Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Do not count Manchester City out of title race, says Aguero
Despite being 12 points behind Sir Alex Ferguson's side, the Argentine insists his team are still in with a chance of winning the Premier League
Beckham: I feel at home at Paris Saint-Germain
Coach Carlo Ancelotti was equally thrilled with the 37-year-old's full debut, but hinted that they may appeal Uefa's "incredible" two-game ban imposed on Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Russian agent Seluk hints at Fulham move for Arshavin
The 31-year-old has not started a Premier League game this term, and after a January move to Reading did not materalise the midfielder is thought to be keen to stay in London
Benitez slams Chelsea fans & Abramovich in post-match rant
The Spaniard has revealed he will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season but has hit out at the club's supporters for their vocal opposition to his appointment
Borussia Dortmund confirm Lewandowski exit
The German side's sporting director Michael Zorc reveals that the forward will not extend his current deal, and is likely to leave at the end of the season or the summer of 2014
Sigurdsson plays down importance of Arsenal derby
Spurs' summer signing from Hoffenheim does not believe victory over the Gunners will guarantee Champions League qualification, but praised 'outstanding' team-mate Gareth Bale
Ferguson ready to make full use of Manchester United squad
The 71-year-old manager has praised the depth and quality of his Red Devils side, and urged every member to be ready to play their part in the league leaders' run-in
Wenger: Monreal has passed Arsenal test
After three back-to-back league wins, the manager has paid tribute to the club’s recent signing and believes the Spanish left-back is yet to reach his full potential
QPR winger Ephraim on verge of Toronto loan deal
The MLS side, now managed by the Rs' former centre-back Ryan Nelsen, have brought the 24-year-old to BMO Field as a replacement for the retiring Torsten Frings
Cazorla: Wilshere a complete footballer
The Spaniard says he was taken aback by just how good his team-mate was when he arrived at the club, and that the England international has a "spectacular future ahead of him"
Boos from West Ham crowd upset me, says Parker
The former Upton Park favourite says jeers from the Hammers fans during Spurs' 3-2 Monday night win were unexpected after winning a number of accolades during his time there
Welbeck: Next four home games are crucial for Manchester United
The Red Devils' next quartet of Old Trafford fixtures are spread across three competitions, and the England striker wants a clean sweep to stay on course for a treble season
Gervinho: Cote d'Ivoire can succeed despite Afcon heartache
The Arsenal striker has expressed disappointment with his side's failure to progress beyond the last eight, but insists the Elephants possess enough quality to flourish
Waddle: Tottenham star Bale could be worth €81m
The former Spurs attacker has expressed his belief that the Welshman could leave White Hart Lane for an astronomical fee, but hopes to see him stay a further season
Chelsea remove Di Matteo picture from Stamford Bridge
The club have replaced a poster which featured their former manager alongside the current squad with an image of last season's triumphant Champions League team
Ferdinand: Bale is not at Messi or Ronaldo's level yet
The Tottenham winger has scored 15 league goals in an incredible season, but the Manchester United centre-back still says he has a long way to go to become one of the world's best
Burley: Bale was always better than Walcott
The Scot oversaw the pair's development during his time as Southampton boss and insists the Tottenham wideman has always been a bigger talent than his Arsenal counterpart
Mancini: Rodwell can be a star for Manchester City and England
The 21-year-old midfielder has struggled with injuries during his debut season at the Etihad Stadium, but the Italian says he can go on to excel for his club and internationally
Manchester City midfielder Rodwell relieved after overcoming injury torment
The 21-year-old has admitted that he had doubts as to whether he would be able to shake off his fitness problems, but is now confident of staking a claim for a first-team place
Rodgers 'expected' Sterling's form for Liverpool to falter
The Reds boss believes 18-year-old's recent dip is down to the club's busy fixture schedule and highlighted the need to "nurture" the youngster's prodigious talent
Tottenham braced for massive Bale bids as Manchester City join race
Spurs will demand at least £50m for the in-form Welshman and increasingly feel they can keep the 23-year-old for another season, with Real Madrid still in pole position
Real Madrid primed to spend big in order to snare Bale, reveals Calderon
The 61-year-old claims his former club are in a healthy economic situation and would be able to match Tottenham's valuation of the in-form winger this summer
Manchester City willing to take €8m hit on Nasri
The Premier League champions are ready to cut their losses on the former Arsenal man after manager Roberto Mancini questioned his attitude and commitment to the cause
Reading announce partnership with Galatasaray
The Madejski Stadium outfit have confirmed a mutually beneficial agreement with the Turkish giants which will see the clubs work closely together both on and off the pitch
Smoke signals from the Bridge suggest they need a new Pope ... and Avram Grant is normally available for this sort of thing
By MICHAEL WALKER PUBLISHED: 00:51 GMT, 28 February 2013 | UPDATED: 09:00 GMT, 28 February 2013
It felt happy, carefree and so seemingly innocent when my personal FA Cup odyssey stumbled forth last August at North Shields versus Birtley Town in what is known as extra pre-qualifying.There was no idea then that nine rounds and seven months later at Middlesbrough, the FA Cup holders Chelsea would arrive on the path and their manager — their interim manager — Rafael Benitez would deliver a press conference so dramatic they may need Daniel Day-Lewis to convey its power in the future.Where Benitez is left by an intervention in which he accused those above him of ‘a mistake’ in giving him that interim title — and during which he also took on ‘a group of fans’ who once again sang loudly: ‘We don’t care about Rafa, he don’t care about us’ — is Roman Abramovich’s call now.
End of the road? Rafa Benitez gave an extraordinary post-match interview as Chelsea won at Middlesbrough
ROMAN'S MANAGERS
Claudio Ranieri Sept 2000-May 2004 Jose Mourinho June 2004-Sept 2007 Avram Grant Sept 2007-May 2008 Luiz Felipe Scolari July 2008-Feb 2009 Ray Wilkins Feb 2009 Guus Hiddink Feb 2009-May 2009 Carlo Ancelotti June 2009-May 2011 Andre Villas-Boas June 2011-Mar 2012 Roberto Di Matteo Mar 2012-Nov 2012 Rafa Benitez November 2012-
Abramovich, as we know, is not slow to call time and if, even as early as this morning, the smoke signals state that they are looking for a new Pope of Stamford Bridge, who would be surprised?Benitez used the Biblical phrase ‘wash our hands’. He considers himself to have been sold out.Avram Grant is usually available in these circumstances, though at the final whistle it was coach Steve Holland who greeted the victorious Chelsea players as they left the pitch. Benitez was already down the tunnel.But if a third managerial dismissal in 12 months following Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Di Matteo is not the hierarchy’s course of action, then Benitez will lead Chelsea out at home on Saturday against West Brom having repeatedly challenged ‘a group’ of Chelsea’s fans to cease their baiting of him in song and banner. This is a club eating itself in public.
Available: Avram Grant (left) shares a joke with Roman Abramovich the last time he came to Chelsea's 'rescue'
Snapped: Benitez has been under increasing pressure from the Chelsea fans since taking over
Equally significantly, if not more so, Benitez has taken on those who appointed him, saying that he was unaware of the ‘interim’ title until he landed at Stamford Bridge. Benitez said that his agent had done the talking and something must have got lost in the ‘Spanish-English translation. I felt it was a mistake.’This morning is Day 99 of his loose tenure and there must now be an even greater doubt about Benitez making that three figures. An indication of the drama was that he was asked not once about the fact Chelsea secured a safe passage to the last eight here and thus a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday week.Had things been different, were his Chelsea status different, the agenda would be about Benitez meeting Sir Alex Ferguson once more. Instead, Benitez’s references to other ‘agendas’ means that he has taken on those above and around him. Even in victory, Chelsea are convulsed by intrigue.
Young gun: Nathan Ake was a surprise starter for Chelsea as they beat Middlesbrough in the FA Cup
There had been remarks when the Chelsea team-sheet appeared around 7pm that the inclusion of 18-year-old Nathan Ake and other fringe players represented the sort of coded resignation letter that Ruud Gullit once submitted up the road at Newcastle United, but that was incomparable to the words afterwards.Benitez has bitten his lip since replacing Di Matteo in November and has tap-danced around the subject of his impermanence ever since, but he had clearly reached the end of his tether. Although he denied that he has been professionally disrespected by the term ‘interim’, that was not the impression.The drip-drip of stories about the squad, allied to the lack of public support from above — and perhaps privately — has obviously left the 52-year-old questioning whether You’ll Never Walk Alone is really true.
Meanwhile: Benitez's rant overshadowed a comfortable Chelsea victory at the Riverside
Benitez mentioned his Liverpool past twice when reaching for an explanation for his unpopularity. It is a fact. He touched on a few others — his La Liga titles, the European Cup with Liverpool, and the
FA Cup.
This was someone standing up for himself, someone who had thought about what he was going to say and prepared for the consequences. Admiration for Benitez for his readiness to do this will increase outside west London.Understandably, this is a manager who wants to manage. Some can quibble with his manic fascination with tactical detail but he has proven himself at Valencia and Liverpool.
At those clubs there was a clear line of authority but at Chelsea, when he wants to lead, Benitez must have felt surrounded by a history he could not embrace.That is part of the problem of Abramovich’s hire-and-fire regime. Should Benitez make it to Saturday, he will shake hands with his opposite number Steve Clarke, 421 Chelsea appearances. And none for Liverpool.
Why Terry won't cut it as Chelsea boss: 'You can't expect players to listen when you’re telling them not to do things you’ve been doing all your life’, blasts Marsh
By CHARLIE SKILLEN PUBLISHED: 10:48 GMT, 28 February 2013 | UPDATED: 12:01 GMT, 28 February 2013
John Terry will never make it as a manager because his players will never respect him, according to Rodney Marsh.The Chelsea captain is a shock 50-1 shout to be the next manager at Stamford Bridge in the wake of interim boss Rafa Benitez’s rant at the club and its fans following a 2-0 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough.But Manchester City and QPR legend Marsh believes Terry’s personal life has got in the way of him ever becoming a top manager.
Long shot: Terry, at last night's FA Cup win over Middlesbrough, is 50-1 to be the next Chelsea manager
‘I would be shocked if John Terry took over at Chelsea. I don’t think he’ll ever make it as a football manager,’ he told talkSPORT.‘The history he’s got and the problems he’s had with Chelsea and England (would make it hard).‘I don’t think you can expect players to listen when you’re telling them not to do things you’ve been doing all your life.’Terry has caused controversy throughout his career with a string of extra-marital affairs, including allegations of an affair with team-mate Wayne Bridge’s ex-partner.
Under-pressure: Benitez's rant against the Chelsea fans and the club last night may have cost him his job
He was banned for four games and fined £220,000 after being found guilty by the FA last year for racially insulting QPR's Anton Ferdinand.The incidents have seen Terry stripped of the England captaincy on two separate occasions, with the defender retiring from international football after the FA inquiry over the Ferdinand incident in September last year.
Terry was this week at the centre of rumours of a bust-up with Benitez following Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City, before the Chelsea boss’ venting of frustration towards disgruntled fans last nights.Marsh, 68, left his job at Sky Sports in 2005 following a joke about the tsunami in Asia.
Chelsea old boys Mourinho, AVB, Clarke and Rodgers are full of simmering resentment... is it any surprise after working at this club?
By JOE BERNSTEIN, MAIL ON SUNDAY PUBLISHED: 09:37 GMT, 28 February 2013 | UPDATED: 12:14 GMT, 28 February 2013
Steve Clarke's return to Chelsea on Saturday may leave Roman Abramovich in a cold sweat.Back in 2007, the Chelsea owner employed four quality Premier League managers rather than struggling to cope with a mouthy interim.Under Jose Mourinho was his assistant Clarke (now West Brom manager), reserves boss Brendan Rodgers (Liverpool), and scout and cheerleader Andre Villas-Boas (Tottenham).Yet the familiar Stamford Bridge themes of intrigue and betrayal - expressed so strongly by Rafa Benitez on Wednesday night - were taking root even then.
Dream team: Jose Mourinho (second left) with Andre Villas-Boas (third left) and Steve Clarke (second right)
THE MANAGERS OF ABRAMOVICH
Claudio Ranieri (Sept 2000-May 2004) Jose Mourinho (June 2004-Sept 2007) Avram Grant (Sept 2007-May 2008) Luiz Felipe Scolari (July 2008-Feb 2009) Ray Wilkins (Feb 2009) Guus Hiddink (Feb 2009-May 2009) Carlo Ancelotti (June 2009-May 2011) Andre Villas-Boas (June 2011-Mar 2012) Roberto Di Matteo (Mar 2012-Nov 2012) Rafa Benitez (Nov 2012- ?)
It was no surprise the combustible Villas-Boas and Mourinho fell out, but more damagingly Clarke and Rodgers now have one of the frostiest relationships in the game. Clarke played a pivotal role in getting Rodgers’ career started at Stamford Bridge and was torn apart by the way he was treated by the Ulsterman when their paths crossed briefly again at Liverpool last summer.Clarke, regarded as one of football’s nice guys, had put his own reputation on the line to get Rodgers a job at Chelsea.
Now and then: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was once youth and reserve-team boss at Chelsea
Can West Brom's grim reapers Bag another Chelsea manager's scalp?
Rafael Benitez will not be happy to see Chelsea's next opponents are West Bromwich Albion - the grim reapers of Blues bosses.
The Baggies have hammered the final nail into the coffin of Benitez's two predecessors in the Stamford Bridge hotseat, Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Di Matteo. Villas-Boas' reign was ended after just eight torrid months following a dismal 1-0 defeat at West Brom in March 2012, in which Gareth McAuley struck the winner.
And Di Matteo saw his reign terminated, despitewinning the Champions League just six months before, after an unacceptable run of results culminated in a 2-1 defeat at The Hawthorns in November last year.
Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie scored the goals as the Italian's fate was sealed even before the Champions League defeat against Juventus three days later.
Yet when Rodgers arrived on Merseyside to succeed Kenny Dalglish as manager, Clarke – the club’s assistant manager - learned about his dismissal with a phone call from the club’s human resources department, rather than from Rodgers himself.Fortunately for Clarke, he has been able to rebuild impressively his shattered career at West Brom this season with the club standing seventh in the Premier League, and is too polite to follow Benitez’s example and go public with his grievances.But as he walks out at Stamford Bridge this weekend, he’ll undoubtedly cast his mind back to 2004 when he was Mourinho’s assistant manager at Chelsea and Rodgers an unknown 31-year-old whose playing career had been cut short by injury.
When a vacancy came up as youth-team manager, Chelsea playing idol Gus Poyet was the hot favourite until Clarke remembered the keen young coach he’d met on a pro-licence course and recommended him to Roman Abramovich.The rest, as they say, is history. Rodgers learned avidly under Mourinho and used four years at Chelsea as a springboard for his own managerial career, at Watford, Reading, Swansea and currently at Liverpool.
In all that time, Clarke felt his early assistance went unappreciated. ‘Even at Liverpool, Brendan never spoke to him through the process of Steve leaving his job. They knew each other well but he left it to another department to sort it out,’ confirmed a friend.‘The thing that hurts most is he never got a thank you. It’s an understatement to say he was badly treated.’ Rafa Benitez will know how he feels. It must be a Chelsea thing.
CHELSEA IN 2007: WHEN ROMAN COULDN’T MOVE FOR MANAGERS...
Glory days: Mourinho and Clarke formed a strong bond which brought huge success to Chelsea
JOSE MOURINHO (manager)
The Special One led Chelsea to their first title since 1955 but was sacked after a Champions League draw against Rosenborg. Now in charge of Real Madrid but tipped for a return.
STEVE CLARKE (assistant manager)
A former Chelsea player, he was able to teach Mourinho all about the club’s history and tradition. After being a long-time No 2, will be back at the Bridge this weekend as West Brom manager.
BRENDAN RODGERS (reserve-team manager)
Clarke gave him a reference to become Chelsea’s youth-team manager and he was promoted to the reserves. Now in his fourth managerial job, at Liverpool.
ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS (scout and cheerleader)
Mourinho’s close friend from Portugal, AVB was often a hot-headed figure seen on the Chelsea bench. Now reinvented himself as a great thinker, he failed as Chelsea manager but doing well at Spurs.
Chelsea remove Di Matteo picture from Stamford Bridge
By Tom J Doyle
Feb 27, 2013 11:30:00 AM
The club have replaced a poster which featured their former manager alongside the current squad with an image of last season's triumphant Champions League team
Chelsea have removed a picture of former boss Roberto Di Matteo posing with the Champions League trophy from Stamford Bridge's iconic West Stand wall.
The image, which depicted the Italian and his players in a traditional squad photo complete with silverware, has been replaced with a shot of Blues stars celebrating following their Champions League success last term.
The original picture was reportedly in place for the club's home game against Wigan on February 9, but was replaced in time for the Blues' FA Cup clash with Brentford on February 17.
Di Matteo led the west London club to two trophy successes last season after taking over from the sacked Andre Villas-Boas in March.
Those wins did not prove sufficient for the 42-year-old to keep his job during a poor run of form earlier this term, however, as he was replaced by current interim coach Rafael Benitez.
Tottenham braced for massive Bale bids as Manchester City join race
Feb 27, 2013 8:48:00 AM
Spurs will demand at least £50m for the in-form Welshman and increasingly feel they can keep the 23-year-old for another season, with Real Madrid still in pole position
By Greg Stobart
Tottenham are braced for a summer battle to keep hold of Gareth Bale as Manchester City prepare to enter the race for the hottest property in Europe.
(3.22)Spurs are increasingly confident they can keep Bale beyond the current season, assuming they qualify for the Champions League, with the 23-year-old's stunning recent form the main reason they are still in strong position to qualify for Europe's elite club competition.
Bale is the man of the moment having scored eight goals in his last six Spurs appearances and would now command a fee in excess of £50 million and the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been joined by City in the race for his signature.
But Spurs, who fought hard to secure a fee in excess of £30 million for Luka Modric last summer, will dismiss bids that do not match their valuation, which is rising by the week thanks to the Welshman's sensational displays.
The long-standing feeling at White Hart Lane is that Bale’s next club will be Real Madrid who have tried to sign the Welshman for the last two-and-a-half years and are understood to have already held talks with his representatives.
Real Madrid are one of the few clubs in world football who could afford Bale’s soaring price tag, but Goal.com understands Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is also pushing his board to make a move for the former Southampton man.
Mancini has previously expressed his admiration of Bale and would love to make the versatile forward his marquee summer signing, but the Italian’s own position at the Etihad Stadium is under threat.
City director of football Txiki Begiristain believes Bale will be too expensive for the Premier League champions and is instead lining up moves for the likes of Brazilian star Neymar or Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao.
Bale is under contract until 2016 after signing a four-year deal last summer and Spurs feel they have enough security to keep him for at least one more season, as long as they finish in the top four and the player does not push for a transfer in the same manner as Modric and Dimitar Berbatov have in recent years.
Bale has barely hidden his desire to one day test himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world and would prefer a move abroad, with Barcelona and Real Madrid long-term suitors and Cristiano Ronaldo his idol.
But he is thriving in the free role afforded him by his Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas and has been in the form of his life since the turn of the year. Tottenham staff consider Bale a model professional and feel he will strongly consider giving the club another year as the ‘main man’.
Bale joined Spurs from Southampton in 2007 and the Wales international had to wait 24 games to win a Premier League match.
Ferdinand: Bale is not at Messi or Ronaldo's level yet
By Tom J Doyle
Feb 27, 2013 11:00:00 AM
The Tottenham winger has scored 15 league goals in an incredible season, but the Manchester United centre-back still says he has a long way to go to become one of the world's best
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Gareth Bale has to keep putting in top class displays for the next two or three seasons before the Tottenham star can be considered in the same bracket as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Spurs winger has been in sensational form of late, scoring 15 Premier League goals this season to alert the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City as his current club prepare for a huge summer bidding war.
And while the Wales international surged past the former England centre-back to score in a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford, the Red Devils stalwart says the 23-year-old must show this form for far longer to become one of the world's best.
Ferdinand Tweeted: "People mentioning Bale in the same breath as @Cristiano + Messi really don't know football! Bale been 1 of best 2 in PL this year but...He is not on CR7 + Messi's level yet...he carries on doing what he is doing for 2/3yrs then there can be a debate.
"Bale showed me a clean pair of heals once this year so I'm in good position to judge! CR7 + Messi have been on another planet for 4-5yrs #consistent."
Spurs sit in third place in Andre Villas-Boas' debut season at White Hart Lane, with Bale two goals in the 3-2 Monday night win at West Ham - the last being a 90th minute match-winning wonder strike - leaving his side four points clear of rivals Arsenal.
The Gunners travel to Spurs on Sunday, where a win for the home side would leave them seven points clear of Arsene Wenger's side in the race for Champions League qualification.
Ferguson ready to make full use of Manchester United squad
By Ewan Roberts
Feb 27, 2013 7:58:00 PM
The 71-year-old manager has praised the depth and quality of his Red Devils side, and urged every member to be ready to play their part in the league leaders' run-in
Sir Alex Ferguson has lauded the quality of his Manchester United squad and instructed his team that they will all have to play a part in the run-in to secure a "big year" for the Red Devils.
The Old Trafford side are 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table and face Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League last 16 – a match a number of players will miss out on.
But just because they will not take to the field against Jose Mourinho's side does not mean they cannot have a huge role to play in the rest of the season, with the 71-year-old reminded of the squad depth that saw Paul Scholes miss a quarter-final against Inter Milan in 1999.
"In 1999 I left Paul Scholes out of the quarter-final against Inter Milan yet he was the one who scored the goal that got us through," Sir Alex told MUTV.
"I left him out of the semi-final because I couldn't risk him and Roy Keane together as they were both on yellow cards. He accepted it graciously, came on, got booked and missed the final anyway.
"What did he do? He didn't let it affect him. He went on to become one of the greatest players this club has ever had.
"The players sense it could be a big year for them.
"But at this club, in this situation, anything can happen on the run-in. Players can all of a sudden find themselves playing in a final or an important league game because that is the kind of squad I have."
Sir Alex is delighted by the competitiveness of his squad, and has been buoyed by how eager every player is to contribute, but warned the squad members set to play in Saturday's league match against Norwich that they must remain diligent.
"It is very difficult to rotate the squad at the moment," the Red Devils boss continued.
"They all wanted to play against Real Madrid and there were a lot of disappointed players.
"That was fantastic. It is a measure of their own confidence in themselves.
"But we had a chat. I said 'look, don't think for a minute losing a game for Manchester United is a trivial matter'. It is a serious matter."
Benitez walks alone: Chelsea boss left to face angry fans with fate in the balance
By NEIL ASHTON PUBLISHED: 23:00 GMT, 28 February 2013 | UPDATED: 22:55 GMT, 28 February 2013
Roman Abramovich will review Rafa Benitez’s position as Chelsea’s interim manager after gauging supporter reaction at Saturday’s clash with West Bromwich. Benitez infuriated fans by criticising them moments after his side had secured an FA Cup quarter-final with Manchester United by beating Middlesbrough 2-0 at the Riverside on Wednesday night. More than 1,900 loyal supporters were stunned by his attack after making the 500-mile round trip on a week night to watch their team against Championship opposition, and he is sure to face a hostile response at Stamford Bridge.
Down but not yet out: Benitez takes training on Thursday, but he has faced fans' hostility from the start
Abramovich is already considering his options after Benitez was called in for crisis talks with Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay at the training ground on Thursday. The owner is running out of short-term alternatives but Jose Mourinho, who turned down a return last summer, and Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini are under consideration for next season. The club said they will not stop fans continuing their protests against the former Liverpool boss after writing to Chelsea Supporters Group this week.
Amnesty: Fans will not be prevented from bringing banners into Saturday's game
A Chelsea official said: ‘I would like to make it clear the club does not have a policy of banning or censoring banners other than those which are threatening, offensive, discriminatory or would obstruct the view of others.‘In the past year supporters have freely displayed banners and signs expressing a range of opinions without club intervention. There has been no change to this policy.’ Chelsea will not be reviewing security for the Barclays Premier League fixture, despite Benitez’s incredible comments.
On Thursday he tried to defuse the row with fans after accepting a request from the BBC for an interview with presenter Dan Walker. He ignored club protocol by not asking for permission, and Chelsea were unaware Benitez was heading for it when he was bundled into a car after meetings at the training ground. The interview will be broadcast in full on Football Focus on Saturday.
In it, the interim Chelsea manager said: ‘Everybody knows it’s really important to finish in the top four, top three, to be sure you will be in the Champions League next year. I want to win every game, so if I can explain the way to help the team is to support the players.
If (the fans) continue singing... we were winning yesterday zero-two and they were singing, and I do not think they will make any favour to our team, especially at home.‘The relationship with the people at the club is good, fantastic. My relationship with the owner is good, so every time I speak to Abramovich about football, I enjoy. I do not have any problem with anyone.’
Speaking out: Benitez chats with the BBC's Dan Walker on Thursday
Benitez was tasked with finishing in the top four after replacing Roberto Di Matteo last November.Di Matteo retains huge support after winning the Champions League last season, but Benitez insists he has the benefit of experience. He added: ‘When I came, it was because we were nearly out of the Champions League. They had to change something and decided: “OK, Rafa, it’s a manager with experience, it could be an option”, so I start doing my job.
‘It was difficult at the beginning because it was one game each three days, and after it was easier because you could see the players are really good, they train really well, they are keen to learn, so the atmosphere in the club is good.’
Manchester City youngster Meppen-Walter jailed over driving deaths The 18-year-old defender, who has been at the club since 2003 and has represented England Under-17s, caused a crash which killed two people and injured two more in September
Oxlade-Chamberlain pays tribute to Arsenal support The energetic midfielder settled straight into life in the top flight after making the step up from League One and believes that his swift adaption is down to the fans
Suarez my player of the year, says Rodgers The 40-year-old boss praises the Uruguay international's work ethic and quality in helping the side come through a difficult first few months this season when options were thin
Benitez as expendable as Mourinho while Abramovich seeks a different kind of stability The Chelsea owner's model for success is to weaken the power of the manager while surrounding him with backroom staff who provide a smooth transition from one regime to the next
FA Cup triumph would be 'massive' for Chelsea - Moses The Nigeria international netted during Wednesday evening's last-16 victory over Middlesbrough and says that the Blues can salvage their season by winning the competition
Overmars open to Arsenal role in the future The 39-year-old, who is currently working as a technical director at Ajax, says he "wouldn't be surprised" if the Gunners approached him about taking up a position
Beating Tottenham & qualifying for Champions League 'essential' for Arsenal, says Cazorla The 28-year-old has expressed his belief that victory in the north London derby will have a huge impact on both sides' chances of finishing in the top four this term
Manchester United add Bangkok fixture to pre-season tour The Red Devils will kick-off preparations for the 2013-14 season with a friendly in Thailand on July 13, and chief executive David Gill insists it will be a "great game" for all
Sagna to miss north London derby through injury, confirms Wenger The crunch tie comes too soon for the 30-year-old defender who is still suffering from a knee problem, while Kieran Gibbs is out & Abou Diaby's chances of playing are rated 50:50
Lucas backs Suarez to beat Van Persie & Bale to Player of the Year award The 26-year-old feels the Uruguay international deserves recognition for his performances this season but expects competition from the Manchester United man and the Spurs star
Marchisio: I prefer Bundesliga over Premier League The midfielder would be open to a move to Germany at some point in his career amid speculation linking him with Bayern Munich
Les Ferdinand: Video evidence and tough bans needed to stamp out diving The former striker believes retrospective punishments would send out a "real message" as it would deter players from play-acting and would quickly eradicate the issue
Bale out for revenge against Arsenal The 23-year-old wants to make up for the 5-2 defeat at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season, and is hoping his side can stay ahead in the race for the top four
Juventus & Manchester City keeping tabs on Vydra The Czech Republic international has attracted the interest of both the Serie A and Premier League champions with his fine form this term
Clarke: Strong chance of West Brom keeping Chelsea loanee Lukaku The 49-year-old has revealed that the Baggies hope to extend the Belgian's temporary stay over the summer, and insisted the "sky is the limit" for the hard-working teenager
Bergkamp 'honoured' by Arsenal statue plans The Gunners have revealed that the Dutchman, who made over 400 appearances for the north London club over a 10-year period, will be immortalised outside the Emirates Stadium
Giggs to carry on at Manchester United when he retires
The Welshman, who has signed a one-year deal that will keep him on beyond his 40th birthday, is set to continue with a role at the club when he calls time on his career
Arsenal lack a player like Villa, says Lauren
The Barcelona striker has struggled to force his way back into the team since recovering from injury, but the Cameroonian believes he would be perfect for Arsene Wenger's side
Ranger leaves Newcastle by mutual consent
The former England Under-19 international has had his contract terminated after a spell fraught with disciplinary problems off the pitch since joining the club from Southampton
Blatter praises Giggs' 'amazing' career
The Fifa president has told of his admiration for the Manchester United midfielder, complimenting the 39-year old ahead of his landmark 1000th appearance in professional football
Goal-line technology to be used during Community Shield, confirms Horne
The FA general secretary has revealed that he expects the system to be implemented in time for next season's curtain-raiser, though a decision has not been made on stadium replays
Redknapp expects hostile reception from Southampton fans
The 65-year-old managed the Saints when they were relegated from the Premier League in 2005 and is anticipating "a bit of grief" from the home crowd on his first return since then
West Brom boss Clarke interested in managing Chelsea one day
The former Blues player and assistant manager thinks connections with him and the club are too early but insists the Spaniard’s torrid reign at Stamford Bridge has not put him off
No Manchester United deal for Schlupp yet, says Shakespeare
The young Ghanaian has been on trial from Leicester City since January, but the Foxes' assistant manager insists no deal has yet been struck between the two sides
Ancelotti: Beckham will be benched on Saturday
The Italian coach has revealed that he will be resting a number of players who played against Olympique de Marseille for his next match against Stade de Reims
Chelsea want me as boss at some point, reveals Zola
The 46-year-old claims he is still in regular contact with many people at Stamford Bridge, but remains fully focused on trying to get Watford promoted from the Championship
Bale is having the time of his life at Tottenham, claims Comolli
The former Spurs director of football believes the Welshman should stay in north London and continue his development insisting "he has all the time in the world to move on"
Di Matteo should not join Schalke, says former Switzerland coach Fringer
The ex-Chelsea boss has been linked with a move to Germany in recent weeks, but the Italian's former club manager believes he would find success at the Veltins Arena
Mancini admits Kompany is unlikely to face Aston Villa
The Belgium defender, who limped off against Stoke in the FA Cup at the end of January, will not be fit for Monday, but could return for the game against Barnsley
Cvitanich dreams of playing in England, Spain or Italy
The 28-year-old Nice striker spoke of his enjoyment of playing in Ligue 1, but stressed his admiration for La Liga, the Premier League and Serie A
Villas-Boas calls for Bale to rebuff Liga transfer
The Portuguese coach is keen to keep hold of his star player, and has urged him to remain in "the best league in the world" in order to aid his development at the top level
Sir Alex Ferguson eyes future director role at Manchester United
The 71-year-old insists that the club will not be able to get rid of him when he steps down as manager, and is interested in moving up to boardroom level in the future
Benitez asks for 'fantastic atmosphere' & claims interim tag does not matter
The former Liverpool boss attempts to diffuse the increasingly sour situation at Stamford Bridge, calling for supporters to get behind him and the team following Wednesday's rant
Clarke: We'll ignore Chelsea troubles
The 49-year-old says the Baggies will not get caught up in the crisis surrounding the west London club when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon
Poyet admits desire to manage Chelsea
The 45-year-old insisted he enjoys the speculation about his career because it indicates he is "doing something right", while he stressed he would not hide his interest in the job
Bale: I don’t model my game on Real Madrid star Ronaldo
The Tottenham winger's recent string of match-winning performances have led to comparisons with the Portuguese attacker, but the 23-year-old insists he is his own man
'Our only focus is ourselves' - Liverpool boss Rodgers targeting positive run-in
The 40-year-old wants his side to overcome the inconsistency which has tainted his first season at Anfield in order to go into the next campaign full of confidence
Van Persie passed fit for Real Madrid but Jones remains doubtful
The 71-year-old revealed the forward has trained during the week and made a swift recovery, while he has reminded his players not to lose focus for their league clash with Norwich
Beckham: I am not a marketing tool
The veteran midfielder feels he can still add something to PSG on the pitch, and has nothing but praise for Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Giggs agrees new one-year Manchester United deal
The midfielder, who is approaching his 1000th game in professional football, is set to carry on playing into his 40s and says he still feels able to contribute at the highest level
Wenger insists Arsenal will not be scared of Bale
The Frenchman says he does not fear the in-form Spurs star and has called on the Gunners to maintain their good recent record in north London derbies with victory on Sunday
Old Trafford could be the 'difference' in Manchester United's treble hunt, says Rooney
The 27-year-old believes his side's next four games, all of which are at home, will play a crucial part in deciding whether the Red Devils can end the season with three trophies
Relationship with Chelsea owner Abramovich is fine, claims Benitez
The 52-year-old has revealed he does not have a problem with anybody at the club, and that he and the owner "talk like normal people" and "share a passion for football"
Revealed: How Arsenal rejected the chance to sign Holtby
Tottenham's €1.75 million January signing spent time at the Gunners' training ground 14 months ago but Arsene Wenger chose not to pursue him because he "didn't rate him enough"
Beckham: Going back to Manchester will be special for Ronaldo
The 37-year-old believes the returning Portuguese winger will be in his element when Real Madrid travel to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Champions League tie
Bale v Wilshere: Who will be crowned the king of north London?
The Welsh wizard and the England international midfielder go head-to-head as Tottenham take on Arsenal at White Hart Lane on Sunday with both clubs in the hunt for the top four
Newcastle manager Pardew disappointed with Ben Arfa's fitness
The 25-year-old has been out since December with a hamstring injury and has suffered setbacks during his recovery, and his boss is unhappy with his physical condition
Liverpool boss Rodgers confident of keeping Suarez regardless of European qualification
The 26-year-old could well be hot property if the Reds fail to miss out on Europe this season, but after conversations with his agent, the boss is adamant he will stay
Premier League clubs required to have goal-line technology next season
Fifa recently revealed that a system will be implemented for this year's Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup, and will be coming to the English top flight in the 2013-14 campaign
Pochettino: Fans must focus on Southampton, not Redknapp
The Argentine coach says that he wants fans to concentrate on the team rather than the former Saints boss on Saturday as they bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League
Sunderland forward Graham looking to forge strike partnership with Fletcher
The 27-year-old made his first start for the club last weekend after joining on deadline day, and has immediately set his sights on building an effective pairing with the Scot
Akpan confident of Reading survival
The January signing from Crawley Town believes that his side can avoid the drop, as he prepares to make an emotional return to Goodison Park to face his boyhood club Everton
Granero not targeting QPR exit
The 25-year-old playmaker has endured a difficult first season in England since moving to the club in the summer from Real Madrid but insists that he is not thinking about leaving
Jol remains hopeful over Hangeland contract talks
The Fulham boss believes that the Norway international's future could finally be resolved before the season's end, stating that dialogue between the two parties is underway
Everton win buoyed Norwich for Manchester United challenge - Hughton
A nine-match winless streak was brought to an end in the last minute against the Toffees, leaving the Canaries confident and ready to test themselves at Old Trafford, says the boss
Laudrup refusing to guarantee Swansea future
The Swans manager is a wanted man after leading his side to their first ever major trophy in the Capital One Cup and admits that he cannot be sure of where he will be next season
The best is yet to come from Kagawa, says Ferguson After netting a hat-trick in Manchester United's 4-0 win over Norwich, his boss assured fans that the Japan international will only continue to improve after struggling with injury
Hat-trick hero Suarez 'loves' playing for Liverpool, says Rodgers The Uruguay international netted three times in a 4-0 away win over Wigan on Saturday evening, and his manager has ruled out a summer exit from Anfield for the striker
Giggs to make 1000th career appearance against Real Madrid Sir Alex Ferguson confirms that the 39-year-old will reach the landmark by featuring in Manchester United's midweek Champions League clash with the Spaniards at Old Trafford
Benitez brushes off Chelsea fans' boos The Spaniard congratulated the Blues' fans for their "really positive" support of the team during Saturday's 1-0 win over West Brom, while underlining his want to see out his deal
QPR boss Redknapp rubbishes reports of heavy drinking during Dubai trip The Rs manager admitted his players may have got drunk once but dismissed notions of ill discipline, insisting he worked the squad "to their knees" at training every day
Wigan 0-4 Liverpool: Suarez hat-trick fires Reds to thumping win The Uruguayan's triple followed a Stewart Downing opener and put him ahead of Robin van Persie in the Premier League Golden Boot race as the Latics' relegation worries grow
Anzhi boss Hiddink refuses to rule out Chelsea return The 66-year-old manager admits he cannot predict where he will be next season, and remains coy over a second stint at Stamford Bridge with Rafa Benitez set to depart this summer
Mancini: Aston Villa do not deserve relegation fight The Manchester City boss has claimed the Villans' position in the Premier League does not reflect their quality ahead of the two sides' meeting on Monday evening
Fifa vice-president to meet Suarez & Evra over racism 'travesty' Jeffrey Webb has been appointed as the head of a new task force which hopes to deal with discrimination in football and is keen to liaise with those previously affected
Chelsea 1-0 West Brom: Ba downs Baggies to quieten Benitez boo boys Despite a deceptively close scoreline, the home side dominated proceedings thanks to a poor showing from the visitors as a first half tap-in proved enough to secure the win
Manchester United 4-0 Norwich: Kagawa hat-trick sends leaders 15 points clear Sir Alex Ferguson's side warmed up for Tuesday night's Champions League crunch tie with Real Madrid by increasing their unbeaten stretch to 18 games in all competitions
Johnson still getting used to life at Sunderland, says O'Neill The Black Cats winger is yet to find his best form at the Stadium of Light but his manager is confident that he will improve enough to earn a recall to the England squad
Fulham boss Jol delighted with form of Arsenal loanee Frimpong The Cottagers manager says the 21-year-old performed well against Norwich and is in contention for a starting role in the side as they look to finish the season strongly
Cazorla: A seven-point gap would be too big to close The Arsenal midfielder admits the side cannot lose on Sunday if they want to catch up with their north London rivals, and insists a win is essential for morale
Pardew looks for Everton inspiration The Newcastle manager calls for his underachieving side to find their form and "drive towards the finish line" in the same style as the Merseyside club did last season
Zabaleta: It's hard for Mancini to keep 25 players happy The Manchester City defender defends his under-pressure boss, who has to deal with egos when rotating a large squad, despite being 12 points behind in the title race
Liverpool starlet Coutinho unruffled by physical Premier League The young attacking midfielder explains his decision to join from Inter and insists that he will 'get up, carry on playing and score a goal' if subjected to heavy challenges
AVB: Emotion will decide derby outcome Spurs boss believes his side must express the same desire they showed at West Ham if they want to beat Arsenal, believing that passion will determine the winner of Sunday's clash
Sir Alex Ferguson reveals Rio Ferdinand could extend Manchester United contract The Red Devils boss is optimistic that the 34-year-old, whose current deal is set to expire in the summer, will commit to another season at Old Trafford just like Ryan Giggs
Pallister: Giggs still capable of playing for Manchester United in his forties The former defender believes the Welshman could sign another contract extension before he retires and says his old team-mate is the modern-day equivalent of Stanley Matthews
It would be hard for Laudrup to turn down Real Madrid, says Rangel The former Denmark international has recently been linked with the Madrid job, and the defender feels a move to the Blancos could be a tempting opportunity
Could Chelsea exile Lukaku have saved Di Matteo's job? The Belgian has shown enough over the past six months to make some at Stamford Bridge wonder whether he could have been more than a wide-eyed understudy this term
Manchester United's resilient defence are leading title charge from the back Sir Alex Ferguson will head into the game against Norwich City in as comfortable a position as he has been in for years thanks to the defiant displays of his back line
Arsenal are in 'crisis' but must stick with Wenger ... for now - Overmars In the first instalment of our two-part interview, the former Gunner admits that his former club are in dire straits but is adamant that the fans must get behind the manager
Cristiano Ronaldo plans visit to former home ahead of Manchester United clash The Real Madrid star will check in on his old house before the Champions League tie, while his side are preparing to travel to England a day earlier than scheduled for the match
Villas-Boas 'deserved a second chance', insists Wenger The Portuguese coach's first job in England saw him endure a tough time at Chelsea, but the Arsenal manager believes Tottenham are now reaping the benefits after gambling on him
Imbula cools talk of switch to Newcastle The 20-year old Congolese midfielder has played down rumours of a potential move to join the Magpies’ numerous French-based players at Tyneside, dismissing it as "paper talk"
Everton manager Moyes concentrating equally on both Premier League and FA Cup The Toffees' boss won’t prioritise one competition over the other as he believes his side can do well in both – and says not playing midweek European competitions is a bonus
Chelsea midfielder De Bruyne not thinking about future until end of season The Belgium international has been impressing on loan in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen this term, but he is unsure about what will happen when he returns to west London
Former Liverpool chief Purslow claims Benitez outburst was planned
The 49-year-old, who worked with the Chelsea interim boss for a year as managing director of the Reds, believes the Spaniard was never suited to the Stamford Bridge post
Rooney feeling fresh ahead of Manchester United run-in
The Red Devils striker says he has played less games than he is used to due to injuries and Sir Alex Ferguson's rotation policy and believes he has much more to give
Suarez would be ideal for Juventus, says Tardelli
The Republic of Ireland assistant coach believes that the former Ajax star would be a fine addition for the Bianconeri, and thinks they can go far in the Champions League this year
Reborn Villas-Boas well on the road to redemption as Tottenham march on
From the sack to third place in the Premier League, Spurs' 2-1 victory over their north London rivals on Sunday completed a year of redemption for their Portuguese manager
Mancini blasts Hart & Nasri inconsistencies
The Manchester City manager has challenged certain members of his side to step up and improve their level of performance if they are to remain at the Etihad Stadium
Wenger in the dark over Arsenal takeover reports
The under-pressure Gunners' boss claims to have no knowledge of reports linking the club to a €1.73 billion takeover bid by a Middle Eastern consortium
Paul Lambert confident Aston Villa can beat Manchester City
The sides face each other on Monday night with the Midlands outfit looking to climb out of the relegation zone and their manager believes they could trump the current champions
QPR striker Remy 'hurt' by Marseille departure
The France international was the Hoops' record signing in January before being surpassed by Christopher Samba and has two goals in four appearances since arriving at Loftus Road
Cech ignores anti-Benitez chants
The experienced Czech Republic goalkeeper claims he was unaware of any Stamford Bridge criticism for his under-pressure manager during Saturday's 1-0 victory over West Brom
Dawson hails 'massive' win over Arsenal in Champions League hunt
The 29-year-old centre-back has lauded the determination of his Spurs team-mates as they overcame their north London rivals to move up to third place in the league table
'Nothing's finished yet' - Villas-Boas calls for Tottenham focus after Arsenal win
The Portuguese manager called for calm and renewed concentration at White Hart Lane after Spurs moved seven points clear of their north London rivals on Sunday afternoon
Wenger calls for Arsenal to 'fight like mad' for top four after Tottenham defeat
Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon scored goals to inflict a serious blow on the Gunners' hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League after a 2-1 loss at White Hart Lane
Tottenham and Bale signal changing of the north London guard
Spurs' resurgence is in marked contrast to the gradual decline of Arsenal after Andre Villas-Boas' team extended the gap over their bitter rivals to seven points
Everton have not given up on European qualification, claims Pienaar
The Toffees endured a tough February and sit in sixth place, but their South African midfield schemer is confident they could still earn a place in continental competition
Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal: Bale & Lennon seal north London derby delight for Spurs
Arsene Wenger's team fall seven points behind their bitter rivals in the Premier League table as the hosts climb back above Chelsea into third place after the narrow victory
Swansea preparing for departure of in-demand manager Michael Laudrup
The south Wales club's chairman, Huw Jenkins, has admitted that the Capital One Cup-winning side are always looking for potential new bosses with the right profile
The Premier League title race is not over, insists Clichy
The Manchester City defender says his side are drawing inspiration from their comeback last season as they try to close the 15-point gap between themselves and Manchester United
Norwich game was more important to Manchester United than Real Madrid, claims Rooney
The striker believes Sir Alex Ferguson's team selection ensured that the Premier League leaders didn't lose focus in the title race ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash
Kroenke has no plans to sell up to Middle East consortium, say Arsenal
The Gunners deny reports of a potential €1.7 billion bid for the club, and insist the American owner is committed "for the long term" and has no intention of selling his shares
I will be a centre-back for England, says Manchester United's Jones
The young defender has struggled to win a regular starting place at the back for Sir Alex Ferguson's side but believes that he can be a regular for the Three Lions in future
Bale is unplayable but must maintain form to be the best - Wilkins
The former Chelsea assistant praises the Tottenham winger's fantastic displays but says that he must keep it up for "three or four years" to be compared to Messi and Ronaldo
Mancini: My squad have 11 games to save their Manchester City careers
The Premier League champions trail rivals Manchester United by 15 points and the Italian warns that he will make decisions about next season's squad based on the remaining matches
Suarez 'a hero' for Liverpool players, says Allen
The Anfield youngster says the Uruguayan is an inspiration to the squad after he scored a hat-trick during his side's 4-0 romp at Wigan on Saturday to top the league's goal charts
Pellegrini, Poyet, Simeone & Zola on Abramovich's shortlist to replace Benitez, says Wilkins
The former England midfielder claims the Blues legend's work at Watford has not gone unnoticed and that he is one of a select few coaching candidates put forward by the oligarch
'Irreplaceable' Mourinho could stay at Real Madrid, says Ferguson
The Manchester United boss is ready to face the Blancos at Old Trafford on Tuesday, and thinks that 'The Special One' could spring a surprise and remain in Spain
Benitez the winner from Chelsea's turbulent week
For everything that the Spaniard has had to endure in recent weeks, he deserves credit for steadying the ship at Stamford Bridge and for the manner in which he has carried himself
Wilshere may leave Arsenal for trophies, claims Wilkins
The former Chelsea assistant manager believes the Gunners are the right club for the talented midfielder, but feels Arsene Wenger will have to make better signings to keep him
Ferguson denies reports linking Ronaldo with Manchester United return
The Scot dismissed rumours linking the forward with a second spell at Old Trafford this summer and joked a machete or a machine gun is his plan to stop the Portuguese on Tuesday
Arsenal boss Wenger backs 'special' Wilshere to add goals
The Gunners manager is confident that the 21-year-old will progress his career in a more advanced role on the field, expecting that the midfielder will reach 100 caps for England
Suarez and Liverpool transformed from T-shirt-gate mess
The Uruguayan scored his second hat-trick of the season to erase the Reds' bad memories of the DW Stadium after last season's controversy in the wake of his racism ban
Kagawa poses more questions than answers as Manchester United enter crucial period
The former Dortmund man's stylish hat-trick against Norwich City provided a timely reminder of what he can offer the club but there are still issues regarding just how he fits in
Sol Campbell urges Wenger to change Arsenal's transfer policy
The former Gunners defender cites Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to play £24 million for Robin van Persie as evidence of a bold and highly successful move in the market
Premier League bosses fear for financial fair play model
Mar 2, 2013 8:35:00 AM
Some club chairmen are nervous that the measures agreed in February may not be ratified at the full board meeting in April, with concerns that Chelsea may switch their vote
By Greg Stobart
Plans for a domestic financial fair play model in the Premier League could be under threat as club chairmen fear a possible U-turn on the agreement reached in January.
Club bosses agreed at the shareholders' meeting in central London in February to limit losses to £105 million over a three-year period, with 14 clubs out of 20 voting in favour of the stricter financial regulations.
The measures are expected to come into effect from the start of next season but Goal.com understands that there is rising uncertainty among some Premier League chiefs over whether the rule will be ratified at the next full board meeting in April.
LEARNING LESSONS
The Premier League will ask owners who wish to bankroll losses to show proof that they can pay, in a bid to avoid a repeat of the situation at financially crippled Portsmouth Changes to league rules require a two-thirds majority - or at least 14 votes - to be passed and there are concerns that Chelsea, who voted in favour in February, may switch their vote as the Londoners fight for a top-four finish.
Failure to qualify for next season's Champions League would dent the Blues' finances and the rule changes could have a significant impact on their spending power in the summer, with £40 million-rated Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao their top target.
The nature of the vote in February leaves the introduction of spending controls contingent on clubs not changing their choice.
Reading's vote at the full board meeting is also uncertain after they abstained in January.
A breakaway group of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham failed to push through a strict 'break-even' rule at the last meeting but club bosses agreed to a compromise system that limits a club's losses.
Teams also approved a cap on wage increases as the Premier League imposed the first spending controls by a first major European league.
It was agreed in principle that there will be a ceiling on how much of the funds distributed by the Premier League are spent on players' wages each season from 2013-14 to 2015-16. In the first of a three-year cycle, wage bills can rise by £4m, in the second year by £8m and by £12m in the third.
The cost control measures apply only to clubs with wage bills in excess of £52m in 2013-14, £56m in 2014-15 and £60m in 2015-16.
Clubs who breach the loss limits and wage increase controls face points deductions.
Moreover, the league will ask owners who wish to bankroll losses to show proof that they can pay, in a bid to avoid a repeat of the situation at financially crippled Portsmouth.
The Premier League's FFP system mirrors that of Uefa's, which comes into force next season and limits owners to covering losses £38.9m losses over the first three years.
The 'gang of four' had pushed hard for a strict interpretation of the Uefa model but instead had to settle for a compromised system.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Giggs and Scholes will be Manchester United coaches after retirement
By Matt Davis
Mar 2, 2013 10:37:00 AM
The veteran manager believes that the two club legends will pass on their wisdom when they hang up their boots, following the model of European giants Bayern Munich
Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will join the technical setup at Manchester United once they decide to call time on their playing careers.
The Red Devils boss has confirmed that they will look to the duo to help teach the club's next generation of stars in a similar model to German giants Bayern Munich, although he dimissed the idea of either one of them succeeding him as manager.
"I do not want to put pressure on them and I think, for my direct successor, it must be a coach with experience. They [Giggs and Scholes] must start with youth players, reserves.
"They have time, though. In 10 years, we'll see where they are. Both are intelligent, determined workers. They will be with us. I see them integrated in the staff, just like Gerd Muller and Sepp Maier at Bayern Munich.
"At Bayern, the big players exert a strong influence on the lives of the group. Today you can see [Michael] Tarnat, [Wolfgang] Dremmler, [Paul] Breitner and many other former players who work for the club. It is part of the administrative, financial and diplomatic structure with [Franz] Beckenbauer, [Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge, [Uli] Hoeness. This is also why they need a manager and they found one from the outside with Pep Guardiola."
Asked by L'Equipe what makes a Manchester United legend, Sir Alex pinpointed several qualities which he also thinks helped Robin van Persie settle in at the club.
"I'm only interested in players who really want to play for United and who are bad losers, like me," said the Scot.
"Van Persie meets these requirements. He integrated very quickly. With me, there is sometimes an atmosphere in the dressing-room. These periods can be 'colourful' when I'm not happy.
"I'm only interested in players who really want to play for United and who are bad losers, like me"
- Sir Alex Ferguson
"Robin soon realised that I have one idea in mind: to win. He now plays with [Rio] Ferdinand, [Nemanja] Vidic, [Patrice] Evra, Giggs, Scholes, [Michael] Carrick and these guys. They are the winners.
"This mentality, he breathes it every minute and without doubt should tell himself that he should have signed here much earlier.
"He was spotted by us in Holland when he was 18. We watched a Feyenoord reserve game and he was sent off. Jimmy Ryan, who was watching, said: 'He is a fantastic talent but he needs to improve his behaviour and control his frustration'.
"We gave up then. We were wrong on this issue, at the time. It happens. It happened and it will happen again. But the percentage of players we sign who impose themselves is excellent."
Ahead of the huge midweek Champions League fixture against Real Madrid, the United boss gave his view on what is in store for Cristiano Ronaldo when he makes his first return to Old Trafford since his £80 million departure.
"Cristiano gave his heart to Manchester United," opined Sir Alex. "When he was involved in the incident that saw [Wayne] Rooney sent off at World Cup 2006, I liked his attitude. Here in England, though, we raged against him and he wanted to leave.
"I gave him a promise: Give me one more season and you can go to Real. He put in an exceptional season. He never sulked. He was on fire. He is a nice guy. I do not know if he is as happy at Real but I must admit that his goal ratio is better in Spain than in England.
"He will receive a special ovation on Tuesday but, once the game starts, that will be over. They will boo the same guy they applauded."
