Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 02 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Man Utd seal deal for Serbian duo
Manchester United have completed the signing of the pair Serbian Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic Partizan Belgrade.

Left winger Tosic and midfielder Ljajic arrive at Old Trafford for an undisclosed fee, although reports claim a combined figure of 16.3 pounds.

The 21-year goes directly into the United team while 17-year loan Ljajic will return to Partizan.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "For us in the transfer window. We made our company this season. "

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 and increase the number 14 shirt while Ljajic will arrive in the United 2009/10 season.

Ferguson said: "We were Tosic to watch more than one year and at that time, I became a regular in the Serbian national team.

"It is a winger and we like the scale of players here at Manchester United, so we hope it will do well for us.

"He has not played since Dec. 10, however, he will need time to adjust to the speed of The Game here and get used to training.

"But he himself is accustomed to eleven rhythm, then I am sure he will play a role for us this season. Ljajic is another good player with real quality and I will come to Manchester in time for next season. "

Tosic increases manager Sir Alex Ferguson options on the left wing with Ryan Giggs and Nani it struggles already in that position although in recent weeks, Ji-Sung Park has also played there.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 02 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Man City agree a fee for Bridge
Manchester City have agreed fees with anyone Fa Barclaycard Premiership rivals Chelsea to defend England Wayne Bridge.

City boss Mark Hughes confirmed the deal on Friday and it is estimated that the club could pay up to £ 12m for Bridge.

The 28-year-old left back joined Chelsea for £ 7m from Southampton in July 2003.
But Bridge has seen his chances at Stamford Bridge reduced Ashley Cole since his arrival.

He signed a new four-year extension to his Chelsea contract in July 2008, but has become surplus to requirements since the arrival of Scolari, who has chosen to use Juliano Belletti as deputy for Cole at left back .

"If they have a good deal, no problem for me," Scolari said on Friday.

And speaking of the city before the FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Hughes said: "To my knowledge, the clubs have agreed a fee.

"We need to talk to the child and try to agree personal. If we can do hope that Wayne will be a Manchester City player is the goal.

"Wayne will probably travel to Manchester tonight and I hope that the negotiations go well and I can have a doctor tomorrow."

Hughes was in the twilight of his career when he noticed that Bridge one-and-coming player in Southampton.

"He is a player I knew when I was at Southampton and future, it was in the ranks," added Hughes.

"It was remarkable and you advance from year to year. I would be very happy to welcome here.

"Wayne is a good player - he is an England international who plays for one of four clubs in the country."

Bridge is currently suffering an injury that will keep Chelsea's Cup third round match against Southend United on Saturday.

City rich Arab oil billionaire Sheikh Mansour club and Khaldoon Al Mubarak are to finance a January spending spree with the intention of lifting the city clear of the relegation zone.

Bridge has made 142 appearances for Chelsea over five years and winning 32 International caps for England.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 02 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Dyer ready to make Hammers return
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is set to welcome midfielder Kieron Dyer after 17 months of injury for Saturday dismissal of FA Cup tie against Barnsley.

The 29-year broke his leg in a Carling Cup tie at Bristol Rovers in August 2007 and suffered a stress fracture even earlier this season.

But the England international has impressed in training this week and is ready to be included in the weekend.

"It is focused and he is very excited to play," said Zola.

"It has worked well in recent weeks and we will try to return because it is an important player. I saw the training, it tries very hard and has great qualities.

"I know it was a big injury for him and I know it's frustrating because it is training, training, training and I would like to play.

"After such a long time, it would be difficult for him to be involved from the beginning."

Dyer has made three appearances for the Hammers since completing a £ 6m move from Newcastle in August 2007.
by bbcnews.

English Premiership football News

Everton dealt Saha injury setback
Everton Striker injury crisis has also been composed in Louis Saha was ruled out for five weeks due to injury Hamstring.

The Frenchman took over the injuries during the 1-0 Tottenham on November 30, with the club hoping to have new Christmas accessories.

But the results of a second scan revealed the injury is more serious than first diagnosed.

"It will be for another four to five weeks," said boss David Moyes.

Everton are already without Yakubu, James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe, with Moyes forced to play midfielder Tim Cahill make-shift as the sole striker in the 3-0 win over Sunderland last Sunday.

Nigerian international Yakubu had surgery for a rupture of the Achilles tendon and will be for the rest of the season, while Vaughan is back before the end of the season after a knee operation last month.

Moyes could look in Reinforcements January transfer window, but financial constraints could force the club before they can sell their ranks depleted Bolster striking.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 31 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Gerrard receives Benitez backing
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says Steven Gerrard has his "full support and support" following his captain after the arrest of an alleged brawl.

Gerrard was charged with assault and affray after an incident in a bar in Southport in the early hours of Monday.

Benitez said: "I sat with him and had a very good talk about the situation. We will do what we can to support Steven in the coming weeks. "

Benitez also confirmed that Gerrard, 28, took part in training Wednesday.

Gerrard was arrested with five other men - including two facing the same charges that Heath - near the hostel Lounge bar and nightclub in the resort.

Benitez added: "Steven told me what had happened and I told him he has my full support and support, as well as everyone in the football club.

"It is formed with other guys, after a couple of days off to the team and is now keen to concentrate solely on football. He is our captain and a key player for us.

"We worked very hard to get the position we are through the new year and we are all determined to keep the progress going. We now focus on our preparation for the Cup game at Preston this weekend. "

Professional footballers Association Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said: "We have a brief comment on this matter and suggested that any assistance we can. I was worried when I heard about the case as I've known Steven Gerrard long.

"I do not know all the details but the players' Union, we want to be supportive of him."

England arrived in midfield Liverpool's training ground in the suburb of West Derby AT 1005 GMT and was greeted by a handful of fans despite freezing temperatures.

It has so far remained silent on the controversy on Tuesday and his wife Alex Curran, 26, said they would not comment.

Gerrard's visit to the bar on Sunday followed Liverpool 5-1 demolition of Newcastle at St James' Park, a game in which England international scored twice, as the reds moved three points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League .

At 34, the man was taken to hospital with facial injuries after the alleged incident. Gerrard is to appear at North Sefton Magistrates' Court, with two other men on January 23.

The Football Association said it would not make a comment on the case Gerrard other than to stress that his position with England was not in question.

She added that the players continue to be considered for England while police investigations were under way with their situation reviewed on a case by case are to be found guilty of a serious criminal offense.

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish believes Gerrard will face the review, saying: "Liverpool will support and the Liverpool fans supporting him extremely well. He has a very strong personality and I am sure it will not affect its performance.

A statement from Liverpool, published Tuesday, read: "Steven has been an outstanding servant of Liverpool in the last 10 years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time."

Gerrard has been capped 70 times by England captain and his country four times. He was appointed MBE last year and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 31 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Defoe and Bellamy on Spurs radar
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said he would be interested in signing Jermain Defoe or Craig Bellamy in January, but for the right price.

However, 61 years, dismissed reports he was set to make a £ 30m triple to melt trio Portsmouth Defoe, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson.

Redknapp, who left Portsmouth earlier this season, has already had a £ 6m bid rejected by West Ham for Bellamy.

He told BBC Sport: "If they do not want to sell, there is nothing we can do."

It was considered Tottenham ended their interest to the redemption Striker Defoe after Redknapp revealed last week that the south coast club has received a "massive offer" from the England striker.

Redknapp has Defoe to Pompey 11 months ago and has been heavily linked with a move for the 26 years since taking over at White Hart Lane.
Manchester City and Aston Villa are also understood to be interested in signing the England forward.

"If the price is right and Tony Adams [Portsmouth manager] and Peter Storrie [Portsmouth CEO] want to sell itself and that is what we consider our assessment and theirs, then fine," said Redknapp, on Wednesday.

"There are other options as well, I have a short list and if we do not get one, we can move to another.

"[But] I do not think we'll be splashing large quantities, the president asked who I want, if we could get. If we can stop a couple then great. "

Redknapp is particularly keen to strengthen his team forward during the transfer window that I only have Darren Bent, Manchester United loanee Fraizer Campbell and Roman Pavlyuchenko, who is cup-tied in Europe.

"Bent and were Pavlyuchenko £ 30m and much money to spend on two strikers and say they can not play together," said Redknapp.

"I am left with this problem and if they can, I do not know."

The Spurs manager also revealed he was interested in signing Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing.

"I like Downing, but I do not know if Middlesbrough want to sell," said Redknapp.
"If can find a great player left, I would like to have one. That and a leader would be the priority."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 31 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Fuller sorry for Griffin incident
Stoke City striker Ricardo Fuller has apologized to the club supporters of the incident which saw him tap his own captain Andy Griffin.

The dispute occurred following Carlton Cole equalizer for West Ham last weekend, Stoke game has to lose.

"It happened and that's all - I'm sorry for the fans as we did not get the three points," said Fuller.

"I told Griff 'to clear the ball and he was rude and disrespectful. He does now and dust."

The couple participated in a lively exchange that grow and grow. Fuller was dismissed for violent conduct and will now face a spell on the sidelines.

He added: "What he said was bad, but what I did was worse and I am likely to be suspended for three or four games now."

Stoke chairman Peter Coates said the new promoted club wants to keep the 29 years, even if the player is not sure that his actions have caused irreparable damage.

"Who knows? It is for the club, "Fuller said in regard to its future.

"I give my all for Stoke, all the time. I can be too.

"Maybe that's why I'm in this position now because I try to do much more to football and Stoke City because I am a player from Stoke City at the moment and that's all I care about - Stoke City, the team and myself.

"Anything goes, goes, I'm OK. This is not a football player want to be in.

"This is one of them and things that I just happened to get it. He will go far anyway, it's just a matter of time. The time is always the master.

"I'm sorry for what happened, especially for fans who were far this season.

"Hopefully, it will never happen again. This is not a position I have to be in. I'm so passionate, I like to do football and I love to work for Stoke City Football. Nevertheless, it is for the club. "
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 31 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Given will not be sold - Kinnear
Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear insists goalkeeper Shay Given will not leave St James' Park in January.

In recent weeks, Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with a transfer window move for 32 years.

But The Journal Kinnear said: "I will not leave - he has no interest in whatsoever. He likes football club.

"It was part of the city and that suits us because it is a world-class goalkeeper. He is very happy here, it is very comfortable at Newcastle United."

Given the speculation surrounding the future of the increase, having produced a magnificent series win over the Magpie 5 -1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

This performance has led to hail Kinnear the Republic of Ireland international as the best goalkeeper in the Fa Barclaycard Premiership.

"Shay the performance against Liverpool was brilliant and has picked up on," said Kinnear.

"But ask the Geordie fans, and I think they already knew how good he is. They know their football, to be one of their favorites, everything is good about the way it is.

"It is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League by a mile."

Newcastle have strengths in the goalkeeping position, because with long-term deputy Steve Harper is currently in discussions on a new contract.

However, Kinnear is determined to keep its best players, including England striker Michael Owen whose contract expires during the summer, as he tries to steer the club away from the lower half of the table.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 30 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Charged Gerrard offered support
England football Liverpool and Steven Gerrard was charged with assault and affray after a disturbance at a nightclub Merseyside.

Liverpool Football Club issued a statement saying that Gerrard offer "all the support he needs."

The 28-year-old was arrested with five other men near the hotel in Southport Lounge in the early hours of Monday.

At 34, the man was taken to hospital with facial injuries after the alleged incident.

The football club said: "Steven has been an outstanding servant of Liverpool in the last 10 years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time."

The Football Association said it would not make a comment on the case other than Steven Gerrard to stress that his position with England was not under question.

She added that the players continue to be considered for England while police investigations were under way with their situation reviewed on a case by case are to be found guilty of a serious criminal offense.

John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19, both from Huyton, Liverpool, were also charged with the incident and dance.

All three seem to North Sefton Magistrates' Court on January 23, charged with assault with bodily harm and affray.

Three other men were released from police bail pending further information.

In a statement, a spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "Merseyside Police has accused Steven Gerrard, 28, from Formby, Sefton, John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19, both from Huyton, Liverpool, with the wounding and affray following an incident in bold letters in the Southport Street in the early hours of Monday, Dec. 29. "

After The Game on Sunday, the captain of Liverpool FC, who scored twice, Haile his side as the best that I played in.

Gerrard has been capped 70 times by England captain and his country four times.

He was appointed MBE last year and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 30 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Agger keen to commit to Liverpool
Daniel Agger Liverpool defend reiterated that he wants to stay at Anfield beyond the end of his current contract, which has 18 months to run.

The 24 years, Danish International, a £ 5.8m signing from Brondby in 2006, has been linked both moves to AC Milan and Real Madrid.

The possibility to stay with Rafa Benitez's side Agger, said: "I hope so, I speak to the club about my contract.

"I do not let them talk and I can do on the ground instead."

Agger missed most of last season with an injury METATARSAL.

He then found his opportunities limited at the beginning of the current campaign due to the good form of Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher.

Slovakian Skrtel after the International knee injury at Manchester City in October, Agger has restored itself as part of the Reds' first choice backline.

Agger has now made 17 appearances and score a goal for Liverpool this season and said he is keen to continue his career with the Reds:

"Of course I want to stay if possible. As I said the club looks after my contract talks and we will take from there."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 30 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Belhadj earns Portsmouth contract
Portsmouth have signed defend Nadir Belhadj on a permanent contract after a successful loan spell at Fratton Park.

The 26 years Algeria has signed a four and half year deal after Pompey agreed a fee of £ 4.4m for French club Lens.

Manager Tony Adams told the Portsmouth website: "I am delighted to have obtained Nadir as a signature - this is an excellent acquisition for the club.

"He has great pace and energy and is an excellent cross the ball, too."

As shines in defense, Belhadj also scored twice in his 23 appearances so far this season.

Adams added: "Even Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his ability to spring from defense to attack so quickly.

"For now, he plays left back and developing a good relationship with Niko Kranjčar, but I can also play left midfield."
by bbcnews.

English Premiership football News

Drogba lost his football passion
Côte d'Ivoire and Chelsea Striker Didier Drogba grant, he started this season with some passion for football.

"This summer, I had no head for football, I completely lost the fire" he told France Football magazine.

"I felt completely extinguisher. For the first time in my career, I lost the passion for football. I was lost."

Drogba, 30, also said he understood why the Premier League top scorer Nicolas Anelka has been starting games in front of him, leaving him to start on the bench.
"For the moment, I can only remain silent," he added.

"It's not because I have been here for over four years that I have the right to make requests to be in the starting line-up.

"Currently, there is a guy who is hot and racking up goals. I have to wait my turn. "
But Drogba has suggested that Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari pair him with Anelka in attack more often.

"I always said that I was happy that Nicolas came to Chelsea but I still can not understand why managers are afraid of us put together," said Didier Drogba.

by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 29 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Gerrard arrested in assault probe
England football Liverpool and Steven Gerrard is under arrest following an assault at a nightclub.

Police were called to the hotel Lounge in Southport, Merseyside after reports of a disturbance at 0230 GMT. Six men were arrested later in a nearby street.

The men, four of Huyton, a Formby and one Litherland, remain in custody.

At 34, Southport man was taken to hospital with injuries to his face, do not appear to be life threatening.

The incident took place at the restaurant and bar - which turns into a nightclub - on Bold Street.

Four men aged 33, 31, 29 and 19, all from Huyton, 28 years old, from Formby and 18 years of Litherland were arrested a little later on the street near Lord.

Lounge Inn remained closed Monday.

Midfielder Gerrard, 28, is captain of Liverpool and score twice in his team the 5-1 victory over Newcastle on Sunday.

A spokesman for the police, said: "Merseyside Police is investigating an assault that took place in the early hours of Monday December 29 on Bold Street, Southport.

"At approximately 2:30 am this morning, officers attended a disturbance in a facility permitted, on Bold Street.

"Six men were arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault on Lord Street."

The spokesman said the six currently held in detention. It is believed no other football players Liverpool are among those being held.

Gerrard was born and raised on the Bluebell Estate Huyton.

Last month, the Premier League star was given the freedom of his home borough of Knowsley in recognition of his contribution to football.

Liverpool FC has said he would not comment.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 29 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Al Habsi signs new deal at Bolton
Bolton goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has signed a new contract to keep him at the club until 2013.

The Oman International contract expires at the end of the season but he has put pen to paper on a four-year extension.

The 26 years is not yet function of the Trotters in the current campaign but has been a key player in last season relegation battle at the Reebok.

He joined the Trotters Norwegian side Lyn Oslo in 2006.
Al Habsi, who had been linked with a move to Tottenham before the transfer window in January, decided the move to Bolton in the summer of 2005, but was allowed to stay at Lyn Oslo to complete their season.

He finally arrived at Bolton in January 2006, but has not made his debut for the club until September 2007.

An injury to regular goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen produced Al Habsi be handed a first team role towards the end of the 2007-2008 season and gave two goals in the last five games to help Bolton beat the drop.
by bbcnews.

English Premiership football News

Etuhu happy to be back in action
Nigeria Dickson Etuhu is delighted to be back in action after making his first league start for Fulham in their 2-2 draw against Chelsea on Sunday.

He joined Fulham from Sunderland in August but has not played since February because of a knee problem.

"It was great to feel the atmosphere once more is something that I really missed, he told BBC Sport.

The midfielder made his debut for Fulham in place of their 3-0 win over Middlesbrough on 20 December.

"It is difficult when you come back from a long term knee injury," he explained.

"I feel like I'm stronger. I look forward to the rest of the season now. "

The 26 years of Nigeria International is now eyeing a series of games in the side Fulham.

"There is no point pushing too hard for loss of personal time, but instead of fighting for the team and that's what I do," he said.

"Now I have to work harder and I hope I can establish myself in the middle again."

Etuhu is convinced his team can not maintain the tempo.

"Nothing is impossible and we know that we can begin translating our performance to a weekly maximum points."

"I am very happy to be in this group and that motivates everyone here to want more.

"The last game [the 2-2 draw against Chelsea] is a true reflection that we can reach more people expect of us."

Etuhu began his career at Manchester City, before the signing of Preston North End in 2002 and then joined Norwich in 2006.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 29 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

'Scary' referee upsets Redknapp
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp accused referee Steve Tanner not be good enough for Fa Barclaycard Premiershipafter his side defeated 2-0 at West Brom.

Redknapp has no complaints with the dismissal of Defense Benoit Assou-Ekotto, but believes that West Brom's first goal should have been Disallow.

"I never complain about referees - I have not done for years, but this guy was scary," said Redknapp.

"It's a bad referee and I saw him make a mess of so many games."

Redknapp was particularly aggrieved that Tanner helped West Brom opens - when Michael Dawson complaining he had been pushed in the back by Roman Bednar marker.
However, I also felt the function of the overall display was unacceptable, and added: "I could not even put into words what I thought of its performance.

"I walked in the room of the referee before The Game and saw that arbitration was and I knew what was coming.

"I was expecting this kind of performance. I had him several times before and I know what he would say. It really is not enough.

"I've seen in the Championship and thought 'Where have I come?" It is my honest opinion. "

But Redknapp will not be any complaints about the performance of Tanner.

"What can you do now?" I said. "Someone think it is good enough, but it is certainly not.

"Darren Bent to chase ball and the half-center clattered him and the referee gives an all-in.

"Michael Dawson is pushed in the back of the goal and did not see it. Everybody saw that he had been pushed but the referee."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership Result Update

English Premiership Result.

29 December 2008

Manchester United. 1 - 0 Middlesbrough

English Premiership Result.

28 December 2008

Newcastle U. 1 - 5 Liverpool

Arsenal 1 - 0 Portsmouth

Bolton W. 0 - 1 Wigan Athletic

Everton 3 - 0 Sunderland

Fulham 2 - 2 Chelsea

West Bromwich A. 2 - 0 Tottenham H.

West Ham U. 2 - 1 Stoke City.

Blackburn R. 2 - 2 Manchester City.

by livescore.