tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14349291244699809272024-11-05T19:00:44.133-08:00Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-12511410445387357892010-12-19T22:05:00.000-08:002010-12-19T22:05:00.762-08:00 <BODY readability="71">The draw has been made for the Europa League's round of 32 and round of 16.<P>Barclays Premier League duo Liverpool and Manchester City have learned who they will face in the next round of the Europa League after successfully navigating the group stage.</P><P>Liverpool will take on Sparta Prague in the first knock-out stage of the competition proper.</P> The Reds have been the draw specialists in the group phase, having tied four of their six matches, but in Sparta they will face a side who have proved equally difficult to beat, having drawn three of their group matches. <P>If they get through, Liverpool would face Lech Poznan or FC Braga. </P><P>Manchester City will face Greek side Aris in the first knock-out stages of the Europa League.</P><P>Roberto Mancini's City will be aware that Aris, from Thessalonika, stunned the holders Atletico Madrid in the group stage - winning 3-2 away to ultimately knock the Spanish side out of the competition.</P><P>Lying in wait for City after their Greek test would be Besiktas or Dynamo Kiev.</P><P>Round of 32 matches take place on the 17th and 24th February 2011 and round of 16 fixtures are scheduled for 10th and 17th March 2011.</P><P>Napoli v Villarreal<BR>Rangers v Sporting Lisbon<BR>Sparta Prague v <STRONG>Liverpool<BR></STRONG>Anderlecht v Ajax<BR>Lech Poznan v Braga<BR>Besiktas v Dynamo Kiev<BR>Basel v Spartak Moscow<BR>Young Boys v Zenit St Petersburg<BR>Aris Thessaloniki v <STRONG>Manchester City</STRONG><BR>PAOK Salonika v CSKA Moscow<BR>Sevilla v Porto<BR>Rubin Kazan v FC Twente<BR>Lille v PSV Eindhoven<BR>Benfica v Stuttgart<BR>BATE Borisov v Paris St Germain<BR>Metalist Kharkiv v Bayer Leverkusen</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2246548,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-23966553432669527312010-12-19T22:02:00.000-08:002010-12-19T22:02:00.551-08:00 <BODY readability="62">A look ahead to Monday's fixture in the Barclays Premier League.<P>The latest round of Barclays Premier League fixtures comes to an exciting end as Manchester City host Everton.</P><P>The two clubs are currently experiencing very different fortunes as they go into the final match before Christmas.</P> <P>Manchester City have not lost in their last seven Barclays Premier League outings while Everton have gone seven without a win.</P><P>However David Moyes' men are unbeaten in their last six away matches, drawing their last four road trips.</P><P>These sides last met at Eastlands in March, when goals from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta gave the visiting Toffees a solid 2-0 win.</P>Barclays Premier League fixture<P>Click on the fixture below to view the match preview</P><P><A title="" href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchPreviews/0,,12306~52247,00.html" target=_self>Manchester City v Everton</A> (Referee: Peter Walton)</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2245535,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-67162920637773917232010-12-19T21:57:00.000-08:002010-12-19T21:57:00.418-08:00 <BODY readability="42">Confirmation of the new date for the derby between Manchester United and Manchester City.<P>The Barclays Premier League match at Old Trafford will now take place on Saturday 12th February at 12:45pm.</P><P>The fixture has been moved from the Sunday of that weekend because of Manchester City's participation in the Europa League on Tuesday 15th February. </P> The derby will be shown live on Sky Sports. <P>The teams drew 0-0 when they met at Eastlands earlier in the season.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2246986,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-61632777142055646182010-12-19T21:52:00.000-08:002010-12-19T21:52:00.559-08:00 <BODY readability="35">West Ham United came back from behind to salvage a point against managerless Blackburn Rovers.<P>Junior Stanislas earned West Ham a priceless point with a 78th-minute equaliser at Ewood Park that denied caretaker Blackburn manager Steve Kean a win in his first match in charge. </P><P>With West Ham manager Avram Grant enduring another week of speculation about his future, it was an important match for both men, and it was Blackburn who made the breakthrough in the 51st minute thanks to a scrappy of goals from Ryan Nelsen.</P> Defeat would certainly have been harsh on the visitors, who were easily the more creative side, and they got their rewards when Stanislas fired an unstoppable shot into the far corner shortly after Matthew Upson had hit a post. <P>For an in-depth match report, <A title="" href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchReports/0,,12306~52243,00.html" target=_self>click here</A></P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2247486,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-43551048476823116842010-12-19T21:47:00.000-08:002010-12-19T21:47:00.416-08:00 <BODY readability="58">Dimitar Berbatov has been presented with the Barclays Golden Boot '10-goal' landmark award.<P>The Bulgarian was presented with the award ahead of this weekend's crucial Chelsea v Manchester United fixture after becoming the first player in the Barclays Premier League to hit double figures in the 2010/11 season.</P><P>Berbatov started the season in great form with a goal in Manchester United's opening day victory against Newcastle United, before finding the net in consecutive matches at home to West Ham United and away to Everton. He then claimed a hat-trick in a 3-2 win against rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.</P> <P>Berbatov reached the '10-goal' landmark after scoring an amazing five goals in the Red Devils' 7-1 home win over Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers. </P><P>The striker joins a list of just three other Barclays Premier League players - Andy Cole, Alan Shearer and Jermain Defoe to have scored five goals in a single match.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2246638,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-15189059398459151192010-12-19T21:43:00.000-08:002010-12-19T21:43:00.678-08:00 <BODY readability="40">Sunderland moved into sixth place in the Barclays Premier League after victory over Bolton Wanderers.<P>Danny Welbeck headed home from close range after keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen had saved Darren Bent's 32nd-minute effort, and later hit the post as the home side threatened to win more comfortably.</P><P>Bolton produced little in response, although Craig Gordon had to pull off a stunning 45th-minute save to deny Zat Knight from point-blank range.<BR></P> For an in-depth match report, <A title="" href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchReports/0,,12306~52248,00.html" target=_self>click here</A>. <br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2247427,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-8395673963967455092010-12-19T21:39:00.001-08:002010-12-19T21:39:14.705-08:00 <BODY readability="54">Premier League broadcast partner Sky Sports is supporting the troops in Afghanistan.<P>Soccer AM and Ford Super Sunday have scheduled special features in this weekend's programming as Sky Sports visits the armed forces based at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.</P><P>Soccer AM's 'Rocket' and Premier League touchline reporter Geoff Shreeves made the trip to Helmand Province earlier this week to meet troops who will be spending this Christmas away from home.</P> Speaking of the expedition so far, Shreeves said: "It's been an incredible trip; we feel privileged to be here and to receive such a welcome from all the troops has been overwhelming. To see how hard the servicemen and women work out here and the testing conditions they deliver their expertise is a real eye-opener. It's been fantastic to have had the military's involvement this weekend." <P>Group Captain van den Berg, Commander of Camp Bastion said: "Hosting the boys from Soccer AM and Super Sunday has been a real treat for those of us in Afghanistan. </P><P>"What many people back in the UK may not realize is that BFBS shows both Sky Sports 1 and 2, and if forms a really important part of Bastion life; not just for all the Servicemen and women, but all the civilians who serve alongside us. Rocket, Geoff and their production team have really entered into the spirit. Their fan base here is massive, hence their visit has really lifted the morale of all the troops."</P>Soccer AM - Saturday 18th December<P>This Saturday morning, Soccer AM's regular features including Crossbar Challenge - a competition to kick a football from a distance and hit the crossbar of a goal - and Skill Skool - a tricks and ball skills competition between two people - have been staged inside Camp Bastion. The show's 'Fans of the week' will be made up of nationwide members of the army and Royal Air Force in Sky's west London studios. The show's regular Soccerette item features a female football fan who is a Senior Aircraft Woman from the RAF.</P>Super Sunday - Sunday 19th December<P>On Sunday afternoon, Live Ford Super Sunday will feature messages of support for troops from Premier League managers and players, while Geoff Shreeves will have assistance from members of the forces with thoughts on fixtures both pre and post match live from Helmand Province. Blackpool v Tottenham Hotspur followed by Chelsea v Manchester United forms the line up of this weekend's Super Sunday and both fixtures will be screened in the Camp.</P><P>The special forces weekend can be seen on Soccer AM from 10am to 12pm on Sky Sports HD2 and Sky 1HD on Saturday 18th December, and Live Ford Super Sunday coverage starts on Sky Sports HD1 from 1pm on Sunday 19th December.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2246839,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-87361400177448955482010-12-15T22:45:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:45:00.111-08:00 <BODY readability="51">The Premier League is pleased to announce the appointment of Nic Coward to the role of General Secretary.<P>Mr Coward joins the League from the British Horseracing Authority, where he has been Chief Executive since 2006. Prior to that he spent seven years at the Football Association during which he held a number of senior roles including Corporate and Legal Affairs Director and Acting Chief Executive. </P> Other previous roles include Deputy Chairman of public affairs consultancy AS Biss and a directorship at Sport Resolutions, the UK sports arbitration and mediation service. <P>His role at the Premier League will include managing key external relationships, particularly with the FA, Football League, UEFA and FIFA. </P><P>As a qualified lawyer he will also lead the League's in-house legal functions and, having been chairman of the Sports Rights Owners Coalition from 2005 to 2010, will play a key role in Intellectual Property protection issues.</P><P>Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore, said: "We are extremely pleased to have recruited someone of Nic Coward's calibre for what is a key role on the Premier League's senior management team. </P><P>"His wealth of experience, gained from four years of running the British Horseracing Authority and senior legal, regulatory and management roles during a seven year spell at the Football Association, will make him an extremely valuable asset.</P><P>"Nic joins an exceptional team of people that I am fortunate enough to work with here at the League."</P><P>Mr Coward will commence duties at a date to be agreed in the second quarter of 2011. He will report directly to the Chief Executive and will attend Premier League Board meetings.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2245008,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-15498364456824566732010-12-15T22:40:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:40:00.389-08:00 <BODY readability="83">Victor Anichebe says he remains committed to Everton and wants to resolve his contract wrangle at Goodison Park. <P>Reports emanating over the weekend suggested Anichebe, who is in the final six months of his current contract, had rejected a new deal to extend his stay at Everton.</P><P>As a result of the rumours Anichebe found himself jeered by a section of the Everton faithful when he came off the bench against Wigan Athletic on Saturday.</P> Anichebe is unsure as to where the rumours of his contract negotiations came from and is keen to set the record straight to the Everton fans. <P>A number of clubs across the continent are thought to be monitoring the striker's situation at Goodison Park.</P><P>However, Anichebe is keen to sort out his future and stay at Everton if everything can be agreed.</P><P>"Obviously, of course I want to stay at Everton," Anichebe said.</P><P>"I have been here since I was a boy and I have grown up at the club.</P><P>"The whole situation over the weekend about my contract was a bit crazy to be honest.</P><P>"I don't know where it leaked from that I supposedly turned down an offer of £30,000 a week.</P><P>"That is not the case at all. I have not been offered anything like the figures that have been bandied about in the press.</P><P>"I want the fans to know I would never disrespect the club in any way or disrespect the fans.</P><P>"I am happy at the club, happy with the players, happy with the manager and I don't have any problem with anyone at the club."</P><P>Anichebe admits he was upset to be singled out for abuse by some fans over the contract rumours and conceded it was the worst experience in his career.</P><P>He added: "I spoke to the manager the other day and he didn't understand where it came from either and he was shocked by the reception I got when I came on against Wigan.</P><P>"I was quite shocked by the reaction from some fans and to be honest it was quite upsetting because of the fact I have come through the ranks and the fans have always been so good to me throughout my time at the club.</P><P>"It was probably the worst day I have had as a footballer the reception I got and even the build-up to it.</P><P>"I understand that some of them will believe what they read in the papers, but I want to reassure them I would never disrespect the club or them in any way.</P><P>"I am like the fans, I know what Everton means to them. It was hard what happened to me, but I have great team-mates around me and Tim Cahill, Phil Neville and Phil Jagielka have helped me a lot.</P><P>"The main thing for me is to train hard and play as many games as possible as I have had two tough injuries over the last 18 months and I just want to leave all the negotiations with my advisers who deal with that side of things."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2244806,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-14999046258501100042010-12-15T22:35:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:35:00.262-08:00 <P><IMG alt=Barclays src="/012306331787000.gif" width=986 height=48> "If a bid comes in we'll sit down with Ali and his advisors and look at it"Bolton Wanderers' Owen Coyle has hinted he may be willing to sell Ali Al-Habsi in the January transfer window.<P>The Oman keeper has been loaned out to Barclays Premier League rivals Wigan Athletic and has turned in a number of key performances for the Latics.</P><P>That has attracted the attention of other top-flight clubs with Coyle seemingly willing to let Al Habsi go if the right offer came in.</P> <P>"It's all hearsay at the moment but if a bid comes in we'll sit down with Ali and his advisors and look at it," Coyle said.</P><P>"We know he's been playing well, but we knew he was a top goalkeeper when we loaned him out. </P><P>"It was a win, win situation for us. If a bid comes in January, well look at it, and do the right thing for the football club."</P><P></P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2244629,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-16945728622506047422010-12-15T22:30:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:30:01.084-08:00 <BODY readability="7">Liverpool suffered a night of frustration as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Utrecht at Anfield.<P>A young Liverpool line-up found it tough going against the disciplined Dutch side in a disappointing encounter.</P><P>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.</P> 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. <P>Hodgson's last-minute decision not to start Torres robbed Liverpool of a much-needed cutting edge.</P><P>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..</P><P>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.<BR></P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2245420,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-91780659813507117582010-12-15T22:27:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:27:00.540-08:00 <BODY readability="5">Young people from Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic took part in a Premier League 4Sport Judo competition.<P>Bolton Wanderers, Bolton Judokwai and Wigan Athletic got together for one night of great competition on 2nd December 2010. </P><P>Twenty seven young people took to the judo mats where they competed against each other to showcase the skills they had learned through the Premier League 4Sport project at their respective clubs. </P> Also on show was a demonstration of different techniques that all the youngsters have learned which they would use when in competition. <P>The young people from Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic have been enjoying judo for the past 15 months and in that time many have developed their skills and gained their first belt. The competition was to give young people the chance to put all they have been taught into practice.</P><P>There was also a fun and productive element to the event. Project representatives Kerry Finny and Dave Duffy broke the competition up by delivering a festival where young people took part in fun games and also demonstrated to the small crowd all they had been taught while on the Premier League 4Sport programme.</P><P>The Bolton Wanderers Community Trust Premier League 4Sport co-ordinator Nicol Meredith, who organised the event, said: "We are keen to develop Judo in Bolton and for the past 15 months we have been working in partnership with Bolton Judokwai to deliver community based sessions in Bolton. </P><P>"As the Premier League 4Sport project is nationally recognised it would be great to work with another Premier League club to create some competitive fun for young people. It was a brilliant experience for the youngsters involved as this was their first taste of a competitive Judo competition."</P><P>Wigan Athletic Community Trust Premier League 4Sport co-ordinator Wesley Partington said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the participants to try out the techniques they have been taught over the past year."</P><P>On the evening each competitor received a medal for taking part and three lucky participants were presented with trophies for their outstanding individual performance. </P><P>It is certainly felt that the event was a great success and Bolton Wanderers Community Trust will be hoping to deliver more of the Premier League 4Sport competitions in the near future.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2245046,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-46986550277453805062010-12-15T22:22:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:22:00.362-08:00 <BODY readability="13">Jason Roberts is comfortable with Blackburn Rovers' new owners having a long-term vision of a top five finish.<P>Following the dismissal of manager Sam Allardyce, Scottish coach Steve Kean is taking temporary charge of the side, starting with the home fixture against West Ham United on Saturday.</P><P>New owners Venky's have targeted a top-five finish in the top flight and Roberts said: "If their agenda is to get into the top five, the fans and players will be happy about that. If that means changes what can we do, other than the best we can?</P> "The only thing we do know is that Sam is not going to be there any more. <P>"We have to get our heads around it and try to perform as best we can because the important thing is the club."</P><P>Venky's would ideally like a British manager to succeed Allardyce, who led the club to 10th place last season.</P><P>Roberts added: "It's always good if you can have someone you can understand and who understands the mentality.</P><P>"But there have been a lot of successful foreign managers in this country as well. All we can do is the best we can in the situation that has been put in front of us."</P><P>Venky's dispensed of Allardyce's services less than a month after completing their purchase of Blackburn for £23m.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2244575,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-5803037733580391872010-12-15T22:19:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:19:00.054-08:00 <BODY readability="37">Brazilian midfielder Anderson has extended his Manchester United contract until June 2015.<P>The club announced on Wednesday afternoon the former Porto player has penned a four-and-a-half-year extension having returned from long-term injury problems this season.</P><P>Anderson, 22, told the club's official website: "This is the best club to be at and I would like to thank everyone for the great support I have received over the years.</P> "I am looking forward to winning many more trophies with this club and I am so pleased to have signed a new contract." <P>Manager Sir Alex Ferguson added: "We are delighted he has signed a new contract. Anderson has developed tremendously since joining us and he has fantastic potential at only 22; he is going to be a really top player."</P><P>Anderson has made a total of 60 Premier League appearances for United, scoring one goal. This season, he has played five times but has shown enough to earn this new deal.</P><P>http://www.manutd.com/</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2245047,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-40516667461694817352010-12-15T22:16:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:16:00.104-08:00 <BODY readability="31">Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will hold talks with striker Carlos Tevez in a bid to persuade him to stay with the club<P>The Argentina forward submitted a formal transfer request at the weekend, claiming his relationship with key executives at the club had broken down "beyond repair".</P><P>Tevez did not travel with the rest of the City squad for the Europa League group match against Juventus in Turin on Thursday night, and Mancini said: "I haven't spoken to him yet. He is our player and I hope he continues to play for us and score for us.</P> "I will speak with him on Friday." <P>Mancini said Tevez's transfer request had come as a surprise to him, at a time when the club find themselves in third place in the Barclays Premier League.</P><P>"I am disappointed because we are in a good moment and in a good position in the table and our focus must be on this," the Italian continued.</P><P>"I want to speak to him. Carlos has three-and-a-half years left on his contract."</P><P>Asked whether he thought he could change the player's mind, Mancini said: "I don't know, I don't know. Carlos is our player and will stay with us.</P><P>"It is important we speak. We have important games coming up against Juventus and against Everton on Monday and lots of (other) important games this month.</P><P>"I speak with him a lot - we spoke only last week."</P><P>Mancini joked: "I hope he continues to be unhappy if he is scoring goals like this."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2245418,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-14658077808367712222010-12-15T22:12:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:12:00.381-08:00 <BODY readability="23">Steve Kean has been told he could be the Blackburn Rovers manager "for ever" by the club's new owners.<P>The Scot has been placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs following the sacking of Sam Allardyce earlier this week.</P><P>Venky's, the Indian firm which recently bought Rovers, are now beginning their search for a new manager but say the job is Kean's to lose and plan to let the 43-year-old influence January's transfer policy.</P> The company's chairperson Anuradha Desai said: "We are not making any choices now and when the time comes we will give Steve two to three months to prove his mettle. <P>"Suppose he turns out to be good, then he continues as the manager - it is as simple as that.</P><P>"The option is open for Steve, it is very clear. He has been given the time and if he does well and proves himself, there is no doubt in our mind he would be the manager for ever, then.</P><P>"Then we will not look at anybody. We will be keeping our options open but if he does prove himself to be good, which we are hoping he will, then he is the manager for a long time to come."</P><P>This latest strong backing for Kean suggests he is likely to be given an extended trial at the helm.</P><P>Venky's, who paid £43m to take control at Rovers, have previously expressed a preference to appoint a British manager but warned the process would be a thorough and lengthy one.</P><P>With Blackburn 13th in the Barclays Premier League, it could be a good opportunity for Kean to prove his managerial credentials.</P><P>The former Celtic player was brought to Ewood Park as first-team coach by Allardyce last year and turned down the chance to take over as manager at Kilmarnock in the summer to stay with Rovers.</P><P>He has earned a good reputation in coaching after spells at Reading and with Chris Coleman at Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry.</P><P>Venky's already seem happy to let him have a say on potential new signings when the transfer window opens next month.</P><P>Desai added: "It will be discussed with him and certainly he will be the final decision-making bit because he knows the team, he has worked with the club for a long time.</P><P>"He will be involved and he will finally decide."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2245439,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-11069424240437004692010-12-15T22:08:00.001-08:002010-12-15T22:08:44.257-08:00 <BODY readability="69">Samir Nasri feels Arsenal can, at times, place too much importance on catching the eye.<P>The Gunners are renowned for their free-flowing football, but that approach has failed to deliver success over recent years.</P><P>The North London giants last secured a major trophy back in 2005, with the top prizes having eluded them despite their pleasing approach to the game.</P> French midfielder Nasri feels it may be time for Arsene Wenger's side to alter their approach, with it important that results take priority over performances. <P>Monday's 1-0 defeat to rivals Manchester United highlighted Arsenal's deficiencies once again, with the setback at Old Trafford the latest in a long line of disappointing showings against their fellow title hopefuls.</P><P>"Goals and flamboyant football don't pose a problem for me," Nasri said. "The essential thing, though, is my team wins and we're in it at the end. </P><P>"Sometimes you have to store away your flashy clothes in the cupboard and work for the team. </P><P>"It was more of a tactical game against United, where you had to defend a lot. Patrice Evra was attacking well and combining well with Park Ji-sung. </P><P>"We were much more adventurous in the second half, given the fact we also had to respond after they took the lead. </P><P>"In the first half, we sat back and waited for them a bit. We didn't want to push too high up, because they always find each other in space, whether it's Park or Wayne Rooney playing on his own up front. </P><P>"We wanted to sit back and wait for them and we held out well until we conceded the goal four minutes from half-time. </P><P>"We came back into the match and had one or two chances to score but, unfortunately, just couldn't do it."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2244792,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-82574782908607115712010-12-14T21:05:00.000-08:002010-12-14T21:05:00.711-08:00 <BODY readability="51">Arsene Wenger has predicted a bright future for 20-year-old goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.<P>Szczesny was given his opportunity in the white-hot atmosphere at Manchester United on Monday night despite making only three League Cup appearances previously.</P><P>Although he was beaten by Park Ji-sung's first-half winner as the Gunners crashed 1-0, after a difficult start, the youngster soon got used to his new surroundings.</P> One second-half save to deny Anderson was particularly impressive and Szczesny showed enough ability to suggest that he might one day provide an answer to Wenger's long-standing goalkeeping problems. <P>"The goalkeeper performed well," said Wenger. "He was a bit nervous in his kicking but he didn't make any mistakes with his hands.</P><P>"It was a big game. But in this job you do not look at the size of the game. You look at the quality of the player.</P><P>"Every big goalkeeper started at 18 or 19. I saw (Edwin) Van der Sar play in big games when he was 18."</P><P>It was some consolation for Wenger, who watched his team slip to their fifth defeat of the season after failing to capitalise on a dominance of possession.</P><P>Wenger was gracious enough to praise United's outstanding defensive effort. But he was very critical of the surface his side had to perform on.</P><P>"If I ask you do you want a good pitch or a bad one, what do you say?" he said.</P><P>"They made technical mistakes as well because the pitch is not good enough to play good football. It is bouncy and slippery."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2243771,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-10260104254241229712010-12-14T21:00:00.000-08:002010-12-14T21:00:05.004-08:00 <BODY readability="8">Bolton Wanderers full-back Paul Robinson believes his side are on course for a place in Europe next season.<P>Owen Coyle's improving team face Sunderland on Saturday lying sixth in the table following the victory over Blackburn Rovers.</P><P>Robinson told the club's official website: "We want to push for Europe. That is what we want to achieve.</P> "I am aiming to finish the season on a high and give our fans something to celebrate. <P>"It is nice not to be looking over your shoulder at the bottom end but pushing the big boys. It is fantastic at the moment." </P><P>Stuart Holden scored the winning goal for Bolton against Blackburn after Mame Biram Diouf looked to have earned Rovers a 1-1 draw.</P><P>http://www.bwfc.co.uk/</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2244358,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-49087090296616165672010-12-14T20:55:00.000-08:002010-12-14T20:55:00.512-08:00 <BODY readability="73">Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has vowed to stay with the club.<P>The 21-year-old credited former manager Chris Hughton for helping him make an impact on the Barclays Premier League this season and was disappointed with his sacking last week.</P><P>However, the marksman - whose 10 goals this season resulted in an England call-up for last month's match against France - has vowed to stay with Newcastle.</P> <P>He said: "I'm just going to go out there and carry on doing what I have been doing.</P><P>"I've always worked towards being where I am now and want to stay here - it's as simple as that.</P><P>"Chris has been absolutely fantastic with me. He stuck by me through a lot and helped me on and off the field.</P><P>"All I can say is that I appreciate everything that he has done for me. He's helped me become the player I am now.</P><P>"He's gone now, and I just need to keep working on what he's taught me, and with the new manager (Alan Pardew), I've got to listen to him."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2243754,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-35051031849354981482010-12-14T20:52:00.000-08:002010-12-14T20:52:00.441-08:00 <BODY readability="20">Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic believes Stoke City can pull off a shock win at Arsenal this weekend.<P>The Potters have not beaten the Gunners away since 1981 but confidence is high despite defeat to Blackpool last Saturday.</P><P>Stoke had been unbeaten in their previous five Barclays Premier League matches, a sequence which began with three successive wins.</P> <P>Bosnia international Begovic, who has started the last eight league fixtures, said: "We know what Arsenal are all about, they are a fantastic side, with world-class players all over the pitch.</P><P>"But why can't we go there and get the win? In football, anything is possible. Teams like ourselves have gone to Arsenal this season and beaten them, so there is absolutely no reason why we can't do the same at the weekend."</P><P>Begovic is enjoying his spell in the first team having forced himself in front of Thomas Sorensen and Carlo Nash in manager Tony Pulis' reckoning.</P><P>The 23-year-old said: "I know how Thomas and Carlo will be feeling, and they like myself are all working hard in training. They are waiting to step in, so it is important for me that I keep doing well, and keep doing the right things out there on the pitch."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2244081,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-58817365152636806232010-12-14T20:47:00.000-08:002010-12-14T20:47:00.181-08:00 <BODY readability="34">The Dubious Goals Panel has viewed all dubious goals for 14th August 2010 to 29th November 2010.<P>The Dubious Goals Committee has ruled on the following:</P><P>1) Chelsea's fifth goal against West Bromwich Albion on 14th August 2010 has been confirmed as a Didier Drogba goal.</P><P>2) Newcastle United's third goal against Aston Villa on 22nd August 2010 has been confirmed as an Andy Carroll goal.</P> 3) Everton's third goal against Manchester United on 11th September 2010 has been confirmed as a Mikel Arteta goal. <P>4) Fulham's first goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 11th September 2010 has been confirmed as a Mousa Dembele goal.</P><P>5) West Bromwich Albion's first goal against Birmingham City on 18th September 2010 has been confirmed as an own goal (Scott Dann).</P><P>6) West Bromwich Albion's second goal against Birmingham City on 18th September 2010 has been confirmed as a Peter Odemwingie goal.</P><P>7) Chelsea's third goal against Blackpool on 19th September 2010 was in fact an own goal (Ian Evatt) and has therefore not been credited to Didier Drogba.</P><P>8) Bolton Wanderers' second goal against Manchester United on 26th September 2010 has been confirmed as a Martin Petrov goal.</P><P>9) Tottenham Hotspur's second goal against Fulham on 16th October 2010 has been confirmed as a Tom Huddlestone goal.</P><P>10) West Bromwich Albion's first goal against Manchester United on 16th October 2010 has been confirmed as an own goal (Patrice Evra).</P><P>11) Wigan Athletic's second goal against Newcastle United on 16th October 2010 has been confirmed as a Charles N'Zogbia goal.</P><P>12) Manchester City's second goal against Blackpool on 17th October 2010 has been confirmed as a Carlos Tevez goal.</P><P>13) Liverpool's first goal against Blackburn Rovers on 24th October 2010 has been confirmed as a Sotiris Kyrgiakos goal.</P><P>14) Fulham's goal against Aston Villa on 6th November 2010 has been confirmed as a Brede Hangeland goal.</P><P>15) Manchester United's first goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 6th November 2010 has been confirmed as a Ji-Sung Park goal.</P><P>16) Aston Villa's first goal against Blackpool on 10th November 2010 has been confirmed as a Stewart Downing goal.</P><P>17) Aston Villa's third goal against Blackpool on 10th November 2010 has been confirmed as a James Collins goal.</P><P>18) Blackpool's second goal against Aston Villa on 10th November 2010 has been confirmed as a DJ Campbell goal.</P><P>19) Manchester City's second goal against Fulham on 21st November 2010 has been confirmed as a Pablo Zabaleta goal.</P><P>20) Fulham's goal against Manchester City on 21st November 2010 has been confirmed as a Zoltan Gera goal.</P><P>21) Everton's second goal against Sunderland on 22nd November 2010 has been confirmed as a Mikel Arteta goal.</P><P>22) Arsenal's second goal against Aston Villa on 27th November 2010 has been confirmed as a Samir Nasri goal.</P><P>23) West Bromwich Albion's fourth goal against Everton on 27th November 2010 has been confirmed as a Youssouf Mulumbu goal.</P><P>24) Chelsea's goal against Newcastle United on 28th November 2010 has been confirmed as a Salomon Kalou goal.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2244077,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-76193517484072862222010-12-14T20:44:00.000-08:002010-12-14T20:44:00.957-08:00 <BODY readability="44">Roy Hodgson is hoping Steven Gerrard can start training with a view to making his comeback at Fulham this week.<P>The Reds skipper has been absent since injuring a hamstring on 17th November in England's friendly defeat to France. The match against Fulham was earmarked as a likely date for his return and that remains the case, although Hodgson will insist he gets some training under his belt beforehand.</P> "Steven's on track for the weekend," Hodgson said. "He's worked very hard to get back and Steven and Jamie Carragher are the type who hate not playing. Steven has been determined to get back as quickly as possible and the physios are happy with him and he feels quite good." <P>Hodgson is adamant he won't take any risks with his star man, however.</P><P>"The big question when a player has a hamstring injury or a slight pull is when do you actually say he is totally fit and give him the go-ahead to play? We have to be careful there is no risk of the injury reoccurring and I am in the hands to some extent of the sports science people as to when he can come back," said Hodgson.</P><P>"I take their word for it and I can't really push the subject because I would be devastated if we brought him back too early, but he still hopes he will be fit to play some part in the game against Fulham and so am I."</P><P>Gerrard will definitely not come into contention for Wednesday night's Europa League match against FC Utrecht at Anfield.</P><P>"We are training on Tuesday, Wednesday is a day off for those who won't be playing against Utrecht and if he is going to start the game against Fulham I definitely want him back training with us on Thursday, that's for sure," he added. </P><P>"That's the deadline but I am still hopeful he can take some part in our training on Tuesday."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2243865,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-59087608603076457262010-12-14T20:41:00.000-08:002010-12-14T20:41:00.068-08:00 <BODY readability="6">Co-owner Venkatesh Rao has confirmed Blackburn Rovers have identified who they want to succeed Sam Allardyce.<P>Allardyce was surprisingly sacked as manager on Monday just weeks after the Ewood Park outfit's takeover by Asian poultry giants Venky's.</P><P>Rao has defended the club's decision to part company with their manager despite the club's steady campaign to date.</P> The Rovers chief says the change at the helm is designed to help move the club forward, both on and off the pitch. <P>Rao has confirmed the club has spoken to another chairman about who they want to replace Allardyce, although he insists they need more time to finalise the situation.</P><P>"We've not got anything against anybody. This is just to improve the club and go forward," he said.</P><P>"There's nothing against Mr Sam, all the best to him. This is basically to improve the management and the club.</P><P>"It's (the new manager) in the pipeline. It's too early to mention today. We'll come back to you as fast as possible.</P><P>"We've been talking to the chairman who is there and other people. We have a target in mind.</P><P>"I can't tell you right away. Please give us some time.</P><P>"We are looking forward for the best for the fans. This is for their benefit. We are concerned about the fans."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2244457,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434929124469980927.post-70255070686880260132010-12-14T20:37:00.000-08:002010-12-14T20:37:00.858-08:00 <BODY readability="67">Manchester United are determined to take a decisive stranglehold on the Barclays Premier League title.<P>United feel they now have the chance to dictate the race for the crown thanks to their 1-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday night.</P><P>Park Ji-sung's solitary first half goal extended their unbeaten start to the season to 16 matches, a new club record. It left them two points clear of the Gunners and Manchester City, while still having a match in hand.</P> And Ferguson knows, if his side can come away from Sunday's trip to Chelsea with another three points, they will start to feel increasingly confident about landing a record 19th league title. <P>"Sunday is a massive game," said Ferguson. "That will go a long way to establishing what happens at the top of the league.</P><P>"We are 16 games undefeated. Now we have to make it 17."</P><P>After scoring seven on their last league outing a fortnight ago, United showed a different side to their character, turning in a superb defensive performance to restrict the visitors to just a single chance.</P><P>In contrast, United had four excellent ones, including a missed spot-kick from Wayne Rooney which would have sealed the points 17 minutes from time.</P><P>"I was surprised at Wayne hitting it over the bar," said Ferguson. "I have never seen him do that before. He normally puts his shots on target.</P><P>"Against Rangers he hit it hard and low into the corner. This time he ballooned it over the bar."</P><P>After their own stuttering start, United have now taken 20 points from their last 24.</P><P>"We had to play well, but we have been playing well," said Ferguson.</P><P>"The first half was excellent and we should have done better on the counter-attack in the second.</P><P>"But our back four did really well. They are really getting their form now. If they maintain that consistency, we will have a good chance."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2243759,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Emmanuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260668932833423173noreply@blogger.com0