The NESV are seeking to put their money where their mouth is in terms of rebuilding Liverpool and making it into a competitive force once more. It’s rumoured that NESV’s cash injection should see a projected £30 million transfer kitty for Roy Hodgson (or whoever is in charge at the time) to spend in the January transfer window and during the summer. Many Liverpool fans are uncomfortable with the prospect of Roy Hodgson being in charge of such a large amount of cash with such an important bearing on Liverpool’s future. So I open it up to you, Liverpool fans – if you were in charge, which players would you go after in the oncoming transfer windows to help make Liverpool competitive once more?
My first move would be to shore up Liverpool’s defence. For all the loyal services Jamie Carragher has given to the club, this season has seen him somewhat exposed. You can’t help but feel that Liverpool misses the likes of Sami Hyypia and that a little extra competition in the defensive positions would do the whole team good. It’s here that Roy Hodgson could come in handy as he could utilise his contacts with old club Fulham to snatch up Brege Hangeland. It’s true that Hangeland signed a new deal with Fulham last year that would see him stay at the club until 2013, but given his previous relationship with Hodgson, it shouldn’t be too difficult for Roy to tempt him to a move to Liverpool. He’s a lad with great aerial ability and good physical strength that doesn’t come at the expense of pace or passing ability. He’s calm under pressure and could be a good signing for Liverpool.
A more attacking option could be Charles N’Zogbia, who would set Liverpool back around £8-9 million. N’Zogbia’s form seems to come and go, but at the right club you can’t help but feel that he could make a name for himself. Indeed, after an impressive year at the DW Stadium, N’Zogbia has forced himself into the French international side. Another, more expensive option would be to go after Villa’s Ashley Young. It’s known that Young is seeking to have an escape-clause written into his new contract so that if Tottenham come in for him in the future, he can leave the club. Could Young be persuaded to join Liverpool instead? If not, Liverpool could make a sweep for Tottenham’s own David Bentley. Sure, he’s had problems in the past with his attitude, but he’s also displayed a great deal of talent.
I’d also seek a player in the Sissoko/Mascherano mould. This is a tricky position to fill – there simply aren’t that many players out there who are both talented enough and willing to do this kind of job. Real Madrid may be unwilling to give him up, but I’d be tempted to take a punt on Lassana Diarra. Despite it being reported in the summer that Real Madrid had transfer listed Diarra, Mourinho opted to include Diarra in his starting line-up for the season. Still, if Real Madrid could be persuaded, he would be a wonderful purchase. He has great physical strength, bundles of energy and excellent ball control. He’s also highly versatile and could be used to plug any gaps in the Liverpool team that arise as a result of injury.
If you had Roy’s £30 million transfer kitty who would you sign? Do you agree or disagree with my takes?
If you’re interested and want to hear more feel free to follow me on Twitter.
Fancy playing your mates every week in a Premium Fantasy Football game?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Blackburn captain Paul Robinson has stated that his side are more united since the transfer window closed and is confident of avoiding relegation this year.
The likes of Christopher Samba left the club in the January market, with the former skipper’s future an unsettling incident for the Ewood Park club.
Robinson feels the Rovers squad are all pulling in the same direction, and does not fear that they could free-fall down the leagues like his former team Leeds.
“The difference here is that this is a stable club with a solid background,” he told Mirror Football.
“You’re not coming into the dressing room each day wondering if players are still going to be there, as was the case at Leeds.
“When we went down with Leeds, it was more about the financial situation – it was more like the Glasgow Rangers situation than what we have here.
“Here, we have got a group of players who want to be here. We’ve got a very solid foundation and I think we’ve got a very good chance of getting out of it.
“Now the transfer window has closed, we’ve got a group of players who want to be here.
“We realise the situation we’re in and everybody is pulling in the same direction.
“In every window, there is unrest and unsettlement, but now the transfer window has closed it has given us a platform.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“We know what we’ve got and what we have to do to pull Blackburn Rovers off the bottom,” he concluded.
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.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp felt that his side had been unlucky not to secure a win at home to Sunderland, after having had to settle for a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.
A Rafael van der Vaart goal gave Spurs the lead just after the hour mark, but Asamoah Gyan equalised three minutes later to earn a point for the visitors.
Redknapp told his club's official website:"It's frustrating, of course. We dominated the game, created chances and once we got in front I really thought we'd go on and win the game.
"They didn't really have any shots before that but that's the way it goes. There's a mix-up and it all changes.
"I thought we played ever so well again and I couldn't fault the effort. All we can do is keep playing well. If we continue to play like that we'll be alright.
"We'll building a good team here and I like the way we play, I love to watch us play football. Some of the stuff we played in spells in the first half was fantastic.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"I was delighted with how we played, but you don't always get the result you deserve. That's football."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Roy Hodgson has stated that he was happy with his side’s display in beating Wolves 5-1 at Molineux on Sunday.
Peter Odemwingie bagged a hat-trick in the demolition, with Jonas Olsson and Keith Andrews also finding the net; Steven Fletcher scored a consolation for the below-par hosts.
Hodgson spoke of his delight after the victory and praised the players for their efforts.
“I think they deserve every credit,” The Hawthorns club’s boss told Sky Sports.
“We had to survive that harsh blow of an equaliser in added time of the first half, where really I thought we were looking very good value for our half-time lead.
“Everyone knows it can be a game-changing experience when you are coming in at half-time after playing well and you could be 2-0 or 3-0 up, but suddenly it is 1-1.
“I thought we really did well to go out and take the second half as we did the first half, and in the end we scored the goals and it was a very good victory, but it was down to the fact that the players played very well today,” he stated.
Mick McCarthy meanwhile is under added pressure after the heavy defeat, and has apologised to the fans for the performance.
“It is an understatement to say it has been a disappointing afternoon.
“It turned out to be a terrible afternoon, a disgraceful afternoon, in terms of our performance.
“We had weathered a (tough) first half and got back into it. We started the second half well and then failed to deal with two set-pieces, so we were 3-1 down and then we were caught on the break all over the place.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“It was an awful performance and, I don’t often do it, but I’ll apologise for that one to everyone who was here watching – our fans,” McCarthy concluded.
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.
Manager David Moyes was full of praise for his Everton side after they secured a deserved 2-0 derby win over Liverpool at Goodison Park.
Goals from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta gave the Toffees the points and lifted them towards the top half of the table, while leaving the Reds still in the bottom three.
A delighted Moyes commented:"I think with everything that's been going on this week, it's great credit to the players that they kept focused and have gone about their job in the right way.
"Their attitude was spot on and they got their reward.
"I thought we have played better in the majority of games than we did today, but it was a derby and a different kind of game.
"Some of our performances earlier in the season were good but we did not get the result, but today we did enough.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"We are getting away from the wrong end of the table. We are a good enough team to be at the top end."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Excitement; the key ingredient to anything deemed successful or watchable, don’t you agree? Still beheld by many as the best and most exciting on the planet, the Barclays Premier League captivates viewers the world over. Whether it is the fact there is no winter break like other top European leagues, whether managers play more attacking football these days or simply because Mario Balotelli plays on these shores, the 20th instalment of England’s top competition has truly captured the imagination once more. With some standout results and continued uncertainty in both the race for the title, fourth spot and the scrap for survival, there is plenty more to play for this term.
But three quarters of the way through the campaign, just who is the Premier League’s most exciting team to watch? Let us analyse the 20 clubs’ merits in getting us out of our seat. Let us start with one of the league’s most exciting outfits in Arsenal.
ARSENAL
Inconsistency is the word at the Emirates, making for a great watch for neutrals. Arsenal fans have endured a painstaking season of uncertainty surrounding the chase for fourth spot. Whilst still great on the eye when it works, and just awful defensively when it goes wrong, viewers are treated to the sublime goal scoring of Van Persie and the countless errors of Johan Djourou all in one place. All under the ever-present stewardship of the growingly criticised Arsene Wenger.
Excitement rating: 5/5
ASTON VILLA
It has been a season of miserable transition at Villa Park under ex-Birmingham boss Alex McLeish. With the flair of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing long gone, the Villains have struggled to replace the rapid counter attacking style they were famed for under O’Neill. The only excitement here may come through a fans revolt against the ‘Blue Nose’ McLeish.
Excitement rating: 2/5
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Kean out! The words of the Blackburn faithful as long as can be remembered. But with Rovers at last with a chance of redemption this term, fans are starting to get behind their manager. With scenes never before witnessed surrounding fan disgruntlement, Ewood Park has been a cauldron of hate this season, making for an intrigued watch for a neutral but not for an avid Rover.
Excitement rating: 4/5
BOLTON WANDERERS
A season of struggle at the Reebok for a side more accustomed to top half finishes. Whilst Owen Coyle’s tactics may be more technical than his predecessors, Bolton have forgotten what made them a Premier League hit. With Kevin Davies now warming the bench it is all style with no substance for the Trotters.
Excitement rating: 2/5
[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]
CHELSEA
Living in Mourinho’s shadow. The resigned fate of Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas. Heavily under fire for benching fan favourite Frank Lampard and in general for being long gone in the title race, it has been the worst season in some time for the hugely expectant Stamford Bridge faithful. Whilst patience is running out, Fernando Torres still baffles everyone with his ability to miss open goals, Drogba supposedly takes half-time team talks and Ashley Cole has publically fallen out with the gaffer.
Excitement rating: 4/5
EVERTON
David Moyes continues his impressive leadership of a Toffees side again restricted financially. It’s a case of same old, same old at Goodison Park, but recent signings Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar should set the pulse racing a little more for the remainder of the campaign.
Excitement rating: 2/5
FULHAM
The Premier League’s nicest club continues to languish in mid-table; neither threatening at a European push nor close enough to the relegation trap door. It has been this way for some time at the Cottage and in terms of excitement; Martin Jol has simply continued the mediocrity as passed over by Mark Hughes.
Excitement rating: 1/5
LIVERPOOL
King Kenny has instilled some stability in the club’s results as they continue to battle for a Champions League spot, but it has been anything but stable for the club in ‘Luis Suarez gate’. The hugely controversial Uruguayan is always watchable not only for his on-field theatrics and wonderful tricky play, but his role in the Patrice Evra handshake affair. Some ugly scenes transpired earlier this month, but in terms of excitement, it made the matches against Manchester United a hostile occasion.
Excitement rating: 4/5
MANCHESTER CITY
Their fans sing ‘we’re not really here’ and who can blame them. Treated to mediocrity over the years, City is now a great outfit intertwining solid defensive play with artistic forward bursts. Aguero and Silva have scared many a defence and Mario Balotelli has been up to his old tricks letting off fireworks at home, appearing in schools and scoring the odd stunner as well. They might just win the big prize as well.
Excitement rating: 5/5
MANCHESTER UNITED
Dubbed one of Sir Alex’ poorest teams during his tenure, United continue to battle on for Premier League supremacy. Gritty, determined and focused all describe the Red Devils, and whilst not being as entertaining as they used to be with the likes of Cantona and Ronaldo, Rooney pops up with some magic and being in contention for the title warrants high levels of excitement by default.
Excitement rating 4/5
Continue to the NEXT PAGE for the second half of the Premier League and the all-important poll…
NEWCASTLE UNITED
What a season on Tyneside. Pardew’s men have been the surprise package in their European push. Usually exciting for their boardroom misdemeanours, the Magpies’ on-field play has this time stolen the show and in Demba Ba, they have one of the league’s leading marksmen. After a stadium name change and the winter addition of another Demba in Cisse, these are exciting times for the Toon Army.
Excitement rating: 4/5
NORWICH CITY
The great overachievers thus far. Norwich City have surprised everyone with their efficiency in a squad of players more unfashionable than most. In Grant Holt and Steve Morison they have hardworking forwards and Paul Lambert’s men look safe in their first campaign back in the top flight.
Excitement rating: 3/5
QPR
Backed by the millions of Tony Fernandes and employing both Adel Taarabt and Joey Barton in the same team, QPR make for an exciting watch. Whilst results haven’t been flowing, QPR catch the eye with their mix of flair players and off-field antics. Apparently Warnock was sacked by text. How humane.
Excitement rating: 3/5
STOKE CITY
Involved in the Europa League this term, Stoke City continue to improve under the guidance of Pulis. Possessing more than simply Rory Delap’s long throw, the Potters now have another long thrower in Ryan Shotton. But seriously, Stoke are always an exciting watch when their gritty players always seem to give the top sides a run for their money at the vociferous Britannia Stadium.
Excitement rating: 3/5
SUNDERLAND
A terrible first half of the campaign followed by an impressive second half. Martin O’Neill has reinvigorated the Black Cats and in Sessegnon and McClean, Sunderland possess players who can truly get at any Premier League defence. Excitement following O’Neill’s appointment has been unprecedented and Sunderland now represent an established top flight outfit.
Excitement rating: 4/5
[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]
SWANSEA CITY
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The great showmen. Swansea City have continued their ethos to play an attacking, pass and move brand of football and it is paying off for the first Welsh side to grace the big league. In Leon Britton, they have a passer to rival Xavi and in Scott Sinclair they have one of the most exciting wingers, flourishing with first-team involvement every week. A great debut campaign for Rodgers’ men.
Excitement rating: 5/5
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Redknapp has really forged Spurs into a top outfit this term. With the solidity of Parker, King and Friedel and the flair of Bale, Modric and Adebayor, Tottenham truly balance the squad dynamic perfectly. Assured of a place in the top four this season, Tottenham have captured the imagination with their lightning quick crusades up the pitch. A great watch for Lilywhite and football fans alike.
Excitement rating: 5/5
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Roy Hodgson has again targeted Premier League survival as the club’s aim this term. In Odemwingie and Long, the Baggies possess a potent goal threat but a lack of flair players and inconsistency in results means West Brom aren’t the most exciting.
Excitement rating: 2/5
WIGAN ATHLETIC
The great survivors. Wigan Athletic continue to topple the odds by remaining in the top flight under Roberto Martinez. The least supported club in the league by a mile fail to capture the imagination due to their relegation scrap and Victor Moses is the only real player who can commit a full back.
Excitement rating: 1/5
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Last but not least, Wolves have struggled once more this term, so much so to part with their manager Mick McCarthy recently. Much like Wigan, the pulse is hardly set racing throughout the campaign, but Steven Fletcher has tried his best with a series of impressive strikes.
Excitement rating: 2/5
So there you have it, an assessment of excitability amongst the Premier League’s elite. Let us know your thoughts. Just who is the Premier League’s most exciting team? Vote in our poll.
However, if you do agree with my judgements you may be carefully nudged to follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989
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.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’right’]
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
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
FootballFanCast.com WORLD Exclusive, Robbie Savage’s Face in a Baby Scan
Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle remained calm after getting a heated reception at Burnley for his side's Carling Cup third round trip to Turf Moor.
The Clarets edged the tie 1-0 thanks to a Wade Elliott goal and Coyle was not too concerned by the stick being dished out by some of the home fans.
He commented:"My focus was on the game. I was aware of the noise but that was all it was.
"I had to fight tooth and nail for everything I have earned in football. Burnley benefited from that. I took over a team that was in the bottom half of the Championship and got them into the Premier League.
"It is such a unique club. It would take something special to rival the passion these supporters have for their club. I tapped into that, so when it comes back to bite you on the bottom you just have to get on with it.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"It won't take away the special times I had with the club. I will never have a negative word to say about this football club. For two years I was a hero, now I am a villain."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email