this all about football world

christian gonzales

2010-12-28T20:10:00.000-08:00

Eva grateful, for playing football, the bomber was never seriously injured. "Thankfully, thanks to the prayers of all people, Christian never serious injury. During this time the pain was just the flu, "he said.

Asked about the spiritual life of her husband, Eva explains how the body plays a man 177 cm follow their religion.

"I do not ever force the Christian convert to Islam. He himself is interested, "his wife started. "He did not even know what Islam is like. But he always saw each time I pray, continue to ask, why then, why should so. "

"I then tell it slowly, he finally joined a convert to Islam. He himself is willing, "said Eva Gonzalez who knows when to learn Salsa in Chile 1994.

Eva effort continued until El Loco got an offer to play in the PSM Makassar in 2003. In Indonesia, Cristian got to know Islam more broadly than the diverse adherents, not just the wife.

The bomber eventually became the new convert shortly after setting foot in Indonesia and the more obedient since then.

"Now, every game I always remind him read Al Fatihah. It's funny to hear his accent. I also pray that he ajarin, "he continued.

Mad marriage to bear fruit four hearts, Amanda, Michael, Fernando and Vanesa `Alvaro Gonzalez.

Liverpool suffered a night of frustration as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Utrecht at Anfield

2010-12-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

A young Liverpool line-up found it tough going against the disciplined Dutch side in a disappointing encounter.

driving run

With qualification from Group K already assured, Roy Hodgson made 10 changes from the side which lost at Newcastle United on Saturday, with only centre-back Martin Skrtel surviving.

Ace striker Fernando Torres was left on the bench along with fellow first-teamers Glen Johnson, Raul Meireles, Dirk Kuyt and Sotirios Kyrgiakos while goalkeeper Jose Reina was rested altogether.

Hodgson's last-minute decision not to start Torres robbed Liverpool of a much-needed cutting edge.

In a disjointed and lacklustre match, the closest the home side went to threatening a goal was Milan Jovanovic's early long-range effort which rattled the crossbar after a driving run from the halfway line..
Torres never made it off the substitutes' bench as the Reds made it 10 matches without defeat in the Europa League without ever coming close to being convincing.

Coming to Chelsea vs Tottenham - Modric Still Respect The Blues

2010-12-11T04:01:00.000-08:00

London - Tottenham Hotspur realized Chelsea are in a bad game statistics. But they remind ourselves that the favorite was not the attitude considers more worthy.

Tottenham to host the match on Sunday (12/12/2010) night. In the last two seasons of The Lilywhites always able to beat the Blues at White Hart Lane with a score of 2-1.

Chelsea, too, were in the spotlight. Of his last four games in the league they can not win, including losing twice. For this reason, among others, manager Carlo Ancelotti buffeted by rumors began to waver its position at Stamford Bridge.

"Okay, of course, they had some problems today. But that does not mean anything," said the Tottenham midfielder, Luka Modric, the team's official website.

"If we thought we would beat them, or our more favorite, it is the wrong attitude."

Underlined Modric, Chelsea still have to be given respect and watch out for, and at the same time the Spurs have to continue to believe in the strength and quality alone, and it made capital to defeat the opponent.

"We know, they are filled with great players. From that point of view, we must respect them. But also, when it comes down to the field, we have launched our game, fighting for every ball, play with confidence and try to beat them again," continued Croatian playmaker that.

"We're in good form and is not afraid of anyone at home."

Chelsea currently sit at number three of the standings with a value of 30, winning four digits of Tottenham which ranks fifth.

Three Chelsea games waiting weight

2010-12-11T03:56:00.001-08:00

Didier Drogba et al. middle unsteady (Getty Images)

Chelsea, who was unsteady must meet a strong team in three consecutive parties. Striker Didier Drogba says three games is a momentum to mengembaikan feel confident the Blues.

What's wrong with Chelsea? That question deserves addressed to Carlo Ancelotti's men when they view the achievement in the last few games.

Chelsea inevitably have to immediately clean up after not just for the sake of reaching the Champions League trophy in the main game this season. But also mentally and confidence for players who seem to begin to decline.

Amid these conditions, The Blue had to face the league's heavy schedule. Three strong team was waiting for them for the past two weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur (12 December), Manchester United (19 December), and Arsenal (27 December) is the opposite to be dealt with John Terry et al.

Striker Didier Drogba said that the three parties that weight is an appropriate moment to return The Blue into a better situation.

"Obviously three games came at a bad time for us, but the three games it could change the situation that we encounter when we can win. This all has not been completed, "said the Ivory Coast on SkySports.

"This is a difficult moment for us, but this is something that can only happen every time. Situations like this rarely happens at Chelsea and hope that the situation could be better. "

Spurs became the first opponent of the three "final" should dilakoni The Pensioners. Gareth Bale et al. a team that was on-fire both in the UK would also in the European arena.

"I judge Tottenham is one of the teams who entered the competition struggle for the title. They undergo season well and there is no reason they could not compete, "said Drogba.

Year 2005 was the last time Chelsea's past can be overcome Spurs at White Hart Lane in the Premier League scene. When the West London team overcome the north London team 2-0 through goals Asier Del Horno and Damien Duff.

"Chelsea had to beat Tottenham on a regular basis, but now the situation is changing. Indeed this is how to live. So it all depends on us to be able to make that happen again, "lid Drogba.

Get rid of West Ham United, Arsenal Going

2010-11-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

West Ham United had made a surprise with cruised into the Carling Cup semi-final after defending champion Manchester United's shave four goals without reply at Upton Park Stadium, Tuesday (30/11).

The success of West Ham is quite surprising because the care team Avram Grant was a caretaker Premier League while Manchester United top standings. This defeat also end the record 29 matches unbeaten in all competitions MU.

Although down with a second-tier players, Manchester United actually look promising at the beginning of the fight. Game has been running seven minutes, Gabriel Obertan almost makes MU superior if the kick does not hit the goalpost.

In the 16th minute, replace the push West Ham and Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is able to break through Victor Obinna, but the referee disallowed the goal because the off-side.

Six minutes later, West Ham eventually able to lead through wing-back Jonathan Spector header, which is the former Manchester United player, after continued feedback Obinna.

In the 38th minute, Spector re-breaking wicket former club after Obinna completed the hard work. For Spector two goals is the first of his career in England.

In the second half Manchester United to increase the intensity of their attacks. But this makes them become more lax defense.

As a result West Ham would even be able to add a goal in minute 56. Again, Obinna who became a disaster for the MU defense. This time the bait settled Carlton Cole.

West Ham 4-0 to ensure victory after Coe recorded a second goal in this match on 67 minutes which re-birth thanks to the hard work Obinna.

If MU had to swallow the bitter pill, the other seeded teams, Arsenal, without difficulty breezed into the semifinals after the bend Wigan Athletic 2-0.

Wigan captain's own goal during first-half Antonlin Alcaraz three minutes left Arsenal started the party. The Gunners doubled his lead at 67 minutes by Nicklas Bendtner.

After the Arsenal back to get some chances but their finishing less than satisfactory so no additional goals again.

Get rid of West Ham United, Arsenal Going

2010-11-30T19:23:00.000-08:00

City Not Contact Zapata

2010-11-26T19:13:00.000-08:00

Agent of Udinese defender Cristian Zapata admitted his side up to now has not contacted representatives of the Premier League club Manchester City, who allegedly told clients interested.

City recently was widely rumored plans to recruit players from Colombia that. City requires the presence of the back line Zapata because they appear less convincing.

Unfortunately until now the City was not contacted agan Zapatan, Massimo Italiani. "I have read about the City, but no contacts from their side," said the Calciomercato.it Italiani.

Although not yet contacted the City, admitted his client Italiani interested to try his luck playing in the Premier League.

"I'm not surprised he was associated with a great team. Cristian liked the Premier League and he has always dreamed of playing there. Maybe he can go there in the future. You never know what will happen in the transfer market,"stated Italiani

Real Madrid and AC Milan Pass

2010-11-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid successfully ensure themselves qualify for the knock-out round of the Champions League as winners of Group G after the fifth game drubbing of host Ajax Amsterdam four goals without reply at the Amsterdam Arena Stadium on Tuesday (23/11).

Donate three points to make Madrid packing 13 points. Jose Mourinho's troops are also eligible to win Group G and qualify for the knock-out. Madrid five points ahead of second-placed AC Milan, which also ensure self-qualify as runners-up.

Ajax itself certainly gets left out because only four points and sits in third position. Ajax have to compete with Auxerre, which resemble three points, to compete for the top three, which means a ticket to the Europa League.

Need to make Ajax victory Madrid tried to suppress since the beginning, but poor coordination among the trio of attackers Mounier El Hamadoui, Luis Suarez and Miralem Sulejmani make not many opportunities that can be achieved Ajax.

Madrid almost opened its superiority in the 19th minute when Karim Benzema hard kick forced goalkeeper Stekelenburg Ajax Martin work hard to save his goal.

Benzema again threatened in the middle of the first half, but the action of the French players were able to be secured properly by Stekelenburg.

In the 36th minute, Benzema did not end up wasting a golden opportunity he gets. Obtaining feedback from Mesut Oezil heel, Benzema snatched with a deceptive hard kick Stekelenburg.

A minute before the break, Madrid doubled its superiority when hard kick wing defender Alvaro Arbeloa from a distance of 30 yards to deceive Stekelenburg.

Shortly after halftime, Madrid should be able to add goals if Stekelenburg not do rescue brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo broke the individual action.

In the 69th minute, Ajax get most ripe opportunities in this match through a free kick in January Vertonghen which still can be secured by Iker Casillas.

One minute later, Ronaldo finally became a success on the scoreboard after maximizing bait ripe substitute Angel Di Maria.

When the match remaining 10 minutes, Madrid got a penalty due to violations by Urby Emmanuelson Ozil in the forbidden box. Ronaldo is believed to be the executioner successfully perform the task well.

Madrid itself was forced to end the match with nine players after the game dipenghujung Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos received a second yellow card for wasting time.

Meanwhile, Milan are also successful in another fight picking away victory. Entertained at the Abbe Deschamps Auxerre, the Rossoneri won 2-0. Both donated the winning goal Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Ronaldinho.

English League scorers

2010-11-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

List of Premier League goalscorer, Saturday: 8 Johan Elmander (Bolton Wanderers)

Andy Carroll (Newcastle United) 7 Florent Malouda (Chelsea)

Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)

Kevin Nolan (Newcastle United) 6 Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal)

Kevin Davies (Bolton Wanderers)

Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

Tim Cahill (Everton)

Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United)

Darren Bent (Sunderland)

Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur) 5 Samir Nasri (Arsenal)

Marlon Harewood (Blackpool)

Salomon Kalou (Chelsea)

Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland)

Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur). (Ant)

Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United

2010-11-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

The Merseysiders took the lead in the 18th minute when Raul Meireles swung over a corner and Glen Johnson chested it down before drilling a low shot straight down the middle of the goal with Rob Green unsighted.

The visitors conceded a second from the penalty spot in the 27th minute. Fernando Torres flicked the ball past Danny Gabbidon but it bounced back off Matthew Upson on to his central defensive partner's hand. Referee Lee Probert blew for hand ball and Dirk Kuyt rolled the penalty straight down the middle as Green dived to his left.

Fabian Delph

2010-11-18T03:45:00.000-08:00

Name: Fabian Delph
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 21/11/1989
Height: 5' 9" (174cm)
Weight: 9st 6lbs (60.0kg)

The former Leeds United player has been sidelined since April with cruciate ligament damage and has recently travelled to the United States for a short period to undertake some specialist training.

But Villa manager Gerard Houllier revealed earlier this month that he expects Delph to return early in the New Year.

Germany v Turkey - Philipp Lahm

2010-11-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

Germany v Turkey - Philipp Lahm

The 90 minutes are up. You have just blundered to concede an equaliser and, receiving possession close to the dugouts, a red sea of nine Turkish shirts blocks your path to goal.

Mesut Ozil from Germany

2010-10-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

Mesut Ozil born October 15, 1988 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. He is a German footballer of Turkish descent who currently plays in the club Real Madrid since August 2010. He plays as an attacking midfielder at the club and also the national team. Ozil is an important player in the Germany national team squad. In Madrid ozil is also a central player who dibtuhkan Madrid to tear apart the opponent's defense.

Joris Mathijsen from Netherlands

2010-09-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Joris Mathijsen is a professional Dutch footballer. He was born 5 April 1980 in Goirle, North Brabant, Netherlands.Now, He plays for Hamburger SV and the national team as a centre back, usually on the left side as he is left footed.

Lampard backs Chelsea squad

2010-09-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Frank Lampard says he has no fears about Chelsea's ageing squad as they gear up for the Champions League.

The Blues midfielder is confident that Carlo Ancelotti's side can lift Europe's biggest prize at Wembley in May and finally bring the trophy to Stamford Bridge for the first time in their history.

After securing the domestic league and cup double in the Italian's first season in charge, the 32-year-old England international believes this squad has yet to peak despite concern over the Blues' senior men.

Captain John Terry and Ashley Cole are both 29 while Nicolas Anelka, Yossi Benayoun and striker Didier Drogba are all over 30.

But Lampard, who has now recovered from a hernia injury, which ruled him out of England's opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers, has rejected any suggestions that the Chelsea squad is too old.

deep hunger

He said: "It is a load of rubbish when I hear talk about there only being one or two years left in our spine. This has been going on for a year or so.

"Sometimes that is mind games from other managers, or press talk. But we proved them wrong last year.

"We have got players here who are experienced and you can't buy experience in football. Look at Didier, he will overpower any player who is 24 or 25.

"People have been talking about Paul Scholes and rightly so. If you took him out of the United team now, they'd need to replace him - and probably wouldn't be able to."

Lampard admits to a having a deep hunger for success at Stamford Bridge and has set himself a series of goals this season.

"Every year I set my goals again. I don't lose any ambition or drive.

"I would love to win the Champions League one day but I want more Premier League titles as well.

"And if I can keep my level up I think I can play for many more years.

source:http://www.premierleague.com

Hot girls play foot ball

2010-09-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Khalid Boulahrouz

2010-08-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Khalid Boulahrouz is Dutch footballer. He was born 28 December 1981, in Maassluis, Netherlands. Now, he  was plays for the Netherlands and VfB Stuttgart.

Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club

2010-08-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Wolverhampton Wanderers will ply their trade in the Premier League for a second season after a superb 2009/10 campaign.

Many pudits predicted a swift return to the Championship, but under manager Mick McCarthy, Wolves proved the doubters wrong and ended up in 15th place.

Wolves' first spell in the Premier League came in the 2003/04 season, after they won promotion via the play-offs. A disappointing season ended in relegation, as the Midlands side finished bottom of the table with 33 points.

They won the Championship title in 2009 and have been in the top flight since.

club heritage

Initially formed as St Luke's FC in 1877, the club became a founder member of the Football League 11 years later. In 1889, the club moved to their Molineux ground and reached the FA Cup final, losing 3-0 to Preston North End. The first of four FA Cup wins came in 1893, when they beat Everton 1-0.

In 1906, Wolves were relegated to the Second Division, but enjoyed another FA Cup win two years later, this time over favourites Newcastle United. In 1923 the club slipped further down the league system, with relegation to the Third Division (north.).

Success came 12 months later when they won Division Two. In 1932, they were promoted again, returning to the top-flight after a 26 year absence.

When Wolves old-boy Stan Cullis became manager in 1948, he oversaw one of the club's most triumphant periods, with an FA Cup win in 1949 being followed by three First Division titles in the fifties. Another FA Cup success, this time over Blackburn Rovers, came in 1960. After Cullis left the club in 1963, Wolves spent two seasons in the second tier before winning promotion once more.

Under manager Bill McGarry, the club made a UEFA Cup Final appearance against Tottenham Hotspur in 1972 and won the League Cup in 1974. In 1976 Wolves were relegated back to the Second Division, but they bounced back at the first time of asking, promoted as champions in 1977.

The early 1980s saw a League Cup win, a relegation to the Second Division, bankruptcy, and a promotion, followed by three successive relegations which left the club in the Fourth Division.

A change of ownership saw a dramatic improvement in the club's fortunes. The Molineux outfit won promotion from Division Four in 1987/88, which was followed by a second successive promotion a year later.

In 1990, Sir Jack Hayward bought the club and with his investment in the stadium and the team, the club enjoyed more stability, spending much of the 1990s pushing for a place in the Premier League, with several play-off final disappointments along the way.

The dream of Premier League football was eventually realised in 2003, with a play-off final win over Sheffield United at the Millennium Stadium clinching their promotion. Having seen his beloved club hit the big time, Hayward retired six months later.

A single season in the top-flight ended in relegation, with manager Dave Jones being dismissed shortly after. Former England manager Glenn Hoddle enjoyed a two-year spell at the club before Mick McCarthy took over the reins in the summer of 2006.

Then in August 2007, Redrow founder Steve Morgan bought Wolves for £10 plus a commitment to invest £30m into the club. In 2009, Wolves were promoted to the Barclays Premier League after being crowned Championship champions.

premier league history

2002/03 - Win promotion to Premier League via play-offs.
2003/04 - Relegated from the top-flight with 33 points.
2008/09 - Crowned champions of the Championship, promoted back to the Premier League.
2009/10 - Secured their Barclays Premier League status

source: http://www.premierleague.com

Wigan Athletic Football Club

2010-08-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Wigan Athletic won promotion to England's top flight for the first time ever in 2005 and have stayed a Premier League club ever since.

Remaining in the top half of the table for almost the entire 2005/06 campaign, the Latics finished 10th and reached the League Cup final for the first time in their history.

Wigan's rise has been swift. Playing in the old Third Division when local millionaire Dave Whelan purchased the club in 1995, his Premier League ambitions were realised in just 10 years.

Wigan found the 2006/07 season more taxing and were pulled into a relegation dogfight. However, they survived on the final day of the campaign after a 2-1 win against relegation rivals Sheffield United. Manager Paul Jewell chose to step down after survival had been guaranteed and was replaced by his assistant Chris Hutchings.

However, after a run of six consecutive defeats at the start of the next term, Hutchings was sacked in November 2007. He had lasted just 12 matches. Steve Bruce, who had briefly managed the Latics in 2001, was lured away from Birmingham City to take over and helped the club avoid relegation and finish a respectable 14th.

In March 2009, the club announced the JJB Stadium would be re-named the DW Stadium from 1st August 2009. Bruce guided the Latics to a decent 11th place finish at the end of 2008/09 - their second best finish in the Premier League. In May 2009, Bruce moved on to become manager of Sunderland and he was replaced by former Wigan player Roberto Martinez from Swansea City.

Wigan suffered some heavy defeats over 2009/10 including a 9-1 thrashing by Tottenham Hotspur and 8-0 to Chelsea but Martinez guided them to safety.

Club Heritage

The club was formed in 1932 following the demise of Wigan Borough the previous year. With Wigan County, Wigan United and Wigan Town also failing to establish themselves, this was fifth time lucky as far as Wigan Athletic were concerned.

Wigan hold the record for the biggest cup win by a non-league club over a league club. In the 1934/35 season, they defeated Carlisle United 6-1 in the FA Cup fifth round. This was achieved when playing in the Cheshire County League and it was not until 1978, and after appearances in the Lancashire Combination and Northern Premier League, that Wigan were elected to the Football League.

This came after numerous failed election attempts and a controversial application to join the Scottish League Second Division. They finished runners-up to Boston United in the Northern Premier League, but the latter's ground and facilities were deemed unsuitable for the Football League, and the Latics were put forward for election.

Wigan took their first step towards the Premier League in 1997 when they won the Third Division under John Deehan. Paul Jewell then earned promotion to the First Division with a points tally of 100 in 2002/03, just his second season at the club.

Premier League History

2004/05 - Promoted to Barclays Premiership
2006/07 - Emile Heskey signs from Birmingham City for a club record £5.5m
2006/07 - Paul Jewell resigns as manager and is replaced by his assistant Chris Hutchings
2007/08 - Hutchings sacked as manager
2007/08 - Steve Bruce appointed manager
2008/09 - Bruce resigns at the end of the season to become Sunderland manager. Roberto Martinez takes over.
2009/10 - Martinez keeps Wigan in the top flight

source: http://www.premierleague.com

West Ham United Football Club

2010-08-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

West Ham United secured their place back in the Barclays Premiership after a two-year absence in 2005.

The Hammers joined the Premier League in 1993 and consolidated in midtable under manager Billy Bonds. At the start of the following season, assistant Harry Redknapp stepped up to become the new manager after Bonds quit the post.

Redknapp's first campaign saw the Hammers finish in 14th place, but he led them to three top-10 finishes including fifth place in 1999. Youth team coach Glenn Roeder became the new manager in 2001 and he had a successful first season leading the team to seventh. But things went badly wrong 12 months later, as they were relegated in 2003.

Alan Pardew took over and led West Ham to the Championship play-offs, but they lost to Crystal Palace in the final. However, the Hammers only had to wait another season before returning to the top flight after play-off success over Preston North End.

On their return to the top flight in 2005/06, Pardew's men came ninth and also finished as FA Cup runners-up after Liverpool beat them in a penalty shoot-out. In the 2006/07 season, the Hammers started brightly but plunged into a relegation dogfight and Pardew left as manager in November.

New manager Alan Curbishley eventually reversed the slump and West Ham miraculously escaped relegation on the very last day of the season. Curbishley backed that up with a 10th place finish in the 2007/08 campaign in what was seen as a season of consolidation. Gianfranco Zola took the hotseat when Curbishley resigned in September 2008 and led the Hammers to a ninth place finish in 2009.

However the 2009/10 campaign was a struggle with a change of ownership in January 2010 when former Birmingham City owners David Sullivan and David Gold took charge. The Hammers eventually avoided relegation by one place and although they finished five points clear of the drop zone, it was not enough to save Zola's job and he was sacked on 11th May 2010.

West Ham have never played outside football's top two divisions since joining the Football League in 1919.

Club Heritage

Founded in 1895, the club was originally known as Thames Ironworks FC, before it was re-named as West Ham United five years later. West Ham won promotion to the top flight in 1923 and the same year appeared in the first Wembley FA Cup Final. They clinched the FA Cup in 1964 and were crowned European Cup Winners' Cup winners in the following season.

More FA Cup glory arrived in 1975 and the Hammers were European Cup Winners' Cup finalists 12 months later. But in 1978, they suffered a blow with relegation from the top tier. But as a Second Division side, West Ham upset Arsenal to win the FA Cup in 1980. They won promotion in 1981 and spent eight seasons in the top flight - including a club-best finish of third in 1986 - before getting relegated in 1989.

West Ham regained their place in the top division in 1991, but had the pain of relegation after one season. However, they bounced back immediately with promotion back up at the first attempt in 1993. After a 10-year spell in the Premier League, the East London outfit suffered relegation again but won their place back in 2005.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Join Premier League
1994/95 - Harry Redknapp replaces Billy Bonds as manager
2001/02 - Glenn Roeder becomes manager
2002/03 - Trevor Brooking installed as caretaker manager
2002/03 - Relegated from Barclaycard Premiership
2003/04 - Alan Pardew appointed manager
2004/05 - Promoted to Barclays Premiership via play-offs
2005/06 - Reach FA Cup final losing on penalties to Liverpool after 3-3 draw
2006/07 - An Icelandic consortium fronted by Eggert Magnusson buys the club
2006/07 - Alan Curbishley takes charge
2007/08 - Magnusson sells his stake in the club and Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson takes over as Chairman.
2008/09 - Curbishley resigns and is replaced by Gianfranco Zola.
2009/10 - David Sullivan and David Gold take over ownership of the club in January 2010. Zola is sacked in May 2010 after the Hammers finish one place but five points above the drop zone. After leaving Portsmouth at the end of the season, Avram Grant is confirmed as the club's new manager.

source: http://www.premierleague.com

West Bromwich Albion-Club Profile

2010-08-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

West Bromwich Albion returned to the Barclays Premier League after a strong 2009/10 campaign which saw them finish runners-up behind runaway title-winners Newcastle United in the Championship.

Under the guidance of new head coach Roberto di Matteo, the Baggies finished comfortably 12 points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest.

Founded in 1878 the Midlands club became one of the original members of the Football League 10 years later.

They spent most of their early history in England's top tier, winning the league title in 1920, the FA Cup on five occasions and League Cup once. Their Premier League debut came in 2002.

They were relegated after just one season but returned two years later and stayed up on the final day of the 2004/05 campaign. It was only a temporary reprieve as they were relegated a year later only to bounce back at the first attempt as champions. They again lasted just one season but the "Boing Boing" Baggies again bounced straight back and now hope to get a firm foothold in the Barclays Premier League.

Heritage

The club was formed in 1878 by workers from George Salter's Spring Works in West Bromwich and took the name West Bromwich Strollers a year later.

They were renamed West Bromwich Albion in 1880 - Albion was a district of West Bromwich where some of the players lived or worked.

Albion entered the FA Cup in 1883 and were finalists in 1886 and 1887 before making it third time lucky with victory in the 1888 final where they beat Preston North End.

That same year, Albion became one of 12 founder members of the Football League and clinched the FA Cup again in 1892 with a 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa.

Three years later, Villa beat them in the FA Cup final and relegation to Division Two followed in 1901 in the first season at their Hawthorns ground.

Although they won promotion at the first attempt as champions, they went down in their first season back in the top flight. Albion won the Division Two title in 1911 and were again FA Cup finalists a year later.

The club claimed the league title in 1920 - the only time in their history - and finished as runners-up five years later.

Another relegation to Division Two came in 1927, but in 1931 they were celebrating promotion and added the FA Cup to their trophy cabinet with victory over Birmingham City.

They were FA Cup finalists again in 1935 - were relegated three years later - but won promotion back to the big league in 1949 where they stayed for 24 seasons.

More FA Cup success arrived in 1954, when they also finished second in the top flight, establishing themselves as one of the best sides in the land.

The League Cup was won in 1966 to go with the FA Cup two years after for a fifth time. Albion were League Cup finalists in 1967 and 1970.

The Baggies have since spent the rest of their history between the top three divisions. Promotion to the Premier League was achieved in 2002.

Premier League history

2002/03 - Albion's first season in the Premier League with Gary Megson at the helm, but are relegated.
2004 - The club break their transfer record to sign Robert Earnshaw from Cardiff City for £3.5m.
2004/05 - Megson leads them back to the top flight after one season away. Bryan Robson replaces Megson at the helm in November 2004 and the Baggies stay up on the final day of the campaign.
2006/07 - Robson leaves his post and is replaced by Tony Mowbray in October 2006. Albion are relegated from the Premier League.
2007/08 - Tony Mowbray leads Albion to the Championship title.
2008/09 - Albion finish bottom of the Barclays Premier League on 32 points and are relegated.
2009/10 - Roberto di Matteo leads Albion back to the Barclays Premier League as runners-up in the Championship.

source: http://www.premierleague.com

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

2010-08-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

Tottenham Hotspur have been in the Premier League since its inception and have lit the competition up with their flamboyant style of play. With Jurgen Klinsmann and Ilie Dumitrescu, the team was built around goals, but points were harder to come by. Relegation was only narrowly avoided in 1998, but fans' relief was short lived as their next manager was a legend from fierce north London rivals Arsenal - George Graham.

He led the team to a League Cup victory in his first season - Spurs' first trophy since the Premier League began. However, it wasn't until Martin Jol took over in 2004 and started building a team for the future - firmly placing his faith in youth - that Spurs began to climb the table. They only narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification in the 2005/06 season and secured another fifth place finish the following campaign.

But a slow start to the 2007/08 season saw Jol replaced by Juande Ramos. The Spaniard repeated Graham's trick of winning the League Cup in his first season by defeating Chelsea in the final at Wembley Stadium and also lifted the club up to 11th place in the league.

Ramos was sacked in October 2008 with the team bottom of the Barclays Premier League on just two points. He was replaced by Harry Redknapp who sparked a remarkable revival leading the side to an eighth-place finish and the Carling Cup final where they lost on penalties to Manchester United.

The 2009/10 season was Tottenham's most successful yet in the Premier League as they saw off a strong challenge from Manchester City to finish fourth, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.

Club Heritage

Boys from Hotspur Cricket Club and the local grammar club formed Hotspur FC in 1882. The name was changed to Tottenham Hotspur in 1884. Three years later, they played their first north London derby, but the match was called off after 15 minutes "owing to darkness" - Spurs were beating Arsenal 2-1.

The club turned professional in 1885, but didn't join the football league until 1908. In the meantime, they became the only non-league team to win the FA Cup (in 1901) since the formation of the Football League in 1888. Spurs became perceived as a big club when Bill Nicholson took over in 1958. He won his first match 10-4 - a sign of what was to come. In his 16 years at the club, Spurs won eight major trophies - becoming the first club in the 20th century to complete the league and cup 'double' in 1961 and the first British team to win a major European competition in 1963.

Further league success eluded Spurs and, following Nicholson's retirement, they even spent a brief stint in the Second Division in 1977/78. Their ethos of playing attacking football continued though - players that wowed the White Hart Lane faithful include Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker.

Premier League History

1993/94 - Ossie Ardiles becomes manager
1994/95 - Ardiles sacked in September. Replaced by Gerry Francis
1997/98 - Francis replaced by Christian Gross, who re-signs Jurgen Klinsmann
1998/99 - Gross replaced by George Graham. Win League Cup
2000/01 - Glenn Hoddle replaces Graham in April. ENIC complete takeover with Daniel Levy becoming chairman
2003/04 - David Pleat replaces Hoddle in September
2004/05 - Jacques Santini becomes head coach, but quits after just 13 matches. Replaced by Martin Jol
2007/08 - Sign Darren Bent for club record £16.5m from Charlton Athletic
2007/08 - Martin Jol sacked as manager in October
2007/08 - Juande Ramos appointed manager and names Spurs old boy Gus Poyet as assistant
2007/08 - Win League Cup
2008/09 Juande Ramos sacked as manager along with coaches Gus Poyet, Marcos Alvarez and sporting director Damien Comolli. Harry Redknapp leaves Portsmouth to take the reins. Spurs lose the Carling Cup final to Manchester United on penalties after a 0-0 draw at Wembley
2009/10 Spurs finish fourth, their highest ever placing in the Premier League. It sees them qualify for the Champions League

source: http://www.premierleague.com

Sunderland Association Football Club

2010-08-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Sunderland have established themselves as a Barclays Premier League side after winning the Championship title in 2006/07.

After their relegation in 2006, the club was taken over by Drumaville - a consortium of mainly Irish-based businessmen, headed up by former player Niall Quinn - which appointed Republic of Ireland legend and former Manchester United hero Roy Keane as manager, his first managerial post since hanging up his boots.

The club have not looked back since as Keane guided them from the bottom of the Championship to title winners. Keane led them to a 15th Barclays Premier League place finish in 2007/08 but left the club midway through the following season with the Black Cats struggling at the foot of the table.

Coach Ricky Sbragia moved up from coach to take charge until the end of the campaign and ensured the struggling Black Cats avoided the drop. Majority shareholder Ellis Short assumed 100 per cent control of the club with Quinn staying on as chairman. They appointed Steve Bruce as new manager and he steered the Black Cats to 13th position in 2009/10.

Club Heritage

Glaswegian schoolteacher James Allan founded Sunderland and District Teachers' Association Football Club in 1879, changing the name to Sunderland AFC a year later. They were elected to the newly-formed Football League in 1890/91 and were to remain in the top flight for 68 consecutive years - a record only recently passed by Arsenal.

Sunderland won the title three times in five years, only losing one home match in their first six seasons. The Mackems won another title in 1902, but a better prize in their fans eyes' was a 9-1 thrashing of fierce rivals Newcastle United - still a record away win in the top flight. The team came close to doing the double in 1913 but they lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to Aston Villa.

A post-war slump saw them beaten by Yeovil Town in the FA Cup - the first time a non-league club had beaten a top-flight team - and worse, relegated in 1958. Sunderland have spent most of their time since then bouncing between the top two divisions, with their only real glory being a 1973 FA Cup win over Leeds United - the first time in 40 years a club outside the top flight had won the trophy.

The Black Cats reached their lowest point in 1987 as they were relegated to the Third Division. But successive promotions saw them back in the top flight two years later.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Avoid relegation to Division Two by one point
1993/94 - Mick Buxton replaces Terry Butcher as manager
1994/95 - Peter Reid becomes manager with seven matches remaining
1995/96 - Win Division One
1996/97 - Relegated from FA Carling Premiership
1997/98 - First season at Stadium of Light. Lose play-off final on penalties
1998/99 - Win Division One with a record 105 points
2002/03 - Break record signing with Tore Andre Flo for £6.75m. Reid replaced by Howard Wilkinson. Mick McCarthy takes over with nine matches left. Relegated with lowest points tally ever (19)
2004/05 - Win Division One
2005/06 - McCarthy leaves in March after just two wins. Kevin Ball appointed as caretaker. Relegated with new record low number of points (15).
2006/07 - Consortium headed by former hero Niall Quinn takes over. Quinn appointed as manager but sacks himself after four straight defeats. Roy Keane becomes manager. Win promotion to the Barclays Premier League
2007/08 - Break British transfer record for a goalkeeper - paying Hearts £9m for Craig Gordon
2008/09 - After a disappointing run, Roy Keane resigns from his post as manager in December. Ricky Sbragia takes temporary charge and keeps the Black Cats up. Steve Bruce takes becomes new pemanent manager in June.
2009/10 - Bruce secures Sunderland's Barclays Premier League status as they finish 13th.

source: http://www.premierleague.com

Stoke City-Club Profile

2010-08-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Stoke City secured a third season in the Barclays Premier League with an impressive 11th place finish at the end of 2009/10.

Manager Tony Pulis again exceeded expectations by confirming the Potters' place in the top flight with a handful of matches to spare a year after they placed 12th.

This is Pulis' second spell in charge at the club. He originally parted company with the Potters at the end of the 2004/05 season. Dutch manager Johan Boskamp stepped in but left at the end of the season after a mid-table finish.

Boskamp's departure came as former-chairman Peter Coates was completing a takeover of the club and he reappointed Pulis who, after leading the club to eighth in the 2006/07 season, guided them to promotion.

Prior to their promotion, Stoke had not competed in the top flight since the 1984/85 season.

Their most recent trophy was won in 2000 when their first overseas manager, Gudjon Thordarson, guided them to The Auto Windscreens trophy. It was the Icelander who led them to promotion into the First Division in 2001.

Heritage

There is some doubt over when Stoke came into existence. It is reported that a club was formed in 1863 by former pupils of the Charterhouse School, but there is little evidence of matches being played.

A report in The Field magazine on 1868 stated that a club had been formed in Stoke-on-Trent and that its founder member was ex-Charterhouse School pupil Henry Almond.

So it is possible that matches had been played over the previous five years but the first on record played by Almond's team was in October 1868 and consisted mainly of railway employees. The team was called Stoke Ramblers.

The club turned professional in 1885, and became owners of their stadium, the Victoria Ground, around 1919. The club's most celebrated player Stanley Matthews made his debut in the 1930s and helped the club achieve promotion to the top flight in 1933.

Stoke mounted a serious title challenge in the 1946/47 season but missed out on the final day. Matthews, at the age of 32, opted to join Blackpool two matches earlier.

The club won its first major trophy in 1972 when beating Chelsea 2-1 to win the League Cup. They played a staggering 11 matches before achieving this feat.

The Potters have enjoyed sustained spells in the top tier of English football, while also residing in the Second Division, notably for a ten-year period in the 1950s and early 60s. Under Tony Waddington they remained in the First Division between 1963 and 1977, and it was in that period that they won their only major trophy.

Stoke had been back in the top flight for six successive seasons before they were relegated in 1984/85. The Potters remained in the Second Division for the rest of the decade. Between 1980 and 1990, the club had five managers and five chairmen.

Under Alan Ball, the club were relegated to the Third Division in 1991 and he failed to earn them promotion the following season. Lou Macari, though, steered them back up in time for the 1992/93 season, and made it two promotions in two campaigns by taking the club up to Division One that season.

Stoke consolidated their position for five seasons before relegation in 1997/98. Four seasons in the Second Division followed, until Thordarson took them back up.

source: http://www.premierleague.com

Newcastle United Football Club

2010-08-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Newcastle United fans have had a rollercoaster time since the inception of the Premier League. When Kevin Keegan took over the reins in 1992, the club was on the brink of relegation to the old Division Three. But under his management, they romped to the title and took their place in the FA Carling Premiership in time for the 1993/94 season.

With a goal-hungry Andy Cole and veteran Peter Beardsley at the forefront of an attacking team, they were dubbed "The Entertainers". Attack was the first form of defence and it worked as the North East outfit finished third in their first season. They went even closer two years later. Leading Manchester United by 12 points, they eventually slipped to second.

Signing Alan Shearer for a world record £15m eased the Toon Army's disappointment and again they were runners-up. Managerial upheaval has seen the club fail to reach those dizzy heights since. Sam Allardyce took over for the 2007/08 campaign but was sensationally replaced by Keegan later that season. Equally unexpectedly, Keegan resigned in September 2008 and was replaced by Joe Kinnear whose initial short-term contract was soon extended to the end of the campaign. However there was further disruption as Kinnear was rushed to hospital in February 2009 and needed heart surgery. Chris Hughton took temporary charge during Kinnear's absence. Magpies legend Alan Shearer returned to his old club and took the managerial reins for the final eight fixtures of the campaign but he was unable to prevent them slipping into the Championship as they were beaten 1-0 at Aston Villa on the final day of the campaign.

However the Magpies bounced straight back to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt. Hughton was handed the job on a permanent basis in October 2009 and repaid the club by leading them to the Championship title - and in some style. they racked up 102 points and 90 goals to finish 11 points clear of runners-up West Bromwich Albion.

Club Heritage

In 1881, Stanley Cricket Club formed a football team to occupy themselves in winter. A year later, they changed their name to East End FC, turning professional in 1889. In 1892, they took over fierce rivals West End and moved into their ground - St James' Park. And on 22nd December, the FA approved the name Newcastle United.

The Magpies joined the Football League in 1893 and swiftly became one of the game's giants - winning three league titles and an FA Cup by 1914. In 1934 they were relegated though - despite memorably defeating Liverpool 9-2 and Everton 7-3. The Magpies started to rebuild, helped enormously by former star Stan Seymour as director.

The end of the Second World War saw the birth of another great team. Newcastle signed Jackie Milburn after he responded to their advert for trialists, and with his help, they lifted the FA Cup three times in five years. They also recorded the highest victory in English League football, 13-0 over Newport County in 1946.

European success followed when the Magpies won the Fairs Cup - re-named the Uefa Cup in 1969 - despite a brief spell in Division Two, and in 1971 Malcolm Macdonald was signed from Luton Town. Devastating in front of goal, 'Supermac' led the Magpies to Wembley twice - in the FA Cup in 1974 and League Cup in 1976 - and quickly established himself as a Newcastle legend. The club have had their ups and downs since then but players such as Kevin Keegan, Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle have seen them maintain their ethos of attractive and attacking football.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Promoted to FA Carling Premiership as Division One Champions
1994/95 - Sell Andy Cole to Manchester United for English record transfer fee of £7million
1995/96 - FA Carling Premiership runners-up
1996/97 - Sign Alan Shearer for world record £15m. Manager Kevin Keegan quits in January. Replaced by Kenny Dalglish. FA Carling Premiership runners-up
1997/98 - Lose FA Cup Final 2-0 to Arsenal
1998/99 - Ruud Gullit replaces Dalglish. Lose FA Cup final 2-0 to Manchester United
1999/00 - Bobby Robson replaces Gullit. Wins first home match 8-0 against Sheffield Wednesday
2004/05 - Robson sacked. Replaced by Graeme Souness
2005/06 - Sign Michael Owen for club record £17m. Souness sacked, replaced by Glenn Roeder. Shearer becomes record goalscorer - overtaking Jackie Milburn's tally of 200. Retires having scored 206 goals for Newcastle
2006/07 - Roeder sacked with one match of the Barclays Premiership season to go. Sam Allardyce appointed two days after season ends. 26th June - Mike Ashley and St. James' Holdings gain 90 per cent of shares, enough to take over the club
2007/08 - Sam Allardyce leaves the club in January '08 by mutual consent. Kevin Keegan replaces Allardyce to make a sensational return to the club.
2008/09 - Keegan resigns in September '08 by mutual consent. He is replaced by Joe Kinnear, initially on a 10-week contract soon extended to the end of the season. However heart surgery in February forces Kinnear to miss two months of the season with Chris Hughton stepping in on a temporary basis. Alan Shearer is put in charge for the final eight fixtures but cannot prevent the Magpies being relegated to the Championship.
2009/10 - Hughton leads Newcastle back to the Barclays Premier League as runaway champions.

source: http://www.premierleague.com