Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 28 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Pulis delight for promoted sides
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis said he was delighted to Hull City following the Tigers remarkable season.

The two sides meet at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday have been two unexpected success during their first season in the Fa Barclaycard Premiership.

Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke: "Hull were beautifully. They carried the flag for the championship.

"With us, they were written off earlier this year. If we can keep causing chaos, it will be beautiful. "

Pulis and said he would be happy if all the three promoted clubs survive in the top flight.

"If West Brom can put together a series of results, they will be right back to the table," he said.

"If at the end of the season, the three promoted clubs are still in the Premier League so I'll be happy."

Saturday clash pits the Potters impressive home form against the hull of the excellent away record.

Stoke won five of their seven games at Britannia Stadium, while the Tigers have taken up 14 points from seven trips away from the KC Stadium.

"This is a very strong team, with many courses for them and have a Togetherness which pushes forward," said Pulis.

"We know how difficult it will be a game and we will have to up our right to get something out of it."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 28 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Arsenal promise cash for signings
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood says manager Arsene Wenger has money to spend in the January transfer window.

The Gunners are fifth in the Fa Barclaycard Premiership having already lost five games Cold Adrift and 10 points of leaders Chelsea, who play on Sunday.

Wenger prefers to develop young players that go but Arsenal are without a trophy since 2005 and supporters have called for Wenger to strengthen his team.

"It certainly has the money if he wants to spend it," Hill-Wood told Arsenal TV.

"There have been suggestions that we keep stopping the purchase - this is not the case.

"It is very sensitive to how it approaches the transfer market, it will not buy just because anybody the press or fans, it should say.

"It will buy someone if I think they will improve what is a young but very talented one."

Wenger has spent modestly since his arrival in 1996, but since the move from Arsenal to the Emirates Stadium in 2006.

Last summer saw Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb, Gilberto Silva and Philippe Senderos (loan) leave the club, while Samir Nasri, Aaron Ramsey, Amaury Bischoff and Mikael Silvestre were in.

Wenger, who was disappointed to lose off-contract Flamini, Bischoff was admitted a "gamble" and revealed the club at the Annual General Meeting in October he has been frustrated in its pursuit Half a center.

Earlier this month Wenger said of his plans for the transfer window: "This is far from being decided.

"We will make a check at the end of December and we'll see. We have had many players and we showed a great team that can win the big games. "

Arsenal have 18 goals this season, compared to Chelsea four, and have a goal difference of +7, compared to Chelsea for 28.

Their position suggests the Champions League, in which Arsenal have qualified for the knock-out phase with a game remaining, May be a realistic goal.

Wenger's men reached the final of Europe's elite club competition in 2006 when they succumbed to two late goals in Barcelona a 2-1 defeat in Paris.

"I want to finish in the top four in the league, and maybe (win) the Champions League," said Hill-Wood.

"We played very well in Europe so far on the whole, and that it would be very nice.

"We got to the finals in Paris. We were up there, and that it would be wonderful to win."

Flamini, who was part of the team from AC Milan, which drew 2.2 to Portsmouth in the UEFA Cup Thursday, has backed Arsenal to recover from their early season troubles, including William Gallas be stripped of the Captaincy after criticizing his team-mates in public.

"Big clubs can have difficult times but Arsenal have great quality and I am sure they will move forward," said the Frenchman.

"They have incredible players and the important thing is to continue the job well and I am sure they will be ok.

"It's never easy in the Premier League, it is difficult, physically and every game is like a big battle. It is important to trust Arsène Wenger, he has done great things and we'll see.

"I understand William, I wanted a reaction from his teammates and I hope that this will lead to a positive response from the team and I hope that will start against Chelsea.

"They are a great team, but against the big teams Arsenal still produced a great game."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 28 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Tosic cleared to sign for Man Utd
Manchester United have been granted a work permit for 21 years, left winger Serbian Zoran Tosic.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson attended a hearing on Friday for Tosic, and the player will arrive at Old Trafford Partizan Belgrade in January.

United have not confirmed that they have agreed the fee for him, although reports have suggested a value of £ 8m.

The Home Office has reviewed his case because he has played in less than half its national team's recent games.

Tosic - nicknamed Bambi because of his skinny build - first appeared 12 times for his country and can play on either flank, having also starred in Serbia Under-21 side.

He will join COUNTRYMAN Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford, with the prospect of more to come as another player Adam Partizan Ljajic, 19, is also reported to be in talks with United.

Old Trafford officials remain silent on the subject, however, insisting there were no developments.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 27 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Striker Torres faces new lay-off
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will be out of action for two to three weeks after a continued strain Hamstring Wednesday 1-0 against Marseille.

The Spaniard finished 90 minutes, but a scan revealed he needs another spell on the sidelines with back five weeks with a similar problem.

Defender Fabio Aurelio will also be for a fortnight with a calf injury.

The victory over Marseille at Anfield Rafa Benitez's side won a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Www.liverpoolfc.tv A club spokesman said: "Fernando has a strain in his right Hamstring and will be out of action for between two and three weeks.

"Fabio has a calf strain in his left leg and will be for two weeks."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 27 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Kinnear handed FA conduct charge
Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear was charged with improper conduct after his criticism of referee Martin Atkinson after his side's defeat of Fulham.

Kinnear Atkinson called "Mickey Mouse" after the failure to award a free kick in the establishment to give Fulham a penalty in the Nov. 9 tie.

FA disciplinary chiefs wrote to the 61 years earlier this month asking him to explain his comments.

And the pie "interim manager now has until December 12 to respond.

The former Wimbledon manager who was appointed Kevin Keegan's temporary successor in September, was furious with Atkinson after he failed to give his side a free-blow for what he believed was a mistake on Claudio Caçapa defended by Andrew Johnson in the introduction to Fulham match-winning penalty.

He said after The Game: "Caçapa was on the ball and Johnson grows so completely, nicks the ball and get the penalty.

"We will Mickey Mouse do nothing. He made a mistake that cost us."

Kinnear was not alien to controversy since taking over at St James' Park since the swearing 52 times during a furious attack on the media during one of his first press conferences.

Kinnear attacked the "scandalous lies" after several newspapers said he had turned to undergo training to find there were no players there, when, in fact, no training has been provided.

And this is not the first time Kinnear has landed himself in hot water with the FA over comments made on the officials either, after spending his first two games of the watch is used as a match of two ban button to call a referee "Coco the Clown" during his days at Nottingham Forest.

The former Tottenham and defend the Republic of Ireland has been in charge of eight matches so far and has two victories and four draws - the last of them to Chelsea on Saturday - its name.

However, he should take his side to derby rivals Middlesbrough on Saturday having seen their back into the relegation zone despite their heroes at Stamford Bridge.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 26 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

West Ham suffer new Tevez setback
Sheffield United have obtained a temporary injunction stopping West Ham appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the Carlos Tevez saga.

An independent tribunal ruled that Tevez was not eligible to play for West Ham at the end of the 2006-2007 season.

CAS hammers want to hear an appeal, but Sheffield United asked the court has no jurisdiction to do so.

West Ham have requested an appeal against the injunction, while United will seek a permanent order next year.

Tevez, 24, who now plays for Manchester United, was tried by the tribunal in September to have played a key role in the London club football survival that the blades were relegated in the 2006-2007 campaign .

"On all the evidence, we have no doubt that West Ham have secured at least three points less than in 2006 / 7 season when Carlos Tevez has not played for the club," read the ruling.

The decision could leave the Hammers liable for damages of £ 30 million.

Both clubs are also required to attend a directions hearing in which the guidelines for awarding damages to Sheffield United will be presented.

This will involve representatives of both clubs and the three-man panel who sat on the original court in September.

West Ham have already appealed to CAS, but even if Sheffield United injunction is lifted next year, the Swiss court is not guaranteed to hear an appeal.

The Lausanne-based Court is to decide whether or not it would have jurisdiction to hear an appeal and should make an announcement later this month.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 26 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Drogba Inter reports rile Scolari
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has reacted angrily to reports linking striker Didier Drogba to Inter Milan.

It was alleged that Drogba met Inter sporting director Marco Branca and Jorge Mendes, agent of the club manager José Mourinho on Monday.

In response to the claims, Scolari said: "I do not sleep with Drogba. Where was I? I do not know. I'm not a policeman for my players."

Drogba refused to comment on whether he attended a meeting.

"I have always said that I have a contract with Chelsea until 2010, no comment about the alleged meeting," Drogba told Sky Sports.

Current and former Inter-Chelsea boss Mourinho insists he does not intend to sign 30 years.

"I do not know where Branca, I was at a dinner in Cernobbio," Mourinho said Tuesday. "I know absolutely nothing about this story.

"I know however that Drogba is part of history and Chelsea, by far, I think it is and will be a Chelsea player."

When Scolari was asked at a press conference at the horizon Wednesday Champions League tie in Bordeaux when Drogba was given permission to be accompanied by Branca, the Brazilian was bored.

"Ask Peter Kenyon [general manager], ask Roman Abramovich [Chelsea owner]," he said.

"I do not know, I am just the coach."

Ivory Coast international Drogba, now worth recently after the button for more than a month of the season because of a knee injury, has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer , But decided to stay at Chelsea.

Drogba was banned for three matches by the Football Association for throwing a coin into the crowd to Burnley supporters earlier this month, but it is available to play against Bordeaux that the suspension applies only inside football.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 26 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Fitness boost for Defoe & Diarra
Portsmouth have been boost by the news that Jermain Defoe and Lassana Diarra did not need surgery after the duo were examined by specialists in the club.

It was fear Defoe would be for a month if I needed an operation on a calf injury, but could now be fit for Saturday's game with Blackburn.

Diarra, meanwhile, could return in four weeks after learning he did not need surgery on an ankle problem.

"It's all good signs for the long term," said manager Tony Adams.

"Jermain formed Wednesday for the first time since I returned from Germany with England. Lassana in France is still under consideration, but after it is a relief that will not be necessary . "

Defoe of England limped to victory 2-1 over Germany last week and missed Pompey draw with Hull on Saturday.

He said at the weekend: "He arrived at the scene when I play, I can not feel my feet because of numbness. I had treatment, including acupuncture but showing no sign of clearing up. "

Adams is afraid it would take a surgery to cure what he considers to be a recurring problem.

But the news that 26 years does not need an operation will be hosted by the new Pompey boss, as Defoe, who has formed a profitable partnership with Peter Crouch, the club is the top scorer with seven goals in all competitions of the season.

Adams and should also be able to call on Sol Campbell soon after defending the resumption of a toe injury.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 25 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Kinnear keen for N'Zogbia to stay
Newcastle interim boss Joe Kinnear said midfielder Charles N'Zogbia will not be leaving the club in the January transfer window.

The 22 years old, who joined Newcastle from Le Havre in September 2004, has been linked with a move back to his native France with Paris St Germain.

"It is still part of my plans and he still has a future at this football club," said Kinnear.

"Tell me about the granting of a transfer is not only incorrect, it is absolute rubbish."

N'Zogbia, who signed a five-year deal at St James' Park in September 2007, has made 142 appearances for the Magpie, 39 of them as a substitute.

Although originally signed as a winger, N'Zogbia was used both in midfield and at left-back for Newcastle this season.

Kinnear said he wanted to keep his team in the first team intact January.

"My goal, whatever the time I was here to strengthen our team and not get rid one of our first-team players," he said.

Kinnear presented a list of transfer targets Newcastle executive director Dennis Wise, but admitted he will have to sell players before they can buy.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 25 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Everton suffer fresh Vaughan blow
Everton striker James Vaughan is not even until early 2009 after injuring his right knee in training.

The 20 years old, who had an operation on his left knee earlier this year, will again undergo surgery.

"James twisted his right knee last Friday," Everton head physio Mick Rathbone told the club website.

"It will be until the new year. The only saving grace is that this is not the knee he had so many problems in the past."

Vaughan had an injury-plagued career with Everton and has just returned to first team action after recovering from an operation.

He missed the start of last season after dislocating a shoulder in a pre-season friendly at Preston and a major artery in his foot in Bolton during the previous campaign.

Rathbone added: "This is a terrible shame for James after all the problems he had in the past, but unfortunately that football."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 24 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Arsenal name Fabregas as captain
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has chosen 21 years, the Spaniard Cesc Fabregas to replace William Gallas as captain.

Gallas, 31, was stripped of the Captaincy for Saturday in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City following controversial comments about his teammates.

But Wenger revealed the Frenchman will play in the Champions League group game against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday.

Wenger said: "Fabregas will be the captain, permanently. I do not have to explain why."

He added: "I think the captain is the spokesperson for the club to the outside and is a leader of the team.

"However, I do not believe one man in the dressing-room that sorts all the problems.

"The success of a team leadership is shared within the dressing room. Fabregas will be one of the leaders, but not alone."

Fabregas told the club website: "It is a great honor for me to captain one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"This is a moment of pride. I know this is a great responsibility but with my teammates, I know that we have in mind and commitment to return to winning ways and fulfill our potential."

Gallas has been widely criticized last week, accusing him publicly of some teammates in the fight against the "insulting behavior and lack of courage.

Its captain is under control since a game against Birmingham last season when he kicked an advertising hoarding and remained seated on the ground for several minutes after the final whistle after beating Arsenal gives Levell.

It was left out of the team for Saturday defeat of humility and forced to train on his own in London, but is back home for the Wednesday training session and is set to regain its place in the side.

"Gallas will play on Tuesday, but Cesc will be the captain, I took this decision," said Wenger.

Asked if he thought he had made a mistake on the appointment of Gallas, he said: "No, I do not regret him the captain first."

Wenger believes Gallas, who signed for the club Chelsea in August 2006, still has a great future at the Emirates Stadium.

"William is a player I rate and a man I rate. I have great respect for him. He worked as a captain in half very difficult conditions," said Wenger.

"I was under great pressure from the press and at some point you do not want high pressure or affect the team. But for the man and player, I have great respect.

"I can not stop suggestions. For me it is a player who is committed to the club and may be even stronger as a player.

"I took all the problems of the team of his heart. It may be a new beginning for him and make him stronger. "

Fellow defend the French Gael Clichy, who has been tipped by some to take over as skipper, says Gallas said it was badly handled by the English press since Thursday in Birmingham.

"For seven months we were top of the League and William has no criticism, but a moment, a game, that's all it took and then turned," said Clichy.

"The media tried to get in people's heads, saying that it is not good enough, but it was sensational for us.

"It is a great player and we all want to say that we fans William respect very much, he says the experience of our team and we want to achieve great things together."

Arsenal are already among the foreigners to win the Premier League, which is in fifth place, 10 points behind Chelsea and Liverpool have lost five league games.

The Gunners have taken only 11 points from a possible 27 and, along with the captain, Wenger has more control of their season as the threat of collapse.

But the Frenchman said: "When you do not win, nobody jumps the roof, but frustration does kick in

"This is a good opportunity for us to show that we have the strength and ability - you know how it works, you go to a great disaster, but real life is somewhere in between.

"Even if we are right now Frustrated, it's not all doom and gloom. We have a strong belief in our ability and we have a good opportunity to show we care about the club tomorrow. "
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 24 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Gallas future 'in his own hands'
Former Arsenal defend Lee Dixon said William Gallas has no future at the club, unless it responds positively to the discipline being by Arsene Wenger.

Gallas has been stripped of the Captaincy and abandoned the game for Manchester City after criticizing teammates.

"As a manager you want to see a positive response and if you do not get one I can not see it stay," said Dixon.

"Whether he plays for Arsenal is again Gallas and not anyone else. How can he react?"

Gallas, 31, trained in London on Saturday that the team lost 3-0 to Manchester City, but was named in the side of the Arsenal Champions League tie at the Emirates against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday .

Wenger also announced Tuesday that Spain's Cesc Fabregas will assume the role of permanent captain.

Gallas' captain has been under scrutiny since the Arsenal game against Birmingham last season, when the French kicked an advertising hoarding and was in the other half of the arrivals as James McFadden scored a last minute penalty.

And the explosion last week, he accused some teammates in the fight against the "insulting behavior and lack of courage.

Dixon, who played for Arsenal for 14 years, said he had spoken to Wenger about leadership before Gallas.

And while he agrees that Gallas' comments had an element of truth to them, he maintains the former Chelsea was wrong to defend to vent his frustration in public.

"I asked Wenger earlier in the season to be captain Gallas because I was critical of him in the past on how it goes on the role," said Dixon.

"Let us not forget that it is an excellent defense and I have no problem with that, but I just feel as if I was not helping the team and I asked Wenger about it.

"He said early in the season where the question arose as Gallas was the best choice because I naturally did not anyone make room for him.

"He also felt that the taking out of it at this stage would not be good for him as a player.

"To be just what you said Gallas is not a million thousands far from the truth, I am sure Wenger private goes well, I quite agree with much of it."

"The area where Gallas was left to itself is coming and he said in the press."

Dixon was part of an English base to Arsenal, including defenders Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn, Boulder and Steve Martin Keown and loves of the attacker Ian Wright when Wenger arrived as manager in 1996.

But despite the interrogation, the number of players in the side, Dixon Wenger still believes that the values of strong leadership within his team.

"One of the things he said when he came to Arsenal was that I loved the mixture of English and foreign influence and I liked the spirit that the English in the locker room," Dixon said.

"Now it does not and that crept on him, but one could say that you saw coming. People say it is anti-English, it is not at all. There are English players in the team and some youth coming through, but I think the fact that it lacks the former pro English in the locker room is a problem.

"I know he values teamwork and leadership, but the way it has crept on him, I am not too sure. I know and I know what he wants in his team and see a team that has not reached that is a surprise for me. "
by bbcnews

Fa Barclaycard Premiership Result Update

English Premiership Result.

23 November 2008

Tottenham Hotspur. 1 - 0 Blackburn R.

Sunderland 0 - 1 West Ham U.

by livescore.com

English Premiership Result.

22 November 2008

Chelsea 0 - 0 Newcastle

Liverpool 0 - 0 Fulham

Manchester City 3 - 0 Arsenal

Middlesbrough 1 - 3 Bolton W.

Portsmouth 2 - 2 Hull City

Stoke C. 1 - 0 West Bromwich

Aston Villa 0 - 0 Manchester United

by livescore.com