║║║║║ Barclays Premier League Season 2012-13 ║║║║║

[General Veers]

Laudrup set to discuss new Swansea deal, claims agent
The Dane’s current deal runs until the end of the 2013-14 season, and Swans chairman Huw Jenkins has recently expressed his confidence that the 48-year-old will pen new terms

Shelvey hits out at 'keyboard warriors' after Twitter abuse
The midfielder struggled to assert himself against West Brom on Monday, as the Baggies stunned Anfield with a 2-0 win, and received abuse from followers online after the game

McQueen: Ferguson's main focus is on winning third Champions League
The Manchester United boss made history by winning a famous treble in 1999 but the former Red Devil believes that conquering Europe again would be his greatest achievement

Ronaldo: I'd never join Manchester City
The Real Madrid forward insists his "heart is in Manchester United" but reiterates that he is happy to remain with the Spanish champions

De Gea has improved, insists Ferguson
The 22-year-old was partly blamed after the club dropped valuable points in their failed Premier League title challenge last season, but his manager has backed him to succeed

Tottenham keeper Lloris confident of top-four finish but wary of tough fixture list
With games against six of the current top nine-placed sides lined up over the next two months, the summer signing has urged focus after last season's collapse from third spot

 

[General Veers]

Rodgers: Liverpool still have 'fighting chance' of Europa League progression
The Northern Irishman believes the Reds can still qualify for the last 16 but conceded that his side gave "two poor goals away" and stressed the need to be "more clinical"

Suarez left in solitude as Zenit defeat lays Liverpool shortcomings bare
Brendan Rodgers strengthened his squad to good effect, but his side's performance in Russia showed that further attacking reinforcements are needed to take the team up a level

Mertesacker: Arsenal are focused on Blackburn despite Bayern Munich threat
The German defender says the Gunners are concentrating on FA Cup progression on Saturday before hosting the Bundesliga leaders on Tuesday night in the Champions League

I've helped turn Spurs into winners, claims Gallas
The 35-year-old Frenchman believes his experience of silverware at Chelsea and hunger for success have helped Spurs progress as a club over the past three years

Arsenal have more diversity without Van Persie, insists Sagna
The Gunners' right-back feels the team relied too heavily on the Dutchman last season, and believes the side is much healthier now with goals throughout the team

'He proved everyone wrong' - Bosnich lauds De Gea display against Real Madrid
The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper praised the current No.1's "miracle saves", before warning that counter-attacking will suit the Spanish giants in the second leg

Allen hoping to re-stake Liverpool claim by impressing against Zenit
The 22-year-old conceded that his recent performances have not been good enough, but insisted that he needs a chance to prove his worth and "turn things around"

Villas-Boas: Tottenham do not need five centre-backs
The Portuguese coach has admitted his desire to sell one of the club's central defenders, but praised Michael Dawson for forcing his way back into the team after nearly leaving

Lloris shows who's boss at Tottenham to prove he is Premier League's best
The £12m summer signing from Lyon had to bide his time before breaking into the Spurs first-team but is now showing his worth although he will miss Europa League reunion

England & Nigeria rise up Fifa world rankings but Spain hold top spot
The Super Eagles' Afcon victory in South Africa has seen them rise 22 places in the latest standings, while the Three Lions' win over Brazil sees them enter the top five

Krul: New signings can kick-start season
The goalkeeper feels the influx of new players during the transfer window has given the club a fresh impetus, and they are now able to kick on for the remainder of the season

'Sad' criticism of Wenger not deserved, says Henry
The 35-year-old says it is difficult to hear and see fans being negative towards the manager, while revealing he wants to return to the club at some point in the future

Fabregas: I want to retire at Barcelona
The midfielder has ruled out a return to Arsenal as he is happy at his current club, and is eagerly anticipating the Champions League tie against AC Milan

De Gea dismisses Manchester United exit talk
The 22-year-old has rejected claims he was looking to leave the Premier League leaders after struggling for form since his arrival in 2011, insisting his happiness at Old Trafford

Cech sets sights on Europa League success with Chelsea
The goalkeeper says the Blues are hoping to go far in the competition while manager Rafael Benitez feels his team are in for a tough evening when they take on Sparta Prague

Giggs hails De Gea after Real Madrid draw
The 22-year-old produced a fine display to thwart the Liga giants in a game of end-to-end football, and the veteran believes the tie is balanced "50-50" heading into the second leg

Arsenal legend Pat Rice presented with MBE
The 63-year-old made over 500 appearances for the Gunners and helped the club win seven major titles while he was assistant manager to Arsene Wenger from 1996 to 2012

De Gea comes of age for Manchester United in career-defining show of strength
The 22-year-old goalkeeper delivered his greatest performance yet for the Old Trafford outfit at the Santiago Bernabeu, helping the Red Devils to an impressive 1-1 draw

Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United couldn't take the risk on Vidic
The Red Devils boss opted to leave the centre-back out of his starting line-up against Real Madrid after he featured in Sunday's Premier League win over Everton

Europa League success will boost Chelsea, insists Oscar
The Brazilian believes his team-mates are just as hopeful of winning the competition as he is and the 21-year-old expects a good result against Sparta Prague on Thursday night

Gouffran to return to Newcastle training next week
The Frenchman limped out of the Magpies' clash at Tottenham last weekend with a suspected broken leg but those fears have been allayed and he will be back in action soon

Sagna impressed with Monreal
The Arsenal right-back admits he knew little of the Malaga defender before he joined the Gunners, but is very happy with the Spaniard's contribution so far

West Brom need 'world-beater' Odemwingie back, insists Foster
The Nigeria international failed in his attempts to force through a deadline day move to QPR, but the Baggies' goalkeeper and Gareth McAuley insists they will welcome him back

 

[General Veers]

Chelsea enquired about Malaga boss Pellegrini - agent
The Blues are interested in the Chilean coach, late of Real Madrid and Villarreal, who has taken los Boquerones to the round of 16 in their debut season in the Champions League

Ferguson: Manchester United stronger now than when we won the treble
The Red Devils manager believes that his current side are every bit a match for the squad who famously won three titles in 1998-99 and can compete to emulate that glorious season

Courageous Robbie Rogers doesn't owe us anything
The former Leeds United winger made a brave decision to come out as gay on Friday, but those calling for him to reverse his choice to leave the game should let him do as he wishes

Wenger: Foreign market to blame for Premier League clubs overlooking Rhodes
The Arsenal manager has blamed foreign markets for lower league talents being snubbed by the Premier League, adding the Blackburn striker to the list of 'forgotten' stars

Benteke's agent refuses to rule out summer switch
The Aston Villa striker has been linked with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid since his move to the Birmingham-based side

Rodgers: Liverpool need experienced players in the summer
The Reds' only chance of silverware is hanging by a thread after a 2-0 defeat to Zenit in the Europa League, leaving the Anfield boss admitting he needs to add 'men' to his side

Manchester City boss Mancini could not manage Leeds, claims Warnock
The former QPR coach believes the Italian and the likes of Jose Mourinho need financial backing, and would struggle to succeed outside of the top flight of English football

Torres situation 'managed badly' by Chelsea, says Benayoun
The Blues' Israeli midfielder criticised the Stamford Bridge club over the £50 million man's faltering form but believes that he is still one of the best strikers in the world

Vidic & Ferdinand no longer Manchester United's first-choice pairing, admits Ferguson
The Red Devils boss feels that the successful partnership at the heart of his pace-setting team's defence may have to give way to the emerging figure of Jonny Evans

Aston Villa's Guzan would ‘love' to return to the MLS one day
The Villans goalkeeper has stated he would “definitely” want to return to the American league and play the Chicago Fire in his home country in the future - if he gets the chance

Southend sign Lund from Stoke on one-month loan
The League Two outfit have confirmed they have captured the 22-year-old midfielder on a one-month deal, and he could make his debut against Northampton Town on Saturday

Rodgers hits out at fixture scheduling
The Liverpool manager is frustrated with the way in which the movement of his side's tie with Capital One Cup finalists Swansea City has been handled

Mancini rejects Wanyama speculation
The Manchester City boss says he admires the Celtic midfielder but insists that he has no intention of signing him

Wenger wanted to sign Varane
The Arsenal manager says they were looking into the possibility of buying the French defender before he moved to Real Madrid

Duff wants Fulham to finish with a flourish
The Irishman admits the Cottagers have struggled for form lately despite a strong start to the season, and hopes they can end their campaign on a high note

Kidd urges Manchester City to 'fight like hell' for Premier League
Roberto Mancini's assistant manager refuses to give up hope in the title race, adamant his players are still capable of challenging Manchester United for glory

Mancini rejects 'sack' suggestions
The Italian believes his potential dismissal would make every manager in the Premier League fear for their position

Manchester City youngster Rekik joins Blackburn on loan
The 18-year-old defender has linked up with the Championship outfit until the end of the season as Mike Appleton looks to bolster his defensive options heading into the run-in

'Mancini is fighting for his Manchester City job' - McManaman
The former Blues midfielder says the Italian will be "looking over his shoulder" at the Etihad Stadium as he prepares to take on Leeds in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday

'I'm not thinking about any other teams' - Michu reiterates happiness at Swansea
The 26-year-old, who has attracted attention from elsewhere after scoring 18 goals in 32 appearances this season, has again underlined his commitment to the club

Bale: I am in the best form of my career
The Tottenham winger scored yet again on Thursday night, securing an injury-time win over Lyon with two long-range free kicks to take his goal tally to 17 for the season

 

[General Veers]

Liverpool have high hopes for Coutinho, says Rodgers
The Brazilian attacker made his full debut for the Merseyside outfit against Swansea at Anfield on Sunday afternoon and netted the second goal in a 5-0 victory

Mancini demands more goals from Manchester City strikers
Both Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero scored in the comfortable 4-0 win over Leeds and the Italian manager wants to see his front men get back to top form in the Premier League

Liverpool striker Borini out for the season after sustaining dislocated shoulder
The 21-year-old has been blighted by injuries in his debut Anfield season and now looks set to miss the remainder of the campaign following a collision with Kyle Bartley

Top four finish remains Chelsea's priority, insists Benitez
The Spaniard was pleased with the clinical edge his side showed, but stressed that cup progress will play only secondary importance to securing Champions League football

Terry and Benitez deny Chelsea bust-up rumours
The Blues captain insists that reports of a rift are "complete rubbish" after marking his return to the starting XI with the fourth goal in an FA Cup win over Brentford

Drenthe: Everton boss Moyes saved my career
The midfielder was let go by the Toffees after many controversies, but he has since thanked the Scottish boss for opening his eyes to the negative lifestyle he had in Liverpool

Redknapp: 37 points will save QPR from relegation
The Hoops' manager believes the Premier League's bottom side need 20 points from their last 12 games to stand a chance of survival

Suso: Gerrard now my idol, not Zidane
The 19-year-old Spaniard revealed the French legend was his favourite player until he played with the Anfield captain, whose desire to improve himself has been inspirational

Manchester United will not fail this time, insists Rosler
The Red Devils hold a 12-point advantage over the current Premier League champions, but the former Blues striker believes the destination of the trophy is "decided"

Rodgers: Liverpool can still manage top-four finish
The 40-year-old Anfield boss has endured a difficult opening season in charge, but despite being 12 points off of a Champions League qualifying place, he says there is still hope

Van Persie: I am addicted to Manchester United
The 29-year-old is leading the Premier League scoring charts for the Red Devils with 19 strikes, and wants to play every game to get the same buzz

Rodgers expects bids for Suarez and Co
The Uruguay international has scored 22 goals already this season and his manager expects his outstanding form to trigger a summer of transfer speculation

Chelsea rotation will help us, says Rosler
The Brentford boss says Rafa Benitez's men could come stuck against the Bees in their FA Cup fourth round replay if the Spaniard decides to make wholesale changes to his line-up

Manchester United step up Begovic chase
Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to listen to offers for Anders Lindegaard after David De Gea's improved displays prompted an Old Trafford re-think

Manchester City eyeing Laudrup as potential Mancini successor
The Dane has enjoyed an impressive debut season in England with Swansea and has attracted the attention of the reigning Premier League champions

Alonso: Liverpool must be patient with Rodgers' project
The Spain international, who spent four years with the Anfield outfit between 2005 and 2009, believes the 40-year-old coach should be given more time at the helm

Wenger should offer his resignation after Blackburn shambles
The Frenchman should bite the bullet and accept he has lost his spark following the embarrassment of two defeats to lower league sides in the domestic cups this season

Dorival Junior hails Chelsea star Ramires as his 'biggest find'
The Brazilian club's coach has expressed pride over having kick-started the midfielder's football career in his homeland prior to his move to Europe

Lucas Digne aware of Manchester United link but happy to stay at Lille
The left-back says he is aware of reported interest from Sir Alex Ferguson's side but is keen to stay in France, play regularly and develop his game further

Police driver suspended over Nani crash
The Manchester United winger's £180,000 Bentley was hit during the incident, which left the Portuguese star shocked but unharmed

 

[General Veers]

'He is a great player' - Alves urges Barcelona to sign Arsenal star Wilshere
Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song have all swapped the Emirates Stadium for Camp Nou in recent years, and the Brazilian believes the Gunners talisman should follow them

Mata 'honoured' to play with Chelsea legend Lampard
The long-serving midfielder is closing in on the club's all-time goalscoring record, but is likely to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season when his contract expires

Jones a doubt for decisive Real Madrid clash after limping out of FA Cup tie
The 20-year-old hobbled out of Manchester United's FA Cup fifth round tie with Reading having sustained an ankle injury, and may now miss the second leg against los Blancos

Rodgers eyeing up future Liverpool role for Carragher
The Reds boss has revealed that he is hopeful that the veteran will take up a coaching position at the club after he retires from playing at the end of the current season

Aguero: Manchester City confidence back ahead of Chelsea clash
The Argentine forward netted twice as Roberto Mancini's men thrashed Leeds 4-0 in the FA Cup on Sunday, a result which he believes has put his side back on track

Wenger - Time has come to open up or shut up
The Arsenal manager is serving only to hurt himself by protecting those who are truly responsible for the north London club's demise

I have to fight for Chelsea place like everyone else, says Terry
The club captain has denied suggestions that he is unhappy with interim manager Rafa Benitez, despite recently struggling to earn a starting berth under the Spaniard

'I am the best manager in England' - Mancini bullish over Manchester City future
The Italian boss has insisted that speculation over his position at the Etihad Stadium is unfair, after he led the club to their first league title in 44 years last season

Wenger wants Dein back at Arsenal as crunch contract talks set to commence
The Gunners boss has indicated he wants to open discussions on an extension but is keen for the club's former director to work with him on signing new players this summer

Anderson bemoans Manchester United rotation policy
With just four starts in the Premier League to his name this season, the Brazilian says constant breaks between appearances can negatively affect a player's performances

'Maybe I'd be like Lionel Messi today' - Ben Arfa regrets past immaturity
The 25-year-old attacker believes he would have reached a higher level with more focus earlier in his career, but is determined to win a place in France's World Cup 2014 squad

Sir Alex Ferguson expects the treble, says Smalling
The Manchester United defender is surprised the Premier League leaders have failed to win the FA Cup since 2004, and says the manager is after all three trophies this season

Jagielka: Moyes will make own decision over Everton future
The manager's contract expires this summer, and the Toffees defender does not believe his team-mates can affect the boss' choice over whether to stay at the club

Wenger: Arsenal must find confidence
The Gunners manager has acknowledged that his side's game-to-game consistency has not been good enough after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Blackburn on Saturday

Giggs would be a top boss, says McDermott
The Welsh winger has been tipped to become a star in management according to the Reading manager ahead of his side's trip to Old Trafford in the FA Cup fifth round

Mancini: Leeds win can restart Manchester City title challenge
The reigning Premier League champions are 12 points behind leaders Manchester United but the Italian thinks Sunday's win can spark a comeback in the league

Kagawa has struggled to adapt to Premier League, admits Sir Alex Ferguson
The Japan international has been hampered by injury concerns during his debut season in England, and his boss believes the more physical nature of the game has been a shock

Mata magic capable of salvaging Chelsea's season
The 24-year-old's virtuoso displays are among the few things capable of dispelling, even for a few fleeting moments, the suffocating atmosphere around Stamford Bridge

Wilshere: Arsenal can save season in Champions League
The England midfielder has urged the club to unite ahead of the visit of Bayern Munich for the first leg of the last 16 tie at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday

FA Cup in demand as Manchester United look to rekindle age-old romance
Sir Alex Ferguson's Premier League leaders have gone nine years without success in the competition that for so long kept them on the map

Gutierrez: January signings are a massive boost for Newcastle
The Magpies winger is delighted the club was able to add players during the mid-season window with a relegation battle looming, and is confident the side can now climb the table

Bale is unplayable, says Ramsey
The Gunners midfielder says his Spurs counterpart has become unstoppable since being moved into a more advanced role by manager Andre Villas-Boas

 

[General Veers]

Arsenal chairman backing under-pressure Wenger
Peter Hill-Wood has insisted the club remain fully behind the Frenchman amid growing calls from their supporters for a change of manager after yet more disappointments

Ba ready to cement first-team spot at Chelsea
The Senegal international has had to rotate with misfiring Fernando Torres since arriving from Newcastle in January, but says he is now ready to make the position his for good

Ben Arfa returns to Newcastle training after two months out
The French winger has had an injury-interrupted 2012-13 season due to hamstring problems but has handed Alan Pardew a boost ahead of his side's European clash with Metalist Kharkiv

McFadden departs Sunderland and seals Motherwell return
The Scotland international has moved back to his boyhood club until the end of the season after only making a handful of appearances in his short spell at the Stadium of Light

Benitez: I'm paying for my success at Liverpool
The Chelsea boss believes his previous spell at Anfield is to blame for his poor relationship with the Blues' fanbase but insists he remains happy at Stamford Bridge

Moses hails 'dream' season for Chelsea and Nigeria
The attacker has enjoyed a superb last 12 months, impressing since his move from Wigan to west London before winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles

Kolo Toure: Manchester City must win a trophy to help save Mancini's job
The Cote d'Ivoire defender believes they must salvage their season and win some silverware, most likely the FA Cup, or they could risk losing their manager

Chelsea fans within their rights to boo Benitez, says Terry
The Blues captain says that jeers toward the manager is warranted if the team continue to record disappointing results as it is his responsibility to pick the team

Phil Jones has ankle scans with fitness for Real Madrid decider in doubt
The Manchester United defender had to be withdrawn before half-time against Reading and faces a race to be ready for the crunch Champions League second-leg fixture

Lucas: Coutinho can be a Liverpool great
The Brazilian midfielder feels that his countryman can take the Premier League by storm at Anfield if he is given enough time to adapt to the pace after arriving from Italy

Ferguson delighted with super-sub Nani
The 71-year-old hails the Portuguese winger's impact coming off the bench for Phil Jones as he helped the Red Devils to a 2-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup fifth round

Arsenal target summer move for Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo
The £15 million-rated Brazilian, who can play in central midfield or defence, is regarded as a proven candidate for the midfield anchorman hole left by Alex Song's departure

 

[General Veers]

Lewandowski agent denies Manchester United rumours
Reports emerged on Wednesday that the Dortmund ace's agent had claimed that the main interest in his client was from Old Trafford but another representative dismisses the stories

'I miss the Premier League' - Barton keen on return to England folllowing Marseille loan
The loanee thanks his temporary club for giving him a chance to prove himself and is now looking for a return home, though he does not see himself at QPR next season

Remi Garde defends under-fire Arsenal boss Wenger
The Lyon manager, who spent three years with the Gunners during the 1990s, has leapt to the defence of the Gunners' 63-year-old manager, and believes he is still "world class"

Sigurdsson 'confident' of Europa League progression over Lyon
The Tottenham midfielder believes his team-mates have enough quality to overcome the Ligue 1 giants ahead of Thursday's last-32 second-leg clash at the Stade de Gerl

Bob Wilson brands Stewart Robson 'bitter' for Wenger criticism
The former Arsenal midfielder slammed the Frenchman for the club's eight-year trophy drought and claimed he hoped the 63-year-old leaves the Emirates Stadium in the near future

Celtic defender Ambrose flattered by Liverpool links
Despite his long-term ambitions and speculation of interest from the likes of the Reds, Sunderland and Swansea City, the defender is happy to remain at Parkhead

Cahill welcomes competition for Chelsea place from Terry
The former Bolton defender insists he is willing to fight for a regular role at Stamford Bridge but admits Rafa Benitez has a wealth of defensive options

Barton: Beckham not a big worry
The two midfielders could face each other if the 37-year-old makes his Paris Saint-Germain bow against Marseille, with the on-loan QPR man confident of keeping him quiet

Manchester City target €57m Neymar swoop
The 21-year-old has long been linked with a move to Camp Nou, but the Premier League champions are increasingly confident that they can outbid the Primera Division leaders

'Gill departure is a big loss' - Ferguson praises outgoing Manchester United chief executive
The Red Devils' manager believes the 55-year-old, who revealed he will step down in June, is making a "heartfelt" decision that could ultimately push the club forward

Fellaini: Premier League referees are biased towards English players
The imposing Belgium international has been in superb form for the Toffees this season but believes officials have treated him badly in compared to some of his top-flight rivals

Ribery hails important Bayern goals at Arsenal
Strikes from Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Mario Mandzukic ensured Lukas Podolski’s shouldered attempt was nothing more than a consolation on Tuesday

David Gill to step down as Manchester United chief executive in June
The 55-year-old has been in the role for 10 years and believes it is time for somebody new to step up and bring fresh ideas to the table with Ed Woodward set to take over

Wilshere deserves better than Arsenal
The outstanding English player of his generation was one of the few Gunners players who did not shrink in the face of a superb Bayern Munich display on Tuesday

Borini not leaving Liverpool, says agent
The injured Italian forward's representative insists he is not looking to leave the Merseyside club despite a difficult first season at Anfield and interest from Fiorentina

Vermaelen calls for Arsenal to 'stand behind' under-fire Wenger
The Gunners' European hopes are in tatters following a comprehensive beating at the hands of Bayern Munich, but the club captain is still surprised at the treatment of his boss

Anderson: I am not leaving Manchester United
The Brazilian midfielder has struggled for form and fitness during his Old Trafford career but says he is now ready for a run of games in order to cement a place in the starting XI

Manchester City midfielder Rodwell desperate to maintain fitness
The 21-year-old has revealed the gruelling training regime he has undergone in a bid to get to the bottom of a long-term hamstring injury after making his first-team return

Real Madrid are my 'sweetheart', claims Chelsea interim boss Benitez
The Spaniard is only contracted at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season and has been mentioned as a possible successor to Jose Mourinho, who looks set to leave los Blancos

Arsenal defeat 'nothing to do' with Wenger, says Wilshere
The England midfielder says the Gunners' players must take the blame for the 3-1 loss against Bayern Munich which leaves them on the verge of elimination from the Champions League

Anderson frustrated by Manchester United career
The 24-year-old still believes he has the necessary ability to play for the league leaders but says he needs to be playing games regularly to show his real talent

Frimpong delighted at first-team return
The youngster says he is happy to be back playing in the Premier League following injury and hopes to improve as he continues his six-month loan spell at Fulham

Courtois to replace Cech 'in two years'
The 20-year-old has shone since joining Atletico Madrid on loan in 2011, but is planning on becoming first-choice goalkeeper at Chelsea despite talk he could leave the club

Mirallas ‘sure’ Moyes will stay
The 49-year-old’s future is uncertain with his contract set to expire in the summer but the Belgium international is keen for him to extend his spell in charge of the Toffees

Arsenal in talks to sign Amorebieta, says agent
As revealed by Goal.com in January, the Premier League outfit are interested in the 27-year-old centre-back but will now have to wait until the summer after failing last month

 

[General Veers]

Swansea boss Laudrup coy on future as Manchester City & Real Madrid rumours grow
The 48-year-old has been tipped to replace Jose Mourinho and Roberto Mancini, but refused to be drawn on his future as Swansea prepare for Wembley

Chelsea & Manchester City to go head-to-head in pursuit of Falcao & Cavani
The Premier League giants meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with battle lines already being drawn ahead of a summer spending war over two of Europe's most coveted strikers

Balotelli: Nobody better than Mancini for Manchester City
The 22-year-old believes his fellow Italian is the best man for his his ex-team, suggesting the players want him to stay and that his record gives the club no reason to sack him

Manchester United keen to keep Nani, reveals Ferguson
The 26-year-old has struggled with a hamstring injury this season, and is rumoured to be interesting a number of clubs in Europe, but his boss wants him to sign a new contract

Wright: Wenger management to blame for Arsenal failures
After the FA Cup exit to Blackburn and Bayern Munich's strong lead in the Champions League likely to extend the club's trophy drought, the legend points the finger at the boss

Everton must get games won, says Baines
The Toffees' challenge for Champions League qualification is faltering after some underwhelming recent results and the left-back has called for his side to win ugly

Lukaku targeting Europe with West Brom
The on-loan Chelsea forward has been a revelation since joining the Baggies, and is adamant that his team-mates can continue to exceed expectations this season

Sir Alex Ferguson backs David Gill for success at Uefa
The Manchester United boss believes that the departing chief executive is sure to prosper when he stands for election to European football's governing body in May

Tottenham are not a one-man team, insists Villas-Boas
Following a spate of match-winning performances from winger Gareth Bale, the Portuguese has dismissed the idea that Spurs are overly reliant on the 23-year-old

Rooney ruled out of Manchester United's match against QPR
The 27-year-old is set to join Phil Jones on the sidelines after missing training, as Sir Alex Ferguson's side look to extend their lead in the title race at Loftus Road

Tottenham in talks over new Dawson contract
The defender almost left White Hart Lane for QPR last summer but is now in discussions with Spurs over a new four-year deal that will keep him at the club until he is 33

Walcott: Wenger is the best man for Arsenal
The forward insisted they must take positives from their second half against Bayern Munich, while admitting it would be "disappointing" to miss out on next year's Champions League

Modern Villas-Boas making Tottenham his own
The Portuguese coach's impact on the Spurs squad has perhaps been overshadowed by the form of Gareth Bale as the Londoners target a top-four finish and Europa League glory

Phil Jones has 'outside chance' of facing Real Madrid, says Sir Alex Ferguson
The 71-year-old rated the defender's chances of making the game as slim, while he believes both his side and rivals Manchester City will drop points in the Premier League run-in

Ba refuses to be cowed by prospect of Chelsea summer signings
The Senegal striker has vowed to put up a fight if the west London club bring in a new star striker in the off-season, and stated that he "will not be pushed around"

Tottenham fans attacked in Lyon bar
The Spurs supporters were spending time in a local nightspot when a group of hooligans began throwing missiles at the windows, in scenes described as "manic" by an eyewitness

Villas-Boas trying to 'unlock' Adebayor
The Tottenham star has had a disappointing season after making his loan move from Manchester City permanent but his coach predicts a turnaround in the striker's fortunes

Tottenham's 'ultimate objective' is top four, insists Villas-Boas
The Spurs boss has insisted that securing a Champions League spot is the priority at White Hart Lane, as his team prepare to take on Lyon in their Europa League last 32 second leg

Suarez is the 'player of the year', claims Liverpool captain Gerrard
The midfielder believes that the Uruguay star has been one of the best footballers in the world this season and hopes that he can conjure up some magic to beat Zenit at Anfield

 

[OAisAfailure]

Nin Na Bei Cheebye!

O$P$. Yesterday your lose one when settle? Fuck you ok no settle cannot place new bets. Poor Fuck. Scram la,,

 

[General Veers]

Moyes: Mirallas has more to give to Everton
The Scot wants to see the Belgian striker return from injury and rediscover his early season form, and has challenged him to create and provide more goals for the team

‘I’m really confident’ - Diaby talks up Arsenal’s top-four chances
The 26-year-old believes his side's pursuit of Champions League qualification will be successful, insisting the Gunners can reproduce last season's late run of good form

Mancini talks up Manchester City interest in Cavani, Falcao & Suarez
The 48-year-old spoke highly of all three of his reported transfer targets, while he also suggested that the likes of Samir Nasri and Joe Hart have underperformed this season

Ferguson: QPR should have appointed Redknapp earlier
Ahead of his side's trip to face the west London club on Saturday, the Red Devils boss has claimed that the Rs should have moved sooner to hand the Englishman the reins

Owen could land new Stoke deal, reveals Pulis
The former England striker has suffered another injury-hit season but the Welsh boss says a strong end to the campaign could see him retained by the Staffordshire club

Laudrup wins by a landslide in next Madrid boss poll
The former Blancos and Barcelona midfielder won a without a real challenger, suggesting that he is the fans' preferred choice to replace Jose Mourinho

Benitez: Torres did not play badly against Sparta Prague
The Chelsea interim boss says that his Spanish striker may not be scoring, but is continuing to do a "great job for the team", and that goals will eventually come for him

We can't feel sorry for ourselves, says Arsenal boss Wenger
The Gunners recently saw their Champions League hopes all but ended just days after exiting the FA Cup, but the Frenchman is determined to end the season on a good note

'It's normal big teams want Laudrup' - Pablo Hernandez unsurprised by interest in Swansea boss
The 48-year-old Dane has been subject to speculation after an impressive debut season managing in the Premier League and his players have wasted no time in praising their coach

Arsenal need the old Arsene Wenger, not a new manager
The under-pressure Gunners boss has seen his side dumped out of the FA Cup and on the brink of a Champions League exit but he is capable of turning things around

Redknapp: QPR need at least 20 more points to survive
The 65-year-old is still confident his side can avoid relegation despite sitting bottom of the Premier League and seven adrift of safety with only 12 games to play this season

 

[General Veers]

Yaya Toure: I want to end my career at Manchester City
The Cote d'Ivoire international is saddened by his side's loss of form in defence of their Premier League title, but insists he wants to stay at the club as it feels like "home"

Tottenham star Bale: We are better than Arsenal
The Wales winger believes Spurs have overtaken Arsene Wenger's side as north London's top team as they are on course to qualify for the Champions League at the Gunners' expense

Cazorla signals shift from Arsenal's go-to Gallic influence
Two goals from the 28-year-old gave the Gunners victory over Aston Villa, and highlighted Arsene Wenger's move away from his French roots to a silky Spanish style

Fellaini admits interest in Chelsea move as he 'wants to take next step'
The Belgian confessed that he would like to join the Blues' ranks as, though he is happy at Everton and calls it home, he would like to play Champions League football

Mancini: Manchester United's lead in the title race is down to luck
The Manchester City boss believes that the Red Devils' 15-point gap is undeserved, claiming his team are simply unlucky and that they could still catch their close rivals

Newcastle boss Pardew: I want Sissoko to play like Lampard
The manager said he wanted to sign a "traditional No. 10" in the mould of Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini, and he hopes that his new arrival can fill in that role

Gouffran hungry for success at Newcastle
The Frenchman is looking forward to pursuing long-term success with the Magpies, but knows that securing their Premier League status must be the club's first priority

Arsenal need £200m cash splash to stay in top four - Ian Wright
The Gunners legend believes that, in order to remain in contention for the Champions League, they need almost three times the £70 million that is currently being touted

Redknapp: Remy & Zamora are vital for QPR's relegation fight
The Hoops boss has been without the duo for several weeks due to fitness issues, but believes that the Englishman and France international in tandem could keep his side up

Wenger admits Bayern & Blackburn setbacks have disrupted Arsenal
The Gunners' boss says his side were on a good run in the league before successive cup defeats at the Emirates Stadium knocked the confidence out of his now nervous players

Jol condemns 'evil' N'Zonzi after punching Ruiz in Stoke loss
The 24-year-old was guilty of lashing out at the Costa Rica midfielder, moments after being caught by a flailing Dimitar Berbatov arm, but escaped punishment with just a booking

Van Persie will be fine for Real Madrid clash, insists Sir Alex Ferguson
The Scot believes his top scorer will recover for the Champions League last-16 tie after being forced off at Loftus Road and credited his team's concentration for their win at QPR

Kelly: I'm not worried about competition at Liverpool
The Reds' defender is looking to bounce back from injury which has kept him out of action since September, and has revealed he is excited to compete for a starting place

'I do not care about rumours' - Pellegrini dismisses Malaga exit talk
The Chilean coach has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester City and Roma in recent weeks, but insists that he is very happy with life at La Rosaleda

Robin van Persie injury concern for Manchester United as striker substituted before half-time
The Dutchman was withdrawn in the 41st minute of the Red Devils' clash with QPR and replaced by Danny Welbeck, after colliding with a camera on the edge of the Loftus Road pitch

Granero: I never thought about leaving QPR
The former Real Madrid midfielder has dismissed reports that he will seek a move away from the Premier League at the end of the season despite a lack of first-team chances

Capello: I want to manage in ‘absolutely fascinating’ Premier League
The Italian is currently in charge of the Russian national team but has admitted to struggling with the language and missing the atmosphere in the English game

Rafael: This is my best season yet
The Manchester United full-back believes he has added consistency to his impressive array of attributes this term, but admits he still sees room for improvement in his displays

Cech: It would take a meltdown for United not to win the league
The Chelsea goalkeeper reckons Sir Alex Ferguson's side already have one hand on the Premier League trophy, and that a total collapse is now the only thing that can stop them

Clichy: Mancini is right for Manchester City
The former Arsenal defender believes the Italian is still the right man for City, and should be rewarded for the success he has brought to the club since joining

Everton consider cut-price Sinclair deal
The out-of-favour Manchester City winger could be set for a switch to Goodison Park while Kolo Toure could also be heading out of the club and is keen on a move to the Middle East

Adebayor: Finishing above Arsenal would confirm I was right to leave them
The Tottenham striker is determined to prove his decision to quit the Emirates back in 2009 was the correct one, as he aims to help Spurs challenge for a Champions League place

Mancini: It wouldn't be bad to finish runners-up
The Manchester City manager believes his side can still win the Premier League, but refutes the suggestion that it will have been a poor season if they fail to retain their title

Sir Alex Ferguson slams ‘ridiculous’ agent fees
The Scot has heavily criticised the money paid to third parties, blaming the existence of the transfer window for the ever-increasing demands, and hopes for an eventual removal

Newcastle goalkeeper Krul faces up to five weeks out with ankle injury
The first-choice shot-stopper will see a specialist on Monday after incurring the damage against Metalist Kharkiv, with Rob Elliot expected to deputise in his absence

Adebayor blames Togo Football Federation for delayed Tottenham return
The 28-year old striker has blamed his country after joining up with his domestice team-mates late from Africa Cup Of Nations duty, insisting travel was not arranged for the squad

Mourinho will replace Benitez at Chelsea, says Gullit
The former Blues boss insists the Real Madrid manager will return to Stamford Bridge this summer irrespective of the Spaniard's achievements during the current campaign

'I'm not Arsene Wenger, I want to win' - Mancini launches attack on Arsenal boss
The 48-year-old has criticised the Frenchman for his unwillingness to publicly challenge his players, while he also revealed his desire to continue working in the Premier League

 

[General Veers]

'It's not about me!' - Bale desperate to help Tottenham secure Champions League place
The 23-year-old's double - the second a stunning long-range last-minute winner - has lifted Spurs into third place above Chelsea with the north London derby to come on Sunday

Bale should be Player of the Year, claims Villas-Boas
The winger scored his seventh and eighth goals in six games to help Spurs to a 3-2 win over local rivals West Ham on Monday night - the second a last-minute 30-yard winner

Giggs eyeing starting berth against Real Madrid after recent fine form
The veteran midfielder scored in a fine performance against QPR on Saturday, and hopes that standout display will force him into contention for the return leg next week

Manchester City still in Premier League title race, insists Yaya Toure
The Ivorian midfielder says the Blues' challenge to retain the championship is not over yet, although he does believe Manchester United have the easier run of fixtures

Suarez will not be investigated for stamp on Zenit defender
The Uruguayan appeared to stand on Czech Republic international, Tomas Hubocan, during Liverpool's clash with the Russians on Thursday, in which he scored twice

Stoke winger Shea delighted to make debut finally
The Potters' new US international winger has said he is happy to be playing again after four months out of action following surgery on his right foot

Arsenal announce half-year profit of €20.4m
Arsene Wenger's side have benefited financially from the sales of players such as Robin van Persie to Manchester United since the start of the season

Fellaini needs Messi's temperament, claims Moyes
The Toffees manager has called on the Belgian to take a leaf out of the Barcelona star's book, claiming that he is unfairly singled out for rough treatment by opposing players

Liverpool defender Skrtel 'sad' after being benched
The Slovakian defender has insisted that he is happy to remain Anfield but is unsure about Brendan Rodgers' reasoning for leaving him out of the first-team picture recently

Chelsea were made to defend 'way too much' by Manchester City, complains Cahill
The England defender complained about the pressure he faced at the Etihad Stadium and believes the Blues' heavier fixture load was a factor in their sluggish performance

Arsenal deserved Villa win, says Jenkinson
The 21-year-old was left fearing the worst when the Villans equalised late in the game, but feels the Gunners had earned their win after some wretched luck in recent weeks

Cazorla is the 'perfect footballer', says Mertesacker
The centre-back has praised his Spanish team-mate after the midfielder grabbed two goals against Aston Villa, including an 85th minute winner as Arsenal push for third place

Wilshere: Arsenal's season is not over
The England international has told his team-mates to keep pushing ahead of upcoming games against West Ham and Tottenham, and their Champions League second leg with Bayern Munich

Carrick flattered by Scholes comparisons
The Red Devils fans sung chants that compared the 31-year-old playmaker to the club legend as they strengthened their grip on top spot by beating QPR 2-0 at Loftus Road

Michu: I asked Laudrup to stay at Swansea now we are in Europe
The Danish legend won 72% of a poll in AS for the fans' choice of Real Madrid manager, but the Swans' top scorer hopes he stays having led the club to their first major trophy

'I love the Bundesliga and I will return', says Manchester City striker Dzeko
The striker has two years left on his contract with Roberto Mancini's men but is keen on a return to Germany, and says he hopes Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final

Tottenham boss Villas-Boas: Football statistics are useless
The Portuguese coach says he prefers not to rely on performance-measuring tools such as Prozone and instead judges himself whether a player is fulfilling his tasks

Lukaku not thinking about Chelsea during West Brom stay
The Belgian striker has helped fire the Baggies up the Premier League since joining on loan and is focused entirely on continuing to improve during his season-long switch

Rafael: Giggs is an unbelievable player
After guiding the league leaders to a 2-0 victory over QPR on Saturday, the veteran Welshman looks set to go down in history as the Red Devil's greatest ever player

Arsenal are ready to fight for third place, claims Wenger
The Gunners boss has set his sights on reeling in Chelsea as well as Tottenham after their victory over Aston Villa left them trailing the Blues by only two points

Kamara targeting Norwich double over Manchester United
The Sierra Leone international scored against the Red Devils during a pre-season friendly with parent club Sporting Kansas City and is hoping for a repeat on Monday

I needed to save Lampard's penalty, says Manchester City keeper Hart
The 25-year-old denied the Chelsea midfielder with the scores level at the Etihad Stadium, a moment which proved decisive as the hosts went on to earn a 2-0 victory

Laudrup hails 'special' first Swansea trophy after Capital One Cup win
The Premier League manager expresses his pride and excitement ahead of his side's forthcoming Europa League campaign after they beat Bradford City 5-0 at Wembley on Sunday

Top four finish will be a battle, admits Chelsea boss Benitez
The Blues' push for second place took a serious blow in their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City but the Spanish manager says that his side will fight until the end of the season

Sissoko a better partner for Cisse than Ba, claims Pardew
The Frenchman netted his third league goal at St James' Park for the Magpies in just his second appearance, and was hailed as the perfect replacement for the now-Chelsea attacker

Europa League run can inspire Tottenham, claims Villas-Boas
The Portuguese boss believes that their continued success in the continental competition will breed a winning mentality that will translate to Premier League success

David Luiz flattered by reported Barcelona interest
The Chelsea defender says that he is happy and proud to be linked to "a team of winners" in the Spanish league leaders but remains focused on his form at Stamford Bridge

Carrick happy to grind out results
The holding midfielder is pleased with the resilience of his team and their consistent ability to achieve positive results, following the Red Devils' 2-0 win over QPR on Saturday

Wisdom: Carragher taught me as a kid at Liverpool
The young defender has progressed through the youth academy after joining as a 14-year-old and praises the Anfield stalwart ahead of his retirement at the end of this campaign

 

[General Veers]

'I am not under pressure' - Chelsea boss Benitez hits back at Mourinho

By Tom J Doyle

Feb 24, 2013 8:30:00 AM

The Real Madrid manager wants a Premier League return in the summer, but the Stamford Bridge interim coach is not worried about whether 'The Special One' is after his current job

Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez says he is ignoring what Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has to say about a potential return to the Premier League, and is simply focused on doing the best possible job until the end of the season.

The former Liverpool manager's current contract runs only until the end of this season, and after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich missed out on Bayern-bound Pep Guardiola, "the Special One" could make a shock comeback to the club with whom he won Premier League titles in 2004-05 and 2005-06.

And despite Mourinho suggesting that Benitez is under pressure, the Spaniard says he "cannot change the opinion of some people", and just wants to be as successful at Stamford Bridge as he can be in order to earn the full-time position.

"Not me. Why [the pressure] on me? I finish my contract in June," he told reporters. "I am concentrating on my job, and I finish my contract at the end of the season. I will try and do my best. That's my job.

"I cannot change the opinion of some people. But what I can say is the team is growing, getting better for this year and also for the future.

"I was asked in Spain about Real Madrid, but I didn't talk about them. I will worry about myself. It's out of respect, yes, because Real have a manager under contract."

Chelsea travel to champions Manchester City on Sunday afternoon looking to tighten their grip on third place, and can close to within one point of Roberto Mancini's second-placed side if they win at the Etihad Stadium.

Los Blancos meanwhile are struggling in La Liga and trail rivals Barcelona by 16 points, and also face a tricky Champions League tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford after drawing the first leg 1-1 at the Bernabeu.

 

[General Veers]

Twenty years on: The legacy of Bobby Moore

Feb 25, 2013 7:35:00 AM

On 24 February 1993, English football was deprived of a true icon when Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore lost his battle against bowel cancer at the unreasonably premature age of 51

COMMENT
By Graham Lister

To mark the 20th anniversary of Bobby Moore's passing, West Ham United, the club for whom he made 544 league appearances, plan to celebrate his life on the occasion of the Hammers' Premier League fixture against Tottenham at the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening.

It is a fitting gesture, though it is sadly ironic that West Ham, as well as the Football Association, have been far more fulsome in their tributes to Bobby Moore since he died than they ever were in the years following his retirement as a player in 1978 until his untimely death. During that time, his contribution to the national sport was shamefully undervalued, and his vast experience and astute footballing brain unaccountably wasted by those in positions of influence within the game.

Fortunately, however, the English public never lost sight of Moore's unique status; his legacy endures as one of the genuine greats, a man who modernised football with his ability, humility and sportsmanship, yet who was the antithesis of the excesses and egotism of some modern players. Steadfast and generous, private and unassuming, Moore was once asked why he didn't make more of his fame. "If you're quite good at something, you don't have to tell everyone," he replied. It typified his modesty - and his class.

Moore holding aloft the World Cup on 30 July 1966 is the most iconic image in English football. It was a perfect moment in the country’s sporting history, and the captain – composed, immaculate, stylish – was its perfect hero. Alf Ramsey, the national team manager, said of Moore in the aftermath of that triumph: "My captain, my leader, my right-hand man. He was the spirit and the heartbeat of the team. A cool, calculating footballer I could trust with my life. He was the supreme professional, the best I ever worked with. Without him England would never have won the World Cup."

Ramsey's use of the word 'cool' captured the essence of Bobby Moore. On the pitch or off it, he always looked the part: an unruffled, natural leader who exuded calm authority and never seemed under pressure. That dignified exterior disguised a burning ambition to prove and improve himself – a quality that made him an inspirational captain who scaled the peaks of greatness.

There were deficiencies in Moore's game: he was never the best header of a ball, lacked pace and, despite playing on the left of central defence, was predominantly right-footed. He improved his technique by devoting hundreds of hours to extra practice. Such relentless application and lightning speed of thought ensured that his strengths emphatically and consistently overcame the weaknesses. He quickly metamorphosed from promising youngster to indispensable member of the senior West Ham and England sides, taking in his stride with impressive maturity the responsibilities of captaining first club, then country.

Born in Barking, east London, he was signed by West Ham as a 16-year-old apprentice on £7 a week. Youth-team coaching was then undertaken by a few senior professionals, notably Noel Cantwell and Malcolm Allison, which proved fortuitous for Moore, who had an insatiable hunger to learn tactics and technique.

Allison told him to focus on the "next pass", even when the ball was 100 yards away. "Always keep a picture in your mind where everyone is. That way, when you get the ball you don't have to think what to do with it," was the advice. It shaped and came to define Moore's game to such an extent that he seemed to possess extra-sensory footballing perception.

Indeed, Jock Stein, the legendary Celtic and Scotland manager, said of Moore: "There should be a law against him. He knows what's happening 20 minutes before everyone else." That ability to read and anticipate the play accounted for Moore's exceptional positional sense, his uncanny use of space, and the timing and precision of his tackling. He rarely went to ground when making a tackle and was such a good judge of high balls that he often didn't need to head them; he would position himself expertly to chest the ball down and in one smooth movement deliver a measured pass to a team-mate further upfield.

Bobby made his debut against Manchester United in September 1958, in place of tuberculosis victim Allison, and never looked back, going on to make the No.6 shirt his own at Upton Park for the next 15 seasons.

Picked for England youth and Under-23 teams by Ron Greenwood, who in 1961 became his club manager, Moore was selected for the senior squad that travelled to South America for the 1962 World Cup. He made his debut in the final pre-tournament friendly, a 4-0 win over Peru, and retained his place throughout England's progress to the quarter-finals.

That summer of 1964 was momentous for Moore, who lifted the FA Cup for West Ham after a thrilling 3-2 Wembley victory over Preston North End, the day after receiving the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award. But in a dark foreboding of what would later befall him, he was also treated for testicular cancer, unbeknown to the public.

In 1965 he was again hoisting silverware at Wembley as the Hammers defeated TSV Munich 1860 2-0 in the European Cup Winners' Cup final. The following year he completed a unique and glorious Wembley treble by leading England to World Cup glory.

Astonishingly, on the eve of that tournament, Ramsey learned that Moore would be technically ineligible to participate unless he immediately signed a new contract with West Ham. He was in dispute with the club. He wanted £10 a week more in wages, and his contract was due to expire on 30 June. Ramsey summoned Greenwood to the England team's hotel and told him and Moore they had one minute to sort it out. Moore signed a one-month contract that satisfied Fifa's rules and paved the way to World Cup history.

England reached the final, though Moore spent the morning of the showpiece event consoling his friend Jimmy Greaves, who'd learned he would miss the final. Moore's club-mate Geoff Hurst had got the nod. On what proved to be a great day for West Ham as well as England, Moore's awareness saw him direct a quickly-taken free-kick onto Hurst's head for an England equaliser against West Germany.

Another club-mate, Martin Peters, made it 2-1 before Wolfgang Weber netted a last-gasp equaliser to force extra-time. Hurst then scored the most controversial goal in World Cup history before, with seconds remaining and the Germans applying pressure, Moore took possession on the edge of his own penalty area. Team-mates urged him just to belt it into touch, but Moore had more style. Coolness personified, he played the perfect 40-yard ball for Hurst to run on to and lash home.

On his way up the steps to the royal box to receive the coveted trophy from Queen Elizabeth II, Bobby famously wiped his hands on the velvet drape to avoid soiling Her Majesty’s white gloves. It typified his appreciation of an immaculate turn-out.

The 25-year-old captain became a symbol of rare national success, was voted BBC TV Sports Personality of the Year and awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours List. The FA gave the players a £22,000 bonus for becoming world champions; Moore insisted it be split equally among every member of the 22-man squad, whether they'd played or not. It typified his sense of fair play.

So too did an incident in a First Division game for West Ham against Wolves at Upton Park in November 1970, when his clearance smacked into the head of Welsh Fifa referee Gerrard Lewis, knocking him out. The ball was sent upfield and West Ham attacked the Wolves goal. But Moore grabbed Lewis' whistle and brought play to a halt. Only after the ref had recovered did Bobby return his whistle and hand back control.

He had remained a fixture in the England side after 1966 and was the first name in Ramsey's squad for Mexico 1970 to defend the World Cup. In Colombia ahead of the tournament, Moore's coolness under pressure was put to the test when he was falsely accused of stealing a bracelet from a Bogota hotel's jewellery shop.

He was arrested then released, earned his 80th cap in a 2-0 win over Ecuador in Quito, but was promptly detained and placed under house arrest for four days when the team plane stopped in Colombia again en-route to Mexico. Lack of evidence saw the charge dropped and Bobby exonerated, free to lead his team again. He endured the whole ordeal with stoic dignity. It typified his composure on and off the field.

In the group game against Brazil, he executed a 'steal' tackle against Jairzinho so clean and well-timed that it is still revered as an example of ball-winning perfection. At the end of that game, Pele, who called Moore the greatest – and fairest – defender he ever played against, sought him out to swap shirts, their show of mutual respect creating another iconic World Cup image. It typified the way his peers regarded him.

However, England's quest ended in quarter-final despair against Germany, and back at Upton Park, despite his frustration at Greenwood's failure to mount a credible league title challenge, Moore set a club record with his 509th West Ham appearance in February 1973, winning his 100th England cap in the same month. But later that year, after England had failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup, he made his final appearance for his country. Two months after that, he played his last game for the Hammers before joining Fulham on a free transfer in March 1974.

In a double irony, he played against West Ham for Fulham in the 1975 FA Cup final (his last Wembley appearance as a player); and against England for Team USA (alongside Pele) in the summer 1976 Bicentennial Cup tournament. The last of his 124 League games for Fulham was in May 1977, and he played for two teams in the North American Soccer League - San Antonio Thunder in 1976 and Seattle Sounders in 1978, as well as for Danish semi-professional side Herning Fremad in 1978 to help promote Denmark's transition to professional football.

Billy Bonds went on to surpass Moore's appearance record for the Hammers, while Bobby's landmark of 108 England caps (90 of them as captain, a record shared with Billy Wright) was eventually overtaken by Peter Shilton and then David Beckham.

He had brief, undistinguished spells in football management at Eastern AA in Hong Kong, Oxford City and Southend United, teams whose circumstances meant they lacked the resources, patience and foresight to capitalise on Moore's football intelligence and coaching prowess. He also endured some failed business deals and the end of his first marriage, to Tina.

Many felt that the FA should have found a productive or even ambassadorial role for its only World Cup winning captain. Typically, Moore himself kept his own counsel and made no fuss.

He joined London radio station Capital Gold as a football analyst and commentator in 1990, underwent an emergency stomach operation in 1991 and later that year married Stephanie Parlane-Moore. On February 14, 1993, he publicly announced that he was suffering from bowel cancer. Three days later, he commentated on England's match against San Marino at Wembley. It proved to be his final public appearance; the following week he died.

At West Ham's next home game, with the Boleyn Ground bedecked with flowers and football memorabilia sent by fans from around the country, his fellow World Cup winners, Hurst and Peters, laid a floral replica of Moore's No.6 West Ham shirt on the centre-circle.

Moore was only the second sportsman to be posthumously honoured by a memorial service at Westminster Abbey, attended by all the other members of the 1966 England team. The charity Cancer Research UK set up the Bobby Moore Fund to raise money for bowel cancer research in his memory, and a bust of Moore was erected in the entrance foyer of the stand now named after him at the Boleyn Ground. There is also a statue nearby depicting Moore the World Cup winner, while the rebuilt Wembley Stadium boasts a statue of him looking down Wembley Way, unveiled in May 2007 by Sir Bobby Charlton.

Named the 'Colossus of Wembley', it is a fitting monument to a player of whom his friend Franz Beckenbauer said, "Bobby was my football idol. I looked up to him. I was so proud to have played against him." Beckenbauer rated Moore "the best defender in the history of the game", and there is no question that the England captain, who could read a game so well, was the ultimate class act.

 

[General Veers]

Walcott keen to repay Wenger faith by ending Arsenal trophy drought
The Gunners winger believes it is time for him and the rest of the squad to pay back the belief shown in them by their 63-year-old manager by picking up silverware

Bale can become a Premier League great, says Joe Cole
The West Ham veteran has stated his belief that the 23-year-old winger possesses the talent to one day be held in the same esteem as Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo

Jenkinson happy to be a part of Arsenal’s British core
The right-back is one of six homegrown players to sign a new deal with the Gunners this season, and he is hoping they can play their part in delivering success for the club

Asprilla set to join Newcastle as youth coach
The 43-year-old has revealed he is poised to return to his former club in a coaching capacity and also hopes to bring more Colombian players to the Magpies in the future

Bale winner will deflate Arsenal, says Parker
The Tottenham midfielder believes that the Gunners will have been crushed by witnessing their local rivals score a last minute winner against West Ham on Monday night

Reina: I'm happy working with Rodgers
The Liverpool goalkeeper says he has a great relationship with the manager despite reports suggesting that the Spaniard could be on his way out of the club in the summer

Calderon: Mourinho set for Paris Saint-Germain
The former los Blancos president feels that the Portuguese's attitude has led to disharmony in the dressing room and blamed Florentino Perez for bringing him to the club

Chelsea boss Benitez rules Cahill and Azpilicueta out of Middlesbrough clash
The defensive duo will miss the Blues’ match away on Wednesday as they look to overcome their Championship opponents and set-up a quarter-final against Manchester United

Hernandez: Swansea move best decision of my career
The 27-year-old Spanish midfielder has has hailed his switch to Wales as the best choice he has made yet after the club lifted their first major trophy on Sunday

Benitez denies talk of a dressing room rift at Chelsea
The former Liverpool coach has insisted he has a "fantastic" relationship with the Blues players, despite suggestions of a falling-out with John Terry and other senior stars

Dawson: Lloris deserves as many plaudits as Bale for West Ham win
The 29-year-old centre back turned the spotlight onto his goalkeeper's stunning save in Spurs’ thrilling 3-2 win over West Ham United before Gareth Bale’s late winner

Manchester United defender Vidic: Injury frustrations will soon pass
The 31-year-old is approaching the end of his recovery after a torrid two years following a horrendous knee injury and is looking to captain the Red Devils to a 20th league title

Conte to stay at Juventus despite Real Madrid and Chelsea interest
The former Italy international could be offered a new deal before the end of the season, despite his current contract running until 2015, as he looks to continue building in Turin

Moyes: No excuses for poor Everton form
The Toffees boss refuses to cite a lack of January signings or his ongoing contract negotiations as a possible reason as to why the club's results have dipped so severely

Mata: Chelsea must improve in the big games
The Blues midfielder has admitted that Rafael Benitez's men did not do enough to earn victory during Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium

Dyer: Swansea will still thrive if Laudrup moves on
The 25-year-old, who scored twice during Sunday's Capital One Cup final win, has hailed the manner in which the south Wales club have coped with managerial departures in the past

'I haven't made it yet' - Sterling not getting carried away following Liverpool breakthrough
The 18-year-old earned his first senior England cap soon after bursting onto the scene at Anfield, but insists he remains realistic about his need to keep improving

Peter Hill-Wood insists Arsenal have cash to spend on players
The Gunners chairman claims the club are in a position to go head-to-head with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City to acquire talent in the transfer market

Manchester City goalkeeper Hart delighted to get back to winning ways
The England shot-stopper had not featured since the recent defeat to Southampton at St Mary's but saved a penalty as Roberto Mancini's side beat Chelsea 2-0 on Sunday

Real Madrid want Swansea boss Laudrup, insists Toshack
The Welshman has compared the Swans manager's aura to that of Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, and has suggested that he will succeed Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu

Arsenal Supporters Trust urge investment to bolster squad
The club announced a profit of £17.8 million generated by player sales and cash reserves of £123m, and the AST are keen for the money to be put back into the first-team squad

Fabio: I wanted to celebrate Rafael's goal, but I was sat next to the QPR president!
The left-back was ineligible to face parent club Manchester United on Saturday and had to check his surroundings when witnessing his brother's long-range opener in their 2-0 win

 

[godiva]

bpl is lousy.

 

[General Veers]

Just like that! Rooney, Hart and Gerrard put rivalries to one side to support Comic Relief - and wear Tommy Cooper T-shirts

By RICHARD SHARPE PUBLISHED: 13:30 GMT, 27 February 2013 | UPDATED: 17:28 GMT, 27 February 2013

The Premier League title race looks to be all but over, so some of the biggest stars from the two Manchester clubs have put their rivalries to one side to support a good cause.United and City stars are busy lending their support to Comic Relief and hope to raise money for people who are living incredibly tough lives across Africa as well as in the UK. England stars Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and James Milner all wore T-shirts with comedian Tommy Cooper on the front in his famous fez hat and a red nose.

Showing their support: James Milner, Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney all wear their Comic Relief T-shirts

All smiles: Steven Gerrard and Theo Walcott wear their noses and Tommy Cooper shirts

The T-shirt range has been designed by Stella McCartney and features icons such as The Beatles and Marilyn Monroe – as well as Cooper.England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard also showed his support along with Arsenal forward Theo Walcott.

The footballers are not the only sports stars to lend their support, England’s Grand Slam chasing rugby players are also behind the cause.

Getting their heads together: England Rugby players Manu Tuilagi, Mike Brown, Ben Foden, Danny Care, Lee Dickson and Billy Twelvetrees do something funny for money and encourage the great British public to join in

He nose what he's doing: Chris Ashton gets ready for this year's Red Nose Day

Past and present: Current hookers Tom Youngs and Dylan Hartley are joined by former England No 2 Brian Moore

On her role in this year’s campaign, Stella McCartney said; ‘I admire the Red Nose Day team and their achievement for this incredible worthwhile cause, and to be able to be a small part of supporting that is extremely rewarding.’SPL league leaders Celtic also joined in the fun by donning red noses during training on Wednesday.The T-shirts are available from TK Maxx and online.

Bright sparks: Celtic players support Comic Relief by training in this year's must-have red nose
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[General Veers]

REVEALED: The statue of legend Bergkamp that Arsenal will stick outside their ground alongside Henry, Adams and Chapman

By LAURIE WHITWELL PUBLISHED: 10:25 GMT, 27 February 2013 | UPDATED: 12:01 GMT, 27 February 2013

Arsenal will place a statue of Dennis Bergkamp outside their ground this summer to immortalise another one of their legends.Pictures seen by Sportsmail show how the statue will look - with the classic pose taken from the brilliant image below of him controlling the ball against Newcastle in 2003.The former Holland forward will see his statue place alongside those of Thierry Henry, Tony Adams and Herbert Chapman that were erected in December 2011.

Golden boy: The statue is based on this pose by Dennis Bergkamp controlling the ball at Newcastle

Why he's an Arsenal legend...

3 x Premier League titles
4 x FA Cup winner medals
87 goals in 315 matches

Bergkamp became a fans' favourite at the Gunners during his brilliant 11 years in north London.After being signed by Bruce Rioch from Inter Milan for £7.5million in 1995, he helped guide Arsenal to unprecedented success in an era when trophies were swept up.The forward helped Arsenal to three Premier League crowns - including the unbeaten Invicibles side of 2004 - as well as four FA Cup triumphs.

Dutch master: Bergkamp scores one of his 87 goals for Arsenal

Winning mentality: Bergkamp (second left) celebrates the 2005 FA Cup win - Arsenal's last trophy

He was named Player of the Year by both the PFA and Football Writers' Association in 1998. An Arsenal spokesman said: 'We currently have statues outside Emirates Stadium commemorating three legends in Arsenal’s history – Herbert Chapman, Tony Adams and Thierry Henry and we’re delighted that they have been extremely popular with visitors to the stadium.

In charge: Bergkamp is currently working as No 2 to Ajax manager Frank De Boer

'We’re pleased that speculation surrounding a future possible statue at Emirates Stadium is generating interest and will obviously communicate details if and when there is confirmation of any new developments.'Bergkamp is currently working as No 2 at Ajax alongside manager Frank de Boer after working his way up the coaching levels at the club where he started his playing career.With Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger - who effectively deployed Bergkamp during the trophy-laden years - under increasing pressure at the Emirates, there have been calls for the Dutchman to return.With Liam Brady leaving his role as head of academy later this year, Bergkamp is one name under consideration. But he may well fancy a shot at the top job himself.

Legend No 1: Thierry Henry was in tears when Arsenal unveiled his statue in December 2011

Legends No 2 and 3: Herbert Chapman (left) and Tony Adams also have their own Arsenal statues

Leader and legend: Tony Adams' famous celebration against Everton was captured

It really is no surprise Dennis Bergkamp is getting a statue at Arsenal when you consider his catalogue of stunning goals. From the delicate skills to thumping drives - he had the lot.

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But i am updating them without fail where as u have failed.