga is keeping me on pitch
GARY SPEED has revealed that regular yoga sessions are helping to extend his career.
Bolton's player-coach is looking to improve on a record 521 Premier League appearances in the new season.
And the former Leeds United player Speed has revealed how he is using all methods possible to wring extra mileage out of his ageing body.
"The changes since the Premier League began are breathtaking," he said. "The game of football is the same but everything else has moved on. The biggest difference is the level of fitness and athleticism.
"Take injury prevention. I have been having yoga classes twice a week for the last three years.
"Once upon a time everybody would have laughed at that but it has stopped me having back problems that trouble older players."
The Premier League is now 15 years old and the former Wales captain has seen a massive shift in the landscape as a result of television revenue.
He added: "I would be a hypocrite if I did not mention the money. It has attracted the best players, affecting not just contracts but transfer fees and every other aspect of the sport.
"The stadiums are another big change. When you see footage of old games it reminds you how much the builders have done. Grounds that seemed huge now look tiny in comparison."
CARSON HEADING TO VILLA...IF RAFA FINDS A REPLACEMENT
Scott Carson looks to be heading to Aston Villa if Liverpool can find a new understudy for Pepe Reina.
'Carson has agreed in principle to join Aston Villa on a season-long loan although the move will be delayed for a fortnight if Liverpool fail to sign a replacement for their second-choice goalkeeper today,' says The Guardian.
'That deadline is necessary because Rafael BenÃtez has until the close of play to register players for Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against Toulouse, raising the possibility that Carson could be forced to remain at Anfield for two more weeks.'
Benitez apparently doesn't believe that the club's current third-choice keeper, 21-year-old David Martin, is ready to be promoted. It is thought that he has already identified a replacement for Carson - named in some quarters as Lens goalkeeper Charles Itandje.
As for Carson, he wants out of Anfield in a bid to improve his international prospects.
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VILLA CONFIDENT OF CARSON DEAL
Aston Villa remain confident they will tie up a season long loan deal for Liverpool 'keeper Scott Carson.
Carson is set to make the move to the midlands for the next 10 months in a move which will cost Villa around £2 million.
Villa manager Martin O'Neill moved swiftly to recruit the England squad player after he lost out to Sunderland in the race for the signature of Hearts' stopper Craig Gordon.
Although Manchester City are also in the frame, Villa have emerged as the clear favourites to sign the former Leeds player according to sources close to the midlands club.
Carson's burning desire is to eventually follow his former Elland Road team-mate Paul Robinson into the England side.
But he is aware of the need to continue to play regular Premier League football to achieve that goal.
He spent last season on loan at Charlton but, despite performing capably, failed to prevent them from being relegated from the top flight.
Now he is to move to Villa where the expectation levels for the forthcoming campaign will be considerably higher than at The Valley.
Villa have no need to rush the deal through as Carson cannot play in Saturday's home clash with Rafael Benitez's side and Wednesday's game at Blackburn has been postponed because of their UEFA Cup commitments.
If all goes to plan, he is likely to make his debut the following weekend against Newcastle at St James' Park.
Carson's move will inevitably place a question mark over the future of last season's number one Thomas Sorensen once he has recovered from a hamstring injury.
He has only 10 months left of his current deal and there has been no sign of a new contract offer.
Sorensen has shown himself to be a capable shot-stopper but O'Neill would prefer a 'keeper who commands his area in a more authoritative manner.
Stuart Taylor will be between the posts against the Reds with Academy prospect David Bevan on the substitute's bench. (Football365.com)
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Villa agree to take Carson on season's loan
Scott Carson has agreed in principle to join Aston Villa on a season-long loan although the move will be delayed for a fortnight if Liverpool fail to sign a replacement for their second-choice goalkeeper today.
That deadline is necessary because Rafael BenÃtez has until the close of play to register players for Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against Toulouse, raising the possibility that Carson could be forced to remain at Anfield for two more weeks.
Liverpool and Villa are both optimistic that will not be necessary, with BenÃtez understood to have identified back-up for Pepe Reina, the club's first-choice goalkeeper. Should the Liverpool manager be in a position to secure that signing today, Carson will join Villa immediately. If, on the other hand, BenÃtez's plans fall through, he will have no alternative but to hold on to Carson, with the Liverpool manager not willing to consider risking the 21-year-old third-choice, David Martin.
Any delay would be frustrating for Villa although it will not impact significantly on their plans for the opening weeks of this season. Villa entertain Liverpool on Saturday, a fixture which Carson, under Premier League rules, would not be eligible for as loan players are prevented from appearing against their host club. Furthermore, Villa's midweek match against Blackburn Rovers has been postponed, because of Uefa Cup commitments for Blackburn, meaning that possible delay in Carson's arrival could make little difference.
Either way, Villa can at least take satisfaction from completing a deal that looked highly unlikely earlier in the summer when Benitez was adamant that Carson would be remaining at the club to challenge Reina. The Liverpool manager appears to have reneged on that stance after the player made clear his dissatisfaction at starting the season on the sidelines. Carson is believed to have felt that his England place at the Euro 2008 finals would have been at risk if he stayed at Anfield.
Instead Villa offers the chance to play regularly, as he did during a similar loan spell with Charlton Athletic last season, while pressing his claims to challenge Paul Robinson for the England No1 position. Carson's arrival will come as a significant boost to Martin O'Neill after the Villa manager failed to gazump Sunderland's bid for Craig Gordon. Manchester City had also pursued Carson but, unlike Villa, they refused to pay a loan fee for the 21-year-old.
Carson has made nine appearances for Liverpool since joining from Leeds United in January 2005.
The Guardian
Danny Mills is eyeing a permanent switch to Hull City.
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MILLS AND JOHNSON WANT TIGERS MOVE
Hull boss Phil Brown has revealed he has been approached by Manchester City full-back Danny Mills and Derby centre-back Michael Johnson.
(...)
"Danny has been on the phone as well over the possibility of coming here. We talked about what deal he could take back to Manchester City to get out of his contract there, but as far as I'm concerned it should be a case of him discussing it with his club and then coming to us.
"Danny's wage at Manchester City is quite phenomenal, but rightly so because when he signed it, he was a regular Premiership player," he told the Hull Daily Mail.
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DEFENDER Danny Mills wants a Hull move after being told he has no future at Manchester City.
Mills was on loan with the Tigers last term but his £30,000-a-week pay is a stumbling block.
Hull boss Phil Brown admitted: “A permanent move would depend on what deal Manchester City were prepared to do with his wages.â€
The Sun
QPR new-boy Simon Walton is out for at least six months.
The 19-year-old midfielder, a £200,000 buy from Charlton, has fractured his left leg.
Former Leeds playmaker Simon Johnson, 24, has penned a two-month contract with HEREFORD.
---
JOHNSON JOINS BULLS
Simon Johnson has signed a two-month contract with Hereford United.
The striker has put pen-to-paper at Edgar Street after impressing on trial during the pre-season.
Johnson, 24, was released by Darlington at the end of last season, but United manager Graham Turner is keen to have a closer look at the forward.
"We're going to take on Simon Johnson, he's agreed to take a two-month contract so that we can have a good look at him, " Turner told Hereford's official website.
"He started off at Leeds and was a bit of a wonder kid, then went up to Darlington and it's gone a bit wrong for him.
"What we've seen in the pre-season games, he's got something about him, we're prepared to give him that two months and hopefully he'll respond to that.
"He's got a lot to do, he's got an opportunity and he's got to prove to us that he's good enough."
(http://clientimages.teamtalk.com/07/07/240/simonjohnson07_465067.jpg)
Fergie so sad over Smith exit
ALEX FERGUSON has revealed his agony over ending the Manchester United career of fans’ favourite Alan Smith.
Striker Smith, 26, was hugely popular with staff, players and supporters during his three seasons at Old Trafford.
But the England star joined Newcastle for £6million last week before Carlos Tevez’s arrival from West Ham pushed him further down the pecking order.
United boss Fergie said: “Alan’s been a fantastic character in the dressing room and a very important player for us since he came here.
“I was very sad to see him go in many ways.
“There are few characters as big as him in this country at the moment and it was a very difficult one for us to decide.
“He’ll be remembered with great affection by everyone here and I’m sure that’s the case with the fans too.
“I don’t think there has been a more popular player with the supporters during his time here.
“And also he’s been a really good ambassador for this club so we wish him well.â€
The Sun
Tottenham's Aaron Lennon is set to miss England's Euro 2008 qualifiers next month with a knee injury. (Daily Star)
---------
LENNON BLOW FOR ENGLAND
Aaron Lennon has added to Steve McClaren's problems on the right flank after it was revealed he will not return to training with Tottenham until the end of the month.
Lennon faces a race against time to be fit for England's European Championship qualifiers against Israel and Russia on September 8 and 12, with David Beckham also short of match fitness at the start of his career in America.
Spurs only have one game in September before the international break, which would also hamper Lennon's return to full sharpness after recovering from knee surgery.
"He will be back in training in three weeks, at the end of the month," said Spurs boss Martin Jol. "He had no reaction and is doing conditioning work with the coaches.
"He had an operation on the outside cartilage of his knee, which is three months. He's been out for eight weeks so far."
Lennon had provided Jol with an option on right last season and despite a busy summer, Spurs still do not have an out-and-out left winger.
Lennon had provided Jol with an option on the opposite flank last season and despite a busy summer, Spurs still do not have an out-and-out left winger.
JOACHIM TO REMAIN AT DARLO
Darlington chairman George Houghton has revealed that want-away striker Julian Joachim is set to remain with the club.
The Quakers were willing to listen to offers for Joachim after the 32-year-old expressed his desire to move closer to his family home in Lincolnshire.
However, Joachim, who cost a club record £100,000 when he joined the Quakers from Boston last September, is set to remain at the 96.6 TFM Arena.
Houghton told the Northern Echo: "Julian had family problems but he has resolved that now.
"His family are going to come up here every weekend which he is very happy about and I think we are going to see a different Julian.
"I wanted him to stay, he wasn't too sure because of his family situation but that is sorted out now
POTTERS SEEK TRIPLE BOOST
Stoke City hope to sign Jon Fortune on loan, and are waiting on answers from Dominic Matteo and Salif Diao.
(...)
Pulis is also awaiting a decision from experienced duo Matteo and Diao regarding contract offers.
The pair impressed for Stoke last term and the Potters boss is hoping for a positive outcome.
"We're still in discussions with Dominic and we think we're close to a deal with him," added Pulis.
Viduka's pledge to Toon
MARK VIDUKA is ready to sacrifice his international career in a bid to land Newcastle glory.
Viduka, 31, reckons travelling the world to play for Australia is leaving him drained and unable to fire at club level.
The striker â€" poised for his debut for Sam Allardyce’s Toon at Bolton tomorrow â€" will make a decision when Australia appoint their new boss.
He said: “It’s not about missing Newcastle matches, it’s more about what’s best for Australia and for me.
“I want to play at Newcastle for as long as I can but it’s a big ask to play for Australia.
"It’s not like playing for a European country â€" there’s a lot of travelling involved.
“The travelling takes its toll as you get older. When you come back from Australia your whole body clock is turned around and that’s when you can pick up injuries.â€
Viduka is desperate to land his first silverware in England.
He added: “Sam’s stature in the game is second to none and I am confident he will do great things.â€
READING keeper Graham Stack has joined Wolves on a month’s loan.
The Irish ace, 25, only returned to the Royals in the summer following an ex- tended loan spell at Leeds.
Stack will provide cover for Wayne Hennessey as No 1 Matt Murray is out for six months with a knee injury.
Boss Mick McCarthy said: " I had no hesitation in taking him." (The Sun)
Moore hopes Pools switch will see him back among the goals
AS the great Leeds United meltdown continues, Ian Moore has happily swapped the carnage of Elland Road for a more sedate footballing life at Hartlepool United.
But there's no way the striker views a move to Victoria Park as a step down; it's the chance to win back the lost years of his career.
Since leaving Burnley for Leeds in March 2005, the striker has hardly enjoyed any sort of stability.
He made 14 starts last season and was substituted in eight of those, appeared 19 times on the bench under both Ian Blackwell and Dennis Wise and scored just two goals.
Moving to Pools, promoted into League One last season, should present the chance to get Moore's form and career back towards the level which twice saw him move for a million pounds.
Some 72 goals in 424 Football League outings mean an average of a goal every 5.8 games for the hard-working front man, who will come up against his dad, Ronnie, when Pools meet Moore senior's Tranmere side this season.
The chance to play regular, first-team football at Victoria Park this campaign should see those statistics improve.
"I want to get my career back on track, I'm not that old - I'm only 30 - but I've had a couple of years in the wilderness at Leeds,"
he admitted.
"I played a few games last season, but I'm trying to get myself back and get a few goals - that's my aims for the season.
"We had something like seven or eight strikers at Leeds and when I was playing, it was out on the wing. I would play a couple of games and then be left out. It was hard to get any sort of run in the team, which is what you need.
"I was only getting two or three games and then out again, there was no consistency for me. The manager picks the side and all you can do is try your best - that's what I did, but it wasn't enough for Leeds."
Moore has an early return to Elland Road to look forward to.
Pools go there for their fifth game of the season, on September 8.
"I've left the club and came to a club which is on the up," he believes.
"Leeds are expected to do well, they are a massive club, a massive team - maybe not so much now but there is an unbelievable aura about the place.
"I think we will have a good chance against them this season, I watched them against Darlington in pre-season and there is nothing to worry about.
"There's a couple of big games I'm looking forward to - Leeds and Tranmere. Leeds is first up and every team in the division will look forward to that one.
"It was the same last season in the Championship, teams looked at it as their cup final. And when teams turned it on against them and went for it, they couldn't cope with it.
"Keep the crowd quite for 30 to 35 minutes or so and then the pressure starts to tell. It will be the same this season."
He added: "I've never played in this division, it's always been in the Championship or the Premiership so it's new to me.
"But I've seen enough here already that there are some really good, young players who want to play football the right way. Loius van Gaal said some nice things about us last week after the game with AZAlkmaar and it doesn't surprise me at all.
"I watched quite a lot of games last season, especially with Tranmere playing Friday nights, so I know quite a bit about this division and I don't think there's much to be scared of.
"It's hard to nail one club who you think will run away with it, they are much of a muchness and getting off to a good start will be the key.
"I don't set a goal target, it just puts pressure on your back, but I'm pretty confident I can score goals in this division. I've done it in the division above, so I am sure I can in this league as well."
Moore is in contention to play up front at Kenilworth Road tomorrow with Richard Barker.
Boss Wilson also has the option - he used it in pre-season - of playing three strikers and Moore is happy to adapt either way.
Barker ended last season as the division's leading scorer with 24 strikes for Pools and Mansfield, and Moore admitted: "I knew all about Barks before I came here - he played under my dad at Rotherham, so I know his strengths and his weaknesses.
"All I can hope for is the chance to play alongside him and hopefully get a good partnership going.
"I'm a striker and a lot of the time I've played on the wing. But I enjoy playing as a striker, with a target man in the forward line.
"Or like we did against Alkmaar, I didn't play as a main striker, I was dropped off a bit and we have the option to play three up front.
"I'm not going to say I'm going to be playing every week, because it's not like that here, there's a lot of good players at the club and a lot of competition to keep everyone on their toes."
(thenorthernecho.co.uk)
Viduka aims swipe at Boro
Viduka hits out at old club
Newcastle new boy Mark Viduka has accused old club Middlesbrough of not doing enough to keep him at The Riverside.
Viduka joined Newcastle on a free transfer earlier this summer after seeing out his contract at Middlesbrough.
The Australian international, who made his Newcastle debut against Bolton on Saturday, admits he was surprised Middlesbrough did not try harder to keep hold of him.
Surprised
"To be honest at the time I was surprised. Most people were, including other players, that there was no offer made earlier," Viduka told the Sunday Mirror.
"It is disappointing when you have played for a club and you want to do well and it comes to a point where you don't know if you are staying or going with six months of your contract left.
"You are free at the end of the contract and you have to start thinking of your future.
"Middlesbrough do not look after you in that sense. They never got around to it. The club gets a lot of situations like that. It happened with Bolo Zenden and then me - and it could be Mark Schwarzer below next."
Claims
Viduka also shrugged off claims from Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb that the former Leeds striker was only prolific in the final six months of the three year contract.
"He had a lot of pressure on him and he wanted to react. I can't comment on what Keith Lamb says," added Viduka.
"I gave everything in every game. Some games I didn't play well, some I did. If I didn't play well I wouldn't have had any clubs after me.
"I would like to think I played well for Boro. Some footballers go unappreciated but that is a different story."
Sky Sports
Ferdinand: I want to play out career at Man Utd
Rio Ferdinand admits he wants to play out his career at Manchester United.
The England defender told the Observer: "Until they kick me out, I want to stay at United. Hopefully I'm going to achieve great things. If you come to United you're joining the biggest club in the world. It's a phenomenon with a great history."
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
quote:
Originally posted by Budda
Har du en peil på hva Mark Tinkler har gjort etter Leeds, Kjelvi?
Som Runar skriver: i Hartlepool siden 2001.
Her er det meste: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Tinkler
Sliter med skader og er helt på slutten av sin karriere. Sliter spesielt med akillelsen. Bare fire kamper så langt denne sesongen - tre fra start og en som innbytter.
'Den nye Batty' slo dessverre aldri til, men har en respektabel karriere i de lavere divisjoner med York, Southend og Hartlepool. Høgt verdsatt alle plasser hvor han har vært, bl.a. som kaptein i alle tre klubbene.
Kald fot i ræva av Hartlepool i juni.
Signet for Livingstone i skotske 2. div. i juli.
Leeds --> York C. --> Southend --> Hartlepool --> Livi
http://www.livingstonfc.co.uk/newsdet.php?news_id=762&type_id=1
http://www.livingstonfc.co.uk/squaddet.php?squad_id=61
Leicester owner Milan Mandaric is ready to offer JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK a £1m payday.
Mandaric has put together a £20,000-a-week package to try to tempt the Dutch striker, 35, to the Walkers Stadium.
Hasselbaink is a free agent after his release from Charlton and is considering offers to go and play in the Middle East. (The Sun)
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,982_2660692,00.html
Ian Harte kunne glatt erstattet Crainey. Vil vel tro at tempoproblemene han hadde i PL ikke ville vært så store i L1.
Han vil nok neppe til L1. Ville ikke engang spille i CCC. Men god nok for Leeds pr. dags dato.
auren
Leeds
Till
I
Die!
Derby may move for Watford striker Marlon King. (Daily Mirror)
Striker Matthews wins Livi deal
Livingston have signed former Crewe Alexandra striker Lee Matthews. The 28-year-old Matthews, released by Crewe, has signed a one-year contract.
Livi boss Mark Proctor said: "Lee has been training with us for two and a half weeks and will give us some strength and power up front."
Proctor hopes that Matthews, who made 10 substitute appearances in his season with Crewe, has now shaken off the injury problems that have hampered his progress in recent seasons.
Matthews started his career with Leeds United before spells at Bristol City and Port Vale then joining Crewe.
However, he also had loan spells with Notts County, Gillingham, Darlington, Bristol Rovers and Yeovil Town.
BBC
Watford put ransom on King's head
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd has warned Premier League clubs off Marlon King by slapping a £60m price tag on the striker.
King, 27, has been linked with a move to Derby but Boothroyd insisted he will not be allowed to leave Vicarage Road.
He said: "If we get into the Premier League we get £60m, so unless somebody has £60m, Marlon's going nowhere.
"We haven't received a bid and Derby haven't got enough money. As long as I am here, he will stay."
King missed much of Watford's brief stay in the top-flight last season through a knee injury.
Boothroyd sold Hameur Bouazza to Fulham earlier in the summer and allowed Ashley Young to join Aston Villa during last January's transfer window, but is determined to hold on to his prize asset.
The Hornets boss said: "Hameur was a different kettle of fish, as was Ashley Young. Marlon King stays.
"He is part of the core of the team who won promotion in 2006, He missed out last year in the Premier League, but he is going to get us back there.
"He is a key part of my plans, so a move isn't going to happen, he is staying.
"Is Marlon happy? I would think so, he was when I saw him last."
BBC
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is heading for Cardiff after his move to Leicester fell through. (Sun)
--
STRIKER Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink will become Cardiff’s latest big-name signing.
The former Leeds and Chelsea star is set to link up with former Elland Road chairman Peter Ridsdale.
Hasselbaink, 35, will partner Robbie Fowler in a new-look front line after he was released by Charlton at the end of last season. (The Sun)
Milner to equal England record
James Milner is expected to equal the record for England Under-21s caps when Stuart Pearce's youngsters take on Romania in Bristol next week.
Milner is one cap behind Scott Carson, the on-loan Aston Villa goalkeeper who has 29 caps and is now too old for the under-21s' European Championship qualifying campaign.
Consistency at under-21s level has not always led to success at a higher level, but new full-time coach Pearce wants it to act as a feeder for Steve McClaren's seniors.
"It's great to represent your country at any level and to have as many caps as I have," said Newcastle midfielder Milner.
"The aim for all of us in the under-21s is to use it as a stepping stone to get in the full squad. If you do make it, it makes the transition that much easier." (...)
TeamTalk
Også: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2663959,00.html
Healy har 2 scoringer for Fulham på de to første kampene da![xx(][:0][V]
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is heading for Cardiff after his move to Leicester fell through. (Sun)
Hasselbaink teams up with Fowler at Cardiff
Former Dutch international striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has joined Cardiff City, the second division team said on Thursday.
The 35-year-old has been without a club since he was released by Charlton Athletic at the end of last season.
Hasselbaink will link up with former England striker Robbie Fowler, who joined the Welsh side in July following his release by Liverpool.
"I do not think anyone would have believed going into the close season it would be possible to get players like them," chairman Peter Ridsdale told the club's Web site (www.cardiffcityfc.premiumtv.co.uk).
Former Chelsea, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Atletico Madrid player Hasselbaink won 23 caps for his country.
Carson escapes from Liverpool to refresh his England hopes
Scott Carson believes he would have missed out on the chance to appear at the European Championship next year if he had remained at Liverpool. The 21-year-old, who will discover today whether he has been named in Steve McClaren's squad for the friendly against Germany on Wednesday, was told by England's goalkeeping coach, Ray Clemence, that his international career would stagnate as long as he remained second-choice at Anfield.
"I knew that I'd have no chance of playing for England if I was just No2 at Liverpool, playing Carling Cup or FA Cup games," admitted Carson, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Charlton last season after he had been called up to the England squad for the 2006 World Cup. "At the end of last season I spoke to Ray Clemence and he said: 'It's a big season for you. You need to be playing regularly.' Hopefully coming here [to Villa] will give me that opportunity.
Hopefully I can start getting in the England senior squad more regularly, and get a few caps. It's a big season for me because of the European Championship next year. You don't know what's around the corner. If I'm playing games every week in the Premiership, it gives me a better option in case something happens along the way. Even if it's only a friendly and I get a half or something, I'd be delighted to get one cap: it would top the last couple of years off for me."
Although Carson is keen to make the step up from the Under-21 side to the senior squad, he believes David James, one of his rivals for the three England goalkeeping positions, along with Paul Robinson, Robert Green and Chris Kirkland, ought to be in McClaren's squad.
"[James] played in the tournament in Hong Kong the other week and he was unbelievable," he said. "I think he's still a top keeper and I think he's got a lot to bring [to the England squad]."
Carson, who admitted he was disappointed to have made only nine appearances for Liverpool since joining in January 2005, confirmed there is an option for Villa to make his loan move permanent at the end of the season. His arrival in the Midlands has not been welcomed by everyone at Villa, however, with Thomas Sorensen, the club's former No1, set to be fined by Martin O'Neill after he questioned the manager's decision to bring in another goalkeeper.
--
Aston Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen could be fined for questioning the signing of Scott Carson. (Daily Express)
Aston Villa boss has ordered unsettled keeper Thomas Sorensen to fight for his place in the team after the arrival of Scott Carson on loan. (Daily Mail).
ASTON Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen will be fined by boss Martin O’Neill for questioning the signing of Scott Carson.
Sorensen, 31, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, told the Danish media: "It seemed strange that they spent a lot of money on Carson when we’ve got two good keepers in the squad."
O’Neill has strict rules about players talking out of turn and insisted anyone who did was "in for trouble." (The Sun)
CLARETS RECRUIT HORNET CARLISLE
Burnley have completed the £200,000 signing of defender Clarke Carlisle from Watford.
Carlisle has agreed a three-year deal with the Clarets and could make his debut in Saturday's Championship clash at Scunthorpe.
The 27-year-old started his career with Blackpool before spells at QPR, Leeds and Watford as well as a spell on loan at Luton last term.
Carlisle's arrival is a boost to Clarets boss Steve Cotterill's squad following the imminent departure of Wayne Thomas to Southampton in a £1.2million deal. (Sportinglife.co.uk)
CURBS: NO DYER CONSEQUENCES
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley insists he is not expecting any problems when old sparring partners Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer are reunited at Upton Park.
Dyer finally completed his protracted transfer from Newcastle on Thursday for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year deal and linking up with fellow ex-Magpies Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker.
But it is his reunion with Bowyer, with whom he infamously traded blows on the pitch while both were playing for Newcastle against Aston Villa in 2005, which has raised eyebrows among the Hammers faithful.
Hele saken: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/08/17/SOCCER_West_Ham_Curbishley.html
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
CURBS: NO DYER CONSEQUENCES
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley insists he is not expecting any problems when old sparring partners Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer are reunited at Upton Park.
Dyer finally completed his protracted transfer from Newcastle on Thursday for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year deal and linking up with fellow ex-Magpies Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker.
But it is his reunion with Bowyer, with whom he infamously traded blows on the pitch while both were playing for Newcastle against Aston Villa in 2005, which has raised eyebrows among the Hammers faithful.
Hele saken: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/08/17/SOCCER_West_Ham_Curbishley.html
Dyer og Bowyer måtte vært et perfekt par for Wise- vi hadde jo boksetrening i sesongoppkjøringa![:D]
http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?&newsmode=FULL&nid=44371
Side before self,every time.
I farta 18/8
PL:
Portsmouth - Bolton 3-1.
Gary Speed spilte hele kampen. Gult i 66. mins (unsporting behaviour).
Wigan - Sunderland 3-0.
Caleb Folan inn i 78. mins for Wigan.
Liam Miller inn i 46. mins for Sunderland.
Tottenham - Derby 4-0.
Paul Robinson og Robbie Keane (byttet ut i 76. mins) fra start for Spurs.
Reading - Everton 1-0.
John Oster inn i 71. mins for Reading.
Fulham - Middlesbrough 1-2.
David Healy og Tony Warner hele kampen for Fulham.
Adam Johnson på benken for Boro.
Birmingham - West Ham 0-1.
Lee Boywer ubenyttet reserve for Hammers.
CCC:
Blackpool - Bristol C. 1-1.
Stephen Crainey hele kampen for Pool.
WBA - Preston 2-0.
Danny Pough spilte hele kampen, mens Brett Ormerod ble byttet ut i 65. mins. og Kevin Nicholls ut i 75. mins. for Preston.
Watford - Sheff. U. 1-0.
Marlon King spilte hele kampen for Watford.
Matthew Killgallon hele kampen for Blades, som hadde Ian Bennett på benken.
Scunthorpe - Burnley 2-0.
Andy Crosby spilte hele kampen for Irons.
Clark Carlisle, Andy Gray og Robbie Blake hele kampen for Burnley.
Colchester - Barnsley 2-2.
Danny Granville på benken for Colchester.
Plymouth - Ipswich 1-1.
Dan Harding spilte hele kampen for Ipswich.
QPR - Cardiff 0-2.
Stephen McPhail starter for Shitty, mens Warren Feeney kom inn i 90. mins.
Norwich - Southampton 2-1.
Jermaine Wright spilte hele kampen for Saints.
Crystal Palace - Leicester 2-2.
Radostin Kishishev ubenyttet på benken for Leicester.
(http://interactive.myvillage.com/mv/image_server/images/nickb100.jpg)
Coventry - Hull 1-1. 1-1 Nick Barmby (62).
Nick Barmby byttet ut i 76. mins. for Hull, mens Michael Bridges forble ubenyttet på benken og David Livermoore ble byttet inn i 76. mins.
L1:
Swindon - Luton 2-1.
Matthew Spring spilte hele kampen for Luton.
Hartlepool - Doncaster 2-1.
Robbie Elliot (gult i 25. mins, unsporting behaviour og senere rødt i 84. mins, Second Bookable Offence) og Ian Moore (byttet ut i 68. mins) startet for Pool.
Neil Sullivan og Martin Woods spilte hele kampen for Donny, mens Sean McDaid kom inn i 86. mins) og Sam Hird var ubenyttet reserve.
Gillingham - Tranmere 0-2.
Shane Sherriff hele kampen for Tranmere.
(http://images.teamtalk.com/07/01/190/40528_92234.jpg)
Carlisle - Oldham 1-0: 1-0 David Graham (str. 42).
David Graham byttet ut i 87. mins. for Carlisle.
Sean Gregan (gult i 20. mins, unsporting behaviour) og Michael Ricketts (gult i 15. mins, unsporting behaviour) hele kampen for Oldham.
L2:
Shrewsbury - Bradford 1-0.
David Wetherall hele kampen for Bradford.
Rochdale - Chester 1-2.
Paul Butler spilte hele kampen og Nathan Lowndes ble byttet ut i 83. mins. for Chester.
Mansfield - Lincoln 1-3.
Jamie Forrester hele kampen for Lincoln.
Accington Stanley - Darlington 0-2.
Julian Joachim spilte hele kampen for Darlington.
I farta 18/8, del II
PL:
Newmoney - Villa: 0-0.
Alan Smith og James Milner hele kampen, mens Mark Viduka ble bytta ut i 77. mins.
CCC:
Stoke - Charlton: 2-1
Dom Matteo og Richard Cresswell spilte hele kampen for Stoke.
I farta 19/8
PL:
Man. City - Man. Utd. 1-0.
Rio Ferdinand (gult i 90. mins., dissent) spilte hele kampen for United.
Liverpool - Chelsea 1-1.
Jermaine Pennent (gult i 40. mins, unsporting behaviour) startet for Pool, men ble byttet ut i 68. mins.
CCC:
Sheffield W - Wolves 1-3.
Michael Gray (gult i 45. mins, dissent) og Andrew Keogh spilte hele kampen for Wolves.
Kishishev på benker for Leicester altså, kjiptåtenke på, skulle gjerne sett ham i helhvitt!
STRACHAN COULD GET 10-GAME BAN
(http://images.sportinglife.com/07/08/330/Gordon_Strachan_sent_off_v_Aberdeen_2007_558034.jpg)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan could be banned from the touchline for 10 matches after he was ordered from the dugout during his team's win at Aberdeen.
However he will have to wait for the case of his dismissal during April's match against Hearts to be heard before any punishment for Sunday's incident is imposed.
The Scottish Football Association have revealed the hearing into the incident in the Hearts match, which was due to take place on Tuesday, has been postponed.
If Strachan is found guilty of a disrepute charge when that case is heard, he will be issued with a four-game ban as it will be a second offence within three seasons.
And under SFA guidelines, a third offence will result in a further six-match ban.
Strachan was ordered to the stands by referee Stuart Dougal on two occasions in Celtic's matches against Hearts last season, in August 2006 and most recently in the April 29 game at Parkhead.
Dougal has become unavailable for Tuesday's scheduled hearing, which Strachan requested to appeal against the mandatory four-game ban.
That must be concluded before an inquiry into the events at Pittodrie can take place, and it has necessarily been put back to a later, undetermined date.
Strachan was sent to the stands by referee Charlie Richmond following an argument with an Aberdeen official in Sunday's game.
The incident followed Kenny Miller's 85th-minute goal which put Celtic 2-1 ahead in their 3-1 victory.
The SFA expect to receive Richmond's match report on Tuesday.
Coach Tommy Burns revealed Strachan had been defending his assistant Garry Pendrey following accusations he had made a rude gesture to the Aberdeen fans behind the dugout.
Strachan was apparently pointing out to the Aberdeen official that Pendrey's two-fingered gesture was to mark the second goal.
Peter Rafferty, president of the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters Clubs, claims Strachan is paying an unfair price for his passion.
Rafferty said: "I'm not saying he's an easy target but he's certainly emotive and expressive."
Strachan, a former Aberdeen player who was a key man in the great Dons team of the early 1980s, also complained of being abused by Falkirk fans last week and has voiced his fears about the coarse language used by some supporters.
Rafferty insists Strachan is acting according to his principles, rather than trying to antagonise supporters.
"I don't think he's doing anything to exaggerate the problem," Rafferty said.
"They were trying to wind him up even further on his return to Aberdeen.
"We want the manager on the bench for future games and I think yesterday's events should be looked at again in the cold light of day."
Burns gave his version of events after the game, insisting Pendrey had not reacted inappropriately to provocation.
He also defended Strachan, adding: "It will be interesting to see the referee's report regarding what he was actually sent to the stand for.
"Unfortunately though, that is the world we live in, where people think they can turn up and scream the most horrible abuse at others who are a few feet away from them.
"You are not talking about neds here, but about middle-aged men screaming abuse in front of women and children.
"Then when people on the sidelines turn round and give them a wink or a wave, they want to go and report it to the police."
Sporting Life
Scouting report: Andy Keogh, Wolves
By Steve Claridge
The former Leeds trainee will be impressing supporters and managers for years to come.
As Peter Beardsley was to Ian Rush, Andy Keogh was to Billy Sharp. But all good things must come to an end and the partnership that served Scunthorpe United so well has now been broken up. It will be interesting to see which one will fare better alone.
Billy Sharp, now with Sheffield United, is a goalscorer but Keogh is the better player and it is no surprise that he has impressed a lot of the watching public at Wolverhampton Wanderers since arriving at Molineux in January for £600,000. It is easy to underestimate Keogh. Quicker than he looks, better in the air than most give him credit for - this 21-year-old has a game that means he is the type of player that supporters appreciate when he is playing and miss when he is not.
Teams need players who link the play, keep the ball, provide an option to the man in possession - just be a good player, I suppose I'm saying. That means that when Keogh does receive the ball he gives confidence to his team-mates. And he is not going to give it away, regardless of where he happens to be on the pitch.
First and foremost, his team-mates trust him with the ball. Of course, at times he will lose possession but that is rare and the main reason for this is because he never hides and is constantly involved in all areas of the pitch. That is probably why, on occasions, he has been utilised out wide and sometimes in behind a main striker. But his best position is definitely as a centre forward.
In the matches I have seen him play he held the ball up, because of that good first touch, and also liked to receive the ball side on, giving himself the chance to face opponents and put them on the back foot. He will guarantee you 12 to 15 goals and, a bit like me in my younger days, on the odd occasion he will break the 20-goal mark for the season. But he does not have to score to play well, because there is so much more to his game.
A recent Republic of Ireland international, he made his debut at the Giants Stadium in New York against Ecuador. He has also been described, by John Gregory after an appearance against QPR, as the transfer of the season. Cabin Telly FC and St Josephs AFC in Dublin were the youth clubs with whom he started but it was Leeds United who picked him up when he was 16. For some reason they could not wait to get rid of him, loaning him first to Bury and then Scunthorpe, before selling him to the latter for £50,000.
After his big-money move to Wolves and Leeds' relegation, I'm sure he will be another player thinking that football really can be a strange game at times. You never know what is going to happen. The one thing you can say is that, injuries allowing, this boy will be impressing supporters and managers for many years to come.
How he rates
Age 21
Born Dublin
Position Forward
Height 6ft
Weight 11st 3lb
From Scunthorpe United
Awareness 8/10
Heading 9/10
Attitude 8/10
Shooting 8/10
Passing 8/10
Pace 9/10
Team responsibility 8/10
Valuation £1m-£1.5m
Guardian
Midfielder's injury blow
Preston boss Paul Simpson is sweating on the fitness of Kevin Nicholls for the clash with Colchester after he picked up a knee injury.
The midfielder, who joined the club from Leeds in the summer after a stormy 12 months at Elland Road, twisted his knee in last weekend's defeat to West Brom and is now a doubt for the visit of the U's at the weekend.
Simpson told the Lancashire Evening Post: "Kevin had a bit of soreness in his knee, but it is nothing too serious at the moment as far as I am aware.
"We will have to see how he is later in the week."
Robson keen on Hulse return
Robson tracks Hulse fitness
Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson says he is closely monitoring the rehabilitation of Rob Hulse.
The 27-year-old former Leeds hit-man has been sidelined with a broken leg since March but is edging closer to selection for the Championship side.
Hele saken: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11688_2675028,00.html
Upbeat Woodgate back in training at Middlesbrough
Jonathan Woodgate has returned to training at Middlesbrough.
The 27-year-old underwent surgery on a damaged knee cartilage the day after last season drew to a close, and returned to full training on Monday.
He could now be as little as a fortnight away from resuming his place in Southgate's side, and he admits he cannot wait to get back to business.
Woodgate said: "It's great to be back in training and I feel all right.
"Obviously I would love to be available for the derby - it's one of the biggest games of the season - but I need more training and that's what I am concentrating on."
The win at Craven Cottage has given the whole club a boost, and Woodgate knows a repeat against Newcastle would send confidence soaring.
He said: "It's a massive game for us and you can see that the lads cannot wait.
"We were very confident at the start of the season and we were very unlucky not to beat Blackburn on the first day.
"The performance at Wigan was not good enough, but then we rode our luck at Fulham and that made up for Blackburn.
"Those first three points were vital. Now we have to start climbing up the league again.
"If we can beat Newcastle, it will really get things going and then hopefully we can push on and make this a big season by challenging for a place in Europe."
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Robson keen on Hulse return
Robson tracks Hulse fitness
Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson says he is closely monitoring the rehabilitation of Rob Hulse.
The 27-year-old former Leeds hit-man has been sidelined with a broken leg since March but is edging closer to selection for the Championship side.
Hele saken: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11688_2675028,00.html
Jeg så Robs beinbrudd direkte på TV og det var grusomt!!!! Trist for ham rett og slett, håper rekonvalesensen går fort. Etter det som skjedde er det nesten utrolig at han kommer på banen igjen. Leggbeinet blei slått tvers av![:(]
Strachan charged with misconduct
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has been officially charged with misconduct by the Scottish FA after being sent to the stand at Pittodrie on Sunday.
It follows receipt by the SFA of fourth official John Underhill's report into the match against Aberdeen.
Strachan is already appealing a four-match touchline ban following an incident last season.
If found guilty following the latest incident, he faces an additional six-match ban from the sidelines.
Hele storyen: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/6955991.stm
Kommentar
Oliver Holt, Daily Mirror
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m3/feb2007/9/7/9AFA0362-C2CA-F9DE-AB128AB9235DB378.jpg)
Honest Gray puts decency and justice back in the game of shame
Frank Gray has spent his life being grateful to football. Last week, he did something that made football grateful to him.
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42251000/jpg/_42251210_frankgray_fromclub203.jpg)
He owes the game a lot, he says. It made him the only player to appear in a European Cup Final for two English clubs. He lost with Leeds in 1975 and won with Nottingham Forest in 1980.
It took him to the World Cup Finals in Spain with Scotland in 1982.
It made his brother, Eddie, a Leeds legend. It gave his son, Andy, a decent career with Sheffield United, Sunderland and Burnley and a Scotland cap of his own.
It took him into a flirtation with being an agent and a management career on the fringes of the Football League that has never quite taken off.
It gave him a lovely house on Hayling Island. It gave him a life he loves. It gave him camaraderie and memories that he treasures.
"I've had a great life in football," he said. "I've enjoyed every single minute of it." So last week, Frank Gray gave football something back.
You may not have heard about what he did. It only made a couple a paragraphs here and there, tucked away behind Cristiano Ronaldo's red card.
But on a foul night at a football outpost, the dignity and courage of the decision he made entitles him to the thanks of a sport that sometimes struggles to peer in the mirror without blushing in shame.
Gray, 52, is manager of Conference side Woking. Last Wednesday, he took his young team to the New Recreation Ground in Essex for a league match against Grays Athletic.
He was only appointed in May. It's his first job since the Grays chairman, who still runs the club, fired him by phone after 14 games in charge last autumn.
Gray could have been forgiven if he'd gone into the game with revenge in his heart. What he did proved he's not that kind of man.
It was goalless with only five minutes to go when Woking defender Matt Ruby went down injured in his own half.
A Grays player booted the ball into touch so he could be treated. When Ruby recovered, the ball was returned to play and Woking's Matt Pattison passed it back to Grays' keeper Ross Flitney.
Except the ball was caught by the wind and the pass turned into a lob. Flitney was stranded and Woking were 1-0 up and looking at their first win of the season. A couple of the Woking players celebrated.
But Frank Gray didn't celebrate. He walked on to the pitch and made for his captain, Tom Hutchinson. A linesman tried to usher Gray away but he kept walking. He was told he could be sent off. He still kept walking. He told Hutchinson what had to be done. Hutchinson relayed the message to the rest of the team. Some of them were crestfallen. Grays took the kickoff and when striker Ben Watson took the next touch, the Woking players stood still.
When Watson got to the goal, the Woking keeper Nick Gindre put his head in his hands and stepped aside, too. The game finished 1-1.
"A few people in the game have rung me up and told me they wouldn't have done it," Gray said yesterday. "That's up to them. But I couldn't have lived with myself if I hadn't done what I did. It was the only thing to do.
"Other people have asked me how I'll feel if we miss out on promotion to the Football League by a point.
"Well, I'll feel okay because we didn't deserve that goal against Grays last Wednesday. It would have been wrong if we had won like that."
Gray is a child of the Don Revie era at Leeds but he has shrugged off the cynicism associated with that regime.
He is a quiet, modest man. The details of last Wednesday have to be prised out of him. He's not looking for accolades. What he did doesn't strike him as out of the ordinary. "It never even crossed my mind to do anything else," he said.
What about the keeper with his hands on his head? "Maybe he was on a clean sheet bonus," Gray said. And the rest of the players? "Their initial thought might have been 'oh good, 1-0 up'," Gray said, "but they soon realised what had to be done."
What Gray did is not unique. A few years ago, Yeovil boss Gary Johnson ordered his side to allow a Plymouth equaliser in similar circumstances in a Carling Cup tie.
But would it happen in the Premier League now? Would the win-at-all-costs mentality that dominates there allow decency and doing the right thing to triumph?
Or would that kind of sportsmanship be viewed as a sign of weakness? At a time when football is still trying to recover from the squalid events of last season, what Gray did last Wednesday shines like a light in the gloom.
Gray's career in management has been unremarkable so far. Not any more. Before last Wednesday, Frank Gray was already a European Cup winner and a Scotland international. Now there's another honour to his name.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/columnists/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Gray
http://www.leedsfans.org.uk/leeds/players/151.html
Alan Smith med fra start for England ikveld! Kampen startet nettopp og går på tv3.
quote:
Originally posted by Sleivind
Alan Smith med fra start for England ikveld! Kampen startet nettopp og går på tv3.
For ikkje å snakke om
Robbo. James i andre omgang.
quote:
Originally posted by Per-Stian
quote:
Originally posted by Sleivind
Alan Smith med fra start for England ikveld! Kampen startet nettopp og går på tv3.
For ikkje å snakke om Robbo. James i andre omgang.
Samt han hvis navn man ikke skal nevne (Judas Ferdinand).
I farta 22/8
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44074000/jpg/_44074064_ab10.jpg)
Germany equalise when Paul Robinson makes a mess of Bernd Schneider's cross and Kevin Kuranyi taps home the loose ball
England - Tyskland 1-2.
Paul Robinson (byttet ut i 46. mins.), Judas Ferdinand (byttet ut i 46. mins.) og Alan Smith (byttet ut i 57. mins.) startet alle for England. Scott Carson ubenyttet reserve.
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44074000/jpg/_44074032_ab5.jpg)
Har scoret 11 av NIs 13 kvalikmål!
Nord-Irland - Lichtenstein 3-1. 1-0 David Healy (5), 2-0 Healy (35).
David Healy starter for NI, mens Warren Feeney kom inn i 76. mins.
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44074000/jpg/_44074100_keane.jpg)
Målmaskin!Danmark - Irland 0-4. 0-1 Robbie Keane (29), 2-0 Keane (40).
Robbie Keane spilte hele kampen for Irland, hvor Andy Keogh kom inn i 46. mins.
Gripende om Frank Gray litt lenger opp på siden her. [8)]
Jon R.
Familien Gray er full av hedersmenn. Frank var en unsung hero, og viser her sportsmanship av beste merke!
flynn
KEANE LOOKS AT HARTE
Sunderland are running the rule over former Leeds defender Ian Harte and Samuel Kuffour as Roy Keane looks to bolster his defence.
Harte, 29, has been playing in Spain with Levante but is now hoping to return to the Premier League.
Ghana international Kuffour is currently on the books of Serie A side Roma but spent last season on loan at Livorno.
Keane told the club's official website: "They are training with us for a few days.
"We are having a look at them and it's good for them to look at what we are doing here, but there's no chance of them signing before the weekend."
--
Harte in Sunderland sights
Released Levante fullback Ian Harte remains a target for Sunderland boss Roy Keane.
The Journal says Keane has made signing a left-back a priority and his former Republic of Ireland teammate is under consideration.
SENSASJON!
Det er ikke hvert år The Sun trykker et dementi/redaksjonell korrigering.
Men det har de gjort i dag!
KEVIN BLACKWELL
ON 7 May 2007 we published an interview with Ken Bates, chairman of Leeds United.
Mr Bates suggested that Kevin Blackwell, the former manager of the club, had made excuses for the team’s relegation to League One and that he had lost control of the dressing room and left it in complete disarray.
We wish to make clear that the quotations in the interview do not represent the views of this newspaper. We offer Mr Blackwell our apologies.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007250874,00.html
(se helt nederst)
Reading's Stack keen on Wolves stay
Reading goalkeeper Graham Stack admits he'd like to extend his stay at Wolves.
"I've been here a couple of weeks and I love the place," said Stack. "There's a cracking bunch of lads here, a great staff, and a good work ethic about the place.
"There are no prima donnas, no egos, and that's what you need.
"The problem I have further down the line is that I only have a year left on my deal at Reading.
"And I don't want to be one of those players who's out of sight, out of mind. I don't want to be a goalkeeper sitting in the shadows and then crossing my fingers at the end of the season hoping someone comes in.
"I want someone to be seeing me now, in the picture, and that's hard when you're not playing."
Gary Speed puttet mot Reading 25/8
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44079000/jpg/_44079285_bolton416.jpg)
Lee Bowyer reddet ett poeng for Hammers i 1-1 mot Wigan 25/8
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/graphics/2007/08/25/westham.jpg)
(http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00201/Lee-Bowyer385_201797a.jpg)
I might not celebrate if I score
MARK VIDUKA is ready to show Middlesbrough what they are missing tomorrow but he will not be rubbing their noses in it.
The Aussie striker, 31, returns to the Riverside for the first time since his free transfer to Newcastle in June â€" with Boro still very much wishing he was one of theirs.
Vid has fond memories of his time on Teesside but reckons the club made a big error by not handing him a new contract sooner.
Mer: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007390543,00.html
Instant Impact For Ex-Leeds Player
Former Leeds United stalwart Eddie Lewis kicked off his Premiership campaign with an assist as Derby fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Birmingham City.
Lewis, who only recently moved from Leeds to Derby for an undisclosed fee provided a pinpoint cross for County captain Matt Oakley to volley home.
Unfortunately for Lewis it was a losing start, as Cameron Jerome struck twice either side of the Derby goal to pick up all 3 points.
Our other departure to the Premiership, striker David Healy, had a much quieter game, not particularly featuring in Fulham's 2-1 defeat at Villa.
Vitalfootball.co.uk
Cardiff bank on strike duo boost
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44077000/jpg/_44077398_hasselbaink_fowler_203.jpg)
Hasselbaink and Fowler are set to make their competitive debuts
Cardiff boss Dave Jones is set to unleash Robbie Fowler and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink in Tuesday night's home Carling Cup game against Leyton Orient.
The Bluebirds lost Saturday's home Championship match with Coventry 1-0 despite dominating much of the match.
Jones says his new veteran strikers are now fit enough to make competitive debuts and backs them to get goals.
"They are available now for Tuesday, so hopefully they will now put out other strikers under pressure," Jones said.
Cardiff were unable to find the breakthrough against Coventry, but Jones said he resisted the temptation to throw ex-Liverpool forward Fowler and Dutch star Hasselbaink onto the pitch.
"They're ready now, but it was a big gamble (to have played them) on Saturday," Jones added.
"You can sit them on the bench and if someone picks up an injury then you've got to throw them on and they might have picked up an injury themselves.
"They needed what they've had done to them (in training) and it's easy to be tempted to play players (too soon) when you sign them.
"We couldn't do that because we'd set them back weeks and weeks.
"All it does is put the pressure on them to score goals when they do play for the first team.
"They will be in the squad against Leyton Orient and they will play some part, whether they start or come on."
BBC
Barmby hit by ligament injury woe
Hull boss Phil Brown says revealed that midfielder Nick Barmby has suffered knee ligament damage and could be sidelined for "a number of weeks".
The former England international came off during the first half of Saturday's 2-1 win over Norwich, the Tigers' first victory of the season.
Hull-born Barmby returned to his home city at the start of the 2004-05 season after he was released by Leeds.
So far this season he has scored one goal, in the 1-1 draw at Coventry.
BBC
Sunderland boss Roy Keane will sign Stoke's Danny Higginbotham and Southampton striker Kenwyne Jones, while also offering a contract to Ian Harte. (Daily Star)
Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson has ruled out selling striker Rob Hulse. (Daily Mail)
Real Sociedad boss Chris Coleman is lining up a bid for Liverpool winger Harry Kewell. (Mirror)
Chris Coleman, now Real Sociedad boss, is considering a £2million bid for Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell. (The Sun)
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Real Sociedad boss Chris Coleman is lining up a bid for Liverpool winger Harry Kewell. (Mirror)
Chris Coleman, now Real Sociedad boss, is considering a £2million bid for Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell. (The Sun)
Jeg vil bli svært betenkt dersom Kewell på noen som helst måte blir satt i forbindelse med noe som inneholder ordet REAL!!![:o)]
Wigan want to keep Folan
Hutchings has faith in Hull target
Wigan Athletic boss Chris Hutchings is not looking to sell Hull City target Caleb Folan.
The striker started for Wigan in Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat at home to Hull, having attracted the interest of the Championship club.
But Hutchings is not about to give up on a player who has scored twice in 16 appearances since joining from Chesterfield in January.
"I don't want to sell Caleb at this moment in time," Hutchings told the Wigan Evening Post. "It would have to be a huge offer if I did.
"Caleb has come a long way in a short space of time. Last season he did well and scored a couple of important goals.
Raw
"He got an opportunity to start last night and I thought he worked very hard as he always does, but Caleb is still learning the game and is a little bit raw."
Meanwhile, Hutchings confirmed he is hoping to add to his JJB squad before Friday's transfer deadline.
He added: "I'd like to think we can get something done.
"We are working hard behind the scenes on one or two things, although whether they can come off remains to be seen.
"Things have been going along nicely, but you never know what can happen in this game. But hopefully we can have some good news on the signings front before too long."
Sky Sports
Folan har gått til Hull for £1mill etter at Wigan fikk klarsignal på lån av Marcus Bent.
- Dennis
Danny Mills på lån fra Man. City til Charlton
--
DANNY MILLS goes straight into the Charlton team for tomorrow’s derby at Crystal Palace.
The ex-England defender, 30, is back at The Valley on loan from Manchester City. (The Sun)
--
Danny Mills Manchester City to Charlton: loan until the end of the year
Dementier er ikke hverdagskost i engelske aviser, men er et sjelden eksempel. Dra Daily Telegraph.
Gary Sprake apology
Contrary to the assertion in our article "Leeds' fighting spirit would please Revie" (page S14, Aug 13), we wish to make clear that former Leeds United goalkeeper Gary Sprake has not at any time acted or claimed to have acted as 'bag man' to bribe opponents during the Don Revie era.
In his recently published biography* Mr Sprake revealed that Revie asked him on only one occasion if he could use his Welsh international connections to smooth the path to victory. He added: "I wasn't interested and told Revie it was something I would never contemplate. . . my conscience was clear and Revie never asked me again".
We are happy to set the record straight and apologise to Mr Sprake for any embarrassment caused.
Careless Hands: The forgotten truth of Gary Sprake by Stuart Sprake & Tim Johnson (Tempus Publishing - paperback £9.99)
Har ikke annet ondt å si om Blackwell enn at han var for snill.. Det lønner seg tydeligvis ikke i fotball (og med jenter[;)])
Men kommer vel til å hate han og resten av staffen hvis det blir U eller B
I farta 1/9
PL:
Bolton - Everton 1-2.
Gary Speed spilte hele kampen for Bolton.
Fulham - Spurs 3-3.
David Healy ble byttet inn i 70. mins. for Fulham.
Paul Robinson spilte hele kampen for Spurs, mens Robbie Keane ble byttet ut i 68. mins. (tactical).
Liverpool - Derby 6-0.
Jermaine Pennent byttet ut i 61. mins. (tactical) for Pool.
Middlesbrough - Birmingham 2-0.
Jon Woodgate spilte hele kampen for Boro.
Newcastle - Wigan 1-0.
James Milner spilte hele kampen for Newcastle, mens Mark Viduka ble byttet ut i 46. mins. (injury) og Alan Smith (tactical) (gult i 61. mins, unsporting behaviour) byttet ut i 66. mins.
Reading - West Ham 0-3.
Mike Duberry spilte hele kampen for Reading.
Lee Bowyer byttet ut i 81. mins. (tactical) for West Ham.
CCC:
(http://www.leedsfans.org.uk/leeds/images/AGray1.jpg)
Colchester - Burnley 2-3. 0-2 Andy Gray (29), 1-3 Gray (Pen 63)
Danny Granville på benken for Colchester.
Clark Carlisle (gult i 46. mins., unsporting behaviour), Steven Caldwell, Andy Gray og Robbie Blake starter for Burnley. Blake byttet ut i 76. mins. (tactical) og gult kort i 55. mins. (dissent).
Watford - Ipswich 2-0.
Marlon King spilte hele kampen for Watford.
Dan Harding hele for Ipswich.
Stoke - Wolves 0-0.
Richard Cresswell og Dom Matteo spilte hele kampen for Stoke.
Andrew Keogh hele for Wolves, som har Graham Stack på benken.
Crystal Palace - Charlton o-1.
Danny Mills hele kampen for Charlton.
(http://pictures.footymad.net/upload/460%5C169717-t.jpg)
Scunthorpe - Sheffield U 3-2. 1-0 Andy Crosby (37).
Andy Crosby hele kampen for Irons.
Matt Kilgallon hele for Blades, som hadde Ian Bennett på benken.
Norwich - Cardiff 1-2.
Darren Huckerby byttet inn i 72. mins. for Norwich.
Stephen McPhail og Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink spilte hele kampen for Cardiff. Robbie Fowler byttet ut i 60. mins. (tactical).
QPR - Southampton 0-3.
Jermaine Wright hele kampen for Saints.
L1:
Yeovil - Tranmere 1-1.
Shane Sherriff (gult i 71. mins., unsporting behaviour) spilte hele kampen for Tranmere.
Swansea - Doncaster 1-2.
Neil Sullivan spilte hele for Donny, som hadde Martin Woods og Sean McDaid på benken.
Leeds - Luton 1-0.
Matthew Spring spilte hele kampen for Luton.
Carlisle - Cheltenham 1-0.
Danny Graham hele for Carlisle.
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40848000/jpg/_40848165_mooretodd270.jpg)
Hartlepool - Oldham 4-1. 1-1 Ian Moore (15).
Robbie Elliott og Ian Moore spilte hele kampen for Pool.
Sean Gregan hele for Oldham.
L2:
Rochdale - MK Dons 3-2.
Jemal Johnson inn i 82. mins. for Dons.
Macclesfield - Darlington 0-0.
Julian Joachim hele for Darlington.
Barnet - Bradford 2-1.
David Wetherall hele kampen for Bradford.
Dag & Red - Lincoln 1-0.
Jamie Forrester byttet ut i 81. mins. (tactical) for Lincoln.
I farta 1/9, del II
PL:
Man. U - Sunderland 1-0.
Judas Ferdinand hele kampen for United.
Liam Miller kom INN i 82. mins. for Sunderland.
CCC:
Coventry - Preston 2-1.
Kevin Nicholls hele kampen for Preston, mens Danny Pugh byttet UT i 84. mins. (tactical) og Brett Ormerod byttet INN i 76. mins.
Bolton player-coach Speed: No selection favours
Bolton Wanderers player-coach Gary Speed doesn't want any favours in team selection.
Speed said: "I'm 37 now so 40 is quite a long way off but we'll see. I'll just take it season by season.
"I feel really fit. I'm doing some coaching now but playing is still my priority and nothing will get in the way of that.
"I'd only want to be a manager once my playing days are over. I don't think being a player manager is possible these days."
Speed, who lines up against old club Everton today, is also not afraid to drop himself.
He added: "I said to the backroom guys when the first team was picked in pre-season: 'If you think I shouldn't be in, you've got to say it'.
"If a couple of coaches don't want me in the team, no problem. It's what is best for the team - not for Gary Speed."
NO LOVE LOST FOR STIRLING'S LILLEY
(omtale foran dagens Stirling Alb v Livingston)
DEREK LILLEY is hoping to pile the misery on to old club Livi this afternoon despite having nothing but fond memories of his time there.
The Stirling striker reckons his Almondvale days were his most successful in football but he insists the First Division survival fight has no room for nostalgia.
Lilley said: "I enjoyed the best time of my career with Livi in terms of playing in the SPL, scoring goals and winning trophies. It was a great couple of years with the CIS Cup Final win being the highlight.
"But that's in the past now and it's all about making sure I help put one over them on Saturday.
"It's a six-pointer as Livi have struggled to put points on the board so far and a win for us would push us further away from them."
After a midweek CIS Cup defeat to Hearts, Albion are looking to bounce back with a result against Livi.
Lilley said: "Hopefully we've still got a surprise element working in our favour as the opposition try to suss out what our strengths and weaknesses are. If we keep working the way we have been I've no doubt we'll be fine this season."
Daily Record
Woodgate goes back to his Teesside roots to serve up new player image
The Premier League is sending out its young millionaires to do charity work and one of the game’s former bad boys is a volunteer.
You have a new campaign to launch, to persuade the world that football is aware of its social responsibilities, that the players do not spend all of their spare time shopping for Bentleys.
In times gone by, Jonathan Woodgate might not have been the last player you would have thought of calling upon â€" that would have been his old chum Lee Bowyer â€" but nor would he have been near the top of the list.
But here Woodgate is at Teesside Hospice, making cups of tea, gently washing the hair of one of the volunteers and sitting down to chat to the patients with endearing enthusiasm. And later it is Woodgate who argues that working in the community should be compulsory for his fellow millionaires.
“But what are you going to do with footballers these days?†he said, sounding like the sort of columnist who despairs of the modern game. “If he’s a good player, you’re not going to get clubs saying, ‘We won’t play you if you don’t do this or that’. Some players do a lot for charity and, whatever, others don’t. But if you’re saying they should be forced, I agree.â€
The Premier League is confident that no compulsion will be necessary as it sends out 200 players this month to drive its Creating Chances programme, designed to highlight the good work done by clubs in their local communities.
Woodgate certainly did not require his arm to be twisted but, as a local lad, the visit to the hospice had a personal significance. “My grandad passed away here not long ago,†he said “And I’ve just bumped into the mum of a girl I was at school with.â€
Woodgate, a Middlesbrough boy whose father was raised around the corner from Ayresome Park, is totally at ease as he moves from room to room. “I don’t mind a bit of bingo,†he tells one patient. “I just became a member of the Gala at Teesside Park.â€
He sympathises with another who complains about the price of tickets at the Riverside Stadium. “The chairman will kill me for saying so but it is expensive,†he said. “My mum was a secretary, my dad a plumber so I had a good upbringing â€" middle class. We could afford it but there’s a lot of council estates around here.
“I remember my first games back in ’86. I used to go with my dad and he’d put me on his knee. I was only six but I loved it. The first game after liquidation, it was at Hartlepool against Port Vale. Everyone says they were there but I was. There were two or three thousand but about 70,000 claim to have been.â€
Now signed on a four-year contract with his home-town club, Woodgate, 27, rejects the accusation that, like Alan Shearer up on Tyneside, he may have put a boyhood allegiance ahead of winning trophies.
“A sacrifice? Sometimes you have to make sacrifices in your career but I have come here thinking that Middlesbrough can win things,†Woodgate said. “And how much better to be part of something that you helped to build.
“If I had gone to Tottenham or Liverpool, someone would have said I was only going there for the money. Ask John Terry, ask Steven Gerrard what it means to play for your home-town club. And would Shearer change a thing?â€
A trophy with Middlesbrough would be treasured but, for now, Woodgate could do with a settled season after the turbulence of the past few years. Sold by Leeds United to pay the debts, he then suffered terrible injury problems at Newcastle United and Real Madrid, although he has no regrets about his foreign experience.
“I would go again tomorrow if Boro wanted to sell me,†he said. “It was brilliant. It was such a shame I wasn’t fit because I knew I could make a difference. Madrid needed defenders and I was watching telly thinking, ‘My God, if only I was out there’. I could have been winning things at the biggest club in the world but there was nothing I could do.â€
He is just back from another injury but too late for involvement in the England squad. That should follow, particularly after Jamie Carragher’s international retirement. Woodgate has yet to go to a big tournament, although he cannot blame bad luck. His conviction for affray while at Leeds brought a long ban as well as public ignominy.
He served 100 hours of community service, painting fences and public toilets around Middlesbrough. “Maybe even that chair you are sitting on,†he said. It was around that time that he had perhaps the world’s longest tattoo etched on to his lower back, a saying from the much-quoted Green Bay Packers coach in American football, Vince Lombardi: “The darkest moments of our lives are not to be buried and forgotten, rather they are a memory to be called upon for inspiration to remind us of the unrelenting human spirit and our capacity to overcome the intolerable.â€
“It took about an hour and a half,†Woodgate said, “and I know it off by heart. Mind you, I’m sick of having to explain it to the new players. And if I hear one more person tell me that I’ve lied down on a newspaper. . .â€
The tattoo is permanent but a reputation for getting into scrapes is beginning to fade for Woodgate. “I’ve been daft; I’m the first to admit it,†he said. “But you learn and you get maturity.â€
He has wised up but, as wages continue to soar and WAGs fill the front pages, Woodgate acknowledges that “it is all too easy to think that footballers are flash and arrogantâ€.
An afternoon in a hospice is not about to transform that image but Woodgate, once part of the problem, is doing his bit.
Times
John Lukic on Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson won't be so bold again
Most people seem to believe that England manager Steve McClaren will drop Paul Robinson after the mistake that led to Germany's equalising goal in the friendly at Wembley 10 days ago. But I think that would be harsh and I am not saying that just because I am a fully paid-up member of the goalkeepers' union.
The irony is that Robinson was punished against Germany for being bold, when he has often been criticised in the past for not coming out for enough crosses, for staying on his line too much.
The previous week, in Spurs' game against Everton, Robinson conceded two goals from very similar crosses from the right which he didn't come out to meet and I wonder whether that led to a change in his attitude.
I could imagine him talking to the coach about it and perhaps deciding to be more positive in future and, if so, that would have been in his mind against Germany.
Having said that, he was still unlucky because the cross was mishit and if it had not been, the goalkeeper would have caught it 97 times out of a 100. And Robinson's defenders did not exactly help him by standing and watching as Kevin Kuranyi hustled the rebound in. Only Kuranyi reacted.
Being a goalkeeper is a lonely place at the best of times and in that moment, it got even lonelier for Robinson. But we've all been there. I can remember 101 times I've made the wrong decision or not made a save that I would normally expect to make. The important thing is to put it behind you, although it can affect the relationship between the goalkeeper and his back four.
Normally, you all just get on with your own jobs but sometimes, after a mistake, defenders can become over-protective. They get a sense that the 'keeper is suffering mentally and they make decisions without waiting for him. You see them almost kicking crosses out of his hand or jumping in before it reaches him. The good news is that, though we goalkeepers are all supposed to be certifiably mad, it is also a position for strong characters, which is why I believe Robinson will come through this.
He has held up his hands, so to speak, though I really don't feel there is any need to apologise for these things. You just have to get on with it. Everyone knows you've made a mistake and understands how you are feeling, so you just climb back on the horse.
Goalkeepers, of course, are often criticised for things that are not their fault. David James, widely tipped to win back the England jersey for Saturday's game against Israel, will have been unhappy with the one he let in against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week. But he's a very bold 'keeper and although it was an error to let the ball go through him, my criticism would be of his starting position in relation to the ball and the goal as Frank Lampard was taking up a position to shoot.
You only truly understand these things if you've played in goal, though for the life of me, I can't work out why Robinson got so much stick for the goal that went under his foot in Croatia last year. That was totally unjustified.
Look at it as many times as you like and you will see that the ball clearly bobbled and on that surface, Robinson could not make a touch. So what did people want the lad to do?
Arsenal's Jens Lehmann looked to have made a terrible howler when he let one slip through his hands at Blackburn last month. Convention says 'catch, catch, catch' but with the new lightweight balls, 'keepers actually face far more problems with shots from distance than close-in nowadays because there is so much more time for the ball to move and make you look a mug.
Robinson is a level-headed lad and I expect to see him between the sticks for England on Saturday.
In situations like this, you have to turn into a conman, pretending you are on top of the world and full of confidence, even if you're feeling bad.
And I doubt he will be so bold with crosses, because after a mistake you go back to painting by numbers for a while.
Telegraph
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says Aston Villa loan signing Scott Carson should be England's goalkeeper (Mail).
Peter Reid is favourite to be the new Leicester manager, and Glenn Roeder has been interviewed as a potential director of football (News of the World).
Sir Bobby Charlton has revealed he persuaded the Manchester United board to appoint Sir Alex Ferguson rather than Terry Venables as United manager in 1986 after Ron Atkinson was sacked (Express).
Peter Reid, Glenn Roeder, Neil Warnock and Gary Megson are being considered for the vacancy at Leicester. (Daily Star)
Why Keogh is the king of assists
Wolves frontman Andy Keogh has got used to seeing his strike partners hog the headlines but he does not mind one bit.
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44086000/jpg/_44086018_andykeogh270.jpg)
Scoring is obviously that little bit better but I know when I've played my part and if I've helped when a goal has been scored then I am happy
Andy Keogh
At his previous club, Scunthorpe, Keogh helped Billy Sharp score 44 goals in a season-and-a-half and now it is Freddy Eastwood who is linking up with him to lethal effect.
Eastwood has notched four goals in four Championship games since his £1.5m summer move from Southend to Molineux and the Republic of Ireland international has set up all of them.
It is a record Keogh is rightly proud of and he is delighted to see his latest partnership flourishing.
"Billy and I actually clicked a bit quicker together but it is going just as well with Freddy," Keogh told BBC Sport. "We will get better and better too.
"Scoring is obviously that little bit better than making a goal but I know when I've played my part and if I've helped when we've scored then I am happy.
"I have just tried to pick up where I left off last season. I've been setting them up - all I need to do now is catch up with Freddy and score a few myself."
Not that Keogh, a hard-working forward in the Robbie Keane mould, is a slouch when it comes to finding the net himself.
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"It was a very proud moment to play for my country. I have got two caps now and hopefully I will be adding a lot more.
Andy Keogh
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The 21-year-old got off the mark for the season in Wolves' Carling Cup defeat by Morecambe on Wednesday - his sixth goal for the club since joining for £600,000 in January - and found the net 23 times in his 23 months at Scunthorpe.
His form has been good enough to warrant a call-up by Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton - something that seemed unlikely when he left Leeds United, where he was a trainee, to move to Glanford Park in February 2005.
"It was a very proud moment to play for my country," added Keogh. "I have got two caps now and hopefully I will be adding a lot more.
"The way things have turned out showed my decision to join Scunthorpe was right and I am just looking at the next step now.
"I went there to kickstart my career and it worked. That next step for me is the Premier League.
"The Championship is a very competitive division but playing at a higher level would improve me as a player."
Keogh almost made it into the top-flight last season when Wolves lost in the semi-finals of the play-offs and he is confident that Mick McCarthy's team have what it takes to win promotion this term.
"Can we go up? 100% yes. We have to," he explained. "We have a new chairman who has come in and invested a lot of money and we have to get there soon.
"I am sure we can do it too. We have a good blend of young players and experienced pros.
"We have made a good start and now we have to kick on.
"Our only blip has been against Morecambe but if we get promoted then no-one will remember that game."
BBC Sport
OWEN CAN FILL ALAN`S BOOTS - MILNER
James Milner is backing Michael Owen to take over Alan Shearer's mantle on Tyneside.
The 27-year-old put smiles on the faces of the Toon Army and England boss Steve McClaren when he claimed his second goal in four days and his first in the Barclays Premier League at St James' Park since September 2005 to finally break Wigan's stubborn resistance on Saturday.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_2702595,00.html
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PENNANT HOPES TO STAY IN FORM
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant overcame his disappointment at missing out on an England call-up to produce the sort of performance to make Steve McClaren think again.
The England boss went for Pennant's former Arsenal team-mate David Bentley when he named his squad for the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers with Isreal and Russia.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_2702589,00.html
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FOLAN GIVES TIGERS TEETH
Hull's new club-record signing Caleb Folan is confident of firing the Tigers up the Championship table.
Folan joined Hull from Premier League side Wigan on Friday for £1million, with an additional £250,000 to be paid depending on performances.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8669_2702910,00.html
Hot news from Nationwide:
"Former England international and Manchester United player Lee Sharpe will be available to the media at the Moulton Park offices of England sponsors Nationwide in Northampton at 11.00 a.m. on Thursday (6th September).
Lee will be discussing current footballing issues including England's crucial Euro 2008 double header.
Any media interested in attending should contact Paul Morris on 07808 783156."
Wolves keeper Graham Stack has had his loan deal from Reading extended for a further four months. (Independent)
Folan recovering from head injury
Hull's £1m record signing Caleb Folan spent a "comfortable night" in hospital after suffering a head injury in the Tigers defeat at Blackpool.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/6977624.stm
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CARSON ANSWERS ENGLAND TRAINING CALL
Scott Carson is convinced he will not be the one to benefit from England's current goalkeeping dilemma.
The Aston Villa stopper, on loan from Liverpool, is in the squad for the European Championship qualifiers against Israel and Russia but coach Steve McClaren is expected to choose between Paul Robinson and David James to play in goal, despite unimpressive starts to the season by the squad's two most experienced keepers.
Carson said: "It should be good with England, but I think it will be mainly training for me."
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/18166/Carson-answers-England-training-call
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Carson: Ray Clemence has more chance of playing for England than meEngland's goalkeeping position has provided little amusement in recent weeks but Scott Carson managed to lighten the mood yesterday when he looked ahead to the role he expects to play during the vital Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia. "It should be good with England, but I think it will be mainly training for me," said Aston Villa's goalkeeper. "Ray Clemence [England's goalkeeping coach] has got more chance of starting a game than me at the moment."
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2161857,00.html
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ROBBO'S JOB
Paul Robinson looks like keeping his place against Israel on Saturday despite his howler against Germany.
http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/sport/football/2007/09/02/robbo-s-job-98487-19722517/
My joy at Alex thank-you letter
ALEX FERGUSON has sent Alan Smith a thank-you letter for his role in Manchester United’s success.
Smith won the Premier League title with the Red Devils last season but then joined Newcastle for £7million because he wanted regular first-team action.
However, Old Trafford boss Fergie admitted in his letter he was a reluctant seller.
Smith told SunSport: “I must have done something right when I was there for the manager to take the time to send me a message like that. (.....)
“When you consider I came from Leeds and the clubs’ supporters are not exactly the best of friends, it was a big thing for them to accept me the way they did.
“They knew Leeds were the team I’d always supported but they never held it against me. (...)
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007410075,00.html
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I feared never playing again
ALAN SMITH laughs when asked if he is worried about losing his England place to Emile Heskey on Saturday.
“Worried?†he says. “I’ll tell you what worried is. It’s sitting at home, as I was a year ago, wondering if I’d ever play at the top level again.â€
Newcastle new-boy Smith was out of the game for the best part of 12 months after suffering an horrendous double leg break in an FA Cup tie at Liverpool in February 2006 while playing for Manchester United.
The whispers were that he was finished but Smith proved the experts wrong.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007410074,00.html
Ikke første gang miljøskaperen Smith skamroses. Vi hørte det samme ble sagt om han da han forlot Leeds. Holdninger og moral som går utenpå det det vi ellers er vant til å se blant dagens fotballstjerner. [8)]
Håper virkelig vi får han tilbake en dag. [:p]
Jon R.
Fowler confident of Jimmy pairing
Cadiff striker Robbie Fowler is confident that he can form a successful partnership with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.Neither has managed to get on the scoresheet since moving to Ninian Park but Liverpool legend Fowler is confident his on-field relationship with Hasselbaink will blossom.
"I think Jimmy and myself can forge a bit of a partnership here," he said.
"Obviously it's very early days and it takes time to build an understanding. We did very, very well against (Leyton) Orient.
"Against Norwich it wasn't as good, but we both started and we got the points. It's a long road now this season; hopefully we can pull off a good partnership.
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1786_2707152,00.html
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Matteo must get up to speed
Stoke midfielder Dominic Matteo has admitted that it will take "10 or 12 games" before he is back to full fitness.
The former Liverpool and Leeds man played through a foot injury for the majority of last season and is still feeling the effects of missing training.
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1805_2706248,00.html
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Blackpool boss Grayson coy over Leicester link
Blackpool boss Simon Grayson has shrugged off speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Leicester.
Grayson has now been in charge at Bloomfield Road for nearly two years, notably masterminding the club's rise into the Championship via the play-offs in May.
The 37-year-old also spent the best years of his playing career with the Foxes, making 230 appearances from 1992-97.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=459935&cc=5739
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Flying Scott Carson can be the solution to keeping crisis
Even after his clean sheet against Chelsea on Sunday, Scott Carson refused to get excited. 'Ray Clemence has got more chance of starting in goal for England on Saturday,' he said and the goalkeeper, who only turned 22 yesterday, is probably right.
But is playing Carson that bad an idea when Paul Robinson and David James are such a cause for concern? Would it really be that foolish of Steve McClaren to end the debate by simply picking the one keeper in the squad who is not suffering from a crisis of confidence?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=479775&in_page_id=1779
OLEMBE JOY AT WIGAN MOVE
Wigan new boy Salomon Olembe is looking forward to life at the club and insists the atmosphere around the team is "like a family".
Cameroon international Olembe, who was a free agent after being released by Marseille in the summer, has signed a one-year contract with the Latics subject to international clearance.
Wigan boss Chris Hutchings had been looking to bring in a left-sided player following the departure of Leighton Baines to Everton, and the 26-year-old Olembe, who had a spell at Leeds in the 2003-04 season, fits the bill for him.
Olembe told Wigan Athletic World: "I had contact with Wigan and the manager wanted a player like me to play on the left side.
"My agent came and spoke to me about the possibility to come here
"I am happy to be here and I want to help the club look up and show that it is a good club.
"The particular thing about this club is that it is like a family. I see how the coach and the players live together and I think it is the kind of club I need to be at to play the football I like and the football the coach wants me to play."
Olembe was a team-mate of Wigan striker Antoine Sibierski at Nantes earlier in his career, and the Frenchman recommended the Lancashire side to him.
"I spoke with Antoine and he told me that there was a lot of positivity about this club," Olembe added.
"I respect his opinion and that is why I have done everything to be here."
Hutchings had been linked with Argentina left-back Diego Placente, also a free agent after being released by Spanish second division side Celta Vigo.
But he is delighted to bring in Olembe, who has 60 caps for Cameroon and said: "Salomon is an experienced
campaigner, who's played at the highest level. We've had our eye on him for quite a while, and like all our signings, we have done a lot of research on him.
"He knows what the demands of the Premier League are and he can speak the language, which is important. You need to be able to adapt to the demands of the English game, and I'm confident that he will fit the bill.
"He's a clever player, he's got pace, a great left peg and is strong in the tackle."
Hutchings added: "We were working right up until the transfer window to try and get a left back to the club but one of two players didn't work out, for various reasons. But we didn't panic because we knew the Salomon deal could happen after the window closed and I'm confident now that we can keep progressing."
Olembe could make his debut against Fulham on September 15, with left-sided player Kevin Kilbane suspended after he was sent off against Newcastle on Saturday.
PA Sport
Den kamerunske venstrebacken Salomon Olembe mangler bare arbeidstillatelse før han er klar for Wigan Athletic.
26-åringen sto uten kontrakt etter å ha tilbrakt forrige sesong i Marseille. Han er nå enig med den engelske Premier League-klubben om en ettårskontrakt, melder BBC.
Olembe har tidligere spilt for Leeds United, og står så langt med 60 landskamper for Kamerun. Han har også erfaring fra VM-sluttspill.
- Han kjenner kravene i Premier League og er en lur spiller, sier manager Chris Hutchings på klubbens nettside.
Wigan solgte nylig venstrebacken Leighton Baines til Everton.
http://www.nettavisen.no/sport/fotball/england/article1318451.ece
Olembe hadde i alle fall ein flott sesong på Marseilles venstreback. Han fekk diverre ikkje mange sjansane hos oss, verken der eller på midtbana, men ein solid spelar er han absolutt. Lur handel av Wigan, trur eg...
Speed enjoying both roles
Skipper still going strong
Bolton star Gary Speed says playing over coaching remains his priority.
The experienced midfielder is combining playing with a coaching role in Sammy Lee's team.
Speed says he is still enjoying playing and has no plans to hang up his boots to concentrate on coaching.
Playing
"I am still playing and I still train every day so I can't coach when I'm training," Speed told the Manchester Evening News.
"Hopefully, that will be the case all season so I don't do much practical coaching on the training pitch.
"However, in the conversations we have, before and after games, I'm involved.
"It's a massive learning curve for me and I'm really enjoying it."
Speed feels there is no resentment from his team-mates now he is part of the coaching staff.
No conflict
"If there is conflict I don't see it," added Speed.
"Doing both roles does extend the day but it's not a chore and I am learning a hell of a lot from it.
"But I want to play for as long as I can. Maybe when I finish we can look into things but playing is a priority.
"I feel really fit, that's the most important thing."
SkySports
Fowler searching for sharpness
Striker aims to build on first appearances for Cardiff
Robbie Fowler concedes he is still short of sharpness following his move to Cardiff City.
The experienced striker joined the Championship club on a free transfer after being released by Liverpool at the end of last season.
Having missed the start of the campaign, he made his Cardiff debut in last week's Carling Cup win over Leyton Orient and played the whole game.
In Saturday's 2-1 win at Norwich City, Fowler lasted 60 minutes and he acknowledges it will not rank among his better performances.
In good stead
But the former England international expects to improve for the run-out as he aims to reach peak fitness.
"It's been a long time since I played and when you play well you play well, but it wasn't one of my better games," Fowler told the Western Mail.
"But it's another hour under my belt and that puts me in good stead.
"Hopefully I can build on that. I need a little bit more sharpness, to be fair."
SkySports
He-he... Kom over denne. Vet ikke om den er postet tidligere:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=daWUUe5EeGU&mode=related&search=
Mark Tinkler...var vel hos oss i sine early years... [:)]
Paul Robinson's future at Tottenham is under scrutiny after claims from Italy that they are tracking Livorno 'keeper Marco Amelia. (Sunday Mirror)
IAN RUSH has been appointed Wales’ elite performance director.
The former Wales and Liverpool striker, 45, will help develop the next generation of players.
He said: “I am delighted to be joining the Wales Football Trust in this new role and to give something back to football.
“To be successful on the international stage in the future, Wales must produce better players.â€
The Sun
James Milner keeps feet on the ground
Early stardom is not always good for one's health. Ask any number of washed-up footballers who were once the George Bests of the playground.
The secret, says James Milner, is not how brightly your feet twinkle on the pitch but how tightly they stick to terra firma off it.
One minute, the young Milner was collecting balls at Leeds United's Elland Road ground, the next he was signing them for teenagers older than himself, having made his debut in 2002 aged 16 years and 309 days.
One minute he was cheering on his hero Alan Smith, the next he was sharing a dressing room with him and calling him 'Smudge' like everyone else, enough to turn any young head. Luckily for young Milner, he had supportive family and friends, his father Peter insisting that he continue his education after joining the Leeds academy at 10, resulting in 11 GCSE passes.
Looking back, Milner admits that it was all a bit scary but says: "At the time, you just go along with the ride. It's only afterwards that you think, how did this happen, how did that happen? Smudge was an inspiration to all of us because he did what we all aspired to, he came through the system to play in the first team for his hometown club. It doesn't get much better than that.
"It was funny to end up playing alongside him but when I first stepped up to the reserves, I looked round to see David Batty on one side of me and Olivier Dacourt on the other. You had to pinch yourself sometimes but it's all about learning from big players. It's easy for youngsters to play one or two games and then lose their heads, get excited and get ahead of themselves. That can be the difference between playing at the top for 10 or 15 years and going out of the game after a couple of games because you think you've made it."
Milner, 21, took the opportunity to watch another master at work and play when he joined Newcastle for £3.6 million in the summer of 2004. He says: "When I arrived that summer, we went on a pre-season tour to the Far East and Alan Shearer was absolutely mobbed all the time. You wondered how he dealt with it but the sort of person he is and the professionalism he has, he just took it all in his stride. It's from being associated with people like that, day in and day out, that you learn how to deal with things on and off the field."
Milner's performances this season have put him on the verge of Steve McClaren's England team but unlike Blackburn's David Bentley, who refused to play in the summer's Under-21 championships, he would never turn down a shirt bearing the Three Lions crest. He won his 28th Under-21 cap in Friday's 3-0 win in the Euro 2009 qualifier in Montenegro and should get a record 29th in Bulgaria on Tuesday.
He says: "Getting to the semis in the summer was a great experience and a great disappointment. I've now lost two European championships to the hosts on penalties in the semi-finals after winning all the way through. But it's how you cope with that, so that the next time you get in that position, you can produce a different outcome. Hopefully, it will stand all of us in good stead."
He is cautiously optimistic about the fortunes of Newcastle under new manager Sam Allardyce, who he says has provided the most professional set-up most of the players have seen. Allardyce has brought his entire 'science set' to St James' Park, involving a lot more preparation before games and debriefings afterwards, and giving the players more detailed analyses of opponents. Even the compulsory ice baths have not put the players off.
Milner says: "Expectations are always huge at a club like Newcastle. My first season here, we got to the quarter final of the Uefa Cup and the semi-final of the FA Cup and in the space of four days, we were dumped out of both.
"When things are tough, there are days when you think, 'I don't really want to go in today', but right now it's a pleasure to go in in the morning. And we are so lucky to do what we do, play football for a living."
When did you last hear a Baby Bentley-driving, champagne-guzzling, perennially exhausted Premier League player say that? But then you know Milner is different when he tells you that he celebrated that debut at 16 with a quiet night in. And how about when he became the Premier League's youngest goalscorer on Boxing Day 2002? The same.
Telegraph
MATT HAPPY TO BE GIVEN A LEADING ROLE AT CITY
Dominic Matteo says he is flattered to be captaining Stoke City, but feels it would be presumptuous to make a claim to keep the job.The 33-year-old former Liverpool, Leeds United and Blackburn midfielder was an obvious choice to take over once it was evident former skipper Danny Higginbotham was on his way to Sunderland.
Matteo says he is proud to take the job, but won't feel snubbed if the Stoke manager, Tony Pulis, eventually decides to hand the responsibility to someone else.
He explained: "It is always an honour to captain a club, and I know this club has a great footballing tradition.
"I wasn't expecting to be captain at first because obviously I was expecting Danny to be fit.
"I am not saying I am captain of the club or anything like that, but I am just happy to fill in for the time being.
"After all, the manager might want to bring in someone else but, while I am doing it, I will give it my best shot.
"It is not for me to say about the long term. That is the manager's decision but it has been great to do it so far.
"I was captain of Leeds for a few years so it is something I have done before, but it won't really alter my game because I talk and moan at everyone anyway."
The Scotland international has every reason to feel pleased with the way the last few weeks have gone, having returned to City this summer hoping to win a contract.
Pulis granted him a deal and Matteo has responded by starting each of City's four league games.
He added: "I was looking at the fixtures the other day and I think we have had the toughest start of anyone in the division. Had you said we would get seven points from our first four matches, then I think we might have taken that.
"We could have nicked the game against Wolves last week, but as a team I think we have worked very hard.
"I think, in a way, we are working too hard because we need to keep the ball better. But if you have our work rate and the togetherness we have in the dressing room then you always have a chance.
"That spirit is especially important when we have to dig in to get a result as we did to win 1-0 at Cardiff.
"I am sure there will be 25-30 more games like that this season where the result could go either way so we have to dig in."
thisisstaffordshire.co.uk
Ex-Leeds man on Walsall board
Former Leeds United vice-chairman Peter Gilman has emerged as a new face on the board at Walsall.
Gilman, who was on the Elland Road board in the 1990s, is a long-time friend of Saddlers chairman Jeff Bonser and has now been confirmed as a director.
The property developer was involved in Walsall’s move from Fellows Park to the Banks’s Stadium in 1990 and his current firm also helped build the new Floors-2-Go Stand.
His former company, Denglen, was involved in the construction of the stadium and the redevelopment of the Fellows Park site as a supermarket.
Denglen was effectively Walsall’s landlord when the club moved to the Bescot site before Denglen went into administration, leaving Bonser to take over.
Gilman left Leeds before the takeover by the Peter Ridsdale regime, which has since been blamed for the club’s slide from the Champions League to the foot of League One.
But he is now back in football with a seat alongside Bonser, Richard Tisdale, Clive Welch, Roy Whalley, Nigel Bond and Stefan Gamble on the Saddlers board.
Bonser said: “Peter is a long-standing friend of mine and a long-standing supporter of the club.
“He is a valuable member of the board.â€
Bonser confirmed that Gilman, who now runs GMI Construction, joined the board last September.
expressandstar.com
Wilkinson and Moore leave County
Howard Wilkinson has resigned his position as technical director of Notts County - hours after chairman Jeff Moore announced his own departure.
Wilkinson managed the Magpies in 1982/83 before spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds and Sunderland, and a stint as the FA's technical director.
He returned as a non-executive director of County in 2004, becoming technical director in June 2006.
But the club announced on Monday afternoon that he had resigned.
Fellow director Joanna Adams - former commercial director of the Football Conference who had been on the Notts board since June - submitted her notice of resignation at the same time as Wilkinson.
The duo's resignations came on the same day that Moore revealed that he would relinquish the chairmanship once the shareholders and board had elected his successor.
"When I was first approached to become chairman at the end of the 2005-06 season, I was surprised and flattered," Moore told County's website.
"But my position as chief executive of the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) is a full-time role.
"I no longer feel it is fair to Notts County to continue as chairman while being unable to afford the requisite amount of time."
County have also launched a five-year business plan entitled "Vision 2012", in which the club is aiming to reach the Championship within five years.
BBC Sport
HEALY SCARE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
David Healy's fitness will be monitored in the next 48 hours as Northern Ireland's record goalscorer skipped training on Monday.
The Fulham striker had taken a kick on the calf and missed the session as a precautionary measure, according to the Irish Football Association.
Healy has been a pivotal figure in the Euro 2008 qualifiers and is anxious to face Iceland on Wednesday in Group F.
He has scored 11 goals in the campaign and 31 overall in 58 international appearances.
Healy would be sorely missed but he is not the only concern for manager Nigel Worthington as he looks for the team to bounce back after the defeat in Latvia.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/09/10/SOCCER_N_Ireland.html
Robbo glove affair with Macca
PAUL ROBINSON has paid tribute to Steve McClaren for helping him through the toughest spell of his career.
The England keeper arrived for international duty last week expecting the axe after his Wembley blunder against the Germans.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007420033,00.html
Liverpool's Pennant involved in pizza bust-up
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant was caught up an alleged row at a takeaway pizza shop.
The Sun says Pennant got so hammered in a nightclub he could barely stand up.
Liverpool winger Pennant, 24, was then involved in a bust-up at a pizza takeaway - and ended up falling over.
Witnesses said he tried to ease the situation by waving his hands and slurring "calm down, calm down" before hitting the ground. One of his pals, also believed to be a footballer, was arrested for a public order offence.
The pair had been drinking in a trendy bar in Bournemouth, Dorset, before apparently going to the takeaway.
Sharpe: I couldn't match Man Utd's Ronaldo party antics
Lee Sharpe says he would have been "sacked" by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson if his parties had matched what Cristiano Ronaldo allegedly got up to with teammates Nani and Anderson, plus a handful of escort girls.
Former United winger Sharpe, who famously once had a soiree personally broken up by Ferguson, said: "If it was me, I'd expect the sack, but I wasn't the best player in the world - he is.
"My parties weren't as good as his, either."
Fighting talk â€" why David Batty and I came to blows on a shameful day in Moscow
In the latest extract from his autobiography, Graeme Le Saux reveals his embarrassment at an incident that left him ‘wanting to die’
The fight between me and David Batty came to symbolise the fall from grace of Blackburn Rovers and I have nothing but regret over it. There was no justification for my behaviour.
I apologised to David after the game in the dressing-room in front of our teammates, then I sat with him in the airport lounge and we talked about it. He was absolutely fine, absolutely calm. He told me not to worry, which was never going to be an option. I talked to my wife, Mariana, on the phone. I told her I felt like I wanted to die.
It was amazing how quickly it all began to unravel for us at Blackburn. Just a couple of months after the high of winning the league in 1995, it was as if the glue that had kept us together began to dissolve.
Ray Harford had replaced Kenny Dalglish as manager and there was an edge between the players. Groups started to form. Tim Sherwood, Batts, Chris Sutton and Mike Newell â€" the stronger characters â€" got away with things that would not have happened under Kenny and started to break the unity of the team. I could feel the atmosphere changing. It was breaking down and we began to turn on each other. Suddenly, we were desperately vulnerable.
In the midst of raging against the loss of our dominance at home, we travelled to Moscow to play Spartak in our doomed Champions League campaign. It was against this back-drop that Batty and I fell out so spectacularly.
People had started looking after themselves rather than playing for the team and there were a couple of games where David and I had had a go at each other. David was one of those players who would always come short to get the ball. Occasionally, I’d tell him he didn’t need to come so close. But if I didn’t pass to him and ended up losing the ball, he’d have a go at me.
Gradually, that started to worsen. Then, two weeks before the incident in Moscow, I nutmegged him in training and he got the hump. He came after me and I got prickly about that. There was a sharpness developing.
The next game, he said something to me about being selfish and I came in at half-time and had it out with him in front of everybody. I told him to repeat what he had said and he backed off. I thought that was it. I was frustrated at the way things were going and I knew he was, too, but I thought we had got rid of the problem.
It was a horrible atmosphere in Moscow. It was bitterly cold, the pitch was frozen and the dressing-rooms were miserable. I felt weighed down by a general air of anxiety even before kick-off. They scored early and things felt fraught, as though they were unravelling. Everything was going from bad to worse.
It was still the first half when I set off after a loose ball. I was running up the touchline, the ball in front of me. I was going to intercept it. David was coming across the pitch to try to get there as well. We arrived at the same time and ran into each other.
I hit the deck and, as I got up, he came at me very aggressively. He was being threatening and screaming things. His face was contorted with anger, as if he was going to rip my head off. Hitting him was more of a pre-emptive strike than anything. If I had not hit him, I felt he was going to hit me.
It is a myth that he was hurling a stream of homophobic abuse. It wasn’t the words that got to me, but a combination of four or five things. I was upset at what he said and that he was accusing me of being selfish again; I was upset that we were not doing well as a team and I reacted because of the way he behaved.
His words were irrelevant, really; it was just that he was right in my face and I felt I had to protect myself. I swung at him, connected and knew immediately that I had broken my left hand. I am not a fighter. I hadn’t closed my fist properly. Tim Sherwood ran over to intervene and I thought he was going to hit me, but he pulled us apart. He was embarrassed. So was I.
I was in a lot of pain, which just made me feel more ridiculous. I knew I could not come off. Mainly, I was in shock at what had happened. At half-time, Ray had a go at us. He said he was ashamed. He said he hadn’t been able to believe what he was seeing and that no manager had been asked to deal with that kind of situation before. I was getting my hand strapped.
David didn’t say anything. He seemed OK. I suppose he might have had a sore cheek. The whole scene was very weird, a terrible situation. I was in bits because of the injury and the realisation of what I had done.
There has always been speculation about what David said to me. Most have assumed that a homophobic taunt made me snap. But I never considered this incident similar to the one with Robbie Fowler, nor even in the same league. What David said was between me and him. I am not condoning it, but I am not condoning what I did, either.
People at Blackburn had started to lose respect for each other, the European campaign was the most embarrassing part of that season and I don’t think it was a coincidence that our problems flared up abroad. We were just two men who were deeply p***ed off at what was going on at our football club and who felt powerless to stop the slide. We were in an inhospitable environment
getting beaten, heading for more misery, more criticism, more underachievement and, when we ran into each other, we just lost it.
The aftermath was appalling. We were miles away from home, we had been battered 3-0, I had a broken hand and I had just hit my own teammate. I sat by myself on the coach to the airport, cowering at the back.
The atmosphere was terrible. Ray Harford was distraught. He felt that it was a reflection on his management, that it showed he must be doing something badly wrong. Poor Ray â€" he didn’t deserve that.
More than anything, that night is the one thing I wish I could erase from my career.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article2426480.ece
Pennant puts Liverpool ahead of England
Jermaine Pennant admits he'll accept being ignored by England if it means winning silverware for Liverpool.
"Of course I want to play for England," he told liverpoolfc.tv. "It's everyone's dream to play for their country and I'm no different.
"I know the manager said I was close to being included, but obviously I wasn't close enough.
"All I can do is keep working hard for Liverpool and see what happens. Liverpool is my priority. If it came down to a choice of winning the league with Liverpool or playing for England then there's only one winner there. It would be Liverpool every time.
"It's so long since we won the league and I'd love to be a part of the first team to do it for many years."
Cat Harte sets playing priority
HE was forced to do his pre-season training in isolation, but as Ian Harte prepares to make his first appearance for Sunderland, the Irishman is adamant he will soon be up to speed in a red-and-white shirt.
And having experienced relegation twice in the last four years, the full-back is not anticipating another fight for survival after insisting he has joined a club with what it takes to thrive in the Premier League.
Following Levante’s decision to release him, Harte (pictured right) signed a one-year contract with the Black Cats six days ago and, although a problem with the paperwork prevented him from making his debut in last week’s reserve-team game against Newcastle United, his international clearance has since been secured.
The 30-year-old is expected to be involved for the first time this evening when the club’s second string return to action at Everton. It will be an invaluable exercise as a defender lacking match practice prepares to take a step closer to top-flight participation.
“It’s important that I get some games under my belt,†said a player who was recruited to fill Sunderland’s problematic left-back position. “It would have been ideal to play for the reserves against Newcastle, but the international clearance didn’t come through in time and it’s good that this game has come around so soon.
“I reported for pre-season training at Levante but I was told that I wouldn’t be allowed to travel with the team to matches so I had a pre-season on my own. I was out running every day in the heat over there and that was good for me. Then I got the chance to come over and train with Sunderland. That’s where I’m at, I just need some games.†Tonight’s game in the North-West is the reserves’ sole scheduled fixture before Roy Keane’s team resume their Premier League campaign against Reading on September 15. But with the chance to take part in regular team training sessions and some practice matches during the next fortnight, Harte will hope to be involved when Steve Coppell’s team head to Wearside.
"I’m looking forward to playing for Roy,†said the Republic of Ireland international. “I was lucky enough to have played with him (at international level) so I know what he’s like. Then there’s Niall (Quinn), the chairman. This club’s full of Irish people.
“There are a few Irish lads here who I knew already and I’ve found it to be a really friendly place. I was due to train with another club before I came here, but this was a great chance to come back and play in the Premier League again. When I spoke to the other club, they just said ‘It’s a great opportunity, you’ve got to take it’. I’m delighted that I did.â€
Harte spent three seasons in Spain and although his career in Valencia came to an unfortunate end when he was given the cold shoulder at Levante having been told that his contract would not be renewed, the former Elland Road favourite has no regrets.
“It was a fantastic experience,†said a player who joined the La Liga club in 2004 following Leeds United’s relegation from the Premier League. “The first year that I was there we played in the top division and although we were relegated, I helped the team get promoted again (during the subsequent season). I scored nine goals that year and was the second leading scorer.
“It was good, but the facilities and the stadium over there weren’t too professional so this was a great chance to come back. It’s over and done with now and I’m just delighted to have the chance to join a club like Sunderland â€" a club that is organised and where our main objection isn’t just to stay in the Premier League, but to do well in it. With our mixture of youth and experience, I hope we can do really well. This is a great opportunity for all the players here.â€
http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/sunderlandafc/news/tm_headline=cat-harte-sets-playing-priority%26method=full%26objectid=19730102%26siteid=50081-name_page.html
NEIL WARNOCK has stunned Milan Mandaric by snubbing his offer to become Leicester’s new boss.
Warnock held talks with chairman Mandaric but does not want to be considered for the post.
Gary Megson and Peter Reid are the new favourites. (the Sun)
Gordon Strachan's appeal against a four-match touchline ban will be heard by the Scottish Football Association's disciplinary committee on Sept 25. The Celtic manager was sent to the stands by referee Stuart Dougal during the home SPL match against Hearts on April 29. (Telegraph)
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
NEIL WARNOCK has stunned Milan Mandaric by snubbing his offer to become Leicester’s new boss.
Warnock held talks with chairman Mandaric but does not want to be considered for the post.
Gary Megson and Peter Reid are the new favourites. (the Sun)
[:D][:D][:D]!!!
quote:
Originally posted by fmtj
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
NEIL WARNOCK has stunned Milan Mandaric by snubbing his offer to become Leicester’s new boss.
Warnock held talks with chairman Mandaric but does not want to be considered for the post.
Gary Megson and Peter Reid are the new favourites. (the Sun)
[:D][:D][:D]!!!
[:D]
(http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/762/images1dr.jpg)(http://www.kjukken.dk/upload/Resize%20of%20KJKJ.gif)(http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/429/231b3xa.jpg)
Hånet Brolin på direkten
TV 4-profilen Patrick Ekwall hånet Tomas Brolin direkte på TV.
Det var i en reklamepause i fotballprogrammet «Andre halvlek» at svensk TV 4s kanskje mest kjente sportsreporter tabbet seg skikkelig ut, skriver Expressen.
Han trodde TV-seerne hørte lyden fra reklameinnslagene - men de fikk istedenfor høre Ekwall håne den svenske fotballprofilen Tomas Brolin. Innslaget ble lagt ut på kanalens egen hjemmeside.
- Den bitreste fotballspilleren jeg noensinne har truffet, sa Ekwall om Brolin, som deltok i studio sammen med programleder Ola Wenström og de tidligere fotballstjernene Andreas Alm og Magnus Hedman.
Ekwall la deretter ut om Tomas Brolins utested Undici.
- Traff Ravelli på puben på lørdag etter kampen. Han var i godt humør, for å si det sånn, lo TV 4-profilen.
Den svenske keeperlegenden Tomas Ravelli svarte slik da han ble oppringt av Expressen.
- Visst, jeg var på Undici, men jeg tok det rolig, og gikk hjem halv tre, sa han.
TV 4 legger seg paddeflate etter tabben.
- Det var overhodet ikke tenkt at dette skulle bli publisert. I studio trodde de at seerne hørte reklameinnslaget, sier Bella Tidblad, utviklingssjef og ansvarlig utgiver for TV 4s fotbollskanalen.se.
Nå skal TV 4 se gjennom rutinene.
- Vi skal undersøke hva som gikk galt, sier hun.
Healy fit for Iceland qualifier
Northern Ireland striker David Healy has declared himself fit for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Iceland.
The Fulham player had aggravated a calf strain picked up in the weekend defeat by Latvia but he trained with the rest of the squad in Reykjavik on Tuesday.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6989877.stm
Lennon poised for Spurs comeback
Aaron Lennon may give Tottenham boss Martin Jol a boost by making a surprise return against Arsenal on Saturday.
Lennon, 20, is back in full training following minor knee surgery in May and was close to making a comeback in the 3-3 draw at Fulham on 1 September.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/6990804.stm
Micky Adams has emerged as a leading candidate for the vacant hotseat at old club Gillingham. (Daily Mirror)
Martin Jol is ready to gamble on Aaron Lennon in Saturday's North London derby against Arsenal. (The Sun)
Harte ready for Sunderland debut
Ian Harte hopes to make his Sunderland debut this weekend against Reading.
The former Leeds and Levante left-back told the Sunderland Echo: "I know that Ross Wallace has done very well at left-back, though he's naturally a left-winger and Danny Collins has played the last game at left-back, even though he's a centre-half.
"But left-back is my out-and-out position and so I know that, if I hit the right standard in my preferred position, I have a chance of earning a proper run in the team.
"At the end of the day, it's the manager who picks the first 11, though, and I just have to show I'm worth selection by what I do on the training pitch.
"I'm fit to play should I be called for the Reading game.
"I am definitely fit and very excited about the prospect of playing."
Williams denies Adams rumours
Colchester boss Geraint Williams played down reports linking his assistant Micky Adams with the managerial vacancy at Gillingham.
Adams, a former manager of Fulham, Brighton, Leicester and Coventry, joined the Us' coaching staff in July after leaving the Sky Blues, and has been mentioned as a possible successor to Ronnie Jepson at the Priestfield Stadium.
Williams admits that with such an impressive CV, Adams will possibly seek a return to management one day, but he is confident his number two is happy at Layer Road for the time being.
"It's no surprise to hear Micky's name crop up, but if there's anything in it he'll come to me and we'll talk about it, we have a very open relationship," said Williams.
"We know what football is like, there are a lot of ifs and maybes, but we try to deal in facts here.
"Obviously he's been a successful manager and he might like to get back into management. But he's very happy working here."
Arsenal legend Seaman backs Tottenham's Robinson
Arsenal and England hero David Seaman has backed Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson to re-establish himself as the national team's outright No1.
Seaman is certain the current No.1 is good enough and told Setanta: "Paul is coming up to the perfect age for a goalkeeper and he is getting lots of experience by playing in all the big games. If he carries on there is no doubt he will be regarded as a good goalkeeper."
Spurs keeper Robinson delighted with successful week
Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson is delighted to return from England duty with two clean sheets.
His position as England No 1 was under threat following his latest mistake in the 2-1 friendly defeat to Germany last month.
But he saw off the storm to shut out Israel and Russia this week.
Spurs stopper Robbo said: "I'm really, really pleased. A week is a long time in football. I feel slightly different to the way I felt a few weeks ago at Wembley.
"Yet I know as quickly as it can turn one way, it can turn the other way as well. I'm not going to take anything for granted."
Wigan's Olembe admits still short of fitness
New Wigan Athletic signing Salomon Olembe admits he is still short of fitness.
He said: "The most important thing is to make the fans happy, and to do that we must win the games.
"I like to give everything I have in matches, and let the fans know what you do for the team.
"It's not my specific ambition to play against Fulham, my ambition is to be fit and be ready to make a difference.
"My fitness is good but I've not done a pre-season and I am going to train hard and then I'll be ready to play."
--
OLEMBE RELISHING WIGAN CHANCE
New Wigan defender Salomon Olembe admits he was hungry to return to English football after being given a taste of the Premier League at Leeds.
The Cameroon international made a dozen appearances during a loan spell at Elland Road in the 2003-04 season.
And despite offers from clubs in Germany and France when he left Marseille during the summer, Olembe was happy to join the Latics on a free transfer after agreeing an initial 12-month deal.
"I had options to go to Metz or a German team but I have been in England before and I like the football here and the way people live with football, so I chose to come here," he said.
"I had contact from Wigan and I decided to come after I spoke to a lot of people here, including Antoine Sibierksi, who told me it was a good club for me and an ambitious club.
"I played with Leeds and I know it's a good quality in the Premier League. I hope I will progress and give a good, positive attitude to Wigan to help them keep winning."
Hele storyen: http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/09/14/SOCCER_Wigan_Olembe.html
Watford sign Boro winger Johnson
Watford have received a double boost with the arrival of Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson on loan and Jay DeMerit's decision to sign a new deal.
England Under-21 international Johnson, 20, will spend three months on loan at Vicarage Road as he looks for first-team experience.
BBC
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Johnson_%28footballer%29
King rejected Villa, Derby for Watford stay
Watford striker Marlon King has revealed he rejected several Premiership offers to stick with the Hornets.
King has revealed he turned his back on a posse of big clubs including Aston Villa and Derby in the summer to help Watford boomerang back into the top flight.
tribalfooball.com
Koser meg over Farsley Celtic, Leeds by's lag i Blue Square Premier (Conferance).
Laget gjør det bra!
Klubben, som neste år vil hete FC Leeds, er et bra supplement for Leeds-kamper på lørdager. De spiller mange av sine hjemmekamper på søndager.
At laget har en drøss med ex-Leeds-spillere i stallen gjør det hele mer interessant!
Ex-spillere er: Mark Jackson (også reservelagstrener), Ryan Serrant, Mark Wilberforce, Nick Smith, Damien Reeve og Bailey Camfield, samt James Knowles som har hatt trial på Elland Road. (http://farsley.bpweb.net/firstteam.html)
Farsley continue to confound the pundits
Two goals in 11 second-half minutes was enough to earn Farsley Celtic a 2-1 victory at the Glassworld Stadium, the home of Histon, on Saturday in the contest between two of last season’s promoted teams.
When Farsley eased themselves into the Blue Square premiership via the end of season play offs, they were given scant hope of success from the pundits. But three victories in the opening eight fixtures see them sitting comfortably mid table and gradually growing into the demands of non-league’s toughest challenge.
“Only time will tell if we are good enough for this league,†Lee Sinnott, the Farsley manager said. “It is my job to drive the players on individually and collectively. I know what they are capable of and they are capable of a lot more.
“Some of the approach play today was first class but perhaps we need to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal. So I am pleased with the progress that we have made so far but it is important that we keep putting points on the board.†Both Farsley goals came from 22-year-old former Leeds United youngster Damien Reeve, some solace for a first-half penalty that he crashed against the bar. The first, three minutes after the interval, was calmly rolled under Mark Osborn, the goalkeeper, and on the hour he blasted an unstoppable volley that had Osborn grasping at fresh air. In between, Jamie Barker had briefly restored parity.
"There were two great goals,†Sinnot said. “But the most important thing was to get another three points on the board. Once again we have caused a team problem, as we have done in all our eight matches. We just have to make sure that we can transfer our home form into away performances like we did today.†After dominating the first half, including Reeve’s miss from the penalty spot, it appeared as if it may not be Farsley’s day, but Sinnott explained that he would not countenance any such sentiments. “I have had a long career and I don’t believe in that,†he said. “If you can create so many chances in the first 45 minutes there is no reason that you cannot repeat that in the second half. If you start to feel sorry for yourself you might as well stay in the changing room.†With Farsley’s next three fixtures against three of the league’s strongest teams in Exeter City, Stevenage Borough and Aldershot Town, Sinnott will soon have a better idea on how his season will progress.
The Times
http://farsley.bpweb.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farsley_Celtic
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/farsley_celtic/default.stm
http://www.farsleyceltic.com/
Milner: I can be Newcastle's marathon man
James Milner has told manager Sam Allardyce he wants to be Newcastle's marathon man this season, reports the Daily Star.
The England Under-21 winger was surprisingly rested for their last game against Wigan, having been a fixture in the Toon starting line-up this term.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=482234&in_page_id=1779
Wilkinson: Foreign influx now hitting Championship
Former Leeds and England manager Howard Wilkinson says the amount of foreigners in the top two divisions of English football will hurt the national team.
He said: "The fact is that the numbers of domestic players in the Premier League are going down year by year, and that is now spreading down to the Championship.
"The rewards for ...
http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=57024
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Carson: O'Neill passion convinced me to choose Villa over Man City
Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson says he chose Villa Park over Manchester City due to the passion shown by manager Martin O'Neill.
The on-loan Liverpool keeper told the Villa website: "There was talk I could go to Manchester City, but a deal never got done.
"I just came here and as soon as I met the manager it was a factor in me signing. I said: 'Yes I want to play for you'
http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=57061
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Adidas upgrade status for Fulham's Healy
The success of Fulham's Northern Ireland striker David Healy has not gone unnoticed by boot sponsors adidas.
The People says adidas have bumped him up into the category of players in their stable who have their boots handmade.
The Northern Irishman's boots - as with those of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard - will bear his country's flag and game dates.
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Middlesbrough's Johnson happy at Watford
Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Johnson is happy with his loan move to Watford.
Johnson played a part in Saturday's 3-2 win for the Hornets and said: "I spoke to Steve Harrison and he said Watford is a great club where I could come and do well.
"It's a long way from home, but it's an opportunity for a great learning experience.
"I know I'm going to one of the best teams in the Championship and that Watford will be up there at the end of the season and that's very important."
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Bowyer: Hammers camp has changed
West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer believes there is a "different feel" to things at the club this season.
Bowyer netted the opening goal in Saturday's 3-0 win over Middlesbrough and although he is not getting carried away, the former Newcastle man insists confidence is high at the club.
He told the club's official website: "Things already feel and look different to last season, it is a clichi but it is all about confidence in football and that is what winning brings which you take into the next game.
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1808_2736184,00.html
Curbs keen to see West Ham's Bowyer grab more goals
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley admits he was delighted to see Lee Bowyer score against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Curbishley told whufc.com: "I've known Lee since he was 13-years-old and he's always thrived on getting into the box but it just hadn't happened for him since he's been at West Ham. It was a great finish for a great goal and let's hope that there's more to come from him now."
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West Ham's Bowyer: New depth key to success
West Ham United midfielder Lee Bowyer believes the depth of this season's squad will set them up for a successful campaign.
He told whufc.com: "Things already feel and look different to last season, it is a clichîSut it is all about confidence in football and that is what winning brings which you take into the next game.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=57211
Woodgate calls on fans
Boro defender wants greater crowds at Riverside
Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate has called on the club's fans to show their support by turning up at home games.
The ex-Leeds United man is well aware that his former club are getting the same, if not bigger crowds despite being two divisions below Boro.
The average attendance at the Riverside this season is 25,618 whereas Elland Road has seen an average crowd of 25,923.
And the 27-year-old feels that Middlesbrough need to start playing the style of football which will attract the fans to the Riverside.
"I know it's not cheap getting into football grounds but how many fans do Leeds get a week two divisions below us? They get similar crowds to us," he said.
"We have to play good football for the fans to come in.
Hele saken: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_2738314,00.html
Canaries' fury at Mills
Former England defender branded a cheat by Norwich boss
Andy Reid blasted two late penalties to lift Charlton to third in the Championship but Danny Mills was at the centre of all the controversy at the end of the 2-0 win over Norwich.
Mills was branded a cheat by Norwich manager Peter Grant for his role in Dion Dublin's late dismissal, but Charlton boss Alan Pardew preferred to concentrate on a deserved victory.
Reid netted two spot-kicks in two minutes as the Addicks took the spoils.
Substitute Izale McLeod, who had been on the pitch just five minutes, won both penalties and Reid coolly converted them as Pardew got one over on Grant - his former assistant at West Ham.
However, Grant was left fuming by Dublin's stoppage-time dismissal for pushing his head towards Mills, who was rarely out of trouble for most of the evening.
"It was disappointing to see the big fella running off, I don't know what went on," said Alan Pardew.
"Danny plays on the edge, that's what's made him a success. He probably danced a little too close to the edge tonight, but he played very well.
"I don't want anyone getting sent-off, especially for an alleged movement of the head.
"We really controlled the game and I was disappointed not to score until the 85th minute. But I was pleased with everything tonight. We penetrated at will at times.
City boss Grant was fuming that Mills was still on the pitch after he had been involved in a running battle with Darren Huckerby all evening.
"The player should already have been off the field," said Grant. "And it wasn't a headbutt, because if it had been Mills would still be lying there,
"But he should have been off for swinging an elbow at Darren Huckerby.
"We had to dig in, we were under the cosh, and with 20 minutes to go, if he had been sent-off, it would have been a different game.
"This is a tough place to come, but if you're in the game then you've got a chance.
"Dion would not have headbutted Danny. He would not have reacted like that. It's always important to finish a game with 11 men but unfortunately circumstances dictated we couldn't because somebody cheated.
"It leaves a sour taste, especially considering who was involved."
Johnson eyes Watford stay
On-loan midfielder happy with Hornets
Adam Johnson would be interested in staying at Watford beyond his initial three-month loan deal.
The 20-year-old midfielder has joined The Hornets from Middlesbrough until December and made his debut as a substitute against Southampton on Sunday.
Hele saken: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11688_2740543,00.html
John Sheridan handed vote of confidence
Oldham owner Simon Corney has given manager John Sheridan a dreaded vote of confidence, following the club's poor start.
After making the League One play-offs last season and investing in new players in the summer, expectations were high at Boundary Park at the start of the campaign.
However, what has transpired has been bitterly disappointing, with Oldham rooted to the foot of the table after five league games which have yielded just three points.
Hele saken: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11719_2741028,00.html
Villa's Carson admits England ambition
Aston Villa's on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson admits an England breakthrough is a burning ambition.
He told Villa's website: "There's no point in just sitting around settling for what I've got. I've got to work hard and hopefully I'll get my chance for England and show I'm up to the standard.
Hele saken: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=57383
Newcastle boss: Smith must calm down
Newcastle chief Sam Allardyce urged Alan Smith to calm down - with the feisty Yorkshireman already in danger of picking up a ban.
With several key men struggling with injuries, the last thing Big Sam needs is a suspension for the former Man U player.
But after picking up four yellow cards in his first six games for United, he is just one more caution away from a stint in the sin bin.
Hele saken: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=57332
Pennant: I will learn from error
HOTHEAD Jermaine Pennant insists he will not make the same mistake again after his Champions League assault got off to a shameful start.
The winger was sent off by ref Lubos Michel in the 57th minute of the 1-1 draw with Porto â€" but reckons the Slovakian official got it WRONG.
Pennant, 24, had already gone into Lubos’ book for a senseless trip on Ricardo Quaresma and was walking a tightrope after a series of headstrong challenges.
Hele saken: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007430635,00.html
Southgate: Johnson has Middlesbrough future
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate insists Adam Johnson's future is on Teesside, despite sending him on-loan to Watford.
Southgate said: "We felt Adam needed a run of games and we could not guarantee him the run here.
"He's a bright young talent who we want to keep. I'm sure that the spell at Watford will help with his development.
"Watford play with wingers and they play in the right way, so it should be exactly what Adam needs."
Hornets boss Ade Boothroyd believes Johnson will be a valuable asset to his team as they bid to stay top of the Championship.
He said: "I was pleased with Adam on Sunday. He's a young livewire.
"I inquired about him last season, and Gareth Southgate called me recently to see if I was still interested.
"I'm thrilled to have him here as he'll push Jobi McAnuff and Tommy Smith and will give us further options out wide."
Woodgate: I didn't join Middlesbrough for mid-table mediocrity
Jonathan Woodgate has warned Middlesbrough he won't tolerate a mid-table finish this season.
He said: "I didn't come to Middlesbrough to consolidate in the league.
"I came here to get into Europe. Consolidation is failure for me.
"I think that we can get into the UEFA Cup. Obviously you look at the top four places and think they are taken, but every other place is up for grabs."
Peter Ridsdale has offered to quit Cardiff
Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale has offered to quit the club because he is fed up with abuse from supporters.
He confirmed to BBC Wales he feels he is being driven out by fans who he says want Sam Hammam back in charge of the club.
"I am getting more stick for saving Cardiff City than I did when things went wrong at Leeds," said Ridsdale.
"If the fans want Sam Hammam back in charge, as many of them are telling me, then maybe they should have him."
More to follow.
BBC
Chris Kamera, Sky Sports
Marching on together
I don't think anybody could have predicted the start that Leeds United have made.
All credit must go to Dennis Wise, who has galvanised the players.
They have a resolute attitude about them - everybody's against us, nobody will do us any favours, and it's all down to us.
With that spirit that they've got - nobody likes us, nobody wants us anymore - the supporters rallied round them and everything has just fallen into place nicely so far.
Organisation is vital for any team to prosper and Leeds certainly have that. And when you've got players who can score you goals then you're halfway there. Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol have forged a fine strike partnership, scoring 10 goals between them already.
Beckford in particular has really caught the eye, but I'm not worried that Leeds will sell him. Ken Bates might as well stay in Monaco for the rest of his life if that happens - Leeds fans have had too many knocks as it is.
They are both playing at a level they are comfortable with, and let's not forget they might be in League One, but Leeds are still a massive club.
Beckford is the one though. Kevin Blackwell got in ahead of a lot of teams when he took Jermaine from non-league football. Blacky expected him to go straight into Leeds' first team and maybe it was a bit daunting for him at first and he struggled. Then he went on loan to Scunthorpe and he scored some spectacular goals - with both feet.
People couldn't make it out - they couldn't understand how well he played compared to what he had shown at Leeds.
But that was Leeds' problem last season. They had the quality but just didn't perform. Dennis Wise must still find it very hard to explain exactly what went on and why those players just didn't do the business.
When you look at Robbie Blake scoring goals for Burnley in the Championship, David Healy scoring in the Premiership for Fulham and Richard Cresswell playing well, it must be frustrating for Wise.
But Beckford is showing that he is certainly a Championship player and there might be more to come. Leeds skipper Alan Thompson told us on Goals on Sunday what a good, two-footed player he is. Those type of players play at the top level.
Bouncebackability
Leeds were second favourites to get promoted before they even got on level points and people know that they are a phenomenon at this level - as six straight wins will testify. If they keep going they will be like a run-away train and there will be no stopping them.
I think that their main objective at this time will be the play-offs but depending on how long this run goes on for, the prize might be even bigger than that.
Money will be tight of course, because as we know the club partly went into administration and that's the reason why they were deducted the 15 points. But Bates can't take anymore chances with the supporters that have showed him that they will follow their team through thick and thin.
The average attendance at Elland Road so far this season is around 25,000 which is great. When I played for the club and we got promoted from the second to the old First Division in 1989-90 the atmosphere was brilliant at every game and a lot of fans are saying already that the spirit around the place is similar to back then.
I know Ken Bates and I quite like him, but like all Leeds fans the jury is still out. It hasn't been explained what went on - the Football League have done everything by the book which is fair by every other club in the League.
This isn't a case of the League getting at Leeds; this is a punishment for something that the club hasn't done correctly. That tells us that somebody behind the scenes, whoever it may be, hasn't adhered to the administration rules and that is why the club have been punished.
The rules are put in place and if someone tries to avoid them then they will end up getting punished. If Ken Bates gets Leeds straight back to the Championship this season then all will be forgotten, but if they don't get promoted Bates will blame it on the 15 points.
The acid test for Leeds this season will be when the goals for the front two - Beckford and Kandol - dry up. Where will the goals come from? But there's no reason to suggest right now, that is going to happen.
Healy can sink Sven again
AT her home in the Co Down village of Killyleagh, Irene Healy has 15 DVDs of her son.
Somewhat bizarrely, all feature the same game.
She is terrified the master copy will get scratched so there’s another 14 up on the shelf as back-up.
The game in question was on September 7 2005, a day that shocked the entire the entire world.
The scoreline, of course, was Northern Ireland 1 England 0, David Healy scoring on 73 minutes.
The greatest moment of Lawrie Sanchez’s managerial career and the worst of Sven Goran Eriksson’s.
At Craven Cottage today, those two bosses come face-to-face in club comb
Hele saken: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007440099,00.html
Jail was Jermaine wake-up call
STEVE BRUCE has hailed Jermaine Pennant for going from jailbird to Champions League star.
Birmingham boss Bruce stood by Pennant when he went to prison for drink-driving offences.
Brum paid Arsenal an initial £2million for Pennant before selling him on to Liverpool for £8m last year. Bruce reckons his one-time bad boy was the best player on the pitch in this year’s European Cup final.
Hele saken: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007440125,00.html
Ex-Hull chairman Pearson fronts £90M Derby takeover push
Former Hull City chairman and Leeds United director Adam Pearson is fronting a consortium preparing a £90 million takeover bid for Derby County.
The Mail on Sunday says Pearson, backed by internet tycoon Peter Wilkinson, has put in an offer for the club less than 18 months after they last changed hands. The bid is understood to comprise £30m for the club and £60m for a property deal for land around Pride Park.
Pearson, who personally made about £4.5m from the sale of Hull this summer, joined forces with Wilkinson to become one of the 14 bidders who tried to buy Leeds when they went into administration earlier this year.
Now the pair have turned their attention to Derby. Wilkinson revolutionised the internet with his Freeserve company. In last year's Rich List, his wealth was estimated at £263m.
Huckerby slams Norwich
Canaries striker reveals Carrow Road concerns
Darren Huckerby has admitted he fears for Norwich's future.
The striker launched a scathing attack on the Canaries' season so far after their 2-0 defeat at Wolves - their fourth reverse in the last five games.
Peter Grant's side have slumped to 20th in the Championship table and are just two points above the drop zone.
And Huckerby knows things will have to change after delivering a brutal and blunt assessment on the Carrow Road club and his team-mates.
Scary
He told the Norwich Evening News: "Since I've been here this is probably the weakest we've looked, so it's quite scary, to be honest.
"The fact of the matter is, we haven't been good enough all season. We're not playing well.
"We nicked a couple of results, but we've not controlled any games all the way through the season, so at the minute it's got to get better."
And Huckerby admitted that some of Norwich's problems are self-inflicted after both Jason Shackell and Julien Brellier were dismissed at Molineux.
Ridiculous
Coming swiftly on the back of Dion Dublin's red card at Charlton, Norwich's injury-hit squad is now being decimated by suspensions.
Huckerby added: "It's a difficult place to come, and the two sendings-off were ridiculous. They know that, so it's not something that I'm saying out of turn.
"We weren't playing well but then to get two sendings-off - ridiculous sendings -off with Dion already gone - basically the game's over.
"At 2-0, if we get a goal back we've got some kind of chance maybe, but to have two people sent off for stupid things, it's not easy."
SkySports
Woodgate: Middlesbrough not holding me back
Jonathan Woodgate has rubbished claims he has failed to make an England return because he is playing for Middlesbrough.
"Stewart [Downing] has been in every squad for the last two years so I wouldn't say that is the case," said Woodgate. "If you play well for your club every week then you'll get selected for your country."
The ex-Real Madrid and Leeds centre back is eager to re-establish himself in the England set-up.
"Obviously I want to try to get into the squad for the European Championships but it is not going to be easy with the type of players we have got.
"Injuries have come at bad times in the past but that's the way it goes in football, you get lucky and you get bad luck; sometimes you are injured sometimes you are not.
"I hope I'll get a chance soon - they have been playing really well recently and the performances they put in the last two games has been a credit to the players and the management team."
STRACHAN LIKELY TO APPEAL AGAIN
Celtic will appeal after confirming they are unhappy with the Scottish Football Association's decision to halve Gordon Strachan's four-match touchline ban.
The Scottish champions wanted Strachan's suspension overturned rather than reduced at a Hampden hearing on Tuesday.
But officials at the SFA disciplinary meeting upheld the case against the Celtic boss, who was banished to the stand in the game against Hearts at Parkhead on April 29 after an altercation with referee Stuart Dougal.
The Celtic boss was found guilty of misconduct but the benefit of putting his side of events was seeing the ban cut to two games.
A Celtic spokesperson said: "Clearly the club is surprised and disappointed with the decision and we will be lodging an appeal."
Strachan, who served a two-match ban after a bust-up at Tynecastle in August 2006, faces a third ban after being sent to the stand by Charlie Richmond following an argument with a steward at Pittodrie in August.
However the latter case will now be put back, with Celtic due to submit their appeal against today's verdict in time for Strachan to be in the dug-out for tomorrow night's CIS Insurance Cup tie at Dundee.
SFA spokesman Andy Mitchell said: "There is an automatic four-match suspension on an official who has been found guilty for the second time of misconduct in the technical area.
"Gordon Strachan chose to appeal against that four-match ban and presented his case to the disciplinary committee and the outcome was a two-match suspension.
"This been applied with immediate effect which takes in the CIS Cup match tomorrow and the next league match.
"The committee has the discretion to impose whatever sanction it sees fit.
"But he has a right to appeal should he so choose and if he chooses to take it further it will go to an independent appeals tribunal.
"He obviously has to appeal by tomorrow evening.
"It is in everyone's interests to resolve this case to a final conclusion before addressing the next one."
TeamTalk
Adams content at Colchester
Assistant would only leave for 'fantastic' offer
Colchester assistant manager Micky Adams has insisted he is happy at the club, after rumours linked him with the vacant manager's job at Gillingham.
Adams has taken a step down to be Geraint William's assistant at Colchester, after previously managing Brighton, Leicester and Coventry.
And reports had linked the former Gillingham player with the manager's role at the club, vacated by Ronnie Jepson earlier this month.
"It's flattering to be linked and I still want to be a manager but the arrangement is still the same," Adams said in the Colchester Gazette.
Right Opportunity
"It will have to be the right opportunity for me and as I speak I'm very, very happy working for Colchester. Unless it's a fantastic offer, I won't be going anywhere.
"Geraint and I have a fantastic working relationship and that's very important between the manager and his assistant."
Other names linked with the Gillingham job are former Luton boss Mike Newell and the current caretaker management team of Mick Docherty and Iffy Onuora.
The Gills host League One's in-form team Leeds United on Saturday, and will look to improve on their poor start to the season.
SkySports
En ex-ass.manager hauser opp en ex-on loan-spiller
Aidy is in Adam's fan club
AIDY BOOTHROYD claims Watford’s on-loan winger Adam Johnson can solve England’s left-midfield problem.
Johnson, 20, has shone since joining the Championship leaders on a three-month deal from Middlesbrough.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007440779,00.html
From The Chelski website
Mark Beeney
Reserve team and Academy goalkeeper coach. Formerly a goalkeeper with Leeds.
http://www.leedsfans.org.uk/leeds/players/470.html
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=144
http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=553
(http://www.leedsfans.org.uk/leeds/images/MBeeney1.jpg)
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Mark Beeney talks to Andy Starmore:
http://www.pitchside.net/interviews/interview.php?id=7
Brian Kidd is bidding to revive his managerial career after being placed on a shortlist of eight for the Gillingham job. (Daily Mirror)
Ex-Manchester United No.2 and former Blackburn boss Brian Kidd is on an eight-man shortlist for the vacant Gillingham manager's job. (Various)
Former Leicester boss Martin Allen and Graham Rix are also in the running to take the Priestfield job. (Various)
Boss banking on Joachim
Darlington boss Dave Penney wants veteran forward Julian Joachim to fire his side to victory over Peterborough this weekend.
Joachim banged in four goals for the Quakers against Posh last season, and Penney hopes more of the same on Saturday will be enough for his side to continue their good start to the season.
Darlington top the table on goal difference heading into the contest against the bookies' pre-season favourites for League Two.
Penney has been full of praise for former Leicester and Aston Villa man Joachim, saying: "We always knew he had the ability, but his work-rate is also excellent.
"He has played in a lot of big games, so he can cope with that and raise his game when he needs to."
TeamTalk
Celtic striker Scott McDonald is hoping Mark Viduka will stay on with the Australian national side so they can forge a striking partnership. (The Sun)
Newcastle striker Alan Smith is a big moto-cross fan and on his Sunday's off often gets up at 6am and heads off to meetings. (Daily Telegraph)
Aspin and Allen in Vale links
Two bosses express interest in vacant manager's role
Former Leicester City boss Martin Allen and current Harrogate Town manager Neil Aspin have both thrown their names in the hat to replace Martin Foyle as Port Vale manager.
The Valiants are currently managerless after Foyle walked out of the club this week following a poor start to the season.
The two potential candidates to replace him have had impressive managerial records in recent years and have both expressed an interest in the job.
Aspin
Aspin played 409 games as a Vale player, and as a manager has led Harrogate to a strong position in the Blue Square Conference North after three years in charge.
The 42-year-old is now keen to take up a post in league football, but admits he has a good relationship with his current club in North Yorkshire.
"I had 10 years at Vale and it was a big part of my life. I lived in the area for nine years and made a lot of friends," he said in the Sentinel.
"If the opportunity came up I would have to speak to my chairman at Harrogate first as I have a good relationship with him." (.....)
Hele: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11719_2762681,00.html
ROBBIE FOWLER has warned the Championship: “I’m back to my best.â€
Cardiff striker Fowler, 32, has hit four goals in his last two games.
The ex-Liverpool ace said: “I’ve not had many competitive games.
“I’m glad the goals have started to come as that’s what I’m here to do. I’m close to being as fit as I want to be.â€
The Sun
Fulham have God on their side
Dennis Wise sat David Healy down at Leeds United to try to crack the enigma. Kevin Blackwell had done the same before him and so had Craig Brown when they were at Preston.
The thing they all wanted to know was this: Why can't Healy score as many goals for his club as he scores for his country?
It is hard to imagine what they expected to hear in reply. Healy's club record might not match his phenomenal Northern Ireland strike rate, but it is still pretty good. The modest man from County Down, apart from happily admitting he is "not very tall and not very quick", is not prone to long periods of self-analysis.
"I just can't put my finger on it," said 5ft 8in Healy, who now plays for Fulham. "I've been asked by previous managers why I score so many international goals against supposedly better defenders, but I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about it.
"Confidence is everything for strikers and when I turn up I'm expecting to score â€" and I think the whole country is expecting me to score."
For the record, Healy has 32 in 59 games for his country. That is more international goals than Alan Shearer, Ian Rush or Kenny Dalglish and a superior strike rate to Michael Owen.
He annihilated the all-time Northern Ireland goal record of 13, previously held by Colin Clarke, and has 12 in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign alone, equalling a record held by Croatia's Davor Suker, with three games to play.
Healy said: "When I first came on to the scene and scored a couple, people were saying I could beat the record. Then I scored five or six and they were saying maybe I could double it.
"At that time, anyone saying they were going to score 20 goals for Northern Ireland would have been picked up and put in a straitjacket."
At club level, Healy has 80 league goals in 286 appearances, although 70 of those were as a substitute.
His first Premier League goal was a gift from Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann on the opening day of this season, but he took his tally to three with a goal in the Carling Cup against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.
Healy, a £1.5million July signing from Leeds, said: "If I hadn't scored for Fulham already there would be people saying I'm a waste of money, or I'm out of my depth, or I can't make the step up. Fortunately, I was bought on the cheap. I don't have a £5m price tag."
If anyone is going to convert Healy's prolific international strike rate into Premier League goals then it is surely Lawrie Sanchez, the man who managed him at Northern Ireland for three successful years.
Fulham boss Sanchez made the Leeds striker a priority signing as soon as he took over permanently at Craven Cottage and he will be hoping for another special goal when the team head to Chelsea today.
Healy insists he does not have a favourite goal, but one matters more than most in Belfast. It is the goal which sank England and convinced Irish fans to call him 'God'.
It also meant he could never enjoy a quiet pint in a pub back home. "It was a special goal for me," said the striker. "It was a goal that just made you believe. That was a huge night for the supporters. Lawrie said we'd go down as national heroes if we won. And we have. Ask 95 per cent of Northern Ireland fans and they can name the team that night.
"It's hard to go out in Belfast. It's not so bad walking down the street, people will second-glance you. But it's difficult on a night out with friends and family. Sometimes I feel a bit embarrassed."
At least 'God' helped him shake the 'New George Best' tag he acquired when he signed for Manchester United from school.
Healy, 28, said: "No matter how good you were when you arrived at Old Trafford from Northern Ireland, whether you were a striker or a centre half, people just assumed you were the next George Best. Norman Whiteside had it, too.
"I made my debut for Northern Ireland and people starting thinking: he plays for United, he's scored a couple, we'll call him the New George Best.
"It never once put added pressure on me. I never thought: 'Oh no, I haven't scored in that game, they won't call me the New George Best any more'."
Healy was star-struck when he met the legendary Best and asked his hero to sign one of his Northern Ireland shirts. The Fulham striker is now helping raise funds for the George Best Memorial Trust, set up to pay for a statue in Belfast.
He has followed the same path as his idol from Northern Ireland, to Old Trafford and now to Craven Cottage, although the similarities end there.
Healy insists he does not live the Best lifestyle, quickly adding: "Apart from the Miss World waiting in the car!"
He does not pretend to boast Best's talent but he does have an eye for goal and a sense for the big occasion.
With two away wins in two-and-ahalf years and with Chelsea looking to extend a three-year unbeaten home record, Fulham could do with both God and Best in the team at Stamford Bridge.
fulhamweb.com
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Alan Smith is a big moto-cross fan and on his Sunday's off often gets up at 6am and heads off to meetings. (Daily Telegraph)
Alan Smith finds life beyond the pitch
(av journalisten Alan Smith)
It had to happen sooner or later; that I tracked down the little blighter who has been going around telling people that his name is Alan Smith. Of all the nerve. There should be some kind of law to deter such barefaced cheek, especially when the footballer in question has now managed to fool three clubs.
The latest are Newcastle United, where Sam Allardyce is trying to usher in a brand new era and saw fit this summer to invest in the 'imposter'.
Ambitious: Alan Smith always aims to be the best starting line-up
Smith, of course, is anything but that. As honest as they come on the field, the lad with Leeds in his blood and Manchester United on his CV pitches up on Tyneside to further a career that has taken one or two unexpected turns since a dashing young blond burst on to the scene at Elland Road.
While the horrific broken leg and dislocated ankle, which he sustained at Liverpool in February last year, stymied his progress at Old Trafford, so too did the player's versatility. Having joined the club as a striker, Smith's willingness, and indeed his effectiveness at filling in further back, turned him into a squad man who could not be sure of a place in Sir Alex Ferguson's best starting line-up.
"That was the main reason I left really," he says, thinking back to last season. "The strangest thing from my point of view was that the manager said I was one of the most popular players they have had there. He said he couldn't say that I shouldn't be playing in the team because when I had played I had performed as well, if not better than anyone.
"But he couldn't guarantee that I would be picked for the big games. And those are the ones you want to be involved in. It was a compliment in a way, but it was also why I left. If you play for Man United you want to play in the big games. If you don't and you're not disappointed, that's the day to pack in."
That's Smith all over. Straightforward and candid, as befitting his strong Yorkshire roots, the 26-year-old remains in love with the game. His boyish enthusiasm might sometimes get him into trouble (he has already picked up four yellow cards this season; three in the league, one in the Carling Cup) but there is no doubting his good intentions, on or off the pitch.
It was during the 18 months he spent on the sidelines recovering from injury that Smith and his agent came up with the idea of starting a scheme to support young sports people. Tengo, they call the company, in reference to tennis (a game Smith has always played) and golf, the two sports mainly targeted for financial support. Promising youngsters from 12 to 16 are awarded grants to help pay their costs, whether for equipment, coaching or simply travel.
"A lot of kids drop out of those sports because their parents can't afford to take their kids to the other end of the country to, say, play in a golf tournament," Smith explains. "We have got one lad who had to go to South America for a tennis tournament. He gets the funding for that but it's only for him. He would have had to go on his own. So we provide the funds for his mum and dad to go with him. When you are 16 or 17 that's going to make a huge difference because spending two or three weeks away on your own is not easy at that age."
Smith speaks from experience. As a teenager, he dropped out of the Football Association's now-defunct National Centre of Excellence due to homesickness. Before that, though, aged eight, he had won the British BMX cycling championships.
"The world championships were in Florida but mum and dad couldn't afford to take me," he says. "So I know how difficult it is for parents to fund sports like that. That's why people switch to football â€" because it's there for you. It doesn't cost much money."
Smith has not spoken publicly about this project before. He sees no need, arguing that it is about helping the kids rather than generating publicity. "None of them know that I'm involved in it. Not the young ones anyway. They just think that it's a sports agency. I like it that way. It's not necessary for them to know.
"All I want to get out of it really is for someone to come up to me â€" whether they're good, bad or indifferent â€" and say 'thanks for giving us a chance'. That's what it's about â€" being as good as you possibly can be. It also gives me an interest outside football. This game can take over your world. It is nice to be able to come away from football and do something else."
In that regard, moto-cross is another long-standing passion, not just for Smith but also for his family and friends living in the Rothwell area on the outskirts of Leeds. Given a free Sunday, he will get up at six and go along to a meeting. "It's class," he confirms with obvious pride. "Nobody bothers you. They know you're there because you love bikes. Everyone's there for the same thing."
Similarly, Newcastle's £6?million signing sees signs of a growing togetherness at St James' Park. It has not, admittedly, been the most spectacular of starts but a win at Manchester City at lunchtime today would hoist the side into second place.
"I wanted to join a club that could achieve something," Smith explains. "I could have signed for Newcastle before, when I were at Leeds, but this time I just felt it was right. It's a totally new regime â€" new chairman, new board, new manager, new staff and new players. I decided I wanted to come to see what it were all about.
"There's an excitement to it as well. At Manchester United we could go out at times and play to 70 per cent of our maximum and still win. We can't do that here. Like at Leeds, we have got to be at the races to get a result. But there's no better feeling than that â€" everyone pulling together, all for one and all that. We are starting to get that spirit now."
Spirit: Smith has never been short of that. In fact, I would go as far to say he does the old name proud.
www.telegraph.co.uk
I farta 29/9
Barnsley - Cardiff 1-1. 0-1 Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (73).
Watford - Blackpool 1-1. 1-0 Adam Johnson (41).
Hull - Ipswich 3-1. 3-1 Dan Harding (45).
Huddersfield - Luton 2-0. 2-0: Danny Cadamatteri (60).
Harry Kewell is facing a battle to win a new Liverpool contract after struggling with a groin problem. (People)
Grimsby dismiss Bridges move talk
Grimsby boss Alan Buckley has dismissed reports linking Hull striker Michael Bridges with a move to Blundell Park.
Hull had rejected a July bid from the Mariners to take the 29-year-old on loan, but he has since been linked with a three-month loan switch to Grimsby.
But Buckley told Grimsby's website: "I honestly know nothing about it. As far as I know he isn't about to come here."
Bridges, who joined Hull from Carlisle in the summer of 2006, has made eight appearances for the Tigers this season.
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44147000/jpg/_44147800_michaelbridges_pa203.jpg)
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Harry Kewell is facing a battle to win a new Liverpool contract after struggling with a groin problem. (People)
Kewell's contract warningAustralian star Harry Kewell has been warned by Rafa Benitez that he must prove his fitness before they open contract talks
The winger has struggled with injury since his arrival from Leeds United and he has yet to feature at all this season because of a lack of fitness. Last term he was restricted to just three cameo appearances at the end of the season after picking up an injury in the World Cup for Australia and Benitez has warned him he must prove his fitness before they even consider a new deal.
Kewell's present contract runs out at the end of this current season and, despite the fact he woiuld like to stay at the club, unless there is a turnaround in his fitness it could be that this is his last season at Anfield.
Benitez said: "I cannot say how long it will be until he is back. He must be fit before we talk about a new deal though."
EES
Nightmare for former Leeds United players at Spurs birthday bash
Leeds United old boys played a pivotal role in the memorable 4-4 draw between Spurs and Aston Villa. It was was quite a 125th birthday party for Spurs but a couple of the guests will want to forget it. Martin O'Neill, former Celtic manager, and arguably the greatest manager Leeds nearly had, watched in frustration and horror as his side threw away a 4-1 lead at White Hart Lane.
However, it was former Leeds United goalkeeper and current England international keeper Paul Robinson who will not want to be reminded of the birthday party having added two more clangers to his burgeoning book of "The Art of Goalkeeping: How not to do it".
Gareth Barry's 22nd corner should have been dealt with by a routine catch for Beverley-born Robinson. However, in front of a crowd that included former Spurs greats Pat Jennings and Ray Clemence, Robinson dropped the ball. It first bounced off Martin Laursen then off a Spurs player before falling perfectly for Laursen to poke it past an embarrassed Paul Robinson.
But Laursen and Barry were not finished with Robinson. In the 33rd minute Barry sent over a cross that was met by Zat Knight. The ball hit fellow Villa defender Laursen on the chest and rolled though Robinson's legs. Pick anyone randomly from the crowd and their granny could have stopped that ball.
It was at that point that Paul Robinson's England career went down the toilet and it looked like Robinson had flushed away under-fire Spurs manager Martin Jol's career too.
But it was quite a party when Villa went 4-1 ahead and their fans sang choruses of "You're getting sacked in the morning" and "Happy Birthday Dear Tottenham" they were unaware that they were about to get a sharp lesson in humility.
For some reason Villa substitute striker Marlon Harewood felt he could help out his defence and promptly brought down Darren Bent. Up stepped another Leeds old boy Robbie Keane, the Irish international never one to miss out on a gift goal for the career record. The striker, who demanded a transfer from Terry Venables after only El Tel's second game in charge of Leeds United, made it 3-4 in the 82nd minute.
Yet another former Leeds player, Aaron Lennon was substituted in the 86th minute, just before the unbelievable denouement of Spurs' 125th birthday bash. It didn't involve a former Leeds player but, when Kaboul levelled the scores in injury-time there were two offsides in the build-up that were missed by the official. Martin O'Neill, who was denied the chance to succeed George Graham (who ironically has left to take over Spurs), as manager of Leeds United in October 1998, by the intransigent board at Leicester City, said after the match, "Jermain Defoe was offside about 15 times in the last minute..
"The name of the Villa goalkeeper who also let in four last night? None other than former Leeds United goalkeeper Scott Carson - on loan from Liverpool. Ironically Scott Carson was Paul Robinson's successor at Leeds, but Scott left us in January 2005 for Redder pastures. after revealing that, like Harry Kewell, he really was a Liverpool fan. Done them both a lot of good hasn't it?
A mixed night for former Leeds United players, and upon reflection maybe Paul Robinson really was only worth £1.5 million when he left!
leedsutd365.co.uk
I farta 2/10
(http://www.irishfa.com/filestore/images/library/thumbs/mid-warren-feeney.jpg)
21:21 Goal - Swansea 2 (Warren Feeney 74) Swindon 1
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42588000/jpg/_42588133_jemaljohnson_getty203.jpg)
21:17 Goal - Mansfield 1 Milton Keynes Dons 1 (Jemal Johnson 72)
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/leicester/content/images/2006/12/29/danny_cadamarteri_headshot_203x152.jpg)
21:13 Sending-off -Danny Cadamarteri, Huddersfield 68 Second Bookable Offence
21:13 Goal - Huddersfield 1 (Danny Cadamarteri 67) Nottm Forest 0
(http://www.leedsfans.org.uk/leeds/images/AGray1.jpg)
21:04 Goal - Burnley 2 (Andy Gray 60) Ipswich 2
(http://bestuff.com/images/images_of_stuff/210x600/robbie-fowler-66599.jpg)
20:33 Goal - Sheff Utd 1 Cardiff 2 (Robbie Fowler Pen 45)
(http://www.carlisleunitedpics.co.uk/pictures_389117/Danny-Graham.jpg)
20:29 Goal - Hartlepool 1 Carlisle 2 (Danny Graham 45)
20:04 Goal - Hartlepool 0 Carlisle 1 (Danny Graham 19)
(http://images.teamtalk.com/07/04/190/King_219724.jpg)
20:01 Goal - Watford 2 (Marlon King Pen 16) Sheff Wed 0
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
I farta 2/10
21:13 Sending-off -Danny Cadamarteri, Huddersfield 68 Second Bookable Offence
21:13 Goal - Huddersfield 1 (Danny Cadamarteri 67) Nottm Forest 0
"Huddersfield drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest after Danny Cadamarteri was sent off seconds after scoring for over-celebrating.
Cadamarteri, making only his second full appearance for the club after a long injury lay off, jumped into the crowd after converting Andy Holdsworth's pass.
Referee Nigel Miller, having already booked him for a foul in the seventh minute, issued a second yellow card.
Cadamarteri's foolish behaviour cost Huddersfield dearly and eight minutes later Forest substitute Kris Commons put his side level with a tremendous 25-yard shot and was himself then booked for racing into the dug-out to celebrate."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_league1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer_league_1_and_2/07/10/02/manual_221620.html
(http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/images/3249016//TH1_E4-0210-44-0110-155704.jpg)
http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/sport/localsport/display.var.1730963.0.wallace_links_up_with_ks.php
Lenge siden vi har hørt noe om denne ''gamle'' stjerna vår. Wallace var et friskt pust i sin tid.
Ajax boss Henk Ten Cate has agreed to work under Avram Grant at Chelsea as assistant coach and former Scotland captain Gary McAllister may also join the backroom staff. (Sun)
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Ajax boss Henk Ten Cate has agreed to work under Avram Grant at Chelsea as assistant coach and former Scotland captain Gary McAllister may also join the backroom staff. (Sun)
GARY McALLISTER could be the next addition to Chelsea’s coaching team.
Former Scotland captain McAllister is seen as an ideal man to boost Avram Grant’s backroom team.
Although Henk ten Cate is set to join as first-team coach from Ajax, the Blues are still looking for other coaches.
McAllister was Coventry manager but resigned when wife Denise became ill. She died last year.
Former Aston Villa defender Alan Wright is a target for Sydney FC. (Daily Star)
Lesson learned for Woodgate
Boro defender will not gamble with fitness
Jonathan Woodgate believes he has finally overcome the chronic injury problems which have hampered his international career.
The centre-back made his England debut as a teenager back in 1999 but has won only six full caps since then.
However, after joining hometown club Middlesbrough from Real Madrid, Woodgate has finally been able to feature on a regular basis and produce the displays which earmarked him as one of the most gifted defenders in the country.
The former Leeds and Newcastle player endured an unhappy time in Spain and admits that gambling with his fitness in the past proved costly, a mistake he will not be repeating.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_2780794,00.html
Fra GimeMeFootball.com (PFAs off. nettsted):
Clarke Carlisle - Burnley
Last season was a dis-jointed campaign for Burnley, and manager Steve Cotterill will be hoping for much more consistency this time around. So far the Clarets have started well with six points from their first three games, but a win from their game in hand over the majority of the other teams in the Championship could see Cotterill's men climb into the top four. One of Burnley's problems last term was their tendency to leak sloppy goals and the Clarets' chief moved to bolster his defensive options by signing centre half Clarke Carlisle from Watford for £200,000. The 27-year-old, one of an increasing number of players to join the PFA's Player Management Agency, has signed a three-year-deal at Turf Moor and he spoke to givemefootball's Mark Shail.
Q: HOW HAVE YOU SETTLED IN AT BURNLEY?
A: Really well and I'm absolutely delighted with the move. Admittedly, it came out of the blue a bit, but it suited me and my family right down to the ground. Now I'm just looking forward to doing a good job for Burnley.
Q: WAS IT DIFFICULT LEAVING WATFORD AFTER TWO YEARS?
A: It was tough because they are a fantastic bunch of lads and the set-up there is tremendous. But the set-up here is also very good and I've been very impressed in the short time that I've been here. Watford are a team that will do very well this season and will be looking for promotion but I've come to a club that has similar expectations.
Q: HOW DOES STEVE COTTERILL COMPARE TO AIDY BOOTHROYD?
A: They are actually similar in many ways â€" both of them are very charismatic individuals and are excellent motivators. They both have original ideas but they want the game to be played the right way. Obviously they are different in other ways but I'm certainly looking forward to working with Steve.
Q: WILL IT FEEL STRANGE WHEN YOU COME UP AGAINST YOUR OLD TEAMMATES IN NOVEMBER?
A: It will feel a little strange playing against Watford because it's not always easy playing against your friends. But we are all professionals and that won't be on my mind during the game â€" I'm sure I'll be fine.
Q: IS A TOP SIX FINISH THE TARGET THIS SEASON?
A: Yes definitely, by all accounts last season didn't end the way the club wanted and we'll be pushing to make an impact this time round. The gaffer has been able to add a few new players to the squad, and we've also got a number of internationals here, so there is a nice blend of youth and experience. If we can show consistency week-in-week-out, I'm sure we can be up there challenging.
Q: DO YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT HAVING A BREAK AT THIS EARLY STAGE OF THE SEASON?
A: I suppose you can look at it from two different angles. From our point of view we won our last game at Colchester so it can stop your momentum a little bit because when you are winning games you want the next one to come round quickly. But the whole of the first team actually played in a reserve game at Wrexham yesterday to try and make sure we maintain our sharpness.
Q: IS THAT A NEW CONCEPT FOR YOU?
A: I've never heard of that being done before but it's certainly a good idea and I don't know why more teams don't do it. I definitely feel better for having played a competitive game and hopefully that will have got us spot on for the match against Blackpool this weekend.
Fotball-invalide Matthew Jones er tilbake i spill, nå for Llanelli i den walisiske toppserien.
Etter 23 kamper i Leeds-trøya fikk vi i 2000 3,5 mill pund fra Leicester for unggutten, som etter fire år med skadeproblemer og bare 27 kamper for The Foxes måtte legge opp i 2004 i en alder av 24 år.
Til sammen ble det 13 kamper for Wales, de fleste som Leeds-spiller.
Men underets tid er ikke forbi, nå er han tilbake!
http://www.welsh-premier.com/news.php?ID=5839
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Jones_%28footballer%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llanelli_A.F.C.
http://www.llanelliafc.org/
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1065000/images/_1067702_matthew_jones_leeds2_300.jpg) (http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/raiseyourgame/images/matt_jones_leeds_200.jpg) (http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/raiseyourgame/images/matt_jones3_200.jpg)
Spurs keeper Robinson remains England No1
Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson remains England's No1.
Steve McClaren has said he will remain loyal to Robinson, despite seeing him commit three more blunders for Tottenham, against Aston Villa on Monday.
"I spoke to Paul," he said. "No goalkeeper likes to concede goals. Even when it is not their fault, they still feel a little bit responsible.
"But Paul Robinson has never let us down. In the qualifiers he has conceded just two goals - the unfortunate ones in Croatia - and he reacted well to the criticism after the Germany game. Scott Carson is playing well and really putting pressure on the other two, but I have no hesitation in putting Paul in."
Noen som husker Shaun Allaway - supertalentet som ble hentet fra Reading for £200.000 og skulle bli 'the next big thing'.
Lurte på hvor det har blitt av han...
Funnet i lille Staines Town etter å prøvespilt for nesten alt som er av klubber etter han ble sluppet av Leeds.
Tilsynelatende reservekeeper!
"An important capture from Slough Town, Shaun is a former England U19 international, who graduated from the Reading FC academy and was sold to Leeds United for £200,000. Loan spells at Grimsby, Walsall, and Blackpool followed, before he was sold again to QPR in October 2004. Released to join Slough, he starred in their FA Cup run of 2003/4. Cross signed by Wycombe Wanderers late last season, and followed this with trials at Stockport County."
http://www.stainesmassive.co.uk/Swan%20Shots/allaway.html
http://www.stainesmassive.co.uk/home.html
(http://www.stainesmassive.co.uk/Swan%20Shots/Resources/allaway.jpeg)
Terry Venables has emerged as a shock contender to return to Loftus road as the new manager of QPR. (People)
Good luck!
Milner wants call-up
Newcastle winger wants senior cap
James Milner has underlined his ambition to play for England.
The Newcastle winger is the most capped player at Under-21 level, but he feels he is ready to make the step-up to the senior squad.
"I want to play for England," said Milner.
"I have a lot of experience at Under-21 level and in the Premier League, and I suppose that's the next progression for me to make.
"It's not on my mind too much, because you'll only get into the England squad by playing good football for Newcastle.
"You have to do it week in, week out, and also take your chances with the Under-21s when they come your way. But it's something that I definitely want to do in the future."
Milner realises he has plenty of time to make the step-up, despite the fact he has been playing first-team football since 2001.
"I'm very lucky to have got a chance at the age I did," Milner added.
"Terry Venables wasn't scared to put me in when I was at Leeds and I managed to take my chances.
"A lot of 21-year-olds will probably have 30 or 40 games under their belt - I've got more than 200. I'm lucky in that way, and having that much experience at this stage of my career can only stand me in good stead in the future. Hopefully, it'll help me push on."
SkySports
Allardyce burnout fears for Newcastle's Milner
Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce admits he has concerns over James Milner suffering burnout.
The 21-year-old midfielder made 52 appearances for the club last season and has missed only one game to date this season as well as establishing himself as England's most-capped international at Under-21 level.
Allardyce told the Evening Chronicle: "James is so enthusiastic about his game that we actually have to stop him doing stuff, and that's always a problem.
"It's quite a nice problem, but it is a problem because at the end of the day, a young man of his age can still burn out mentally as well as physically.
"We are always holding him back #65533; we are always sending him in because we want him to get enough rest.
"James Milner's progression has been fantastic, but my side of it is the vast amount of games at 21 years old he has played."
Allardyce added: "He is a terrific prospect and a lad who has come through the mill here. In two or three years, he could be a really top player."
Shilton offers to help Tottenham keeper Robinson
England goalkeeper legend Peter Shilton says he can help Tottenham's Paul Robinson rediscover his best form.
Shilton, who played 125 times for his country, last night backed Robinson to keep his place for England's games against Estonia on Saturday and Russia a week on Wednesday despite recent high-profile mistakes.
"Paul has made basic errors in the last 12 months and I think that is down to concentration and technique rather than a lack of confidence," said Shilton.
"I believe he has the potential to be a world-class goalkeeper, but it's frustrating that he hasn't improved on the weaknesses he had five years ago. For me, the areas he needs to work on are concentration, footwork and his technique in dealing with crosses. But these can be worked on because he has the ability.
"I'm not talking about being a full-time goalkeeping coach, but if he ever wants to call I would be happy to share some advice."
Knarvik vil ikke bli med ned
DRAMMEN (VG Nett) I går ble nedrykket et faktum for Sandefjord. Tommy Knarvik har lite lyst til å bli med ned i førstedivisjon.
Vestfold-laget ble søndag ydmyket med 0-4 mot Strømsgodset, og nedrykket var dermed et faktum. Knarvik, som har to år igjen av kontrakten med Sandefjord, har lite lyst til være med ned.
Knarvik har, ifølge VG-Børsen, vært Sandefjords beste spiller denne sesongen. Om han blir med blåtrøyene ned i førstedivisjon, er han ikke sikker på.
- Lite kjekt
- Det er veldig vanskelig å snakke om det nå, forteller en preget Knarvik til VG Nett etter tapet i Drammen.
Likevel antyder han at han har mest lyst til å forlate hvalfangerbyen etter to sesonger.
- Som sagt, dette skal jeg ta stilling til senere. Det er lite kjekt å spille i førstedivisjon. Jeg er ærlig og legger ikke skjul på at jeg helst vil spille i eliteserien også neste år, innrømmer han.
- Masse har gått galt
Etter opprykket til eliteserien etter 2005-sesongen beholdt Sandefjord plassen den påfølgende sesongen - mot alle odds. I årets sesong har de slitt betraktelig mer.
- Masse har gått galt i år. Vi har ikke hatt den flyten vi hadde i fjor. Vi har hatt uflaks, og det har vært små marginer som har avgjort, sier Knarvik.
Videre levner han liten tvil om hva det har manglet mest på.
- Mål. Vi har savnet en toppscorer. Toppscoreren hos oss har fire mål. Vi må ha en som scorer 10-12 mål, fortsetter han.
Usikker på elite-retur
Om Sandefjord rykker rett opp igjen til eliteserien, er ikke Knarvik helt sikker på.
- Nja. Jeg håper og tror det. Men det er mange harde motstandere der nede også, sier han.
Videre er han klar på hvordan klubben ikke bør opptre etter sesongen.
- Vi kan ikke sette oss ned og si at den og den skal vekk. Administrasjonen og spillerne må sette seg ned og evaluere sesongen, avslutter han.
Aston Villa want to make goalkeeper Scott Carson's loan move from Liverpool a permanent one. (Various)
Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson was deemed to be at fault for the first goal in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, which has increased the pressure on England boss Steve McClaren to axe him for this month's Euro 2008 qualifiers. (The Sun)
Spurs boss Martin Jol has backed Robinson to play for England. (Daily Mirror)
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Aston Villa want to make goalkeeper Scott Carson's loan move from Liverpool a permanent one. (Various)
MARTIN O’NEILL is keen to make £10million-rated keeper Scott Carson’s loan to Aston Villa from Liverpool permanent.
Carson, 22, has become Villa’s new No 1.
Boss O’Neill said: “A loan can always be with a view to a permanent deal. If he does very well, there is the possibility of the deal becoming permanent.
“But Liverpool might say ‘Excuse me’ because he is their goalkeeper.â€
Carson has kept four clean sheets in eight games.
The Sun
Bolton's Speed not after Lee job
Gary Speed has denied claims he could succeed Sammy Lee as Bolton Wanderers manager.
The Trotters player-coach told the Sunday Mirror: "I'm a player as well as on the coaching staff. I've got plenty of time to be a manager or a coach. I'm just concentrating on playing."
Speed was dropped for yesterday's 1-0 defeat at home by Chelsea.
Getting the band back together: Bosnich, Venables at QPR
Two of Australian football's favourites are set to make sensational comebacks at QPR.
Former Manchester United and Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Bosnich is already working towards a playing return to Loftus Road and he could be joined by his former Australia coach - Terry Venables.
The People says England's No.2 has made Loftus Road bigwigs aware that he would be interested in a sensational return to the club he led in the early 80s.
Venables has put his name into the melting pot along with a staggering 192 other applicants - including another former England boss, Glenn Hoddle.
And new QPR owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, with chairman Gianni Paladini, must now decide whether the former club captain, shareholder and managing director is the man for the job.
Alan has Wright stuff for Robins
Cheltenham have brought in another defensive option and more experience by signing veteran left-back Alan Wright on a non-contract basis.
The former Blackburn and Aston Villa defender is currently a free agent after being released by Sheffield United in the summer.
Wright is caretaker boss Keith Downing's second signing since he was handed the role and he is expected to name the 36-year-old in the squad for Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy game against Swindon.
Downing told the club's official website: "Alan is a very good player and his career record speaks for itself.
"He will bring quality and experience to the team and I have received good reports on his character which suggests he will fit in with the way we do things.
"Alan has been training with Sheffield United and has kept himself very fit. He just wants to play some football now so it's a good move for all concerned."
Blades chief McCabe puts his faith in Robbo and Kidd
United plc chairman Kevin McCabe has given his full support to under-pressure manager Bryan Robson and assistant boss Brian Kidd.
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/yorkshire-soccer/Blades-chief-McCabe-puts-his.3306666.jp
Newcastle boss: Smith paying for reputation
Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce believes Alan Smith's reputation is hurting him.
Smith has copped an automatic suspension after being booked in yesterday's 3-2 defeat of Everton and Allardyce told the Shields Gazette: "You sometimes wonder if people's reputations get them booked, rather than fouls that they may or may not commit.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=59787
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Alan has Wright stuff for Robins
Cheltenham have brought in another defensive option and more experience by signing veteran left-back Alan Wright on a non-contract basis.
Ex-Blades fullback Wright chooses Cheltenham over Sydney FC
Alan Wright has rejected an offer to trial with Australian club Sydney FC to sign with Cheltenham.
The former Blackburn and Aston Villa defender is currently a free agent after being released by Sheffield United in the summer.
Wright is caretaker-boss Keith Downing's second signing since he was handed the role and he is expected to name the 36-year-old in the squad for Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy game against Swindon.
Downing told the club's official website: "Alan is a very good player and his career record speaks for itself.
"He will bring quality and experience to the team and I have received good reports on his character which suggests he will fit in with the way we do things.
"Alan has been training with Sheffield United and has kept himself very fit. He just wants to play some football now so it's a good move for all concerned."
Reports in Sydney today claimed Wright had agreed to pay HIS OWN airfare for the privilege of trialling with Sydney FC before agreeing a non-contract deal with Cheltenham.
Martyn backs Robinson for England
Nigel Martyn believes under-fire Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson should play in England's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia.
Robinson is yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season and has made several mistakes, particularly in the 4-4 home draw with Aston Villa.
But former England keeper Martyn told 5live: "He'll be fine against Estonia - it will all be put right by that game.
"And he's got the experience, probably, that we need for the Russia game."
However, Martyn believes Robinson is still troubled by the goal he conceded against Group E rivals Croatia in October last year when Gary Neville's backpass bobbled over his foot to put the home side 2-0 up in Zagreb.
"That had a big influence on him, the way he was treated by the press - and from that point he hasn't really regained full confidence," added Martyn.
"But he has the mental strength to stay in there and fight and that's got to be applauded."
Martyn also believes that England are suffering because none of the top clubs have an English goalkeeper.
Scott Carson is a Liverpool player, but he is on loan at Aston Villa.
And Martyn added: "We would all like to see one, maybe two English goalkeepers at one of the top sides as you don't see them letting in four very often at all."
England face Estonia at Wembley on Saturday before travelling to Moscow to play Russia on 17 October.
BBC Sport
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is poised to sign a new improved contract with the SPL champions.(Daily Mail)
Gary Speed's Bolton future has been plunged into doubt. (Daily Mirror)
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Sammy Lee will have crunch talks with Gary Speed and Kevin Nolan about a power struggle at Bolton that threatens to have serious repercussions for his future. (The Guardian)
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KEVIN DAVIES has backed Sammy Lee after the Bolton boss sensationally axed skipper Kevin Nolan and player-coach Gary Speed for the defeat by Chelsea.
Striker Davies, given the armband in Nolan’s absence, said: “Everyone has to know their positions aren’t safe. We’ll see how the captain and the likes of Gary Speed react.†(The Sun)
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Speed battling for Bolton future
Gary Speed is fighting for his future at Bolton Wanderers.
The Mirror says Speed's Bolton future has been plunged into doubt after boss Sammy Lee axed him from his first-team squad.
The veteran Welshman, also the Wanderers player-coach, is in talks about a new contract with his current deal running out in the summer. Speed's priority is to carry on playing.
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Bolton boss Lee wants talks with Nolan, Speed
Bolton Wanderers boss Sammy Lee is holding talks with Gary Speed and Kevin Nolan over a power struggle inside the dressing room.
The Guardian says Lee, under pressure after taking only five points from nine games, left both players out of the squad to face Chelsea on Sunday. Both had started all of Bolton's eight previous league fixtures and in the case of Speed, his demotion is particularly intriguing given that one of Lee's first moves after replacing Sam Allardyce was to invite the former Wales player to join his backroom staff as a first-team coach.
Speed's sympathisers believe that Lee has come to regard his colleague as a "threat". Nolan, meanwhile, is thought to be among a group of senior players, which also includes Ivan Campo, who have had misgivings about the changes Lee has implemented, particularly in training.
Sunderland boss Keane: Miller brilliant
Sunderland boss Roy Keane was delighted with the form of midfielder Liam Miller in sunday's defeat at Arsenal.
"I've gone down this road before discussing Ireland squads and I suppose it's none of my business. But anyone who saw this game today will see Liam was outstanding. That's what he's capable of," said Keane.
"I thought he was brilliant - his energy, his passing, his movement. If he's doing that and playing like he did today then he shouldn't just be in the squad he should be in the starting eleven and dictating games for Ireland."
from The Sydney Herald Sun:
'The unwanted spirit of the defunct National Soccer League began to stir on Saturday night when Sydney FC fans pelted referee Mark Shield and police officers with plastic bottles after the 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory.
'The trouble then spread on to the field where, after just four minutes of play, Jets striker Joel Griffiths was booked for lashing out at the groin of a sideline official.
'Despite Fox Sports vision clearly showing Griffiths striking linesman Alex Glasgow with a fist, no action will be taken by Football Federation Australia.'
(http://www.newcastlejets.com.au/Site/_content/teamprofile/00000658_Image.jpg)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Griffiths
http://www.newcastlejets.com.au/default.aspx?s=njfc_playerprofile_item&pid=133
Staunton hands Miller opportunity
Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has handed Liam Miller another crack at the international big-time.
The Republic boss has claimed the midfielder "has not fulfilled his potential" and initially omitted him from the party for the next two games.
The absence of Stephen Ireland and an injury worry over Andy Reid may give the midfielder his chance to shine.
"I've always liked Liam and he did okay for Sunderland at Manchester United when he had the chance," said Staunton.
Hele storyen: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7038334.stm
Bolton boss Sammy Lee has held discussions with coach Gary Speed to determine whether they can save their working relationship. (Various)
Blackwell to wield axe
Luton boss furious after Gillingham defeat
Kevin Blackwell has vented his fury following Luton's 4-3 defeat to Gillingham and vowed to transfer list six or seven of his players.
The Hatters led their Johnstone's Paint Trophy game with Gillingham 3-1 at half-time, but crashed out of the competition as Chris Dickson completed his hat-trick and Mark Bentley netted a late winner.
Luton have also struggled in League One this season and are currently just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Blackwell has demanded more from his players but feels the only way to get a response could be to wield the axe.
Hele storyen: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11719_2792626,00.html
Speed meets Lee to try to save strained relationship at Bolton
Sammy Lee, the Bolton Wanderers manager, held lengthy discussions with his first-team coach, Gary Speed, yesterday to determine whether they can save their strained working relationship. Speed initiated the meeting after Lee had omitted the midfielder from the squad for Sunday's game against Chelsea.
Several senior players have been unhappy with Lee's methods since he replaced Sam Allardyce towards the end of last season, and he made it clear to Speed that he had expected more loyalty from a member of his backroom staff.
The two men plan further talks today to determine whether they can carry on working alongside each other, and the Bolton chairman, Phil Gartside, is expected to be involved along with Speed's agent, Hayden Evans.
Speed, whose misgivings about Lee's tactics have been supported by some of the club's more influential players, had provisionally agreed an extension to his contract a few weeks ago that would have made him assistant manager, but it is not clear whether that offer is still available.
Guardian
Robinson still No1
STEVE McCLAREN can’t bear to look â€" but the England boss was yesterday forced to admit: Paul Robinson’s still my No 1.
Questions have been asked about Robbo after a series of high-profile mistakes by the Spurs keeper this season.
Hele storyen: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article320997.ece
Speed battling for Bolton future
Gary Speed is fighting for his future at Bolton Wanderers.
The Mirror says Speed's Bolton future has been plunged into doubt after boss Sammy Lee axed him from his first-team squad.
The veteran Welshman, also the Wanderers player-coach, is in talks about a new contract with his current deal running out in the summer. Speed's priority is to carry on playing.
Gary Speed will be offered a coaching role at Newcastle if he cannot sort out his differences with Bolton boss Sammy Lee. (Daily Mail)
Gary Speed could be set to leave Bolton to take up a coaching role at Newcastle.
Speed: Future under the spotlight
Speed stripped of coaching duties
Bolton midfielder Gary Speed has been relieved of his coaching duties at The Reebok, amid reports he may join Sam Allardyce at Newcastle.
The 38-year-old Welshman was handed a coaching role by Sammy Lee shortly after he took over the reins from Allardyce at the end of last season.
But both Speed and star midfielder Kevin Nolan, still believed to be upset by Big Sam's move to St James' Park, were dropped for the 1-0 home defeat by Chelsea, which left Lee's struggling Trotters mired in the relegation zone with just five points from the opening nine Premier League games.
Neither Speed nor Nolan were injured for the Blues clash, leading to talk of dressing-room unrest, and the Daily Mail claims Speed could soon be reunited with Allardyce in the North-East.
Under-fire Lee has played with a straight bat for now, though, telling the club's official website: "I would like him (Speed) to focus on his game at this moment in time. I don't want anything to distract him.
"I want everybody - coaches and players - to be fully focused on their game."
Også bekreftet på Bolton's off. side: http://www.bwfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~1132370,00.html
GARY SPEED FACTFILE
Born: 8/9/1969, Mancot
Height: 5ft 9in
Caps: 85 (44 as capt; 7 goals)
Career:
June 1988: Signs professional forms with Leeds
May 1990: Makes Wales debut against Costa Rica
1991/92: Wins League title with Leeds
July 1996: Joins Everton for £3.5m
Feb 1998: Joins Newcastle for £5.5m
July 2004: Joins Bolton for £750,000
Oct 2004: Retires from international football
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39411000/jpg/_39411651_seth_g33.jpg)
Harte: I'm ready for Sunderland start
After starring in Sunderland's 3-0 reserve defeat of Bolton, Ian Harte has declared himself fit to start in the Premiership for Roy Keane's team.
Harte told the Sunderland Echo: "I'm fully fit now after getting a few reserves games under my belt.
"They gives you a chance to get your fitness levels up and then when you do get a first-team chance, it is up to you to take it."
He added: "It's up to the manager to decide what to do. Obviously Paul McShane is suspended for a few games now and that means the team will change a bit and if I get the chance, I'll do my best to stay in the side."
Her er videoen av Griffiths som slår linjedommeren i ballene:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=487092&in_page_id=1779&ito=newsnow
Har en utfordring til deg kjelvi!?!?
Seth Johnson sin kontrakt gikk med Derby i sommer tiltross for at han var fast i hele fjor....Hvor er han no, er han klubbløs? Eventuelt har han lagt opp eller trener han med noen klubb?
Kjelvi må få en pust i bakken, stakkars krok: [8D]
"On the 1st June 2007, it was announced that he, along with seven other players had been released. However, he continues to train with Derby County and some Derby supporters believe, should his injured knee heal sufficiently, he will be offered a new contract. Derby County have never made any official statement to support this belief."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth_Johnson
Aktiv sykemelding kaller man vel sånt. [:)]
Jon R.
Seth Johnson trener med Derby og får gratis benyttelse av deres fysioterapauter og leger.
Han ble jo langtidsskadet i play-off-finalen og dermed vil Derby gi noe igjen. Noen ny kontrakt der har jeg ikke tro på at han får.
Hull striker Michael Bridges is set to complete a loan move to Australian outfit Sydney FC. (Various)
PRESSURE BUILDS ON LEE - REPORTS
Bolton manager Sammy Lee is facing a fight to keep his job after Gary Speed was relieved of his coaching duties, according to reports.
Speed was given a coaching role by Lee shortly after he took over the reins from Sam Allardyce at the Reebok at the end of last season.
But both Speed and Kevin Nolan were dropped for the 1-0 home defeat by Chelsea, which left Lee's struggling Trotters mired in the relegation zone with just five points from the opening nine Premier League games.
And Bolton announced on Thursday that Speed had been relieved of his coaching duties, with Lee saying: "I would like him (Speed) to focus on his game at this moment in time. I don't want anything to distract him."
That has left the national press predicting the worst for Lee, though, with the Times, Guardian and Daily Telegraph all reporting that chairman Phil Gartside and owner Eddie Davies could be ready to act.
The Times also reports that if Lee does leave the club, former Wigan boss Paul Jewell and current Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd are being lined up as potential replacements.
SportingLife
Kewell close to Reds return
Aussie star close to return, while Rafa waits on Torres
Harry Kewell is set to make his long awaited return to training with Liverpool next week.
The winger has been out of action since picking up a groin injury on international duty with Australia at the Asia Cup in the summer.
Kewell is now close to returning to full fitness after an injury-plagued last 12 months and Reds boss Rafa Benitez has welcomed his return.
"Harry has been working really hard with the physios and next week he could be training or running with the rest of the first team," Benitez told the club's official website.
"Harry is very important for us. A player with pace and ability who can score
goals is always going to be important.
"It's clear he's someone with great quality and experience and we need these kind of players for the rest of the season."
Sky
Harte targets starting spot
Sunderland defender eager for chance
Ian Harte is hoping Paul McShane's forthcoming suspension will give him the chance to stake a claim for a starting spot with Sunderland.
Harte, released by Levante at the end of last season, is yet to start for the Black Cats following his arrival as a free agent.
But with centre-back McShane ruled out of the forthcoming fixtures against West Ham, Fulham and Manchester City after his red card against Arsenal, Roy Keane will be forced to make changes to his defence.
One option open to Keane is the decision he took for the closing stages at Emirates Stadium in the wake of McShane's dismissal, shifting Danny Collins into the centre from left-back and bringing on Harte from the bench.
Harte told the Sunderland Echo: "It's up to the manager to decide what to do. Obviously Paul McShane is suspended for a few games now and that means the team will change a bit and if I get the chance, I'll do my best to stay in the side."
The former Republic of Ireland international was in action in Wednesday night's reserve victory over Bolton, scoring from the penalty spot in a 3-0 victory.
He added: "I'm fully fit now after getting a few reserves games under my belt.
"They give you a chance to get your fitness levels up and then when you do get a first-team chance, it is up to you to take it."
And Harte, whose last game in the Premier League came with Leeds at the end of the 2003/04 season, was happy to have a small taste of the action against the Gunners.
He said: "It was only a minute-and-a-half, but it was my first game back in England and it was nice to get on the pitch. It would have been even nicer if it had been longer!
"The Premiership is pretty similar now to when I was in England before. It's 90 minutes of hard running and it is about possession - you have to get the ball on the floor and pass it."
Sky
BOOTHROYD KEEN TO EXTEND LOAN DEAL
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd revealed he is keen to extend Adam Johnson's loan spell until the end of the season.
The Middlesbrough midfielder has been a revelation since he arrived from the Riverside on a three-month loan deal, scoring in three of the last four games and creating three goals for Darius Henderson.
Providing natural balance on the left-hand side of midfield, the England Under-21 star has provided the spark of ingenuity that has lifted the Hornets to the Championship summit.
"I'd like to keep him for the season but I'll have to have a chat with Gareth (Southgate) first," Boothroyd told the Watford Observer.
"It's important in situations like these that the communication lines are kept open. I've given Gareth the same treatment I did with Sir Alex (Ferguson) when we had Ben Foster.
"He knows what I think about the player. Adam is thriving at being given the opportunity to play regularly and he's learning his trade."
SportingLife
Speed agent denies bust-up with Bolton's Lee
The agent of Gary Speed insists there's been no bust-up with Bolton Wanderers manager Sammy Lee, despite being relieved of his coaching duties yesterday.
Haydn Evans insists that reports of a bust-up between midfielder and manager have been blown up out of all proportion.
Evans, who has known Speed for more than 20 years, dismissed talk of a rift.
"It is only natural that players are upset if they're not in the team," Evans told the Manchester Evening News. "Over the last couple of days, he has met with Sammy. It's been decided the best thing is for Gary to concentrate on playing.
"And he is 100 per cent behind Bolton and getting back his shirt.
"Talk about Gary giving up coaching has been exaggerated. A coaching contract was never formalised so he can't give up something he never had.
"There has been some devilment going on. But it hasn't come from Gary and it hasn't come from Sammy.
"I have known Gary since he was 14 or 15 and he is professional in everything he does. The priority for everyone at the club is to start picking up points."
Evans also denied there were talks planned between Lee, Speed and chairman Phil Gartside.
Gary Speed could hasten Sammy Lee exit
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside is considering the future of manager Sammy Lee following Gary Speed's decision to abandon his coaching role. Speed's move underlined the growing hostility of senior players towards Lee's management style.
Gartside and club owner Eddie Davies had been prepared to give Lee two more Premier League games, against Arsenal and Aston Villa, to change the team's fortunes, but following discussions with unhappy players, the pair are now contemplating more immediate action to try to quell increasing disharmony in the dressing room.
Speed, promoted to player-coach by Gartside following Lee's appointment as successor to Sam Allardyce last May, informed Lee of his decision to step down from the coaching staff on Wednesday after being omitted from the squad for the club's past two games, against Chelsea in the league and FK Rabotnicki in the Uefa Cup.
The 38-year-old, one of four first-team coaches at Bolton, had become disillusioned with his role following the appointment of Archie Knox to Lee's back-room team in August. Although Lee has since claimed that it was his decision to relieve Speed of his duties, club sources have confirmed Speed's version of events.
Lee, just five months into his first managerial job, has bewildered senior figures at the club, on and off the pitch, with his methods and inability to win the support of his players. More than half of Allardyce's highly respected staff have left the Reebok since Lee's appointment and his relationships with Speed, captain Kevin Nolan and midfielder Ivan Campo are understood to have become damaged beyond repair.
All three players have been surprisingly dropped by Lee this season and the manager's decision not to name Campo, a Champions League winner with Real Madrid, in the club's 25-man Uefa Cup squad has angered the player's team-mates and caused raised eyebrows in the boardroom.
Several of Bolton's foreign players have questioned Lee's introduction of a weights-based training programme and his treatment of popular first-team coach Ricky Sbragia, whose role has been reduced merely to taking pre-match warm-ups at home games, has also provoked a negative reaction in the dressing room.
With only one league victory this season, Lee is struggling to make a strong case for a stay of execution, but having spoken of "malignant rumours" emanating from the dressing room, he has called on his detractors to confront him with their criticisms.
He said: "Who are these people? It's time for these 'senior sources' to stand up and be counted. I know it's not everybody, but all I'd like is for those one or two to just come and knock on my door.
"I hear things about my methods, but I've been with these lads for over two years and I've been at the FA and with Liverpool. People are trying to undermine what we are trying to do."
Telegraph
quote:
Originally posted by kjelvi
Hull striker Michael Bridges is set to complete a loan move to Australian outfit Sydney FC. (Various)
Bridges on goal mission
MARKSMAN Michael Bridges was regarded as hot property in English football with Leeds United seven years ago and now he could become Sydney FC's goal-scoring saviour.
Bridges, who scored 19 premiership goals for Leeds to help them qualify for the Champions League in 2000, arrives in Sydney next week - just in time for the clash with Adelaide United at Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday.
Sydney have secured his services on a loan deal from championship side Hull City. He'll replace injured American Mike Enfield for the rest of the season.
Former England under-21 forward Bridges had major setbacks early in his career and it took him some time to recover (from an achilles injury) after he was carried off in a Champions League tie against Besiktas in Turkey (2000). He then suffered a career-threatening cruciate ligament problem.
Bridges first made his name at Sunderland where he spent four years with the Black Cats. Leeds paid £4.5 million ($10.2 million) for his transfer in 1999.
But he was back in goal-scoring mode two years ago and was regularly finding the back of the net for Carlisle.
Despite Sydney signing Brazilian striker Patrick, he is definitely seen more as a provider of goals rather than being a genuine goalscorer.
Sydney are still on the look-out for a guest player over a seven-week period but it won't be former Aston Villa defender Alan Wright. It was reported Wright could arrive next week but a Sydney source said yesterday "it won't be happening".
Telegraph
Robbo happy for Hulse
Striker makes successful return for Blades
Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson has expressed his delight at Rob Hulse's successful return to action.
Hulse played the last 20 minutes of a friendly win over Sheffield FC on Wednesday after seven months out of action.
The former Leeds striker has battled back to fitness after suffering a career-threatening broken leg against Chelsea.
Robson was happy to see Hulse back playing and believes the striker will gain some confidence from his return.
"It was great for his confidence and he had a nice little spell on the pitch," Robson told the club's official website.
"There were some good touches and he was a bit unlucky not to get a goal, but the main thing was to get out there and start to re-adapt."
Sky
Michael Bridges has told Sydney FC he will only move Down Under if they match his £4,000 per week wages. (Daily Mirror)