Football Rascal

David Moyes longs for the days of the Honeymooners

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 11:03:00 +0000

Unseen footage of Moyes with female reporter

Across the past few seasons, it has become apparent that David Moyes doesn’t really have a strong grasp on a lot of things. His increasingly ‘honest’ press conferences have hinged on bizarre. From preparing for a relegation battle in September to demoralising any January signings before they arrive by saying they’ll make no difference to his struggling side.
But his fails at motivational speaking have nothing on his attempt at equality. Intimating he’ll slap a journalist for naughty questions regardless of gender isn’t exactly the strides women in football have been looking to make.

BBC journalist, Vicki Sparks, questioned the pressure that Moyes could be feeling with Ellis Short in the stands watching over their turgid 0-0 draw with Burnley just a couple of weeks ago. His immediate reply was to dismiss the notion. But once he thought the interview was over he went on to say to Ms. Sparks:

“Just getting a wee bit naughty at the end there so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap even though you’re a woman. Careful the next time you come in”

Generous right? “even though you’re a woman”.

Both Sunderland and the BBC have confirmed that the two have since spoken, an apology was issued and accepted. Maybe whoever wrote Moyes’ apology should be helping him up his ‘banter’ — or at least bring it forward to this century.

BREAKING: Daniel Sturridge is not ... for now

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 10:07:00 +0000

Ahead of this weekend's Merseyside derby, it has emerged that one Daniel Sturridge was fit, training and at the time of writing available to play this weekend. With more than 24 hours left before the match, there is no guarantee the striker won't end up back in the physio room before kick-off for stumbling over a blade of grass.

But for now, shout it from the rooftops, Danny Sturridge is match fit. Maybe don't shout the news - he is delicate. It could burst an ear drum or rupture some other part of his body.

Beyond the odd lunch date in London, Sturridge hasn't been spotted since Liverpool's defeat against Hull at the start of February. Since that point he has had both an injury and a hip injury. And you know, hips don't lie etc and so on.

Working hard to help the team have a successful end to the season. #redordead ❤

A post shared by Daniel Sturridge - Dstudge (@iamdanielsturridge) on Mar 30, 2017 at 12:04pm PDT

Sturridge did feature in Liverpool's last match against their neighbours where he managed a shot that struck the post - that allowed Sadio Mané to grab the only goal of the game in injury time.

Of course, with the need for balance in the universe, the healing powers used to get Sturridge back up and 'running' has struck down Adam Lallana who sustained a thigh injury during the international break.

Is it too late for Chicago Fire to qualify for World Cup?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 10:47:00 +0000

Mockery of our American cousins for their knowledge of US Soccerball, while hilarious, is often misplaced. By and large they understand the game. But sometimes, just sometimes, they do themselves no favours. Take Bastian Schweinsteiger’s Chicago Fire unveiling for example.

Reporter: “Do you expect now that you’re here Bastian that a World Cup goal for Chicago Fire is a realistic expectation?”

He actually said these words out loud in front of the world. And asked it twice since he assumed that something was lost in translation. Schweinsteiger was suitably bemused - assuming that it couldn’t be a real question. It did seem like Ashton Kutcher was about to pop out somewhere.

Video: Schweinsteiger asked by journo. if he can lead #MLS side Chicago Fire to World Cup glory !?!?https://t.co/I4iECXSnWp pic.twitter.com/LWbmVuIfe2
— AS English (@English_AS) March 30, 2017

The German international turned to his manager for help who thought he’d clear things up by saying that “Not World Cup, we as a club don’t play for the World Cup”. We’re glad that’s cleared up then. He went on to say that we’ll say MLS Cup rather than World Cup.

Without irony - Schweinsteiger said that in football ‘anything is possible’. Based on the line of questioning and the fact that reporter got themselves up and dressed that morning, we’re inclined to agree.

And while part of us believes that Bastian Schweinsteiger can do just about anything — getting Chicago declared as a sovereign nation to then be eligible for World Cup next year might just be out of his grasp.

Borussia Dortmund Star Gets Five ... in his hair

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 10:15:00 +0000

Gateway fashion drug

If footballers and hair were a relationship status on Facebook, it would be ‘complicated’. Mostly because there is no option for hideously ostentatious. While Paul Pogba has recently cornered the market on hair raising headlines, others have had to really up there game.

Step forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Borussia Dortmund’s forward is no stranger to making big statements with his hair and fashion. This is the man who warmed up in £2500 boots that were covered in 4000 Swarovski crystals. Understated simplicity at its finest …

A post shared by Barber_G France (@barber_g_france) on Mar 26, 2017 at 9:15am PDT

He has also shown no adversity to carrying super hero masks around in his pants until he scores - with Spiderman and Batman both making appearances from his underoos.

So it should really come as no surprise that not only has Aubameyang got 5 stars included in his new ‘do — but they glow in the dark. Could it indicate he’s pushing for a move to Sunderland and is ready for another power outage at the Stadium of Light?

Let this be a lesson to all - no good can come of lengthy international breaks.

Former Arsenal 'striker' is snapped up by Forest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 17:44:00 +0000

The reboot is on - whatever that means

After flogging Scottish starlet Oliver Burke to the Bundesliga during the transfer window, Nottingham Forest found themselves a bit short in attacking options and decided to go in a completely different direction - Nicklas Bendtner.

The ex-Arsenal man has taken to Instagram to say he had not joined Forest for ’the fast cash’ but simply for his ‘love for the sport’. He has also, disappointedly declared that the #lordisdead, branding this move as a reboot of sorts.

His time in Germany was marked more for his disciplinary issues than it was for his goals, scoring just 3 times in his last 32 league appearances. Earlier this year he was fined by the club for oversleeping. Which is always the mark of a true professional.

While Nottingham Forest will look to their marquee signing to help push them into top six contention (they currently sit 7th on goal differential), the neutral will be keeping an eye on their league cup match because narrative.

On September 20th Forest will host Bendtner’s former club Arsenal in their 3rd round league cup match. Could it be a late game winner for the artist formerly known as the lord?

Prolific Goalscorer Dropped From Euro 2016 Squad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 17:31:00 +0000

It appears that the French national team do in fact have some limits - apparently blackmailing your teammates is frowned upon by the Euro 2016 hosts.

Despite his impressive goal-scoring form, the French Football Federation announced today that Karim Benzema would not in fact be part of their squad at the Euros this summer.

The forward has netted an impressive 21 goals in 21 La Liga starts this season, averaging a goal every 78.1 minutes.

Benzema has not made an appearance for the national team since last October. He netted a brace in a 4-0 win over Armenia at the Allianz Riviera.

While other national sides may may have felt pressured to include a talent of Benzema’s calibre and overlook a scandal off the pitch, France’s breadth of attacking talent has allowed them to leave the forward out without concern of it damaging their chances this summer.

Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial, Dimitri Payet and Olivier Giroud will provide likely provide more than enough fire power for the home side.

Malheureusement pour moi et pour tous ceux qui m'ont toujours soutenu et supporté. Je ne serai pas sélectionné pour notre Euro en France...
— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) April 13, 2016

As modern football dictates, Benzema took to Twitter to express his disappointment at missing out saying “Unfortunately for me and and for all those who have always supported me. I am not selected for our Euro in France …’

Goodbye England's Rose

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 16:40:00 +0000

GNev & Carra reunited <3

His departure was almost as swift as his appointment. Valencia relieved Monday Night Football’s Gary Neville of his duties today. Today — and not in the midst of an England match, I’m looking at you Aston Villa!

While criticised for taking on a job at that level without much experience behind him, Neville was really in a damned if you do, damned if you don’t position. It he turned down the job, he may be overlooked in future for a role for not showing ambition. Taking the job meant he was sneered at for taking on a role above his station as a mere pundit and not grafting his trade at a lower level.
While the nation was gutted to lose one of the only pundits worth listening to, it was a brave move for the former United defender. And he was given a near impossible task. Valencia were not in good shape before his arrival and it could be some time before they are after his departure.

However, with just 3 league wins in 16 the spotlight on Valencia’s performances were growing increasingly glaring. He immersed himself as best he could and should be praised for his risk. It did not pay off this time, but he’ll be able to build on that if and when he decides to be more than Hodgson’s side piece / Carragher’s banter buddy.

Neville’s statement on being able to focus on England at the Euros:

"I would like to thank Valencia Football Club, the fans, staff and the players. I would have liked to have continued the work I started but understand that we are in a results business and in the 28 games (W10 D7 L11) they have not been to my standards or to those which are required by this club."

Lukaku Making Eyes at Big Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 12:58:00 +0000

Shortly after making his move from Chelsea to Everton permanent, Romelu Lukaku said it is where he felt he belonged and “is where I want to grow.”

But with recent proclamations from the big Belgian and his agent, it appears that he feels his growing is all but done.

With 18 league goals under his belt this season, Lukaku is enjoying the best period of his career and could look to capitalise on it once again with an eye firmly planted on the Champions League.
In a recent interview he said “Let’s see what the future brings. I need to be playing in the Champions League. That’s the next step for me. It will be nice to play in the Champions League for next season.”

A number of clubs are said to be interested in the young forward, with not yet named Chelsea manager Antonio Conte keen to bring Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge. While the Belgian refused to rule out a return leaving it at “let’s see what the future brings” - the London club would not be able to provide the Champions League that Lukaku seems set on.

Lukaku’s father, Roger, believes his son should choose Manchester United over the other clubs courting him — ignoring the fact that a top four finish for the NW side growing unlikelier by the week.

Luck senior said “I know his agent prefers Italy but I think he must choose United or Bayern. Manchester United is a team under construction with no real focus.”

While United could benefit from a proven goalscorer like Lukaku — he has scored as many as Martial, Rooney and Lingered combined — the Belgian will likely wait to see how the final table shapes up before pushing for a move.

Courtois Approves of Sacking the Man Who Kept Him Over Cech

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 17:55:00 +0000

Thibaut Courtois has continued to endear himself to Chelsea fans this season with his most recent interview which seemed to imply he supported the sacking of Jose Mourinho at Christmas and that he preferred Belgium’s defence to that of Chelsea.

On the man that chose him over Petr Cech, Courtois stated: We needed a change of manager at that point — I have no doubts about it. We drew too many matches and we have also conceded goals too easily. I could have done better with some of them.If Courtois didn’t like 3 draws in 16 league games under Mourinho, we can only imagine how he feels under Hiddink who has drawn 7 of the 12 Premier League matches he’s taken charge of.
After being questioned on which defence he preferred playing behind, Courtois continuted to try and separate himself from Chelsea’s current league position by choosing Belgium. Although did say he did enjoy Chelsea and said “it’s too easy to blame it all on the defenders” — no one is — “sometimes it’s a bad attacking move, a bad pass that gets us out of position.” Because, it’s definitely not part of a GK’s job to help organise his defence.

The Belgian went on to talk about Chelsea’s poor start to the season saying “We weren’t in a good physical shape. We then lost to Arsenal in the Community Shield and went on to make a bad start in the league. A downward spiral set in.” An understatement indeed.

And while seems to shift blame towards the club and Mourinho with their “very brief” pre-season preparations, he neglects to note that the physical shape that many of the players turned up to pre-season in was round. And maybe, just maybe their own fault.

While Chelsea’s form has improved since Christmas, it appears to be a case of too little too late for them to challenge for any sort of European position. After a hard fought draw against West Ham in their last outing, Chelsea could get back to winning ways after the international break as they head to Villa Park.

Swansea Settle On Curtis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 18:14:00 +0000

Looks Up For It

Swansea have a new manager! Sort of. They have officially named Alan Curtis as the man to stay in charge of the struggling side until the end of the season. Which in no way indicates the sacking of Garry Monk was premature.

According to the club’s site, Curtis said “If the club believes I am the right man to take things forward then I will give everything I have to the role.” It is unconfirmed whether he was or was not giving his all when he still thought he was in managerial limbo.
Curtis has overseen 5 matches and taken 5 points. Which sounds grim, but it’s as many points as the Welsh side managed in the 7 games leading up to Monk’s dismissal.

Swansea’s defence has shored up under Curtis. They have managed 3 clean sheets in those 5 matches, more than they’d had in their previous 15 games this season.

The Swans currently sit 2 points above the relegation zone and will travel to Oxford United in their 3rd round FA Cup match this weekend.

Arsenal eye up French youngster

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:57:00 +0000

With Arsenal’s annual injury crisis in full swing and a transfer window looming, except the London club to be linked with a number of names over the coming days - including PSG’s Adrien Rabiot.

As with many an Arsenal transfer rumour, this is not the first time the young midfielder has been linked with a move to the club - and we suspect it won’t be the last. Unless they actually take the plunge and sign their man of course.
Arsenal will be brimming with confidence after their 2-1 win over Manchester City on Monday night. While they remain just 2 points off of league leaders Leicester, they will feel this is the closest they've been in with a realistic shot of winning the title. Wenger will want to bolster the squad in January to ensure tired little legs don't get the better of them in the run-in this season.

It is understood that Rabiot, or at least his advisers, are keen on a loan move for the 20-year-old in a bid to get him more regular football.

Injuries at the Emirates

While he has started 9 league matches this season, PSG’s midfield is currently brimming with talent including the very highly rated Marco Verratti.

Speaking to Telefoot, Rabiot said He said: 'I've asked the president for a loan move in January if my time on the field is insufficient. It's something that he can't refuse me – I know he likes me very much.'

'Paris is my city. It's great to play here. If I could impose myself here, it would be brilliant. I would be ready to play my whole career at PSG if I was a starter. I would see things differently, that's for sure.'

According to the Mirror’s Chief Football Writer and top Arsenal fan, John Cross, Victor Wanyama is Wenger’s priority in January. But with Southampton unlikely wanting to part ways with the Kenyan, Rabiot could offer a solid alternative.

Chelsea Defender Pens New Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 18:32:00 +0000

Awkward Handshke? Check!

With a big birthday looming, Gary Cahill was increasingly worried that he would end up with a one year contract extension should he have hit the wrong side of 30. However a savvy agent and just being so darn likeable, Cahill has managed to extend his time at Stamford Bridge until 2019.

Since arriving from Bolton for £7M in the 2012 January transfer window, Cahill has went on to make 177 appearances with the club. He has quite literally won everything with the club - the FA Cup and Champions League in his first season, Thursday night cup the following season and the League Cup and Premier League title last season.

On his new contract the England vice-captain said: ‘I’m really pleased to commit my future to Chelsea and it’s great the club has put their faith in me.

‘I have achieved a lot here and I hope I can keep on learning, helping the team and lifting trophies over the next four years.’

Chelsea currently sit 14th in the league, conceding 23 goals in their 14 matches, just 9 fewer than the whole of last season.

John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic are both currently waiting to hear about their Chelsea futures. Both defenders contracts expire in the summer and will be available to speak to international clubs when the January transfer window opens in just a few weeks.

Gary Neville Takes Us All by Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 17:59:00 +0000

Sprinklers Are Scary

Earlier today odds dramatically dropped on Gary Neville taking on the job at Fulham - only for it to be announced hours later that he’d be joining Philip at Valencia and taking over as head coach.

Spare a moment for Phil who’s been with the club since the summer and was to take over as interim coach until a successor could be named. Once again he has found himself overshadowed by his big brother.
Gary was gracious enough to allow Phil to head up Valencia’s inevitable thrashing at the hands of Barcelona as he is set to take charge the day after, officially taking charge on Sunday. He is set to remain their until the end of the season.

While the former Manchester United defender has stepped down from his position as Sky Sports pundit with immediate, he will remain with the national team. England head coach Roy Hodgson said "As far as I'm concerned, this will be an extra string to his bow and the experience he will gain working in the Spanish league can only be beneficial to our work together with the England team.”

Peter Lim, Valencia owner has a stake in the none-league club, Salford City, which Gary Neville has a stake in.

On his new opportunity, Neville said: “Valencia are a huge football club of immense standing - and I know from my time as a player the passion and dedication of the Valencia fans.”

His first official game in charge will be at the Mestalla in next Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Lyon.

Chelsea Look to Overspend on Misfiring Striker in January

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 18:53:00 +0000

Better Than Falcao

As Chelsea’s strikers continue to look like the artists formerly known as, we can all expect a good amount of rumours linking the West London club to just about any striker that could become available for the right price in January.

Today’s offering comes in the form of Saido Berahino, who has somehow been valued at £20million. Who’s says there’s no value for money in the January window?! Berahino had unsuccessfully tried to force a move to Tottenham over the summer. And this could be his moment to get himself to the captial without lurking about in parking lots a la Odemwingie.

The West Brom striker has managed a whopping three goals this season. And while that gives him more league goals than anyone at Chelsea - the team might be better investing in Own Goals wages for the remainder of the season.

Former striker Radamel Falcao is expected to start collecting his hefty paycheque elsewhere come January. Berahino, as a direct replacement for the Colombian, would mean a savings in wages and a boost to Chelsea’s home-grown player quota.

The bar has been set low for Berahino. Falcao has just 1 goal to his name at Chelsea and has managed just 10 shots on target in his 24 Premier League appearances this calendar year.

Tax Dodger Seeks Out Le Professeur

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 18:34:00 +0000

Like a unicorn

It’s not been a brilliant international break. Which means only one thing - the rumour mill not only going into full swing, but arguably outdoing itself, even by its own standards.

And with that in mind, according to The Daily Star, Lionel Messi isn’t too happy with the tax man in Spain and could seek a move to the sunny shores of England. Where paying your taxes is optional?

It turns out that if he were to grace the Premier League with his presence, he would look to join free-spending Arsenal. Reportedly Messi will look to overcome the burden of tax by increasing his own weekly wages to £600,000 a week.

Of course, it would’t just be the £18M a year (after tax) for the Argentina ace, there’s also the small matter of a £175M buy-out clause.

Messi has been with Catalan side for 14 years and has made claims that he wants to retire with them. We suspect someone *might* be looking to improve his current contract to deal with those messy taxes that he’d thought were only for us mere mortals.

But if we could pretend for a minute that Messi would leave the comforts of Barcelona behind, and Arsenal may be the club that's turned his head -- Arsene Wenger would rather eat his own eyeballs that part with that kind of cash for anyone.

Chelsea Player May Seek January Move

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 18:33:00 +0000

With just 63 minutes under his belt in the Premier League this season, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could join the army of Chelsea loanees to ensure he gets a few more minutes on the pitch.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho heaped praise on the youngster earlier in the year and said “I think he is in condition to compete with the others for positions and minutes.”

Loftus-Cheek has not appeared in a match since his start in Chelsea’s last league win against Aston Villa. While it appeared to be a solid display, Mourinho subbed him at the half and was critical of his performance after. He remarked that “I think [Loftus-Cheek] has to look to the intensity and the defensive tactical work that people like Ramires, Fabregas did and he didn’t”.
Mourinho went on to say that “He has to try to compare himself with others and understand why I didn't keep him in the game for 90 minutes.”

Loftus-Cheek, who is currently on duty with the England Under-21s, is attracting interest from a number of clubs ahead of the January transfer window. Fiorentina, Vitesse Arnhem and Monaco are all thought to be interested should he decide to seek a loan move. A number of Championship clubs would also be happy to take him on for the remainder of the season.

But all is not lost for the 19 year old at Chelsea this season, Mourinho and his team of assistants watched him score in an Under-21s match against Liverpool this weekend. He may have done just enough to remind his manager what he could bring to a side desperately in need of both midfield solidity and goals.

Sergio Ramos Denies Latest Transfer Rumour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 18:17:00 +0000

Despite rumoured unrest between Sergio Ramos and Rafa Benitez, the defender has not yet given up his role at Real Madrid to work as a security card for the popular supermarket Mercadona. Nor has he taken on a second job to supplement his £140K a week wages.

Safely outside the confines of the transfer window and not in need of another improved deal, The Ramos saw fit to clear this rumour up quickly, tweeting: ‘I want to officially deny that I have not been signed by Mercadona’.

While he did say he's not signed, it does not mean there could not be a deal in place from Mercadona or even Dia. It may even be his chance to make the move to England and link up with Tesco. Every little helps

Quiero desmentir oficialmente que haya fichado por @Mercadona 😉 😉 😉 https://t.co/Wv1wu8OT0R
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) October 26, 2015

Bastian Schweinsteiger: Not happy with Nazi toy likeness

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 18:19:00 +0000

Footballer or Nazi toy? You decide

Normally when a manufacturer decides to make a likeness of a footballer, it’s a sort of homage. Something he can take pride in no matter how creepy it is to have a doll of yourself lurking about. This is definitely not the case for Manchester United’s Bastian Schweinsteiger.

A Chinese toy company has decided to add a Nazi soldier in its WWII collection. Not only does the ‘toy’ have more than a striking resemblance to Schweinsteiger, the toy company has only gone and called it “Bastian”.
The company has insisted that their Nazi toy Bastian was not intended to look like World Cup winner Bastian. And we all definitely believe a company that thinks Nazi toys are a good idea, right?

Patrick Chan, a company spokesperson has said “We offer no figures based on the football. The resemblance is purely coincidental. The figure is based on a typical German. We believe most Germans look like this. Bastian is a common name in Germany.”

To summarise, the company is not only making Nazi figurines but is also using the defence that ‘they all look alike’.

Tell us what you think of Bastian v Bastian!

Chelsea to Sell Winger This January

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 17:26:00 +0000

PL harder than the World Cup*

Chelsea’s experimental phase of buying all the attacking midfielders may be coming to and end - or they are at least alleviating some of their buyers remorse. After getting Mohammed Salah’s wages off their books with a small fee in return, it looks like Juan Cuadrado could be following in his footsteps.
The 27 year old joined Juventus over the summer on a loan deal just 7 months after coming to Chelsea. The deal was thought to have included a clause which would allow Juventus to buy out the Colombian’s contract next summer. However, Jose Mourinho is having a bit of a time of things at the moment and will be looking to raise transfer funds for the January window.

The Italian champions are keen to push through a £16million deal - approximately £2M less than Chelsea’s valuation of the winger. While this deal looks likely to happen sooner than later the big question is, will Cuadrado’s Colombian teammate be following him out the door at Stamford Bridge at the start of the new year?

*Other major tournaments are available

Balotelli In Social Media Storm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 18:48:00 +0000

Storm may be a bit dramatic, but Mario Balotelli has drawn some attention within media circles for -- wait for it -- 'liking' a photo on Instagram.

The Instagram post made the rounds shortly after Brendan Rodgers side needed penalties to see off League Two side Carlisle in their third round League Cup fixtures.

The post was an obvious criticism of Rodgers tenure with an ironic list of his achievements since joining the Merseyside club. It included winning the Championship play-off final while at Swansea and "getting Mario Balotelli to defend a corner in 2014." Well done Brendan, well done.

#rodgersout

A photo posted by @khizar7lfc on Sep 23, 2015 at 12:42pm PDT

The Italian has shown signs of his former self while on loan at Milan, netting an impressive free-kick against Udinese and setting a record number of passes for him (44) in a Serie A match.

Sergio Ramos Learns the Dangers of Diving

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 13:57:00 +0000

According to the club website, Sergio Ramos has been diagnosed a with dislocated acromioclavicular joint in his left shoulder.

Although it didn't appear to be injured following his theatrical tumble in Shakthar Donetsk's penalty area during Real Madrid's 4-0 win last night, the captain was substituted after 59 minutes.

The centre-half was not the only player to give Rafa Benitez cause for concern. Gareth Bale had already come off earlier in the match with an ankle injury.

No return date has yet been set for either player, but the club will be hoping both will be fit for their derby on the 4th of next month.

Walcott Signs Da Ting (Again)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 11:49:00 +0000

Theo Walcott has begrudgingly ‘signed da ting’ again, making him the highest paid player at Arsenal. It’s a tough life for the Englishman who spent most of las season sidelined by injury.

Walcott has agreed to spend the next 4 years trying to fulfil his potential at the North London side where he’ll earn £140K a week. Walcott has scored 76 goals in 302 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal.

Walcott was good enough to thank his management company on Instagram for securing such an impressive deal.
Joining Walcott on contract extension day is crowd favourite Santi Cazorla. Although not as impressive as Walcott’s deal, the diminutive 30 year-old has agreed an additional 2 seasons.

Ready for the season ahead. Thank you @arsenal & @keysportsmanagement #COYG !!!!

A photo posted by Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) on Jul 31, 2015 at 3:58am PDT

Manager, Arsène Wenger said “We’re delighted to have extended the contracts of Santi and Theo. Both are top quality players who are hugely important and influential in our squad.

“As well as their huge contributions on the pitch, they both have a great deal of experience and are very popular off the pitch. We’re very pleased with them both signing contract extensions, as it provides our squad with further stability of quality.”

The pair will both likely be starting on Sunday in the Charity Shield against Chelsea.

Villa Forward Not Feeling Friendlies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 16:10:00 +0000

Making Friends

It turns out some summer pre-season friendlies aren’t all that friendly after all. At least according to Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The forward was forced off courtesy of a late challenge by Wolves defender Richard Stearman leaving Agbonlahor a doubt for Saturday’s friendly against Nottingham Forest.

Being the modern footballer that he is, the Villa attacker took to Instagram to both air his grievances and remind everyone just how good he can be. He posted: “This is what happens when you play a local team in a pre-season friendly. When they an’t stop you they foul you!!’

This is what happens when u play a local team in a pre season friendly 😡😡😡😡😡😤 when they can't stop u they foul you!!!

A photo posted by Gabriel Agbonlahor (@ga11official) on Jul 28, 2015 at 2:16pm PDT

Although the injury will be of some concern to the Good Ship Sherwood, Villa are linked with moves for both Rudy Gestede and Emmanuel Adebayor so should be in fine shape for their opening match against newly promoted Bournemouth.

Brady + Chester = £15M in transfer fees

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:28:00 +0000

Kaiser Soze

James Chester and Robbie Brady have combined today for £15M in transfer fees. James Chester and Robbie Brady.

Steve Bruce told BBC Radio Humberside that "James and Robbie had one year left on their contracts and they made it clear they wanted to play in the Premier League. We have to look after the club." £15M for the pair who had a year left on their contracts …

Tony Pulis managed to come out on top for Chester’s signature with Leicester also said to have been interested in the defender. the 26 year-old has signed a 4 year deal at The Hawthorns.

While Norwich today announced they’d signed Robbie Brady to a three year contract. Brady failed to scored in his 27 Premier League appearances last season.

That has left Norwich manager Alex Neil undeterred as he said "He's dynamic, he's got good energy and he's got a fantastic left foot.”

"He'll be an absolutely perfect fit for us. Hopefully he can go on and show everything that we think he's capable of."

The only thing that's clear here is that transfer fees h
ave gone mad and Steve Bruce has emerged as a candidate for the next Dragon's Den.

Another United player fails to make the US Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 17:21:00 +0000

Louis Van Gaal may want to start microchipping his players to keep track of their whereabouts with not won but 2 of his players failing to make the US tour.

Despite both Manchester United and preferred club destination PSG both in the US at the moment, Angel di Maria opted to miss the scheduled flight out to make his transfer saga just a little more tedious.

His flare for the drama seemingly went over the head of LVG who wasn’t even aware he was planning on missing the trip as he stated “I have heard he (Di Maria) was not on the plane. I cannot say anything.” Should fill Manchester United fans with confidence.

Joining the master of mischief, Di Maria, it appears that Marcos Rojo also was not on the plane. Manager in the know said he’d had a passport issue. According to the Daily Mail he will be fined two weeks wages (a tidy £140K) for not getting his own paperwork in order.

After his extended break post-Copa America, the defender looked like he was excited to be joining up with his teammates in San Jose as he tweeted “Almost back to training and can’t wait to start #MarcosRojo #MUtour”. Sadly there is no explanation as to why he felt compelled to hashtag his own name.

Almost back to training and can't wait to start. #MarcosRojo #MUtour pic.twitter.com/vcOIcDht3j
— Marcos Rojo (@marcosrojo5) July 25, 2015