Title: FA Premier League
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 20, 2006, 05:04:24 AM
The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays Premiership or just The Premiership in the UK and as the Barclays English Premier League or the English Premier League or the EPL internationally) is a league competition for English Football clubs located at the top of the English football league system (above The Football League), making it England's primary football competition.
The Premier League formed in 1992, following the decision of clubs in the Football League First Division to break away from the Football League to take advantage of a lucrative television rights deal.
The Premier League is presently contested by 20 clubs each season, but in a total of fourteen seasons, the title has been won by only four teams: Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Manchester United. Of these, the most successful are Manchester United and Arsenal, who have won the title eight and three times respectively. The current Premier League champions are Chelsea, who won their second consecutive title in the 2005-06 season.
History
The 1980s marked a low point for English football. Stadiums were crumbling, supporters were faced with poor facilities, hooliganism was rife and English clubs were banned from European competition following the events at Heysel in 1985. The old First Division was well behind Serie A in attendances and revenues, and a few top British players had moved abroad. The ban on English clubs playing in UEFA competitions was lifted in 1990, and the Taylor Report on stadium safety standards, which proposed expensive upgrades to all seater stadiums, was published in January that year.
A proposal for the establishment of a new league was tabled that would bring more money into the game overall. The Founder Members Agreement, signed on 17 July 1991 by the game's top-flight clubs, established the basic principles for setting up the FA Premier League. The newly formed top division would have commercial independence from the Football Association and the Football League, giving the FA Premier League license to negotiate its own broadcast and sponsorship agreements. This was seen to be necessary so that English clubs could once again compete with and beat the best of Europe, while attracting the best talent in the world, something which in 1991 seemed practically unthinkable.
In 1992 the First Division Clubs resigned from the football league en masse and on 27 May 1992 the FA Premier League was formed as a limited company, which worked out of an office at the then Football Association's headquarters, Lancaster Gate. This meant a break-up of the 104-year-old Football League that had operated until then with four divisions.
The league held its first season in 1992–93 and originally comprised twenty-two clubs. The new name was simply a commercial restructuring and a rebranding exercise as there was no innovation in competitive terms; an identical first tier league had existed the previous season. Due to FIFA's insistence on domestic leagues reducing the number of games clubs played, the number was reduced to twenty in 1995, when four teams were relegated from the league and only two teams were promoted. On 8 June 2006, FIFA requested that all major European leagues, including Italy's Serie A and Spain's La Liga be reduced to eighteen teams by the start of the 2007-08 season, which has put the Premier League at war with football's biggest governing body.
Competition and structure
The FA Premier League comprises the top twenty football clubs in the league system of English football. It was created in 1992, when the First Division football clubs broke away from the Football League after securing a greatly improved TV rights deal with the then fledgling satellite television company, BSkyB. The first season's twenty-two clubs were reduced to twenty for the 1995–96 season.
The Premiership boasts some of the best players in the world, including many from outside England. The Premier League is the most lucrative football league in the world, with total club revenues of over £1.3 billion in 2004–05 according to Deloitte, more than forty per cent above its nearest competitor, Italy's Serie A.[2] Revenues will increase substantially by the 2007–08 season, when new media rights deals start (see below). The Premership is currently third in the UEFA rankings of European leagues based on their performances in European competitions over a five year period, behind Spain's La Liga, and Italy's Serie A.[3]
The 2005–06 average attendance of 33,875 for league matches is the fourth highest of any domestic professional sports league in the world. Based on May 2006 exchange rates, £1.3 billion converts to annual league revenue of about US$2.44 billion. This figure is also the fourth highest for any sports league worldwide, behind the annual revenues of the three most popular North American major sports leagues (the National Football League, Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association), but ahead of the National Hockey League.
The competition
There are twenty clubs in the Premier League. During the course of a season, (which lasts from August to May) each club plays the others twice, once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents for a total of 38 games for each club, and a total of 380 games in a Premier League season. Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. At the end of each season, the club with the most points is crowned as champion. Additionally, the three lowest placed teams are relegated into the Football League Championship and the top two teams from the Championship, together with the winner of a play-off involving the third to sixth placed clubs, are promoted in their place.
The top four teams in the Premiership qualify for the UEFA Champions League, with the top two teams directly entering the group phase. The third and fourth placed teams enter the competition at the third qualifying round and must win a two-legged knockout tie in order to enter the group phase. The fifth placed team automatically qualifies for the UEFA Cup, and the sixth and seventh placed teams can also qualify, depending on what happens in the two domestic cup competitions. If the FA Cup champions and runners-up both finish in the top five of the Premier League, the FA Cup's UEFA Cup spot goes to the sixth placed team in the League. If the League Cup is won by a team that has already qualified for Europe, the League Cup's UEFA Cup spot also goes to the next highest placed team in the League (unlike the FA Cup spot, it is never transferred to the losing finalist).
Sponsorship
Since 1993, the FA Premier League has been sponsored. The sponsor has been able to determine the league's sponsorship name. So far, all the sponsors have referred to the competition as the 'Premiership'. The list below details who the sponsors have been and what they called the competition:
1993–2001: Carling (FA Carling Premiership)
2001–2004: Barclaycard (Barclaycard Premiership)
2004–2008: Barclays (Barclays Premiership)
|
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 20, 2006, 05:06:38 AM
Media coverage
England
Television has played a major role in the history of the FA Premier League. The money from TV deals has been vital in helping to create excellence both on and off the field. The initial decision to go with BSkyB was, again, a radical decision, but one that has paid off. At the time pay television was an almost untested proposition in the UK market, as was charging fans to watch live televised football. However a combination of Sky’s marketing strategy, the quality of the FA Premier League football and the public’s appetite for the game has seen the value of the FA Premier League’s broadcast rights soar and delivered huge benefits to the game.
The Premier League sells its television rights on a collective basis. This is in contrast to some European Leagues, including Serie A and La Liga, which each club sells its rights individually, which leads to a much higher share of the total income going to the top few clubs. The money is divided into three parts: half is divided equally between the clubs; one quarter is awarded on a merit basis based on final league position, with the top club getting twenty times as much as the bottom club, and equal steps all the way down the table; the final quarter is paid out as facilities fees for games that are shown on television, with the top clubs receiving the largest shares of this. The income from overseas rights is divided equally between the twenty clubs.
The first BSkyB television agreement was worth £191 million over five seasons. The next contract, negotiated to start from the 1997–98 season, rose to £670 million over four seasons. The Premier League’s current £1.024 billion deal with BSkyB runs over the course of three seasons from August 2004. BSkyB's monopoly was finally broken from August 2007 when Setanta Sports was awarded rights to show two out of the six packages of matches available. This occurred following an insistence by the European Union that exclusive rights should not be sold to any one television company. Sky and Setanta paid a total of £1.7 billion, a two-thirds increase which took many commentators by surprise as it had been widely assumed that the value of the rights had levelled off following many years of rapid growth. The BBC has retained the rights to show highlights for the same three seasons (on Match of the Day) for £171.6 million, a 63% increase on the £105 million it paid for the previous three year period. Sky and BT have will jointly pay £84.3 million for delayed broadcast rights to 242 games, that is the right to broadcast them in full on television and over the internet, in most cases for a period of 50 hours after 10pm on matchday.[5] Overseas and mobile phone rights are expected to fetch a further several hundred million pounds.
The decision to go with pay TV is still criticised by many, particularly with reference to the cost when compared with other pay TV platforms around Europe that offer coverage of live top flight domestic football.
The FA Premier League is unique in domestic football in Europe in its agreement over kick off times. In an agreement with the Football Association, it does not allow live broadcasts at the traditional English kick off time (Saturday 3pm). This is designed to ensure that fans still attend lower league games. These broadcasting restrictions can be circumvented either by subscribing to overseas satellite broadcasters (thus creating somewhat of a grey market), or through various streaming networks on the internet.
The Premier League and Sky maintain that whilst this is not illegal on the part of the viewer, it is illegal for anyone (such as a public house) to make such services available. This has in the past lead to heavy fines for public houses in the United Kingdom which have shown these games in their establishments. More recently, the legality of such fines has been disputed, and a number of Crown Court cases have been reported in which publicans successfully challenged the Premier League's position.
Worldwide
Promoted as "The Greatest Show On Earth", the FA Premier League is the world's most popular and most watched sporting league, followed worldwide by over a billion people[7]. Over 260 foreign players compete in the league, and 101 players from England's domestic leagues competed in the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan. It is widely watched overseas, with matches being shown in 195 countries, generally on networks owned and/or controlled by NewsCorp, which owns the primary UK and Ireland TV rights.
Players
At the inception of the Premier League in 1992-93, just eleven players named in the starting line-ups for the first round of matches were 'foreign' (players hailing from outside of the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland).[9] By 2000-01, the number of foreign players participating in the Premiership was 36%. In the 2004-5 season the figure had increased to 45%.
On 26 December 1999, Chelsea became the first Premier League side to field an entirely foreign starting line-up, while on 14 February 2005 Arsenal were the first to name a completely foreign 16-man squad for a match. Arsenal's 85% foreign player figure (rising from 64% in 2000–01) is the highest of any club over the period. Chelsea have since been overtaken in terms of the number of foreign-born players by Liverpool (72%).
No English manager has ever actually won the Premier League. Only four different managers have won the title as of 2006: two Scots (Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United and Kenny Dalglish, Blackburn Rovers), a Frenchman (Arsène Wenger, Arsenal) and a Portuguese (José Mourinho, Chelsea). Two English managers have achieved second place in the Premiership. They are Ron Atkinson (Aston Villa in 1993) and Kevin Keegan (Newcastle United in 1996).
The Premier League is the most represented league at the 2006 World Cup, with more than eighty players in the competition.
Premier League clubs
For a list of winners and runners-up of the Premier League since its inception, and top scorers for each season, see English football champions. For a list of all clubs to have played in the Premier League, see List of FA Premier League clubs.
|
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 20, 2006, 05:10:58 AM
Current Premier League members, 2006–07
Arsenal
Finishing position last season=4th
First season in top division=1904-05
First season of current spell in top dicision=1919–20
Aston Villa
Finishing position last season=16th
First season in top division=1888-89
First season of current spell in top dicision=1988–89
Blackburn Rovers
Finishing position last season=6th
First season in top division=1888-89
First season of current spell in top dicision=2001-02
Bolton Wanderers
Finishing position last season=8th
First season in top division=1888-89
First season of current spell in top dicision=2001-02
Charlton Athletic
Finishing position last season=13th
First season in top division=1936-37
First season of current spell in top dicision=2000-01
Chelsea
Finishing position last season=1st
First season in top division=1907-08
First season of current spell in top dicision=1989-90
Everton
Finishing position last season=11th
First season in top division=1888-89
First season of current spell in top dicision=1954-55
Fulham
Finishing position last season=12th
First season in top division=1949-50
First season of current spell in top dicision=2001-02
Liverpool
Finishing position last season=3rd
First season in top division=1894-95
First season of current spell in top dicision=1962-63
Manchester City
Finishing position last season=15th
First season in top division=1899-1900
First season of current spell in top dicision=2002-03
Manchester United
Finishing position last season=2nd
First season in top division=1892-93
First season of current spell in top dicision=1975-76
Middlesbrough
Finishing position last season=14th
First season in top division=1902-03
First season of current spell in top dicision=1998-99
Newcastle United
Finishing position last season=7th
First season in top division=1898-99
First season of current spell in top dicision=1993-94
Portsmouth
Finishing position last season=17th
First season in top division=1927-28
First season of current spell in top dicision=2003-04
Reading
Finishing position last season=1st in the Championship
First season in top division=2006-07
First season of current spell in top dicision=2006-07
Sheffield United
Finishing position last season=2nd in the Championship
First season in top division=1893-94
First season of current spell in top dicision=2006-07
Tottenham Hotspur
Finishing position last season=5th
First season in top division=1909-10
First season of current spell in top dicision=1978-79
Watford
Finishing position last season=3rd in the Championship
First season in top division=1982-83
First season of current spell in top dicision=2006-07
West Ham United
Finishing position last season=9th
First season in top division=1923-24
First season of current spell in top dicision=2005-06
Wigan Athletic
Finishing position last season=10th
First season in top division=2005-06
First season of current spell in top dicision=2005-06
Team movements for 2006-07 season
Relegated
On 14 April, Sunderland were assured of an immediate return to the Championship. A scoreless draw at Manchester United left them on 12 points; they stood 17 points from safety with only five matches left.
On 29 April, both Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion were assured of relegation after Portsmouth defeated Wigan Athletic 2–1, making it impossible for either Birmingham (who had a chance of surviving if they beat Newcastle, but drew 0–0) or West Brom to reach safety.
Promoted
On 25 March, Reading clinched a place in the Premiership for 2006-07, securing promotion to the top flight earlier than any other side in the post-war era. One week later (1 April), they secured the Championship crown. Reading will be playing in the top flight for the first time ever in their 135-year history.
On 15 April, Sheffield United were promoted to the Premiership for the first time since the 1993-94 season, after Leeds United were held to a draw against Reading.
On 21 May, Watford gained promotion to the Premiership by defeating Leeds United 3-0 in the Championship play-off final. They had previously defeated Crystal Palace in the semi-final by an aggregate scoreline of 3-0, after winning 3-0 at Selhurst Park and a 0-0 at Vicarage Road.
|
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 20, 2006, 06:40:13 AM
All Time FA Premier League Table
By total points from 1992-93 to 2005-2006 inclusive.
1.Manchester United
Seasons in Premier League: 14
Played: 544
Won: 339
Drawn: 126
Lost: 79
Goals For: 1057
Goals Against: 489
Goal Difference: 568
Total Points: 1143
Titles Won: 8
Runners-up: 3
2.Arsenal
Seasons in Premier League: 14
Played: 544
Won: 289
Drawn: 146
Lost: 109
Goals For: 911
Goals Against: 481
Goal Difference: 430
Total Points: 1030
Titles Won: 3
Runners-up: 5
3.Liverpool
Seasons in Premier League: 14
Played: 544
Won: 265
Drawn: 136
Lost: 143
Goals For: 868
Goals Against: 552
Goal Difference: 316
Total Points: 931
Titles Won:
Runners-up: 1
4.Chelsea
Seasons in Premier League: 14
Played: 544
Won: 261
Drawn: 147
Lost: 136
Goals For: 848
Goals Against: 556
Goal Difference: 292
Total Points: 930
Titles Won: 2
Runners-up: 1
5.Newcastle United
Seasons in Premier League: 13
Played: 502
Won: 218
Drawn: 132
Lost: 152
Goals For: 761
Goals Against: 606
Goal Difference: 155
Total Points: 786
Titles Won:
Runners-up: 2
6.Aston Villa
Seasons in Premier League: 14
Played: 544
Won: 203
Drawn: 158
Lost: 183
Goals For: 668
Goals Against: 632
Goal Difference: 36
Total Points: 767
Titles Won:
Runners-up: 1
7.Tottenham Hotspur
Seasons in Premier League: 14
Played: 544
Won: 195
Drawn: 143
Lost: 206
Goals For: 716
Goals Against: 732
Goal Difference: -16
Total Points: 728
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
8.Blackburn Rovers
Seasons in Premier League: 12
Played: 468
Won: 192
Drawn: 125
Lost: 153
Goals For: 350
Goals Against: 553
Goal Difference: 97
Total Points: 695
Titles Won: 1
Runners-up: 1
9.Leeds United
Seasons in Premier League: 12
Played: 468
Won: 189
Drawn: 125
Lost: 154
Goals For: 641
Goals Against: 573
Goal Difference: 68
Total Points: 692
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
10.Everton
Seasons in Premier League: 14
Played: 544
Won: 177
Drawn: 146
Lost: 221
Goals For: 651
Goals Against: 739
Goal Difference: -88
Total Points: 677
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
11.Southampton
Seasons in Premier League: 13
Played: 506
Won: 150
Drawn: 137
Lost: 219
Goals For: 598
Goals Against: 738
Goal Difference: -140
Total Points: 587
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
12.West Ham United
Seasons in Premier League: 11
Played: 426
Won: 148
Drawn: 111
Lost: 167
Goals For: 514
Goals Against: 590
Goal Difference: -76
Total Points: 555
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
13.Middlesbrough
Seasons in Premier League: 11
Played: 422
Won: 131
Drawn: 123
Lost: 168
Goals For: 506
Goals Against: 582
Goal Difference: -76
Total Points: 513
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
14.Manchester City
Seasons in Premier League: 9
Played: 354
Won: 103
Drawn: 101
Lost: 150
Goals For: 413
Goals Against: 482
Goal Difference: -69
Total Points: 410
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
15.Coventry City
Seasons in Premier League: 9
Played: 354
Won: 99
Drawn: 112
Lost: 143
Goals For: 387
Goals Against: 490
Goal Difference: -103
Total Points: 409
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
16.Sheffield Wednesday
Seasons in Premier League: 8
Played: 316
Won: 101
Drawn: 89
Lost: 126
Goals For: 409
Goals Against: 453
Goal Difference: -44
Total Points: 392
17.Wimbledon
Seasons in Premier League: 8
Played: 316
Won: 99
Drawn: 94
Lost: 123
Goals For: 384
Goals Against: 472
Goal Difference: -88
Total Points: 391
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
18.Leicester City
Seasons in Premier League: 8
Played: 308
Won: 84
Drawn: 90
Lost: 134
Goals For: 354
Goals Against: 456
Goal Difference: -102
Total Points: 342
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
19.Charlton Athletic
Seasons in Premier League: 7
Played: 266
Won: 85
Drawn: 72
Lost: 109
Goals For: 308
Goals Against: 382
Goal Difference: -74
Total Points: 327
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
20.Bolton Wanderers
Seasons in Premier League: 7
Played: 266
Won: 81
Drawn: 77
Lost: 108
Goals For: 311
Goals Against: 386
Goal Difference: -75
Total Points: 320
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
21.Derby County
Seasons in Premier League: 6
Played: 228
Won: 67
Drawn: 62
Lost: 99
Goals For: 251
Goals Against: 331
Goal Difference: -80
Total Points: 263
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
22.Nottingham Forest
Seasons in Premier League: 5
Played: 198
Won: 60
Drawn: 59
Lost: 79
Goals For: 229
Goals Against: 287
Goal Difference:
Total Points: -58
Titles Won: 239
Runners-up:
23.Fulham
Seasons in Premier League: 5
Played: 190
Won: 63
Drawn: 47
Lost: 80
Goals For: 229
Goals Against: 258
Goal Difference: -29
Total Points: 236
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
24.Sunderland
Seasons in Premier League: 6
Played: 228
Won: 58
Drawn: 55
Lost: 115
Goals For: 214
Goals Against: 335
Goal Difference: -121
Total Points: 229
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
25.Ipswich Town
Seasons in Premier League: 5
Played: 202
Won: 57
Drawn: 53
Lost: 92
Goals For: 219
Goals Against: 312
Goal Difference: -93
Total Points: 224
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
26.Queens Park Rangers
Seasons in Premier League: 4
Played: 164
Won: 59
Drawn: 39
Lost: 66
Goals For: 224
Goals Against: 232
Goal Difference: -8
Total Points: 216
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
27.Norwich City
Seasons in Premier League: 4
Played: 164
Won: 50
Drawn: 51
Lost: 63
Goals For: 205
Goals Against: 257
Goal Difference: -52
Total Points: 201
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
28.Birmingham City
Seasons in Premier League: 4
Played: 152
Won: 44
Drawn: 45
Lost: 43
Goals For: 152
Goals Against: 193
Goal Difference: -41
Total Points: 177
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
29.Crystal Palace
Seasons in Premier League: 4
Played: 160
Won: 37
Drawn: 49
Lost: 74
Goals For: 160
Goals Against: 243
Goal Difference: -83
Total Points: 160
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
30.Portsmouth
Seasons in Premier League: 3
Played: 114
Won: 37
Drawn: 26
Lost: 56
Goals For: 127
Goals Against: 175
Goal Difference: -48
Total Points: 122
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
31.Sheffield United
Seasons in Premier League: 2
Played: 84
Won: 22
Drawn: 28
Lost: 34
Goals For: 96
Goals Against: 113
Goal Difference: -17
Total Points: 94
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
32.West Bromwich Albion
Seasons in Premier League: 3
Played: 114
Won: 19
Drawn: 33
Lost: 62
Goals For: 96
Goals Against: 184
Goal Difference: -88
Total Points: 90
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
33.Oldham Athletic
Seasons in Premier League: 2
Played: 84
Won: 22
Drawn: 23
Lost: 39
Goals For: 105
Goals Against: 142
Goal Difference: -37
Total Points: 89
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
34.Bradford City
Seasons in Premier League: 2
Played: 76
Won: 14
Drawn: 20
Lost: 42
Goals For: 68
Goals Against: 138
Goal Difference: -70
Total Points: 62
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
35. Wigan Athletic
Seasons in Premier League: 1
Played: 38
Won: 15
Drawn: 6
Lost: 17
Goals For: 45
Goals Against: 52
Goal Difference: -7
Total Points: 51
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
36.Barnsley
Seasons in Premier League: 1
Played: 38
Won: 10
Drawn: 5
Lost: 23
Goals For: 37
Goals Against: 82
Goal Difference: -45
Total Points: 35
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
37.Wolverhampton Wanderers
Seasons in Premier League: 1
Played: 38
Won: 7
Drawn: 12
Lost: 19
Goals For: 38
Goals Against: 77
Goal Difference: -39
Total Points: 33
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
38.Swindon Town
Seasons in Premier League: 1
Played: 42
Won: 5
Drawn: 15
Lost: 22
Goals For: 47
Goals Against: 100
Goal Difference: -53
Total Points: 30
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
39.Watford
Seasons in Premier League: 1
Played: 38
Won: 6
Drawn: 6
Lost: 26
Goals For: 35
Goals Against: 77
Goal Difference: -42
Total Points: 24
Titles Won:
Runners-up:
Top scorers
All-time
As of the end of the 2005–06 season on 7 May 2006. The 2006–07 season will commence on 19 August 2006.
1 Alan Shearer 260
2 Andy Cole 185
3 Thierry Henry 164
4 Robbie Fowler 159
5 Les Ferdinand 149
6 Teddy Sheringham 145
7 Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 126
8 Michael Owen 125
9 Dwight Yorke 122
10 Ian Wright 113
|
Title: Mourinho paves way for Duff to leave Chelsea
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 20, 2006, 08:49:15 PM
Mourinho paves way for Duff to leave Chelsea
July 20, 2006
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has opened the door for Damien Duff to leave Stamford Bridge.
Duff has been linked with a move to Tottenham in order to increase his first-team opportunities with Chelsea already rejecting one £5million bid for the Republic of Ireland international.
Mourinho said: 'It is not true that Duff didn't play much last season - he played two more games than the season before and was injured.
'I have an open relationship with Duff and we have talked about all possibilities. He's a player I'm happy to keep, not desperate to keep.
'I like Damien Duff as a player and a person. I've listened to him for a couple of hours and understand what is going through his mind.'
Mourinho refused to comment on speculation linking Chelsea with a move for Arsenal defender Ashley Cole - but expressed his admiration for the player.
He said: 'Ashley is an Arsenal player so I'm not going to say anything. We have Wayne Bridge back from Fulham and he is a player that we trust.
'We will see what happens with Asier del Horno and if we sell him there will be space to buy a new player.
'Ashley Cole is a good player but we've been connected with every left-back in Europe.'
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374174&cc=4716 |
Title: Villa begin search for O'Leary's successor
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 20, 2006, 08:52:50 PM
Villa begin search for O'Leary's successor
July 20, 2006
Aston Villa supporters today welcomed the departure of David O'Leary but were left wondering who would succeed him with Doug Ellis still in control.
O'Leary's three-year reign at Villa Park finally came to an end last night, with the club describing his exit as an 'amicable parting of the ways'.
After a six-hour meeting with a three-man inquiry panel, investigating the release of a statement issued by players that criticised Ellis O'Leary was cleared of any involvement.
However, the club felt the time was right for a change, with O'Leary walking away with a large pay-off.
Assistant manager Roy Aitken has been put in temporary charge ahead of Villa's pre-season friendly against Walsall at the Bescot Stadium tomorrow night.
Alan Curbishley, a former Villa player who left Charlton at the end of last season after 15 successful years in charge, has emerged as the leading contender to succeed the 48-year-old Irishman.
Inevitably, former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has been speculated upon, but after being linked with more high-profile jobs in the past without taking them up, it is hard to see the Ulsterman stepping into the hot seat.
With Villa still in search of a new owner and seemingly with limited money to spend on new players, Ellis may struggle to recruit a man who would be the 14th manager in his time as chairman.
Aston Villa Shareholders' Association chairman Jonathan Fear said: 'As soon as criticism mounts on Doug Ellis he fires the manager.
'He is unable to look into the mirror and see the common denominator. He should have gone first. But it's no surprise O'Leary has gone. There was a lot of anger amongst the fans and I don't think anyone will shed any tears for him.
'He distanced himself from the fans, insulted them, and last season was diabolical. But while Ellis is here I can't see anyone succeeding. Why would a 14th manager succeed whereas all the others have failed?'
Former Villa left-back Colin Gibson, who played for the club from 1978-85, told BBC Radio Five Live Ellis should now quit.
'I think most fans would like to see him go too now,' said Gibson on the 82-year-old. 'As a chairman Ellis is meticulous, very shrewd. He's nobody's fool but he's getting old and we need someone who can steer the club back on course.
'There are a lot of people who'd love the challenge of being Aston Villa manager.'
Ellis, who has a 39% stake, has stated previously he is prepared to sell, but only if the conditions are right for himself and the club.
A takeover approach was made last year and there have been other reports of financial investment in recent years, but Ellis has remained in power.
In a statement to the Stock Exchange this morning, the club confirmed talks are 'ongoing' with potential investors.
The statement read: 'Shareholders and supporters will be aware that Aston Villa have been in an official offer period since September 19 2005, when the AVIL consortium made an initial approach to the company.
'As previously announced, the board appointed Rothschild as an adviser to examine the AVIL proposal and can confirm that there have since been a number of other approaches from various parties, both from the UK and overseas.
'Extensive discussions involving Rothschild, the chairman, Doug Ellis, and credible parties are ongoing and will be fully explored to determine whether a formal offer for the issued share capital of Aston Villa will be forthcoming.
'However, there is no certainty any of these discussions will lead to an offer being made. Shareholders and supporters will be updated in due course.'
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374145&cc=4716 |
Title: Aitken interested in taking over at Villa Park
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 20, 2006, 08:56:07 PM
Aitken interested in taking over at Villa Park
Roy Aitken is eager to succeed David O'Leary as Aston Villa manager but Alan Curbishley is believed to be chairman Doug Ellis' number one target.
After three years as assistant to O'Leary at Villa Park, Aitken has been handed the reins on a temporary basis following the 48-year-old Irishman's departure last night.
The former Aberdeen boss only returned to training on Tuesday after undergoing surgery earlier this summer following a cancer scare.
The Scot described himself as being 'not 100 per cent' and admitted he would 'have to take it easy for a few weeks', but now finds himself in the middle of a maelstrom at the midlands club.
Although Aitken has not been a manager in his own right since a two-year spell at Aberdeen ended in 1997, the 48-year-old is refusing to rule himself out of the running.
'I've got my own track record in management up in Scotland. I won a trophy with Aberdeen and I know what the job is all about,' stated Aitken on the club's official website.
'I've had a lot of responsibility here at Villa over the last three years and I'm grateful to the club for the opportunity I've been given.
'I'm not fazed by this. Now I'll just concentrate on getting the players ready for the start of our pre-season games.'
The first of those is tomorrow against Walsall at the Bescot Stadium, yet while Aitken would certainly represent the cheap option to Ellis, former Villa player Curbishley is likely to be the preferred candidate.
Curbishley walked away from Charlton at the end of last season after 15 years at the helm, and claimed he wanted to take a year off.
But the lure of resurrecting a big club that has long failed to live up to its potential may prove irresistible.
Inevitably, former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has been mentioned, but after being linked with more high-profile jobs without taking them up, it is hard to see the Ulsterman stepping into the Villa Park hotseat.
Reserve team and youth team coaches Kevin MacDonald and Gordon Cowans have been linked but while such a combination likely to be popular with fans as they are hugely respected they lack managerial experience.
Even if he fails to land the job, Aitken knows he is going to have to live with the speculation over the next fortnight or so while trying to prepare the players for the new season.
Despite his health problems, he believes he can cope as he added: 'The best part of my job is being out with the players on the training ground.
'Villa fans know they'll get enthusiasm, passion and organisation, while I've good people around me in [head of sports sciences] Steve McGregor and [goalkeeping coach] Eric Steele. 'So we will do our best to get the boys prepared. I've always had a good relationship with the players, and I'm sure they'll respond well.
'As for the speculation, that's not a problem, that's football. I'm long enough in the tooth to know how the game works, so that's expected.
'I'll carry on with the job and I'll do it professionally, with a purpose and an attitude that will carry through to the players, which is what I do anyway every day. That's part of my responsibility.'
Aitken insists there is no need for him to pull the players together despite what appear to be conflicting views from the dressing room regarding the statement that has sparked the furore over the past few days.
Maintaining the players are united, Aitken added: 'There's no split in the camp as far as I can see on the training ground, and that's vital.
'I'm sure that will be seen in the pre-season games, and the players are ready for them.
'Their work ethic is fantastic, there is good quality in the dressing room and I'm sure they'll show that over the next few weeks.
'It's not for me to comment too much about what has gone on. That is in the past now, and I've said that to the players as well.
'It's important they move on and put the past few days behind them because it has been a bit of a media circus. It's been hyped over the top.
'As for the players, they know what actually happened. But as far as their efforts on the training ground every day are concerned, they've been first class, and that's the most important thing.
'We've games coming up and it's important we get the pre-season base under their belts to take them through the season.
'That's the most important thing for Aston Villa, to move on and get some results on the pitch.'
Meanwhile, sources close to O'Leary today claimed that the Irishman had received a full compensation package covering the remaining two years of his contract rather than a pay-off worth only six months' salary as has been suggested. |
Title: Italian striker Corradi completes Man City move
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 20, 2006, 08:59:07 PM
Italian striker Corradi completes Man City move
Former Italy striker Bernardo Corradi has completed his move to Manchester City from Valencia for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old, who scored 10 Serie A goals last term while on loan at Parma, has penned a three-year contract at Eastlands and becomes manager Stuart Pearce's fifth summer signing.
Pearce told official the club's website: 'I'm delighted to have secured Bernardo, he is a player I've been looking at for some time and think he will be a terrific acquisition for this football club.'
Corradi said: 'I hope to bring all my enthusiasm to Manchester City and I want to show everyone I want to work hard now and during the season with my team-mates. I want to do well here.
'I hope to have the possibility to work well with my team. As I striker I will work hard and help the team to make a lot of goals.
'At the end the important thing is the team - and by working together as one the team will end in a good position.'
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374161&cc=4716 |
Title: Liverpool fail to meet asking price for Kuyt
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 20, 2006, 09:00:16 PM
Liverpool fail to meet asking price for Kuyt
Dirk Kuyt's agent has questioned Liverpool's hopes of landing the striker, insisting he will not move to Anfield unless the club meet Feyenoord's valuation.
The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield as the Reds look to increase their goalscoring options ahead of the forthcoming season.
Newcastle are also reportedly interested but the player's agent Rob Jansen believes he will remain at Feyenoord as both clubs seem unlikely to pay the Eredivisie side's £13.7million price.
'Dirk will not be signing for Liverpool any time soon,' Jansen told AD Sportwereld.
'He is also not negotiating with any other English club for that matter.
'Both clubs do not want to pay what Feyenoord wants.
'If foreign clubs don't have the money to buy Kuyt then he will stay with Feyenoord, it's that simple.'
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374162&cc=4716 |
Title: Scholes eager to hit the ground running
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 20, 2006, 09:01:19 PM
Scholes eager to hit the ground running
Paul Scholes knows Manchester United must buck the trend of past campaigns by making a flying start to the new Premiership season.
Since they last won the title in 2003, the Red Devils have handicapped themselves by failing to match their chief rivals over the opening few weeks.
Twelve months ago, Sir Alex Ferguson's men dropped 12 points in their opening 10 games and, despite embarking on a sustained winning streak after Christmas, had no chance of clawing back Chelsea, who wrapped up consecutive titles with two games to spare by hammering United at Stamford Bridge.
Scholes believes he and his Old Trafford team-mates cannot afford a repeat if they are to stand any chance of reclaiming top spot.
'We have to improve our start,' said Scholes, now recovered from the worrying eye complaint which sidelined him for virtually five months last season.
'We have said for the last couple of seasons if we are going to challenge for the championship we have really got to start bang on form.
'Hopefully we can get off to a good start and maybe win the first five or six games to set us up nicely.'
The worry for United fans is the lack of new signings.
While Chelsea made their intentions plain by securing Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko in big-money deals before the World Cup began, as yet, Red Devils owner Malcolm Glazer has not been required to open his cheque-book.
Indeed, the first major transfer involving United this summer seems certain to be in the outward direction as Ruud van Nistelrooy attempts to tie up a move to Real Madrid before his supposed return to training with United on Monday.
With no new arrivals in sight, Van Nistelrooy's departure will leave United's attacking options looking slightly threadbare, hence Ferguson's decision to restore Alan Smith to the forward's role he was bought for when he returns from his horrific double leg break at the end of next month.
'We are going to convert Alan Smith back into being a forward,' said Ferguson. 'He will be back in training soon and should be available by the end of August or the beginning of September.
'I don't believe we are not too badly off in the forwards department. In addition to Alan, we also have Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney and we are considering keeping Giuseppe Rossi with us if Ruud van Nistelrooy does end up leaving, even though I would prefer him to go out on loan for six months.'
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374148&cc=4716 |
Title: Nasty Ferguson
Post by: veer on July 21, 2006, 05:31:32 AM
With no new arrivals in sight, Van Nistelrooy's departure will leave United's attacking options looking slightly threadbare, hence Ferguson's decision to restore Alan Smith to the forward's role he was bought for when he returns from his horrific double leg break at the end of next month.
'We are going to convert Alan Smith back into being a forward,' said Ferguson. 'He will be back in training soon and should be available by the end of August or the beginning of September.
'I don't believe we are not too badly off in the forwards department. In addition to Alan, we also have Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney and we are considering keeping Giuseppe Rossi with us if Ruud van Nistelrooy does end up leaving, even though I would prefer him to go out on loan for six months.'
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374148&cc=4716
|
|
We all know the reason why the great Man U shucked. Thanx to Sir Alex Ferguson. He's more than nuff to bring down the team. Nasty Ferguson. |
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: veer on July 21, 2006, 05:34:42 AM
| Newcastle United haven't landed one transfer yet and not having Shearer there anymore I think they'll have a real problem scoring. What do you peeps think? |
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: SaNjEeV on July 21, 2006, 06:56:07 AM
I totally agree, the Magpies will definitely have to make some moves very soon to strengthen the squad prior to the 06/07 campaign. I think two strikers, a quality winger and two established center-backs are need to have a top 4 finish. I also think that Luque will suprise a few this season as he will be fighting to establish himself as a quality striker in the EPL. Also I can see Emre and Parker really coming together this season if they (emre) can avoid injury.
We will see some signings in the near future, especially if they get into europe via the intertoto.
|
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Ehsaan on July 21, 2006, 11:34:03 AM
| well, you need to work on gettin Owen back on the pitch, get one or two decent defenders is a must, and then you will have a team to compete with |
Title: Re:Nasty Ferguson
Post by: Ehsaan on July 21, 2006, 11:35:29 AM
With no new arrivals in sight, Van Nistelrooy's departure will leave United's attacking options looking slightly threadbare, hence Ferguson's decision to restore Alan Smith to the forward's role he was bought for when he returns from his horrific double leg break at the end of next month.
'We are going to convert Alan Smith back into being a forward,' said Ferguson. 'He will be back in training soon and should be available by the end of August or the beginning of September.
'I don't believe we are not too badly off in the forwards department. In addition to Alan, we also have Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney and we are considering keeping Giuseppe Rossi with us if Ruud van Nistelrooy does end up leaving, even though I would prefer him to go out on loan for six months.'
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374148&cc=4716
|
|
We all know the reason why the great Man U shucked. Thanx to Sir Alex Ferguson. He's more than nuff to bring down the team. Nasty Ferguson.
|
|
Man U will slump. Ferguson needs to be thought a lesson...FAST |
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Ankush on July 21, 2006, 12:52:27 PM
well, you need to work on gettin Owen back on the pitch, get one or two decent defenders is a must, and then you will have a team to compete with
|
|
I think that although they havent made any blockbuster transfers, they have a decent front line in Owen and Bowyer. And with midfield efforts from Solano, Nzogbia, and Ameobi, the team plays very well. I clearly remember one game from last season when they dominated a game against Tottenham. Such a performance every week would prove rewarding.
|
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Abraham Nigel on July 21, 2006, 09:04:37 PM
I doubt Owen will be back any sooner than the last month of the season. Injury is more severe than initially thought. He may miss the entire campaign.
|
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Abraham Nigel on July 21, 2006, 09:10:11 PM
Charlie mailed me this. I think it will be interesting to read and to know.
Toon to sue over Owen injury
22/06/06
Michael Owen’s world – far beyond the remainder of the World Cup – came crashing down yesterday when it was revealed the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee will keep him out of football for up to a year.
The news England dreaded at their Baden-Baden HQ was compounded last night when Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd revealed to the Daily Express that he is taking legal advice with a view to suing FIFA through the Football Association for compensation that could run into tens of millions.
Scans yesterday revealed the extent of Owen’s injury and while the first forecast was a five-month lay-off, that was later revised to between six months and a year, potentially writing off the entire 2006-07 season. And it only reinforced the belief that for Owen, who has a history of serious injury trouble, his latest setback is career-threatening.
Owen’s wife Louise broke down in tears in the England dressing room on Tuesday night having seen her husband crawl off the pitch after just one minute of England’s 2-2 draw with Sweden.
Owen’s right knee was scanned at a Black Forest hospital yesterday and that revealed a severe tear. While cruciate ligament damage is not the automatic career-finishing injury it once was, Owen’s lengthy history of one breakdown after another does not augur well for a sustained and complete recovery.
As he prepared to fly home, Owen put on a brave face and said: "As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble. My main objective now is to get fit as quickly as possible for Newcastle." The loss of his main striker will leave Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder short of firepower and last night Shepherd, who paid a top-of-the-market £17million for Owen a year ago plus wages of about £105,000 a week, reacted angrily.
"Newcastle will be seeking legal advice with a view to claiming compensation from FIFA through the FA, who are one of its member bodies," said Shepherd. "It is their tournament and England have our player there.
"If someone borrowed a tool from me and it came back damaged I’d want compensating for it. I’d want it replacing. It is unbelievable that they can get away with this. Someone has to pay the piper."
Asked what Newcastle would be claiming, subject to legal advice, he said: "The fee we paid for Michael, his wages, the insurance we had to pay to cover his wages and the cost of a replacement."
That could be well over £25m.
http://express.lineone.net/news_detail.html?sku=113
|
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: veer on July 22, 2006, 06:22:30 AM
Charlie mailed me this. I think it will be interesting to read and to know.
Toon to sue over Owen injury
22/06/06
Michael Owen’s world – far beyond the remainder of the World Cup – came crashing down yesterday when it was revealed the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee will keep him out of football for up to a year.
The news England dreaded at their Baden-Baden HQ was compounded last night when Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd revealed to the Daily Express that he is taking legal advice with a view to suing FIFA through the Football Association for compensation that could run into tens of millions.
Scans yesterday revealed the extent of Owen’s injury and while the first forecast was a five-month lay-off, that was later revised to between six months and a year, potentially writing off the entire 2006-07 season. And it only reinforced the belief that for Owen, who has a history of serious injury trouble, his latest setback is career-threatening.
Owen’s wife Louise broke down in tears in the England dressing room on Tuesday night having seen her husband crawl off the pitch after just one minute of England’s 2-2 draw with Sweden.
Owen’s right knee was scanned at a Black Forest hospital yesterday and that revealed a severe tear. While cruciate ligament damage is not the automatic career-finishing injury it once was, Owen’s lengthy history of one breakdown after another does not augur well for a sustained and complete recovery.
As he prepared to fly home, Owen put on a brave face and said: "As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble. My main objective now is to get fit as quickly as possible for Newcastle." The loss of his main striker will leave Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder short of firepower and last night Shepherd, who paid a top-of-the-market £17million for Owen a year ago plus wages of about £105,000 a week, reacted angrily.
"Newcastle will be seeking legal advice with a view to claiming compensation from FIFA through the FA, who are one of its member bodies," said Shepherd. "It is their tournament and England have our player there.
"If someone borrowed a tool from me and it came back damaged I’d want compensating for it. I’d want it replacing. It is unbelievable that they can get away with this. Someone has to pay the piper."
Asked what Newcastle would be claiming, subject to legal advice, he said: "The fee we paid for Michael, his wages, the insurance we had to pay to cover his wages and the cost of a replacement."
That could be well over £25m.
http://express.lineone.net/news_detail.html?sku=113
|
|
They are blaming FIFA for Owen's torn ACL and they want compensation because of it. Its absolutely ridiculous.
|
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 22, 2006, 10:19:30 AM
Ok call me dumb if you want but honestly I dont see the rationale of them suing FIFA. I mean what has FIFA got to do with it?
"If someone borrowed a tool from me and it came back damaged I’d want compensating for it. I’d want it replacing. It is unbelievable that they can get away with this. Someone has to pay the piper."
I dont see the logic.
|
Title: Fowler: I am not finished yet
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 22, 2006, 10:45:19 AM
Football: Fowler: I am not finished yet
22 Jul 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler insists he still has a major role to play at Anfield despite the arrival of Wales international Craig Bellamy.
The 31-year-old former England attacker also believes he can play at Premiership level for a few more seasons yet.
"I’m not as old as some people seem to think I am and, hopefully, I’ve got a few more years left in me playing at the top level," said Fowler who has a total of 176 goals from 346 appearances in two spells with the Merseyside giants.
"I want to be at Liverpool for as long as I can and if that means performing as well as I did towards the end of last season to get a new contract then so be it.
"I’m happy being back at Liverpool and if the manager plays me, he plays me. If he doesn’t play me, I’ll support whoever plays. But obviously it goes without saying I want to play.
"I’ve kept myself in good shape. I’m not going to sit here and say I’m the ultimate professional and that I’ve been working 24/7 in the summer. But I’ve done a bit and pre-season is about getting fit as well. I’m still continuing to do that so hopefully by the start of the season I’ll be firing," he told the club’s official website.
Fowler is also confident the Reds will be firing on all cylinders come the start of the season as they look to challenge Chelsea’s recent domination of the Premiership.
"Obviously Chelsea have got some fantastic players and nobody is kidding anyone that it’s going to be a hard job to win the league," he added.
"But we’ve not got a bad squad ourselves and we’ll wait and see what happens.
"If we put a run together like we did at the end of last season then anything can happen.
"I’m not going to say we’re confident of doing this and that. We’ll go about our business quietly but confidently." — AFP
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Saturday/Sport/20060722073922/Article/index_html |
Title: Ferguson denies criticising Blues
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 22, 2006, 10:51:08 AM
Ferguson denies criticising Blues
Sir Alex Ferguson has rebutted reports he said Chelsea were "hell-bent on ruining football" at a question and answer session in South Africa.
The Manchester United manager said: "It's unfortunate you cannot go to a dinner these days without someone sneakily reporting everything you say.
"That's the nature of life but I didn't say that. What I said was Chelsea have supposedly signed 30 African players.
"I never made any reference to what effect that has on football."
Johannesburg Star journalist Rodney Hatman was a guest at the charity dinner for 700 guests at Turffontein racecourse.
He said: "Ferguson was asked what he thought about Chelsea and in the midst of his answer he said that they were 'hell-bent on ruining football'.
"He also said there was no way his own club could match their money, that Chelsea were just buying up players and the chances of them all playing were pretty slim."
The Stamford Bridge club, bank-rolled by Roman Abramovich's millions, have again been busy in the transfer market this summer.
Boss Jose Mourinho has signed strikers Andrey Shevchenko and Salomon Kalou, Germany skipper Michael Ballack and Nigerian youngster John Obi Mikel.
Mikel was at the centre of a tug-of-war between Chelsea and United and is the latest player Ferguson has missed out on to the Blues. Arjen Robben, Damien Duff and Michael Essien have also opted for London over Manchester in recent seasons.
"Chelsea have every right to do what they think is right for their club, but we do what is right for us," Ferguson added.
"I've never at any time said that what Chelsea do is bad for the game. If it's good for Chelsea that's the important thing.
"The question I posed is that if it's correct that they've signed 30 African boys how are they all going to get a game? That was my point."
The Red Devils are in South Africa on a pre-season tour during which they have beaten Orlando Pirates 4-0 and Kaiser Chiefs 1-0.
Source: BBC Sport |
Title: Bergkamp set for Arsenal farewell
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 22, 2006, 10:53:44 AM
Bergkamp set for Arsenal farewell
Dennis Bergkamp will have mixed emotions as he formally retires from football with a testimonial between Arsenal and Ajax on Saturday.
The 54,000 sell-out is the first to be played at the new Emirates Stadium.
"A club like Arsenal deserves such a stadium, and I'm sorry I won't be a part of it," said the 37-year-old.
"But I had a tremendous career at Highbury and it is time to move on. I've had a great time, I really enjoyed myself. I really enjoyed my career."
Bergkamp has been with the Gunners for 11 years having joined from Inter Milan in a £7.5m deal in 1995.
He played 423 games for Arsenal and the match brings the last of his three clubs head-to-head with his first, Ajax.
Bergkamp describes himself as "proud and happy" to be the focus of attention at Arsenal's new stadium but conceded it will be strange to walk away from the sport.
"This game is the last one and there will be a lot of things I'll miss," he added.
"The dressing room, the humour, going to training and then the big things, playing in full stadiums and feeling that pressure.
"I've been playing professional football since 17 and joined Ajax at 12 so it has been part of my life for 25 years. It's the reason why I'm here in England. It will be hard to let go."
But let go he must and he intends to go out on a high.
Old team-mates such as Patrick Vieira, Ian Wright and Lee Dixon will be playing as well as Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.
However, despite the celebratory atmosphere Bergkamp insists there will be no slacking on his part.
"That's how I approach the game," he said.
"Every time I train I give 100% and even in a testimonial you want to win and play well and perform and show what you can do. That has always been the case.
"It will be a special day and it will be emotional but it's important I can enjoy the day and hopefully I can share it with a lot of players who I think deserve to be a part of this stadium."
Source:BBC Sport |
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Ankush on July 23, 2006, 01:44:22 AM
Ok call me dumb if you want but honestly I dont see the rationale of them suing FIFA. I mean what has FIFA got to do with it?
"If someone borrowed a tool from me and it came back damaged I’d want compensating for it. I’d want it replacing. It is unbelievable that they can get away with this. Someone has to pay the piper."
I dont see the logic.
|
|
Well if they argue it in their way I wont be surprised if they get but this is BS. Its not that Owen's injury was intended by FIFA. Injuries happens and if they want sue, sue Owen. I'm not saying Owen is guilty but just showing how stupid ppl are. It was evident that when Owen crumpled there was no contact made. It just friggin hapened. What were they thinking? |
Title: Re:Ferguson denies criticising Blues
Post by: Ankush on July 23, 2006, 01:50:05 AM
Ferguson denies criticising Blues
Sir Alex Ferguson has rebutted reports he said Chelsea were "hell-bent on ruining football" at a question and answer session in South Africa.
The Manchester United manager said: "It's unfortunate you cannot go to a dinner these days without someone sneakily reporting everything you say.
"That's the nature of life but I didn't say that. What I said was Chelsea have supposedly signed 30 African players.
"I never made any reference to what effect that has on football."
Johannesburg Star journalist Rodney Hatman was a guest at the charity dinner for 700 guests at Turffontein racecourse.
He said: "Ferguson was asked what he thought about Chelsea and in the midst of his answer he said that they were 'hell-bent on ruining football'.
"He also said there was no way his own club could match their money, that Chelsea were just buying up players and the chances of them all playing were pretty slim."
The Stamford Bridge club, bank-rolled by Roman Abramovich's millions, have again been busy in the transfer market this summer.
Boss Jose Mourinho has signed strikers Andrey Shevchenko and Salomon Kalou, Germany skipper Michael Ballack and Nigerian youngster John Obi Mikel.
Mikel was at the centre of a tug-of-war between Chelsea and United and is the latest player Ferguson has missed out on to the Blues. Arjen Robben, Damien Duff and Michael Essien have also opted for London over Manchester in recent seasons.
"Chelsea have every right to do what they think is right for their club, but we do what is right for us," Ferguson added.
"I've never at any time said that what Chelsea do is bad for the game. If it's good for Chelsea that's the important thing.
"The question I posed is that if it's correct that they've signed 30 African boys how are they all going to get a game? That was my point."
The Red Devils are in South Africa on a pre-season tour during which they have beaten Orlando Pirates 4-0 and Kaiser Chiefs 1-0.
Source: BBC Sport
|
|
Well there will always be someone who sneekingly reports whatever you say if your a big nasty smelly sneak. With such notorious reputation who will not want to hear you speak and report it. The nasty Ferguson speaks nasty. I dont know if its true that Fergusin said so and I wont besurprised if it is but nevertheless you dont make comments like "Chelsea have supposedly signed 30 African players." People will construe it in various manner.
|
Title: WTF FERGUSON???
Post by: Deger on July 23, 2006, 03:37:28 AM
WTF do you what to prove Ferguson? That ur Red Devils will win it smooth? That ur the biggest Red Devil ever? That ur a sore looser? Well you dont have to prove that cuz we already know that ur much more than that.
Chelse will make you wish that ur never born. Scum |
Title: TO HELL WITH YOU FERGIE
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 23, 2006, 11:00:26 AM
If Newcastle wants to sue FIFA then so be it. I am not interested in getting into such petty matter. And using tool lending theory...blah.
And this Ferguson...he can be nice and yet I'll still be sceptical. I am no fan of Mr.Metrosexual but I didn like the way Fergie treated him. He's insisting to kick off RVN and pleads Cristiano Ronaldo to stay and that too in a icky manner. Fergie plays favourites and one fine day he will get the shimmi. I dont exactly know how tru was his statement towards Chelsea but with this comment on how Chelsea has signed 30 African players...WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING FERGIE? WHAT WERE YOU TRYING TO PROVE? WHAT WERE YOU TRYING TO IMPLY?
I used to love Man U...esp during the days of Cantona but eventually I just hate em. And Fergie can wish as much as he wants but he's hot fonna win the FA, Carling, Premiership and Champions League. With his attitude and Rooney's attitude and C.Ronaldo's simulation...he can just suck a lemon. |
Title: Sol: It's time to move on
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 23, 2006, 07:45:56 PM
Football/English Premier League: Sol: It's time to move on
24 Jul 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONDON: England defender Sol Campbell is aiming to continue his career overseas after quitting north London giants Arsenal.
The 31-year-old had a torrid season at Highbury last term and in February shocked fans and teammates alike by walking out of the ground after being substituted at half-time against West Ham.
That led some to wonder if Campbell would return to competitive football but he came back to play in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat against Spanish giants Barcelona.
"People point to the West Ham game and the controversy about me going home. But that wasn’t about me losing my love for the game, or fearing I couldn’t play at the top any more," Campbell told the News of the World.
"It was about an injury — a long-standing injury that if I’d gone on could have ruined my World Cup chances, could even have ended my career.
"I decided I didn’t want to put it all at risk and that I had to take care, sort myself out and then come back when I knew I was ready."
Now, after five years with Arsenal, Campbell is looking further afield.
"It all comes down to timing," he explained. "At the end of last season I felt I needed a fresh start and I told Arsenal that. I told Arsene Wenger and David Dein and it’s just gone from there.
"I want to kick-start my career again and take my football into a new realm and playing abroad will do that.
"I have nothing left to prove in England but it would be special if I could now go to the continent and make a major statement in a foreign league too." — AFP
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Monday/Sport/20060724074638/Article/index_html
|
Title: West Ham's Ferdinand faces scan
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 23, 2006, 07:49:20 PM
West Ham's Ferdinand faces scan
West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand is set to have a scan on Sunday after limping out of the friendly against IFK Gothenburg with a hamstring injury.
The 21-year-old was making his comeback after a hernia operation this summer but was substituted after 25 minutes of Saturday's 2-1 defeat in Sweden.
Hammers boss Alan Pardew confirmed that Ferdinand would fly back to England.
Bobby Zamora gave the Hammers an early lead but George Mourad and Marcus Berg sealed the win for Gothenburg.
Ferdinand's fellow central defender Danny Gabbidon had already been ruled out of the Scandinavian tour because of a slight groin problem.
Source: BBC Sport
|
Title: Bergkamp has no desire to coach
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 23, 2006, 07:51:39 PM
Bergkamp has no desire to coach
Dennis Bergkamp revealed he is not keen on returning to football as a coach following his farewell testimonial match against Ajax on Saturday.
The 37-year-old striker called time on his 25-year playing career at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium and said he now intends to take a break from the game.
He said: "I have never really thought about coaching, it has never really attracted me in any way.
"Boss Arsene Wenger talked to me about scouting, but I have to relax a bit."
An array of Arsenal stars past and present gathered to take on Ajax, Bergkamp's first club, to mark the end of a career in which he made 423 appearances and scored 120 goals.
But Bergkamp insisted that, although it would be difficult to leave, he had no plans for a quick return like Dutch compatriots Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.
"It's difficult to say goodbye to playing football, I joined Ajax when I was 12 and I've been doing it for 25 years so it's going to be tough to finish," he said.
"In a few months, or a few years, when you still love the game I may come back in some form, but at the moment, no."
The Dutchman also admitted that a potential return to Arsenal for Patrick Vieira had been mentioned to the Frenchman after Juventus' relegation following the Italian match-fixing inquiry.
He added: "I think about 56 people have told him that at the game.
"I hope he will but I don't know if that would be the right thing. Everyone saw what he did at the World Cup and if he could reach that level at Arsenal that would be fantastic, but I'm not sure he will do that."
Source: BBC Sport
|
Title: Neville still keen to buy Villa
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 23, 2006, 07:53:20 PM
Neville still keen to buy Villa
Michael Neville has revealed that he is renewing his bid to buy Aston Villa.
Lifelong Villa fan Neville was part of a consortium interested in taking over at the club last season after chairman Doug Ellis put the club up for sale.
That bid collapsed, but he is convinced he has new unnamed parties willing to support any takeover bid.
"I have accelerated my efforts to make a bid for Aston Villa. I believe I have backers but cannot reveal any more," Neville told the Sunday Mercury.
"The timescale is short. If anything is going to happen, it would have to happen soon."
Chairman Ellis is due to return from holiday next week with Villa fans calling for him to quit after more than two decades in charge.
Neville added: "Villa fans must be fed up with hearing my name associated with a takeover - but if I can't make it work this time, then I can't make it work at all.
"This is an exciting prospect, the result of a year's work for me, and I say that I have the best interests of Aston Villa at heart."
Neville also threw his support behind Martin O'Neill in replacing David O'Leary as manager.
O'Neill has been linked with a move to Villa Park since O'Leary and Villa parted company last week.
And Neville said: "As for Martin O'Neill, it would be fantastic to have him. Any club that has him on board would be very fortunate. He is top of the tree."
Source: BBC Sport |
Title: Duff finally completes Newcastle move
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 23, 2006, 08:13:27 PM
Duff finally completes Newcastle move
Newcastle have completed the signing of winger Damien Duff from Chelsea.
The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international passed a medical on Tyneside, while the first team were on their way back from Norway after beating Lillestrom in a UEFA Cup qualifying round tie on Saturday evening.
Duff has signed a five-year contract at St James' Park, with the fee undisclosed but understood to be in the region of £10million. The fee for Duff had already been agreed between the clubs, and Duff had settled on personal terms after holding talks with Newcastle officials.
Duff helped Chelsea win the Premiership twice, but the competition for places after Michael Ballack's arrival meant he would not be guaranteed first-team football at Stamford Bridge in the coming campaign.
At Newcastle, that should not be a worry, as he has been bought to inject pace, invention and quality into the Magpies midfield.
Earlier in the day, and before the medical had been completed, Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder told Setanta Sports 2: 'I can't tell you how pleased I am about getting a player of that quality.
'I would think it will excite our fans as well. I played for Newcastle - admittedly a long time ago - but we had the likes of Chrissy Waddle playing in that team that I played in and (the fans) love ball-players who can go past players and get crosses in and Damien is that type of player.'
Roeder, who revealed Duff had been given 'rave reviews' from international team-mates Shay Given and Stephen Carr as well as former Chelsea colleague Scott Parker, hopes the capture of Duff will only be the start of a busy summer of transfer activity at St James' Park.
Duff will be unveiled at St James' Park on Monday afternoon.
'Then we can start talking about the next player,' said Roeder. 'But we've got a list of players now that we want to start working our way through.'
Duff was also wanted by Tottenham.
Chelsea were unwilling to sell Duff - a £17million signing from Blackburn in 2003 - to Tottenham for £7million but declared themselves ready to offload the wide man at the right price.
The move is one which will excite Newcastle's fans, who have seen captain Alan Shearer retire and £17million striker Michael Owen head off for another long spell in the treatment room.
Source: ESPN |
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: SaNjEeV on July 24, 2006, 11:01:55 AM
In lieu of Chelsea and their outragous transfer ability, I'm still clueless as to why FIFA has yet to impose some kind of world wide transfer cap.
I'd say £40 million per transfer window and £60 million a calendar year. This allows the big clubs to still spend big, but also keeps Roman from buying a midfield consisting of Ballack, Lampard, Cole, Essein, Robben, etc. and a strike force of Sheva, Crespo and Drobga (see: spending £300m. in 3 years.)
Is that unreasonable? or just unrealistic?
|
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: NICK on July 25, 2006, 12:30:11 AM
In lieu of Chelsea and their outragous transfer ability, I'm still clueless as to why FIFA has yet to impose some kind of world wide transfer cap.
I'd say £40 million per transfer window and £60 million a calendar year. This allows the big clubs to still spend big, but also keeps Roman from buying a midfield consisting of Ballack, Lampard, Cole, Essein, Robben, etc. and a strike force of Sheva, Crespo and Drobga (see: spending £300m. in 3 years.)
Is that unreasonable? or just unrealistic?
|
|
if you would take a look at other clubs, and what it took for them to built it that way, you might find that Chelsea are not that big of a spenders after all, i hear Ronaldinho's contract at Barcelona is $100.00 mil alone?!
|
Title: THE TOP 4
Post by: NICK on July 25, 2006, 12:34:02 AM
who do you think the top 4 teams will be for this season?
For me its Liverpool, Arsenal, Man U and Spurs in that order. |
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Ehsaan on July 25, 2006, 04:00:40 AM
In lieu of Chelsea and their outragous transfer ability, I'm still clueless as to why FIFA has yet to impose some kind of world wide transfer cap.
I'd say £40 million per transfer window and £60 million a calendar year. This allows the big clubs to still spend big, but also keeps Roman from buying a midfield consisting of Ballack, Lampard, Cole, Essein, Robben, etc. and a strike force of Sheva, Crespo and Drobga (see: spending £300m. in 3 years.)
Is that unreasonable? or just unrealistic?
|
|
if you would take a look at other clubs, and what it took for them to built it that way, you might find that Chelsea are not that big of a spenders after all, i hear Ronaldinho's contract at Barcelona is $100.00 mil alone?!
|
|
it can work within a single country because there are laws to regulate it, but you just can't manage it on a world wide basis. Sure you could sign a player for 5 million, but there's no way of stopping his aunt in costa rica from recieving 40million in unmarked bills in the mail...or any other relative in some far corner of the world. There are no international laws against such activity. Just look at the poor attempts to regulate file transfer over the internet, and that is done by people leaving a trace with every move they make on the internet.
unfortunately, when it comes to salaries, the money doesn't really matter. Why would a player care if he made 10 or 15 million from a club when a world class player will easily make 30 million a year just in endorsments?
|
Title: Re:THE TOP 4
Post by: Ehsaan on July 25, 2006, 04:01:25 AM
who do you think the top 4 teams will be for this season?
For me its Liverpool, Arsenal, Man U and Spurs in that order.
|
|
Chelsea, Man U, Liverpool, Arsenal
for me...
|
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Deger on July 25, 2006, 04:36:22 AM
In lieu of Chelsea and their outragous transfer ability, I'm still clueless as to why FIFA has yet to impose some kind of world wide transfer cap.
I'd say £40 million per transfer window and £60 million a calendar year. This allows the big clubs to still spend big, but also keeps Roman from buying a midfield consisting of Ballack, Lampard, Cole, Essein, Robben, etc. and a strike force of Sheva, Crespo and Drobga (see: spending £300m. in 3 years.)
Is that unreasonable? or just unrealistic?
|
|
if you would take a look at other clubs, and what it took for them to built it that way, you might find that Chelsea are not that big of a spenders after all, i hear Ronaldinho's contract at Barcelona is $100.00 mil alone?!
|
|
it can work within a single country because there are laws to regulate it, but you just can't manage it on a world wide basis. Sure you could sign a player for 5 million, but there's no way of stopping his aunt in costa rica from recieving 40million in unmarked bills in the mail...or any other relative in some far corner of the world. There are no international laws against such activity. Just look at the poor attempts to regulate file transfer over the internet, and that is done by people leaving a trace with every move they make on the internet.
unfortunately, when it comes to salaries, the money doesn't really matter. Why would a player care if he made 10 or 15 million from a club when a world class player will easily make 30 million a year just in endorsments?
|
|
I would say salary cap for individual leagues.
|
Title: Re:THE TOP 4
Post by: Deger on July 25, 2006, 04:41:42 AM
who do you think the top 4 teams will be for this season?
For me its Liverpool, Arsenal, Man U and Spurs in that order.
|
|
1st chelsea
2nd liverpool
3rd man u
4th arsenal |
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Ankush on July 25, 2006, 06:23:23 AM
In lieu of Chelsea and their outragous transfer ability, I'm still clueless as to why FIFA has yet to impose some kind of world wide transfer cap.
I'd say £40 million per transfer window and £60 million a calendar year. This allows the big clubs to still spend big, but also keeps Roman from buying a midfield consisting of Ballack, Lampard, Cole, Essein, Robben, etc. and a strike force of Sheva, Crespo and Drobga (see: spending £300m. in 3 years.)
Is that unreasonable? or just unrealistic?
|
|
if you would take a look at other clubs, and what it took for them to built it that way, you might find that Chelsea are not that big of a spenders after all, i hear Ronaldinho's contract at Barcelona is $100.00 mil alone?!
|
|
it can work within a single country because there are laws to regulate it, but you just can't manage it on a world wide basis. Sure you could sign a player for 5 million, but there's no way of stopping his aunt in costa rica from recieving 40million in unmarked bills in the mail...or any other relative in some far corner of the world. There are no international laws against such activity. Just look at the poor attempts to regulate file transfer over the internet, and that is done by people leaving a trace with every move they make on the internet.
unfortunately, when it comes to salaries, the money doesn't really matter. Why would a player care if he made 10 or 15 million from a club when a world class player will easily make 30 million a year just in endorsments?
|
|
I would say salary cap for individual leagues.
|
|
I dont think salary caps work.
In Australia for instance, the new a-league has a salary cap mainly due to the start of a new league and prevent clubs going all out buying players and then falling into debt.
However I feel that it doesnt work because then it makes it harder for these clubs to look to bigger clubs to strengthen their team because they cant go above the salary cap.. then eventually a team will go over the cap and then suffer consequences in the following season.
|
Title: Re:THE TOP 4
Post by: Ankush on July 25, 2006, 06:24:35 AM
who do you think the top 4 teams will be for this season?
For me its Liverpool, Arsenal, Man U and Spurs in that order.
|
|
1- Chelsea
2- Liverpool
3-Man U
4-Arsenal |
Title: Re:FA Premier League
Post by: Regnig on July 25, 2006, 07:29:48 AM
In lieu of Chelsea and their outragous transfer ability, I'm still clueless as to why FIFA has yet to impose some kind of world wide transfer cap.
I'd say £40 million per transfer window and £60 million a calendar year. This allows the big clubs to still spend big, but also keeps Roman from buying a midfield consisting of Ballack, Lampard, Cole, Essein, Robben, etc. and a strike force of Sheva, Crespo and Drobga (see: spending £300m. in 3 years.)
Is that unreasonable? or just unrealistic?
|
|
if you would take a look at other clubs, and what it took for them to built it that way, you might find that Chelsea are not that big of a spenders after all, i hear Ronaldinho's contract at Barcelona is $100.00 mil alone?!
|
|
it can work within a single country because there are laws to regulate it, but you just can't manage it on a world wide basis. Sure you could sign a player for 5 million, but there's no way of stopping his aunt in costa rica from recieving 40million in unmarked bills in the mail...or any other relative in some far corner of the world. There are no international laws against such activity. Just look at the poor attempts to regulate file transfer over the internet, and that is done by people leaving a trace with every move they make on the internet.
unfortunately, when it comes to salaries, the money doesn't really matter. Why would a player care if he made 10 or 15 million from a club when a world class player will easily make 30 million a year just in endorsments?
|
|
I would say salary cap for individual leagues.
|
|
I dont think salary caps work.
In Australia for instance, the new a-league has a salary cap mainly due to the start of a new league and prevent clubs going all out buying players and then falling into debt.
However I feel that it doesnt work because then it makes it harder for these clubs to look to bigger clubs to strengthen their team because they cant go above the salary cap.. then eventually a team will go over the cap and then suffer consequences in the following season.
|
|
Let's use NBA for example. It works pretty good, and it would eliminate the situation like what Chelsea do right now.
Big name players would be willing to play for other teams for a bigger contract. (e.g. Ben Wallance goes to Chicago Bulls) And it would force Chelsea to sell some of their big name players.
Of coures, it's not gonna be very simple. But it would be a good start to control the way how Chelsea do in this business though.
|
Title: Re:THE TOP 4
Post by: Regnig on July 25, 2006, 07:31:05 AM
who do you think the top 4 teams will be for this season?
For me its Liverpool, Arsenal, Man U and Spurs in that order.
|
|
1- Chelsea
2- Liverpool
3- Man United
4- Tottenham
5- Arsenal
It's tough to go beyond fifth and i think that Liverpool and ManUnited will fight it out for second place all year. In the champions League, I think ManU will be lucky to get to the knockout stage.
|
Title: Rooney reveals bust-up with Moyes
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 25, 2006, 10:35:18 AM
Rooney reveals bust-up with Moyes
Wayne Rooney has revealed he fell out with Everton manager David Moyes before he left the Toffees to join Manchester United in a deal worth £27m in 2004.
The 20-year-old England striker said the row meant he considered an offer from Newcastle before moving to United.
"I would have gone almost anywhere just to get away from David Moyes," Rooney said in his autobiography, which is being serialised in the Daily Mail.
"To me, he appeared overbearing; just wanting to control people."
He added: "I suppose being young and confident and playing for England at 17, I wasn't bothered about upsetting him or answering back."
Rooney claims he had already decided to leave Goodison Park when he had a training ground confrontation with Moyes and told him: "I don't want to play for you ever again."
The striker became the youngest Premiership goalscorer when he scored a blistering last-minute strike to secure a 2-1 win against Arsenal in October 2002, five days before his 17th birthday.
He went on to score 17 goals in 77 appearances for the Toffees before securing his move to United in August 2004.
Newcastle made the first offer for Rooney but he says he was only interested in a move to Old Trafford once it became apparent United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him.
"If no-one else had come in I would have gone to Newcastle," stated Rooney.
"But I knew that United was the club I wanted to join."
Source: BBC Sport |
Title: Liverpool bid for Pennant snubbed
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 25, 2006, 10:36:27 AM
Liverpool bid for Pennant snubbed
Birmingham have confirmed that they have turned down a £3.5m offer from Liverpool for winger Jermaine Pennant.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield after the Midlands club's relegation to the Championship.
Blues boss Steve Bruce said: "There has only been one bid of around £3.5m but we don't want to sell him for that."
A club statement said: "The two clubs have talked on a number of occasions but we are a long way off in our respective valuations of the player."
Birmingham managing director Karren Brady had insisted that Pennant would not be sold.
However, the statement revealed that the Blues may be willing to let him leave - if Liverpool were to raise their offer.
"Until Birmingham's valuation of the player is met, we will not consider a move for Pennant," the statement read.
Pennant completed a £3m switch from Arsenal in April 2005 after falling out of favour at Highbury.
Source: BBC Sport |
Title: Neville awaits Villa bid verdict
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 25, 2006, 10:37:30 AM
Neville awaits Villa bid verdict
Michael Neville says he will find out whether his bid to buy Aston Villa is successful in the next few days.
The lifelong Villa fan is renewing his bid for the club, though chairman Doug Ellis is reported to have started talks with American billionaire Randy Lerner.
Neville told BBC Sport: "I'm still progressing with the bid and one way or another, for the good of everybody, it has to happen in the next few days.
"But Doug Ellis does not have to sell Aston Villa Football Club."
Neville was part of a consortium interested in a takeover of Villa last season after Ellis put the club up for sale.
Although that bid collapsed he is convinced he has new parties willing to support a takeover bid, though he says if unsuccessful he will not try again.
"I don't want to talk about backers but I do think I have the capacity to get this done this time," added Neville.
"I've been at this for 12 months and I can't keep going round and round, so I think if I can't get it done this time I will just withdraw."
Neville also confirmed he would love to appoint Martin O'Neill as the successor to David O'Leary, who left by mutual consent last week.
"I think Martin O'Neill is probably the top manager in the country, so wouldn't it be fantastic if we had him at Villa?" said Neville.
Meanwhile, Lerner is believed to be in talks with Ellis over a takeover of the Premiership club.
The 44-year-old owner of NFL club Cleveland Browns is understood to have already run the rule over Villa Park and the club's training ground complex at Bodymoor Heath.
Ellis returns from a holiday in Spain on Tuesday and is expected to continue discussions with Lerner.
Source: BBC Sport |
Title: Torres opts to stay at Atletico
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 25, 2006, 10:40:53 AM
Torres opts to stay at Atletico
Manchester United transfer target Fernando Torres has announced that he will stay at Atletico Madrid.
The 22-year-old striker had been linked with a £20m-plus move to Old Trafford as replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy.
But he held a press conference in Madrid on Tuesday to say: "I want to stay. If I had wanted to leave Atletico Madrid I would have done it years ago.
"I feel fine here. There has been a lot of discussion about my possible exit but I am here for another year."
Torres' representative Antonio Sanz had earlier hinted he would stay when he said: "The player's intention is to remain at Atletico Madrid.
"Neither us, nor the club, has received an offer from Manchester United, or any other clubs for that matter."
Torres has been the top scorer in each of the last four seasons for Atletico and is a regular fixture in the Spanish national side.
Atletico were keen to keep their talisman who caught the eye with his impressive performances and three goals during the World Cup.
Sanz added: "Torres has two years left on his contract with Atletico and then we will see what happens.
"After the World Cup, there has been interest from Italian clubs but not from English clubs, and there hasn't been anything concrete."
Doubts were raised on the forward's future when Atletico coach Javier Aguirre told Spanish newspaper Marca that Torres' destiny at the club remained uncertain.
He said: "I've spoken to Fernando and he hasn't been able to guarantee his presence in the team in the forthcoming season.
"The market is still open and a lot of things can happen, but it is clear that every day that passes is one day less for something to occur.
"What I want to make clear, though, is that Fernando has a great commitment to the club."
And it appears he has demonstrated that commitment by ruling out a possible move to the Premiership.
Source: BBC Sport
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Quote: Seleção Mujer
Believe me...you'll do better at Atletico Madrid as compared to Man U. Or rather as compared to any clubs under Ferguson's nose.
|
Title: Chelsea hold out over Crespo fee
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 25, 2006, 10:44:24 AM
Chelsea hold out over Crespo fee
Chelsea have issued a statement after Hernan Crespo told an Italian newspaper he wanted to return to Serie A.
Crespo was quoted as telling Tuttosport that his "one wish" was to go back to Italy, where he has played for Parma, Lazio, Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Chelsea then said: "He is contracted for the next two years and will remain so unless we receive a suitable offer.
"Everyone at Chelsea is aware of his domestic situation and we have every sympathy for that."
Crespo owns a house in Italy and says returning there is more important than money - adding that he has turned down incentives presented by billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
"He offered me a house, a private jet and more money, but money and success doesn't come into it," Crespo said.
"Italy is my natural environment, it's where I'll live when I retire and it's the best place to play."
Crespo, who joined Chelsea from Inter Milan for £16.8m in August 2003, was loaned to AC Milan for one season before returning to Stamford Bridge.
He said: "Abramovich is a marvellous person and Chelsea is a fantastic club, they have treated me like a king.
"The fans have been great too, but I am waiting here, just hoping my mobile will ring.
"I can guarantee that I am a healthy striker with just one wish - to return and play my sort of football."
Source: BBC Sport |
Title: Quinn appointed Sunderland boss
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 25, 2006, 10:52:41 AM
Quinn appointed Sunderland boss
Niall Quinn has been appointed the new manager of Sunderland.
The former striker, who is also in line to take over as chairman, admits his reign may yet be short-lived.
He takes over with the Championship season kicking off in just over two weeks, but revealed he could step aside if a top-class boss becomes available.
Quinn admitted: "If it takes three months to get to a point where we can bring in a new manager then great, I will gladly walk away."
After announcing his consortium had bought a controlling stake in the club earlier this month, Quinn made his first task to find a new manager for the club.
But he has been frustrated in his attempts to fill the role, with moves for former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill and Bolton manager Sam Allardyce both coming to nothing.
And on Monday, following their 2-0 win over Shelbourne, former Republic of Ireland international Quinn outlined his proposal to take over at a board meeting.
But he made it clear his intention is to fill in until he can attract the right calibre of manager.
He said: "When I was in full flow with the club three months ago, becoming manager is not something I thought I would be doing.
"But it has transpired that way, even though the group who are backing me could not have been more ambitious in trying to attract a world-class manager.
"What happened is that we decided we would try to attempt the first hurdle because what we have to do is try to stop the slide, to turn the corner.
"We have to gather momentum, and then to lift it so that we get to a point where I can pick the phone up, go to a world-class manager and hopefully with the position we are then in, say to him 'come now'."
On 3 July, Quinn announced his Drumaville consortium had been successful with a £10m offer for the north-east club.
He was given 21 days to try and gain the rest of the shares in the club as he attempts to gain full control.
Sunderland were relegated to the Championship with a record low Premiership points total last season and are about £40m in debt.
Source: BBC Sport |
Title: Re-United in Manchester
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 25, 2006, 10:58:20 AM
Football/English Premier League: Re-United in Manchester
25 Jul 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONDON: Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has been linked with both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, returned to training with Manchester United early yesterday but doubts still remain over whether he will be at Old Trafford for the start of the season.
After his bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson prior to the final game of the last campaign against Charlton, after which van Nistelrooy was banned from playing in Roy Keane’s testimonial, it was widely assumed the 30-year-old Dutch striker would have moved on by now.
Instead, after insisting he wanted no discussion over his future until after the World Cup, van Nistelrooy’s hopes of an immediate move have been scuppered, with neither Real nor Bayern currently willing to meet United’s £15 million (RM100.5 million) asking price.
Van Nistelrooy has indicated to both clubs he would be willing to join them, with Bayern on Sunday revealing they had already started talks with the striker.
However, mindful of the £29 million Chelsea paid AC Milan for Andriy Shevchenko, the Red Devils do not see why they should be railroaded into a deal.
Last week, Ferguson claimed he would have "no problem" if van Nistelrooy was still around when United open their latest assault on the Premier League title against Fulham on Aug 20, even though the former PSV Eindhoven man has handed in a written transfer request.
It was the same diplomatic card van Nistelrooy played following the Netherlands’ elimination from the World Cup, when he said unless his situation changed, he would report for training as required.
However, given the breakdown in relations between player and club, it would have been no surprise if van Nistelrooy — one of only eight players to score 150 goals for United — had backed out of yesterday morning’s session.
Instead, he joined many of his senior teammates — including Edwin van der Sar, Park Ji-Sung and United’s England contingent — at the club’s Carrington training ground.
Ferguson was not due in until later, having delayed his departure from South Africa by 24 hours.
And, unless an arrangement has been agreed between the pair, it seems highly possible van Nistelrooy could be involved in the high-profile friendly against Celtic at Parkhead tomorrow, or the clash with Preston next weekend. — AFP
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Tuesday/Sport/20060725081925/Article/index_html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Quote:Seleção Mujer
I'm guessing it will be either Bayern Munich or Man U...most probably he may remain in Man U |
Title: Bruce slaps £5m asking price on Pennant
Post by: Seleção Mujer on July 25, 2006, 11:12:31 AM
Bruce slaps £5m asking price on Pennant
Steve Bruce has warned Liverpool they will have to match Birmingham's valuation of Jermaine Pennant - believed to be around £5million - if they want to sign the winger.
Blues have already rejected an offer of around £3.5million from Rafael Benitez for the former Arsenal player who moved to St Andrews from Arsenal for £3million 12 months ago.
Bruce is mindful of the fact Birmingham will have to pay Arsenal 25% of any fee for Pennant as part of a sell-on clause included in the deal.
He said: 'We had an offer from Liverpool which we rejected and, until they meet our valuation of Jermaine Pennant, they will get the same answer.
'There's only been one bid, of around £3.5million. We paid £3million for Jermaine plus we owe Arsenal 25% of any sell-on fee.
'We don't want to sell him for £3.5million, that's for sure. Now it's a question of how far Liverpool are prepared to go in meeting our valuation. If they don't then they will move on, I suppose.'
Benitez could now make an improved offer, especially as one of his potential targets in Damien Duff has joined Newcastle from Chelsea in a £5million deal.
Meanwhile, Bruce looks like he will have to admit defeat in his bid to sign Coventry striker Gary McSheffrey after the player insisted he was committed to the Sky Blues.
Birmingham have had two bids rejected for the player |
|