Sunday, August 26, 2007

NANI STUNNER GETS UNITED OFF MARK

A stunning 30-yard strike from Portuguese winger Nani shot down Tottenham at Old Trafford and gave champions Manchester United their first win of the Premier League season.

The youngster, a big-money buy from Sporting Lisbon in the summer, blasted a sensational long-range effort past Paul Robinson and into the top corner of the Spurs net, aided by a slight deflection off Carlos Tevez.

It had taken Sir Alex Ferguson's men 68 long minutes to break the deadlock on an afternoon when Martin Jol's visitors could have embarrassed them yet further.

From the early seconds, when Robbie Keane grazed the top of Edwin van der Sar's crossbar with a cracking strike, the London side provided a real threat up front.

And two incidents just before Nani's winner will make defeat a bitter pill to swallow for them.

First Dimitar Berbatov, lively all afternoon, prodded the ball through van der Sar's legs. It seemed certain his effort would roll over the line but in the nick of time Rio Ferdinand arrived to clear.

Spurs then had a strong penalty appeal turned down as Berbatov beat Vidic, before powering his shot goalwards with van der Sar looking on helplessly.

The ball struck the falling Wes Brown and Berbatov led fierce Spurs protests as referee Howard Webb waved their appeals for a penalty away.

Two years ago Spurs were denied victory at Old Trafford when that long-range Pedro Mendes strike was wrongly ruled out, and once again here they were out of luck on a visit to the Theatre Of Dreams.

Mark Viduka was on target on his return to the Riverside Stadium as Middlesbrough and Newcastle played out an eventful 2-2 draw.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Charles N'Zogbia cut in from the left and unleashed a thunderbolt with his right boot from 25 yards which left Mark Schwarzer with no chance.

That sparked Boro into life though and they equalised six minutes later when Fabio Rochemback's clever chip over the top found Mido, who controlled expertly on his chest before rounding Steve Harper and stroking home his second goal in two games.

Gareth Southgate's men came out firing at the start of the second period with Rochemback having an effort bloked by Harper, while at the other end James Milner drilled straight at Schwarzer.

Newcastle restored their advantage with 13 minutes to go when Viduka controlled superbly in the area before volleying past Schwarzer - his first goal for the Toon.

However that lead lasted just three minutes as Boro hit back again, this time Julio Arca lashing home from the edge of the box after the visiting defence had failed to clear Rochemback's ball in.

taken from =football365=

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Friday, August 24, 2007

COLE SET TO JOIN BLACK CATS

Veteran striker Andy Cole is on the verge of a move to Sunderland.

The 35-year-old left Portsmouth this summer, after manager Harry Redknapp agreed to cancel the final two years of his contract, and he is set to undergo a medical with the Black Cats today.

Cole - who can count Manchester United, Newcastle and Manchester City among his former clubs - is expected to sign a one-year-deal with Roy Keane's side.

Taken from =football365=

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OWEN MAY START FOR MAGPIES

Newcastle striker Michael Owen is in contention for a start in the Barclays Premier League at Middlesbrough on Sunday after shaking off his thigh problem.

The 27-year-old played 57 minutes for England against Germany on Wednesday, and will battle with Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi for a place.

Emre is back in training after a calf problem, but Shay Given (groin), Celestine Babayaro (hamstring), Joey Barton (metatarsal) and Damien Duff (ankle) remain on the sidelines.

Teams:

Middlesbrough (from): Will appear here...

Newcastle (from): Harper, Forster, Carr, N'Zogbia, Rozehnal, Taylor, Ramage, Cacapa, Enrique, Solano, Milner, Geremi, Butt, Smith, Emre, Viduka, Martins, Ameobi, Owen.

Taken from =football365=

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

BIG SAM QUIET ON MARTINS FRONT

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce insists he has had no approach for striker Obafemi Martins as speculation mounts over his future.

The 22-year-old Nigeria international has been the subject of repeated speculation throughout the summer since it emerged he has a £13million buy-out clause in his contract at St James' Park.

Martins has been tipped as a possible target for Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson if he decides to find cover for the injured Wayne Rooney.

However, Allardyce confirmed there have as yet been no offers for the player, who scored 17 goals last season following his £10million arrival from Inter Milan.

The 52-year-old said: "There has been speculation about Obafemi Martins every week since I have been here, and he is still at Newcastle.

"I have had no contact from any football club, either in this country or any other country wanting to activate Obafemi Martins' clause.

"Oba is still a Newcastle United player and the only way he will not be a Newcastle United player is if somebody activates that clause, and nobody has."

Martins is one of four senior strikers currently on the Tyneside club's books with Michael Owen back from a thigh injury and Mark Viduka and Shola Ameobi also competing for places in the starting line-up.

Glenn Roeder's signing made an immediate impact under new boss Allardyce with a double in the 3-1 opening weekend victory at Bolton and has previously committed himself to the club after being linked with Arsenal and Valencia during the close-season.

Allardyce knows he could struggle to keep all four men happy this season, and any offer which activated the escape clause would provide the Magpies with a healthy profit on their investment in the Nigerian.

Meanwhile, keeper Steve Harper has hailed Owen for his fortitude following his most recent return to fitness.

The England striker was used as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa and subsequently returned to international duty following his comeback from a thigh strain.

The 32-year-old said: "It is great to see him back, he has had a dreadfully unlucky spell but he has kept his head down.

"Michael has worked his socks off to get back and it was great to see him back out there against Villa.

"We know Michael is 100% committed to the club and he has said nothing to any of us to the contrary. Michael is the ultimate professional. He works hard and does not cause any problems.

"He is also a top, top player. The sooner we can get him back out and firing on all cylinders the better.

"He is a down-to-earth player and it's great to see him back."

Taken from =football365=

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HEINZE MAKING MADRID MOVE

The messy Gabriel Heinze saga has finally reached its conclusion after the Manchester United defender agreed a four-year contract with Real Madrid.

Heinze was still considering whether to launch an appeal against the Barclays Premier League decision to block his preferred to Liverpool when Real made their move.

United, aware the 29-year-old's Old Trafford future was non-existent, were quick to agree a fee with the Spanish champions, believed to be well in excess of £5million, forcing the issue back into Heinze's court.

Although the Argentina World Cup star still wanted to explore the Liverpool option, he knew that by dragging the situation out even further, his chances of moving out of England before the August 31 transfer deadline would effectively disappear.

Having already had one lot of talks with Real earlier in the summer, Heinze has now opted to join the Spanish champions instead - a move which will no doubt disappoint Rafael Benitez, who expressed his disgust for the verdict reached by the Premier League 24 hours earlier.

In contrast, United will be glad to get rid of a player who became a firm fans' favourite in the immediate aftermath of his move from Paris St Germain in 2004 but became a pariah amongst supporters for so actively pursuing a move to their fierce north-west rivals.

Heinze must still pass a medical but providing there are no problems, he will join Bernd Schuster's squad within the next 48 hours as a replacement for long-serving Brazilian Roberto Carlos, who left the Bernabeu for Turkey this summer.

The move concludes a story which dogged United throughout their Far East tour and left Sir Alex Ferguson bemused about the player's intentions.

Those were made perfectly clear earlier this week when Heinze attending the Premier League hearing himself to claim a letter, signed by Red Devils chief executive David Gill, confirming a fee at which United would be willing to do business, constituted a promise to sell.

The panel disagreed, having also heard the startling revelation of Crystal Palace chief executive Phil Alexander who told the three-man inquiry team he was approached by one of Heinze's representatives with a proposal for the player to join the Eagles before then being moved on to Liverpool.

Such a move may have attracted the attention of FIFA, whose rules forbid a player joining three clubs in one season, but ultimately never came to fruition.

However, it does emphasise the scale of Heinze's desire to become the first player to move from United to Liverpool since Phil Chisnall in 1964.

The whole episode has left a nasty taste in the mouth of Benitez, who must now look elsewhere for a left-back following Heinze's decision to accept Real's offer.

"I would like to ask the Premier League a number of questions. How can a player with a signed agreement be treated like this?" Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

"He has a document which is clear, but the Premier League prefers to believe the word of someone else who made a mistake. I know there were accusations made against Liverpool in the hearing which were unbelievable. How can this be allowed?"

And broadening his attack from the Heinze issue, Benitez said: "Then I would like to ask the Premier League why is it that Liverpool always plays the most fixtures away from home in an early kick-off, following an international break?

"We had more than the top clubs last season and we have four already to prepare for this season.

He then - somewhat bizarrely given the story dominated the news agenda for most of the close-season - claims it was "so easy" for United to sign Tevez.

Benitez added: "Then I want to ask the Premier League why it was so difficult for Liverpool to sign Javier Mascherano, when we had to wait a long time for the paperwork, but it was so easy for Carlos Tevez to join Manchester United?

"It's going to be very difficult for us to win the Premier League because the other teams are so strong, but I want our supporters to know that despite the disadvantages we have, we will fight all the way.

"We will fight to cope with our more difficult kick-off times and all the other decisions which are going against us."

Taken from =football365=

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Tuesday, August 21, 2007

HEINZE DECISION SATISFIES UNITED

Manchester United have declared their satisfaction with the Premier League's decision not to force them to sell Gabriel Heinze to Liverpool.

After a two-day hearing, a three-man panel ruled that a letter, signed by Red Devils chief executive David Gill, confirming the sum United would be willing to accept for the defender, did not constitute a binding undertaking to offload the 29-year-old to anyone who matched the £6.8million fee.

So far, Liverpool are the only club United have publicly confirmed have met their valuation, but Gill and manager Sir Alex Ferguson both refused to sanction a deal which would have seen Heinze become the first player to leave Old Trafford for Anfield since Phil Chisnall in 1964.

Now the Premier League have backed that view, leaving Heinze to see out the remaining two years of his United contract.

"We are pleased that the panel has endorsed our case," said a Manchester United spokesman.

Both Gill and Ferguson attended the hearing, with United maintaining they made it clear to the 29-year-old both orally and in writing that he would not be permitted to join one of their title rivals.

So, it now appears that if Heinze is intent on leaving the club he will have to move abroad, with Lyon supposedly among the interested parties.

The Premier League said in a statement: "The hearing concluded that nature and intention of the disputed 13 June 2007 letter, especially when taken in context of verbal discussions and Manchester United FC's transfer policy, was unambiguous in that it envisages only an international transfer.

"Furthermore the hearing finds the letter constitutes an 'agreement to agree', and did not create an obligation or binding agreement for the club to transfer the player to any particular club.

"In other words the letter is evidence of an intention to negotiate, both between the parties and with potential buying clubs, and not evidence of any intention to create legal relations."

Heinze does have the right to appeal to the Premier League appeals committee, which is made up of an independent, legally-qualified chairman, a member of the Premier League panel and a PFA appointee.

Taken from =football365=

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HEINZE LOSES APPEAL

Gabriel Heinze has lost his bid to force Manchester United to sell him to Liverpool.

The Argentina defender had gone to a Premier League panel claiming United had written a letter allowing him to leave if another club offered a fee of £6.8million.

The panel have dismissed Heinze's case and backed United, who maintained they made it clear to the 29-year-old both orally and in writing that he would not be permitted to join one of their title rivals.

It now appears that if Heinze is intent on leaving the club he will have to move abroad.

The Premier League said in a statement: "The hearing concluded that nature and intention of the disputed 13 June 2007 letter, especially when taken in context of verbal discussions and Manchester United FC's transfer policy, was unambiguous in that it envisages only an international transfer.

"Furthermore the hearing finds the letter constitutes an 'agreement to agree', and did not create an obligation or binding agreement for the club to transfer the player to any particular club.

"In other words the letter is evidence of an intention to negotiate, both between the parties and with potential buying clubs, and not evidence of any intention to create legal relations."

Heinze does have the right to appeal to the Premier League appeals committee, which is made up of an independent, legally-qualified chairman, a member of the Premier League panel and a PFA appointee.

The decision has delighted United, who were represented by both manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill at the hearing in London.

Taken from =football365=

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Monday, August 20, 2007

DUNNE BACKS RICHARDS AS ENGLAND`S BEST

Manchester City skipper Richard Dunne is convinced the sky is the limit for central defensive partner Micah Richards.

The Blues currently sit proudly at the Barclays Premier League summit, the only top flight club still with maximum points; a monumental effort under new boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

As if that was not enough, the charge to the top has come without conceding a single goal and, to make it especially sweet, their latest victims were bitter rivals Manchester United.

Dunne and Richards have struck up a solid partnership and many believe 19-year-old Richards should start against Germany at Wembley on Wednesday.

Right-back is still a more likely option for the Birmingham-born teenager, with England coach Steve McClaren - who made Richards the youngest defender to play for England in last November's friendly draw with Holland - still of the opinion he gets caught out of position slightly too often.

Yet for Dunne, there is no better English defender around at present.

And, if Richards keeps developing at his present rate, the Irishman cannot see anything to prevent him becoming a major star.

"Micah is outstanding," said Dunne.

"He gets better every game and there really is no limit to what he can do.

"Whoever comes up against him, whatever test he is set, he just blows them away.

"It is hard to remember he is only 19. At the moment I would say he is as good a centre-half as England have."

Concentration issues apart, it is difficult to spot a weakness in Richards' game.

As Eriksson has noted, the youngster has enough pace to get himself out of trouble should the need arise.

At Eastlands, he came out on top in numerous one-on-one battles with Carlos Tevez and, alongside Dunne, stood firm like a rock against the tidal wave of United attacks.

"In the last couple of years, he got his experience as a right-back," observed Dunne.

"Now he is playing centre-half, which is his favourite position.

"In the last three games he has shown he has pace and power and everything else that you need.

"Nobody can run past him or beat him in the air. He has just been outstanding."

Dunne accepts City's start to the season could not have gone any better. And what the 28-year-old Dubliner was really pleased with was the durability of a team Eriksson is still moulding together.

There may be plenty of new faces around Eastlands at the moment but there is also plenty of character, which, if not quite turning City into title-winning material, should take them quite a long way this term.

"That is three wins and three clean sheets, it doesn't get any better than that," he said.

"I suppose it is exactly what the manager would have dreamt of.

"The good thing is we have battled to get these results and showed a lot of spirit.

"Even against United, when we had our backs against the wall and found ourselves under a lot of pressure, we managed to cope with it."

Despite such startling success, Eriksson is still hoping to bring in some more new blood ahead of Saturday's trip to Arsenal.

However, the signs are he is abandoning an attempt to sign another goalkeeper following Kasper Schmeichel's excellent contribution to the City cause.

Although the 20-year-old needed to rely on Richards to help him out after a couple of mistakes, Schmeichel has largely been a solid presence during the first week of the campaign.

So, while current Italy second choice Marco Amelia and Bolton's Jussi Jaaskelainen have both been heavily linked with a move to the Eastlands outfit, the indications are neither will eventually arrive.

"Finding a keeper that is better than the ones I have is not easy," said Eriksson.

"Kasper is very good in training. He is quick and you don't find many keepers better than him on the line.

"He takes everything and he almost destroys the confidence of our strikers in shooting practice."

Taken From =football365=

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HEINZE DECISION DELAYED

A decision on the future of Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze is expected to be made on Tuesday.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill have travelled to a Premier League arbitration tribunal on Monday to argue that the Argentinian should not be allowed to join Liverpool.

The defender has asked for a three-man panel to decide whether United gave him permission to leave the club for an agreed fee.

Heinze wants to join Liverpool and claims he has a letter from United allowing him to leave if a club offered a fee of £6.8million.

The club maintain however that they made it clear to Heinze both orally and by letter that he would not be permitted to join one of their title rivals in the top flight.

A Premier League spokesman confirmed a verdict is likely on Tuesday.

Taken from =football365=

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Sunday, August 19, 2007

FEUD RE-EMERGES OVER DISPUTED PENALTY

The simmering feud between Chelsea and Liverpool erupted on the pitch with nine bookings, and off it with more controversy between Jose Mourinho and Rafael Benitez.

Confronted with questioning over his team's alleged gamesmanship and constant questioning of referee Rob Styles' decisions during a 1-1 draw at Anfield, Chelsea boss Mourinho claimed: "We are a naive and pure team.

"I have a naive team, they are naive because we do not have divers, we do not have violent people we do not have nasty tackles. We do not have people diving into swimming pools, Chelsea is a naive team. It is a pure team, that is my opinion."

On hearing the Portuguese coach's version of affairs, Liverpool chief Benitez could not stop himself hitting back.

He said: "I will not name people, but you can check their team and see how many times they do things that he (Mourinho) says that they do not do.

"I don't want to give names but I remember a lot of situations in the last three years, and today you could see the players talking all the time at the referee."

Benitez was furious with the penalty decision that gave Frank Lampard a spot-kick equaliser after Florent Malouda had gone down under a challenge from Steve Finnan.

Benitez, whose £20million new signing Fernando Torres scored his first goal for the club in the first half, said: "What penalty? It was the invisible penalty. There were 45,000 people who could see it and know it wasn't, Jose says he could not see it.

"I want to have a lot of respect for referees, but sometimes I cannot understand why they give some decisions, that decision is impossible to explain.

"We had chances to win and we have two less points, we must now be positive. It is too early to say who are contenders, but we always show when we play Chelsea that we can be there, so now we have to be consistent against the rest of the teams for nine months."

Midfielder Steven Gerrard added to the condemnation of Styles, saying: "I think a very, very unfair decision has got Chelsea a point today. But I think we proved today we are capable of challenging.

"I felt the referee didn't play well today. There was a lot of pressure from the Chelsea players and I thought he eventually cracked."

Mourinho's view on the crucial penalty was: "I have not really seen the penalty properly, only from 30 metres away on the sidelines.

"In the box there is no advantage law, if the referee sees a foul he gives a penalty. So when Malouda is kicked from behind as he lets to ball run to Drogba, then it is a penalty.

"It is to be discussed by commentators, just like they discussed the goal we lost the Champions League semi-final here by two years ago.

"As for the title race, it is too early to judge opponents. Manchester United have two points after their defeat today, but even if they had zero points I would say that they are serious contenders for the title, these things do not influence me."

The penalty incident set the tone for the rest of a fractious match in which Styles almost lost control. In the latter stages he appeared to book Michael Essien for a second time without sending off the Ghanaian only for the fourth official reveal the booking had been issued to John Terry.

On his side's performance, Mourinho added: "We came to win the game. Maybe people feel we would have come with a packed midfield and try to go home with a point. We picked an attacking side and tried to win for 85 minutes.

"I accept that when they had Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres together at the end, and I have a giant (Alex) on my bench then I send that giant in and tell him 'it is your time'. I tried to close the door then and go home with a point, and it is two points Liverpool do not get.

"I knew then that Arsenal had drawn and Manchester United lost, so then I feel the point won is justified."

Taken from =football365=

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FERGIE: WE`RE FACING UPHILL FIGHT

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester United are already facing an uphill battle to retain their Premier League title following their 1-0 derby-day defeat to City at Eastlands.

Despite dominating possession and enjoying the vast majority of chances, for the second time in three outings this season, United failed to find the net.

Instead, Geovanni's first-half effort proved decisive, maintaining Sven-Goran Eriksson's 100 per cent start as Blues boss and leaving their visitors languishing in the bottom five, seven points behind their city rivals.

With Ferguson's team not in action again until Tottenham visit Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, United could be in an embarrassingly low position by the time they kick off.

And, while no-one in the Red Devils camp is conceding defeat just yet, Ferguson accepts his side must start winning - fast.

"We have given ourselves an uphill fight, there is no doubt about that," said the Scot.

"We have to get a win under our belts.

"We have Tottenham on Sunday. That has become a very important game for us."

Two points from three games represents United's worst start in 1992, although they did finish that campaign as champions.

A year earlier, City won their opening three matches, exactly what they have done now, with Eriksson's many critics having their harsh words rammed down their throats in no uncertain manner.

"Three games, three wins, three clean sheets. I must be happy with that and I am," reflected Eriksson.

"Today was our most difficult game so far.

"Of course, if you gave points for possession of the ball, shots on target and shots off target we would have lost. But we scored a goal and they didn't.

"We have beaten Manchester United and that doesn't happen every day, although we still have a long way to go yet."

Everything Eriksson touches at the moment is turning to gold.

Derided for buying players on the evidence of videos, Eriksson has seen most of his purchases paying off in fine style over the past week.

Geovanni is one of that number, although it was a member of the City squad who established himself long before Eriksson arrived - England defender Micah Richards - who was at the heart of their latest win.

Time after time Richards got in the way as United mounted their succession of attacks.

At no stage did the 19-year-old look flustered and at no point did Carlos Tevez, Ryan Giggs or Nani threaten to get the better of him on a personal basis.

"It is important to remember this young man is 19," said Eriksson.

"I don't remember having a defender that strong and that quick at any age. That is a combination that is very rare indeed.

"He wins everything in the air and can fight with any centre-forward and then, if he makes a mistake, he has the speed to repair it.

"His pace is incredible. At 19, you just don't see that."

Richards was himself in bullish mood, insisting City "can beat anyone" after their flying start.

Richards told Sky Sports: "We're just delighted, it was a great team performance.

"We've come out and shown the fans we can do it.

"We can beat anyone."

He admitted expectations were raised now among City fans but said: "We've got the players to do it so why not?"

The only downside for Eriksson was the loss of Bulgaria striker Valeri Bojinov to suspected knee ligament damage.

In contrast, the only major positive for Ferguson was the outstanding performance of Owen Hargreaves on his debut.

At £18million the former Bayern Munich man did not come cheap but his energetic contribution to United's midfield largely kept City at bay, even if a lingering knee injury means he almost certainly will not play for England against Germany on Wednesday.

"Owen Hargreaves did absolutely superb. His knees are a bit sore and he will need a few days to recover," said Ferguson, who said there will be no panic at his team's poor start.

"At this moment in time we have to rely on our experience and make sure we do not get carried away with a knee-jerk reaction."

Taken from =football365=

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Saturday, August 18, 2007

JOORABCHIAN OFFERS TO FUND INQUIRY

Kia Joorabchian insists he would be happy to fund a new inquiry into the Carlos Tevez transfer saga as he searches for "honesty and transparency".

Tevez's representative claims the initial Premier League investigation into the terms of the player's transfer to West Ham in August last year, which ended with the Hammers being found guilty of breaching rules on third-party ownership and being fined £5.5million, was conducted with only "50% of the facts", and wants a new inquiry.

"I don't like the way (Premier League chief executive) Richard Scudamore has, in a roundabout way, made suggestions and dragged me, my players, West Ham and the Premier League through the mud during this period of time," Joorabchian said.

"That's why I want a proper independent inquiry and if the Premier League clubs agree, I'm willing to finance it, whatever it costs. Let's have total transparency Mr Scudamore, we have nothing to hide.

"Why was a full, transparent and thorough investigation not done when your member clubs have a right to know what's happened? Why are they clouding this issue?

"Why were the full facts not heard? Why were people not questioned? They never once asked us about any paperwork, never held discussions with us, never wrote us a letter. How did they decide on a £5.5million fine with only 50% of the facts."

As well as escaping with a fine instead of a points deduction the Hammers were also controversially cleared to continuing playing Tevez for the remainder of the season after writing to Joorabchian notifying him that the club was cancelling the third party ownership agreement.

Joorabchian did not agree to the cancellation but that did not stop Tevez from playing on and scoring the goals that kept the Hammers up and condemned Sheffield United to relegation.

Tevez has now moved on loan to Manchester United after Joorabchian reached an out-of-court settlement with West Ham to release the player from his contract with the London club.

Taken from =football365=

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MIDO: I ALMOST JOINED BLACK CATS

Middlesbrough's new Egyptian striker Mido has admitted he came close to abandoning a move to the Riverside Stadium after falling under the spell of Sunderland manager Roy Keane.

Mido held talks with the Black Cats boss as the uncertainty over his future dragged on, before finally electing to join Gareth Southgate's men for a £6million fee.

He said: "It was a tough decision, especially after I met Roy Keane. I was very impressed by the way he played but if you go to meet him you see a totally different person.

"But I decided to come here. It doesn't mean I do not think Sunderland or Roy Keane will do well. I really think they will, but it was my decision to come here and now I can focus on doing well."

The 24-year-old striker also refuted reports that his desire to move away from Tottenham stemmed from a disagreement with Spurs boss Martin Jol.

"I have no problems with Martin Jol," he added.

"I believe Martin Jol is a good manager but I wanted to be scoring goals and playing a big role in the team I was in.

"I didn't find myself doing that at Spurs, and that is why I decided to leave."

Mido will go straight into the Boro squad for tomorrow's trip to Fulham in a move which effectively spells the end of Ayegbeni Yakubu's Boro career - although Southgate insisted the Nigerian could still figure.

Despite his new side's poor start to the new campaign, Mido insists they are capable of recovering to claim a place in Europe.

He said: "Sometimes players say things they do not really believe, but I really believe this club can finish in the top six.

"After I had spoken to the gaffer, and what he told me about his plans and how ambitious he is with the team, it is easy to see how this club is ambitious and how it has got that sort of quality."

Meanwhile Southgate claimed he was delighted to land the kind of outspoken character which he believes his current dressing room badly lacks.

Southgate said: "If you haven't got players who will stand up and fight you have got a problem.

"It is no issue for me at all. In fact it is one of the reasons why I saw Mido and thought he would be perfect for this club."

Taken from =football365=

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ERIKSSON TO SHUN PHYSICAL APPROACH

Sven-Goran Eriksson insists Sir Alex Ferguson need have no fear about Manchester United being kicked off the park in Sunday's derby confrontation at Eastlands.

Ferguson chose the eve of his side's trip to local rivals City to air his complaints about flair players not getting enough protection from referees.

After seeing Michael Ball get away with stamping on Cristiano Ronaldo in the early moments of last season's corresponding fixture, there is some weight behind Ferguson's words and the United manager has already expressed his belief City will adopt a physical approach as they look to maintain a 100% start to the season.

Yet, as he looks inside his own dressing room, Eriksson does not believe there is any justification for Ferguson's fears.

If City are to win, the Swede is adamant they will do it playing the right way.

"I am not going to tell my players to kick theirs. That is not my tactic, I can promise you that," he said.

"We should concentrate on playing football. That is our strength as far as I can see."

Having failed to sign an experienced goalkeeper, Eriksson will be forced to rely on Kasper Schmeichel, son of United legend Peter, as he goes head to head with Ferguson in Barclays Premier League combat for the first time.

After winning their opening two fixtures against West Ham and Derby, City are in the rare position of knowing they will be above United in the table on Sunday night no matter what the outcome.

Typically, though, Eriksson is not getting carried away, claiming it will be the end of April before he starts taking any notice of where City find themselves.

Undoubtedly, after all their club-versus-country battles during the Swede's five-and-a-half year stint with England, Eriksson would love to put one over on Ferguson, even though he claims there is no lingering animosity between the pair.

"It is not true to say we don't get on very well," reflected the Swede.

"I don't have any problems with Sir Alex. It is the jobs that don't interact.

"Of course we had differing opinions when I was doing my previous job, especially about friendly games.

"He defended the interests of Manchester United and I tried to defend the interests of England. It is nothing personal, it comes with the job."

Taken from =football365=

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CITY CAN EMULATE CHELSEA - FERGUSON

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted there is no reason why Manchester City should not follow Chelsea's lead and become a major Barclays Premier League force.

New City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has already splashed out £40million on eight new players after being placed in charge by new owner Thaksin Shinawatra, with the promise of more to come ahead of the August 31 transfer deadline.

The response has been instant, with successive victories over West Ham and Derby putting City in confident mood ahead of Sunday's Eastlands clash with local rivals United.

For almost Ferguson's entire 21-year reign as Old Trafford boss, United have dominated City.

But, while the Scot does not believe the Blues will be pushing for a top-four berth this term, he accepts Shinawatra's vast wealth could make them big players in the future.

"In the long term, as Chelsea have proved, if you have enough money and buy the right players, you can do it," he said.

"Maybe this is just the start. Apparently this guy has so much money, so who knows what is ahead. He might end up bringing in some higher profile, big international stars."

Despite investing heavily himself this summer, Ferguson finds his own options restricted.

Cristiano Ronaldo begins a three-match ban following his dismissal at Portsmouth, joining Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves on a long list of absentees.

Hargreaves' recovery from a tendonitis problem is proving frustratingly slow, although Ferguson is confident the £18million summer arrival from Bayern Munich will not need to have an injection.

With so many absentees, Ferguson will place his trust in Carlos Tevez, who performed creditably on his debut at Portsmouth, setting up Paul Scholes for United's opener.

Unfortunately for the Red Devils, they were unable to hold on and were eventually forced to settle for their second draw of the campaign, falling four points behind Chelsea already.

It is hardly the ideal start for United but Ferguson is struggling to find fault with his side's performances so far.

"I am looking at the form of the team and at the final whistle I am saying 'well done lads', yet we are dropping points," he said.

"That is frustrating because the performance level has been very good.

"The important thing now is to be patient now and rely on the experience of the staff and the players coming right."

taken from =football365=

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Thursday, August 16, 2007

SVEN`S MEN FACE ASHTON GATE TRIP

Sven-Goran Eriksson's Manchester City face a tricky trip to Bristol City in the second round of the Carling Cup.

The Eastlands outfit, who have won their opening two Premier League games under former England coach Eriksson, will travel to Ashton Gate later this month to face the newly-promoted Championship outfit.

Bristol City striker Lee Trundle told Sky Sports News: "It's good to test yourself against Premier League sides. It's one of those where you'd like to be away to soak up the atmosphere. But being at home gives us a chance.

"You've got to take your chance. The league is what we're concentrating on so it's a good distraction for us."

Trundle admits the presence of the former England manager is an extra motivation, saying: "Sven will get a warm reception from us.

"Against a manager like that and some of the players at Manchester City is dead exciting. Funny things can happen - we'll go out as the underdogs and we'll go out to enjoy it and you never know what will happen."

The Robins' city rivals Bristol Rovers will face West Ham who are about to embark on what appears to be a bitter legal battle with Sheffield United.

Rovers, who went up to League One through the play-offs last season, beat Crystal Palace on penalties to make it through to the second round to shock the Championship club who had made a great start to the season with a 4-1 win at Southampton.

Elsewhere, Newcastle will get their campaign off and running with a home tie with Barnsley while Roy Keane's Sunderland will head to Luton's Kenilworth Road, where they clinched the Championship title last season.

Morecambe's reward for knocking out Preston in the first round is a trip to Wolves, while fellow 'giant-killers' Peterborough entertain West Brom and former Manchester United team-mates Paul Ince and Bryan Robson go head to head as managers as MK Dons face Sheffield United.

Fallen giants Leeds will travel to Portsmouth in an attractive tie, while Reading have been handed a trip to Swansea.

Taken from =football365=

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JOL REVEALS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

Tottenham boss Martin Jol insists he has the support of chairman Daniel Levy despite the club's poor start to the Barclays Premier League season.

The pair have met since Tuesday's defeat to Everton when Spurs' defensive problems were exposed, leaving them bottom of the table in the first week of the campaign.

"We were discussing our whole situation and he is very supportive," said Jol. "At this club, everybody is responsible and we are all in the same boat.

"Daniel feels that he is in the same boat and we have meetings every week."

Spurs were expected to challenge for a top-four place after spending more than £40million in the summer but defeats to Sunderland and Everton this week has seen the spotlight fall on Jol in an unwelcome way.

"I hate it at the moment," he admitted. "It is not only about myself because I know we will do better.

"I hate it if people are coming up with all these judgment calls."

However, the Dutchman played down the significance of his meeting with Levy, adding: "It is an important time for us - the transfer window shuts in two weeks' time.

"People didn't see him last week, that was good because people will probably think he is putting pressure on me before the season starts.

"We gave this club 125 points in two seasons so that hasn't been forgotten after two weeks or four days."

Jol has been a fans' favourite since taking over nearly three years ago, steering the club to consecutive fifth-placed finishes in his first two full seasons.

Although there were inevitable jeers after the defeat to Everton, the e-mails Jol has received from fans have also been supportive. Next up is the visit of Derby to White Hart Lane on Saturday.

"I know it is necessary for us to get some points on the board," the Dutchman said.

"Even before the Sunderland game, there was a lot of pressure - and that was before the league started. There is always pressure - you can't rest on your laurels.

"Sometimes it is different but I don't think even Sir Alex Ferguson can rest on his laurels given that they are now four points behind Chelsea. Everybody is in the same situation."

Jol expects striker Dimitar Berbatov to be sidelined for at least two weeks after picking up a groin injury against Everton in Tuesday.

The Bulgaria striker travelled to Germany for treatment but did not require surgery.

"It could take a couple of weeks," said Jol. "He had it before, a little groin problem last year and it is the same injury."

Left-back Gareth Bale, who signed from Southampton in the summer in a £10million deal, is still not ready to return following a knee problem but the Wales youngster has returned to full training.

He said: "My injury is coming along well and I want to get back into it as soon as possible. I can't wait to get out there and start playing

Taken from =football365=

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SVEN SALUTES SCHMEICHEL START

Sven-Goran Eriksson has admitted rookie keeper Kasper Schmeichel has made him pause for thought in the transfer market.

Although the Manchester City boss is widely expected to bring in reinforcements, probably in the form of current Italy second choice Marco Amelia, Schmeichel could not have done much more to catch Eriksson's eye.

After being handed his debut in the opening day win at West Ham, the 20-year-old recorded his second successive clean sheet in Wednesday night's win over Derby which saw City climb to second in the Premier League table.

There was still a bit of hesitation in Schmeichel's performance against the Rams, which is probably why Eriksson is continuing his search for a more experienced alternative.

But the Swede has been pleasantly surprised at the way Schmeichel has coped with his sudden elevation to the big time.

"If Kasper goes on like this, soon we will not be spending any more time talking about getting another goalkeeper," smiled Eriksson.

"The great thing is we also have someone on the bench in Joe Hart who is just as good as Kasper. That is very good for the future and for now.

"I have only known Kasper for one month but I can already tell he is an extremely confident boy.

"He is not the tallest of keepers but he is fantastic on the line. He has quick feet and takes everything there."

With his shock of blond hair, Schmeichel bears more than just a passing resemblance to his dad, legendary Manchester United star Peter.

After watching his dad serve the Red Devils with such distinction, before moving onto City for a season at the end of his career, it would be amazing to think Schmeichel junior could make his Manchester derby debut for the Blues at Eastlands this weekend.

Such a scenario does depend on Eriksson not landing Amelia within the next 48 hours. Nevertheless, the former England manager is impressed at the way Schmeichel is handling being the son of someone so famous.

"Sometimes it can be difficult when you are in that position," he said.

"But when you look at the two games he has played for us, I don't think you could blame him for anything."

Schmeichel is the latest in a massive line of players who have graduated from the City academy in recent seasons.

One of whom, Ishmael Miller, has just signed a three-year contract despite joining West Brom on loan.

In more financially frugal times, the academy support system has helped carry City along.

Now, with the wealth of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra driving them forward, having home-grown talent on tap is not quite so essential.

However, Eriksson still found room for four former academy stars in his starting line-up, including England star Micah Richards, with another on the bench in the former of Under-21 defender Nedum Onuoha.

"It is fantastic to have all these young players," said Eriksson.

"You can only congratulate the academy for the work they have done."

At a time when Eriksson's eight new signings are still finding their feet, the contributions of Richards, Johnson, Schmeichel and midfield schemer Stephen Ireland are a key component of City's excellent form.

Their revival under Eriksson will receive its first major test on Sunday when Sir Alex Ferguson brings his wounded United outfit across the city.

No matter what the outcome, the Blues will remain higher in the table when the game is over.

And, while Eriksson is refusing to get carried away by such short-term success, he is quietly pleased at the way things have gone so far.

"I couldn't have imagined this," he said.

"I am more than happy and I strongly believe we will play better football in the future when our fitness has improved."

Taken from =football365=

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Wednesday, August 15, 2007

BENITEZ HAILS WONDER GOAL

Rafael Benitez hailed the "wonderful goal" by Andriy Voronin that put Liverpool within touching distance of the Champions League group stages.

The Liverpool manager watched as his free signing from Bayer Leverkusen netted the only goal in the away leg of their qualifying tie against Toulouse.

Benitez said: "Andriy scored a wonderful goal, it summed up his qualities as a very fine striker.

"He is clever, has great game awareness and gives us so many more options in attack.

"He can play behind a main striker, lead the line himself, or come into the attack from the flanks.

"And of course he can score truly great goals like that. But we must not think this tie is over.

"We did a very professional job in a match played in difficult conditions. It was so hot for the players and we were having to give them water continually.

"But the referee stopped us throwing the bottles onto the pitch. The players had to come to the sidelines to drink, which was a little strange considering the conditions."

Liverpool will now be expected to secure their passage through to the lucrative Champions League group stages at Anfield in a fortnight - even if Benitez was predictably cagey about the second leg.

The Spaniard added: "We must not think we are already through. This tie is not yet over, it is just one goal. We know they are a very good side who like to hit teams on the counter-attack, which is what they will try to do at Anfield."

The only worry for Benitez could be skipper Steven Gerrard's reaction to a heavy second-half tackle that saw him limp away with an ankle problem.

Benitez said: "We shall have to wait and see about that, I do not know yet whether it is a problem."

Jamie Carragher also urged caution, telling Setanta Sports: "Over the last few years we have had good results away and then lost at home.

"It was far from great but the away goal makes it a lot easier.

"It was a great goal from Andriy. We were not playing particularly well in the first half but it was a great finish."

Carragher also reiterated he would not making himself available for England selection again despite recent meetings with manager Steve McClaren.

He said: "I had a good couple of chats. We got on great but I just felt at my age others are a lot younger than me and I just want to concentrate fully on Liverpool."

Striker Peter Crouch, whose headed flick set up Voronin's winner said: "I managed to flick it on and from there in was all about Andriy.

"It was a superb finish and fitting to win any match."

He added: "It was extremely hot out there for all the lads.

"Maybe the performance could have been better but it was a great result."

Crouch, who was left out at Aston Villa on Saturday, admitted he expected Benitez to rotate again for Sunday's game with Chelsea.

"I was disappointed not to be involved in the first game but the manager's proved he does like to rotate," the England forward said.

"I'm sure there will be changes again when we play Chelsea.

"I gave up a year and a half ago trying to second guess his teams. You can never tell which team he's going to play."

Toulouse coach Elie Baup conceded that his team found the searing heat and the quality of the opposition a problem.

He said: "In those conditions it is hard to keep running and trying to create things when you are playing against a side with such experience and quality.

"Our players lack the experience of playing in this competition and they found Liverpool's ability and technical quality hard to cope with out there."

Taken from =football365=

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SPURS DOUBLE INJURY BLOW

Tottenham have been hit by a double injury blow to Dimitar Berbatov and Younes Kaboul.

Berbatov has suffered a recurrence of an old groin injury and will be unavailable for two weeks, while defender Kaboul faces a possible month out of action with a hamstring strain.

Spurs have endured a miserable start to their Premier League season after losing their opening game to Sunderland and then crashing 3-1 at home to Everton on Tuesday night.

Manager Martin Jol also has a burgeoning injury list to consider, with Berbatov and Kaboul joining Ledley King, Michael Dawson, Aaron Lennon, Gareth Bale and Lee Young-Pyo on the sidelines.

"We've had a couple more blows," said Jol.

"Younes Kaboul will be out for the next three or four weeks with the hamstring injury he suffered against Everton, that's a real kick in the teeth and Dimitar Berbatov has a groin problem.

"It's an old problem and he will now visit a specialist in Germany. He will be out for a couple of weeks."

However, Jol is optimistic he will soon be able to select Young-Pyo and Bale.

"Gareth Bale is looking better," Jol added.

"Our medical team have also told me that Young-Pyo Lee is up to 85 per cent fitness and that will soon be 100 per cent."

Taken from = football365=

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GARDNER: FANS MUST BE PATIENT

Anthony Gardner has called for patience among Tottenham fans but admits the pressure is now on to get a result against Derby on Saturday.

Defeats by Sunderland and Everton saw Spurs drop to the bottom of the Premier League, a sorry start for a team tipped to challenge for a Champions League place after spending more than £40million in the summer.

Boss Martin Jol is dealing with an injury crisis in defence and his expensive strikeforce is taking time to gel, but Gardner is refusing to contemplate defeat to Derby at White Hart Lane this weekend.

"We just need a result to go our way," the centre-back said. "It may be early but Saturday is a must-win game for us to lift our morale. The players are disappointed, the fans are disappointed."

Jol grabbed the microphone at the end of last season and addressed the fans after finishing fifth, but the supporters jeered off the team against Everton after their first home match of the season.

"I can understand the fans' frustrations," said Gardner. "Expectations are high and they are looking for us to do big things.

"We finished fifth last season and we have improved the team since then so we were expecting to make a strong start but we haven't.

"I just hope the fans can be patient because we have the quality to turn this around. I train with the players every day and know how good they are and the quality of players we have bought in the summer."

Bookmakers cut the odds on Jol getting sacked following the 3-1 defeat by Everton, a clash that exposed a lack of depth in Tottenham's defence.

Ledley King spent the night as a pundit as he recovers from his knee operation, Michael Dawson had an ankle sprain and Gareth Bale has been struggling with knee and thigh problems.

It got worse for Jol when £8million signing Younes Kaboul limped off with a hamstring problem in the first half against Everton, with Paul Stalteri, Ricardo Rocha and Gardner struggling in a makeshift defence.

It has increased the spotlight on West Brom's Curtis Davies, who wants a move to the Premier League and is understood to prefer Spurs as a destination.

"Derby will be a difficult game, we have to come up with a decent team again," said Jol.

Gardner took the blame for Joleon Lescott's opener during the Everton defeat, although he then scored at the other end.

Rather than being a springboard for victory, Leon Osman and Alan Stubbs earned the points for David Moyes' men.

Gardner is confident his team-mates can overcome their poor start - which they eventually did last season - and live up to their billing of top-four contenders.

"The level of expectations hasn't got to the players," added the 26-year-old. "Sunderland was not a good game to watch, it was tight and they scored with the last kick of the game which was unfortunate for us.

"I don't think it's because of players shirking away from the expectation levels, we are all aware what's on our shoulders and we just have to go out there and do it.

"If we can beat Derby it will make everyone happy again and give us something to build on."

Dawson has not been totally ruled out of the Derby game but King is out until the end of next month. Aaron Lennon has a knee injury and is not expected to return to training until the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Spurs have submitted new plans for training facilities at Enfield. An appeal for the first application is expected to be heard in November.

Taken from =football365=

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JOHNSON CAN REPLACE ROO - NEVILLE

Everton midfielder Phil Neville has backed Andrew Johnson to fill the gap in England's attack, following Wayne Rooney's foot injury.

England coach Steve McClaren is considering his options after losing Rooney for next week's friendly against Germany and the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia next month.

With Michael Owen returning from injury and Peter Crouch suspended for the Israel game, next Wednesday's clash against Germany gives McClaren the chance to look at Johnson after the striker's impressive start to the Barclays Premier League season.

McClaren was in the stands at White Hart Lane to watch a tireless performance from Johnson during Everton's 3-1 win over Tottenham on Tuesday night, with Johnson stretching the home defence despite failing to get on the scoresheet.

"AJ never let them rest for one minute, and that's what he's all about," said Neville.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of talk about him playing for England next week now.

"I'm sure he would have played in the summer if he hadn't been injured.

"He has carried on from where he left off last season - he terrifies defenders. He's not just a goalscorer; his workrate is an example to every young striker in the game. He typified our spirit and work ethic. It starts from the front - and he's up there with the best."

Other strikers on the fringe of the England reckoning such as Jermain Defoe, Dean Ashton and Darren Bent have been desperate to get off to a goalscoring start to put themselves in the frame. But Johnson outshone Spurs pair Bent and Defoe yesterday.

The 26-year-old has not scored in Everton's consecutive wins this season, but Neville believes there is more to the striker's game since he came back from ankle surgery in the summer.

"I think he has come back and improved on his link-up play, his touch, awareness and passing," said Neville.

"He has gone up a notch or two and he has brought the confidence from last season into this. All that's missing is a goal - and I'm sure that will come.

"There were a few England strikers on show, but he really stood out. There are some good England strikers about, and I don't think we should be worried.

"We have a friendly against Germany - and it's the perfect time for Bent, Johnson and Defoe to be tested."

Injuries and getting played in an unfamiliar wide role under Sven-Goran Eriksson have not helped Johnson's international career, but he is currently leading the attack for a confident Everton outfit.

Johnson's running at White Hart Lane was typical of David Moyes' side.

"There's more to come from us and that's the level we have to play all season if we want to finish fifth or even fourth," said Neville.

"We must make sure we don't fall below the standards we have set. People talk about Spurs being in the top four, but there's no reason why we can't get there."

Everton broke into the Champions League places three seasons ago but did so by earning a reputation for squeezing out narrow results.

Neville joined just after they finished fourth, in 2005, and he feels they have developed into an all-round team - with Mikel Arteta providing the flair from midfield.

"Over the last couple of seasons we have changed people's opinions of us," said the former Manchester United player.

"We've gone from being a really direct team to having a bit more quality about us.

"The manager is signing quality young players, and we have a bit of speed in our play."

Taken from =football365=

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BIG GUNS EYE CZECH STARLET

Chelsea and Real Madrid are believed to be in the chase for Slavia Prague's Marek Suchy.

The 19-year-old defender is rated very highly in his homeland and was one of their top performers in the recent European Under-21 Championship.

Suchy's agent Pavel Vandas has confirmed that Real Madrid and Chelsea are interested, along with PSV Eindhoven and Schalke.

Vandas claims a number of scouts and club representatives will be tracking Suchy when Slavia face Ajax in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier on Wednesday.

"At the game there will be one of the coaches of PSV Eindhoven and Schalke representatives have contacted me as well," he revealed to Sport.

"Everything is still at the start, we have not yet held talks but we can expect that Real Madrid and Chelsea representatives will contact us in the next few days."

The player himself insist that he would not move to any clubs to merely sit on the bench.

"I have not discussed anything with anyone, I leave it to my agent," he said.

"If I were to leave Slavia, then only to a club where I would have a chance to play regularly."

Taken from = football365=

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Tuesday, August 14, 2007

TEVEZ REALISES HIS DREAM

Carlos Tevez insists he will be making a dream reality on Wednesday night if, as expected, he makes his Manchester United debut.

The Argentinian forward is set to be involved for United for the first time away to Portsmouth after Wayne Rooney was ruled out for two months with a hairline fracture of his left foot.

His move to United was protracted and complex to say the least, but the 23-year-old cannot wait to get started.

He told MUTV: "I feel a wonderful amount of relief now to actually be here at Manchester United and I'm now getting myself prepared for the games that are coming up.

"It is a dream to wear the Manchester United shirt and it will also be a dream to win the title which we will all be working for this season.

"I feel like I have grown a lot, particularly with a year at West Ham. I think every different club in football you are with, be it in Italy, Spain or Brazil, you learn different things and you try to take things from each club.

"It is a huge learning curve but I feel I have grown as a player now I'm just getting ready to play for Manchester United.

"It's very important to be happy myself but also to be able to make the people who support Manchester United happy."

Taken from =football365=

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DUBERRY SENDS ROONEY BEST WISHES

Michael Duberry has wished injured England forward Wayne Rooney a speedy recovery - via his old Leeds team-mate Rio Ferdinand.

Rooney suffered a hairline fracture of his left foot in an accidental clash with Reading defender Duberry during Sunday's Premier League draw at Old Trafford and will be out for two months.

"It was a complete accident," Duberry told Reading's official website.

"I hope and wish him all the best and the most speedy of recoveries - not just for Manchester United's sake but for England's too."

Duberry is mindful of Rooney's previous injury problems - as well as his own - and is hoping the striker is fit again as soon as possible.

As well as speaking out publicly, Duberry has been in touch with United defender Ferdinand to relay his best wishes to Rooney.

"He has already been through the trauma of injury, and I know myself what it is like," he said.

"To be hurt in the first game of the season is even more disappointing, and now he is facing the long haul of rehabilitation."

Taken from =football365=

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NO CECH FEARS OVER READING RETURN

Jose Mourinho insists Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is not afraid of returning to the Madejski Stadium for the first time since he suffered a serious head injury there.

The 25-year-old will play against Reading in the Barclays Premier League on Wednesday night after fully recovering from the setback that almost ended his career.

The Czech Republic international continues to wear protective headgear after his collision with Royals midfielder Stephen Hunt left him with a fractured skull last October.

Hunt has already said he will not be offering Cech any words of comfort when the pair meet again.

The Reading player has not spoken with the Chelsea keeper since the accident but Mourinho believes Cech will take the game in his stride.

When asked if he thought Cech would be affected by his return to the stadium, Blues boss Mourinho replied: "I don't think so. It's just a game, a difficult one, but nothing else."

Mourinho was boosted by the return of full-back Paulo Ferreira to his squad for the game and expects to have everyone fit for the trip to Liverpool at the weekend, aside from Wayne Bridge and Michael Ballack.

But the squad which defeated Birmingham 3-2 on Saturday will be on duty against Reading, with Mourinho still to make a decision over whether to include injured midfielder Michael Essien.

Essien scored the winning goal against Steve Bruce's side but collected a knee ligament injury in the same game and was forced out of the action.

But Mourinho said: "The situation is the same we had last weekend. I have to make a decision about Michael Essien - maybe yes or maybe no - but the rest of the squad will be the same.

"Paulo Ferreira is back so that gives me more options but I hope to have everyone back for Liverpool.

"Andriy Shevchenko and Claude Makelele are back in training and John Terry will start training normally tomorrow.

"By the weekend, only Michael Ballack and Wayne Bridge, who are recovering from surgery, will be missing. After that everything will be fine for the weekend."

Mourinho officially welcomed new signing Alex to the club on Tuesday but said the Brazilian defender would require a further two weeks of intensive training before being considered.

Alex spent three years with PSV Eindhoven in Holland but Chelsea always had the first option to buy him.

The player was granted a work permit a fortnight ago and Mourinho believes Alex possesses all the physical attributes required to succeed in the English game.

Mourinho said: "He's just started training a couple of days ago - with the group and then on his own.

"He's not ready to play. He dominates in the air and has the physique to adapt to the English way of playing. Maybe one of the reasons we lost the championship last season was because we did not have a lot of defenders.

"We lost Robert Huth and William Gallas in pre-season and John Terry was out for three months. Khalid Boulahrouz and Ricardo Carvalho were also out injured and we did not really have any solutions.

"I was scared whenever any of my central defenders went into a challenge and it was not a good situation for us just to have Carvalho and Terry.

"Now there is no reason to be scared like we were last season because we have Terry, Carvalho Tal Ben Haim and Alex."

The Chelsea boss also believes competition for places among his defensive quartet will be something the Brazilian will relish.

He added: "He plays in the most famous national team in the history of football and if he can cope with the challenge of that, he can cope with it at Chelsea.

"It is competitive in the Brazil squad and in Chelsea it is the same."

Taken from =football365=

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RAMS WARN AGAINST BARNES RAID

Derby have warned they will not be a "soft touch" for other Premier League clubs eyeing up their talented young players.

Giles Barnes has repeatedly been linked with Tottenham and West Ham but Rams chairman Peter Gadsby insisted Derby are not a selling club.

The exciting young midfielder is currently out with a foot injury but that has not stopped speculation that another top-flight club could move for the 19-year-old before the transfer window closes.

Derby have already dismissed one bid from West Ham and Gadsby made it clear they would be watching the situation closely.

"The situation with Giles Barnes is that he is a very important part of this club," Gadsby said.

"My advice to him would be to stay here and get his head down and take advantage of playing under a manager in Billy Davies who has an excellent track record of bringing on young players.

"We had an approach that we didn't want and the offer was unacceptable. We will be monitoring the Giles Barnes situation closely.

"This club has a history of being pillaged but interested clubs would be mistaken to think that Derby County is a soft touch. We are not a club that needs to sell, we are interested in progressing."

Barnes is out of the equation for Wednesday night's game at Manchester City but Davies is planning to make changes despite an impressive opening-day performance against Portsmouth.

"I intend to rotate the squad because we need freshness," Davies said.

"We have got to show the confidence and the belief that we did on Saturday.

"We must be prepared to compete at this level and not be fazed by any of the teams we come up against."

The Sven-Goran Eriksson era started in style with a 2-0 win at West Ham and Davies added: "His track record is second to none and you have to admire what he has achieved in the game.

"I am sure that he will have been very thorough in his assessment of Derby County as we have been in our assessment of his team."

Davies served a one-match touchline ban on Saturday but admitted he could stay in the stands for at least part of the match with City.

The Scot is famous for his hyperactive manner around the dug-out but he said: "I might stay in the stand, I am thinking about it.

"You can sit back and look at the game properly and see what's going on. I think that this season I would like to consider staying up there sometimes now that I have people I can trust."

Davies today signed the extension to his contract which was agreed several weeks ago.

He now has an improved three-year deal but he said: "The length of contract means nothing really.

"We all know how football works, it's a results business and we all know the territory. I am delighted to be a Premier League manager but as long as I am involved in football I will be very happy."

Derby's latest recruit, American midfielder Benny Feilhaber, is ineligible for tomorrow's game because his international clearance has not yet come through.

Taken from =football365=

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DA SILVA STAYS IN ENGLAND

Arsenal will again be without summer signing Eduardo da Silva for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier against Sparta Prague.

The Croatia striker failed to recover from the minor ankle problem which kept him out of Saturday's Barclays Premier League victory over Fulham and did not travel with the rest of the squad to the Czech Republic.

Midfielders Abou Diaby and Denilson were also both missing, understood to be because of respective ankle problems, so manager Arsene Wenger was expected to name an unchanged side.

Emmanuel Adebayor is still not fit following a groin injury picked up during pre-season and veteran midfielder Gilberto will not be included after being given an extended break following Brazil's victory in the Copa America.

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini, Rosicky, Hleb, Van Persie, Almunia, Bendtner, Walcott, Senderos, Traore, Hoyte, Song.

Taken from =football365=

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BLUES TARGET ALVES IN STRIKE STORM

Daniel Alves has reportedly threatened to go on strike in a bid to get a move to Chelsea.

The highly-rated Sevilla wing-back has already said he wants the chance to join the Blues, and has begged his Spanish club to consider a bid from Stamford Bridge.

But Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido claims he has already turned down offers of £22million and £24million from an unnamed club.

Now Alves says will refuse to play in Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens.

The 24-year-old Brazilian star fears his proposed switch will collapse if he is cup-tied for Europe.

He told The Sun: "The decision to play or not on Wednesday is mine - and I don't have to think very hard about it because if I do then a lot of doors will close for me.

"I want to grow as a player and if I have to do that at a new club then so be it."

Sevilla boss Juande Ramos appears unimpressed by Alves' stance, and says plans to keep picking the ace.

"As long as he is part of the team I will use him," he said.

Taken from =football365=

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RED STAR DENY `RACIST FANS` CLAIM

Red Star Belgrade have hit out at suggestions their fans are racist thugs ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Rangers.

The Serbian champions arrived in Glasgow in defiant mood ahead of the first leg at Ibrox following reports of a hooligan element within their support.

Club bosses are also unhappy at comments made by Rangers' American winger DaMarcus Beasley, who claimed recently that he was subjected to racial abuse during a previous visit to Belgrade with PSV Eindhoven.

Rangers have expressed concerns over the safety of their fans for the return leg in Serbia in a fortnight's time, opting to take just 1,000 tickets for the clash at the vast Marakana stadium.

But Red Star board member - and Serbian Football Association official - Dobrivoje Tanasijevic insisted: "We are sports participants, we are not sports hooligans.

"We have not created hooliganism - it was created in other countries and brought to us.

"However, we have never had a hooligan problem at home in our international matches or our domestic matches.

"There are individuals but we do not have groups of thousands of people travelling and beating people up."

Beasley and Ibrox team-mate Jean-Claude Darcheville were subjected to monkey chants in the last round against FK Zeta in neighbouring Montenegro.

And the United States international spoke of his fears of a repeat in Belgrade having been the target of racial abuse there during his last visit to the city three years ago.

Tanasijevic added: "We are hurt, after reading in the press, reports from one of your players, who is an American, about our supporters' behaviour when he was playing for another club.

"I just want you to know that no-one from Scotland, or any other country, will have any problems in Serbia.

"We are not aggressors even though, in some political circles, we are called aggressors.

"We love sports and we love people. We also like to win so be careful!"

A spokesman for Red Star Belgrade added: "I would like to express our wishes that both games, here in Glasgow and in Belgrade, will be remembered for good football, excellent atmosphere and fair play and sportsmanship both on the pitch and off the pitch.

"Bearing in mind recent reports in the British press and comments of certain individuals alluding to the possibility of racial remarks and unsportsmanlike behaviour in the stands of our stadium, we would like to state that our club absolutely supports UEFA's United Against Racism campaign and deeply condemns intolerance of any kind."

taken from =football365=

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ROONEY REPLACEMENTS LINE UP

Wayne Rooney will be absent when England face Israel and Russia next month in crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers - and some of those strikers hoping to replace him in Steve McClaren's thoughts have wasted no time in staking their claims.

With just one match - a friendly against Germany on August 22 - before meeting Israel on September 8, the England coach has little chance to experiment.

Michael Owen is hoping to be fit for selection after making his long-awaited return from injury in Newcastle's reserves on Monday but, with Liverpool's Peter Crouch suspended for the Israel clash, there is the chance for another striker to put themselves forward for a leading role in qualification.

West Ham's Dean Ashton has yet to play for England, after injury forced him out just days after his first call-up last summer, but he believes he is ready to make an impact after a year on the sidelines.

Ashton told the Daily Mirror: "One of my targets is to get back to get back where I was in the England squad and making a start for my country is a massive dream of mine, especially after the year I have had.

"I want to be the main striker for England. That's my goal. The plan is to play well for West Ham, score goals and put it into Steve McClaren's mind that I'm there and hopefully playing well enough to give him a hard decision.

"There's no big striker (in the England set-up) who can hold the ball up, run in behind and link up play. That's where I'd like to think I could do a job for England."

David Nugent, who tapped the ball home from point-blank range to grab a debut goal in his only previous match against Andorra, is also in the frame.

The 22-year-old made a £6million move from Coca-Cola Championship side Preston to Portsmouth in the summer and is hoping his top-flight experience can earn him the nod.

Nugent, who faces Rooney's Manchester United team-mates at Fratton Park on Wednesday night, told The Sun: "I've been in the England squad before and I want to be there again.

"If I can score a few, I'm sure I'll get another chance. Manchester United is not a bad game to make your home debut in. If selected I'm looking forward to testing myself against the best.

"It will be a great chance to catch the eye."

Everton manager David Moyes, meanwhile, has been pressing the claims of Toffees striker Andrew Johnson.

Johnson has yet to find the net in seven appearances, but has spent plenty of his time in an England shirt playing out wide.

Moyes said: "If Andy gets called up this week it might be a real chance for him.

"His game has improved a lot in the 12 months he has been with us. Andy works very hard for the team with his awareness and involvement in build-ups.

"But he has to assert himself more. If I'd scored as many Premier League goals as he has, I'd be walking around with my chest out."

There is sure to be fierce competition for places with Crouch coming back into contention for the Russia match and Tottenham pair Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent still harbouring their own hopes of selection.

For McClaren, though, it could be the fitness of Owen that provides the biggest boost.

Owen played for 58 minutes in Newcastle reserves' friendly against Newcastle Blue Star and said: "I feel fine, it was only a small injury, a niggle.

"It had me out for a couple of weeks but I've trained for the last four or five days and I was confident I'd be fine."

Taken from =football365=

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TEVEZ READY TO GO

Carlos Tevez will make his Manchester United debut at Fratton Park as the Barclays Premier League champions look to kickstart their campaign with a win at Portsmouth.

Wayne Rooney (fractured foot) is out for two months and with neither Ole Gunnar Solskjaer nor Louis Saha likely to start after only returning to training last week following long-term injuries, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo will be asked to provide striking support to the Argentina forward.

Nani may have to be content with a place on the bench and while Owen Hargreaves might hope to be involved, fellow new arrival Anderson may have to wait for his first taste of competitive action.

Mikael Silvestre is a major doubt after limping out of the Reading draw.

New Portsmouth skipper Sol Campbell and Portuguese midfielder Pedro Mendes must pass fitness checks on groin injuries if they are to play.

Linvoy Primus (knee) is still out while Andy O'Brien has joined Bolton.

Midfielder Gary O'Neil is recovering from ankle trouble following summer surgery but could challenge Sean Davis for a central-midfield role or play on the wing - allowing new £7million signing John Utaka to move up front.

Kanu is hoping for promotion from substitute to start alongside his Nigeria team-mate Utaka and it may be the turn of David Nugent and Benjani Mwaruwari to take places on the bench if manager Harry Redknapp opts for a striker-rotation policy.

Teams

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, Simpson, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Pique, Evra, O'Shea, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Hargreaves, Nani, Giggs, Ronaldo, Tevez, Saha, Solskjaer.

Portsmouth (from): James, Lauren, Distin, Campbell, Hreidarsson, O'Neil, Pedro Mendes, Davis, Muntari, Kanu, Utaka, Nugent, Benjani, Hughes, Traore, Pamarot, Stefanovic, Traore, Ashdown.

from =football365=

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Saturday, August 11, 2007

WENGER HAS HIGH HOPES FOR DA SILVA

Eduardo da Silva has all the ingredients to be a big hit in the Premier League, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The Brazil-born Croatia international is likely to make his debut for the Gunners against Fulham on Sunday, should he shake off a minor ankle problem.

The 24-year-old got his first goal for Arsenal during the pre-season Amsterdam Tournament and comes into the English game as the record scorer in the Croatian league.

Wenger has stressed the £7million signing from Dinamo Zagreb is not designed to be a direct replacement for Thierry Henry.

However, the Arsenal boss is more than happy with the attributes Eduardo adds to his squad.

"I would not be scared to throw Eduardo in from the start," Wenger said.

"He has settled in very well.

"Eduardo is a fighter, he can score goals, he is quick, he is a team player so you are never scared to put these players in."

Wenger added: "You know how big the pressure is on a striker - when he does not score for a while, they say 'What is he doing?' or 'Has he the level to be in there?'

"I remember answering the question for Thierry Henry. 'Okay, he created chances but do you think he can score goals?' - and he scored a few.

"So it is very important to score, but not for me, it is more to have a certain peace from outside."

Wenger is confident his squad can emerge from the shadow of record goalscorer Henry.

With Robin van Persie fit again and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor - currently out with a groin problem - the Gunners certainly have plenty of attacking options.

Wenger said: "You have to accept that the team will be different, you cannot compare any individual.

"We have had a few good strikers at Arsenal and no-one scored as many goals as Thierry Henry so you cannot put that kind of pressure on anybody.

"The only thing I can say is that we have a strong belief, a great desire for success.

"We have a great togetherness and we are very hungry - and the fact that everyone doubts about us reinforces that."

Wenger insists Arsenal can silence the critics and have a major impact on the Premier League title race this season following successive fourth-place finishes.

"If you come within our squad, you will see that there is a big contrast between how we see the situation and how our environment (outside) sees the situation," said the Arsenal manager.

"Because we know we have quality, we know we have a style of play, we know we have a hunger, we know how we have prepared.

"We have created a strong belief, we have a great solidarity in the squad and we know that what matters is now.

"That is why we are so keen to show it. That is the pride of the champions to come and show how good you are, and I believe this team wants to show that."

From =football365=

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SANCHEZ: WENGER RIGHT TO SELL HENRY

Lawrie Sanchez believes Arsenal's decision to sell Thierry Henry will be vindicated this season with Robin van Persie ready to fill the void.

Henry joined Barcelona for £16.1million in June and Gunners fans have been divided over the timing of the prolific French striker's departure.

But Sanchez believes Arsene Wenger's outstanding record in the transfer market should ease fears that Henry was allowed to leave too soon.

And the Fulham boss, who is preparing his side for Sunday's clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, believes van Persie is shaping up to become Henry's successor.

"I think Arsenal needed Henry when they moved to the Emirates Stadium - it was important that they had their talisman at the new stadium," he said.

"I think Arsene Wenger has been very, very good at moving players on at the right times.

"Many people thought Arsenal would miss Patrick Vieira then all of a sudden Cesc Fabregas emerges.

"People say they'll miss Henry but Van Persie has looked like a world beater in pre-season.

"Arsene has been very good in his timing of moving people on and getting top dollar for players who have probably already seen their best days."

Sanchez's own ability in the transfer market has been thrust under the microscope following his £24million outlay on nine new recruits - with possibly more to follow.

Former boss Chris Coleman, who was sacked with five games of last season remaining, will be looking on in envy at the riches handed to his successor at Craven Cottage.

But Sanchez insists Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed recognised the squad must be strengthened to avoid another season-long battle against relegation.

"People see our outlay of £24million but we have got back £7million or £8million from selling Franck Queudrue, Heidar Helguson and Michael Brown," he said.

"The transfer money wasn't given to me because it was me, it was given to the manager who was in charge this season.

"At the top level the chairman realised the squad needed improving.

"The slide had taken place over a number of years and last season we went so close to relegation, which could have cost us £50million.

"On that basis it was decided a £20million investment in the team was needed. I was glad I was given the chance to do that.

"We've invested in nine players with one big signing. The squad needed changing, without change we wouldn't improve on last year."

From =football365=

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COPPELL NOT SCARED BY TOUGH START

Reading manager Steve Coppell is hoping for an early indication that the Royals' fairytale is set to continue.

The start to the new Premier League campaign could hardly have been tougher for last term's impressive newcomers, who finished eighth and were just a single goal away from European qualification.

On Sunday they take on champions Manchester United at Old Trafford before playing host to Chelsea in midweek and in a week's time Everton are the visitors to the Madejski Stadium.

Coppell was optimistic his players could rise to those challenges however.

He said: "We didn't get a result from any of these first three fixtures last year, so whatever we get this year I hope will be better than last.

"I'm not saying they are throwaway games and we could play well in all three and still lose, but it wouldn't be the end of the world.

"And if we pick up points from these games, it is a significant indication that we may have moved up a gear.

"In many ways I look upon this week as a 'can't lose' week."

Coppell admitted he had no idea how tough the entire campaign would prove to be, despite having had to field endless questions about the pitfalls of 'second season syndrome'.

He mused: "What is achievement for us? I don't have an answer to that. We will end up wherever we deserve, that's just the way I feel.

"If we are good enough, we will be up the table, if we're not good enough we'll be relegated. And if that's the worst thing that will happen so be it."

Goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann is set to play despite a broken hand that has seen 16 metal bolts and a plate inserted.

Coppell said: "I don't think he's done anything in training in the last week that suggests he is not ready. He has made full saves and wasn't pulling his hand away from anything.

"That is bound to be in his mind until he has played a few matches but he has done incredibly well.

"When he first came back training he couldn't even save a tennis ball, he was still recovering from surgery and here we are six weeks later and people are smashing the ball at him from six yards and he is making saves. So we feel physically he is ready."

Record signing Emerse Fae, the £2.5million capture from Nantes, is not yet ready for consideration but fellow newcomer Kalifa Cisse is in a squad that is also missing Leroy Lita, Bobby Convey, Ibrahima Sonko and Glen Little through injury.

From = football365=

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GIGGS IMPRESSED BY RED DEVILS` DEPTH

Ryan Giggs is convinced Carlos Tevez's arrival at Manchester United can provide the Red Devils with enough attacking options to compete on all fronts this season.

Although United ended a four-year drought by clinching the Premier League last term, a repeat of their 1999 Champions League triumph ended in crushing disappointment as an exhausted side were badly beaten in the semi-final second leg against AC Milan.

Sir Alex Ferguson is in no doubt the loss was due to his inability to rest players at important stages of the campaign as injuries effectively reduced his squad to just 13 men during April.

Now, with Tevez joining Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Louis Saha, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Giggs himself in a mouth-watering array of attacking talent, the veteran Welshman feels United are strong enough to overcome any fitness problems.

"The different options we have up front are great," he said.

"It is going to be a tough season with the Champions League and Premier League to go for.

"But, if everyone is fit, the manager now has the luxury of keeping his options open. It means he will be able to keep everyone fresh and ensure everyone is on their toes.

"Carlos has looked good in training. He is a quality player and a great addition to the squad."

Ferguson is expected to resist the temptation to draft Tevez into his starting line-up to face Reading on Sunday, preferring instead to keep the 23-year-old, who has signed on loan for two seasons, back for next weekend's Manchester derby at Eastlands.

United have a midweek trip to Portsmouth in between, part of a packed start to the season which Ferguson feels United must cash in on if they are to retain their championship crown.

"A good start is imperative," said Ferguson.

"If you are setting yourself a target of 90 points to win the league, which is what it has been over the last few seasons, you have to get off to a good start and then be consistent throughout the season."

Having been at the top of the managerial game - first with Aberdeen, not at United - for the best part of three decades, Ferguson has never been short of motivation.

His enthusiasm for the current campaign is as strong as ever and facing the luxury of leaving Nani, plus fellow new arrivals Anderson and Owen Hargreaves on the bench this weekend, it is little wonder Ferguson is confident of yet more success this term.

Another title would be his 10th in England, an incredible record in itself. But Ferguson points to Giggs, who could complete exactly the same landmark as a player, as the real high achiever.

"It would be fantastic to win 10 titles," said Ferguson.

"The challenge is more for the players than it is for me. Ryan has a wonderful opportunity in front of him because I cannot imagine that would ever be done again."

from =football365=

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BLUES ON BRINK OF HOME RECORD

Chelsea may be 90 minutes from setting a record for unbeaten league matches at home - but boss Jose Mourinho insists anything less than a win against Birmingham will not be worth celebrating.

Avoiding defeat on Sunday will see Chelsea go 64 Premier League matches unbeaten at Stamford Bridge, edging ahead of Liverpool's efforts at Anfield between 1978 and 1981, although Mourinho is looking at the bigger picture.

"If we draw, we shouldn't celebrate despite the historical record," he said.

"We don't play for records, we play for titles. One point against Birmingham is good but our target is not the record, it is to win the game.

"If we beat the record, respect goes to every player who has played during the games.

"I know my teams are very strong, especially at home. I know how to build a strong team with a strong mentality at home but people would think it would be too far to beat this record.

"To equalise is great but to beat it would be a moment for us to enjoy and remember the other guys who participated in the other matches but have now left Chelsea."

Mourinho has a remarkable home record himself, with the last league defeat he suffered being a 3-2 reverse while at Porto at the hands of Beira Mar in 2002.

"We finished with nine players, (Ricardo) Carvalho and Deco had red cards," explained Mourinho.

"We lost because we wanted to win."

Birmingham came close to winning at Stamford Bridge in Mourinho's first season at Chelsea, only for Didier Drogba to rescue a point with a late goal.

Mourinho felt he was under pressure to deliver that season after a busy summer in the transfer market.

In contrast, Florent Malouda is the only player Chelsea have paid a significant fee for this summer, and Mourinho feels that managers who spent big ahead of the season could feel the pressure he used to.

"If you (the media) have a different approach to them, more mellow, then maybe they don't feel the pressure. It is a problem that they have to survive."

From =Football365=

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Friday, August 10, 2007

HEINZE HAS UNITED FUTURE - FERGIE

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted Gabriel Heinze can still have a future at Manchester United even if the Premier League reject his proposed move to Liverpool.

Heinze has a letter he believes entitles him to join the Anfield club, who have matched United's stipulated desire for a £6.8million transfer fee.

United officials contend the letter, signed by chief executive David Gill, does not over-ride the Argentina defender's contract, which still has two years to run.

Currently sidelined with a minor knock sustained during the Copa America, Heinze will have his future determined by the Premier League, who are due to assess the situation on August 20.

Yet, despite his stated desire to join the Red Devils' fierce north-west rivals, Ferguson does not believe there will be a problem with Heinze turning out for United again.

"Nothing has moved as far as Gaby is concerned," said the United boss.

"We have a meeting on August 20 which will settle the issue once and for all.

"We think our case is strong and we are depending on that.

"And, if it goes our way, Gaby definitely has a future here. He still has another two years left on his contract."

Taken from =football365=

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FERGIE NOT WORRIED BY TEVEZ DELAY

Sir Alex Ferguson isn't worried by the delay over Carlos Tevez joining Manchester United.

The Argentina star still hasn't officially become a United player despite being with them for the past seven days.

But Ferguson says he's happy that he's not worried things are dragging on because it means the transfer will be done right.

It's now highly unlikely Tevez will feature in the Premier League opener against Reading on Sunday, even if his transfer is completed on Friday.

He's likely to make his United debut in the Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford on Sunday week.

Ferguson told Sky Sports News: "It is completely understandable the Premier League want to scrutinise every detail.

"I am happy with that because then we know we are getting a player in the right circumstances, with everything clarified and cleared by the appropriate authorities.

"We know he is our player but even if it was all done today, I wouldn't use him on Sunday. It would more likely be against Manchester City next weekend."

Taken from =football365=

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Friday, August 3, 2007

LAMPARD ON HIS WAY TO WEMBLEY - CLARKE

Chelsea expect Frank Lampard to be in contention for Sunday's FA Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley.

The England midfielder had been reported to be playing through the pain barrier with a broken toe, sustained while on the pre-season tour of the United States.

However, on Thursday the club moved to dismiss suggestions the 29-year-old was under orders to rest ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off at home to Birmingham on August 12.

Assistant manager Steve Clarke maintained Lampard - yet to sign a new deal - would be central to the Blues plans for the traditional curtain-raiser against the Barclays Premier League champions.

"Frank is fine for Sunday," insisted Clarke.

"He has not missed a training session, he has not missed a match and is a great character.

"He has got a small problem with his toe and it is a little bit uncomfortable.

"But when you think the injury was caused four weeks ago and he has not missed a session or a game since, that tells you it is not a major injury."

United finally broke Chelsea's grip on the Premier League title last season but Sunday's encounter is likely to have little significance on the outcome of this season's title race.

Clarke insisted: "It will not have any bearing on the season. It is still a pre-season match, and the season starts with the Premier League.

"But when you play someone like Manchester United, one of our main rivals for all the major trophies next season, obviously it gives the match some extra meaning.

"We want to win it, and I am sure they want to as well."

Chelsea may have surrendered their league title to United but they still hold bragging rights following the FA Cup final victory in May.

Clarke hinted the Blues are going to be "a bit more expansive this year", having drawn some criticism for supposedly stifling United in their last encounter.

"The 4-4-2 system with wingers is one we have not used before. We have worked on it extensively in pre-season, and the 4-3-3 system we know inside out. It will all give us good options," he said.

"We want to be a bit more expansive this year, and the wingers can give us that something different."

Whether or not Real Madrid target Arjen Robben will be part of that new system remains to be seen.

However, Clarke insisted until he was informed to the contrary, the Dutch wideman remained very much a part of the first-team plans.

"Arjen trained in one of the sessions yesterday and he did very well," said Clarke.

"He is coming on, and I expect to have him here. No-one has told me anything to the contrary."

The Chelsea assistant coach, who has agreed a new three-year deal, firmly believes things are coming together ahead of the battle for domestic and European honours.

Steve Sidwell, Florent Malouda, Claudio Pizarro and Tal Ben Haim have all arrived over the summer.

"The club and the team are in great shape," he said.

"We have worked hard over the four weeks and have had some great training sessions, with some difficult matches.

"We have learned a lot about the players and the squad, and are setting ourselves up nicely for the season."

Clarke expects the Premier League race to be a keenly-contested affair again - and not just by the top two.

"United have to defend the trophy, and we are now the team which is chasing them. We will enjoy the chase," he said.

"They have strengthened their squad and we have strengthened ours, and we look forward to a good battle with them.

"However, it will not only be with United - Liverpool have strengthened also and Arsenal are a good team, Tottenham are looking strong.

"I think the league will be competitive next year."

Meanwhile, Brazilian defender Alex remains in talks with Chelsea after he gained a work permit and will return to Britain to discuss a transfer from PSV Eindhoven.

Taken from =football365=

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