All posts by h79snht.top

Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll have made me think a lot more positively about modern footballers. It is no secret that Arsenal and Liverpool do not want the two youngsters to link up with Stuart Pearce’s England Under-21 squad for the European Championship in Denmark this month. But Wilshere and Carroll want to represent their country, hope to win silverware and are keen to experience tournament football, which can only benefit the senior squad in years to come. This is refreshing talk for those of us who were never familiar with the expressions ‘too much football’ or ‘burn-out’.

Even the expression ‘club v country dispute’ sounds a little foreign to players of my era. There never used to be any dispute because your country always came first. I missed the birth of my eldest daughter Lynn because I was away in Norwich, playing for the England Under-23s, as it was then. These days, it’s almost unthinkable that a player would turn out for the Under-21s on the day he became a father for the first time. But the records show that I scored once, and Bobby Charlton twice, in a 3-0 win over Czechoslovakia at Carrow Road. Neither myself, my wife nor anybody at the Football Association thought twice about me being there.

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I can also remember being packed off to Lilleshall for a two-day England training session, while limping through injury. I hobbled out of the car and Alf Ramsey shouted: “What the f*** are you doing here, you’re injured. F*** off back to Tottenham.” When I returned to Spurs, my manager Bill Nicholson told me: “I know you were injured but it’s up to Alf to make the decision. It’s your duty to turn up for your country.” This unquestioning attitude towards international call-ups continued until Leeds manager Don Revie started pulling his players out of England squads because of suspicious minor injuries. Ironically, Don went on to manage England but his most significant legacy to the international game was this practice of inventing injuries to players, who would always be fit for their club’s next match.

This is widespread now, of course, and it is difficult to see it changing when the majority of Premier League bosses are not English and when most supporters care more about their club than their country. That is why it is encouraging to hear that Wilshere, 19, and Carroll, 22, are both so keen to play for the Under-21s, despite becoming senior squad regulars this season. If a young player doesn’t want to be playing football morning, noon and night, there must be something wrong with them

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So what if they only end up getting three or four weeks’ holiday? That sort of break would have been a luxury for international players in my playing days. We’d usually have a post-season tour followed by a fortnight off, then back into pre-season training with another tour. I can remember playing for the Under-23s in Italy one May, then getting a train to Zurich for a flight back to London to meet up with the senior England squad for a flight to Rio and a three-nation tour of South America.

Another summer there was an England tour of Eastern Europe, followed straight away by a Spurs trip to South Africa. And after the longest summer of all, the 1966 World Cup, I had just five days holiday in Majorca before I was back on a plane to Malaga for a pre-season tournament with Spurs. I don’t recall complaining of ‘burn-out’ or ‘too much football’ and I’m delighted to hear that Wilshere and Carroll aren’t either. As for the clubs, they won’t be moaning about burn-out when they’re on their pre-season tours of the Far East in July.

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FootballFanCast.com WORLD Exclusive, Robbie Savage’s Face in a Baby Scan

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Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt insists that the club have still not accepted Bayern Munich’s bid for goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.The 25-year-old shot-stopper caught the eye as Schalke reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, eventually losing out to English Premier League heavyweights Manchester United.

The Gelsenkirchen outfit also won the German Cup, but only managed a 14th-placed finish in the Bundesliga.

The form of Germany number one Neuer prompted interest from Schalke’s Bundesliga rivals Bayern, who are rumoured to lead the chase for his services.

But it appears Neuer’s move to Bavaria is still some way off being completed.

“There is nothing new. We had a meeting scheduled today in which we presented the offer Bayern Munich made for Neuer. We have talked about that but we haven’t made any decisions yet,” Heldt said on Tuesday.

“First of all, Manuel said in his press conference – in which I sat beside him – that he has a contract with us until 2012. It is my belief that one should honour such words. He never said that he wanted to leave the club right now, even while admitting that he has thought about it, and despite the fact that Bayern wants him.”

Manchester United have responded to claims from Owen Hargreaves that they mismanaged his knee injury during his time at Old Trafford, stating their disappointment at their former player’s comments.

The England midfielder had an injury plagued time at the Premier League champions, and following his free transfer move to Manchester City has blamed United for his time on the sidelines.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s team had initially declined to comment, but have defended themselves against the player’s criticism.

“Manchester Unitedis disappointed with Owen’s remarks after the game on Wednesday. The club gave him the best possible care for three years and is as disappointed as anyone he was not able to play a part in the team’s success at that time,” a statement on the club’s official website read.

“It has shared all the medical records with Manchester City and is comfortable with the actions taken by its medical staff at each step of his many attempts at rehabilitation.

“United does not acknowledge any validity in the comments Owen is alleged to have made. Manchester United has some of the best sports medical staff in world sport, who have made a significant contribution to United’s on-pitch success in recent seasons,” it concluded.

Hargreaves returned to first team football for City in the Carling Cup in midweek, scoring the first goal in a 2-0 victory over Birmingham in a man of the match performance.

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Inter Milan are looking to hijack Ibrahim Afellay’s move to the Premier League.

The playmaker has been told that he will be leaving PSV this winter, as the Dutch Giants look to get some sort of fee for Afellay before his contract runs out this summer. Afellay confirmed that it was his desire to move to English football last week, with Liverpool and Manchester United his chosen destinations.

“Playing in the Premier League would be best for my prestige. I’d like to play for Liverpool or Manchester United, the top-level prospect for any player.”

However according to reports in the Corriere dello Sport, Inter Milan are looking to hijack any move for Afellay and want to team him up with his fellow countryman Wesley Sniejder.

Sniejder would be delighted to see Afellay link up with him at the San Siro and believes that when he does leave PSV, he should reject any advances from the Premier League and move to Italy instead.

“Afellay is ready for the next step. He should leave Holland and would fit in well at Inter.

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“I told him that myself, he knows what we think of him here at Inter.

“I like playing with him because he understands me – and that’s not easy.” (Daily Mail)

Surprisingly, Arsene Wenger is reportedly ready to splash out £30 million this summer to recruit new players as he prepares to launch yet another assault on the Premier League next season.

Wenger’s wish-list this summer consists of four players, Fulham’s veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, Everton’s Phil Jagielka, Chelsea’s Joe Cole and Lorient’s Laurent Koscielny, all of which are realistic targets. However, are they the correct players to be targeting with a £30 million transfer kitty? Personally, I don’t think so

Not to say Wenger doesn’t know what he is doing because in my opinion, the man is an Arsenal icon who has accomplished great things for the North London club since his arrival in 1996, but I, (maybe along with some other Arsenal fans reading this) feel that he is targeting the wrong players in the right positions. I for one am actually very surprised to hear that Wenger is willing to splash the cash, as he hasn’t done this in several years. Although, I sense that at least 2-3 player’s that Mr. Wenger has targeted this summer won’t adapt well into the Arsenal squad.

If I were in Wenger’s shoes as Arsenal boss, my aim would be to acquire at least four players with the £30 million transfer funds available (one of which is free) and Le Professeur has already expressed an interest in. Nevertheless, here is what I would spend the £30 million on this summer, enjoy:

Joe Hart (Manchester City)

My first protocol would be to acquire a young, talented and reliable goalkeeper and Joe Hart fits that description perfectly. He would be a definite transfer target for me without a doubt.

Arsenal suffered severely in this department last season and many will agree (along with me) that if the Gunners had a great keeper guarding the net, then they could have gone further than they did. Too many goals were conceded, and although people will say that the defence contributed to this (which evidently they did), however, its Manuel Almunia with the gloves on, and as such, needs to keep the ball out of his net…its what he’s paid for after all. Lukasz Fabianski is still young so I can’t really bad mouth the lad, but he proved with his performances last season that he lacks confidence and can’t handle pressure well, he is simply not ready.

With this all being said I would look to acquire Joe Hart from City this summer. The 23-year-old had a fantastic season on loan for Birmingham City, but is now back in Eastland’s after his long loan spell expired in May.

The shot-stopper’s future remains in the balance at City with Shay Given the obvious no.1. Hart is a great keeper who can only get better with time, and with his future unresolved, I would certainly look to buy the England international for sure. A bid of around £9 million would acquire his services, which is a real bargain in my opinion.

Cash Spent: £9 million

Total Funds Left: £21 million

Turn to page 2 to see the 3 other players on the list

Simon Kjaer (Palermo)

Having watched the 21-year-old Danish defender against the Netherlands the other day, I would certainly say that he is another player to obtain this summer. The Palermo youngster is a highly-rated centre-back in European football today, and as a result, has attracted a number of clubs in recent weeks.

Sol Campbell, William Gallas, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre seem to be all looking towards the exit doors of the Emirates, so a purchase of a top defender this summer is a must for the Gunners in my opinion.

I feel Arsenal need a young centre-back in their ranks, someone capable of playing for a big club and can handle pressure as well…all signs point to Kjaer. The defender would adapt well to the English game and would fit well into the current Arsenal squad without much hassle. Kjaer has great positional, aerial and tackling ability, attributes that need improving in the Arsenal back-line.

The defender has a release clause within his existing contract of £12 million, so if I were the Arsenal boss, I would certainly offer the amount in order to break the clause and discuss personal terms with the Danish international as soon as possible. Arsenal fans may think that they need a more experienced centre-back, they maybe right, but for a player of his age and ability, £12 million would go down as a great piece of business.

Cash Spent: £12 million

Total Funds Left: £9 million

Joe Cole (Chelsea)

I agree with Wenger’s pursuit of the out-of-favour Chelsea winger Joe Cole, although this would not affect my budget at all. Cole would be a great asset to Arsenal, as the North London club need some injection of English blood in their squad. The midfielder has great ability and trickery to suit the style of the Gunners and I’m sure many Arsenal fans will welcome the 28-year-old with open arms. Cole would sign on a free, and as a result would be a remarkable signing for the club. However, his salary demands may cost the club in the excess of £120,000-a-week, still he would require no transfer fee, so it’s all good in hindsight.

Cash Spent: £0

Total Funds Left: £9 million

John Heitinga (Everton)

£9 million left in the kitty, why not spend it on Everton’s John Heitinga? Wenger has shown interest in Heitinga’s Everton team-mate Phil Jagielka, but I feel, although Jagielka is a decent defender, the Englishman just doesn’t look the Arsenal type…John Heitinga on the other hand is.

The Dutchman is strong, quick and not afraid to get stuck in. Even more so, the Everton man can play in the centre-back position as well as sit in front of the back-line, so evidently, it would be like signing two players for the price of one. He already has Premiership experience, and if he were to play with Thomas Vermaelen next season, they would make one hell of a defensive partnership for the Gunners. Incidentally, Heitinga is valued at £9 million, which is what is left in my transfer budget.

Cash Spent: £9 million

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Total Funds Left: £0

£30 million spent, four new arrivals, job done.

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Click image below to see a gallery of all the Dutch babes:

A Tottenham visit to the red side of Manchester wouldn’t be the same without another referee balls up and tonight proved no different as a shocking call by Clattenburg preventing us from going on to snatch a potential late equaliser. The referee has form here, after all he is the one that failed to see that Pedro Mendes shot was four yards over the line.

It was incredibly frustrating and a real blip on what was a highly entertaining game that was played at a frenetic pace throughout. There seemed no rhyme and reason behind the decision and we all wait for his actual verdict behind the giving of the goal.

Taking the result out of the equation, I for one was extremely impressed with the performance of the team. I feel Harry made a grave mistake in starting with Keane, as I felt that Pavlyuchenko would have proved the better option, but there were times when we were absolutely dominating the proceedings in terms of possession. Unfortunately the lack of a top quality striker is really hampering us in these big games and Levy needs to deliver Redknapp a top class forward in January.

So how do Tottenham fans feel about the performance today and who do you think deserved the man of the match award today?

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PSV Eindhoven took the lead in the Dutch Eredivisie with a 4-1 win over NAC Breda on Sunday after Twente could only draw.PSV and defending champions Twente were level on 50 points ahead of their respective matches, but Fred Rutten’s PSV side are now out in front with 53 points.Visitors Breda got off to a bad start at the Philips Stadion when Nemanja Gudelj saw a straight red card after just 15 minutes.Balazs Dzsudzsak gave PSV the lead in the 25th minute. Anthony Lurling levelled for Breda on 64 minutes, but goals from Jeremain Lens, Ola Toivonen and Francisco Rodriguez wrapped up a comprehensive win for the hosts.Twente meanwhile were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to NEC Nijmegen.Niki Zimling had NEC ahead after 17 minutes at De Grolsch Veste, but Emir Bajrami equalised. A point each leaves Twente second, two points behind PSV, while NEC are 10th.Mounir El Hamdaoui’s goal in the 11th minute at the Amsterdam Arena gave Ajax a 1-0 win over visitors VVV Venlo.Ajax are third, three points behind Twente and five behind PSV. Venlo, who finished with 10 men following the sending off of Ken Leemans in the 74th minute, are second from bottom, five points above last-placed Willem II. Two late goals saw ADO Den Haag snatch a point at home to Feyenoord.Visitors Feyenoord led through a first-half double from Luc Castaignos at the Het Zuiderpark and the strugglers looked on course to collect three valuable points, before Charlton Vicento pulled one back for the hosts in the 81st minute.Dmitry Bulykin then struck with five minutes remaining to ensure a share of the spoils for ADO.The draw leaves ADO fifth and Feyenoord 15th, just three points outside the relegation zone. Vitesse Arnhem climbed above Feyenoord and into 14th place following a 2-0 win at home to De Graafschap.Bonno Wilfried broke the deadlock for the home side 72 minutes in at the Gelredome and Serbian Nemanja Matic – on loan from English Premier League club Chelsea – doubled the lead with six minutes to go.The defeat leaves De Graafschap 12th, just a point better off than Vitesse and only four clear of the drop zone.

Chelsea midfielder Decohas reiterated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge and return to Brazil.

The 32-year-old midfielder still has 12 months remaining on his contract but is hoping to return to his homeland in order to finish his career.

Deco, who played international football for Portugal, was a peripheral figure at Chelsea during the closing weeks of the last Premier League season.

The former FC Porto and Barcelona midfielder has made 55 appearances for the Blues following his arrival in June 2008.

"It's been 13 years since I left Brazil for playing in Europe," said Deco, who has been strongly linked with a move to Fluminese.

"Now I want to go back home and play in my country because I have never been able to win a title there.

"I want to return to Brazil most of all because of personal reasons but I am still in contract at Chelsea and I have to resolve that. Without I doubt I know that I owe it to my career to win a title in Brazil.

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"I want to have the chance to win a Brazilian domestic league title and a Copa Libertadores as I imagine that it must be a very strong sensation.

"I expect to have my situation resolved before July 26 for being able to travel to Brazil as soon as possible."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has propelled his status from United reject to arguably one of the best defenders in the world over the past 6 years, and lifting the World Cup this past weekend with Spain has only enhanced the defender’s reputation further.

The 23-year-old Spaniard started his career in Barcelona’s youth academy in 1997 and was primarily a defensive midfielder before being converted into a centre-back. Pique continued his development up until 2004, but before signing his first professional contract with Barca, the defender opted for a move to Premier league titans Manchester United, which cost the Red Devils nothing in fees due to the player’s age at the time. However his decision to leave Barcelona proved a costly one.

The defender made a total of 10 appearances in his first 2 years at the club, and made none in his third. Instead the Spaniard was offloaded on a season long-loan to Real Zaragoza in the 2006/07 season where he managed to make a better total in one year in Spain than he ever did in England. In the 2007/08 season, Pique made a further 9 appearances in the colours of United before eventually being sold back to Barcelona (for an undisclosed fee) in the summer of 2008.

His time in England proved to be a waste of time. In his 4 year spell at United, the Spanish international accumulated a total of 23 appearances and was regarded by many fans and pundits alike more as a reject than a flop at the Manchester club.

Returning back to Barcelona in 2008 was the best decision of Gerard Pique’s professional career. Since his return, the centre-back has steadily cemented a regular first-team place alongside Carlos Puyol in the Barca back-line, and has regained his confidence which went missing in England. So far the Spaniard has had two solid seasons for Barcelona notching up a total of 94 appearances for the Catalan club and in doing so has already achieved a number of honours. Pique lifted the Primera League title, Copa Del Rey and the Champions League trophy all in the 2008/09 season. Furthermore, the centre-back also aided the club to a UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup success in 2009 as well as lifting the Primera League title last season. The Spaniard has impressed immensely in Europe and domestic competitions which no doubt earned him a shot in the Spanish national squad.

Pique featured in every World Cup game this summer for his country, and performed exceptionally well considering the player’s age. The centre-back was a solid performer throughout the tournament, and along with his club team-mate (Carlos Puyol) beside him, Pique certainly showed he is no flop, but a world beater.

The defender has completely turned his career around in the past 2 years. Gerard Pique is now considered by many football fans around the globe (including me) amongst the best in the world at what he is paid to do. The Spanish international may always be remembered as a United reject, which may be warranted, but Pique is far from this these days. At 23 years of age, Gerard Pique can only get better and enhance his already reputable status even further as the years go by.

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Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer

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Blackburn boss Steve Kean goes into the game against Liverpool still hanging onto his job by thread after being given a stay of execution by the clubs owners.

Beating the Reds will be a gruelling task with Kenny Dalglish’s side keen to return to winning ways after dropping two points away at Wigan on Wednesday. With the Luis Suarez racism scandal currently overshadowing everything on Merseyside their draw at the DW Stadium clearly displayed the effect it’s had on the players. A drab display from Liverpool was summed up by Charlie Adam’s missed penalty as their drive for the top four came to a stuttering halt. Dalglish knows his side need to keep recording victories if they are to finish in the Champions League places. Beating Blackburn, who he led to a Premier League title 16 years ago, will be high on the Scots agenda as continues his rebuilding job at Anfield. With Suarez seemingly distracted by his impending eight game ban Dalglish may opt to give £35 million man Andy Carroll the chance to stake a claim for a first team place against Blackburn. The Geordie striker has endured a frustrating first year since his big money move from Newcastle but could be the man to lead Liverpool to victory at Anfield.

Winning is something that has become alien to Rovers as they continue to teeter on the edge of the abyss. They slipped back to the foot of the table after losing the relegation six-pointed against Bolton on Tuesday leaving manager Kean on the brink. The coach-turned-manager has been given a stay of execution and will be given the opportunity to turn things around at Anfield on Boxing Day. His cause hasn’t been helped by an injury list boasting more players than he has wins during his year in charge with eight players sidelined including goalkeeper Paul Robinson. The former Tottenham man has picked up calf muscle and is rated as doubtful for the trip to Anfield. It’s the last thing Kean needs after seeing his back four decimated by injuries with Gael Givet, Scott Dann and Ryan Nelsen all out until the New Year at the latest. With supporters once again expected to protest against their manager’s presence in the dugout it could be a bleak Christmas for Blackburn.

Liverpool 6th : 30 points

Team news: Liverpool have no new injury worries with Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva the only two players sidelined. Kenny Dalglish may opt to rest Luis Suarez for this one.

Key Player: Charlie Adam

Aside from his missed penalty against Wigan the Scotland midfielder is proving to be one of the bargains of the summer. His passing and driving runs from midfield will be key to ensuring victory over a weak Blackburn side.

Blackburn Rovers 20th : 10 points

Team news: Keeper Paul Robinson is likely to miss the trip to Anfield with a calf strain adding to the ever-increasing injury list Steve Kean has to deal with.

Key Player: Yakubu

Despite Blackburn’s problems the Nigerian striker has been a shining light since his move to Ewood Park scoring 10 goals this season. Supporters will be expecting him to convert the chances made for him on Boxing Day and kick start Rovers’ survival bid.

PREDICTION

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Liverpool will be desperate to get back on the winning trail following their draw at Wigan and will be confident of beating Blackburn. Rovers are in freefall once again and will likely succumb to another defeat that could push Steve Kean closer to the exit door.

Score: 3-0 

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