The British Olympic Association is discussing plans to enter a British football team into the Olympics. This would mean an almagamation of the Welsh, Scottish, English and Northern Irish sides. The nations have been assured that they will however keep their independant stauts within Uefa and Fifa and so it would be just for Olympic competitions that the home nations play together. i am not sure that this is such a good idea. It would go some way to destroying home nation rivalry. The Scotts and the English supporting the same team does not sound like a very good idea. Although it is true that the side would probably have a strong medal chance at the London 2012 games I believe that it would damage the game in Britain as well as marginalising many Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland players who are unlikely to get into the side with such wealth of English talent.

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Pavel Srnicek, the 38 year old Czech Republic goalkeeper has been training with Newcastle United all week. Having lost Shay Given to injury Glenn Roeder was on the lookout for another goalkeeper and after being impressed by the fromer Newcastle man Roeder offered him a short term contract until january. Despite being recently linked with Ronald Wattereus it appears that the Magpies have decided against this move in favour of Srnicek who at 38 is in the twilight of his career. It would appear that he will play second fiddle to Steve Harper, who despite his mistake against Liverpool will retain his position. David Seaman was quoted by Roeder as a good example of a quality veteran performer. Seaman was 40 at the time of his retirement and was still playing at the top of his game. Pavel Srnicek is a gamble but if he plays as well as Seaman did at this age then their is no reason why he cannot provide adequete cover until the return of Newcatles No.1.

Posted by Spraggy at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

QUICK UPDATE: Having taken a semmingly unasailable 3-0 lead over Galatasary this evening at Anfield. Liverpool are now in a spot of bother after Galatasary scored 2 quick goals and the Reds must now play the final 20 minutes on a knife edge. Their lead diminished after strikes from Arda Turan and Umit Karan.

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When Chelsea come knocking on your door asking for your services there are not many people who would reject their advances. This was apparantly the case however for Yohann Gouffran the French U21 international right winger who has been touted as a future star of European football. Gouffran admits that at the moment he is happy at Caen and tries to base his attacking skills on Portuguese winger Crisitano Ronaldo. He has outlined his plan to stay with Caen who are hoping to achieve Ligue 1 status by next season. Gouffran also claims that Auxerre, St Etienne and Monaco wish to acquire his services. Giving a reason for his decision Gouffran claimed to be unhappy at the way Chelsea is run pointing out that they buy too many stars and that there is no place for him. It is true that many young careers have been stifled at Stamford Bridge, just look at Shaun Wright Phillips, Scott Parker and recent signing Jon Obi Mikel - who is yet to play for the Blues. Yohann Gouffran has made the right decision in my opinion, he needs to learn his trade at the level at which he is comfortable so that he doesnt end up languishing in the reserves of a European giant.

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Sepp Blatter has come up with some pretty crazy ideas in the past. It has been said of him that he has 50 ideas before breakfast and 51 of them are bad. It seems however that he may have finally made a worthwhile suggestion. The Swiss President Of Fifa wants to do away with penalty shoot outs meaning that England may have another chance at winning the World Cup. The dreaded spot kicks have been the demise of many an England team over the last two decades and Sepp Blatter today branded them a tragedy. Admitedly it is always a sad sight to see a side lose on penalties, be it the play-off final or this year the World Cup Final. It has often been an annoyance that the outcome an entire match should rest on the shoulders of an individual. What however is the alternative. Extra time cannot be infinite, imagine two sides battling it out for another hour. Injuries and fitness would take their toll on players especially at a lower level. Much like democracy it would appear that penalties are the best solution apart from all others have been tried. Only time will tell.

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Manchester United have picked up another 3 points in the Champions League this evening dispite failing to impress throughout the first half against Benfica .A superb strike from Louis Saha was enough to give Sir Alex's side their 2nd champions league win in 2 games. United will feel lucky to have got into the dressing room at half time after Benfica pressured the away goal. The second half still saw United on the back foot until a quick break, Ronaldo found Saha wide who cut inside before finding the back of the net. From then United, who are now top of Group F, played with more confidence and managed to string passes togehter. Rooney again off form but United held on despite late chances for the Portugese side. Sir Alex will also be plesed to see Alan Smith return to first team action for the first time since his horror injury 7 months ago that threatened his career in first class football. The Final score at the stadium of light 1-0 to Manchester United.

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Following rumours of unrest in the Manchester City dressing room Greek striker Georgios Samaras has come out and said that all the players are content despite recent reports. The news of a split dressing room came after rumours that some players were not happy with the way in which manager Stuart Pearce handled the suspension of Ben Thatcher after his horror tackle on Pedro Mendes. Samaras has hit form recntly with two goals at the weekend against West Ham. He puts his recent good form down to playing with a more agressive mentality, something which Stuart pearce has encouraged in the 21 year old forward. Samaras has been quick to dispell talk of a split saying today that "The mentality of the players is excellent, we have a lot of talent and we help one another."

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Dario Silva, the Uruguayan international striker wh left Pompey by mutual consent in Febuary is fighting for his life after being involved in a car accident in Uruguay. He was with fellow players Elbio Pappa and Dardo Pereira at the time but both came out of the accident relatively unsacathed. Silva who has represneted his country 46 times is said to have lost control of the vehicle before it careered into a row of street lights. He is currently in a medically induced coma at a Montevideo hospital. The crash was very severe and doctors are fighting hard to save his life. Rumours are circulating that his right leg may have to be amputated. Silvas career is seemingly over but his fight for survival is only just beginning. FootballToYou wishes him all the best in his struggle.

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Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has announced plans to retire from the managerial rat race within two years. The blades boss who has fought to get United back into the big time admits that he does not plan to carry on managering into his 60's. Warnock's current deal with the prmiership outfit runs out at the end of the current season but he hopes to stay on after that ideally in the top flight. Warnock has done a top job in the steal city having previously managed has managed Scarborough, Notts County, Huddersfield Town, Plymouth Argyle, Oldham Athletic, Bury and Burton Albion before taking over the healm at Brammle Lane. His time at the club has been controversial, packed with touchline bans and disputes, but in many ways succesful. The qualified referee and Chipodist will be able to look back with pride at what he gave football but his time is not up yet and we can all look forward to Warnock fighting for his clubs Premiership survival.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he considered leaving Machester United in the summer after his spat with Rooney at the World Cup. The Portugese winger who salvaged a point for United on Saturday evening was unsure of the reception he would recieve if he returned to Old Trafford. It now seems however that the 21 year old is happy to stay put at Manchester United. Ronaldo is now keen to "leave his mark at the club". Ronaldo has admitted that his future his not set in stone saying that "Whether I will be here for another two, three, five or 10 years or until the end of my career I don't know". Ronlado has been performing well recently and is quickly becoming one of Uniteds most prized players. If Ronaldo is happy to stay then it can only be good news for the Manchester club, when he is on form the winger attacks with sublime pace and precision. If he puts his mind to it then he can establish himself as a United legend and his announcement recently has shown that he is willing to carry on improving his game in England.

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Manchester United have lost more ground in the title race this evening after only managing to pick up a point at newly promoted Reading. Kevin Doyle gave the Royals an early second half lead before Christiano Ronaldo rifled home an equaliser. Reading faced a tough last 15 minutes as they held onto a historic point at the Madejski. When chairman John Madejksi took over the club were playing the likes of York and Macclesfield but with a valiant performance today and a solid start to the season it appears that the club is ready to compete at the top of English football. A stadium expansion is planned and after todays result against one of the biggest clubs in the world Reading have proved they are ready to compete.

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QUICK UPDATE

A drilled shot by Cristiano Ronaldo has drawn Manchester United level at 1-1 with Reading with 10 minutes still left to play. Ronaldo silenced the crowd in the Madejski just as they booed his touch.

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QUICK UPDATE:

Kevin Doyle has just rifled in a penalty for reading against Machester United. 40 minutes yet to play as Reading try to hold on to a historic lead.

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After a dismal result for my side Gloucester City today, I needed something to cheer me up. I am sure there are others who are feeling despondant after there sides performance today. So here is a video of Marco Materazzi, who was famously headbutted by Zidane in this years World Cup Final, back in training. Brilliant work by Nike.

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Today saw 7 games played in the English Premiership, not including the late kick off between Mancherster United and Reading.

Arsenal got their first win at The Emirates Stadium after a 3-0 victory over Sheffield United, who look as though they are in for a long season under Neil Warnock. Aston Villa also picked up three points this afternoon putting two past Charlton as they go from strength to strength under the new regeime. Fulham were unable to repeat last season upset of Chelsea at Craven Cottage as they went down 2-0 after a Frank Lampard brace. Greek striker Samaras bagged a double as Man City beat West Ham to ease pressure on Stuart Pearce. Garteh Southgate suffered another poor result as Middlesbrough boss as Blackburn won 1-0 away fromo home. Wigan and Watford played out a 1-1 draw as Paul Jewell's men were booed off the pitch. The early kick-off at Anfield saw a dominant second half display hand Rafa Benitez's side another Premiership victory after their slow start.

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Having missed Xabi Alonso's recent strike for Liverpool from the halk way line I have been looking for it and today found it on youtube. So if anyone else wants to watch it again here it is in all its glory. By the way I am a Man Utd fan but fair play, superb strike.

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Milan Mandaric will step down as Portsmouth chairman after their game against Bolton on Monday. The Serbian who joined the club in 1998 achieved promotion to the premiership in 2002 just four years after having brought the club out of administration. It was his ambition and financial banking along with the nouse of Harry Redknapp as a manager that turned Pompey from a struggling Championship side into the team that now sits top of the Premiership. Mandaric sold his stake in the club to Alexandre Gaydamak earlier this year. Pompey fans will be upset to see a chairman go who, although controversial, has been incredibly succesful. Gaydamak though has the money and determination to ensure that Portsmouth compete at the highest level in the years to come as he has already proved with impressive summer signings.

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Chris Sutton may be on his way back to Blackburn where he scored 50 goals in 131 games between 1994 and 1999. Whilst at Ewood park he helped them lift the Premiership title and may be on his way back in January on a free transfer. Sutton has moved around in recent years showing up at Chelsea, Celtic and more recently Birmingham. He failed to make an impact with Steve Bruce's side and so a return to the top level might prove a struggle for the 33 year old. In his heyday Sutton was a classy player scoring goals at the highest level. I also felt he should have been given more of a chance in the England setup but it wasn't to be and he only made one appearance - under Glenn Hoddle. Mark Hughes has been quick to play down the talk however after summer arrivals of 4 new strikers.

We are having some problems with photos at the moment but will try to rectify this soon.

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Reading have announced plans to extend the Madejski stadium. Following promotion to the Premiership the royals have acquired new fans and with an average attendance of 23, 974 this season the club are finding that their capacity of 24,045, sometimes just isnt enough. A planned expansion of 10,000 has been proposed although a final agreement is yet to be confirmed. With this expansion it seems that Reading are expecting to stay in the Premiership long term and with a chairman as ambitious as Auto trader owner John Madejksi it seems a realistic prospect.
Chief Exec Nigel Howe today confirmed "It will certainly add at least 10,000 to the capacity, but the final figure is not decided."

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A few weeks ago Pearce was being otuted as a possible replacement to Sven as England manager and it now seems that his place at Man City is under threat. After four points from five games and a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chesterfield last night Pearce admits that something needs to be done and that he is feeling the pressure. To often already this season we have seen managers given the boot after only a few matches adn it would be silly for the Man City board to remove such a high quality young manager from his position at the City of Manchester stadium. Only a fool would remve Pearce, his passion and commitment off the field has not dissapointed and his ambition in the game is rivalled by a small few. Pearce will turn things round it is just a case of hanging on and getting results. A defeat against West Ham could see the sky clues tumble into a relegation spot, Pearce said today "I'm under pressure but that goes with the territory. I believe I am big enough to take anything that comes my way. Hopefull common sense will prevail.

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Leeds United and QPR both have new managers. Kevin Blackwell has been sacked despite a 3-1 League Cup victory for Leeds over Barnet last night and Queens Park Rangers boss Gary Waddock has been replaced by former Aston Villa boss John Gregory. We asked yesterday whether managers were being given enough time following the dismissal of Bryan Robson. Leeds are currently languishing in 23rd place with only 7 points from 8 games and the club has decided that it is time for fresh ideas as Blackwell was shown the door today after 3 and a half years in charge. QPR are currently bottom of the stack and according to some fans QPR will have real trouble staying up this year. John Gregory played for the London club for 4 years appearing in the 1982 FA Cup Final for the club. Gregory ahs experience in the Premiership but still has a lot to do if QPR are to maintan their Championship status. Leeds also look poor and whoever takes the reigns must shake things up to get the northeners back on track. Someone should tell the board at Elland Road that Alan Curbishly is looking for a job.

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Sam Allardyce has denied having any involvment with the recent allegations of bung taking in the professional game. A bung is an illegal payment made to a club official by an agent in an attempt to encourage a transfer to go through. During last nights panorama program on the BBC several agents are seen discussing offering bungs to Premiership managers. Several have been implicated in this mess Sam Allardyce seems to have been focused on. Today Allardyce announced that he has told his lawyers 'to take the appropriate action' but an investiagtion by the FA and the Premier League is now underway. Harry Redknapp's may also be in trouble, in the film he was seen discussing Blackburn's Andy Todd. All he said however it seemed was that he though Todd was a decent player. If managers, agents or other club officials are found guilty of wrong doing then they could well be in serious trouble, reputations within the game are at stake and it will be very intersting to watch over the coming weeks what comes of these allegations.

Here is a quick rundown of who is accused of what:


So what are your opinions? what action do you think should be taken against those who break rules? In my opinion I don't think that anything will change until points are docked and agents breaking the rules banned from the game

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Wayne Rooney has been playing very poorly recently and was substituted during the match against Arsenal. He was ineffectual during the world cup and I think he may have been rushed back too early after his metetarsal injury. However every player is allowed a dip in form. The pundits have been very quick to criticise a player who is still only 20 years old. The only thing I can see wrong with rooney, and I may be wrong, is that he is suffering from a lack of match practice. Criticism is quick to arrive from many angles, such great expectations are placed upon this talent. The pressure mounts and as soon as Rooney dips below par the media pounce. During a fallow patch the papers and pundits should let him play his game and sure enough the master will return playing with a hint of genius and scoring goals for club and country.

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Newcastle goalie Shay Given has had surgery to repair a one centimetre tear in his bowel which he suffered after colliding with Marlon Harewood on Sunday. The surgeon in charge of the work said that he hadn't seen anything like this in football and it was the sort of injury he would have expected from a car crash. The incident occured during Newcastles 2-0 win over the Hammers at the weekend when Harewood and Given both went in for a loose ball. It was clear Harewood showed no intent and is clearly an honest player. Steve Harper will replace given in the Magpies upcoming game and unfortunately for me Given will not be scoring any points in my fantasy team for at least 6 weeks. All the best Shay.

*We have been having some trouble with the site so if someone could leave a comment if the site appears as simply white background with text please let us know so we can get this sorted oot. *

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Jonathon Woodgate has been in awesome form for Middlesbrough so far this term and it seems that the club have agreed to keep him at the riverside on a permanent deal. Woodgates spell at Madrid was blighted by injury but at the age of only 26 Woodgate still has a promising future. He is strong in the tackle and seems to read the game as well as anyone. Gareth Southgate has done a great bit of business strengthening his backline with the Englishman. Southgate who was a quality centre back said "I know he was disappointed not to prove himself over there. But he is still as good a centre-back as any around." I am inclined to agree and if he can maintain his form and stay clear of injuries I am sure he will be knocking on the international door very soon.

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Bryan robson has parted company with West Bromich albion by mutual consent. Just ten games into the new Championship season the baggies have apparantly decided that Robson is not the man to take them back to the Premiership. Currently lying in 9th place in the Championship the decision has come after Wst Brom only managed a 1-1 home draw with Southend. This seems like a very early dismissal. Gary Owers was sacked by Forest Green Rovers recently very early into the season sparking debate that managers in today's game are not allowed enough time to make an impact. Robson did a good job in the Premiership with West Brom and has made decent signings in the summer but fans turn fast and unfortunately the Manchester United legend has been shown the door. Any West Brom fans around? What are your views? Do you think managers should be given more time or was Robson unfit to manage? Let us know leave a comment.

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