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England all-rounder Graeme Swann gave Northamptonshire a winning start totheir tour to Grenada with a sparkling display with both bat and ball.Swann struck a 42-ball 73 hitting five sixes and then took three wickets asNorthamptonshire beat Grenada by 75 runs.The County players got their first glimpse of the $20 million stadium andsettled into life quickly under the hot sun, adapting well to the conditionsjust 36 hours after landing on the island.Director of cricket Bob Carter has used the games this weekend to give everyplayer a run out with Adrian Rollins making his first appearance in Countycolours on Saturday.Rollins put on 76 for the first wicket with Alec Swann (36) before fallingfor 21 to West Indian leg spinner Raul Lewis, who pegged the County backwith four for 27.But Swann played with panache and struck the ball superbly as he took thegame to the home side.Carter said: “It was a good start for us in the sense that it got us in thefield for 90 overs. That was what we needed. We played pretty well ingetting 220 plus particularly Graeme Swann who hit the ball as well as I’veever seen him. The boys have recovered well from the long trip and haveattuned to the conditions pretty well.”The stadium nestles between two lush green hillsides with palm trees liningthe perimeter and can hold up to 15,000 spectators. It’s an impressive venueand a large crowd is expected for the County’s match on Wednesday againstthe West Indies Masters XI.Carter said: “The stadium has impressed everyone. There isn’t much pace inthe pitch but that is good because that will be the case when we get backhome.”The team were originally due to watch the Grenada and Barbados World Cupmatch but a late start resulted in them missing what turned out to be a 3-2thriller in favour of the visitors.The Grenadian team were making their first appearance at the NationalStadium and many of the home side were playing their first limited oversmatch at this level, with the one-day game rare at club level on the island.Victor Joseph, coach of the Grenada team, said: “We are not used to playingthis format and it showed. The batsmen were a bit daunted chasing a totaland put a lot of pressure on themselves. Instead of seeing themselves inthey went for their shots early and paid the price.”The Northamptonshire team looked very sharp and I thought their fieldingwas the best I’ve seen in a long time. They put a lot of pressure on us withtheir fielding and our guys couldn’t cope.”The County celebrated the winning start to their tour with a drinks reception at the Governor General’s house thrown in honour of the first visit to the island by a county team.

According to Belgian news outlet Nieuwsblad, there has been a transfer update out of West Ham United involving KV Mechelen goalkeeper Gaëtan Coucke.

The Lowdown: West Ham eyeing new shot stopper?

Despite possessing an option to buy Alphonse Areola from Paris-Saint Germain, who is currently on loan at the London Stadium, West Ham and manager David Moyes have been tipped to bolster their goalkeeping department.

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The most prevalent link appears to be to West Bromwich Albion ace Sam Johnstone with the Englishman running out of contract at the Hawthorns and set to leave as a free agent later this year.

However, as some news comes out of the continent, it appears Moyes and co are also weighing some low profile options.

The Latest: Coucke open to joining as West Ham eye move…

As per Nieuwsblad, KV Mechelen’s colossal 6 foot 2 shot stopper Coucke is on West Ham’s radar as they enter the fray to sign him alongside Reims and Torino.

The 24-year-old’s deal expires in 2023 with his club eager to extend, but Coucke himself knows this could destroy the chance of an ‘attractive transfer’ to West Ham or any of the aforementioned teams.

As such, Mechelen’s number one is ‘interested’ in joining the Irons, Torino or Reims as he eyes more call-ups to the Belgium national team – with his first and only one coming back in 2020.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Areola’s lack of game time overall backs that Lukasz Fabianski is mostly an touchable in Moyes’ starting eleven so signing an astutely cheap back-up could be the way forward.

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Valued at around €750,000 (£628,000), West Ham could sign a bargain capable number two for Fabianski considering Coucke is still young and has proved capable going by his one-time nod for the Red Devils international squad.

In other news: Chief sports writer: West Ham enter talks to sign ‘out of the ordinary’ £22.5m-rated star for Moyes, find out more here.

After recently hearing an American football pundit talking about how football would be changed if re-invented in modern times, it got me wondering what new additions to the sport would actually be worth considering. There are the serious suggestions that are under a common consensus with footy fans or more wild ideas that’d be worth pondering over a pint with your mates.

With the history of association football dating back for well over a 100 years, there has been many advancements and changes to the game. The disciplinary procedure of red and yellow cards, the offside rule, substitutions or even the duration of matches, but now in 2011, what should we be considering for the future of the game, for better, not worse.

Taking all these points into account, I’ve created a top ten list, some entries are serious and worth some thought whilst others may be more outside the box suggestions.

Click on the officials below to see the top 10 additions that could improve football

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Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are preparing for four fixtures against each other in the space of 18 days.Should Barcelona claim the first Clasico on Sunday at the Bernabeu – a league match – then the Catalans will most likely seal their third consecutive title.

Pep Guardiola’s side, who defeated Jose Mourinho’s men 5-0 earlier in the season, currently hold an eight point advantage over Real at the top of La Liga.

Their second meeting will be in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday, and then in the semi-finals of the Champions League over two legs.

Former Real Madrid coach and current Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque dismissed the title race was over, insisting last week’s results proved Barcelona could still be pipped to the crown.

“It’s true that in La Liga there’s an eight point difference between Barcelona and Real Madrid and that everything seems to be over,” he said.

“But I always say “it seems” because last Sunday, for instance, Almeria were about to defeat Barcelona.”

“It seemed like an easy game for Barcelona and they found it difficult to win, whereas Real Madrid’s game at Bilbao seemed difficult and they won easily.”

Del Bosque does not believe the heavy schedule will compromise the performance of both sides.

“Both teams have sufficient resources to win the three competitions. Barcelona have been a bit more solid, that’s why they’re eight points clear, but they’re both very efficient even though they have different styles and different players.”

The former Real Madrid coach reckons the previous El Clasico, in which Barcelona romped to a resounding win, would not have had a telling effect on either side.

“I don’t think that the 5-0 will have any influence on the game. That result happened some months ago and there’s no aftermath anymore… Barcelona won’t feel more confident for that 5-0, and Real Madrid won’t be afraid either, after the 5-0 loss”.

He also weighed in on the Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duel, noting that the differences between the two players made it hard to compare them.

“Cristiano and Messi are the stars of each team, and in addition to it they mark the style of the team. I don’t want to make it overly simple, but those long transitions that Madrid play fit Cristiano’s game. On the other hand, Messi’s combinative style is also Barcelona’s trademark.”

Tottenham have confirmed that Michael Dawson could be out of action until the end of October after he had to be stretchered from the pitch during England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday evening.

A brief statement on Spurs' official website read:"Scans today (Saturday) have revealed that Michael Dawson has sprained his left medial knee ligament and one of his left ankle ligaments.

"The defender has been withdrawn from the England squad after suffering the injuries during last night's 4-0 European Championship qualifying win against Bulgaria at Wembley and is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks."

The news is something of a relief to Spurs though as an FA insider had previously been quoted as saying: "Last night we really thought Michael Dawson had broken his leg, but the scan has shown no fracture and no snapped ligament."

Dawson was making his first start for England, having featured as a substitute in the 3-0 friendly win over Hungary last month.

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Earlier in the day it had been confirmed that he would definitely miss England's next game in Switzerland on Tuesday.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

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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A big week for Tottenham as Harry Redknapp takes his charges to the Bernabeu for the first leg of their Champions League quarter final. Jose Mourinho doesn’t believe Tottenham have what it takes to knock out his Real side, although it wouldn’t be the first time that the North Londoners have upset the odds in the competition this year.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Tottenham blogs that includes Van der Vaart need not to worry, the rise of Luka Modric, while Harry has bargain transfer bucket.

We also look at the best Tottenham articles around the web this week.

*

Premier League XI of the Season… so far!

Tottenham’s financial investment cannot just be given up

A £15m gamble by Spurs, or a shrewd bit of business?

Why Rafael van der Vaart need not worry

The ‘rise and rise’ of Luka Modric

Harry’s bargain transfer bucket this summer

Transfer gamble pays off for Harry Redknapp

Advantage Tottenham in this battle with City?

WHL, Loftus Rd, Upton Park… The Allen Football Dynasty Simply Grows

A 10 year rollercoaster for Levy at Tottenham

Talented youngster, but is he exactly what Tottenham or Arsenal need?

Old Trafford, WHL or Anfield – where represents the best move?

Tottenham’s Top 10 Transfers – When Levy Got it Wrong

Worth a transfer punt by Tottenham this summer?

*Best of WEB *

Every day I count my blessings – Sun

Two games at a time – Spurs Musings From Jimmy G2

If Spurs Were United, We’d Never Be Defeated – Tottenham On My Mind

Spurs and my part in Supporting Our Future – Martin Cloake Online

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And…we’re back – Dear Mr Levy

Should Harry Buy The Best Player By A Mile In The Championship? – Harry Hotspur

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Click on image below to see a gallery of Christian’s good lady

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After yet another disappointing major tournament for England attentions unavoidably turn to the next generation of English players who will one day be charged with achieving footballing success for the nation. These meaty debates only seem to occur once it has all gone wrong on the international stage. A prevailing view is that the top clubs in the Premier League fail to provide sufficient chances for their young players to compete at the highest level. It is arguably the quest for success and the essential revenue streams which flow from these achievements which prohibits big clubs risking their youth players. Sir Trevor Brooking fears that England’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’ will not be replicated in the coming years. If a stark void in quality is approaching, one remedy is to have youngsters getting regular first-team football in the upper echelons of the league. The new Premier League rules which force clubs to name eight home-grown players but permit an unlimited number of under-21s may just be the start.

The biggest clubs in the Premier League do spend considerable amounts on their youth systems but have not recently seen a tangible return on their investments. It is not just the fans of Liverpool and Chelsea that are anxiously awaiting the next Steven Gerrard or John Terry. England fans are aware that our prospects in the international arena are inextricably linked to top clubs nurturing and retaining their youngsters. One criticism though is that English clubs continue to pride pace, physicality and strength over creative flair and technique. It is difficult to imagine an English version of Spain’s diminutive Pedro suddenly emerging on the world stage thanks to a combination of skill and attacking intelligence. For those top clubs with a decent record of challenging for honours whilst developing youngsters, lingering doubts still remain. Arsene Wenger will not feel he has the time to blood in one of his young centre-backs this season. There is renewed excitement surrounding youngsters at Manchester United thanks to the emergence of players such as Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck. However it is the club’s foreign youth contingent that will be retained at Old Trafford next season over the aforementioned English duo who will face loan spells once more.

Across the Premier League and lower divisions though there are encouraging signs for the future. West Ham’s famed academy system under the expert tutelage of Tony Carr continues to produce players who duly receive their chances to shine in the first team. A recent report in the Guardian revealed how Watford are leading the way in youth development by merging training with mainstream education, thereby boosting the time they can spend coaching their youngsters. As the recession has started to impact football can we now expect clubs to privilege youth development as their buying power in the transfer market declines? The Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson would surely love to have a bevy of talented youngsters to propel into the squad in the new fiscally restrictive era at Anfield.

If tighter budgets will not force the hand of top clubs maybe the bureaucrats at the Premier League will. New legislation will oblige clubs to register at least eight home-grown professionals in a squad of 25. Moreover clubs will be able to name an unlimited number of under-21s in their squads. The rationale is simple. Over the duration of a long season clubs will have to turn to youth as exhaustion, fixture congestion, injuries and suspensions start to bite. The intention is that academy players, usually restricted to appearances in the early rounds of the Carling Cup will be handed their chance. Many of these youngsters, as with Chelsea, will not be eligible for England but the incentive for improved investment and planning of youth systems for club and country is stronger than ever.

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With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery

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Tottenham’s Europa League campaign hangs in the balance after they suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to PAOK on Wednesday night.

Harry Redknapp fielded a largely second string team, but with Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe in his starting XI will be disappointed with the result.

First half goals from Dimitris Salpigidis and Stefanos Athanasiadis gave the visitors a first half lead, before Konstantinos Stafylidis was sent off for handling on his goal-line.

Luka Modric converted the resulting penalty, but the White Hart Lane outfit could not break the Eastern European team’s resolve in the second half, even with a man advantage.

Spurs are three points behind Rubin Kazan in Group A of the tournament, and must hope that PAOK beat the Russian in their last game of the pool, whilst Tottenham need to overhaul a five goal deficit against Shamrock Rovers.

Redknapp was not convinced of his team’s chances of doing this, and was disappointed with the showing against the Greeks.

“I am disappointed now because we are not going to be in the last 32,” Redknapp told The Daily Mail.

“It’s very slim – it is very difficult now. I wanted to stay in the competition but it wasn’t to be. Full credit to the opposition, they worked hard and looked dangerous.

“We started sloppy and didn’t defend well. It was a new back four and for the first 10 minutes we started like we did not know each other.

“The kid handballed it on the line and we made it 2-1 and at that point I thought we would come back and win it, but they got bodies back and it was difficult,” he concluded.

Spurs will look to bounce back from the defeat against Bolton in the Premier League on Saturday at White Hart Lane.

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Meanwhile Birmingham and Celtic also were beaten in the competition, with Braga and Atletico Madrid claiming victories over the English and Scottish sides.

By Gareth McKnight

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Fans of Liverpool will be eager to see what new faces turn up at Anfield in the summer as the club aim to make some new signings in the transfer market for the club to continue its transformation and rebuilding process. But whilst players like Charlie Adam of Blackpool are being linked to a move to Anfield in a big money transfer, there could be a cheaper option for boss Kenny Dalglish and the Liverpool board if they want it.

Midfielder Alberto Aquilani, currently on loan at Serie A club Juventus, is set to return to Liverpool in the summer, although many expect that trip to see him collecting the rest of his belongings as he moves back to Italy for good. But the midfielder has said he hasn’t ruled out a possible return to playing in the Premier League if Juventus or another club do not come in for him.

Whilst Blackpool manager Ian Holloway seems to want over £10 million for Charlie Adam, could keeping Aquilani on the books at Anfield be a more viable option? Quite possibly, despite his unfortunate start at Anfield with injuries, the Italian made 26 appearances in his debut season although rarely completed a full game.

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Whilst on loan at Juventus this season he’s got 2 goals in 22 appearances in Serie A, but the club may struggle to match the transfer fee that was agreed to be completed after the year loan. With Liverpool extending the contract of midfielder Lucas Leiva recently there could also be an option to keep Aquilani as long as his fitness has improved.

The Italian could also move to former club Roma if Juve fail to sign him on a permanent contract or will Liverpool welcome him back? He could be an excellent playmaker in the middle for the likes of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez to feed off from, although Reds fans will question his fitness.

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After all, despite the player coming back from a loan deal, we can’t forget that he cost the club £17 million in the summer of 2009 under Rafa Benitez. Towards the end of that debut season he did put in some impressive performances in the midfield for Liverpool and perhaps Dalglish may want to take a gamble on the player whilst using the transfer budget for other positions like a top Left-Back.

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