History will be kind to me because I intend to write it

Sven fails to make it a perfect ten against Blackburn

Sven Goran-Eriksson's Manchester City looked on course to continue their 100 per cent home run in the Premier League, but only managed to draw 2-2 with Mark Hughes' Blackburn Rovers, who scored a contentious equalizer with only six minutes remaining through Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz.
Eriksson's side were going for their tenth consecutive win at home and after a scrappy and tepid first 20 minutes of the north-west derby at Eastlands, the game suddenly took fire.

City, whose starting XI were shorn of rested Brazilian playmaker Elano (though he did feature for the last half hour) and Didier Hamann, surged down the left-hand-side through Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov.

Petrov rounded stand-in right-back Zurab Khizanishvili (Stephen Warnock was out suspended), and - from the by-line - squared the ball to City's joint leading scorer, Rolando Bianchi. All the Italian had to do was stick out a leg on the goal line to open the scoring. As it was record £8.8m signing from Reggina failed to connect and was left to blush at one of the biggest misses in Premier League history.

It only took six minutes for City to make amends, again through Petrov. From a similar position on the left, he picked out Darius Vassell at the back post. The 27-year-old former England forward nodded his second goal of the season much to the relief of Bianchi. It was the start of a manic three-minute-and-14-second period.

Blackburn struck back immediately - a minute later - through man-of-the-match Santa Cruz. Via David Bentley's free kick from the Blackburn left, his head glanced in the equalizer.

While the travelling fans were celebrating their side's leveling goal Petrov again marauded down the left and aimed for Bianchi again on the six-yard box. Blackburn skipper Ryan Nelson could only deflect the ball into his own net.

Hughes changed things at the interval, bringing on striker Benni McCarthy for the beleaguered Khizanishvili, but the South African was dealt with by City's central pairing of captain Richard Dunne and Micah Richards.

They weren't, however, able to deal with Santa Cruz, who - from a Bentley cross - headed in at the front post in the 84th minute. It was the 26-year-old's seventh goal in only his last four games. The contention arose when referee Howard Webb initially disallowed the goal as David Dunn, on his 28th birthday, appeared to be in an offside position.

After consultation with his linesman, who had originally flagged, Webb overturned his decision and, to the incredulous City supporters, the goal stood.

The draw meant Eriksson's side have failed to banish their Blackburn hoodoo - Hughes' club, only 29 miles away, had won the previous six meetings between the teams. And the last time City beat Blackburn at home was back in January 1993, when goals from Mike Sheron, Keith Curle and David White propelled them to a 3-2 victory.

City host high-flying Liverpool on Sunday, and a win then would strengthen their unlikely position in the Premier League's heralded 'top four'.

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 10:04 pm | Permalink | Comments

SHARKS EDGE OUT TIGERS

An expectant and convivial Edgeley Park greeted Leicester, and on a fresh but icy afternoon in Stockport, their hosts – Sale Sharks – grafted well to eek out their first defeat of the Tigers since their play-off final at Twickenham back in May 2006.

The score on that occasion was 45-20 but the Tigers had beaten the Sharks in their next four meetings. Sale came close in the same fixture last season but a last-minute Sam Vesty try took Leicester to 26-25 up.

Much of the pre-match hype, of the televised game that had been sold out weeks before, had been about the head-to-head between All Black centres Luke McAlister – who had made his try-scoring home debut for the Sharks the week previous against Bayonne – and Leicester’s Aaron Mauger.

In truth, the contributions of the men inside them – fly-halves Charlie Hodgson and Andy Goode respectively – proved more significant. With all the excitement about Wasps’ 20-year-old stand-off Danny Cipriani, these two England internationals quietly proved their worth, with assured, no-frills performances from hand and boot. Hodgson, however, won the battle, as Goode missed four out of seven crucial penalties.

Only 25 days before had the Tigers thrashed Sale 32-8 in the EDF Energy Cup at Welfare Road, but Sale on home turf are a different beast. Coach Philippe Saint Andre had called for the ‘16th man’ to make himself be known, and his wish was granted.

A full complement of 10,872 cheered and jeered in equal measure in this scrappy match – Sale’s last at home in 2007. It caught fire minutes before the interval and only rekindled in the 65th minute when Goode knocked over another penalty to tie the scores at 14.

Sale should have been tucking into their half-time oranges 14-3 up after Rory Lamont had belly-flopped over in the left corner after some quick shipping of the ball. French giant Sebastian Chabal, who in mid-week committed to a new two-year deal, had bludgeoned the Leicester pack on the right. Scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth flashed to Hodgson, he to McAllister and then onto the Scottish winger via full-back Julien Laharrague.

As it was, the Tigers hit back immediately with a backs move which halted Lamont in his tracks on the right wing, and allowed his opposite man – Johne Murphy – to sidestep Laharrague and go over for a the only other try of the game.

Hodgson’s three first-half penalties had been answered by only one from Goode, and the second-half began 14-8. But the Leicester man applied the pressure again with a 45th minute penalty. As soon as he pulled his team level 20 minutes later, Hodgson knocked one over himself. McAlister cemented the result with only five minutes to go with a penalty from the half-way line.

With Leicester all but out of the Heineken Cup thanks to their 22-11 loss to Toulouse the week previous, and with Sale leap-frogging them in the mid-table of the Premiership (Tigers slip to sixth while the Sharks move up to fourth), new Argentinean coach Marcelo Loffreda’s start has been tough. Top of his New Year’s resolutions must be to find more of the grit and determination that the Tigers showed under erstwhile coach Pat Howard.

Labels: Guinness Premiership, Leicester Tigers, rugby union, Sale Sharks

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 12:48 pm | Permalink | Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGER CASUALTIES

1. JOSE MOURINHO (Chelsea) - Date parted company: 20th September

The charismatic Portuguese manager had lost only one Premier League game this season before he left Stamford Bridge amid claims that he had fallen out with owner Roman Abramovich over team selection and transfer policy. He won six trophies in his three years and three months at the club.

2. SAMMY LEE (Bolton) - Date parted company: 17th October

A coach under predecessor Sam Allardyce, Sammy Lee failed to impress in his six months in charge at the Reebok Stadium. In nine league games this season he gained only four points from a possible 27 and his defence conceded 14 goals.

3. MARTIN JOL (Tottenham) - Date parted company: 25th October

Dutchman Martin Jol spent £40m in the summer but could not make his team gel. After 10 Premier League games Jol's team had gained only seven points and shipped 21 goals - Spurs' worst start to a Premier League season.

4. CHRIS HUTCHINGS (Wigan Athletic) - Date sacked: 5th November

Former NO.2 to Paul Jewell, Chris Hutchings lasted only five months at the JJB. In 12 Premier League games under Hutchings Wigan won twice and drew twice while leaking 19 goals.

5. STEVE BRUCE (Birmingham City) - Date parted company: 19th November

Steve Bruce had been in charge of Birmingham for one month shy of six years but - despite gaining promotion to the Premier League last season - was beginning to feel pressure. From 13 games the former Manchester United defender won three and lost eight.

6. BILLY DAVIES (Derby County) - Date parted company: 26th November

Scotsman Billy Davies had propelled Derby to promotion earlier this year but after having only £6m to spend in the summer his team were rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. After 14 games Derby had only won one match and drawn three while conceding 33 goals and scoring a measly five.

7. LAWRIE SANCHEZ (Fulham) - Date sacked: 21st December

After taking over from Chris Coleman last season, the former Northern Irish manager lasted only eight months at Craven Cottage. Thirteen summer signings and £14.5m didn't help Fulham - after 17 Premier League games this season they won only twice under Sanchez and conceded 28 times.

Labels: Billy Davies, Chris Hutchings, football, Jose Mourinho, Lawrie Sanchez, Premier League, Sammy Lee, Steve Bruce

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 7:10 pm | Permalink | Comments

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PROFILES

CELTIC v BARCELONA

CELTIC STAR MAN: Scott McDonald
The 26-year-old Australian striker is in superb form, and has netted 16 goals in 25 games since joining his Celtic - his childhood team - for £700k in the summer from Motherwell.

MANAGER: Gordon Strachan
The Scottish legend won the Cup Winners' Cup with Aberdeen in 1983, but Europe's top prize has always eluded him. In his second season at Celtic Park the 50-year-old took the team to the last 16 last year where they were knocked out by eventual winners AC Milan in extra time.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Celtic have faced Barca six times in Europe, and won once - though that 1-0 victory three seasons ago in the fourth round of the UEFA Cup. The two most recent meetings, in 2004/5, saw the Hoops lose 3-1 at home and draw 1-1 at the Nou Camp.

MEMORABLE MOMENT:
In the 1-0 win at Celtic Park, Alan Thompson's close range goal, coupled by the heroics of rookie goalkeeper David Marshall in the return leg, saw the Hoops advance.

LEAGUE FORM:
Celtic are top of the table with 36 points. They have only lost three games and are the league's top scorers with 45 goals. They have leaked only 16.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY:
The Glaswegian club's proudest moment came in 1967 when they won the European Cup with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan in Lisbon. They have qualified for the quarter-finals or better seven times in 10 years. But it has been 28 years since Celtic last managed that feat.

BARCELONA STAR MAN: Lionel Messi
The talented 20-year-old Argentinean has dragged Barca through the league so far this season, and was rightly named runner-up to Brazilian Kaka in the recent World Player of the Year award. Currently injured, the Catalans will want him back before their trip to Celtic Park.

MANAGER: Frank Rijkaard
Despite winning the Champions League in 2006 the former Dutch midfielder failed to defend the trophy last year. He also missed out on La Liga to rivals Real Madrid, and after talk of dressing room unrest the pressure is on.

LEAGUE FORM: Barcelona are second in La Liga, but that is mostly down to the form of Messi. They have a 100 per cent record at home but have lost four on the road.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY: They may have won the Spanish championship 18 times but they have only been victorious in Europe's top competition twice: in 1992 and against Arsenal at the Stade de France in 2006.

VERDICT:
Strachan's team face an uphill battle, but if history is anything to go by they will score goals. And with Frank Rijkaard under increasing pressure due Barca's poor league form, anything is possible. The fitness of Leo Messi and Samuel Eto'o will be crucial to the Catalans' cause.


OLYMPIQUE LYON v MANCHESTER UNITED

LYON STAR MAN: Karim Benzema
The 20-year-old Frenchman has wowed Europe with his performances this term and United's defence will have to watch the pacy striker. In the league he has impressed, having netted 12 goals in only 18 games. He has also scored three times in eight games for Les Bleus.

MANAGER: Alain Perrin
The 51-year-old former Portsmouth manager is having much more success in Ligue 1 than he ever did on the south coast. He took over from Gerard Houllier in May and Lyon keep on winning, such is the strength of their squad.

LEAGUE FORM: Lyon have won Ligue 1 for the past six years and are on course for a seventh straight title. They are topping the table with 38 point from 18 games, four points ahead of Nancy.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY: This is the French club's ninth appearance in the Champions League, though they have never gone further than the quarter-final. Between 2003/4 and 2005/6 they reached that stage on three consecutive occasions.

MANCHESTER UNITED STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
The 22-year-old Portuguese wizard will have another chance to prove he can be a match-winner at the top level. Last year he was outclassed by Milan's Kaka in the semi-finals, and the Brazilian edged him as FIFA European Footballer of the Year.

MANAGER: Sir Alex Ferguson
Ferguson, 61, knows what it takes to win the European Cup, having guided United to the title in 1999. The Scot thinks this current squad is his strongest to date, with the attacking talents of Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Nani balanced by the graft of Anderson, Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
The only times United have met the French champions - who are on course for their seventh successive French title - was three seasons ago in the group stages and the Reds beat them 2-1 at home and drew 2-2 in Lyon.

MEMORABLE MOMENT:
The 2-1 victory was Ferguson's 1,000th game in charge of United. But it was Dutch international Ruud van Nistelrooy who was the star - his header was his 36th Champions League goal in only 37 games.

LEAGUE FORM:
The reigning Premier League champions are only one point behind leaders Arsenal after beating Liverpool last Sunday. They have scored 30 times in 17 games and have the Premier League's best goal difference with +22.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY:
In the past 12 seasons United have reached at least the last 16 on 10 occasions. The 1968 winners pulled off a superb Treble in 1999, defeating Bayern Munich in injury time in the Euro final. They have qualified for the semi-finals twice since then.

VERDICT:
Barring injuries Ferguson's team should edge out the French hot shots, though a good result in the first leg in Lyon is essential. United's young guns will have to be fully firing if they are to mix it with Europe's big boys.


LIVERPOOL v INTERNAZIONALE

LIVERPOOL STAR MAN: Fernando Torres
The £26.5m record summer-signing has hit 12 goals in his first 20 games at Liverpool, and as 'El Nino' has never played in the Champions League before, he is raring to make up for lost time.

MANAGER: Rafa Benitez
The Spaniard, 47, is a genus in Europe and has masterminded Liverpool's success in the past three seasons - they beat Milan in the 2005 final, reached the last 16 then lost against AC last season in another final.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Liverpool's tie against Inter is a repeat of a classic 1965 semi-final encounter when the Merseysiders won the first leg 3-1 at Anfield, only to lose 3-0 in Milan amid claims of dodgy refereeing.

MEMORABLE MOMENT:
After winning the "greatest match I have ever seen", then-manager Bill Shankly was appalled by the performance of referee in the second leg, after a number of dubious decisions saw the Italians through. They scored directly from an indirect free-kick, and the goalkeeper also had the ball kicked into the net from his hands.

LEAGUE FORM:
After losing to rivals Manchester United last weekend Liverpool have moved out of the top four and are 10 points off the pace. In their 16 games they have scored 27 and conceded only 10.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY:
Liverpool have won the European Cup five times - the most any British club has managed - and were the last English team to lift the trophy with their famous victory over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005.

INTER STAR MAN: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Swede is one of the most naturally talented players in Europe, with his transfers totalling nearly £40m over a career spanning Malmo, Ajax, Juventus and Inter. His unpredictability and superb technique will trouble Jamie Carragher and co.

MANAGER: Roberto Mancini
Former Leicester City striker had a superb playing career with Sampdoria and Lazio before moving into management, where he has won Inter the last two Scudetti (Italian league titles).

LEAGUE FORM: Unbeaten Inter have dropped only two points at home and six away. They are already seven points ahead of second-placed Roma, and have a goal difference of +27 - easily the best in the league.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY: Inter won the European Cup twice in the mid-60s and - apart from reaching the semi-final in 2002/3 and the quarter-finals in 2004/5 and 2005/6 - Mancini's club have failed to impress.

VERDICT:
If Torres and captain Steven Gerrard are on song anything is possible, though the Italian champions are top of Serie A again, and will be confident they can pile further pressure on Benitez.


ARSENAL v AC MILAN

ARSENAL STAR MAN: Cesc Fabregas
The 20-year-old midfield dynamo has added goals to his repertoire this year. Thierry Henry has not been missed this season thanks to the form of the diminutive Spaniard.

MANAGER: Arsene Wenger
The Frenchman is in his 11th season in charge of Arsenal and is hopeful that his young side can win the trophy that eluded him two years ago when Barcelona defeated them in the final at the Stade de France.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
The north Londoners have never met the reigning European and World champions in the Champions League, though they did play twice in the 1995 Super Cup when they lost 2-0 on aggregate.

MEMORABLE MOMENT:
Fabio Capello managed Milan to victory over two legs in the first Super Cup. Zvonomir Boban and Daniele Massaro scored the crucial goals in the second leg at the San Siro.

LEAGUE FORM:
The Gunners have only lost once in the league and remain top of the table having scored 34 times - the best in the division - and have conceded 14 times.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY:
Arsenal have never been crowned European champions though they have reached the last 16 in each of the past eight seasons, and came close in the final against Barca in 2006.

MILAN STAR MAN: Kaka

The 25-year-old Brazilain has been on superb form this year. Recently named European and World player of the Year, Kaka scored against Liverpool in the final earlier this year. He also netted against Boca Juniors earlier in the month as Milan were crowned World Club champions.

MANAGER: Carlo Ancelotti
The former Milan midfielder has won the European Cup both as a player and a manager. The 48-year old is also the longest-serving coach in Serie A - he has been with the Rossoneri since 2001 - and one of the most successful in their history.

LEAGUE FORM: Despite being champions of Europe and the World, Milan are struggling domestically. They are yet to win at home in Serie A and sit 11th in the table, 22 points behind their city rivals Inter.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY: Milan have won the European Cup seven times: twice in the 60s, twice in the 80s, once in the 90s and in 2002/3 and last year. Since their victory over Juventus on penalties in the 2003 Final, Milan have reached the quarter-finals or better.

VERDICT:
It's a tough one to call. Wenger has moulded his team into a dynamic force and his youngsters could show the age of the AC Milan team. Milan are current World and European champions, however, and - despite their poor Serie A form - will be hard to beat in knockout format as Manchester United found last season.


OLYMPIAKOS v CHELSEA

OLYMPIAKOS STAR MAN: Luciano Galletti
The Argentinean winger scored three goals in Olympiakos' six Champions League group stage ties, and poses a real threat to Ashley Cole with his pace and trickery on the Greek's right-hand side.

MANAGER: Takis Lemonis
The Greek is in his second spell in charge of the charge of the club. He was sacked in 2002 after a poor European campaign despite winning two consecutive Greek titles and, after periods in charge of four other Greek sides, he returned to the club in December last year.

LEAGUE FORM: Olympiakos are second to AEK Athens only on goal difference after 12 rounds of the 16-team Greek Super League. They have won all seven of their home games but have struggled away, picking up only six points from five games.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY: The Greek club have taken part in the last 11 Champions League competitions, though they have only advanced from the group stages on two occasions: they reached the quarter-final in 1998/9 and are in the last 16 this year.

CHELSEA STAR MAN: Didier Drogba
Without the Ivorian the Londoners struggle to score, though a high-profile striker is expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.

MANAGER: Avram Grant
Jose Mourinho's replacement has begun impressively, but whether we will see the histrionics from the Israeli manager in the Champions League that the Portuguese regularly displayed remains to be seen. This campaign will prove whether or not he is up to the job long-term.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS: These two have never met in European competition.

LEAGUE FORM:
Chelsea have recovered after the departure of Mourinho and sit in third - six points off Arsenal - having netted 34 goals and leaked 10 - the fewest in the league.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY:
The Blues reached three semi-finals between 2003 and 2007 - but lost on each occasion including two painful defeats to Liverpool over two legs.

VERDICT:
Grant's charges should have enough firepower to shoot down the Greek champions. Though whether they advance further will be down to Grant's management and tactics.

Labels: AC Milan, Arsenal, Barcelona, Celtic, Champions League, Chelsea, Internationalize Milan, Liverpool, Lyon, Manchester United, Olympiakos

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 6:59 pm | Permalink | Comments

DAVID BECKHAM - A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF ...

It has been another busy, contentious and ultimately successful 12 months for David Beckham. Against the odds the 32-year-old has finished the year back in favour for England - though it remains to be seen whether new boss Fabio Capello will hand him his 100th cap (a feat achieved by only four other players: Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Billy Wright and Bobby Charlton) - and is the pin-up boy fronting the latest attempt to garner support for America’s Major League Soccer, playing - between injuries and long-haul flights - for Los Angeles Galaxy.

After Steve McClaren dropped Beckham - England’s world cup captain at Germany - in his first game in charge in August 2006, the statement of intent was clear: baring injuries to other players, the then-Real Madrid midfielder would not play for England again.

Beckham’s head went down, and - also troubled by niggling injuries - the £25m signing was dropped by his club manager, Capello - a move that had been unthinkable in his previous three seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The twice Fifa World Player of the Year runner-up and former world's highest-paid footballer, fearing his days in Madrid were numbered, hastily signed a five-year contract with LA Galaxy - the highest salary ($27.5m over five years) in MLS history; he is expected to glean $250m - in January, to begin after the conclusion of the Spanish season in July.

After Capello heard about the deal he vowed that Beckham would never again wear the white shirt of Real Madrid. The Italian backtracked however, when he saw that the former Manchester United trainee was working hard in practice, and he was selected against Real Sociedad in February. He scored, Real won and Beckham featured regularly for the remainder of the season. Madrid won La Liga on the final day - Beckham’s only trophy in four years.

In another volte face, McClaren - hamstrung by injuries - recalled Beckham to the national team in May for the Brazil friendly and a vital Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia. He impressed and would have been called up for more qualifying matches but for injury.

Beckham then featured in friendlies against Germany and Austria and came off the bench at half-time against Croatia at Wembley, although he was unable to replicate the heroics he displayed against Greece in England’s world cup 2002 final qualifying game, where he scored a late free kick to secure qualification.

Labels: David Beckham, England, Euro 2008, football

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:57 pm | Permalink | Comments

Premier League round-up: Wigan edge out Blackburn in eight-goal thriller

Steve Bruce chalked his first win as Wigan manager in a pulsating game at the JJB stadium. The 16,489 spectators were treated to two hat-tricks, a penalty save and a sending off as the home side ended 5-3 victors - it was their first win 14 games. Marcus Bent was the star for Wigan, as he netted his first hat-trick in seven years.

The 29-year-old, on loan from the Championship's Charlton, opened the scoring after 10 minutes and Denny Landzaat doubled the lead four minutes later.

A Paul Scharner bullet header made it 3-0 before Blackburn's South African striker Benni Mccarthy had his penalty tipped around the post by Chris Kirkland.

Mark Hughes' side did pull a goal back before the break, through Paraguayan forward Roque Santa Cruz, who also ended the game with three goals to his name. But just as Blackburn were gaining momentum, Brett Emerton was ejected for a second bookable offence, much to the disgust of Hughes, who spat out his chewing gum.

Having failed to have scored in his previous seven games, summer signing Santa Cruz pulled his side back to 3-3 after the interval with his first hat-trick for the club. But Bent's two second half goals took the game beyond Blackburn. The only disappointment for Bruce was that striker Emile Heskey was stretchered off with an ankle injury.

There were 22 goals in all in the seven Premier League games which kicked off at 3pm. Manchester City continued their 100 per cent home record, winning their ninth consecutive match at the City of Manchester Stadium. Sven-Goran Eriksson's team ran out late winners against Gary Megson's Bolton, who are yet to win away in the league all season.

Conversely Tottenham had a good away day at Fratton Park, defeating Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth - their first defeat in 11 games. Dimitar Berbatov scored the only goal of the game, and Spurs recorded their first away victory.

Everton beat West Ham at Upton Park for the second time in four days. Yakubu, who had tormented the Hammers in the midweek Carling Cup fixture, was again on the scoresheet - his seventh goal in four games - and Andy Johnson scored a late chip to help the Toffees to 2-0. David Moyes' side have now won 10 of their last 12 games, and drew the other two.

Sunderland were unlucky not to make it two consecutive wins as a late header - which looked perfectly legitimate goal - was deemed a foul. As it was the Black Cats drew 1-1 with Aston Villa.

Middlesbrough defeated Paul Jewell's Derby County thanks to a sweet left-foot volley by Tuncay Sanli. The 25-year-old Turkish forwad has now scored in his last three matches.

Alex McLeish was unlucky not to win his first home match at St Andrews. The Birmingham manager saw his team take the lead through Finnish striker Mikael Forssell, only for a contentious Stephen Hunt penalty to level the game.

Labels: Birmingham, football, Manchester City, Premier League, Tottenham, Wigan

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 6:59 pm | Permalink | Comments

NO WAY JOSÉ - AC MILAN SNUB MOURINHO

José Mourinho will never be manager of AC Milan, according to the club's Vice-president Adriano Galliani. Speculation that the Portuguese had agreed to move to the San Siro in the summer had intensified following his snubbing of the Football Association's advances last week.

With former Milanese manager Fabio Capello, 61, due to be unveiled as Steve McClaren's successor as England Head Coach on Monday, rumour-mongerers had suggested that Mourinho would remain in club football, with a top European club his most likely destination.

He was believed to be courting a move to either Barcelona, where he enjoyed a role under Bobby Robson in the mid-90s, or to Milan, where incumbent Carlo Ancelotti's aging squad are stumbling through Serie A. The Rossoneri currently lie in tenth place, 19 points off rivals Inter, who top the table.

However Galliani insists the San Siro side seldom employ personnel from outside the club, which would appear to rule out the former Chelsea tactician.

The Vice-president said: "Apart from exceptional cases, Milan go for coaches who grew up with us - and there are lots around.

"Besides, Mourinho never offered himself to us."

The 'Special One' might well consider himself an 'exceptional case', and Ancelotti admits the speculation has added spice to his job.

The manager offered: "I'm simply concentrating on my job. But if Mourinho does want the job it just gives me extra motivation.

"I'm not distracted by rumours about Mourinho. I hope to carry on tomorrow as I did today."

Labels: AC Milan, Chelsea, football, Jose Mourinho

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 6:57 pm | Permalink | Comments

HATTON'S RAPIST BODYGUARD SENTENCED TO LIFE

Ricky Hatton's former minder, John Paul King, was labelled a 'predatory sex offender' when he was handed a life sentence this week for raping three women in Yorkshire between 2004 and 2007. And his friends are pleased that King had the book thrown at him.

That the former boxer was convicted of such heinous crimes has caused his friends, including World Light-Heavyweight champion Clinton Woods, and the Hatton camp to wash their hands of him.

"I'm really shocked, flabbergasted and gutted to be honest," said Woods.

"I've known Paul King since he was seven years old, since he was a baby, basically. We were at the same amateur club.

"Even my wife thought he was a nice guy. Don't get me wrong, he liked his women and he even paid for them.

"But to do something like this - he deserves whatever time he has got."

Jurors at Sheffield Crown Court heard how the 34-year-old punched and strangled one woman, a prostitute, when she refused to have sex without a condom.

King, from Gleadless in Sheffield was also accused of taking pictures of another victim on his mobile phone as he had sex with her.

The third rape was carried out on a 17-year-old prostitute in a car park.

King was often seen by the side of Hatton in the build-up to big fights - most recently in June of this year when he was captured on BBC television cameras grappling with another man in a Las Vegas casino while Hatton gave an interview.

Labels: Boxing, Ricky Hatton

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 6:56 pm | Permalink | Comments

CAPELLO EARNS MANAGERS' SEAL OF APPROVAL

Fabio Capello will be granted a hero’s welcome when he begins his rein as England Head Coach in the New Year. Not only do the fans think that the 61-year-old Italian is the right man for the job, but he has received almost unanimous support from the Premier League’s top managers – something that could not have been said about his predecessor, Steve McClaren.

Capello was confirmed by the Football Association as Steve McClaren’s replacement today. He will take full-time charge of John Terry and co on January 7 and has signed a four-and-a-half deal reportedly worth a massive £6m a year.

But, most importantly, the former AC Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus and Roma manager, has been given the seal of approval by all the top managers in the Premier League. They are highly impressed by his record of five Italian Scudettos and two Spanish La Liga titles, as well as the 1994 European Cup.

The league’s longest-serving boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, said: "It is necessity that a national team manager is experienced, has a good CV and a presence.

“They must also be of the right age and Fabio has all those things. He will definitely command the respect of the players."

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill, who was an early front-runner when McClaren was sacked after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, agreed.

He said: "It is a really good appointment. He has got the CV and he has proven himself a brilliant manager.”

Former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson – the first foreign boss the FA appointed – has known Capello for years. “I was his opponent in Serie A for 10 years,” the Manchester City manager said. “He is a very good man and manager. His record speaks very clear - Capello is one of the best managers you can find."

Rafael Benitez was quick to show is admiration. The Spanish Liverpool boss said: "He is a great manager and he is a winner. He is a good worker and has clear ideas what to do.”

Sunderland’s Roy Keane continued the train of compliments. “His CV is fantastic,” the 36-year-old said. “There have been disagreements about the fact that he’s not English but he comes across as being an absolutely brilliant, no-nonsense brilliant manager.”

Labels: England, Fabio Capello, football

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:40 pm | Permalink | Comments

CAPELLO EARNS MANAGERS' SEAL OF APPROVAL

Fabio Capello will be granted a hero’s welcome when he begins his rein as England Head Coach in the New Year. Not only do the fans think that the 61-year-old Italian is the right man for the job, but he has received almost unanimous support from the Premier League’s top managers – something that could not have been said about his predecessor, Steve McClaren.

Capello was confirmed by the Football Association as Steve McClaren’s replacement today. He will take full-time charge of John Terry and co on January 7 and has signed a four-and-a-half deal reportedly worth a massive £6m a year.

But, most importantly, the former AC Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus and Roma manager, has been given the seal of approval by all the top managers in the Premier League. They are highly impressed by his record of five Italian Scudettos and two Spanish La Liga titles, as well as the 1994 European Cup.

The league’s longest-serving boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, said: "It is necessity that a national team manager is experienced, has a good CV and a presence.

“They must also be of the right age and Fabio has all those things. He will definitely command the respect of the players."

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill, who was an early front-runner when McClaren was sacked after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, agreed.

He said: "It is a really good appointment. He has got the CV and he has proven himself a brilliant manager.”

Former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson – the first foreign boss the FA appointed – has known Capello for years. “I was his opponent in Serie A for 10 years,” the Manchester City manager said. “He is a very good man and manager. His record speaks very clear - Capello is one of the best managers you can find."

Rafael Benitez was quick to show is admiration. The Spanish Liverpool boss said: "He is a great manager and he is a winner. He is a good worker and has clear ideas what to do.”

Sunderland’s Roy Keane continued the train of compliments. “His CV is fantastic,” the 36-year-old said. “There have been disagreements about the fact that he’s not English but he comes across as being an absolutely brilliant, no-nonsense brilliant manager.”

Labels: England, FA, Fabio Capello, football

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:40 pm | Permalink | Comments

OLD BOY BRACE FELLS IPSWICH

Darren Ambrose netted a brace for Charlton against his former club Ipswich – but he badly wanted the first hat-trick of his career. The 23-year-old thought he would have the chance when referee Neil Swarbrick pointed to the spot in the second half.

While the Charlton forward went to grab the ball from regular penalty taker Andy Reid in order that he would have a chance of his third goal, the referee consulted his linesman, who deemed that Fabian Wilnis had in fact chested the ball rather than handled it in the box.

No penalty was awarded, but Ambrose was pleased at the 3-1 result – especially as Charlton had lost four of their previous five home games. Ipswich have still not won away from home in the Championship – they now have gained only four points from a possible 33 on their travels.

Ambrose, who was given a central role by manager Alan Pardew on Saturday, said: “The boss changed the formation a bit – he put Andy Reid on the left and put me in the hole. I like to get forward, and I’m glad I popped up with a couple of goals.

“The referee pointed to the spot – I don’t think it was handball as it hit him on the chest – and Andy said: ‘Go on, get your hat-trick’, and I was delighted.

“I’ve never scored a hat-trick before – I’ve never scored two in a game before, so I was begging for it. But it wasn’t to be.”

When asked whether he would have given Ambrose the attacker the chance to score his third goal, Pardew said: “He doesn't take them. I would have been shouting to get him off it. Reidy takes the penalties.”

To which Ambrose said: “He wouldn’t have had a choice! He was on the sidelines and Andy and I agreed that I should go for my hat-trick, and I was confident at the time that I would have stuck it in. Andy does take the penalties but I would have kept the match ball.”

Ambrose opened the scoring with a simple header in only the fifth minute, after ‘keeper Neil Alexander failed to punch away the cross of Matt Holland – another former Ipswich player.

November’s Championship player of the month, Chris Iwelumo, scored his side’s second in the 30th minute with his shoulder from captain Reid’s corner.

Ambrose then struck his second six minutes before the interval. Danny Mills’ long ball was controlled by Reid perfectly. The Republic of Ireland midfielder laid it off for Ambrose on the edge of the area and he laced it home, first time.

For Ipswich manager, Jim Magilton, going into the break at 3-0 down was too much. He rang the changes at half time and his team scored a consolation goal through Pablo Counago’s neat back heal with 20 minutes to go.

It could have been worse for Charlton – Alan Lee had a penalty saved by Nicky Weaver, and Counago hit the post.

Jonathan Fortune was sent off at the final whistle after an aerial challenge on Lee, much to Pardew’s frustration – he, along with Mills, will be suspended for next week’s game against WBA.

The Charlton manager said: “The ball was travelling to them in the air and Jon's done something stupid. Unfortunately, he will be disciplined and find himself out of the team, which I'm sure is the last thing he wanted after a good day's work.”

But Magilton vowed to use the money from Marcus Evans’ takeover, which will be cemented on December 17, on many new players in the January transfer window.

He said: “It’ll be nice when we have investment in the football club and I can go out and buy players. I certainly want quality, characters, people who are going to stand up and be counted. At the moment, we haven’t got an awful lot of them.”

Labels: Alan Pardew, Championship, Charlton, Ipswich

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 12:25 pm | Permalink | Comments

KING RELISHING WASPS VISIT

Alex King's left boot kicked London Wasps to Heineken Cup victory in May, but on Saturday the 32-year-old will line up against his former team mates as his new club, ASM Clermont Auvergne, host the champions at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.

The former England fly-half played at Wasps for 11 years and won ten medals including four Premierships and three European titles, before crossing the Channel in the summer. And King is loving the new challenge in France.

“It has been a fantastically good move me personally and professionally,” he said. “There have been different experiences, I have leant new things and am playing with different players.

“I had an amazing 11 years at Wasps and I still look out for their results – they are the team I love the most in England. But I am now with ASM and my allegiance lies with them.

“I couldn’t have left Wasps at a better time – we had just won the Heineken Cup, so it was a great high to leave on.

“This fixture is something that has been in my thoughts since I joined ASM – it will be very special for me.”

King has informed his new team mates of Wasps’ strategies and tactics, but knows they the visitors possess the class to blow sides away.

He continued: “In the last few weeks Wasps have shown that they have developed as a team. They have a great balance.

“When we have had team meetings here I have told the guys they should be under no illusions: Wasps are a tremendously talented outfit, and they want to defend their trophy.

“I have given Vern (Cotter, ASM’s coach) an idea of how Wasps might play, the strategies Ian McGeechan and Shaun Edwards might use. I have a huge amount of respect for the coaches at Wasps, and Ian and Shaun are wise old men – I’m sure at they will have a few surprises up their sleeve.”

And in 20-year-old Danny Cipriani, who has stepped into King’s boots, Wasps have a world beater, believes the erstwhile fly-half.

“I have known Danny for a few years,” said King. “When I was at Wasps he was mostly playing full-back, and playing the odd game at fly-half.

“I think it was invaluable for his development at No10 to play in a variety of positions. It gave him a good perspective of the game, and he learned about different positions and the different roles within the team.

“He has really thrived on the responsibility of playing No10 for Wasps this team. His maturity as a player has improved immensely over the last year or so.

“He is lucky in that he has the likes of Riki (Flutey) and Fraser (Waters) outside him, who are playing out of their skin.”

King, who scored 15 points in Wasps’ 25-9 win over Leicester Tigers in the Twickenham final six months ago, thinks that Cipriani will soon replace Jonny Wilkinson in the England team.

“Danny has certainly played some big games over the last month or so,” he added. “He played against Ronan O’Gara when they defeated Munster, and beat Stephen Jones’ Llanelli and Jonny’s Newcastle last week.

“So he’s playing against all the top No10s in the northern hemisphere and he’s doing himself proud. I would be thrilled if he got a chance for England – he was really unlucky to make the world cup squad.

“I think he would have added another dimension to England’s back play. He has all the attributes to be a world class player for a decade. He is doing everything he can to be pushing for England selection.”

Labels: Alex King, Heineken Cup, rugby union, Wasps

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:19 pm | Permalink | Comments

EMBUREY: MONTY CAN BE RECORD BREAKER

Monty Panesar can be a record-breaking Test bowler, according to former England captain John Emburey.

After Michael Vaughan’s side lost the first Test against Sri Lanka in Kandy on Wednesday – a game in which Muttiah Muralitharan broke Australian Shane Warne’s record for Test wickets – the Middlesex director of cricket insisted that England should not be too doom-laden.

Off spinner Emburey, who took 147 wickets in his 64 Test matches, said of England’s 88-run defeat: “England fought it out well. With the Kandy pitch taking as much spin as it did, it was always going to be a difficult to try and save the game.

“I think they did remarkably well to get where they did.

“In the second Test in Columbo it is very important that England win the toss and bat first. If the wicket is flat, which it could very well be, it could be very hard work for the batsmen, and that will suit Murali, because he can turn the ball on any wicket.”

Emburey was quick to praise the controversial Sri Lankan spin king, who took nine wickets in all on his home pitch, on his achievement of surpassing Shane Warne’s record of 708 Test victims.

He continued: “Murali is absolutely fantastic – he has entertained cricket lovers around the world for the last 15 years.

“It is a magnificent performance by him and one that will not be surpassed. Murali is totally unorthodox in his style and I don’t think we will see his likes again.

“It is rubbish to suggest his action should be discredited. He has been cleared and gone through all sorts of testing in Perth, Australia. And he was found to be within the legal limits of 15 degrees which the ICC have said that they are allowing.

“He is just a one off. No one will be able to pass his record, whatever it ends up being.

“He could make 1,000 – there is no reason why not. He will probably have to play for another five years to achieve it. There won’t ever be anyone who gets anywhere near him.”

The 55-year-old believes that left-arm slow bowler Monty Panesar can become England’s leading wicket taker for a spinner.

As it stands Matthaw Hoggard – the highest English wicket taker currently still playing (246 wickets from 65 Tests) – is behind Derek Underwood (297 from 86), and pacemen Fred Truman (307 from 67), Bob willis (355 from 90) and Ian Botham (383 from 102) in the all time records.

Botham remains in 11th place in the world list, but Emburey is optimistic about the Northamptonshire spinner, Panesar, the 25-year-old who has 79 wickets from his first 21 Tests.

Emburey added: “I think Monty will end up being the highest wicket-taking spin bowler in English cricket.

“I’m sure that he will go passed Derek Underwood’s record of 297 wickets. Monty has at least another eight or nine years playing. Thirty wickets a year should get him well up there.

“He just has to stay fit. There are no spinners coming though the system so he has got a clear path for a number of years.”

Labels: cricket, John Emburey, Middlesex, Monty Panesar, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Shaun Udal

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:34 pm | Permalink | Comments

EMBUREY HAILS ARRIVAL OF UDAL

England Leagend Emburey is thrilled to have former England spinner Shaun Udal on board at Lords for two years. The 55-year-old Middlesex director of cricket has managed to tempt the ex-Hampshire star out of First Class retirement.

In order to compensate for the loss of spinners Jamie Dalrymple, who has signed a three-year contract with Glamorgan, and Murali Kartik, who could be out for much of the season through commitments with India, Emburey saw Udal, 38, as a perfect replacement.

Emburey, a Test spinner and England captain who achieved 147 wickets in 64 matches, said: "We are delighted to have signed Shaun. We were disappointed to lose Dalrymple and we are not sure about what is happening with Kartik, as he is in and around the India team.

"We would have been very thin if we didn’t have Kartik back for the start of the season.

"He doesn’t believe he will go to Australia with the Test side, but he does think that he will go with the one day team. We had to do something so we went out and signed Shaun Udal."

The off spinner, who made his Test debut at the ripe old age of 36 when England toured Pakistan, had announced his retirement from First Class cricket at the conclusion of the recent season, and was planning to play for club side Henley, and minor county Berkshire.

Labels: cricket, John Emburey, Middlesex, Shaun Udal

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:56 pm | Permalink | Comments

FA VASE PREVIEW: SALFORD CITY v HALLAM FC

Who said you can't win anything with kids? A stone's throw away from the Theatre of Dreams - where youngsters David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs et al, won winners' medals galore - a similar blueprint is being utilised by Gary Fellows, manager of high-flying Salford City, the solitary semi-professional club in Manchester.

Fellows' North West Counties League Division One team play host to Hallam FC - who claim to be the second oldest club in the world (203-years-old) - in Saturday's FA Vase Third Round. And his youth and recruitment policies will mean that most of the starting eleven will have been born and bred in and around the Salford area.

"There will probably be nine lads starting who live within a mile radius of the ground," said Fellows, who has been their manager for two years. "And our youth side is full of Salfordians.

"We are doing well in the league, but it's not all down to me. A lot of our success is to do with the players we have brought in.

"Before I came here the budget was quite high and we would get players from as far as Liverpool. But it didn't work out and they brought me in.

"The budget is now nowhere near as high as it was. I go through the local clubs and communities and I go out quite often looking for new players in the local leagues. If I see a good, young player I will take him on."

Fellows' policies seem to be working - his team began the season by dropping only two points in their opening six games, and are now in third place in their league. But with so many promising youngsters on his books, it is inevitable that some are poached by bigger clubs.

"Over the last six months we have lost five players under the age of 18 to professional clubs," continued Fellows, who used to play in the Manchester leagues in his salad days.

"There are even a couple of Premier League clubs looking at some of our players," he continued.

"We actually have another four or five players who I think are as good if not better than those who have left. The youth team academy is first class and the reserve team managers are very good.

"There are a lot of clubs that I have run and they have all done very well. I've produced good youth team players. There have been a lot over the years who have gone on to play in the professional leagues and made a good living out of football."

Despite using Sir Alex Ferguson's template for success, Fellows remains pragmatic ahead of the FA Vase showdown with Hallam FC of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

He added: "I don't know how much about Hallam. I've been to watch them - they won 4-1 and played well.

"They have a good side and have about four players on loan from Sheffield FC of the Unibond South Division. I don't think there will be much in it. It will be a good challenge - I'm looking forward to it."

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:19 pm | Permalink | Comments

VAN BASTEN TO QUIT AS HOLLAND MANAGER

Marco Van Basten has announced that he will step down as head coach of Holland after Euro 2008 in July.

The three-time European Player of the Year and Fifa World Player of the Year has recently been linked with vacancies at Chelsea and England, as well as at his first club Ajax. This announcement, made after a meeting with the Dutch Football Association, will only re-ignite those rumours.

The 43-year-old, who began his rein as Dutch coach with only limited management experience (a year with Ajax's B team) in July 2004, after Euro 2004, was initially a popular choice.

Van Basten led Holland to an unbeaten run in the qualifiers for World Cup 2006. However his popularity began to wane when he deemed talents such as Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf too old, and others, such as Ruud van Nistelrooy and Mark van Bommel, too disruptive.

At Germany 2006 his team were knocked out by Portugal in the last 16 in a bad-tempered affair. The game ended 1-0, with Maniche's goal separating the sides, but both teams finished the game with only nine players - a record.

In September the former AC Milan striker started tongues wagging by sitting next to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich at Old Trafford, only two days after Jose Mourninho had left the club.

The English FA are still in the hunt for a replacement for Steve McClaren who was sacked after he failed to steer England to Euro 2008. Mourinho is believed to be the people's choice, though Van Basten may have put his hat in the ring.

His assistant John van't Schip will also relinquish his position after Euro 2008.

Labels: Chelsea, Euro 2008, football, Holland, Marco Van Basten

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 8:04 pm | Permalink | Comments

RIDGEWELL DELIGHTED WITH NEW MAN MCLEISH

Alex McLeish would rather avoid relegation with his new club Birmingham City than have qualified for Euro 2008 with Scotland - captain Liam Ridgewell thinks. And the former Aston Villa centre-back is delighted with the impact the new manager has had on his team’s confidence.

He believes that the 48-year-old, who won seven trophies in five years at Rangers before taking the reins of the Scottish national team in January, is just the man to steer Birmingham in the right direction.

Before Birmingham’s 3-2 away win over Tottenham the erstwhile Scotland head coach, who started at St Andrews last week, had instilled a fearless belief into the team, which reaped immediate rewards.

The 23-year-old said: “For Scotland not to go through to Euro 2008 is very disappointing for Alex. But it will be more of an accolade for him to keep Birmingham City in the Premier League. We are all pushing hard to try and make sure we do that.

“I think he is a great manager and it’s a great shout to get him. All the players are happy that he is here, and that he has brought in all his backroom staff too. I’m sure we will go from strength to strength.”

Ridgewell continued: “He just told us to go out there against Spurs with a bit of confidence and to have the belief to play your game and do what you do.

“Alex has seen a couple of our games that we have played and has seen the desire that is there. He told us to go out and build on that, and not fear any side.”

Sebastian Larsson won the game for Birmingham with a potential goal-of-the-season strike, in deep injury time, to bring Tottenham manager Juande Ramos’ unbeaten start to an end.

“It was an unbelievable, fantastic strike,” added the defender. “I’m sure Sebastian’s never hit one like that before. He’ll hopefully do another one next week. We’ll have to practice them in training a little more!”

Labels: Alex McLeish, Birmingham, football, Liam Ridgewell, Premier League, Tottenham

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:10 pm | Permalink | Comments

CERNY BEMOANS SPURS' POROUS DEFENCE

Tottenham goalkeeper Radek Cerny bemoaned his team’s “silly mistakes” after they conceded yet another last minute goal at the weekend and is worried about the low confidence of Younes Kaboul.

Birmingham’s Sebastian Larsson scored with 35-yard wonder-strike in the 93rd minute to gift Alex McLeish a dream start with a 3-2 victory at White Hart Lane.

The 33-year-old, who joined Spurs from home-club Slavia Prague in January 2005, asked: “How many times have you seen us concede a goal in the last minute?

“Larsson’s goal was fantastic, but it’s like when I was in goal against Blackburn when (Christopher) Samba scored in the last minute and we lost – I was a little bit unlucky.

“It’s these little things that all add up. We have lost maybe 18 points in the last five minutes this year – that’s a lot of points. I just hope our luck will change.”

Spurs have conceded five goals in the 90th minute or later, and have dropped seven points. The tone was set in the Premier League’s first game of the season on August 11 when Sunderland found a winning goal in the 94th minute. If they had not conceded those late goals Ramos’ team would be in tenth place.

Cerny is also concerned by the form of young centre-back Kaboul. The Frenchman was replaced at half time on Sunday by manager Juande Ramos after conceding a penalty, which Gary McSheffrey converted to put McLeish’s team one nil up.

The Czech international said: “Younes made a big mistake against Birmingham and it makes it difficult for us – we need not to make silly mistakes like this.

"It was a silly foul and a penalty. And in the last few games we have made big mistakes.

“Younes is having a difficult time at the moment. But when he arrived he was playing well. I hope he has the character to come back and be a success at Spurs, because we have some very good players here."

He added: “But we need to win games like Birmingham City at home, so we can be fine for the next game. We do the first step but we have a problem with the second step.

“I think there is a problem with the confidence, not just of Younes, but of the whole team. When we are a goal up we need to relax and control the game more."

Labels: Birmingham, football, Juande Ramos, Premier League, Tottenham

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 12:41 pm | Permalink | Comments

LARSSON STRIKES GOLD

Sebastian Larsson's 93rd-minute 35-yard screamer, which earned Birmingham their first points in four Premier League games, caused David Gold to party until the early hours of yesterday (MON) morning.

After former Scotland manager Alex McLeish's first game in charge ended in a dream 3-2 victory at White Hart Lane - the Midlands club's first in 23 years - the Birmingham chairman could not contain his delight.

"I'm going to be up celebrating this victory until 4 o' clock," he beamed after seeing the young Swede's shot fly into the top right hand corner past England No1 Paul Robinson, inflicting the first defeat of Juande Ramos' reign at Spurs.

Larsson, who began his career with Tottenham's north London rivals Arsenal, confessed that he had only taken the shot because he was fatigued. The modest 22-year-old suggested that it was a pure fluke that he hit the jackpot with such a fabulous strike.

"I have never scored anything like it before," he admitted." I had a shot earlier on and that was nowhere near the goal.

"To be honest I was quite tired and when the ball came to me I thought why not have a go, and it's one of those lucky goals I suppose."

Even Spurs captain Robbie Keane, who had brought his team back into the game with two goals in three minutes early in the second half before being sent off for a contentious challenge on Fabrice Muamba, took his hat off to the match-winning strike.

"There is not much you can do about their last goal," said a disappointed Keane. "You have got to hold your hands up and give the fella credit." The Republic of Ireland marksman now faces a three-match ban, including Spurs' trip to the Emirates on December 22.

Larsson was full of praise for McLeish, who won seven trophies in five seasons as Rangers manager before he took over as Scotland head coach in January.

He continued: "It has been short and sharp with the new manager. There is not too much you can do in such a short space of time.

"But he believes in us, and he told us to believe in ourselves. He told us to go out and enjoy and express ourselves.

"He wanted us to come with that belief that we can get something out of difficult games like Tottenham. We had a lot of luck but we also showed a lot of bottle to stick in there."

Labels: Birmingham, football, Premier League, Tottenham

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:33 pm | Permalink | Comments

KEANE TO APPEAL THREE MATCH BAN

Tottenham captain Robbie Keane described his sending off against Birmingham City, and consequent three match suspension – a ban that will see him miss the north London derby at the Emirates three days before Christmas – as “a killer blow”.

Alongside Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor and Benjani Mwaruwari of Portsmouth, the Republic of Ireland marksman is joint top scorer in the Premier League with eight goals.

But he will be in the stands for the visit of Manchester City and the trips to Fratton Park and the Emirates Stadium after his tackle on Fabrice Muamba was deemed a professional foul by referee Phil Dowd.

The 27-year-old, whose brace in the first seven minutes of the second half had dragged Spurs back into the game at White Hart Lane, was shown a straight red card in the 68th minute with the match finely balanced at 2-2.

Former Arsenal trainee Sebastian Larsson rubbed salt into Tottenham’s wounds by scoring a 92nd minute winner with a screaming 35 yard drive. However Keane felt Dowd had made a terrible decision and hopes the ban will be revoked.

“It is a killer blow for me,” he said. “Whether it is Arsenal or anyone else, to miss three games is disappointing. To have 20 minutes taken away was hard enough.

“Anyone who knows me, and has seen me play over the years, knows that I’m not a malicious player – I never go in to hurt anyone. The two of us went in for the ball; the two of us got some of the ball – it’s a simple as that.

“It certainly wasn’t a red card. Hopefully the referee and whoever is behind making the decision will have another look at it and common sense will prevail.”

Labels: Birmingham, Premier League, Robbie Keane, Tottenham

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:30 am | Permalink | Comments

LARSSON'S SCREAMER STEALS POINTS IN MCLEISH DEBUT

Sebatian Larsson's 92nd minute screamer brought Juande Ramos’ unbeaten start as Tottenham manager to an end and unbridled joy for Birmingham’s new manager, Alex McLeish, who saw his team win 3-2 in his first game.

In a highly entertaining match McLeish, who relinquished his position as Scottish national manger in midweek, made three changes to the side who lost at home to Portsmouth last weekend. Most significantly 36-year-old Maik Taylor was recalled between the sticks.

The Northern Ireland ‘keeper’s heroics, particularly in the first half, ensured the three points for the visitors, as Birmingham went into the break not only with a clean sheet but also somehow in front, thanks to Gary McSheffrey’s 24th minute penalty.

They had managed only one shot in the half – Daniel De Ridder’s second minute strike, which screwed well wide – compared with Tottenham’s 10 efforts, four of which were on target.

Taylor was first called into action in the tenth minute when centre-back Johan Djourou misguided a headed clearance – the ball falling kindly for Dimitar Berbatov 12 yards from the goal. The Bulgarian forward struck his gilt edge opportunity straight at the grateful ‘keeper.

It was all Spurs, and after 20 minutes Berbatov’s inside-out through ball found Darren Bent, whose swiveled shot from six yards was deflected agonisingly wide by Taylor.

Taylor’s best save came after Birmingham had opened the scoring though McSheffrey’s spot-kick. In Birmingham’s solitary first half attack, the beleaguered Younes Kaboul, who missed Thursday’s game due to groin injury, chopped down the former Coventry forward. He stepped up to the spot and cracked the penalty straight, as Paul Robinson dived to his left.

Taylor had to be at his best to keep Birmingham’s sheet clean before the interval, and showed just why his Scottish manager selected him over Richard Kingson when Gareth Bale’s free kick was saved.

The 18-year-old curled his centrally positioned, 30 yard shot towards the top right-hand corner, only for Taylor to reach the ball with the tips of his fingers, and turn it round the post. Bale, just recovered from a metatarsal injury, was to later limp off, much to the frustration of Ramos, who is short of left-backs in his squad. The Welshman was seen with his right foot in a cast after the game, and could only walk with the help of crutches.

Ramos rang the changes at the break, replacing Bent with Jemaine Defoe, and Kaboul with Tom Huddlestone, and it paid dividends almost immediately.

After only five minutes Spurs had equalised through Robbie Keane, after Djourou had tugged back Berbatov in the box. The Republic of Ireland striker then latched onto Huddlestone’s lofted ball, after Fabrice Muamba had failed to clear from a corner. His finish, with the studs of his right boot, put Ramos’ team ahead, and the relief was tangible.

However, Keane was to turn from hero to villain after being shown a straight red card with 20 minutes remaining; his late tackle on Djourou, being deemed dangerous by referee Phil Dowd.

Cameron Jerome had leveled the scores six minutes before Keane’s ejection, with a rare Birmingham attack, but it was midfielder Larsson who will rightfully claim Monday’s headlines. It was the third time that Spurs have conceded in injury time this season, after leaking late goals against Fulham and Blackburn.

To rub salt into Tottenham’s wounds, Larsson is a former Arsenal player, but his 30 yard crackerjack shot powered into the top right-hand corner, passed the groping hand of England No1 Robinson, and lifts Birmingham two points above their north London hosts.

Labels: Alex McLeish, Birmingham, Juande Ramos, Premier League, Tottenham

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 9:02 pm | Permalink | Comments

SANCHEZ ON ATTACK AGAINST ‘PHENOMENAL’ FERGUSON


Lawrie Sanchez insists Fulham will go on the offensive against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday, but he has the upmost respect for his opposite man – long-serving manager Sir Alex Ferguson. And he’s looking forward to pitting his wits against one of the best teams in the land.

Ferguson’s side are unbeaten in seven games at home in the league, and have conceded one solitary goal in the process. But the former Northern Ireland coach is planning to go out all guns blazing.

Despite Fulham not winning away in the Premier League this campaign, their manager believes playing for a draw would be pointless. "United have a terrific home record, but if you don't go there with some ambition then you tend to leave with very little,” Sanchez suggested.

"If you sit back against United then you are likely to get what you deserve. You have to go and make a game of it.

“You want to test yourself against the best and United are one of the best in this country - it is a great challenge.

Sanchez called 65-year-old Ferguson’s 21 years at United – during which time he has captured 27 trophies, including nine Premier League titles – “a phenomenal achievement”.

However he questioned whether managers nowadays would be afforded the trust and time needed to build a solid foundation, and bemoaned the fact that already six Premier League managers have been handed their P45s in the first four months of the season.

Sanchez continued: “For Ferguson to spend that amount of time at a top club is a heck of a long time. It is no coincidence that the second longest serving manager in the Premier League is (Arsenal’s manager) Arsene Wenger.

“The rest of us are playing week to week, it doesn’t make for cohesion in team-building. It’s a very difficult time to manage at this moment in time and it’s driven by the money - everybody wants some of the Premier League gold.

“But the average lifespan of a manager is about a year and there’s no stability. Managers want to plan for the longer term and get some time under our belts but there seems increasingly less time to sort that out.”

Labels: football, Fulham, Lawrie Sanchez, Manchester United, Premier League, Sir Alex Ferguson

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