Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 07 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Benitez to discuss new Reds deal
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is ready to begin talks with the owners of the club on a new contract.

The Spaniard arrived at Anfield in 2004 and his current deal is not set to expire until 2010, but Benitez wants to prolong his stay.

"I received a phone call from Tom Hicks, on behalf of George Gillett also," he told the club's official website.

"They talk of a meeting with my advisers and a contract extension. This is great news."

Liverpool have received a good start to the season and are currently second in the Premier League, trailing only Chelsea on goal difference.

Tottenham are the only team to have beaten Liverpool so far and they seem to reach the final stages of the Champions League.

The 48-year-old former Valencia manager adopted a new four years in 2006 and Gillett and Hicks have now to secure its long-term future.

"We decided to meet in the next week, and now my advisers are in contact with them," added Benitez.

"We did not talk about the duration of the contract, but we talk and we all want to find a solution as soon as possible.

"For me, it's easy. I want to stay here - I'm where I want to be. It is very simple.
"My family and I know how the fans were with us. The club is moving forward and we have the new stadium project. There are many positive things.

"I want to stay here for long. Obviously, I want to be present when the new stadium opens. The other day I was joking that if they offered me a contract for 20 years I would really happy. "

Benitez has not always seen in Liverpool with a view over the club's American owners transfer policy, but they seem to have resolved their differences in recent months.

The crisis erupted in the summer after the board Baulk to Aston Villa £ 18m asking price for midfielder Gareth Barry, a player Benitez was keen to add to his team.

However, they have £ 20.3m penalty to move forward Robbie Keane and last summer they paid anyone club record fee for the Spain forward Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid.

The fractious relationship has resulted in Benitez be related to the initiatives of Italy or back to his native Spain with Real Madrid but he hoped that talk of a new agreement will allow his team to rely on their good start of the season.

"The team is in very good position if I did not talk about my contract from now, it will be perfect," said Benitez.

"The owners know that we do well. The atmosphere is really good, we are at the top of the League and Champions League in our group. The team plays well."

Despite the Reds finishing fifth in his first campaign at Anfield, Benitez won the Champions League after a dramatic penalty shootout against the AC Milan and also guided the club to the final of the Carling Cup.

The following season, Liverpool won the FA Cup and a year later they were back in the final of the Champions League but were defeated by Milan.

Gillett and Hicks are said to be pleased with the club early in the campaign 2008-2009 and a statement issued on their behalf, said: "Rafa continues to do a great job, we're really pleased with the progress of the team and we look forward to talk about him and his advisors about extending his contract. "
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 07 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Coach Jordan leaves Pompey post
Joe Jordan has left Portsmouth after four years at Fratton Park.

New Pompey manager Tony Adams had hoped to persuade the 56-year-old Scot to remain under its new regime.

But the club announced that Jordan, who also had a spell as caretaker boss, will not be staying on after Harry Redknapp departure for Tottenham.

Jordan has already been linked with a move to White Hart Lane, where he would meet again the Spurs boss Redknapp to the establishment.

Portsmouth praise of Jordan "significant contribution" and revealed Adams hopes to announce his new team training next week.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 07 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

O'Neill sees potential in Guzan
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes Brad Guzan is a great goalkeeper in manufacturing. "

The USA international, 24, impressed as Villa moved a step closer to the Uefa Cup knock-out stages with a 1-0 win at Slavia Prague on Thursday evening.

"I think it is a great goalkeeper in the manufacture," said O'Neill. "I'm delighted he got his work permit.

"I thought I was brilliant. We are very pleased that we saw in him when he was in the U.S. are released. "

Guzan, who was only his second competitive appearance in a Villa shirt, is currently lining fellow American Brad Friedel.

O'Neill has signed America's Chivas USA at the second attempt, for a total of around £ 2 m in August, as his original move collapsed in January because he failed to obtain a work permit.

And the Villa boss said I've always been convinced that 2007 MLS goalkeeper of the year impress.

I never had any doubts about Brad from the moment he came over and has not received his work permit for the first time, "said O'Neill." He has a wonderful temperament.

"I told him" not to worry, if you still want to come here and see us through this in six months we will again. "
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 05 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

FA BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP - Round Ten: Who’s hot and who’s not ??

Hot team

last minute to win the league leaders Liverpool following their last-minute draw The Emirates is well under that price.

Chelsea have to recover from their defeat against Liverpool last week with two master classes MIDWEEK absolute in their 3-0 win at Hull on Saturday and the 5-0 thrashing of Sunderland.

Based on that Tottenham's victory owes much to the character and determination, rather than capacity, because let's be honest, Liverpool should have won comfortably, I give this week the price of Chelsea.

No hot team
I wrote yesterday about the article of the disappointing performance of Arsenal from Stoke. Sunderland fell 5-0, Manchester United at home for granted three Hull, Portsmouth lost at home and Manchester City have been quite disastrous in their defeat at Bolton.

However, the Arsenal are winning this title for me this week.

Hot guard
It goes to Bolton's unsung hero Jussi Jaaskelainen. He made his 400th appearance for the club yesterday in their 2-0 victory over Manchester City and made three fine saves with score at 0-0. It has always been one of the best guards in the Premier League and at the age of thirty-three and having completed more than ten years in Bolton, it shows no sign of a decline in the standard.

No hot goaltender
You must go to North London to find the owner not hot 'this week. Gomez de Almunia Arsenal and Tottenham are two guards who do not seem to be good enough to play at this level.

Gomez considered, at best, Shakya, because I arrived at White Hart Lane, and it inspires no confidence.

Almunia had to be strong and dominate his region against the threat from Stoke and he failed to do so in any way. On the basis that Gomez has at least one very good save, this week the prize is awarded to Almunia.

Hot defend
Tottenham are without Ledley King about half the side with Ledley King of Tottenham. It's as simple as that. Spurs were absolutely beaten by Liverpool on Saturday and the king of organizational capacity and skills helped Tottenham to stay in The Game, before completing an unlikely victory.

This is a great shame for England and Tottenham Ledley has suffered numerous injuries. I really think I could have been one of the biggest in The Game.

Not to defend hot
I love him and Rio Ferdinand have proclaimed the best defense in the world. However, I was terrible at Everton last week and really looked suspect again on Saturday against Hull City.

He gave a stupid penalty that could cost United and embarrassed. It is a magnificent player, but he deserves this award on this occasion.

Hot Midfielder
Frank Lampard has been criticized by almost everyone in football other than his club managers. They have each declared it to be the best as they know exactly what he brings to the team. Saturday saw notch his 100th Premier League goal, a remarkable record for a midfielder.

No hot Midfielder
Another wonderful player suffering from a loss of form is the Arsenal Cesc Fabregas. It was surprisingly good in the first half of last season, but dropped out shortly after Christmas. He then played a bit part in Spain's European Championship victory and went straight into this season without too much disruption.

He seems to be a shadow of a player we all know, it may be, and I wonder if he needs to rest?

Hot Striker
I appointed the striker not hot "on more than one occasion and made my feelings about it are simply not good enough to play for Chelsea very clear. Now that I have a Bagger Premier League win on Saturday and spent the top of the Premier League goalscorers table I suppose I must admit Nicolas Anelka.

I still do not think it is pretty good but I do accept that the facts do seem to speak for themselves.

Striker not hot
I am not picking on Arsenal but it must go in the wonderful talent but petulant personality Robin van Persie. What he did was simply ridiculous, and Arsene Wenger to say that I should not have been sent is equally Daft.

Van Persie needs to lose this side of his game because he has all the skills to be one of the best in the world.
by soccernews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 05 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Chopra set for shock Cardiff move
Michael Chopra is set to make a shock return to Cardiff City Fa Barclaycard Premiership Sunderland as a loan-signing and could play at QPR on Saturday.

Chopra, 24, should be back to the Bluebirds for two months to help fill gaps created by injuries to Jay Bothroyd and Ross McCormack.

The move is likely to raise speculation Chopra will be back on a more permanent basis in the January transfer window.

Chopra joined Sunderland from Cardiff, in July 2007 for £ 5m.

Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale said earlier in Wales BBC Sport: "We concentrate on the Fa Barclaycard Premiership and I hope we will have a Premier League by attacking the trusts before Saturday."

McCormack is for a maximum of four weeks and Bothroyd a maximum of eight after suffering injuries in Saturday Hamstring 2-1 defeat by Wolves in the championship.

Ridsdale added: "We are going to the Premier League because it is clear they are the actors in a Caliber and it is more likely that they will have a team large enough to be allowed to have someone on loan.

"None of our Championship Rivals want us to do well during this period so as not to help us in the lower leagues and those who do very many people, if they want to sell at all and, of course, you can not buy until January. "

Boss Dave Jones has only Eddie Johnson and Paul Parry available to fill gaps until a new recruit Orman can be signed and the arrival of a nature to facilitate its concern.

Bothroyd lasted only 13 minutes 2-1 loss Saturday, while top scorer McCormack back to the beginning of the second half having struck his 11th goal of the season.
The duo joined midfielders Mark Kennedy, Riccardo Scimeca and Tony Capaldi mid-term injury list.

Between the two, and McCormack have Bothroyd scored 14 of the Bluebirds' 19 league goals this season, helping to lift Cardiff to sixth in the championship.

"We now need someone because of what happened," said Jones.

"You know now it is five players, and great players for us which is difficult to swallow."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 05 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Pulis hits back at Wenger claims
Stoke boss Tony Pulis said Arsène Wenger is "trying to rewrite history" after the Arsenal boss accused his team of using too aggressive tactics.

Wenger Sentenced Ryan Shawcross and Rory Delap after Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott have been injured in Stoke 2-1 victory at the Britannia Stadium.

Pulis told the club website: "On Saturday, Mr. Wenger has admitted that Stoke deserve to win The Game.

"He tried to rewrite history, his comments certainly made me smile."

Both Adebayor and Walcott was stretchered Thursday during Saturday after meeting the challenges of Shawcross and Delap respectively.

Adebayor was subsequently ruled out for three weeks in the injury suffered in Saturday's contest.

Champions League At a press conference Tuesday, questioned Wenger: "Do you think Delap tried to play the ball when he tackled Walcott? Or that Shawcross tried to play the ball when he tackled Adebayor off the pitch? "

But Pulis jumped to the defense of his players.

"Rory is as honest and committed as they come," said Pulis.

"He would never leave voluntarily to another professional injured, remember not so long ago Rory was sitting on a hospital bed with a double fracture."

On Adebayor, Pulis added: "I remember Emmanuel Adebayor was booked for a chest-high challenge on Ryan Shawcross." Pulis Wenger also recalled that Robin van Persie was dismissed for striking Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

"There is only one network card, Saturday and the last time I watched The Game was not a player from Stoke who received it," said Pulis.

The former Gillingham boss concluded his statement by saying: "I have great respect for Mr Wenger and Arsenal Football Club.

"But you can fool some people all the time, and all the people some of the time, but you can not fool all the people all the time."

Midfielder Delap has also protested his own innocence on the incident which caused Walcott England international to leave the field with his arm in a sling.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "It was a struggle against fatigue. I was trying to get the ball but I was too fast for me.

"I wish him all the best and I will try to see it."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 05 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Adebayor injury blow hits Arsenal
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor was ruled out of action for three weeks with an ankle injury suffered in Saturday's defeat 2-1 at Stoke.

The 24-year-old suffered the injury after a fight against Ryan Shawcross.

The defense challenge from Stoke drew an angry reaction from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has accused the side of the house too aggressive tactics.

Adebayor and will now miss league games against Manchester United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and maybe Chelsea.

The Gunners are due to play fellow Londoners, November 30.

The Togolese striker will also miss the Champions League game with Fenerbahce and Dynamo Kiev.

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates strongly rejected Wenger's claims that his team has played in a bad way.

"I am sure that none of our players are going to deliberately hurt someone," said Coates.

Fellow forward Theo Walcott was also injured in Saturday's defeat.

Adebayor has nine goals this season, five in the league, and Arsenal is the best scorer.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 05 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Petrov set for lengthy spell out
Manchester City winger Martin Petrov will be for a maximum of four months because of a problem knee ligament.

Petrov, 29, was injured playing for Bulgaria in October and the problem has not responded to treatment.

"Martin will see a surgeon and he will probably stay and surgery," said City boss Mark Hughes.

"If so, I will probably be for three to four months. It would be a blow for us because it gives us more options."

Hughes added: "Unfortunately, there is a frustration for us, as was the case on international law. It is a little more difficult.

"Martin has a good pre-season and last year he was one of our performers pending. But for now, it seems as though it will go for an operation."

Petrov, who just returned from a Hamstring injury, has a tear in his meniscus, but it has not damaged the most serious cruciata anterior cruciate ligament.

Hughes, however, received a boost after Michael Johnson returned to training after a groin injury which has kept since September.

"Johnn trained on Monday and did not look like there was a reaction," said Hughes.

"We'll try to get him out again to work through the injury, hopefully, if we do that then he will play again.

"His absence has been frustrating. There is another type of player that I had recently available, but it was not an option, it would be good to bring back."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 05 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Chelsea display worries Scolari
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted that he was concerned after seeing his side beaten far from Roma.

The loss meant Chelsea lead at the top of Champions League Group A was reduced to a single point with two games left.

"When you give away three goals do not worry," he said after the loss of 3.1 to Rome. "You must think about what was and what we can do in our next match.

"We gave too many opportunities in Rome. We made too many errors, bad passes and made a wrong position."

Despite the disappointing display, which was compounded by the late dismissal of midfielder Deco, the coach remained optimistic about their chances of qualification.

"It is true that the group is open to all teams," added Scolari. "All the groups are difficult. We lost a game and there are other teams behind us.

"But we have to win a game and we're here while other teams might need to win two games.

"We now have two chances to win against Bordeaux and Cluj."
Scolari was critical of the decision by Deco show a second yellow card with 10 minutes to go take a free kick too quickly.

"I think if a player Roma have done what they did Deco was not sent," he said.

"Nevertheless, I have good quality players in midfield to replace him for our next match."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 04 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Wenger furious at Stoke tackling
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has accused Stoke aggressive tactics after the injury of two of its players in the Gunners' 2-1 defeat Saturday.

Wenger Sentenced Rory Delap and Ryan Shawcross after Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor were both injured.

"Do you think Delap tried to play the ball when he tackled Walcott?

"Or that Shawcross tried to play the ball when he tackled Adebayor off the pitch?" Champions League Wenger told a press conference Tuesday.

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates strongly rejected claims that his team had deliberately injured in September opponents.

"I am very disappointed because I do not think that is the case at all," Coates told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We do not play like that. We're not that kind of team.

"I am sure that none of our players are going to deliberately hurt a person if it is most disappointing to know someone like that Arsene Wenger to comment but that is it."

Walcott (shoulder) and Adebayor (ankle) will both miss the Wednesday night Champions League game against Fenerbache at the Emirates Stadium as a result of their injuries.

And Adebayor is also certain to miss Saturday's Fa Barclaycard Premiership match against champions Manchester United.

With critics accusing Arsenal of lacking enough courage to tackle following the defeat at Britannia Stadium, Wenger launched a strong defense of his team.

"I am not prepared to listen to things that are wrong and the people who are cowards, for me, watching brave," said the Gunners boss.

"I read that my team are not brave," he said.

"All I can say is that they are courageous and, for me, you need to have more courage to play football when you know that someone is the fight against you from behind without no intention to play the ball.

"The only intention is to hurt you and I can show you some tackles that I can prove what I say. Whoever is the fight is not against the brave one.

"For me, brave is the one player trying to play football."

Wenger also claimed that this is not the first time the teams had used physical tactics to disrupt Arsenal free football while striker Nicklas Bendtner insists the Gunners are no pushovers.

"We know that other teams have but we also GAMEplan. If other teams are physical, we can answer that," he said.

"We just had to think about our own game and how we play. If we do quite well which should be enough to win games.

"If teams want to blow us and treat us who are still in the lead. We have to stick our foot in and tackle and play our football when we have the ball. "
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 04 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

FA decides not to punish Barton
The Football Association said midfielder Joey Barton Newcastle will not be an action on an incident involving Aston Villa Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Barton, 26, seems to meddle Agbonlahor face Newcastle in the 2-0 victory at St James' Park on Monday.

Referee Steve Bennett said with Barton after shock, but the FA said he had not seen the incident.

However, after seeing the video, officials decided it was not worthy of a network adapter.

The clash came after Barton, who is to play again after the ban and the prison, was penalized for misconduct.

"I thought it was a mistake against me, and I had his hand on the ball," said Barton in the Newcastle Chronicle.

The midfielder, who was later booked for a challenge on Aston Villa defend Luke Young, added: "We shook hands after The Game and this is the way it is.

"It was all for nothing. Nothing happened, people are making a mountain of a molehill. "

And Newcastle have argued that Barton is being treated unfairly.

Coach Chris HUGHTON said: "Any incident involving Joey will be jumped twice as much as it will be with any other player.

"I was not aware of any incident with Joey at all."

Barton was released from prison in July after serving two months of six-month sentence for assault and affray in Liverpool.

The Newcastle player was later banned for six games by the FA after his aggression former Manchester City teammate Ousmane Dabo in training.

Barton had admitted a charge of violent conduct and was fined £ 25,000 for a personal hearing but will be suspended for six games if he leaves the line again in the future.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has also played in the incident, although Agbonlahor has spoken.

He said: "It is for others to decide. The referee and the linesman, what they have seen - or not see, if May is to them. "
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 04 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Young signs four-year Villa deal
Aston Villa winger Ashley Young has signed a new four-year agreement with the Fa Barclaycard Premiership equipment.

Young joined the club in January 2007, Villa Watford costs about £ 10m at the time.

The 23 years, has impressed this term scoring four times in 17 appearances with Villa currently fifth in the Premier League table.

Young, who won three England caps, has signed a contract that will see him remain at Villa Park until 2012.

With his contract, it follows John Carew, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Wilfred Bouma and Craig Gardner, who have all signed new long-term deals at Villa since the end of last season.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 04 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Birmingham sign Hunt in loan deal
Birmingham City have signed Nicky Hunt defense of Bolton Wanderers on a one-month loan deal.

Hunt, could be available for the Blues next seven games, starting Monday night home date against Coventry.

Manager Alex McLeish moved to sign Hunt, 25, following injuries to Stuart and PARNABY Stephen Kelly.

He left with only 19 years old, Jared Wilson, who made his first team debut in last week's defeat to Queens Park Rangers, as a specialist right back.

McLeish, but insists the signing of Hunt is not lightly to the teenager, saying the club's website: "Ensure Nicky is certainly not to discredit Jared Wilson, who is a very good young player.

"But for a young blood asking them to play week in, week and then say 'We have to return to the Fa Barclaycard Premiership is a tall order. "
by bbcnews.


Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 04 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Benjani moves closer to comeback
Zimbabwe Striker Benjani Mwaruwari has moved closer to its first Fa Barclaycard Premiership appearance of the season.

I played for Manchester City reserve team on Monday evening.

Benjani, who has been struggling with a thigh injury, scored the winner in a 2-1 defeat of Liverpool reserve team.

Fellow striker Darius Vassell, who injured a knee before the start of the season, also played in a match on Monday.

Manchester City have lost their last two matches against Middlesbrough and Bolton, and manager Mark Hughes welcomes the return of Vassell and Benjani.

Rear Michael Ball also made his comeback from an injury to the ankle Monday, May, but we must fight hard for a first team place.

Hughes is strongly linked with a move to Marseille Taye Taiwo of Nigeria defend in the January transfer window.

The left-back slot has proved something of a headache during the last week of the City.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership Result Update

English Premiership Result.

03 November 2008

Newcastle U. 2 - 0 Aston Villa

by livescore.com


02 November 2008

Bolton W. 2 - 0 Manchester City

by livescore.com