Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 21 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Gallas will stay on - Winterburn
Former Gunner Nigel Winterburn Arsene Wenger insists William Gallas not bag as captain of Arsenal, despite the defense's public attack on his team.

Gallas has launched a superb criticism of his teammates, which reveals the atmosphere in the camp has become fractious.

But Winterburn, who made 440 appearances in 13 years at Arsenal, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I know Arsene and he will be very hurt by the comments.

"But Gallas Säckingen infringe any right on Arsenal now."

This is not the first time France Gall's position as skipper has been questioned this year.

His petulant reaction to last season with the draw at Birmingham and drew heavy criticism earlier this year, he was photographed with a cigarette in his mouth leaving a nightclub.

His most recent comments have also Angered Arsenal fans after he revealed he was forced to break a fight in the locker room during the Gunners' 4-4 draw with Tottenham while accusing a player whose name has not disrupt team morale.

Many fans have called for Demot Gallas as captain, but Winterburn said: "In my opinion, I will not sack Gallas.

"Arsene has put his trust in Gallas to Arsenal lead before - Suddenly, turn bag and told him that I do not trust you as a player.

"And if you do not trust him as a player this also means it will not take him. Is he going to do? I think not."

Bobby Barnes, director of the Professional Footballers' Association, said his organization was not too concerned about Gallas comments.

"There are differences in every club, every day, just as it exists in other workplaces," the former midfielder for West Ham told BBC Sport.

"In a dressing room, there are always different personalities and dynamics.

"It is just unfortunate that it came into the public domain. I visit regularly Arsenal and they have one of the most friendly and polite atmosphere of any club.

"Team spirit is good and it is very well run club."

by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 21 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Kinnear hints at January targets
Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear was behind the players I would like to bring to St James' Park in January.

Negotiations with the owner Mike Ashley on the future of the club Kinnear have been rejected if the boss is planning a longer stay on Tyneside.

"We need two players as soon as possible, and I have in mind," he told reporters Friday.

"It is with Roma and is not in the team yet. The other has already scored against us this season."

After Kinnear substantial clue Roma player, a man who has been heavily linked is John Arne Riise.

The 28-year-old, Norwegian, a Liverpool player for many years, left Anfield for Italy in the summer of a deal worth £ 4m.

However, he regularly played for Roma since their accession, which seems to suggest that May not be the man on the list of Kinnear.

However, French Defense Philippe Mexes was less appearances and has recently been reported to be in talks with AC Milan, AS Roma star try to offload players to service their debt.

Kinnear's other index, a player who scored against Newcastle this season, does little to reduce the list of possibilities.

It was suggested that Arsenal 20 years Kinnear Midfielder Denilson is the goal as I scored in the Gunners' 3-0 win earlier this season, but 23 players have scored against Newcastle this term.

Kinnear had initially planned to take charge of the Tyneside club as a matter of weeks, but with the announcement that talks with Ashley owner can no longer take place Saturday afternoon game against Chelsea, you have installed in a long term.

"I already had my list ready and I'll give it to Mike," said 61-year-old.

"I know that their agents and what they would be ready to deal in January until the end of the season. I already know the player in Rome cost us £ 2m to bring here.

"We need to strengthen the team and the team and if we can get them, they will be a big boost because both are class players."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 21 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Berbatov & Brown out for Man Utd
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has been banned for two matches, while defending Wes Brown will miss up to five weeks.

Berbatov was replaced by Cramp during Bulgaria's 6-1 defeat by Serbia and has a slight deformation Hamstring.

Brown, 29, last played in the 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on October 25 and is recovering from an exploratory ankle.

Sir United manager Alex Ferguson said the new was "really disappointing".

Brown you endurance long list of injury problems. Having established himself at Old Trafford during the Treble-winning season of 1998-1999 I missed the whole campaign following cruciata with a knee injury.

Despite a knee injury, he recovered to make the England World Cup squad in 2002 before breaking the ankle playing for United in the Champions League the same year.

Brown happened to impress Ferguson and earlier this year agreed a new contract to keep him at United until at least 2012.

Ferguson added: "Fortunately, we have a lot of cover at right back, with Gary Neville, Rafael Da Silva and John O'Shea available to come in."

Berbatov will miss Saturday visit to Aston Villa on Tuesday in the Champions League game at Villarreal.

Commenting on his injury of the attacker, Ferguson said: "This is not a tear. This is a slight tension but with hamstrings you do not take any risks. There is no point do worse. "
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 20 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Arsenal not brave enough - Gallas
Arsenal captain William Gallas has warned the Gunners' young stars they are not brave enough "to challenge for the Fa Barclaycard Premiership title.

Saturday 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa four in total losses for Arsenal this term, leaving them nine points Adrift Chelsea and Liverpool.

And 31-year-old Gallas said: "We are not brave enough to fight.

"I think we must be soldiers. To be champions, you have to play big matches every weekend and fight."

Speaking to the Associated Press, he added: "We are coming against teams that are not afraid to play football against us, who are not afraid to take on us in our place, and it becomes dangerous for Arsenal.

"We have to be warriors. This is how the team will shape their character and experience."

France Gall has been subject to strict controls as staff captain of Arsenal, most recently receiving criticism after being photographed leaving a nightclub with a cigarette in his mouth.

And it was also Barrack following a show of petulance at the end of his side draw 2-2 with Birmingham City last season - and he admitted friction is rampant in the Arsenal camp.

"There was a problem at half-time of the 4-4 draw with Tottenham," he said. "The only thing I could say half-time was" Guys, we solve these problems after the match, not halfway. "

Gallas has revealed that on another occasion, some Arsenal players were insulted by their own teammate.

"When some players as captain come to you and tell you about a player complaining about him ... and then ... during the game you talk about this player and the player in question insult us, there comes a time where we can not understand how this could happen, "he said.

Gallas did not reveal the name of the player, but he said the incident occurred during a phase of attacking play, saying: "I am trying to defend myself a little without giving any names . Otherwise, I take any (blame). I 'm 31, the player is six years younger than me. "

Yet the half-center believes his side can still challenge for honors this season, but he added another season without silverware would be a kind of failure. "

"I must win something this year. I have something to gain, Arsenal has something to gain. It is four or five years since Arsenal won anything - 2004 (under the league). C ' is nearly five years, and this is not good.

"(Big contracts) make a difference, perhaps. You can rest on your laurels, for sure."

Arsenal travel to Manchester City in the league on Saturday hoping to avoid their first back-to-back defeats in 58 football matches.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 20 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Man City search for loan keeper
The Fa Barclaycard Premiership has given Manchester City permission to sign a goalkeeper as a temporary replacement for Joe Hart, who was injured against Hull on Sunday.

Hart's ankle injury is not as bad as first fear, and I will be for two weeks, rather than one month.

But City boss Mark Hughes only worthy back-up for Kasper Schmeichel is 18 years old Norwegian Tobias Johansen.

"We can make a guard in the loan, we will see what is there to cover short-term," said Hughes.

"We will see who is available and see if it's worth to anyone."

Hart, 21, cleaning outside the 2.2 to get the KC Stadium after falling so clumsy at Hull Daniel Cousin put forward in the first half.

Hughes added: "It may be for a minimum of two weeks, but when the injury occurred first we thought it would be considerably longer than that.

"Fortunately, it's not as bad as we first thought because we did initially think it's ligament damage. This is not the case, so I will be back sooner that we fear, which is good news. "

With people like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, Hart missed the England friendly against Germany on Wednesday after initially being called into the team.
Hart was ever present this season for Man City but will be absent for the visit of Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday and his side travel to Schalke in the Uefa Cup, Nov. 27.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 19 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Walcott faces anxious injury wait
From Arsenal Theo Walcott could face a maximum of three months after dislocating his right shoulder Tuesday.

The 19 years old, who has a hereditary problem shoulder injury suffered in training with England before Wednesday friendly with Germany.

It is due to fly home to see a specialist Wednesday.

"Because there is a weakness, it is likely that I could have surgery and be until next February," said Jonathan Legarda BBC Sport.

Walcott had his left shoulder PINNED in 2007 and had to be stretchered Arsenal during the recent meeting with Stoke after he fell on him and spasms suffered as a result.

"We are all very disappointed, but the important thing is Theo Trip to the house and make a speedy recovery," said England manager Fabio Capello, who Walcott handed his first competitive start for England in September World Cup qualifying against Andorra.

He then scored a hat-trick in Croatia and has also begun against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

The injury is a blow to Capello, who is already without Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Emile Heskey and Joe Hart, but it is worse news for manager d 'Arsenal Arsene Wenger.
Walcott was regularly for the Gunners this season and, after seeing his team collect just four points from their last four league games, Wenger must do without one of its most potent attacking players.

Last season, the Derby midfielder Stephen Pearson has been ruled out for a month after suffering the same injury.

Although Walcott same time, I would miss four league and the rest of the Arsenal Champions League group campaign.

"During Tuesday's training session Theo Walcott dislocated right shoulder after falling on the ground," said an FA statement.

"Arsenal medical staff were informed of the accident shortly after the incident."

Speaking before Tuesday to learning the injury of Walcott, Wenger expressed his displeasure at the break.

"It is not particularly welcome at this time because there is a period where you want your players to recover a little," he told the Arsenal website.

"I do not know what you gain from this friendly because there is no match. You can explain a friendly to prepare for an official after the match, but there is no international game for four months. "
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 19 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Benayoun threatens to leave Reds
Liverpool, Yossi Benayoun midfielder threatened to quit in frustration after manager Rafa Benitez of the aid policy as a substitute.

The 28 years old, who joined West Ham from £ 5m in 2007, made only four starts in 11 appearances this season.

Benayoun told Israel's Channel Five television: "If the situation remains the same in the coming months, I do not want to continue as a Liverpool player.

"I hope that this change that I want to stay myself and prove, but it will not be easy."

Benayoun made his name at Israeli side Maccabi Haifa and Spanish equipment Racing Santander before moving to West Ham in 2005.

He changed at Anfield in 2007 and reluctant to leave this summer despite interest from Italian side Roma and Dutch giants Ajax.

The Israeli international has made 41 appearances for Liverpool, but he feared that his playing time will be limited following the team's good start to the season.

The Reds are top of the Premier League with Chelsea, having lost only once, collecting 32 points out of 39.

"The fact that I spent so much time on the bench when he was a winning formula on the ground tells you everything," said Benayoun.

"I know I'm one of the biggest clubs in the world, and there are many good players like Ryan Babel and Jermaine Pennant who sometimes are not even in the team, but not fun sitting on the bench all the time.

"I always wanted to prove myself good enough for Liverpool, and I thought I did well last season to help many goals and assists.

"But it seems there is more competition for places this time, and if I continue to be the key, I do not want to stay, even if Liverpool.

"Maybe I will accept and begin to learn another language, like Italian or French or even Russian."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 19 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Spurs goalkeeping coach departs
Tottenham have parted company with goalkeeping coach Hans Leitert in the wake of costly mistakes by their Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Gomes, 27, made several gaffes this season with his last coming at Tottenham 2-1 in Premier League defeat at Fulham on Saturday.

Leitert Austrian, 35, only moved to White Hart Lane this summer.

A statement on the Spurs website: "We wish to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success."

Gomes joined Tottenham from PSV Eindhoven this summer for an undisclosed fee, thought of around £ 8m.

And despite its mistakes, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is custodian of its support to bounce back, saying: "He is our number one and has to do the job - we are relying heavily on him.

"I believe in him and we have to believe in him."
Redknapp, who lost his starting Unbeaten as Tottenham manager in the defeat at Craven Cottage, you Cesar Sanchez in reserve, while young Ben Alnwick has returned from a loan spell at Carlisle.

But he suggested that Gomes will be in the starting line-up against Blackburn on Sunday.

"Obviously, he was disappointed by the weekend, but his record tells you he is a world-class goalkeeper," said Redknapp.

"He has to rebound and turn in a fantastic performance this weekend. I'm sure he will. He has a strong character. It is up to him now."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 18 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Ferguson given ban & fine by FA
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was submitted two key match ban and fined £ 10,000 after admitting a charge of misconduct.

Ferguson, 66, came on the ground to remonstrate with the referee Mike Dean after United beat Hull on 1 November.

The ban starts on December 2 and covers the Carling Cup to Blackburn game and the league game against Sunderland.

Ferguson admitted the burden of previous disciplinary record and were examined by the Football Association.

The Scot claimed the FA was "dying" to send him a letter after he was charged.

"I have no reaction because I have not read yet charged," he said on Nov. 7. "I am a little surprised. But the FA. They were probably dying send me a letter. "

Ferguson to go on the field immediately after the match at Old Trafford to remonstrate with the official and was given until Nov. 19 to respond.

It was thought to be upset that Dean, who have already booked Michael Turner, did not send the defense of Hull-off when he finished by Michael Carrick in the second half.

4-1 United were at the time and composed of Ferguson's frustration, Dean of Hull then awarded a penalty for Rio Ferdinand on Challenge of Bernard Mendy.

Manchester United has become increasingly irritated players and Wayne Rooney escaped a sending difficulties during heavy on George Boateng and Andy Dawson has led to a booking.

Last season, Ferguson was involved in three high-profile incidents with the referees, two of them after matches against Portsmouth.

At Fratton Park in August the 66 years was furious that Steve Bennett sent Cristiano Ronaldo and then, after an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford in March, it marked Martin Atkinson "a disgrace".

On the second misconduct charge was not proven.

He did, however, serve a two match ban button and was handed a £ 5000 fine for a stop at the referee Mark Clattenburg at half time of the match in Bolton - a game United to lose.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 18 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Drogba banned for three matches

Chelsea: Didier Drogba was banned for three games for throwing a coin into a section of Burnley fans at their shock Carling Cup defeat.

Drogba has cast the play after scoring last Wednesday in the game at Stamford Bridge and admitted a Football Association charge of violent behavior.

An FA Regulatory Commission heard the case on Tuesday in search of written and video evidence.

The 30 years of the attacker suspension takes effect immediately.

The prohibition also covers the disturbance of the season which saw the Ivory Coast international making just five league appearances because of a knee injury and he will now miss matches against Newcastle, Arsenal and Bolton.

Drogba is also facing a police investigation into the incident, with the Metropolitan Police last Thursday confirming that officers were looking into it.

The FA also wrote to both Chelsea and Burnley to request information on a number of missiles thrown at Chelsea players section Burnley.

An FA spokesman said: "The players should be able to play football without fear for their personal safety.

"It is totally unacceptable for players to be endangered by supporters to launch missiles on the ground.

"The priority now is to work with clubs and the police to identify those involved.

"The FA wants anyone found guilty of launching missiles to cope with the strongest action. This includes life bans from attending football matches."

Drogba made a single finger gesture before starting the play back after his 27th report, but there were no reports of any Spectators injured.

Referee Keith Stroud told the FA he had booked Drogba to go to the opposition to celebrate, but had not seen him throw the room.

Côte d'Ivoire has issued an attacker immediate post-match excuses.

Jamie Carragher was handed three match ban when he was red card for a similar offense in 2002.

Carragher was also questioned by police but no further steps have been taken. However, he was fined by Liverpool and warned about his future conduct.

"There are two sides to it," said midfielder Lampard of Chelsea. "Didier out and there was a reaction, a human reaction, I must say, Jamie Carragher who is eleven.

"I Didier been around at the time and I do not know how many pieces there were around.

"I take a lot of corners and it is not uncommon to get things thrown at you and a lot of abuse, too, and I think it's reached a stage now where he arrived to arrest him.

"We have seen referees hitting, too, so I think people have to take responsibility as a group."

Chelsea issued a statement in response to the FA charge, admission actions Drogba was "inexcusable" and promising to cooperate fully with the FA and the Metropolitan Police.

"We welcome assistance from Burnley trying to help identify the small minority of their support that spoiled a great opportunity for their club," read the statement from Chelsea.

"Although Didier Drogba was hit by an object that does not excuse his actions later.

"I also recognize that has not sought to justify this way, you have sincerely expressed regret and apologized for the incident.

"The question will be handled internally by the club after the FA and police are completed."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 17 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Barton ruled out for two months
Midfielder Joey Barton Newcastle has been ruled out for up to eight weeks after damaging knee ligaments in Saturday draw with Wigan 2-2.

The 26-year-old limped off after 17 minutes of a match after a challenge with Lee Cattermole.

Barton said: "I do not blame Lee in any way. It was 50/50 ball and we both have been for him, these things happen.

"It's frustrating and disappointing. My only intention is to Knuckle and bounce and get fit again. "

The injury will mean a further interruption of Barton's career on Tyneside, which began last summer when he completed a £ 5.8m switch from Manchester City.

A broken METATARSAL delayed its competitive debut, but the problems that have hampered him since have been largely self-inflicted.

I spent time behind bars in custody after being arrested following an incident in downtown Liverpool which led to him later serving 74 days in prison for assault and affray.

Barton has also been awarded to 12 game ban, six of them suspended, for a training ground incident involving then City teammate Ousmane Dabo.

He returned to action as a substitute in the derby defeat at Sunderland on October 25 and made his first start of the campaign three days later in the 2-1 home victory over West Brom.

However, with only two other appearances under his belt, I May not play again this calendar year, further weakening the interim team at the disposal of boss Joe Kinnear.
by bbcnews.