All posts by h79snht.top

Liverpool’s caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish has done an excellent job since taking over after Roy Hodgson’s short and poor spell in charge. The Reds are now in a great position in the Premier League to challenge for a European qualification for next season, whilst January transfer signing Luis Suarez has already made a great impression. With Andy Carroll gradually seeing more action in a Liverpool shirt, fans are starting to feel more positive since the sale of Fernando Torres back in January.

However, Reds fans know that their club still needs to sign new players if King Kenny (or whoever is in charge come the summer) is to get the club back into the top four mix where they believe the club belongs. There are a few positions in the squad that need strengthening but could Liverpool be in danger of a huge overhaul this summer that isn’t necessary?

It’s clear that players like Paul Konchesky and Alberto Aquilani are expected to be sold at the end of the season with players like Blackpool’s Charlie Adam and Newcastle United’s Jose Enrique or Everton’s Leighton Baines, often cited as replacements. But could there be even more players leaving Anfield with new faces coming in?

The new director of football at the club, Damien Comolli spoke about transfer matters yesterday saying: “The owners said from day one they want to improve things and turn things around quickly and I have said the same thing since I arrived, so I expect a busy summer.”

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It will be positive news for Liverpool fans that the club are already making plans for necessary changes in the summer, but there could be a danger of the squad being changed too much and the Reds could need another season for the new team to gel before they could think about challenging for the top four again.

Also, former manager Rafa Benitez has said that returning to Liverpool as manager in the future would be his dream job. With Kenny Dalglish still not confirmed as the permanent Liverpool manager, is there a chance that Rafa could be one of the new faces appearing on Anfield in the summer, along with new signings?

On the other hand, Rafa’s comments could just have be blown out of proportion to make for a good news story, after all he’s currently out of work as a football manager and wants to return, particularly to England and the Premier League and not just Liverpool.

The key topic in hand here is that Liverpool are moving forward with Comolli’s comments about summer signings being very positive and that owners Fenway Sports Group / NESV have the right ambitions for the club to succeed, making it a very exciting time for fans of the Merseyside club.

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If there are several new players appearing in the Red shirt next season, it will be good for the long term success of the club but I just hope fans bare in mind that it will almost be a squad of new players that still need to gel and develop team chemistry. Although if Roberto Mancini at Manchester City is able to qualify his dream team into the top four this season, there is a chance for Liverpool to do the same…but the first signing they need to make is a permanent manager.

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Arsenal lack fight. Arsenal lack character. Arsenal have no back-bone. Even neutrals must be sick of reading the same propaganda on a daily basis from papers, websites and various other sources. But what grounds do Arsenal have to defend themselves? Three consecutive draws in the Premier League against teams they should be beating has seen their title challenge de-railed. They lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup. Barcelona sent them packing from the Champions League. Lowly Birmingham beat them in the final of the Carling Cup.

They are well on the way to another trophy-less season and negativity, even hostility towards Arsene Wenger and his squad is at an all time high.

The problem with Arsenal is not that they lack fight – it’s that they are carrying too many passengers. There are too many remnants from Wenger’s youth experiments dragging the squad down. I’m not going to trot out the same list of players that has already been done on countless sites – if you’re an Arsenal fan you know who has made the grade this season and who hasn’t. There will be plenty of changes to this Arsenal squad this summer.

But this isn’t another article picking faults in Arsenal’s squad. I’d rather look at the players who have provided Arsenal with drive, determination and energy this season. Players who I genuinely believe can drag Arsenal towards future glory should the squad’s supporting players be good enough.

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First up is Samir Nasri. Forget his incredible goal tally this season (14 goals thus far). It’s the passion that Nasri brings to every game that impresses me. Whilst the likes of Denilson and Diaby switch off against bottom-of-the-table opposition, Nasri performs just as he would against Barcelona. He’s an essential player and must be handed a new contract.

Jack Wilshere, 19-years-old and already a lynchpin in the centre of Arsenal’s midfield. He can tackle as well as pass and refuses to be intimidated. If everybody in Arsenal’s squad had Wilshere’s spirit, I have no doubt that Arsenal would still be out there competing for trophies.

Next up is Alex Song, who has gone from a peripheral player to damn near essential for this Arsenal side. If you need any evidence of Song’s ‘fight’ go back and watch the first leg of the Barcelona game. He was everywhere, breaking up play and keeping Arsenal in the match. He’s tireless and always gets stuck in. A very important player and arguably one of the best defensive midfielders in the world (I say arguably because I’m not entirely sure he’s a DM given the freedom afforded to him by Arsene Wenger).

Then there’s Cesc Fabregas, who is often criticised for not being enough of a leader. He received a lot of flak after the second-leg of the Barcelona game, but he was clearly playing with an injury. Otherwise he plays with pride game-in, game-out, leading by example. He’s Arsenal’s best performer and never lacks heart.

I’d also chuck Robin Van Persie and Thomas Vermaelen onto the list of players who provide Arsenal with fight – at least when they’re fit. The suggestion that Arsenal lack ‘fight’ is a myth – there are plenty of Arsenal players with both the desire and the ability to win trophies. When the deadwood has been discarded and decent squad players have been brought through, I have little doubt that we’ll see a whole different Arsenal.

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An Arsenal that has threatened to make its mark for years but has been held back. An Arsenal with a genuine shot at bringing home trophies.

Read more of Harry’s articles at This is Futbol Watch match Cundy and Minto’s  preview of Blackpool v Arsenal below

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is wary of opponents Palermo ahead of their Coppa Italia semi-final first leg at the San Siro on Wednesday.Palermo are in eighth place in Serie A, and enjoyed a 3-2 win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

And Allegri is convinced his side – who top the Serie A standings by six points from second-placed Napoli – will not have an easy time against Delio Rossi’s side.

“I think that Palermo is a team made up of great players,” Allegri said.

“They are young guys, who will be doing their best since their main aim is to qualify for the final because it would automatically qualify them for the Europa League.”

“Their team have great individual quality and is one of the best teams of the Italian championship.”

“They were ranked fourth until a month and a half ago and it seemed that Palermo would have been able to battle for the league.”

“I believe that a team can’t change and become weaker when they have a lot of talent. I believe that Palermo is made of very skilful players, they have proved it in the last few matches and confirmed it in Saturday’s match when they beat Roma.”

Palermo coach Rossi said he did not think Milan would miss their injured Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato, who has been ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring strain.

With Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic available for the Cup clash despite being suspended for two more league games, Rossi said there was not much to choose between the two front men and insisted Milan had plenty of depth to cover the loss.

“I’d like for us to put in a great performance irrelevant of how they play,” Rossi said. “They are both outstanding players.”

“Of course it would be better if neither of them were playing, but in any case I hope we’ll put in a good performance.”

“If the two of them don’t play, then Robinho will be playing; if Robinho won’t be playing, then Boateng will be playing; if Boateng isn’t playing, then Pirlo will be there – it makes no difference.”

“I think they’ll be playing with their best formation and we hope we’ll be up to the situation.”

The winner of the tie will take on either Inter Milan or Roma in the final.

Wales manager Gary Speed has made the unusual move of telling Gareth Bale to leave Tottenham in search of Champions League football. Speed said “I reckon it’s important for all the players to play as high as possible and Champions League football is the place where Gareth shone this year.”

It is true that Bale showcased his skills on the European stage this season, but is the fact that Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League this season really enough reason to demand a transfer? At 21 Bale is still growing and developing as a player and Tottenham is the ideal stage for him at the moment. Bale will be disappointed not to play in the Champions League next season but will be able to perform at the highest level in the Premier League and the Europa League (should Spurs qualify).

Moving to a club involved in the Champions League next season would be a big risk for Bale. It would be a case of either moving to one of the Premier League big four or moving abroad to somewhere like Italy or Spain. By moving abroad Bale would risk cultural shock or not be suited to the style of play in the league. A move to one of the Premier League big four may help his career but only if he can be sure of playing on a regular basis.

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We know from previous interviews that Bale has done with the press that he can sometimes suffer from a lack of confidence in his own ability. At Tottenham he is given the opportunity to go and express himself and use his greatest attacking strengths. Given that role on the left side of the midfield that suits him perfectly. Bale may have started out as a left back, but going forward is a far greater strength than defending. I fear that if Bale moved on he may not get the same respect at a different club by asking him to play roles he isn’t so comfortable with or being in and out of the side too much. So thank you for the advice Mr Speed but I think Bale is best off staying at Spurs at least for now. Besides in 12 months time Spurs may have qualified for the Champions League again and Bale can excel.

Join the conversation on Twitter and tell me if you think Bale should leave Spurs

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

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The New York Red Bulls came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rapids in the MLS on Wednesday.New York’s point enabled them to move back to the top of the Eastern Conference but they could not find the all-important third goal in the second half which would have given them some breathing space over the Philadelphia Union, who only trail Hans Backe’s side by goal difference.

Jeff Larentowicz was a threat all night for the visitors in Colorado, and he opened the scoring after 26 minutes to stun the home crowd.

But former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry quickly restored parity with his 28th-minute finish, representing his sixth goal in as many games for the club.

Larentowicz was quick to respond though and bagged his second just four minutes later, before English striker Luke Rodgers replied within 60 seconds to cap a remarkable seven-minute period where four goals were scored.

No more goals were added as the sides were forced to share the spoils, with Colorado no doubt the happier with the result.

In other matches, the Los Angeles Galaxy still lead the Western Conference by five points after a 1-0 home win over Houston Dynamo, which came courtesy of Landon Donovan’s first-half penalty.

Brek Shea scored the only goal of the game as FC Dallas produced a 1-0 away triumph at the Seattle Sounders.

Toronto’s match with Vancouver was cancelled due to bad weather, with the former holding a 1-0 lead through Erik Hassli’s 17th minute goal when play was halted after 63 minutes.

Rangers have wrapped up their third-straight Scottish Premier League title with a 5-1 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday.Walter Smith’s team scored three times in the opening seven minutes with striker Kyle Lafferty hitting a hat-trick as they claimed their 54th league title, despite Celtic’s 4-0 thrashing of Motherwell.

Rangers claimed the title by one point from their arch rivals.

Lafferty produced two fine finishes in the first seven minutes, either side of a similarly neat strike from Steven Naismith.

The 3-0 half-time lead was match-winning but Rangers ensured they would finish the season in style with two more in the first eight minutes of the second half.

Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic curled in a free-kick and Lafferty completed his treble when he poked home from 10 yards.

Kilmarnock, who finished fifth, did pull a goal back on 65 minutes through winger James Dayton, whose 25-yard free-kick took a deflection and found its way into the bottom corner.

Celtic scored twice in each half in their 4-0 win over Motherwell.

First-half strikes from strikers Gary Hooper and Georgios Samaras set them on their way at Celtic Park, although it meant little with Rangers in full control at Kilmarnock.

Hooper had his initial effort blocked but reacted quickly to open the scoring after 29 minutes and Samaras doubled their advantage when he side-footed Charlie Mulgrew’s cross past Motherwell goal-keeper Lee Hollis.

Shaun Maloney beat two defenders before he placed into the bottom corner to make it 3-0 and substitute Paddy McCourt blasted home from close range to complete the scoring after 71 minutes and condemn sixth-placed Motherwell to a heavy loss.

Irish striker Jon Daly scored the winner as Dundee United finished their season with a 2-1 win over Hearts.

Dundee’s David Goodwillie struck first on 22 minutes but his opener was cancelled out nine minutes later by Gary Glen.

A cross from full-back Sean Dillon found Daly with 20 minutes to play and the striker blasted home the winner.

Hearts finish third despite being winless in their last eight outings, while Dundee United were a place and two points behind.

Last week, Manchester City defender Kolo Touré was banned from all football activities after being found guilty of taking a prohibited substance, contained within a dieting pill belonging to his wife. It was backdated to the date when he was initially suspended, so he will be available again in early September.

As most will be aware, it is now standard procedure for the Football Association to carry out random drug tests on players without giving clubs any notice. The actual sampling officers are independent though, and are accompanied by an FA supervising officer (a doctor or physiotherapist approved by the FA).

As a Manchester City fan, should I be outraged at such a punishment, the result of a seemingly honest mistake by a teetotal, devout Muslim? No, of course not. He deserves to be banned; in fact he HAD to be banned.

You could argue that what he took was not related to football, and not performance-enhancing. That it was an honest mistake, a stupid solitary mistake, which should not be punished so harshly. After all, everyone makes mistakes. But the fact is that he took something that is banned, and he knew what the consequences of doing this would be. All players have it drummed into them by club doctors and management that they cannot take a whole raft of medicinal products, that there is a whole swathe of ingredients that are no-go areas and that if there is any doubt with taking something they should get it checked out first. It’s part of being a professional footballer.

You could even argue that by taking something to slim down, it could be considered performance enhancing. I wouldn’t personally.

Toure was found to have taken a “specified substance”. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s “code”, “specified substances” are those that are “more susceptible to a credible, non-doping explanation.”

The code states: “If the athlete can prove that he or she did not intend to enhance performance by using them to the satisfaction of the results management authority, the sanction under the World Anti-Doping code can go from a warning to a two-year ban.”

It’s impossible to say what the correct ban length should be – there’s no rulebook that decides the fairness of these things, it is entirely subjective. One journalist tweeted that Rio Ferdinand and Paddy Kenny got 9 months and Touré only 6 months, so where was the consistency? Yeah, because all drug offences are the same, so it should be the same punishment for everyone.

Paddy Kenny was banned for nine months in September 2009 after testing positive for ephedrine, a prohibited substance found in cold remedies. The FA chose not to punish Paddy Kenny to the full extent of its powers (the aforementioned 2 years) after admitting that he had not deliberately sought to enhance performance when taking an over-the-counter cold remedy without consulting Sheffield United’s medical team, in a case thus very similar to Touré’s. On the other hand, Hamilton midfielder Simon Mensing was banned for just a month after testing positive for another specified substance, methylhexaneamine, in December 2010. This too appeared to be a dietary supplement, and he provided credible evidence to support his case. The Scottish Football Association took that information into account when sentencing him to an unusually short ban, using much more leniency than if he had been up before their English counterparts. There will always be inconsistencies between different FA’s, but within an FA, there will presumably be just reason for differing periods of bans for particular players.

Comment must be made too on Rio Ferdinand. It was milliseconds after the announcement of the six month ban came out that the first United fan complained about the injustice of it all. You see, in many United fans’ eyes, Ferdinand didn’t do anything wrong, and it is a miscarriage of justice that a player we know to have taken a banned substance gets a lesser punishment than a player we do not know to have taken a banned substance. But leaving Ferdinand out of this, let’s look at the general scenario, and cut to the chase – a player who misses a drug test should get the maximum punishment available. If anyone cannot work out the logic behind this, then I would be very surprised.

But perhaps it should be explained anyway – those who decide punishments must presume that someone who missed a test is guilty of taking a banned substance, and a performance-enhancing one at that, and thus pass judgement with that assumption in mind. They must do this because if they did not, any player who had taken a banned substance and was asked to take a drugs test would deliberately miss it knowing the punishment would be less that way. Players must be aware that the test must be taken – and that not taking it will not be in their interest. It is the only logical stance to take.

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As for Ferdinand, I have heard claims from United fans that the player offered to return immediately to take the test, an offer that was rejected by the drug-testers. If this is true then he has claims for unfair treatment, but I have never heard this claim mentioned in an official publication, so it’s mere speculation. I’ve also heard claims he did do the test the day after, but still got banned. Again, if so (and I have no idea if it is), then it does seem harsh on him.

There was extra criticism in many circles to the fact that Touré’s ban covers the summer months – should it not just cover months of the football season? Well it’s not a new rule, but the fact remains is he will miss pre-season, so even when his ban expires in early September, he will still be nowhere ready to return to the first team. Because of this he will probably end up missing five months of playing time anyway. But it is a point worth debating – depending on which time of year a player gets banned, can alter how much football he misses.

There are reports in the newspapers at the moment that Touré is looking to appeal the decision, and hopefully get the ban reduced. If this is true then I am disappointed. There’s no harm in chancing your arm I guess, but personally I would take the punishment and move on. After all, even if Touré did prove to the FA that he only ingested a prohibited substance unknowingly, his punishment according to Wada could still have been as big as a two-year ban.

Drug tests are a serious part of maintaining the integrity of the sport. Stupidity and ignorance are no excuses, and the FA’s disciplinary commission rightly refuses to accept ignorance as an excuse. The best thing Touré can do is accept this and give his all on his return. He is being fully paid during his six month absence, and I would hope this should spur him on more – he made an innocent-enough mistake, but in many aspects he has been very fortunate indeed.

Supporting the greatest club in the world isn’t exactly a difficult experience if we’re completely honest.

Yes, we may have lost our second Champions League final in three years and I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve heard “we always make it hard for ourselves” but by and large being part of Ferguson’s red and white army is a joyous endeavour, where the good times far outweigh the bad.

With a constant stream of trophies, goals and victories its easy for some fans to forget just how fortunate we are and how far we’ve come since the dark-ish- days of Fergie’s early reign.

In the 20 odd years I’ve spent following United I can pretty much count on one hand the times I’ve been ashamed of the behaviour of some of our fans.

In 1996 it was the booing of Lee Sharpe at Old Trafford who had something of a shocker in one of his final games in a red shirt- his substitution was met with a chorus of cheers and applause. 2008 at half time against Villa I watched with disbelief as some fans ran towards the tunnel to give Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo abuse- although I think that may have been more to do with the drugs they were on rather than just passion.

2009/10 saw one of the worst examples of ridiculous behaviour by United fans when Dimitar Berbatov was hounded in the game against Spurs. Before he’d even touched the ball, shouts of “useless, lazy Bulgarian tw*t” etc, could be heard from more than a just a small minority and let’s not forget the treatment Michael Carrick recieved against Bayern Munich.

I digress however, the point isn’t that United fans are ungrateful, in fact it’s the opposite, United fans are the best in the world of that I’m in no doubt, and next season may give us the perfect opportunity to prove it.

In David De Gea United haven’t bought the finished article, a player who’ll make Edwin Van Der Sar seem like a distant memory. What we’ve got is a 20 year-old supremely talented player who will need time to settle into not just at a far bigger club than he’s been at previously but also a whole new country, culture and way of life.

It would be easy if De Gea were to struggle during the first few weeks of his United career for some fans to get on his back, to let him know our disappointment via a few well timed shouts or maybe even chants of “Edwin, Van Der Sar, Edwin, Edwin, Van Der Sar.”

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When the fans are on a players case you can feel it in the air, the end of the 2009/10 season is a prime example, the feeling of anger aimed towards Berbatov by some fans was almost tangible.

This isn’t the norm though, I remember in 1995/6 Andy Cole had started the season struggling for goals after a somewhat mixed first season at United. He’d scored a good amount of goals but the club had finished trophyless and much was made of his failure to convert one of the chances he’d had at Upton Park which would have given United the league.

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With only 2 league goals in the opening twelve games, Cole wasn’t enjoying the best of starts. Cue the United fans. In the game against Southampton at Old Trafford, the crowd chanted “Andy Cole…” throughout the entire game, almost in unison and after an hour were rewarded with a goal from the former Newcastle man who rounded off a four one win.

United fans aren’t all the prawn sandwich eating glory hunters some would have us labelled we can be among the most loyal, understanding and patient fans around people seem to forget we experienced over a quarter of a century without a title, yet still had the biggest crowds in Britain. Next season if De Gea struggles it may be just the sort of test for United fans to show we have a right to call ourselves the best in the world.

I’m not saying he will of course, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that the young ‘keeper may take a little while to settle in.

Read more of Justin’s articles at Red Flag Flying High

It would seem that after years of being pushed around by spoilt superstars Premier League Chairmen and Managers are fighting back.

Tottenham ’s Daniel Levy has become the latest Chairman to refuse to let one of his star players tear up their contract and walk out because a richer club has come knocking for them.

If this is going to be a new trend then I say, about time, as we have come to a point in our beautiful game when players’ contracts are not worth the paper they are printed on and the thought that players may show loyalty to a club or its fans no longer even crosses the mind.

Levy is not the first boss to try and make a stand though and let’s hope he won’t be the last. Arsene Wenger is still doing an masterful job of keeping his captain and prized asset Cesc Fabregas , who has looked certain to pack his bags and return to his hometown club for 2 seasons and 3 transfer windows now.

But Wenger has dug his heels in deep and looks like he may have deflected Barcelona’s advances for yet another window, although I would suggest he doesn’t hold his breath.

Wenger’s headache does not end there though, now another one of his star players from last season, Samir Nasri has also had his head turned, this time by the newly super-rich Manchester City but Wenger has other ideas regarding this bit of business also; voicing what is or was becoming something of a cliché “not for sale at any price”. I say this has become cliché as we have all heard this very statement all too often and then when it comes down to it what they actually meant was “offer us a bit more and we will put a bow on his head and send him first post”.

So are we looking at two of the most unlikely comrades in football? Spurs’ Chairman teaming up with Arsenal ’s Manager to wage war against players not honouring contracts that they signed for 5 years just 6 months ago.

Who can blame these poor lads who wouldn’t want to change their job if someone was offering to double their wages? This is fair comment but I find it hard to feel sorry for somebody that gets paid 50k a week to do something they love and then moans because they want to leave so they can get 100k a week.

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The only reason players sign 5 year contracts in the first place is because they are greedy. Despite this it has become an unwritten rule that if a player hands in a transfer request then they are allowed to leave. We’ve all heard the cries of “if a player doesn’t want to be there then no point keeping them”, with the general conception being if the player’s heart is not in it then they will not perform and Fabregas did little to disprove this last season.

Surely the least a Chairman should be able to expect from a player that they are paying the average yearly wage for Britain every week is that they play as well as they can?

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These attempts by the two North London rivals to make a stand and tell their players that they will be staying as they are under contract and that’s that, although heart warming and ambitious I fear that it may just turn out to be money spinning bravado. Only time will tell if they are successful I for one will not be putting any money on either of them being at the same club come kick-off on the first day of the Premier League season.

Article courtesy of Shane Peters from This is Futbol

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Recently I was fortunate enough to attend a Harry Redknapp press conference at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground. The assembled journalists knew the drill. Wait outside the front entrance until you are called, then go straight through to the conference room and wait for Harry. Don’t take any detours and don’t talk to the players. Sky Sports ask the questions for the T.V. section then it’s cameras off and the print journalists get their time. Unless Redknapp himself says something astounding and controversial, (which is highly unlikely in these tightly run affairs, co-ordinated by the Spurs press officer) it is up to the press to find the angle and make the headlines.

The players are unapproachable these days, and heavily PR trained when they are allowed to face the media but has this distance, this inability to get a direct source of quotes, led to an increase in sensationalist journalism? I don’t think so. I think this distancing of the players is a response to such journalism and a response to the increasingly high stakes in football. Players must now be far more careful what they say so it’s best just to keep them away from trouble.

The English media has an ever-worsening reputation for it’s ruthlessness in chasing and generating headlines. As the current News of the World scandal shows, there are no depths they will not stoop to. The pressure in football has been escalating for years. (It is particularly noticeable in World Cup years as papers simultaneously support and undermine the national team). In April 2006 Luiz Felipe Scolari became linked with the England job and ruled himself out because of the media pressure. ‘There are 20 reporters outside my house…If that is part of another culture, it is not part of my culture…. I don’t want this situation involving England because in two days during which I was not coach, I never agreed to anything, my life was invaded. My privacy was totally under siege.” Scolari highlighted the problem of the English media perfectly.

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It is the right choice to keep the players away from this feeding frenzy. Whilst it may force newspapers to speculate endlessly, I feel quite sure that they would do so anyway. If you give them an inch they will take a mile, best not to give them anything at all.

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The media is sensationalist in all aspects, not just football. Keeping the players away from journalists has not escalated sensationalism, it is a response to it.

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