Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to his team-mates after breaking the La Liga goal-scoring record on Saturday.The Portugal star was on the scoresheet twice, taking his season tally to 40, as his side romped to an 8-1 thrashing of the relegated Almeria.
Ronaldo’s tally bettered the 38 goals scored by Hugo Sanchez (1989/90) and Telmo Zarra (1950/51).
“The only reason I have scored so many goals is because of my team-mates and I am extremely appreciative. The Pichichi (Trophy) is for them and the fans,” Ronaldo, 26, said.
“I am generous with my team-mates and they are generous with me. I wouldn’t have scored 40 goals in La Liga without them.”
No player has won consecutive Pichichi Trophies since Sanchez won four in a row from 1984/85 to 1987/88.
But Ronaldo did not rule out matching his feat and said he was delighted the team finished the season with such a big win.
“We are happy to end this season in this fashion. It isn’t easy to score 102 goals, so hats off to my team-mates,” he said.
“The coach wanted to end the season with a lot of goals in order to start the next one with ambition and we did.”
“It will be hard to score this many goals again, but nothing is impossible and I will work hard to do it.”
Assistant coach Aitor Karanka hailed Ronaldo for his season.
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s numbers are astounding. He is talented, strong and ambitious. He broke the record because he is simply amazing,” he said.
David Moyes spoke of his relief after Everton finally ended their winless start to the season with a 2-0 victory at Birmingham City.
The Toffees were bottom of the table after picking up just three points from the first 18 on offer via three draws.
However, an own goal from Roger Johnson in the opening minutes of the second half and a late second from Tim Cahill finally ended their frustrating run of results.
"At half-time I was thinking 'here we go again', but we got the own goal – and I said I'd take an own goal or a deflection – so it got us off and running.
"I have to praise the players for how well they passed the ball. They moved it really well and created chances.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"Birmingham don't lose many here and there was a bit of relief on our part, but anybody who has watched us cannot say we have not played well.
"But we kept another clean sheet away from home again today and they were unbeaten here for a long time, so it was a good result."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
When you start off reading a football autobiography, your hopes aren’t always that high. Perhaps a few inside stories on players you know, insight into managers, the odd anecdote – the usual stuff. Having said that, nothing quite prepared me for the contents of this book. I had fairly clear memories of Andy Morrison, and his role in the resurgence of Manchester City football club. I knew he liked a drink, that his knees had caused him trouble, and that his role at City didn’t last that long for those reasons. Little did I know just what else had gone on in his amazing, and often shocking life.
Morrison was born in Kinlochbervie, a small fishing village of 500 people a 100 miles north of Inverness. He had a happy childhood, but at a young age, took the 750 mile journey south with 3 brothers to Plymouth as his father moved away for work. Morrison clearly fears and respects his father in equal measures. He is described as a tough man who helped shape his son. Soon his parents had split up, but his focus turned towards football, and aged 10, he was selected for Plymouth schoolboys. As he grew older, his football skills developed at Plymouth, but there was a new thing in his life too. Alcohol.
“The booze cured me of my chronic shyness. I felt relaxed and the world was a better place. Drink filled in the void in my life and I knew from that moment on, I had something I could turn to when I need to blot out a memory or just feel better about myself.”
And with alcohol came fighting, and lots of it with his elder brother Ian, as they tried to be like their father, who himself wasn’t averse to the odd “scrap”.
Nights out almost inevitably ended in violence, and the consequences often spread to his football career. The fans didn’t mind, as long as he did the business on the pitch, and he was a fans’ favourite wherever he went because he was a leader, who always gave his all. He seemed fortunate that various managers gave him second (and third) chances and accepted him for what he was. It was even more fortunate that he didn’t end up in prison – fighting even crossed the path of Plymouth football club’s hooligan element.
After over a 100 games for Plymouth, Kenny Dalglish surprisingly signed Morrison up at Blackburn as he began building his title-winning side, in 1992. Morrison got few opportunities there though, now a small fish in a big pond. Missing Plymouth, depression began to set in for the first time also. It also marked a cycle of fights with team-mates – the red mist often descended under the influence of alcohol, memories of what happened hazy or non-existent most of the time.
Eventually Morrison moved to Blackpool, experiencing more success, though once more violence reared its ugly head, Morrison narrowly avoiding prison after a fight. On the day he was cleared, the night’s celebrations ended with yet another fight, and another escape from the arm of the law.
But on the pitch, a disastrous collapse meant Blackpool blew an almost nailed-on promotion push, and Morrison soon moved to Huddersfield under Brian Horton. It wasn’t long before injuries started damaging his career, and a serious knee injury meant he only played sporadically for the Terriers over three seasons.
And then came Manchester City, in 1998. Joe Royle needed a leader in the City dressing room, where morale was rock-bottom in the third tier of English football – the rest is history. Morrison’s arrival made all the difference along with a few other shrewd signings, and the season ended at Wembley, and a famous play-off victory over Gillingham.
Soon the knee was controlling his life again though, and Morrison would not feature much more for City – on his return to fitness he made a couple of loan moves to try and reach his previous levels of performance, even returning briefly to Blackpool, but his career was effectively over, and eventually he was forced to retire.
Life didn’t get any simpler though. Cashing in his pension early on retirement landed him in court once more, this time for benefit fraud. His younger brother was lost to a drug overdose, his brother’s propensity for violence led him to prison with a conviction for manslaughter, and his wife had to have a cancerous growth removed – three events that happened within a mere six-month period. And Morrison’s link to violence hadn’t ended either – after turning out for a pub team, a barrage of abuse by three opposition players led to him following them to a pub post-match and wreaking his own brand of revenge.
But somehow he survived, turning his hand to management, and that is how he found himself on the management team at Northwich Victoria, and now in the Welsh Premier League with Airbus UK.
The book stands well against other footballers’ autobiographies, the bland, featureless tomes of recent years having been replaced by a raft of good stories like this or Paul Lake’s. Morrison’s book does not tug at the heart-strings like Lake’s and isn’t as professionally written or as polished, but it is still excellently styled, and pulls no punches, written in an honest, straight-forward manner. Never has the word candid been more apt. There’s so much in there that no incident gets more than a page of comment, so in a book that is not overly-long, you are pushed along on a roller-coaster ride. Morrison does not hold back, his honesty resulting in great criticism of many famous names from the past twenty years of British football, and plenty of praise too. Clearly Joe Royle is the man that he respects more than any other, as it is he who provides the foreword to the book, showing the feeling was mutual.
There are also little gems in there, like the time Shaun Wright Phillips tried to fight him after a bruising first training session together, and who could forget him getting sent off for licking Stan Collymore’s ear? He even ended up at Philosophy School after Willie Donachie helped him to try and defeat his demons. He also ended up in Antigua, coaching youngsters.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Like Lake’s book, it is not just about football, it at times is barely about football. This is the man who has been charged with a Section 18, wounding with intent, GBH (twice), affray, actual bodily harm ,threatening behaviour, and many public order offences. Morrison does not have to have played for your club for the book to be of interest. In the end, the football is skimmed over much of the time, a backdrop to the craziness of his personal life. At times you feel the relief when you read four pages without anything bad happening to him – but with the anxiety that comes with knowing another fall is just round the corner.
It’s hard not to like Morrison at the end of it all, despite feeling guilty for doing so considering all the wrongs his life has contained. I guess that’s often the way when a story is told from one man’s perspective. But he does not seek to excuse many of his actions, just to explain why his life has taken its particular path. Whatever you think of the man, it’s an interesting read. And let’s hope that he has at last found some peace in his life so that the sport that made his name can provide for him for the foreseeable future. This is an autobiography that is a cut above most you will read.
On Easter Monday, Swindon Town became the first club to be relegated from League One this season. A 3-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday confirmed their place in League Two next term, a feat that few would have predicted at the start of the season – following their success in the previous campaign.
Little under a year ago, Swindon were just 90 minutes away from the Championship, after a 1-0 defeat to Millwall in the play-off final saw the Robins narrowly miss out on promotion from League One. But, fans remained confident that the club would mount a similar promotion charge this season. So why is it Swindon now find themselves exiting the division in the wrong direction?
The club were dealt an early blow in the summer when top-scorer Billy Paynter turned down a new deal in favour of a move to newly-promoted Leeds. However, the club did keep hold of his striker partner Charlie Austin, who had been a sensation since joining from non-league Poole Town the previous year. Along with this, Togo striker Thomas Dossevi was brought in to help fill the void Paynter had left.
Poor start to the season
A disappointing start to the season saw the club without a win in the league until mid-September, a run which had seen Swindon drop into the relegation zone. However, two wins in two weeks against Southampton (one being in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) reminded everyone of their promotion credentials. Wins against Walsall and Huddersfield saw them move further up the table.
But, in what seemed to be a very stop-start early season, they went on to suffer two defeats in a week – to Plymouth and Dagenham and Redbridge. After another JPT win against Torquay, they went on to beat Bristol Rovers. However, this was followed by a four-match winless streak in the league, a run which saw them plummet down the league.
After an FA Cup win against Plymouth, they dropped out of the JPT after losing on penalties to Brentford. But, a win in early November against Colchester saw them pull out of the bottom four. Again, they could not build on this and had to wait until December for their next win.
On the end of a giantkilling
An undoubted low-point of the season was the defeat to non-league Crawley in the FA Cup. After an initial draw away from home, the Blue Square Bet Premier side won 3-2 in extra time at the County Ground. Luckily, the bad weather moved in and gave the club a bit of time to regroup over the Christmas period. A 1-1 draw with Peterborough rounded off 2010.
After a 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth on New Year’s Day, the Robins recorded an impressive 4-2 win away at high-flying Charlton, helped by a brace from top-scorer Charlie Austin. Although the fans were hopeful of a 2011 revival, little did they know that this would be the last time they tasted victory until April.
Disappointing defeats to Oldham, Yeovil Bristol Rovers saw the club on the brink of the relegation zone. The club decided to sell promising defender Sean Morrison to Reading and, following the 0-0 draw with Tranmere, top-scorer Charlie Austin left to join Burnley.
Post-Austin
This proved a pivotal point in the season. Looking back over results from the point they sold Austin proves it. While Austin was at the club, the scored 37 league goals – since his departure, they have managed just 11 goals. The last thing you want to do when battling relegation is sell your main source of goals!
In an attempt to fill the huge gap left by Austin, boss Danny Wilson brought in Elliot Benyon from Torquay on transfer deadline day. Despite this, February proved to be as disappointing for the club and things seemed to get worse. From the six games they played, Swindon managed to pick up just a single point – courtesy of a late Benyon equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Rochdale. The club also found themselves stuck in the relegation zone, with just a brief escape post-Southampton defeat thanks to superior goal difference.
With the club looking at a desperate battle to avoid the drop to League Two, boss Wilson decided enough was enough and resigned on March 2. The club wasted no time in replacing him, bringing in experienced head Paul Hart, who had helped Crystal Palace survive in the Championship the previous season.
The failed Hart transplant
However, the Hart-factor came to no avail as March offered little more in hope of avoiding the drop. A 0-0 draw with Walsall in early March saw the club re-enter the bottom four – a place they would fail to leave for the rest of the season. The Robins went on to pick up a further two points that month, thanks to draws with Dagenham and Redbridge and Huddersfield.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
With desperation and panic truly set in at the club, they were given a glimmer of hope when recent loan signing Calvin Andrew scored the winner at Brentford – their first win since the turn of the year. However, the damage had already been done and three games later they would find themselves relegated.
Consecutive home defeats to MK Dons and Notts County left the club on the brink of relegation to League Two – something that was finally confirmed by a loss at Hillsborough on Easter Monday. Fans of the club would probably accept it had been inevitable and just a matter of time.
So where does that leave Swindon now? Paul Hart has departed, chairman Andrew Fitton has resigned – things do look bleak for the Robins. All fans can hope for is a positive end to the season, with both Oldham and Tranmere still to play.
But let this be a lesson to other clubs who fail in the play-offs this season. One year you may find yourself just missing out on bigger and better things, but the next you would give an arm and a leg to be in that position again. Just ask Leeds fans, they suffered the same fate a few years ago.
[divider]
Listen to the third episode of our brand new podcast – The Football FanCast. – Featuring Razor Ruddock, Gary O’Reilly and singer/songwriter Alistair Griffin, who performs a live version of his cult tribute to Mark Viduka, with Razor on backing vocals!
When Gérard Houllier first arrived on Britain’s shores as joint manager of Liverpool in 1998, he must have taken one look around his squad and thought the future looked very bright indeed. At his disposal were:
A 20-year-old Jamie Carragher A 21-year-old Danny Murphy Probably the best young striking partnership in the world in Michael Owen, 19, and Robbie Fowler, 23 And some 19-year-old who had struggled massively in his fleeting appearances the previous season named Steven Gerrard
Not merely prospects, these players were first team ready, awaiting the call up; looking at how important those players were to Liverpool over the next five years, Aston Villa fans will be hoping Monsieur Houllier has stumbled across another golden generation of players at their club.
The honeymoon period is just about over for Houllier at Villa and as the dust settles he can look around his squad with some confidence knowing that the players the wrong side of 30 will be looking nervously over their shoulder at the baby-faced competition looking to oust them.
Last weekend, Houllier made the interesting call of bringing on the 21-year-old newly declared Irish international Ciaran Clark ahead of the much more senior Carlos Cuéllar when Richard Dunne got injured. Clark has already been given a starting spot in the League Cup by the manager, and a move like this could set a precedent for Houllier’s approach for the rest of the season.
One young player Houllier has been particularly positive towards in the diminutive Barry Bannan. The 5ft 7’ Scotsman will be forever reminded of his size until he makes that big leap into the Villa starting XI, until then all he can do is continue to impress in training and bossing reserve and under 21 matches as he has been doing. When asked about Bannan’s size Houllier responded: “The top level is about skill, intelligence and desire.” The central midfielder has mostly been deployed out wide when venturing into the first team so far, and despite excelling there, he will have his eye on the middle of the Villa Park pitch.
The star of Villa’s current crop is probably the one who is most well known to the rest of league after only a handful of first team games. Marc Albrighton is a breath of fresh air for fans of ‘proper’ English football. He is a winger whose trail of thought is very simple when he receives the ball. Control it. Beat on my man. Cross. His main problems have been decision making and being outthought by more experiences players so far. Better defenders have begun to let him shoot off like a rocket before channelling him down a path to nowhere. However, all the ingredients are there, and it is very likely Albrighton could cement himself in the Villa side this season, such is the unique width he gives the team.
A player you probably heard more about last year than this is Nathan Delfouneso who has almost taken a step back this year which is disappointing for all concerned. A young striker technically superior to Gabby Agbonlahor, Delfouneso has a great habit of scoring when he chances appear, but it is making that impact on games when service is virtually none existent he has to nail down. Injuries and Martin O’Neill’s annoying habit of constantly picking the out of form John Carew/Emile Heskey and subbing them after 70 minuntes for John Carew/Emile Heskey held up Delfouneso last season, but he should get his chance in the cups this year; maybe even sooner if Carew moves on in January. This season could decide if Delfouneso is to follow the path of Agbonlahor, or the mercurial Luke Moore.
An outsider who could make an impact if injuries hit hard is USA international Eric Lichaj. The versatile defender was somewhat surprisingly awarded a new three year contract earlier this year, having not really been a star of the youth setup. Two things to watch out for if you catch him are his hair, and his throw in. Both are very big.
A big criticism of Houllier at Liverpool was that his youth system was a poor one once the players he inherited had progressed to the first team. By not focussing on local recruitment, many merseryside youngsters end up at Everton, since Gerrard, ten (!) years ago, who has made any real impact on the Liverpool 1st XI?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Villa fans will hope Houllier has learnt his lesson and can build on this impressive set of youngsters, because Villa’s record of brining players through has been better than most. Even though some do not earn their living in Birmingham, they are top level professionals who have made Villa a lot of money and more than justified putting so much work into the academy.
Steven Gerrard and Roberto Mancini were embroiled in a tunnel bust-up last night in the wake of Liverpool’s 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds skipper accused the Italian of double standards, as Mancini was fuming that Glen Johnson should have been shown a red for a late challenge on Joleon Lescott.
Elsewhere in the news Demba Ba clarifies agent clams; John Terry plays down injury, while Mark Hughes targets January signings.
News
Demba Ba clarifies agent claims amid rumours
Luis Suarez targeting silverware
Van Persie urged to stay at the Emirates
Michael Carrick focussed on role
John Terry plays down talk
Vincent Kompany airs concerns
Queens Park Rangers target signings
[divider]
Transfer Talk
[divider]
Spurs launch bid for Samba to stop defender joining QPR – Daily Mail
Palace whizkid Zaha told: Don’t sign for Liverpool – Mirror
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Everton line up Man Utd’s Gibson – BBC
Fed-up Chelsea warn Cahill: It’s now or never – Mirror
Toon snubbed in £500,000 bid to sign United teenage contract rebel Morrison – Daily Mail
With familiarity breeds contempt as the old saying goes. Last night’s El Classico proved to be the most ill-tempered, bad-natured tie of the three to date and there are very real concerns that the bad-feeling and outright tribalism conjured up by this gruelling set of fixtures between the two over the past two weeks could have a lasting and destabilising effect on the Spanish national team’s performances on the international scene in the future.
One man with such a concern is Spanish national team coach, Vicente Del Bosque, who prior to last night’s game stated: “I’m worried about the quarrels between my players during these classicos, which I hope don’t find their way into my dressing room. Good relations inside the dressing room are the basis for our future success.”
With last night’s tie proving an advert for everything a supporter hates about the game – pathetic theatrics, countless incidents of diving and players surrounding the referee every time he has to make a decision – it’s fair to say that the game failed to live up to it’s billing. With Barcelona’s substitute goalkeeper Pinto sent off at half-time for a scuffle in the tunnel between the two sets of players, what was previously a tense and spiky affair has now threatened to boil over into something approaching outright turf war.
[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]
The Spanish national side, prior to the all-conquering force of a side that they have at their disposal, has always been a collection of immensely talented players hampered by irreparable divisions within the squad. The myriad of social, political and geographical factors within the country has meant that it has proved nye on impossible at times to unite everyone under one banner, something which Luis Aragones and his successor Del Bsoque have somehow managed to achieve.
Success breeds team spirit better than anything else and after their success at the Euro’s in 2008, Spain have looked a formidable outfit on and off the pitch. Xavi has often spoken about his friendship with Iker Casillas, yet when to comment on Alvaro Arbeloa after their Copa Del Rey final defeat last week, he would only state that they maintain a ‘professional relationship’, hinting at a degree of tension below the surface – of course, tempers flared between the two last night once more.
Looking for a chink in Spain’s armour has proved difficult in the past, but perhaps their biggest weakness is the fact that the large majority of their starting line-up hails from the big two in Spain. Their biggest downfall in the future could prove to be themselves. Of the starting eleven that took to the field for last summer’s World Cup final, only Villarreal’s Joan Capdevilla played for a club other than Barca or Real.
It has become abundantly clear that these ties have taken on a level of personal hostility. A strong will to win is what defines the good from the great, and in Barcelona and Real Madrid we have unquestionably the two greatest sides on the planet, both of which aren’t avert to using the games darker arts to attain an edge over their opponents.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
An interesting footnote to the duopoly of the Spanish game will be how Del Bosque manages to salvage any semblance of team unity going into Spain’s next set of fixtures, for the acrimony that these ties have ignited shows no signs of abating any time soon.
[divider]
Listen to the third episode of our brand new podcast – The Football FanCast. – Featuring Razor Ruddock, Gary O’Reilly and singer/songwriter Alistair Griffin, who performs a live version of his cult tribute to Mark Viduka, with Razor on backing vocals!
Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Cesc Fabregas are all international stars who are idolised at their clubs. For these exceptional individuals accolades and praise are additionally forthcoming from the media and football pundits. A quick snapshot of the Premier League would reveal players not equally gifted but similarly admired by their respective fans. Lining up in a trusty 4-4-2 formation, below are eleven important league players who are rarely recipients of wider recognition. Fantasy football managers on a budget take note!
Goalkeeper
Matthew Gilks
If Chelsea’s weekend fixture against Blackpool could have resulted in a cricket score, the inability of the Londoners to add to their first half haul can be attributed to Gilks. The English stopper arrived at Bloomfield Road after being released by Norwich City in 2008. He had to battle for the first place spot initially but has made the position his own. He made a series of tremendous saves away to Newcastle, ranging from athletic punches to blocking shots with his feet.
Defence
Tony Hibbert
Hibbert is a lifelong Blue but has not always been a mainstay in Everton’s back four, often sidelined by the reliable Phil Neville. But given an extended run of games in the side, he displays his ability as a tough, uncompromising tackler who can venture forward.
[divider]
Scott Dann
Birmingham’s success last season was built on the foundations of a stern defensive line-up. The 23-year old was an important part of that robust defence alongside the likes of Roger Johnson and Stephen Carr. He assisted Cameron Jerome’s header and scored an unfortunate own goal at the weekend but is generally calm and comfortable in the air.
Aaron Hughes
Brede Hangeland frequently takes the plaudits in the Fulham defence but his towering presence disguises the consistent, invaluable work of Northern Ireland captain, Hughes. Having played the bulk of his career at Newcastle and experienced a brief stint at Villa Park, he has found his home at Craven Cottage. His composure and quality on the ball means this centre-back can play across the backline and in midfield.
Maynor Figueroa
The 27-year old Honduran left-back had been tipped to team up with his former manager, Steve Bruce at the Stadium of Light. Roberto Martinez has been understandably steadfast in the face of such transfer speculation, indicating his importance to the team. Wigan have leaked goals this season but Figueroa brings exceptional quality from free-kicks. His striking technique was recognised by all after he scored from his own half against Stoke last season.
Head to PAGE 2 for the midfield four…
Midfield
Lee Chung Yong
The South Korean has brought a dash of cosmopolitan air to the Reebok Stadium. He scored against Uruguay and Argentina in South Africa but this would not have astounded Bolton fans who have witnessed the winger’s elegance and skill on the ball. The ‘Blue Dragon’ scored five in 21 appearances last season and set up countless more goals. Bolton’s Player of the Year last season was devilishly effective from the right flank.
Chris Brunt
The Northern Ireland international was West Brom’s joint top scorer last season with 13 Championship goals. He caught the eye, however, in the previous season despite suffering relegation from the PL under Tony Mowbray. He was also top scorer that season with eight goals, improving his tally after moving to the right wing. Owner of a mighty left foot, Brunt has additionally operated in a more central position. Having won promotion to the PL for a second time with the Baggies, he was rewarded with a new contract this summer.
Steed Malbranque
The former Tottenham midfielder was disciplined by Steve Bruce last season after breaking a club curfew before a match at the Emirates. However speculation that the Frenchman could be leaving Wearside was wide of the mark considering his popularity amongst the crowd. He moved from the right to the left flank last term, proving a danger by cutting inside on his stronger foot. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in work rate, determination and technique.
Clint Dempsey
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The attack minded midfielder has acknowledged his vertiginous ascent since joining Fulham in 2007. His goals and assists are attributable to his quick, elusive movement. He has excelled since Fulham’s relegation escape and scored with a sublime chip to earn the Cottagers a 5-4 aggregate victory over Juventus in the Europa League last season. He scored three in five internationally as the USA went to the final of the Confederations Cup in 2009. His single goal at the World Cup was more fortuitous.
Head to PAGE 3 for the deadly front two…
Forwards
Nikola Kalinic
A remarkable goal scoring record for Hadjuk Split led Slaven Bilic to describe Kalinic as, “the future of Croatian football.” That opinion may have seemed overstated after his first season at Ewood Park which brought a return of two goals in 14 PL starts. Since the new year he has appeared more confident, netting five in domestic cup competitions and utilising his height and skill to great effect. He displayed a typical striker’s instinct when he capitalised on Tim Howard’s inexplicable spill earlier this season.
Kevin Doyle
The arrival of Steven Fletcher at Molineaux means the Irish international, Doyle is no longer Wolves’ record signing. The former Reading man scored 13 top flight goals for the Royals in the 2006/07 season. Being one of their most dependable performers there were a host of clubs vying for his signature when the Berkshire club were reluctantly looking to offload the star forward. He was the Player’s Player of the Season at Wolves last term, finishing on nine PL goals. Despite being under 6ft tall, the Irish international is a handful in the air, has strength and can run with the ball. He recently scored with a spectacular left-footed effort for his country against Andorra.
Carlos Tevez’s adviser Kia Joorabchian is set for talks with French side Paris Saint-Germain on Friday over a possible transfer, according to The Telegraph.
The Argentina international is currently back in his homeland after going AWOL from Manchester City training; this was the last straw for the Etihad Stadium club, who are now eager to offload the South American in January.
AC Milan and Inter have been the frontrunners for the attacker’s signature, and it is believed that Claudio Ranieri’s men still hold out hope of meeting City’s asking price for Tevez and bringing him to Italy.
Scudetto holders Milan meanwhile have dropped their interest in Tevez for the time being, as they were eager to secure his services on a loan basis but the Premier League leaders would prefer an outright sale.
Milan and PSG’s pursuit of Tevez has changed recently as Alexandre Pato turned down a move to Carlo Ancelotti’s side, which has sparked a revitalised interest from the Ligue 1 leaders.
The Telegraph state that talks will begin on Friday, with City looking to recoup around £30 million in selling Tevez.
PSG are backed by the Qatari Investment Authority, and paid a similar price to secure the services of Tevez’s countryman Javier Pastore in the summer.
By Gareth McKnight
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Title hopes and Champions League aspirations are on the line when Chelsea host London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.With just four matches remaining in the English Premier League this season, both sides still have plenty left to play for in the run home.
Defending champions Chelsea trail league leaders Manchester United by six points and must win all of their remaining games to keep their slim hopes of back-to-back titles alive.
The Blues extended their winning streak to four games with a 3-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday, with 50 million pound signing Fernando Torres finally breaking his drought with his first goal for the club.
The win came at a cost however, with Michael Essien injuring his knee in the match, while Ramires and Alex both remain on the sidelines.
Florent Malouda joined Torres on the scoresheet at the weekend, and said Chelsea will keep fighting for the title until the final match.
“That’s our object until the end of the season,” Malouda told Chelsea’s official website. “Right now we are getting back to our best performances, so we have to keep putting pressure on and keep winning.”
“Honestly, (winning the title) will be difficult. The only thing we are looking at now is winning every game we have, then you never know.”
For Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham, the aim for the remainder of the season is ensuring a Champions League berth for next season, aspirations which took a blow after they were held to a 2-2 draw by West Brom at the weekend.
Despite being a revelation on Europe’s biggest stage this season, reaching the last eight of the Champions League for the first time, Spurs are in danger of missing out on next year’s competition as they trail fourth-placed Manchester City by four points.
They also come into Saturday’s match on a horrible run of form, with just one win in their last nine matches in all competitions.
Tottenham’s injury concerns have eased slightly, although Ledley King, Alan Hutton and Jonathan Woodgate are all unavailable, while Gareth Bale is expected to play after completing a full 90 minutes against West Brom at the weekend.