Football To You

O'neill Doubts Collymore Comeback

2006-10-05T16:26:00.000Z

Stan Collymore's announcement that he will be returning to football has been met with unease by Aston Villa boss Martin O'neill. Collymore is said to be keen on a move back to Villa Park where he spent 3 years after a £7million transfer. It was O'neill who took the controversial striker to Leicester in 1997 and although Collymore suffered a broken leg he was impressive in short bursts during his time at the Walkers Stadium. Stan quit football in 2001 after walking out on Spanish outfit Real Oviedo but now his keen to get back in the fold. O'neill today however through water on any comeback attempt stating that "He would need a lot of willpower and self determination to get fit for the Premier League" Whether Collymore has enough determination we will have to wait and see.

Mixed Success for British Stadia.

2006-10-04T21:09:00.000Z

Manchester City's aptly named City of Manchester Stadium has been successful in it's bid to host the Uefa Cup in 2008. The stadium with a capacity of around 47,000 has been judged by Uefa to be fit for the purpose of hosting a major European final. Stadiums are judged on a number of criteria including stadium capacity, safety and security, access, transport, supporters' facilities and commercial potential. However Wembley has failed in it's hopes to host the Uefa Champions League final in 2008 or 2009 although Uefa communications director William Gaillard has stated that Wembley will be considered seriously for the competition final in 2010. The problem for Wembley seems simple. A completion date is uncertain and at the moment it is a liability for major competitions. The ordeal could drag on for years and until then it is unlikely to be assigned any major events.

Beckham To Retire

2006-10-04T08:09:00.000Z

Davide Beckham will retire in two years time according to Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon. 2008 will be the year that the curtain closes on the career of the worlds most iconic footballer. This leaves the door open for a possible last hurrah at Euro 2008 if Becks can force his way back into the national side. Over the years Becks has provided us with skill, commitment and controversey and I for one am happy that we have another 2 years of watching one of the best players in the modern age. Let's hope that his last 2 years are not spent languishing on the sidelines.

Chris Sutton Returns To Premiership

2006-10-03T17:07:00.000Z

Following Luke Moore's long term injury at Aston Villa boss Martin O'neill has brought in Chris Sutton who he worked with for 5 years at Celtic. 33 year old Sutton becomes O'neill's third signing since arriving at Villa Park all three of them; Stilian Petrov, Didier Agathe and Chris Sutton having previously played unter O'neill in the Scottish Premier league. Sutton who made his name in England with Norwich and then Blackburn where he won a Premiership title played for Birmingham last season but failed to impress and was somewhat criticised by the Birmingham faithful. Sutton will remain at the newly revived Villa Park until the end of the season although the jury is still out as to whether he can do a job in the Premiership. Judging on his form last season then it doesn't look like Sutton will have as large an impact as young Luke Moore was having but O'neill is a shrewd manager and if Sutton can perform to his potential then Villa may have secured one of the best deals of the summer.

Another Chance to Watch Van Persie Wonder Volley

2006-10-02T20:18:00.000Z

Worthington Sacked.

2006-10-01T17:50:00.000Z

Following a run of poor results and a dismal performance against Burnley today which resulted in a 4-1 drubbing Norwich have sacked manager Nigel Worthington. Worthington who has previously been in charge at Blackpool has been relieved at his duties as Norwich lie in 17th place. Fans at Carrow Road will have been expecting a titel charge but it has failed to materialise. Majority shareholder Delia Smith questioned the players lack of passion this week but it seems that once more the manager must take responsibility for below par performances on the pitch. Speaking before his departure Worthington gave his opinion on Norwich's abismal form stating that "We all took the plaudits when things were going well, and I'll take the bullets when it is not going well." I think it would be fair to say this sums up the situation well. When Worthington took Norwich into the Premiership the place was buzzing, the players were all to ready to accept praise, but now when things go wrong it is the manager who is blamed for inept on the field performances. The managerial marigoround continues to turn.

British Football Team Planned

2006-09-30T14:45:00.000Z

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.

Watch Louis Saha Goal vs. Benfica Again.

2006-09-30T14:19:00.000Z

Pavel Srnicek returns to Premiership

2006-09-29T15:30:00.000Z

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.

Liverpool Facing Comeback

2006-09-27T20:13:00.000Z

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.

Top Youngster Rejects Chelsea

2006-09-27T18:07:00.000Z

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.

The End Of Penalty Shoot-Outs

2006-09-27T17:20:00.000Z

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.

United Pick Up 3 Points at Stadium Of Light

2006-09-26T20:51:00.000Z

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.

Samaras Hits Back

2006-09-25T15:43:00.000Z

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."

Dario Silva Fighting For Life

2006-09-25T11:01:00.000Z

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.

Warnock Announces Exit Plan

2006-09-24T20:10:00.000Z

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.

Ronaldo To Stay Put

2006-09-24T18:30:00.000Z

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.

United Dissapointed With Point

2006-09-23T18:19:00.000Z

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.

United Level with 10 minutes left.

2006-09-23T18:00:00.000Z

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.

Reading In Front Against Man Utd

2006-09-23T17:29:00.000Z

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.

Materazzi - New Training Regime

2006-09-23T17:10:00.000Z

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.

Premiership Round Up

2006-09-23T16:37:00.000Z

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.

Premiership Predictions and Preview.

2006-09-22T16:55:00.001Z

With Premiership and SPL fixtures around the corner I thought that I would share some of my predtictions for the forthcoming fixtures. Anyone wishing to try and out do me please leave a comment. Just copy and paste the below predictions when making a comment by clicking the link below and re-enter your prediction. Good Luck.

Celtic 2 vs 1 Rangers
Liverpool 2 vs 0 Tottenham
Arsenal 3 vs 1 Sheffield Utd
Aston Villa 1 vs 0 Charlton Athletic
Fulham 1 vs 2 Chelsea
Manchester City 2 vs 2 West Ham Utd
Middlesbrough 1 vs 0 Blackburn
Leeds Utd 0 vs 1 Birmingham
Reading 1 vs 3 Manchester Utd
Wigan Athletic 0 vs 1 Watford

Watch Xabi Alonso Wondegoal

2006-09-22T16:05:00.000Z

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.

End Of An Era At Pompey

2006-09-22T11:03:00.000Z

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.