Football To You

World Cup Watch 2010 - Spain

2010-06-02T17:20:00.009Z

Less than two weeks. That's how little time there is before the greatest spectacle in football kicks off. I can't put into words just how excited I am for this years World Cup. Right now I'm dividing my time equally between slavishly trying to lead Netherlands Antilles to glory in the FIFA World Cup game on Xbox, reading up on every single piece of information I can gather from Johannesburg and just generally drinking myself into a stupor to numb the emotions and while away the time. Kind of like Uncle Lenny after his third divorce.

I wanted to do a couple of pieces on the dangerman of the World Cup, the usual suspects; The Torres, the Ronaldos and the Sneijders. But that's been done to death and you don't exactly need me to tell you that Lionel Messi is actually half decent (He is, by the way). So instead, I thought I'd write about the overlooked aspects of the team, the potential keys to their success. Today, we'll be looking at almost everyone's second side, European Champions Spain.

Spain

Every generation gets to see a couple of footballing nations during their 'golden era', where the players have impossible potential, reach unprecedented success and are laboured with a heavy weight of expectation on their shoulders; Holland in the 70's, Bulgaria in the 90's. Surely Spain are the closest team to experiencing their golden era of football right now? Riding high on their success from 2008, Spain are the second favourites only to Brazil in most people's eyes. And rightly so, as they are as close to a complete team as possible.

Every part of the squad is strong; there is presence and physicality across the back, technique and vision in the midfield, and two of the best strikers in world football to spearhead the attack. In truth, the key to their success is not held by any single player, but in the performance of the whole team. We know just how good they are, all that needs to happen is for them to work well as a team on the pitch. Unfortunately for those of us clinging onto the dying embers of any hope England ever had of winning, Spain usually look utterly at ease playing with each other. They had a slightly clumsy performance in their recent friendly against Saudi Arabia, only winning 3-2, but one would assume this sluggishness will disappear once the tournament starts.

Obviously, Spain will need performances from their abundance of talent, they need Xavi and Iniesta fit and at the heart of everything, and we can probably bank on Torres and Villa getting goals, whilst Puyol will have to organise a sturdy defence to build from. But in my eyes, they will be depending on goalkeeper Iker Casillas more than they'd perhaps hope.

Key Man - Iker Casillas

Why they need him - In these big tournaments, experience and confidence are absolutely key. Most people would agree that Joe Hart has been the best English goalkeeper this season, but there is a reason why he won't be starting games at the World Cup. Experience is vital, and Casillas has it in abundance, being an ever-present in the Spain side since breaking into the team due to an injury to Canizares in 2004. Defences need to be able to rely on their goalkeeper, a safe pair of hands radiates confidence throughout the side. Spain clearly have the talent to win the competition, so what their chances of success depend upon is organisation, and that starts at the back. They need a solid defence to build on, and any inexperienced players coming into the side, or the attack minded full backs, will look to the likes of Puyol and Casillas to organise that. They need Casillas to shake off any bad form he might be having, he made an uncharacteristic error against Saudi Arabia which has caused some panic amongst the domestic press, and he needs to iron that out and be the dependable goalkeeper we're used to seeing between the sticks.

Why we should fear him - Casillas has long been one of the most highly regarded goalkeepers in the world, second perhaps only to the ageing Buffon. His record at club and international level speaks for itself, and teammates always laud his abilities, even garnering praise from Gordon Banks for a sensational save in the league this season. His biggest asset may well be his reflexes, he seems to be able to read the intentions of the striker before they even know themselves what they intend. This might be the reason he's one of the best shot stoppers in the world today.

Why we shouldn't fear him - Not so much a reason not to fear him personally, but a reason why his absence wouldn't exactly cripple the Spain squad. Their reserves. Waiting in the wings they have Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina, two goalkeepers also recognised as being some of the best in the world. Let me repeat their three goalkeeping choices. Iker Casillas. Victor Valdes. Pepe Reina... Shits on Martyn, Flowers and Seaman any day.

Oh, and also, it's customary for me here to dole out the old European goalkeeping stereotype of them flapping and needing to punch at any thing that even remotely resembles a cross-field ball.

Prediction - Runners-up

John Terry vs Wayne Bridge

2010-02-28T01:40:00.004Z

Ladies and gentleman, like a phoenix from the flames, the Football To You blog rises from the ashes of apathy and abjectivity once more. Marvel at it's glorious transformation from infrequently updated, random outbursts to rarely maintained, illogical ramblings. Hopefully this renewed enthusiasm will continue, just be sure to 'enjoy' it while it lasts as best you can. So, what better story to return to than a nice, juicy scandal...

We shall start with a bombshell; John Terry doesn't seem like a very nice bloke.

I'm just throwing that one out there.

Seriously though, are many of us that surprised that John Terry turned out to be a bit of a bad apple? Anyone who is fined for mocking grieving American tourists days after the September 11th tragedy is probably a bit lacking in the morals department. Sure, that might be a bit of a sweeping judgement for me to make from this pedestal, but I'm not a role model children look up to. And if moral crusader Craig Bellamy comes out and labels you a bit of a wrongun', you know you're not in good shape.

So much has been made of this scandal that it's difficult to seperate fact from fiction. We know tabloids tend to run with anything that might sell, but it would seem to all intents and purposes that Wayne Bridge wasn't with the girl at the time, and that Terry wasn't the first to hit the back of the net so to speak. I apologise, I'm not proud of that pun. (I'm lying... I'm totally proud of it.)

It would be so easy to point the finger of blame at John Terry, but he wasn't the first footballer to act questionably in their private life, and he most certainly won't be the last. The sad truth is that the modern footballer has so much power that this sort of thing is an inevitability. Everything is given to them on a plate, they enjoy all the luxuries of life and are treated as being above the laws and rules that apply to the rest of us; is it really that shocking that they then act as though this were the case in their personal life? If we build them up to a position where everything comes so easy, can we really be outraged when they stray from showing restraint and honouring their responsibilities?

Of course, it would be wrong to say that this wasn't a situation Mr. Terry didn't get himself into. He did after all sleep with the mother of his friend and teammate's child. Not to mention, more importantly, he has a wife and children of his own. No matter what angle you look at it, that is abhorrent behaviour. Especially considering this man is in a position where almost every young boy in the country looks up to him as a role model; as an example of what they might one day aspire to be. Fabio Capello made an example of him as far as he could, but Terry didn't seem to be a changed man when he had Bridge referred to as a 'bottler' in the media days later.

John Terry hasn't displayed the respect and honour that the England captaincy, or even the privilege of representing your country at all, deserves. On the opposing side, I feel Wayne Bridge was a very sympathetic figure until today. I'm genuinely shocked that he's been labelled a 'wimp' and 'impassionate' for his withdrawal from the World Cup squad. I think the opposite is more accurate; every footballer dreams of playing at the World Cup. However, as long as the two are in the squad, it will be a circus. Not to mention the rifts it may cause in the training camp. By withdrawing himself, Bridge recognises this and removes the problem, perhaps even acknowledging that Terry is more valuable to the England cause than he is, like it or not.

Until today, when he refused to shake Terry's hand when Chelsea met Manchester City, he came across very well. Personally, I felt the snub seemed somewhat childish - surely he could force himself to partake in a somewhat meaningless, ceremonial handshake? It doesn't draw a line under the issue, but it would have shown a commendable sense of dignity. Still, snubbing a handshake is the very least I would have done had I been in his shoes, so he deserves credit for that.

Perhaps after today, the story will die down. Unfortunately, I don't think it will. It will continue to resurface for months, and as long as Terry continues to act with negligible grace and respect we won't have heard the last of it. And even if we do, it won't be long before the next overpaid, over-pampered footballer will come along and place himself above our supposed moral standards. And as long as we continue to build them up in such a way that they believe their own sense of entitlement, it won't ever stop.

Oh, and he should probably return his 'Dad of the Year' award to the competitions runner-up, Josef Fritzl.

Be sure to leave your comments on such a controversial issue. Cheers.

Ireland in shock after World Cup proposal denied

2009-12-01T16:04:00.003Z

The whole nation of Ireland was stunned today when FIFA rejected their request to be the additional and 33rd team participating in next summer's World Cup. Football enthusiasts were shaken to their very core by the surprising news. It's almost as if FIFA don't want the second most prestigious athletic competition in human history, behind the Olympics, being compromised. Who'd have thunk it?

In all seriousness, we're not exactly sure what the Irish FA expected. While we all know how blatant the now infamous Henry handball was, the sad fact is that once the decision was made, there is nothing that could be done. In initially requesting a replay, they were clasping at straws to begin with - the very notion that Ireland would have allowed a replay with the roles reversed is laughable. It was a poor reffereeing decision. But there are errors made every week that cost teams games. Human error is part of the beautiful game, and I for one am dismayed by the idea of the proposed system of five referees as this will naturally eliminate some of the drama these mistakes create, both elation and fury, that is part of the very nature and appeal of football. If we start reversing decisions beyond wrongful suspensions to individuals, we are then on a slippery slope that invites all manner of requests. Alex Ferguson will be the first in the queue requesting a replay from November 23rd 1995 where Sheffield Wednesday were wrongly awarded a penalty, and so on and so forth.

In related news, the Irish now plan to request to be named 'Honourary World Cup Winners' and have a new trophy set up in their name reflecting the fair play they so unflinchingly support, win or lose. Or maybe just lose.

Is Roy Hodgson the best English manager in football?

2009-11-27T17:02:00.003Z

It's Friday afternoon and that can only mean a vast majority of things. One of which is that I'm avoiding work and instead intend to fill you with a nice belly full of football facts and opinion. I hope you're ready.

While traditionalists (and BNP voters) might be sickened by the sight of a foreign national coaching the England team, and three of the 'Big Four' clubs in the Premier League managed by Europeans, slowly English managers are starting to claw back some degree of respect. For a start we have Harry Redknapp transforming Tottenham from perennial under-achievers to a genuine threat to the composition of the top four clubs of the Premiership. Steve Bruce has taken Sunderland from being a yo-yo club to a top half European contender. Sam Allardyce is doing his usual thing of grinding out Premiership survival whilst shouting from the rooftops that he could manage any club and is one of the best managers alive today, amongst other similarly credible claims such as 'I invented sliced bread' and 'El Hadji Diouf deserves the Nobel peace prize'. Even Gary Megson has somehow turned Bolton from a side that deep down would rather have been playing rugby or just kicking people in the street, to a club that can actually play some incisive attacking football.

Now, normally that would be reason enough for the manager of the year award, but today the spotlight falls elsewhere, on the dignified shoulders of Roy Hodgson. On December 28th 2007, when Hodgson took the Fulham job, he did so to repair his reputation. He had recently declined a contract extension to his post as Finland coach after failing to qualify for Euro 2008, despite the Finns still having a realistic chance of qualification in the final game - something which is usually unheard of. This 'failure' was a blemish on Hodgson's managerial record, where his proficient defensive organisation had led Switzerland to their first World Cup qualification since 1966, Inter Milan to a UEFA Cup Final, and Blackburn Rovers to qualify for the UEFA Cup after a season of mid table mediocrity.

Still highly regarded for his mercurial managing past, he found himself taking the helm of a Fulham side deep in crisis. Rooted in the relegation zone, propping up every club but the hapless Derby County, they were favourites to be making a swift exit from Premier League football. Previous manager Lawrie Sanchez had made bad forays into the transfer market, with deals that never paid off for the club and left their better players frustrated and discontented both on and off field. Fulham fans were more hopeful than expectant of Hodgson steering the club away from relegation, as many were underwhelmed by his appointment; most outsiders (including myself) failed to see it as the awe-inspiring turnaround Fulham so desperately needed. And then the magic happened. It turns out it was one of the best decisions Al Fayed would ever make as chairman (when he didn't find himself ousting conspiracy theories...).

It's fitting that Hodgson took over on 28th December, just days before the opening of the January transfer window, as many say that it was his activity in that first month that kept Fulham up. Some of his purchases included influential players such as Eddie Johnson and Erik Nevland. However his best purchase, and perhaps the best made by any club in that month, was the signing of Brede Hangeland for an undisclosed fee from FC Copenhagen in Hodgson's home away from home, Scandanavia. Hangeland has gone on to be the first name on the team sheet, and until agreeing a new four year contract today, attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs across Europe. While Hodgson suffered a poor string of results to begin with, a strong end to the season left them able to achieve Premiership survival on the last day of the season, in what many described as 'The Great Escape.'

Fulham then went from strength to strength under the nomadic Hodgson. In the off season they captured the signing of Mark Schwarzer, who has become a big player for them, and a new look front line in Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson. Zolton Gera and John Pantsil also found themselves playing their football at Craven Cottage, which was no longer a place where teams could pick up an easy three points, but a ground to be feared. They finished the season in a record high 7th place, qualifying for the newly formed Europa League.

These dizzying heights are perhaps only the start for the London club. Hodgson has maintained their status as a top half club, with Fulham sat in 10th place and with a realistic chance of successive Europa League qualifications, and they might yet find themselves advancing from the group stages of that very competition given the right results in the final two games. Frankly, his turnaround of this struggling club has been nothing short of sensational, and given proper backing could really improve on his current squad. Instead of hoping for a Christmas miracle in the form of Premiership survival this December, Fulham fans will only find themselves hoping that he finally puts pen to paper on a new contract.

As always, leave any comments on today's article.

Cheers

Dyer set to return (again) for West Ham

2009-11-27T15:41:00.003Z

It's that time of year again. Three months since his last appearance, Kieron Dyer is set to make his bi-annual return from injury to 'full fitness'. The explosive midfielder returned to reserve action this week, scoring two goals against Stoke. While Dyer's quality has never been in question, his injury record makes painful reading for fans of the former Newcastle and England midfielder.

Since joining West Ham for £6 million in August 2007, Dyer has made only four starts. The injury plagued midfielder suffered the misfortune of a broken leg just 10 days after his full Hammers debut, and was out for a lengthy 17 month spell on the sidelines. There were initially fears that his career may have ended right there, but he overcame that setback much like his once persistent shin-splints problem, and most recently a recurring hamstring injury.

While unlikely to start, West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola may opt to include Dyer on the bench against Burnley this Saturday. With his team in need of a boost, we look forward to seeing a fully fit and dangerous Kieron Dyer recapturing the form that once made him a fan favourite on Tyneside and a genuine England hopeful.

El Clásico

2009-11-27T00:12:00.007Z

Forget Everton v Liverpool or Arsenal v Chelsea, there is only one fixture that is the must watch this weekend, Spanish footballs uncivil war, FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF. A derby where the two teams are not even from the same city or region and where pigs’ heads are showered to welcome former players. This has REAL history.

Sparks will be flying at Camp Nou this Sunday evening as Real lead the Catalonian at the top of La Liga by one point, but this rivalry goes much deeper than twenty two men on a pitch, of which two thirds aren't even Spanish!

It all dates back to the Spanish Civil Wars and the 1920’s when Madrid got the ‘Real’ (Royal) label and the disharmony soon got worse when Francisco Franco came to power. The Dictator tried changing Spanish ways including language,culture and fashion which had usually entered Madrid via Catalonia. The final insult was that Catalan could only be spoken freely within the walls of Camp Nou without Police Interfering, Real Madrid were now the favoured Club among Spanish hierarchy.

Simon Kuper summed up perfectly how the people of Barcelona felt with "The Catalans feel Catalan first and Spanish second, and to prove it they have fought wars and made revolts against Madrid” (Football against the enemy)

Enough of the Political History lesson. Many believe this to be the most Important meeting of the two adversaries since the 2002 champions league semi-final,which Madrid consequently won. Last season Barcelona done the double over Real including a 6-2 thrashing and along with the Catalans doing the Spanish Treble, it prompted a change at the Bernabeau. In come former president of the ‘Galacticos’ era Florentino Perez and a €270 million spending spree has now give the Los Blancos another Star Studded Line-Up. Ronaldo,Kaka,Alonso,Benzema the list goes on. Are these current ‘Galacticos’ ready for the mighty force of the Catalonians? We all know the talent Pep Guardiola has at his disposal.

One things for sure i'm savouring another meeting between undoubtedly the worlds two best players. Ronaldo Vs. Messi. Its almost like a personal boxing Match, and at the moment I have Messi up one round from the Champions league final. Yes it will probably be Ronaldos first start for six weeks or so but I have no doubt he had this game firmly in his sights, and there will be no better way of justifying his huge price tag then conducting a win over the infamous enemy.

Personally I have this one down as a thriller, but can’t really pick a winner as both haven’t been firing on all cylinders in Spain or Europe. No doubt this will change 6 p.m. Sunday and I can not wait!

What do you think the outcome of this colossal match will be?

The race for South Africa 2010 - Who should Fabio take?

2009-11-26T17:35:00.004Z

For those of you English football fans (sorry Ireland), the return to a competitive international tournament is drawing closer. After the 'Wally-with-a-brolly' debacle, Italian mastermind Fabio Capello has done what poor old Steve McClaren couldn't - guide a supremely talented group of footballers through a seemingly harmless group to a major international competition. Kudos.

Sarcasm aside, I actually think Capello has done a wonderful job of instilling confidence and discipline into a once lifeless England side, which played with zero passion and commitment. The manner in which we qualified was more impressive than qualification itself - to not reach successive international tournaments would be nothing short of a disgrace. However, the question now comes of who will find themselves sat on a plane ready to play in the greatest showcase of football in the world, and who will be in Barbados having a page-3 lovely rubbing them down with lotion.

Today, we're going to look at striking options. Most coaches will opt to take 5 strikers in their squad, but there has been speculation that Mr Capello will only be taking 4. A fit Wayne Rooney is a certainty, which means that the likes of Peter Crouch, Jermaine Defoe, Michael Owen, Darren Bent, Carlton Cole, Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor all have to finish the season well to squeeze their way into the squad.

Let's start with the most puzzling choice in my opinion, Emile Heskey. We know we're not taking Emile for his goalscoring record, at club level or international level, but Fabio seems to see something we're all missing in the boy. Sure, he is a handful for defenders to deal with, providing a physical presence that can cause a back line trouble. But is he really good enough to play against the likes of Spain or Italy - can you ever imagine hearing the words 'And Emile Heskey demands the ball from Steven Gerrard, he takes the ball into feet and with the deftest of turns he's past the baffled Carlos Puyol, he's got Wayne Rooney to his left and plays a pinpoint ball into the path of Rooney for a goal!'

... I think not.

If Fabio insists on taking a striker specifically with the intention of creating space for Wayne Rooney, I'd much rather it be Carlton Cole than Emile. While not prolific, Cole is in the form of his life at a top level, playing for a club which aren't going to create many chances. He offers a lot more of a goal threat, and is an equal physical presence. He feels like more of a brute that would scare defenders, I just feel like Emile would lead in with his elbows and then go and admit this to the referee when the shame spiral got to much for him. A January move for Cole, to a top club like Liverpool as has been rumoured, would only help solidify his chances of going to South Africa.

An alternative to this would be the people's hero Peter Crouch. Now, me and Crouchy never exactly got on well. I always thought of him as one of the more overrated strikers to play in an England shirt, and likeable though he is, I never really saw him as a legititimate threat. For a lad his size, he never really won enough headers to justify calling him a 'target man', and whenever you said 'He has a good touch...' you always had to qualify it with '...for a big man.' However, his record in an England shirt has been nothing short of spectacular. Fair play to him, he's made me eat my words on almost every occasion. He makes intelligent movements, and is more of a threat in the air now. One criticism is that he only scores against minnow international sides, but he really hasn't had an oppurtunity to play against the better sides at international level - all he can do is score in the games he plays. He just needs to stop with those damned bicycle kicks... I don't care if they all fly in the top corner, it just looks unnatural when his frame twists in the air like that.

Next, we have Gabby Agbonlahor. He would provide an alternative to all the other strikers on that list, with deadly pace and a tendency to attack the full backs. He'll be a constant menace to defenders, and is more than capable of being shifted to the wings if necessary. His form hasn't been as incredible as last season, where he launched himself onto the scene with an impressive partnership with Ashley Young. However, he has played well and if he can stay injury free he may be a useful addition to the squad. His experience remains in question, as does his performances against top class stoppers, but as an impact sub he could really make a difference.

Finally, we move on to the natural goalscorrers. The boys you want on the pitch with the ball at their feet when you're behind in the 90th minute. This could turn into quite a rant, because I've said it for years; Darren Bent is the most underrated striker this country has right now. Since he was single-handedly trying to keep Charlton in the Premier League, getting goals out of a team that frankly had none in them, I've followed him closely and I cannot believe with his performances this season he is not a certainty for the squad. I will say this against him first however; he may turn Rooney into less of a goal-threat. Bent thrives on the space created by his striking partner, and while his game is about making intelligent runs and drawing defenders out, he is always looking to get on the end of that final ball, not to make it for someone else. His partnership with Kenywe Jones is a handful, and while Jones is maybe not the best natural finisher, his goal rate will continue to be dwarfed by Bent's the way that they both play.

Bent offers strength on the ball that Jermaine Defoe simply doesn't. Defoe's game is to play off the shoulder of the last defender, and kill him for pace once he's beyond him. Don't get me wrong, he's a deadly finisher, but before his incredible 5 goal display at Wigan, he only bagged 6 goals to Bent's 9, and 3 of those came from his demolition job where he got another hat trick against Hull. If we temporarily ignore those spectacular performances, the impressive 11 goals in 11 games doesn't look quite as good next to 3 from 9. His goals from shots percentage is now 31% to Darren Bent's 24%, however before this weekend Bent would have had a dominant edge there. Does Jermaine even get many goals against the bigger clubs? I can only remember him scoring once against United, and once against Chelsea. I can't say I've ever seen him make the difference against a top four side. Look at Darren Bent, playing for a side worse than Tottenham, and he's already scored against all teams in the big four this season, something I'd wager no other striker has done. Now, that is impressive. His performances in an England shirt haven't been, no-one can deny that, but a fit and confident Darren Bent will get you goals.

Oh, and I refuse to even accept Michael Owen as a possibility until he plays more. Don't suggest that's because I'm biased as a Newcastle fan, I just like to see my international forwards, I don't know, playing games. But I'm a traditionalist.

Here's my team for the World Cup if we take 5; Rooney, Cole, Bent, Defoe, Agbonlahor

If we take four, I'd leave Gabby back in England enjoying an extended summer.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far, be sure to comment on your opinions.

Everton and Liverpool Ground Share.

2009-11-26T16:26:00.004Z

Having had plans for a new stadium at Kirkby rejected Everton are said to be considering a ground share with fierce rivals Liverpool. Toffees chief executive Robert Elstone has stated that the club would now have to consider if it was financially viable. In a move that may disturb fans of both Merseyside clubs it would appear that the situation is being seriously considered. Liverpool deputy executive director Paul Shaw has however stated that the plans are not currently on the clubs agenda. Any deal that would see two of the biggest rivals in world football playing under the same roof seems frankly ridiculous. As ever we are interested to get the opinions of the fans. So please leave comments below. :)

Grant Installed as new Pompey Boss

2009-11-26T15:56:00.003Z

Avram Grant who has been working in a director of football roll at Portsmouth has been handed the managerial post following the departure earlier in the week of Paul Hart. Grant had been the bookies favourite all week and the confirmation today had seemed inevitable. Grant has Premier League experience of course having managed Chelsea during the 07/08 season and in the process guided his team to the Uefa Champions League final where if it had not been for John Terry's penalty miss his side would have been named Champions of Europe. Grant takes over the helm at a time of great instability at Fratton Park with the club dogged by, not only financial, but on the pitch troubles, they currently sit rock bottom of the Premiership with just 7 points from 13 games. Grant faces an uphill struggle if he is to maintain Portsmouth's Premier League status but many feel that the Israeli is the right man for the job.

Ferguson vs Ferguson

2009-11-26T11:29:00.004Z

After Paul Harts "shock" departure on Tuesday night it has brought a unique prospect into contention, a father-son managerial clash in Englands finest division. As reported yesterday Avram Grant was widely tipped by many to take over the position but after since being quoted as saying he would not take the role a certain Mr Darren Ferguson has come to the front of the field and been installed as favourite for the Pompey job.

Labelled as not only Britain’s, but the worlds supreme young manager along with Pep Guardiola, Darren Ferguson controversially parted company with Peterborough United despite back to back promotions to the Coca Cola Championship. This highlights just how alarmingly detrimental a poor run of results can be for any Steward of a team, successful or not.

So will Darren Ferguson come head to head with his father and mentor? He certainly seems to be following in the living legends footsteps, surely he must also be on a shortlist to takeover at the helm of Old Trafford when the great man retires. .Many may argue that Ferguson jnr has not managed, in what some consider, to be the best League in the world and faced the abundence of prodigious managers and players it is blessed with.

In my opinion, I feel we will not have to wait much longer for Ferguson to resume work and when he does he will show what a top-class tactician he is, whether it be with Portsmouth or any other football league team.

One thing is for sure, if Darren ever does return on the opposite touchline at Old Traffod Ferguson Snr will not be taking it easy on his son, as he has never given him much preferential treatment. In his time as a player at Manchester United he made just 27 appearances in four years.

Who says blood is thicker than water?

by Dale Hall

Champions League Recap

2009-11-25T22:06:00.002Z

Well, it wasn't the most exciting night for Europe's top competition, but we still saw some interesting results. Lady luck appears to be shining on Bayern Munich right now, with their 1-0 result against Maccabi Haifa, courtesy of Ivica Olic's strike, coupled with Juventus losing 2-0 to Bordeaux means that they can still qualify with victory against Juventus in a mouth-watering European tie in December. Bordeaux went ahead through Fernando Menegazzo, with highly rated Marouane Chamakh finishing the scoring.

Elsewhere, English sides had mixed results across the competition. Premier League champions Manchester United lost 1-0 at home to Besiktas, the goal coming in the 2oth minute from Rodrigo Tello's deflected long range strike. The goal was cruel for United, who were clearly the better team, but were unable to equalise despite coming close in the last 10 minutes. Chelsea meanwhile, won 1-0 at FC Porto to top their group with relative ease. The goal came from Nicolas Anelka, but on an otherwise uneventful night, Fernando Belluschi was able to impress for the home side.

In other results, Real Madrid won 1-0 at home to FC Zurich. While many would have expected a more impressive scoreline, the only goal of the game came from a good move from Kaka playing in Argentine wonderkid Gonzalo Higuain to finish. That leaves Real Madrid looking comfortable to qualify, with AC Milan in second place, crucially above Marseille but only by a point. They drew 1-1 with Marseille, unable to guarantee qualification. They went ahead through Marco Borriello, only to conceed a Lucho Gonzalez equaliser. The final results from tonight's action saw a 2-1 win for CSKA Moscow against Wolfsburg, to leave both sides on the same number of points looking for second place, and Atletico Madrid drawing 1-1 with Apoel in the game nobody cared about.

Hull Take 3 Points In Premier League.

2009-11-25T21:42:00.003Z

Hull battled through a brave Everton comeback in the 2nd half to secure a vital 3-2 win in the Premier League tonight. 3 goals inside the first 30 minutes from Stephen Hunt, Andy Dawson and Dean Marney saw the struggling side race to a seemingly untouchable lead. The Tigers were not however guaranteed three points at a Kamil Zayatte own goal at the start of the second half through the result back into the balance. An unfortunate night for the defender continued as he conceded a penalty which Louis Saha converted to ensure a nerve racking end to the game. Phil Brown's men held on however and 3 points moves them into 15th place although many of there rivals retain games in hand. Hull fans may feel that 3 points earned tonight could be vital come the end of the season.

In tonight's other Premier League encounter Fulham overcame a Blackburn side with relative ease at Craven cottage emerging as 3-0 victors. Erik Nevland opened the scoring just before half time and a brace from Clint Dempsey in the second half secured the win.

Half Time Scores

2009-11-25T20:38:00.004Z

Champions League

AC Milan 1-1 Marseille

Apoel Nicosia 1-0 Atletico Madrid

Bayern Munich 0-0 Maccabi Haifa

Bordeaux 0-0 Juventus

CSKA Moscow 2-1 Wolfsburg (Full Time)

FC Porto 0-0 Chelsea

Man Utd 0-1 Besiktas

Real Madrid 1-0 FC Zurich

Premiership

Hull 3-0 Everton

Wednesday's Champions League Preview

2009-11-25T19:03:00.009Z

Well, well, well. What is there to say about tonight's upcoming scintilating offering of European football?

...Erm. Not that much actually. Especially for those of you only following the British teams, who have both secured qualification to the latter stages, with only the challenge of finishing top of their groups left to play for. Be sure to check out the Chelsea and Manchester United previews for individual team news.

Casting our eye further afield, we might see some interesting action in Group A, with struggling European giant Bayern Munich looking to overturn a four point deficit behind Juventus to avoid crashing out. They face hopeless Maccabi Haifa at home, with three points surely already in the bag, whilst French surprise package Bordeaux, who occupy the top spot presently with 10 points, face second placed Juventus who sit on 8. The prospect of Juventus dropping points will only spur the German side on further, with the spotlight on Mario Gomez in light of the absences of key players such as Luca Toni, Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery. A win for Bayern and a loss for Juventus will set up a mouth watering crunch tie in December for the remaining spot in the latter stages.

Finally, we have the chance to watch two of the biggest teams in the competition try to secure qualification, with neutrals hoping both AC Milan and Real Madrid hold on to first and second place respectively. They each have 7 points, the only real threat coming from Marseille on 6. However, with the French side still having to play AC Milan away and Real at home, it seems unlikely they'll be able to break into the top two. It still is all to play for though, so nothing will be taken for granted in group C, and we could yet see some upsets.

The only other thing to note is that we all get the chance to see more of Sergio 'Kun' Aguero, appearing for struggling Atletico Madrid who hope to secure third place and a place in the Europa League against Apoel. This player is sure to excite and may prove just why the biggest clubs in Europe will most likely be fighting for his signature in a £40 million transfer battle this January.

Porto's Hulk: A video compilation.

2009-11-25T19:03:00.007Z

Chelsea play Porto tonight and contained within that squad is one of Europe's hottest talents - 23 year old Brazilian 'Hulk' Here is a video of some of his exploits from last season for your enjoyment.

Previews of tonights Champions League ties can be found on the homepage.

Porto vs Chelsea Preview

2009-11-25T18:38:00.003Z

Perhaps the most eagerly anticpated Champions League group game in the competition's history? Not exactly. But Chelsea fans can look forward to seeing a reasonably strong side take on FC Porto at the Estadio do Dragao tonight, with key players Didier Drogba and Michael Essien expected to continue their recovery from injury, alongside Michael Ballack and Deco also making their return to the squad. Frank Lampard is one of the few noticeable absentees, but with qualification already secured the Chelsea stalwart is unlikely to be missed too much. The only interesting nugget to take from this tie is that the exciting Gael Kakuta makes the squad, and a cameo appearance from the youngster may only solidify his status as one of the best prospects in football at the moment. Porto, who find themselves third in the Portuguese league, have finally got a full squad available for selection, but it would seem that only home advantage gives them a chance of beating a formiddable Blues side.

Also, please take a moment to appreciate the brilliantly named attacker in Porto's side, the Brazilian known as 'Hulk'.

Man Utd v Besiktas Preview

2009-11-25T18:01:00.004Z

Manchester United face Besiktas at Old Trafford tonight, with the odds stacked in the English Champion's favour despite being expected to play a youthful starting eleven. Youngsters Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda and Gabriel Obertan are expected to feature at some point, and Sir Alex Ferguson will make a point of giving first team experience to promising midfielder Darron Gibson, who he says is desperate to play more football. Edwin van der Sar travelled with the squad, but is not expected to start. This leaves the question of whether England hopeful Ben Foster will be given the chance to impress Fabio Capello after a string of sub-par performances, or if Ferguson will continue to prefer Tomasz Kuszczak between the sticks. In a surprise return to fitness, Berbatov has made a swifter recovery than was expected from a knee injury, and may feature at some point, despite Ferguson's claims that he wouldn't be available last Saturday. With Besiktas picking up a solitary point so far this season in the Champions League, it is hard to see beyond another three points for United, making them all but certain to place above Wolfsburg and finish top of Group B.

Vidic to leave Man Utd?

2009-11-25T17:07:00.005Z

In one of the more persistent transfer rumours of this season, it seems that the possibility of Nemanja Vidic leaving the Premier League for a warmer clime is more likely than ever. The Serbian stopper has been consistently linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with European giants such as AC Milan, Barcelona and the free-spending Real Madrid interested in the 28 year old.

It would seem as though the Rossoneri or los Merengues would be the most likely destinations for Vidic, with AC Milan's back four looking increasingly aged on paper, and Real Madrid not afraid of dipping into the coffers this season. Their centre-back partnership of Pepe and Raul Albiol would most likely be improved by the addition of Vidic, the club having also been linked recently with Fiorentina left back Juan Manuel Vargas to bolster their options on the flanks.

Vidic has been unable to find his best form this season, and the pairing of Ferdinand and Vidic has certainly seemed more vulnerable than last season. With Ferdinand's long-term fitness in question, and Vidic linked away from the club, we might see Sir Alex Ferguson forced into action in the transfer market if he cannot convince Vidic his future remains at Old Trafford.

As always, let us know your opinion on this story; will Vidic see his career out at Manchester United, or is it a matter of time before the centre back finds himself playing his football elsewhere?

The Next Portsmouth Manager....

2009-11-25T15:56:00.005Z

Following Paul Hart's departure from Fratton Park earlier this week it appears opinion is divided on whether or not the manager was to blame. (See story and comments on homepage). However, the search is now on for the next boss with Avram Grant widely tipped to take the hotseat. Is former Chelsea manager Grant the man to keep Portsmouth in the league or should Pompey be looking elsewhere? Along with Avram Grant, Darren Ferguson and Alan Curbishley have also been mentioned. Curbishley of course has Premier League experience with Charlton and West Ham and has a good track record, managing to establish Charlton has a Premier League side before his departure. Ferguson, on the other hand, is unproven at this level but as one of the best up and coming young managers in the game it is no shock to see his name being suggested. Who do you think should be the man to take the reigns? Check out the latest odds and leave comments below :)

Latest Odds for next boss

Alexandre Song renews Gunners contract.

2009-11-25T15:01:00.002Z

Cameroon international Alexandre Song has put pen to paper on a new contract that will see him remain at the Emirates until at least 2014. The defensive midfielder has broken through the ranks at Arsenal over the last two seasons and has now become an important part of Arsene Wenger's first team plans. Song joins Eduardo in renewing his contract with the Gunners, the Croat international having renewed his deal last week.

The end of Benitez?

2009-11-24T22:06:00.005Z

Liverpool fans will be left asking "what next?" tonight as there team crashed out of the Uefa Champions League. It has been a disappointing season so far for Liverpool who, despite a 1-0 victory tonight, find themselves failing to pass the group stage. A 4th minute goal from David Ngog meant the reds did all they could tonight by taking all three points. However Fiorentina's 1-0 victory over Lyon was enough to condemn Rafael Benitez's side. With Torres injured Liverpool have looked frankly mediocre in recent weeks. Players such as Andriy Voronin have come in for criticism with many saying that Liverpools squad is simply not good enough. The clubs current predicament is awkward and now many Liverpool fans are beginning to question the wisdom of Spanish manager Rafael Benitez with the majority questioning his tactical decisions, especially the reluctance to play £20m signing Alberto Aquliani, who despite a recent injury, is now available for selection. So what next for Liverpool? It looks like Benitez has completely lost his grip on the side and recent results are simply unnaceptable for a club of Liverpools stature. Is it time Rafa was shown the door? Click the banner at the top to return to the homepage for all of today's other articles.

Liverpool in trouble at half time.

2009-11-24T20:32:00.002Z

Half time scores from Champions League Group E

Debrecen 0 vs 1 Liverpool
Fiorentina 1 vs 0 Lyon

An early goal from David Ngog gave Liverpool a promising start to tonight's action sending the away side 1-0 up after just 4 minutes . Merseyside optimism was soon dealt a blow however as Juan Vargas converted a penalty for Fiorentina meaning as it stands Liverpool are heading out of the competition. Liverpool must now rely on a Lyon goal in the second half to aid there survival. It's not looking good.

Are Portsmouth right to sack Paul Hart?

2009-11-24T19:58:00.006Z

Struggling Portsmouth have tonight parted company with manager Paul Hart. Pompey currently find themselves bottom of the league and fell to a 1-0 defeat against Stoke at the weekend having missed an early penalty on their way to yet another loss. With limited resources to work with at Fratton Park and numerous behind the scenes problems many have praised Paul Hart for working under such difficult circumstances. Portsmouth director of football Avram Grant is widely expected to take over the job some time in the next week. The board at Portsmouth have declared their dissatisfaction with the teams points tally so far this season but are they justified in parting company with Hart and more importantly is Avram Grant the right man to keep them in the Premiership? Personally I can understand the boards concerns and frustrations with results but it seems to be a case of reaping what you sew. Paul Hart was a manager under immense pressure and without much in terms of resources at his disposal it is hardly surprising that Portsmouth are in trouble. So were Portsmouth right to relieve Mr. Hart of his duties? You decide.

Liverpool facing crunch tie. Carragher remains upbeat.

2009-11-24T19:10:00.003Z

It's Wednesday 24th November 2009 and Footballtoyou is back online in the blogosphere and it comes equipped with new writers and a new urge to discuss all things football. What better way to kick off our return with a massive night of Champions League football. Despite having won just one of their previous 10 games Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher has today stated that going out of the Champions League is no big deal as the club has the Europa League to fall back on should it fail. Liverpool face Debrecen tonight in Group E knowing that only 3 points will keep alive there hopes of qualification, even this may not suffice as the Merseyside club are also relying on the Fiorentina vs Lyon results also played tonight. A win for Fiorentina and the reds will be facing an early exit. These comments from Carragher seem quite frankly ludicrous, they appear to signal a lack of a ambition and intent, at a club as big as Liverpool this seems worrying. To fail to qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League will only compound the nightmare season Liverpool are currently battling and it will serve only to add more pressure onto the shoulders of manager Rafael Benitez. This years Anfield squad looks mediocre, and plagued by injuries I feel they will struggle to find themselves emerging from Group E. Tonight's match promises to be a nerve racking ride for all Liverpool fans but I can see them pulling a result out of the bag, what happens over in Italy is however out of there hands and the other match in the group tonight could end up signalling the end of the road for Benitiez's red army.

Park on the comeback trail.

2008-08-13T16:52:00.005Z

Ji-sung Park hopes to be back in training next week after spending pre-season recovering from a knee injury. Park was a key player for Man Utd during the run in at the end of last season playing a key role in the League and European double. Park is still set to miss the opener against Newcastle but will return to training next week. Park, who joined United from PSV Eindhoven, has played 57 times for the reds scoring 7 goals. Park performed well in United's Champions League campaign against Roma and Barcelona and was unlucky not to feature in the final. The return of the South Korean will be a boost to United going into the season. For all the latest football news remember to check out the homepage.

Five More Years

2008-08-13T16:06:00.004Z

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has put an end to the speculation linking him with a move away from Stamford Bridge by signing a new 5 year deal at current employers Chelsea. Rumours have been circulating all summer about a possible move from Lampard to Inter Milan where he would have linked up with former Chelsea favourite turned Inter boss Jose Mourinho. Lampard's new deal will keep him at the club until 2013 and will most likely mean that the midfielder, who joined Chelsea from West Ham for £11m in 2001, will play for Chelsea for the rest of his career. The news will come as a boost to new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari as he looks to challenge Man Utd for the Premiership crown this season. Lampard has scored 74 goals in 247 appearances.

You can discuss this story or anything else football related by visting the new Footballtoyou forum by following the link on the right hand side or the one above!

FC Twente Analysis: Video Evidence

2008-08-13T11:56:00.003Z

Arsenal will face FC Twente in tonight's crucial Champions League qualifier, but how much do we know about the Dutch side? Well they finished 4th in the Dutch league last season and beat Ajax in a playoff to qualify for the Champions League, they are managed by Steve McClaren and Blaise N'Kufo has been to top goalscorer for the past 5 seasons. If you want to know what Twente are all about watch the video below that shows all their goals in the 07/08 season. N'Kufo certainly looks like a player to watch tonight and the Gunners will need to keep the Swiss striker under wraps if they wish to qualify. Enjoy!

Arsenal Face FC Twente With Weakened Side

2008-08-13T11:32:00.002Z

Arsenal go into tonights crucial Champions League qualifier against Steve McClaren's FC Twente missing a host of key players. The most notable of which is midfielder Cesc Fabregas who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Also unavailable are Kolo Toure, Abou Diaby, Philippe Senderos, Samir Nasri and long term absentees Thomas Rosicky and Eduardo. As a result of all their injuries it seems that Arsenal could be ready to hand a debut to youngster Aaron Ramsey who joined the club from Cardiff in the summer. This will be the first real test for the youngster on the big stage and it will be interesting to see how he copes with the pressure of a very important game. Arsenal have a tough test against FC Twente and Arsene Wenger will feel that failue to qualify is not an option. That said Arsenal are playing a team managed by Steve McClaren so they are likely to face opposition who will bottle and fail to qualify.

Spurs Sign Another Keeper

2008-08-12T11:59:00.003Z

Tottenham have blostered there Goalkeeping options with the signing of 36 year old Spanish Goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez from Real Zaragoza. Sanchez is expected to play second fiddle to Tottenham's other goalkeeping signing Heurelho Gomes who joined the club earlier in the summer for £7.8m from PSV Eindhoven. Spurs boss Juande Ramos has been looking to improve on the man between the sticks due to the sale of Paul Robinson after a string of errors saw him lose his position to Radek Cerny, who has also left the club for Queens Park Rangers. Sanchez joins a long line of new faces that have come into White Hart Lane this summer, signings that many believe will catapult Tottenham into the top 4.

West Brom Release Portuguese Defender

2008-08-12T11:29:00.002Z

West Brom have signed Abdoulaye Meite, Marek Cech and Gianni Zuiverloon as defensive options this summer as they look to reatin their newly found Premier League status. All the new additions mean that there is no room left in the squad for Portuguese defender Tininho. Tininho signed from Beira Mar in a £230,000 deal but only managed one appearance for the Baggies last season. He also played 3 games on loan at Barnsley. Tininho is now expected to join Portuguese side Leixões.

Darren Bent For England

2008-08-12T11:07:00.003Z

England manager Fabio Capello has indicated that Spurs front man Darren Bent may be in line for a recall to the England setup. Bent currently has 3 caps for the national side but having sent England assistant coach Franco Baldini to watch Bent against Roma Capello has decided that perhaps it is time for Bent to increase his tally. Capello stated that "Baldini told me he played very well so we will have to wait and see,". Bent has been prolific in pre-season having scored a whopping 13 goals whereas England regulars Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney have both struggled with injury and illness. Capello will announce his squad for the friendly against Czech Republic on Saturday evening with the game taking place on August 20. The question has to be asked whether Bent, a player who scored just 8 goals in 36 games for Tottenham last season is good enough to be an England centre forward. In my opinion he certainly is, when on form Bent has the touch and class to be a Premiership leading light and if he can carry his pre season form into the Premier League and perhaps the international stage then England will find themselves with a very useful asset.

Kaka to Chelsea

2008-08-11T22:30:00.003Z

Rumours are circulating that AC Milan midfielder Kaka is willing to move to Chelsea if the two clubs can agree a fee. The Daily telegraph reports that Chelsea have denied making a world record breaking offer the 26 year Brazillian wonderplayer. Kaka who is currently the world player of the year is being valued at the same price as Real Madrid value Cristiano Ronaldo. Chelsea have been linked with Brazilian Robinho in recent weeks and there has always been an interest in Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known as Kaka, from a variety of European giants. It is a little known fact that Kaka suffered a career threatening injury that almost paralysed him at the age of 18. Kaka was involved in a swimming pool accident but remarkably made a full recovery and has since tithed his earnings to the church after attributing his recovery to God. Kaka will count himself lucky that he is a player alledgley subject to a world record transfer bid when it could have been so different for the now world class midfielder.

Pompey Strenghten with French Centre Back

2008-08-11T12:38:00.003Z

Portsmouth are close to completing the signing of French defender Younes Kaboul. Kaboul who had been strongly linked with a move to Sunderland before his agent declared that the transfer would never happen "not even if there was an earthquake" has played 10 times for the French U-21 side. He joined Tottenham in 2007 and made just over 20 appearances for the North London side before being told this summer that he was surplus to requirements. Standing at 6ft 3in Kaboul is an imposing figure at the centre of any defence and Harry Redknapp looks to have signed him as a long term replacement for ageing Sol Campbell who turns 34 in September. Kaboul has been criticised by some who believe he manipulated the interest from Sunderland to engineer a move to a "bigger" club. Portsmouth coach Joe Jordan describes Kaboul as a "very good athlete, strong in the air, and he's quick" Kaboul will be one to watch this season as he attempts to prove himself on the Premiership stage.

West Brom Sign Bolton Defender

2008-08-11T12:01:00.002Z

Abdoulaye Meite has joined newly promoted West Brom from Bolton as the baggies look to strengthen ahead of the Premiership campaign. The Ivory Coast centre back moves to the Hawthorns in a deal worth £2m. Meite who made 56 appearances for Bolton since joining in in 2006 has signed a 3 year deal that could be extended if the club wish to keep him at the club. Meite is a strong and powerful player and will add weight and Premier league experience to the West Brom defence.

Jens Lehman Retires From International Football

2008-08-08T19:50:00.002Z

Jens Lehman has retired from international football at the age of 38. Despite a succesful display in goal for Germany during Euro 2008 the ex-Arsenal stopper has decided to call it a day. Lehman made 61 appearances for Germany playing his first game against Oman in Febuary 1998. Lehman also looks set to retire from football altogether when his contract at Stuttgart runs out at the end of the coming season. Lehman, who has been involved in 3 world cup squads during his career, confrimed his retirement earlier today. "I suggested to him (Low) and to (goalkeeping coach) Andreas Koepke that they no longer include me in their plans for the German national team," he said. Lehman has always been a quality keeper but could have been far more succesful in a German shirt had he not had to live in the shadow of one of the all time greats - Oliver Kahn.

Tottenham Favourites For Premier League

2008-08-08T17:00:00.004Z

After just 5 hours of voting Tottenham have raced into a massive lead on the Football To You Who will win the Premiership poll. Readers seem to have been swayed by their activity in the transfer market including the signings of Giovanni dos Santos, Luka Modric and David Bentley. The north London club have also been linked with major names such as David Villa and Andrei Arshavin. However I am shocked to see them as most people's favourites to win the league it would be a remarkable achievement for them to overturn the dominance of the top 4. For Tottenham to win the league would require a massive turn around in fortunes for the big English clubs and I disagree strongly with Tottenham at the top of the poll. If you disagree as well remember to cast your vote. Also Hull City 16 votes, incredible, that's about as likely as a Chris Kamara going an entire season on Sky Sports without mentioning the words "un" and "believable".

Debate and Poll: Who Will Win The Premiership

2008-08-08T13:36:00.003Z

The vote is in for Football To You's "Who Will The Championship?" poll and the results can be seen on the homepage but now it is time for the big one. Who will win the Premiership? Thinking logically there can only really be 4 competitors. Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and current holders Manchester United. Picking between these four is going to be a difficult choice this year with Manchester United likely to be strong contenders having managed to retain top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo during the summer. Chelsea pushed the Red Devils close last season and in my opinion are likely to do the same again this season. If they can complete the signing of Robinho from Real Madrid that has been widely reported then their odds are likely to be cut. In my opinion these two clubs are the main contenders but then there are the other two of the big four. Arsenal have lost several players in the summer including Aliaksander Hleb and Gilberto Silva but have strengthened with the likes of Samir Nasri. Arsene Wenger always manages to get the best out of his team and if players like Fabregas and Adebayor can stay injury free then they will be there or thereabouts. Then of course there is Liverpool, the perenial under-achievers in terms of domestic success but this could be their season, Torres is likely to be amongst the top goalscorers and if his partnership with proven goalscorer Robbie Keane kicks off who knows how many goals they can score. Driven on by skipper Steven Gerrard Liverpool should definately not be discounted. So there you have it 4 likely competeters but maybe Tottenham can break into that top 4 this season or even mount a title challenge. What do you think? Remember to vote in the poll or leave a comment to voice your opinion.

QPR Will Win The Championship

2008-08-08T13:21:00.003Z

The results are in and Football To You readers have decided that QPR will be the team to lift the Championship trophy at the end of the season. Despite recent financial troubles QPR have seen heavy investment from Forumla 1 tycoons Flavio Briatore and Bernie Eccleston. Having signed some interesting players, including Real Madrid youngster Daniel Parejo, in the summer it would appear that QPR are many people's favourites for the Championship crown although the bookies favourite is still Birmingham City. The Football To You poll has run for a few days and with the season kicking off tomorrow it is time to announce the results, they are as follows.

Overall votes = 455

Top 5

QPR - 29.2% - 133

Birmingham - 18.9% - 86

Ipswich - 10.1% - 46

Reading - 8.6% - 39

Crystal Palace - 7.5% - 34

So have our readers voted sensibly or not. Will QPR achieve Championship success, only time will tell, but for now why not leave a comment and voice your opinion.

Robinho To Chelsea - £19.7m Bid.

2008-08-07T19:39:00.003Z

Robinho's move to Chelsea appears to be back on after they tabled a £19.7m bid for the Brazillian striker. Robinho is said, by his agent, to be keen on a move away from the Bernabau after Madrid attempted to use the 24 year old as a make weight in a deal to bring Ronaldo to Madrid. Robinho's agent is quoted as saying "What matters for Robinho is to leave the club and play for Scolari at Chelsea." Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon believes that the only stumbling block in the transfer being completed is Real's search for a replacement and with Roman Calderon hinting earlier this week that Real's signing of Rafael van der Vaart would be their only one of the summer this stumbling block could prove crucial. It would certainly appear from the comments of Robinho's agent that the Brazillian is no longer interested in a career at Madrid and with Chelsea's new bid it seems that a move away is not too far away.

Ipswich Snap Up Ex-Real Madrid Star

2008-08-07T13:55:00.002Z

Ipswich have confirmed their intentions to reach the Premier League this season by signing ex Real Madrid and Bolton midfielder Ivan Campo. He completes a free transfer to the club after leaving Bolton at the end of last season. Famous for his afro hair style campo notched up over 150 appearances in Bolton helping them to qualify for European qualification on several occasions. The tractor boys have been linked with big names this summer includung Dave Nugent and have now signed a player that had been linked to Premiership new boys Hull City. Their ability to snatch a player of this quality from under Hulls noses strongly signals their intent for the coming season. The club are also Football To You's dark horses to win the league this season.

Football League Preview - All The Odds

2008-08-07T13:10:00.002Z

A new season of football league kicks off on saturday and all 72 clubs will be hoping that they will be the ones to prosper. League success is possible for any club as the slate is wiped clean, on the opening day everybody is equal unless of course you are Luton Town and have been cruely deducted 30 points before a ball has been kicked. So who are the bookies favourites for the new season. We take a look at the odds throughout the leagues.

Coca Cola Championship

To win the league.

Birmingham 6-1
QPR 9-1
Reading 10-1
Sheff Utd 12-1
Wolves 14-1

Birmingham are favourites to bounce straight back but the Football To You readers poll shows that most expect QPR to lift the cup come the end of the season.

Hot Tip: QPR 9-1 Outsiders: Ipswich 16-1

Coca Cola League 1

To win the league.

Leeds 3-1
Leicester 6-1
Peterbrough 11-1
Huddersfield 16-1
MK Dons 16-1

Leeds are expected to put the dissapointment of last seasons playoffs behind them and return to the Championship but could newly promoted Peterbrough or MK Dons make a challenge.

Hot Tip: Leicester 6-1 Outsiders: MK Dons 16-1

Coca Cola League 2

To win the league.

Shrewsbury 8-1
Bradford 10-1
Darlington 10-1
Gillingham 11-1
Rochdale 12-1

Well it looks like the bookies fancy Shrewsbury to continute climbing the leagues after conference football a few years ago. We are inclined to agree.

Hot Tip: Shrewsbury 8-1 Outsiders: Wycombe 12-1

Note: All odds are sourced from www.oddschecker.co.uk and are the best prices offered by a range of bookmakers on who will win the league. All odds are correct at time of publishing.

Remember to check the homepage for all the latest football action and please keep supporting the site. Thanks!

Villa's Young English Talent To Expand

2008-08-07T11:44:00.005Z

Aston Villa's brigade of young English players looks set to expand with the transfer of Nicky Shorey and Luke Young into the club. Martin O'Neill seems to keen to build success on a group of English talent with players such as Gareth Barry, Nigel Reo-Coker, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashely Young, Curtis Davies and Zat Knight to name but a few. Villa had been keen to bolster there defensive options following the departure, on a free transfer, of Olof Mellberg to Juventus and the long term injury of Wilfred Bouma. A fee has been agreed for both Luke Young of Middlesbrough and Nicky Shorey of Reading whose departure from the Championship club has been an inevitability for some time. Middlesbrough will be hoping to profit from Luke Young who they bought from Charlton for £2.5m last summer. Both defenders have England experience and look set to be good additions to an already strong Villa side. No doubt Martin O'neill will be hoping to lead his side into a European position at the end of the season. Remember to check the homepage for the latest football action and please keep supporting the site.

Andy Johnson Joins Fulham

2008-08-07T09:16:00.002Z

Everton and England striker Andy Johnson has joined Fulham for an undiscolosed fee thought to be an 8 figure sum. The 5ft 7in striker has been capped 8 times for England but is yet to score. Johnson first showed his capabilities at Crystal Palace becoming the second top goalscorer in Crystal Palace's Premiership season of 2004/05. Fulhan will be happy to have signed the hitman after having trailled him for a long time, they are thought to have fought off competition from Wigan for his signature and will be hoping that Johnson fills their void for a 20 goal a season striker. Strikers such as David Healy, Diomansy Kamara and Erik Nevland have all failed to score prolifically at Craven Cottage and Roy Hodgson needs Johnson to show his class this season if Fulham are to achieve a respectable league position. Remember to check out the homepage for the latest football acton!

Eduardo On The Mend: A Video Review

2008-08-06T17:13:00.005Z

Eduardo is on the road to recovery but in case you have forgotten what the Croation Striker is all about here are some highlights of his Arsenal career to date. Judging by this footage Eduardo will be worth some money down the betting shop when he returns. We wish him all the best.

Ljunberg Not Wanted At Hammers

2008-08-06T16:18:00.003Z

Freddie ljunberg has had his contract terminated at West Ham United by mutual consent. The Swedish winger struggled to break into the first team at Upton Park last season due to injury but proved his fitness at this summers Euro 2008 tournament. The decision has however been taken to cancel his contrat. Ljunberg was clearly on a high wage at the Hammers and they will be keen to save his wages although a significant payment to the player is likely. Ljunberg has stated that it is now time for him to "consider my football future". Perhaps the formal Arsenal favourite is about to retire. Thanks for supporting Football To You.

What a Signing!

2008-08-06T14:32:00.003Z

With the season creeping up on us Football To You is starting to consider which club has done the best business in the summer. Lots of deals have gone through and lots of money has been thrown about but who will prove to be the most effective and the best value for money come the 38 game mark in the Premier League. Of course it's often hard to judge - Deco to Chelsea for £7.9m could be a steal or the Portuguese midfielder could prove as useful as a one legged man in an arse kicking contest. In order to identify who will succeed its important to consider whether a player will settle in the country or whether they will gel with their new team mates. My tip for Premier League success is 19 year old Mexican winger Giovanni Dos Santos now of Tottenham. The former Barcelona player has the potential to set the league alight this year and for a player who was a regular at the Nou Camp last season scoring a hat trick on the final day of the season £4.7m seems a steal. This price may rise to £8.6m but even so it is much less than the £15m they paid for Bentley. What we want to know is who is your Premiership star buy? Robbie Keane? Samir Nasri? David Bentley? Anthony Gardener? El Hadji Diouf? or anyone of the host of others? To let us know leave a comment below. Remember see the homepage for all our other football action!

QPR Boss Dowie Faces Sack

2008-08-06T12:53:00.002Z

A row has erupted at QPR which could result in the dismissal of manager Iain Dowie from the Championship promotion hopefuls. Football To You readers have currently voted QPR as their favourites to win the league with over 50% of the vote. There ambitions could however be hampered by a row over an unkown player from the middle east. The row between Dowie and QPR Italien co-owner Flavio Briatore threatens Dowies postion after just 3 months in charge as Briatore is understood to have told the former West Ham and Crystal Palace player that he would be dismissed. Any shift in managerial control this late on could be damaging to the London club but it may be a possibility with Sam Allardyce and Mike Newell already being touted as replacements. For all todays other news remember to check out the homepage and don't forget to cast your vote on "Who will in the Championship!"

Outside Championship Contenders: Ipswich

2008-08-06T12:07:00.004Z

Since voting opened yesterday Ipswich have attracted just 2.3% of the votes in Football To You's "Who will win the championship poll". Not a lot of people seem to be backing Jim Magilton's Tractor Boys but despite no success in recent years the Easy Anglian club may well be an outside shout for promotion back to the big time. Ipswich have been linked to some well known and potentially very effective players at Championship level. I'm talking about players such as Dave Nugent who is proven at this level and Angelos Charisteas of Greece who helped them win the European Championships in 2004. Having already resigned Richard Wright - a goalie once tipped for England first team success and with players such as Ipswich legend Pablo Counago and young starlet Danny Haynes who knows what Ipswich can achieve this season. Most betting site currently have them at 6th or 7th favourite to win the league outright and I for one would not be suprised to see Jim Magilton lead his side into the playoffs if not further. Of course they are not the favourties and they will require luck along the way but if Ipswich can pull of some of their ambitious transfer targets then they will certainly be the team to watch in this seasons 2nd tier. Remember for all todays big footy news, rumour and debate check out the homepage.

Savage Leaving Derby

2008-08-06T11:14:00.005Z

Speculation is rife that Robbie Savage could make a shock return to his old club Leicester City amid a fall out with Derby boss Paul Jewell. Earlier this week Jewell declared himself publicly unhappy with Savage's performances in training stating that "Robbie wasn't happy about not being first choice and I wasn't happy with the way he reacted in training", this statement coupled with Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric's confirmation that Savage's name had been mentioned whilst considering new signings. Savage played for the club for five years between 97 and 2002 helping them to win the league cup in 2000 scoring 8 goals. For more of todays news including an early return for Kenwyne Jones and news on a GB football team at the Olympics check out the homepage.

Dickov's Return to Leicester

2008-08-06T11:05:00.003Z

Leicester City owner Milan Mandaric has confirmed that the league 1 club are attempting to bring Paul Dickov back to the club. Mandaric hinted that the move could be completed before the end of the week and that talks had been positive. The striker who left The Walkers Stadium in 2006 had been in talks with Toronto FC and a move to Blackpool had also been rumoured. Leicester will be keen to benefit from Dickovs experience as they attempt to return to the Championship at the first time of asking. For more of todays news including an early return for Kenwyne Jones and news on a GB football team at the olympics check out the homepage.

Great News For Sunderland Fans

2008-08-06T08:18:00.005Z

It was feared that Kenwyne Jones would miss a hefty chunk of the season at the Stadium of Light but the Sunderland hitman received a dose of good news after exploratory knee surgery revealed that the injury he suffered after a clash with David James is not as bad as first expected. The Black Cats forward has been linked with a host of top clubs including Liverpool and Chelsea and recieved high praise of Chelsea skipper John Terry who described him as being "the best in the air in the entire Premier League". With praise like that it is no wonder that Sunderland fans will be happy to see Kenwyne returning earlier than anticipated and with a host of other signings including Diouf, Malbranque and Chimbonda who knows what Sunderland can achive this season under the guidance of Roy Keane. Remember to check the homepage for all the latest football news and to join the debate. Keep supporting Football To You

Great Britain Team On The Horizon

2008-08-06T08:02:00.003Z

It's a concept that has been debated for years but now it seems that a Great British football team will become a reality. Fifa President Sepp Blatter, who once suggested that women should wear tighter shorts to make the female game more attractive, has already given his support to the idea and it now appears that the FA are keen on the proposal as well. FA Chief Executive has declare "YES" when asked if we should have a team representing Britain at the Olympics and FA chairman Lord Triesman stated that he was "completely committed" to the idea. Speculation remains open as to what the team will consist of with many suggesting it will contain 11 English players due to a lack of support from the smaller home nations who fear a loss of identity. Is it really possible for English and Scottish players to play together? More importantly is it after decades of rivalry to erase our traditions in order to compete in a football tournament that nobody really cares about? I think not but it seems that the football bureaucrats will have the last word on whether or not Team GB competes in 2012.

Rubbish Rangers Dumped out of Europe

2008-08-05T19:00:00.003Z

Rangers Champions League campaign came to an abrupt end this evening as they went down 2-1 to Lithuanian club FC Kaunas in an embarassing display of football. Despite taking a 1-0 lead through Kevin Thompson Rangers conceded a late goal with only 4 minutes left on the clock and it was this goal that ended their European aspirations for another year. Where does this leave Rangers now. After european heroics in the uefa cup last season they have been ejected by Lithuanian minnows. Scottish football takes another blow and this defeat provides more ammunition for those that say Scotlands footballers simply aren't up to the job. Remember please check the homepage for all todays other big stories and videos and cast your vote in the poll. Please keep supporting Football To You.

Your Views Needed

2008-08-05T16:17:00.003Z

So since relaunching the site 2 days ago it has received thousands of hits which I am very happy about but what I would like to know is what you think. What do you want to see more of? What do you not want to see at all? What's good? and what is basically a load of crap? All comments would be appreciated as I really want to provide a great place for all footy stuff videos, news, debate etc... so please help me to make this site a fun and informative. Cheers!

Andrei Arshavin: Video Highlights

2008-08-05T15:23:00.002Z

There has been a lot of talk about Andrei Arshavin this summer but just what is all the fuss about well check out these goals to see for yourself. Check out the homepage for all todays latest footy news and rumour and to vote on your favourite for the Coca Cola Championship that kicks off on Saturday. Why not subsribe to our feed to get all the latest footy news onto your google or yahoo homepage - simply click subscribe to this blogs feed on the right hand sidebar. Now enjoy Arshavin on top form hit play below!

QPR tipped for league success.

2008-08-05T15:11:00.002Z

Football To You readers seem to believe that QPR will be heading for the premiership this season with them currently leading the vote on who will win the Coca Cola Championship. QPR have recently signed Real Madrid starlet Daniel Parejo on loan. The midfielder had been linked with a move to Arsenal but was snapped up by Iain Dowie. QPR are clearly benefiting from there new investment and Ladbrokes currently has them as second favourites to win the league behind Birmingham. You can cast your vote on who will win the championship by voting in the website poll or you can read about Rooney's Nigerian Virus, Craig Bellamy's fan fight or why Ronaldo is staying at Man Utd on the homepage.

Rooney Out with Nigerian Virus.

2008-08-05T14:01:00.006Z

Wayne Rooney looks set to miss the start of the season after picking up a virus whilst in Nigeria. Rooney joins Nani who is suspended, Anderson who is on olympic duty and Ronaldo who is still recovering from ankle surgery in United's list of unavailable players. United boss Alex Ferguson confirmed that the virus is not malaria but described it as "not a nice one". United may now need to step up the search for a striker and speculation is rife with a number of names being linked to United with Roque Santa Cruz and Dimitar Berbatov topping the list.

Please keep supporting Football To You. The Home page is where you can view all our stories full of football news, rumour and debate. Thanks!

The Big Question: Who Will Win The Championship?

2008-08-05T13:43:00.002Z

So a new season is just around the corner and with the Championship season about to kick off on Saturday but who is going to reach the promised land of the Premiership by taking the crown and the number one spot in Englands second tier. Football To You today opens voting on the poll so that you, the reader, can cast your vote and share your opinions in the comments section below on who will be victorious. Voting can be found on the right hand sidebar. My vote goes to Derby who despite their appaling performance in the Premiership have strengthened with the strike pairing of Nathan Ellington and Rob Hulse, this coupled with the experience and knowledge of boss Paul Jewell makes them my favourites for a top flight return. Now over to you. Vote Now! to pick your favourite.

Ronaldo To Stay

2008-08-05T12:53:00.004Z

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon today appeared to accept defeat in the signing of Crisitano Ronaldo from Manchester United during the unveiling of Rafael van der Vaart. The eternal trouble making president has continuously suggested that the portuguese winger is set to quit Old trafford to link up with the Spanish giants but Calderon stated whilst presenting Real's new Dutch signing at the bernabau that "Van der Vaart is the first signing and probably the only one" It would appear that Man Utd fans can now breathe a sigh of relief as it seems that Ronaldo is set to stay in Manchester for at least another season. Many United fans however have become disillusioned with their top goalscorer after he refused to commit to the club and there is much feeling amongst fans that Ronaldo no longer deserves to pull on the red devils strip.

Fan Fight Follows Bellamy Injury.

2008-08-05T12:26:00.003Z

Craig Bellamy will find himself on the sidelines for the start of the season after limping out of West Ham's 5-3 victory over Ipswich. The Welshman was substituted after 24 minutes and his frustration was clearly evident as he proceeded to kick an advertising hoarding before exchanging words with a fan on the sideline. This is the latest controversy in the career of the striker who previously had been accused of sending abusive text messages to Alan Shearer whilst playing at Blackburn and faking injury to avoid playing for Newcastle. West Ham's immediate concern will be the length of Bellamy's injury, the hammers will be hoping that Bellamy returns quickly after an injury ravaged season last year. In the long term however Alan Curbishly must be questiong Bellamy's temperament which has seen him fall into trouble at most of the clubs hes played at during his career. Will Bellamy ever learn to keep his actions on the field and start scoring the goals that West Ham pay him ridiculous amounts of money to score? Somehow I doubt it.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Testimonial - Video Highlights

2008-08-04T16:57:00.005Z

So Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hung up his boots - here are the highlights from the United legends testimonial at Old Trafford. Hit play below.

Drogba to miss season start - A big loss?

2008-08-04T16:06:00.002Z

Didier Drogba is set to miss the start of the season after failing to return from a knee problem. This is not too big a loss for Chelsea with Scolari claiming that the Ivorian will only miss the opening two fixtures against Wigan and Portsmouth but there is howerver little other competition for places at Stamford Bridge with Salomon Kalou at the olympics and Shevchenko seemingly out of "Big Phil's" plans. The injury does raise the question as to how Chelsea would manage without Drogba - one of the premierships most hated players - should he suffer a more serious injury. It seems to me like Chelsea need to sign a replacement for Shevchenko if indeed he is set to leave. There other alternative of course is to use a single striker with wingers or attacking midfielders tucking in behind Anelka a system that had worked well under Mourinho. But which system do you feel would be most effective and do you believe that Chelsea need to invest in another striker if they are to challenge United's Premier League crown.

Ronaldo, Adebayor, Barry, Arshavin, Robinho!

2008-08-04T12:56:00.005Z

The summer is always full of transfer rumours but just how much attention should we pay to paper talk and gossip. Ronaldo to Real, Barry to Liverpool, Robinho to Chelsea and Arshavin and Adebayor to quite their clubs are all deals that have been touted around the media but how many have gone through. None. Nill. Zero. Ziltch. So what's the fans getting excited about players when there not actually going to move clubs. Some of these transfers we know may still be on the cards but the ever turning rumour mill is so damaging to clubs that any hint of a transfer can damage championship hopes. Players are often to blame with Ronaldo failing to declare any desire to stay at the club that has brought him success and riches and Gareth Barry openly citicising his manager over his not yet completed transfer to Liverpool. Adebayor was booed in the Emirates tournament against Madrid but promptly cheered after scoring a winning penalty. The disruption that big money summerer transfer rumours cause is becoming ridiculous with players demanding stupid money, fans booing then cheering their own players in a fickle show of support and managers expelling players from training before the all important season kick off. If players want to leave they should state their intentions clearly, make a written transfer request and act in a proffesional manner. Why should any club have to pay £100,000 a week to any player who cant be arsed to commit to their club? What are your opinions on the summer transfer rumour mill? Should managers ban players from training? Are players justified in their demands for a move or bigger wages? and are fans right in booing players that still wear the clubs colours? Drop us a comment below and get debating.

Real Madrid Sign Dutch Star

2008-08-04T11:41:00.003Z

Footballtoyou is back after a near two year break. The site is being relaunched and will once again become a great place for football news, football debate, football chat, football gossip, football videos and all sorts of football stuff. With it's comeback comes the news that Real Madrid have signed leading european and creative midfielder Rafael Van Der Vaart. Van Der Vaart joins from German signed Hamburg where he has caught the eye of many clubs and a move to a major european side has been on the cards for quite some time. But is this the move that will make a star out of the highly talented Van Der Vaart? Upon joining Madrid many players declare it is a dream come true (as did van der Vaart) but it is not always a great career move, big players at Madrid tend to suffer be it from the high expectations or the failure to blend into a team already full of massive footballing names and the worry is that van der vaart will come the same way as Beckham or Owen who both to some extent failed to make an impact in La Liga. A reported 9million euros has changed hands and that to me seems like a bargain as van der Vaart has the potential to shine both as a goalscorer and a playmaker but is Madrid the right club for the 26 year old dutch midfielder. I for one will be watching his performances this season with great interest.

You can read van der Vaarts statement on his official website following this link

van der Vaart official site

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.

Sutton Linked With Former Club

2006-09-21T15:46:00.000Z

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.

Reading Plan Expansion

2006-09-21T15:00:00.000Z

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."

Pearce Next Casualty?

2006-09-21T13:49:00.000Z

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.

Championship: Shake Up at The Bottom

2006-09-20T18:25:00.000Z

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.

Bungs: The Run Down

2006-09-20T17:47:00.000Z

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:

Sam Allardyce is accused of recieving illegal payments from two agents.

Harry Redkanpp was filmed discussing the possibility of buyin Andy Todd.

Chelsea direcetor of youth football, Frank Arnesan filmed making an illegal approach for
Middlesbrough's Nathan Porritt.

Newcatsle first team coach Kevin Bond filmed admitting he would consider recieving payments.

Agents Teni Yerima and Peter Harrison on film saying they bribed Sam Allardyce.

Sam Allardyce's son Craig is alleged to have recieved illegal payments whilst working on three Bolton transfers despite being banned from working for the club.

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

What's wrong with Rooney?

2006-09-19T19:21:00.000Z

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.

Given In Car Crash Like Injury

2006-09-19T15:42:00.000Z

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. *

Woodgates Permanent Boro Move

2006-09-18T20:15:00.000Z

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.

Robson leaves by Mutual Consent

2006-09-18T19:25:00.001Z

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.

World Cup Winners: Your Say

2006-06-12T14:46:00.000Z

The Fifa World Cup 2006 is under way and after a less than convincing start to the tournament by England I am beginning to doubt are chances. Having seen the Argentinians I my worry was increased as they overran an Ivory Coast side full of class. Brazil are yet to play but I'm sure they will be a threat with undoubted attacking ability as will France if masters of the game Henry and Zidane are as afluent as they can be. Not to mention Spain, Portugal, Holland and the Czech Republic. Australia are in high spirits after their come back win over Japan and it appears this is shaping up to be one of the most wide open tournaments in history. Now it is up to one nation to step forward and sieze glory. In my opinion Argentina, Brazil and England are favourites but you may have a different opinion, drop us a line. Who knows I am yet to see Togo play!

Luke Young for England?

2006-04-10T16:02:00.000Z

So Charlton captain Luke Young is out of action again and this time it is a reoccurance of the ankle problem he suffered at the start of the season. Many are saying that the Charlton right back could miss out on a place in Sven's world cup squad which he will announce on May 9. Is this a big loss? If Gary Neville stays fit then I do not see a problem neville is a veteran of big games and certainly has the ability to carry England forward. Luke Young did well in an England shirt last time I saw him play in a friendly and provides good cover and so it may well be vital for our chances that he gets fit in time. After all if Neville does get injured I for one will not be happy with Danny Mills who tends to perform at a level only rivalled by garden tools.