England News
April, 2005
Saturday, 30 April 2005
-
Chelsea sealed their first championship for 50 years with a 2-0 victory at
Bolton Wanderers (6th).
Frank Lampard struck twice in
the second half as Chelsea added the Premiership to the Carling Cup in his first
season in charge.
A spectacular Steven Gerrard
strike failed to inspire Liverpool (5th) to a much-needed win over Middlesbrough
(7th) in their challenge for a top four finish, it ended in a one-all draw.
A stirring first-half performance sent Stuart Pearce's Manchester City (9th) on
their way to a convincing win 2-0 over Portsmouth (16th). City took an
early lead when the Pompey keeper failed to deal with Robbie Fowler's corner and
City nodded home a looping header. Robbie Fowler curled home a second goal
soon after with a precise free-kick.
Birmingham City (12th) came from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 (13th) with
two second-half goals, one from Emile Heskey.
Graeme Le Saux scored one of Southampton's (17th) four goals in reply to Norwich
City's (20th) three, in the relegation battle.
Joe Royle's Ipswich Town (2nd) brushed aside Crewe Alexandra (22nd) 5-1 to take
the automatic promotion race with rivals Wigan Athletic (3rd) down to the last
game of the Championship season.
Steve Coppell's Reading (7th) are beaten 2-1 by Glenn Hoddle's
Wolverhampton Wanderers (10th). Dennis Wise's Millwall ((th) beat
Sheffield United (8th). Brighton & Hove Albion (20th) earn a valuable win against Mick Harford's
Rotherham United (24th).
Peter Taylor's Hull City (2nd) are
beaten by 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday (4th). Colin Todd's Bradford City
(11th) thrash Bournemouth (6th) 4-2. Roy McFarland's
Chesterfield (17th) beat Oldham Athletic (20th) 1-0. Paul Merson's Walsall
(15th) beat Hartlepool United (5th) 3-1.
Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town (11th) beat Boston United (16th) 3-2.
Keith Curle's Chester (20th) lose to Northampton Town (7th).
Friday, 29 April 2005
-
Keith Curle has been appointed as the new manager of
Chester. The 41-year-old ex-England defender has signed a one-year
contract and fills the vacancy created when Ian Rush resigned at the start of
the month. Chairman Stephen Vaughan also spoke to John Hollins before
opting for Curle. "I never had any doubts as to my choice from the minute
I met Keith. The board and I feel that his appointment will pay dividends for
this club."
James Beattie
has admitted his form has been a major disappointment since his arrival at
Goodison Park from Southampton. Beattie has scored only two goals in nine
appearances and was criticised for a head-butt on Chelsea's William Gallas that
earned him a three-match ban. He told
evertonfc.com: "There's nobody more
disappointed with the start to my Everton career than myself. I'm big
self-critic and I know that there are better times to come." Beattie was
hoping his move to Everton would re-ignite his England career, but a struggle
for form has also not been helped by a knee injury.
Thursday, 28 April 2005
-
Seth Johnson
will rot in the reserves next season if he does not leave the club this summer,
so warns Leeds United chairman Ken Bates. Bates feels the 26-year-old's
£35,000 per week wages are a huge drain on the club's resources. "He can
play for Leeds next season - as captain of the reserves. And if he's
injured for a reserve fixture he will be made to turn up and sit in the stand
offering moral support and being a second-team talisman." Johnson has made
just 59 appearances for Leeds United since joining for £7m from Derby County in
2001. Bates added: "He's cost us £230,000 a game. Both himself and
Derby must have been laughing their socks off at that deal. It's not good
enough. What sort of value is that for this club and its fans? For
the supporters it's been now you see him, now you don't - one of the truly great
disappearing acts."
Kieron Dyer
is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a suspected hamstring
injury in Wednesday's draw with Middlesbrough. Newcastle United boss
Graeme Souness revealed that the 26-year-old midfielder was facing six weeks on
the sidelines. "He has damaged his hamstring. He feels he has pulled it
and you will not see him again this season if that is the case. He has had
the scans, the scans showed nothing but he felt something." Souness added
that the injury was also likely to keep Dyer out of England's tour to the United
States at the end of the season.
Gareth Southgate is doubtful for Saturday's trip to
Liverpool with Middlesbrough after receiving a head injury in Wednesday's draw
with Newcastle United. The 34-year-old needed 10 stitches in a gash
following an 80th-minute clash with Magpies skipper Alan Shearer.
Wednesday, 27 April 2005
-
semi-final,
first leg: Liverpool held Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge to leave
the all-Premiership tie hanging in the balance.
Glen Johnson,
John Terry,
Frank Lampard and
Joe Cole starred for Chelsea.
Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard
starred for Liverpool.
David Beckham says he is settled at Real Madrid and wants
to end his career with the club. The 29-year-old, who has been repeatedly
linked with a move back to England, said his family were "very happy" in the
Spanish capital. "I've said many times that I'm very happy in Madrid. My
life is very happy, I have two years left on my contract and I want to finish my
career playing football for Real Madrid." Beckham struggled earlier in the
season, but now believes he has found peak form.
Stuart Pearce would prefer
Shaun Wright-Phillips to
miss England's two-match tour of the United States in May. The Manchester
City caretaker boss believes Wright-Phillips, who has recovered from a knee
operation, needs to rest after a gruelling season. "I'd never stop players
going away but if the England manager asked me if I wanted him to go I'd say 'no
I don't'. I'd say 'give the boy a rest, let him rest him limbs'."
But Pearce added: "I wouldn't, and couldn't, stand in a player's way if they
want to go because I know how much it meant to me to play international
football."
Tuesday, 26 April 2005
-
West Bromwich Albion boss Bryan Robson was left frustrated by his team's
inability to kill off Blackburn Rovers at The Hawthorns. "It's
disappointing because we got in front, but in our situation you need the second.
We had a few opportunities that could have killed the game. We played well
at the start of the second half and Neil Clement had a great chance with the
header. We also had a few decent penalty shouts and the one with Kevin
Campbell was a blatant penalty." The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving
West Brom two places of the relegation zone. Blackburn Rovers remain 12th.
Chris Waddle has been arrested after an alleged fight in a
pub. Officers are investigating claims he was involved in a brawl in the
Devonshire Arms pub in the Sheffield suburb of Dore last Thursday evening.
South Yorkshire Police said a 20-year-old local man suffered facial injuries in
the alleged attack. The 44-year-old, who has been released on bail,
confirmed his arrest to BBC Radio Sheffield.
Sir Trevor
Brooking believes the fact that there were eight English players in the
PFA's Premiership team of the year bodes well for the national team. John Terry,
Ashley Cole, Gary Neville, Rio
Ferdinand, Frank Lampard,
Steven Gerrard,
Shaun Wright-Phillips and
Andrew Johnson all made the PFA
team. "These are all young players with great ability. And from an
England point of view, they demonstrate the strength in depth that we are
looking to build. It's a reflection of the consistency of both the
individuals and the clubs they play for. While we do have more foreign
players in the Premiership these days, this is confirmation that the quality of
our English players is improving all the time."
Monday, 25 April 2005
-
Arsenal (2nd) beat Tottenham Hotspur (8th) 1-0 to take all three Premiership
points. John Terry and his Chelsea teammates must wait until Saturday
evening before sealing any titles.
Sunday, 24 April 2005
-
PFA Awards
- Chelsea's John Terry has
won the 2005 Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year Award.
The PFA Young Player Award went to 19-year-old Manchester United and England
striker Wayne Rooney. Shaka
Hislop received the Special Merit Award, after his involvement with the "Show
Racism The Red Card" campaign. Paul Merson made the PFA League One team of
the Season.
A Wayne Rooney wonder goal
inspires Manchester United (3rd) to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United (14th),
Wes Brown scored Manchester United's winner after Rooney had equalised.
Dennis Wise's Millwall (9th) beat Preston North End (4th) 2-1 to prevent the
Lancashire side from confirming a play-off spot.
Saturday, 23 April 2005
-
Chelsea (1st) are just two days away from possibly clinching the Premiership
title for the first time in 50 years after they overcame plucky Fulham.
Should Arsenal draw or lose to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night, then Chelsea
will be crowned champions. Joe
Cole opened the scoring with a fantastic strike from the edge of the area
before a Fulham equaliser. But a goal from
Frank Lampard handed Chelsea a
3-1 victory.
A late equaliser kept Everton (4th) in pole position to qualify for the
Champions League. Emile Heskey powered home a 20-yard drive after five
minutes that looked to have put Birmingham City (13th) on course for a rare away
victory at Goodison Park, it ended 1-1.
Stuart Pearce's Manchester City (10th) extended their unbeaten run to five games
with a drab scoreless draw against a battling Blackburn Rovers (12th) side.
Andrew Johnson's goal took
Crystal Palace (17th) out of the relegation zone but dented Liverpool's (5th)
Champions League hopes following a surprise 1-0 victory.
Three goals in the space of 10 minutes severely dented Bryan Robson's West
Bromwich Albion's (19th) survival hopes as they succumbed to an away defeat to
Middlesbrough (7th). Stewart
Downing scored Boro's fourth goal in the 4-0 win.
Joe Royle's Ipswich Town (2nd) are in a straight fight with Wigan Athletic for
automatic promotion after only getting a 1-1 draw at Leeds United.
Steve Coppell's Reading (7th) are beaten 2-0 by Cardiff City (17th). Glenn Hoddle's
Wolverhampton Wanderers (10th) earn a valuable win against Mick Harford's
Rotherham United (24th).
Peter Taylor's Hull City (2nd) are
beaten by 3-0 Paul Merson's Walsall (16th). Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers
(3rd) are beaten 2-1 by Swindon Town (11th). Colin Todd's Bradford City
(12th) draw 0-0 with Colchester United (15th). Roy McFarland's
Chesterfield (17th) lose 1-0 to Blackpool (14th).
Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town (15th) lose 3-1 with Macclesfield Town (5th).
Friday, 22 April 2005
-
Lee Bowyer has seen his
ban for fighting with team-mate Kieron
Dyer extended by a further three games after a Football Association hearing.
The midfielder was also fined £30,000 for fighting with Dyer in the match
against Aston Villa on 2 April. Bowyer, 28, who was sent off for his part
in the fight, was already serving a four-match ban as it was his second red card
of the season. He cannot play for the Magpies again until the 7 May trip
to Everton. Bowyer said he was happy with his treatment by the FA
commission. "I think I got a fair hearing," he told reporters outside the
offices in Soho Square. "I just want to concentrate on getting back
playing football. I just love playing football and that's what I want to do."
Seth Johnson
will not play the final three games of the season for Leeds United, in order to
avoid triggering a transfer payment. Leeds have confirmed they are not
going to play the former England International. If the midfielder plays
one more game Leeds will have to pay Derby £250,000 as part of the transfer
deal. "Leeds want to be satisfied Seth has a significant contribution to
make for the club in the future after his injuries," said a club statement.
Johnson, 26, joined Leeds from Derby in 2001 for a fee that could reach £7m.
Thursday, 21 April 2005
- Paul Gascoigne has landed a
top literary award for his autobiography Gazza: My Story and has spoken
of his addiction nightmare. At a star-studded ceremony in London the
former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur star spoke movingly about his
battles with alcohol and drugs. Accepting his award for Sports Book of the
Year he said: "It's really special for me to win this award because I've been
through a lot. "This is the third victory for me in the past two years.
The first was against alcohol. The second was against drugs. I can never say if
I might go back to drink or drugs tomorrow. But this award is for life. To
win this award you needed the support of the public and I got that. I'm thankful
to them and I'm proud of myself."
Uefa
has altered the qualifying format for the 2008 European Championship. The
winners and runners-up from seven groups will automatically qualify for the
tournament, which is being co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. The move
means there will no longer be play-offs between teams finishing in second place
in the groups. Six of the qualifying groups will contain seven teams, and
the other eight, with the hosts filling the other two spots in the 16-team
tournament. The qualifying-round format was decided by Uefa's executive
committee at its meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, on Tuesday.
Wednesday, 20 April 2005
-
Chelsea (1st) and captain John Terry
must wait until at least Monday to lift the Premiership trophy after a 0-0 draw
against holders Arsenal (2nd). Everton (4th) tightened their grip on
fourth place in the Premiership as Manchester United (3rd)were reduced to nine
men in a fiery clash at Goodison Park. Sir Alex Ferguson's men ended the
game in shame as Gary Neville and Paul Scholes were sent off after the break.
Neville saw red for kicking the ball at a spectator and Scholes for two fouls.
Stuart Pearce's Manchester City (11th) romped to an easy victory over Birmingham
City (13th) with three second-half goals. The home side took the lead when
Robbie Fowler's header hit the post and rebounded over the line off unlucky City
goalkeeper. Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion (17th) boosted their hopes
of avoiding relegation with a well-earned point at Tottenham Hotspur (7th).
:
April update - Following two
excellent World Cup qualification wins against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan, England
climb two places from 8th spot to 6th, leapfrogging Spain and Mexico.
Kieron Dyer
and Lee Bowyer could face
possible criminal proceedings after their brawl during the 3-0 defeat to Aston
Villa. Northumbria Police quizzed the pair on Tuesday after complaints
from fans both at the game and watching on television. "Two people
involved in an incident at St James' Park on 2 April were interviewed under
caution by officers," said a Northumbria Police spokesman. "A file is now
being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service."
Tuesday, 19 April 2005
-
A Kevin Phillips goal helps Southampton's (17th) survival hopes as they draw
with Bolton Wanderers (5th) to move up a place above the relegation zone.
Wembley
has failed in its bid to host the 2007 Champions League final, but Hampden Park
has been awarded the Uefa Cup showpiece for the same year. Athens' Olympic
Stadium will instead host the Champions League final.
The
Premier League has announced that the inquiry into Chelsea's alleged
"tapping" of Arsenal defender Ashley
Cole will be held on 17 and 18 May. The date was revealed as manager
Arsenè Wenger claimed he was "100% certain" Cole would stay at Arsenal.
Alan Ball MBE is to auction off his 1966 World Cup
winners' medal to raise money for his children and grandchildren.
Hampshire-based Ball, who won 72 English caps, hopes to raise £120,000.
"My wife passed away a year ago and my priorities have changed," said the
Bolton-born star. "I have three children and three grandchildren, and the
most important thing for me is to make sure they are looked after as well as
possible. " While football stars can now command multi-million pound
annual salaries and sponsorship deals, past stars have had to sell off
memorabilia to make ends meet. The 60-year-old former Blackpool and
Everton midfielder, who managed several clubs including Manchester City and
Southampton, also hopes to raise £25,000 from the sale of his World Cup final
cap and nearly £8,000 from the sale of two other medals at Christie's in London
on 19 May. "Winning the World Cup in 1966 will stay with me forever, but
it's time to look to the future, not the past."
Nicky Butt has apologised for leaving the pitch without
acknowledging the fans after the FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United.
The 30-year-old England international has stressed that his actions stemmed from
disappointment at his club's second cup exit inside three days. "There has
been a suggestion that I deliberately snubbed the fans after the semi-final on
Sunday. That was not my intention. If anyone has that impression, I
apologise."
Stuart Pearce has denied giving the Manchester City
board an ultimatum over the managerial position but will leave the club if he is
overlooked. Pearce has been put in charge of the club until the end of the
season but wants the job on a permanent basis. He said: "It's not an
ultimatum to put pressure on them. It's a statement of fact. If I don't
get the job here, I'll go and try to find work elsewhere. I want to be a
manager." Pearce, who took over after Kevin Keegan decided to step down
last month, added: "I've set my barriers and boundaries with the players now.
"If a new man comes in, I'll shake the chairman's hand for giving me the
opportunity and the players for the effort they've put in, and I'll move on.
But I don't see that happening. I think I'll be here for the long term."
Lee Bowyer
has admitted to the Football Association's charge of violent conduct following
his brawl with team-mate Kieron Dyer.
The midfield duo were sent off for a punch-up during the home Premiership match
against Aston Villa on 2 April. Bowyer, 28, has requested a personal
hearing and the case will be heard by a disciplinary commission on Friday.
He received an automatic three-match ban for the incident and an extra game for
his second red card of the season.
Rio Ferdinand's agent Pini Zahavi has told Manchester
United to offer his client a deal worthy of "the best defender in the world".
Ferdinand, 26, is stalling over a new deal - amid allegations he has been tapped
up by Chelsea. "He loves it in Manchester and wants to stay but it depends
on United, not him if it happens. Rio is the best central defender in the
world and deserves to earn at least the same, if not more than the others."
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Ferdinand to put pen to paper on a new
contract.
Monday, 18 April 2005
-
Shaun
Wright-Phillips is likely to remain on the bench against Birmingham
on Wednesday, despite his return to action at Fulham. He played as a
substitute for 28 minutes in the 1-1 draw after recovering from knee surgery.
But boss Stuart Pearce said: "He probably thinks he's fitter than I do. He
had five full days' training with the first team last week and I thought it was
right to put him on the bench. He did reasonably well." Pearce said
Wright-Phillips' fitness was "probably about 80%. But we all know how high his
standards are. He will get fitter and stronger and there is a lot more to come."
Gavin McCann
will miss the rest of the season after undergoing a second knee operation.
McCann, who has not played for the first team since 8 January, broke down
playing for the reserves last week in his second comeback match. A scan
revealed the problem and the 27-year-old had surgery on Saturday.
Chelsea have again dismissed reports linking them with a
move for Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. They have distanced
themselves from speculation, amid allegations of a second meeting between the
26-year-old and Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon. The pair were pictured
together in a London restaurant. "We have made it absolutely clear to
United - on more than one occasion now - that we have no interest in Rio
Ferdinand," said a Chelsea statement. "Regardless of where this encounter
took place, there is absolutely no significance in Peter Kenyon seeing Rio. As
already stated, their meeting was purely by chance in a very public place."
Ashley Cole
admits he does not know whether he will still be at Highbury next season.
Asked after Saturday's FA Cup semi-final win over Blackburn Rovers whether he
intended to stay, he replied: "It's just hard for me to say at the moment."
Owen
Hargreaves has vowed to force his way back into Bayern Munich's
starting line-up. The midfielder was devastated to be dropped for the
second leg of the Champions League game against Chelsea. But he came off
the bench to score a crucial last-gasp winner at Hannover at the weekend to put
Bayern six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga. He said: "I was
disappointed not to play against Chelsea but it is up to me to play better.
It was important that I helped the team out against Hannover."
Sunday, 17 April 2005
-
semi-final:
Manchester United booked an FA Cup final meeting against rivals Arsenal after
breezing past a lacklustre Newcastle United at the Millennium Stadium.
Paul Scholes scored Manchester United's second of a 4-1 victory.
Joe Royle's Ipswich Town earn a 2-2 draw with league-leaders Sunderland.
The point sees Sunderland move three points clear at the top of the table with
three games left, while Ipswich Town are two points behind second-placed Wigan
Athletic.
Saturday, 16 April 2005
-
semi-final:
Ashley Cole received a booking as Arsenal
beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0 at the Millennium Stadium and book their place in the
Final.
A Francis Jeffers goal for
Charlton Athletic (10th) is not enough as they lose to Bolton Wanderers (5th). Stuart Pearce's Manchester City
(11th) draw with Fulham (15th) 1-1. Kevin Phillips starts the scoring for
Southampton(18th), but still lose to Aston Villa (9th) 3-2.
Andrew Johnson grabs a late
equalising penalty for Crystal Palace (19th) as they draw 3-3 with Norwich City
(20th).
Steve Coppell's Reading (6th) beat Nottingham Forest (23rd) by a single goal.
Dennis Wise's Millwall (9th) draw 1-1 with West Ham United (7th).
Seth Johnson is on the
scoresheet for Leeds United (10th) as they draw 1-1 with Queens Park Rangers
(12th). Glenn Hoddle's
Wolverhampton Wanderers (13th) earn yet another draw, this time at Coventry City
(18th), ending 2-2. Mick Harford's Rotherham United (24th) suffer another
defeat, a 1-0 loss to Watford (17th).
Peter Taylor's Hull City (2nd) are
promoted for the second-straight season after a scoreless draw with Swindon Town
(12th). Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers (3rd) earn a scoreless draw with
Blackpool (15th). Colin Todd's Bradford City (11th) thrash Brentford (6th)
4-1. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield (16th) lose to Bournemouth (5th).
Peterborough United are all but mathematically relegated after Paul Merson's
Walsall (17th) moved closer to safety with a 2-0 victory.
Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town (11th) draw 1-1 with Darlington (7th).
Owen
Hargreaves scores a rare goal for Bayern Munich in the final minute after
coming on as substitute in the 1-goal win over Hannover. Bayern are 6
points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
Friday, 15 April 2005
-
James Beattie
is on course to return to training ahead of schedule after suffering a knee
injury. Beattie was hurt in training before the defeat at West Bromwich
Albion on 3 April and was expected to be out for a month. He is now
expected to make an early comeback, although he is unlikely to be ready for
Wednesday's game with Manchester United at Goodison Park.
Thursday, 14 April 2005
-
Kieron Dyer's single goal is not
enough to keep Newcastle United in the competition as they go down 4-1 (agg 4-2)
to Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. Dyer, for his trouble, also limped off
with a hamstring injury. Alan Shearer and
Lee Bowyer also played.
Keith Curle and John Hollins head Chester's shortlist for
the vacant manager's job at the Deva Stadium. City have received more than
30 applications for the job and chairman Stephen Vaughan said: "At the moment
Keith Curle is the favourite. We'll have him in for an interview over the
next few days. There's John Hollins as well, and we'll be going for
someone who is well respected and has a good knowledge of this level of
football."
Chelsea have dominated the nominations for the
Professional Footballers' Association Players' Player of the Year award with two
England stars selected. Captain
John Terry and midfielder Frank
Lampard have been shortlisted for the award. They are joined by
Crystal Palace striker Andrew
Johnson and Liverpool skipper
Steven Gerrard, as well as Thierry Henry and Petr Cech. The winner will be
announced at the PFA awards dinner on Sunday 24 April.
Wayne Rooney heads the
nominations for the Young Player of the Year award. Rooney, 19, has
had an impressive season at Old Trafford since his £27m move from Everton in
August. He faces competition from fellow Englishmen
Jermain Defoe,
Shaun Wright-Phillips and
Stewart Downing.
Rio Ferdinand's agent has revealed the Manchester United
defender has a long-standing desire to play abroad. Pini Zahavi's
announcement stokes further speculation over Ferdinand's future, just 48 hours
after he was linked with a move to Chelsea. The 26-year-old has two years
left on his current contract at Old Trafford. "If he doesn't sign a new
deal he will leave to play abroad, which has always been one of his ambitions,.
He wants to stay at United and the idea is to extend his present deal by another
three years. But I think he will stay providing the conditions are right."
Shaun
Wright-Phillips could return to action for Manchester City against
Fulham at the weekend. The 23-year-old England international has been out
for six weeks after an operation to repair torn knee ligaments in the first week
of March. "Shaun is back in training and has been with the main squad
since Monday," said City manager Stuart Pearce. "He's fully fit and
although he's not had a reserve game I will consider anybody who trained with us
all week."
Wednesday, 13 April 2005
-
quarter-final,
second leg: Liverpool sealed an all-Premiership Champions League semi-final with
Chelsea after a superb scoreless display against Juventus. Rafael
Benitez's injury-ravaged side delivered a performance of discipline and
resilience to protect their 2-1 lead from the first leg at Anfield. Jamie
Carragher played.
John Terry
will have an X-ray today on a thigh injury suffered against Bayern Munich.
Terry went down heavily after a clash with Bayern defender Bastian
Schweinsteiger towards the end of yesterday's Champions League tie. But he
returned with the rest of the team to London, and hopes to recover in time to
face Arsenal next Wednesday. "It is not that bad," he said. "I don't know
if it is a dead leg yet but I am hoping to be fit for the Arsenal game."
The FA
is bidding to stage the 2007 Champions League final at the new Wembley Stadium
at the end of its first full season in operation. But the Stade de France
has also been nominated and there is competition from Athens and Berlin's
Olympiastadion. Uefa will decide next week on the venues for the 2006 and
2007 finals of the Champions League and Uefa Cup.
Tuesday, 12 April 2005 -
quarter-final,
second leg: Chelsea advanced into the Champions League semi-finals despite a 3-2
defeat against Bayern Munich. Manager José Mourinho watched the game from
a hotel as Frank Lampard's deflected shot dented Bayern's hopes of a second-leg
comeback on the half-hour. John Terry and Joe Cole also played.
Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers (3rd) are beaten at Brentford (4th).
Tranmere's defeat ensures Luton Town's promotion to the Championship.
Rio Ferdinand is set to sign a new contract with
Manchester United. The England defender has two years left on his current
deal but is believed to be ready to sign a new five-year deal before the end of
the season. "I want a new contract. I'm happy at United and I see my
future here. I hope talks will be positive." The defender's agent Pini Zahavi
added: "Things are progressing well and I hope we will soon reach a conclusion."
Meanwhile, Chelsea have insisted they have "no interest" in signing the
centre-back from United. Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon met
Ferdinand in a London restaurant at the weekend but the club insisted this was
purely "by chance". "We have made it absolutely clear to Manchester United
that we have no interest in signing Rio Ferdinand. There is absolutely no
significance in Peter Kenyon seeing Rio in a busy London restaurant," said a
statement. The Chelsea statement continued: "This was a meeting purely by
chance in a public place. Both the player and Manchester United are fully
aware of the circumstances of the meeting and Chelsea's position on it.
Any suggestion that there is an explanation other than a chance meeting will be
met with the strongest legal action." Chelsea claim Kenyon was fulfilling
a long-standing dinner appointment with Ferdinand's agent Pini Zahavi, when the
England international turned up to retrieve some paperwork from his
representative.
Monday, 11 April 2005 -
Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers
(12th) dented Joe Royle's Ipswich Town's (3rd)
automatic promotion hopes with two first-half goals at Molineux.
Steven Gerrard
is doubtful for Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final second leg against
Juventus because of a groin injury. Liverpool captain Gerrard was unable
to complete a warm-down with the rest of the squad at the end of the 1-0 defeat
at Manchester City. Gerrard received treatment from Liverpool's medical
staff on Sunday. Liverpool will reveal more about Gerrard's fitness today.
Sunday, 10 April 2005 -
A single Jermain Defoe goal was
enough for Tottenham Hotspur (7th) to beat Newcastle United (12th). Bryan
Robson's West Bromwich Albion (17th) earned a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa (10th).
A last minute equaliser for Albion pulls them out of the relegation zone
following a Darius Vassell Villa
opener.
Peter Taylor's
Hull City (2nd) moved 10 points clear of third placed Tranmere Rovers and a step
closer to promotion to the Championship, after beating Colin Todd's Bradford
City (11th) 2-0, with a goal from Nick Barmby.
Michael Owen started and scored Real's fourth goal, and his 11th La Liga goal,
as Real Madrid (2nd) beat table-toppers Barcelona (1st) 4-2 and close the gap to
6 points. David Beckham also started.
Saturday, 9 April 2005 -
A spectacular late volley gives Stuart Pearce his first win as Manchester City
manager as City (11th) beat Liverpool (5th) 1-0. Steve Stone scores one of
Portsmouth (15th) four goals against Charlton Athletic (8th).
Steve Coppell's Reading (6th)
come from behind to beat league leaders Sunderland 2-1 and to end their
eight-match winning streak. A penalty from Teddy Sheringham helps West Ham United's (7th) beat
Coventry City (17th) 2-1. Dennis Wise's Millwall (9th) beat Crewe
Alexandra (20th) in a thrilling match 4-3. Mick Harford's first game in
charge of relegated Rotherham United (24th) ends in defeat against play-off
hopefuls Preston North End (4th).
Roy McFarland's Chesterfield (15th)
are beaten by Port Vale (17th). Paul Merson's Walsall (19th)
beat Swindon Town (12th) with a last minute goal.
Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town (11th) are beaten by table toppers Yeovil Town (1st)
5-2.
Friday, 8 April 2005 -
Brian Little's Tranmere
Rovers (3rd) beat bottom club Stockport County (24th)
Joe Cole has won the
Barclays Premiership player of the month award for the first time in his career.
The 23-year-old put in some outstanding displays for the league leaders in March
after he initially struggled to establish himself under José Mourinho. He
also impressed in the Champions League win over Barcelona. His club form
was recognised by
Sven-Göran Eriksson
who handed Cole the left-midfield berth against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan.
Paul Ince deserves a new deal, according to
Wolverhampton Wanderers' manager Glenn
Hoddle, who has made his recommendations to the board regarding the future
of the club's out-of-contract players. "The way Paul is playing at the moment
you can't suggest anything else."
Thursday, 7 April 2005 -
Alan Shearer's goal
earns Newcastle United a 1-0 win in the first leg of their quarter-final against
Sporting Lisbon.
Jack Charlton is hooking up with local anglers this
weekend to officially open a rejuvenated pond in Billingham. A keen
fisherman and patron of the Disabled Anglers Club, Jack was invited to the
ceremony at Charlton's Pond to view the extensive improvements. The pond was
bequeathed to the town's residents in the early 1900s by Nial Charlton under the
proviso that they continue to use it. Jack Charlton, who will be joined at
the ceremony by the Mayor of Stockton will declare the pond officially open on
Saturday at 10.45am.
Alan Smith -
Aston Villa have refused to confirm or deny whether the Manchester United
striker is manager David O'Leary's top summer transfer target. Villa
chairman Doug Ellis has promised O'Leary £20m to sign new players. And
O'Leary is reportedly ready to spend £7m on 24-year-old Smith, whom he had under
his charge whilst Leeds United boss. Smith has struggled since joining
United from Leeds, scoring just nine goals and finding it hard to command a
regular first-team place.
Lee Bowyer has told Newcastle United he wants to
finish his career at the club. Bowyer faces a Football Association violent
conduct charge after his brawl with
Kieron Dyer, which has also put a doubt over his future with the Magpies.
"While I don't know what is going to happen, I would love to stay here for what
I've got left of my career. The club gave me a chance to resurrect my
career and I've tried to pay them back by giving everything. I really care
about this club, and while there is no excuse for what happened against Aston
Villa, I was frustrated and angry at the way the game was going - and that
applies to Kieron as well." Bowyer has also appealed to United fans to
forgive him.
Andy Johnson
has vowed to stay at the club even if they are relegated from the Premiership.
Crystal Palace are second from bottom but Johnson has scored 18 goals in the
top-flight this season and has been linked with Newcastle and Liverpool.
"It's not a matter of 'if we go down I'm going to leave'. That's not how I
think. If we go down I want to be the player to get the club back up. I'm
not a 'big-time Charlie'. If we go down, I'm not going to walk out on all
the boys I've been friends with all these years. The boys have been
integral to my success and I dedicate all my goals to them."
Scott Parker
is a summer target for Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce if he gets the chance
in the summer. "I'd like to sign Scott Parker. But how difficult is it?"
said Bruce, who expects a fight for the 24-year-old. "I'm sure if you
asked 80 or 90% of the Premiership clubs they would say they'd love to have a
player like Scott. Chelsea have made no decision about his future but if
there was anything doing, then we would try to get him."
David Dunn
can crash England's World Cup party, reckons his manager Steve Bruce.
The Birmingham City midfielder has been out since December with a
back injury but surgeons are hopeful his latest operation has finally cured the
problem. And City boss Bruce insists the former Blackburn Rovers star
still has time to impress Sven-Göran Eriksson.
Bruce said: “Everyone knows what a difference Dunny has made to Birmingham when
he has been in the team. We played our best football in the Premiership up
until the Christmas of last season after he came to us from Blackburn. I
think that David had been looking to make a claim for last summer’s European
Championships in Portugal but then had an horrific run with this back problem."
Mick Harford,
the ex-England striker, has been named as the new manager of Rotherham United,
Harford, who had been assistant boss at Swindon, has signed a two-year contract
at Millmoor, and replaces caretaker boss Alan Knill who had been in charge since
Ronnie Moore left the club in January. The Millers' relegation from the
Championship was confirmed on Tuesday.
Gavin McCann
is ready to return to first-team action as soon as possible after coming through
a comeback match with Aston Villa reserves. McCann, 27, completed 65
minutes at his former club Sunderland after three months out following knee
surgery.
Wednesday, 6 April 2005 -
quarter-final,
first leg: Chelsea overcame the absence of manager José Mourinho to take a
commanding lead in the Champions League quarter-finals. They led after
four minutes with a deflected Joe Cole
shot, but Bayern levelled. Chelsea responded with
Frank Lampard firing home a
left-foot shot and then scoring an outstanding individual goal, swivelling to
smash in a half-volley. Chelsea powered home a fourth, but Bayern's late
penalty gave the Germans hope for the second leg.
John Terry and
Glen Johnson also played a part
for Chelsea, with Owen Hargreaves
starting for Bayern.
Tickets sales for the
U.S. National Team’s May 28
friendly against England have surpassed the 20,000 mark after going on sale
to the general public on March 31.
Tuesday, 5 April 2005 -
quarter-final,
first leg:
Liverpool earned a slender advantage in their tie with Juventus after Anfield
had paid its respects to the Heysel victims. Liverpool won 2-1. Jamie Carragher &
Steven Gerrard starred.
Rotherham United (24th) were relegated from the Championship despite a stirring
fightback against high-flying
Joe Royle's Ipswich Town (2nd). Town led 4-1 at one stage, but the Millers
pulled the score back to 4-3. Steve Coppell's Reading (5th) beat Dennis Wise's
Millwall (10th) 2-1. Teddy Sheringham scored with seven minutes remaining to
keep West Ham United's (7th) push for the play-offs on track, they beat Burnley
(14th) by a single goal. A spectacular late volley earned
Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers
(13th) their 20th draw of the season - a new club record, against Leicester City
(15th).
The
Football Association has been reassured it will retain control of the
England team after an independent review of the organisation is complete.
Lord Terry Burns, who is conducting the review, says he will not recommend that
responsibility be given to the Premier League - as some clubs would wish.
Lee Bowyer has been charged with violent conduct by
the Football Association and will serve a four-match ban.
Kieron Dyer has had his red card appeal rejected by the FA and will serve a
three-match ban. Both will miss the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester
United.
Monday, 4 April 2005 -
Kieron Dyer and
Lee Bowyer will both stay at Newcastle United despite
fighting each other during the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday. But
Bowyer has been fined the maximum six weeks' wages by the Magpies, thought to be
around £200,000.
Stuart Pearce says he believes he has a long-term
future as Manchester City manager despite only winning one point from his first
two games. Pearce is currently in charge until the end of the season
following Kevin Keegan's departure but has said that he aims to keep the job.
"I'm the first person to say I need to be judged on results. But as far as
I'm concerned, from day one, I'm here for the long haul."
Sir Bobby Robson
has reached a settlement "in principle" with Newcastle over his final pay-off
after his sacking as manager in August 2004. The 72-year-old former
England boss has been receiving his basic salary from the club each month since
his departure from the Tyneside outfit. Robson's contract expired in June
2006, prior to him being dismissed. The club could have stopped paying him
if he had taken up another post following his exit.
Teddy Sheringham and West Ham United are close to
agreeing a new one-year deal for the ex-England forward. Sheringham
celebrated turning 39 on Saturday by grabbing the equaliser for West Ham United
in their 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic. "Teddy is a major asset for us, and
we have him within our grasp for next season," said manager Alan Pardew, "But we
cannot afford to worry about that now. There's still plenty to do this season."
Howard Wilkinson
has stressed he does not want to manage of Notts County. Wilkinson managed
the club during the early 1980's and has returned to Meadow Lane as an executive
director. But he said that current boss Ian Richardson has no need to
worry. He said: "People seem to be hearing but not listening. I have no
aspirations at all to become manager of Notts County. My ambition when I came
here was to help rebuild the club."
Sunday, 3 April 2005 -
Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion (18th) pull off a shock victory over Everton
(4th).
Michael Owen's 10th La Liga goal of the season gave Real Madrid a 2-1 win
over struggling Albacete on Sunday. The England international got on the
end of Guti's pass to slot home just before half-time as Real closed the gap on
leaders Barcelona to nine points. Owen was named in the starting line-up
after Raul was injured in the warm-up while England skipper David Beckham missed
the match because of injury.
James Beattie
faces three weeks out after injuring ligaments ahead of the defeat at West
Bromwich Albion. The £6m signing from Southampton had been tipped to
return against the Baggies, but was hurt during a routine training session.
Gordon Taylor, the Professional Footballers' Association
chief executive, has said that Newcastle United's
Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer
could be sacked over their punch-up. The duo apologised after the brawl in
Saturday's 3-0 loss to Aston Villa. Manager Graeme Souness insisted both
have a future at the club but Taylor said dismissal was an option for Newcastle.
"The sack is always open to an employer if employee behaviour has gone on which
is gross misconduct. Nobody could say it's not gross misconduct to fight
on the pitch with team-mates and get yourself sent off."
Saturday, 2 April 2005 -
Chelsea remain top of the Premiership with a 13 point lead following victory
over Southampton (17th), Frank
Lampard scores the
first in a 3-1 win, Kevin Phillips responding for Southampton. Newcastle
United (11th) are beaten at home 3-0 by Aston Villa (10th),
Gareth Barry scoring with 2
penalties. United have 3 sent off, including
Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer,
for fighting each other. Stuart Pearce's Manchester City (12th) draw 2-2
away at Charlton Athletic (8th), with a goal from Robbie Fowler.
Joe Royle's Ipswich Town (3rd) come from behind to beat Derby County (6th) and
maintain their promotion push. Steve Coppell's Reading (5th) end with a
scoreless draw against Sheffield United (8th). A goal from Teddy Sheringham ends West Ham United's (7th) losing streak as they beat Wigan
Athletic (2nd) 2-1. Dennis Wise's Millwall (10th) are beaten 3-1 by
Leicester City (15th).
Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers
(13th) earn yet another 1-1 draw, against Leeds United (12th).
Peter Taylor's
Hull City (2nd) beat Barnsley (13th). Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers (3rd)
beat Sheffield Wednesday (4th). Colin Todd's Bradford City
(10th) earn a scoreless draw against Roy McFarland's Chesterfield (14th). Paul Merson's Walsall (19th)
draw with Torquay United (21st).
Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town (11th) beat Grimsby Town (16th) 2-0.
Kieron Dyer
has revealed his regret over the sacking of former Magpies boss
Sir Bobby Robson. Dyer fell
out with Robson after refusing to play on the wing and the 71-year-old was
sacked in August. "When I think about it, I feel like I betrayed Bobby.
That's the worst thing about it. He treated me like a son and I let him
down. I must take some responsibility for him getting the sack. I regret letting
him down so much." Dyer was asked to play on the right of midfield against
Middlesbrough on the opening day of the season after Newcastle had been badly
hit by injuries. But after his refusal the club made a poor start to the
season and Robson lasted just another 16 days in the St James' Park hotseat.
"I'd spent the previous season playing out of position - filling in wherever
there was a gap, it always seemed it was me who did everyone a favour.
Bobby knew I was frustrated but I should have just played that game. He stuck by
me through everything and he even tried to defend me after the Boro game.
He told the press I had a tight hamstring, he tried to shield me and when I
think about that, how I let him down, it's the biggest disappointment of of my
career. I'll have to live with that feeling for the rest of my life."
Friday,
1 April 2005 -
Alan Shearer has confirmed he will postpone his retirement
to stay on next season and become player-coach at the club. Shearer, 34,
insisted he would quit in May, but has now agreed a contract extension to stay
for another year. The former England captain is just nine goals short of
Jackie Milburn's club-record total of 200 goals. He said: "I went through
a hell of a lot of people and the response was unanimous, that I should play
on." And chairman Freddy Shepherd revealed that Shearer would join the
back-room staff next season.
David
Beckham and Michael Owen are set to join England for the last stage of
their post-season trip to the United States. However, the Football
Association insist there are no contractual obligations for the Real Madrid duo
to play any part in the two-game tour. Real's Spanish league campaign ends
two weeks later than the Barclays Premiership, with Beckham and Owen set to be
ruled out of the first match of the trip, against the
United States in Chicago on
May 28. John Terry
revealed earlier this week he did not expect to be part of the England tour if
Chelsea reached the Champions League final in Turkey on May 25. But
Beckham has still confirmed his intention to fly to the United States in time
for the second game against
Colombia in New Jersey on May 31. Eriksson revealed: "David and
Michael are very keen to come to the second game. I talked to them some months
ago and they want to come. They are due to come out one day and play the
next, which is not the best thing in the world, but they want to come. If they
don't want to come, I will not pick them."
Paul Scholes has confirmed he has no intention of
being lured into making a comeback with England. Scholes, 30, quit the
international scene after Euro 2004 to concentrate on his Manchester United
career. "I still feel I've made the right decision and I do feel a little
bit fresher. It is nice to know you're still wanted and obviously, when
you see the team playing you do miss a little bit of the game, but I have not
changed my mind."
Shaun
Wright-Phillips is 'not for sale', insists Manchester City caretaker
manager Stuart Pearce. The 23-year-old England winger, who has returned to
training after a cartilage operation, is rated at £20m. But Pearce said:
"The only people speculating about his future are outside this football club. As
far as we are concerned, we know what is going to happen with Shaun
Wright-Phillips. He is going to get over his current injury, get himself
back playing for a club I believe he loves and carry on being a Manchester City
player until his contract runs out or he extends it. I don't see any other
issue."
Carlos
Alberto has apologised to England's Michael Owen following his scathing
attack on the striker. The Azerbaijan coach called Owen a "midget" after
mistakenly believing the Real Madrid striker had said he would score five in the
recent international. "I believed he'd promised to score five and that
made my players and me very angry," said Carlos Alberto. "I was still
upset after a match in which he did not look like scoring, but now, for me, it
is finished." But Carlos Alberto has now been informed that Owen's
comments had "lost something in translation" and has sought to make peace with
the former Liverpool forward. If that is the case then I accept his
apology and apologise back to him," he said.
___________________
CG
England Football Online