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

[General Veers]

Liverpool spirals over €100m as club announce financial results

By Oliver Platt

Mar 4, 2013 10:30:00 AM

The Reds say turnover increased in the equivalent 12-month period over the 2011-12 season due to the amount of fixtures they played despite the lack of continental qualification

Liverpool have announced that their net debt has increased by €25.2 million to €100.9m for the 2011-12 financial year.

The figures account for the period between August 1 2011 to May 31 2012 to coincide with the English football season and include €11m in "exceptional payments" related to stadium project costs, general restructuring costs the departure of senior employees, according to a statement on the club's website.

The club say that turnover increased during the equivalent 12-month period due to an increase in the amount of domestic fixtures played - Liverpool reached the FA Cup final and won the Capital One Cup - despite the lack of participation in a European competition.

"These financial results are now up to 18 months old and show that we have made some good progress towards putting the financial health of the club on a firmer footing," managing director Ian Ayre said.

"Although we didn't play in a European competition, we had great success in both domestic competitions which gave a boost to our revenue. In addition, areas like our commercial partnerships continued to grow, despite a global recession.

"For the equivalent 12-month period, the club's unaudited turnover has increased by €5.8m and we were delighted to further strengthen our portfolio of commercial partnerships as we continued to focus on growing successfully at home and internationally.

"During the period we signed seven new players including Jose Enrique and Sebastian Coates, extended five player contracts including Steven Gerrard and signed eight players from scholar to professional contracts, demonstrating the club's commitment to youth talent.

"In addition three players were loaned out and eight players transferred out. As part of our transition, we also implemented a new transfer strategy, ensuring we bring in talented players on sensible contracts that provide value to the club."

 

[godiva]

BPL : Man city win 1-0 vs relegation threaten Villa

Dead moron clones lol : Genesimmon, Athena, Vincent, emoer, Bubbletea, Boba Fett, Scorpian, Sun Wu Kong, ShaoKahn, PaulStanley, Illinois, Visitors, Yewcharkuay, Orneeku, hotcrossbun, Kanngi, Mamapundek, Danude.

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[Danube]

Mourinho: Become manager at Old Trafford? Nah, I don't think so!

By SIMON STONE, PRESS ASSOCIATIONPUBLISHED: 23:30 GMT, 4 March 2013 | UPDATED: 23:30 GMT, 4 March 2013

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has hinted that he will not be replacing Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.Mourinho gave a knockabout interview to former United European Cup winner Paddy Crerand on behalf of the club channel MUTV, immediately prior to the main Madrid press conference at Old Trafford ahead of the Champions League clash between the teams.And while the matter of the Portuguese becoming United's next manager was not addressed directly, in an exchange about MUTV subscriptions, the former Chelsea boss suggested he would never take over at the United helm.

Playing it down: Jose Mourinho indicated he will never take over at Old Trafford

Interview: Paddy Crerand was speaking to Mourinho

Initially, Mourinho jokingly said he wanted Crerand to arrange a free annual subscription for the channel.In response, Crerand said the only people who did not pay the £6 monthly fee were club employees.To this, Mourinho replied: 'There is no chance. I have to pay.Crerand responded: "You never know. One day?'One day? Nah. I don't think so,' Mourinho said.'You never know? Life is strange,' Crerand persisted.'You never know, but I don't think so,' Mourinho said, before changing the subject. While it could hardly be described as definitive, it was nevertheless an interesting exchange given Mourinho is one of the few obvious candidates to succeed 71-year-old Ferguson.

Admittedly, the Scot has said on numerous occasions he has no immediate plans to step aside, which he repeated today when quizzed about whether Mourinho was the right man to move into his seat.'You get this question all the time and I can't answer it because I am still the manager here,' Ferguson said. 'I hope I am still the manager tomorrow.'It is impossible to discuss who is going to replace me because there is no timescale to it.'

Long term legend: Sir Alex Ferguson has been in charge for 27 years
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[Danube]

Aston Villa 0 Manchester City 1: Mancini's men made to toil for victory over strugglers

By NEIL MOXLEY PUBLISHED: 21:53 GMT, 4 March 2013 | UPDATED: 00:26 GMT, 5 March 2013
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We thought it was all over and it probably still is. But no one, it seems, has told Roberto Mancini.On a damp, chilly evening, against opponents on the edge of desperation and with a 15-point gap to close, all the ingredients were there for the reigning champions to have a night off.Few would have blamed them, except those teams close to Villa in the dogfight at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table.

One up: Carlos Tevez (right) put Manchester City 1-0 up against Aston Villa

MATCH FACTS

Aston Villa: Guzan, Clark, Bennett, Baker, Lowton, N'Zogbia (Holman 65), Westwood (El Ahmadi 86), Delph, Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weimann (Dawkins 84)

Subs not used: Given, Lichaj, Sylla, Bowery
Booked: Benteke, Delph

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Clichy, K Toure, Nastasic, Milner, Garcia, Rodwell (Dzeko 25), Silva (Barry 90), Y Toure, Tevez (Nasri 75)

Subs not used: Pantilimon, Lescott, Kolarov, Sinclair

Goal: Tevez 45

Referee: Mike Dean

But that is not what champions are made of.Make no mistake, this was a tricky hurdle to overcome. Sir Alex Ferguson may have not lost here in the league with Manchester United for 17 years, but he always fields a full-strength team at Villa Park.And so it proved as Paul Lambert’s side once more proved they have the energy and guts to give anyone a game on their own patch. It is just in terms of discipline, experience and quality where they fall short.Manchester City have all these in abundance and needed such qualities to see them over the line.True, were it not for a couple of fingertip stops from Brad Guzan the score could have been more emphatic. But with everything to lose and little to gain, Mancini saw his side deliver.It was pragmatic — although Villa were in this game until a calamitous mistake as half-time beckoned — but it was effective.

Relief: City celebrate their goal on the stroke of half-time from the Argentina international

Aerial battle: Edin Dzeko gets above Ciaran Clark (right) to win a header

And once Carlos Tevez had used his skill to bamboozle a defence in retreat and almost walk the ball into Guzan’s net, City used their game-management skills to see it out. In the end it was another sorry story of ‘if only’ for Villa. If only Christian Benteke’s first-half header hadn’t been cleared off the line by Tevez.If only Ciaran Clark had dealt properly with a routine throw-in that led to Tevez’s opening goal. It has been a recurring theme of Villa boss Lambert’s press conferences. ‘If’ is not the most important word in football for nothing.As if to emphasise the point, what would have happened had Benteke’s towering header from Charles N’Zogbia’s corner not been booted clear?

Up for it: Christian Benteke (left) made a nuisance of himself for City's back four

It would have given Villa Park a lifeline. But after that, Joe Hart never had a save to make.It was a different story at the other end, with Guzan showing why he has kept a goalkeeper of Shay Given’s undoubted quality in the wings. He tipped over one Jack Rodwell drive before the midfielder was substituted for Edin Dzeko, the appearance of the Bosnia striker undoubtedly taking a weight from Tevez’s shoulders.Guzan did brilliantly to tip Pablo Zabaleta’s left-foot shot on to a post after neat work by David Silva, and was equally impressive soon after when James Milner’s dipping free-kick fell awkwardly in front of the big American.However, just as Villa seemed to have weathered the storm, they again contrived to be the architects of their own downfall, although Tevez’s finish oozed class.

Tussle: Fabian Delph (right) pursues City playmaker David Silva

Running the show: Yaya Toure (left) struck the post midway through the second half

Ciaran Clark mis-controlled the ball just inside his own half following Matthew Lowton’s throw-in. Dzeko was alert to the possibilities in the blink of an eye, striding forward, whipping the ball from Villa’s centre-half and advancing towards the area. Villa’s rearguard was in trouble but as claret shirts converged on Dzeko, he slipped the ball inside to his colleague.As Nathan Baker charged across and Guzan left his line, Tevez feigned to shoot and took the two Villa players out of the picture before walking the ball towards goal and sidefooting into the bottom corner.Lowton cleared another Tevez effort off the line within five minutes of the restart. Yaya Toure hit the post with a grass-cutter that Guzan might again have touched. There were desperate late appeals for a penalty as Villa pressed.

Out of this world: Two Aston Villa fans dress up to show their support for Christian Benteke

Lambert had every right to be pleased with the effort. It was spirited and gutsy. But at one crucial moment, Villa’s discipline deserted them. This time, Clark was the guilty man but otherwise, he had a solid evening.Lambert said: ‘It was a mistake. There was only a minute of the half to go. They will learn from it. He won’t make the same mistake again. I don’t think it was a foul. He tried something that he maybe shouldn’t have tried. But he has been excellent for me. We were well in the game and it might have been a penalty at the death.’Reading await on Saturday. Then QPR visit Villa Park in just under a fortnight. ‘The next few games are massive for us,’ added Lambert, knowing time is running out.It is for Mancini, too. But then he has a different prize to play for.

Injury curse: Jack Rodwell was marking his 11th appearance for Manchester City since his summer arrival from Everton

Blow: Rodwell was replaced by Edin Dzeko after suffering an apparent hamstring injury

Expressive: Frustrations boil over for Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini

THE ASTRONAUTS HAVE LANDED... AGAIN

The appearance of men dressed in space suits isn't as much of a rarity as you might think at football matches.

Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli had a run-in with fans clad in astronaut gear during a friendly while on duty with Italy last month.

The 22-year-old, who moved from the Etihad for AC Milan in January, runs the ball out of play during the match against Holland before booting the ball out of frustration in the direction of the two watching space cadets.

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[godiva]

BPL, Mancini will not give up hopes.

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[Givanildo]

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[Danube]

REVEALED: Chelsea are the best team in the world... the news that will get United, Real Madrid and City fired up

By RIK SHARMA PUBLISHED: 11:18 GMT, 5 March 2013 | UPDATED: 16:09 GMT, 5 March 2013
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Chelsea are the best team in the world, while Real Madrid are the seventh best and Manchester United are 19th.This is according to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, an organisation recognised and supported by, although not affiliated with, FIFA.Their latest Club World Rankings, accounting for results between March 1 2012 and February 28 2013, have produced some results that seem bizarre.

Another accolade: European champions Chelsea should enjoy being the No 1 team in the world while it lasts

In second place are Atletico Madrid and third, Chelsea's vanquished Champions League final opponents Bayern Munich.Fourth are Club World Cup champions Corinthians, while the mighty Barcelona are down in fifth.The rankings are calculated by including results from national league matches, continental and intercontinental competitions and the most important national cup competition, ignoring results before the last 16 phase.

Nothing special: Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates are down in seventh

Results are awarded points depending on the level of competition. A draw in a national league game is worth two points and a win is four.Champions League draws and wins are worth seven and 14 respectively, while Club World Cup semi-finals are worth the same.A win in the Club World Cup final is worth 21 points - which explains how high up Corinthians are.

Lowly: Manchester United are only 19th, according to these bizarre rankings

Celtic are level with Manchester United in 19th, while Liverpool are 25th, Tottenham 37th and Arsenal 50th.Premier League champions Manchester City languish in 56th, largely because of their shoddy Champions League showings.

Off target: Man City are way down the rankings after poor European showings

The top 20 sides in the world

1. Chelsea (307)
2. Atletico Madrid (304)
3. Bayern Munich (292)
4. Corinthians (287)
5. Barcelona (283)
6. Boca Juniors (281)
7. Real Madrid (277)
8. Juventus (241)
9. Inter Milan (234)
10. Sao Paulo (230)
11. Universidad de Chile Santiago (223)
12. Fluminense (222)
13. Basel (220)
14. Fenerbahce (216)
= Lazio
16. Dortmund (215)
17. Lyon (214)
18. PSG (210)
19. Manchester United (205)
= Club Libertad Asuncion
= Celtic

Other English sides in the top 100
25. Liverpool (200)
37. Tottenham (186)
50. Arsenal (169)
56. Man City (161)
65. Newcastle (152)

​

 

[Danube]

'This is the worst day of my life' - Bendtner apologises after drink-driving arrest
The Danish forward has expressed his regret in court after being found under the influence while behind the wheel, which has seen him banned from international football

Reina: Liverpool need help from board
The 30-year-old Spanish goalkeeper has urged the Anfield hierarchy to invest in the squad this summer to propel the club towards the Champions League places next season

Roy Keane: The writing may be on the wall for Rooney
The former Manchester United captain feels the decision to leave the striker on the bench for the visit of Real Madrid may spell the end of his career at the club

Mourinho: The best team lost
The Madrid coach does not think his side deserved to win their Champions League match on Tuesday, and claimed the Red Devils were superior to los Blancos during the game

Bellamy reveals desire to become one the 'greatest ever' managers
The Welshman is eager to follow in the footsteps of his coaching icons Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho and become a success following his retirement from playing

Arsenal loanee Miyaichi steps up return from injury with Wigan Under-21s outing
The 20-year-old came through the first half of a reserve clash with Nottingham Forest unscathed and could yet play a part in the Latics' battle against relegation

Mancini: Poor finishing has cost Manchester City points
The Italian believes his side have not been clinical enough in front of goal and insists this is the key reason why they have struggled to keep pace with Manchester United

Watzke: Borussia Dortmund would not sign Manchester City players
The BVB official does not feel the club will move from its policy of bringing through young players while he admitted that it would take a big offer for Robert Lewandowski to leave

Sneijder: Inter blocked Manchester United move
The ex-Real Madrid and Nerazzurri midfielder says he was in talks with the Premier League giants in 2010, and believes he was sold by the Blancos to fund Cristiano Ronaldo's move

Vidic: Ronaldo could return to Manchester United
The Red Devils stalwart has paid tribute to his former team-mate and hopes the club can one day recapture a player who he rates higher than Barcelona star Lionel Messi

Laudrup: Wieghorst can be next Swansea manager
The Dane's future in south Wales is far from certain after a superb first season in England, but he has put his assistant in the frame to take over if he leaves

Agger: Liverpool showing consistency ahead of Tottenham clash
The Denmark international believes the Reds are starting hit a run of form under Brendan Rodgers and has hailed Luis Suarez's contributions to their turnaround

Pardew: Plastic pitch will favour 'technical' Newcastle players
The Magpies boss feels the surface for his side's upcoming Europa League clash against Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala will require a slightly more cultured approach

Gourlay misquoted on Lampard contract talks, Chelsea insist
The Blues' executive was said to have told reporters that negotiations with the England international were ongoing over a new deal, but the club insist he refused to comment

Reina was 'outstanding' against Wigan, says Rodgers
Luis Suarez may have got the headlines with a hat-trick in Liverpool's 4-0 win at the DW Stadium, but the Anfield boss believes the goalkeeper's contribution was just as important

England players were happy to pull out of Capello's squads, reveals Foster
The West Brom keeper says he and other team-mates did not want to be involved in the Italian's sides but admits all that has changed under the management of Roy Hodgson

Liverpool will be tougher than Arsenal, believes Tottenham keeper Lloris
After Spurs' derby-day triumph over the Gunners, the Frenchman has warned his team-mates that they should be wary of the tougher task that awaits at Anfield on Sunday

Manchester United to offer Evra one-year contract extension
The Premier League leaders are set to reward the France international full-back for his impressive performances this season by opening up talks over a new deal in the summer

Mourinho is still the pupil to master Ferguson - McQueen
The former Manchester United defender says that the Scottish manager is often underestimated when it comes to his tactics and the Portuguese boss respects him more than most

Ronaldo: Ferguson taught me how to be a footballer
The prolific attacker has nothing but praise for his former manager, but is confident that Madrid can reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League

Kompany steps up Man City return
The Belgium international is set to return to action next week following his recovery from a calf injury sustained at the end of January against Stoke in the FA Cup

Mertesacker admits that Arsenal 'switched off' in their defeat to Tottenham
The Germany international believes the Gunners were playing well up until when they conceded the first goal, but says they must maintain a high level during their performances

Emanuelson pushes for Fulham start against Tottenham
The on-loan midfielder came off the substitutes' bench in the 2-2 draw away at Sunderland, but is eyeing a place in the starting XI to face Tottenham on March 17

Manchester City will keep fighting, vows Yaya Toure
The 29-year-old says the title race is still not over despite trailing rivals United by 12 points but admits that it will be difficult to catch a team with such experience

Agger: Reina back to world-class form
The Liverpool centre-back believes the Reds' first-choice goalkeeper has returned to top levels of performance after a commanding display in the 4-0 victory over Wigan

Mancini: We need to win all 10 games
After grinding out a 1-0 win at Aston Villa the gap to rivals United is now 12 points and Manchester City's boss is refusing to rule out their chances

Lloris hails important win over Arsenal
The France international was happy to secure all three points for Tottenham in a game which could have a large bearing on each side's chances of Champions League qualification

Downing backs 'frightening' Liverpool team-mate Suarez to reach 30 goals
The winger feels that the forward is a strong candidate for player of the year after his brilliant hat-trick led the Reds to victory over Wigan and took his season's tally to 21

 

[Danube]

Roy Keane: The writing may be on the wall for Rooney

By Nicholas McGee
Mar 5, 2013 10:20:00 PM

The former Manchester United captain feels the decision to leave the striker on the bench for the visit of Real Madrid may spell the end of his career at the club

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes Wayne Rooney may be approaching the end of his time with the club after he was left on the bench for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The England international started in the first-leg of the last-16 tie at the Bernabeu, but was left out of the starting line-up for Tuesday's decider, with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stating that Danny Welbeck was the better option from a defensive standpoint.

Ferguson told ITV: "Xabi Alonso controls the game for Real Madrid. Danny Welbeck is the best at [tracking back] in our team, plus he can work from there to support Robin van Persie."

However, Keane, who spent 12 years under the stewardship of Ferguson at Old Trafford, feels the decision to bench Rooney was not purely tactical and that the former Everton man may be soon be moving for pastures new.

He said: "It surprised us all that he [Ferguson] left Wayne Rooney out. Maybe the writing is on the wall for him.

"Wayne needs a game or two, to be honest. He did okay in the second half against Norwich, but he needs a game."

 

[Danube]

Sneijder: Inter blocked Manchester United move

By Steve Norman
Mar 5, 2013 5:40:00 PM

The ex-Real Madrid and Nerazzurri midfielder says he was in talks with the Premier League giants in 2010, and believes he was sold by the Blancos to fund Cristiano Ronaldo's move

Wesley Sneijder has revealed that Inter blocked his move to Manchester United in 2010.

The Dutchman, who moved from San Siro to Galatasaray in January, has claimed that he had held talks with the Red Devils boss three seasons ago following the Italian side's Champions League success.

However, Sneijder believes that the Nerazzurri demanded too high a figure for the Premier League giants to swallow, and hence the transfer never went through.

"We had some talks with Alex Ferguson back in 2010," he told Galatasaray Dergisi. "They [United] contacted the club after our treble season but too much money was asked for. And I was also happy at Inter so I decided to stay.

"Manchester United are a fantastic club and they kept showing interest after that year but not as determined as before.

"I don't give much thought about proposed transfers, if I’m happy somewhere, I’m happy there."

Sneijder also said that he could have chosen Barcelona over Real Madrid years ago, but ultimately opted for the Blancos even though the move did not work out as he would have liked.

"Real Madrid were very persuasive about signing me," he continued. "There were two possibilities in Spain for me: either Real Madrid or Barcelona.

"Barca are really a great club and they have won everything for the past six years but I always liked Real Madrid's white shirt. I was very excited when they offered me a deal and took it immediately. And for me, they have a greater history than Barcelona."

Sneijder believes that he was sold from the Santiago Bernabeu to help fund the move for Cristiano Ronaldo, but he insists that he is not bitter to have left.

The Dutchman added: "The second season at Real Madrid was really hard for me. The club were having some troubles financially and they wanted to cash in by selling some valuable players.

"They were looking to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United and Arjen Robben and I had to leave. It was not a big deal for me. Inter then showed an interest for me and, with Jose Mourinho, it wasn't really hard to decide."

This winter transfer window saw Sneijder receive a lot of attention due to Inter's desire to offload the Netherlands international, though he claims that he only had his heart set on Galatasaray.

"Galatasaray were my best option," he said. "They are one of the biggest clubs in Europe. We're playing for the title in Turkey; we're still in the Champions League.

"Yes, I had several offers from other teams, but I called my agent and told him that I wanted to sign for Galatasaray. Who knows, maybe I’ll stay here until I’m 40 years old."

 

[Danube]

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[Bolocks]

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool take goal-a-game non-League striker Carr on trial

By SAMI MOKBEL PUBLISHED: 22:28 GMT, 5 March 2013 | UPDATED: 08:05 GMT, 6 March 2013

Liverpool are set to invite non-League sensation Daniel Carr for a week-long trial.The 18-year-old, who plays for south London side Dulwich Hamlet, has scored 23 goals in 23 games for his club this season. He has been monitored by a string of Premier League and Championship clubs, and the Anfield side have made their move to secure the services of the promising teenager.

New partner? Daniel Carr could potentially line up alongside Luis Suarez next season

Having impressed Liverpool spies during his impressive campaign, the top-flight club now want to take a closer look at Carr.It will be a major jump in class for the youngster, who plys his trade eight leagues below Liverpool.Speaking earlier this season, Hamlet boss Gavin Rose said: 'We'd like to hold onto our boys to give us the best chance of competing in the league, which is so tight.

Champion Hill stadium: Where Carr plays for Dulwich Hamlet

Anfield: Where Carr could yet play in future

'If someone comes in for them at the end of the season then we would give them our blessing as a club.'It's the normal attention from clubs but we're trying not to focus on that and concentrate instead on the boy progressing.'
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[Bolocks]

Webb handed reins for FA Cup quarter-final clash between United and Chelsea at Old Trafford

By JOHN DRAYTON PUBLISHED: 19:21 GMT, 5 March 2013 | UPDATED: 19:21 GMT, 5 March 2013

Howard Webb has been charged with keeping a lid on things at Old Trafford on Sunday when Manchester United host Chelsea in the mouth-watering FA Cup tie. England's No 1 official was the man in the middle for the most recent World Cup final and is widely regarded as one of Europe's best. His appointment at Old Trafford often creates a storm on social media sites as a result of Ryan Babel's controversial tweet in 2011, which resulted in the Dutchman becoming the first professional footballer to be censured for comments made on Twitter.

Taking charge: Howard Webb will deputise during Chelsea's FA Cup match against Manchester United

FULL FA CUP LISTINGS

Everton v Wigan Athletic
Saturday 9 March (12.45pm)
Referee Kevin Friend
Assistant Referees Steve Child & Andrew Garratt
Fourth Official Neil Swarbrick

Manchester City v Barnsley
Saturday 9 March (5.30pm)
Referee Anthony Taylor
Assistant Referees Simon Bennett & Peter Kirkup
Fourth Official Christopher Foy

Manchester United v Chelsea
Sunday 10 March (4.30pm)
Referee Howard Webb
Assistant Referees Michael Mullarkey & Darren Cann
Fourth Official Phil Dowd

Millwall v Blackburn Rovers
Sunday 10 March (2pm)
Referee Martin Atkinson
Assistant Referees Stuart Burt & Simon Long
Fourth Official Lee Probert

On that occasion, Babel posted the below picture on Twitter of Webb wearing a United shirt after he awarded a penalty against Liverpool and sent off Steven Gerrard during an FA Cup tie.To the images, he added: 'And they call him one of the best referees? That’s a joke. SMH [shaking my head].'Babel was fined £10,000 after pleading guilty to a charge of improper conduct at an FA hearing at Wembley.

Elsewhere on this FA Cup weekend, Capital One Cup final referee Kevin Friend will be at Goodison Park where Everton host Wigan.Friend is no stranger to controversy in cup ties, and brandished a red card in each of his Wembley outings this season.Matt Duke was sent off in the Capital One Cup final by Friend after hauling down Jonathan de Guzman in the area.Perhaps more controversially, Friend sent off Branislav Ivanovic in the FA Community Shield clash between Manchester City and Chelsea.

In both instances, the 10-men teams went on to lose their matches. Meanwhile, Anthony Taylor will referee the clash between Manchester City and Barnsley, while Martin Atkinson is in charge of Millwall v Blackburn.

Up for a laugh: Ryan Babel tweeted this picture of Webb

Big game: Kevin Friend is no stranger to controversy during Cup ties, having sent off Branislav Ivanovic
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[Bolocks]

Wright calls on Kroenke to reveal plans for Arsenal
The former Gunners star wants the club's majority shareholder - often dubbed 'Silent Stan' - to "start answering some questions" about a rumoured sale to a Middle East consortium

Practice the key behind my free kicks, says Suarez
The Uruguayan has netted three direct set-pieces in his last two games and says his new-found proficiency from dead-ball situations is down to work on the training ground

Nani red card was justified, insists Keane
The Portuguese midfielder was controversially sent off for a challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa but the former Red Devils captain believes the referee made the right call

Ferguson proves he is still the boss despite cruel Champions League exit
The Scot's young side were the better team against Real Madrid but were knocked out 3-2 on aggregate at Old Trafford on Tuesday night following a highly controversial red card

Ronaldo opens door for Manchester United return after 'very emotional' night
The former Red Devil appeared to be apologetic after scoring the decisive goal in Real Madrid's Champions League last 16 victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday night

 

[Bolocks]

Liverpool move was a mistake, admits Cole

By Husmukh Kerai
Mar 6, 2013 8:30:00 AM

The West Ham midfielder reveals his regret at making the move to Anfield two years ago, while also revealing why he turned down a five-year deal to join Tottenham

Joe Cole has branded his transfer to Liverpool a mistake after spending two-and-a-half years in the wilderness at Anfield.

The West Ham midfielder rejoined his boyhood club in January after struggling to adapt to life on Merseyside and says he regrets his decision to join the Reds, a team who he felt no passion for.

The former England international also revealed how he had an opportunity to join Tottenham, but felt he would have betrayed Chelsea's supporters in moving to White Hart Lane.

"I can only play for teams that I’m passionate about and I think that’s what went wrong for me at Liverpool," he told reporters.

"I didn’t feel a connection with the club or the place that I had at Chelsea and West Ham.

"I had seven great years at Chelsea but the club wanted to go in a certain direction and I wasn’t involved. So I was left with two real options — Liverpool or Spurs.

"Spurs was probably the best option because they were offering me a five-year deal and it meant I could stay in familiar surroundings.

"But I just couldn’t do it, I just couldn’t see myself pulling that Spurs shirt over my head. With the rivalry between Spurs and West Ham and Chelsea, it felt a bit mercenary."

The 31-year-old insists he never called them "the biggest club in the country" after signing, a move at the time which sparked some ridicule in the playmaker.

He said: "When I joined, the guy interviewing me said ‘you’ve joined the biggest club in the country’ and reeled off the trophies they’d won.

"I just said ‘yeah, if you put it like that, I suppose you’re right’ and Liverpool used that as the headline to the interview.

"I didn’t want to upset anyone so I just went along with it. But obviously they’re not the biggest club in the country any more."

 

[Bolocks]

Defoe: This is the best Tottenham squad I've been in
The England striker has spent eight years of his career with the north London club, but he feels the current crop of players is the most impressive of his time at White Hart Lane

Benitez certain fatigue will not be an issue for Chelsea
The Blues have traveled to Romania for their Europa League tie with Steaua Bucharest, but despite a trip to Old Trafford coming soon after, the coach is not worried about tiredness

Newcastle lose Cisse to illness ahead of Anzhi clash
Alan Pardew has revealed that the striker has remained on Tyneside in order to recover but expects him to take part in the upcoming Premier League meeting with Stoke

Hiddink wary of Newcastle midfielder Sissoko
The 66-year-old coach believes the Magpies will pose a significant threat to his team when they arrive in Russia for their Europa League last-16 clash on Thursday

'It's Tottenham-Inter, not Bale-Inter' - Stramaccioni
The Nerazzurri head coach praised the quality of his side's Europa League last-16 opponents, while revealing that only fully-fit players will feature on Thursday night

Villas-Boas backs ‘evolved’ Bale to shine for Tottenham against Inter again
The Portuguese tactician has praised his star player ahead of their last-16 Europa League match at White Hart Lane and believes he has the ability to determine a game on his own

David Luiz wants to guide Chelsea to another European title
The Brazilian defender believes the Europa League is a "great opportunity" for his side, whilst Blues boss Rafael Benitez underlined his desire to win every competition

Wenger urges Arsenal to stay strong in wake of Tottenham defeat
Despite the club’s recent travails in domestic and European cup competitions, the French manager is confident the Gunners will rally as they approach the season’s home stretch

Uefa opens disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United and Nani
The European governing body have moved to sanction the club for Sir Alex Ferguson's failure to fulfil media obligations in the aftermath of the Portuguese's red card

Rio could face Uefa ban for sarcastically clapping referee Cuneyt Cakir in aftermath of Real Madrid defeat
The governing body is waiting on the reports of the Turkish official and the match delegate before deciding whether or not to take action against the England international

Laudrup: Swansea won't let up during run-in
The south Wales side face fixtures against the Premier League's top five teams before the end of the season and the Dane is eager for his side to continue impressing

Villas-Boas wants Tottenham clean sheet against Inter
The Spurs boss revealed his players are relishing the chance to face the "biggest team" left in the Europa League and is hoping his side can continue their superb recent form

Tough games are why I love football, says Tottenham star Vertonghen
Having experienced a north London derby at White Hart Lane for the first time last week, the defender says his side's ongoing run of difficult fixtures make this a "special time"

Beckham still 'passionate' about success
The 37-year-old's move to Parc des Princes has been branded a publicity stunt by sections of the media, but he insists he is hungry as ever to add to his trophy haul

Manchester United close to deal for Leicester starlet Schlupp
The 20-year-old forward has been on trial with the Red Devils for over a month and his Championship manager hinted that the youngster may move to the Premier League leaders

Bale prepared to reject summer move if Spurs secure Champions League football
Real Madrid have lined up a big-money bid for the Spurs attacker but he is ready to sit down with the club and discuss extending his contract until 2018

We can still catch Manchester United in title race, says Garcia
The 26-year-old midfielder thinks the Premier League champions can overhaul their rivals once again, despite lagging 12 points behind with just 10 games to play

Samba delighted by QPR blocking quick return to Russia
The Congolese defender was the subject of a bid from an unnamed Russian club after a €14m January move to Loftus Road, but is pleased the London club rejected the offer

 

[Bolocks]

Rooney fights for his United future as £20m bid might tempt fed-up Ferguson to sell

By IAN LADYMANPUBLISHED: 22:31 GMT, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 22:38 GMT, 6 March 2013

Wayne Rooney is facing a desperate fight to save his Manchester United career as manager Sir Alex Ferguson continues to harbour grave doubts about his fitness and attitude. Ferguson stunned football by dropping the England forward to the bench for Tuesday night's Champions League defeat against Real Madrid at Old Trafford. The United manager believes Rooney has failed to get on top of the weight and fitness issues that have dogged him since the start of the season and is fed up with waiting for an improvement.

Benched: Wayne Rooney started Tuesday night's game as a substitute after he was axed by Sir Alex Ferguson

Axed: Rooney's relationship with his manager is said to be tense after a difficult season at Old Trafford

With Rooney, 27, entering the final two years of his contract this summer, Ferguson knows he has a decision to make about his future. As it stands, the Scot will not rule out selling him at the end of the season if the club can attract a bid of more than £20million. Sources in both camps have told Sportsmail that the relationship between the pair has been tense for some time and shows no signs of getting better. Senior players say privately that they can sense it at the training ground on a daily basis. Rooney acknowledges that he and Ferguson have not been on the best of terms for much of this season but disputes suggestions that he has not looked after himself.

Super-rich Paris Saint-Germain have an interest in Rooney, while United's neighbours Manchester City would take the former Everton player in an instant if they thought their rivals would sell to them. City tried to buy Rooney in the autumn of 2010, prompting United to raise their wage ceiling to keep him. His former United and England team-mate Michael Owen told talkSPORT: 'It's got to be a big worry for Rooney. It's the biggest game of the season and the manager has shuffled his pack and not included him.'A couple of years ago, if Wayne wasn't the first-choice striker, he would have played him in left midfield or in behind the striker. For him not to start is a real kick in the teeth.

Real misery: Rooney could not prevent United crashing out of the Champions League to the Spanish giants on Tuesday

End of the road: Rooney will be weighing up his future at Old Trafford after he was snubbed by Ferguson

Dip in form: Rooney, cigarette in hand, relaxes on his honeymoon in Las Vegas

'Wayne will either get his head down, try to improve and force his way back into the team, or he'll think, "The manager has not picked me for the biggest game, he obviously doesn't fancy me", and it might not be the end of the story.' Meanwhile, UEFA have charged United for failing to fulfil their media obligations after Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat that put them out of the Champions League.

Bidding war: Both Manchester City and PSG would be interested should United choose to sell Rooney

Not only did Ferguson not attend the press conference after the game, United also failed to provide two players for post-match interviews, as mandated under UEFA rules. Nani, who was sent off by referee Cuneyt Cakir with United leading 1-0, will definitely be banned for one European game at least. His case, and United's, will be heard by UEFA on March 21. It will not be known if players like United defender Rio Ferdinand will face sanction for their actions after the game until Cakir files his report, probably later today.
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[Danube]

Spurs ready to offer Bale £40m in desperate attempt to keep hold of Welsh wizard

By SIMON JONES PUBLISHED: 23:00 GMT, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 23:06 GMT, 6 March 2013areth Bale in the Premier League for us all to enjoy

Tottenham are drawing up a 'double your money' £8million-a-year deal in a bid to keep Gareth Bale from the clutches of Europe's elite. The 23-year-old forward has been outstanding during the club's charge towards Champions League qualification, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, and Spurs will make their offer of a five-year deal worth around £40m once they have secured a place in the top four of the Barclays Premier League.

Bale signed a four-year contract worth a basic £75,000 a week last season which ties him to the club until 2016, but his increasing influence has prompted Tottenham to reassess that. Chairman Daniel Levy recognises the need to reward his prize asset, who has drawn comparisons with the world's best players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and will propose a groundbreaking offer for the club of around £150,000 a week.

Asset: Gareth Bale trained with Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele on Wednesday ahead of the Inter Milan tie

Lethal: The Welshman will be offered £8m-a-year to stay in north London

A queue of clubs wanting the Welshman is already forming. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City head the list of those after him this summer and all would be willing to pay substantially greater wages. But Levy values Bale at around £60million and will resist lesser offers. He sees Bale as pivotal to the club’s commercial growth, acknowledging that the player’s continuing development and rising profile will help attract lucrative sponsorships and kit deals.

Although Levy is reluctant to change a business strategy in which player wages do not exceed 70 per cent of Tottenham’s turnover, increased commercial revenue, plus Champions League funds, would help offset any extra money they give to their star man.Tonight, Bale will renew his rivalry with Inter Milan in the Europa League. As a 21-year-old in 2010, he hit a hat-trick in a losing cause at San Siro in the Champions League group stage, before a stunning display against the Italians helped Spurs to a 3-1 victory at White Hart Lane.

He was at Old Trafford on Tuesday to watch idol and compatriot Ryan Giggs play for Manchester United against Real Madrid and sampling the atmosphere has whetted his appetite for a return to that stage. Bale is encouraged by the fact that qualification for next season’s competition remains in Tottenham’s hands and that will play a significant part in persuading him where his future lies.

Crucial: Bale scored the opening goal in a 2-1 win over north London rivals Arsenal

Stunning: Bale struck an unstoppable long-range winner in injury time to beat West Ham at Upton Park

He is ambitious, but despite Real Madrid making him their No 1 target, it is not a foregone conclusion that he will leave.A graduate of Whitchurch High School in Cardiff, Bale is close to his family and travels to Wales regularly to see them. Girlfriend Emma Rhys-Jones had their first child last October and he is settled at Spurs. Towards the end of the season he will hold further talks with his advisers, who will outline the offers from across Europe, but Levy remains confident the improved offer can persuade him to stay.
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[Danube]

Williams to the rescue? Swansea defender being tracked by Gunners as Wenger looks set to ditch Vermaelen and Mertesacker

By SAMI MOKBEL PUBLISHED: 23:00 GMT, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 23:00 GMT, 6 March 2013

Arsene Wenger wants to overhaul his team’s spine after losing patience with central defensive duo Thomas Vermaelen and Per Mertesacker.The Arsenal manager is considering making Jack Wilshere captain next season at the expense of Vermaelen, and Sportsmail has learned that Wenger has told scouts to identify central defensive targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

Lost faith: Thomas Vermaelen stands dejected

Struggling: German defender Per Mertesacker

Paid the price: Arsenal's shoddy defending cost them dear in the north London derby on Sunday

Marseille’s Nicolas N’Koulou, Atletico Bilbao’s Fernando Amorebieta, Real Madrid’s Raul Albiol and Swansea’s Ashley Williams are among possible signings.As always, Wenger has fallen short of criticising individuals despite their difficult season, but privately the Gunners boss has grown increasingly frustrated at the performances of his centre backs.He has considered scrapping the club’s back-four system in favour of a back five, with three centre halves and two wing backs — as Sportsmail revealed in November.

In addition to the uncertainty over the places of Vermaelen and Mertesacker, first-choice right back Bacary Sagna is expected to leave in the summer.Wenger is also eyeing a new goalkeeper, holding midfielder and centre forward.Meanwhile, Wilshere, who turned 21 in January, could become the club’s full-time skipper from next season. As Sportsmail revealed last year, a plan was in place to give the influential midfielder the armband by 2015 but the club are considering bringing that plan forward. Vermaelen’s performances have dipped since being made captain before this season.The Belgian has not been helped by an ankle problem that has needed two anti-inflammatory injections this season.But there is also a sense that Vermaelen may benefit from being relieved of captaincy duties.

On the shortlist: Swansea's Ashley Williams and Real Madrid's Raul Albiol are potential replacements
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[Danube]

Liverpool plan to keep star striker Luis Suarez at Anfield despite annual debt of £87.2m

Liverpool insist they are under no financial pressure to sell star assets such as Luis Suarez, despite announcing an increase in club debts to £87.2 million.

Staying put: Liverpool have no plans to cash in on Luis Suarez Photo: ACTION IMAGES

By Chris Bascombe 11:00PM GMT 04 Mar 2013

The accounting period from Aug 2011 until May 2012 showed a rise in liabilities of £21.8 million at Anfield, underlining the challenge facing a club desperate to force their way back into the European elite.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said lack of Champions League football, allied to expensive transfers and the cost accrued from high-profile staff departures such as ex-manager Kenny Dalglish, contributed to the losses.

He refuted any suggestion financial pressures would impact on player sales. “We won’t be selling anyone because of the financial position,” Ayre said. “If we’re selling anyone it’ll be because they are deemed by the manager to be surplus to his requirements and obviously if that happens we will be replacing them and bringing new players in as we always do.

“There’s no panic on our part, far from it. We feel we are making progress. Our aspiration for the next couple of years, as the rules will dictate, is to break even and then to make a profit beyond that.

“The recent rules that we’ve adopted at the Premier League will expect people to break even and limit their spending and player wages. We’ve been a big advocate in pushing for that so we’re certainly not going to fall foul of it.”

The accounts revealed how owners Fenway Sports Group secured a £120 million refinancing of credit facilities in September 2011 with the Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of America and Barclays.

Ayre said this arrangement bore no resemblance to the “crippling” loans and interest fees arranged under previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. Ayre explained £120 million in credit facilities was agreed to ensure finance was available as and when required.

“Just to be clear, it’s not a loan,” Ayre said. “It’s money that’s there if we need to use it, so it’s not debt in the true sense that it’s been spent. It’s not like a loan. It’s a facility like an overdraft. If we are utilising it then we are paying some interest, but if we’re not utilising it or using a small portion then we’re paying little interest.

“The numbers we were facing in terms of interest payments in the past [under Hicks and Gillett] are well documented and this is nothing like that, far from it. It’s not crippling our business like it was at that time.

“We’ve got a really healthy debt structure which is allowing us to continue to invest in the club overall which has been shown by our investment in players, in staff and in infrastructure.”

Despite the debt increase, Liverpool’s annual pre-tax loss fell from £49.3 million to £40.5 million. FSG has also injected £46.8 million into the club via a non-interest loan, which they could turn into equity if necessary. There is no doubt FSG feel they remain in a period of repairing damage they partly inherited, and also accentuated with an initial, unsuccessful spending spree.

It cost £9.5 million to pay off Dalglish, Damien Comolli and various other members of the coaching staff as they paid the price for failing to return on that initial investment. With Liverpool recently shown to be the top of the agents’ fees table, too, cutting down on such wasted expenditure is a priority, as is finding a solution to the long-standing stadium issue.

“We have to manage in a responsible way,” Ayre said. “That doesn’t mean we won’t invest, but we will try to invest carefully and find the right deals. I would draw attention to January when we did some good business for the club and got two great players.”