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Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

  • Thread starter Thread starter Didier Drogba
  • Start date Start date

Hulk open to overseas move

1 January 2012

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Porto star Hulk says he is happy to stay in Portugal but admits he would consider a move away in January should the right offer materialise. The Brazilian's goalscoring exploits in Oporto have attracted the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs.

A reunion with former boss Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea has been reported, and the striker's agent has conceded the 25-year-old would consider a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Hulk has refused to confirm or deny whether he would be leaving in the next month, only saying that nothing was for certain.

"We never know what is going to happen tomorrow," Hulk told Record.
"I have four-and-a-half years left on my Porto contract but, as I have always said, if some day something good for me and for the club appears, I think there will not be any problem and a deal will be reached."

"As long as it is amicable and good for everyone, I believe it will be concluded without any problem. If I do not leave, then that is fine."
Hulk also addressed rumours that Paris Saint-Germain, now coached by former Chelsea and AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, were interested in taking him to France.

"With all due respect, it is clear that it is different to play at PSG or Real Madrid. It is clear that the way those two clubs are looked at is different but what I like is to play football and the only thing I want is to be good enough to do it," he said.
"If the day comes, I will go to where I think I will be happiest."

But the former Vitoria player categorically stated that he was happy to keep living in Portugal, where he felt at home and comfortable.
 

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McCarthy aiming for perfect start
Midfielder James McCarthy is hoping Wigan can begin 2012 in perfect fashion by bringing Sunderland back down to earth at the DW Stadium on Tuesday.


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Adebayor eyes home comforts
Emmanuel Adebayor has called on Tottenham to cement their place in the top four by taking maximum points from their home games this month.


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City hold no fears for Dalglish
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists super-rich Manchester City's super-talented squad hold no fears for his side.


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Swansea swoop for Sigurdsson
Swansea have signed midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson on loan from Hoffenheim until the end of the season, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.


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Everton duo hoping for late run
Manager David Moyes and skipper Phil Neville have challenged Everton to reproduce the improved second-half-of-the-season form.


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Larsson wants Black Cats to build
Sebastian Larsson has urged his Sunderland team-mates not to waste their shock victory over Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City by succumbing at Wigan.


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Hodgson closes Dorrans door
Roy Hodgson has no intention of letting Graham Dorrans leave for Rangers - and he does not expect the Gers to sell him Nikica Jelavic.


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Pennant denies exit talk
Jermaine Pennant insists he has no intention of quitting Stoke despite a lack of first-team action in recent weeks.


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Rooney back in training
Wayne Rooney was back in training with Manchester United on Monday as his club looked to draw a line under his recent disciplinary issue with Sir Alex Ferguson.


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Mancini demands Man City response
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini expects his players to learn the lessons from their shock loss at Sunderland very quickly.


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Tributes pour in for Gary Ablett
Tributes were paid on Monday to former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett who has died from cancer at the age of 46.


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Wenger expecting tough challenge
Arsene Wenger expects another tough match when Arsenal travel to Fulham in the Premier League.


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Hulk open to right move
Reported Chelsea target Hulk has fuelled talk of a move to Stamford Bridge by reiterating he would be willing to leave Porto.


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McLeish rules out Bent sale
Alex McLeish has warned any potential suitors that Aston Villa have no intention of parting with Darren Bent.


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Former Liverpool defender Ablett dies
Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett has died at the age of 46 after a long battle against cancer, the League Managers Association said.


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Macheda joins QPR on loan from United
Manchester United striker Federico Macheda has signed for Queens Park Rangers until the end of the season.

 

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Reds face off against slumping City
Sixth-placed Liverpool will head into Tuesday's clash with Barclays Premier League leader Manchester City confident of getting a result at the Etihad Stadium.


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Rooney ready to make United return
Manchester United are set to welcome back striker Wayne Rooney for the Barclays Premier League clash at Newcastle on Wednesday.


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Hansen leads Ablett tributes
Former Liverpool captain Alan Hansen has paid tribute to a "great" team-mate in Gary Ablett after the defender's death at the age of 46.


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Wenger unhappy with ref's decisions
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was not impressed with referee Lee Probert's decisions as he reflected on a 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Fulham on Monday night.


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Rodgers delighted with away win
Brendan Rodgers was delighted to see Swansea earn their first away win in the Premier League with a display at Aston Villa he felt truly showcased the team's virtues.


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AVB: We can still challenge for title
Andre Villas-Boas believes Chelsea can still challenge for the Premier League title after watching his side battle to a 2-1 win over Wolves at the Molineux.


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Kean praises Blackburn support
Steve Kean praised the Blackburn fans for getting behind their team at Ewood Park and felt they should have been rewarded with at least a point against Stoke.


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Barton slams 'ridiculous' red card
Joey Barton hit out at a "ridiculous decision" to send him off in QPR's 2-1 defeat by Norwich at Loftus Road for an apparent headbutt on Bradley Johnson.
 

Rooney set for Tyneside recall


3 January 2012

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Sir Alex Ferguson said Wayne Rooney will be available for Manchester United's clash at Newcastle on Wednesday. The striker reportedly accepted a fine of a week's wages after a poor performance in training following a night out with team-mates Darron Gibson and Jonny Evans.

Rooney was also dropped for United's shock 3-2 defeat against Blackburn Rovers on December 31.
Ferguson hinted the striker's fitness had become a concern and admitted the club are working to get Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs available for the match.

"We're trying hard to get Rio Ferdinand for (Wednesday) and Ryan Giggs, which would make a good difference to us," Ferguson told radio station Sirius XM.
"Anderson should be better; he had 45 minutes on Saturday after four months out.""There are no other ones to come back immediately. And Wayne Rooney will be available, of course."

"We had a few training sessions which he missed. You've got to be fit to play in this league, you can't miss training sessions."
"We're getting a lot of impact injuries, contact injuries. Maybe the way we play creates that because we're always wanting to have the ball and we're always wanting to play."
 

Monday 2nd January 2012

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Former Liverpool defender Ablett dies


Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett has died at the age of 46 after a long battle against cancer, the League Managers Association said.

Ablett, who had a season as Stockport manager in 2009-10, lost his 16-month fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on Sunday night.

"On behalf of Gary Ablett's family the LMA has on Monday confirmed that Gary passed away peacefully last night [Sunday] following a hard fought 16-month battle against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma," said an LMA statement. "Respected throughout the game by players, coaches and managers alike Gary will be sadly missed. "The LMA's thoughts and condolences are with Gary's wife Jacqueline and children."

Ablett was a Liverpool apprentice before making his debut for the club in 1986 during current boss Kenny Dalglish's first spell in charge. Having won two league titles and an FA Cup at Anfield he made the switch across Stanley Park to Goodison and became the first player to win the FA Cup with both Merseyside clubs after the Toffees' Wembley win over Manchester United in 1995.

He also played for Birmingham, Wycombe, Blackpool and the American club Long Island Rough Riders before retiring from playing. His early coaching career saw him start in the Everton youth set-up before replacing Paco Herrera as the coach of Liverpool reserves, where he won both the Premier Reserve League North and also the national title in 2008.

Ablett left Liverpool a year later and was appointed Stockport manager at a difficult time for the club - they were in administration - and left after a change of ownership. Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans told Sky Sports News: "It's a big shock. Obviously we know Gary's been ill for a while. It's a really sad day." Recalling Ablett as a player, Evans added: "He was good at everything he did as a player.

"He went into coaching and stamped his personality onto that and was doing a very good job, certainly at youth level. I remember he had bit of a difficult first spell at Stockport, but overall he's had a great career in football, he's a big loss to the sport. "He made a big contribution to the game." David Fairclough, who played for Liverpool between 1974 and 1983, added: "He was a lovely lad, he always conducted himself in the right way. He was great with people, always personable. What always came through with Gary was his attitude was just always very, very right."

Ablett took up a coaching role with Ipswich in July 2010 but was taken ill while at the club's training ground and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. "Liverpool Football Club were today [Monday] saddened to learn of the death of former player Gary Ablett," said a statement from the Reds. "The staff of Liverpool FC would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Gary." A statement from Everton said: "Everyone at Everton was saddened to learn of the death of Gary Ablett.

"The thoughts of everyone at Everton are with Gary's family and friends at this tragic time."
In October Ablett spoke of the shock at being diagnosed with the disease. "Jacqueline took one look at me and took me straight to the doctors," he said in an interview with Everton's official website to support Blue September - a campaign to raise awareness of forms of cancer specifically affecting men.

"The following day they whisked me to Ipswich hospital and the sister asked us if we knew why we were there.
"We said 'for tests' but she told us they had found a really aggressive lymphoma and that without immediate treatment I'd be in serious trouble. "From diagnosis to that first session of chemotherapy was less than three days, so it was a massive shock."

Former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann, who became Stockport manager in 2011 a year after Ablett left the post, said on Sky Sports News: "It's devastating news. He's a very highly regarded and respected man on Merseyside and a true legend." Paul Walsh, who played alongside Ablett at Liverpool in the 1980s, described the news of Ablett's death as "absolutely tragic".

He said: ""I'm absolutely stunned at the news, I knew he wasn't well, but 46 years of age is absolutely tragic." "He was was a hell of a nice person. He was a top lad. Just wanted to get in there and do well, didn't do anything fancy but a great pro who trained hard with a great attitude to everything he did. "There was also a steely determination about Gary. You don't get in the Liverpool team and come through the ranks at Liverpool and play 100 times for them if you haven't got that little bit of steel."

Michael Owen said on his Twitter account: "So sad to hear the news that Gary Ablett has passed away today [Monday] aged 46. He played for some great clubs and had a career to be proud of. RIP." Former club Birmingham have announced a minute's silence will be observed before their npower Championship match at Peterborough on Monday with another held at St Andrew's on Saturday prior to their FA Cup third round tie with Wolves.

"The thoughts of everyone connected with Birmingham City Football Club are with the friends and family of Gary Ablett," said a Blues statement. "Just like he battled as a fierce competitor on the pitch, Ablett fought non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for over year before passing away peacefully last night [Monday]. "Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Gary's wife Jacqueline and his children and everyone else that knew him."

Ipswich's players will wear black armbands for Monday afternoon's visit of Nottingham Forest and Ablett will be honoured with a minute's applause. "It's desperately sad news," Town chief executive Simon Clegg told itfc.co.uk. "I stayed in touch with Gary as he battled his illness over 18 months, which he did with bravery and dignity and our thoughts go out to his wife Jacqueline and their children at this very difficult time."

Ian Rush, who played alongside Ablett during his two spells at Liverpool in the 1980s and 90s, said Merseyside will be united in their sorrow on Monday. "He sums up what people are like in Liverpool, In 1989 (FA Cup final) when Liverpool and Everton fans were together, this will be exactly the same for Gary," Rush said. "He's a true Scouser and when things are going wrong people stick together, they get together, both Liverpool and Everton supporters will support each other. That's what people on Merseyside will be doing today [Monday]."

He added on Sky Sports News: "We're absolutely gutted, Gary was a gentleman both on and off the pitch. When I received the news this morning [Monday] I just couldn't believe it. It was terrible news and my heart goes out to his family. "What you saw is what you got with Gary. Whoever he played for, be it Liverpool, Everton, Birmingham or whoever, he always gave 100%. That's very rare these days. In those days people just saw him as a normal player, but I think in today's game he'd be right up there because these sorts of players don't come by anymore."

Rush also praised Ablett's coaching ability, adding: "People don't realise what a good coach he was. "I remember him when he was managing Liverpool reserves, he put his voice across in the right way. He wasn't a shouter or a raver, he put it in the right way. His knowledge of the game was getting better all the time.
 

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City, Milan continue Tevez tussle
AC Milan insist talks regarding a move for Carlos Tevez remain ongoing, but are adamant they will not bow to Manchester City's demands.


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Neville: Ref right to dismiss Djourou
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes referee Lee Probert was right to send off Johan Djourou in Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Fulham.


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Report: Villa seek Robbie Keane deal
Aston Villa are interested in signing Los Angeles Galaxy striker Robbie Keane on a two month loan, Press Association Sport understands.


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Ramires backs AVB over injustices
Chelsea midfielder Ramires does not believe the club will get anywhere unless they retain manager Andre Villas-Boas.


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Hodgson: Baggies must do better
Head coach Roy Hodgson has warned West Brom must improve on their weekend performance against Everton if they are to stay clear of a relegation battle.


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Martinez wary of Sunderland threat
Victory at Sunderland in November ended Wigan's long winless run but boss Roberto Martinez expects the Black Cats to be a very different prospect at the DW Stadium.


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Ricketts: Gary Cahill class act
Bolton defender Sam Ricketts believes Chelsea will be signing a gem if they do manage to complete a deal for centre-back Gary Cahill.


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Kean rues missed opportunity
Blackburn boss Steve Kean described the 2-1 defeat against Stoke as a missed opportunity but remained upbeat about his side's chances of getting out of trouble.


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'Lucky' Lampard keeps Blues in the mix
Chelsea's Frank Lampard admits he was "a bit lucky" not to have been sent off at Wolves.


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QPR unlikely to appeal Barton red
QPR manager Neil Warnock holds little faith an appeal would overturn Joey Barton's red card in the 2-1 defeat to Norwich.


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Zamora exit talk played down
Fulham manager Martin Jol has played down speculation linking Bobby Zamora with a January move away from the club.


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Adebayor wants backing from stands
Emmanuel Adebayor has called on the Tottenham fans to roar their team on to victory in Tuesday night's clash against West Brom at White Hart Lane.


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Wright: Fergie boot will do Rooney good
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has backed Manchester United's Wayne Rooney to bounce back in style from his latest run in with Sir Alex Ferguson.


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VDV: Nobody wants to leave Spurs now
Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has quashed rumours of him quitting the club and insisted that Spurs are on the verge of something special this season.


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De Jong looking forward to Reds test
Midfielder Nigel de Jong expects Manchester City to pull together to get their title charge back on track.


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Henderson: We'll give City a fight
Jordan Henderson believes his Liverpool team will be more than a match for Manchester City's star-studded side when they square off on Tuesday.

 

Dalglish, Mancini agree on fixture glut


3 January 2012

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Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has backed Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini's claim the club's play too many matches this time of year.The Italian has complained that players do not get enough time to rest in between matches in the busy period.

Like Mancini, Dalglish believes the players' union is responsible for protecting the players and they should be the ones trying to prevent such fixture pile ups.
"I think Roberto made a great point here after our game when he said the players’ union should be the one canvassing for the players," Dalgish said.

"If the games are coming up thick and fast, then what do the players' union think of it?"
One of the main enforcers of the increased amount of fixtures over Christmas are TV companies. They pay millions of pounds to football clubs every year, thus have an input in when games shall be played.

Although Dalglish respects the money they have put into clubs has helped the game, he still believes there are too many fixtures around the Christmas and New Year period.
"I think TV has been massively helpful to many people in the Premier League, ourselves included. So we can’t bite the hand that feeds us," he said.

"There has, though, got to be a bit of common sense. I think a game on the first and the third (of January) is a bit unreasonable really."
"Nobody listened to us when we made the same point when we had our Carling Cup game (at Chelsea in November) just two days after playing a league game (against Manchester City)."

"It's not up to us. I think in general there’s got to be a reasonable amount of time for the players to recover."
"I know people say Roberto has a massive squad and he’s got enough to field two teams and all that, but you've still got to take the players into consideration because after all, they are the ones who are the attraction."
 

Report: Keane nears Villa move


3 January 2012

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Aston Villa are reportedly hoping to complete a two-month loan deal for Los Angeles Galaxy striker Robbie Keane within the next week.

Goal.com has revealed that the former Tottenham star has held talks with Villa manager Alex McLeish, and is eager to complete a move in order to keep up his fitness ahead of the new Major League Soccer season in March and the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 campaign in June and July.

Keane, 31, has asked the Galaxy to allow him to return to the English Premier League with Villa in a similar deal that has seen team-mate Landon Donovan join Everton.
Thierry Henry is also set for a move back to England, with the French forward set to sign for Arsenal on a two-month deal from New York Red Bulls.

Keane is currently training with Spurs until January 20, an arrangement agreed in mid-December before Villa’s interest emerged. The Galaxy are unlikely to block the loan move for Keane but would need to reach an agreement on insurance, while Villa would be expected to pay the player's wages in full during the loan period.

McLeish wants to wrap up a deal for Keane as soon as possible, although the Ireland captain is very unlikely to feature in Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash at Bristol City.
Villa, who would have to register Keane in their 25-man squad, want the player available for seven Premier League matches before he makes his return to California.

McLeish is a long-term admirer of Keane and tried to sign him for Birmingham last January, but the Midlands club failed to agree personal terms with the former Liverpool, Leeds United and Wolves man despite agreeing a six-million pound fee.

Keane instead joined West Ham on loan before moving to LA Galaxy from Spurs in August in a deal worth an initial 2.2 million pounds. A move to Villa would see Keane link up with international team-mates Shay Given and Richard Dunne.
Keane scored four goals in nine appearances for the Galaxy, helping the club to the MLS Cup in season 2011.
 

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Moyes cautious of Bolton upset
Everton boss David Moyes claims recent results show why nobody can take anything for granted in the Barclays Premier League.


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Terry: I'm fully behind Villas-Boas
Chelsea captain John Terry insists he is totally behind manager Andre Villas-Boas and has denied reports of dressing room unrest at Stamford Bridge.


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De Gea: Mistakes are part of the game
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has no intention of letting his mistakes bother him.


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Santon: Balotelli future at City uncertain
Mario Balotelli's Premier League future remains in the balance, says his Italy team-mate Davide Santon.


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Lampard: We can only blame ourselves

Goal hero Frank Lampard admits Chelsea can only blame themselves for slipping out of the Barclays Premier League title race.


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Henry ready to fight for Wolves place
Wolves midfielder Karl Henry insists he is happy to fight for his place at Molineux after being the subject of speculation linking him with a move to QPR.


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Kakuta close to Dijon loan switch

Chelsea forward Gael Kakuta is close to a loan move to Dijon, according to the French club, but Marseille and Olympiacos are also interested.


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Aston Villa complete Stevens deal
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is hoping left-back Enda Stevens can quickly adjust to the demands of the Premier League after completing his move from Shamrock Rovers.


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QPR appeal Barton red card
QPR have decided to appeal to the Football Association against the red card Joey Barton received against Norwich at Loftus Road.


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Pilkington believes in Norwich spirit
Anthony Pilkington is in no doubt Norwich's team spirit can help them achieve the collective goal of Barclays Premier League survival.


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United's Jones loving life at the top
Phil Jones may have been critical of Manchester United's performance against Blackburn last Saturday but he is still loving life at the Premier League summit.


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No Swansea move for Goosens
Swansea have failed in a bid to bring NEC Nijmegen midfielder John Goossens to the Liberty Stadium after the Dutchman turned down their offer.


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Lampard reiterates Chelsea commitment

Frank Lampard has insisted he remains "very committed" to Chelsea and urged the club to keep the spine of the team intact.


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Coyle expects Cahill to join Chelsea
Owen Coyle remains relaxed about Gary Cahill's proposed switch to Chelsea as he expects developments when there is a lull in the Premier League schedule.


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Terry considers legal action over pic
John Terry is considering taking legal action after an image resembling the Chelsea and England captain appeared on cigarette packets in India.
 

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Hodgson: Spurs are title contenders
Roy Hodgson hailed Tottenham as serious Barclays Premier League title contenders after they beat his West Brom side 1-0 at White Hart Lane.


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Steve Harper ponders Hull move
Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper is considering a loan move to npower Championship club Hull.


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O'Neill hails Sunderland display
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill labelled Tuesday's 4-1 win over Wigan more impressive than their weekend win against Premier League leaders Manchester City.


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Riise denies Djourou red-card plan

John Arne Riise has denied Fulham players deliberately tried to get Arsenal defender Johan Djourou sent off on Monday.


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No Cahill worries for Coyle
Bolton manager Owen Coyle says Gary Cahill is "absolutely" a part of his plans for Wednesday's Barclays Premier League trip to Everton as things stand.


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Dalglish seeks Liverpool improvement
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes his side can still improve after watching them fall to a 3-0 loss to Manchester City on Tuesday evening.


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Mancini hails 'important' City victory
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was pleased with his side's 3-0 win over Liverpool on Tuesday, which he called an 'important' result.


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PFA welcome Liverpool Suarez decision
The Professional Footballers' Association has welcomed Liverpool's decision to accept the eight-match ban imposed on striker Luis Suarez for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.


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Full statement from Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez released this statement after it was announced there will be no appeal against his eight-match ban.


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Liverpool decide against Suarez appeal
Liverpool will not appeal against Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra, the club announced on Tuesday night.
 

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Fulham make offer for Maxi Lopez
Fulham have made an offer for Catania striker Maxi Lopez, according to the Italian club.


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Cabaye: United still title favourites
Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye believes that Manchester United's experience and teamwork will give them the edge over rivals Manchester City in the title race.


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Moyes wants more from Anichebe

Everton manager David Moyes has backed striker Victor Anichebe to fulfil his potential by upping his desire to achieve more at the club.


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Injuries pile up for Spurs
Tottenham's injury woes deepened as William Gallas and Sandro both hobbled off in the 1-0 win over West Brom with calf tears that could rule them out for months.


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Mancini: City ready for 'crucial' month
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes if his side are top of the Barclays Premier League this time next month they stand a good chance of winning the title.


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Barton threatens action over red card
QPR captain Joey Barton continues to walk a disciplinary tightrope after claiming he could sue over the red card he received against Norwich.


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Jones relishing hectic festive fixtures
Many Premier League's foreign contingent may struggle to understand the packed festive calendar, but Manchester United's Phil Jones is not amongst those complaining.


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Moyes eager for Donovan to deliver
Everton boss David Moyes is looking forward to seeing if Landon Donovan can reproduce the form that made him so popular during his first spell at Goodison Park.


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Rio: 6-1 loss was good for United
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes the team's defensive woes this season will only serve to make them stronger.


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Man United target quick response
Manchester United will look to begin 2012 in positive fashion when they travel to the Sports Direct Arena on Wednesday to face Newcastle.


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Redknapp fears for Spurs pair
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is worried Sandro and William Gallas could be missing for a lengthy period after suffering calf injuries in the 1-0 win over West Brom.


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Mancini laments Barry red card
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was unhappy with Gareth Barry's sending-off in their 3-0 win at home to Liverpool.


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Lampard: Don't write off old guard
Frank Lampard insists the spine of the team which has brought Chelsea so much success during the past decade is still crucial to their chances of glory during the modern era.


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Szczesny: Gunners need Henry
Wojciech Szczesny admits Arsenal "need" record goalscorer Thierry Henry back at the club.


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Cardiff seal Elliot Parish swoop
Aston Villa have confirmed that Elliot Parish is to remain with Cardiff City, with the goalkeeper having completed a permanent switch.
 

Tuesday 3rd January 2012

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Terry considers legal action over pic

John Terry is considering taking legal action after an image resembling the Chelsea and England captain appeared on cigarette packets in India.

A blurred image of a person looking extremely like Terry has appeared on the packets above a "smoking kills" warning.

A spokesman for Elite Management, which represents Terry, said no permission had been given for the use of the defender's image in promotion of an anti-smoking drive in India.

Their statement read: "It's been brought to our attention that an image of our client (Terry) has been used on some cigarette packaging without our consent or knowledge.

We've now instructed our legal team to investigate this matter."

KS Dhatwalia, additional secretary of the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity, told the Indian Express it was "not clear" how the image had been used.

"We sent the creative to the health ministry and they then cleared it and circulated it," he said. "But how Terry's picture got to be used is not clear."

Terry's representatives believe the image may have been copied from one of the defender's numerous endorsements.
 

Wednesday 4th January 2012

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Full statement from Luis Suarez


Luis Suarez released this statement after it was announced there will be no appeal against his eight-match ban.

"First of all I would like to thank everyone so much for all the help and support I have received during these last few weeks.

Thank you to my family, my friends and everybody at LFC (the staff, manager and coaching staff, the directors, my team mates and everyone who is working on a daily basis for this great club) and thank you especially to all the fans who made sure I never felt let down for one second. During those days I understood more than ever what 'You'll Never Walk Alone' means.

Like many of you I was born into a very humble family, in a working class neighbourhood, in a small country. But I was born and raised learning what respect, manners and sacrifice mean. Thanks to my family, from my first club where I started playing, to my transfer to Holland in Europe, I learned the values which made me the person I am now. Never, I repeat, never, have I had any racial problem with a team mate or individual who was of a different race or colour to mine. Never.

I am very upset by all the things which have been said during the last few weeks about me, all of them being very far from the truth. But above all, I'm very upset at feeling so powerless whilst being accused of something which I did not, nor would not, ever do. In my country, 'negro' is a word we use commonly, a word which doesn't show any lack of respect and is even less so a form of racist abuse. Based on this, everything which has been said so far is totally false.

I will carry out the suspension with the resignation of someone who hasn't done anything wrong and who feels extremely upset by the events. I do feel sorry for the fans and for my team mates whom I will not be able to help during the next month. It will be a very difficult time for me. The only thing I wish for at the moment is being able to run out again at Anfield and to do what I like most which is playing football. Thank you very much.

YNWA [You'll Never Walk Alone]."
 
Last edited:

Wednesday 4th January 2012

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Fulham make offer for Maxi Lopez


Fulham have made an offer for Catania striker Maxi Lopez, according to the Italian club.

The Cottagers have scored just 22 goals in 20 Barclays Premier League games this season and England striker Bobby Zamora has been in and out of the side amid speculation about his relationship with manager Martin Jol.

Powerful Argentinian Maxi, 27, would provide Jol with a fresh option up front, and Catania sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco revealed Fulham's interest.

"On Maxi Lopez there are no developments as yet, but an offer has been received from Fulham and we are evaluating it," Lo Monaco told Radio Mana Mana.

"We are waiting to see what the Italian clubs will do.

"AC Milan are definitely out, while we will see what happens with Fiorentina. Lazio? I don't think they need Maxi."


 

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Ba hails fantastic Newcastle win
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Taylor: Suarez ban a lesson to all
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Rovers fans to step up protests
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Wednesday 4th January 2012

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Rovers fans to step up protests

Organised protests against the current Blackburn hierarchy are to resume with "increased intensity", it has been announced.

With the club struggling near the foot of the Barclays Premier League, a section of Rovers supporters have demonstrated against manager Steve Kean and owners Venky's at several Ewood Park fixtures this season. The action was officially postponed for the final two home matches of 2011, although losses in those games against West Brom and Bolton saw many fans continue to vent their anger anyway.

Blackburn then enjoyed an upturn in form, securing a 1-1 draw at Liverpool and a shock 3-2 victory at Manchester United, and after Monday's home game against Stoke, Kean praised the Blackburn supporters for getting behind their team, even though they had were 2-1.

However, organisers Glen Mullan and Simon Littler have now released a statement confirming that further protests are planned. It read: "The aim of the protests, as from the start, will be about the removal of Steve Kean as first-team manager, Venky's as owners of the club and now the removal of the board of directors.

"The intensity of the protest will increase substantially. "As Blackburn Rovers fans we have no choice but to try to ensure we preserve the legacy left by the late Jack Walker. "While we appreciate that this era is in the past, the failure by Venky's and the current board of directors to build on his legacy leaves fans with very little if anything to cling on to."

Prior to the postponement in December, Mullan had revealed that communication between protesters and the club had improved, but it is claimed in the latest statement that Blackburn have failed to keep promises on that front. Rovers, currently 19th in the table, host Fulham in their next league match on January 14, with a trip to Newcastle in the FA Cup to come before that this weekend.
 

Wenger escapes FA sanction


4 January 2012

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The FA has confirmed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will not be charged over his comments made towards referee Lee Probert.

The Frenchman reacted badly after his side's 2-1 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, with defender Johan Djourou sent off 12 minutes from time for a second bookable offence.

Martin Jol's men went on to come from behind and secure victory, with goals from Steve Sidwell and Bobby Zamora coming after the Swiss defender's dismissal, prompting the Gunners boss to criticise the officials in the aftermath of the result.

"The referee influenced the game in completely the wrong way, in my opinion," Wenger said after the game.

However, the FA have decided that they will not take any action over the comments.

An FA spokesman said: "We have looked at the statements made and I can confirm we won't be taking the matter further."
 

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Ferguson denies it´s panic stations

5 January 2012

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Sir Alex Ferguson has denied it's time to panic following Manchester United's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United.Ferguson said he has the squad capable of bouncing back after two consecutive losses.The champions fell behind after a Demba Ba volley and a stunning free-kick from Yohan Cabaye before their misery was completed in injury time after Phil Jones netted an own goal.

United's first away defeat of the campaign has left them three points behind league leaders Manchester City, while Tottenham also have the chance to pull level on points with Ferguson's side if they win their game in hand against Everton.

"This is not a time to be panicking. We've got the personal experience to cope with that," Ferguson told Sky Sports.
"Losing the game at this time of the year - you don't want it, it sometimes can happen, you've seen some of the results recently.""But obviously we need to get the show on the road in terms of the run-in, particularly in March and April."

"
Despite a promising start, which saw Dimitar Berbatov head against the post, Ba's opener gave the hosts confidence to pin United back.“They scored a fantastic goal and it really pepped everyone up in the stadium, their supporters get up, they get aggressive against us and made it difficult against us," Ferguson added.

"It was a marvellous volley and the second one just after half time was a killer for us. Marvellous strike from the free-kick."
"But we didn't make enough of our possession with the ball anyway.""The story of the game was they had two fantastic strikes that put them in the driving seat, they weren't going to lose it. They were really determined and made sure they didn't lose it."

Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew hailed striker Ba as 'outstanding.'
"Outside his goal, which was top-class, Demba's all-round performance was outstanding," Pardew said."He picked it up in the hole, he went behind, he put himself in the firing line and he was aggressive in the air. It was as good a performance as he has put in."

"It is difficult to compare him to others strikers in the Premier League because he hasn't had too much time here in England but this year you would have to put him in the top four or five."
"His biggest asset is his personality – he is a winner.""Whatever role I have given him he has always tried to do to the best of his ability."

"His all-round performances have been excellent and tonight he was a leader and he put in a performance to match that."
Pardew claimed the key factor behind Newcastle's first win over the Red Devils in a decade was their determination not to allow the visitors to get into their stride."We were aggressive in the box and we got our reward for that but we also played some really decent stuff."

"We were brave. We pushed on to them," he said.
Pardew is keen to make sure his players remain grounded."One or two were exceptional but I am just proud of all of them. But my job is to make sure that we don't get too carried away with that because we have got a very important game coming up at the weekend in the FA Cup against Blackburn."
 
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